Stateline Stories

Journalism Conference Focuses On Statehouse Coverage

More than 100 journalists from 34 states and the District of Columbia are meeting in Denver this weekend to examine the state of state government reporting and share ideas for improvements. The conference opened with a disturbing content analysis that suggests newspaper coverage of state government leans heavily toward politics, ignoring important policy issues and the citizens most effected by them.

Govs Choosing Sides Early In Presidential Race

Twenty-four of the nation's 31 Republican governors are backing the presidential bid of fellow Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Eight of the 17 Democratic governors have endorsed Vice President Al Gore's quest for the White House (There are two non-aligned governors: Maine Independent Angus King and the Minnesota Reform Party's Jesse Ventura). What do these political marriages mean for state politics? According to experts, not much.

Virginia GOP Seizes Legislature, Dem Re-elected Kentucky Gov

Voters in Virginia Tuesday gave Republican Gov. James S. Gilmore III something the Old Dominion has never seen before -- a state legislature completely controlled by the GOP. In Kentucky, Democrat Gov. Paul Patton coasted to re-election. But a Mississippi governor's race between Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and Republican Mike Parker was too close to call on Wednesday morning, and officials said it might take 10 days before final results are known. In Washington, voters scrapped a car tax and gave the electorate more say over future tax policy.

Alabama, Tennessee In Special Session, Massachusetts Budget Okayed

Alabama and Tennessee legislators are in special session dealing with tax issues, while Massachusetts lawmakers cleared the way for adjournment by finally passing a budget. For more information, click on

Twenty-Seven States Win Awards For Welfare Successes

Twenty-seven states will share $200 million in performance bonuses from the federal government for successfully moving welfare recipients into work. President Clinton announced the awards Saturday. Minnesota showed the best performance, ranking in the top ten in three out of four categories.

Indiana State of the State Address 2000

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 12 - Following is the full text of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2000 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues and friends. Speaker Gregg, Senator Garton, Representative Mannweiler, Senator Young, Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Sharpnack, leaders all, thank

Push For Ten Commandments To Return To Schools

The Ten Commandments are experiencing a renaissance in states debating bills that would display the Big 10 in schools alongside historical documents. Emphasizing history, not religion, is a strategy that Commandments backers hope will skirt court challenges.

States Increasingly Unprepared For Recession, Study Warns

Five of eight states that in early 1999 had sufficient financial reserves to weather a recession have since lost those cushions due to tax cuts, according to a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities study.

Six States To Elect State Schools Chiefs

Election 2000 may be remembered as the education election. The issue has dominated the campaign for Presidency and many races for Congress too, but in six states, campaigns are being waged for an office that will have a lot more impact on schools -- superintendent of education.

Six States Pick Schools Chiefs

The results may not be in for the presidential contenders, whose campaigns focused on education issues, but voters in six states know the superintendents who will be running their schools. The races in Florida and North Carolina were extremely close, a reflection of what was happening in national, state and local contests across the country.

States In South, West Big Winners In 2000 Census

The historic movement of Americans away from the northeastern states to the west and southwest continued over the last decade, the Census Bureau reported Thursday, and as of 2003, the make-up of the U.S. House of Representatives will be adjusted to reflect the population shift.

State Medicaid Budgets Start To Squeeze

During the last five years, policymakers expanded Medicaid with a flourish. Armed with hearty surpluses and federal funds to boot, states launched the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), pharmacy assistance programs for the elderly and community-based health services for the elderly and disabled. But budget bliss is fading fast. Numerous states, from Oregon to Tennessee, New Mexico, Kentucky, Indiana and Washington State, are now complaining about Medicaid's skyrocketing price tag.

Indiana State of the State Address 2001

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 17 - Following is the text of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2001 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues, and friends. Speaker Gregg, Senator Garton, Representative Bosma, Senator Young, Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Sharpnack, thank you for hosting

State Budget Ills Hinder New Cancer Treatment Plan

Faced with an irony in current law that entitles low-income women to be screened but not treated for breast and cervical cancer, Congress agreed last year to let states expand Medicaid to cover these women. But fiscal constraints threaten to keep many states from moving ahead on the issue.

Indiana Senate Advances Election Reform Bills

The Indiana Senate unanimously passed a $6 million bill Tuesday (3/6) to computerize and centralize the states voter registration system. Earlier in the month, the Senate approved another measure to establish a fund to upgrade voting systems statewide.

States Vary in Addressing Power Plant Construction

Putting an addition on your home can bring more regulatory hassles than building a power plant in many states. But in a few states like Minnesota, new generating facilities must meet a tough "needs test" to enter today's new electricity market.

Economic Slump Has States Tightening Belts

The slowing national economy has many states facing budget deficits and shrinking account balances for the first time since the early 1990's, according to a report released this week by the National Conference of State Legislatures. NCSL surveyed the 46 states that have passed budgets for fiscal year 2002 -- which began July 1 for all but four states -- and found that 20 states took "extraordinary actions" to pass balanced ones.

States Move To Deal With Attack Effects

Gov. James Gilmore of Virginia Wednesday lifted the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits so workers hurt by the closing of Reagan-National Airport can get immediate financial help. Gilmore also announced establishment of the Virginia Post-Attack Economic Response Task Force to assess the adverse impact on the state's economy and develop a plan for dealing with it. A similar task force is contemplated by Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who scheduled a special meeting with local officials and business leaders Wednesday about the potential impact of revenue losses on businesses directly related to the state's travel and tourism industry.

America Under Fire: Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on their role in Americas war with terrorism. In this installment, Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon talks about his response to the attacks and an anthrax scare in his state.

Budget Deficits Inflame Debates

Governors throughout the country are rolling out their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. They are doing so amid warnings this will be the toughest budget season in a decade and perhaps since World War II. In most states, painful spending choices are the order of the day, thanks to the U.S. economic showdown and resulting budget squeezes. This is causing heated debates as an Illinois example illustrates.

Indiana State of the State Address 2002

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 15 - Following is the complete text of Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2002 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues and friends. Speaker Gregg, Senator Garton, Senator Young, Representative Bosma, Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Brook, thank you for hosti

Death Penalty Rulings Raise Issues For Lawmakers

The Colorado Legislature will convene in special session July 8 in order to bring state law into line with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the authority of judges to impose sentencing in death penalty cases. At least four other states directly affected by the decision may have to hold special sessions as well.

Transporting Nuclear Waste May Be Bumpy Ride

The U.S. Congress has approved locating the nations nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain and President Bush signed the legislation this week. But the question remains, how will spent nuclear reactor fuel be safely and efficiently shipped to Nevada?

Failing Schools Forced to Offer School Choice

For two years in a row, 8,652 public schools across the country have failed to meet state performance standards, according to the U.S. Education Department. Under orders from Washington DC, these schools must now offer their students the option and funding to switch to a better performing school within their district.

Lt. Governors: Running In the Shadows

You may not know them, but theyre running for governor this year, trying to break out of the shadows cast by long-serving chief executives who, because of term limits or other reasons, arent running for re-election. They are lieutenant governors who have served without much recognition. Seven of them hope to change that on Nov. 5

State Lawmakers Urged to Stress Civics

After last September 11, a wave of patriotism washed over the country, inspiring state legislation to promote national pride among U.S. public school students. But a national legislative task force says more is needed specifically, a return of civics to public school curriculums.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Indiana State of the State Address 2003

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2003 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues and friends. Speaker Bauer, Senator Garton, Senator Young, Representative Bosma. Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Brook. Thank you for hosting this joint s

Drinking and Driving Legal in Some States

Drunk driving may be a crime in every state, but drinking while driving is still legal in three of them Indiana, Mississippi and Montana -- as long as the driver is sober.

States Use Driver's Education to Boost Organ Donation

Virginia is one of a handful of states that use drivers education as a vehicle to boost organ donation. At least eight others -- Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin have adopted similar policies in the past few years.

State Lawmakers Form Great Lakes Caucus

Forty lawmakers representing eight states have launched the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus to create uniform laws in their respective states to curb water pollution, regulate water diversion projects and control non-native organisms that threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem.

O'Bannon's Death Puts Focus On Transition Procedures

Indiana Gov. Frank OBannons sudden death last week brought renewed focus on state leadership succession procedures, and political experts said it was a reminder that some states need an update.

Governors Kick-Off Discussion of Long-Term Care

Under the glare of television lights, four governors recently kicked off what they hope will be at least a year-long national conversation about long-term health care for the elderly. In 2008, nearly 77 million World War II Baby Boomers will start to retire and state public health safety-net programs will not be able to keep up, the governors said.

Utah Considers Opting Out of No Child Left Behind

Some key Republicans are taking aim at President Bush's prized No Child Left Behind education program. Case in point: The heavily Republican state of Utah may walk away from federal education dollars rather than comply with the law.

Indiana State of the State Address 2004

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 14 - Following is the text of Gov. Joe Kernan's 2004 state of the state address: Good evening. Thank you. Although we have many special guests this evening I want to express my thanks to Speaker Bauer, President Pro tem Garton, Senator Young, Representative Bosma, Chief Justice Shepar

Indiana Doubles SUV Use, Census Finds

Critics say sport utility vehicles are gas guzzlers prone to rollovers, but that hasnt diminished their popularity. A Census report released Monday showed Indiana doubled its registrations of SUVs between 1997 and 2002.

Primaries Settle Slates of Open Governor Seats

Tuesdays primary results filled in the final blanks in the slate of candidates running for governor in 11 states. In five states, the race is wide open because incumbents arent competing in the general election. Here's a complete roster of governors matchups this election year.

Rising Property Taxes Reverberate Politically

Homeowners appear poised to revolt over rising property taxes in a way not seen since the late 1970s. At least six states acted earlier this year to ease the tax burden of homeowners while voters in Indiana, Maine and Washington go the polls this November to consider measures to curb skyrocketing increases in their property tax bills.

Elections Will Bring Five Freshmen Governors

A Navy reserve officer who shipped out to Afghanistan weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks and a millionaire businessman whose family invented the clamshell container for McDonalds Big Mac are among the newcomers competing to join the nations corps of governors on Election Day. At least five freshmen governors will be elected this November in 11 gubernatorial races across the country.

2004 Governors' Races

Here is a complete rundown of candidates in the nation's 11 governors' races.

Incumbent Governors in Indiana, New Hampshire Lose Races

Republicans won governorships previously held by the Democrats in Missouri and Indiana, and the Democrats ousted a GOP incumbent in New Hampshire and won in Montana in Tuesday's election. In other governors races, Democrats kept control of the state's top office in Delaware, North Carolina and West Virginia. Republicans held on to North Dakota and Vermont and Utah. Colorado cast its electoral vote for President Bush, but let Democrats regain control of both the Colorado House and Senate. Proposals to ban gay marriage were approved in all 11 states that considered them.

New Governors Off to School

Five of the nation's seven newly-elected governors will get introductory lessons this weekend in the fine art of leading a state. Governors-elect will meet for a National Governors Association (NGA) retreat in West Virginia to learn how to prepare the first family for life in the spotlight, deal with the media, shape their political agendas and work with legislatures.

New Governors Spell Change - Road Sign by Road Sign

The transition to a new governor is about more than handing over the reins of power or even the keys to the executive mansion. Sometimes its about pesky issues, such as what to do with 4,000 boxes of salt-water taffy that carry the name of New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, who left office unexpectedly this year. Nine states face such delicate dilemmas as they adjust to new governors taking office.

Daniels Draws on Private Sector for 'New Crew'

Indiana's Republican Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels used a common-touch approach to the voters to help overcome a Democratic effort to paint him as a wealthy corporate and political insider. But the former White House official and drug company executive is drawing heavily on his background as he prepares to lead his Midwestern state.

Western Governors University Improves Its Grade

Western Governors University, an online academic institution established by 19 states in 1997, has more than doubled its enrollment in the past year to 3,000 students. The surge in enrollment came as e-learning at colleges and universities across the country recorded a dramatic rise. While the number of students taking courses on the Internet is increasing, academics and entrepreneurs disagree over whether the trend is good or bad.

Indiana State of the State Address 2005

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 18 - Following is the text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' 2005 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, fellow citizens: We are a state of people who speak plainly. We are a state of people who get to the point. Let m

Governors' Inaugurations Take on Frugal Airs

President George W. Bush's inauguration took center stage in the nation's political arena, drawing most of the 28 Republican governors to Washington, D.C. But 11 recently elected governors threw inaugural parties of their own this month, each bringing his or her own style to the occasion, from collecting aid for tsunami survivors to a gala that garnered a visit from Elvis.

GOP Governors Trim State Employees' Bargaining Clout

State employees in Indiana and Missouri will have less clout the next time they seek a pay raise or try to alter their working conditions. As a first order of business, newly inaugurated Republican Govs. Mitch Daniels of Indiana and Matt Blunt of Missouri each rescinded the collective bargaining rights of state workers.

Daylight-Saving Time Dawns in Indiana

Just when Indiana ended its nearly 40-year quarrel over its clocks by accepting daylight-saving time, a new time issue has flared up. One of 12 states that fall into more than one time zone, Indiana is now consumed by a move by 19 of its 82 counties on Eastern time to switch and join its 10 counties on Central time.

Legislative prayer stirs church-state issues

Indiana lawmakers are testing the line between invoking divine guidance on their deliberations and breaching the constitutional wall between church and state. In the process, they are discovering, as legislators around the country before them have, that the simple ceremony of opening legislative sessions with prayers can be tricky.

Indiana State of the State Address 2006

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Assembly, friends and neighbors: You provide me the privilege of this podium for just the second time, but I know that the excitement I feel on these occasions wi

Abortion foes split on state bans

In defiance of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, lawmakers in at least five states are proposing bills to immediately ban all abortions, except when the woman's life is in danger. The bills' sponsors say the time is right to test the new alignment of the U.S. Supreme Court. But some pro-choice activists fear the strategy could backfire.

New Law Pushes Long-Term Care Coverage

Thanks to a new federal law, states will be able to reward senior citizens who buy long-term care insurance by letting them hang on to assets while Medicaid pays for their nursing home care.

More states sanction deadly force

A year-old Florida law sanctioning the use of deadly force against muggers, carjackers or other assailants outside the home is rapidly being adopted by other states and already is being raised as a defense in at least three shootings in Florida.

States Stumble Privatizing Social Services

It sounds like a good idea: Replace state employees with a high-tech contractor to more efficiently screen thousands of applications for state support, and save taxpayers millions. That's what Texas and Indiana policy-makers thought. But early results of a privately run social services project in Texas and troubles with the Indiana bidding process have caused both states to put their plans on hold.

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

Indiana State of the State Address 2007

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 16 -- Follwing is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) state of the state address. Ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, I thank you as always for the privilege of this podium. I recognize how unique the opportunity is, and I will try never to misuse your hospitality. This is my th

Homegrown Power Could Ease Energy Crunch

Homegrown electricity could be one ingredient used to combat the 21st century's expected energy crunch, easing the load on electrical grids with a system called "net metering," now legal in 34 states. Participants harvest wind and solar energy to fuel their homes and businesses and then sell any surplus back to utilities.

Toll Roads Hit Speed Bumps

As states increasingly look to toll roads and leases for quick road-funding fixes, the public, consumer advocates and motorist and trucking associations are putting up barriers to pay-as-you-drive proposals.

Toothless in Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) sounds off about an American Idol episode. A Florida law lets people take their pets with them to the grave. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) pays a fine for failing to wear a seat belt. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

New Laws Take 'Romeo' Into Account

A handful of states are trying to draw clearer distinctions between sexual predators and young offenders who pose less of a risk, such as those involved in consensual sexual encounters.

States Scramble for Gambling Jackpot

States are aggressively tapping into one of the easiest ways to bring cash to their coffers: Let gamblers lose on slots, poker and roulette - and carve out a big take for state treasuries. Kansas is taking that approach one step further with a plan to own and operate its commercial casinos.

Indiana Gets OK for Novel Health Plan

In a novel plan, low-income adults in Indiana who can't afford health insurance will be able to tap into as much as $300,000 in coverage by contributing to health savings accounts.

Indiana gov breaks some eggs

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) has been pushing a bold agenda to boost his state's economy. But he's ruffled so many feathers in his first term that two credible Democrats are raring to take him on in 2008.

Some states reconsider youth sex laws

Lawmakers across the country continue to mete out harsh punishments to sex offenders - from satellite tracking to the death penalty - but a handful of states have eased up on penalties in cases of youths prosecuted for consensual sex.

Indiana State of the State Address 2008

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Jan 15. -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Mr. Speaker, Madam President, Members of the Assembly, fellow Hoosiers, Four is a number of special affection for me

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

WORTH NOTING: Tough as the Wild North

Alaska's "First Dude" shows his mettle in the Iron Dog race. A Texas state senator gets tongue-tied on national television. And the Maryland governor gets schooled by a 71-year-old virtual bowler. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Parents Turn to States for Autism Help

(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.

States Scramble to Ease Pain at the Pump

(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008) As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief.

States Wager on Racetrack Slots

States are betting that adding slots to racetracks will help get them through a faltering economy and dwindling cash reserves

Indiana Attorney General Race Mirrors Obama-Clinton

Two candidates for a top executive office are closing in on the final stage of a closely watched contest to win the majority of some 2,000 delegates needed to become their party's nominee in November. Sound familiar?

Great Lakes States Protect Their Water

Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes.

Report: Voting Glitches Could Disrupt Election

In two weeks, the American voting system will be stressed as never before with record voter registration and expected large turnouts. But the greatest pressure will fall on 11 battleground states whose stars are aligned for an election debacle: tight races coupled with radical changes in their voting systems.

State Laws Pose Hurdles for Student Voters

College students who registered to vote in the state where they attend school have faced sometimes daunting regulations that vary from state to state. And they may confront one more hurdle - showing acceptable identification at the polls.

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

With the fall in energy and farm prices, many well-off states are finding they can't escape the national recession.

Economy Trims Some Govs' Inauguration Plans

In a bleak economy that has led even some of the most financially stable states to grow uneasy, some governors who were elected or re-elected in November are skipping the typical inaugural balls and toning down the glitz at their swearing-in ceremonies to cut costs.

Indiana State of the State Address 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Fellow public servants and fellow citizens. Together again! Thank you as always for the privilege of this assign

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

Governors are using the economic crisis to sell big changes in how state and local jurisdictions operate, promising overhauls that could alter the face of government around the country. Their proposals range from sharing state helicopters between Minnesota and Wisconsin to shrinking Pennsylvania's system of 500 school districts to just 100.

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

It's going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

Indiana State of the State Address 2010

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2010 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, members of the Assembly, fellow Hoosiers, good evening. This once a year we gather as a family might,

Summary of the Indiana State of the State Address

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) boasted during his state of the state address Jan. 19 that Indiana had weathered the recession better than almost every other state, although he still called on lawmakers to make cuts in spending without raising taxes.

Amid Recall, Four Governors Defend Toyota

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Mississippi - all states that are home to Toyota plants -on Wednesday (Feb. 10) defended the Japanese automaker amid its worldwide recall of millions of cars.

Indiana Debates 'Guns at Work' Bill

TODAY'S TAKE: Indiana soon could join at least 11 other states and allow residents to bring their guns to work, as long as they are stored out of sight in their cars. But a shooting in Portage, Ind., last week - in which a state worker frustrated over a poor performance review retrieved a gun from his car and fired at coworkers - is causing opponents to ramp up their pressure on Governor Mitch Daniels to veto the bill, saying "guns and the workplace simply don't mix."

Higher Revenues in Kansas, Indiana

TODAY'S TAKE: A faint but steady drumbeat of positive economic news has emerged from state capitals in recent weeks. Tax revenues are inching upward in states that had seen month after month of decline. Indiana and Kansas are the latest examples.

More States Drop Out of 'Race'

TODAY'S TAKE: Alaska and Texas raised eyebrows last year when they declined to join the "Race to the Top," the Obama administration's effort to revamp the nation's K-12 schools by handing out $4.35 billion in grants to states that change their education policies. But with 40 jurisdictions applying and only two winners announced in the first round of the competition, more states are deciding not to participate in round two.

With Health Care Lawsuits, States Hope for Victory but Plan for Defeat

Even as 21 states are suing to stop the federal health care overhaul from taking effect, each one is also taking concrete measures to implement the law.

Tax Caps Have Big Consequences

Throughout the country this year, candidates for state office are seizing on local property taxes as a campaign issue. Some local officials argue that that should be the localities' business.

Governors-Elect Plan Low-Budget Inaugural Celebrations

TRANSITION WATCH: New governors arrange no-frills inaugurations as acts of symbolism, redistricting roles are reversed in Ohio, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Alabama Ethics Law Angers Teachers Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Alabama Republicans restrict payroll deductions used to boost a leading teachers' group, Wisconsin Democrats' last gasp at contracts for public workers fails and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Daniels to Push Education Reforms in Indiana

EDUCATION BEAT: Teacher pay, vouchers and collective bargaining are on the table in Indiana ... the school funding crisis continues ... California to go without an education secretary, and other education news.

Indiana State of the State Address 2011

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, members of the Assembly, Hoosier friends and neighbors, thank you yet again for the privilege of t

Christian Health Co-Ops Cater to 'Obamacare' Opponents

Religious groups that help members pay for medical treatment are exempt from key provisions of the new federal health law. As their popularity grows, some state officials are warning consumers to be wary of these unlicensed operators, while others see them as a welcome alternative to traditional health insurance.

State Officials Try to Redefine 'Adequate' Education

EDUCATION BEAT: Kansas and New Hampshire look for a new definition of "adequate" public education ... An Indiana Senate committee advances a bill limiting collective bargaining for teachers ... Nevada's governor proposes cuts to higher education and K-12 budgets, and other education news.

Indiana Dems Flee to Block Anti-Union Bill

TODAY'S TAKE: At the same time Wisconsin senators are hiding out in Illinois, three dozen Indiana House Democrats also headed to the Land of Lincoln Tuesday to prevent their chamber from moving ahead with controversial bills weakening organized labor. One of the Indiana holdouts spoke with Stateline about the showdown.

Behind Collective Bargaining Debate, Mixed Experiences in the States

Indiana took away collective bargaining rights for state workers in 2005. Washington State added them in 2002. What difference does collective bargaining really make?

Planned Parenthood Fight Shifts to States

TODAY'S TAKE: Governor Mitch Daniels will decide within the next week whether Indiana will become the first state to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood. Kansas could approve a similar measure soon.

Indiana Legislature Approves Sweeping School Voucher Bill

EDUCATION BEAT: Pupil vouchers on the way in Indiana ... Georgia cuts pre-kindergarten programs ... Oregon House considers new high school graduation requirements, and other state education news.

Mitch Daniels Touts His Education Victories in Washington DC Visit

TODAY'S TAKE: Less than a week after the Indiana legislature adjourned, Governor Mitch Daniels was in Washington, DC, speaking to the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank. Daniels is weighing a presidential run in 2012 and used his visit to talk up some of his recent successes in school overhauls.