Stateline Headlines

States Embracing Use of 'Green Power'

Demand for "green power" -- electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and water -- is slowly rising. The movement owes its momentum to state policies. Texas, for example, recently passed an electric utility deregulation law stipulating that a certain percentage of Lone Star electricity must be made with green power. For more information, click on

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2000

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 11 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Thomas Vilsack's 2000 Condition of the State Address: Thank you, Madame president, Mr. Speaker, thank you members of the general assembly, thank you distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen. After a welcome like that from both sides of

Genetic Technology Powerful New Anti-Crime Weapon

DNA profiling, using biological evidence left at the scene of a crime scene to find the perpetrator, is enabling law enforcement to solve more cases -- and clear innocent people. Because of the new genetic technology, a growing number of states are moving to revise their criminal laws. Iowa is a case in point.

State Attorneys General Discuss Microsoft Case

Alternately cocky and cautious, three of the 19 state attorneys general who joined the U.S. Department of Justice in successfully filing antitrust claims against Microsoft Corp. discussed a federal judge's ruling in the case Monday. The attorneys general of California, New York and Iowa downplayed reports that friction between the states and Justice led a federal mediator to scrap settlement talks last week. They refrained from discussing what penalties Microsoft should face.

Debate Continues Over Abortion Waiting Periods

Four state legislatures are debating whether to follow the lead of 14 states that impose a waiting period on women who want an abortion, but pro-choice opponents blocked the measure in Colorado, Iowa and Virginia this year. States where controversial legislation remains an issue are Alabama, Alaska, Delaware and Minnesota.

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2001

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 9 - Following is the text of Gov. Tom Vilsack's 2001 Condition of the State address: Iowa always has been a land of great opportunity. The earliest Iowans, the Sacs and Fox tribes among them, lived well and prosperously from our soil's great bounty. Pioneering Americans were drawn to our gre

States See Fourth Quarter Tax Revenue Slowdown

States had a prosperous year overall in 2000 with record surpluses and tax revenue growth. But there were signs of weakening economies in many states as the year drew to a close, and a new report suggests a major slowdown in tax collections could just be the tip of the iceberg.

Tracking Election Reform: This Week's News

Despite last year's fiasco in Florida, several state legislatures this week defeated or pigeon-holed election reform measures, but others plunged into what could be a busy, contentious season of debates on overhauling how Americans vote. Maryland, Colorado and Utah were states where major proposals went nowhere, but there was action in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Iowa. To read the first of a series of weekly reports on this issue, click on

Iowa Welfare Study Shows Mixed Results

Most Iowans who left the welfare rolls in 1999 were able to remain off public assistance for at least a year, says a new report from Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., a nonpartisan research firm that conducts surveys for federal and state governments. On the flip side, a substantial number of the 400 families surveyed did not stay off welfare, known as Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or TANF. When someone cycles on and off TANF over a number of years, it leaves him or her at greater risk of hitting the state's time limit before finding steady employment.

State School Chiefs Concerned About Details of Education Bill

State school officials generally praised the US Senate for recognizing the importance of education with passage earlier this month (6/14) of their version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the lions share of Federal K-12 funding. But many remain concerned about details such as cash for mandatory exams, the definition of a failing school and the implementation of sanctions against states and districts.

Eco-Terrorists Targeted By Get Tough State Laws

Boise Cascade Inc. recently dedicated its newest timber and wood products office in Monmouth, Ore. The imposing building is a steel-capped, cinderblock fortress. That's because the original log-cabin office was burned to the ground on Christmas Day, 1999, by a fringe environmentalist group called the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).

States Wary of New Federal Education Plan

Des Moines, Iowa is a thousand miles from Washington, D.C., but the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) now pending in Congress would have an enormous impact there. Iowa is the only state that hasn't mandated what students should know by the end of each grade, nor has it forced districts to administer state-wide tests. Critics of the legislation, including the National Association of State Boards of Education and the nation's two biggest teachers' unions, say the bill sets goals that are unrealistic and point to Iowa as an example of how it would trample on state prerogatives.

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.

Iowa Official Puts $11.4M Price Tag on Preparedness

The cost of an official assessment of Iowas anti-terrorism needs? At least $750,000. The estimated cost per resident of fully equipping Iowas public health system to deal with a terrorist attack using biological or chemical weapons? $3.91. The peace of mind that would come to state residents from knowing that Iowa's health system is ready to help them in a crisis? Priceless. State epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk estimated the costs of preparing her state to counter a chemical or biological attack in testimony before a U.S. Senate panel last week.

State Hiring Freezes Underscore Budget Woes

Iowa state workers will see smaller paychecks because of a budget squeeze that worsened after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but state hiring freezes - not pay cuts -- are a more common budget fix elsewhere.

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2002

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Thomas J. Vilsack's 2002 Condition of the State Address: Thank you, Madame President. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly and our Supreme Court, and distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen. We are assembled on this crisp winter mor

Govs' Travel Makes People Talk

Want to dodge congested airline ticket counters and long security lines? Fly on government aircraft or corporate jets? You might -- if you get yourself elected governor.

Lt. Govs More Than Spare Tires, Study Shows

When a lieutenant governor shakes hands with the boss, a couple of fingers check the governors pulse -- because, as an old joke goes, no pulse equals a promotion. The joke stems from conventional wisdom, which holds that, like the U.S. vice president, the main duty of whoever occupies the number two state job is to take over if the state's numero uno dies or becomes disabled. But a new study by a Georgia political science professor argues that conventional wisdom is wrong.

State Governments Grow Despite Recession

Despite the worst revenue shortfalls in a decade, most state governments continued to grow this year, and many are approving even larger budgets for next year. The tendency is all up in most states, says fiscal analyst Nick Jenny of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a university-affiliated think tank in Albany, NY.

Rising Unemployment Vexes States

The national unemployment rate hit six percent last month, its highest level since 1994. But joblessness is even higher in many states as foreign competition combines with the downturn in the business cycle to produce an economic double whammy.

Cities, Counties Hurt By Budget Cuts

Starved for cash due to slumping sales tax revenues and rising Medicaid costs, North Carolinas Mecklenburg County needs another revenue hit like a fish needs a bicycle. But thats exactly what it got in February. Through April of this year, 10 states Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and Washington have cut local revenue sharing dollars to balance fiscal year 2002 budgets.

April Cruellest Month For State Budgets

April is the cruellest month, T.S. Eliot lamented in his epic 1922 poem, The Waste Land. State lawmakers might be inclined to agree after tallying up April income tax collections.

Terror Insurance: A New, Risky Business

Book lovers understand that the J. Willard Marriott Library and its three million-volume collection at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City are, in a sense, priceless.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Democratic Governors Push Agenda

Seeking to play a larger role in the national political arena, Democratic governors met in Washington, DC, Monday to weigh in on the debate over economic stimulus, saying the economy needs greater public investment in roads and schools and not just more tax cuts.

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2003

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 14 - Following is the full text of Iowa Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack's Condition of the State Address: Thank you Madam President. Thank you Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly, and our Supreme Court, distinguished guests, and my fellow Iowans. We are blessed, in troubled times i

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.

Businesses Outdo States in Multi-Lingual Outreach

Businesses are hungrily eyeing the fast-growing market of Spanish-speaking consumers. But some states are slow to realize the value of communicating with non-English speakers. The contrast underscores two competing national trends: On the one hand, 27 states have passed laws making English their official language. On the other, businesses have recognized the growing immigrant population as a huge marketing opportunity.

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2004

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 13 - Following is the full text of Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2004 Condition of the State address: Thank you Madame President. Thank you Mr. Speaker and members of the General Assembly for your kind invitation to share my thoughts about the condition of our great state. I should, also, ex

Iowa's Vilsack Casts Large Shadow from Small State

Iowa's Tom Vilsack is relatively anonymous now as the governor of a small Midwestern state. But political experts and Republican foes alike say you may be hearing a lot more about the two-term Democrat in the future.

Governors

What would a Kerry administration mean for states? Heres a sampling of responses collected by Stateline.org from governors attending the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2005

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 11 - Following is the full text of Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2005 Condition of the State address. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank you members of the General Assembly for your kind invitation to speak to you about the condition of our great state. Before I do let me al

Inmates Gladly Take on Odd Jobs for Low or No Pay

Gone are the days of the chain gang. Today, states are finding more creative uses for felons, from saving retired thoroughbreds in Kentucky to growing poinsettias for state buildings in Iowa to fighting mudslides in California. The work saves millions for states and gives inmates something worthwhile to do.

Anti-Lying Laws Give Political Pinocchios Little to Fear

If you're sick of politicians lying, well, so are they. Eighteen states have some type of law against lying about a candidate. Yet come election season, untruths about opponents run rampant and few politicians are ever punished.

State AGs Fight Teen Smoking—Onscreen

More than 30 attorneys general are mounting a campaign to add anti-smoking ads to the beginning of films in which actors light up onscreen. The bid to fight teen smoking was prompted by a study that showed a marked increase in smoking among children who watch movie characters puffing away.

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2006

DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2006 Condition of the State address. Click here to access the governor's Web page and access video and audio links of the address. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. During the last holida

Rising revenues spur tax cuts, spending

From Massachusetts to Hawaii, signs abound that the immense pressure placed on state budgets by the fiscal crisis early this decade has eased, opening the door for a wave of fresh tax cuts and new spending.

Mumps outbreak tests pandemic plans

State officials in the Midwest are using an outbreak of mumps to test emergency health plans. The real-life exercise is critical for health officials, who have struggled to ready their systems for a possible flu pandemic in the near future.

Results of June 6 State Primaries

Four Republican state senators who voted against South Dakota's strict new abortion ban were ousted in Tuesday's primary; several incumbent state legislators in Alabama, Iowa and Montana also got the boot. In governor races, California state treasurer Phil Angelides won the Democratic nomination and will face Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). In Alabama, Gov. Bob Riley beat back a GOP primary challenge from former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, known for refusing to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse. Here is a sampling of local news coverage of the results in races for state offices in the June 6 primaries.

Tourism Incentives Get Tri-State Tryout

Maryland hopes to reel in visitors with a million-dollar fish. Iowa and South Dakota hope free gas vouchers will attract more tourists. It's all part of the annual summer scramble to pump travel dollars into state economies.

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.

Air Force Propels Clean Energy Plan

In a sci-fi approach to providing clean energy, a consortium of Iowa power companies is planning to fill a big underground hole with pressurized air that would then be released to generate electricity.

More Govs Boost Stem Cell Research

As Congress and the Bush administration remain deadlocked over funding for stem cell research, Democratic governors in New York, Massachusetts and Iowa have joined other state leaders in supporting the controversial science.

Kids catch Iowa lawmakers goofing off

Iowa senators are caught playing computer games while their colleagues speak. YouTube spreads a Montana Republican's barrage against Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D). And budget suggestions bury an Ohio lawmaker's office in paper. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Sex Ed Landscape Shifting in States

While most states still stress abstinence in sex education, lately there has been a movement toward a comprehensive approach that also teaches about contraception.

Virginia Democrats aim for Senate win

RICHMOND, Va. - In what could be a swing state in the 2008 presidential elections, Virginia Democrats have a shot at winning control of at least one house in the General Assembly on Election Day, Nov. 6.

Iowa squashes tax

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) smashes the state's pumpkin sales tax. An Ohio police officer busts a sex offender in the Statehouse. And South Dakota's high court rules personal liability insurance does not cover wife-stealing. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States take lead to fix housing crisis

States are in the forefront of policymaking to minimize damage from the mortgage meltdown. Although President George W. Bush on Thursday (Dec. 6) announced a groundbreaking agreement with major lenders to temporarily freeze sub-prime interest rates that are set to rise, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger got there first: He unveiled a similar deal last month.

New Year ushers in new laws

At least 31 states will enforce new laws that take effect New Year's Day. So as you ring in the New Year, expect some facet of life to change, ranging from where you can smoke in Illinois to how much it costs to enter a strip club in Texas.

Iowa and New Hampshire Same Old, Same Old

One definition of crazy is to keep doing diligently the same thing over and over when it's not working. By that definition America's presidential primary system is seriously loony, for with respect to developing a democratic process to nominate candidates for president, we have been doing the same thing over and over again for more than 60 years and it's not working.

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2007

DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 9 - Following is the transcript of Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2007 Condition of the State address. Click here to access the governor's web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, thank you very much and Mr. Speaker, thanks to you as well. And I want to thank all the members of the

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2008

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 15 - The following is the prepared text of Gov. Chet Culver's (D) 2008 condition of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. My Fellow Iowans, Lt. Gov. Judge, Members of the General Assembly, President Kibbie and Speaker Murphy; Leaders Gronstal,

WORTH NOTING: Missouri Sets Sights on Kansas Rivals

A Missouri legislator proposes hunting down Kansas' mythological Jayhawk. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) catches flak for arrests outside a toll hike hearing. And New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) sprouts a new beard. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: ...And The Lobbyist Makes Three

Three's a crowd when Georgia lobbyists foot Valentine's Day bills. Midget wrestling gets pinned in Iowa. And an epidemic of faux pas hits lawmakers. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Oh Say, Is That Banner Made in the U.S.A.?

Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state's new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state.

WORTH NOTING: Ex-State Senator Leaves Phone Greeting - From Jail

A former Maryland senator won't be answering his phone for a few years. A Michigan ballot reform group needs a better proofreader. And South Carolina's new license plates won't be heading off into the sunset. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Watch Your (Official) Language

Missouri, a key presidential swing state and home to one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races, will test what some see as voters' attitudes toward immigrants with a ballot measure to make English the only language of state government.

GOP Sticks With Prez Primary Rules

For all the complaining about the 2008 presidential primary season starting too early, the GOP has done little to change the 2012 contest schedule.

WORTH NOTING: What Can You Do With a Knife?

Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge (D) says Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) isn't the only one who knows how to use a knife. It's union vs. union on the Oregon picket lines. And Oklahomans are looking for a new tune. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: 'Hockey mom' to make NHL debut

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) will take part in Saturday's Philadelphia Flyers-New York Rangers game. Devotees of fish pedicures in Texas and the state of Washington will have to settle for more traditional foot-cleansing methods. And an Iowa appeals court finds that slow-pitch softball is a contact sport. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

Iowa State of the State Address 2009

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chet Culver's (D) 2009 state of the state address: I want to begin by welcoming all of you, especially the newly elected members of the general assembly, to your state capitol. 2008 was a year we will never forget! May 25th began like any othe

Tracking the Recession: Iowa, N.D. Victims of Investment Fraud

State employee pension funds, already losing billions of dollars in investment value, could be at increased risk of financial schemes during the recession.

Weekly Wrap: Doing the Math on State Jobs

State and local governments are not gaining employees recently; officials worry about revenue loss from tax breaks; Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell discovers 40 pounds of fat to cut.

States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds

Faced with historic revenue drops, lawmakers in states across the country tapped rainy day funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the recession following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more seem poised to join them.

More States Announce Mid-Year Cuts

As new holes emerge in their budgets, more and more states are making spending cuts well before their legislatures reconvene next year. Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Missouri are the latest.

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: Louisiana Pleasantly Surprised by Haul From Tax Amnesty Program

More than $300 million is generated from delinquent Louisiana taxpayers; California finance chief hangs it up; Iowa Gov. Culver campaigns as problem solver; and stimulus Web site turns up boo-boos.

Iowa Governor Touts 4-Day Workweek

TODAY'S TAKE: Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) is touting Utah's first-in-the-nation move to a four-day workweek for most executive-branch state workers, and he is pushing the proposal as a way to cut costs in his own state. Hawaii and Washington State have also tried the idea.

Iowa State of the State Address 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 12 - Following is Gov. Chet Culver's (D) 2010 state of the state address: A special welcome to Chief Justice Ternus, Members of The Court, fellow statewide elected officials, especially my capable and talented partner, Lt. Governor Judge. Speaker Murphy, Leader McCarthy; President Kibbi

Summary of the Iowa Condition of the State Address

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) called on lawmakers Jan. 12 to eliminate certain tax breaks and adopt his "government efficiency" proposals that he said could provide enough savings to allow the state to restore recent cuts in education and other key programs and invest in more "green-collar" jobs.

Seven States Lead in Budget Transparency

TODAY'S TAKE: A report released Tuesday (April 13) finds that seven states - Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas - lead the nation in budget transparency, providing the public with comprehensive and easily searchable information about government spending. Eighteen states flunked the scorecard created by U.S. PIRG, a Boston-based research and public-interest advocacy group.

Immigration: Will Other States Join Arizona?

TODAY'S TAKE: The national and international debate over Arizona's new immigration law continued Monday (April 26), as critics of the legislation called for an economic boycott of the state and the Mexican president, Felipe Calderon, warned that it "opens the door to intolerance and hatred." Less-noticed, however, was a state lawmaker in neighboring Utah who is drafting a similar bill in his state, and who says he has the support he needs to make it law.

Tuesday's Primaries: What to Watch

TODAY'S TAKE: In the busiest primary election day of the year, voters in 10 states will go to the polls Tuesday (June 8) to decide a wide range of questions from whether Maine will reform its tax code to which Republican will face off against Jerry Brown in the California governor's race. Stateline outlines key themes to watch in the state-level contests.

Five More Governor's Races Set for Fall

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters in five states chose their major-party candidates for governor on Tuesday (June 8), while the Republican contenders in a sixth - South Carolina - are headed for a runoff. Among the prominent headlines: Nevada's Jim Gibbons became the first sitting governor in state history to be rejected in a primary, and former Iowa governor Terry Branstad is one step closer to a return.

Five Ex-Governors on Ballot in November

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters' choice of Roy Barnes in the Democratic primary for Georgia governor on Tuesday (July 20) means that all five former governors who are running for their old jobs this year will be on the ballot in November. What is less certain is how they will fare.

Iowa Still First in Presidential Pecking Order

TODAY'S TAKE: Iowans will remain among the most valued voters in the nation - at least when it comes to choosing presidential nominees - under a plan approved by the Republican National Committee on Friday (Aug. 6). Democrats also are likely to keep Iowa in its traditional bellwether role.

Can Politics Be Removed From Redistricting?

As state legislatures look ahead to next year's redistricting process, several states, including California and Florida, are discussing how to limit partisan tinkering with the maps. Iowa provides a good example of how to do that. But the experience of other states shows that removing politics from redistricting is harder to do than it sounds.

Iowa Weathers Recession, But Its First-Term Governor, Chet Culver, May Not

DES MOINES, Iowa - In an election year in which the economy is the concern of most voters, Iowa's governor can point to relatively low unemployment, a balanced state budget and a record that includes no major tax increases. So why does Chet Culver find himself down 16 points in the polls?

Will Gay Marriage Decision Cost Iowa Justices Their Jobs?

Judicial elections have a long history of being expensive and combative affairs in states that hold head-to-head races. Iowa is not one of them. It appoints its judges. That's what makes a political battle over three state Supreme Court seats this year so unusual.

Gubernatorial Debate Season Gets Under Way

TODAY'S TAKE: While voters in seven states to go the polls today (Sept. 14), gubernatorial debates also are scheduled in several of the states that have already chosen their nominees. The debates are seen as pivotal for some candidates.

A Mixed Track Record for Idea to Lure Jobs

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican candidates for governor in Iowa and Ohio have proposed similar strategies for attracting businesses to their respective states. Both former U.S. Rep John Kasich of Ohio and former Gov. Terry Branstad in Iowa want to replace a state agency tasked with the job with a board of business leaders that reports to the governor, but other states that have tried that tack have encountered problems.

Four States to Weigh Calls for Constitutional Conventions

Every so often, voters in some states get to decide whether to write a new constitution. With Iowa, Maryland, Michigan and Montana set to take their turn next month, some worry that calling a convention amidst an angry political environment could do more harm than good.

How Many Ex-Governors Will Win?

TODAY'S TAKE: In a campaign season marked by an anti-establishment mood, five former governors with a combined 40 years in office will be on the ballot next week, potentially bucking the trend. But at least one, Maryland Republican Robert Ehrlich, has substantial ground to make up. The others appear to be ahead or are locked in close contests.

Few Incumbent Governors Likely to Fall

With high unemployment and pervasive bad news about state budgets, it seems incumbent governors would be in jeopardy of losing their jobs this year. But outside the Midwest, most sitting governors have the edge in their races Tuesday.

Despite Debt Fears, Voters OK Most State Bond Measures

Where borrowing was on the ballot Tuesday, voters usually said yes. Meanwhile, Colorado affirmed its ability to issue debt.

Judge Fights in Iowa, Illinois Signal New Era for Retention Elections

2010 may go down as the year when an obscure type of judicial election became a big-money battle.

With Rick Scott as Governor, Merit Pay Plan for Florida Teachers May Pass

TRANSITION WATCH: Florida conservatives are eager to revisit merit pay, Arizona's Republican Senate President breaks with business groups on tax incentives and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Culver Preempts Branstad By Inking Pay Raise With Iowa Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Iowa's outgoing governor locks in his successor with higher employee salaries, California's Jerry Brown wants to flatten the structure of the governor's office, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Peter Shumlin Picks a Team of Rivals

TRANSITION WATCH: Vermont's governor-elect appoints former political opponents, Iowa's thrifty transition and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States to Try Outsourcing Economic Development

Which works best - a government-run business promotion agency or a private one? We're about to learn some lessons.

Arizona's Brewer to Request Federal Waiver to Cut Medicaid

TRANSITION WATCH: Arizona's governor seeks new limits on Medicaid eligibility to balance the budget, Chet Culver's alternative energy program could be eliminated in Iowa and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Jerry Brown's Tax Plans Come into Focus

California's governor-elect wants to extend income, sales and vehicle tax increases, Nevada's incoming governor finally quits his day job, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Iowa Budget Address 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 27 - Following is Gov. Terry Brandstad's (R) 2011 budget address: Madam Lt. Governor, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Leaders, justices, judges, legislators, elected officials, distinguished guests, family, friends and fellow Iowans: I am humbled to stand before you once again as your Gover

Not All Tax Increases Are Off the Table for Republicans

TODAY'S TAKE: At least a dozen new governors, almost all of them Republicans, have vowed not to raise taxes. But not all revenue-raising ideas are anathema to the GOP.

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.

Branstad Disputes Claim That He Backs Pawlenty in 2012

TODAY'S TAKE: As the 2012 presidential campaign heats up, Republican contenders are jostling for the endorsement of Terry Branstad, the Iowa governor whose support is key to the state's first-in-the-nation caucuses.

Alabama Parents Go to Court Over Property Tax

EDUCATION BEAT: Alabama school advocates sue the state over funding ... Arizona senators approve drastic cuts to school budget ... New Jersey governor continues to battle teachers' unions, and other education news.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.