Stateline Headlines

Eye-Opening Maine Survey Samples Student Attitudes

An innovative program in Maine that tries to learn what adolescents are buoyed and bothered by could be one way to identify and deal with the kind of student alienation that all too often of late has resulted in tragedies like last week's high school massacre in Littleton, Colo. In this report from Orono, Maine, stateline.org special writer Sandor M. Polster takes a look at the program.

Louisiana, Maine Legislatures Set To Adjourn

Two more states, Maine and Louisiana, are about to wind up their legislative sessions, leaving 13 states still engaged in the business of making laws. Louisiana is on track to adjourn Monday at 6 p.m. as scheduled. The picture is not quite as clear in Maine. Politicians there traditionally call it quits on the third Wednesday of the month, which was June 16. This year however, lawmakers are gathering at the statehouse this morning to hold a so-called "veto day." For more information, click on

Maine Panel To Consider Legislative Reform

On Wednesday, July 14, a 10-member panel in Maine will begin examining whether the state legislature needs to make changes in the way it does business. The panel will look at everything from the how to make the lawmaking body more representative to the way its sessions are structured. In this special report, Sandor Polster explains what's behind this unusual exercise and decribes how it will work. For more information, click on

Maine Weighs Tightening Water Use Regulations

Unregulated diversion of water for farm irrigation, snowmaking and the maintenance of lush golf courses is a potential problem for state policy makers throughout the country. Sandor M. Polster, our correspondent in Maine, looked into what his state is preparing to do about it. For more information, click on

Maine's Contrasting Statistics on Children

The Children's Rights Council recently declared Maine as the best state to raise a child. However, a closer look at all available statistics show the state lagging behind in several important categories. In the words of one key official: "We may start them out right but they don't end right."

Nation's Top Court To Hear Several States' Right Cases

Before recessing in June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued three decisions strongly reaffirming the concept of state sovereignty and curtailing Congress' power to create federal law binding on the states. Legal observers expect that trend to continue during the high court's 1999-2000 term, which begins today. At least five states' rights cases are already on the docket.

State Voters Face Range of Critical Issues Tuesday

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, off-year elections will decide if Maine bans late-term abortions, if St. Paul, Minnesota, tries to steal the Twins baseball club from Minneapolis and if Texas will provide $400 million in loans for college students. Kentucky and Mississippi will choose a governor, and voters in Virginia will determine if their legislature goes Republican for the first time since Reconstruction.

Maine's King Makes Independence A Virtue

Thirty-one of the 50 governors are Republican, 17 are Democrats and two are neither. But the label "Independent" has not been much of an obstacle for Maine Gov. Angus King -- he was re-elected by a landslide in 1998. King shares the distinction of being outside the political mainstream with Minnesota's Reform Party Gov. Jesse Ventura. In this profile from Augusta, stateline.org examines how this lesser-known political maverick operates.

Maine's Pleasant Political Problem: Fate Of Surplus

Maine legislators will have the happiest of political tasks when they reconvene in January -- deciding what to do with a budget surplus that may very well top $300 million. Democrats and Republicans are divided on whether to spend the money on pressing needs or rebate it to the taxpayers. And Independent Gov. Angus King has his own ideas.

Maine State of the State Address 2000

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 24 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Honorable Members of the 119th Legislature, and Citizens of Maine: Just a week ago, Maine, and all of us in this building, lost a great friend. Chuck Cia

States Slowly Erasing Word 'Squaw' From Maps

Detailed maps of the United States like those produced by the U.S. Geological Survey show more than 1,000 different geographical features from towns to mountains to creeks and reservoirs that have "Squaw" in their names. But by January 2001 there will be about 25 fewer with the word for woman that Native Americans find offensive, thanks to legislation enacted in Maine earlier this month.

Fighting Sprawl: A View From The Trenches

The growing pains of a small rural New England town offer a microcosm of the debate about sprawl. The writer of this report, a veteran newspaper and television newsman, provides a first-hand perspective of the complexity of managing growth amid competing interests even in tiny Durham, Maine.

Maine's Approach To Prescription Drugs Draws National Attention

Legislators in 20 states have announced efforts to lower prescription drug prices in present and upcoming legislative sessions. Joined by labor leaders and senior citizen activists, legislators announced plans to model their efforts after a law passed in Maine five weeks ago that established the nation's first program where the state negotiates prescription drug prices for residents.

Maine Experiments With RX Price Law

There is nothing small about the battle set to begin in a federal courtroom in Bangor. It pits the State of Maine against the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, and its outcome could affect the price and availability of prescription drugs nationwide. A trade organization representing about 100 of the largest drug companies is challenging Maines first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs. The "Maine Rx Program" was passed by the Legislature and signed by Independent Gov. Angus King last May.

On The Record: Maine State Sen. Chellie Pingree

Over the past year, the cost of prescription drugs has become a white-hot issue in state legislatures across the country. The issue is now a focus of the presidential race. Stateline.org spoke by telephone with Maine Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree, a Democrat who spearheaded the effort behind the Pine Tree State's first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs, to talk about the new Maine law, about how the issue has taken off and what's likely to happen next.

Voters Send Mixed Signals On Growth, Environment

Voters in 23 states considered ballot measures dealing with growth management and the environment on Nov. 7. Some of the most highly publicized proposals were rejected, but experts dismiss suggestions that the defeat of prominent "smart growth" measures in Arizona and Colorado means that interest in curbing sprawl has cooled.

Maine State of the State Address 2001

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 23 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. President Pro Tem, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the 120th Legislature, Citizens of Maine, In each of the past six years, I have come before you at this time to rep

States Tackle Privacy Loopholes Created By Congress

When Congress voted two years ago to tear down Depression-era barriers that had long kept banks, investment firms, insurance companies and other elements of the financial services industry from merging , Wisconsin State Representative Marlin Schneider had just one comment: "They're nuts," he said of the federal lawmakers. Since then, a growing number of state legislators have come to the same conclusion as they've tried to address privacy loopholes in the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999.

Appeals Court To Rule on Maine Rx Program

In the latest round of legal sparring between prescription drug makers and state officials, Maine was back in the courtroom Monday in the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, fighting to keep a new prescription drug program alive. In the opposite corner, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) maintained that the state's program is unconstitutional.

On The Record: Maine Human Services Chief Kevin Concannon

Maine may not be seen as a state with a whole lot of political muscle, given its small population and remote location. But in the struggle to get a grip on skyrocketing prescription drug costs, it has become a modern-day Hercules. Maine has put in place programs such as its Physician Directed Drug Initiative, which encourages doctors to use lower cost medications. And with its Maine Rx program which aims to control drug prices, it has angered pharmaceutical manufacturers and sparked a lawsuit. Department of Human Services Chief Kevin Concannon, who oversees the state's Medicaid program, recently spoke with Stateline.org on what's happening in Maine.

State Brownfields Programs Take National Stage

When Kentuckys Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate both voted unanimously to expand brownfields programs last week, they committed the Bluegrass State to a decade-long push to make investment in cleaning up abandoned industrial sites more attractive to private redevelopers. They also signed on to one of the few nationwide environmental causes to generate real interest in both major political parties since Congress first acted to protect natural resources and public health and set up the Environmental Protection Agency over 30 years ago.

Electoral College Reform Falls Flat

Doing away with the winner-take-all system of allotting Electoral College votes was among the reforms proposed on the op-ed pages of the nation's newspapers after last year's closely contested presidential election. But bills that would do that have been defeated in the first four state legislatures to consider them.

SPECIAL REPORT: States Mull Suit Against Drug Companies

In an action modeled on their 1998 class action lawsuit against the tobacco industry, at least six states are poised to go to court to try to force pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription prices, law enforcement and health care officials tell Stateline.org. "The goal is nothing less than changing the way the industry does business," says Mark Schlein, director of Florida's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Attorney General's office.

Maine A Pacesetter In Rights For Disabled

In a 5-4 ruling last February, the U.S. Supreme Court held that states are exempt from the Americans With Disabilities Act, a federal law that protects handicapped citizens from job discrimination. The ruling could affect the disabled in many states, but not those who live in Maine. It acted to guarantee rights for the disabled even before Congress tackled the issue.

Maine Rx Program Buoyed by Court Decision

Maine is moving to implement a prescription drug cost control program following a U.S. appeals court ruling against the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which had sued to block Maine Rx. Kevin Concannon, commissioner of the Maine Department of Human Services, called Wednesday's decision by a three-judge panel to lift an injunction that had put the controversial program on hold "unambiguously a grand slam."

State Health Programs Largely Spared In Budget-Cutting

State budgets are tight this year, but most health programs have escaped cutbacks. Arizona has agreed to hefty increases for the mentally ill, Oregon is considering a new voluntary screening program for newborns and Maine just okayed a small cigarette tax increase to expand health insurance for adults without kids.

Saving History: States Push For Preservation Funds

Congress celebrated the U.S. bicentennial in 1976 by establishing the Historic Preservation Fund, a $150 million a year treasure chest for state-administered efforts to save the countrys architectural treasures. But as with most dedicated funding sources for noble-minded cultural and environmental efforts, the money actually set aside has never met the programs grand designs. That could change this year if Congress passes the 15-year, $45 billion Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), now beginning its second run up Capitol Hill.

States Make Strides on Medical Marijuana Programs

The U.S. Supreme Court's first-ever opinion on medical marijuana two months ago hasn't put a dent in state efforts to help seriously ill patients, as critics hoped it would. State medical marijuana programs in Alaska, Hawaii and Oregon are moving ahead despite the ruling.

Border Issues Thrust to Fore: Security vs. Trade

In an effort to reduce the threat of terrorists slipping into the country, Immigration and Customs officials have tightened the nation's northern and southern borders, prompting local and state officials to call for increased border staffing to ease the flow of goods and people. At stake is the economic health of states, regions and industries dependent on open borders for survival.

Budget Squeeze Threatens Maine Laptop Plan

Theres nothing like a severe economic slowdown to change state lawmakers from patrons to pikers. When the Maine Legislature set aside $30 million last June to begin funding a first-in-the-nation program to provide 34,000 laptop computers for every seventh and eighth grade student in the state, there was a healthy budget surplus. But then the economy headed south, and with it went the legislative enthusiasm.

States, Health Plans Address Anthrax-Related Rx Issues

In the wake of October's anthrax attacks in Florida, New York and Washington, D.C., states and insurers have seen an increased request for antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin or Cipro, as it's known. Maine and Virginia have now stepped up education for doctors on antibiotic use, while Georgia officials are asking doctors to justify why they are prescribing the drug.

Lawmakers Press Solicitor General on Maine Rx Case

An eight-state coalition wants the U.S. Solicitor General to support Maine in a controversial prescription drug case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. The group, known as the Northeast Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices, wants the federal government's chief lawyer to weigh in heavily on behalf of states trying to curb prescription costs.

States Share Latest On Rx Programs

Officials from Florida, Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will provide updates on their Medicaid and state employee prescription drug programs at a forum in Pittsburgh Friday (1/11).

Term Limits Hit Lawmakers In 11 States

Legislatures in 11 states face fallout from term limits in this year's elections with 330 lawmakers being forced to step down after 12 or fewer years in office. The Michigan state Senate, which will lose 27 of its 38 members, will be hardest hit. The Missouri Legislature will suffer heavily as well -- it bids farewell to 75 of its 163 House members and 12 of its 34 Senators

Maine State of the State Address 2002

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 22 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the 120th Legislature, and citizens of Maine. Before I begin let's remember that one of the members of the 120th Legislature, Senator Joel Abroms

States Support Nursing Mothers

Nobody seriously doubts the value of breast-feeding, but until recently the connection between nursing and employment hasnt been on policymakers radar screens. Now, in what appears to be a trend, lawmakers in 31 states have approved breast-feeding legislation within the last eight years.

Technology Helps States Boost Efficiency

More and more states are using electronic tools ranging from web portals to interagency data sharing to make delivery of government services all a taxpayer could hope for, according to two recent studies on the use of digital technologies.

States Laud Maine Court Decision

In a ruling heard from Maine to Hawaii, a federal judge on Monday (2/25) gave a boost to states looking to curb rising prescription drug costs. More specifically, U.S District Judge Ricardo Urbina said Maine could continue with a project which offers prescription drugs to poor people, shutting down for the moment a challenge from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Cigarette Taxes, Public Health Show Little Correlation

Twenty-one states are mulling cigarette tax increases to help ease the pain of massive budget shortages. New York and Connecticut governors have already okayed such taxes, with increases of 39 and 61 cents per pack respectively. Proponents of higher tobacco taxes say upping the rates will improve the health of citizens. But health experts say the tax must be coupled with prevention programs that help people quit smoking and make sure young people don't start.

States Slow To Tackle Campaign Finance Reform

When it comes to curbing the influence of special interest money in politics, state lawmakers are sometimes credited with doing more to end questionable practices than the U.S. Congress, which has voted to ban so-called soft money. But reform advocates say campaign fundraising is as open to mischief at the state level as the federal level and that change is unlikely anytime soon.

State Officials Challenge Rx Study

Headlines in major newspapers across the country last week revealed grim news about state Medicaid programs. One in Four Medicaid Beneficiaries Unable to Fill Prescriptions, papers reported. But some state officials question the claim.

Small Town Legislative Race Attracts Opposites

Thousands of state legislators will be elected in November after campaigns that get much less public attention than congressional or gubernatorial contests. A small town in Maine is the scene of one more-or-less typical legislative race.

Deficit-Plagued States Dole Out Medicaid Cuts

Medicaid isnt a four-letter word, but mention it around state lawmakers these days and youll probably see a cringe, hear a sigh, and perhaps even cause a headache. The 37-year old state-federal program geared to help the poor and needy is the cause of much tension, worry and debate across the country.

Maine's King Makes Independence Work

Maine. Gov Angus King, one of the nations two politically unaffiliated state executives, is in the homestretch of his second and final four-year term. King, a native of Virginia who remains quite popular after more than seven years in office, says being independent has enabled him to make decisions on the merits. His choice of an epitaph: He didnt do bad for a boy from away.

States Continue Rx Onslaught

Vermont is poised to enact a landmark prescription drug law within the next few weeks, a move that adds fuel to state battles against rising prescription drug costs. Lawmakers borrowed parts of at least five different programsincluding Maine, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia and Illinois to come up with a plan that is sweeping and controversial.

States Dubious Of Federal Testing Plan

Nebraskas testing system is better for the Cornhusker State than the testing system mandated by the new federal school aid bill, state Commissioner of Education Douglas Christensen says. If that means bucking Washington, D.C. by failing to comply with new federal requirements to test every child in grades 3-8 annually, then Christensen is willing to do so.

Universal Health Foes Linked To Drug Industry

In a twist on a publicity stunt popularized by proponents of health care reform, a Canadian doctor and 12 of his patients recently traveled from New Brunswick to Maine, warning Americans not to adopt a Canadian-style universal health system. But a closer look at the group reveals ties to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.

Maine Welfare Mom Defies Stereotypes

Heidi Hart grew up in a family that got food stamps and government-supplied commodities like powdered milk, peanut butter and large blocks of cheese. Then she became a mom at age 16. Nine years later, Hart has a college degree and is happily raising a 9-year-old daughter . She works at a child and substance abuse prevention program in Maine and has plans to go to law school or get a master's degree. How did she do it? Hart had something that welfare moms in many other states don't have.

Maine Computer Project Engages Students

When they arrive for the first day of school this week, 18,000 Maine seventh graders will find a new laptop computer on their desk, thanks to a state program designed to arm them with the best technological skills in the world.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

Find a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Louisiana through North Dakota

Tax Bite Big in Maine, Small in Alaska

Alaska and Maine are far apart geographically, but their tax burdens represent an even bigger divide -- Maine residents have the nation's highest state and local tax burden, 12.2 percent of income, while Alaska residents have the nation's lowest, 5.5 percent. The calculations come from the Tax Foundation, a conservative lobbying group in Washington, D.C.

Supreme Court Gives Maine Rx Green Light

In a decision closely watched by dozens of states, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday cleared the way for Maine to implement Maine Rx, a trail-blazing program that enables the state to offer discounted prescription drugs to the working poor and elderly people.

Maine Laptop Program Shows Strong Results

Just over three years ago, when then-Gov. Angus S. King, Jr., proposed an unprecedented program to provide laptop computers to every seventh and eighth grade student in Maines public schools, supporters and critics wasted no time debating whether the plan would work. Now, with 17,000 seventh graders about to complete their first full school year using the laptops, both sides agree that the program does, indeed, work. But the debate about funding continues.

Northeastern States Seek Terrorist-Intelligence Sharing

Homeland security officials in 10 northeastern states want to establish intelligence-sharing centers that would better disseminate terrorist-related information between federal law enforcement and local police officers. Mark Cohen, who heads the New York State Office of Public Security, said the ability to share intelligence in real time is the most critical component for homeland security in the states.

On the Record: Baldacci Talks Universal Health Care

Maine, a trailblazer in controlling prescription drug costs, is now poised to provide universal health care for its residents. Leading the charge is Democrat freshman Gov. John Baldacci. At the National Governors' Association meeting in Indianapolis last week, Gov. Baldacci sat down with Stateline.org and talked about his health care initiative.

States Set Ballot Fights: Maine to Vote on Casino

Maine's Nov. 4 referendum on building a casino will influence the future of the Pine Tree States struggling economy, said pro- and anti-gambling groups. Ballot questions in other states will decide issues ranging from starting a video lottery program in Colorado to allowing childrens videotaped testimony in criminal proceedings in Pennsylvania.

Republicans Elect Governors in Kentucky, Mississippi

Republican candidates won the governors races in Kentucky and Mississippi Tuesday, continuing a decades-long trend toward Republican domination of the South.

Maine State of the State Address 2004

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 20 - Following is the text of Gov. John Baldacci's 2004 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow Maine citizens: Twelve months ago, I had the privilege of taking the oath of office. It's been

Lawmakers Act to Preserve Endangered Night Sky

For decades, astronomers have warned that the intrusion of artificial light is threatening to wipe out a dwindling natural resource - the starry night sky. Now a growing number of city and state governments are taking up the fight to reclaim the night. For lawmakers, the issue is about energy efficiency and safety, as well as good stargazing.

Maine Laptop Program Bugged by Budget Concerns

Maine's cutting-edge program to provide laptop computers to public middle school students has exceeded the expectations of proponents, converted many critics and sparked a nationwide trend toward personal computing in the classroom. But the states high-tech triumphs havent convinced the Legislature to expand the program to high school as originally planned.

Ten States Lose Federal Education Money for Poor Children

Federal money to educate poor children is increasing, but 10 states and more than half of the nation's school districts will see a drop in their share of the dollars in the next school year, according to a report released June 15. Overall, nearly 56 percent of school districts will get less federal money, despite a $647 million increase in the Title I program that allocates money for low-income students.

Ten states Identified as Legislative Battlegrounds

Political control of legislative bodies in 10 states could change in the November election, the National Conference of State Legislatures said in an analysis that identified the battleground states as Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

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.

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.

Despite Federal Chill, States Keen to Trade with Cuba

In Havana, Cuba, this week, state officials from Louisiana, Maine, Alabama are helping U.S. companies negotiate cash-only contracts for sales of agricultural and health-related goods under the narrow confines of U.S. restrictions. The state effort is in sharp contrast with the federal effort to isolate the communist island nation.

Maine State of the State Address 2005

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 25 - Following is the text of Gov. John Baldacci's 2005 state of the state address: Madam president, Mr. speaker, madam chief justice, members of the legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow citizens, I would also like to recognize the first lady of Maine, Karen Baldacci, an

Maine Closing Technology Gap for Students

The former governor of Maine who created the nation's only statewide program to give laptop computers to public school students is continuing his personal crusade to close Maine's digital divide by offering free home Internet access to low-income students.

State Lawmakers Bag Online Hunting

Lawmakers in 11 states jumped on the bandwagon to outlaw online hunting this year, and California may soon do the same. Why all the fuss? It's over a single website that briefly offered Internet users a chance this spring to shoot live animals on a Texas ranch and that netted a single customer.

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.

Maine State of the State Address 2006

Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature and distinguished guests. Good evening my fellow citizens. Tonight, I am proud to report that the state of this State is strong, secure and healthy. More people are working than ever before. More of our children are going to c

States chart their own foreign policy

From boycotting companies that trade with Sudan to buying oil from Venezuela, the nation's state lawmakers are becoming more assertive on the international stage. While a boon to economies from California to Maine, statehouse diplomacy could undermine federal power abroad and expose states to international lawsuits, foreign policy experts warn.

Bright Ideas Compete for Cash

Six state programs, ranging from Maine's comprehensive health care reform to Wisconsin's environmental program for businesses, are competing for $100,000 grants in one of the nation's premiere good government competitions.

States Suing Feds Over Seniors' Rx Costs

Fifteen states want the U.S. Supreme Court to block the federal government's plan to bill them for a portion of costs for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit passed by Congress. The states call the law "an unprecedented intrusion into each state's sovereignty."

Results of June 13 Primary

Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci (D) and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) easily won their nominations in the June 13 primary. Sanford will face state Sen. Thomas I. Moore (D) this November while in Maine, state Sen. Chandler Woodcock is leading the GOP field in the race to square off against Baldacci. North Dakota voters approved two constitutional measures, including one that removes language limiting membership to the state's National Guard to men aged 18 to 45. Here is a sampling of local news coverage of the results in races for state offices in the June 13 primaries. Check out Stateline.org's Election issue page for a state-by-state round: AR: Halter wins nomination for No. 2 spotME: Woodcock eyes GOP victory in primaryND: Constitutional changes approvedSC: Sanford will face Moore in November

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.

Violence in Sudan Pushes States to Act

Sudan's bloody crackdown on African tribesmen in the Darfur region has inspired six states to enact laws they hope will stem the attacks by cutting off financial backing for the Sudanese government. And lawmakers in at least 15 more states plan to propose similar bills when their legislatures convene in January.

Maine State of the State Address 2007

AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci (D) 2007 state of the state address and budget message: Hello. I am Governor John Baldacci. Thank you for joining me tonight. Thank you to the tv and radio stations for carrying this live. Today I delivered to the Legislature my proposed

Legislators Barring Electronic Distractions

Since 1997, when North Dakota state senators pioneered a ban on the use of electronic devices when their august body was open for business, the parliamentary rules of more and more legislatures require cell phones, computers and other high-tech distractions to be turned off or left at the door. Maine's House of Representatives is the latest to join the legislative rebellion against the myriad intrusions of the Digital Age.

States Go After Smoking in Vehicles With Kids

More than a dozen states are considering following Arkansas, Louisiana and the city of Bangor, Maine, in outlawing smoking in vehicles if children are present. Opponents call it an invasion of privacy, and even anti-smoking groups aren't climbing on the bandwagon.

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.

Maine and South Carolina Try Different Tacks with Big-Box Stores

For years, local governments have either tried to lure big box stores for jobs and cheap goods -- or discouraged them to preserve local businesses and small-town character. Maine and South Carolina have just weighed in on the issue, taking widely divergent approaches.

Tobacco case could limit state powers

Forty state laws regulating Internet sales of tobacco products - and many more governing the sale and shipment of dangerous products from explosives to wild animals - are at stake in a challenge to a Maine law that the U.S. Supreme Court heard Wednesday (Nov. 28).

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.

Maine State of the State Address 2008

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Jan. 9 -- The Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: We come together tonight as Maine stands on

Report: States Seeking Prison Solutions

State governments, facing leaner budgets this year as the national economy struggles, are exploring strategies to contain surging prison populations without building costly new correctional facilities, according to a report released Wednesday (Jan. 23).

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.

States Get Help Expanding Telemedicine

For more than a decade, states have urged health care providers to use telemedicine to boost the quality of medical care in rural communities. Maine and other states just got federal grants to build the health information highway to make that possible.

Maine Gets 2 More Days For Real ID

(Updated 10:30 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, April 1)Maine gets two more days to reach an agreement with federal officials on rules to make driver's licenses more secure and avoid extensive security screenings for its residents at airports and federal buildings beginning May 11.

States Act to Stem Foreclosure Scams

The rise of home foreclosures has spawned an increase in scams that prey on people's desperation to save their homes. At least 18 states have enacted laws to target such schemes.

Delegates Speak: Issues Facing the States

Aug. 27, 2008, 4:00 p.m. EDT Q. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? Wisconsin on jobsKeeping jobs in America. It is so important. We are losing jobs in Wisconsin. We have a GM plant (in Janesville) that is going to close down. And those are thousands of jobs. We also have a paper factory who has left us. We have another one that planning on closing. We also have small cheese factories that have closed. We don't have jobs for these people to go to. You can retrain them on jobs … skills and things. But where do they go for jobs? The jobs are not there. They are going to either overseas, or just gone... That is the biggest concern. Because if you don't have a job, you have nothing. You can't go the store and buy the bread and milk that we need to survive, or the food. And you can't, of course, afford mortgages. ... You can't even rent if you don't have a job. ... You have to have a job to survive in life. -Wisconsin delegate Mary Goulding of Greenbay, 57, secretary with the public school district interviewed by Barbara Rosewicz, Stateline.org Maine on energy Energy costs are a strong issue for me because obviously we have cold winters and not a lot of people. There's the whole discussion about being on the energy grid and how we can leverage that and get our money's worth, but the good side is that we are uniquely positioned for wind energy and tidal energy, and I really believe Barack Obama is committed to renewable energy and not just drilling and trying to find more oil in our oceans.-Maine delegate Jennifer DeChant, 35, of Bath interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org New Mexico on health careI have four children and six grandsons.Seniors need help. If they don't get it, they are burdens to their families. In New Mexico, jobs aren't good enough for employers to pay employees adequate health insurance. -New Mexico delegate Mary Gail Gwaltney of Las Cruces, 73, retired interviewed by Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.org AFTER THE JUMP: Audio and photos from the interviews Comments

Maine State of the State Address 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine - March 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Madam President, Madam Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: Thank you for joining me tonight as we co

Tracking the Recession: Buyouts Lure 9,000 State Workers Into Retirement

As layoffs and furloughs undermine the job security traditionally associated with state employment, at least six states are offering buyouts to tighten their belts without fracturing morale. But some worry this payroll-reduction technique may not save as much money as anticipated.

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.

GOP Wins Build Momentum for 2010

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans regained the governorships of New Jersey and Virginia on Election Day (Nov. 3). Tax caps failed in Maine and Washington and Ohio voters approved casino gambling. Stateline.org this morning rounded up these results and more for yesterday's elections and for a variety of ballot measures decided by voters.

'Maine Miracle' Faces Challenge

TODAY'S TAKE: Even as other hard-hit states hiked personal income taxes this year to generate revenue, Maine drew national attention for doing the opposite. But the 'Maine Miracle' may face a challenge at the polls next year.

Will States Budget for a Second Stimulus?

TODAY'S TAKE: Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) this week will submit a budget proposal that assumes Congress will pass additional stimulus measures, according to Maine's Capitol News Service.

Maine State of the State Address 2010

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 21 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Madam President, Madam Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: I cannot remember a time that has presente

Summary of the Maine State of the State Address

In his last state of the state address, Gov. John Baldacci (D) called on the Democratic-led Legislature to help him close a $438 million budget gap by consolidating natural resource agencies, streamlining government administration, eliminating redundancies between state and local government and cutting social services.

Anthem Rate Hikes Felt Beyond California

TODAY'S TAKE: Sharp rate hikes by health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are causing ripples in many states amid a well-publicized plan by the company to increase premiums by as much as 39 percent in California. The firm insures hundreds of thousands of people across the country with individual plans that could see double-digit increases in their monthly premiums.

Do You Want a Tax With That?

The funeral home director in Pennsylvania and hair dresser in Michigan may soon have something in common with the yoga instructor in Missouri and limo driver in New York. Their customers may have to pay a state sales tax. With tax revenues at a historic low and federal stimulus dollars drying up, states are eying adding a sales tax to some of the 180 services that states could be taxing but most don't, ranging from pet grooming and dating services to dental and legal services. The change would be a fundamental shift in states' tax systems, but the proposals are running into stiff opposition from the business community.