Stateline Headlines

Three States Buck Tide by Eyeing Tax Hikes

At a time when governors and legislators across the nation are swimming in surplus revenue and striving to outdo each other in fashioning politically attractive tax cuts, Alaska, West Virginia and Maryland are going against the tide by considering significant tax hikes. In the most noteworthy case, Alaska Governor Tony Knowles, a Democrat, is mulling over a plan to enact both a personal income tax and a statewide sales tax to address the state's projected $900 million Fiscal Year 2000 budget shortfall.

More States Climb On Electric Deregulation Bandwagon

Arkansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Delaware passed laws in 1999 that deregulate their electric utilities, bringing to 23 the number of states that now embrace the policy. But not everyone is ready to take the leap. Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns appeared before Congress to state his misgivings about opening his state's electric industry to retail competition. To learn more, click on

Drought Worsens, States Take Emergency Measures

The governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware have ordered water rationing and other mesaures to deal with the drought. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman this week designated West Virginia and other parts of the eastern seaboard disaster areas due to excessive heat and lack of rain, making farmers in those areas eligible to apply for emergency loans when drought-related losses are calculated at season's end. For more information, click on

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.

Tax Cut Fever Grips Maryland Lawmakers

Maryland's General Assembly begins a four-month session Wednesday, and the biggest issue facing the lawmakers is how to dispose of an unprecedented $1 billion budget surplus. But there are other items on the agenda as well, including gun control, land use and growth, and managed healthcare reform. For more on this, click on

Maryland State of the State Address 2000

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 19 - Following is the text of Gov. Parris Glendening's 2000 State of the State Address: Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Cas Taylor; Members of the General Assembly; Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; Attorney General Joe Curran; Comptroller William Donald Schaefer; Treasur

States On Guard For West Nile Virus

This week, New York City renews its war on the West Nile virus -- the mosquito-borne disease that killed 7 New Yorkers and sickened 55 others without warning last summer. As the city gears up to ward off another outbreak, states on the Eastern Seaboard and in the southeast are putting plans into place to guard against the virus as well.

On The Record: Maryland Gov Parris Glendening

Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening Tuesday became chairman of the National Governors' Association, succeeding Republican Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt. Soft-spoken and professorial, Glendening is a second-term Democrat who taught political science at the University of Maryland before getting into politics. His best known initiatives: Smart Growth development policies and safe gun legislation. Glendening spoke to Stateline.org Senior Writer Blair S. Walker in State College, Pa., during the NGA's annual meeting, which began on Saturday.

Rural Schools Struggle With Declining Enrollment

While most of the nation is seeing a record rise in student populations, rural areas in 22 states have been losing students, laying off teachers and closing schools. Downsizing a school system -- a process known as consolidation -- is a wrenching experience for the communities involved, causing all kinds of political and emotional turmoil. Allegany County, Md., a scenic patchwork of Blue Ridge mountain farm towns in a corner of the state wedged between Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia, is a case in point.

Handicappers See State, Local Faces In A Gore Lineup

Should Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman make it to the White House, Gore would probably rely on congressional contacts to fill most of his cabinet slots, political analysts speculate. However, they say there are some state and local politicial leaders who could wind up in a Gore administration.

States Use Red Tape To Shrink Food Stamp Program

To determine how much in food stamps a family can receive, some states want to know what a child earns from a paper route or part-time job. A handful go so far as to demand information on the sale of personal items, including blood, from food stamp applicants. By using unnecessarily long applications and intrusive questions, states are preventing needy families from obtaining food assistance, a study released Monday by the national anti-hunger organization, America's Second Harvest, found.

States See Greater Post-Election Policy Role

Some of the nations leading governors say the states are in a strong position to shape public policy over the next two years following the virtual dead heat presidential and congressional Nov. 7 election results. "Someone is going to have to step up and say in a major way, weve got to address these problems. The public is not going to sit around for either two years or four years and wait for the next election," Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening (D), chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA), told Stateline.org.

On the Record: Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening

Its been a big year for Maryland Gov Parris Glendening. After scoring victories in establishing "smart codes" for old buildings and "smart gun" standards requiring built-in trigger locks, he accepted his fellow governors' nomination as chairman of their national organization, where he promised to fix the spotlight on his visions of "smart growth." Now, Glendening appears ready to lead the governors policy charge up Capitol Hill. He took a moment to talk to Stateline.org recently as he prepared to receive recognition as one of Governing magazines nine Public Officials of the Year.

Maryland State of the State Address 2001

ANAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 17 - Following is the text of Gov. Parris Glendening's 2001 State of the State Address: Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Cas Taylor; Members of the General Assembly; Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; Chief Judge Bob Bell; Attorney General Joe Curran; Treasurer Richard Dixon; Com

Glendening Calls for Federal Role In 'Smart Growth'

Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening wants the federal government to take a more active role in the burgeoning "smart growth" movement. Speaking before a packed house at the National Press Club in Washington, DC Thursday (2/1) Glendening said, "Smart Growth must be more than a nationwide movement in the states, it must become a national movement with the federal government as an active partner."

State Officials Meet on Election Reform

Hoping to head off congressional interference in elections, the nation's secretaries of state unveiled their own recommendations on election reform Monday (2/5), calling on Washington, D.C. to steer clear of state affairs and allow local officials to correct outdated and error-prone voting systems on their own. The only thing the secretaries want of the federal government is more financial help to do the job right so that states won't be forced to rely on the courts to resolve election standoffs.

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.

States Push Flexibility At Environmental Policy Forum

State and local leaders who hope to expand their influence over environmental policy and get more flexibility in meeting national standards for protecting the air, water, land and public health are receiving encouragement from key members of Congress and the Bush administration. At a Washington, DC policy summit Thursday (3/8), top administration officials promised that states would have more input from now on.

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

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.

Bush Leaves States Holding Environment Bag, Critics Say

President Bush's new budget gives states more responsibility to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, but state officials say it fails to give them much new cash to get the job done. State officials say theyd like more support from an administration that would scale back the federal regulatory role if Bush has his way.

Officials Doubt Election Holiday Would Have Impact

As Maryland nears approval of a universal statewide voting system, top election officials in two western states are skeptical of proposals to make presidential election day a national holiday. Los Angeles County registrar Conny McCormack who oversees the largest election district in the country said last week that experiments with weekend voting indicate a national day off will probably not bring more Americans to the polls or get more qualified workers at the polls. Her views were echoed by Oregon Secretary of State William Bradbury.

Realtors Poll Suggests Voters Prefer Local Growth Control

As Arizona Gov. Jane Dee Hull and Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening prepared to host a governors policy workshop on statewide anti-sprawl strategies in Phoenix at the end of last week, a new poll indicated a majority of voters may oppose greater state involvement in growth management decisions.

Florida Set To Adopt Election Reform Package

Florida lawmakers were poised to pass a sweeping election reform bill Friday (5/4) that they say will address nearly all of the voting ills revealed during last years presidential contest in the state. Senate and House negotiators combined a number of pieces of legislation into Senate Bill 1374. Related bills cruised to unanimous approval in committees and lop-sided victories in both houses. Fridays vote comes on the final day of the Sunshine States 60-day legislative session.

Texas, Others Tackle Managed Care Complaints Via Appeals, Not Lawsuits

President George W. Bush and members of Congress have been trading barbs on the right-to-sue provision in a federal patient's bill of rights. Will patients truly flood the courts if such a bill is enacted? State officials from California, Maryland and Texas say the answer is no.

Election Officials Report Mixed Success on Reform

Members of the National Association of State Election Directors, a reform-minded group long before last year's presidential election mess in Florida, met in Arkansas last weekend (July 14-15) to compare notes on the progress of election reform around the country -- and found there was little to cheer about.

State Guard Units Filling Expanded Mission

The National Guard is not a part-time service for "weekend warriors" anymore, but an integral part of U.S. military missions worldwide. Filling jobs ranging from chaplains to postal workers, pilots to infantry troops, state National Guard members are on duty in the United States and 48 other countries, augmenting the nation's active duty force or dealing with the latest natural disasters.

Tobacco Settlement Pits Health Advocates Against States

State lawmakers are spending tobacco settlement dollars wisely and health programs are raking in a hearty amount of the money, says a new analysis from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Legislatures have dedicated a full 46 percent of tobacco money for programs that aim to stop people from smoking and to shore up Medicaid, prescription drug programs for older Americans, children's health insurance plans and biomedical research. But if you look a little closer at the numbers, the percent of money being spent to stop smoking is measly and has dropped significantly from last year, anti-tobacco advocates say.

Election Reform Drive Brings Little Change

Most Americans returning to the polls next year will vote in exactly the same way they did in the heavily-scrutinized 2000 presidential election. Punch card machines will not lie in scrapheaps, chads will still be hanging and swinging and 1950s-era lever machines will still be the voting machines of choice in thousands of precincts.

Battleground States React to Terrorist Strikes

New York, Virginia and Maryland remained in a state of emergency Wednesday after terrorists, in what looms as the deadliest attack in U.S. history, rammed hijacked passenger jets into Manhattan's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In all three states, hundreds of National Guard units were mobilized or on standby to help with security , search and rescue efforts and the treatment of casualties.

On the Record: Maryland Health Secretary Georges Benjamin, M.D.

While federal officials disagree over the readiness of the nation's public health system to respond to a terrorist attack involving biological or chemical weapons, Maryland Health Secretary Georges C. Benjamin, a physician appointed by Gov. Parris N. Glendening two years ago to oversee the state's 10,000 public health employees, says the discussion is no longer theoretical: His department is already working to defend the public. Benjamin, the new president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, says states are in a better position to respond to an act of bioterrorism than they were even three weeks ago, but much more needs to be done.

Education Summit Attracts Govs, Business Leaders

Michigan Governor John Engler and IBMs Louis V. Gerstner opened the National Education Summit 2001 Tuesday against the backdrop of last months terrorist attacks on New York City. Engler and Gerstner cited the destruction of the World Trade Towers as an urgent new incentive to improve education.

Electricity Deregulation Deadline Nears In Some States

Undeterred by the California power crisis, four states will complete their own electricity deregulation efforts in 2002 as they seek to give customers a greater choice of providers and new industry players a better shot at making money.

State Health Experts Cite Budget Woes As Major Concern

Prescription drugs, tobacco prevention, rising health care costs and Medicaid are high priority areas for health officials across the country. But revenue shortfalls remain the over-arching concern, policymakers from five states said Sunday (11/18) at a forum in Seattle, Washington. The forum, sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures, featured health-related officials from Arizona, Connecticut, Maryland, Oregon and Washington State.

Maryland State of the State Address 2002

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 16 - Following is the full text of Gov. Parris Glendening's 2002 State of the State Address: Thank you. Thank you all very much. Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Cas Taylor; Members of the General Assembly; Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; Chief Judge Bob Bell; Attorne

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 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.

New 'Human Transporter' Getting Green Light

With a national lobbying effort clearing its path, a much-ballyhooed new "human transporter" called Segway is scooting through state legislatures, winning regulatory changes that allow it to be used on sidewalks and other pathways frequented by pedestrians.

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.

Pending Farm Bill Rekindles Regional Divisions

It seems like it's North versus South all over again. Lawmakers in some Midwestern and Southern states fear that an amendment to the 2002 farm bill now wending its way through the U.S. Congress will cripple farmers in their states dependent on federal crop subsidies. But smaller farm states, which tend to be in the North and Northeast, say this farm bill is more equitable than previous ones.

No Stampede For New Terrorism Laws

In contrast with the federal rush to expand police powers to go after suspected terrorists, most state legislatures are moving slowly on post-9/11 homeland protection measures as they seek to balance national security concerns with the preservation of civil liberties.

Alaska Tops in Federal Dollars, Census Says

The federal government spent about twice as much per capita in Alaska than in Nevada where per capita federal spending was less than $5,000 last year, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released April 23.

Illinois Death Penalty Ban Spurs Legislators Into Action

When Illinois Gov. George Ryan declared a moratorium on executions two years ago, death penalty opponents braced for what they hoped would be a string of state death bans. That didnt happen. But Ryans action has ignited a new debate over capital punishment in legislatures across the country

New Jersey E-ZPass System A Financial Debacle

New Jerseys electronic toll collection system may save motorists time, money and fuel, but lawmakers and transportation authorities are learning that the E-ZPass system will not pay for itself.

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

Women Could Win Big On Nov. 5

Voters in nine states will determine on Nov. 5 whether 2002 will live up to its billing as "the year of the woman governor."

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

Governors Races Break The Bank

This year's gubernatorial races were the costliest in history and defied conventional wisdom that mid-term elections are less expensive than elections in years the White House is at stake. Spending tallies wont be final for several more weeks but the 2002 campaign shattered many records for money spent and candidate self-financing.

Provisional Balloting Works Well in Initial Tests

Under the new federal election reform law, voters who claim to be registered but whose names are not on the rolls must be allowed to cast a provisional ballot starting in 2004. A handful of states implemented the new rule in the Nov. 5 election, and generally found that the system worked well.

States Budget Crunch Forcing Mid-Year Tuition Hikes

State budget crunches are forcing public universities across the country to take the rare step of hiking tuition midway through their academic years. Tuition hikes range from 4.6 percent at the University of Connecticut to 13 percent at Virginia Tech.

Maryland State of the State Address 2003

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 29 - Following is the full text of Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s State of the State Address: Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Mike Busch; Members of the General Assembly; Lt. Governor Steele; Chief Judge Bell; Judge Vaughan; Attorney General Joe Curran; Treasurer Nancy Kopp;

Maryland's New Governor Off to Bumpy Start

Maryland's first Republican governor in 36 years is getting a political baptism of fire as he seeks to implement his conservative agenda in the liberal-leaning Free State. So far in the current legislative session, Gov Robert Ehrlich's signature proposal to legalize slot machines is stalled in the General Assembly and his choice to head the Environment Department was rejected by the state Senate. Democrats control the legislature.

Legislation Touches the Lives of Undocumented Students

Dario is an undocumented student, and a recent veto by Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr. (R) threatens to derail his education plans.

Civics For A New Generation

Maryland Sen. Patrick J. Hogan (D- Montgomery County) gives a lesson in state government to a class of 26 Maryland high school students as part of a nationwide effort to get more young people involved in politics.

Maryland State of the State Address 2004

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 29 - Following is the full text of Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.'s (R) 2004 State of the State speech: President Miller; Speaker Busch; Lieutenant Governor Steele; members of the General Assembly; Chief Judge Bell; Attorney General Curran; Comptroller Schaefer; Treasurer Kopp; mem

Rx Cost-Cutting Puts Governors at Odds with Federal Government

Several governors are sparring with the federal government over their cutting-edge tactics to lower prescription drug costs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has branded efforts by Minnesota and other northern tier states to help their residents buy less expensive medicines from Canada illegal and unsafe. And in a separate case, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) is complaining about a bureaucratic delay of federal approval of a multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool.

Lawmaking on the Go: A Day in the Life of a Maryland Delegate

Delegate Melony Griffith is a woman who mixes politics, social work and motherhood. Its a blend that keeps her hopping as she juggles priorities. A Stateline.org reporter recently glimpsed a day in the life of this lawmaker that is fairly typical of the lives of the more than 7,300 men and women who serve in state legislatures.

News Media Facing Eviction from Maryland Statehouse

The Maryland Capitol press corps could lose its workspace in the historic Statehouse in Annapolis. Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), known for his potshots at newspapers, says the media move is part of a temporary plan to replace water pipes. But critics say its the governors payback for bad press.

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.

Public Colleges Face Rising Demand, Reduced Support

No one would mistake the two, office-park-like buildings that house the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., for the flagship campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. But John Arcilla, a 20-year-old accounting major, is confident the diploma he earns on the satellite campus will carry the same weight.

More Students Passing College-Prep Tests

New York, Maryland, Utah, Florida and California have the largest percentages of high school students succeeding in college-level Advanced Placement classes, according to a first-ever state-by-state survey from the nonprofit College Board.

Maryland State of the State Address 2005

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - - Following is the text of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s 2005 state of the state address: President Miller; Speaker Busch; Lieutenant Governor Steele; members of the General Assembly; Chief Judge Bell; Attorney General Curran; Comptroller Schaefer; Treasurer Kopp; members of our Congressional D

States Buying in Bulk to Stretch Rx Dollars

A growing number of states are using an age-old bargain shopping strategy buying in bulk to save money on prescription drugs. States are looking within and beyond their borders for ways to leverage the combined buying power of consumers, such as state employees, retirees and Medicaid patients, to negotiate better prices from drug makers.

Spread of LNG Terminals Sparks Debate

Because there are no road signs, you might easily miss the nation's largest liquid natural gas terminal, which is sheltered by 800 acres of woods and a freshwater marsh along the Chesapeake Bay. Its quiet location and the longstanding cooperation with environmentalists has largely protected it from the controversy facing proposals for similar projects in other states.

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.

Md. vote may pave way for 'Wal-Mart' bills

Round two in the battle over whether states should require large employers such as Wal-Mart to spend a certain amount on employee health benefits could get under way this week in Washington state. Workers' rights advocates, bolstered by enactment of a new Maryland law, plan to push similar measures in 30 other states this year.

Maryland State of the State Address 2006

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 26 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Robert Ehrlich's 2006 state of the state address: President Miller; Speaker Busch; Lieutenant Governor Steele; members of the General Assembly; Chief Judge Bell; Attorney General Curran; Comptroller Schaefer; Treasurer Kopp; members of our Congress

Governors' Hiring Under Fire

Governors in Kentucky, Maryland and Illinois are facing scrutiny for hiring practices that test the legal limits of the historic "spoils system" in state government -- rewarding jobs to partisan supporters. Political and legal experts say past governors of both parties have long used partisan patronage to reward allies and ensure loyalty among rank-and-file state workers, but this trio of governors may be under fire as much for their methods as their alleged abuses.

State DOTs Hope Drivers See Dots

Test programs in Maryland, Minnesota and Pennsylvania aim to curb tailgating by using road markers that alert motorists to distances between vehicles. The markers serve as a tangible reminder of commonly taught driving guidelines such as the "two-second rule," which urges drivers to stay at least two seconds behind the car ahead.

Maryland Politician Still Beloved and Bedeviling

As mayor of Baltimore, Maryland's William Donald Schaefer once donned a 19th century bathing suit to dive into the seal pond at the city's new aquarium. This year, the colorful former governor is in political hot water as he seeks a third term as state comptroller. Political leaders and minority-rights advocates charge the 84-year-old is out of step with the times and should quit the race.

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.

Nine States Hold Primaries Today

Voters in nine states participate in primaries today, with some of the most closely watched races for state office taking place in Arizona, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where gubernatorial and attorney general races will be decided.

Incumbent AG, Comptroller Lose in Primaries

Wisconsin's attorney general, Peg Lautenschlager, and Maryland's comptroller and former governor, William Donald Schaefer, were two big-name incumbents who were defeated Tuesday (Sept. 12) as nine states held primaries to decide candidates for the Nov. 7 election.

Three new govs look ahead to 2007

Three incoming governors have the bread-and-butter issues of schools, taxes and health care atop their agendas, but their state's role in making the United States more energy independent also ranks as a high priority. Stateline.org talks to the governors-elect of Colorado, Florida and Maryland about their legislative goals.

Sick Leave Tops State Labor Agendas

Now that a majority of states have boosted wages above the federal minimum, lawmakers in at least seven states want to guarantee workers paid sick days. Buoyed by overwhelming approval of a San Francisco ballot initiative that would allow workers at least nine sick days per year, lawmakers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine, Montana, Michigan and Maryland are expected to propose similar measures.

States Press Congress for S-CHIP Fix

At least six states - Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island - are projected to run out of federal money for the State Children's Health Insurance Program by May, and they're looking to Congress to fix the problem quickly. But they're also asking for a long-term solution so states won't have to ask Congress to retool S-CHIP's funding formulas every year.

Maryland State of the State Address 2007

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 31 Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2007 state of the state address: To my wife, Katie, and our children, to my mom, Barbara O'Malley, and to Joe Curran, one of the great public servants in our state's history, thank you for all your support. Mr. President, Mr. Speak

Power Prices Put Utilities in the Hot Seat

Spurred by skyrocketing power bills, lawmakers in at least six states are considering reining in electric utilities that were freed from regulation in the late 1990s.

Attacks on Homeless Spur New Laws

A nationwide surge in violence against homeless people has at least six states considering stiffer punishments by adding attacks on the homeless to state hate crime laws.

Govs Win Greater Flag Powers

(Updated 1:40 p.m. EDT, July 2)Governors now enjoy new authority to order the Stars and Stripes lowered on federal buildings - including the White House - under a law just approved by President George W. Bush.

Maryland Launches First Statewide Living Wage

As Americans celebrate Labor Day, the wealthiest state in the union prepares to take an unprecedented step to ensure workers paid with tax dollars earn a "living wage." But some say the law is largely symbolic.

Power Cos. Get Incentive to Save Kilowatts

Environmentalists have long touted conservation as the cheapest way to cut energy pollution, but power companies usually have little or no incentive to sell less electricity. This year, Idaho, Maryland and New York approved plans that allow utilities to preserve their expected profits while selling less electricity.

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.

States turn to seniors for help in classrooms

As baby boomers reach retirement age and begin to leave the ranks of public school teachers in droves, states are recruiting retirees from other professions to volunteer or start second careers as teachers.

Digital Billboards Get Green Light

LOS ANGELES - As the federal government gives the go-ahead for digital billboards, states consider their safety and visual impact. Industry advocates support the new technology, while critics say the signs distract drivers and "clutter" the landscape.

More states worry about revenues

The housing slump impacted revenue in 24 states this year and 18 say they are "concerned" about their revenue outlook, triple the number from last year, a new report released Dec. 10 shows.

Maryland State of the State Address 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Jan. 23 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site and listen to the address. Thank you. If you all would remain standing for just one second before I begin our talk here about the urgent business of

WORTH NOTING: Fat Folks Uninvited

A Mississippi legislator wants restaurants to stop serving obese customers. Rooster owners in Riverside, Calif., must muffle cock-a-doodle-doing during daytime hours. And Florida lawmakers want to tax strip-club goers and give the money to poor nursing home residents. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

Despite Objections, DNA Sampling Expands

The federal government and a growing number of states are dramatically expanding the pool of Americans from whom DNA samples can be collected for law-enforcement purposes, drawing sharp criticism from civil libertarians, minorities and others.

Commentary: Congress Encroaching on State Priorities

Far scarier than the economic downturn for states is the growing trend on the part of Congress to restrict state revenue and spending prerogatives and to replace them with congressional priorities, writes Raymond C. Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, in his latest commentary for Stateline.org. He cites provisions in two bills now making their way through Congress as important examples.

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.

Fairness of Death-Penalty Panels Questioned

Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views.

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

WORTH NOTING: Scout Takes a Hike from Maryland Mansion

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley evicts Scout, one of his family's dogs, from the governor's mansion. The Colorado Lottery turns to scratch-and-sniff to attract customers. And a Florida prisoner launches a bid for the state House. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

More Gambling on States' Ballots Nov. 4

The sour national economy is dramatizing Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's key reasons for pushing to legalize up to 15,000 slot machines. Maryland and five other states - Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri and Ohio - will vote on gambling-expansion proposals Nov. 4.

Economy Could Imperil State Readiness

Budget cuts could undermine the progress states have made to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent wildfires in California and outbreaks of Salmonella on tainted vegetables that sickened more than 1, 440 people in 43 states, says a new report released Dec. 9.