Stateline Stories

Connecticut Tops in Teacher Pay, Educators' Union Says

Teachers in Connecticut continue to earn more than their peers in other states, a survey by the American Federation of Teachers, a union that represents more than one million educators, shows. The average Connecticut teacher's salary during the 1997-1998 school year - the latest time period for which there are figures - was $51, 727. South Dakota had the lowest average teacher salary -- $27, 839. The national average teacher's salary was $39,347, the AFT said.

Alliance Forms Over Innovative School Reform

An innovative school reform experiment aimed at the lowest performing schools in Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco and St. Louis was launched in Washington yesterday. The Ford Foundation is providing a $500,000 grant to help support labor-management partnerships with local school personnel, parents and a host of education associations. The alliance is being formed at a time when the public is impatient with school reforms and some mayors have taken over failing schools, as recently occurred in Detroit.

Legislative Scorecard: Three States Still Budget-Less

Lawmakers in New York, Massachusetts and Wisconsin have yet to hammer out budgets for the new fiscal year, which has already begun in all three states. New York's budget is four months late, but that's become the norm in Albany. In Massachusetts, Democrats control both houses of the legislature and they still can't reach an agreement. In Wisconsin, lawmakers have left town on summer vacation and no one knows when they'll return. For more information, click on

Massachusetts, Wisconsin Vie For Dubious Fiscal Distinction

For all the shouting and self congratulation about the states' record budget surpluses, broad-based tax cuts and overflowing revenue streams, Massachusetts and Wisconsin are the unwilling finalists for an ignominious distinction: being last in the nation to pass a budget. In both cases, political skirmishing about how to spread surplus money around is a big reason for the fiscal tardiness.

New Jersey Learns From Other States On Electric Deregulation

On Aug. 1, New Jersey became one of a handful of states to begin implementing electric utility deregulation. Before opening their borders to competition, officials in the Garden State studied how California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island implemented deregulation, then sought to replicate successful policies and avoid those that bombed.

California Advances Gun Control, Two States Still Without Budgets

While lawmakers in Wisconsin and Massachusetts remain stalemated over the state budget, the California Legislature, in its second week back in session, has turned its attention to gun control -- again. Earlier this summer, the legislature completed work on two gun control measures, which Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat, has already signed.

New Federal Rules Force Action In Alaska, Wisconsin

New federal regulations that arrive with the onset of the fiscal year, Friday, October 1, forced decisions by lawmakers in Wisconsin and Alaska this week. In Alaska, lawmakers let a deadline imposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior pass, letting the federal government assume control of fisheries. In Wisconsin, where the Assembly and Senate are still divided over a budget for the state fiscal year that began July 1, Gov. Tommy Thompson prompted lawmakers to appropriate $46 million in welfare money.

Massachusetts Budget Near, Delaware Sets Special Session

Massachusetts lawmakers appear poised to approve a state budget after a three and one-half month long stalemate. Senate President Thomas Birmingham and House Speaker Thomas Finneran announced last Wednesday they finally agreed on a spending plan after months of deliberations that froze millions in new spending since July 1, the start of the 2000 fiscal year. And in Delaware, lawmakers are preparing for a special session on education.

Delaware, Tennessee Legislatures Called Into Special Session

Education and tax reform are the topics of legislative special sessions in Delaware and Tennessee. Delaware's Democratic Gov. Thomas Carper summoned lawmakers back to work to consider his controversial plan to raise the standards and accountability required of teachers in his state, while Tennessee's Republican Gov. Don Sundquist is pushing for action on a tax reform plan. Meanwhile, Massachusetts legislators remain mired in a budget stalemate.

Alabama, Tennessee In Special Session, Massachusetts Budget Okayed

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

States Take The Lead On Minimum Wage

The movement toward a higher minimum wage accelerated this year as four states voted to set wages above the federal floor of $5.15 an hour. Ten states and the District of Columbia now require employers to pay more than the federal minimum. As more states raise wage levels, they pressure Congress to act. While a federal increase is unlikely this year, analysts predict a minimum wage hike in 2000.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2000

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan. 20 - Following is the full text of Gov. Paul Cellucci's 2000 State of the State Address: Father Hanley, Lieutenant Governor Swift, Chief Justice Marshall, Speaker Finneran, President Birmingham, Congressman Meehan, Mayor Donoghue, my fellow constitutional officers, Republican leaders,

On the Record: Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci

When it comes to levying sales taxes on e-commerce, Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci, Colorado Gov. Bill Owens and Virginia Gov. James Gilmore have emerged as the gubernatorial Big Three opposed to the practice. Moments after testifying before the U.S. Senate Budget Committee on Internet Taxation this week (Wednesday), Cellucci talked to Stateline.org Senior Writer Blair S. Walker about why he believes the Internet needs to remain tax-free.

Massachusetts, Alaska Join States In Mandating Diabetes Coverage

Diabetics with insurance can now count on having their health plans cover the disease in 40 states. Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci Thursday (5/4) and Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles last month signed bills that require health insurers to provide coverage for diabetes.

Massachusetts Leads Revolt Against Graduation Tests

The state that gave us the Boston Tea Party is again on the leading edge of a growing national rebellion. This time, high school graduation exams are the enemy and the rabble-rousers are Massachusetts teenagers. On Monday hundreds of them skipped out on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) test and traveled to the state capital to hold a MCAS protest rally.

States Increasingly Unprepared For Recession, Study Warns

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

Forest of Ballot Initiatives Being Readied For November

Across the United States, ballot initiatives--proposed laws submitted to a vote of the people -- are an increasingly popular method of public policy making. In November, between 60 and 70 initiatives covering everything from video poker to gay rights are expected to appear on the ballots of the 24 states that currently allow for these measures. The initiative process was conceived as a way to give voters more say on public policy, but some analysts like Washington Post political writer David Broder say it has become a tool of big-moneyed special interests.

Schools Welcome Lawmakers

Students in Massachusetts, where the state house sits on Beacon Hill, played "Who Wants to be a Beacon Hillionaire," with state Senator Richard T. Moore, on Friday (9/15). If they answered all 15 multiple-choice questions correctly and didn't use more than three lifelines, they graduated from Intern level to Governor of Massachusetts.

Health Of Nation Measured In Report Card

A national report card on health places New Hampshire at the top of the list of states that have healthy residents with decent access to healthcare. Mississippi ranked 50th in the study sponsored by the United Health Group of Minneapolis. Minnesota, Utah and Massachusetts also ranked high among states for all round good health and longevity. Louisiana, South Carolina and West Virginia joined Mississippi at the bottom of the list.

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.

Study Grades States On Higher Education

Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, Kansas and Massachusetts get the highest grades in a new state-by-state report card that measures performance in higher education. According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, these six states do the best job of preparing students for post-high school education, providing academic opportunities, making them affordable, attaining a high graduation rate and reaping the benefits of an educated workforce. The lowest grades in the report entitled Measuring Up 2000 went to Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and West Virginia.

RX Costs To Top State Agendas In 2001, Experts Say

Access to prescription drugs will be the number one issue before state legislatures in 2001, according to participants at the fourth annual National Health Policy Conference. The conference, which took place in Charlotte, N.C. last weekend, brought together nearly 400 lawmakers, lobbyists, legislative staffers and health policy officials from more than 40 states to discuss the prescription drug cost crisis and other health issues such as maintaining rural hospitals, dealing with nursing shortages and developing policies governing the use of genetic technology.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2001

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan. 17 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul Cellucci's 2001 State of the Commonwealth Address: Lieutenant Governor Swift, Chief Justice Marshall, Speaker Finneran, President Birmingham, Congressman McGovern, Mayor Mariano, City Manager Hoover, my fellow constitutional officers, Republican l

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.

Massachusetts Attorney General Urges New Approach to Gun Safety

Attorney General Tom Reilly is urging colleagues around the country to join him in using state consumer protection laws to help regulate the gun industry. In a joint news conference Tuesday with the Washington, D.C.-based Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, Reilly noted the success his office has had in using state laws to impose safety standards on gun manufacturers. He called on other states to use the same approach to prevent deaths associated with gun violence since federal consumer safety regulations are not applied to guns.

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.

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.

'You've Come a Long Way'

This has been a record year for women politicians. Five of the nation's governors are women, the highest percentage in American history and at least 23 female gubernatorial hopefuls are eyeing the 37 gubernatorial seats up for grabs in November 2002. In a number of states, for the first time, female Republicans and Democrats could be squaring off against each other in a bid for executive office.

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.

Seven States To Compete for Innovation Awards

Seven state-run programs in areas such as education, public safety, and the environment are among 15 policy initiatives competing for five $100,000 awards for being the most innovative programs in American government. The awards are given annually by the Institute for Government Innovation at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government in conjunction with the Council for Excellence in Government. The 15 finalists were chosen from 1,300 applicants, and each will receive a $20,000 grant.

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.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2002

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Jane Swift's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President. Mr. Speaker. Minority Leaders. Distinguished Members of the Legislature and the Supreme Judicial Court. Constitutional Officers and Mayors of the Commonwealth. Fellow Citizens of Massachusetts

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.

Disabled Lawmakers Overcome Barriers

At a recent GOP convention near Elbow Lake, Minn., candidates were allowed to speak until the conventions sergeant stood up to signal five minutes were up. Minnesota Rep. Torrey Westrom, who is blind, says, I went on, and looked over toward him, and said, Im going to keep talking until I see you standing up.

Census Bureau Reports on States Tax Burden

If you live in one of these five states -- Connecticut, Hawaii, Delaware, Minnesota and Massachusetts you can boast, or complain, that you shoulder the heaviest tax burden in the nation.

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.

Crime Solving Tool Stymied By Lab Backlogs

DNA testing is a powerful new crime-solving tool. But in many states, lack of funding is keeping police and prosecutors from using it as effectively as possible.

New Jersey First In School Spending

When it comes to per pupil school spending, New Jersey is at the head of the class. The Garden State spent $10,283 per student in 2000, outdoing second-ranked New York by $244, according to a new Census Bureau report on public education.

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.

Govs' Gaffes Sometimes Overshadow Policies

When Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, recently told a group of high school girls its about time a woman became governor of the Sunshine State, he apparently forgot about Janet Reno, a leading contender for the Florida Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Its not the first time a governor has put a proverbial foot in his or her mouth. And it wont be the last.

State Lawmakers Urged to Stress Civics

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

States Help Smokers Quit By Telephone

What do South Dakota and 32 other states have in common? The answer is surprisingly successful telephone hotlines that help smokers kick the habit.

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

States Go After Wall Street

States are following New York's lead and pursuing Wall Street firms whose analysts have publicly touted stocks that they dont really consider good buys in the hopes of helping their companies win more investment-banking business.

Same-Sex Couples Seek Marriage Rights

The battle over legal benefits for same-sex relationships will be fought in at least seven state legislatures next spring with supporters and foes of recognizing gay relationships planning to introduce opposing legislation.

Massachusetts Address to the State 2003

Gov Mitt Romney (R) said Jan. 29 he would aim to close a $650 million budget gap by cutting state aid to cities and towns, consolidating state programs and laying off state workers.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2003

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Feb. 25 - Following is the full text of Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's State of the State Address: President Travaglini, Speaker Finneran, Senator Lees, Representative Jones, members of the Legislature, honored guests and fellow citizens. Tonight, we know we face challenging times, but th

Massachusetts' High Court to Rule On Same-Sex Marriage

Massachusetts' highest court this week took on the controversial question of whether the state should become first in the nation to give same-sex couples the full rights and legal status of marriage.

Alaska, Massachusetts Governors Sell Budgets with Advertising

Looking to win popular support for their budget programs this spring, GOP governors in Alaska and Massachusetts bypassed journalists and went directly to citizens through unprecedented paid advertisements in newspaper and on radio and television.

Massachusetts High Court Weighs Gay Marriage Ruling

National attention is focused on Massachusetts highest state court, which is expected to render a decision any day now that will decide whether the state will become the first to allow gay and lesbian couples to legally wed.

Publisher Ranks Massachusetts Smartest State

Massachusetts gets an A for its schools, grabbing the No. 1 spot as the nations smartest state, but New Mexico ranks dead last, a publishing company said in a new report.

Gay-Marriage Ruling Puts Lawmakers on the Spot

The Massachusetts Legislature has 180 days to decide how to make state law conform with a Supreme Judicial Court ruling that it is unconstitutional to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. A lawyer for seven gay couples who brought the court action that prompted Tuesdays ruling said lawmakers have no alternative to legalizing gay marriage other than amending the states constitution, which takes at least two years.

Massachusetts Ruling Stirs Gay-Union Backlash

Ohio is expected to lead a state government backlash against gay marriages by adopting a law forbidding its agencies to grant marriage-like benefits to same-sex couples. Supporters predict the ground-breaking prohibition will win easy final passage in the Ohio legislature as early as this month.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2004

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan. 15 - Following is the full text of Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's (R) 2004 State of the State address: President Travaglini, Speaker Finneran, Lieutenant Governor Healey, Secretary of State Galvin, Attorney General Reilly, Treasurer Cahill, Auditor DeNucci, Minority Leader

Massachusetts One Step Closer to Gay-Marriage Ban

Massachusetts lawmakers Monday approved a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage but legalize civil unions. By including the latter provision, lawmakers hoped to please citizens eager to define marriage as a union between man and woman in the wake of a pro-gay marriage state high court ruling and at the same time provide some of the benefits and rights sought by same sex couples.

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.

Drivers' Licenses Now a Tool for Homeland Security

Massachusetts and Colorado are ahead of other states in making their drivers licenses more secure since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Officials hope that state innovations in issuing drivers' licenses will serve as models as a new federal intelligence bill, signed Dec. 17 by President Bush, for the first time involves the federal government in setting nationwide standards for state-issued drivers documents.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2005

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitt Romney's (R) 2005 State of the Commonwealth address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Court and distinguished guests: Thank you for the role you play in a mission we all share making our Commonwealth strong. Tha

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.

States Team Up on Environment

Much has been made lately of states surpassing the federal government in fighting pollution and protecting the environment. But the announcement of an agreement by seven Northeastern states to curb power plant emissions demonstrates another, mounting trend in state policy: regional agreements to take on environmental issues.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2006

BOSTON, Mass Jan. 18 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitt Romney's 2006 State of the Commonwealth address: President Travaglini, Speaker DiMasi, members of the General Court, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: It's an honor to address you this evening. I also want to recognize my partner an

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.

Report: 9 states May Lose Under Bush Plan

Nine states would receive less money from Washington, D.C., if Congress adopts President Bush's 2007 budget proposal, while most others would see modest increases, suggests a new analysis by Federal Funds Information for States, a subscription service for state officials.

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.

Can Massachusetts Health Plan Work Elsewhere?

Massachusetts' new push to ensure that every resident has health insurance is gaining national attention, but its plan hinges on unique circumstances in the state. That hasn't stopped lawmakers from Rhode Island, California, Louisiana and Maryland from considering using parts of the Massachusetts approach back home.

Once, Twice, Three Times a Gov?

Among the fresh faces running in the nation's 36 gubernatorial races this year are three who have seen it all before - because they used to be governors. Former Govs. Tony Knowles (D) of Alaska, Don Siegelman (D) of Alabama and William Weld (R) of Massachusetts are seeking second shots at their old jobs. Since 1977, 16 of 45 former state chief executives who have attempted gubernatorial comebacks have regained their seats.

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.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2007

BOSTON, Jan. 4 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Deval L. Patrick's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. President and Members of the Senate; Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives; Lieutenant Governor and Members of the Governor's Council and the Cabinet; Madame Chief Justi

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.

Govs set innovative agendas

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) wants to recruit 1000 volunteers to work on community projects across the Bay State. His proposal is among a long list of new initiatives unveiled by governors in announcing their agendas for 2007.

Stumbles Aside, States Press to Cover All

More than a dozen states are entertaining the idea of making health insurance available to all kids or all residents, but the same problems that stymied such ambitious proposals for years again are tempering expectations.

Some Rookie Governors Fumble

From Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) indulging in $12,000 drapes for his office to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) enraging labor supporters with his first veto, some of this year's freshmen governors have gotten off to a wobbly start.

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.

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.

States Wax Fluorescent

What's the latest bright idea to save energy? Lawmakers in at least seven states want to ban ordinary light bulbs in favor of longer-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Govs Start to Back 2008 Candidates

Eleven governors have made endorsements in the 2008 presidential race so far, and the leading beneficiaries of early skirmishing for support from state leaders are Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton and Republican hopeful John McCain.

Govs' Speeches Send Grads on Their Way

Like any graduating class, the crop of governors giving commencement addresses in 2007 had its own standouts.

Getting U.S. regions past sleepwalking

BOSTON - Far too many of America's metro regions have been sleepwalking into the 21st century, only mistily aware of how severely global economic competition and climate change may hit them. Or if aware, so splintered politically they're dangerously slow to respond.

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.

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.

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.

For Universal Health Care, Two States Push Big Plans

Massachusetts and California are trying to move forward with major health insurance expansion efforts that will be closely watched around the country.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2008

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 24 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2008 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Lieutenant Governor and Constitutional Officers, Madame President, Mr. Speaker and all of the Members of the Legislature, Chief J

Worth Noting: 'Taxasaurus' Sighted in Colorado

A gecko-like creature with a governor's head is spotted near Denver. A kidney transplant violates ethics laws in Alaska. And D.C.'s mayor gets snubbed again by those with statehood status. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

WORTH NOTING: Cream Pie on Gov's 4th of July

Vermont's governor unexpectedly gets pie in the eye. Ohio State University, a runner-up in football and basketball, earns a dubious top ranking in something else. And the National Football League raids the Pennsylvania State Police for talent. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Voters Could Relax Marijuana Penalties

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues Ballot questions next month will give voters in California, Massachusetts and Michigan a chance to revisit their states' policies on marijuana. If approved, the measures are likely to exacerbate tensions between states and the federal government over the drug.

WORTH NOTING: Epic battle rages in Mass. House

A Massachusetts proposal to name "Moby Dick" the state's official book nearly sinks. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) says a football movie plays fast and loose with facts. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) gets an unexpected phone call. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Massachusetts Leads in `New Economy'

Massachusetts once again leads all other states in moving its economy away from the old industrial "smokestack-chasing" model to one based on technology, creativity and innovation, a new report released Nov. 18 said.

Shifting Economy Keeps States Guessing

A month from the start of many legislative sessions, state leaders still don't know how much money they will have to cut from budgets.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2009

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Madame President, Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House and Senate, Honorable Members of the Judiciary, Lieute

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

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

States Cope With Rising Homelessness

As many as 3.4 million Americans are likely to experience homelessness this year - a 35 percent increase since the recession started in December 2007 - and a majority will be families with children. The economic stimulus package includes $1.5 billion to address the problem, but officials say it's not enough to cover the cost of housing for millions of families in crisis.

Tracking the Recession: Stimulus Police Funds Catch Legislators Off Guard

The influx of more than $4 billion in stimulus funding for state and local law enforcement initiatives has raised concerns among some state lawmakers who want a say in how the money is allocated and worry about what will happen when it runs out.

Furloughs Cut Into State Services

With states facing a $121 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year, a growing number of them have turned to squeezing their workforce for savings, and effects both great and small will be felt.

Tracking the Recession: Stimulus Helps Revive Summer Youth Jobs programs

With many low-wage jobs snatched up by college graduates, senior citizens and laid-off workers of all ages, young job seekers have a less-than-30-percent chance of finding work this summer. But thanks to $1.2 billion in federal stimulus funds, states are revitalizing summer job programs to give disadvantaged youths a shot at finding a career.

Budget Cuts Drive DMV Changes

Drivers going to the department of motor vehicles will likely face longer lines and higher service fees in several states as recession-ravaged budgets force the shutdown of branch offices, a reduced work force and the need to raise revenue.

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.