Stateline Stories

Legislatures In Nebraska, Oklahoma, Illinois and Tennessee Close Shop

Nebraska lawmakers recently ended their 1999 session, but not before Gov. Mike Johanns vetoed a bill that would have imposed a two-year moratorium on capital punishment. Oklahoma, Illinois and Tennessee were also scheduled to shut down their legislative sessions by week's end, bringing the tally of statehouse adjournments to 31. To read on, click here.

Indian Gaming Revenues Spark New Sovereignty Fight

Native American tribes and state governments are fighting over back casino payments in New Mexico. Kansas Gov. Bill Graves is going to court to keep two Oklahoma tribes from opening casinos in his state. California's Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional last fall's Proposition 5, which allowed Indian gambling. These are just a few of the flashpoints in an increasingly bitter dispute over burgeoning revenues from Indian casinos. For more information, click on

Illinois, Nebraska Study Death Penalty As Others Quicken Use

In the face of evidence that some death-row inmates have been wrongly convicted, Illinois and Nebraska have placed informal moratoriums on capital punishment while reviews of the process are being conducted. But they are at odds with a national trend to speed up executions. Foes of the death penalty say accelerating the legal process only increases the risk of executing innocent people who have had poor representation.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2000

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 12 - Following is the full text of Gov. Mike Johanns' 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, friends, and fellow Nebraskans: One year ago, I came before you to present my first State of the State Address. I shared w

States In South, West Big Winners In 2000 Census

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

Nebraska State of the State Address 2001

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 11 - Following is the full text of Gov. Mike Johann's 2001 State of the State address. Lieutenant Governor Maurstad, Speaker Kristensen, Members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, friends, and fellow Nebraskans: I am pleased to report that the state of our State is strong. O

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.

Tracking Election Reform: NAACP To Issue Report Cards

Civil rights leaders impatient with the pace and scope of election reform legislation in state capitals and in Washington have announced they will begin issuing "report cards" to hold officials accountable. NAACP Chairman Julian Bond announced the campaign Monday (7/9) at the organizations annual convention in New Orleans. "It will help you hold accountability sessions with your governor, legislators and other elected officials to find out what they have done to guarantee every vote is counted in the future," Bond said. "And in the fall, were going to issue a report card on their progress. Well see who gets As and who gets Fs."

Nine Million Kids Still Uninsured

Illinois resident Kendall Watters was eight years old when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His family didn't have insurance, so his mother Nora did what any Mom would do. She desperately tried to find someone, anyone who could help her son. Thanks to a federal-state healthcare program that most parents don't even know about, Kendall finally got the care he needed. Today he's a healthy 11-year-old who loves to dance.

America Under Fire: Nebraska Gov Mike Johanns

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. From time to time, Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on the state role in Americas war with terrorism. In this installment, Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns talks about appointing a security task force to help prepare the state for emergencies.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2002

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Mike Johanns' 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, friends, and fellow Nebraskans: Much has changed since I delivered my last state of the state address. A year

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

Online Tax Filing An Option In Many States

For millions of Americans, the April 15 deadline for filing tax returns used to mean a last minute rush to the post office. Now, for many taxpayers, it increasingly means logging on to a PC, surfing to a tax preparation Web site and hitting the send button.

Ventura, Other Govs Sing Red Ink Blues

Gov. Jesse Ventura, Minnesotas outspoken chief executive, is feuding with the legislature over his decision to close the governors mansion as a cost-cutting move. But even governors with more sympathetic legislatures are enduring cuts in office salaries and travel expenses in the face of budget crunches.

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.

Labor Helps Patakis Re-election Battle

Youd think New York Gov. George Pataki was a Democrat the way hes been bagging labor endorsements this year. Not since Nelson Rockefeller nearly four decades ago has a Republican enjoyed so much labor support in a New York governors race.

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.

Death Penalty Rulings Raise Issues For Lawmakers

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

Growing Parolee Numbers Stress State Resources

Federal and state laws that got tough on crime in the 1980s and filled the nations prisons are now producing an uneasy dividend for crime-conscious communities a floodtide of convicted felons who must be reintegrated into society. State parole officers, already burdened with more than 1.4 million active parolees nationwide, are largely overwhelmed

Nursery Program Aids Jailed Moms in Four States

A small but growing number of states are using a new tool to keep women prison inmates from committing more crimes motherhood. In Ohio, Nebraska, New York and Washington, some women who give birth behind bars are allowed to keep their babies instead of giving up the child to a foster agency or a relative, as other states require. The programs appear to be helping women clean up their lives, although officials havent conducted major recidivism studies yet.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

Nebraska State of the State Address 2003

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 15 - Following is the test of Gov. Mike Johanns' 2003 State of the State Address: Our State Constitution requires that the Governor address the Legislature and present a budget recommendation early in the legislative session. This morning, I come before you to fulfill that obligation and, i

States Struggle with Death-Penalty Process

Nine months have passed since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that only juries - not judges- can decide whether somebody deserves to be executed. Lawmakers in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Nebraska, all of which reserved the decision to judges alone, wasted no time passing legislation that brought their sentencing process into line with the ruling. But the fate of nearly 150 inmates on death row in these five states is still uncertain.

Nebraska Helps Victims of Abuse Hide from Attackers

Open records laws in most states make it difficult for victims of domestic abuse and stalking to hide from potential attackers. But lawmakers in Nebraska and 12 other states have made it possible for victims to keep their mailing address secret.

States Eye Possible Changes to No Child Left Behind

State lawmakers will ask Congress to give states more flexibility in meeting the Bush administrations sweeping No Child Left Behind education law, but the White House has made it plain theyll have to wait at least until after the 2004 elections.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2004

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Mike Johanns' 2004 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Chairmen of the Omaha, Winnebago and Ponca Tribes, Distinguished Guests, friends and fellow Nebraskans: Five years ago I stood before you as your newl

Western Governors University Improves Its Grade

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

Governors' Inaugurations Take on Frugal Airs

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

Nebraska State of the State Address 2005

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 26 - Following is the text of Gov. Dave Heineman's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: Thank you for the opportunity to address this body under these uniq

States Ask Hospitals to Come Clean

Faced with a modern-day medical challenge, states increasingly are taking steps to track the number of patients who acquire serious infections while hospitalized. Eight states -- including four with new laws this year -- now require hospitals to tally their infection rates, amid indications that the cost of these medical complications -- in both dollars and lives -- is mounting.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2006

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am pleased today to join this 99th Legislature at the beginning of a unique session. This may be the last time that any Governor will look upon this body and see a group of people with so

Rising revenues spur tax cuts, spending

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

Mumps outbreak tests pandemic plans

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

States failing to secure personal data

A recent rash of stolen government laptops, hacked computer databases and misplaced files has highlighted the difficulty public agencies have protecting personal data from falling into the hands of identity thieves and other criminals.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2007

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2007 state of the state address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the 100th Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: This is a year of new beginnings. In the days and weeks ahead,

Nebraska Legislator Fights Death Penalty to the End

State Sen. Ernie Chambers, who has tried to eliminate capital punishment in Nebraska for 31 years, finally might see his efforts pay off - though not in the way he originally planned, and with time running out in his public career.

Lobbyists Targeting State Attorneys General

Lobbyists across the country are descending in greater numbers on state attorneys general, seeking to influence the investigations they pursue and the outside help they hire.

Neb. senator files the ultimate lawsuit

"God" rejects a lawsuit filed against him by a Nebraska state senator. Washington state shakes down lobbyists for back rent at the Statehouse. And crack dealers in Tennessee no longer have to pay taxes on their sales. In case you missed any of those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

States test pandemic plans with free flu shots

As flu season nears, some states are offering free immunization programs that double as tests of their emergency response plans for a flu pandemic or bioterrorism attack. Arkansas last month conducted the largest vaccination drive in the country, delivering more than 100,000 shots across the state in a three-day emergency response drill.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2008

LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2008 state of the state address. Click here to access the governor's Web page and view the address Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am pleased t

Immigration Roils States

States took the lead on immigration reform in 2006 enacting a record 78 immigration-control laws in 33 states. Immigration will continue to dominate state politics this year even as a new Democratically-controlled Congress considers taking up the issue.

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.

Three States Reconsider Affirmative Action

At a time when voters could elect the country's first African-American president, three states also will decide in November whether to end affirmative action programs that supporters say help historically oppressed minority groups, but that critics say cause reverse discrimination against whites and sometimes Asians.

Nebraska Enacts Unique Safe Haven Law

Nebraska this year became the last state in the nation to pass a "safe haven" law designed to protect unwanted infants by allowing parents to legally surrender them at a hospital. But the law has an unusual twist.

Delegates Speak: Nebraska on Health Insurance

Nebraska delegateLogan Dobbs Aug. 29, 2008, 2:30 p.m. EDTQ. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? For people my age, if we can't get (health insurance) from our parents, we're pretty much out of luck. I'm active. I work out. I play basketball. If I injure myself I can't afford to pay to get myself fixed. -Nebraska delegate Logan Dobbs, 22, Hastings College, senior, interviewed by Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.orgComments

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.

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

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

Nebraska State of the State Address 2009

LINCOLN, Neb. - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Ne

Midwest Vies For Stimulus Aid For Fast Rail

The race is on for states that want to build high-speed rail routes to whisk passengers hundreds of miles from city to city without the hassle of flying. Midwestern states hope federal stimulus funds will help them build a 3,000-mile network for trains that can reach up to 110 mph.

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

The recession is taking a dramatic toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state government spending: prisons. A new survey says corrections budgets are down in at least 26 states, with prison officials laying off workers or reducing their pay, eliminating vocational and other programs for inmates and granting some prisoners early release.

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.

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

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

State Officials Weigh in on Health Care

TODAY'S TAKE: The deeply partisan debate over health care legislation working its way through Congress is breaking down along similar lines in the states, which will be tasked with carrying out much of the plan.

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

TODAY'S TAKE: The Republican attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Washington State are threatening to challenge as unconstitutional a provision written into the U.S. Senate's national health care bill that cuts a special deal for Nebraska.

Lawmakers Set to Return for 'Brutal' Sessions

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in 13 states return this week for legislative sessions that will be dominated by austere budgets and major elections in November.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2010

LINCOLN, Neb. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: As we enter a new decade, we have a unique opportunity to pause - to r

Summary of Nebraska State of the State Address

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R) proposed growing his state's economy, making over public education and further streamlining state government in his state of the state address Jan. 14, just two months after he and the Legislature budget-cut their way out of a $335 million deficit.

Health Care Wrangling Could Delay State Aid

TODAY'S TAKE: Federal health care reform has been a divisive issue for states, but for some governors seeking immediate budget relief from Capitol Hill, the wrangling over the legislation is causing uncertainty.

Why State Debates Don't Last Forever

If the United States Senate followed the rules of the New Jersey General Assembly, it wouldn't take 60 votes for Democrats to overcome a Republican filibuster. It would take 75, or three-quarters of the chamber, one of the highest such thresholds of any legislative body in the nation. So why don't filibusters grind business to a halt in New Jersey as they do in the U.S. Senate?

Nebraska Set to Extend Bars' Closing Time

TODAY'S TAKE: Under a bill awaiting the governor's signature, Nebraska is set to join most other states by allowing bars to stay open until 2 a.m., an hour later than is now the case. Only a small number of states, including Delaware, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Utah, retain a 1 a.m. closing time. Nevada, on the other hand, allows its residents to drink whenever they want.

Abortion Returns to Center Stage

TODAY'S TAKE: The Florida Senate on Thursday (April 29) put the state budget, a property-insurance overhaul, an energy bill and other end-of-session legislation on hold while it debated imposing tough new abortion rules. If approved, the bill would become at least the third state measure in recent weeks to impose strict new regulations on women who seek abortions. Nebraska and Oklahoma passed abortion-related laws earlier this month.

Last-Minute Gubernatorial Candidates Enter Races in Nebraska, Colorado

TODAY'S TAKE: The Nebraska Democrat is limited to 100 days of campaigning for the governor's seat. The conservative Colorado candidate joins a race that still has two Republicans vying for a primary victory.

Did Race to the Top Help or Hurt the Push for a Common Curriculum?

States were working on a common set of education standards before the Obama administration decided to make adoption of them part of Race to the Top. The prospect of winning federal money motivated some states to pass the standards, but the administration's blessing may have turned others away.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2011

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am honored and pleased to have the opportunity to continue as the

After Giffords Shooting, No Slowdown for Gun Rights

The shooting of a U.S. representative and 18 others in Arizona has done little to slow the momentum of pro-gun legislation in statehouses. If anything, gun-rights supporters face better odds this year due to Republican electoral gains.

Minnesota Senate Votes to Shrink State Government

MANAGEMENT BEAT: There may be 15 percent fewer workers in Minnesota state government … California Governor Jerry Brown weighs in with a pension overhaul plan … Nebraska looks to compromise on collective bargaining, and other government management news.

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

Heineman Chosen to Lead Governors' Association

TODAY'S TAKE: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman was named chairman of the National Governors Association on Sunday (July 17), becoming the state's first chief executive in six decades to lead the influential group.

Is Nebraska's Cash Balance Pension a Model?

Nebraska uses an unusual hybrid pension plan that blends the traditional fixed-benefit approach with something resembling a 401(k). Looking to save money, several states are considering copying it.

States Retool Food Stamp, Benefits Systems

A number of states used to make food stamp recipients pass a fingerprint test. Now all but one has stopped, to save on staff time and ease the burden on the clients.

Special Sessions: A Calculated Risk

The legislative year ended for most states during the summer, but special sessions are bringing many lawmakers back to their capitals. The success of such sessions can depend on the behind-the-scenes deal-making that precedes them.

In Nebraska, a Pipeline Reprieve and Some Lessons Learned

Many lawmakers in Nebraska don't want oil flowing past the state's scenic Sand Hills. They've persuaded the federal government and the company behind the pipeline to reconsider the proposed route.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2012

LINCOLN, Nebraska - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Tribal Chairmen, Distinguished Guests, Friends and Fellow Nebraskans: I am pleased to be here at the beginning of th

Obama Decision Denies Keystone XL Permit

TODAY'S TAKE: A controversial oil pipeline project is put on hold as its route through Nebraska remains a subject of fierce debate.

Nebraska's Heineman Pitches a Broad Tax Cut Package

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman thinks cutting taxes will make his state more business friendly, but critics are concerned that Nebraska and its local governments need the revenue.

State Courts Replacing Paper with Electronic Record-Keeping

State courts have been slow to computerize, but they are gradually replacing stacks of paper with electronic documents.

For Some States, Medicaid Expansion May Be a Tough Fiscal Call

GOP governors appear poised to leave federal dollars on the table.

Michigan Lawmakers Mandate Pledge of Allegiance in Schools

The Michigan Senate on Thursday passed legislation requiring public schools to display a U.S. flag in every classroom and to give students an opportunity each day to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

States Still Resisting National Sex Offender Law

A 2006 federal law calls on states to create a national sex offender registry. But most have not complied, and some have stopped trying.

Nebraska State of the State Address 2013

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Jan. 15 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dave Heineman's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

GOP Lawmakers Look to Abolish Income Taxes

Republican lawmakers in several states are taking aim at something no state has done in more than three decades: eliminate income taxes.

Nebraska Governor Approves Keystone XL Re-route

The controversial Keystone XL pipeline expansion, which would ferry Canadian tar sands oil 1,700 miles to refineries in Texas, is one step closer to becoming a reality.

As Legislatures Become More Partisan, Nebraska Holds Out

LINCOLN, Nebraska — Both in law and in practice, Nebraska has the least partisan legislature in the country. To supporters, that makes it a national model. To the state’s dominant Republican Party, however, that sometimes makes it a political obstacle.

State Lawmakers Push Crackdown on Cancer-Causing Radon

Legislation filed in Iowa and Nebraska, and a proposal taking shape in Utah aim to reduce people’s exposure to radon, which kills about 21,000 people each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Diving Deeper: Nebraska Governor’s Thinking on Tax Cuts, Medicaid

Few governors are in as enviable a position as Nebraska’s Dave Heineman. The Republican has one of the highest approval rates of any governor in the country, and his state has one of the lowest unemployment rates.

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

States Seek Legal Limits on Domestic Drones

Lawmakers in nearly half the states are working to set legal limits on the use of drones, before they become a key part of domestic policing.

In Drought Ravaged Plains, Efforts to Save a Vital Aquifer

The Ogallala Aquifer, which feeds some of the world’s most productive croplands, is running dry.

There’s an App for That State Service

States are increasingly turning to mobile applications to provide information and services to citizens.

States Buffeted by Turbulent Wind Industry

During a turbulent time for the wind industry, Iowa, already a leader in wind energy, is getting a nearly $2 billion boost, while other states consider new incentives. Across the U.S., however, the market remains volatile.