Stateline Stories

States Face Up To Realities Of Police Racial Profiling

As four men, three black and one Latino, made their way down the New Jersey Turnpike toward a North Carolina university where they were planning on trying out for the basketball team in April 1998, they had no way of knowing that three of them would end up at a hospital with police inflicted bullet wounds before they reached the state line. Their attorneys, bolstered by an outraged public, argue that the young men were stopped because they were minorities - a practice known as racial profiling. Read this stateline.org report to learn what states are doing to battle this practice.

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.

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

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.

State Voters Face Range of Critical Issues Tuesday

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

New Jersey State of the State Address 2000

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 11 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Christine Todd Whitman's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, distinguished members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jerseyans: Let me begin with a word of thanks to some special

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.

New Jersey Tops In Education Spending Per Student

New Jersey led states in the amount of money spent per student on elementary and secondary education for 1997, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In a report entitled The 1997 Census of Governments, Public Education Finances, the Garden State beat out New York, Alaska and Connecticut. States that ranked lowest in public grade and high school spending per student were Idaho, South Dakota, Arizona, Mississippi and Utah.

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.

New Faces Replace Washington-Bound Governors

Aficionados of state politics, think quickly: Who are Rick Perry, Donald DiFrancesco and Scott McCallum? The question may sound like a quiz show stumper, but soon the answer may not be so trivial. They either are, or are in line to be, the nations newest state chief executives from Texas, New Jersey and Wisconsin, respectively.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2001

TRENTON, New Jersey - - Following is the tect of Gov. Christine Todd Whitman's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, distinguished members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jerseyans: As you know, this may be the last time I report to you on the state of

State Policymakers Chart Untested Waters Around RU-486

Abortion has long been a bitterly divisive political topic in the United States, and debate on the issue promises to intensify this year as state lawmakers confront the latest element in the philosophical and moral divide: a drug that ends an unwanted pregnancy. Known in this country by the brand name Mifeprex and the chemical compound name mifepristone, the drug is frequently referred to as RU-486, a term derived from its creator, French pharmaceutical giant Roussel Uclaf.

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.

Virginia, New Jersey Elect Governors This Fall

Virginia and New Jersey are unique among the 50 states because only they conduct their state elections in odd numbered years. This year, there are hotly contested races for governor in both the Old Dominion and the Garden State. Both Virginia and New Jersey currently have Republican governors, but the Democrats have strong candidates in each state going into the November balloting.

Drunk Driving Tragedy Prompts 'John's Law'

At a time when the meaning of the word "hero" is often devalued by being used to describe athletes and movie stars, Ensign John R. Elliott was the real thing to everyone who knew him. The 22-year-old U.S. Naval Academy graduate, whom peers viewed as an exemplar of leadership and character, was killed last year in a collision caused by a drunk driver. But Elliot's death has led to enactment of a new law in his home state of New Jersey designed to keep alcohol -impaired motorists off the road -- and creation of a volunteer program that encourages individuals to become designated drivers.

New Jersey Governor Rated Most Powerful State Leader

Juice, stroke, clout, influence -- all synonyms for political power, an asset common to all state governors. But which of the 50 state leaders is the king of the hill? Political experts say Acting New Jersey Gov. Donald DiFrancesco arguably claims that distinction, thanks to a quirk in his state's constitution. DiFrancesco, known as Donny D. in state political circles, replaced Christine Todd Whitman as the Garden State's chief executive last January after Whitman became the Bush administration's top environmental official. DiFrancesco is also president of the New Jersey state senate, giving him legislative clout as well.

State Health Officials Trade Ideas on Preparedness

Days before a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon, Virginia emergency medical personnel completed massage training. This turned out to be invaluable in caring for rescue workers with aching muscles from heavy lifting, and has emerged as a lesson learned from the terrorist attacks, Virginia Health Commissioner Anne Peterson said.

War Eclipses New Jersey, Virginia Races

September 11 changed America. People talk about a new patriotism and tolerance for one another, a new sense of purpose. This new reality is hardly reflected in the only major U.S. election campaigns this year. In New Jersey and Virginia, both of which were tragically affected by the the terrorist attacks, the candidates for governor are trying to engage distracted voters with traditional politics.

Democrats Sweep Governors' Races

Democrats Mark Warner and Jim McGreevey were elected governor in Virginia and New Jersey Tuesday, ending eight years of Republican control of the top offices in those two states. For an election roundup, click on

New Jersey Gov-Elect Pledges 'Fiscal Reality'

Democrat Jim McGreevey had been New Jersey's governor-elect less than 24 hours before he used a post-election news conference Nov. 7 to call on Republicans who remain in control of state government through January to stop spending money and freeze discretionary programs.

Campaign Finance: Transparency Only Skin Deep

The recently completed gubernatorial campaigns in New Jersey and Virginia were among the most expensive in U.S. history, with spending reaching into the tens of millions of dollars. But despite state campaign finance laws that require public disclosure of campaign donations, identifying the sources of those millions is often easier said than done.

Jobless Benefit Gap Opens Even As Recession Eases

Despite recent indications the national economy is pulling out of its nearly yearlong slump, unemployment is a continuing problem in the states, as more than a million laid-off workers have exhausted their jobless benefits in recent months.

Budget Ills Vex New Jersey's New Gov

If things were normal in New Jersey, this would be the time of year when the Legislature begins hearings on the budget the governor proposed a month ago for the fiscal year that starts July 1. But these days things are anything but normal.

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.

Cities, Counties Hurt By Budget Cuts

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

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.

Immigrant Licensing: Security Vs Safety Concerns

After learning that most of the 19 hijackers responsible for the Sept. 11 terrorist attack had obtained drivers licenses in Florida, New Jersey or Virginia using faked credentials, many state lawmakers rushed to introduce legislation aimed at restricting licenses for immigrants as a security measure. Nine months later, most of those initiatives have stalled amid competing concerns over highway safety and anti-terror policy.

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, Media - A Love, Hate Relationship

Some governors love talking policy with reporters, and others thirst for the spotlight. But mostly governors want to control what voters read and hear about them.

Aging Prison Populations Drive Up State Costs

Longer sentences and repeat offenders mean states now have aging prison populations, requiring special care for elderly inmates and driving up costs to the taxpayers. It costs about three times as much as the norm to incarcerate elderly inmates, according to the National Institute of Corrections.

Sex Offender Registries Face Legal Challenge

Courts throughout the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court, are taking a second look at a practice common in all 50 states the listing of names of convicted sex offenders in an official registry.

State Pension Funds Defy Scandal, Stock Crashes

Has the stock market crisis made you dizzy, like youve just stepped off the wildest roller coaster ride of your life? Well, if youre a retired state worker with a lifestyle tied to the ups and downs of your pension fund, take a deep breath; chances are youre going to be okay.

Mystery Web Site Tracks New Jersey Politics

Politicsnj.com, a New Jersey Web site that dishes up political news, regularly scoops the mainstream media and now is being replicated outside the Garden State. But politicsnj.com is a story in itself because nobody seems to know whos behind it.

Manners Still Matter In Statehouses

Legislative customs vary from state to state, but when it comes to decorum on the statehouse floor, blazers are in, and cell phones are out.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

Alien Species: Another Costly State Headache

State agriculture and wildlife officials are the first line of defense against a bio-pollution problem that costs the country billions each year in environmental damage the invasion of foreign plants, insects, animals and diseases.

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.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2003

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 14 - Following is the full text of New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey's State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, distinguished members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jerseyans, a week ago this address had a very different opening. But n

Few Governors Tout Bold Initiatives

In his state of the state address last month, Vermont Gov. James H. Douglas said that the state should track convicted drug dealers the same way it does sexual predators, by publicizing their names and addresses. This proposal is one of only a handful of truly innovative programs proposed by governors in their state of the state addresses this year.

State Programs Named Finalists for Innovation Awards

Five state-run programs are among finalists in the competition for Innovations in American Government Awards.

States Mull Borrowing to Bolster Pension Plans

A handful of cash-strapped states plan to borrow to put money into their state employee pension systems, an idea that analysts say is a gamble that might not pay off. New Jersey first tried the approach in 1997, but California, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin and West Virginia might be next.

Northeastern States Seek Terrorist-Intelligence Sharing

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

More Red Ink Forecast for States in Coming Year

A new report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington, D.C., forecasts a a fourth straight year of program cuts, tax and fee increases, and other budget-balancing maneuvers in the states.

New Jersey Cracks Down on Drowsy Driving

New Jersey lawmakers and highway safety advocates across the country hope the states new drowsy driving legislation the first in the nation will be a wake-up call to drivers who hit the road when theyre tired and currently cause more than 100,000 accidents per year nationwide. The measure allows motorists to be charged with vehicular homicide, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2004

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 13 - Following is the text of Gov. James E. McGreevey's (D) 2004 State of the State address: Reverend Clergy, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of our Congressional delegation, members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jer

Three States Lead in Pre-School Programs

Georgia, New Jersey and Oklahoma outpace the nation in providing high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year- olds. But most states lag in early education efforts needed to ensure that all students are ready to learn when they arrive in kindergarten, according to a new national study.

Harassment of Muslims Up in Arizona, 9 Other States, Report Says

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, reported Monday that discrimination and violence against Muslims increased in 10 states in 2003. Arizona, California and New York saw the largest reported increases.

Medical Liability Debate Still Roaring in Statehouses

Mississippi and New Jersey are among nearly a dozen states that made headway in addressing costly premiums for medical malpractice insurance by passing new laws during the 2004 legislative session. The issue sucked up time and energy in 42 statehouses this session as lawmakers debated claims that excessive damage awards are driving up physicians' liability insurance costs and threatening doctor shortages. Much of a recent upsurge in lobbying at the state level has been driven by doctors groups and trial lawyers battling over medical malpractice legislation.

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.

'My truth is that I am a gay American'

Following is the full text of the resignation speech given by New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey, transcribed by Stateline.org.

McGreevey Is First Governor to Resign in a Sexual Scandal

New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey (D) is the 11th governor in U.S. history to resign rather than ride out a political scandal. Of 47 previous governors who have left office early, 10 quit in the face of possible criminal charges or impeachment. Other governors have weathered charges of sexual impropriety.

New Jersey Succession Plan Concentrates Power

New Jersey's political turmoil following Gov. James McGreeveys admission of an extramarital affair with another man has renewed calls for changes in the state's Constitution and the addition of an elected lieutenant governor.

Exiting New Jersey Governor Riles Party Bosses

Describing himself as an American who just happens to be gay, and proud, New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey says his farewells and prepares to hand over one of Americas most powerful governorships to a relatively obscure leader of the states Legislature. So ends -- in scandal-stained resignation -- a once-brilliant political career that McGreevey says careened off the tracks.

Eight States Raised Taxes in 2004

Only eight states had to resort to hiking taxes in 2004 to balance their books, a sign that states fiscal squeeze may finally be over, researchers said in a new report released Monday.

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.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2005

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 11 - Following is the text of Gov. Richard Codey's 2005 state of the state address: Reverend Clergy ... Mr. Speaker ... Madam Chief Justice ... Justices of the Supreme Court ... Members of our Congressional delegation ... Members of the Legislature ... Member

States Challenge New Mercury Rules

Several Northeastern states are mounting legal and legislative challenges to new federal rules on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, charging that relaxed standards ignore serious health hazards and undermine their own environmental efforts.

No Clear Favorite Seen in Virginia's Governor's Race

Virginia and New Jersey are the only states to elect governors in 2005. In the first of two stories, Stateline.org looks at the personalities and policy issues in the race to replace Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D), the only governor in the nation limited to one four-year term. Tomorrow's story will focus on New Jersey.

New Jersey Governor's Race Focuses on Taxes, Spending

New Jersey and Virginia are the only states to elect governors in 2005. In the second of two stories, Stateline.org looks at the personalities and policy issues in campaign to fill the post of New Jersey's Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey (D), who is not running for a full term.

Budget Deadline Looms Large in 10 States

The clock is ticking in 10 states that still have not adopted budgets for the fiscal year that begins July 1, with an eleventh-hour showdown threatening a partial government shutdown in Minnesota. Some - but not all - of those states are expected to wrap up their budget process this week.

New Jersey May Designate New Heir to the Governor

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey survived more than two centuries without a lieutenant governor's office, but that may change on Nov. 8. Besides electing a new governor, voters will be asked to put an end to New Jersey's unique line of succession that twice this decade has given its Senate president the extra job of acting governor. Forty-two states already have lieutenant governors.

Va. and N.J. Elect New Governors Today

Election Day sends voters to the polls across nine states. Only Virginia and New Jersey elect governors this year in races being watched for clues to America's partisan mood. The rest of the suspense is over 39 ballot measures in California, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Washington, along with a judicial contest in Pennsylvania that got caught up in voter outrage over a legislative pay raise.

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.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2006

TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Richard Codey's 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker ... Madam Chief Justice ... Justices of the Supreme Court ... Members of the Legislature ... Members of the Cabinet ... Senator Lautenberg, soon to be Senator Menendez ... Congressmen Pal

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.

N.J. Sees Red Despite Rising Revenues

Most states by now have reached the light at the end of this decade's deep budget-crisis tunnel. Sure, the hurricanes knocked the state budgets of Louisiana and Mississippi for a loop, and Michigan is reeling from shrinkage in the U.S. auto industry. But how come New Jersey's budget is still in a bind?

NJ Rejects Self-Service Gas

For more than 50 years, New Jersey has banned drivers from pumping their own gas. But when Gov. Jon Corzine (D) recently suggested the state test self-service pumps, his office was flooded with complaints.

States Suing Feds Over Seniors' Rx Costs

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

Lame Ducks Ruffle Feathers in 3 Statehouses

Lame-duck legislators are feeling some heat in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where some groups are calling for changes to post-Election Day legislative sessions that let departing lawmakers cast key votes just before their replacements take over. In Utah, legislative leaders have banned lame ducks from taking taxpayer-sponsored trips.

Democrats Win Gov Races in Va., N.J.

Democrats kept their hold on governors' seats in Virginia and New Jersey, while California voters gave the cold shoulder to Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's prized reform package. The outcome of the nation's only two gubernatorial races in 2005 preserves Democrats' 22 governorships, compared to 28 held by Republicans. See Stateline.org's quick guide to election results in the nine states with statewide elections, with sources to click for additional information.

NJ Gay Couples Get Civil Unions

New Jersey is the third state to bless civil unions as an alternative to marriage for same-sex couples, choosing a middle ground that establishes a type of relationship that didn't exist before Vermont created it in 2000. Several other states may find themselves at a similar crossroads next year on how to deal with gay unions.

Violence in Sudan Pushes States to Act

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

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.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2007

TRENTON, N.J. - Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon S. Corzine's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Happy New Year and thank you all for attending today's State of the State Address. Mr. Senate President; Mr. Speaker; Chief Justice Zazzali; Justices of the Supreme Court; Members of the Legislature

Toll Roads Hit Speed Bumps

As states increasingly look to toll roads and leases for quick road-funding fixes, the public, consumer advocates and motorist and trucking associations are putting up barriers to pay-as-you-drive proposals.

Easter egg flap fries Wyoming artists

A White House Easter tradition leaves Wyoming out, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) disses New Jersey and "The Donald" provokes a fight over Old Glory in the Florida Legislature. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

Kids catch Iowa lawmakers goofing off

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

Toothless in Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) sounds off about an American Idol episode. A Florida law lets people take their pets with them to the grave. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) pays a fine for failing to wear a seat belt. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

Civil Unions Spread, But Gays Want to Wed

A fourth state just agreed to offer civil unions, but the alternative to gay marriage is proving more popular with lawmakers than with gay rights activists.

High School Athletes Next for Steroid Tests

(Updated 12:45 p.m. EDT, Monday, June 18)A year after New Jersey became the first state to mandate random steroid testing for high school athletes, Texas and Florida are on the verge of launching their own testing programs, and Illinois may not be far behind.

Live from New York, uh, Jersey!

New Jersey lawmakers fume that their state does the work but New York gets the glory. A bubblegum-rock song inspired by a North Carolina bureaucrat gives new meaning to the term "elevator music." And preschoolers make fun of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D). In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

N.J. has three govs in a week

New Jersey gets three governors in one week. Arkansas legislators want to correct a law that would let toddlers get married. And Brattleboro, Vt., votes for public nudity. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Report ranks campaign disclosure laws

A new report finds that states are improving their campaign finance disclosure laws, requiring candidates to post more information electronically and allowing the public to search that information online.

N.J. election sees record number of women

The departure of disgraced legislators - all Democrats - and the retirement of other lawmakers have opened the door to more women candidates than ever in New Jersey. Democrats, meanwhile, head into the election strong, despite the corruption scandal.

Legislatures: before and after

Three states put their entire legislatures up for election Tuesday (Nov. 6). Democrats flipped control of legislative chambers in Virginia and Mississippi on Election Day and made gains in four of the six chambers with seats on the ballot, including adding one seat to their majority in the New Jersey Senate although they lost two seats in the Assembly.

State employees to N.J. gov: 'No thanks'

Thanksgiving is a national holiday that reconciles the haves and the have-nots. But the day after Thanksgiving is a sore point, at least for state workers in New Jersey who don't have the day off for only the second time in 45 years.

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.

N.J. latest to try death-penalty repeal

New Jersey lawmakers are speeding ahead on a plan to make the Garden State the first in the nation to repeal the death penalty since it was reinstated more than 30 years ago, capping a year in which similar efforts gained traction across the country.

Justices Weigh Lethal Injection

The U.S. Supreme Court, hearing a case that already has halted executions nationwide, on Monday (Jan. 7) delved into the details of the three-chemical cocktail used to put prisoners to death in 36 of the 37 states that allow capital punishment.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2008

TRENTON, N.J. -- Jan. 8 -- Following is the text of Gov. Jon S. Corzine's (D) 2008 State of the State address: Good afternoon everyone. It's terrific to be with you. Reverend Clergy, Your Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos and Reverend Copas thank you for joining us today. Senate President Codey, Spea

WORTH NOTING: Legislator Has Paparazzi Issues

A new Colorado legislator made waves his first day by kicking a news photographer. A North Carolina gubernatorial candidate opens his campaign with a spelling error, and then a cover-up. And North Dakota's governor is angry about how his state is portrayed in National Geographic. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: Missouri Sets Sights on Kansas Rivals

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

Bond Crisis Already Crimping States

Michigan just suspended a state loan program for 8,500 students, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is facing a four-fold jump in interest rates on one of its loans. Both are signs of a new bond-market crisis that is threatening to hurt other cities and states if left unchecked.

WORTH NOTING: Lt. Governors May Pass on New York

Can New York host a lieutenant governors' shindig without a lieutenant governor? Some New England residents want to air their laundry - the clean kind. And a New Jersey man sues for a bribe that went bust. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: Gov Targeted in Critic's Galaxy

A New Jersey mayor shifts his aim from a planet to a politician. California's budget troubles are as bad as what? And a problem gambler gets more help than he wanted to kick the habit. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Turf Wars Rage Over Fake Grass

State legislators are used to political turf wars. Now, debates in a handful of states really are about turf, pitting those who back the artificial variety against supporters of natural grass for playgrounds and athletic fields.