Stateline Headlines

Tribes Follow States In Pursuit of Tobacco Money

Emboldened by the $206 billion tobacco lawsuit settlement that has enriched the coffers of 46 states, Native American tribes across the nation are following suit and bringing legal action themselves. In the most recent case, a coalition of 22 tribes from five states filed a federal lawsuit in California on June 3 claiming that the tribes should have gotten a share of the money. For more information, click on

Catch The E-Train, North Dakota Gov. Urges State

North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer spent most of his final State of the State speech Tuesday talking about the wonders of modern high technology and how they can help his rural state. "We have a train to catch. It's the e-train," he said.

North Dakota Gov Candidate's Health a Factor in Race

The North Dakota's governor's race took an unexpected turn last month when Democrat Heidi Heitkamp, who is running against Republican John Hoeven to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Ed Schafer, announced that she had breast cancer. Nine days after undergoing a mastectomy, Heitkamp returned to the campaign trail Wednesday (10/4). Heitkamp was trailing Hoeven before her health problem surfaced, but the outpouring of support it triggered adds an element of uncertainty to the contest.

Six States To Elect State Schools Chiefs

Election 2000 may be remembered as the education election. The issue has dominated the campaign for Presidency and many races for Congress too, but in six states, campaigns are being waged for an office that will have a lot more impact on schools -- superintendent of education.

Six States Pick Schools Chiefs

The results may not be in for the presidential contenders, whose campaigns focused on education issues, but voters in six states know the superintendents who will be running their schools. The races in Florida and North Carolina were extremely close, a reflection of what was happening in national, state and local contests across the country.

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.

North Dakota Governor Newcomer to Elective Politics

North Dakota's new governor, John Hoeven, had never before campaigned for elective office when he launched his successful bid to become the state's 30th chief executive. A Republican, he campaigned on a theme of bringing more and better paying jobs to the state through aggressive economic development policies. He also appealed to Democrats by promising raises for teachers and declaring his opposition to the federal "Freedom to Farm" legislation.

North Dakota State of the State Address 2001

BISMARK, North Dakota - Jan. 9 - Following is the full text of Gov. John Hoeven's 2001 Inaugural Address: Thank you. Allow me to acknowledge Lt. Governor Dalrymple, Speaker Bernstein, Congressman Pomeroy, Governor Link, Justices of the Supreme Court, elected officials, distinguished legislators of the 57th Assembly

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.

America Under Fire: North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven

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 will publish the reflections of governors on their role in Americas war with Terrorism. North Dakotas John Hoeven, a 44-year-old Republican, reflects on what governing has been like in recent weeks.

Census Releases Data on Homeless

Census-takers counted more people sleeping in homeless shelters in California and New York last year than in any other state. Nationally, 170,706 people were in emergency and homeless shelters on March 27, 2000, according to a controversial Census Bureau report released last month. (10/30).

Lawmakers Not Keen on 'Model' Public Health Law

State legislators have rejected a "model public health law" crafted by researchers at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities with help from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

State Budget Forecast Calls For Rain

Despite recent indications that the slumping national economy may have turned a corner, state budgets are suffering from a shortage of money and probably will be for some time, state fiscal experts say. More than three-quarters of the states have made budget cuts or implemented spending freezes, and more than half are tapping their rainy day accounts, reserve funds built up during the economy's better days. Even the sacred cow of spending priorities, K-12 education, has come under the budget axe in some states.

State Officials Uneasy With Bush's Welfare Changes

Alabama, Michigan and the District of Columbia split $75 million in extra federal welfare funds last year for achieving the largest decreases in out-of-wedlock births and abortion rates between 1996 and 1999. But the program that brought this windfall may soon disappear because President George W. Bush's welfare reform reauthorization plan does away with bonuses to states that do the best job of reducing illegitimacy and medically terminated pregnancies.

Alaska Tops in Federal Dollars, Census Says

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

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

North Dakota State of the State Address 2003

BISMARK, North Dakota - Jan. 7 - Following is the full text of Gov. John Hoeven's State of the State Address: Lt. Governor Dalrymple, Justices of the Supreme Court, distinguished legislators, elected officials, former Governor Link, tribal leaders, First Lady Mikey, honored guests and citizens of the Great State o

Statehouse Profiles: North Dakota Sen. Bob Stenehjem

For eighty days every other year, Bob Stenehjem takes an unpaid leave of absence from his job as roads and streets foreman in Bismarck, N.D., to serve in the state Senate. With 25 years experience in city maintenance, Stenehjem said hes not your typical state lawmaker, but he is a typical North Dakotan and proud to serve in his states citizen legislature.

Utah Considers Opting Out of No Child Left Behind

Some key Republicans are taking aim at President Bush's prized No Child Left Behind education program. Case in point: The heavily Republican state of Utah may walk away from federal education dollars rather than comply with the law.

North Dakota State of the State Address 2004

BISMARK, N.D. - Jan. 14 - Following is the partial text of Gov. John Hoeven (R) 2004 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Dalrymple, thank you for your introduction. And thank you for all you do for North Dakota. You and Betsy are fantastic. I would like to welcome our many guests today, including our dist

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.

Lewis and Clark Expedition Boosts North Dakota's Image

It's long been considered the least-visited state in the nation. Its image as frigid, bleak and barren has been so hard to shake that business leaders keep lobbying the Legislature to change the state name to Dakota. Now North Dakota is banking on the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition to put itself on the map as a tourist magnet.

Primaries Settle Slates of Open Governor Seats

Tuesdays primary results filled in the final blanks in the slate of candidates running for governor in 11 states. In five states, the race is wide open because incumbents arent competing in the general election. Here's a complete roster of governors matchups this election year.

Three States to Let Overseas Soldiers Vote by E-mail

For the first time, members of the U.S. armed forces stationed in Iraq or other international hot spots can use e-mail to vote in the Nov. 2 election if their legal residence is Missouri, North Dakota or Utah. Those states are pioneers in trying to make it easier for U.S. troops based overseas to cast absentee ballots. But the effort is not without its critics, who say the program raises privacy concerns and fears about possible vote tampering.

Elections Will Bring Five Freshmen Governors

A Navy reserve officer who shipped out to Afghanistan weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks and a millionaire businessman whose family invented the clamshell container for McDonalds Big Mac are among the newcomers competing to join the nations corps of governors on Election Day. At least five freshmen governors will be elected this November in 11 gubernatorial races across the country.

2004 Governors' Races

Here is a complete rundown of candidates in the nation's 11 governors' races.

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.

North Dakota State of the State Address 2005

BISMARK, North Dakota - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. John Hoeven's 2005 state of the state address: Lt. Gov. Dalrymple, distinguished legislators, cabinet members, Justices of the Supreme Court, elected officials, tribal leaders, former Gov. and Mrs. Link, fellow citizens of North Dakota, an

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.

Western States See Natural Gas Drilling Boom

High prices, rising demand and static domestic supplies of cleaner-burning natural gas are fueling a drilling bonanza across the West and setting up a potential battle between gas companies and a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists.

A History of Recent U.S. Disasters

A look back at three of the worst natural disasters of the 1990s reveals the lessons emergency planners learned from each: Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992, the Northridge earthquake in California in 1994, and the Red River floods in North Dakota in 1997.

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.

Governors Demand Information on Guard Changes

The nation's governors, skeptical of a move to reshape the National Guard, have asked the Pentagon to furnish a state-by-state account of the plan's impact and are insisting on a chance to sign off on any changes in the Guard's structure. Concerns about illegal immigration and health also took center stage at the National Governors Association's winter meeting, which concluded Tuesday (Feb. 28).

Seven States Woo Clean-Coal Power Plant

Seven states are competing with dollars and regulatory breaks to be the host for a $1 billion federal and private energy initiative being billed as the world's cleanest coal-burning power plant. The project is expected to provide 1,300 construction jobs and 150 facility positions and to generate 275 megawatts of electricity through a process that would eliminate nearly all air pollutants.

Results of June 13 Primary

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

Two States Drop Out of New Dropout Plan

Last summer, all 50 governors pledged to adopt the same formula for tallying high school graduation rates to get a realistic state-by-state picture of how many students are dropping out. But two states already have opted out of the plan, and three more are still deciding whether they'll fall in line.

S.D. Abortion Ban, Ariz. Gay Marriage Ban Fail

(Updated 4:19 p.m. EST, Thursday)Arizona became the first state to reject a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage, while South Dakota voters refused to make their state a test case in the fight to outlaw abortion. The 2006 election featured 205 ballot measures in 37 states, many focused on social issues -- from stem cell research in Missouri to a repeal of affirmative action in Michigan.

North Dakota State of the State Address 2007

BISMARK, N.D., Jan. 3 - Following is a transcript of Gov. John Hoeven's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Lt. Gov. Dalrymple, distinguished legislators, cabinet members, Justices of the Supreme Court, elected officials, former Gov. Art

N.D. Could Solve Ed Funding Feud Out of Court

Like custody battles in divorces, messy state disputes over school funding regularly land in court. North Dakota is trying to break the chain. Its Legislature this session will make or break an experiment to avoid the kind of drawn-out, acrimonious legal fights that have embroiled all but five states.

Legislators Barring Electronic Distractions

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

States Say No to Teen Tanning

No smoking. No drinking. No talking on cell phones while driving. Now, the latest no-no in state laws aimed at underage teens is indoor tanning.

Democratic mid-term gains affecting policy

So complete was the Democratic rout in the 2006 midterm elections that the party even gained legislative influence in Alaska, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming - states long dominated by the Republicans. And those gains, though small, are translating into policy achievements.

WORTH NOTING: Ala. Attorney General Sings With a Legend

Alabama's top law enforcer sings with "The Man in Black." North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) recommends regifting Christmas cards. And a freshman lawmaker takes the slow road to Denver. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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: Washington Dems Sing a Different Tune

The Washington state Democratic Party gets criticized for an attack ad linking an Italian-American politician to the Sopranos. The Pennsylvania Senate considers a bill to expand bathroom access to people with bowel disorders. And North Carolina's motor vehicle department is embarrassed by a sample license plate on its Web site. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Squeeze Spares Some States

Not every state is having budget troubles. Alaska, Texas, West Virginia and others are faring better than most because of their booming energy industries. But North Dakota stands out because it has energy and agriculture - and not many people.

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.

War Veterans Benefit From New State Laws

New voter-approved laws will make it easier for veterans to make the transition from wartime service to everyday life. Some states now offer help to veterans applying for jobs, paying taxes and buying homes.

North Dakota State of the State Address 2009

BISMARCK, N.D. - Jan. 6 - Following is a transcript of Gov. John Hoeven's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address . Lt. Gov. Jack and Betsy Dalrymple, distinguished legislators, cabinet members, Justices of the Supreme Court, elected offic

Tracking the Recession: Iowa, N.D. Victims of Investment Fraud

State employee pension funds, already losing billions of dollars in investment value, could be at increased risk of financial schemes during the recession.

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.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

East Coast Governors Split on Drilling

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama's announcement Wednesday (March 31) that the federal government would allow new offshore oil and gas drilling, primarily off the East Coast, received a mixed reaction from governors of the affected states. Some saw it as long-overdue while others raised economic and environmental concerns. But the reactions did not break down along party lines.

The Bank of North Dakota: Banking's 'Public Option'

Originally intended to help farmers by increasing access to farm loans, the nation's only state-run bank now does a healthy business lending to businesses, students and private-sector banks. Some see the model as a beacon of economic stability and financial independence.

Whose Drugstore Is It?

An unusual North Dakota law aimed at protecting small-town druggists has been generating spirited political debate ever since its passage nearly half a century ago. This year is no exception.

Maine Republican Legislators Contemplate End to Labor Committee

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine Republicans seek to fold historic panel, Connecticut's pension gap gets bigger, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Jerry Brown's Tax Plans Come into Focus

California's governor-elect wants to extend income, sales and vehicle tax increases, Nevada's incoming governor finally quits his day job, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

North Dakota State of the State Address 2011

BISMARCK, N.D. - Jan. 4 - Following is a transcript of Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Drew Wrigley, distinguished legislators, Justices of the Supreme Court, elected officials, chairman Tex Hall, First Lady Betsy, Kathleen Wrigley, our military personnel and fellow citizens o

Foreclosure Aid Program Gets Underway in Florida

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Florida rolls out a program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure … A GOP plan to turn food stamps into a block grant gets mixed reviews … Texas experiences a child boom, and other social policy news.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

North Dakota Budget Increases Spending by 20 Percent

TODAY'S TAKE: The state budget that North Dakota lawmakers approved last week raises general-fund expenditures by 20 percent over two years. Governor Jack Dalrymple and the Legislature masked the huge increase with an accounting maneuver, The Associated Press finds.

NCAA Wins Fight Over North Dakota's 'Fighting Sioux'

TODAY'S TAKE: The NCAA rejected a last-minute effort by North Dakota officials to keep the University of North Dakota's controversial 'Fighting Sioux' nickname in place, ending a political and legal battle that has dragged on for five years.

North Dakota Up, North Carolina Down in Growth Index

TODAY'S TAKE: A Bloomberg evaluation of how states are faring in the aftermath of the Great Recession shows North Dakota powering forward and North Carolina lagging behind, in part because of Bank of America's woes.

Feds Short of Disaster Funds to Rebuild Roads

A record-setting year of disasters took its toll on the nation's roads and bridges, and the federal fund to help states rebuild them has been tapped out.

Will North Dakota Be the First State to End Property Taxes?

Anti-tax activists are supporting a measure on the ballot that would represent a huge change in tax policy. Most of the state’s politically influential people and groups are opposing them.

North Dakota Voters Sidestep Controversies

On an Election Day that featured intraparty legislative races in several states, North Dakota voters shied away from several controversies over the University of North Dakota's “Fighting Sioux” nickname, protections for religious liberty and local property taxes.

North Dakota Surplus to Hit $2 Billion Within a Year

You can stop talking about North Dakota’s $1.5 billion surplus. It is expected to hit $2 billion.

Infographic: Annual State Lottery Sales

New York led all states in lottery sales in fiscal year 2011. Massachusetts residents spent more per capita than residents of any other state.

Even in Hard Times, States Find It Difficult To Recruit Talent

As state government hiring picks back up, competing with the private sector for highly skilled workers is becoming a challenge for some agencies.

One of Five Americans Struggling To Afford Food, Survey Finds

Despite record food stamp enrollment around the country and an economy considered to be on a modest upswing, the Great Recession is continuing to take its toll on many Americans, a Gallup survey found.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

Judge Allows Election Day Campaigning in North Dakota

A federal judge has prohibited North Dakota officials from enforcing a century-old state law that makes campaigning on Election Day illegal, calling it a violation of free speech.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

Governors Kick Off Legislative Sessions

Two of the country’s most prominent Republican governors opened their states’ legislative sessions with state of the state speeches from different fiscal vantage points. One day after a strong revenue projection for the upcoming two years, Texas Governor Rick Perry was somewhat optimistic, but warned lawmakers aga

North Dakota State of the State Address 2013

BISMARCK, North Dakota -- Jan. 18 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jack Dalrymple's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

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.

The 5 States Most Vulnerable to Sequestration’s Education Cuts

Automatic federal budget cuts will slash more than $1 billion in K-12 education dollars this year, paring everything from Title I money for low-income students to school improvement initiatives.

Higher Ed Cuts Mean Major Tuition Hikes

Tuition at public colleges in Arizona and California has spiked more than 70 percent over the past five years, the result of massive cuts to state higher education funding in those states and most others.

Fight Over Abortion Rules Could Reverberate Widely

Mississippi could be one step closer to becoming the first U.S. state without an abortion provider after a state hearing Thursday. But the legal fight over the state’s abortion law is far from over, and could have far-reaching implications for other states with similar laws.

Alaska Gambles With Major Oil Tax Cut

A multi-billion dollar tax experiment could make or break Alaska’s economy and provide a lesson for other states.

High court hears appeal related to Measure 2

Like its economy, North Dakota’s government spending is booming

Measure would give power to legislators, board member says

The Legislature accomplished big things

North Dakota higher education board dissolves committees

Budget surpluses spur tension in some GOP states

Senators hold forum on farm bill

Despite same-sex marriages in Minnesota, change likely slow in North Dakota

North Dakota adds 144 full-time government jobs

Officials say gay marriage movement unlikely in North Dakota

Senate panel approves massive farm bill

New state funding formula, sequestration leave Fargo School District budget unclear

Western lawmakers push to restore mineral funds

North Dakota’s sole abortion clinic sues to block new law

N.D. state employee salary package doesn't please everyone

Legal challenges begin against N.D. abortion laws

Quirk in health law will affect few in Dakotas

Attorneys General Prepare to Defend Controversial Laws

State attorneys general are about to head to court to defend controversial state laws. Are they required to defend laws that might not survive legal scrutiny?

Interior issues new public land fracking rule

North Dakota leaders plan trade trip to Kazakhstan