Stateline Stories

Ohio Legislature Recesses Till October

Ohio legislators recessed for the summer this week. When lawmakers return to Columbus in October they will have to decide how to divide the $9.8 billion tobacco settlement cash, and how to streamline the Department of Human Services and the Bureau of Employment into one agency. For more information, click on

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

States Fine-Tune New Welfare Programs

Since stateline.org last looked at state welfare policies in our May 25th story: States Refine Welfare Programs As Pace Of Reform Slows, several have announced changes. Some are developing programs for people with serious problems such as drug abuse, learning disabilities and histories of domestic violence. In Ohio, legislators will return from summer recess to work out details of a merger between the two agencies that run the state's welfare and jobs programs.

Ohio School Voucher Program Challenged In Court

Thirty-eight hundred voucher students in Cleveland, Ohio could lose their scholarships less than two weeks before the start of the new school year. The teachers unions and two liberal public policy organizations have asked a federal court for a preliminary injunction against the program, charging that it violates the constitutional doctrine of separation of church and state.

States Dent Welfare Surplus in First Half of 1999

After warnings from Congress to 'use it or lose it,' many states have finally begun to tap into the massive welfare surpluses that have accumulated due to the unprecedented drop in caseloads. According to their latest reports to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than half the states are on track to spend more this year than last. Still, caseloads continue to fall and the welfare money keeps coming, so many states, even though they are spending more, are also continuing to stockpile hundreds of millions of dollars.

Ohio Politicians Merge State Agencies, New Hampshire Tackles School Funding

Lawmakers in Ohio spent the week grappling with issues ranging from state agency mergers to education vouchers, while New Hampshire legislators confronted a funding crisis after the state's highest court deemed a new method of funding public schools unconstitutional.

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.

Ohio State of the State Address 2000

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 19 - Following is Gov. Bob Taft's 2000 State of the State Address: Speaker Davidson - President Finan - Members of the General Assembly - Lt. Governor O'Connor - Chief Justice Moyer and Justices of the Supreme Court - elected officials - Cabinet members - fellow Ohioans - thanks for joining us

Black Student Voucher Performance, Bias Experiences Studied

Black students using school vouchers in Dayton, Ohio, and the District of Columbia are getting higher scores on math and reading tests after only six months in private school, according to a Harvard University study. Meanwhile, another study finds that African-American students tend to be disciplined at a higher rate than whites and Asian, and are not given equal opportunities to pursue advanced placement courses.

States Planting Seeds Of Farmland Protection

State agricultural officials and anti-sprawl forces won a small but significant victory in their campaign to preserve U.S. farmland May 2 when the Ohio House of Representatives voted unanimously to put Gov. Bob Tafts $400 million brownfields cleanup and open space preservation bond initiative on the November ballot. The farmland preservation campaign is flourishing in nearly 20 states, but it's not without controversy.

Ohio Supreme Court Race, Presidential Contest Spotlighted

No Republican in the last century has made it to the White House without winning Ohio, a fact not lost on George W. Bush or Al Gore. Bush is leading, but Gore is closing the gap. Meanwhile, $8 million has been funneled into a state Supreme Court race involving a justice linked to two controversial decisions.

Ohio Paring Welfare Rolls With Tough Three-Year Limit

A new federal law limits Americans to five years on welfare, but some states have enacted tougher limits and Ohio is one of them. In fact, the Buckeye State's new three-year cap on welfare payments has begun to jettison welfare recipients from Ohio's rolls.

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.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

Representatives of eight states will gather in Charleston, S.C. next month for a closed-door policy workshop designed to strengthen oral health care initiatives for children.Selected from 28 states that applied for the workshop, delegations from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia will attend the National Governors Associations Policy Academy for State Officials on Improving Oral Health Care for Children Dec. 13-15.

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.

Economic Slowdown: Ohio A Case In Point

The party is over for state lawmakers. For several years, the booming economy made their jobs relatively easy, but now, that's changing. Ohio is a good example. For the past five years, the bustling economy brought in a bonanza of sales and income tax revenues. So much money flowed in, legislators were able to hand taxpayers $2 billion in income tax cuts and at the same time give Ohio schools billions of extra dollars. But that was then.

Ohio State of the State Address 2001

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 24 - Following is the full text of Gov. Bob Taft's 2001 State of the State Address: Speaker Householder, President Finan, Members of the General Assembly, Lt. Governor O'Connor, Chief Justice Moyer and Justices of the Supreme Court, elected officials, Cabinet members, fellow Ohioans... thanks

Ohio Joins Other States Trying to Capture Lost Revenue

Millions of Ohioans have long neglected to pay sales taxes on mail-order goods, and the state government has let them get away with it. But this year is different. As Ohioans hunch over state income forms with an April 15th deadline, they're noticing a new line -- one that asks how much they spent on untaxed Internet and mail catalogue purchases last year and tells them to pay the five percent state sales tax on the total. Ohio is just the latest of 16 states trying to collect what they consider "lost" tax revenue. Experts estimate that states are missing out on at least $5 billion in sales tax money every year, because out-of-state Internet retailers rarely charge sales taxes.

Slowdown Means Double Headache for Ohio

Most states are feeling a budget pinch, now that the economy is cooling off. But few states face Ohio's "double whammy." At the same time that budget specialists have realized tax revenues over the next two years may come in $800 million below projections, Ohio is under pressure from the state Supreme Court to pump a lot more state dollars into schools.

Budget Resolution Ignores Election Reform

Neither President Bush's or Congress budget blueprint includes a dime for election reform initiatives. Senators nixed an 11th hour, Democrat-backed spending plan that would have allotted $500 million for national election reform efforts, moments before a deadline to vote on the fiscal 2002 budget resolution. The House resolution also omitted any reference to election reform. Though non-binding, budget resolutions serve as the basis for the work of Capitol Hill appropriators.

Bush Leaves States Holding Environment Bag, Critics Say

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

Ohio Teachers Union Sues Over Charter Schools

Ohio is the latest battleground in the war over charter schools. These mold-breaking institutions are the latest attempt to get the nation's public schools back on track. Thirtynine states have charter schools laws. More than 2,000 have popped up across the country since 1992. Supporters insist they combine the best aspects of public and private education. Several education groups, though, have filed a court suit, charging that Ohio's experiment with 63 charter schools has gone awry. The groups include the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the Ohio AFL-CIO, the Ohio School Boards Association and the Ohio P.T.A.

Ohio Is Latest State to Feel Pressure to Install Video Slots

What do you do if your state's budget is hard-up for cash and you're surrounded by other states that have legalized video slot machines or gambling casinos? You do what Ohio is doing - you consider giving in and installing the slot machines yourself.

Western Cities Most Efficient With Land, Sprawl Report Says

Metropolitan population trends documented by the 2000 Census confirmed what land use analysts have known for a long time: most of the nations cities are eating up land for new development much faster than theyre gaining new residents.

Ohio Considers Junking Electric Chair

Few states are abolishing capital punishment, but there is a move toward making the death penalty at least seem less gruesome. Ohio is the latest example. Ironically, a convicted murderer who doesnt want to be executed is sparking the change by demanding that he be killed in Ohios electric chair.

Education Summit Attracts Govs, Business Leaders

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

Ohio: Anatomy Of A Budget Crunch

The slowing U.S. economy is shrinking the budgets of at least 40 states, and about two dozen of them have frozen spending or cut program to plug the gaps, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures and data compiled by Stateline.org. Ohio is a good example of the problem, the possible solutions, and the political fears that prompt state legislators to rule out certain fixes.

Governors Sound Off on Medicaid Budget Fix

The National Governors Association is pushing for an economic stimulus plan that would dole out more federal dollars to state Medicaid programs

Ohio Ironic Setting For Ed Bill Signing

President Bush chose Ohio Tuesday to sign a $26 billion federal school aid package so he could reward Republican U.S. Rep. John Boehner and spotlight a school in the factory town of Hamilton that has improved. But it was an ironic setting for the bill-signing ceremony because Ohio remains mired in a battle over state dollars for schools despite 11 years of lawsuits and court rulings.

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

Enron's Troubles Include State Probes

Hoping to spearhead the fight to recoup billions of dollars of retirement fund losses, representatives of five states are asking to lead a nationwide class-action lawsuit against bankrupt energy giant Enron Corp.

Ohio State of the State Address 2002

COLUMBUS, Ohion - Feb. 5 - Following is the text of Gov. Bob Taft's 2002 State of the State Address: Speaker Householder, President Finan, minority leaders Herington and DePiero, distinguished guests, and my fellow Ohioans, thank you for joining us today. As I address you for the fourth time, I remain hu

States Slow To Tackle Campaign Finance Reform

When it comes to curbing the influence of special interest money in politics, state lawmakers are sometimes credited with doing more to end questionable practices than the U.S. Congress, which has voted to ban so-called soft money. But reform advocates say campaign fundraising is as open to mischief at the state level as the federal level and that change is unlikely anytime soon.

Innovations Help Control Prison Health Costs

Because people in jail have a constitutional right to quality health care, Texas, Ohio and most other states are relying on new medical technology and taking other steps, such as requiring inmate co-payments, to ease the cost burden on their taxpayers.

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.

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.

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, Ohio - Wyoming

For a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Ohio through Wyoming.

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.

Ohio State of the State Address 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 21 - Following is the full text of Gov. Bob Taft's State of the State Address: Speaker Householder, President White, minority leaders DiDonato and Redfern, Lt. Governor Bradley, distinguished guests, and my fellow Ohioans...thank you for joining us today. First, let me congratulate Senato

Governors Propose Major Tax Hikes

The first few weeks of 2003 have seen a spate of proposed tax increases from governors across the political spectrum and around the country. To date, the governors of Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada and Ohio, have proposed tax increases to balance state books.

Ohio Lawmaker Is Part of Kiddie Caucus

Derrick Seaver, 21, is among the youngest state lawmakers in the country. He and other twenty-something lawmakers say youth brings a valuable perspective to the statehouse.

State Programs Win Innovation Awards

A New York anti-drug plan and a program to help rural Ohioans get college educations have won the Oscars of government prizes. The Innovations in American Government Award honors successful new approaches to tackling societys problems.

States Use Driver's Education to Boost Organ Donation

Virginia is one of a handful of states that use drivers education as a vehicle to boost organ donation. At least eight others -- Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin have adopted similar policies in the past few years.

Conservatives Urge Spending Restraint

A leading conservative economist is lashing out at the Republican governors of Alabama, Nevada and Ohio for raising taxes, accusing them of "acting like Democrats without the charisma or the heart."

State Lawmakers Form Great Lakes Caucus

Forty lawmakers representing eight states have launched the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus to create uniform laws in their respective states to curb water pollution, regulate water diversion projects and control non-native organisms that threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem.

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.

Ohio Tax Repeal Drive Divides GOP Officeholders

Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell is locking horns with his fellow Republicans over a $1.2 billion a year sales tax increase approved by the GOP-dominated legislature in 2003. The outspoken conservative has launched a petition drive to either force lawmakers to wipe out the tax hike or put the issue up for a statewide vote next November.

Massachusetts Ruling Stirs Gay-Union Backlash

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

Ohio State of the State Address 2004

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 29 - Following is the text of Gov. Bob Taft's 2004 state of the state address: Speaker Householder, President White, Minority Leaders DiDonato and Redfern, Lieutenant Governor Bradley, members of the Supreme Court, Statewide Elected Officials, and my fellow Ohioans . . . I am honored to be w

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.

Ohio Tries to Unclog Courts by Limiting Asbestos Suits

Ohios first-in-the-nation attempt to curb the tens of thousands of asbestos injury lawsuits filed in the state became law this month. But the battle over the controversial tort reform measure has just begun.

TV Shock-Show Wiz Weighs Run for Ohio Governor

Jerry Springer, onetime mayor of Cincinnati and longtime king of daytime shock TV, is traveling across Ohio to Democratic Party functions these days, bashing Republicans and testing the waters for a possible statewide candidacy in 2006, most likely for governor.

Provisional Ballots Source of Anxiety in Swing States

One of the central safeguards of a new federal law designed to tamp down controversies at the ballot box has spawned pre-election confusion and court fights reminiscent of the hanging-chad hullabaloo after the 2000 election.

Ohio Leaders Fight Anti-Gay Marriage Initiative

Leaders of Ohios political establishment, including Republican Gov. Bob Taft, are urging a no vote on a ballot initiative that would write a ban on gay marriage into the state constitiution. Taft and other opponents say the proposal could have an adverse impact on the state economy, an assertion supporters challenge.

Legislative Hopefuls Break Political Molds

Statehouse candidates following an unbeaten path into politics this year include a former Middle East hostage in Ohio and a California woman who could be the first Saudi-born elected official in the United States. In Kentucky, a former governor is vying for a seat in the state Senate after 25 years away from the Capitol and is running against the big brother of Kentuckys current governor. More than 78 percent of the nation's 7,382 state legislative seats are up for grabs on Nov. 2.

Some Lawmakers Take Unusual Path to Power

Of the 5,804 state legislators elected on Nov. 2, a few stand out from the crowd. In 2004, voters elected three candidates on military duty abroad, the first Vietnamese-American legislator, a wife running to replace her term-limited husband, a daughter running to serve alongside her father and a Connecticut candidate who was both elected and rejected for the same office.

Ohio State of the State Address 2005

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 8 Following is the prepared text of Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's (R) 2005 state of the state address: Speaker Husted, President Harris, Minority Leaders Prentiss and Redfern, members of the General Assembly and the Supreme Court, distinguished guests, and my fellow Ohioans. I am honored to be here

Ohio to Charge to 'Park at the Park'

For the first time in Ohio history, visitors to state parks will soon have to pay a fee to bring their cars and trucks. The $5-a-day parking passes, which are projected to generate $3 million a year, are yet another indicator of the state's continuing budget problems.

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.

Ohio State of the State Address 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 25 -- Following is the prepared text of Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's (R) 2006 state of the state address. Click here to access a a streaming video recording of the address. Speaker Husted, President Harris, Minority Leaders Prentiss and Beatty, Lt. Governor Johnson and statewide elected officials, m

Abortion foes split on state bans

In defiance of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, lawmakers in at least five states are proposing bills to immediately ban all abortions, except when the woman's life is in danger. The bills' sponsors say the time is right to test the new alignment of the U.S. Supreme Court. But some pro-choice activists fear the strategy could backfire.

Evangelicals flex political muscle

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Evangelical Christians, energized by ballot victories in the 2004 election, are gearing up to have an impact on the state's 2006 races. New political organizations set up by two prominent evangelical Protestant pastors are setting out to register voters and rate major candidates for "family values." The biggest beneficiary could be Republican Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, who faces tough primary competition to fill the seat being vacated by Gov. Robert Taft (R).

Court Allows Smokestack Chasing -- For Now

The U.S. Supreme Court has preserved one of the top tools states use to lure new jobs -- corporate tax incentives. Governors had warned that more than 40 states would be in jeopardy if a ruling by the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals were allowed to stand.

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.

Statehouse Reporters Honored for Stories

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Capitolbeat, a nationwide organization of state government reporters, honored reporters who revealed tax breaks for a failed bid for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Georgia, exposed questionable hiring practices in Illinois government and chronicled the growing influence of evangelicals in Ohio.

Ohio State of the State Address 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's web page and view the address. Speaker Husted, President Harris, Leader Beatty and Leader Fedor, Lt. Governor Fisher and statewide elected officials, mem

Crist ponders pardon for rocker

A rock and roll bad boy might receive a posthumous pardon from Florida's governor. Maryland's governor hangs a "For Sale" sign on his private home - but it's no real estate bargain. And Ohio lawmakers get a dubious distinction. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Ohio Tries to Fend Off Foreclosures on Home Loans

Ohio, which leads the nation in highest foreclosure rates on home loans, is in the forefront of states' efforts to help homeowners whose once-affordable mortgage payments are now busting family bank accounts.

Keep your hands to yourself!

Ohio lawmakers approve penalties for touching strippers. The Missouri Legislature says "nein" to an English language law. And Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) gives an unusual commencement speech. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

Under pressure from state attorneys general, the popular social-networking Web site MySpace agreed Monday to turn over information on thousands of sex offenders it kicked off its site in early May.

Ohio gov defends LeBron in a big way

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) stops efforts to take down a 10-story banner of basketball star LeBron James in Cleveland. Nevada lawmakers blow a deadline, but just barely. And Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) skips town after telling legislators to stay. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Govs' Speeches Send Grads on Their Way

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

2008 May Come Down to Ohio — Again

In his first column for Stateline.org, journalist Louis Jacobson samples the presidential leanings of the 19 "purple" states that are neither Republican "red" nor Democratic "blue." In this baseline reading, election 2008 - despite consistent Democratic leads in national polling - appears to be just as close as were the 2000 and 2004 elections for the White House. Also see a map and scorecard of states' potential electoral votes.

Judge calls Illinois Statehouse feud 'ridiculous'

A judge throws out the Illinois governor's lawsuit against the House speaker. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D) gets hit with a blizzard of information requests from the GOP. And Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) and his wife prepare to move into a $9,900 per month temporary residence while the governor's mansion is being renovated. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Students get an eyeful

An Ohio lawmaker accidentally flashes nude photos to high school seniors. Public urination could be a separate crime in New Hampshire, and that would be a good thing for violators. And Alabama now bans the selling of sex toys - unless, of course, people say it's for their health. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Strickland leading Ohio Dems' resurgence

COLUMBUS, Ohio - For 16 years, the Ohio Democratic Party verged on hapless. Now, after a GOP scandal, a rookie governor is aggressively leading Democrats into a pivotal election year.

Q & A with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D)

"Out There" columnist Louis Jacobson spoke by telephone with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D). Here are excerpts from that Oct. 5 conversation.

Govs' e-mail purges raise hackles

E-mail has become the communications tool of choice in the past decade, but imbroglios involving the governors of Missouri and Texas show that the rules of paperless messaging are still evolving and can create problems for state government.

Federal Spending Plan Slashes Anti-Crime Grants

Law enforcement officials across the country are lambasting the federal spending plan approved by President Bush on Dec. 26, warning that a 67-percent decrease in funding for targeted state and local criminal justice initiatives imperils public safety.

Ohio State of the State Address 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Speaker Husted, President Harris, Leader Beatty and Leader Miller, Lt. Governor Fisher, statewide elected officials, members of the Cabinet, members of the General Assembly and the Supreme Court

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

WORTH NOTING: What not to joke about

An April Fool's Day gag falls flat in Arizona. Pennsylvania's governor is polled about ... Pennsylvania's governor. And several states compete for subway cars to be dumped in the ocean. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Commentary: Congress Encroaching on State Priorities

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

WORTH NOTING: Illinois Treasurer Shows His Knowledge of Charges

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: Illinois Roads To Be Roadkill-Free Again

Illinois has enough money to start clearing roadkill again after months of letting the coyotes "remove" it. Kentucky and Ohio lawmakers fight over an eight-ton rock. And Vermont teenagers who trashed Robert Frost's house are punished by having to learn about the poet. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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

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

WORTH NOTING: R.I. Sweeps Out Cleaning Staff

The Rhode Island attorney general's office is duped by a janitor. A South Carolina lawmaker gets defensive over an incriminating photo. And Ohio cracks down on very tiny, but unwanted overnight guests. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Great Lakes States Protect Their Water

Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes.

Watch Your (Official) Language

Missouri, a key presidential swing state and home to one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races, will test what some see as voters' attitudes toward immigrants with a ballot measure to make English the only language of state government.

Ohio SOS Pledges Smoother Election

Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, elected two years ago on a promise to fix the state's voting systems, is predicting a smoother election this fall when a record 80 percent of voters are expected to show up to cast ballots.

Latest News From State Delegations

If vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin looked at the Florida delegation Wednesday night, she would've seen nothing but women. The male members of the delegation decided to give up their seats to the female delegates, alternates, staffers and guests, reports Bob Dart of The Palm Beach Press .

Parties Battle for Control of Statehouses

Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are in the national spotlight as states that could swing either Republican or Democrat in November's presidential elections. But they are also among the top 10 battleground states where political control could turn over in at least one chamber of the state legislature, according to a new analysis.

Report: Voting Glitches Could Disrupt Election

In two weeks, the American voting system will be stressed as never before with record voter registration and expected large turnouts. But the greatest pressure will fall on 11 battleground states whose stars are aligned for an election debacle: tight races coupled with radical changes in their voting systems.

State Laws Pose Hurdles for Student Voters

College students who registered to vote in the state where they attend school have faced sometimes daunting regulations that vary from state to state. And they may confront one more hurdle - showing acceptable identification at the polls.

Salt Prices Put States in a Pinch

Cold-weather states across the country will need hundreds of thousands of tons of salt to keep roads and highways safe this winter. But prices are running two and three times higher than last year, forcing some states and municipalities to make do with less.

Legal Woes Have Hit Other Governors

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) became the latest governor to be in trouble with the law, after federal authorities arrested him and his chief of staff Tuesday (Dec. 9). But not all scandal-tainted governors have been convicted or forced to step down.

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.

Ohio State of the State Address 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 28 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) 2009 state of the state address: I'd like to first recognize that one of Ohio's great leaders, Senate President Bill Harris, was not able to be with us today. I know that he is in all of our thoughts and prayers, and we wish him

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

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