Stateline Stories

Bible Belt States Looking To Lotteries Despite Traditional Qualms

For as long as anyone in statehouses around the Bible Belt can remember, the region's opposition to state-sanctioned gambling has been rooted in one unshakeable stricture: gambling is a sin. Now state leaders--and ultimately voters--must make a choice between a new economic logic and an old moral certainty historically used to defeat gambling measures. stateline.org examines an issue high on the agenda in Alabama, the Carolinas and Tennessee.

Nation's Top Court To Hear Several States' Right Cases

Before recessing in June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued three decisions strongly reaffirming the concept of state sovereignty and curtailing Congress' power to create federal law binding on the states. Legal observers expect that trend to continue during the high court's 1999-2000 term, which begins today. At least five states' rights cases are already on the docket.

Anti Car-Tax Sentiment To Be Tested In Washington State

Since Republican James S. Gilmore rode an anti car-tax pledge to the Virginia governor's mansion in 1998, the unpopular levy has become a political target in many states. The next big test of its continued viability as a revenue source will come on Nov. 2, when voters in the state of Washington will consider an even tougher anti car-tax initiative than the Gilmore proposal that started it all.

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.

High Court Hears States Rights' Case Involving Motorists

A policy that infuriated citizens in South Carolina, Florida and Colorado this year -- the disclosure of driver's license information -- is getting a U.S. Supreme Court review. At issue is whether the federal government can use the Driver's Privacy Protection Act to keep states from using motor vehicle records as they please.

New York Sales Tax Holidays Prove Popular Idea

With New York planning to make its temporary clothing sales tax holidays permanent on March 1, other states are considering copying the limited-time tax breaks popularized by New York, Texas and Florida. Lawmakers in Michigan and South Carolina are studying proposals to give tax holidays to consumers, while the Wisconsin legislature rejected Governor Tommy Thompsons plan to give holiday shoppers a break.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2000

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 19 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jim Hodges' 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, distinguished guests and my fellow South Carolinians. The last year of the 20th Century was one for the record books in S

On the Record: South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges

South Carolina's Democratic chief executive, Jim Hodges, is carefully monitoring the federal tobacco payments his state is to receive over the next quarter-century. The Palmetto State has already gotten $165 million, but waning tobacco sales may shrink the $2.3 billion total South Carolina is due. During a recent swing through Washington, D.C., Hodges spoke with Stateline.org's Blair S. Walker about the tobacco-payment issue and about the Confederate flag controversy gripping his state.

South Carolina Gov Signs Confederate Flag Compromise

While some relieved South Carolina lawmakers are grandly calling it the end of the Civil War, a historic Confederate flag compromise in Columbia shows how the war's legacy still inflames racial tensions 135 years later.

UPDATE: More States Decriminalize Safe Baby Abandonment

In February, Stateline.org reported that seven states were considering abandoned baby laws; that number has now climbed to at least 23. Since mid-April alone, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia have enacted abandoned baby or "safe haven" laws, often in response to tragic stories of infants left in dumpsters, alleyways, shallow graves, public restrooms or parking lots. For an in-depth report on this policy trend, click on

S.C. Video Poker Ban Energizes Gaming Friends, Foes

South Carolina banished the burgeoning video poker industry from its borders on July 1, and gambling foes now hope to rid other states of this form of gambling. Owners of the gaming devices say they may have lost a battle, but the war is not over.

Health Of Nation Measured In Report Card

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

Education Measures Get Pass or Fail Grades

Ballot measures dealing with education got a mixed reception from U.S. voters on Nov. 7. In some of the most closely-watched contests, far-reaching school voucher initiatives were defeated in California and Michigan, while a ban on bilingual education was approved in Arizona.

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.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2001

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 18 - Following is the full text of South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges' 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, distinguished guests and my fellow South Carolinians. Even in the dead of winter, an optimist can always find

States See Fourth Quarter Tax Revenue Slowdown

States had a prosperous year overall in 2000 with record surpluses and tax revenue growth. But there were signs of weakening economies in many states as the year drew to a close, and a new report suggests a major slowdown in tax collections could just be the tip of the iceberg.

Tracking Election Reform: This Week's News

Despite last year's fiasco in Florida, several state legislatures this week defeated or pigeon-holed election reform measures, but others plunged into what could be a busy, contentious season of debates on overhauling how Americans vote. Maryland, Colorado and Utah were states where major proposals went nowhere, but there was action in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Iowa. To read the first of a series of weekly reports on this issue, click on

Nursing Profession Isn't Diverse Enough, Study Finds

As troubling as the nursing shortage is for the country, experts say the profession also has another problem -- it isn't diverse enough. According to researchers at the University of California's Center for the Health Professions, nursing seriously lags in reflecting racial differences of the patients being served..

Cooling Economy Slows Growth Of State Tourist Income

It's official. The sagging U.S. economy has become a drag on tourism and business travel in most parts of the country. At least that's what the Federal Reserve Board says in its latest "Beige Book" report, which monitors the burps and sputters of the nation's economic engine. However, travel industry officials predict overall business and leisure travel this year will finish the summer slightly above last year's rate, one of the best in history.

Tobacco Settlement Pits Health Advocates Against States

State lawmakers are spending tobacco settlement dollars wisely and health programs are raking in a hearty amount of the money, says a new analysis from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Legislatures have dedicated a full 46 percent of tobacco money for programs that aim to stop people from smoking and to shore up Medicaid, prescription drug programs for older Americans, children's health insurance plans and biomedical research. But if you look a little closer at the numbers, the percent of money being spent to stop smoking is measly and has dropped significantly from last year, anti-tobacco advocates say.

State Revenue Report Finds Everything Slowing

State tax revenue growth last quarter was the weakest in eight years and the economic slowdown, which had been concentrated in the Midwest and the Southeast, has spread to nearly the entire country, according to a report published Wednesday by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. "The trend now is toward slowing growth. The fear is that this continues and we start seeing negative growth," says Nicholas Jenny, a fiscal analyst at Rockefeller and one of the report's authors.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2002

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 16 - Following is the text of Gov. James Hodges' 2002 State of the State Address: Ladies and gentlemen, Members of the General Assembly, honored guests, please join me in honoring our nation with the words of the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United

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.

Rising Unemployment Vexes States

The national unemployment rate hit six percent last month, its highest level since 1994. But joblessness is even higher in many states as foreign competition combines with the downturn in the business cycle to produce an economic double whammy.

Radioactive Waste: A Political Hot Potato

Its dij` vu all over again: A Republican rules the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy is pushing for plutonium shipments to a state that doesnt want them, where a Democratic governor is threatening to use armed state troopers to block the shipments.

South Carolina Anti-Terror Bill Broader Than Most

Should South Carolina suffer a terrorist threat or attack, the nation may get to evaluate the power of state legislation to protect residents from physical, financial or psychological harm.

State School Superintendent Hopefuls Hit Campaign Trail

Voters in eight states will be electing a new state school superintendent this November. Although the job entails sparing public education from the sharp blade of the budget scythe and being responsible for revamping schools to meet new federal demands, the field is full of hopefuls from major and minor political parties.

Transporting Nuclear Waste May Be Bumpy Ride

The U.S. Congress has approved locating the nations nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain and President Bush signed the legislation this week. But the question remains, how will spent nuclear reactor fuel be safely and efficiently shipped to Nevada?

Southern Governors Talk Conservation

More than a football field lost to the ocean every half-hour. Twenty-one thousand football fields lost each year. Such is the situation along Louisianas gulf coast, where rising seas and ongoing erosion are destroying wetlands and imperiling roads, towns and wildlife, according to the states governor, Mike Foster (R).

Southern Governors to Coordinate Emergency Response

With the nation approaching the first anniversary of last Septembers terrorist attacks, governors from across the South have unveiled a plan to link their health and emergency agencies to better coordinate response and relief efforts.

South Lags in Industry Research

The New South looks uncomfortably like the Old South, as industry research in the region - a key component of economic and wage growth - lags behind the rest of the country, a new report shows.

Poverty Rate Increases in Most States

The nations economic slowdown fueled an increase in the poverty rate in most states last year, with the greatest jumps in Utah and South Carolina.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

States Seeking Stock Options

With the stock market continuing its trek through bear country, it's not exactly a great time to be selling voters on a plan that would free more state funds for investment in stocks. But that's the task facing some officials in Louisiana, Montana and South Carolina, who are hoping voters will look past the market's recent struggles to see the long-term benefits of playing the market with public funds.

'Choose Life' Car Tags Spark Debate

Legislators in seven states Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina have authorized specialty license plates bearing the slogan "Choose Life," an action that has sparked controversy and several lawsuits. Though supporters say "Choose Life" is not a political message and is intended to promote adoption, the plates have been challenged by abortion rights groups whove gone to court to try to block them.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2003

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Sanford's 2003 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, My fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight and I would say before I beg

States Teaming Up to Combat Rx Drug Costs

Theres strength in numbers. At least thats the rationale of freshmen governors in Michigan, Vermont, Wisconsin and South Carolina who are mounting a joint attack on the soaring cost of prescription drugs for Medicaid beneficiaries.

Frugal Governor Finds State Government A Tough Sell

A notorious penny-pincher, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is trying to bring his model of personal economizing to the structure of state government. Even he admits this isn't easy.

Innovations in Community Justice

In the last four years, the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services collected and paid out more than $22 million to crime victims throughout the state. In the past Fiscal Year alone, over $6 million was collected and paid to crime victims in South Carolina.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2004

COLUMBIA, South Carolina - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Sanford's 2004 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, My fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view on the state

Rx Cost-Cutting Puts Governors at Odds with Federal Government

Several governors are sparring with the federal government over their cutting-edge tactics to lower prescription drug costs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has branded efforts by Minnesota and other northern tier states to help their residents buy less expensive medicines from Canada illegal and unsafe. And in a separate case, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) is complaining about a bureaucratic delay of federal approval of a multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool.

Southeastern States Struggle with Teacher-Quality Rules

Southeastern states are lowering the bar for teacher qualifications and using federal rules under the No Child Left Behind Act as a maximum standard rather than a minimum, according to a report released today . The Southeast Center for Teacher Quality concludes that some states are focusing only on what teachers know and not how well they convey that knowledge to students.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2005

COLUMBUS, South Carolina - Jan. 26 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Sanford's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view of the state

In Case of Attack, Who Would Run the Legislature?

An obscure Cold War statute would allow South Carolina legislators to designate successors in case lawmakers were wiped out in an attack on the United States. Problem is no one now serving in the General Assembly has submitted a list of emergency successors. At least three other states have similar succession laws on the books.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2006

COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared text of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver

States Promote Nursing, Protect Moms

Mississippi, the state with the lowest breastfeeding rate in the country, has passed a broad new law allowing mothers to nurse at work and in public. In addition, five other states - Arizona, Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina and Alabama - passed laws protecting mothers from charges of indecent exposure when they nurse in public places.

Napolitano Thrives in GOP Stronghold

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) holds a double-digit lead in polls as she seeks re-election in the home state of Republican icon Barry Goldwater. Her successes include funding statewide full-day kindergarten and boosting teacher pay while cutting business and income taxes. Starting today (Aug. 7), Napolitano carries her achievements onto the national stage as she becomes the first woman to chair the National Governors Association.

Govs' Anger With Feds Boils Over

CHARLESTON, S.C. - As they approach crucial November elections, governors from both parties blame the Republican-led Congress and White House for a widening chasm between the federal government and the states.

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Voucher Groups Seek to Oust Opponents

This year, school choice - or using public money to pay for private school tuition - is a big election issue in states where voucher plans have been defeated by narrow margins in recent years, such as Utah, South Carolina and Texas. Meanwhile, those same states have pro-school choice organizations that are well-funded and increasingly politically savvy.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view of the St

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.

States Urge Hurricane Awareness

The governors of Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia have declared official awareness periods to highlight the beginning of what forecasters say could be a dangerous hurricane season.

Maine and South Carolina Try Different Tacks with Big-Box Stores

For years, local governments have either tried to lure big box stores for jobs and cheap goods -- or discouraged them to preserve local businesses and small-town character. Maine and South Carolina have just weighed in on the issue, taking widely divergent approaches.

Another Sanford joke riles lawmakers

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) jokes about terrorism at the Capitol. A Kansas political operative asks for unemployment benefits after running a losing campaign. And a GOP ad in Louisiana commits a football faux pas. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 16. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleman of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians : It's an honor to be with you again tonight to deliver my vie

Evolution Battle Flares in States

Efforts to supplant the teaching of evolution in public schools with creationism or intelligent design have repeatedly lost in the courts in recent years, but that isn't stopping intelligent design-supporters from attempting to discredit evolution.

WORTH NOTING: Tough as the Wild North

Alaska's "First Dude" shows his mettle in the Iron Dog race. A Texas state senator gets tongue-tied on national television. And the Maryland governor gets schooled by a 71-year-old virtual bowler. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Parents Turn to States for Autism Help

(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.

In School Sports, Who Makes the Call?

A shot at the buzzer of a high school championship game - was it in time or not? - led the South Carolina Legislature to consider a bill to require referees to watch video replays. It was hardly the first example of armchair quarterbacking by lawmakers.

WORTH NOTING: South Carolina's Shampoo Specialists

The Palmetto State cleans up a law requiring hairstylists to get more training than cops. Frog legs are frowned upon by Florida health officials. And an aide to Utah's lieutenant governor gets way ahead of his boss. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Will Obama Have Coattails in the South?

High turnout among African-Americans and younger voters could reshape the Southern political landscape this fall. But Democrats may find gains in statewide contests thwarted by bad timing and a potential conservative backlash.

WORTH NOTING: Ex-State Senator Leaves Phone Greeting - From Jail

A former Maryland senator won't be answering his phone for a few years. A Michigan ballot reform group needs a better proofreader. And South Carolina's new license plates won't be heading off into the sunset. 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.

Republicans Deal With More Stormy Weather

The weather isn't being kind to the Republicans. The threat from Hurricane Gustav, which hit the Gulf Coast and canceled partisan festivities at the start of the Minnesota convention, is dissipating just as another potential hurricane threatens to send East Coast delegates fleeing before the close of the convention.

Keeping Tabs on State Delegations

Creating headlines at home from the GOP convention, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford tells reporter John O'Connor of The State (Columbia) that he doesn't plan to run again after his second and last term as governor ends in 2010, ruling out any run for a U.S. Senate seat. "Politics for the rest of my life is not (in my plans). ... Life doesn't end when politics end."

GOP Sticks With Prez Primary Rules

For all the complaining about the 2008 presidential primary season starting too early, the GOP has done little to change the 2012 contest schedule.

States Warned to Prep for Election Glitches

Eight years after voting irregularities marred the 2000 presidential election, most states still are not as prepared as they should be for Election Day glitches, from machine breakdowns to a shortage of emergency ballots, according to a new report by voter advocacy groups.

Sanford Fights Bailout for States

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is at odds with most of the nation's governors: He is crusading against calls to send billions of dollars to cash-strapped states to help stimulate the economy.

In-State Tuition Law Faces Challenge

California lawmakers took a risk seven years ago when they gave college students who are in the country illegally an in-state tuition break. Soon, lawmakers will find out whether their statute - similar to laws in nine other states - holds up in court.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2009

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view on th

State Leaders Struggle With Tough Cuts

The recession is forcing governors and legislators to cut services and raise taxes and fees. They'd rather make a difference in other ways.

Tracking the Recession – Much Ado About a Small Stimulus Pot

After weeks of speculation and intense political pressure, a reluctant Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Friday (April 3) became the last governor to formally notify the White House that he plans to accept at least some federal dollars from the stimulus package - but the controversy is far from over.

Weekly Wrap: Washington State, South Carolina Clash in jobs Competition

Why Washington state did not offer Boeing new incentives; Questions about government transparency in Utah; Job-creating commission may not have generated jobs.

'As States, We Compete,' Wyo. Governor Says

Gaining the competitive edge seems to be on the minds of state officials more than usual.

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

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

South Carolina State of the State Address 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view on the

Summary of the South Carolina State of the State Address

South Carolina Gov. Sanford, once considered a strong GOP presidential contender, used his final state of the state address to again apologize for the "storm" his extramarital affair wrought and laid out three goals he hopes to accomplish in his final year in office, including a cap on spending.

Why State Debates Don't Last Forever

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

Loans for Green Homes

States are awash in federal money for energy efficiency - $5 billion to weatherize low-income homes and another $6.5 billion for a wide range of projects from enforcing building codes to researching new energy efficiency technologies. But a South Carolina electric cooperative association wants $4.5 billion more to help rural homeowners who they say will otherwise be left out of the green revolution. The funding would allow an innovative home-efficiency financing plan forged in a handful of states to go nationwide, potentially making a big dent in the Obama administration's energy goals.

Tuesday's Primaries: What to Watch

TODAY'S TAKE: In the busiest primary election day of the year, voters in 10 states will go to the polls Tuesday (June 8) to decide a wide range of questions from whether Maine will reform its tax code to which Republican will face off against Jerry Brown in the California governor's race. Stateline outlines key themes to watch in the state-level contests.

With Health Care Lawsuits, States Hope for Victory but Plan for Defeat

Even as 21 states are suing to stop the federal health care overhaul from taking effect, each one is also taking concrete measures to implement the law.

Education's Less-Than-Certain Windfall

There's $10 billion for schools in the state aid bill Congress passed last month. But some school systems have reason to wonder whether they are going to see the money.

Tea Party Could Sway Key Governors' Races

In the Republican gubernatorial primaries, Tea Party supporters played an outsized role in defeating establishment candidates. Can they pull off an upset twice?

Rick Snyder Picks a Democrat

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor-elect reaches across the aisle for a top appointment, Georgia's governor-elect picks a controversial chief of staff, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Party Switch Gives Texas House Republicans Supermajority

TRANSITION WATCH: Two-thirds control of the House means Texas Republicans can overcome Democratic delaying tactics, outgoing governors issue their final pardons, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Utah Legislators Skeptical of Governor's Tax Proposal

TRANSITION WATCH: Utah Republicans grapple over the budget, Michigan's incoming governor mulls a new bridge to Canada, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Republican to Advise Democrat Kitzhaber on Oregon Health Policy

TRANSITION WATCH: Oregon's new governor picks a Republican for a key post, Florida's incoming governor faces delays filling his administration, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Exemption Debate Looms Over Cuomo's Property Tax Cap

TRANSITION WATCH: New York will consider how far property taxes can rise to pay public employee benefits, Ohio struggles with a tug-of-war over appointments, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Christian Health Co-Ops Cater to 'Obamacare' Opponents

Religious groups that help members pay for medical treatment are exempt from key provisions of the new federal health law. As their popularity grows, some state officials are warning consumers to be wary of these unlicensed operators, while others see them as a welcome alternative to traditional health insurance.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nikki Haley's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: Let me start tonight with a tradition established by my predecessor

Oklahoma's Ban on Sharia Law Gains Traction in More States

TODAY'S TAKE: In the wake of a controversial ballot measure last year that banned Oklahoma courts from applying Sharia law, at least seven states are considering similar legislation.

Republicans Score More Victories on Voter ID

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina and Texas are the latest states to approve GOP-backed measures requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls. Similar bills are moving forward over Democrats' objections in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Welfare Rolls Up, Benefits Down in Some States

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Some states are scaling back welfare benefits just as more of their residents are seeking them, a new report says.

Amazon Gains Upper Hand in South Carolina Tax Break Battle

Despite determined opposition from big retail chains and most of the state's business establishment, a huge tax exemption for the on-line company is moving forward.

Haley Tells South Carolina Legislators to Get Back to Work

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called legislators back for a rare special session, but the state Senate president says the chamber will not convene next week as ordered.

South Carolina Is Latest to Pass Immigration Crackdown

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will sign legislation requiring police officers to ask suspects about their immigration status. Alabama and Georgia have approved similar measures this year.

States Hope to Win on New District Maps in Federal Court

For a generation, states have been taking their legislative district maps to the U.S. Justice Department for clearance on issues of racial fairness. There's another route to approval, however, and several of the states are using it.