Stateline Headlines

Utah Boy Mows State Capitol Lawns, Grows Organ Donor Awareness

Coming to a state capitol near you soon is "Lawn Mower Boy." Fourteen-year-old Ryan Tripp from Parowan, Utah - also known as Lawn Mower Boy - is out to set a new Guinness Book World Record by cutting the grass at each state capitol. But setting records is second to his desire to increase awareness about organ and tissue donation around the country. Lawn Mower Boy started his mowing marathon June 1 in his home state accompanied by Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt. He has since mowed a portion of lawn at the capitols in Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska. His last stop will be in Hawaii on Monday, Aug. 9. For more about Tripp's unusual odyssey, click on

Four Legislatures Rapped For Lax Ethics Ignore Criticism

In a scathing report last February called "Hidden Agendas," the Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit, non-partisan government watchdog group, criticized state legislators in Michigan, Idaho, Utah and Vermont for having the laxest ethical standards in the nation. stateline.org looked at the situation again six months later, and found that little has changed.

Despite Ongoing Scandal, Utah Olympics Preparations Well On Way

Olympic boosters spread across Salt Lake City's Capitol Hill this week to replant trees uprooted in the August 11 tornado and attempt to lay a new foundation of goodwill toward the Games. Despite months of scandal and an ongoing Justice Department investigation, Olympic organizers are still confident they can deliver the "best games ever."

Utah's Leavitt Looks Ahead In New Leadership Role

Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, the new chairman of the National Governors' Association, sees states playing a greater role in a 21st century U.S. cyber society. The 48-year old Republican even has a term for his vision of tomorrow: "networked governance." As head of the NGA, he says he will work to make this a reality. Leavitt brings an impressive record of accomplishment to his new job. But critics say his focus on the future sometimes leads him to give short shrift to today's problems.

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.

Priorities 2000: A Utah View

When Utah's legislature convenes later this month, Gov. Mike Leavitt will be pressing for more education reform. Leavitt, a second-term Republican and chairman of the National Governors' Association, has proposed that 95 percent of the state's new money be earmarked for education and has called for more accountability from everyone involved in the state's school system. For more on Leavitt's agenda -- in his own words.

Utah State of the State Address 2000

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan. 17 - Following is the full text of Gov. Mike Leavitt's 2000 State of the State Address: Good evening President Beattie, Speaker Stephens, members of the Legislature, Chief Justice Howe, Lieutenant Governor Walker and my fellow Utahns. Tradition requires the State of the State address

E-Voting: States Better Get Ready, Experts Say

When it comes to Internet voting, Gov. George Pataki of New York and Gray Davis of California have a similar message: Proceed with caution. "We want to accelerate the pace of Internet voting," Davis said. But he stipulated that "we need to develop a secure, reliable system" before offering voters online ballots. Davis predicted that Californians would be voting via Internet within five to seven years, though some Internet executives expect it to happen a lot sooner.

Western Governors Wary of Federal Road-Free Forest Plan

A nervous group of Western governors says a Clinton administration proposal to make 54 million acres of national forest road-free would wreak havoc with logging, mining and tourism taking place on adjoining state and private property.

On the Record: Utah Attorney General Jan Graham

Utah Attorney General Jan Graham was the first Beehive State woman elected to statewide office when she assumed her present duties in 1992. A Democrat in a GOP-dominated state, Graham challenged Utah congressional Republicans who voted to impeach President Clinton to swear they'd never had an extramarital affair themselves. Recently in Washington, D.C., for a National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) meeting, Graham talked to Stateline.org's Blair S. Walker about issues she and other state attorneys general confront.

Western States Launch Virtual University

Out West, where vast prairie lands and expansive desert highways bring new meaning to the term distance learning, governors have hopped on the bandwidth wagon and created an 18-state virtual university to bring higher education to far-flung populations at a reasonable price.

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.

Utah State of the State Address 2001

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan. 16 - Following is the full text of Gov. Mike Leavitt's 2001 State of the State Address: Good evening President Mansell, Speaker Stephens, members of the Legislature, Chief Justice Howe, Lieutenant Governor Walker and my fellow Utahns. Utah is strong, optimistic and full of the kind o

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

Western Mines Drive Up Toxic Releases, EPA Says

Americans might have been exposed to a higher level of toxic chemicals and chemical compounds in 1999 than they were the year before, according to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. The nations industries generated 7.77 billion pounds of toxic chemicals and compounds in 1999, a 5.3 percent jump from 1998 due largely to increases in emissions and solid waste disposals from metal mining facilities in the West.

Eco-Terrorists Targeted By Get Tough State Laws

Boise Cascade Inc. recently dedicated its newest timber and wood products office in Monmouth, Ore. The imposing building is a steel-capped, cinderblock fortress. That's because the original log-cabin office was burned to the ground on Christmas Day, 1999, by a fringe environmentalist group called the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).

Tracking Election Reform: NAACP To Issue Report Cards

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

Online 'Govs' U' Still Finding Its Place

In 1997, Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt and then-Colorado Gov. Roy Romer convinced leaders of 17 other western states to join them in ponying up tax money for their virtual brainchild -- Western Governors University - with predictions that tens of thousands would flock to the education of the future: competency-based university degrees, all online. Tens of millions of dollars and nearly five years later, the early predictions look somewhat overrated: five graduates to date, some 500 students currently enrolled.

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

Cities, Counties Hurt By Budget Cuts

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

April Cruellest Month For State Budgets

April is the cruellest month, T.S. Eliot lamented in his epic 1922 poem, The Waste Land. State lawmakers might be inclined to agree after tallying up April income tax collections.

Terror Insurance: A New, Risky Business

Book lovers understand that the J. Willard Marriott Library and its three million-volume collection at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City are, in a sense, priceless.

Governors Launch Anti-Terror Network

Declaring that direction of future national homeland security efforts "has to come from the governors," a leading member of the National Governors' Association has announced plans for a multistate interagency anti-terror information network. Its purpose: To help officials operate more effectively across all levels of government and the private sector to prevent or respond to terrorist activity.

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.

Utah Leverages Olympics Hosting

Given the intense security concerns and emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding the 2002 Winter Olympics, its not hard to imagine Utah state officials breathing a collective sigh of relief at the conclusion of the Salt Lake City games back in February. But their job didnt end with the lowering of the Olympic flag

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

States Go After Wall Street

States are following New York's lead and pursuing Wall Street firms whose analysts have publicly touted stocks that they dont really consider good buys in the hopes of helping their companies win more investment-banking business.

Provisional Balloting Works Well in Initial Tests

Under the new federal election reform law, voters who claim to be registered but whose names are not on the rolls must be allowed to cast a provisional ballot starting in 2004. A handful of states implemented the new rule in the Nov. 5 election, and generally found that the system worked well.

Utah State of the State Address 2003

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Mike Leavitt 2003 State of the State Address: A year ago, I stood before you on the eve of a milestone in Utah history the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. I conveyed a strategy for turning 17 days of attention into a thousand days of progress. Those 17 da

Utah Launches 24-Hour E-Government Chat Service

Utah residents trying to renew their car registration online or navigate the 109 other applications available on the states Web site can now get help round the clock from the sites new live chat service.

Utah Speaker Becomes NCSL Leader

Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens, newly elected president of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), expects the high profile job to give him more exposure and provide more fund-raising opportunities in a possible 2004 run for governor.

Grandmother Poised To Become Utah Governor

She's not your typical grandmother. But Utah Lt. Gov. Olene Walker (R) wouldnt be a typical governor either. The 72-year-old grandmother of 25 didnt get into politics until she was 50 years old, but shes now poised to become the first woman to assume Utahs top job.

Five States Freeze CHIP Enrollment

Several cash-strapped states are opting to freeze enrollment in their childrens health insurance program (CHIP). Theyve turned to this measure as a way to stretch funds rather than tighten eligibility or cut back services for those who are already enrolled.

States Eye Possible Changes to No Child Left Behind

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

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.

Utah State of the State Address 2004

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan 22 - Following is the test of Gov. Olene S. Walker's 2004 state of the state address: President Mansell, Speaker Stephens, Minority Leaders Dmitrich and Goodfellow, Senators and Representatives, Chief Justice Durham and Supreme Court Justices, Lt. Governor McKeachnie, distingui

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.

New Governors Off to School

Five of the nation's seven newly-elected governors will get introductory lessons this weekend in the fine art of leading a state. Governors-elect will meet for a National Governors Association (NGA) retreat in West Virginia to learn how to prepare the first family for life in the spotlight, deal with the media, shape their political agendas and work with legislatures.

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.

Huntsman Ties His Success as Governor to Utah's Economy

Jon Huntsman Jr., sworn in as governor Monday, begins the latest in an unbroken two-decade string of Republican administrations in Utah with his No. 1 priority to create high-paying jobs and attract millions more tourists. Even before serving his first day in the governors office, the 44-year-old former U.S. ambassador to Singapore has vowed to serve no more than two terms.

Utah State of the State Address 2005

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan. 18 - Following is the text of Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr.'s 2005 state of the state address: I am honored to be here tonight with my wife Mary Kaye - the finest human being I have ever known - and our family, to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude. I was elected, but together we serve. I

Utah Considers Rights for Same-Sex Couples

It was no surprise when voters in socially conservative Utah overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment last Election Day to ban same-sex marriage. So it may shock some Utahns to learn that a conservative state senator who voted against gay marriage plans to introduce legislation that would grant same-sex couples some of the same rights as husbands and wives.

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.

More Students Passing College-Prep Tests

New York, Maryland, Utah, Florida and California have the largest percentages of high school students succeeding in college-level Advanced Placement classes, according to a first-ever state-by-state survey from the nonprofit College Board.

Rebellion Against Federal Education Law Reignites in Utah

A showdown over President Bush's sweeping education reform law is climaxing in the heavily Republican state of Utah this week and could push the federal government to make concessions sought by several states in enforcement of the No Child Left Behind Act.

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.

Utah State of the State Address 2006

BOUNTIFUL, Utah, Jan. 17 - The following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s (R) 2006 State of the State address: Lt. Governor Gary and Jeanette Herbert President John and Karen Valentine Speaker Greg and Teresa Curtis Chief Justice Christine Durham and members of the Utah Supreme Court Members of the L

Food Tax on Chopping Block

Shoppers in four states -- Mississippi, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming -- soon may be paying less at the supermarket checkout counter, thanks to reduced taxes on groceries.

Power Blogging Debuts in Utah Capitol

Utah's state Senate this year became the first legislative body to make online "blogging" a vital tool in lawmaking. Joining the nation's proliferation of Web logs, or blogs, the Utah site gave pols and citizens alike a computer screen-size soapbox to rant, rave and wrangle over the session's hottest topics.

Utah to Use Gifts to Pay for Medicaid

If Gov. John Huntsman's plan works, Utah will use $2 million in private donations - instead of state tax dollars - to cover the dental bills of 40,000 poor residents on Medicaid next year. The unusual arrangement, and the political drama that led up to it, stirred up a hornet's nest in Utah over how Medicaid is funded and how state officials choose what services to pay for.

Lame Ducks Ruffle Feathers in 3 Statehouses

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

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.

Utah State of the State Address 2007

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, Jan. 16 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon M. Huntsman, Jr's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Gary and Jeanette Herbert; President John and Karen Valentine; Speaker Greg and Teresa Curtis; Chief Justice Christine Durham; Attorney General Mark Shurtlef

Va. Tech Tragedy Revives Gun Controversy

Both the Virginia and Utah legislatures this year wrestled with the question of whether to allow college students to bring concealed guns to campus. Virginia policymakers took a look after Virginia Tech disciplined an unnamed student who brought a firearm to class in 2005.

Govs' Speeches Send Grads on Their Way

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

States, feds try to keep up with wildfires

With major wildfires burning in more than a dozen states and officials on high alert for more, authorities are scrambling to contain the blazes and keep new ones from igniting, despite unfavorable weather and strained resources.

A sagebrush state shows its spirit

Idaho's governor this month has drummed up support for a statewide, citizen-led volunteer effort to rehabilitate vast areas of wildfire- scorched earth - double what has burned in California this week - by replanting the land with millions of seeds of a native shrub.

Oreo edict eases election defeat in Utah

The Utah House contemplates honoring the Oreo cookie. Georgia considers allowing college logos on caskets. And Kentucky studies global warming without scientists. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Palin strikes a pose in Vogue

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is set to join the glitterati in the fashion magazine Vogue. Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) gets a whole bunch of charcoal for Christmas. And New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) wins a New Hampshire primary. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

States make gift cards friendlier to consumer

Pleased with that $30 gift card you got for Christmas? Not so fast. Some cards come with expiration dates or maintenance fees that can make using them a hassle. But some states have made life a little easier by limiting those fees and expirations.

Utah State of the State Address 2008

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan. 22 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view the address. Lt. Governor Herbert; President Valentine; Speaker Curtis; Members of the Legislature, Supreme Court and Cabinet; M

WORTH NOTING: Fat Folks Uninvited

A Mississippi legislator wants restaurants to stop serving obese customers. Rooster owners in Riverside, Calif., must muffle cock-a-doodle-doing during daytime hours. And Florida lawmakers want to tax strip-club goers and give the money to poor nursing home residents. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: ...And The Lobbyist Makes Three

Three's a crowd when Georgia lobbyists foot Valentine's Day bills. Midget wrestling gets pinned in Iowa. And an epidemic of faux pas hits lawmakers. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Managing Govt. Is Key in Fiscal Downturn

Utah, Virginia and Washington got top marks for managing a wide range of responsibilities - from fixing roads and schools to spending tax dollars and sharing public information - that carry a direct impact on their residents' lives, according to a national study that measured state governments' strengths and weaknesses.

WORTH NOTING: Gov. Palin Expecting No. 5 — Soon

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) in Washington, D.C., Feb. 25.Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) explains her "bump." Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has a "first girlfriend." And the "governator" reports some unusual gifts from celebrities. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Students Press For Guns on Campus

A year after a troubled student gunned down 32 people and then killed himself at Virginia Tech, an Internet-based student movement to allow concealed weapons on public college campuses has drawn thousands of students and prompted debate in 15 state capitols.

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: 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.

WORTH NOTING: 'Gas Pain' Troubles for Utah Governor

Utah's chief executive gives reporters too much information. An influential Idaho politician endorses two legislative candidates - for the same House seat. And Arkansas tourism officials are taking "Clinton Country" to the next level. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Ultrasound at Center of State Abortion Wars

A new Oklahoma law slated to take effect Aug. 1 requires doctors to show a woman considering abortion an ultrasound image of her fetus and recite details of its development. Experts expect a slew of similar statutes next year as abortion foes push states to require the procedure for all abortions.

States Revisit Prohibition-Era Booze Laws

Seventy-five years after the repeal of Prohibition, state lawmakers across the country are marking the anniversary by relaxing or eliminating some laws that have restricted alcohol sales since as long ago as the 1930s.

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.

States Ask Feds for Health Care Help

With the economy tanking and state budgets deep in the red, some states are cutting benefits or people from their Medicaid and other health insurance programs to save money. At the same time, the federal government and the new incoming administration are working with states on finding ways to help them avoid such measures.

Economy Trims Some Govs' Inauguration Plans

In a bleak economy that has led even some of the most financially stable states to grow uneasy, some governors who were elected or re-elected in November are skipping the typical inaugural balls and toning down the glitz at their swearing-in ceremonies to cut costs.

Utah State of the State Address 2009

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan. 27 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s (R) 2009 state of the state address: Lt. Governor; Mr. President; Mr. Speaker; Members of the Legislature; My parents and in-laws - who are with me tonight as they always have been; My wife and best friend, Mary Kaye; Distin

Four-Day Workweek Grows on Utahns

The U.S. Postal Service has suggested cutting one day of mail delivery a week. Now California is about to shut down state government every other Friday. One state - Utah - already is experimenting with four-day-a-week government, with encouraging results.

Report: Utah First in Economic Competitiveness

Utah ranks first while New York is dead last among the 50 states in the 2009 "economic competitiveness" index from a conservative group of state legislators.

Tracking the Recession: Stimulus Police Funds Catch Legislators Off Guard

The influx of more than $4 billion in stimulus funding for state and local law enforcement initiatives has raised concerns among some state lawmakers who want a say in how the money is allocated and worry about what will happen when it runs out.

'Opt Out' Proposal Puts Focus on States

U.S. Sen. Harry Reid's call Monday (Oct. 26) for a new public health insurance plan already is prompting debate in state legislatures, which could opt out under the latest proposal being promoted by Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Utah State of the State Address 2010

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan. 26 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Gary Herbert (R) 2010 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Bell; President Waddoups; Speaker Clark; Members of the Utah Legislature and of my Cabinet; Utah's Supreme Court justices; the State's First Lady, my wife Jeanette; my children, my

Summary of the Utah State of the State Address

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R) used his first state of the state address to call on lawmakers Jan. 26 to exercise fiscal restraint and not raise taxes, but to also protect education from budget cuts.

States Tackling Public Employee Retirement Benefits in 2010

Since legislatures convened last month, at least 16 states are weighing changes to their worker pension plans. Employees, retirees and unions say they will contest some of the proposals.

Immigration: Will Other States Join Arizona?

TODAY'S TAKE: The national and international debate over Arizona's new immigration law continued Monday (April 26), as critics of the legislation called for an economic boycott of the state and the Mexican president, Felipe Calderon, warned that it "opens the door to intolerance and hatred." Less-noticed, however, was a state lawmaker in neighboring Utah who is drafting a similar bill in his state, and who says he has the support he needs to make it law.

Sagebrush Stirrings

Western states are launching a new round in their periodic challenge to Washington over the use of federally owned land. Authors of the challenge say they mean their effort to be more than a symbolic gesture. Others are skeptical that it will have much effect on federal policy.

How Utah Came to Own a Half-Built City in the Desert

When the recession drove a Western developer out of the real estate business, an obscure state land agency was left with a choice: Either buy out the developer or let someone else do it. The agency's decision will take years to pay off.Part two in a series.

States Try New Tactics to Restrict Abortion

State legislatures across the country this year enacted groundbreaking abortion laws prodded, in large part, by national health care reform. Some of the new laws will dramatically change the circumstances women face when trying to end their pregnancies and at least one could lead to a challenge of Roe v. Wade.

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.

After Giffords Shooting, No Slowdown for Gun Rights

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

Utah State of the State Address 2011

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Jan. 26 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Gary Herbert (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Bell; President Waddoups; Speaker Lockhart; Members of the Utah Legislature; Members of my Cabinet; Utah Supreme Court Justices; The State's First Lady, My Wife Jeanette; and my fe

Buzz Grows Around Huntsman Presidential Run

TODAY'S TAKE: Several current and former Republican governors are thought to be considering a run for the presidency next year. The latest subject of speculation is Jon Huntsman Jr., the ex-Utah governor and current U.S. ambassador to China.

Utah on Immigration: We Aren't Arizona

Business leaders and the Mormon Church helped one of the nation's most conservative states enact a compromise immigration package.

Minnesota Senate Votes to Shrink State Government

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

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.

California's Brown Shifts Gears in Debate Over Prisons

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Governor Jerry Brown says tax extensions are necessary in California for public safety ... Crime labs close because of Alabama budget cuts ... Michigan reconsiders its sex offender rules, and other public safety news.

Utah Lawmakers Could Override Transportation Veto

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Utah's governor faces a rare veto override as lawmakers try to designate sales tax money for transportation … New Jersey won't use a private firm to collect tolls after all … A key U.S. senator suggests states will have to raise gas taxes-not depend on the feds-for new revenue, and other transportation news.

On-Campus Gun Bills Stumble

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Pro-gun Republicans enjoy overwhelming legislative majorities in Arizona and Texas. So why did proposals to allow guns on college campuses fail in both states?

Christie Proposes to Slash Medicaid in New Jersey

HEALTH BEAT: Governor's plan would drop 23,000 adults who are currently receiving coverage. The federal government would have to approve the change in eligibility rules.