Stateline Headlines

Vermont Experiments To Make Justice System Work Better

On any morning, nearly half the 2,500 criminals serving time in Vermont wake up not in prison cells, but in their own homes. Although Vermont has one of the nation's lowest crime rates, it still produces enough criminals to badly overload the Green Mountain State's tiny prison system. To help ease crowding -- and increase the chances that offenders will return to productive lives -- the state has sent a growing number of convicts to live in neighborhoods under programs that range from traditional house arrest to an innovative technique called "reparative probation." In this special report, stateline.org looks at the programs.

Lawmakers In New Mexico, Missouri And Vermont Call It Quits

In New Mexico, Missouri and Vermont, lawmakers scrambled last week to complete last-minute haggling over end-of-session tax and budget measures. Each of these legislatures has now adjourned, bringing to 24 the number of state lawmaking bodies which have completed work for 1999. 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.

Mega-Stores Hitting Political Flak In Several States

Preventing mega-stores such as Wal-Mart and Costco from chewing up competitors is on the agenda of more than just anti-growth groups and environmentalists these days. Policy makers in states and communities are considering restricting so-called "big-box" stores. California Gov. Gray Davis last week vetoed a bill aimed at limiting the growth of these stores. The issue has also been joined in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Vermont and Wisconsin.

States Take The Lead On Minimum Wage

The movement toward a higher minimum wage accelerated this year as four states voted to set wages above the federal floor of $5.15 an hour. Ten states and the District of Columbia now require employers to pay more than the federal minimum. As more states raise wage levels, they pressure Congress to act. While a federal increase is unlikely this year, analysts predict a minimum wage hike in 2000.

Vermont Gov Skirts Gay Rights in State of State Speech

Amid beefed up security at the State House, Gov. Howard Dean delivered his yearly "state of the state" address to the Vermont General Assembly Tuesday and appeared to downplay one of the most controversial issues of the coming session -- gay rights. But he repeatedly expressed his commitment to state sponsored health care programs.

Vermont State of the State Address 2000

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 4 - Following is the full text of Gov. Howard Dean's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly and fellow Vermonters: Calvin Coolidge returned to his Plymouth homestead in 1920 and proclaimed: "Vermont is my birthright. Here one

Vermont Panel Foreshadows Outcome of Gay Rights Debate

Most Americans regard Vermont as a placid rural state with good skiing and lots of cows, but this year it's the arena for a ferocious political battle over gay rights that has national implications. The Vermont Supreme Court set the stage for this late last year when it ruled that all the rights and benefits of marriage must flow to same sex couples. The court left it up to the legislature to decide how, and the course the lawmakers will follow is now clear.

Vermont Lawmakers Weigh Crackdown On Campus Hazing

Because of what happened to a would-be University of Vermont hockey player, the Green Mountain state may become the 42d state to make collegiate hazing illegal. But even with such laws, hazing is a widespread problem on U.S. campuses.

Gay Rights 'Civil Union' Nearing Reality In Vermont

If a bill currently headed toward passage in the Vermont legislature is signed into law as expected, gay and lesbian couples in the Green Mountain State soon will be able to do something that they can't do elsewhere in the United States: they'll be able to stroll into any town hall, get a "civil union" license, have it approved, and then enjoy all the rights and benefits of traditional marriage.

Vermont Politics, Tradition Helped Civil Unions Pass

Vermont is the first state in the Union to establish a means to legally recognize gay and lesbian partnerships. On April 26, Gov. Howard Dean signed a "civil union" bill that grants homosexual couples all the rights of heterosexual couples short of marriage. An unusual combination of circumstances led to passage of this groundbreaking new law.

Minor Party Hopeful Aided By Vermont Campaign Finance Law

Three years ago, Vermont Gov. Howard Dean stood next to Anthony Pollina and praised him for helping pass a sweeping reform of the state's campaign finance system. Today, thanks to that law, Pollina is gunning for Dean's job with the state picking up most of the tab for both of their campaigns.

Handicappers See State, Local Faces In A Gore Lineup

Should Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman make it to the White House, Gore would probably rely on congressional contacts to fill most of his cabinet slots, political analysts speculate. However, they say there are some state and local politicial leaders who could wind up in a Gore administration.

States Showcase Successes, Pitch New Vision

Confronted with a new set of environmental challenges, states are leading the public policy charge toward a cleaner, healthier America. But the current structures of cooperation linking environmental protection authorities are doing more harm than good to their efforts, a handful of top state officials and analysts testified to a Congressional committee.

Civil Unions Law A Factor In Vermont Voting

Ever since last April 26, when Vermont Gov. Howard Dean signed a first-in-the-nation gay rights bill into law, this usually serene and beautiful mountain state has been racked by bitter feuding. The fight came to a head on election day when more Vermonters went to the polls than in any other election in Vermont history.

RX Costs To Top State Agendas In 2001, Experts Say

Access to prescription drugs will be the number one issue before state legislatures in 2001, according to participants at the fourth annual National Health Policy Conference. The conference, which took place in Charlotte, N.C. last weekend, brought together nearly 400 lawmakers, lobbyists, legislative staffers and health policy officials from more than 40 states to discuss the prescription drug cost crisis and other health issues such as maintaining rural hospitals, dealing with nursing shortages and developing policies governing the use of genetic technology.

Vermont State of the State Address 2001

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 3 - Following is the text of Gov. 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly, members of the Vermont Supreme Court, honored guests, and my fellow Vermonters: Governor Robert Stafford--in a Christmas speech made 40 years ago--extolled o

States Tackle Privacy Loopholes Created By Congress

When Congress voted two years ago to tear down Depression-era barriers that had long kept banks, investment firms, insurance companies and other elements of the financial services industry from merging , Wisconsin State Representative Marlin Schneider had just one comment: "They're nuts," he said of the federal lawmakers. Since then, a growing number of state legislators have come to the same conclusion as they've tried to address privacy loopholes in the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999.

Tourist States Suffering But Hopeful

Las Vegas and Reno were reduced to ghost towns the weekend after the attacks of September 11. Hotels that rarely see weekend vacancies were left wondering if they could even fill every other room. The next weekend, Las Vegas' hotel occupancy rate was up to 80 percent, not far from its usual 95 percent mark, and Reno could boast a 100 percent occupancy rate. This weekend? Well, no one knows what to expect. But Bruce Bommarito, the head of Nevada's Commission on Tourism, thinks the safe bet is on continued improvement.

Lawmakers Press Solicitor General on Maine Rx Case

An eight-state coalition wants the U.S. Solicitor General to support Maine in a controversial prescription drug case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. The group, known as the Northeast Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices, wants the federal government's chief lawyer to weigh in heavily on behalf of states trying to curb prescription costs.

Vermont State of the State Address 2002

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 8 - Following is the text of Gov. Howard Dean's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly and fellow Vermonters: Before I begin my last State of the State address, I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to acknowledge a legisla

An Ironic Mix: Economy Up, Revenues Down

State lawmakers trying to close budget gaps may not find much to cheer about in recent reports that the economy is improving. In fact, the good economic news may even add irony to lawmakers' budget debates, according to veteran fiscal analyst Nick Jenny. The reason is that state tax revenues still are coming in well below estimates, despite the improving economy.

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.

Few States Regulate Outside Campaign Money

Out-of-state money is pouring into Florida to influence the outcome of the race for governor in the Sunshine State, which political experts regard as a a bellwether for the 2002 election and possibly the 2004 presidential race. It's a phenomenon that occurs in most states in election years.

On The Record: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said last week he is considering rejecting $26 million in federal school aid for his state because there are too many strings attached to the money. In a Stateline.org interview, Dean discusses his reservations about the new Education and Secondary Education Act.

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.

On The Record: Vermont Senate President Peter Shumlin

Vermont Senate President Peter Shumlin is on the run these days, literally. Besides running for lieutenant governor, he is leading a coalition of northeastern lawmakers trying to control prescription drug prices. Despite his busy agenda, Democrat Shumlin found time to talk to Stateline.org about healthcare, education and other issues during a recent visit to Washington, D.C.

States Continue Rx Onslaught

Vermont is poised to enact a landmark prescription drug law within the next few weeks, a move that adds fuel to state battles against rising prescription drug costs. Lawmakers borrowed parts of at least five different programsincluding Maine, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia and Illinois to come up with a plan that is sweeping and controversial.

States Dubious Of Federal Testing Plan

Nebraskas testing system is better for the Cornhusker State than the testing system mandated by the new federal school aid bill, state Commissioner of Education Douglas Christensen says. If that means bucking Washington, D.C. by failing to comply with new federal requirements to test every child in grades 3-8 annually, then Christensen is willing to do so.

Vermont's Dean Calls Corp. Ethics Major Campaign Issue

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is running for president, hoping to translate some of his successes in health care and other areas into national programs. In an interview, Dean talks about his presidential bid and why he's already running like its 2004.Click here to read the full interview.

On The Record: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean

Click Here To Read The Full Interview

Lt. Governors: Running In the Shadows

You may not know them, but theyre running for governor this year, trying to break out of the shadows cast by long-serving chief executives who, because of term limits or other reasons, arent running for re-election. They are lieutenant governors who have served without much recognition. Seven of them hope to change that on Nov. 5

Mystery Web Site Tracks New Jersey Politics

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

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

State Money Key to Fixing Nursing Crisis: Experts

Thirty of the 50 states are experiencing nursing shortages, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services predicts it is only a matter of time before most of the others face the same headache. The nursing shortage is worsening at a time when the countrys aging population is placing ever greater demands on the nations healthcare system. Stateline.org talked to three experts about solutions to the problem.

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.

Vermont State of the Budget Address 2003

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 23 - Following is the full text of Vermont James Douglas's' State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, fellow Vermonters: Two weeks ago, I laid out for you a vision for Vermont's future. It is a vision rooted in optimism and confidence in the

Few Governors Tout Bold Initiatives

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

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.

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.

Northeastern States Seek Terrorist-Intelligence Sharing

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

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.

Vermont State of the State Address 2004

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. James H. Douglas' 2004 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished Members of the General Assembly, my fellow Vermonters: The year 2004 is upon us and it is my honor to report to you on the condition of our state, the progress we

Vermont Governor Proposes Statewide School Choice

Any Vermont child would be able to attend any of the states public schools under a proposal Gov. James Douglas (R) made Tuesday in his second state-of-the-state address.

Medical Pot Pits States Against Federal Government

Vermont just became the tenth state to vote to legalize medical use of marijuana. Proponents hope a growing acceptance by states of doctor-prescribed "pot" for pain relief will help snuff out federal drug enforcers' efforts to crack down on the practice. The U.S. Supreme Court may be called in to referee federal-state disagreements over whether all marijuana use is illegal.

Ten states Identified as Legislative Battlegrounds

Political control of legislative bodies in 10 states could change in the November election, the National Conference of State Legislatures said in an analysis that identified the battleground states as Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

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.

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.

Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Five States

Employers in five states Illinois, New York, Oregon, Vermont and Washington will dole out fatter paychecks to their lowest-paid workers in 2005. Florida will soon follow suit voters there approved a constitutional amendment that will hike its minimum wage to $6.15 per hour sometime next year.

Vermont State of the State Address 2005

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Jim Douglas' 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Madame Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: I am deeply honored to stand before you again and am humbled by the trust pl

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.

Vermont Leads in Per-Capita War Deaths

Americans celebrate Independence Day this weekend at a time when the country remains in a war that has claimed 1,741 American lives. California and Vermont share the distinction of having suffered the most casualties in the Iraq War, depending on how losses are counted, a state-by-state analysis shows.

State Lawmakers Bag Online Hunting

Lawmakers in 11 states jumped on the bandwagon to outlaw online hunting this year, and California may soon do the same. Why all the fuss? It's over a single website that briefly offered Internet users a chance this spring to shoot live animals on a Texas ranch and that netted a single customer.

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.

Vermont State of the State Address 2006

MONTPELIER, Vt., Jan. 5 -- Following is the full prepared text of Vermont Gov. James Douglas's (R) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. President, Madame Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: Each time I rise to address this General Assembly, I stand humbled before y

Vermont leads pack in taxes per person

Vermont rocketed past five other states during last fiscal year to lead the country with the highest state tax burden per resident, according to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report. In every state but New Hampshire, revenues per resident grew in fiscal year 2005.

Nine States Hold Primaries Today

Voters in nine states participate in primaries today, with some of the most closely watched races for state office taking place in Arizona, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where gubernatorial and attorney general races will be decided.

Sick Leave Tops State Labor Agendas

Now that a majority of states have boosted wages above the federal minimum, lawmakers in at least seven states want to guarantee workers paid sick days. Buoyed by overwhelming approval of a San Francisco ballot initiative that would allow workers at least nine sick days per year, lawmakers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine, Montana, Michigan and Maryland are expected to propose similar measures.

Vermont State of the State Address 2007

MONTPELIER, Vt., Jan. 4 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. James Douglas's (R) state of the state address and third inaugural address: Click here to access the governor's web page Mr. President, Madame Speaker, distinguished guests, my fellow Vermonters: Fifty years ago, on this same Thursday, Robe

Civil Unions Spread, But Gays Want to Wed

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

Vermont State of the State Address 2008

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Jan. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. James Douglas's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Mr. President, Madam Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, my fellow Vermonters: As 2008 opens, the hope of a new year - of a new beginning - unfolds before us, touching the horizon

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: Lt. Governors May Pass on New York

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

WORTH NOTING: 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: Gibbons Used State Cell Phone to Text 'Another Woman'

Nevada state telephone records show embattled Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) sent hundreds of text messages to his alleged paramour on a state-owned cell phone, often late at night. Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee rescues a North Carolina lawmaker. And Vermont becomes the 29th state to make Juneteenth a state holiday. 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.

Vermont State of the State Address 2009

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Jan. 8. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. James Douglas's (R) 2009 state of the state address and fourth inaugural address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished guests, my fellow Vermonters: One hundred seventy three years ago farmers, businessmen, and lawyers from across Vermont

States Brace for New Safety Net Money

The $789 billion economic stimulus bill includes aid for the poor that most experts agree will quickly flow back into the ailing economy, as cash-strapped families spend it on basic necessities. But already swamped state agencies face the daunting challenge of quickly getting the new money to those who need it most.

States Advance With Patient-Centered Care

As President Obama pushes for widespread health care reform, state-based programs for chronically ill patients that focus on prevention and improving long-term health - and cutting costs - are emerging as working models.

Recession Ushers in More Tobacco Taxes

In a double-whammy for smokers, the federal government and seven states raised taxes on cigarettes this year. But the new taxes plus President Obama's vow to sign a bill imposing sweeping regulation of the tobacco industry threaten to shrink cigarette sales - and revenues for state coffers.

Weekly Wrap: Bullet Point Dramatizes Crisis

Mississippi's "down budget times" have led to the rationing of highway patrol ammo. Fallout from the recession is likely to mean higher fees for would-be Cal State students. It's delaying tax refunds in several states. Vermont had some good news - it ended the budget year that ended June 30 in the black. For a quick update on how the economic crisis is affecting states, read Stateline.org's "Weekly wrap."

Tracking the Recession: Buyouts Lure 9,000 State Workers Into Retirement

As layoffs and furloughs undermine the job security traditionally associated with state employment, at least six states are offering buyouts to tighten their belts without fracturing morale. But some worry this payroll-reduction technique may not save as much money as anticipated.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

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

Summary of the Vermont State of the State Address

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas (R) used his final state of the state address to urge lawmakers Jan. 7 to roll back tax increases enacted last year to balance the budget, and he called for sweeping changes to the way Vermonters pay for education.

Snow Puts Strain on State and Local Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: The heavy snowfall that has blanketed much of the mid-Atlantic region in recent days already has exhausted an entire winter's worth of state and local cleanup budgets in some places.

Vermont Senate Blocks Nuke Plant License

TODAY'S TAKE: Vermont senators became the first state lawmakers in the country to vote for shutting down a nuclear power plant Wednesday when they denied a 20-year extension to the Vermont Yankee facility, scheduled to close in 2012. In most states, decisions over nuclear power plants are handled by state regulators or the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, not state legislators.

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?

Vermont's Pension Experiment

Like many states, Vermont faces rising public employee pension costs while trying to close a budget shortfall. A state panel recommended cutting pension benefits, angering employee unions. Legislative leaders and the state treasurer tried something different: inviting the teacher's union for a series of private talks that ended with a novel compromise. So far, everyone's happy.

Nuclear Power Makes a Quiet Comeback in the States

After shunning nuclear power for decades, legislatures around the country are warming to it as a way to address the nation's increasing demand for electricity. In states such as Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where bans on new plants are in place, lawmakers are trying to open the door to new reactors. Although none of their efforts has succeeded yet, that hasn't stopped some energy analysts from talking about a "nuclear renaissance."

Vermont Senate Next for Veteran Diplomat

TODAY'S TAKE: Peter Galbraith, a longtime U.S. diplomat who was controversially ousted last year from his position as the second-ranking United Nations official in Afghanistan, is about to become a Vermont state senator.

Pat Quinn Rehires His Old Chief of Staff as an Adviser

TRANSITION WATCH: Jerry Stermer returns three months after he resigned in Illinois, charges of nepotism in South Dakota and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Oklahoma House Republicans Question Leader's Conservatism

TRANSITION WATCH: Kris Steele's focus on economic issues angers some right-leaning Oklahoma Republicans, Connecticut's new governor is likely to dictate the fate of tens of millions of state e-mails, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

In Vermont, Single-Payer Health Care in a Single State

Vermont is pondering implementation of an exclusive government-run health care program within its own borders. If it goes ahead, the whole country will be watching.

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.

In New Year, Seven States to Hike Minimum Wage

Nine to twelve cents isn't a lot, but those small, automatically triggered increases in the minimum wage will provide a modest New Year's present for workers in a minority of states that automatically increase their minimum wage levels at the start of every year.

Vermont Budget Address 2011

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Jan. 25 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Peter Shumlin's (D) 2011 budget address: Click here to hear the governor's speech. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Tem, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: Two weeks ago, we gathered he

For Some States, Health Care Waivers Are a Big Deal

States like Vermont and Oregon, with ambitious health plans, stand to benefit if the Obama administration eases up on the rules.

Vermont's Pension Solution: Civility

To read the news, you'd think every state was having nasty fights over public pension issues. At least one state has chosen to do it a different way.

Vermont Charges Ahead on Health Care 'Public Option'

TODAY'S TAKE: Every Vermont resident eventually could sign up for state-paid health insurance under legislation easily approved by the state House of Representatives on Thursday (March 24). The first-in-the-nation plan is a priority for Democratic Governor Peter Shumlin.

Missouri is Toughest on Crack Cocaine

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Missouri punishes crack dealers more severely than those who sell the powder version of the same drug… Police are stretched thin in one of the nation's most dangerous cities… The Colorado probation agency comes under scrutiny, and other public safety news.

Vermont Is Latest to Adopt National Popular Vote

TODAY'S TAKE: Vermont later this week will become the seventh state to embrace a national compact seeking to change the way presidents are elected.

Several States Wrap Up Their Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Vermont have finished their budgets or are expected to do so this week, while Alaska is closing in on a deal to end a divisive special session over spending.

State Workers to Pay More for Health Benefits

Whatever the result of this year's contentious debate over collective bargaining and pay for public workers, one thing is certain: Health care coverage for state employees is going to change for good.

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

It's Hard to Keep Track of Your State Senator When There Are Six of Them in One District

Multi-member constituencies were once a dominant feature of American state politics. But they are gradually disappearing from the scene.

Vermont AG Won't Press Charges Against Nuclear Plant Officials

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Despite "untrustworthy" behavior, no perjury case against Vermont nuclear plant executives ... Federal offshore drilling bill seeks revenue for Virginia state government ... Iowa governor proposes new Missouri River management group and more energy and environment news.

Report: Six States Changing the Way Health Care is Governed

HEALTH BEAT: Fiscally strapped states are using more managed care, cutting doctors' fees and limiting drugs and medical services to contain rising Medicaid costs. A few are taking a broader approach to health care spending.

Feds Short of Disaster Funds to Rebuild Roads

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

Anatomy of a Backlog: How Vermont Fell Behind on Adult Protective Services

PART TWO OF THREE: State systems to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect are straining under growing caseloads and budgets that don't keep pace with the amount of work. Vermont's backlog of 733 open or unassigned cases highlights the depth of the challenges.