Stateline Headlines

More States Climb On Electric Deregulation Bandwagon

Arkansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Delaware passed laws in 1999 that deregulate their electric utilities, bringing to 23 the number of states that now embrace the policy. But not everyone is ready to take the leap. Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns appeared before Congress to state his misgivings about opening his state's electric industry to retail competition. To learn more, click on

Two Southern Governors Face Key Off-Year Elections

The headline-generating chief executives of Kentucky and Virginia are gearing up for off-year elections with significant ramifications for each man. Pro-gambling, Democratic Kentucky Gov. Paul E. Patton is cruising toward easy re-election in one of the country's most powerful governorships -- Kentucky's legislature meets every two years and has sessions that last only 60 days, giving Patton unparalleled sway over Blue Grass politics. Virginia's Republican Gov. James S. Gilmore III, though not a candidate himself, is weathering a firestorm of Democrat-fueled criticism over his state's clogged highways as he looks to wrest control of the House from the Democrats and consolidate the GOP's hold on the Senate.

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.

Virgina Legislative Election Brings Record Spending

Virginia, once the hub of the old Confederacy and now a center of the high tech industry, will elect a new general assembly on Nov. 2. Republicans hope to win control of the lawmaking body for the first time since 1883. While the battle in the Old Dominion state has not gotten a lot of national attention, campaign spending tops $16 million -- a record for Virginia -- and professional politicians will be watching the outcome closely.

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.

Virginia GOP Seizes Legislature, Dem Re-elected Kentucky Gov

Voters in Virginia Tuesday gave Republican Gov. James S. Gilmore III something the Old Dominion has never seen before -- a state legislature completely controlled by the GOP. In Kentucky, Democrat Gov. Paul Patton coasted to re-election. But a Mississippi governor's race between Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and Republican Mike Parker was too close to call on Wednesday morning, and officials said it might take 10 days before final results are known. In Washington, voters scrapped a car tax and gave the electorate more say over future tax policy.

Republicans Face Test As Virginia's New Legislative Majority

For the first time ever, Republicans will completely control the Virginia legislature when it convenes in January. GOP gains in the November election give the party a golden opportunity to put its stamp on the Old Dominion. But in order to do this, Republican Gov. Jim Gilmore and his partners in the General Assembly must first prove they can govern.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2000

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 12 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jim Gilmore's 2000 State of the Commonwealth Address: Lieutenant Governor Hager, Attorney General Earley, Speaker Wilkins, President pro tempore Chichester, Members of the General Assembly, Chief Justice Caricco, Justices of the Supreme Court, c

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.

'Smart Road' Takes High Tech Step Toward Traffic Solutions

In the shadow of Virginia Tech University in the southwestern part of the Old Dominion, a new sensor-studded stretch of blacktop is being developed that could transform how future highways and motor vehicles are built. It's Virginia's "Smart Road" -- a $33 million project that will eventually serve as a combined highway laboratory and public connector road.

On the Record: Virginia Gov. James Gilmore III

While leading Virginia Republicans to their first majority in both houses of the Legislature last fall, Gov. James Gilmore III was also chairing the 19-member Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce (ACEC). Last week, after studying the Internet taxation issue for 10 months, Gilmores panel recommended to Congress that a three-year federal moratorium on Internet taxes be extended an additional five years, until 2006. Brilliant, combative and a staunch foe of taxes, Gilmore is unswayed by the fact that 36 of the nation's governors have informed Congress they disagree with the ACEC's stance. Gilmore spoke to Stateline.orgs Blair S. Walker in Washington after delivering his commissions report to Capitol Hill.

States On Guard For West Nile Virus

This week, New York City renews its war on the West Nile virus -- the mosquito-borne disease that killed 7 New Yorkers and sickened 55 others without warning last summer. As the city gears up to ward off another outbreak, states on the Eastern Seaboard and in the southeast are putting plans into place to guard against the virus as well.

Virginia Tobacco Farmers To Get Big Chunk of Settlement

Virginia's General Assembly has agreed to give tobacco farmers a large chunk of the state's tobacco settlement funds to help them cope with dwindling markets stemming from campaigns to discourage smoking. But it took some doing by lawmakers representing the rural south side of the Old Dominion -- they had to fend off a bid by representatives of congested urban areas to claim some of the money for transportation improvements.

State, Local Governments Receive Kudos for Web Sites

Since 1995, Government Technology has singled out state and local governments that host particularly innovative Web sites. North Carolina and Georgia were winners, as was a tiny county in Nevada.

Voters Send Mixed Signals On Growth, Environment

Voters in 23 states considered ballot measures dealing with growth management and the environment on Nov. 7. Some of the most highly publicized proposals were rejected, but experts dismiss suggestions that the defeat of prominent "smart growth" measures in Arizona and Colorado means that interest in curbing sprawl has cooled.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

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

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2001

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jim Gilmore's 2001 State of the Commonwealth Address: Speaker Wilkins, President pro tempore Chichester, members of the General Assembly, Lieutenant Governor Hager, Attorney General Earley, Mr. Chief Justice, justices of the Supreme Court, my fellow

Death Penalty Under Scrutiny in Virginia Legislature

A debate over capital punishment has flared up in what many would consider an unlikely place -- the Virginia legislature. The Old Dominion is second only to Texas in the number of convicts its puts to death. But state lawmakers are now taking a second look at the issue.

States Push Flexibility At Environmental Policy Forum

State and local leaders who hope to expand their influence over environmental policy and get more flexibility in meeting national standards for protecting the air, water, land and public health are receiving encouragement from key members of Congress and the Bush administration. At a Washington, DC policy summit Thursday (3/8), top administration officials promised that states would have more input from now on.

Perks Plentiful For Virginia Lawmakers, Students Find

Gift giving and taking is alive and well in the Virginia General Assembly, despite various ethics rules and other guidelines designed to prevent political conflicts of interest, a study conducted by undergraduate journalism students at Virginia Commonwealth University has found. The Richmond-based Philip Morris Corporation was the biggest donor, giving lawmakers nearly $26,000 in gifts, golf balls and other goodies.

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.

Electoral College Reform Falls Flat

Doing away with the winner-take-all system of allotting Electoral College votes was among the reforms proposed on the op-ed pages of the nation's newspapers after last year's closely contested presidential election. But bills that would do that have been defeated in the first four state legislatures to consider them.

Tracking Election Reform: Florida Moves Forward

Election reform efforts suffered a partisan blow in Congress this week but received a top-level vote of confidence in Florida, the state regarded as ground zero for voter discontent in November 2000. Capitol Hill Republicans and Democrats broke off talks Tuesday (3/27) to create an election reform task force after the two sides could not agree on the make-up of a panel. In Florida meantime, Gov. Jeb Bush (R) expressed confidence that the legislature would adopt a "system that is the best in all 50 states."

Car Tax Phaseout Splits Virginia Republicans

A veteran of a thousand political wars, Virginia Gov. James S. Gilmore III barely blinks when opponents call him single-minded, dictatorial and even hallucinatory. Gilmore expected to become a lightning rod when he was appointed chairman of the Republican National Committee in January. But he may never have guessed that his most vociferous critics would be fellow Republicans back home.

Bush Leaves States Holding Environment Bag, Critics Say

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

Virginia, New Jersey Elect Governors This Fall

Virginia and New Jersey are unique among the 50 states because only they conduct their state elections in odd numbered years. This year, there are hotly contested races for governor in both the Old Dominion and the Garden State. Both Virginia and New Jersey currently have Republican governors, but the Democrats have strong candidates in each state going into the November balloting.

Tracking Election Reform: Back in a Holding Pattern

Its summer in Washington, and the pace of life and legislation is slowing down. The Democratic Senate has placed election reform in a holding pattern perhaps until late this year - despite a new emphasis on the topic.

Saving History: States Push For Preservation Funds

Congress celebrated the U.S. bicentennial in 1976 by establishing the Historic Preservation Fund, a $150 million a year treasure chest for state-administered efforts to save the countrys architectural treasures. But as with most dedicated funding sources for noble-minded cultural and environmental efforts, the money actually set aside has never met the programs grand designs. That could change this year if Congress passes the 15-year, $45 billion Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), now beginning its second run up Capitol Hill.

Portrait of a Legislator: Virginia's David Albo

Most of the 7,424 state legislators in the United States toil in relative obscurity, making laws that often have more impact on the daily lives of most Americans than the work of the U.S. Congress. In this, the first of a series of reports on members of state legislatures, STATELINE.ORG profiles Virginia Delegate David Albo, 39, a four-term Republican lawyer who bills himself as a "Problem Solving Legislator."

States Make Strides on Medical Marijuana Programs

The U.S. Supreme Court's first-ever opinion on medical marijuana two months ago hasn't put a dent in state efforts to help seriously ill patients, as critics hoped it would. State medical marijuana programs in Alaska, Hawaii and Oregon are moving ahead despite the ruling.

State Guard Units Filling Expanded Mission

The National Guard is not a part-time service for "weekend warriors" anymore, but an integral part of U.S. military missions worldwide. Filling jobs ranging from chaplains to postal workers, pilots to infantry troops, state National Guard members are on duty in the United States and 48 other countries, augmenting the nation's active duty force or dealing with the latest natural disasters.

Battleground States React to Terrorist Strikes

New York, Virginia and Maryland remained in a state of emergency Wednesday after terrorists, in what looms as the deadliest attack in U.S. history, rammed hijacked passenger jets into Manhattan's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In all three states, hundreds of National Guard units were mobilized or on standby to help with security , search and rescue efforts and the treatment of casualties.

Governors Spearhead War Relief Effort

Governors of the other 49 states joined with New York Gov. George Pataki Monday to create a relief fund for victims of the attack on the World Trade Center and provide equipment and supplies for the recovery effort, the National Governors Association announced. Those wishing to donate are being encouraged by governors to send money to the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5028, Albany, New York 12205. The hotline number for the fund is 1-800-801-8092.

Election Campaigns Enter 'Uncharted Waters'

Patriotism, not politics, has been on the minds of many since terrorist attacks last Tuesday. Now a week past, however, elections and campaigns are resuming, entering what both election officials and candidates have called "uncharted waters."

States Move To Deal With Attack Effects

Gov. James Gilmore of Virginia Wednesday lifted the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits so workers hurt by the closing of Reagan-National Airport can get immediate financial help. Gilmore also announced establishment of the Virginia Post-Attack Economic Response Task Force to assess the adverse impact on the state's economy and develop a plan for dealing with it. A similar task force is contemplated by Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who scheduled a special meeting with local officials and business leaders Wednesday about the potential impact of revenue losses on businesses directly related to the state's travel and tourism industry.

State Health Officials Trade Ideas on Preparedness

Days before a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon, Virginia emergency medical personnel completed massage training. This turned out to be invaluable in caring for rescue workers with aching muscles from heavy lifting, and has emerged as a lesson learned from the terrorist attacks, Virginia Health Commissioner Anne Peterson said.

Electricity Deregulation Deadline Nears In Some States

Undeterred by the California power crisis, four states will complete their own electricity deregulation efforts in 2002 as they seek to give customers a greater choice of providers and new industry players a better shot at making money.

Fear of Terror, Fraud Dogs Vote-By-Mail

Holding elections through the post office rather than the polling place is becoming popular in Western states. But fears of violations of privacy, widespread voter fraud, a failure to follow instructions and even terrorism are appearing to grow just as quickly, casting doubt on the future of vote-by-mail.

War Eclipses New Jersey, Virginia Races

September 11 changed America. People talk about a new patriotism and tolerance for one another, a new sense of purpose. This new reality is hardly reflected in the only major U.S. election campaigns this year. In New Jersey and Virginia, both of which were tragically affected by the the terrorist attacks, the candidates for governor are trying to engage distracted voters with traditional politics.

States, Health Plans Address Anthrax-Related Rx Issues

In the wake of October's anthrax attacks in Florida, New York and Washington, D.C., states and insurers have seen an increased request for antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin or Cipro, as it's known. Maine and Virginia have now stepped up education for doctors on antibiotic use, while Georgia officials are asking doctors to justify why they are prescribing the drug.

Election Officials Move to Avoid 'Another Florida'

Election officials in two states and host of cities, towns and counties holding elections tomorrow (11/6) have put in place a number of voting reforms to avert "another Florida" as they prepare for the first major balloting since Republican George Bush defeated Democrat Al Gore in last year's disputed presidential race.

Democrats Sweep Governors' Races

Democrats Mark Warner and Jim McGreevey were elected governor in Virginia and New Jersey Tuesday, ending eight years of Republican control of the top offices in those two states. For an election roundup, click on

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2002

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 14 - Following is the full text of Gov. Mark Warner's 2002 State of the Commonwealth Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Lieutenant Governor, Mr. President pro tem, members of the General Assembly, Mr. Attorney General, Justices of the Supreme Court, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is an ho

Post-9-11 Gesture Sparks Legislative Row

A chorus of "ayes" filled the Virginia House of Delegates when Del. Bob McDonnell asked its 100 members if they wanted to adopt an old salute to the Virginia flag as a show of patriotism after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Now he wishes he'd kept silent.

Campaign Finance: Transparency Only Skin Deep

The recently completed gubernatorial campaigns in New Jersey and Virginia were among the most expensive in U.S. history, with spending reaching into the tens of millions of dollars. But despite state campaign finance laws that require public disclosure of campaign donations, identifying the sources of those millions is often easier said than done.

Virginia Agency Under Fire Over Home Loan Rules

In a move that has angered conservatives, the Virginia Housing Development Authority wants to give unrelated adults and nonmarried couples including homosexuals the opportunity to grasp the American dream: the dream of owning a home.

Jobless Benefit Gap Opens Even As Recession Eases

Despite recent indications the national economy is pulling out of its nearly yearlong slump, unemployment is a continuing problem in the states, as more than a million laid-off workers have exhausted their jobless benefits in recent months.

Cigarette Taxes, Public Health Show Little Correlation

Twenty-one states are mulling cigarette tax increases to help ease the pain of massive budget shortages. New York and Connecticut governors have already okayed such taxes, with increases of 39 and 61 cents per pack respectively. Proponents of higher tobacco taxes say upping the rates will improve the health of citizens. But health experts say the tax must be coupled with prevention programs that help people quit smoking and make sure young people don't start.

Rookie Gov Gets Political Lesson

Virginia's Mark Warner is finding that politics in the capital of the old Confederacy isn't at all like the caffeine-charged, high-tech business world he's used to. One of the nation's two rookie governors, the hyperkinetic Democrat got a painful lesson in bubba politics last month, losing his first bout with the Republican-controlled General Assembly in Richmond.

No Stampede For New Terrorism Laws

In contrast with the federal rush to expand police powers to go after suspected terrorists, most state legislatures are moving slowly on post-9/11 homeland protection measures as they seek to balance national security concerns with the preservation of civil liberties.

Alaska Tops in Federal Dollars, Census Says

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

Eavesdropping Row Could Paralyze Virginia Politics

If it doesnt end soon, Virginias first major political scandal in a decade over alleged eavesdropping on a telephone conversation about redistricting -- could destroy already brittle relations between Democratic Gov. Mark Warner and the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

Crime Solving Tool Stymied By Lab Backlogs

DNA testing is a powerful new crime-solving tool. But in many states, lack of funding is keeping police and prosecutors from using it as effectively as possible.

Immigrant Licensing: Security Vs Safety Concerns

After learning that most of the 19 hijackers responsible for the Sept. 11 terrorist attack had obtained drivers licenses in Florida, New Jersey or Virginia using faked credentials, many state lawmakers rushed to introduce legislation aimed at restricting licenses for immigrants as a security measure. Nine months later, most of those initiatives have stalled amid competing concerns over highway safety and anti-terror policy.

State Elections Boost Women Candidates

State primary elections Tuesday gave a big boost to women candidates, raising the possibility Michigan could get its first female governor come November. But voters in at least two states rejected new tax initiatives and the candidates pushing them.

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.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2003

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 9 - Following is the text of Gov. 2003 State of the Commonwealth Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen. Before I begin, I would like to acknowledge my Cabinet. I'm grateful for your service to me and the Commonwealth. And a group tha

States Budget Crunch Forcing Mid-Year Tuition Hikes

State budget crunches are forcing public universities across the country to take the rare step of hiking tuition midway through their academic years. Tuition hikes range from 4.6 percent at the University of Connecticut to 13 percent at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Legislator Crusades Against Tenure

A world-famous sculptor who teaches at Virginia Commonwealth University is laid off in the midst of state budget cuts because he lacks tenure. Other less accomplished, tenured professors keep their jobs. This motivated Virginia Delegate David Albo to introduce a controversial bill.

Virginia Car Tax Cuts: County-By-County Impact

Click here to see a list of Virginia car taxes by county or city.

Virginia Rural Areas Slighted By Car Tax Relief

When it comes to phasing out the state's car tax, most Virginians would say don't look a gift horse in the mouth. But some legislators, especially from rural areas, are ready to give that horse a swift kick.

On the Record: Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D)

Like many of his colleagues, Virginia Gov. Mark Warner is looking for savings everywhere he can find them to try to close his state's budget gap. In an interview with Stateline.org, Warner shared some of his ideas. To read excerpts from the interview, click on

Budget Crisis Spurs Innovation, Reform

The state budget crisis, for all its pain, could have a silver lining. Lawmakers are being forced to look anew at ways to squeeze more out of less by streamlining management and technology systems and even changing their healthcare and tax systems. States could emerge from the crisis leaner, stronger and better able to deliver the services taxpayers demand.

Virginia Out to Widen Use of Life-Saving Devices

Twenty year-old medical technology could save hundreds of thousands of Americans who die from cardiac arrest each year, but legal barriers have stymied its use. Now Virginia is taking the lead in trying to remove these barriers.

States Use Driver's Education to Boost Organ Donation

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

Southern Governors Oppose Federal Plan To Upgrade Grid

With an abundance of cheap, reliable electricity at their fingertips, governors from across the South are against federal plans to spread the costs of transmission grid upgrades among all the states. They say the proposal represents an assault on the South's economy, which depends on low cost energy to attract big manufacturers.

Virginia Tackles High School 'Senioritis'

Virginia is using the lure of free college-level courses during high school to end senioritis, an academic situation that allows students to loaf through their final year with easy classes.

Businesses Outdo States in Multi-Lingual Outreach

Businesses are hungrily eyeing the fast-growing market of Spanish-speaking consumers. But some states are slow to realize the value of communicating with non-English speakers. The contrast underscores two competing national trends: On the one hand, 27 states have passed laws making English their official language. On the other, businesses have recognized the growing immigrant population as a huge marketing opportunity.

State Fiscal Prospects on the Upswing, NGA Says

States may finally be emerging from a three-year-long budget crisis, according to new reports from the National Governors Association and the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Their path out of the dense fiscal forest is being cleared by the improving national economy, prudent budgeting and a smattering of tax increases.

Tax Restructuring Plan Tops Virginia Governor's Agenda

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D) is pushing the most ambitious tax package in the nation to maintain his states renowned education system and shore up its economy. But even Warner agrees he faces a real challenge getting the plan through the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which reconvenes Jan. 14.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2004

RICHMOND, Virginia - Jan. 14 - Following is the text of Gov. Mark Warner's 2004 state of the Commonweath address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen, good evening. Since we met in this chamber a year ago, our nation and our Commonwealth have faced many challenges.

Music Trail Could Help Struggling Virginia Towns

Hollywood has its Walk of Fame, the world's most famous sidewalk. Southwest Virginia soon could have a music trail with highway markers to make it easier for visitors to follow the birth of country music in the Appalachian Mountains. State lawmakers look to tourism to help shore up a local economy suffering from the demise of coal mining and the loss of jobs to workers overseas.

Virginia Tax Hike Could Lead to Higher Taxes Elsewhere

The impact of the tax increase in Virginia likely will be felt beyond the Old Dominion. The $1.36 billion tax hike that Virginia Republicans gave to its Democratic governor may give other cash-strapped states cover to raise taxes on their own.

Harassment of Muslims Up in Arizona, 9 Other States, Report Says

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, reported Monday that discrimination and violence against Muslims increased in 10 states in 2003. Arizona, California and New York saw the largest reported increases.

Convention 2004 - Virginia and Veterans Are Election Targets

The buzz from the Democratic National Convention: Virginia may emerge as the newest battleground state in the race for the White House, disillusioned veterans turn to Kerry, and convention life is sweeter for swing state delegates.

Governors

What would a Kerry administration mean for states? Heres a sampling of responses collected by Stateline.org from governors attending the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

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.

Alaska, Virginia Rank Tops in Grabbing Federal Dollars

In the annual sweepstakes for federal money, Alaskans per capita came out on top in 2003 while Virginia got the most bucks in federal contracts, and California garnered the most defense dollars, according to new U.S. Census data. The Census Web site has a query system that allows users to search for federal funding levels by state, county and programs.

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.

Eight States Raised Taxes in 2004

Only eight states had to resort to hiking taxes in 2004 to balance their books, a sign that states fiscal squeeze may finally be over, researchers said in a new report released Monday.

Public Colleges Face Rising Demand, Reduced Support

No one would mistake the two, office-park-like buildings that house the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., for the flagship campus of the University of Maryland in College Park. But John Arcilla, a 20-year-old accounting major, is confident the diploma he earns on the satellite campus will carry the same weight.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2005

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Warner's (D) 2005 State of the Commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the General Assembly, ladies and gentlemen: Good evening. Tonight is a time when Virginians come together to celebrate the achievements of the past, a

Savior or GOP Traitor? Virginia Lawmaker Dubbed Both

Virginia state Sen. John H. Chichester has given up his risk-taking hobbies of flying planes and driving motorcycles, but the 67-year-old Republican still plays dangerously when it comes to public policy. His influential role last year in helping Democratic Gov. Mark Warner enact the first major tax increase in Virginia in 40 years has landed Chichester on the cover of a magazine about good government and on a "Least Wanted" poster circulated by anti-tax groups.

No Clear Favorite Seen in Virginia's Governor's Race

Virginia and New Jersey are the only states to elect governors in 2005. In the first of two stories, Stateline.org looks at the personalities and policy issues in the race to replace Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D), the only governor in the nation limited to one four-year term. Tomorrow's story will focus on New Jersey.

Virginia Governor's Race Pivots on Guns, Executions

Virginia will choose a new governor this year, but voters in the Old Dominion might well wonder whether they are being asked to pick the next sheriff of Tombstone. Republican candidate Jerry W. Kilgore and Democrat Timothy M. Kaine are tangling over gun rights and the death penalty in a battle for rural voters.

States Ask Hospitals to Come Clean

Faced with a modern-day medical challenge, states increasingly are taking steps to track the number of patients who acquire serious infections while hospitalized. Eight states -- including four with new laws this year -- now require hospitals to tally their infection rates, amid indications that the cost of these medical complications -- in both dollars and lives -- is mounting.

Virginia Governor's Race Heats Up in Final Weeks

RICHMOND, Va. -- Democratic Gov. Mark R. Warner's sterling popularity ratings suggest he would have little trouble persuading Virginia voters to give him four more years in the executive mansion. But Virginia is the only state that limits its governors to a single term. Warner's legacy, though, is a central theme in the tight race between Democrat Timothy M. Kaine and Republican Jerry W. Kilgore.

Virginia Elects Kaine Governor

Stateline.org has compiled a quick guide to issues on the Nov. 8 ballot in Virginia -- with reliable sources to click on for in-depth information. Now updated with election results.

Va. and N.J. Elect New Governors Today

Election Day sends voters to the polls across nine states. Only Virginia and New Jersey elect governors this year in races being watched for clues to America's partisan mood. The rest of the suspense is over 39 ballot measures in California, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Washington, along with a judicial contest in Pennsylvania that got caught up in voter outrage over a legislative pay raise.

Donors Hedge Bets in VA Gov's Race

Hundreds of campaign donors knew all along that they were backing a winner in this year's race for governor of Virginia. They took no chances with their support, giving money to both Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore and Democratic nominee Tim Kaine.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2006 (Warner)

RICHMOND, Va., Jan 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Warner's (D) 2006 State of the Commonwealth address: Good Evening, Mr. Speaker, Governor Kaine, Mr. President pro tem, Members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Jagdmann, Justices of the Supreme Court, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2006

RICHMOND, Va., Jan 16 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Timothy Kaine's (D) 2006 State of the Commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the General Assembly, My Fellow Virginians: Two days ago, we gathered in Williamsburg for the first inauguration in that city since Thomas Jefferson to

Virginia Accelerates Telework Program

Click image to enlarge Traffic congestion -- a hot issue in Virginia -- has driven lawmakers to shift the state's telecommuting initiative into overdrive, challenging government managers to allow at least 25 percent of eligible employees to work from home. Thirty-four states and the federal government have adopted telecommuting, or telework. But bosses have been slow to allow their employees to use the option. Virginia's new statute assumes all state employees are candidates for working at home, and calls on managers to explain why they aren't.

Democrats Win Gov Races in Va., N.J.

Democrats kept their hold on governors' seats in Virginia and New Jersey, while California voters gave the cold shoulder to Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's prized reform package. The outcome of the nation's only two gubernatorial races in 2005 preserves Democrats' 22 governorships, compared to 28 held by Republicans. See Stateline.org's quick guide to election results in the nine states with statewide elections, with sources to click for additional information.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2007

HISTORIC JAMESTOWN, Va. Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) 2007 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President; Members of the General Assembly, my fellow Virginians: We stand at the place where, nearly 400 years ago, a new country was born. The tiny settlement at

Speakers get schooled in statesmanship

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Interested in a quick course on how to excel as a state legislative leader? Here's what you would learn: Be involved and inclusive; stay focused on your goals and personal values; be humble.

Power Prices Put Utilities in the Hot Seat

Spurred by skyrocketing power bills, lawmakers in at least six states are considering reining in electric utilities that were freed from regulation in the late 1990s.

States Say No to Teen Tanning

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