Stateline Headlines

Wisconsin's Tommy Thompson - Eyeing New Horizons?

Wisconsin's capitol, the political preserve of Republican Gov. Tommy G. Thompson for 13 years, is getting reacquainted with political diversity. Other players are emerging from the political spell cast by the 57-year-old four-term governor, who has thrice enjoyed the magic of a 60 percent reelection margin. The result could be some interesting jockeying as Thompson tries to position himself for a change of scenery and others vie to succeed him.

Wisconsin Typical Of State Tobacco Settlement Debate

More than 440 bills dealing with how to allocate tobacco settlement funds have been introduced in the state legislatures since the $206 billion dollar settlement between 46 states and the five major tobacco companies was reached last November. With Congress moving to bar any federal claim to share in the settlement, it looks likely that states will have complete control of the money. In many, there is sharp debate on how to spend it. For a special report on how the debate is playing out in Wisconsin - click on

State Tuition Savings Plans Face Tough Competition From Wall Street

By the end of this year, 42 states are expected to have some form of prepaid college tuition plan. But with the stock market well above 10,000, many Americans are looking at a better return on their money. In Wisconsin, this is forcing adjustments in the college savings plan known as EdVest Wisconsin as Jeff Mayers of the Wisconsin State Journal explains in this special report. To read more, click on

Wisconsin Gives Electric Deregulation Debate Different Twist

Like many other states, Wisconsin is considering restructuring its electric utility system. But its debate has some different wrinkles. A deregulation plan pushed by Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson would likely mean higher electric bills for households and businesses in the short run. And as Jeff Mayers of the Wisconsin State Journal reports, this makes for some strange political bedfellows.

Legislative Scorecard: Three States Still Budget-Less

Lawmakers in New York, Massachusetts and Wisconsin have yet to hammer out budgets for the new fiscal year, which has already begun in all three states. New York's budget is four months late, but that's become the norm in Albany. In Massachusetts, Democrats control both houses of the legislature and they still can't reach an agreement. In Wisconsin, lawmakers have left town on summer vacation and no one knows when they'll return. For more information, click on

Massachusetts, Wisconsin Vie For Dubious Fiscal Distinction

For all the shouting and self congratulation about the states' record budget surpluses, broad-based tax cuts and overflowing revenue streams, Massachusetts and Wisconsin are the unwilling finalists for an ignominious distinction: being last in the nation to pass a budget. In both cases, political skirmishing about how to spread surplus money around is a big reason for the fiscal tardiness.

California Advances Gun Control, Two States Still Without Budgets

While lawmakers in Wisconsin and Massachusetts remain stalemated over the state budget, the California Legislature, in its second week back in session, has turned its attention to gun control -- again. Earlier this summer, the legislature completed work on two gun control measures, which Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat, has already signed.

Privacy Issue Draws Intense Interest In Wisconsin

Both political parties in Wisconsin are eager to ease citizen worries about the invasion of privacy, a popular issue these days. Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson has a 14-member task force at work to develop a comprehensive plan for the security of personal information. Meanwhile, Democrats in the legislature are pushing an ambitious package of proposals to restrict the release of personal information.

Michigan, Wisconsin Return, Alaska Tackles Native Rights

Summer has officially come to an end for Michigan and Wisconsin lawmakers who began their fall legislative sessions this week. Also, Alaska started a special session on Wednesday so Gov. Tony Knowles could give lawmakers one last chance to pass a rural subsistence constitutional amendment and prevent a federal takeover of fish and game management in the state.

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.

New Federal Rules Force Action In Alaska, Wisconsin

New federal regulations that arrive with the onset of the fiscal year, Friday, October 1, forced decisions by lawmakers in Wisconsin and Alaska this week. In Alaska, lawmakers let a deadline imposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior pass, letting the federal government assume control of fisheries. In Wisconsin, where the Assembly and Senate are still divided over a budget for the state fiscal year that began July 1, Gov. Tommy Thompson prompted lawmakers to appropriate $46 million in welfare money.

Wisconsin Budget Stalemate Goes On

Three months ago today (Friday), the Wisconsin Legislature should have been putting the finishing touches on a two-year, $41 billion state budget. But top legislators still are at it, and for the second budget cycle in a row the budget is delayed far past the July 1 start of the new fiscal year. There's no budget crisis, because unlike the federal government when lawmakers fail to act, Wisconsin government doesn't shut down. It continues to run at previously set budget levels, as the state discovered in 1997.

New York Senate Back At Work, Wisconsin Gets Budget

New York's state Senate returned to work after a two-month break, Wisconsin lawmakers approved a $41-billion budget three months late and squabbling between two powerful Massachusetts politicians is keeping that state without a budget well past its July 1 fiscal deadline.

Wisconsin's Gov Thompson Vows To Reshape Budget Tax Package

Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson signed the 1999-2001 state budget today, but a power struggle over the Badger State budget is not yet over. Thompson has some firm ideas about how he wants the budget's tax cut features to work, and he's used his line-item power to get what he wants. The four-term governor has cast thousands of vetoes, and has yet to suffer an override. So he's likely to prevail in the fiscal test of wills.

Alabama, Tennessee In Special Session, Massachusetts Budget Okayed

Alabama and Tennessee legislators are in special session dealing with tax issues, while Massachusetts lawmakers cleared the way for adjournment by finally passing a budget. For more information, click on

Stalemate on Crime Law A Problem For Wisconsin

Tough new criminal sentencing regulations go into effect in Wisconsin soon, and some experts fear the result could be miscarriages of justice and severe prison overcrowding because the legislature hasn't tailored the criminal code to fit the new rules.

Twenty-Seven States Win Awards For Welfare Successes

Twenty-seven states will share $200 million in performance bonuses from the federal government for successfully moving welfare recipients into work. President Clinton announced the awards Saturday. Minnesota showed the best performance, ranking in the top ten in three out of four categories.

Wisconsin Legislative Outlook: Skirmishing Over Substance

Wisconsin was the second to last state in the Union to pass a budget this year because of partisan wrangling (Massachusetts brought up the rear), and the state's lawmakers and lobbyists say the acrimonious climate in Madison that caused the lonmg budget stalemate is likely to spill over into year 2000. Because of this, few people expect much in the way of legislative accomplishments in the next twelve months.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2000

MADISON, Wisconsin - Jan. 26 - Following is the text of Gov. Tommy G. Thompson's 2000 State of the State Address: Speaker Jensen, President Risser, Members of the Legislature, Constitutional Officers, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, tribal leaders, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests, ladies and g

Green Bay Packers Seeking Legislative Touchdown

While most football fans focus on the clash of the St. Louis Rams and the Tennessee Titans in the NFL's Super Bowl XXXIV, Wisconsin "Cheeseheads" are debating the merits of an expensive public/private plan to renovate the home field of the legendary Green Bay Packers. Gov. Tommy Thompson is an enthusiastic supporter, but many lawmakers are taking a cautious approach to the proposed Lambeau Field makeover.

Wisconsin Welfare Success Eludes Hmong, Study Shows

The Hmong people of Southeast Asia were among America's most loyal allies in the Vietnam War. Forced from their homeland by the communist takeover, they fled in droves to U.S. resettlement centers in Wisconsin, Minnesota and California. Readjustment has not been easy for the Hmong -- and now a new study suggests that Wisconsin's welfare success could be another tragedy in the making for these displaced people.

Wisconsin's 'BadgerCare' Stumbles On Popularity, Rising Costs

Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson has built a name for Wisconsin on the issue of welfare reform. As he often notes, the Democratic administration of President Bill Clinton often has copied Wisconsin welfare reform ideas and policies. But Thompson's "BadgerCare" Program, which provides health insurance for the working poor, is having its problems. These stem from the program's popularity and rising costs.

Minnesota's Welfare Program Shows Dramatic Results

A report released Wednesday shows that Minnesota's plan for weaning long-term recipients off welfare has led to one of the largest drops in poverty among single-parent families ever recorded. Minnesota's program also increased the proportion of recipients that got or stayed married, "the first hard evidence" that a welfare program can promote two-parent families, the report says.

Perrier Bid For Wisconsin Water Steams Environmentalists

The Perrier Group of North America is once again asking Wisconsin for permission to bottle pristine Badger State water. However, as state officials are discovering, Perrier, environmentalism and Wisconsin politics can make for a volatile mix.

Education On The Ballot In Several States

November 7 isn't just about electing the next President, Congress, governors or state legislature. It is also the day Americans vote on ballot initiatives that often show what issues have priority among citizens. In at least seven states, education is on the ballot.

Wisconsin Voters Enjoying the Limelight

It's been decades since Wisconsin has had a presidential primary fight that really meant something. The state's April primary now comes so late it amounts to a collective, "Us, too," in the quadrennial balloting to select the Republican and Democratic presidential nominees. Maybe that explains why Wisconsin residents are loving this general election season. George W. Bush, Al Gore, their running mates, members of their immediate families and surrogates are turning up in the state almost every day. This year, Wisconsin has symbolic importance far beyond it's winner-take-all 11 Electoral College votes.

On the Record: Wisconsin DNR Secretary George Meyer

Logging. Breweries. Large dairy farms. These are a few of Wisconsins favorite things. Perched between two of the worlds largest bodies of fresh water, the Badger State has as long a tradition of capitalizing on its natural resources as it does of backing the kind of progressive politics that led then-Sen. Gaylord Nelson to inaugurate Earth Day in 1969. Stateline.org caught up with the man currently in charge of balancing these interests at the first annual meeting of the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors (ACRE), where he came to talk about the states role in protecting the environment.

Stadium Facelift Roils Wisconsin Politics

Green Bay Packer politics continue to reverberate in Wisconsin, where a GOP lawmaker was ousted Nov. 7 despite his support for renovating the stadium of the states most cherished sports team. This year, the push by pro football's Packers to renovate Lambeau Field played a role in a tumultuous election-year session of the Legislature, two citizen votes in the county around Green Bay, and now the defeat of GOP state Sen. Gary Drzewiecki. And the saga isnt over.

States In South, West Big Winners In 2000 Census

The historic movement of Americans away from the northeastern states to the west and southwest continued over the last decade, the Census Bureau reported Thursday, and as of 2003, the make-up of the U.S. House of Representatives will be adjusted to reflect the population shift.

New Faces Replace Washington-Bound Governors

Aficionados of state politics, think quickly: Who are Rick Perry, Donald DiFrancesco and Scott McCallum? The question may sound like a quiz show stumper, but soon the answer may not be so trivial. They either are, or are in line to be, the nations newest state chief executives from Texas, New Jersey and Wisconsin, respectively.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2001

MADISON, Wisconsin - Feb. 1 - Following is the full text of Gov. Scott McCallum's 2001 State of the State Address: Chief Justice Abrahamson, Governor Thompson, Governor Schreiber, Governor Dreyfus, Governor Earl, members of the Wisconsin Legislature, members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, my wife Laurie, my childr

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.

State Brownfields Programs Take National Stage

When Kentuckys Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate both voted unanimously to expand brownfields programs last week, they committed the Bluegrass State to a decade-long push to make investment in cleaning up abandoned industrial sites more attractive to private redevelopers. They also signed on to one of the few nationwide environmental causes to generate real interest in both major political parties since Congress first acted to protect natural resources and public health and set up the Environmental Protection Agency over 30 years ago.

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.

State Health Officials Concerned About Vaccine Shortage

On the surface, a nationwide tetanus and diphtheria vaccine shortage may not seem like such a big deal. How many people will step on a rusty nail this year? Doctors in states such as Wisconsin say the shortage is serious due to flooding in the state and related accidents, but in Kentucky, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington, health experts say it's not yet a problem. But the shortfall is resulting in higher prices for states and potential problems for patients.

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).

States Vary in Addressing Power Plant Construction

Putting an addition on your home can bring more regulatory hassles than building a power plant in many states. But in a few states like Minnesota, new generating facilities must meet a tough "needs test" to enter today's new electricity market.

Economic Slump Has States Tightening Belts

The slowing national economy has many states facing budget deficits and shrinking account balances for the first time since the early 1990's, according to a report released this week by the National Conference of State Legislatures. NCSL surveyed the 46 states that have passed budgets for fiscal year 2002 -- which began July 1 for all but four states -- and found that 20 states took "extraordinary actions" to pass balanced ones.

Tobacco Settlement Pits Health Advocates Against States

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

America Under Fire: Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on their role in Americas war with Terrorism. In this installment, Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum gives his views.

Probe Clouds Wisconsin Legislature

An investigation is underway of Wisconsin's legislature that threatens to reach all the way to Republican Scott Jensen, the Assembly Speaker, and Democrat Chuck Chvala, the Senate Majority Leader. At issue are allegations that caucus staffers who answer to the legislative leaders illegally used state resources for partisan campaigning.

Budget Plan Gives Wisconsin Big Political Issue

Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum has triggered an election year battle with his proposal to phase out a 90 year-old program of state aid to local governments to erase a $1.2 billion state budget deficit. The politically risky plan, fiercely opposed by many urban leaders and Democratic legislative leaders, would reduce the $1 billion per year "Shared Funding" program by more than one-third this year alone.

Wisconsin Leads In Extending Jobless Aid

Wisconsin, which pioneered financial aid for out-of-work citizens, is extending unemployment benefits for up to eight additional weeks to workers laid off on or after March 11th, 2001.

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.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2002

MADISON, Wisconsin - March 5 - Following is the complete text of Gov. Scott McCallum's 2002 State of the State Address: Citizens, colleagues, guests and friends. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, distinguished members of the Legislature, members of the Supreme Court, constitutional officers, cabinet members, Lieutenant Gov

Govs' Travel Makes People Talk

Want to dodge congested airline ticket counters and long security lines? Fly on government aircraft or corporate jets? You might -- if you get yourself elected governor.

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.

Online Tax Filing An Option In Many States

For millions of Americans, the April 15 deadline for filing tax returns used to mean a last minute rush to the post office. Now, for many taxpayers, it increasingly means logging on to a PC, surfing to a tax preparation Web site and hitting the send button.

Wisconsin Govs Race One To Watch

Less than seven months before the November election, Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum has fielded a new team of top advisers in a bid to win a four-year term in the face of discouraging poll numbers and an image problem. But McCallum, who for 14 years played understudy to popular former Gov. Tommy Thompson, faces a difficult challenge.

State Governments Grow Despite Recession

Despite the worst revenue shortfalls in a decade, most state governments continued to grow this year, and many are approving even larger budgets for next year. The tendency is all up in most states, says fiscal analyst Nick Jenny of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a university-affiliated think tank in Albany, NY.

Govs' Gaffes Sometimes Overshadow Policies

When Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, recently told a group of high school girls its about time a woman became governor of the Sunshine State, he apparently forgot about Janet Reno, a leading contender for the Florida Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Its not the first time a governor has put a proverbial foot in his or her mouth. And it wont be the last.

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.

Wisconsin State Senator Faces 18 Felony Charges

Just weeks ago Wisconsin State Senator and former Milwaukee assistant prosecutor Brian Burke (D-Milwaukee) was the front-runner for state attorney general. Instead of prosecuting criminals Burke now faces 18 felony counts of misconduct in office and evidence tampering for allegedly using state resources and state employees for partisan campaigning and trying to cover up his crimes.

Wisconsin Politics Gets Stranger and Stranger

Wisconsin politics gets stranger and stranger. In the latest bizarre twist, the Democratic majority leader of the state Senate has unmasked himself as the mastermind of a move that ended the gubernatorial campaign of a fellow Democratic state senator.

Wisconsin Corruption Charges a Political Bombshell

In a state that used to pride itself on clean, progressive state government it is a political bombshell. State Senate Majority Leader Chuck Chvala (D-Madison) and Assembly Speaker Scott Jensen (R-Waukesha) are both charged with felony misconduct in office, including allegations of extortion and conspiracy to violate campaign contribution laws.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

Don't Pin Me Down: Candidates Avoid Budget Specifics

It's a priorities issue. No new taxes. I won't touch education. These are nice campaign slogans, but they don't close budget gaps, despite what some candidates for governor would have you believe.

Governors Races Break The Bank

This year's gubernatorial races were the costliest in history and defied conventional wisdom that mid-term elections are less expensive than elections in years the White House is at stake. Spending tallies wont be final for several more weeks but the 2002 campaign shattered many records for money spent and candidate self-financing.

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.

States Lose Track of Sex Offenders

A child rapist could become your neighbor, and youd never know it. Thats because many state laws requiring sex offenders to register for inclusion in databases arent working. California has lost track of more than 30,000 sex offenders, and Wisconsin, Minnesota and Oregon can't account for more than 10 percent of their registered sex offenders.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2003

MADISON, Wisconsin - Jan. 30 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jim Doyle's 2003 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor Lawton, Supreme Court justices, constitutional officers, members of the Cabinet, distinguished members of the Legislature and fellow citizens of Wisconsin:

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.

States Mull Borrowing to Bolster Pension Plans

A handful of cash-strapped states plan to borrow to put money into their state employee pension systems, an idea that analysts say is a gamble that might not pay off. New Jersey first tried the approach in 1997, but California, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin and West Virginia might be next.

Welfare-To-Work Can Benefit Kids, Study Finds

A new report on an experimental welfare-to-work program released Tuesday (June 10) suggests that putting poor mothers to work can have a positive effect on the well-being of their children as long as their family receives adequate work supports and their income rises above the poverty level.

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.

Wisconsin Legislator Relishes Road-Warrior Alter Ego

Wisconsin State Sen. Dave Zien is not the kind of legislator who revels in political deal-making in smoked-filled rooms. Zien, 53, who uses a means of transport known as a Hog for his 400 mile daily commute to and from the state capitol in Madison, is much more comfortable out on the open road.

State Lawmakers Form Great Lakes Caucus

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

Poor to Get Less Help with Heating Bills

State programs that help low-income residents pay their heating bills expect to spread less money among more needy recipients this winter due to higher jobless rates and heating fuel costs.

Governor Vetoes Wisconsin Gun Bill

A bill allowing gun-owners to pack concealed weapons even into the state Legislature -- has sparked a political shootout in Wisconsin, with Republican proponents blazing away rhetorically at criminals, druggies and wackos, while Democrats return fire with equal passion. Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle put at least a temporary stop to this feuding Tuesday with a veto, backed by strong support from Wisconsins law enforcement community and the public at large.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2004

MADISON, Wisconsin - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Jim Doyle's 2004 State of the State Address: Speaker Gard, President Lasee, Lieutenant Governor Lawton, Supreme Court Justices, constitutional officers, members of the Cabinet, tribal leaders, distinguished members of the Legislature, and fellow citizen

Threats, Switches Mark Wisconsin Gunfight

When people imagine Wisconsin, they may think of beer, dairy farms and the pro football Green Bay Packers. But the bucolic Badger State was the scene this week of a bruising political battle over letting citizens carry concealed weapons.

Rx Cost-Cutting Puts Governors at Odds with Federal Government

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

Pro-Baseball Franchise Hit with Unusual State Audit

More than three dozen new professional sports stadiums and arenas opened in the United States in the last decade, many of them built with taxpayer money. Some taxpayers and the people who represent them seem satisfied with the bargain, but others are beginning to ask why some of the teams that benefited have provided so little to cheer about.

Drunken Driving Plea Tarnishes Wisconsin Attorney General

Wisconsin's first female attorney general is fighting for her political life after an arrest for drunken driving led not only to her embarrassment but also to the discovery she was misusing a state-owned car to commute to work. Democrat Peg Lautenschlager reimbursed taxpayers, paid fines and now gets rides to work because she lost her driver's license. She is trying to put the controversies behind her and says she has no plans to step down.

States Offer Tax Breaks to Spur Organ Donation

A new Wisconsin initiative to boost organ donations in the state by giving an income-tax deduction to living donors is gaining steam in statehouses across the country. Since January, Georgia lawmakers approved an identical bill, and similar measures have been introduced in 10 other states.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2005

MADISON, Wisconsin - Jan. 12 - Following is the text of Gov. Jim Doyle's 2005 state of the state address: Speaker Gard, Majority Leader Schultz, President Lasee, Speaker Pro Tem Freese, Members of the Legislature, Lieutenant Governor Lawton, Constitutional Officers, Supreme Court Justices, Members of the Cabi

States Buying in Bulk to Stretch Rx Dollars

A growing number of states are using an age-old bargain shopping strategy buying in bulk to save money on prescription drugs. States are looking within and beyond their borders for ways to leverage the combined buying power of consumers, such as state employees, retirees and Medicaid patients, to negotiate better prices from drug makers.

Evangelical Law Firm at Front of Culture War

A conservative Christian advocacy group called the Alliance Defense Fund is an increasingly powerful player in America's culture wars, taking on progressive groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union on gay rights, school prayer, abortion and other issues. Now, Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature have invited the group to represent them in a legal battle over state employment benefits.

Budget Deadline Looms Large in 10 States

The clock is ticking in 10 states that still have not adopted budgets for the fiscal year that begins July 1, with an eleventh-hour showdown threatening a partial government shutdown in Minnesota. Some - but not all - of those states are expected to wrap up their budget process this week.

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.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2006

MADISON, Wis., Jan. 17 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jim Doyle's 2006 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker Pro-Tempore, Members of the Legislature, Lieutenant Governor Lawton, Constitutional Of

Rising revenues spur tax cuts, spending

From Massachusetts to Hawaii, signs abound that the immense pressure placed on state budgets by the fiscal crisis early this decade has eased, opening the door for a wave of fresh tax cuts and new spending.

States chart their own foreign policy

From boycotting companies that trade with Sudan to buying oil from Venezuela, the nation's state lawmakers are becoming more assertive on the international stage. While a boon to economies from California to Maine, statehouse diplomacy could undermine federal power abroad and expose states to international lawsuits, foreign policy experts warn.

Mumps outbreak tests pandemic plans

State officials in the Midwest are using an outbreak of mumps to test emergency health plans. The real-life exercise is critical for health officials, who have struggled to ready their systems for a possible flu pandemic in the near future.

Bright Ideas Compete for Cash

Six state programs, ranging from Maine's comprehensive health care reform to Wisconsin's environmental program for businesses, are competing for $100,000 grants in one of the nation's premiere good government competitions.

Gay Activists Hopeful in Colo., S.D., Wis.

After a series of stinging judicial defeats for same-sex marriage this summer, both sides of the issue are looking to November's elections as a test of how far public attitudes have changed toward gay couples.

Crime Lab Backlogs Extend Beyond DNA

State and federal lawmakers are trying to reduce backlogs in unanalyzed DNA evidence even as more common forms of forensic data are being neglected, crime lab directors say.

Wis. AG Election a Race to the Bottom

One of the nation's nastiest races for state office this year isn't being fought over the governor's mansion. In Wisconsin, a four-way contest for attorney general has degenerated into name-calling and negative attack ads in the final days before the state's Sept. 12 primary. Thirty states will elect attorneys general this year.

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.

Incumbent AG, Comptroller Lose in Primaries

Wisconsin's attorney general, Peg Lautenschlager, and Maryland's comptroller and former governor, William Donald Schaefer, were two big-name incumbents who were defeated Tuesday (Sept. 12) as nine states held primaries to decide candidates for the Nov. 7 election.

Stem Cell Debate Goes to Voters

Voters are being asked to weigh job creation and potential life-saving cures against moral concerns over the destruction of human embryos in an impassioned battle over a Missouri ballot measure supporting the science. While the Show Me state is the only one with the question on the Nov. 7 ballot, the controversy over stem cell research is playing prominently in the Wisconsin governor's race and cropping up in state races scattered across the country.

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.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2007

MADISON, Wisc., Jan. 30 - Following is the transcript of Gov. Jim Doyle's 2007 State of the States Address. Click here to view the address. Speaker Huebsch, Speaker Pro Tem Gottlieb, President Risser, Majority Leader Robson, Lieutenant Governor Lawton, Constitutional Officers, Supreme Court Justices, members

Govs Enjoy Quirky Veto Power

Ever hear of the "Frankenstein" veto? How about the "Vanna White" veto? Every state governor has the power to overrule actions by his or her legislature through a "veto" - the word is Latin for "I forbid" - but some governors can do more than simply say no.

Students get an eyeful

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

WORTH NOTING: Ala. Attorney General Sings With a Legend

Alabama's top law enforcer sings with "The Man in Black." North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) recommends regifting Christmas cards. And a freshman lawmaker takes the slow road to Denver. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Wisconsin State of the State Address 2008

MADISON, Wis. - Jan. 23 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jim Doyle's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Growing Wisconsin's Economy Speaker Huebsch, Speaker Pro Tem Gottlieb, President Risser, Majority Leader Decker, Constitutional Officers, Supreme Court Justices, tribal leaders, members of the Cabinet

Report: States Seeking Prison Solutions

State governments, facing leaner budgets this year as the national economy struggles, are exploring strategies to contain surging prison populations without building costly new correctional facilities, according to a report released Wednesday (Jan. 23).

Parents Turn to States for Autism Help

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