Stateline Headlines

Malloy signs campaign finance law that loosens restrictions

First 2014 poll shows Malloy trailing Foley by 3 points

Youth incarcerations drop 50 percent in state

Latino legislators back victim privacy law

Malloy stands by his energy policy -- and his energy commissioner

Big smiles, sharp elbows as Malloy crashes a Texas governor's lunch

Community colleges take a serious hit

State will approve funds to plan new Sandy Hook Elementary School

New Regents president vows to work for 'world-class' higher-education system

Sandy Hook families fail to win votes, but say they won’t quit

More cuts for the state's community colleges

Six months after Newtown focus on mental health(2)

Six months after Newtown focus on mental health

Perry to deliver sales pitch to CT gun companies

Jepsen to appeal rebuke of Rowland in labor case to U.S. Supreme Court

Malloy should reject budget and revise cap

BOE budget includes early retirement plan

Judge hits first defendant in campaign corruption case with prison sentence

State Education Board to review Achievement First's discipline policies

Lawmakers dedicate transportation fund

This time, Ayala gets slapped

BOE budget includes early retirement plan

GOP claims victory in special House election

Connecticut praised at Senate hearing for fighting sex trafficking

State seeking $72 million more in Sandy aid

Malloy's first veto of 2013 is consumer bill on foam insulation

Malloy gives feds Sandy plan for approval

Texas Gov. Rick Perry launches ad campaign to poach jobs from New York, Connecticut

State aid maintained, municipalities relieved

Malloy gives feds Sandy plan for approval

Childcare providers worry their money held hostage by politics

Bipartisan support to Whitehead, state polka, and a second state song

Other states resent Scott’s job poaching

The post-session spin: Dems, GOP fight to define the state's fiscal health

Malloy looks to 2014 as he closes legislature's annual session

Legislature busy to session's end

State budget a mixed bag

Education advocates relieved by budget

Winners and Losers from the 2013 legislative session

Session's final night produces drama, intrigue — and some legislation

After missteps, lawmakers move for more oversight of state's universities

Malloy looks to 2014 as he closes legislature's annual session

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty

Maryland has executed five people since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But nobody else will be sentenced to death in the Old Line State.

Legislatures Consider Limits on Prisoner Deportations Through Secure Communities

As Congress considers major revisions to federal immigration laws, legislators in a few states are trying to curb the federal government’s power to deport immigrants who land in jail.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Governors Promote Employment for People With Disabilities

A yearlong initiative at the National Governors Association examines the roles that states and businesses can play in finding jobs for people with disabilities.

Governors Ask Lawmakers to Prevent Future Shootings

The recent mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut reshaped governors’ legislative agendas this year, and many used their once-a-year legislative addresses to ask lawmakers to take up gun control, mental health treatment and school safety.

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Obama Sends $50.5 billion Sandy Relief Package to States

Federal aid is finally headed to the Atlantic Coast states, three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged their shores.

Issue To Watch: Gun Regulation

Gun legislation moved to the top of the list for many state lawmakers after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December.

Cuomo Proposes “NY Green Bank” To Spur Renewable Energy Investments

Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed creating a $1 billion “NY Green Bank,” a quasi-independent authority that would provide capital for energy projects, aiming to improve coordination across state government and open the door to projects that might struggle to attract investment on their own.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2013

HARTFORD, Connecticut -- Jan 9 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dannel Malloy's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

California Lawmaker Proposes New Controls on Bullet Sales

In an effort to curb gun violence, a California lawmaker has proposed legislation that would tighten oversight of bullet sales.

As Sandy Hook Students Return to School, Connecticut Governor to Launch Gun Violence Task Force

Still reeling from the elementary school massacre that shocked the nation, Connecticut has launched an expert panel that will study current policy and make recommendations on school safety, mental health and gun violence prevention, Governor Dan Malloy said Thursday.

Northeast Governors Outraged About Sandy Aid Delay

Frustration boiled over on Wednesday, the day after the U.S. House, finishing up a compromise to avert the nation’s “fiscal cliff,” scrapped a vote on the $60.4 billion relief plan approved last month by the Senate.

Bullet Tax Proposal Is New Twist in Gun-Control Debate

Today’s Take: The school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut isn’t just prompting gun-control proposals. It’s generating bullet-control proposals, too.

Connecticut Health Agency Fights Desperation Among the Insured

The Affordable Care Act encourages states to create insurance watchdogs like Connecticut’s Office of the Healthcare Advocate.

Another Mass Shooting Revives Debate on Gun Laws

Another mass shooting is fueling another debate about the nation’s patchwork of gun laws. But this time some new and prominent faces are calling for the stricter gun measures.

Connecticut Governor Looks Back on a Tough Two Years

Connecticut has been hit three times in the last year by natural disasters and now faces a new $415 million budget shortfall. In an interview with Stateline, the governor looks ahead and spells out how he plans to balance the budget.

More States Dig into Libor Scandal

As lawsuits and inquiries mount, more states are looking into the rate-rigging scandal.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

Defense of Marriage Act Discriminates Against Gays, Federal Court Rules

The federal government’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages — including those considered legal in several states — is unconstitutional, a federal court has ruled.

States Back Challenge to Federal Law on Marriage

Three states say that the federal law failing to recognize same-sex marriages considered legal within their borders violates the U.S. Constitution.

In Connecticut, Death Row Inmates Get Trial on Sentencing Fairness

Seven of Connecticut’s last 11 death row inmates are challenging their sentences, saying they were arbitrarily applied and based partly on race and geography.

Best of #StateReads: On Further Review, Georgia Dropout Rate Doubles

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

A Fight Over Food Labels in California

A ballot measure to require labeling of genetically modified foods has brought big money and prominent players to the table.

As Washington Gridlock Persists, States Get Creative in Funding Renewable Energy

The federal government has drastically reduced its funding for renewable energy. States have come up with some unusual ways to try and replace it.

Best of #StateReads: Changed Minds on the Death Penalty

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Connecticut Revisits Old-School Medicaid Financing

While most states are banking on managed care to hold down Medicaid costs, Connecticut has a different plan. The state has returned to directly reimbursing health care providers.

Connecticut's Pro-Worker Measures Leave Business Feeling Resentful

HARTFORD - Last year, Democrats in Connecticut required private companies to give paid sick days to thousands of mostly low-wage employees. This year, they are considering raising the minimum wage from $8.25 to $9.75 an hour. Business interests are crying foul.

Secure Communities Program Draws Criticism in Two States

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: An immigration control effort stirs complaints of federal intrusion into local and state law enforcement.

Report Finds 80 Percent Recidivism Rate in Connecticut

TODAY'S TAKE: A detailed state report to be released today (February 15) finds that nearly 80 percent of men released from Connecticut prisons in 2005 were arrested again by 2010.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2012

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Feb. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dannel Malloy's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Senator McKinney, Representative Cafero, my fellow state officials, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, honored members of the Judiciary, mem

State Commissioners Ask EPA for Stricter Vehicle and Fuel Standards

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Several state environmental commissioners say that new federal vehicle and fuel standards would be a boon to public health.

Special Sessions: A Calculated Risk

The legislative year ended for most states during the summer, but special sessions are bringing many lawmakers back to their capitals. The success of such sessions can depend on the behind-the-scenes deal-making that precedes them.

Connecticut Approves Bipartisan Jobs Plan

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: State lawmakers in Connecticut eased business regulations, created new tax credits and authorized infrastructure improvements in an overwhelmingly bipartisan, $626 million job-creation effort.

Labor Scuffles Continue in New York and Connecticut

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Most of the Connecticut employees laid off as a result of a battle over contract concessions this summer have since been rehired. Meanwhile, New York sent 3,500 workers layoff notices after rank-and-file members of a large union rejected an agreement last week.

Several States Quick to Opt for No Child waivers

TODAY'S TAKE: Connecticut, Oregon, New Mexico and Wisconsin immediately said they would seek waivers from key requirements of the No Child Left Behind law, an option announced by the president on Friday (September 23).

Special Legislative Sessions to Focus on Jobs

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: Deficit reduction may be the talk in Washington, but job creation is the priority in the states. Connecticut and Missouri are planning special sessions on economic development.

On Second Try, Connecticut Unions Ratify Contracts

MANAGEMENT BEAT: State workers avert 5,500 layoffs by agreeing to a wage freeze and major changes to retirement and health care benefits.

Income Tax Hikes Take Effect in Connecticut

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting today (August 1), many Connecticut workers will see smaller paychecks, due to income tax increases approved by the legislature earlier this year. Some workers may be surprised at the size of the deductions, which are retroactive to January.

Connecticut Unions Seek to Avert Widespread Layoffs

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Rank-and-file state employees in Connecticut unexpectedly turned down new contracts in June, rejecting an agreement between union leaders and Governor Dannel Malloy. Now a high-stakes re-vote will determine the fate of 6,500 positions.

Layoffs Loom in Connecticut, New York

MANAGEMENT BEAT: High-stakes deals between government and public employees in New York and Connecticut hinge on ratification by rank-and-file union members. Thousands of state jobs hang in the balance.

Maryland Bridge Tolls Could Double

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Maryland officials are considering higher bridge tolls for the first time since 1975 ... Michigan revisits its motorcycle helmet law … Connecticut's governor finds out that the public loves highway rest stops, and other transportation news.

Can Nonprofit News Survive?

Online startups such as Minnesota's MinnPost, The Texas Tribune, the Connecticut Mirror and California Watch have established themselves as must-reads among aficionados of statehouse news. The question is whether they can raise enough money to keep going.

Michigan Governor Renews Push for Canadian Bridge

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Michigan's Rick Snyder makes a new push for a second bridge between Detroit and Canada … Rejecting federal funds for a commuter rail tunnel costs New Jersey $225,000 a month … Connecticut struggles to protect transportation funding, and other transportation news.

As It Hikes Taxes, Connecticut Expects a $1 Billion Budget Surplus

TODAY'S TAKE: The $40 billion state budget that Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signed into law earlier this month contains an expected surplus of $1 billion, even as it raises a host of taxes on residents.

Connecticut Keeps Capital Punishment, for Now

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A last-minute change of heart by two legislators in Connecticut means that the state is unlikely to repeal the death penalty this year.

Pink Slips Go Out to 4,743 Connecticut Workers

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Malloy makes a final push for union concessions … Washington debates privatization of back-office functions … A pension compromise in Kansas, and other management news.

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.

Connecticut Tax Package Clears Key Hurdle

TODAY'S TAKE: In a 3 a.m. vote, the Connecticut Senate today (May 3) signed off on a series of sweeping tax increases proposed by Governor Dannel Malloy. House approval is expected later in the day.

Connecticut Governor, Lawmakers Agree to Package of Tax Hikes

TODAY'S TAKE: After weeks of negotiations, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and legislative leaders reached accord Wednesday (April 20) on a budget that will hike taxes on income, corporations, inheritance, alcohol, cigarettes and gasoline.

Connecticut's Dan Malloy Seeks Balance in a Year of Confrontation

This is a time of angry ideological showdowns in budget-writing all over the country. But you wouldn't know it to look at Connecticut. There, the governor is convinced he can prevail by sticking to a centrist course.

Connecticut Governor Seeks to Avoid Public Employee Layoffs

MANAGEMENT BEAT: The struggle over public employee concessions in Connecticut ... the prospect of salary cuts in Pennsylvania ... arguments about a pro-worker mural in Maine, and other government management news.

Governors React to Medicaid Block Grant Proposal

HEALTH BEAT: A GOP plan to turn Medicaid into a block grant gets mixed reviews … A new study predicts some big states will pay a huge tab for Medicaid expansion … Raising Medicare's eligibility age would shift costs to state retiree health benefit plans, and other health care news.

Surprisingly Small Tuition Increase in Connecticut

EDUCATION BEAT: Connecticut avoids big tuition hike ... School consolidation resisted in Arkansas ... New law cracks down on teacher strikes in Michigan, and other education news.

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.

Alabama Parents Go to Court Over Property Tax

EDUCATION BEAT: Alabama school advocates sue the state over funding ... Arizona senators approve drastic cuts to school budget ... New Jersey governor continues to battle teachers' unions, and other education news.

Two Governors See Need for Major Tax Increases

TODAY'S TAKE: Democratic Governors Dannel Malloy in Connecticut and Mark Dayton in Minnesota are detailing plans to sharply hike taxes as a way out of multi-billion dollar budget shortfalls.

Even in this Economy, States Struggle to Recruit IT Personnel

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Qualified IT staff remain difficult for states to recruit … Legislators eye state websites for ad revenue … A defined contribution plan may raise pension costs in Kentucky, and other government management news.