Stateline Stories

There’s an App for That State Service

States are increasingly turning to mobile applications to provide information and services to citizens.

Lawmakers Chew on Weighty Issues: ‘Whose shad fry is the best?’

Photo Slideshow: Lawmakers call time out to weigh delicious legislation.

Backlash for Red-Light Cameras Hasn’t Slowed Spread

Throughout the country, state legislatures are considering how broadly to use traffic cameras, but the number of communities using them keeps growing.

Issue to Watch: Renewable Energy

Here is a look at states considering major action on renewable energy policy.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2013

Honolulu, Hawaii -- Jan 22 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Seniors Are New Target for Tax Increases

Over the years, states have carved out ever more generous tax breaks for the elderly. Now, Kentucky and a few other states are beginning to question whether these policies cost too much.

After Election Day Confusion, Hawaii Gov Pushes Full Mail-In Voting

On the heels of an Election Day plagued by long lines and mass confusion, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie says he’s pushing for major changes to voting on the islands —mainly, the elimination of the traditional Election Day altogether.

Sunshine Overruns: Hawaii’s Solar Tax Credits Carry Soaring Price Tag

The widespread popularity of Hawaii’s solar energy incentive — and mass confusion over how to implement it — have dealt a blow to the state’s treasury and become a major topic in state politics.

Hawaii Judge: Online Travel Companies Don’t Owe Unpaid Taxes

Online travel companies that book hotel rooms in Hawaii have not shortchanged the state millions in tax remittances, a state judge ruled Monday, continuing a losing trend for governments challenging the companies’ tax practices.

Hawaii Teachers Halt Labor Negotiations, Escalating Conflict

Strong unions and a liberal governor might seem well-positioned to get along with each other, but it isn’t working out that way in Hawaii.

Dam Inspectors Fear the Deluge

Each year, more dams in the United States show signs of disrepair. Meanwhile, the money to fix them grows harder to find.

Best of #StateReads: Ex-Parks Official Had Criminal Past

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

Hawaii First State Where Plastic Bags Banned

Hawaii has become the first state where plastic bans at the checkout aisle are banned statewide, following the passage of laws in each of its four counties.

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.

Graduate Students Campaign to Unionize

Can a graduate research assistant be a public employee? States and universities are struggling to sort that question out.

Spread of Soda Taxes Fizzles

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Taxes on soft drinks looked like the next big thing two years ago, but they haven't caught on yet.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2012

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 23 - Following is the text of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, former Governors, distinguished justices of the courts, mayors, representatives of our Congressional Delegation, members of the Hawai'i State Legislature, other

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Arizona's Brewer Vetoes School Bill

EDUCATION BEAT: An education bill is rejected by the governor in Arizona ... California universities seek to attract more out-of-state students ... Detroit schools send out thousands of pink slips, and more education news.

California Looks to Current Workers' Pensions for Savings

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Pension commission argues for tough choices in California … Republican governors back off opposition to collective bargaining … No more "SWAG" in California, and other government management news.

Earmark Ban Takes Shape on Capitol Hill

TODAY'S TAKE: The powerful chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has joined House Republicans and President Obama in calling for a stop to earmarks, a decision that is certain to have fiscal consequences for states.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2011

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 24 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, former governors, distinguished justices of the court, mayors, representatives of our Congressional Delegation, members of the Hawaii State Legislature, other elec

Peter Shumlin Picks a Team of Rivals

TRANSITION WATCH: Vermont's governor-elect appoints former political opponents, Iowa's thrifty transition and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Pat Quinn Rehires His Old Chief of Staff as an Adviser

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

Historic Firsts on State High Courts

TODAY'S TAKE: The Hawaii Supreme Court would be led by a woman for the first time ever - and California's high court would have its first female majority - under judicial nominations made by the two states' governors last week.

In Hawaii, an Imbroglio Over an Investment Gone Bad

Hawaii Auditor Marion Higa (left)and Governor Linda Lingle (right) Hawaii holds $1 billion worth of securities that have become nearly impossible to unload since the market froze in 2008. When Auditor Marion Higa (pictured bottom) issued a report looking at the problem, it opened a debate with Governor Linda Lingle (top) about how the state's finances are managed.

Weekly Wrap: Govs Seek to Prop Up Budget Reserve Funds

Depleted rainy day funds prompt review; Toyota's temporary sales suspension could impact state revenue; Ohio loses an iconic employer; and new studies released on recession, state stimulus web sites.

Summary of the Hawaii State of the State Address

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle (R) on Jan. 25 laid out an ambitious agenda for her final year in office, proposing tax credits to stimulate clean energy jobs, strengthening the education department by putting it in the governor's Cabinet and creating a budget stabilization fund to help protect the state's finances.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2010

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 25 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Linda Lingle's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Senate President Hanabusa, Speaker Say, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, former Governor Ariyoshi, members of the Legislature, cabinet members, Chief Justice Moon, Chair Apoliona, Mayor Hannemann, mi

Iowa Governor Touts 4-Day Workweek

TODAY'S TAKE: Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) is touting Utah's first-in-the-nation move to a four-day workweek for most executive-branch state workers, and he is pushing the proposal as a way to cut costs in his own state. Hawaii and Washington State have also tried the idea.

Credit Unions Help Strapped State Employees

As state employees across the country are being hammered by layoffs, pay cuts and forced unpaid days off, some state employees' credit unions are stepping in to help workers get through these tough times.

Furloughs Cut Into State Services

With states facing a $121 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year, a growing number of them have turned to squeezing their workforce for savings, and effects both great and small will be felt.

AGs Optimistic on Better State-Fed Relations

State attorneys general, who this month attended their first meeting with new U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, say they are hopeful they can forge better relations with Washington, D.C., on environmental protection, sex offender policy and other subjects that became state-federal battlegrounds during the Bush administration.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2009

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 26 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Linda Lingle's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Senate President Hanabusa, Speaker Say, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, former Governor Ariyoshi, former Governor Waihe'e and Mrs. Waihe'e, members of the Legislature, cabinet members, Chief Justice

Shifting Economy Keeps States Guessing

A month from the start of many legislative sessions, state leaders still don't know how much money they will have to cut from budgets.

Three States Weigh Calls for New Charters

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues Voters in Connecticut, Hawaii and Illinois will decide this year whether to convene constitutional conventions that could alter the framework of their state governments. Proponents hope the conventions would bring about much-needed changes; opponents worry the results would be unworkable.

Newest States in the Union Get top Billing

With Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's addition to the Republican national ticket, all of the last three states admitted to the Union - Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona - can boast of being the home to major party candidates in this presidential election.

Keeping Tabs on State Delegations

Creating headlines at home from the GOP convention, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford tells reporter John O'Connor of The State (Columbia) that he doesn't plan to run again after his second and last term as governor ends in 2010, ruling out any run for a U.S. Senate seat. "Politics for the rest of my life is not (in my plans). ... Life doesn't end when politics end."

State Reporters on the Big Stories

Statehouse reporters from across the country are keeping tabs on their home-state politicians' attempts to snatch a piece of the national spotlight in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.

Hawaii Sees Jump in Democratic Rolls, Thanks to Obama

Photo by Barbara Rosewicz, Stateline.org Hawaii Democratic Party Chairman Brian Schatz celebrates opening night of the convention with fellow delegate Andy Winer, director of Barack Obama's state campaign committee. Aug. 26, 2008, 5:00 p.m. EDTDENVER - Barack Obama may represent the Land of Lincoln, but his Hawaiian roots have been a boon to the Aloha State's Democratic Party. "Sen. Obama's nomination has been one of the best things for our party's growth," Brian Schatz, chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, said during a break during the state's delegation Aug. 25 breakfast. The party's membership rolls spiked by 36,000 in just one day following Obama's decisive win in the state's Feb. 19 caucuses, he said. "We know he's the senator from Illinois but we take great pride in the fact that he grew up in Honolulu," he said. Schatz said the party hopes to build on that momentum to win back the governor's seat in 2010, when current Republican Gov. Linda Lingle must step down because of term limits. "We have several good possibilities" in terms of Democratic candidates, he said. Schatz said with Obama in the White House, Hawaii hopes to see more federal dollars for a $6 billion rail project, the biggest in state history. He also said he hopes the next president and Congress give Native Hawaiians the same federal recognition that Native Americans have. Obama supports the legislation, he said.AFTER THE JUMP: Audio from the Stateline.org interview with Schatz -Pamela M. Prah Comments

States Lock Out Drunk Drivers

Most states now have laws that can order drunk drivers to use in-car breathalyzers, called ignition interlocks, that prevent cars from starting if alcohol is detected. While some laws are more lenient, seven states require the ignition interlocks for all first-time convictions.

WORTH NOTING: Tax refund hardly a windfall

Hawaii lawmakers spread the state's good fortune - thinly. A Colorado state senator calls for a probe of his own business dealings. And a Texas inmate enters the Idaho presidential primary. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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).

Hawaii State of the State Address 2008

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 22 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Linda Lingle's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Good morning fellow residents of Hawai'i…our 'ohana…kama'?ina and malihini…keiki and k?puna…civilian and military…Speaker Say…Pr

WORTH NOTING: Legislator Has Paparazzi Issues

A new Colorado legislator made waves his first day by kicking a news photographer. A North Carolina gubernatorial candidate opens his campaign with a spelling error, and then a cover-up. And North Dakota's governor is angry about how his state is portrayed in National Geographic. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Report: Women govs get high marks

Women running for governor still have to work harder than men, but once elected, voters think female governors are better at getting things done and solving problems than their male counterparts, new research released Nov. 29 shows.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2007

Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 22 - Following is the prepared text of Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle's (R) 2007 state of the state address. Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, members of the Legislature, Chief Justice Moon, Chair Apoliona, cabinet members, military leaders, members of the counselor corps, di

Hawaii Adopts New School Funding

When its new school year begins Thursday, Hawaii will become the first state to use a weighted student funding formula statewide. Although the state has only one school district, its new funding plan is designed to ensure that money for education is spread more equitably among its 287 schools.

Alaska No. 1 in 'pork' per capita, again

Alaska -- infamous for its federally funded "bridges to nowhere" -- ranked first in per-capita federal spending for pork-barrel projects last year, a distinction it has held for the past 16 years. Hawaii came in second, and Georgia ranked last, according to the latest report from a group that hawks congressional spending. The report and database offer 9,963 examples of what the group calls wasteful federal spending, searchable by state.

Report: 9 states May Lose Under Bush Plan

Nine states would receive less money from Washington, D.C., if Congress adopts President Bush's 2007 budget proposal, while most others would see modest increases, suggests a new analysis by Federal Funds Information for States, a subscription service for state officials.

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.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2006

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, members of the Legislature, Chief Justice Moon, Chair Apoliona, cabinet members, military leaders, members of the counselor corps, distinguished guests, and to all the people of Hawai`i. Aloha and good morning. It is a great privilege to once again come b

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.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2005

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 24 - Following is the text of Gov. Linda Lingle's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, members of the Legislature, cabinet members, Chief Justice Moon, Chair Apoliona, mayors, members of the consular corps, distinguished guests, and t

Western Governors University Improves Its Grade

Western Governors University, an online academic institution established by 19 states in 1997, has more than doubled its enrollment in the past year to 3,000 students. The surge in enrollment came as e-learning at colleges and universities across the country recorded a dramatic rise. While the number of students taking courses on the Internet is increasing, academics and entrepreneurs disagree over whether the trend is good or bad.

Legislative Hopefuls Break Political Molds

Statehouse candidates following an unbeaten path into politics this year include a former Middle East hostage in Ohio and a California woman who could be the first Saudi-born elected official in the United States. In Kentucky, a former governor is vying for a seat in the state Senate after 25 years away from the Capitol and is running against the big brother of Kentuckys current governor. More than 78 percent of the nation's 7,382 state legislative seats are up for grabs on Nov. 2.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2004

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 26 - Following is the text of Gov. Linda Lingle's 2004 state of the state addess: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Legislature, Lt. Governor Aiona, cabinet members, Justices of the Supreme Court, OHA Chair Haunani Apoliona, Governor Waihee, Congressmen Case, Mayor Arakawa, Mayor Ba

Governors Kick-Off Discussion of Long-Term Care

Under the glare of television lights, four governors recently kicked off what they hope will be at least a year-long national conversation about long-term health care for the elderly. In 2008, nearly 77 million World War II Baby Boomers will start to retire and state public health safety-net programs will not be able to keep up, the governors said.

Hawaii Governor Nears Anniversary of 'New Look' Leadership

Hawaii voters demanding change went all the way when they elected Linda Lingle governor a year ago: They chose the first woman and the first Jewish person to hold that office, not to mention Hawaiis first Republican governor since early statehood days. The grand-scale change she promised has so far eluded her, but some observers say she has at least laid a promising foundation.

Hawaiian Legislator Makes Waves for Renewable Energy

Residents of Hawaii pay the highest electricity rates in the nation due to their dependence on imported gas and oil to generate energy. But state Rep. Cynthia Thielen believes the Hawaiian Islands are surrounded by the cleanest, cheapest and most abundant source of energy in the world the ocean.

Cleric Legislators Balance Political, Religious Roles

More than two dozen state legislators double as spiritual leaders, and must walk a fine line in reconciling their dual roles with the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. Hawaiis Bud Stonebraker and Floridas Frank Peterman Jr. are cases in point.

Hawaii Falls Behind In Health Care Coverage

Hawaii once enjoyed a reputation as the nations health care leader. It was the only state that required employers to provide health benefits, and its uninsured rate was a mere 5 percent. But today, the island state is struggling on the health coverage front. The uninsured rate has doubled and Hawaii now trails 11 other states. What went wrong?

Hawaii Urges Restraint In Homeland Security

The Hawaii legislature is debating a non-binding resolution that condemns sweeping new federal powers to fight terrorism and calls on state and local officials to avoid any actions that threaten the civil rights of the states residents. The measure has passed the state House. If the state Senate passes it, which sponsors say is likely, Hawaii will become the first state to go on record against provisions of the 2001 USA Patriot Act and the 2002 Homeland Security Act.

Tourism States Brace for Potential Gulf War

The nations most tourism-dependent states could suffer a crippling decline in revenue if a U.S.-led invasion of Iraq scares would-be travelers away from the countrys most popular vacation and business destinations.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2003

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Linda Lingle's 2003 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Lt. Governor Aiona, Senator Inouye, Congressman Abercrombie, Congressman and Mrs. Case, Mayor and Mrs. Harris, Mayor Kim, and Mayor Arakawa, Governor Ari

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.

Alien Species: Another Costly State Headache

State agriculture and wildlife officials are the first line of defense against a bio-pollution problem that costs the country billions each year in environmental damage the invasion of foreign plants, insects, animals and diseases.

'Choose Life' Car Tags Spark Debate

Legislators in seven states Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina have authorized specialty license plates bearing the slogan "Choose Life," an action that has sparked controversy and several lawsuits. Though supporters say "Choose Life" is not a political message and is intended to promote adoption, the plates have been challenged by abortion rights groups whove gone to court to try to block them.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Women Could Win Big On Nov. 5

Voters in nine states will determine on Nov. 5 whether 2002 will live up to its billing as "the year of the woman governor."

Lt. Governors: Running In the Shadows

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

'You've Got Mail' Risky Message For Candidates

Politicians are finding that sending e-mail is a way to reach people and save money on postage. But in several states, that has backfired. An Internet Service Provider pulled the plug on a California candidates Web site, an e-mail recipient list fell into an opponents hands in Florida, and voters complained about unsolicited messages from candidates in Hawaii and Texas.

Governors Races Attract The Colorful

If a former pro wrestler nicknamed The Body can be elected governor, then why not a comedian, an ex-stripper, or a pistol packing candidate? They are among the more colorful contenders for high office this year.

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.

Census Bureau Reports on States Tax Burden

If you live in one of these five states -- Connecticut, Hawaii, Delaware, Minnesota and Massachusetts you can boast, or complain, that you shoulder the heaviest tax burden in the nation.

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.

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.

Hawaii Leads In Bioterror Lawmaking

Hawaii officials are in the forefront of developing a legal framework to deal with bio-terrorism. The island state is probably more keenly aware of the threat of pandemics than other states -- and extraordinary measures that may be needed to deal with such crises -- because it regularly sees exotic ailments rare in the rest of the country.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2002

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 22 - Following is the text of Gov. Ben Cayetano's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Lt. Governor Hirono, Mayors Harris, Apana, and Kim, Admiral Blair, Governor and Mrs. Waihee, members of the Consular Corps, distinguished guests and my fe

Lawmakers Not Keen on 'Model' Public Health Law

State legislators have rejected a "model public health law" crafted by researchers at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities with help from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tourist States Suffering But Hopeful

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

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.

Seven States To Compete for Innovation Awards

Seven state-run programs in areas such as education, public safety, and the environment are among 15 policy initiatives competing for five $100,000 awards for being the most innovative programs in American government. The awards are given annually by the Institute for Government Innovation at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government in conjunction with the Council for Excellence in Government. The 15 finalists were chosen from 1,300 applicants, and each will receive a $20,000 grant.

Cooling Economy Slows Growth Of State Tourist Income

It's official. The sagging U.S. economy has become a drag on tourism and business travel in most parts of the country. At least that's what the Federal Reserve Board says in its latest "Beige Book" report, which monitors the burps and sputters of the nation's economic engine. However, travel industry officials predict overall business and leisure travel this year will finish the summer slightly above last year's rate, one of the best in history.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2001

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 22 - Following is the text of Gov. Ben Cayetano's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the Senate and House, Mayors Apana and Harris, Council chairs, distinguished guests, and my fellow citizens. This morning it is my privilege to make my seventh address o

Hawaii State of the State Address 2000

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 24 - Following is the test of Gov. Benjamin Cayetano's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the House and Senate, Lieutenant Governor Hirono, Senator Inouye, Representative Abercrombie, Chief Justice Moon, Mayors Apana, Harris, Kusaka, and Yam

States Fine-Tune New Welfare Programs

Since stateline.org last looked at state welfare policies in our May 25th story: States Refine Welfare Programs As Pace Of Reform Slows, several have announced changes. Some are developing programs for people with serious problems such as drug abuse, learning disabilities and histories of domestic violence. In Ohio, legislators will return from summer recess to work out details of a merger between the two agencies that run the state's welfare and jobs programs.

Welfare Reform Moves Ahead in Hawaii Despite Hard Times

While most of the United States enjoys an economic boom that has gone on longer than any previous peacetime expansion, Hawaii's Pacific paradise image has lost its glitter for many because of economic hard times in the island state. Those with jobs, whether in the struggling private sector or on the public payroll where a wage freeze is in effect, share concern about the future. However, a declining welfare caseload may signal light at the end of the tunnel.