Stateline Headlines

Two states seek help with health exchanges

Idaho Governor’s group hands out money

Otter says surplus not license to spend

Idaho rep complains lobbying helped kill gun bill

ISU to pay $400K after medical records breach

Without Senate confirmation, Otter’s insurance exchange board moves forward

Idaho's governor: Otter shows adaptability

Idaho endowment land fund reaches all-time high

Census: Idaho ed spending still at the bottom

Idaho announces first round of IGEM grants

Idaho Power Co.: Coal serves as vital energy source for foreseeable future

Unemployment rate for April unchanged at 6.1 percent

Otter’s housing stipend to resume

Idaho unemployment rate holds at 6.1 percent

Idaho Power sticks with coal to meet power demands

Voters must act to change Illinois

Quinn pushes for ban on high-capacity ammunition

Illinois cracks down on social media 'flash mobs'

Bill contains $30 million to protect Missouri, Yellowstone, Columbia river headwaters

Idaho wants to inform people about Affordable Care Act

Supreme Court rules against Boise County

Sheriff: Idaho's Anti-Terrorism Task Force is key part of fight against terrorism

Idaho lawmakers speak at Magic Valley Republican Women's luncheon

Idaho to resume paying governor's stipend

Boat race to proceed after lawmaker intervention

Idaho to resume paying governor's stipend

Otter cheers Obama decision to drop slickspot case

Western lawmakers push to restore mineral funds

Judges concerned Idaho recommending probation over prison to save money

Thinning, fuels reduction will be cut to keep firefighters on job

April tax revenue well above forecasters’ expectations

Idaho think tank leader upset over speeding ticket

Agricultural attractions gain new protection

Governor, congressional delegation push Coast Guard to OK St. Joe jet boat race

Average Idaho wages dropped in 2012

State to help people displaced by foreclosure

Proposal for more liberal wolf hunt season draws praise, criticism

Hospital charges vary widely, new data show

Board begins crafting heavy truck rules

Idaho tax revenue ahead of forecasts in April

Export coal deal stalls as companies renegotiate

Drone Limits Become Law

Police agencies in five states already have drones, and lawmakers want to make sure protections are in place before more agencies spend more money. Which cities already have drones?

The 5 States Most Vulnerable to Sequestration’s Education Cuts

Automatic federal budget cuts will slash more than $1 billion in K-12 education dollars this year, paring everything from Title I money for low-income students to school improvement initiatives.

Pay Boost on the Horizon for Some State Workers

Far fewer people are working for state governments than before the recession began, but those who remain may get modest salary increases this year.

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.

Issue To Watch: School Testing

A number of states are pushing to up the stakes on reading tests for younger students and assign letter grades to schools.

Idaho State of the State Address 2013

BOISE, Idaho -- Jan. 7 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Wildfire Epidemic Leaves States Searching for Answers

The West is getting hotter and drier and stoking more destructive fires. They have left fire control officials looking for ways to fight them more effectively with fewer dollars.

In the West, GOP Governors, Skeptical of Cap-and-Trade, Will Watch California

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-- Stateline asked several Republican governors about the role of climate change in energy policy in the West, asking them to weigh in on California’s new experiment with large-scale carbon trading.

States Challenge ‘Secret’ Campaign Money

With the rise in undisclosed political spending by non-profit groups, officials in several states are trying to figure where the money is coming from.

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

Labor won big contests in Indiana, California and New Hampshire, while results were mixed in Michigan.

Idaho Education Changes Under Attack

Last year Idaho passed comprehensive new education laws aimed at altering classroom practices. Now there’s an effort to repeal them at the polls.

Best of #StateReads: Abuse Suits Against Scouts Hinge on State Laws

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

Best of #StateReads: Changed Minds on the Death Penalty

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

Idaho Education Chief Tom Luna Talks Reform

Tom Luna, Idaho schools superintendent and president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, sat down with Stateline recently to share his vision on federal and state education policy.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

Idaho State of the State Address 2012

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices, my fellow constitutional officers, distinguished legislators and members of my Cabinet, honored guests, friends, my family and our Fi

Governors Preview Their 2012 Priorities

TODAY'S TAKE: From a constitutional amendment to expand gambling in Kentucky to creation of a health insurance exchange in Idaho, some governors are not waiting until 2012 to declare their agendas.

States Seek Waivers From No Child Left Behind law

EDUCATION BEAT: The No Child Left Behind law has given some state school systems targets they know they can't meet. They are asking the federal government to relax the rules.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

A Three-Year College Degree in Ohio?

EDUCATION BEAT: Ohio governor wants colleges to offer three-year degrees ... Idaho ends its legislative session after approving three controversial education bills ... Oregon lawmakers want the governor to double as school superintendent and other education news from state governments.

Idaho Governor Signs Anti-Tenure Teacher Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter agreed to measures to introduce merit pay and end tenure for public teachers, ideas that he said were "a long time coming." Efforts to weaken public sector unions also advanced in Florida and Tennessee, while New Jersey labor leaders sought to limit the damage by offering early concessions.

Idaho's Tom Luna Offers Sweeping School Overhaul Plan

If Idaho's school superintendent gets his way, the rights of teachers would be sharply curtailed.

Idaho State of the State Address 2011

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices, my fellow constitutional officers, distinguished legislators and members of my Cabinet, honored guests, friends, my family and our First Lady …

Serving the Wide Open Spaces

Representing rural constituents is a chore when it takes a day's drive for a legislator to reach them. The problem is about to get worse.

State Lawsuits Likely Over Health Care Bill

TODAY'S TAKE: If and when President Obama signs legislation revamping the nation's health care system, several Republican-led states appear likely to fight a key provision of the new law in court. Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter on Wednesday (March 17) became the first governor to sign a bill setting up a legal showdown, while Virginia's attorney general vowed to do the same.

The Squeeze on Big Bird

Idaho Reports is a weekly news program about politics that appears all over the state on public television. Normally it's quite civil. But one recent show took an awkward turn when the host asked about Governor Butch Otter's proposal to eliminate the program's funding. "Can you give us an update," moderator Thanh Tan asked, "on where we stand in terms of the agencies that face a possible phase-out…which includes the agency that produces this program?" Guest Wayne Hammon, the state budget director, replied that "the governor felt he had no other choice." The challenges that Idaho Public Television is facing are emblematic of the decisions that public television agencies and stations around the country will have to make if states decide that public television is no longer a business they can afford to be in. According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), state and local funding for public television stations nationwide declined by $36 million between 2008 and 2009. CPB forecasts an additional $45 to $49 million in state and local cuts for the upcoming fiscal year.

Weekly Wrap: States Could Hand Off Liquor Stores

Three states weigh privatizing liquor sales; Lawmakers take aim at shorter, fewer sessions.

Summary of the Idaho State of the State Address

Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter (R) used his combined state of the state and budget address on Jan. 11 to push a "responsibly conservative" spending plan based on no growth in tax revenue, even though the state's economist has indicated growth is a possibility in fiscal 2011.

Idaho State of the State Address 2010

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2010 state of the state address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices, my fellow constitutional officers, legislators, members of my Cabinet, Senator Risch, honored guests, friends, my family and our First Lady … my

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

It's going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.

States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds

Faced with historic revenue drops, lawmakers in states across the country tapped rainy day funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the recession following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more seem poised to join them.

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

The recession is taking a dramatic toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state government spending: prisons. A new survey says corrections budgets are down in at least 26 states, with prison officials laying off workers or reducing their pay, eliminating vocational and other programs for inmates and granting some prisoners early release.

Idaho State of the State Address 2009

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2009 state of the state address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Pro Tem, honorable members of the Legislature, Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary, my fellow Constitutional Officers, First Lady Lori,

State Budget Gaps Balloon to $97 Billion

Still reeling from high gas prices this summer and plummeting retirement savings this fall, Americans will soon be feeling the pinch in other ways - from increased tuition to potentially higher taxes, as states try to close some $97 billion in budget gaps over the next two years.

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Revisit Prohibition-Era Booze Laws

Seventy-five years after the repeal of Prohibition, state lawmakers across the country are marking the anniversary by relaxing or eliminating some laws that have restricted alcohol sales since as long ago as the 1930s.

Ultrasound at Center of State Abortion Wars

A new Oklahoma law slated to take effect Aug. 1 requires doctors to show a woman considering abortion an ultrasound image of her fetus and recite details of its development. Experts expect a slew of similar statutes next year as abortion foes push states to require the procedure for all abortions.

WORTH NOTING: 'Gas Pain' Troubles for Utah Governor

Utah's chief executive gives reporters too much information. An influential Idaho politician endorses two legislative candidates - for the same House seat. And Arkansas tourism officials are taking "Clinton Country" to the next level. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Act to Stem Foreclosure Scams

The rise of home foreclosures has spawned an increase in scams that prey on people's desperation to save their homes. At least 18 states have enacted laws to target such schemes.

In Northern Rockies, Wolves Raising Howls

A recent decision by the federal government to lift protections for gray wolves living in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming means the three states now are responsible for managing the animals - and inherit a years-old debate between conservationists and ranchers over what should be done with them.

WORTH NOTING: Let the Basketball Betting Begin!

Iowa's governor gives new meaning to the phrase "pork-barrel spending" as the NCAA men's basketball tournament begins. The next U.S. senator from Idaho literally could be "Pro-Life." And the Texas judicial system considers whether ankles really exist. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Worth Noting: 'Taxasaurus' Sighted in Colorado

A gecko-like creature with a governor's head is spotted near Denver. A kidney transplant violates ethics laws in Alaska. And D.C.'s mayor gets snubbed again by those with statehood status. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Idaho State of the State Address 2008

BOISE, Idaho -- Jan. 7 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's (R) state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Pro Tem, honorable members of the Legislature, Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary, fellow Constitutional Officers, my fellow Idahoans. It's

Abuzz with Xmas spirit

Hawaiians get a stinging reminder of Christmas. It's no happy hour in Tennessee, where authorities may pour hundreds of bottles of whiskey down the drain. And Idaho lawmakers may be fighting over bathrooms as much as their bills come January. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Nothing" fills you in.

A sagebrush state shows its spirit

Idaho's governor this month has drummed up support for a statewide, citizen-led volunteer effort to rehabilitate vast areas of wildfire- scorched earth - double what has burned in California this week - by replanting the land with millions of seeds of a native shrub.

Cancer research, vouchers on '07 ballots

Famed cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong is using his star power to encourage fellow Texans to support a ballot measure this November that would secure $3 billion for cancer research in the Lone Star state. The proposal is one of 38 ballot questions that voters will take up during this fall's quiet election season. But several will be closely watched and could sway strategies for the 2008 contests

Craig Scandal: All Eyes on a Governor, Again

For the third time in less than a year, the sudden departure from office of a U.S. senator - or the threat of a departure - has thrust a governor into the national spotlight, calling attention to the sometimes murky and often politicized process of how states choose congressional replacements.

Power Cos. Get Incentive to Save Kilowatts

Environmentalists have long touted conservation as the cheapest way to cut energy pollution, but power companies usually have little or no incentive to sell less electricity. This year, Idaho, Maryland and New York approved plans that allow utilities to preserve their expected profits while selling less electricity.

States, feds try to keep up with wildfires

With major wildfires burning in more than a dozen states and officials on high alert for more, authorities are scrambling to contain the blazes and keep new ones from igniting, despite unfavorable weather and strained resources.

Democratic mid-term gains affecting policy

So complete was the Democratic rout in the 2006 midterm elections that the party even gained legislative influence in Alaska, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming - states long dominated by the Republicans. And those gains, though small, are translating into policy achievements.

Lights! Camera! Legislature!

The Idaho Legislature stars in a documentary that aired on PBS, with a supporting cast of lobbyists, pages, reporters, tourists and activists who ventured to the Boise capitol in 2004.

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

Under pressure from state attorneys general, the popular social-networking Web site MySpace agreed Monday to turn over information on thousands of sex offenders it kicked off its site in early May.

Some Rookie Governors Fumble

From Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) indulging in $12,000 drapes for his office to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) enraging labor supporters with his first veto, some of this year's freshmen governors have gotten off to a wobbly start.

Idaho State of the State Address 2007

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2007 state of the state address and budget message: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Pro Tem, distinguished members of the Legislature, Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary, fellow Constitutional Officers,

Patients Key to Latest Medicaid Reforms

States hope giving Medicaid recipients a bigger stake in their health care will help keep taxpayers' costs down. Florida is one of four states - along with Idaho, Kentucky and West Virginia - moving toward putting Medicaid recipients in charge of their health care, much like policyholders with private insurance. South Carolina hopes to follow suit as soon as federal regulators sign off on its plans.

More states sanction deadly force

A year-old Florida law sanctioning the use of deadly force against muggers, carjackers or other assailants outside the home is rapidly being adopted by other states and already is being raised as a defense in at least three shootings in Florida.

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.

Idaho State of the State Address 2006

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Members of the Legislature. Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary. Fellow Constitutional Officers. My fellow Idahoans. It is an honor to be here on

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.