Stateline Headlines

There’s an App for That State Service

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

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he is committed to finishing I-69 into Indianapolis, toll free

Indiana legislators, attorney general call for more accountability in how casino revenues are spent

Tuesday is deadline for Do Not Call list

Lower blood alcohol limits likely won't catch on in Indiana

State Supreme Court blocks Lake County judge's move

Indiana's peculiar liquor laws may drive you to drink

Gov. Mike Pence talks jobs, lemonade and Pacers

For Gov. Mike Pence, double the fun in New York

Indiana court rulings make it harder to prosecute child abusers, advocates say

Attorneys General Prepare to Defend Controversial Laws

State attorneys general are about to head to court to defend controversial state laws. Are they required to defend laws that might not survive legal scrutiny?

Court upholds Indiana's limit on civil damages

Indiana gets a zero in study of states' campaign finance disclosure laws for outside groups

Indiana officials to assess public damage from flooding

Federal agency clears INDOT on land purchases

Pence: Flags go half-staff for fallen officers

Indiana State Sen. Grooms, Floyd Commissioner Chuck Freiberger announce 2014 campaigns

State ends negotiations with Indiana Youth Group, 2 others, for specialty license plates

Convenience stores sue over Indiana law banning cold beer sales

Proposal to lower drunk driving limits gets mixed reviews

Indiana hits ‘pause button’ on Common Core education push

'Pause' on Common Core leaves teachers in limbo

Residents urged to comment on Indiana's new transportation plan

DHS schedules hearings on Branstad's Healthy Iowa Plan

Indiana Governor Mike Pence shows he can pick his spots

Indiana governor Mike Pence signs bill to 'pause' adoption of reading, math standards

Indiana schools seeing more success with tax hikes

Pence makes good on promise to oppose new regulations

Amid the pollution, Indiana must start listening to its environmentalists

Indiana political leaders gather in Bremen to say goodbye to former Gov. Otis Bowen

Gov. Mike Pence signs measure eliminating 4 City-County seats held by Dems, cites 'misgivings'

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence issues his third veto

School vouchers expand as Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signs measure at Calvary Christian School

Indiana Governor Mike Pence signs $30 billion state budget into law

Pence readies 1st vetoes as Indiana governor

Pence signs budget, vetoes two bills

Who's the boss? Here's how Mike Pence can show he's in charge

Economic development agency OKs money to lawmaker's Carmel company

Gov. Mike Pence vetoes professional licensing bills

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.

Proposals Would Shift Utility Infrastructure Costs to Ratepayers

Electricity and gas bills could creep higher in several states, as lawmakers consider whether to allow utilities to charge customers upfront for upgrades to aging infrastructure.

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.

Republicans Reassess Social Issue Strategy

Political pressure and last year’s elections have led Republican lawmakers to rethink their approach to controversial social questions.

Gas Tax Loses Favor as Governors Look for New Transportation Money

In the search for more transportation money, governors and state lawmakers are largely avoiding one of the most obvious and straightforward funding sources: state gasoline taxes.

Issue to Watch: Collective Bargaining

While this year’s legislative battles in the states over collective bargaining rights are likely to be more restrained than previous years, the legislation put forward would still have a significant impact on employer-labor relationships, if passed.

Indiana State of the State Address 2013

Indianapolis, Indiana -- Jan. 21 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mike Pence's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

The Uncertain Effects of Right-to-Work

Michigan and Indiana endured divisive and bruising political battles to enact right-to-work legislation in 2012. It will be years before the full impact on economic development and on labor unions becomes clear.

Economic Development Agencies Face New Scrutiny

When Wisconsin partially privatized its Department of Commerce last year, the hope was to create a less bureaucratic job creation organization. Since then, though, the new entity has faced a series of setbacks.

Florida Hires Outgoing Indiana Ed Chief

When Indiana voters chose last month not to renew the tenure of the state’s top education official, Tony Bennett, it was seen as a blow to the so-called “Education Reform” community nationally.

States Nervous About New Common Core School Standards

Concerns about local control have make implementation of the national education standards controversial in some states.

Super-Sized Majorities Shift Legislative Power

After he was reelected by a comfortable margin on Tuesday, Democrat Jay Nixon will serve four more years as governor of Missouri. Whether he’ll really be leading the state, however, is open to debate. Even as Nixon was winning, Missouri Republicans triumphed in enough legislative races to secure a veto-proof two-th

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

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

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

Federal Court Blocks Indiana Effort to Defund Planned Parenthood

A federal court has blocked an Indiana law that would cut off Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood because its clinics perform abortions.

Should State Education Chiefs Be Elected?

Thirteen states choose their top education official in a partisan campaign. Some people think that makes little sense, but it’s very hard to change.

Best of #StateReads: “State Faces Major Doctor Shortage”

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

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

Best of #StateReads: Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman's Political Career Ended with a 'Mighty Fall'

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

States Loosen Up on Fireworks Laws

In amateur hands, fireworks are as dangerous as ever. But states have a hard time passing up the revenue they bring in.

Indiana Highway Building Ramps Up as Daniels’ Term Winds Down

A road construction spree funded by a 75-year toll road lease may be Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels’ biggest legacy, but most of the projects will still be unfinished when he leaves office.

Next Class of Teachers Enters Changing Profession

Indiana is among several states across the country that have changed the way they evaluate, pay and retain teachers. The changes are controversial, but advocates say they will improve student performance and keep better teachers in the profession.

A Labor Challenge to Republicans in Indiana

In some states, labor unions have decided the best way to regain influence may be to work on the Republican Party from within.

Primaries Set Gov Races in Wisc., N.C.

Voters Tuesday (May 8) formally picked candidates for governors' races in four states while North Carolina voters approved a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

Indiana Gov Squashes VP Speculation

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said Sunday that if Mitt Romney asked him to be his running mate that he would “demand reconsideration” and send a list of people who “could suit better.” But he declined to say what names would

States Move Slowly Toward Digital Textbooks

Despite enthusiasm for digital textbooks at the national level, states have been slow to get on board. But the movement is gaining strength.

AAA Criticizes Higher Fees for Out-of-State E-ZPass Drivers

The national drivers’ group wants tolling agencies to treat E-ZPass users the same, regardless of where they bought their transponders.

Could Another Candidate Still Enter Republican Race?

TODAY'S TAKE: It's already too late for a new candidate to win enough delegates to capture the Republican nomination. But that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Super Bowl Prompts Indiana to Rewrite Human Trafficking Law

Law enforcement officials say the parties leading up to football's biggest game attract human traffickers who coerce adults and children into prostitution. Although some doubt there is a link between big sporting events and trafficking, the concern was enough for Indiana to update its laws ahead of this Sunday's Super Bowl.

The Uncertain Political Consequences of 'Right-to-Work'

MANAGEMENT BEAT: As Indiana's controversial labor bill heads toward final passage, Republicans and Democrats both think the issue will play to their electoral advantage.

Transit Gets Republican Boost in Indiana and Michigan

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Republican governors of two Midwestern states helped along proposals to expand public transit, but transit funding remains controversial in other statehouses.

'Right-to-Work' Raises a Ruckus in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS - Is it fair to require workers to pay union fees? That's the polarizing issue this winter at the state Capitol in Indianapolis.

Indiana House Fines Absent Democrats $1,000 a Day

MANAGEMENT BEAT: A Democratic boycott has once again stalled all action in the Indiana House. Republicans are hoping that steep fines will jolt the House back into motion.

Indiana State of the State Address 2012

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2012 state of the state address: Members of the General Assembly, honored guests, fellow citizens. For an eighth time, and the final time, you afford me the unrivaled privilege of this podium. As it's my last su

'Right to Work' Stalls Indiana Legislative Session Before It Begins

TODAY'S TAKE: Democrats in the Indiana House of Representatives are picking up where they left off last year - by refusing to turn up for votes and denying majority Republicans a quorum in protest of "right-to-work" legislation.

Indiana Ready to Restart Battle Over Union Rights

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican legislative leaders intend to make Indiana a "right-to-work" state next year, all but ensuring that this year's bruising contests over union rights will return to the Midwest in 2012.

Indiana Places a Big Bet on Consumer-Driven Health Insurance

If Americans have to pay more money out of pocket to get health care, will they use the system more wisely? One state has invested heavily in the idea that they will.

Indiana Vouchers Spur an Unintended Migration

EDUCATION BEAT: A new law in Indiana gives students vouchers to attend private schools. But some parents have moved their children from private schools to public schools as a result of the law.

Indiana Shows Perils of Insolvent Jobless Funds

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: Indiana, like 27 other states, has an unemployment insurance fund that is essentially broke. Legislators recently moved to address the problem, but their changes are costing businesses 44 percent more in premiums and fees in a still-struggling economy.

Abortion Laws Blocked in Indiana, Kansas and South Dakota

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: States enacted a record number of restrictions on abortion this year, but some of the most-closely watched new laws are on hold until the courts determine if they are legal.

Clerical Error Eliminates Indiana's Largest State Agency

TODAY'S TAKE: A clerical error in a new state law accidentally abolished Indiana's largest state agency. Governor Mitch Daniels fixed the mistake through an executive order.

White House Objects to Indiana Planned Parenthood Law

HEALTH BEAT: Obama administration concerned about new Indiana Medicaid law… Texas cost-cutting proposal attracts federal scrutiny… Oregon raises hospital taxes, and other health care news.

Mitch Daniels Touts His Education Victories in Washington DC Visit

TODAY'S TAKE: Less than a week after the Indiana legislature adjourned, Governor Mitch Daniels was in Washington, DC, speaking to the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think-tank. Daniels is weighing a presidential run in 2012 and used his visit to talk up some of his recent successes in school overhauls.

States' Casino Tax Revenue Tops $7 Billion

Gambling expansion meant a sizeable amount of extra money for some states last year - but it meant a declining take for others.

Indiana Legislature Approves Sweeping School Voucher Bill

EDUCATION BEAT: Pupil vouchers on the way in Indiana ... Georgia cuts pre-kindergarten programs ... Oregon House considers new high school graduation requirements, and other state education news.

Planned Parenthood Fight Shifts to States

TODAY'S TAKE: Governor Mitch Daniels will decide within the next week whether Indiana will become the first state to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood. Kansas could approve a similar measure soon.

Behind Collective Bargaining Debate, Mixed Experiences in the States

Indiana took away collective bargaining rights for state workers in 2005. Washington State added them in 2002. What difference does collective bargaining really make?

Indiana Dems Flee to Block Anti-Union Bill

TODAY'S TAKE: At the same time Wisconsin senators are hiding out in Illinois, three dozen Indiana House Democrats also headed to the Land of Lincoln Tuesday to prevent their chamber from moving ahead with controversial bills weakening organized labor. One of the Indiana holdouts spoke with Stateline about the showdown.

State Officials Try to Redefine 'Adequate' Education

EDUCATION BEAT: Kansas and New Hampshire look for a new definition of "adequate" public education ... An Indiana Senate committee advances a bill limiting collective bargaining for teachers ... Nevada's governor proposes cuts to higher education and K-12 budgets, and other education news.

Christian Health Co-Ops Cater to 'Obamacare' Opponents

Religious groups that help members pay for medical treatment are exempt from key provisions of the new federal health law. As their popularity grows, some state officials are warning consumers to be wary of these unlicensed operators, while others see them as a welcome alternative to traditional health insurance.

Indiana State of the State Address 2011

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, members of the Assembly, Hoosier friends and neighbors, thank you yet again for the privilege of t

Daniels to Push Education Reforms in Indiana

EDUCATION BEAT: Teacher pay, vouchers and collective bargaining are on the table in Indiana ... the school funding crisis continues ... California to go without an education secretary, and other education news.

Alabama Ethics Law Angers Teachers Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Alabama Republicans restrict payroll deductions used to boost a leading teachers' group, Wisconsin Democrats' last gasp at contracts for public workers fails and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Governors-Elect Plan Low-Budget Inaugural Celebrations

TRANSITION WATCH: New governors arrange no-frills inaugurations as acts of symbolism, redistricting roles are reversed in Ohio, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Tax Caps Have Big Consequences

Throughout the country this year, candidates for state office are seizing on local property taxes as a campaign issue. Some local officials argue that that should be the localities' business.

With Health Care Lawsuits, States Hope for Victory but Plan for Defeat

Even as 21 states are suing to stop the federal health care overhaul from taking effect, each one is also taking concrete measures to implement the law.

More States Drop Out of 'Race'

TODAY'S TAKE: Alaska and Texas raised eyebrows last year when they declined to join the "Race to the Top," the Obama administration's effort to revamp the nation's K-12 schools by handing out $4.35 billion in grants to states that change their education policies. But with 40 jurisdictions applying and only two winners announced in the first round of the competition, more states are deciding not to participate in round two.

Higher Revenues in Kansas, Indiana

TODAY'S TAKE: A faint but steady drumbeat of positive economic news has emerged from state capitals in recent weeks. Tax revenues are inching upward in states that had seen month after month of decline. Indiana and Kansas are the latest examples.

Indiana Debates 'Guns at Work' Bill

TODAY'S TAKE: Indiana soon could join at least 11 other states and allow residents to bring their guns to work, as long as they are stored out of sight in their cars. But a shooting in Portage, Ind., last week - in which a state worker frustrated over a poor performance review retrieved a gun from his car and fired at coworkers - is causing opponents to ramp up their pressure on Governor Mitch Daniels to veto the bill, saying "guns and the workplace simply don't mix."

Amid Recall, Four Governors Defend Toyota

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Mississippi - all states that are home to Toyota plants -on Wednesday (Feb. 10) defended the Japanese automaker amid its worldwide recall of millions of cars.

Summary of the Indiana State of the State Address

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) boasted during his state of the state address Jan. 19 that Indiana had weathered the recession better than almost every other state, although he still called on lawmakers to make cuts in spending without raising taxes.