Stateline Stories

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?

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.

Indiana State of the State Address 2010

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2010 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, fellow Hoosiers, good evening. This once a year we gather as a family might,

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

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.

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

Governors are using the economic crisis to sell big changes in how state and local jurisdictions operate, promising overhauls that could alter the face of government around the country. Their proposals range from sharing state helicopters between Minnesota and Wisconsin to shrinking Pennsylvania's system of 500 school districts to just 100.

Indiana State of the State Address 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Fellow public servants and fellow citizens. Together again! Thank you as always for the privilege of this assign

Economy Trims Some Govs' Inauguration Plans

In a bleak economy that has led even some of the most financially stable states to grow uneasy, some governors who were elected or re-elected in November are skipping the typical inaugural balls and toning down the glitz at their swearing-in ceremonies to cut costs.

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

With the fall in energy and farm prices, many well-off states are finding they can't escape the national recession.

State Laws Pose Hurdles for Student Voters

College students who registered to vote in the state where they attend school have faced sometimes daunting regulations that vary from state to state. And they may confront one more hurdle - showing acceptable identification at the polls.

Report: Voting Glitches Could Disrupt Election

In two weeks, the American voting system will be stressed as never before with record voter registration and expected large turnouts. But the greatest pressure will fall on 11 battleground states whose stars are aligned for an election debacle: tight races coupled with radical changes in their voting systems.

Great Lakes States Protect Their Water

Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes.

Indiana Attorney General Race Mirrors Obama-Clinton

Two candidates for a top executive office are closing in on the final stage of a closely watched contest to win the majority of some 2,000 delegates needed to become their party's nominee in November. Sound familiar?

States Wager on Racetrack Slots

States are betting that adding slots to racetracks will help get them through a faltering economy and dwindling cash reserves

States Scramble to Ease Pain at the Pump

(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008) As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief.

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.

WORTH NOTING: Tough as the Wild North

Alaska's "First Dude" shows his mettle in the Iron Dog race. A Texas state senator gets tongue-tied on national television. And the Maryland governor gets schooled by a 71-year-old virtual bowler. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

Indiana State of the State Address 2008

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Jan 15. -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Mr. Speaker, Madam President, Members of the Assembly, fellow Hoosiers, Four is a number of special affection for me

Some states reconsider youth sex laws

Lawmakers across the country continue to mete out harsh punishments to sex offenders - from satellite tracking to the death penalty - but a handful of states have eased up on penalties in cases of youths prosecuted for consensual sex.

Indiana gov breaks some eggs

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) has been pushing a bold agenda to boost his state's economy. But he's ruffled so many feathers in his first term that two credible Democrats are raring to take him on in 2008.

Indiana Gets OK for Novel Health Plan

In a novel plan, low-income adults in Indiana who can't afford health insurance will be able to tap into as much as $300,000 in coverage by contributing to health savings accounts.

States Scramble for Gambling Jackpot

States are aggressively tapping into one of the easiest ways to bring cash to their coffers: Let gamblers lose on slots, poker and roulette - and carve out a big take for state treasuries. Kansas is taking that approach one step further with a plan to own and operate its commercial casinos.

New Laws Take 'Romeo' Into Account

A handful of states are trying to draw clearer distinctions between sexual predators and young offenders who pose less of a risk, such as those involved in consensual sexual encounters.

Toothless in Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) sounds off about an American Idol episode. A Florida law lets people take their pets with them to the grave. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) pays a fine for failing to wear a seat belt. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Toll Roads Hit Speed Bumps

As states increasingly look to toll roads and leases for quick road-funding fixes, the public, consumer advocates and motorist and trucking associations are putting up barriers to pay-as-you-drive proposals.

Homegrown Power Could Ease Energy Crunch

Homegrown electricity could be one ingredient used to combat the 21st century's expected energy crunch, easing the load on electrical grids with a system called "net metering," now legal in 34 states. Participants harvest wind and solar energy to fuel their homes and businesses and then sell any surplus back to utilities.

Indiana State of the State Address 2007

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 16 -- Follwing is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) state of the state address. Ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, I thank you as always for the privilege of this podium. I recognize how unique the opportunity is, and I will try never to misuse your hospitality. This is my th

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

States Stumble Privatizing Social Services

It sounds like a good idea: Replace state employees with a high-tech contractor to more efficiently screen thousands of applications for state support, and save taxpayers millions. That's what Texas and Indiana policy-makers thought. But early results of a privately run social services project in Texas and troubles with the Indiana bidding process have caused both states to put their plans on hold.

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.

New Law Pushes Long-Term Care Coverage

Thanks to a new federal law, states will be able to reward senior citizens who buy long-term care insurance by letting them hang on to assets while Medicaid pays for their nursing home care.

Abortion foes split on state bans

In defiance of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, lawmakers in at least five states are proposing bills to immediately ban all abortions, except when the woman's life is in danger. The bills' sponsors say the time is right to test the new alignment of the U.S. Supreme Court. But some pro-choice activists fear the strategy could backfire.

Indiana State of the State Address 2006

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Assembly, friends and neighbors: You provide me the privilege of this podium for just the second time, but I know that the excitement I feel on these occasions wi

Legislative prayer stirs church-state issues

Indiana lawmakers are testing the line between invoking divine guidance on their deliberations and breaching the constitutional wall between church and state. In the process, they are discovering, as legislators around the country before them have, that the simple ceremony of opening legislative sessions with prayers can be tricky.

Daylight-Saving Time Dawns in Indiana

Just when Indiana ended its nearly 40-year quarrel over its clocks by accepting daylight-saving time, a new time issue has flared up. One of 12 states that fall into more than one time zone, Indiana is now consumed by a move by 19 of its 82 counties on Eastern time to switch and join its 10 counties on Central time.

GOP Governors Trim State Employees' Bargaining Clout

State employees in Indiana and Missouri will have less clout the next time they seek a pay raise or try to alter their working conditions. As a first order of business, newly inaugurated Republican Govs. Mitch Daniels of Indiana and Matt Blunt of Missouri each rescinded the collective bargaining rights of state workers.

Governors' Inaugurations Take on Frugal Airs

President George W. Bush's inauguration took center stage in the nation's political arena, drawing most of the 28 Republican governors to Washington, D.C. But 11 recently elected governors threw inaugural parties of their own this month, each bringing his or her own style to the occasion, from collecting aid for tsunami survivors to a gala that garnered a visit from Elvis.

Indiana State of the State Address 2005

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 18 - Following is the text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' 2005 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, fellow citizens: We are a state of people who speak plainly. We are a state of people who get to the point. Let m

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.