Stateline Stories

Despite Governors’ Opposition, Strong Southern Support for Medicaid Expansion

New poll shows Deep South politicians are out of step with their constituents on Medicaid expansion.

Safety Net Hospitals Won’t Be Docked in States That Don’t Expand Medicaid

Hospitals in non-expansion states feared they would be hit with bigger federal funding cuts than those in expansion states. HHS says that won’t happen – at least for the first two years.

Obama Administration Poised to Approve Arkansas-style Medicaid Expansions

The Obama Administration is inviting states to apply for Arkansas-style Medicaid expansions in an effort to woo those balking at traditional Medicaid expansion.

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

Bucking Trend, Iowa Senator Seeks Death Penalty’s Return

Following the kidnapping and murder of two young girls, an Iowa lawmaker wants to bring back the state’s long-abolished death penalty.

GOP Lawmakers Look to Abolish Income Taxes

Republican lawmakers in several states are taking aim at something no state has done in more than three decades: eliminate income taxes.

Tax Breaks for Sale: Transferable Tax Credits Explained

States offer billions of dollars of tax incentives that businesses can sell to other businesses. Here’s why they do it and how it works.

Costly Prison Phone Calls Frustrate Families

Most state prisons impose a surcharge on calls made by inmates. Many of the inmates’ families have trouble paying it.

Oklahoma Among States Limiting Property Taxes

Lowering property taxes is always popular, and results from the November 6 elections show this year was no exemption

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.

In Iowa and Florida, Judges Survive Expensive Ouster Attempts

Three justices in Florida and one in Iowa held off conservative efforts to remove them from office. In Michigan and North Carolina, conservatives retained power on the Supreme Court following expensive campaigns.

Historically Black Colleges Contemplate a More Diverse Future

This summer, two private HBCUs faced extinction. Public HBCUs are exploring new ways of operating to avoid the same fate.

Jindal Stays Put as Isaac Swirls Toward Coast

This week was supposed to be Bobby Jindal’s time in the limelight — a chance at complete redemption for the Louisiana governor, whose star in the Republican Party is rising once again. But a hurricane named Isaac thought otherwise.

Safety Net Hospitals Imperiled by High Court Ruling

Hospitals that serve the poor thought they would be helped by the Affordable Care Act. Now it looks as if they will be hurt by it.

Choices Often Limited in ‘School Choice’ Programs

Many top private schools have chosen not to participate in statewide voucher and scholarship tax credit programs in states such as Ohio, Louisiana and Florida.

Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001–2012

Private, independent credit rating agencies evaluate states’ financial health. States with the lowest grades typically have trouble keeping their spending in line with their tax revenues.

For Some States, Medicaid Expansion May Be a Tough Fiscal Call

GOP governors appear poised to leave federal dollars on the table.

New Anti-Abortion Strategy Pays Off

The past few months have seen a flurry of new state laws restricting abortion, most of them based on the concept of “fetal pain.”

More GOP Officials Vow to Decline Medicaid Expansion

Republican state leaders say they’d rather forfeit federal money than dip into state coffers to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

Public School Alternatives Gather Steam in States

Louisiana gave advocates of charter schools, vouchers and other publicly funded education alternatives everything they could have asked for, but opposition remained fierce elsewhere.

Facing Off Over Funerals

A Federal judge last month ordered the Pennsylvania state board of funeral directors to rewrite their “outmoded” regulations that limited the numbers of funeral homes any one director could own, restricted the naming of homes, and prohibited funeral homes from serving food. Industry experts say the ruling could have broad implications for other states.

Best of #StateReads: Why Louisiana Leads the World in Imprisonment

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

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.

Best of #StateReads: Inside Deals for Louisiana Oil Leases Last Decades

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

Tax Revenue Lags in Louisiana

Some top oil producing states like Alaska and North Dakota are enjoying revenue booms. Louisiana isn’t.

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

Louisiana Weighs Deeper Pension Cuts

Forecasters fear the last round of pension plan reforms will not be enough to guarantee solvency in the long run.

GOP Governors Examined as Potential Running Mates

Several Republican governors have already taken their names out of consideration for the second spot on the national ticket.

Onetime Democratic Speaker to Become GOP Leader in Louisiana

TODAY'S TAKE: In 1996, John Alario was the Democratic speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives. Today (January 9), he will be named the Republican president of the state Senate.

State School Board Races Dominate Louisiana Elections

EDUCATION BEAT: A state at the forefront of some controversial changes in education is seeing more than $1 million in campaign donations pour into what are usually quiet elections.

States Rewrite Education Rules, With or Without Race to the Top

Six states were near-miss finalists in the first two rounds of a federal competition that rewards changes in state education policy. Most of them are continuing the school reform process with their own money.

Infographic: Southern Strength

Republican dominance in the South started with presidential elections and only later came to statehouses.

States Hope to Win on New District Maps in Federal Court

For a generation, states have been taking their legislative district maps to the U.S. Justice Department for clearance on issues of racial fairness. There's another route to approval, however, and several of the states are using it.

Health Care Law is Bigger Challenge for Some States

TODAY'S TAKE: Eight states will face the greatest difficulties in handling the influx of new Medicaid patients expected after the federal Affordable Care Act goes into full effect in 2014, a new study says.

In Louisiana, Privatization Schemes Hit a Snag

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is pushing to outsource an array of government functions to the private sector. But his efforts lost momentum this week.

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

Budget Session Begins in Louisiana Legislature

TODAY'S TAKE: While most states have been debating their budgets for weeks, Louisiana lawmakers are only now turning their attention to a $1.6 billion shortfall - an already difficult task complicated by election-year politics and a just-ended battle over redistricting.

Foreclosure Aid Program Gets Underway in Florida

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Florida rolls out a program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure … A GOP plan to turn food stamps into a block grant gets mixed reviews … Texas experiences a child boom, and other social policy news.

Louisiana State of the State Address 2011

BATON ROUGE, La. - March 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bobby Jindal's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, fellow state wide elected officials, and the Senators and Representatives. Family and friends fellow residents of the great state of Louisiana. Thank you for the pri

Are 'Charter Universities' the Future of State-Funded Higher Ed?

With more budget cuts on the horizon, many flagship universities are warming to a new bargain with state government: In exchange for less state funding, they would get more say in running day-to-day operations as well as the ability to impose some tuition increases.

Child Support Collections Dip, Except in Louisiana

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Most states are seeing declines in child support collections, but not Louisiana … The number of unauthorized immigrants goes down in Colorado, Florida and New York … Teen birth rates remain steady everywhere except in West Virginia, and other social policy news.

Seeing Red, Louisiana Democrats Become Republicans

TODAY'S TAKE: The only Democratic attorney general to formally oppose the Obama administration's health care law in court, Louisiana's James "Buddy" Caldwell, has switched parties. He becomes the latest in a string of Louisiana Democrats to switch to the GOP.

Is Health Care Ruling a Game-Changer?

TODAY'S TAKE: Partisan state politicians either cheered or denounced a federal judge's ruling Monday (December 13) that a key provision of the Obama administration's new health care law is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Virginia's governor urged his peers to support an idea to fast-track the case directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, and critics of Massachusetts' broad-based health care program saw a new opportunity to challenge it.

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.

Trickle of Democratic Legislators Become Republicans

TRANSITION WATCH: Fewer state-level Democrats are becoming Republicans than in 1994, new Speakers of the House are elected in Montana and Tennessee and other news of the historic shift in power in the states

Why Rainy Day Funds Can’t Always Be Used on Rainy Days

Nearly all states put aside money for tough fiscal times. But the rules for using the money are dramatically different from state to state.

Pressure Mounts Over Drilling Moratorium

TODAY'S TAKE: Oil companies -- and the Gulf Coast states that depend on them -- won a court victory Wednesday (Sept. 1) when a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a temporary federal ban on deepwater drilling. Despite the BP oil spill, Louisiana and Texas are among the states that want drilling to resume as soon as possible, citing lost revenues and economic activity.

Bashing Oil Industry is Tricky Politics in Gulf States

Now that oil has stopped gushing in the Gulf of Mexico, state and local governments are tallying the economic losses they have suffered-and vowing to hold BP accountable. But they are moving carefully, mindful that much of the region's economy depends on the industry they are confronting.

Louisiana Economy Dealt a Fresh Blow

TODAY'S TAKE: The BP oil spill is taking a back seat to another piece of crippling economic news in Louisiana this week. A Northrop Grumman shipyard that builds vessels for the U.S. Navy will close by 2013, taking as many as 12,000 jobs with it.

States Try New Tactics to Restrict Abortion

State legislatures across the country this year enacted groundbreaking abortion laws prodded, in large part, by national health care reform. Some of the new laws will dramatically change the circumstances women face when trying to end their pregnancies and at least one could lead to a challenge of Roe v. Wade.

Gulf States Fear Long-Term Fiscal Effects of Oil Disaster

The Gulf Coast states were hopeful that 2010 would be a year of economic revival. Now, one of the worst environmental tragedies in U.S. history is jeopardizing the future of the tourism, fishing and deep-water oil drilling industries. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida do not have the money to offset the revenue losses and are counting on BP to rescue them.

Gulf Govs Hail Judge's Ruling on Drilling Moratorium

TODAY'S TAKE: A federal judge's decision overturn the federal ban on offshore drilling drew praise from Gulf state governors who had complained that idling oil production would put workers out of work.

Jindal Warns Obama: 'We're Not Winning This War'

TODAY'S TAKE: During President Obama's fourth tour of the Gulf Coast since oil began spilling from an offshore well, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal told the president that the country is losing the "war" against the spill. The governor's admonition came at the same time Louisiana's state treasurer urged Jindal to prepare for the possible bankruptcy of BP.

Spill Reignites Offshore Drilling Debate

TODAY'S TAKE: The oil spill caused by the explosion of a rig off the coast of Louisiana last week is reigniting a debate in the states over whether offshore drilling is environmentally safe. Florida Governor Charlie Crist toured the site of the spill on Tuesday (April 27) and called on lawmakers to hold off on plans to expand drilling in the coming years.

Blanket Test in California

A reform measure that would reshape California's primaries has been ahead in polls leading up to the June 8 voting. It would scrap the state's current partisan primary system and replace it with one that throws all parties and independents together on the same "blanket" ballot.

Louisiana State of the State Address 2010

BATON ROUGE, La. - March 29- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bobby Jindal's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Members of the Legislature … honored guests … statewide elected officials … my fellow Louisianians. Thank you for that warm reception. I hate to do this since you just sat down, I am going to

Summary of the Louisiana State of the State Address

During his state of the state address to the Legislature March 29, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal called on lawmakers to improve accountability in schools, to retool health care funding and, above all, to not raise taxes.

What's the Fuss Over Lieutenant Govs?

Naming a new lieutenant governor in California has been no easy task. At one point last month, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democratic leaders of the Assembly fought over whether the Assembly had actually approved Schwarzenegger's pick for the post. In California, as in several other states, it's hard to keep in mind that the lieutenant governor's office is primarily designed to be a sort of insurance policy in case something happens to the governor. Instead, in several states like California, the position recently has been a political liability. The intrigue is even more baffling because many of the most hotly contested fights are in states where the lieutenant governor's powers are relatively weak.

Weekly Wrap: New Year Brings New Laws

New state laws that take effect across the country on New Year's Day range from affecting the way residents drive to whether they can marry or profit from snapping a celebrity's photograph. (See also:US: State lawmakers, lacking money, took up bad-behavior bans in '09 and US: New 2010 laws -- Cooking to texting)

Weekly Wrap: Louisiana Pleasantly Surprised by Haul From Tax Amnesty Program

More than $300 million is generated from delinquent Louisiana taxpayers; California finance chief hangs it up; Iowa Gov. Culver campaigns as problem solver; and stimulus Web site turns up boo-boos.

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.

Weekly Wrap: Tax Panels Focus on States' Long Term Fiscal Health

States are creating commissions to examine the future financing of government. A new Census report highlights foreclosure rates, median housing values in states.

Weekly Wrap: Streamlining State Government

State leaders warn that the recession may force fundamental changes in state government. Louisiana and Virginia prepare to lay off more than 1,100 state workers. And two months into the current fiscal year, Arizona and Connecticut pass budgets, leaving only Pennsylvania without a 2010 spending plan.

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.

Tracking the Recession: Buyouts Lure 9,000 State Workers Into Retirement

As layoffs and furloughs undermine the job security traditionally associated with state employment, at least six states are offering buyouts to tighten their belts without fracturing morale. But some worry this payroll-reduction technique may not save as much money as anticipated.

Weekly Wrap: Recession Forcing Government Overhaul

Oregon, Louisiana launch review of government; Utah's four-day work week saves on energy costs; new pension report released.

Louisiana State of the State Address 2009

BATON ROUGE, La. - April 28 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bobby Jindal's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Thank you. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. President, Speaker, Members of the House, Members of the Senate, fellow residents of this great state of Louisi

Tracking the Recession – Much Ado About a Small Stimulus Pot

After weeks of speculation and intense political pressure, a reluctant Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Friday (April 3) became the last governor to formally notify the White House that he plans to accept at least some federal dollars from the stimulus package - but the controversy is far from over.

Economy Could Imperil State Readiness

Budget cuts could undermine the progress states have made to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent wildfires in California and outbreaks of Salmonella on tainted vegetables that sickened more than 1, 440 people in 43 states, says a new report released Dec. 9.

States Warned to Prep for Election Glitches

Eight years after voting irregularities marred the 2000 presidential election, most states still are not as prepared as they should be for Election Day glitches, from machine breakdowns to a shortage of emergency ballots, according to a new report by voter advocacy groups.

Gustav Draws Attention to Fla. Generator Law

Power outages caused by Hurricane Gustav have shut down gas stations throughout Louisiana this week, but Florida officials are hoping a little-known state law can help them avoid the same complication the next time a major storm reaches their shores - which could be this weekend.

Latest News From State Delegations

If vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin looked at the Florida delegation Wednesday night, she would've seen nothing but women. The male members of the delegation decided to give up their seats to the female delegates, alternates, staffers and guests, reports Bob Dart of The Palm Beach Press .

Southern Govs Speak Via Videotape to Delegates

Sept. 2, 2008, 1:30 p.m. EDTST. PAUL, Minn. - Hurricane Gustav forced some of the biggest stars in the Republican Party to stay at home to help their consitutents battle the storm that many feared would rival Hurricane Katrina of just three years ago. But four of the five affected southern Republican governors addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention Monday (Sept. 1) via taped messages. "I'm sure you can understand why Gov. Jindal couldn't participate," first lady Laura Bush said as she introduced the taped messages, referring to Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as his state was being pounded by Gustav's strong winds and rain. Jindal had been rumored to be, among others, on Republican John McCain's shortlist of possible vice presidential picks before the senator chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. President Bush had been scheduled to address the delegates Monday but instead went to Texas to monitor the storm. The administration had been widely criticized for its handling of Hurricane Katrina. Some Republicans, notably Texas Gov. Rick Perry, stressed that the GOP was ready. "You're seeing Republican governors ... doing a fabulous job of taking care of the citizens. That's what we do," he said via videotape.Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Hurricane Gustav The first lady also noted the governors of the affected states "happen to be Republicans," which drew a thunderous applause from the delegates at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Florida Charlie Crist, another Republican governor who also was seen as a possible VP candidate, took a less partisan approach in his remarks, remembering his experience during last month's Tropical Storm Fay: "As I traveled our state in the days following Fay's landfall, I was reminded again of the resilience and strength of our people. The kindness they extend to one another. Neighbor helping neighbor. Asking not what party you are, but instead how you can help." Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour also gave videotaped messages. Governor Jindal said Monday that seven states are helping Louisiana to shelter more than 29,000 citizens at 107 shelters. Texas has offered to shelter several thousand patients, Oklahoma has agreed to accept 4,000 general evacuees, and 150 medical patients from southwest Louisiana hospitals are expected to arrive at the Oklahoma Air National Guard Base at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City today. The state Republican chairmen from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas formed a working group "to regularly brief their delegates and convention planners, provide access to timely information and assistance, and give input on appropriate steps that can be taken from Minnesota." The McCain 2008 campaign also agreed to charter a DC-9 to transport delegates who wished to return to home to their states.AFTER THE JUMP: More video footage of the governors on Hurricane Gustav. - Pamela M. Prah Comments

States Curb Carbon as Blueprint for Feds

An effort by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) to focus Southern governors on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their states is the latest example of state-led policies that could be used as models for future federal action.

Louisiana Touts Its Offshore Oil Drilling

NEW ORLEANS - While states on the east and west coast debate whether to drill for offshore oil and natural gas, Louisiana and three other Gulf Coast states hold up their offshore drilling operations as proof that they can produce oil and gas without hurting the environment.

NCSL Conference Focuses on Floods, Energy

As state lawmakers gather in New Orleans this week for a policy conference, they'll be reminded often of what can happen if public works are allowed to deteriorate.

WORTH NOTING: Partying, Politicking and Parrying at Governors' Pads

Some governors can't get away from prying eyes, even in their own mansions. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) is embarrassed when word leaks out of his son's birthday beer bash on the premises; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) can barely get a GOP sign on his own yard; and Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is fighting to get the keys to his mansion from his soon-to-be ex-wife. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: Illinois Treasurer Shows His Knowledge of Charges

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

Students Press For Guns on Campus

A year after a troubled student gunned down 32 people and then killed himself at Virginia Tech, an Internet-based student movement to allow concealed weapons on public college campuses has drawn thousands of students and prompted debate in 15 state capitols.

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).

Justices Weigh Lethal Injection

The U.S. Supreme Court, hearing a case that already has halted executions nationwide, on Monday (Jan. 7) delved into the details of the three-chemical cocktail used to put prisoners to death in 36 of the 37 states that allow capital punishment.

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.

States test pandemic plans with free flu shots

As flu season nears, some states are offering free immunization programs that double as tests of their emergency response plans for a flu pandemic or bioterrorism attack. Arkansas last month conducted the largest vaccination drive in the country, delivering more than 100,000 shots across the state in a three-day emergency response drill.

Hope fading for GOP gains in La. Legislature

In the last act of the 2007 state elections, Louisiana voters, who already have picked a new governor, will head to the polls to choose legislators on Saturday (Nov. 17). While Democrats are assured of keeping control of the Senate, the contest is closer in the House.

Governator has whale of a time

California's governor hugs a giant sea creature. Kansas' governor slams her state's wine industry. And add an asterisk to Louisiana Gov.-elect Bobby Jindal's place in the record books. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

GOP wins Louisiana governorship

Louisiana voters elected the country's first governor of Indian descent Saturday (Oct. 20) and gave the Republican Party control of yet another state executive suite in the South. Bobby Jindal also will become the youngest sitting governor at 36.

Louisiana kicks off 2007 gov races

Only in Louisiana, known for its peculiar election laws and devotion to college football, could a Louisiana State University football game once again play a role in deciding the victor in a governor's race.

Home Insurance Woes Mount in Coastal States

As private home insurers raise rates or pull out completely along the Gulf Coast and in other storm-prone areas of the country, states are scrambling to respond.

La. Passes New Partial-Birth Abortion Ban

Louisiana lawmakers this week unanimously approved a ban on a medical procedure known as partial-birth abortion, passing the first in what could be a spate of similar state laws next year.

States Urge Hurricane Awareness

The governors of Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia have declared official awareness periods to highlight the beginning of what forecasters say could be a dangerous hurricane season.

GOP Eyes Possible Gains in '07 Races

Click here to see the 2007 state elections guide Location, location, location could make all the difference in the three governors' seats in play this year. All three gubernatorial races - in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi - are in the South, the only region where Republicans made gains in state offices as Democrats in 2006 swept into a majority of governors' mansions and more statehouses than at any time since 1994.

Louisiana State of the State Address 2007

BATON ROUGE, La., April 30 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Governor, State officials, members of the legislature, my Cabinet and staff, my family, and special guests: Welcome back. Today, I have the distinct honor of

Va. Tech Shooting Inspires First Legislation

Updated 4:30 p.m. EDT, WednesdayA new proposal to ban guns in dorm rooms at Louisiana public universities is the latest example of state-run universities seeking to protect gun-free zones even as 48 states now allow citizens to carry concealed weapons.

Katrina Inspires Bans on Gun Seizures

Hurricane Katrina has left its imprint on gun laws in at least 13 states, where law enforcers now are banned from taking firearms from law-abiding citizens during a state of emergency.

Gov Races in Ky., La., Are Wide Open

The 2008 battle for the White House may be grabbing the headlines and bloggers' space, but this fall's three governors' races are starting to garner attention with close races expected in Kentucky and Louisiana.

States Go After Smoking in Vehicles With Kids

More than a dozen states are considering following Arkansas, Louisiana and the city of Bangor, Maine, in outlawing smoking in vehicles if children are present. Opponents call it an invasion of privacy, and even anti-smoking groups aren't climbing on the bandwagon.

Voters Set to Judge Property Rights

Voters in 12 states - starting in Louisiana this weekend - will decide this election year whether to curb government's eminent domain powers, while those in four states will consider whether government should pay when one of its regulations lowers property values.

Katrina, Rita Create Unexpected Boom

Despite dire forecasts that Gulf Coast governors would have to slash state budgets in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita one year ago, a new report finds that booming "hurricane economies" have fueled state revenue surpluses across the region.

Louisiana State of the State Address 2006

BATON ROUGE, La., March 27 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's (D) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the legislature, and special guests, It's nice to stand before you today with signs of normalcy beginning to return to our state. For exa

Katrina Alters Vista for Barbour, Blanco

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Haley Barbour took their oaths as governors of Louisiana and Mississippi two days apart in January 2004. Twenty months later, Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf states, tearing apart landscapes and lives and severely testing the leadership of both governors. This report is from "State of the States 2006," Stateline.org's annual overview of significant policy trends in the 50 states.