Stateline Stories

Report: Sandy Inundated East Coast With Sewage

Hurricane Sandy’s floodwaters last October inundated East Coast with sewage. Researchers have now estimated how much flowed from crippled treatment plants.

Tanning-Bed Bills Burn With Controversy

Republican governors take different sides on teen tanning.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Backlash for Red-Light Cameras Hasn’t Slowed Spread

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

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.

Nevada and New Jersey Jockey for Online Gambling Revenue

One day after Governor Chris Christie gave conditional support to a bill that would open up New Jersey to gambling on the Internet, Governor Brian Sandoval Friday released a statement saying “the need to act quickly has become even more important.”

Obama Sends $50.5 billion Sandy Relief Package to States

Federal aid is finally headed to the Atlantic Coast states, three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged their shores.

Christie Vetoes Minimum Wage Hike, Offers Compromise

Governor Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed legislation that would have boosted New Jersey’s minimum wage. Instead, he proposed a compromise that New Jersey lawmakers appear unlikely to accept.

Governors Kick Off Legislative Sessions

Two of the country’s most prominent Republican governors opened their states’ legislative sessions with state of the state speeches from different fiscal vantage points. One day after a strong revenue projection for the upcoming two years, Texas Governor Rick Perry was somewhat optimistic, but warned lawmakers aga

New Jersey State of the State Address 2013

TRENTON, New Jersey -- Jan. 8 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chris Christie's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Northeast Governors Outraged About Sandy Aid Delay

Frustration boiled over on Wednesday, the day after the U.S. House, finishing up a compromise to avert the nation’s “fiscal cliff,” scrapped a vote on the $60.4 billion relief plan approved last month by the Senate.

Cory Booker Opts Out of Governor’s Race, Looks Instead to U.S. Senate

The decision prevents a major shakeup to New Jersey politics, rendering moot months of speculation that the state would see a marquee matchup in its race for governor.

Best of #StateReads: Roots of a Voting Rights Challenge

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

New Jersey Lawmakers Send Minimum Wage Boost to Governor

Minimum wage workers in New Jersey would get a major raise under legislation that’s been sent to the governor’s desk. But it is unlikely Governor Chris Christie will sign the bill as is.

Best of #StateReads: Washington State Loses Women and Latino Lawmakers

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

Best of #StateReads: Why New Jersey’s Trains Flooded but New York’s Stayed Dry

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

At New Jersey Gas Pumps, Life Returns to Normal

Governor Chris Christie announced Monday the state would end gas rationing in 12 New Jersey counties, signaling major progress made in restoring power and fuel delivery to areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

In Some States, Election Season Could Linger Long After Tuesday

Here’s a look at several states whose elections may remain undecided long after Tuesday night.

New Jersey Officials: Displaced Sandy Victims May Vote By Email

New Jersey voters displaced by Hurricane Sandy may cast their ballots using fax or email, state officials announced Saturday, prompting concern among some computer security experts.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

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

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

N.J. Lawmaker to Replacement Refs: ‘Keep Out’

New Jersey’s Senate president plans to introduce legislation that would ban the use of replacement officials in professional sporting events played on state soil.

In New Jersey, Christie Vetoes Anti-Fracking Bill

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has vetoed a bill that would have banned the disposal of hydraulic fracturing waste in New Jersey.

Cory Booker Hints at N.J. Governor Run

Newark Mayor Corey Booker has floated another hint that he’ll run for Governor in 2013, challenging Republican Chris Christie in what would be a high-profile clash of rising political stars.

Best of #StateReads: N. C. Regulators Miss Catching Cheating Businesses

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

Can Digital Recordings Save Money for Courts?

Faced with crippling budget shortfalls, state courts are replacing in-person stenographers with digital recording systems. But do they really save money?

Christie Headlines Romney Event With GOP Governors

Ten Republican governors joined Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, for a rally and fundraiser in Colorado Thursday (August 3), but most of the attention seemed focused on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Romney gave Christie, who is often mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick

With Governor’s Signature, New Jersey Expands Drug Courts

Governor Chris Christie signed a bill Thursday (July 19) that expands New Jersey’s drug court program and mandates treatment rather than jail time for drug abusers convicted of non-violent crimes. That makes New Jersey the first state to require drug treatment within the justice system. For months, the governor has

Campus Mergers Bring Big Changes but Questionable Savings

Georgia and New Jersey are hoping to build major public research universities through mergers. Will they work?

In New Hampshire, No Veto on Cap-and-Trade Compromise

Under a new law, New Hampshire will leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but only if other states do first. Governor John Lynch, a champion of New England’s cap-and-trade pact, tentatively supported a policy viewed as a compromise.

With New Fiscal Year Looming, Government Shutdowns Unlikely

A year after Minnesota’s three-week shutdown, New Jersey is the state that appears at greatest risk of starting the fiscal year without a budget.

Best of #StateReads: Dangerous Times in New Jersey Halfway Houses

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

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.

New Hampshire Lawmakers Compromise on Cap-and-Trade

New Hampshire lawmakers this week passed legislation calling for the state to exit New England’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but only if two other states drop out first.

States Have Second Thoughts About Juveniles in Adult Court

In Colorado, prosecutors have had full power to try juvenile offenders in adult courts. Now the state is restricting that power.

New Jersey's Waiver Wars

Governor Chris Christie is seeking to make New Jersey’s tough regulatory climate more business-friendly, but environmental groups say his new waiver rule goes too far.

Should Drug Court be Mandatory?

All 50 states have embraced voluntary drug court for treating drug-addicted nonviolent offenders. Would a mandatory program help more people?

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Emergency City Managers Wield Great Power

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

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

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.

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.

Two States, Two Different Paths on Charter Schools

Legislators in Georgia want to the state to be able to create new charter schools without local approval, while legislators in New Jersey would like to slow down the process by requiring local consent.

In New Jersey, Christie Keeps Up His Confrontational Style

TODAY'S TAKE: On the same day a poll showed that 87 percent of New Jersey voters are tired of their politicians insulting one another, Governor Chris Christie likened some of his adversaries in the state legislature to “pigs at the trough.”

Democrats Block Christie Court Pick

TODAY’S TAKE: Democratic senators handed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie a major defeat Thursday (March 22), rejecting a Christie nominee who would have been the state’s first Asian-American Supreme Court justice.

Best of #StateReads: California Legislators Flip-Flop When the Voting's Done

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

Report: New Jersey First in Anti-Corruption Measures

TODAY'S TAKE: Long plagued by scandal, New Jersey's state government has the nation's most comprehensive and rigidly enforced anti-corruption laws, a 50-state investigation has found. In most states transparency and government accountability are said to be lacking.

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.

New Jersey Wages War on Invasive Pine Beetle

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Officials in New Jersey are trying to protect state forests from the southern pine beetle, a pest that has killed pine trees across much of the country.

Eastern Ports Scramble to Get Ready for New Panama Canal Era

As the Panama Canal expands to allow larger cargo ships to pass through, states along the Eastern Seaboard are maneuvering to make their ports compatible with the bigger and more lucrative vessels. But there is no guarantee the expensive bets will pay off.

Christie Lets Loose on Gingrich

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie called Newt Gingrich an "embarrassment to the party" after Gingrich won the South Carolina Republican primary on Saturday (January 21).

New Jersey State of the State Address 2012

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chris Christie's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Guadagno, Madam Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the 215th Legislature, Members of our Congressional Delegation, Members of the Supreme Court, our f

After Toll Hike, Christie Promises to Get Tough on Port Authority

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie promises to "get my arms around" the massive agency that hiked toll rates for travel into New York City this summer.

Food Banks Drawing Statewide Attention

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Emergency food banks are attracting increased interest from state officials this year, but what many of them would like is more money.

No Child Left Behind Waivers Require Big Changes Fast

Many states seeking a waiver from the 10-year-old education law will be required to overhaul their education policies over the next few months in order to meet federal application requirements.

Motorists Face an 'Avalanche' of Higher Tolls

Toll rates are climbing on highways, bridges and tunnels across the country, but it is not just because of the economy. Many big toll hikes are helping to pay for new construction.

Delaware River Basin Commission Postpones Vote on 'Fracking' Plan

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: A vote over whether to allow a controversial drilling method in a key East Coast watershed has been postponed. Energy companies say thousands of jobs are on the line. But environmentalists fear the drinking water for millions of people could be threatened.

States Ponder Sports Betting as Source of New Revenue

Right now, it's illegal to bet on a sports event in most of the country. Making it legal could bring states significant tax revenue - but there are serious obstacles in the way. New Jersey voters will consider the matter next week.

Christie's 'Jersey Shore' Rejection Follows Setbacks for Film Tax Credits

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: States have been turning against tax incentives for movies and TV shows - even ones that don't involve drunken debauchery.

Anti-Tax Governors Are OK With Commuter Toll Hikes

TODAY'S TAKE: Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo have flatly rejected tax hikes as a bad idea in a poor economy. But they have approved sharp increases in toll hikes for commuters, underscoring their nuanced position on revenues.

Toll Hike Plan Puts Heat on Cuomo and Christie

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York and Chris Christie of New Jersey both lashed out at a proposal to increase tolls on bridges and tunnels between their states. But both governors stopped short of saying they would veto the hikes.

Christie Considers First-in-Nation Ban on 'Fracking'

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie must decide whether to approve or reject the nation's first ban on a controversial natural gas drilling technique.

Budget Cuts to Programs for Elderly May Cost Money Later

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Programs for the elderly are cut back in California and Illinois ... legislators quarrel with the governor over reductions to senior citizen care in New Jersey ... state monitoring of some elder facilities is eliminated in New Hampshire, and other social policy news.

Higher Health Care Fees for New Jersey's Public Employees

HEALTH BEAT: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie slashes state worker health benefits ... Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley reports that a cost-cutting experiment is not holding down medical costs ... The Arizona Supreme Court refuses to block Medicaid cutbacks, and other health care news.

Christie Proposes to Slash Medicaid in New Jersey

HEALTH BEAT: Governor's plan would drop 23,000 adults who are currently receiving coverage. The federal government would have to approve the change in eligibility rules.

State Workers Target New Jersey Dems

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey state workers are furious over a legislative plan that would dramatically increase the cost of the benefits they receive, doubling or even tripling their annual health insurance fees.

Michigan Governor Renews Push for Canadian Bridge

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Michigan's Rick Snyder makes a new push for a second bridge between Detroit and Canada … Rejecting federal funds for a commuter rail tunnel costs New Jersey $225,000 a month … Connecticut struggles to protect transportation funding, and other transportation news.

State Government Shutdowns: A Dangerous Game to Play

This is the time of year when many state capitols are consumed by talk of budget stalemates and possible closure of government agencies. But the worst rarely happens.

As Christie Opts Out of Regional Pact, Global Warming Battles Continue

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: New Jersey's governor quits the Northeast's greenhouse gas reduction pact and legal fights over climate change policy heat up.

State Workers to Pay More for Health Benefits

Whatever the result of this year's contentious debate over collective bargaining and pay for public workers, one thing is certain: Health care coverage for state employees is going to change for good.

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.

All Public Sector Employees in New Jersey Will Have to Live In-State

MANAGEMENT BEAT: No more commuting from New York and Philadelphia for New Jersey workers … Governments are spending more time collecting and organizing data than using it … A collective bargaining showdown in Nevada, and other management news.

California, New Jersey Offer Low-Fee Unemployment Cards

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: California and New Jersey offer the best prepaid cards with the fewest fees to access unemployment benefits … Florida uses Twitter to help find homes for foster children ... Nine states could face penalties for missing welfare's work participation thresholds, and other social policy news.

Revenues Look Better in Three Big States

TODAY'S TAKE: California, Michigan and New Jersey are projecting significant increases in tax collections over the coming months, though serious fiscal problems remain.

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.

Labor Offer Keeps New Jersey Tolls From Going Private

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Toll collectors will keep jobs but see pay cut by 24 percent … Massachusetts looks to take health care off the bargaining table … Missouri may auction more than 1,000 acres of state property near prisons, and other management news.

Utah Lawmakers Could Override Transportation Veto

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Utah's governor faces a rare veto override as lawmakers try to designate sales tax money for transportation … New Jersey won't use a private firm to collect tolls after all … A key U.S. senator suggests states will have to raise gas taxes-not depend on the feds-for new revenue, and other transportation news.

Carl Lewis Candidacy? Not So Fast

TODAY'S TAKE: Carl Lewis, the nine-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, wants to run for state Senate in New Jersey. But amid questions over his legal residency, the decision over whether the Democratic former sprinter is eligible now rests with the state's Republican lieutenant governor.

Track Star Carl Lewis Seeks State Senate Seat in New Jersey

TODAY'S TAKE: Carl Lewis, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, is the latest big name running for legislative office in New Jersey, which holds elections in 2011.

Budget Deal Means Prison Closures in New York

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: The governor of New York follows through on a pledge to close prisons, even if they provide employment in rural communities…California's governor orders thousands of state inmates transferred to local facilities, despite a lack of funding for the plan…Michigan is proving more reluctant than other states to grant parole, and other public safety news.

Democrats Score Redistricting Win in New Jersey

TODAY'S TAKE: A Rutgers University political science professor cast the deciding vote Sunday night (April 3) in the battle over competing proposals to draw New Jersey's political lines for the coming decade.

Missouri is Toughest on Crack Cocaine

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Missouri punishes crack dealers more severely than those who sell the powder version of the same drug… Police are stretched thin in one of the nation's most dangerous cities… The Colorado probation agency comes under scrutiny, and other public safety news.

Christie's School-Cutting Plan Hits Roadblock

TODAY'S TAKE: A New Jersey judge ruled against New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's $1 billion spending cuts for schools, saying the cuts, made last year, would leave the state unable to provide an adequate public education, as required by law. Christie says the state Supreme Court will uphold his actions. .

Alabama Parents Go to Court Over Property Tax

EDUCATION BEAT: Alabama school advocates sue the state over funding ... Arizona senators approve drastic cuts to school budget ... New Jersey governor continues to battle teachers' unions, and other education news.

Property Taxes Rise in Christie's First Year

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey's highest-in-the-nation property taxes rose again in 2010--sharply--despite Governor Chris Christie's promise to reduce the burden. Christie, a Republican, blames the previous Democratic administration.

As Redistricting Gets Underway, New Jersey Is Already Gridlocked

More than half the states now have the detailed census data they need to start drawing new political maps. First up is New Jersey, where an esteemed professor has been appointed to break a tie on a bipartisan commission.Inside: Stateline Graphic -- Who Controls Redistricting?

New Jersey Could Become First to Allow Internet Gambling

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie must decide by today (March 3) whether New Jersey will become the first state to allow its residents to gamble online. The move would raise revenue but circumvent federal law.

New Jersey Democrats Want to Roll Back Tunnel Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Some New Jersey legislators look to reduce driving costs… A major public works law in Illinois catches a break… Maryland's governor looks to deny driver's licenses to tax delinquents, and other transportation news.

Even in this Economy, States Struggle to Recruit IT Personnel

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Qualified IT staff remain difficult for states to recruit … Legislators eye state websites for ad revenue … A defined contribution plan may raise pension costs in Kentucky, and other government management news.

Big States Staring at Big Corrections Cuts

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: California and Texas consider major changes to their prison systems … Illinois could join New Mexico and New Jersey as the only states to repeal the death penalty legislatively … the Massachusetts parole board resigns, and other public safety news.

Residents Flee New Jersey in 2010, Moving Survey Finds

TODAY'S TAKE: An annual survey of national migration patterns finds that more people are moving out of New Jersey than any other state. It's the first time in five years that Michigan hasn't led the nation.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2011

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chris Christie's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Guadagno, Madam Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Legislature, People of New Jersey: It is my constitutional duty to report to you each year on the State of our Sta

Exemption Debate Looms Over Cuomo's Property Tax Cap

TRANSITION WATCH: New York will consider how far property taxes can rise to pay public employee benefits, Ohio struggles with a tug-of-war over appointments, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Chris Christie is a Role Model to New Governors, But Do His Cuts Add Up?

As New Jersey's governor finishes a wild first year, a number of new Republican governors say they want to govern in his mold. But Chris Christie's philosophy of budget cuts without revenue increases has been easier said than done.

A Hidden Side to New Jersey's Privatization Push

Chris Christie's administration recommended contracting out 40 state services to the private sector. It's one that wasn't on the list that's spurring the most controversy.

Lame-Duck Session Scheduled in Pennsylvania

TODAY'S TAKE: The Democratic-led Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which will fall under Republican control in January, will convene for a special voting session on Monday (November 15). The lame-duck meeting will give outgoing Democrats the chance to pass legislation before Republicans take over state government, including the governor's office, next year.

Report Ranks States' Business Climates

TODAY'S TAKE: A new report finds that South Dakota has the friendliest tax system in the nation for businesses, while California and New York have the worst. New Jersey moved up in the rankings because of a veto from Governor Chris Christie.

Christie Doubles Down on Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's decision Thursday (Oct. 7) to discontinue the largest public-transit project in the nation - a commuter rail tunnel to Manhattan that he believes the state cannot afford - is sparking a broad range of reaction. But one thing is clear: the decision is keeping the high-profile, first-year governor in the spotlight.

Christie Goes to Iowa but Rules Out 2012 Bid

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, elected to his post only last year, is charming audiences and backing fellow Republican candidates for governor around the country. Monday, he landed in Iowa, a move that raised eyebrows because of the state's first-in-the-nation presidential contests. But Christie insists he won't run for president.

The Buying and Selling of Legal Marijuana

Of the 14 states with medical marijuana laws on the books, half of them leave unresolved the question of how patients are supposed to get the seeds to grow their plants. Some state governments, which once were reticent to allow dispensaries, have started to reconsider.

Chris Christie Can't Shake Race to the Top Fiasco

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is embroiled in the first major crisis of his tenure, as Democrats investigate the clerical error that cost the state $400 million in federal education funding and led to the firing of the state's education chief. The governor, for his part, is trying to move on.