Stateline Headlines

No pay raises for state employees in SC budget deal

SC review finds ‘questionable’ stats, other ills in S.C. First Steps

Sanford earned $130,000 as contributor to Fox

SC Ports agency to mapping out fiscal 2014 plan

What Rainey v. Haley tells us about ethics reform

After public hearings, DHEC sticks with its suggestion on food stamp restrictions

No pay raises for state employees in SC budget deal

Lunch, with a side of politics -- Legislators dish on where, how they break for meals

Compromise could provide $800M for SC roads

State, tribes should seek common ground on tobacco tax agreements

School-choice debate looms in budget talks

SC legislators reach deal on road repair, 4K funding

SC inches closer to other states with military-friendly legislation

Fight against Common Core flares in South Carolina

How Did States Create Jobs?

States this year awarded tax breaks to businesses, touted worker-training programs and even poached jobs from each other to boost their economies and create work for the nearly 12 million Americans still unemployed.

State pension fund posting 12.7 percent return

SC business leaders continue push for support of Gang of Eight immigration bill

South Carolina soul searching on welfare of children

State's ag economy needs immigrants, business leaders say

State GOP’s new chairman optimistic about party-building, paying back debt

SC students up 10%, but staffing up 50%? Study would scrutinize school spending

State transportation chief has reservations about Senate road funding plan

SC Supreme Court dismisses ethics complain against Gov. Haley

State transportation chief has reservations about Senate road funding plan

Probation has ‘not complied with state law’

SC students up 10%, but staffing up 50%? Study would scrutinize school spending

Haley, husband report $284K in earnings

Haleys donated $130,000 to charity

SC lags nation in home computer, Internet access

What lawmakers did (and didn’t) do this year in Columbia

SC GOP chairman resigns for DC job, replacement chosen

State House for sale -- How SC ethics reform died

Foreign cyber hackers target Blythewood’s website

Tuberculosis outbreak rocks S.C. town

Haley signs bill boosting breweries' business

SC's 2013 session ending with much left undone

Sellers formally plans SC Lt. Gov. run

SC gun proposals founder in legislative session’s final days

SC Senators -- Ethics dead for the year

SC House OKs private-school tax credits

SC senator asks governor if ransom was paid for hacked data

Repair Bills Mount for Deteriorating Roads

Despite a few wins early this year, many governors are struggling to find funds to keep their states’ roads smooth and safe.

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.

Rural States Struggle to Reduce Road Deaths

Why some states have a lot of traffic deaths is linked to rural roads, seat belts, drunk drivers and speed.

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.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2013

COLUMBIA, South Carolina -- Jan. 16 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nikki Haley's (R) 2013 State of the State Address

Voter ID Rulings Vex Administrators Ahead of Election Day

Recent court rulings and ongoing lawsuits have prompted widespread concerns about whether election laws can work smoothly next Tuesday.

Federal Court Clears South Carolina Voter ID Law

A federal court has cleared the way for South Carolina’s voter ID law to be in place in 2013, despite the Justice Department’s decision to oppose the law.

Wisconsin Voter ID Law Unlikely to Apply in November

Wisconsinites this November won’t likely need to show photo identification at the polls. That’s because the state Supreme Court says it won’t immediately consider whether to reinstate a voter ID law blocked in a lower court.

S.C. State Workers Challenge Health Insurance Hike

This year, the South Carolina legislature budgeted to give state workers, university employees and teachers their first raise in four years in exchange for increasing what they contribute to their retirement plans.

Art for the Economy’s Sake

After years of budget cuts, state funding for the arts is making a comeback.

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

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

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: Getting Aggressive With Pension Investments

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.

North Dakota Voters Sidestep Controversies

On an Election Day that featured intraparty legislative races in several states, North Dakota voters shied away from several controversies over the University of North Dakota's “Fighting Sioux” nickname, protections for religious liberty and local property taxes.

Delaware Gov Defends Common Core

A handful of states are reconsidering their pledges to adopt the common national standards in English and math, citing concerns about federal intrusion into the states. Supporters say that’s misguided.

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

Is it Really a Great Day in South Carolina?

Governor Nikki Haley’s mandatory telephone greeting for state employees has gotten mixed reviews since it went into effect in September, but the governor sees the policy as a wholly positive development.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley Rallies GOP Women

In a visit to Washington’s conservative American Enterprise Institute this week, the state’s first female governor promoted her new autobiography and encouraged women to consider running for office.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Wyoming Depends on Business to Reduce Workplace Deaths

This week’s collection of #StateReads covers on the job fatalities in Wyoming, secrets in Alabama’s execution protocol and the far reaching effects of drought in Texas. These examples of extraordinary journalism about state government were recommended in tweets using the #StateReads hashtag on Twitter.

South Carolina Considers Private School Tax Perk

EDUCATION BEAT: Parents would see an average of $205 in tax savings for each student they have in private school, according to a state estimate.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

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

Governor Promises Tough Session for South Carolina Unions

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: In this year's legislative session, Republican Governor Nikki Haley says, "We'll make the unions understand full well that they are not needed, not wanted and not welcome in the state of South Carolina."

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.

South Carolina Budget Board's Days May Be Numbered

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: For decades, South Carolina governors have been trying to consolidate power by killing the state's Budget and Control Board. This year, it may finally happen.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nikki Haley's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, and my fellow South Carolinians: This and every year, we will con

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.

States Retool Food Stamp, Benefits Systems

A number of states used to make food stamp recipients pass a fingerprint test. Now all but one has stopped, to save on staff time and ease the burden on the clients.

Infographic: Southern Strength

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

New Policy Means It's Always 'a Great Day in South Carolina'

TODAY'S TAKE: To improve her state's image, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is asking state workers to answer their phones by saying, "It's a great day in South Carolina. How can I help you?" It's not the first time a governor has intervened in state workers' etiquette.

South Carolina Governor Faces Scrutiny Over Trips

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a Tea Party-backed conservative who has urged fiscal restraint, is fending off criticism over expensive trips she has recently taken, including a taxpayer-funded economic development journey to Paris and Munich.

South Carolina Struggles to Pay Its Road Bills

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: An influx of cash from the federal government helped South Carolina start to pay its road construction bills on time again. But the money shortage has forced the state to put off projects, and legislators want to find out more.

Texas Governor Rick Perry Poised to Join Presidential Race

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas Governor Rick Perry, a Republican who has long railed against Washington and the federal government, is expected to launch his bid for the presidency this weekend. He would be the only sitting governor in the contest, but as former governors already in the contest can attest, his record as executive will come under close scrutiny.

States Prepare Timelines for Missed Debt Deadline

TODAY'S TAKE: States are calculating how long it will take before a political impasse over the federal debt ceiling begins to affect their bottom lines. Some are preparing backup plans, including the furlough of thousands of workers.

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.

South Carolina Is Latest to Pass Immigration Crackdown

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley will sign legislation requiring police officers to ask suspects about their immigration status. Alabama and Georgia have approved similar measures this year.

Haley Tells South Carolina Legislators to Get Back to Work

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called legislators back for a rare special session, but the state Senate president says the chamber will not convene next week as ordered.

Amazon Gains Upper Hand in South Carolina Tax Break Battle

Despite determined opposition from big retail chains and most of the state's business establishment, a huge tax exemption for the on-line company is moving forward.

Welfare Rolls Up, Benefits Down in Some States

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Some states are scaling back welfare benefits just as more of their residents are seeking them, a new report says.

Republicans Score More Victories on Voter ID

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina and Texas are the latest states to approve GOP-backed measures requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls. Similar bills are moving forward over Democrats' objections in Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Oklahoma's Ban on Sharia Law Gains Traction in More States

TODAY'S TAKE: In the wake of a controversial ballot measure last year that banned Oklahoma courts from applying Sharia law, at least seven states are considering similar legislation.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2011

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nikki Haley's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: Let me start tonight with a tradition established by my predecessor

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.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

Republican to Advise Democrat Kitzhaber on Oregon Health Policy

TRANSITION WATCH: Oregon's new governor picks a Republican for a key post, Florida's incoming governor faces delays filling his administration, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Party Switch Gives Texas House Republicans Supermajority

TRANSITION WATCH: Two-thirds control of the House means Texas Republicans can overcome Democratic delaying tactics, outgoing governors issue their final pardons, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Utah Legislators Skeptical of Governor's Tax Proposal

TRANSITION WATCH: Utah Republicans grapple over the budget, Michigan's incoming governor mulls a new bridge to Canada, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Rick Snyder Picks a Democrat

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor-elect reaches across the aisle for a top appointment, Georgia's governor-elect picks a controversial chief of staff, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Tea Party Could Sway Key Governors' Races

In the Republican gubernatorial primaries, Tea Party supporters played an outsized role in defeating establishment candidates. Can they pull off an upset twice?

Education's Less-Than-Certain Windfall

There's $10 billion for schools in the state aid bill Congress passed last month. But some school systems have reason to wonder whether they are going to see the money.

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.

Tuesday's Primaries: What to Watch

TODAY'S TAKE: In the busiest primary election day of the year, voters in 10 states will go to the polls Tuesday (June 8) to decide a wide range of questions from whether Maine will reform its tax code to which Republican will face off against Jerry Brown in the California governor's race. Stateline outlines key themes to watch in the state-level contests.

Loans for Green Homes

States are awash in federal money for energy efficiency - $5 billion to weatherize low-income homes and another $6.5 billion for a wide range of projects from enforcing building codes to researching new energy efficiency technologies. But a South Carolina electric cooperative association wants $4.5 billion more to help rural homeowners who they say will otherwise be left out of the green revolution. The funding would allow an innovative home-efficiency financing plan forged in a handful of states to go nationwide, potentially making a big dent in the Obama administration's energy goals.

Why State Debates Don't Last Forever

If the United States Senate followed the rules of the New Jersey General Assembly, it wouldn't take 60 votes for Democrats to overcome a Republican filibuster. It would take 75, or three-quarters of the chamber, one of the highest such thresholds of any legislative body in the nation. So why don't filibusters grind business to a halt in New Jersey as they do in the U.S. Senate?

Summary of the South Carolina State of the State Address

South Carolina Gov. Sanford, once considered a strong GOP presidential contender, used his final state of the state address to again apologize for the "storm" his extramarital affair wrought and laid out three goals he hopes to accomplish in his final year in office, including a cap on spending.

South Carolina State of the State Address 2010

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Sanford's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers and my fellow South Carolinians: It's an honor to be with you tonight to deliver my view on the