Stateline Stories

Small Businesses Seek Relief from ACA Penalties

Big fines for small businesses are among the possible unintended consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision to make the Medicaid expansion optional for states.

Drone Limits Become Law

Police agencies in five states already have drones, and lawmakers want to make sure protections are in place before more agencies spend more money. Which cities already have drones?

States Rack Up Victories in Bids to Collect Online Sales Taxes

After more than a decade of trying, state officials think they may get to collect billions of dollars of taxes on online sales soon. Find out why.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

States with Heavy Military Presence Hurt Hardest

The White House published a 50-state list of potential impacts from the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration. States that rely heavily on military spending would be hurt worst.

States Seek Legal Limits on Domestic Drones

Lawmakers in nearly half the states are working to set legal limits on the use of drones, before they become a key part of domestic policing.

Should Judges Be Forced To Retire?

Judges in 33 states are forced to retire at a certain age. State legislators are not so sure this is a good idea.

Despite Governor’s Push, Voting Rights for Felons Fails in Virginia

A House subcommittee chose not to take up legislation that would have amended the constitution to automatically restore those rights after nonviolent felons pay their debt to society.

Virginia Republicans Advance Voter ID Legislation

Virginia Republicans are moving forward with plans to tighten voter ID laws for the second time in two years.

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.

Virginia Uranium Legislation Fails, But Fight Not Over

An effort in the Virginia legislature to lift the state’s 31-year-old moratorium on uranium mining has failed, dealing a blow to supporters of a plan to tap the country’s largest known uranium deposit. But the debate is far from over.

Virginia Weighs an End to Its 31-Year-Old Uranium Mining Ban

In Virginia, home to one of the world’s largest deposits of uranium, state lawmakers must decide whether to overturn the state’s 31-year-old ban on mining.

Issue To Watch: School Testing

A number of states are pushing to up the stakes on reading tests for younger students and assign letter grades to schools.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2013

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Jan. 9 -- Following is the full text of Gov. Bob McDonnell's 2013 State of the State Address

Virginia’s Lt. Gov. Won’t Run For Governor — Not As Republican, At Least

Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling will not seek the Republican nomination for governor in 2013, he said Wednesday. But he left open the possibility for a run as an independent.

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.

How Governors Govern Higher Ed

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett are the latest governors to play a role in resolving crises at their state universities.

Heat Wave, Budget Cuts Strain Utility Safety Net

Budget cuts and a blistering hot spell wave left states short on cash this summer while tackling high energy demand. Now many worry about having enough heat when winter comes.

Best of #StateReads: Ex-Parks Official Had Criminal Past

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

With ‘Facts’ Website, California Looks to Thwart Opposition to Climate Change

California Governor Jerry Brown has unveiled a new website seeking to quiet climate change skeptics. The move comes as conservative legislators in some states are pushing back against efforts to address the impacts of a climate shift.

Colorado Theater Shooting Revives Gun Rights Debate

The nation’s latest mass shooting has revived debate over its patchwork of gun laws. But advocates on both sides of the issue expect that public shock and outrage over the killing of 12 people at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater will do little to shift momentum in statehouses and on Capitol Hill toward harsher restri

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.

Troubled Times at the State Fair

State Fairs are facing a budget crunch, and one solution is to turn them over to private ownership.

States May Boost Salaries, With a Catch

Long-awaited salary increases or bonuses will be tied to “ifs” and “buts” for state employees in Arizona and possibly Virginia.

Schweitzer, McDonnell Give Outside-the-Beltway Perspective

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.

Contention and Compromise in Virginia, Oregon Tied Chambers

The Virginia Senate and the Oregon House each had an equal number of Democrats and Republicans this year, but that's where the similarities ended.

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.

Abortion Ultrasound Debate Intensifies

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: The debate in Virginia whether to require every woman seeking an abortion get an ultrasound is flaring up in a half dozen other statehouses.

Virginia Advances 'Tim Tebow Bill'

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginia is debating a bill that would allow home-schooled students to play on varsity sports teams at public high schools. The measure is nicknamed the "Tim Tebow bill" after the Denver Broncos quarterback.

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.

Virginia Set to Lift Limit on Monthly Handgun Purchases

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginians will no longer be limited to one handgun purchase a month under legislation set to clear the newly Republican state legislature. The limit has been in place for 19 years.

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.

At Last, a State Budget Year When the Sky Is Not Falling

PART FIVE OF FIVE: After four years of epic budget woes, states are ready for an improved 2012. Some are even poised to add dollars back to programs they wish they never had to cut.

Republicans Assert Power in Virginia Senate

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans reshaped the Virginia Senate on Wednesday (January 11), relying on GOP Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling to help them organize the tied chamber in their favor.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2012

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) 2012 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President. Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the State Corporation Commission. Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly, my fel

Virginia GOP Primary to Require Loyalty Oath

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters who want to participate in the Republican presidential primary in Virginia next year will be asked to sign a statement pledging their support for the eventual GOP nominee. Those who do not sign it will not be allowed to cast a primary vote.

Infographic: Southern Strength

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

Virginia Election Offers Republicans a Chance to Enact an Agenda, Set Examples for 2012

The GOP in Virginia needs a majority in the state Senate to take full control of state government. If they get one in November, it will be seen as a clue to national politics next year.

Cyber Cafe Gambling Gets Close Scrutiny

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Are Internet cafes that offer games with prizes really fronts for illegal gambling? From Ohio to Florida, states are vowing to crack down on what they worry is unlawful gaming activity.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Will States' Credit Suffer From S&P Federal Downgrade?

TODAY'S TAKE: Politicians and financial analysts are preparing for the ripple effects of a first-ever downgrade of the federal government's credit rating, including what it might mean for states.

Budget Picture Brightens in New Fiscal Year

TODAY'S TAKE: State revenues are a long way from catching up to where they were before the recession started, but reports out of Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee and Virginia show that they are climbing back.

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.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

States Push to Convert Interstate Highways into Toll Roads

Interstates need money for repairs, and charging toll fees can bring in a lot of it. But the federal government is cool to the idea.

Virginia Remap Panel Gets an Earful

TODAY'S TAKE: A commission appointed by Virginia's governor is taking citizen input on how legislative and congressional district lines should be drawn. There are some strong public opinions.

Bob McDonnell Breaks Virginia's Transportation Gridlock

The governor's three-year, $3 billion plan relies heavily on borrowing to fund big transportation projects. The initiative does not go far enough for many transportation advocates, but it passed the General Assembly with little of the controversy that embroiled the efforts of McDonnell's predecessors to relieve congestion.

Decline in Bond Market Has States Nervous

Investors are wary of buying government bonds right now. Taxpayers may end up bearing losses as a result.

Cuccinelli Seeks Quick Review of Health Law

HEALTH BEAT: Virginia's Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli asks the High Court to expedite review of a lawsuit against health care reform … GOP governors threaten to leave exchanges to the federal government … Sebelius offers ways to cut Medicaid budgets, and other health care news.

Conservatives Seek to Amend U.S. Constitution Through State Action

States have the legal right to pass constitutional amendments without congressional approval. It's very hard to accomplish, but Tea Party-backed activists are mounting an organized effort.

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.

After Giffords Shooting, No Slowdown for Gun Rights

The shooting of a U.S. representative and 18 others in Arizona has done little to slow the momentum of pro-gun legislation in statehouses. If anything, gun-rights supporters face better odds this year due to Republican electoral gains.

Scott Puts Road Projects on Hold During Review

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Florida's governor delays $500 million for transportation projects ... the Texas DOT could be in for a remaking ... mayors seek Great Lakes basin study, and other transportation news.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2011

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) 2011 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the State Corporation Commission Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly. My fellow Virginians: It is my duty and

Virginia Legislature Launches iPad Experiment

Laptop computers were supposed to help state legislators cut down on the amount of paper they used to write laws. It didn't work. Will it be any different with Apple's new tablet computer?

Texas Again Leads Nation in Executions; Ohio a Distant Second

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas executed more than twice as many inmates in 2010 as the next-closest state, Ohio, according to a new report. Nationally, states executed 46 prisoners this year, a 12-percent decline from last year.

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.

Women on Death Row Are a Rarity

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginia executed a female prisoner for the first time in nearly 100 years on Thursday (September 23). Nationwide, less than 2 percent of the inmates on death row are women.

Did Race to the Top Help or Hurt the Push for a Common Curriculum?

States were working on a common set of education standards before the Obama administration decided to make adoption of them part of Race to the Top. The prospect of winning federal money motivated some states to pass the standards, but the administration's blessing may have turned others away.

This State Park Brought to You By...

Faced with the prospect of closing parks or facilities, some states are turning to a funding opportunity long considered taboo: sponsorship agreements with corporations.

As Some States Close Highway Rest Stops, Others See Roadside Revenue

In the South and West, providing drivers a sanctuary on the Interstate costs states dollars they don't have. But many Northeastern states make lots of money by commercializing rest areas. The difference is due to an obscure federal law that critics want to change.

July 1 Brings Scores of New State Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting today (July 1), Virginians with concealed-carry permits will be able to bring guns into bars, as long as they don't consume alcohol themselves. New Yorkers will pay as much as $10 for a pack of cigarettes, including a $4.35 state tax. And Oklahoma will require its public school students to learn about the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

In State Legislatures, the Gun Lobby Hits Its Target

Gun-rights advocates have succeeded in loosening gun laws in a number of states this year. Next week, they're likely to get more good news when the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the city of Chicago's handgun ban.

The United Regions of America

President Obama would like to transform the traditional strategy of states battling each other for jobs and replace it with an approach that emphasizes U.S. regions competing against other countries in the global economy.

Public Broadcasting Cuts at Issue in Virginia

TODAY'S TAKE: A proposal by Virginia's governor to phase out state funding for public broadcasting ran into trouble in the state House of Delegates on Wednesday (April 21), as legislators sought to defend what they see as a valuable educational tool, particularly for children. Public programming has been a little-discussed victim of budget cuts in states from New York to Utah.

No Time to Pass the Bottle

With legislatures thirsty for revenue, getting states out of the booze business has its appeal. Advocates say states could generate millions by auctioning off licenses to sell alcohol. Breaking up state monopolies will also encourage more stores to open, bringing with them higher sales and income tax revenues, advocates argue.But barely a few weeks later, many of those proposals have died quietly. In Virginia and Mississippi, they were withdrawn by their sponsors. In Washington and Vermont, they are bottled up in committee. How could these heavily-touted revenue streams dry up so suddenly?

Fee Hikes OK For Some Anti-Tax Govs

TODAY'S TAKE: Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons and Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell both are Republicans who have vowed not to raise taxes. Gibbons even has said that he would rather cut his way out of a projected $3 billion budget shortfall next year - or about half the state's two-year budget - than raise taxes. But both governors are eyeing fee increases as a part of their budget solutions.

Anthem Rate Hikes Felt Beyond California

TODAY'S TAKE: Sharp rate hikes by health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are causing ripples in many states amid a well-publicized plan by the company to increase premiums by as much as 39 percent in California. The firm insures hundreds of thousands of people across the country with individual plans that could see double-digit increases in their monthly premiums.

New Governors Get Into Budget-Cutting Act

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican governors Chris Christie of New Jersey and Bob McDonnell of Virginia swept into power last November on promises of leaner, more efficient state government. Now they're trying to put their words into action, pitching budget plans that slash hundreds of millions of dollars from schools, health care and other fundamental state services.

Virginia Senate Bans Health Insurance Mandate

TODAY'S TAKE: The Democratic-led Virginia Senate sent a strong message about health care reform efforts in Washington, D.C., on Monday (Feb. 1), passing a bill that makes it illegal for Virginians to be required to buy health insurance. Similar legislation is being debated in more than two-thirds of the states.

Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address

Inheriting a $4 billion budget shortfall, first-year Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell (R) said on Jan. 18 he would rely on spending cuts instead of tax increases to get Virginia through its worst financial crisis since the 1930s.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2010 (McDonnell)

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 18 - Following is Gov. Bob McDonnell's (R) 2010 state of the commonwealth address: Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Mr. Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court. Ladies and Gentlemen of the General Assembly My fellow Virginians It is an honor to retu

Weekly Wrap: States Could Hand Off Liquor Stores

Three states weigh privatizing liquor sales; Lawmakers take aim at shorter, fewer sessions.

Summary of the Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address (Gov. Tim Kaine)

Outgoing Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) offered a mixed assessment of his four years, saying the state has largely endured the recession but still faces huge challenges in transportation and higher education.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2010 (Kaine)

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) 2010 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to hear the address. "My fellow Virginians: "I stand before you tonight, with many emotions, to deliver my final State of the Commonwealth address. While the quick passage of

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.

GOP Wins Build Momentum for 2010

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans regained the governorships of New Jersey and Virginia on Election Day (Nov. 3). Tax caps failed in Maine and Washington and Ohio voters approved casino gambling. Stateline.org this morning rounded up these results and more for yesterday's elections and for a variety of ballot measures decided by voters.

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.

Credit Unions Help Strapped State Employees

As state employees across the country are being hammered by layoffs, pay cuts and forced unpaid days off, some state employees' credit unions are stepping in to help workers get through these tough times.

Budget Cuts Drive DMV Changes

Drivers going to the department of motor vehicles will likely face longer lines and higher service fees in several states as recession-ravaged budgets force the shutdown of branch offices, a reduced work force and the need to raise revenue.

Weekly Wrap: Report Questions States' Use of Stimulus Road Funds

States are spending too much stimulus money on new road construction and not enough on public transit projects, a national advocacy group claims in a report issued Monday (June 29). Meanwhile, Michigan and California consider teaming up to solve their prison problems and North Carolina and Rhode Island face off with Amazon.com over taxes.

Tracking the Recession: States Boost Foreclosure Programs

The Obama administration has lots of company in its effort to slow home foreclosures. States have been coming up with solutions of their own.

Govs' Q & A: Rethinking Prison Time

With corrections costs rising and tax revenues falling, governors in a handful of states recently have sought to save millions of dollars by shortening the time some prisoners spend behind bars. Stateline.org asked two governors about their plans.

Study Finds Disparity in Corrections Spending

States spend seven times more money on prisons than on probation and parole, even though the vast majority of the 7.3 million people now under correctional supervision are not behind bars, according to a Pew Center on the States report, the first detailed survey of state corrections spending since 2002.

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.

State Leaders Struggle With Tough Cuts

The recession is forcing governors and legislators to cut services and raise taxes and fees. They'd rather make a difference in other ways.

2009 Elections — Small But Significant

This year may be the quiet before the surge of 36 gubernatorial races in 2010, but the results of the few statewide elections in November could preview what's to come.

Virginia State of the Commonwealth Address 2009

RICHMOND, Va. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President; Members of the General Assembly, the Cabinet, and the Court; my fellow Virginians:

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.

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.

Delegates Speak: Health Care, Vetetans' Assistance

Aug. 29, 2008, 9:00 a.m. EDT Q. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? Wyoming on health careHealth care is number one still. We still have a lot of people who don't have adequate health care in this nation. Someone has to do something…The cost and price of energy, although helping our state tremendously as far as giving us surpluses, but still causing a lot of heartache for the people of Wyoming. So those are the two issues: energy costs and health care. (As president, Barack Obama) will push forward some kind of national health care… I think we are going to see some additional help with health care dollars and getting people covered. -Wyoming delegate, State Sen. John Hastert, 50, of Green River, interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Virginia on veterans' assistanceI served one year in Vietnam and three years in the military and then went to school on the GI Bill after that. The veterans from the war in Iraq are coming home and have no place to go …I'm thinking about these GIs now, after 12 months, ready to come home and then (their tour) is extended for another six months. You don't know how much pressure that is on a young GI. I was 19 in Vietnam and most of the vets in the volunteer Army are between 18 and 25 years old. They may say they love it ….but the reason they go in the first place is because they are looking for a better life for themselves. They are not going to war because they want to kill and maim someone else, and they don't want to be killed or maimed themselves. When they get out of there, we don't take care of them. -Virginia delegate Willie L. Brown, 62, of Chesapeake, Army veteran, interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org AFTER THE JUMP: Audio from Stateline.org's interviews with Hastert and Brown Comments

States Revisit Prohibition-Era Booze Laws

Seventy-five years after the repeal of Prohibition, state lawmakers across the country are marking the anniversary by relaxing or eliminating some laws that have restricted alcohol sales since as long ago as the 1930s.

States Act to Stem Foreclosure Scams

The rise of home foreclosures has spawned an increase in scams that prey on people's desperation to save their homes. At least 18 states have enacted laws to target such schemes.

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.

WORTH NOTING: Tax refund hardly a windfall

Hawaii lawmakers spread the state's good fortune - thinly. A Colorado state senator calls for a probe of his own business dealings. And a Texas inmate enters the Idaho presidential primary. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Virginia Sweeps Out Immigrant Sex Offenders

A recent law-enforcement operation in Virginia that will result in the deportation of at least 171 immigrant sex offenders - including some who came to the United States legally and have been out of prison for years - has spurred debate over whether the crackdown is fair and if other states should carry out similar sweeps.