Stateline Headlines

Driver’s seat

Voter Registration in Supreme Court Spotlight

It’s gotten less attention than the challenge to the Voting Rights Act, but an Arizona challenge to the National Voter Registration Act could upset elections administration around the country.

Governors Ask Lawmakers to Prevent Future Shootings

The recent mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut reshaped governors’ legislative agendas this year, and many used their once-a-year legislative addresses to ask lawmakers to take up gun control, mental health treatment and school safety.

States Begin Giving Driver’s Licenses to Young Immigrants

The federal government thrust states back into dealing with the contentious issue of driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, after years when the practice had become rare and the issue dropped off most legislative agendas.

Best of #StateReads: United States of Subsidies

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

States Defend Anti-Terrorism Centers After Harsh Senate Report

Law enforcement agencies and state officials defended regional information-sharing offices known as “fusion centers” as a key part of the nation’s homeland security network. A Senate report questioned the value of the fusion centers, which they found had “not produced useful intelligence.”

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

Rising revenues spur tax cuts, spending

From Massachusetts to Hawaii, signs abound that the immense pressure placed on state budgets by the fiscal crisis early this decade has eased, opening the door for a wave of fresh tax cuts and new spending.

More states sanction deadly force

A year-old Florida law sanctioning the use of deadly force against muggers, carjackers or other assailants outside the home is rapidly being adopted by other states and already is being raised as a defense in at least three shootings in Florida.

Border Plan Reignites an Old Debate

President Bush's plan to send 6,000 National Guard troops to the Southern border has rekindled debate in states about the role of the Guard, particularly on whether the new assignment will strain a force drained by extensive deployments. But some governors called the plan a bold step in the right direction.

States Move to Regulate Senior Guardians

As the U.S. population ages and families scatter across the country, the frail elderly increasingly end up relying on court-appointed guardians when they can no longer take care of their personal affairs. California just joined six other states in watching over these professionals charged with protecting society's most vulnerable adults.

Three Governors Face Possible Senate Picks

Stateline.org's coverage from the 2008 national conventions. Updated throughout the day. Barack Obama's selection of Joseph R. Biden Jr. as his running mate in November's presidential election has put a third governor on notice that he or she may be called upon to name a new U.S. senator once the next commander-in-chief is known.

Who Would Replace Biden, Obama, McCain in Senate?

Aug. 27, 12 noon, EDTAmong the many undercurrents at the Democratic National Convention this week is talk of the party's rising stars. Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury, for example, made news on Tuesday when he announced he is likely to run for governor in 2010, when the state's current chief executive, Democrat Ted Kulongoski, must give up the seat. Rancher-turned-governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana also attracted attention Tuesday when he delivered a crowd-pleasing attack on Republican presidential nominee John McCain in a high-visibility speaking slot just ahead of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D). Among the most interesting subplots of the convention is speculation over who would replace Barack Obama and Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the U.S. Senate if the two Democrats are successful in November. Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) of Illinois and Gov. Ruth Ann Minner (D) of Delaware would appoint replacements for Obama and Biden, and the rumors over the candidates' potential substitutes are already flying. Of course, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano (D) also could be called on to choose a Senate replacement if McCain wins the White House. Find out which potential Senate substitutes are being mentioned in Arizona, Delaware and Illinois by reading Stateline.org's Three governors face possible Senate picks. -John Gramlich Comments

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.

More states worry about revenues

The housing slump impacted revenue in 24 states this year and 18 say they are "concerned" about their revenue outlook, triple the number from last year, a new report released Dec. 10 shows.

New Year ushers in new laws

At least 31 states will enforce new laws that take effect New Year's Day. So as you ring in the New Year, expect some facet of life to change, ranging from where you can smoke in Illinois to how much it costs to enter a strip club in Texas.

Federal Spending Plan Slashes Anti-Crime Grants

Law enforcement officials across the country are lambasting the federal spending plan approved by President Bush on Dec. 26, warning that a 67-percent decrease in funding for targeted state and local criminal justice initiatives imperils public safety.

Alabama Police Start Slowly in Enforcing Immigration Law

CLANTON, Alabama — Alabama is off to a slow start in rolling out its law requiring police to check the immigration status of suspects. But it is ahead of the other states, including Arizona, that approved similar measures.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Southern Governors Talk Conservation

More than a football field lost to the ocean every half-hour. Twenty-one thousand football fields lost each year. Such is the situation along Louisianas gulf coast, where rising seas and ongoing erosion are destroying wetlands and imperiling roads, towns and wildlife, according to the states governor, Mike Foster (R).

WORTH NOTING: Ala. Attorney General Sings With a Legend

Alabama's top law enforcer sings with "The Man in Black." North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) recommends regifting Christmas cards. And a freshman lawmaker takes the slow road to Denver. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Alabama Immigration Debate Heats Up

While justices of the U.S. Supreme Court deliberate over the fate of Arizona’s anti-immigration law, Alabama lawmakers are deciding whether to tweak a similar they passed last year that is considered even harsher.

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

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

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.

Next Elections: Races for Legislative Leadership

For aspiring legislative leaders, the elections aren’t over yet. Even as the final counts from last week’s votes are still being tallied, lawmakers who hope to be house speakers or senate presidents are courting their colleagues.

Western Governors University Improves Its Grade

Western Governors University, an online academic institution established by 19 states in 1997, has more than doubled its enrollment in the past year to 3,000 students. The surge in enrollment came as e-learning at colleges and universities across the country recorded a dramatic rise. While the number of students taking courses on the Internet is increasing, academics and entrepreneurs disagree over whether the trend is good or bad.

Women Could Win Big On Nov. 5

Voters in nine states will determine on Nov. 5 whether 2002 will live up to its billing as "the year of the woman governor."

Western Mines Drive Up Toxic Releases, EPA Says

Americans might have been exposed to a higher level of toxic chemicals and chemical compounds in 1999 than they were the year before, according to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. The nations industries generated 7.77 billion pounds of toxic chemicals and compounds in 1999, a 5.3 percent jump from 1998 due largely to increases in emissions and solid waste disposals from metal mining facilities in the West.

Medical Marijuana Use Uncertain Despite Referenda

Nearly one person in five in this country lives in a state that exempts patients who use marijuana under a physician's supervision from prosecution for illegal drug use. But advocates say residents of Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and California should think again if they believe their state's law assures people ready access to medical marijuana. The White House Office of Drug Control Policy says federal authorities will not sanction pot-smoking until scientific evidence establishes that medical benefits outweigh risks

Medical Marijuana Report Shows Pot Helps Some Patients

Voters who supported medical marijuana initiatives in six Western states now know that science stands behind their vote, based on a government-ordered report on the effectiveness of pot in easing unpleasant side-effects of certain illnesses. The study, conducted at the request of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, was released today by the National Academy of Science's Institute of Medicine. It says a review of all relevant scientific evidence found that marijuana's active components are potentially effective in treating pain, nausea, the anorexia of AIDS wasting, and other symptoms, and should be tested in clinical trials.

State AGs Fight Teen Smoking—Onscreen

More than 30 attorneys general are mounting a campaign to add anti-smoking ads to the beginning of films in which actors light up onscreen. The bid to fight teen smoking was prompted by a study that showed a marked increase in smoking among children who watch movie characters puffing away.

Newest States in the Union Get top Billing

With Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's addition to the Republican national ticket, all of the last three states admitted to the Union - Hawaii, Alaska and Arizona - can boast of being the home to major party candidates in this presidential election.

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.

Arizona for dummies? We’ll vote on it.

Six Republican senators stood tall today

Arizona House passes bill protecting religion

Arizona Senate Democrats: we won’t stall Medicaid debate

Bipartisan Senate passes budget, AHCCCS expansion

Arizona Senate committee approves inflation funding for schools

Arizona Senate approves Brewer's Medicaid expansion plan

Court rules in favor of Brewer policy that refuses driver's licenses to those in federal 'deferred action' program

Arizona Senate approves $8.8 billion budget plan

Attorneys General Prepare to Defend Controversial Laws

State attorneys general are about to head to court to defend controversial state laws. Are they required to defend laws that might not survive legal scrutiny?

Brewer, McComish faulted for working with local church group on Medicaid

Brewer picks people over politics

Senate leaders move to revive election bills

McComish becomes key player in Medicaid expansion drama

Senate committee advances budget; final vote set today

Senate debates Brewer’s plan to expand health-care program for poor today

Arizona Senate committee approves inflation funding for schools

Brewer, McComish faulted for working with local church group on Medicaid

Arizona public schools wait for budget answers

Biggs’ budget plan does not include Brewer’s Medicaid expansion

Gov. Brewer to attend 4th Medicaid Rally

2 new ideas for Medicaid in Arizona

Arizona budget stalemate broken by Senate leader

AZ house speaker: Brewer's Medicaid proposal unacceptable, let voters decide

Gov. Jan Brewer supports Hugo Salazar but not Joey Strickland?

Brewer, McComish faulted for working with local church group on Medicaid

Lawmakers to see cut in daily pay this week

When bills get hung up, is it policy or personal?

Controversial Arizona laws rack up big legal fees

Ariz. legislative members' 'per diem' gets cut as session continues

Medicaid plan will bring affordable health care to the uninsured

Bill makes Arizona landlords tell tenants of foreclosures

Arpaio recall group has paid signature gatherers again

Dems play nice for Medicaid expansion

Arizona Taxi drivers now subject to random drug testing

Brewer makes way for marijuana research on Arizona university campuses

Gov. Brewer vows to veto all bills until state budget and Medicaid progress

Bill on politicians’ pensions passes AZ Senate

Brewer appoints new superior court judges

Bill makes Arizona landlords tell tenants of foreclosures

Arpaio recall group has paid signature gatherers again

Poll finds Arizonans want to spend less on prisons

Arizona hospital-pricing bill likely to return to Brewer’s desk

Brewer vetoes bill allowing funeral home trainees

Bill on politicians’ pensions fails Ariz. Senate

Horne pays fine to settle traffic case initiated by FBI probe

Immigration-reform bill faces 1st major test

Brewer makes way for marijuana research on Arizona university campuses

Arizona Taxi drivers now subject to random drug testing

Arizona’s three anti-reform amigos

Phoenix to phase out food tax….maybe

New Ariz. law classifies what is a service animal

Brewer working new path to expand Arizona Medicaid program

Brewer on Arias: 'I think she's guilty'

Guard system is broken

Medicaid Options: Brewer says only 1 choice is viable, but key Republicans balk

Phoenix gun buybacks set before new Arizona law forces sales

Arizona pensions not easily reined in

Immigration bill means 33 million more workers, 33 million more people

Needing votes for Medicaid plan, Brewer considers approving funding stop for Planned Parenthood

Brewer signs gun buy-back bill, halts destruction of weapons turned into cities

Brewer stops plans to make gold, silver legal tender in Arizona

Brewer signs bills addressing foster placements, playground injuries

Divided Arizona House overhauls religious freedom bill

States That Skip Medicaid Expansion May Favor New Immigrants Over U.S. Citizens

The law of unintended consequences will strike states that decline to expand Medicaid.

Arizona’s Border Fence Still Faces Obstacles

After nearly two years of preparation and with more than a quarter million dollars of private donations in hand, Arizona officials still have not unveiled a plan to build a border fence. But a state lawmaker who is leading the effort said that will soon change.

Higher Ed Cuts Mean Major Tuition Hikes

Tuition at public colleges in Arizona and California has spiked more than 70 percent over the past five years, the result of massive cuts to state higher education funding in those states and most others.