Stateline Stories from Florida85899476882http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/foreign-law-bans-political-statement-or-unconstitutional-85899476882State lawmakers are focused on keeping U.S. courts away from the influence of foreign law. But does banning all foreign law go too far?2013-05-16T16:25:00-04:0085899475860http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/attorneys-general-seek-warning-label-cautioning-pregnant-women-against-using-pain-pills-85899475860State attorneys general are hoping to protect the littlest victims of prescription drug abuse.2013-05-13T17:15:00-04:0085899470010http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/nfl-plays-offense-to-get-public-money-for-stadiums-85899470010Why are so many teams asking taxpayers to build new pro football stadiums this year?2013-04-22T02:00:00-04:0085899456679http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/state-higher-ed-funding-support-continues-decline-85899456679Per-student funding has declined in 48 states over the past five years, with New Hampshire and Florida reducing support the most.2013-03-06T02:00:00-05:0085899453577http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/backlash-for-red-light-cameras-hasnt-slowed-spread-85899453577Throughout the country, state legislatures are considering how broadly to use traffic cameras, but the number of communities using them keeps growing.2013-02-26T02:00:00-05:0085899453167http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-seek-legal-limits-on-domestic-drones-85899453167Lawmakers 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.2013-02-22T02:00:00-05:0085899451690http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-struggle-to-keep-online-schools-accountable-85899451690As concerns grow about performance in the booming online education sector, some states are working to define their oversight role.2013-02-15T00:30:00-05:0085899434246http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/best-of-statereads-united-states-of-subsidies-85899434246This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.2012-12-05T00:30:00-05:0085899429993http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/best-of-statereads-why-colorado-children-die-of-abuse-and-neglect-85899429993This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.2012-11-14T00:30:00-05:0085899427047http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/best-of-statereads-michigan-term-limits-encourage-politicians-to-go-professional-85899427047This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.2012-11-01T00:30:00-04:0085899425193http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/best-of-statereads-abuse-suits-against-scouts-hinge-on-state-laws-85899425193This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.2012-10-24T00:30:00-04:0085899423758http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/best-of-statereads-special-interests-politics-delay-changes-after-sandusky-scandal-85899423758<p>This week’s collection of #StateReads includes an examination at what derailed child advocacy improvements in Pennsylvania following the Jerry Sandusky scandal, an investigation into the 15 percent of homicides in Washington, D.C. that have gone unsolved and a look at a region in Utah that contains as much as 80 percent of the state’s homeless population. </p>2012-10-17T07:35:00-04:0085899414206http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/best-of-statereads-n-c-regulators-miss-catching-cheating-businesses-85899414206This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.2012-08-29T00:30:00-04:0085899409439http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/safety-net-hospitals-imperiled-by-high-court-ruling-85899409439Hospitals 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.2012-08-06T00:05:00-04:0085899404112http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/best-of-statereads-florida-closes-tb-hospital-as-outbreak-spreads-85899404112This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.2012-07-11T00:05:00-04:0085899390254http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/rising-revenues-spur-tax-cuts-spending-85899390254<div class="statelinestory">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.</div>2006-01-31T00:00:00-05:0085899387218http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-move-to-regulate-senior-guardians-85899387218<div class="statelinestory">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.</div>2008-07-16T00:00:00-04:0085899387006http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/economy-could-imperil-state-readiness-85899387006<div class="statelinestory">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.</div>2008-12-09T00:00:00-05:0085899386655http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/more-states-worry-about-revenues-85899386655<div class="statelinestory">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.</div>2007-12-10T00:00:00-05:0085899386651http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-make-gift-cards-friendlier-to-consumer-85899386651<div class="statelinestory">Pleased with that $30 gift card you got for Christmas? Not so fast. Some cards come with expiration dates or maintenance fees that can make using them a hassle. But some states have made life a little easier by limiting those fees and expirations.</div>2007-12-26T00:00:00-05:0085899384792http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/economic-crisis-todays-state-perspective2-85899384792<div class="statelinestory">A scan of today's state news stories shows spreading economic distress - and an array of political plans to cushion the impact, including talk in Nevada of taxing prostitution (it's legal in some counties there). Nevada is among the states hit hardest by the recession.</div>2009-01-24T00:00:00-05:0085899384685http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/downturn-creates-state-spending-czars-85899384685<div class="statelinestory">What do a real estate developer, a child welfare expert, a chief justice and a former U.S. diplomat who served in Japan all have in common? They are state stimulus "czars" who are overseeing the spending of billions of recovery dollars flowing into Massachusetts, Florida, Alabama and Ohio.</div>2009-04-09T00:00:00-04:0085899377620http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-boost-security-after-bin-laden-raid-85899377620PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Homeland security officials warn of possible reprisals after the U.S. killing of terror leader Osama bin Laden … California Governor Jerry Brown grants parole to convicted killers … A major court overhaul moves ahead in Florida, and other public safety news.2011-05-06T00:00:00-04:0085899375071http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/is-telephone-regulation-obsolete-85899375071Phone companies think now is the time to end regulation of the dwindling number of traditional landline phones still in use. Critics say doing that would lead to higher rates, especially for seniors and those who live in rural areas where cell phone service can be erratic.2011-05-06T00:00:00-04:0085899393629http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/southeastern-states-struggle-with-teacher-quality-rules-85899393629Southeastern states are lowering the bar for teacher qualifications and using federal rules under the No Child Left Behind Act as a maximum standard rather than a minimum, according to a report released today . The Southeast Center for Teacher Quality concludes that some states are focusing only on what teachers know and not how well they convey that knowledge to students.2004-08-02T00:00:00-04:0085899393413http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/state-tax-systems-need-fix-report-finds-85899393413Like a Model T in the Daytona 500, many state tax systems are too dated and inefficient to enable state governments to run effectively in a 21st-century economy. That's the conclusion of "The Way We Tax: A 50-State Report" by <em>Governing </em>magazine, an ambitious study undertaken with the support of the Pew Center on the States (parent body that funds <em>Stateline.org</em>).2003-02-03T00:00:00-05:0085899393178http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/southern-governors-oppose-federal-plan-to-upgrade-grid-85899393178With an abundance of cheap, reliable electricity at their fingertips, governors from across the South are against federal plans to spread the costs of transmission grid upgrades among all the states. They say the proposal represents an assault on the South's economy, which depends on low cost energy to attract big manufacturers.2003-09-24T00:00:00-04:0085899393112http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/five-states-freeze-chip-enrollment-85899393112Several cash-strapped states are opting to freeze enrollment in their childrens health insurance program (CHIP). Theyve turned to this measure as a way to stretch funds rather than tighten eligibility or cut back services for those who are already enrolled.2003-11-04T00:00:00-05:0085899392875http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/gubernatorial-candidates-alabama-kentucky-85899392875A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.2002-10-30T00:00:00-05:0085899392789http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/southern-governors-to-coordinate-emergency-response-85899392789With the nation approaching the first anniversary of last Septembers terrorist attacks, governors from across the South have unveiled a plan to link their health and emergency agencies to better coordinate response and relief efforts.2002-08-26T00:00:00-04:0085899392785http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/south-lags-in-industry-research-85899392785The New South looks uncomfortably like the Old South, as industry research in the region - a key component of economic and wage growth - lags behind the rest of the country, a new report shows.2002-08-27T00:00:00-04:0085899392653http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/choose-life-car-tags-spark-debate-85899392653Legislators in seven states Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina have authorized specialty license plates bearing the slogan "Choose Life," an action that has sparked controversy and several lawsuits. Though supporters say "Choose Life" is not a political message and is intended to promote adoption, the plates have been challenged by abortion rights groups whove gone to court to try to block them.2002-11-25T00:00:00-05:0085899392617http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/state-revenue-report-finds-everything-slowing-85899392617State tax revenue growth last quarter was the weakest in eight years and the economic slowdown, which had been concentrated in the Midwest and the Southeast, has spread to nearly the entire country, according to a report published Wednesday by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. "The trend now is toward slowing growth. The fear is that this continues and we start seeing negative growth," says Nicholas Jenny, a fiscal analyst at Rockefeller and one of the report's authors.2001-09-20T00:00:00-04:0085899390291http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/emergency-declarations-help-states-cope-85899390291If it seems as if the whole country is in a "state of emergency," that's because most of it is. And that's before Hurricane Rita makes landfall.2005-09-22T00:00:00-04:0085899387301http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/worth-noting-phantom-voter-stalks-ala-state-house-85899387301<div class="statelinestory">An Alabama lawmaker says someone's been using his voting machine.  Florida's House Speaker locks the doors and turns off Internet access to make legislators pay attention. And Mayberry's Sheriff Taylor endorses a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.</div>2008-04-25T00:00:00-04:0085899387134http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/southern-govs-speak-via-videotape-to-delegates-85899387134<div class="statelinestory">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</div>2008-09-02T00:00:00-04:0085899387122http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/grand-old-party-poopers-85899387122What VIPs are sending regrets to John McCain's convention bash? <br />2008-09-03T00:00:00-04:0085899386885http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/crist-ponders-pardon-for-rocker-85899386885<div class="statelinestory">A rock and roll bad boy might receive a posthumous pardon from Florida's governor. Maryland's governor hangs a "For Sale" sign on his private home - but it's no real estate bargain. And Ohio lawmakers get a dubious distinction. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.</div>2007-04-13T00:00:00-04:0085899386687http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/drought-pushes-states-to-find-new-fixes-85899386687<div class="statelinestory">As states across the country struggle to find new solutions to water shortages in the continuing drought, governors of three Southern states - locked in a battle over a Georgia lake - turned to Washington, D.C., in search of a truce. Other states' policymakers also are responding to parched conditions.</div>2007-11-02T00:00:00-04:0085899376841http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/alabama-parents-go-to-court-over-property-tax-85899376841EDUCATION 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.2011-03-22T00:00:00-04:0085899375287http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/infographic-southern-strength-85899375287Republican dominance in the South started with presidential elections and only later came to statehouses.2011-10-17T00:00:00-04:0085899392562http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-tackle-privacy-loopholes-created-by-congress-85899392562When Congress voted two years ago to tear down Depression-era barriers that had long kept banks, investment firms, insurance companies and other elements of the financial services industry from merging , Wisconsin State Representative Marlin Schneider had just one comment: "They're nuts," he said of the federal lawmakers. Since then, a growing number of state legislators have come to the same conclusion as they've tried to address privacy loopholes in the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999.2001-02-15T00:00:00-05:0085899392521http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/tracking-election-reform-florida-moves-forward-85899392521Election reform efforts suffered a partisan blow in Congress this week but received a top-level vote of confidence in Florida, the state regarded as ground zero for voter discontent in November 2000. Capitol Hill Republicans and Democrats broke off talks Tuesday (3/27) to create an election reform task force after the two sides could not agree on the make-up of a panel. In Florida meantime, Gov. Jeb Bush (R) expressed confidence that the legislature would adopt a "system that is the best in all 50 states."2001-04-02T00:00:00-04:0085899387273http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-scramble-to-ease-pain-at-the-pump-85899387273<div class="statelinestory">(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.</div>2008-05-21T00:00:00-04:0085899387037http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/state-laws-pose-hurdles-for-student-voters-85899387037<div class="statelinestory">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.</div>2008-10-31T00:00:00-04:0085899377868http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/more-states-drop-out-of-race-85899377868<div class="statelinestory">TODAY'S TAKE: Alaska and Texas raised eyebrows last year when they declined to join the "Race to the Top," the Obama administration's effort to revamp the nation's K-12 schools by handing out $4.35 billion in grants to states that change their education policies. But with 40 jurisdictions applying and only two winners announced in the first round of the competition, more states are deciding not to participate in round two.</div>2010-04-23T00:00:00-04:0085899377619http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/several-states-wrap-up-their-budgets-85899377619TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Vermont have finished their budgets or are expected to do so this week, while Alaska is closing in on a deal to end a divisive special session over spending.2011-05-06T00:00:00-04:0085899471388http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-that-skip-medicaid-expansion-may-favor-new-immigrants-over-us-citizens-85899471388The law of unintended consequences will strike states that decline to expand Medicaid.2013-04-25T16:05:00-04:0085899393715http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/harassment-of-muslims-up-in-arizona-9-other-states-report-says-85899393715The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Washington-based nonprofit organization, reported Monday that discrimination and violence against Muslims increased in 10 states in 2003. Arizona, California and New York saw the largest reported increases.2004-05-03T00:00:00-04:0085899392625http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/term-limits-hit-lawmakers-in-11-states-85899392625Legislatures in 11 states face fallout from term limits in this year's elections with 330 lawmakers being forced to step down after 12 or fewer years in office. The Michigan state Senate, which will lose 27 of its 38 members, will be hardest hit. The Missouri Legislature will suffer heavily as well -- it bids farewell to 75 of its 163 House members and 12 of its 34 Senators2002-01-22T00:00:00-05:0085899392448http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/tracking-election-reform-naacp-to-issue-report-cards-85899392448Civil rights leaders impatient with the pace and scope of election reform legislation in state capitals and in Washington have announced they will begin issuing "report cards" to hold officials accountable. NAACP Chairman Julian Bond announced the campaign Monday (7/9) at the organizations annual convention in New Orleans. "It will help you hold accountability sessions with your governor, legislators and other elected officials to find out what they have done to guarantee every vote is counted in the future," Bond said. "And in the fall, were going to issue a report card on their progress. Well see who gets As and who gets Fs."2001-07-13T00:00:00-04:0085899391967http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/voters-send-mixed-signals-on-growth-environment-85899391967Voters in 23 states considered ballot measures dealing with growth management and the environment on Nov. 7. Some of the most highly publicized proposals were rejected, but experts dismiss suggestions that the defeat of prominent "smart growth" measures in Arizona and Colorado means that interest in curbing sprawl has cooled.2000-11-17T00:00:00-05:0085899391930http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-in-south-west-big-winners-in-2000-census-85899391930The historic movement of Americans away from the northeastern states to the west and southwest continued over the last decade, the Census Bureau reported Thursday, and as of 2003, the make-up of the U.S. House of Representatives will be adjusted to reflect the population shift.2000-12-28T00:00:00-05:0085899383588http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-struggling-to-slow-tuition-growth-85899383588Arizona has led the nation in tuition increases over the past 5 years. Next year, the cost will be frozen. Is tuition growth slowing?2012-05-01T00:05:00-04:0085899377804http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/quick-turnarounds-for-brewer-mccollum-85899377804TODAY'S TAKE: Not long ago, Arizona's Jan Brewer and Florida's Bill McCollum were seen as underdogs in their campaigns to capture their states' Republican gubernatorial nominations. Ahead of primary elections today (Aug. 24), both candidates are front-runners.2010-08-24T00:00:00-04:0085899377439http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/minimum-wage-set-to-rise-in-eight-states-85899377439<div class="statelinestory">TODAY'S TAKE: Workers in eight states will see slightly larger paychecks beginning January 1, thanks to laws requiring minimum wages to rise with inflation.</div>2011-12-28T00:00:00-05:0085899376771http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/painful-choices-for-incoming-crop-of-state-leaders-85899376771<div class="statelinestory">A new report shows that voters are willing to make some sacrifices to avoid fiscal disaster. What they don't realize is how big those sacrifices might have to be.</div>2010-10-06T00:00:00-04:0085899473677http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/obama-administration-poised-to-approve-arkansas-style-medicaid-expansions-85899473677The Obama Administration is inviting states to apply for Arkansas-style Medicaid expansions in an effort to woo those balking at traditional Medicaid expansion.2013-05-06T02:00:00-04:0085899392793http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/millions-potentially-affected-by-medicaid-cuts-85899392793States are shrinking their healthcare programs for the poor to save money by eliminating services offered during the economically robust 1990s. So if youre an adult on Medicaid in Florida and you want dentures, you may soon be out of luck. Ditto if you get publicly financed home-based health care in Colorado and the state decides youre getting too many visits from caregivers. And if you live in Connecticut or Arkansas and you want a name-brand drug instead of a generic, the state may say "too bad."2002-08-22T00:00:00-04:0085899392517http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/budget-resolution-ignores-election-reform-85899392517Neither President Bush's or Congress budget blueprint includes a dime for election reform initiatives. Senators nixed an 11th hour, Democrat-backed spending plan that would have allotted $500 million for national election reform efforts, moments before a deadline to vote on the fiscal 2002 budget resolution. The House resolution also omitted any reference to election reform. Though non-binding, budget resolutions serve as the basis for the work of Capitol Hill appropriators.2001-04-09T00:00:00-04:0085899392440http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/election-officials-report-mixed-success-on-reform-85899392440Members of the National Association of State Election Directors, a reform-minded group long before last year's presidential election mess in Florida, met in Arkansas last weekend (July 14-15) to compare notes on the progress of election reform around the country -- and found there was little to cheer about.2001-07-17T00:00:00-04:0085899377653http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/arkansas-asks-voters-for-highway-money-85899377653TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Arkansas voters will get a chance to decide whether better roads are worth a tax increase ... Florida's decision to give back federal high-speed rail money has other states scrambling for the funds … Officials in the Northwest and Midwest explore public-private partnerships for new projects, and other transportation news.2011-04-05T00:00:00-04:0085899375218http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/jurors-on-the-internet-a-dilemma-for-courts-85899375218<div class="statelinestory">Most jurors are warned not to use electronic media to discuss a case while they are trying it. But some just ignore the warnings.</div>2011-12-19T00:00:00-05:0085899454060http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-in-recovery-housing-85899454060The housing crisis that threw states into economic free fall is helping them climb back out.2013-02-26T02:00:00-05:0085899393327http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/land-preservation-programs-survive-the-ax-85899393327Even though most states face major budget problems, voters and state government leaders have shown that preserving land from development is a top priority, no matter what the cost. All across the country, expensive land acquisition programs have survived the budget ax and continue to receive full funding.2003-04-29T00:00:00-04:0085899393000http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/enron-helped-push-electric-deregulation-85899393000Enron has been among the most active players in state politics in recent years, lavishing over $1 million on state lawmakers during the 2000 election cycle alone. Its goal in doling out these dollars? Deregulation of electricity markets, experts say.2002-02-13T00:00:00-05:0085899392799http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/youve-got-mail-risky-message-for-candidates-85899392799Politicians are finding that sending e-mail is a way to reach people and save money on postage. But in several states, that has backfired. An Internet Service Provider pulled the plug on a California candidates Web site, an e-mail recipient list fell into an opponents hands in Florida, and voters complained about unsolicited messages from candidates in Hawaii and Texas.2002-08-16T00:00:00-04:0085899392735http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/education-initiatives-take-new-approach-85899392735Vouchers are out. After-school programs are in. Education reform is a perennial at the ballot box, but the initiatives that voters will examine Nov. 5 go beyond the standard subjects.2002-10-11T00:00:00-04:0085899392553http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/state-lawmakers-balk-at-election-reforms-price-tag-85899392553Despite public cries for election reform, lawmakers in Florida and California have soured on the idea of making wholesale changes to antiquated voting systems for lack of funds, careful study, or both.2001-03-01T00:00:00-05:0085899392509http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/officials-doubt-election-holiday-would-have-impact-85899392509As Maryland nears approval of a universal statewide voting system, top election officials in two western states are skeptical of proposals to make presidential election day a national holiday. Los Angeles County registrar Conny McCormack who oversees the largest election district in the country said last week that experiments with weekend voting indicate a national day off will probably not bring more Americans to the polls or get more qualified workers at the polls. Her views were echoed by Oregon Secretary of State William Bradbury.2001-04-18T00:00:00-04:0085899392454http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/tracking-election-reform-back-in-a-holding-pattern-85899392454Its summer in Washington, and the pace of life and legislation is slowing down. The Democratic Senate has placed election reform in a holding pattern perhaps until late this year - despite a new emphasis on the topic.2001-06-26T00:00:00-04:0085899392447http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/eco-terrorists-targeted-by-get-tough-state-laws-85899392447Boise Cascade Inc. recently dedicated its newest timber and wood products office in Monmouth, Ore. The imposing building is a steel-capped, cinderblock fortress. That's because the original log-cabin office was burned to the ground on Christmas Day, 1999, by a fringe environmentalist group called the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).2001-07-09T00:00:00-04:0085899392422http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/cooling-economy-slows-growth-of-state-tourist-income-85899392422It's official. The sagging U.S. economy has become a drag on tourism and business travel in most parts of the country. At least that's what the Federal Reserve Board says in its latest "Beige Book" report, which monitors the burps and sputters of the nation's economic engine. However, travel industry officials predict overall business and leisure travel this year will finish the summer slightly above last year's rate, one of the best in history.2001-08-14T00:00:00-04:0085899392392http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-move-to-deal-with-attack-effects-85899392392Gov. James Gilmore of Virginia Wednesday lifted the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits so workers hurt by the closing of Reagan-National Airport can get immediate financial help. Gilmore also announced establishment of the Virginia Post-Attack Economic Response Task Force to assess the adverse impact on the state's economy and develop a plan for dealing with it. A similar task force is contemplated by Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano, who scheduled a special meeting with local officials and business leaders Wednesday about the potential impact of revenue losses on businesses directly related to the state's travel and tourism industry.2001-09-19T00:00:00-04:0085899390270http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/a-history-of-recent-us-disasters-85899390270<div class="statelinestory">A look back at three of the worst natural disasters of the 1990s reveals the lessons emergency planners learned from each: Hurricane Andrew in Florida in 1992, the Northridge earthquake in California in 1994, and the Red River floods in North Dakota in 1997.</div>2006-01-13T00:00:00-05:0085899390250http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-feds-go-after-online-records-brokers-85899390250<div class="statelinestory">Alarmed by revelations that personal cell phone records are being pilfered and sold on the Internet, state and federal officials are rushing to update laws to protect consumer privacy and punish Web sites peddling the data.</div>2006-02-04T00:00:00-05:0085899389962http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/save-your-quarters-states-build-more-toll-roads-85899389962States are taking the free out of freeway. Toll roads are booming because gas tax revenues are woefully inadequate to pay for constructing and improving highways. Pay-as-you-go roadways may not please motorists but are gaining favor with cash-strapped state officials.2005-01-10T00:00:00-05:0085899389946http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/more-students-passing-college-prep-tests-85899389946New York, Maryland, Utah, Florida and California have the largest percentages of high school students succeeding in college-level Advanced Placement classes, according to a first-ever state-by-state survey from the nonprofit College Board.2005-01-25T00:00:00-05:0085899389870http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/states-start-building-hydrogen-highway-85899389870<div class="statelinestory">Three states are racing to make hydrogen the clean-car fuel of the future and to attract the high-tech companies developing that emerging auto technology. Building on federal efforts and funding, California, Florida and New York are pledging state money and partnering with major automakers to test electric automobiles powered by hydrogen fuel cells.</div>2005-04-07T00:00:00-04:0085899387424http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/worth-noting-fat-folks-uninvited-85899387424<div class="statelinestory">A Mississippi legislator wants restaurants to stop serving obese customers. Rooster owners in Riverside, Calif., must muffle cock-a-doodle-doing during daytime hours. And Florida lawmakers want to tax strip-club goers and give the money to poor nursing home residents. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.</div>2008-02-08T00:00:00-05:0085899386844http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/leaving-dog-poop-not-a-crime-85899386844<div class="statelinestory">A woman is found not guilty of a crime for leaving dog feces on a politician's doorstep. A porn star's blog led to the firing of a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper. And a Georgia lawmaker gets a DUI and "legislator of the year" award in the same week. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.</div>2007-05-25T00:00:00-04:0085899384561http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/weekly-wrap-tax-panels-focus-on-states-long-term-fiscal-health-85899384561<div class="statelinestory">States are creating commissions to examine the future financing of government. A new Census report highlights  foreclosure rates, median housing values in states.</div>2009-09-25T00:00:00-04:0085899384507http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/weekly-wrap-states-locals-have-spent-a-quarter-of-stimulus-funds-85899384507<div class="statelinestory">A new federal report shows states and localities spent a quarter of their federal stimulus dollars. A budget-cutting to release prisoners in Oregon questioned. And credit-rating agencies draw harsh criticism from states but may escape new federal regulations.</div>2009-12-11T00:00:00-05:0085899377387http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/fate-of-ballot-measures-often-depends-on-the-wording-85899377387When a proposal comes before the voters, somebody has to produce the ballot language describing it. Sometimes, the people who write that language have other priorities than simply making it clear.2012-03-09T00:00:00-05:0085899375293http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/biggest-states-face-new-budget-gaps-85899375293<div class="statelinestory">TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Recent reports have delivered gloomy fiscal news for the nation's five most populous states, making clear that budget problems in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois aren't over yet.</div>2011-10-12T00:00:00-04:0085899375095http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/governors-react-to-medicaid-block-grant-proposal-85899375095HEALTH BEAT: A GOP plan to turn Medicaid into a block grant gets mixed reviews … A new study predicts some big states will pay a huge tab for Medicaid expansion … Raising Medicare's eligibility age would shift costs to state retiree health benefit plans, and other health care news.2011-04-06T00:00:00-04:0085899375060http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/california-new-jersey-offer-low-fee-unemployment-cards-85899375060SOCIAL 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.2011-05-19T00:00:00-04:0085899374692http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/culver-preempts-branstad-by-inking-pay-raise-with-iowa-union-85899374692<div class="statelinestory">TRANSITION WATCH: Iowa's outgoing governor locks in his successor with higher employee salaries, California's Jerry Brown wants to flatten the structure of the governor's office, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.</div>2010-11-22T00:00:00-05:0085899393550http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/provisional-ballots-source-of-anxiety-in-swing-states-85899393550One of the central safeguards of a new federal law designed to tamp down controversies at the ballot box has spawned pre-election confusion and court fights reminiscent of the hanging-chad hullabaloo after the 2000 election.2004-10-19T00:00:00-04:0085899392857http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/death-penalty-rulings-raise-issues-for-lawmakers-85899392857The Colorado Legislature will convene in special session July 8 in order to bring state law into line with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the authority of judges to impose sentencing in death penalty cases. At least four other states directly affected by the decision may have to hold special sessions as well.2002-06-28T00:00:00-04:0085899392638http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/provisional-balloting-works-well-in-initial-tests-85899392638Under the new federal election reform law, voters who claim to be registered but whose names are not on the rolls must be allowed to cast a provisional ballot starting in 2004. A handful of states implemented the new rule in the Nov. 5 election, and generally found that the system worked well.2002-12-11T00:00:00-05:0085899392529http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/tracking-election-reform-this-weeks-news-85899392529Despite last year's fiasco in Florida, several state legislatures this week defeated or pigeon-holed election reform measures, but others plunged into what could be a busy, contentious season of debates on overhauling how Americans vote. Maryland, Colorado and Utah were states where major proposals went nowhere, but there was action in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Iowa. To read the first of a series of weekly reports on this issue, click on2001-03-22T00:00:00-05:0085899391652http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/journalism-conference-focuses-on-statehouse-coverage-85899391652More than 100 journalists from 34 states and the District of Columbia are meeting in Denver this weekend to examine the state of state government reporting and share ideas for improvements. The conference opened with a disturbing content analysis that suggests newspaper coverage of state government leans heavily toward politics, ignoring important policy issues and the citizens most effected by them.1999-10-09T00:00:00-04:0085899389997http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/three-new-govs-look-ahead-to-2007-85899389997<div class="statelinestory">Three incoming governors have the bread-and-butter issues of schools, taxes and health care atop their agendas, but their state's role in making the United States more energy independent also ranks as a high priority. Stateline.org talks to the governors-elect of Colorado, Florida and Maryland about their legislative goals. </div>2006-11-22T00:00:00-05:0085899387293http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/oh-say-is-that-banner-made-in-the-usa-85899387293<div class="statelinestory">Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state's new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state.</div>2008-05-05T00:00:00-04:0085899387241http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/worth-noting-scout-takes-a-hike-from-maryland-mansion-85899387241<div class="statelinestory">Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley evicts Scout, one of his family's dogs, from the governor's mansion. The Colorado Lottery turns to scratch-and-sniff to attract customers. And a Florida prisoner launches a bid for the state House. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.</div>2008-06-20T00:00:00-04:0085899387234http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/worth-noting-washington-dems-sing-a-different-tune-85899387234<div class="statelinestory">The Washington state Democratic Party gets criticized for an attack ad linking an Italian-American politician to the Sopranos. The Pennsylvania Senate considers a bill to expand bathroom access to people with bowel disorders. And North Carolina's motor vehicle department is embarrassed by a sample license plate on its Web site. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.</div>2008-06-27T00:00:00-04:0085899387045http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/report-voting-glitches-could-disrupt-election-85899387045<div class="statelinestory">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.</div>2008-10-21T00:00:00-04:0085899375197http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/business-moves-to-center-of-school-policy-debate-85899375197<div class="statelinestory">Long counted on mainly as a funder and promoter of K-12 education, corporate America is immersing itself in discussion about the way school systems should be organized and operated.</div>2011-07-11T00:00:00-04:0085899392110http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/update-more-states-decriminalize-safe-baby-abandonment-85899392110In February, Stateline.org reported that seven states were considering abandoned baby laws; that number has now climbed to at least 23. Since mid-April alone, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia have enacted abandoned baby or "safe haven" laws, often in response to tragic stories of infants left in dumpsters, alleyways, shallow graves, public restrooms or parking lots. For an in-depth report on this policy trend, click on2000-06-02T00:00:00-04:00