Stateline Headlines

Backlash for Red-Light Cameras Hasn’t Slowed Spread

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

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.

State Reporters on the Big Stories

Statehouse reporters from across the country are keeping tabs on their home-state politicians' attempts to snatch a piece of the national spotlight in Denver during the Democratic National Convention.

Census Bureau Reports on States Tax Burden

If you live in one of these five states -- Connecticut, Hawaii, Delaware, Minnesota and Massachusetts you can boast, or complain, that you shoulder the heaviest tax burden in the nation.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

'Choose Life' Car Tags Spark Debate

Legislators 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.

Pat Quinn Rehires His Old Chief of Staff as an Adviser

TRANSITION WATCH: Jerry Stermer returns three months after he resigned in Illinois, charges of nepotism in South Dakota and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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."

Alaska No. 1 in 'pork' per capita, again

Alaska -- infamous for its federally funded "bridges to nowhere" -- ranked first in per-capita federal spending for pork-barrel projects last year, a distinction it has held for the past 16 years. Hawaii came in second, and Georgia ranked last, according to the latest report from a group that hawks congressional spending. The report and database offer 9,963 examples of what the group calls wasteful federal spending, searchable by state.

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's Brewer Vetoes School Bill

EDUCATION BEAT: An education bill is rejected by the governor in Arizona ... California universities seek to attract more out-of-state students ... Detroit schools send out thousands of pink slips, and more education news.

Governors Races Attract The Colorful

If a former pro wrestler nicknamed The Body can be elected governor, then why not a comedian, an ex-stripper, or a pistol packing candidate? They are among the more colorful contenders for high office this year.

Lt. Governors: Running In the Shadows

You may not know them, but theyre running for governor this year, trying to break out of the shadows cast by long-serving chief executives who, because of term limits or other reasons, arent running for re-election. They are lieutenant governors who have served without much recognition. Seven of them hope to change that on Nov. 5

Report: States Seeking Prison Solutions

State governments, facing leaner budgets this year as the national economy struggles, are exploring strategies to contain surging prison populations without building costly new correctional facilities, according to a report released Wednesday (Jan. 23).

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

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

Legislative Hopefuls Break Political Molds

Statehouse candidates following an unbeaten path into politics this year include a former Middle East hostage in Ohio and a California woman who could be the first Saudi-born elected official in the United States. In Kentucky, a former governor is vying for a seat in the state Senate after 25 years away from the Capitol and is running against the big brother of Kentuckys current governor. More than 78 percent of the nation's 7,382 state legislative seats are up for grabs on Nov. 2.

'You've Got Mail' Risky Message For Candidates

Politicians 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.

Same-Sex Couples Seek Marriage Rights

The battle over legal benefits for same-sex relationships will be fought in at least seven state legislatures next spring with supporters and foes of recognizing gay relationships planning to introduce opposing legislation.

Cooling Economy Slows Growth Of State Tourist Income

It'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.

States Move To Deal With Attack Effects

Gov. 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.

Furloughs Cut Into State Services

With states facing a $121 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year, a growing number of them have turned to squeezing their workforce for savings, and effects both great and small will be felt.

Historic Firsts on State High Courts

TODAY'S TAKE: The Hawaii Supreme Court would be led by a woman for the first time ever - and California's high court would have its first female majority - under judicial nominations made by the two states' governors last week.

California Looks to Current Workers' Pensions for Savings

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Pension commission argues for tough choices in California … Republican governors back off opposition to collective bargaining … No more "SWAG" in California, and other government management news.

Peter Shumlin Picks a Team of Rivals

TRANSITION WATCH: Vermont's governor-elect appoints former political opponents, Iowa's thrifty transition and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

WORTH NOTING: Legislator Has Paparazzi Issues

A new Colorado legislator made waves his first day by kicking a news photographer. A North Carolina gubernatorial candidate opens his campaign with a spelling error, and then a cover-up. And North Dakota's governor is angry about how his state is portrayed in National Geographic. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

AGs Optimistic on Better State-Fed Relations

State attorneys general, who this month attended their first meeting with new U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, say they are hopeful they can forge better relations with Washington, D.C., on environmental protection, sex offender policy and other subjects that became state-federal battlegrounds during the Bush administration.

Online Tax Filing An Option In Many States

For millions of Americans, the April 15 deadline for filing tax returns used to mean a last minute rush to the post office. Now, for many taxpayers, it increasingly means logging on to a PC, surfing to a tax preparation Web site and hitting the send button.

Seven States To Compete for Innovation Awards

Seven state-run programs in areas such as education, public safety, and the environment are among 15 policy initiatives competing for five $100,000 awards for being the most innovative programs in American government. The awards are given annually by the Institute for Government Innovation at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government in conjunction with the Council for Excellence in Government. The 15 finalists were chosen from 1,300 applicants, and each will receive a $20,000 grant.

Three States Weigh Calls for New Charters

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues Voters in Connecticut, Hawaii and Illinois will decide this year whether to convene constitutional conventions that could alter the framework of their state governments. Proponents hope the conventions would bring about much-needed changes; opponents worry the results would be unworkable.

Shifting Economy Keeps States Guessing

A month from the start of many legislative sessions, state leaders still don't know how much money they will have to cut from budgets.

Tourism States Brace for Potential Gulf War

The nations most tourism-dependent states could suffer a crippling decline in revenue if a U.S.-led invasion of Iraq scares would-be travelers away from the countrys most popular vacation and business destinations.

Alien Species: Another Costly State Headache

State agriculture and wildlife officials are the first line of defense against a bio-pollution problem that costs the country billions each year in environmental damage the invasion of foreign plants, insects, animals and diseases.

Tourist States Suffering But Hopeful

Las Vegas and Reno were reduced to ghost towns the weekend after the attacks of September 11. Hotels that rarely see weekend vacancies were left wondering if they could even fill every other room. The next weekend, Las Vegas' hotel occupancy rate was up to 80 percent, not far from its usual 95 percent mark, and Reno could boast a 100 percent occupancy rate. This weekend? Well, no one knows what to expect. But Bruce Bommarito, the head of Nevada's Commission on Tourism, thinks the safe bet is on continued improvement.

Governors Kick-Off Discussion of Long-Term Care

Under the glare of television lights, four governors recently kicked off what they hope will be at least a year-long national conversation about long-term health care for the elderly. In 2008, nearly 77 million World War II Baby Boomers will start to retire and state public health safety-net programs will not be able to keep up, the governors said.

Initial unemployment claims up 6.5% in Hawaii

Regents must step out of the shadows and get UH on course

Hotel rates rise 8% in Hawaii on mixed occupancy

Investigate airport contracts

State pension fund is on track to top annual targeted return

UH regents vote to clear $13M debt for athletics

UH president search yet to begin

Officials still optimistic despite 4.7% rise in homeless population

Staff shortage, varied filings tie up rail cash, state says

For Abercrombie, Senate primary is a chance to make his mark

State officials slack on costs, contracts

Isle tea party groups criticize IRS for singling them out

With prejudice: Teachers union withdraws labor complaint

Hawaii Tourism Authority issues RFPs for China, Taiwan marketing contracts

Hawaii reschedules Medicaid open enrollment

US Senate committee amends immigration bill to restore Medicaid to migrants from Micronesia

State cancels open enrollment for 250K Quest members

Errors scrub sign-up for insurance

Abercrombie mulling bill to help local pharmacies

Isle Army Guard patrols in Texas

Homelessness, native issues top meeting on Thomas Square

Hawaii’s economic growth forecast to outpace rest of U.S.

Hawaii hotel room rates highest among top five U.S. markets in Q1

Interior hit for 'hands off' position on DHHL

State gives away apartments

Greenwood defends regents, herself, citing 'lack of respect'

Public involvement advised in picking new UH president

Retirement, benefits push UH leaders' pay past $500,000

Initial unemployment claims in Hawaii up 3%

Legislature gets mostly decent grades for impact on business

Lack of action on solar tax credits leaves industry looking for answers

No more excuses

State health centers to get $1.1 million to enroll uninsured

Drop in value of Japanese yen might harm tourism in Hawaii

Hawaii sees 14 percent increase in properties facing foreclosure

Restrict smoking in public housing

54% of class of 2012 in college

Ideas abound as hunt begins for UH leader

Hawaii leaders hail transparency of 2013 Legislature, but critics say more changes needed

Ideas abound as hunt begins for UH leader

Senator takes action on homestead issues

No wait necessary

Governor begins campaigning on neighbor islands

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood announces her retirement

No Wait Necessary

Legislators set sights on 2014

'Pick and choose'

'New day,' new bills mostly promise new headaches

Legislators kill bill to reduce state's take of rail surcharge

Legislators set sights on 2014

Governor's legislative defeat puts tots in educational bind

Bill to buy Lipoa Point not backed by funding

Smoking ban near at public housing

Lawmakers Chew on Weighty Issues: ‘Whose shad fry is the best?’

Photo Slideshow: Lawmakers call time out to weigh delicious legislation.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2013

Honolulu, Hawaii -- Jan 22 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Issue to Watch: Renewable Energy

Here is a look at states considering major action on renewable energy policy.

After Election Day Confusion, Hawaii Gov Pushes Full Mail-In Voting

On the heels of an Election Day plagued by long lines and mass confusion, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie says he’s pushing for major changes to voting on the islands —mainly, the elimination of the traditional Election Day altogether.

Sunshine Overruns: Hawaii’s Solar Tax Credits Carry Soaring Price Tag

The widespread popularity of Hawaii’s solar energy incentive — and mass confusion over how to implement it — have dealt a blow to the state’s treasury and become a major topic in state politics.

Hawaii Judge: Online Travel Companies Don’t Owe Unpaid Taxes

Online travel companies that book hotel rooms in Hawaii have not shortchanged the state millions in tax remittances, a state judge ruled Monday, continuing a losing trend for governments challenging the companies’ tax practices.

Hawaii Teachers Halt Labor Negotiations, Escalating Conflict

Strong unions and a liberal governor might seem well-positioned to get along with each other, but it isn’t working out that way in Hawaii.

Hawaii State of the State Address 2011

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 24 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, former governors, distinguished justices of the court, mayors, representatives of our Congressional Delegation, members of the Hawaii State Legislature, other elec

Hawaii State of the State Address 2010

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 25 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Linda Lingle's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Senate President Hanabusa, Speaker Say, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, former Governor Ariyoshi, members of the Legislature, cabinet members, Chief Justice Moon, Chair Apoliona, Mayor Hannemann, mi