Stateline Stories

The 5 States Most Vulnerable to Sequestration’s Education Cuts

Automatic federal budget cuts will slash more than $1 billion in K-12 education dollars this year, paring everything from Title I money for low-income students to school improvement initiatives.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Abuse Suits Against Scouts Hinge on State Laws

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

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.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds

Faced with historic revenue drops, lawmakers in states across the country tapped rainy day funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the recession following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more seem poised to join them.

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.

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.

Democratic mid-term gains affecting policy

So complete was the Democratic rout in the 2006 midterm elections that the party even gained legislative influence in Alaska, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming - states long dominated by the Republicans. And those gains, though small, are translating into policy achievements.

States, feds try to keep up with wildfires

With major wildfires burning in more than a dozen states and officials on high alert for more, authorities are scrambling to contain the blazes and keep new ones from igniting, despite unfavorable weather and strained resources.

Report: 11 States Emerging From Recession

It's going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.

States Struggle with Death-Penalty Process

Nine months have passed since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that only juries - not judges- can decide whether somebody deserves to be executed. Lawmakers in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Nebraska, all of which reserved the decision to judges alone, wasted no time passing legislation that brought their sentencing process into line with the ruling. But the fate of nearly 150 inmates on death row in these five states is still uncertain.

Term Limits Hit Lawmakers In 11 States

Legislatures 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 Senators

State Health Programs Largely Spared In Budget-Cutting

State budgets are tight this year, but most health programs have escaped cutbacks. Arizona has agreed to hefty increases for the mentally ill, Oregon is considering a new voluntary screening program for newborns and Maine just okayed a small cigarette tax increase to expand health insurance for adults without kids.

Education On The Ballot In Several States

November 7 isn't just about electing the next President, Congress, governors or state legislature. It is also the day Americans vote on ballot initiatives that often show what issues have priority among citizens. In at least seven states, education is on the ballot.

WORTH NOTING: Let the Basketball Betting Begin!

Iowa's governor gives new meaning to the phrase "pork-barrel spending" as the NCAA men's basketball tournament begins. The next U.S. senator from Idaho literally could be "Pro-Life." And the Texas judicial system considers whether ankles really exist. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Ultrasound at Center of State Abortion Wars

A new Oklahoma law slated to take effect Aug. 1 requires doctors to show a woman considering abortion an ultrasound image of her fetus and recite details of its development. Experts expect a slew of similar statutes next year as abortion foes push states to require the procedure for all abortions.

Serving the Wide Open Spaces

Representing rural constituents is a chore when it takes a day's drive for a legislator to reach them. The problem is about to get worse.

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.

States Challenge ‘Secret’ Campaign Money

With the rise in undisclosed political spending by non-profit groups, officials in several states are trying to figure where the money is coming from.

States Lose Track of Sex Offenders

A child rapist could become your neighbor, and youd never know it. Thats because many state laws requiring sex offenders to register for inclusion in databases arent working. California has lost track of more than 30,000 sex offenders, and Wisconsin, Minnesota and Oregon can't account for more than 10 percent of their registered sex offenders.

Cancer research, vouchers on '07 ballots

Famed cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong is using his star power to encourage fellow Texans to support a ballot measure this November that would secure $3 billion for cancer research in the Lone Star state. The proposal is one of 38 ballot questions that voters will take up during this fall's quiet election season. But several will be closely watched and could sway strategies for the 2008 contests

Wildfire Epidemic Leaves States Searching for Answers

The West is getting hotter and drier and stoking more destructive fires. They have left fire control officials looking for ways to fight them more effectively with fewer dollars.

Death Penalty Rulings Raise Issues For Lawmakers

The 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.

Worth Noting: 'Taxasaurus' Sighted in Colorado

A gecko-like creature with a governor's head is spotted near Denver. A kidney transplant violates ethics laws in Alaska. And D.C.'s mayor gets snubbed again by those with statehood status. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

The recession is taking a dramatic toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state government spending: prisons. A new survey says corrections budgets are down in at least 26 states, with prison officials laying off workers or reducing their pay, eliminating vocational and other programs for inmates and granting some prisoners early release.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Changed Minds on the Death Penalty

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

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

Election Reform Drive Brings Little Change

Most Americans returning to the polls next year will vote in exactly the same way they did in the heavily-scrutinized 2000 presidential election. Punch card machines will not lie in scrapheaps, chads will still be hanging and swinging and 1950s-era lever machines will still be the voting machines of choice in thousands of precincts.

Patients Key to Latest Medicaid Reforms

States hope giving Medicaid recipients a bigger stake in their health care will help keep taxpayers' costs down. Florida is one of four states - along with Idaho, Kentucky and West Virginia - moving toward putting Medicaid recipients in charge of their health care, much like policyholders with private insurance. South Carolina hopes to follow suit as soon as federal regulators sign off on its plans.

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.

State School Superintendent Hopefuls Hit Campaign Trail

Voters in eight states will be electing a new state school superintendent this November. Although the job entails sparing public education from the sharp blade of the budget scythe and being responsible for revamping schools to meet new federal demands, the field is full of hopefuls from major and minor political parties.

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?

Idaho State of the State Address 2013

BOISE, Idaho -- Jan. 7 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter’s (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Idaho Education Changes Under Attack

Last year Idaho passed comprehensive new education laws aimed at altering classroom practices. Now there’s an effort to repeal them at the polls.

Idaho State of the State Address 2011

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices, my fellow constitutional officers, distinguished legislators and members of my Cabinet, honored guests, friends, my family and our First Lady …

Idaho State of the State Address 2010

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2010 state of the state address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices, my fellow constitutional officers, legislators, members of my Cabinet, Senator Risch, honored guests, friends, my family and our First Lady … my

Idaho State of the State Address 2009

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2009 state of the state address. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Pro Tem, honorable members of the Legislature, Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary, my fellow Constitutional Officers, First Lady Lori,

Idaho State of the State Address 2008

BOISE, Idaho -- Jan. 7 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's (R) state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Pro Tem, honorable members of the Legislature, Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary, fellow Constitutional Officers, my fellow Idahoans. It's

Idaho State of the State Address 2007

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2007 state of the state address and budget message: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Pro Tem, distinguished members of the Legislature, Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary, fellow Constitutional Officers,

Idaho State of the State Address 2006

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Members of the Legislature. Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary. Fellow Constitutional Officers. My fellow Idahoans. It is an honor to be here on

Idaho State of the State Address 2005

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 10 - Following is the text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's 2005 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Legislature. Mr. Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary. Fellow Constitutional Officers. My fellow Idahoans. 200 years ago thi

Idaho State of the State Address 2004

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 13 - Following is the text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's 2004 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Legislature. Madame Chief Justice and distinguished members of the Judiciary. Fellow Constitutional Officers. My fellow Idahoans. Last year, in the mi

Idaho State of the State Address 2003

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 8 - Following is the text of Gov. Dirk Kempthornes's 2003 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Legislature. Distinguished members of the Judiciary. Fellow Constitutional Officers. Fellow citizens of Idaho. As we gather this evening, we are copi

Idaho State of the State Address 2002

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 7 - Following is the full text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Legislature. Distinguished members of the Supreme Court. Fellow Constitutional Officers. Fellow citizens of Idaho. The past year has brought many

Idaho State of the State Address 2001

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 8 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President Pro-Tem. My fellow Constitutional Officers. Distinguished members of the Legislature. Distinguished members of the Supreme Court. And my fellow citizens of Idaho.

Idaho State of the State Address 2000

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 17 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Legislature. Distinguished members of the Supreme Court. Fellow citizens of Idaho. With new beginnings come new expectations and new hop

Easley, Kempthorne Reject Anti-State Rhetoric

One's a Southern Democrat, the other a Western Republican, but North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley and Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne are in full agreement in rejecting some harsh conservative rhetoric accusing states of poor fiscal management and criticizing their pleas for federal money.

Idaho's First Lady Advocates for Children

First Lady of Idaho Patricia Kempthorne says that if being the governors spouse had a job description, hers would read ambassador for families and children.

Idaho Lawmakers Act To End Term Limits

Idaho often ranks near the bottom of lists measuring trends in state government. But it may now be able to claim a first. That's because both Idaho's House and Senate voted to repeal a term limits initiative passed by voters in 1994 -- and went on to override Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's veto.

Deficit-Plagued States Dole Out Medicaid Cuts

Medicaid isnt a four-letter word, but mention it around state lawmakers these days and youll probably see a cringe, hear a sigh, and perhaps even cause a headache. The 37-year old state-federal program geared to help the poor and needy is the cause of much tension, worry and debate across the country.

Western Governors Wary of Federal Road-Free Forest Plan

A nervous group of Western governors says a Clinton administration proposal to make 54 million acres of national forest road-free would wreak havoc with logging, mining and tourism taking place on adjoining state and private property.

Craig Scandal: All Eyes on a Governor, Again

For the third time in less than a year, the sudden departure from office of a U.S. senator - or the threat of a departure - has thrust a governor into the national spotlight, calling attention to the sometimes murky and often politicized process of how states choose congressional replacements.

Abuzz with Xmas spirit

Hawaiians get a stinging reminder of Christmas. It's no happy hour in Tennessee, where authorities may pour hundreds of bottles of whiskey down the drain. And Idaho lawmakers may be fighting over bathrooms as much as their bills come January. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Nothing" fills you in.

In Northern Rockies, Wolves Raising Howls

A recent decision by the federal government to lift protections for gray wolves living in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming means the three states now are responsible for managing the animals - and inherit a years-old debate between conservationists and ranchers over what should be done with them.

State Budget Gaps Balloon to $97 Billion

Still reeling from high gas prices this summer and plummeting retirement savings this fall, Americans will soon be feeling the pinch in other ways - from increased tuition to potentially higher taxes, as states try to close some $97 billion in budget gaps over the next two years.

Lights! Camera! Legislature!

The Idaho Legislature stars in a documentary that aired on PBS, with a supporting cast of lobbyists, pages, reporters, tourists and activists who ventured to the Boise capitol in 2004.

A sagebrush state shows its spirit

Idaho's governor this month has drummed up support for a statewide, citizen-led volunteer effort to rehabilitate vast areas of wildfire- scorched earth - double what has burned in California this week - by replanting the land with millions of seeds of a native shrub.

Idaho Education Chief Tom Luna Talks Reform

Tom Luna, Idaho schools superintendent and president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, sat down with Stateline recently to share his vision on federal and state education policy.

Idaho State of the State Address 2012

BOISE, Idaho - Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. C. L. "Butch" Otter's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices, my fellow constitutional officers, distinguished legislators and members of my Cabinet, honored guests, friends, my family and our Fi

State Lawsuits Likely Over Health Care Bill

TODAY'S TAKE: If and when President Obama signs legislation revamping the nation's health care system, several Republican-led states appear likely to fight a key provision of the new law in court. Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter on Wednesday (March 17) became the first governor to sign a bill setting up a legal showdown, while Virginia's attorney general vowed to do the same.

Idaho Governor Signs Anti-Tenure Teacher Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Idaho Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter agreed to measures to introduce merit pay and end tenure for public teachers, ideas that he said were "a long time coming." Efforts to weaken public sector unions also advanced in Florida and Tennessee, while New Jersey labor leaders sought to limit the damage by offering early concessions.

States Seek Waivers From No Child Left Behind law

EDUCATION BEAT: The No Child Left Behind law has given some state school systems targets they know they can't meet. They are asking the federal government to relax the rules.

Governors Preview Their 2012 Priorities

TODAY'S TAKE: From a constitutional amendment to expand gambling in Kentucky to creation of a health insurance exchange in Idaho, some governors are not waiting until 2012 to declare their agendas.

Idaho's Tom Luna Offers Sweeping School Overhaul Plan

If Idaho's school superintendent gets his way, the rights of teachers would be sharply curtailed.

Summary of the Idaho State of the State Address

Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter (R) used his combined state of the state and budget address on Jan. 11 to push a "responsibly conservative" spending plan based on no growth in tax revenue, even though the state's economist has indicated growth is a possibility in fiscal 2011.

The Squeeze on Big Bird

Idaho Reports is a weekly news program about politics that appears all over the state on public television. Normally it's quite civil. But one recent show took an awkward turn when the host asked about Governor Butch Otter's proposal to eliminate the program's funding. "Can you give us an update," moderator Thanh Tan asked, "on where we stand in terms of the agencies that face a possible phase-out…which includes the agency that produces this program?" Guest Wayne Hammon, the state budget director, replied that "the governor felt he had no other choice." The challenges that Idaho Public Television is facing are emblematic of the decisions that public television agencies and stations around the country will have to make if states decide that public television is no longer a business they can afford to be in. According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), state and local funding for public television stations nationwide declined by $36 million between 2008 and 2009. CPB forecasts an additional $45 to $49 million in state and local cuts for the upcoming fiscal year.

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

Labor won big contests in Indiana, California and New Hampshire, while results were mixed in Michigan.

Power Cos. Get Incentive to Save Kilowatts

Environmentalists have long touted conservation as the cheapest way to cut energy pollution, but power companies usually have little or no incentive to sell less electricity. This year, Idaho, Maryland and New York approved plans that allow utilities to preserve their expected profits while selling less electricity.

Some Rookie Governors Fumble

From Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) indulging in $12,000 drapes for his office to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) enraging labor supporters with his first veto, some of this year's freshmen governors have gotten off to a wobbly start.

Four Legislatures Rapped For Lax Ethics Ignore Criticism

In a scathing report last February called "Hidden Agendas," the Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit, non-partisan government watchdog group, criticized state legislators in Michigan, Idaho, Utah and Vermont for having the laxest ethical standards in the nation. stateline.org looked at the situation again six months later, and found that little has changed.

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.

Pay Boost on the Horizon for Some State Workers

Far fewer people are working for state governments than before the recession began, but those who remain may get modest salary increases this year.

A Three-Year College Degree in Ohio?

EDUCATION BEAT: Ohio governor wants colleges to offer three-year degrees ... Idaho ends its legislative session after approving three controversial education bills ... Oregon lawmakers want the governor to double as school superintendent and other education news from state governments.

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

Under pressure from state attorneys general, the popular social-networking Web site MySpace agreed Monday to turn over information on thousands of sex offenders it kicked off its site in early May.

Radioactive Waste: A Political Hot Potato

Its dij` vu all over again: A Republican rules the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy is pushing for plutonium shipments to a state that doesnt want them, where a Democratic governor is threatening to use armed state troopers to block the shipments.

In the West, GOP Governors, Skeptical of Cap-and-Trade, Will Watch California

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-- Stateline asked several Republican governors about the role of climate change in energy policy in the West, asking them to weigh in on California’s new experiment with large-scale carbon trading.

WORTH NOTING: 'Gas Pain' Troubles for Utah Governor

Utah's chief executive gives reporters too much information. An influential Idaho politician endorses two legislative candidates - for the same House seat. And Arkansas tourism officials are taking "Clinton Country" to the next level. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Weekly Wrap: States Could Hand Off Liquor Stores

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

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.