Stateline Headlines

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.

Republicans Reassess Social Issue Strategy

Political pressure and last year’s elections have led Republican lawmakers to rethink their approach to controversial social questions.

Gas Tax Loses Favor as Governors Look for New Transportation Money

In the search for more transportation money, governors and state lawmakers are largely avoiding one of the most obvious and straightforward funding sources: state gasoline taxes.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

Abortion foes split on state bans

In defiance of the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling, lawmakers in at least five states are proposing bills to immediately ban all abortions, except when the woman's life is in danger. The bills' sponsors say the time is right to test the new alignment of the U.S. Supreme Court. But some pro-choice activists fear the strategy could backfire.

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.

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

Governors are using the economic crisis to sell big changes in how state and local jurisdictions operate, promising overhauls that could alter the face of government around the country. Their proposals range from sharing state helicopters between Minnesota and Wisconsin to shrinking Pennsylvania's system of 500 school districts to just 100.

Best of #StateReads: Former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman's Political Career Ended with a 'Mighty Fall'

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

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Alabama Ethics Law Angers Teachers Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Alabama Republicans restrict payroll deductions used to boost a leading teachers' group, Wisconsin Democrats' last gasp at contracts for public workers fails and more 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.

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

States Scramble to Ease Pain at the Pump

(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008) As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief.

State Laws Pose Hurdles for Student Voters

College students who registered to vote in the state where they attend school have faced sometimes daunting regulations that vary from state to state. And they may confront one more hurdle - showing acceptable identification at the polls.

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

With the fall in energy and farm prices, many well-off states are finding they can't escape the national recession.

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.

More States Drop Out of 'Race'

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.

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?

State Lawmakers Urged to Stress Civics

After last September 11, a wave of patriotism washed over the country, inspiring state legislation to promote national pride among U.S. public school students. But a national legislative task force says more is needed specifically, a return of civics to public school curriculums.

States In South, West Big Winners In 2000 Census

The 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.

Christian Health Co-Ops Cater to 'Obamacare' Opponents

Religious groups that help members pay for medical treatment are exempt from key provisions of the new federal health law. As their popularity grows, some state officials are warning consumers to be wary of these unlicensed operators, while others see them as a welcome alternative to traditional health insurance.

New Governors Off to School

Five of the nation's seven newly-elected governors will get introductory lessons this weekend in the fine art of leading a state. Governors-elect will meet for a National Governors Association (NGA) retreat in West Virginia to learn how to prepare the first family for life in the spotlight, deal with the media, shape their political agendas and work with legislatures.

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

Governors' Inaugurations Take on Frugal Airs

President George W. Bush's inauguration took center stage in the nation's political arena, drawing most of the 28 Republican governors to Washington, D.C. But 11 recently elected governors threw inaugural parties of their own this month, each bringing his or her own style to the occasion, from collecting aid for tsunami survivors to a gala that garnered a visit from Elvis.

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.

Economic Slump Has States Tightening Belts

The slowing national economy has many states facing budget deficits and shrinking account balances for the first time since the early 1990's, according to a report released this week by the National Conference of State Legislatures. NCSL surveyed the 46 states that have passed budgets for fiscal year 2002 -- which began July 1 for all but four states -- and found that 20 states took "extraordinary actions" to pass balanced ones.

WORTH NOTING: Tough as the Wild North

Alaska's "First Dude" shows his mettle in the Iron Dog race. A Texas state senator gets tongue-tied on national television. And the Maryland governor gets schooled by a 71-year-old virtual bowler. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Homegrown Power Could Ease Energy Crunch

Homegrown electricity could be one ingredient used to combat the 21st century's expected energy crunch, easing the load on electrical grids with a system called "net metering," now legal in 34 states. Participants harvest wind and solar energy to fuel their homes and businesses and then sell any surplus back to utilities.

Tax Caps Have Big Consequences

Throughout the country this year, candidates for state office are seizing on local property taxes as a campaign issue. Some local officials argue that that should be the localities' business.

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.

Journalism Conference Focuses On Statehouse Coverage

More 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.

Parents Turn to States for Autism Help

(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.

Report: Voting Glitches Could Disrupt Election

In two weeks, the American voting system will be stressed as never before with record voter registration and expected large turnouts. But the greatest pressure will fall on 11 battleground states whose stars are aligned for an election debacle: tight races coupled with radical changes in their voting systems.

Toothless in Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) sounds off about an American Idol episode. A Florida law lets people take their pets with them to the grave. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) pays a fine for failing to wear a seat belt. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

New Governors Spell Change - Road Sign by Road Sign

The transition to a new governor is about more than handing over the reins of power or even the keys to the executive mansion. Sometimes its about pesky issues, such as what to do with 4,000 boxes of salt-water taffy that carry the name of New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, who left office unexpectedly this year. Nine states face such delicate dilemmas as they adjust to new governors taking office.

New Law Pushes Long-Term Care Coverage

Thanks to a new federal law, states will be able to reward senior citizens who buy long-term care insurance by letting them hang on to assets while Medicaid pays for their nursing home care.

Some states reconsider youth sex laws

Lawmakers across the country continue to mete out harsh punishments to sex offenders - from satellite tracking to the death penalty - but a handful of states have eased up on penalties in cases of youths prosecuted for consensual sex.

New Laws Take 'Romeo' Into Account

A handful of states are trying to draw clearer distinctions between sexual predators and young offenders who pose less of a risk, such as those involved in consensual sexual encounters.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

2004 Governors' Races

Here is a complete rundown of candidates in the nation's 11 governors' races.

Primaries Settle Slates of Open Governor Seats

Tuesdays primary results filled in the final blanks in the slate of candidates running for governor in 11 states. In five states, the race is wide open because incumbents arent competing in the general election. Here's a complete roster of governors matchups this election year.

Elections Will Bring Five Freshmen Governors

A Navy reserve officer who shipped out to Afghanistan weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks and a millionaire businessman whose family invented the clamshell container for McDonalds Big Mac are among the newcomers competing to join the nations corps of governors on Election Day. At least five freshmen governors will be elected this November in 11 gubernatorial races across the country.

States Increasingly Unprepared For Recession, Study Warns

Five of eight states that in early 1999 had sufficient financial reserves to weather a recession have since lost those cushions due to tax cuts, according to a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities study.

Economy Trims Some Govs' Inauguration Plans

In a bleak economy that has led even some of the most financially stable states to grow uneasy, some governors who were elected or re-elected in November are skipping the typical inaugural balls and toning down the glitz at their swearing-in ceremonies to cut costs.

Florida Hires Outgoing Indiana Ed Chief

When Indiana voters chose last month not to renew the tenure of the state’s top education official, Tony Bennett, it was seen as a blow to the so-called “Education Reform” community nationally.

Six States To Elect State Schools Chiefs

Election 2000 may be remembered as the education election. The issue has dominated the campaign for Presidency and many races for Congress too, but in six states, campaigns are being waged for an office that will have a lot more impact on schools -- superintendent of education.

Six States Pick Schools Chiefs

The results may not be in for the presidential contenders, whose campaigns focused on education issues, but voters in six states know the superintendents who will be running their schools. The races in Florida and North Carolina were extremely close, a reflection of what was happening in national, state and local contests across the country.

Best of #StateReads: “State Faces Major Doctor Shortage”

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

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.

State Lawmakers Form Great Lakes Caucus

Forty lawmakers representing eight states have launched the Great Lakes Legislative Caucus to create uniform laws in their respective states to curb water pollution, regulate water diversion projects and control non-native organisms that threaten the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Budget Deficits Inflame Debates

Governors throughout the country are rolling out their budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. They are doing so amid warnings this will be the toughest budget season in a decade and perhaps since World War II. In most states, painful spending choices are the order of the day, thanks to the U.S. economic showdown and resulting budget squeezes. This is causing heated debates as an Illinois example illustrates.

States Vary in Addressing Power Plant Construction

Putting an addition on your home can bring more regulatory hassles than building a power plant in many states. But in a few states like Minnesota, new generating facilities must meet a tough "needs test" to enter today's new electricity market.

AAA Criticizes Higher Fees for Out-of-State E-ZPass Drivers

The national drivers’ group wants tolling agencies to treat E-ZPass users the same, regardless of where they bought their transponders.

Governors-Elect Plan Low-Budget Inaugural Celebrations

TRANSITION WATCH: New governors arrange no-frills inaugurations as acts of symbolism, redistricting roles are reversed in Ohio, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Court upholds Indiana's limit on civil damages

Indiana gets a zero in study of states' campaign finance disclosure laws for outside groups

Indiana officials to assess public damage from flooding

Federal agency clears INDOT on land purchases

Pence: Flags go half-staff for fallen officers

Indiana State Sen. Grooms, Floyd Commissioner Chuck Freiberger announce 2014 campaigns

State ends negotiations with Indiana Youth Group, 2 others, for specialty license plates

Convenience stores sue over Indiana law banning cold beer sales

Proposal to lower drunk driving limits gets mixed reviews

Indiana hits ‘pause button’ on Common Core education push

'Pause' on Common Core leaves teachers in limbo

Residents urged to comment on Indiana's new transportation plan

Indiana Governor Mike Pence shows he can pick his spots

Indiana governor Mike Pence signs bill to 'pause' adoption of reading, math standards

Indiana schools seeing more success with tax hikes

Pence makes good on promise to oppose new regulations

Amid the pollution, Indiana must start listening to its environmentalists

Indiana political leaders gather in Bremen to say goodbye to former Gov. Otis Bowen

Gov. Mike Pence signs measure eliminating 4 City-County seats held by Dems, cites 'misgivings'

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence issues his third veto

School vouchers expand as Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signs measure at Calvary Christian School

Indiana Governor Mike Pence signs $30 billion state budget into law

Pence readies 1st vetoes as Indiana governor

Pence signs budget, vetoes two bills

Who's the boss? Here's how Mike Pence can show he's in charge

Economic development agency OKs money to lawmaker's Carmel company

Gov. Mike Pence vetoes professional licensing bills

Pence set to approve Indiana school safety grants

Southern Indiana lawmakers laud passage of bill to curb prescription drug abuse

Concerned Clergy urge veto of Marion County government changes

Gov. Mike Pence set to approve school security grants

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signs sentencing, expungement bills into law

Pence set to sign school safety bill; officers to be more than protection

With Otis Bowen's passing, Indiana loses one of its most respected leaders

Gov. Mike Pence offers tribute to Otis Bowen

Ohio-Indiana drone aircraft test site promoted

Concerned Clergy urge veto of Marion County government changes

Gov. Mike Pence to sign bill encouraging the hire of school resource officers

Board appointments will be instructive on Pence's education stand

Pence orders Indiana flags at half-staff for Bowen

Lawmakers, Indiana education board may have rocky road ahead

Former Indiana Gov. Otis Bowen dies at 95

From guns to gay marriage, it's clear Indiana got it right with Joe Donnelly

Gov. Mike Pence offers tribute to Otis Bowen

Former Indiana Gov. Bowen fought for tax relief, AIDS funding

Proposals Would Shift Utility Infrastructure Costs to Ratepayers

Electricity and gas bills could creep higher in several states, as lawmakers consider whether to allow utilities to charge customers upfront for upgrades to aging infrastructure.