Stateline Headlines

Attorneys General Seek Warning Label Cautioning Pregnant Women Against Using Pain Pills

State attorneys general are hoping to protect the littlest victims of prescription drug abuse.

Best of #StateReads: Kentucky Judges Review Child-Abuse List

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

Best of #StateReads: On Further Review, Georgia Dropout Rate Doubles

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

Best of #StateReads: Illinois Fails to Investigate Abuse and Neglect in Deaths of Disabled

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

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.

Federal Spending Plan Slashes Anti-Crime Grants

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

Tracking the Recession: Tuition Programs in Danger

As the Obama administration addresses the rising cost of college, many of the prepaid college tuition programs that help keep prices down have been damaged by the weak economy.

Weekly Wrap: Report Questions States' Use of Stimulus Road Funds

States are spending too much stimulus money on new road construction and not enough on public transit projects, a national advocacy group claims in a report issued Monday (June 29). Meanwhile, Michigan and California consider teaming up to solve their prison problems and North Carolina and Rhode Island face off with Amazon.com over taxes.

Southern Governors Oppose Federal Plan To Upgrade Grid

With 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.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Southern Governors Talk Conservation

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

Southern Governors to Coordinate Emergency Response

With 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.

South Lags in Industry Research

The 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.

Nasty Judicial Races Renew Complaints

Another bruising campaign season in judicial elections has spurred calls for reform from advocacy groups, lawyers and others in the legal community, but fierce debate persists over how exactly state judges should be chosen.

Infographic: Southern Strength

Republican dominance in the South started with presidential elections and only later came to statehouses.

Next Elections: Races for Legislative Leadership

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

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.

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.

States Limit Sweeping Tax Hikes — So Far

TODAY'S TAKE: While much of the nation may be focusing today (May 18) on key U.S. Senate primaries in Arkansas, Kentucky and Pennsylvania, a special statewide election in Arizona could gauge voters' temperature on the question of whether or not to raise taxes. Arizona voters will decide whether to endorse Republican Governor Jan Brewer's proposal to raise the state sales tax by a penny to 6.6 percent.

State Policymakers Chart Untested Waters Around RU-486

Abortion has long been a bitterly divisive political topic in the United States, and debate on the issue promises to intensify this year as state lawmakers confront the latest element in the philosophical and moral divide: a drug that ends an unwanted pregnancy. Known in this country by the brand name Mifeprex and the chemical compound name mifepristone, the drug is frequently referred to as RU-486, a term derived from its creator, French pharmaceutical giant Roussel Uclaf.

Electricity Deregulation Deadline Nears In Some States

Undeterred by the California power crisis, four states will complete their own electricity deregulation efforts in 2002 as they seek to give customers a greater choice of providers and new industry players a better shot at making money.

Credit Crunch Hits States' College Loans

The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college.

Health Care Law is Bigger Challenge for Some States

TODAY'S TAKE: Eight states will face the greatest difficulties in handling the influx of new Medicaid patients expected after the federal Affordable Care Act goes into full effect in 2014, a new study says.

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.

Some Lawmakers Take Unusual Path to Power

Of the 5,804 state legislators elected on Nov. 2, a few stand out from the crowd. In 2004, voters elected three candidates on military duty abroad, the first Vietnamese-American legislator, a wife running to replace her term-limited husband, a daughter running to serve alongside her father and a Connecticut candidate who was both elected and rejected for the same office.

Governors Propose Major Tax Hikes

The first few weeks of 2003 have seen a spate of proposed tax increases from governors across the political spectrum and around the country. To date, the governors of Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada and Ohio, have proposed tax increases to balance state books.

State Pension Funds Defy Scandal, Stock Crashes

Has the stock market crisis made you dizzy, like youve just stepped off the wildest roller coaster ride of your life? Well, if youre a retired state worker with a lifestyle tied to the ups and downs of your pension fund, take a deep breath; chances are youre going to be okay.

States, Women's Groups Slow To Address Women's Smoking

Lung cancer will kill nearly one in four cancer-stricken women this year, a higher rate than deaths from breast cancer, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher recently reported. Among additional stark findings of importance to the 22 million adult women who smoke in America, researchers say that tobacco companies have stepped up marketing efforts to women, stalling progress in programs that support those who try to stop smoking. Yet states and women's groups are slow in dealing with the problem.

WORTH NOTING: Partying, Politicking and Parrying at Governors' Pads

Some governors can't get away from prying eyes, even in their own mansions. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) is embarrassed when word leaks out of his son's birthday beer bash on the premises; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) can barely get a GOP sign on his own yard; and Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is fighting to get the keys to his mansion from his soon-to-be ex-wife. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

In search of a gentler end

States are planning better ways to support dying and chronically ill children and their families who aren't always well-served by traditional hospice programs. But this specialized kind of care is still rare.

Odd-year elections a preview for '08?(2)

What typically is a quiet, off-year election is anything but this year. Voters in Kentucky today (Nov. 6) will decide whether to oust their sitting governor. In three states, both parties have a fighting chance to wrest control of statehouse chambers. And school vouchers and stem cells are among 34 measures on the ballot.

Weekly Wrap: New Year Brings New Laws

New state laws that take effect across the country on New Year's Day range from affecting the way residents drive to whether they can marry or profit from snapping a celebrity's photograph. (See also:US: State lawmakers, lacking money, took up bad-behavior bans in '09 and US: New 2010 laws -- Cooking to texting)

Governors' Speeches Kick Off New Sessions

TODAY'S TAKE: California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R), Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) and New York Gov. David Paterson (D) will outline the state of their states today (Jan. 6), kicking off another turbulent budget year in state capitals.

Immigrant Licensing: Security Vs Safety Concerns

After learning that most of the 19 hijackers responsible for the Sept. 11 terrorist attack had obtained drivers licenses in Florida, New Jersey or Virginia using faked credentials, many state lawmakers rushed to introduce legislation aimed at restricting licenses for immigrants as a security measure. Nine months later, most of those initiatives have stalled amid competing concerns over highway safety and anti-terror policy.

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.

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.

Even in this Economy, States Struggle to Recruit IT Personnel

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Qualified IT staff remain difficult for states to recruit … Legislators eye state websites for ad revenue … A defined contribution plan may raise pension costs in Kentucky, and other government management news.

Drought Worsens, States Take Emergency Measures

The governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware have ordered water rationing and other mesaures to deal with the drought. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman this week designated West Virginia and other parts of the eastern seaboard disaster areas due to excessive heat and lack of rain, making farmers in those areas eligible to apply for emergency loans when drought-related losses are calculated at season's end. For more information, click on

States Warned to Prep for Election Glitches

Eight years after voting irregularities marred the 2000 presidential election, most states still are not as prepared as they should be for Election Day glitches, from machine breakdowns to a shortage of emergency ballots, according to a new report by voter advocacy groups.

New Governors: Deficits Are 'Opportunities'

Even with the economy improving, many states are still struggling to recover from a fiscal hangover induced by two-plus years of program cuts, tax increases and layoffs. The governors-elect of Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana soon will lead such states and say they relish this challenge.

States Weigh Role on Export of Electricity

Mid-America is fast becoming ground zero for the biggest power plant construction boom since the 1970s. But much of the electricity generated by these new facilities will be exported to other parts of the country, leaving states without any real economic benefits from the plants' construction and with the financial burden of having to monitor their impact on local communities.

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.

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.

State Support For Ending Cuban Embargo Growing

What do Illinois Gov. George Ryan and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura have in common with Arkansas chicken producers, Texas rice growers and Utah medical companies? They'd all like to see an end to the 40-year-old U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba.

State Brownfields Programs Take National Stage

When Kentuckys Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate both voted unanimously to expand brownfields programs last week, they committed the Bluegrass State to a decade-long push to make investment in cleaning up abandoned industrial sites more attractive to private redevelopers. They also signed on to one of the few nationwide environmental causes to generate real interest in both major political parties since Congress first acted to protect natural resources and public health and set up the Environmental Protection Agency over 30 years ago.

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.

Governors' Hiring Under Fire

Governors in Kentucky, Maryland and Illinois are facing scrutiny for hiring practices that test the legal limits of the historic "spoils system" in state government -- rewarding jobs to partisan supporters. Political and legal experts say past governors of both parties have long used partisan patronage to reward allies and ensure loyalty among rank-and-file state workers, but this trio of governors may be under fire as much for their methods as their alleged abuses.

Seven States Woo Clean-Coal Power Plant

Seven states are competing with dollars and regulatory breaks to be the host for a $1 billion federal and private energy initiative being billed as the world's cleanest coal-burning power plant. The project is expected to provide 1,300 construction jobs and 150 facility positions and to generate 275 megawatts of electricity through a process that would eliminate nearly all air pollutants.

WORTH NOTING: Illinois Roads To Be Roadkill-Free Again

Illinois has enough money to start clearing roadkill again after months of letting the coyotes "remove" it. Kentucky and Ohio lawmakers fight over an eight-ton rock. And Vermont teenagers who trashed Robert Frost's house are punished by having to learn about the poet. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Legal Woes Have Hit Other Governors

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) became the latest governor to be in trouble with the law, after federal authorities arrested him and his chief of staff Tuesday (Dec. 9). But not all scandal-tainted governors have been convicted or forced to step down.

State Medicaid Budgets Start To Squeeze

During the last five years, policymakers expanded Medicaid with a flourish. Armed with hearty surpluses and federal funds to boot, states launched the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), pharmacy assistance programs for the elderly and community-based health services for the elderly and disabled. But budget bliss is fading fast. Numerous states, from Oregon to Tennessee, New Mexico, Kentucky, Indiana and Washington State, are now complaining about Medicaid's skyrocketing price tag.

Push For Ten Commandments To Return To Schools

The Ten Commandments are experiencing a renaissance in states debating bills that would display the Big 10 in schools alongside historical documents. Emphasizing history, not religion, is a strategy that Commandments backers hope will skirt court challenges.

Kids catch Iowa lawmakers goofing off

Iowa senators are caught playing computer games while their colleagues speak. YouTube spreads a Montana Republican's barrage against Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D). And budget suggestions bury an Ohio lawmaker's office in paper. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Seven States Lead in Budget Transparency

TODAY'S TAKE: A report released Tuesday (April 13) finds that seven states - Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas - lead the nation in budget transparency, providing the public with comprehensive and easily searchable information about government spending. Eighteen states flunked the scorecard created by U.S. PIRG, a Boston-based research and public-interest advocacy group.

Governator has whale of a time

California's governor hugs a giant sea creature. Kansas' governor slams her state's wine industry. And add an asterisk to Louisiana Gov.-elect Bobby Jindal's place in the record books. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Scramble for Gambling Jackpot

States are aggressively tapping into one of the easiest ways to bring cash to their coffers: Let gamblers lose on slots, poker and roulette - and carve out a big take for state treasuries. Kansas is taking that approach one step further with a plan to own and operate its commercial casinos.

Kentucky short 3,800 doctors even before Medicaid expansion

Judge allows challenge to Kentucky health care exchange to proceed

Doctor shortages may undercut Kentucky Medicaid expansion

Kentucky short 3,800 doctors even before Medicaid expansion

Kentucky hospitals face questions on Medicaid expansion

Kentucky coal jobs at lowest level since state started counting in 1950

EPA stalling on mine permits, hurting jobs

Kentucky tax reform commissioners fear Governor Beshear will shelve revenue proposals

Kentucky ranks 34th in business taxes

Ky. jobless rate drops to 7.9 percent in April

Beshear introduces website for Kentucky's health insurance exchange

Child abuse review panel could have first report by September

ACLU of Kentucky sues over failed legislative redistricting attempt

Child abuse review panel could have first report by September(2)

Child abuse review panel could have first report by September

Frankfort did little to help state compete

Kentucky Medicaid expansion opponents weighing options to reverse decision

Medicaid health insurance to expand under Obamacare in Kentucky

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2013

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Feb. 6 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steve Beshear's (D) 2013 State of the Commonwealth Address:

Kentucky Governor Calls for Public Smoking Ban

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has called for a ban on smoking in certain public places, an effort to improve the state’s dismal public health record and to cut down on health care costs.

Seniors Are New Target for Tax Increases

Over the years, states have carved out ever more generous tax breaks for the elderly. Now, Kentucky and a few other states are beginning to question whether these policies cost too much.

States Nervous About New Common Core School Standards

Concerns about local control have make implementation of the national education standards controversial in some states.

Prescription Databases Weigh Public Health Against Patient Privacy

Prescription drug monitoring programs are a popular tool for states looking to combat prescription abuse, but not all databases are used the same way.

To Raise Revenue, Raise Tobacco Taxes, Kentucky Commission Says

Kentucky’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform recommended the state increase its cigarette tax from 60 cents to $1 per pack, along with a proportional hike on other forms of tobacco.

Can Digital Recordings Save Money for Courts?

Faced with crippling budget shortfalls, state courts are replacing in-person stenographers with digital recording systems. But do they really save money?

Kentucky Debating a Tax Overhaul — Again

For at least a decade, Kentucky has been studying how to adjust its tax system. Governor Steve Beshear hopes the state is finally ready to act.

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2011

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Feb. 1. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steven L. Beshear's (D) 2011 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to hear the governor's address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Lt. Governor Mongiardo, Constitutional officers

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2009

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Feb. 4 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steven L. Beshear's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Lt. Governor Mongiardo, Constitutional officers, honorable members of the Court of Justice, honored

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2008

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Jan 14. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steve Beshear's (D) 2008 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Lt. Governor Mongiardo, Constitutio

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2007

FRANKFORT, Ky., Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ernie Fletcher's (R) 2007 state of the commonwealth address. Click here to access audio recording of the speech. Let's start by having a moment of silence for the people who lost their lives this morning in Nelson County. First Lady, Constitu

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2006

First Lady, Lieutenant Governor Pence, President Williams and Speaker Richards, Constitutional Officers, Legislators, Justices and my fellow Kentuckians. I am here tonight to report on the state of Kentucky to the legislature and to the people of our Commonwealth. I can tell you that the people of Kentucky are m

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2005

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Feb. 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ernie Fletcher's (R) 2005 State of the Commonwealth address: First Lady, Lieutenant Governor Pence, President Williams and Speaker Richards, Legislators, Constitutional Officers, Justices and my fellow Kentuckians, it is a time-honored tradition that

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2004

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 13 - Following is the full text of Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher's (R) 2004 state of the commonwealth address: President Williams, Speaker Richards, and members of the General Assembly; Chief Justice Lambert and members of the Judiciary; Cabinet officers and other members of the E

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2003

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 10 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul E. Patton's 2003 State of the Commonwealth Address: For the sixth and last time, I appear before you as governor to report on the state of the Commonwealth. And in many ways, the state of the Commonwealth is good; but, as always, there are still thi

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2002

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 10 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul Patton's 2002 State of the Commonwealth Address: President Williams, Speaker Richards, and members of the General Assembly, Justice Lambert and members of the Judiciary, Governor Henry and other members of the Executive, my fellow Kentuckians: It's

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2001

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 3 - Following is the full text of Gov. Paul Patton's 2001 State of the State Address: President Williams, Speaker Richards, and members of the General Assembly, members of the Judiciary, Governor Henry and other constitutional officers, my fellow Kentuckians. As the General Assem

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2000

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 4 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul Patton's 2000 State of the Commonwealth Address: Speaker Richards, President Williams and members of the General Assembly, Justice Lambert and members of the Judiciary, Governor Henry and other members of the Executive, distinguished members of Kentu

Kentucky Jail Breaks Raise Political Hackles

Earlier this month, Brian Keith Herron was charged with robbing three banks in Owensboro, Ky. days after being released from prison. This could have been just another crime story, but it has become a key part of a broader political issue in Kentucky.

Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off in Southern States

With hotly contested races for governor in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi, the South is home to three of this year's biggest political battles. While these races are far from the finish line, some analysts are already predicting that Republicans could be in for a good year.

Kentucky Legislators Target Lieutenant Governor

Kentucky, like most other states, has had to make deep budget cuts. One easy target for legislators was the one officeholder lacking specific constitutional duties - the lieutenant governor.

On the Record: Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton (D)

The battle to close looming deficits in Kentucky has been a losing one for term-limited Gov. Paul Patton (D), who finishes a one-year stint as chairman of the National Governors Association in June. In an interview with STATELINE.ORG, Patton discussed state budget problems and the NGAs position on federal fiscal relief for states.

Southern States' Governors' Races Heat Up

Voters in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi elect new governors this fall. With the races well underway, analysts say the best battle is in Mississippi, where incumbent Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) is squaring off against political power broker Haley Barbour (R).

On The Record: Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton

The fiscal squeeze on the states was in the spotlight at the annual summer meeting of the National Governors Association, which was winding up in Boise, Idaho Tuesday. In an interview with STATELINE.ORG, Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton, a Democrat whos the new chair of the NGA, discussed state budget problems and other issues.

Kentucky Budget Crisis Goes Largely Unnoticed

On July 1, Tennessee residents couldn't miss the signs that their state legislators had failed to pass a budget: Highway rest areas were closed, road crews were idled and anyone wanting a drivers' license had to wait. In sharp contrast, legislators in neighboring Kentucky also had failed to pass a budget. But outside the Capitol, you could be forgiven for not noticing.