Stateline Stories

College Enrollment Expected to Slip

Maine has struggled to maintain enrollment for years. It could soon have company.

Best of #StateReads: Why New Jersey’s Trains Flooded but New York’s Stayed Dry

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

Democrats Seeking Comeback in State Legislatures

Republicans won landslide victories in legislative chambers two years ago. Democrats hope to reverse some of the results in November. In many states, though, it won’t be easy.

States chart their own foreign policy

From boycotting companies that trade with Sudan to buying oil from Venezuela, the nation's state lawmakers are becoming more assertive on the international stage. While a boon to economies from California to Maine, statehouse diplomacy could undermine federal power abroad and expose states to international lawsuits, foreign policy experts warn.

Bright Ideas Compete for Cash

Six state programs, ranging from Maine's comprehensive health care reform to Wisconsin's environmental program for businesses, are competing for $100,000 grants in one of the nation's premiere good government competitions.

New Year ushers in new laws

At least 31 states will enforce new laws that take effect New Year's Day. So as you ring in the New Year, expect some facet of life to change, ranging from where you can smoke in Illinois to how much it costs to enter a strip club in Texas.

Public School Alternatives Gather Steam in States

Louisiana gave advocates of charter schools, vouchers and other publicly funded education alternatives everything they could have asked for, but opposition remained fierce elsewhere.

Despite Federal Chill, States Keen to Trade with Cuba

In Havana, Cuba, this week, state officials from Louisiana, Maine, Alabama are helping U.S. companies negotiate cash-only contracts for sales of agricultural and health-related goods under the narrow confines of U.S. restrictions. The state effort is in sharp contrast with the federal effort to isolate the communist island nation.

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.

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.

Tax Bite Big in Maine, Small in Alaska

Alaska and Maine are far apart geographically, but their tax burdens represent an even bigger divide -- Maine residents have the nation's highest state and local tax burden, 12.2 percent of income, while Alaska residents have the nation's lowest, 5.5 percent. The calculations come from the Tax Foundation, a conservative lobbying group in Washington, D.C.

States Tackle Privacy Loopholes Created By Congress

When Congress voted two years ago to tear down Depression-era barriers that had long kept banks, investment firms, insurance companies and other elements of the financial services industry from merging , Wisconsin State Representative Marlin Schneider had just one comment: "They're nuts," he said of the federal lawmakers. Since then, a growing number of state legislators have come to the same conclusion as they've tried to address privacy loopholes in the Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999.

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.

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.

Despite Debt Fears, Voters OK Most State Bond Measures

Where borrowing was on the ballot Tuesday, voters usually said yes. Meanwhile, Colorado affirmed its ability to issue debt.

Technology Helps States Boost Efficiency

More and more states are using electronic tools ranging from web portals to interagency data sharing to make delivery of government services all a taxpayer could hope for, according to two recent studies on the use of digital technologies.

Cigarette Taxes, Public Health Show Little Correlation

Twenty-one states are mulling cigarette tax increases to help ease the pain of massive budget shortages. New York and Connecticut governors have already okayed such taxes, with increases of 39 and 61 cents per pack respectively. Proponents of higher tobacco taxes say upping the rates will improve the health of citizens. But health experts say the tax must be coupled with prevention programs that help people quit smoking and make sure young people don't start.

State Officials Challenge Rx Study

Headlines in major newspapers across the country last week revealed grim news about state Medicaid programs. One in Four Medicaid Beneficiaries Unable to Fill Prescriptions, papers reported. But some state officials question the claim.

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.

Border Issues Thrust to Fore: Security vs. Trade

In an effort to reduce the threat of terrorists slipping into the country, Immigration and Customs officials have tightened the nation's northern and southern borders, prompting local and state officials to call for increased border staffing to ease the flow of goods and people. At stake is the economic health of states, regions and industries dependent on open borders for survival.

Voters Send Mixed Signals On Growth, Environment

Voters in 23 states considered ballot measures dealing with growth management and the environment on Nov. 7. Some of the most highly publicized proposals were rejected, but experts dismiss suggestions that the defeat of prominent "smart growth" measures in Arizona and Colorado means that interest in curbing sprawl has cooled.

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.

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).

States Go After Smoking in Vehicles With Kids

More than a dozen states are considering following Arkansas, Louisiana and the city of Bangor, Maine, in outlawing smoking in vehicles if children are present. Opponents call it an invasion of privacy, and even anti-smoking groups aren't climbing on the bandwagon.

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.

Saving History: States Push For Preservation Funds

Congress celebrated the U.S. bicentennial in 1976 by establishing the Historic Preservation Fund, a $150 million a year treasure chest for state-administered efforts to save the countrys architectural treasures. But as with most dedicated funding sources for noble-minded cultural and environmental efforts, the money actually set aside has never met the programs grand designs. That could change this year if Congress passes the 15-year, $45 billion Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), now beginning its second run up Capitol Hill.

States Make Strides on Medical Marijuana Programs

The U.S. Supreme Court's first-ever opinion on medical marijuana two months ago hasn't put a dent in state efforts to help seriously ill patients, as critics hoped it would. State medical marijuana programs in Alaska, Hawaii and Oregon are moving ahead despite the ruling.

States Support Nursing Mothers

Nobody seriously doubts the value of breast-feeding, but until recently the connection between nursing and employment hasnt been on policymakers radar screens. Now, in what appears to be a trend, lawmakers in 31 states have approved breast-feeding legislation within the last eight years.

Violence in Sudan Pushes States to Act

Sudan's bloody crackdown on African tribesmen in the Darfur region has inspired six states to enact laws they hope will stem the attacks by cutting off financial backing for the Sudanese government. And lawmakers in at least 15 more states plan to propose similar bills when their legislatures convene in January.

Sex Ed Landscape Shifting in States

While most states still stress abstinence in sex education, lately there has been a movement toward a comprehensive approach that also teaches about contraception.

Anthem Rate Hikes Felt Beyond California

TODAY'S TAKE: Sharp rate hikes by health insurer Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are causing ripples in many states amid a well-publicized plan by the company to increase premiums by as much as 39 percent in California. The firm insures hundreds of thousands of people across the country with individual plans that could see double-digit increases in their monthly premiums.

Tuesday's Primaries: What to Watch

TODAY'S TAKE: In the busiest primary election day of the year, voters in 10 states will go to the polls Tuesday (June 8) to decide a wide range of questions from whether Maine will reform its tax code to which Republican will face off against Jerry Brown in the California governor's race. Stateline outlines key themes to watch in the state-level contests.

Ten states Identified as Legislative Battlegrounds

Political control of legislative bodies in 10 states could change in the November election, the National Conference of State Legislatures said in an analysis that identified the battleground states as Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Montana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.

Electoral College Reform Falls Flat

Doing away with the winner-take-all system of allotting Electoral College votes was among the reforms proposed on the op-ed pages of the nation's newspapers after last year's closely contested presidential election. But bills that would do that have been defeated in the first four state legislatures to consider them.

Northeastern States Seek Terrorist-Intelligence Sharing

Homeland security officials in 10 northeastern states want to establish intelligence-sharing centers that would better disseminate terrorist-related information between federal law enforcement and local police officers. Mark Cohen, who heads the New York State Office of Public Security, said the ability to share intelligence in real time is the most critical component for homeland security in the states.

Lawmakers Press Solicitor General on Maine Rx Case

An eight-state coalition wants the U.S. Solicitor General to support Maine in a controversial prescription drug case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. The group, known as the Northeast Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices, wants the federal government's chief lawyer to weigh in heavily on behalf of states trying to curb prescription costs.

Tracking the Recession: Buyouts Lure 9,000 State Workers Into Retirement

As layoffs and furloughs undermine the job security traditionally associated with state employment, at least six states are offering buyouts to tighten their belts without fracturing morale. But some worry this payroll-reduction technique may not save as much money as anticipated.

Connecticut Governor Seeks to Avoid Public Employee Layoffs

MANAGEMENT BEAT: The struggle over public employee concessions in Connecticut ... the prospect of salary cuts in Pennsylvania ... arguments about a pro-worker mural in Maine, and other government management news.

Battle Against Stalking Escalates

Concerns over in-person and online stalking have led lawmakers to create new orders of protection. But enforcement is often up to the victims and most don’t pursue it.

Nation's Top Court To Hear Several States' Right Cases

Before recessing in June, the U.S. Supreme Court issued three decisions strongly reaffirming the concept of state sovereignty and curtailing Congress' power to create federal law binding on the states. Legal observers expect that trend to continue during the high court's 1999-2000 term, which begins today. At least five states' rights cases are already on the docket.

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.

Governors Target Rules at Businesses' Behest

Newly elected Republicans - and some Democrats - have made rethinking regulations a top priority. That has environmentalists and consumer advocates nervous.

States, Health Plans Address Anthrax-Related Rx Issues

In the wake of October's anthrax attacks in Florida, New York and Washington, D.C., states and insurers have seen an increased request for antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin or Cipro, as it's known. Maine and Virginia have now stepped up education for doctors on antibiotic use, while Georgia officials are asking doctors to justify why they are prescribing the drug.

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.

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.

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.

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

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

Rising Property Taxes Reverberate Politically

Homeowners appear poised to revolt over rising property taxes in a way not seen since the late 1970s. At least six states acted earlier this year to ease the tax burden of homeowners while voters in Indiana, Maine and Washington go the polls this November to consider measures to curb skyrocketing increases in their property tax bills.

Governors

What would a Kerry administration mean for states? Heres a sampling of responses collected by Stateline.org from governors attending the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Ten States Lose Federal Education Money for Poor Children

Federal money to educate poor children is increasing, but 10 states and more than half of the nation's school districts will see a drop in their share of the dollars in the next school year, according to a report released June 15. Overall, nearly 56 percent of school districts will get less federal money, despite a $647 million increase in the Title I program that allocates money for low-income students.

State Voters Face Range of Critical Issues Tuesday

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, off-year elections will decide if Maine bans late-term abortions, if St. Paul, Minnesota, tries to steal the Twins baseball club from Minneapolis and if Texas will provide $400 million in loans for college students. Kentucky and Mississippi will choose a governor, and voters in Virginia will determine if their legislature goes Republican for the first time since Reconstruction.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

Find a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Louisiana through North Dakota

Louisiana, Maine Legislatures Set To Adjourn

Two more states, Maine and Louisiana, are about to wind up their legislative sessions, leaving 13 states still engaged in the business of making laws. Louisiana is on track to adjourn Monday at 6 p.m. as scheduled. The picture is not quite as clear in Maine. Politicians there traditionally call it quits on the third Wednesday of the month, which was June 16. This year however, lawmakers are gathering at the statehouse this morning to hold a so-called "veto day." For more information, click on

Trickle of Democratic Legislators Become Republicans

TRANSITION WATCH: Fewer state-level Democrats are becoming Republicans than in 1994, new Speakers of the House are elected in Montana and Tennessee and other news of the historic shift in power in the states

Tanning-Bed Bills Burn With Controversy

Republican governors take different sides on teen tanning.

Maine State of the State Address 2013

AUGUSTA, Maine Feb 5 Following is the prepared text for Gov. Paul LePage's 2013 State of the State Address

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

America’s Capital of Divided Government

As most states turn redder or bluer, Maine goes bright purple.

Maine Tax Cuts May Outlive Republican Rule

Democrats won legislative victories campaigning against tax cuts, but may not have the power or inclination to repeal them.

As Funds Dwindle, Governors Ask for Heating Help

Rising heating costs coupled with increased austerity in Congress could leave many low-income Americans out in the cold this winter, 13 state governors warned this week.

As States Debate Medicaid Expansion, Maine Governor Looks to Cut Rolls

Maine Governor Paul LePage appears poised for a head-on collision with the Obama Administration over the issue of Medicaid eligibility. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s health care ruling last month — the federal government cannot take away existing Medicaid funds to penalize states that refuse to expan

States Loosen Up on Fireworks Laws

In amateur hands, fireworks are as dangerous as ever. But states have a hard time passing up the revenue they bring in.

Maine State of the State Address 2011

AUGUSTA, Maine - Feb. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Paul LePage's (R) 2011 state of the state and budget address: President Raye, Speaker Nutting, members of the 125th Legislature, and citizens of Maine, thank you for the invitation to discuss our budget submission for the 2012 / 2013 Biennium. It ta

Maine State of the State Address 2010

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 21 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Madam President, Madam Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: I cannot remember a time that has presente

Maine State of the State Address 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine - March 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Madam President, Madam Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: Thank you for joining me tonight as we co

Maine State of the State Address 2008

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Jan. 9 -- The Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: We come together tonight as Maine stands on

Maine State of the State Address 2007

AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci (D) 2007 state of the state address and budget message: Hello. I am Governor John Baldacci. Thank you for joining me tonight. Thank you to the tv and radio stations for carrying this live. Today I delivered to the Legislature my proposed

Maine State of the State Address 2006

Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature and distinguished guests. Good evening my fellow citizens. Tonight, I am proud to report that the state of this State is strong, secure and healthy. More people are working than ever before. More of our children are going to c

Maine State of the State Address 2005

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 25 - Following is the text of Gov. John Baldacci's 2005 state of the state address: Madam president, Mr. speaker, madam chief justice, members of the legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow citizens, I would also like to recognize the first lady of Maine, Karen Baldacci, an

Maine State of the State Address 2004

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 20 - Following is the text of Gov. John Baldacci's 2004 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow Maine citizens: Twelve months ago, I had the privilege of taking the oath of office. It's been

Maine State of the State Address 2002

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 22 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the 120th Legislature, and citizens of Maine. Before I begin let's remember that one of the members of the 120th Legislature, Senator Joel Abroms

Maine State of the State Address 2001

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 23 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. President Pro Tem, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the 120th Legislature, Citizens of Maine, In each of the past six years, I have come before you at this time to rep

Maine State of the State Address 2000

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 24 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Honorable Members of the 119th Legislature, and Citizens of Maine: Just a week ago, Maine, and all of us in this building, lost a great friend. Chuck Cia

Maine Laptop Program Bugged by Budget Concerns

Maine's cutting-edge program to provide laptop computers to public middle school students has exceeded the expectations of proponents, converted many critics and sparked a nationwide trend toward personal computing in the classroom. But the states high-tech triumphs havent convinced the Legislature to expand the program to high school as originally planned.

Supreme Court Gives Maine Rx Green Light

In a decision closely watched by dozens of states, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday cleared the way for Maine to implement Maine Rx, a trail-blazing program that enables the state to offer discounted prescription drugs to the working poor and elderly people.

Maine Laptop Program Shows Strong Results

Just over three years ago, when then-Gov. Angus S. King, Jr., proposed an unprecedented program to provide laptop computers to every seventh and eighth grade student in Maines public schools, supporters and critics wasted no time debating whether the plan would work. Now, with 17,000 seventh graders about to complete their first full school year using the laptops, both sides agree that the program does, indeed, work. But the debate about funding continues.

On the Record: Baldacci Talks Universal Health Care

Maine, a trailblazer in controlling prescription drug costs, is now poised to provide universal health care for its residents. Leading the charge is Democrat freshman Gov. John Baldacci. At the National Governors' Association meeting in Indianapolis last week, Gov. Baldacci sat down with Stateline.org and talked about his health care initiative.

States Set Ballot Fights: Maine to Vote on Casino

Maine's Nov. 4 referendum on building a casino will influence the future of the Pine Tree States struggling economy, said pro- and anti-gambling groups. Ballot questions in other states will decide issues ranging from starting a video lottery program in Colorado to allowing childrens videotaped testimony in criminal proceedings in Pennsylvania.

SPECIAL REPORT: States Mull Suit Against Drug Companies

In an action modeled on their 1998 class action lawsuit against the tobacco industry, at least six states are poised to go to court to try to force pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription prices, law enforcement and health care officials tell Stateline.org. "The goal is nothing less than changing the way the industry does business," says Mark Schlein, director of Florida's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Attorney General's office.

States Laud Maine Court Decision

In a ruling heard from Maine to Hawaii, a federal judge on Monday (2/25) gave a boost to states looking to curb rising prescription drug costs. More specifically, U.S District Judge Ricardo Urbina said Maine could continue with a project which offers prescription drugs to poor people, shutting down for the moment a challenge from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Small Town Legislative Race Attracts Opposites

Thousands of state legislators will be elected in November after campaigns that get much less public attention than congressional or gubernatorial contests. A small town in Maine is the scene of one more-or-less typical legislative race.

Maine's King Makes Independence Work

Maine. Gov Angus King, one of the nations two politically unaffiliated state executives, is in the homestretch of his second and final four-year term. King, a native of Virginia who remains quite popular after more than seven years in office, says being independent has enabled him to make decisions on the merits. His choice of an epitaph: He didnt do bad for a boy from away.

States Continue Rx Onslaught

Vermont is poised to enact a landmark prescription drug law within the next few weeks, a move that adds fuel to state battles against rising prescription drug costs. Lawmakers borrowed parts of at least five different programsincluding Maine, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia and Illinois to come up with a plan that is sweeping and controversial.

Universal Health Foes Linked To Drug Industry

In a twist on a publicity stunt popularized by proponents of health care reform, a Canadian doctor and 12 of his patients recently traveled from New Brunswick to Maine, warning Americans not to adopt a Canadian-style universal health system. But a closer look at the group reveals ties to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.

Maine Welfare Mom Defies Stereotypes

Heidi Hart grew up in a family that got food stamps and government-supplied commodities like powdered milk, peanut butter and large blocks of cheese. Then she became a mom at age 16. Nine years later, Hart has a college degree and is happily raising a 9-year-old daughter . She works at a child and substance abuse prevention program in Maine and has plans to go to law school or get a master's degree. How did she do it? Hart had something that welfare moms in many other states don't have.

Maine Computer Project Engages Students

When they arrive for the first day of school this week, 18,000 Maine seventh graders will find a new laptop computer on their desk, thanks to a state program designed to arm them with the best technological skills in the world.

On The Record: Maine Human Services Chief Kevin Concannon

Maine may not be seen as a state with a whole lot of political muscle, given its small population and remote location. But in the struggle to get a grip on skyrocketing prescription drug costs, it has become a modern-day Hercules. Maine has put in place programs such as its Physician Directed Drug Initiative, which encourages doctors to use lower cost medications. And with its Maine Rx program which aims to control drug prices, it has angered pharmaceutical manufacturers and sparked a lawsuit. Department of Human Services Chief Kevin Concannon, who oversees the state's Medicaid program, recently spoke with Stateline.org on what's happening in Maine.

Maine A Pacesetter In Rights For Disabled

In a 5-4 ruling last February, the U.S. Supreme Court held that states are exempt from the Americans With Disabilities Act, a federal law that protects handicapped citizens from job discrimination. The ruling could affect the disabled in many states, but not those who live in Maine. It acted to guarantee rights for the disabled even before Congress tackled the issue.

Maine Rx Program Buoyed by Court Decision

Maine is moving to implement a prescription drug cost control program following a U.S. appeals court ruling against the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which had sued to block Maine Rx. Kevin Concannon, commissioner of the Maine Department of Human Services, called Wednesday's decision by a three-judge panel to lift an injunction that had put the controversial program on hold "unambiguously a grand slam."

Appeals Court To Rule on Maine Rx Program

In the latest round of legal sparring between prescription drug makers and state officials, Maine was back in the courtroom Monday in the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, fighting to keep a new prescription drug program alive. In the opposite corner, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) maintained that the state's program is unconstitutional.

Budget Squeeze Threatens Maine Laptop Plan

Theres nothing like a severe economic slowdown to change state lawmakers from patrons to pikers. When the Maine Legislature set aside $30 million last June to begin funding a first-in-the-nation program to provide 34,000 laptop computers for every seventh and eighth grade student in the state, there was a healthy budget surplus. But then the economy headed south, and with it went the legislative enthusiasm.

States Slowly Erasing Word 'Squaw' From Maps

Detailed maps of the United States like those produced by the U.S. Geological Survey show more than 1,000 different geographical features from towns to mountains to creeks and reservoirs that have "Squaw" in their names. But by January 2001 there will be about 25 fewer with the word for woman that Native Americans find offensive, thanks to legislation enacted in Maine earlier this month.

Fighting Sprawl: A View From The Trenches

The growing pains of a small rural New England town offer a microcosm of the debate about sprawl. The writer of this report, a veteran newspaper and television newsman, provides a first-hand perspective of the complexity of managing growth amid competing interests even in tiny Durham, Maine.

Maine Experiments With RX Price Law

There is nothing small about the battle set to begin in a federal courtroom in Bangor. It pits the State of Maine against the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, and its outcome could affect the price and availability of prescription drugs nationwide. A trade organization representing about 100 of the largest drug companies is challenging Maines first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs. The "Maine Rx Program" was passed by the Legislature and signed by Independent Gov. Angus King last May.

On The Record: Maine State Sen. Chellie Pingree

Over the past year, the cost of prescription drugs has become a white-hot issue in state legislatures across the country. The issue is now a focus of the presidential race. Stateline.org spoke by telephone with Maine Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree, a Democrat who spearheaded the effort behind the Pine Tree State's first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs, to talk about the new Maine law, about how the issue has taken off and what's likely to happen next.

Maine's Approach To Prescription Drugs Draws National Attention

Legislators in 20 states have announced efforts to lower prescription drug prices in present and upcoming legislative sessions. Joined by labor leaders and senior citizen activists, legislators announced plans to model their efforts after a law passed in Maine five weeks ago that established the nation's first program where the state negotiates prescription drug prices for residents.

Eye-Opening Maine Survey Samples Student Attitudes

An innovative program in Maine that tries to learn what adolescents are buoyed and bothered by could be one way to identify and deal with the kind of student alienation that all too often of late has resulted in tragedies like last week's high school massacre in Littleton, Colo. In this report from Orono, Maine, stateline.org special writer Sandor M. Polster takes a look at the program.

Maine Panel To Consider Legislative Reform

On Wednesday, July 14, a 10-member panel in Maine will begin examining whether the state legislature needs to make changes in the way it does business. The panel will look at everything from the how to make the lawmaking body more representative to the way its sessions are structured. In this special report, Sandor Polster explains what's behind this unusual exercise and decribes how it will work. For more information, click on

Maine Weighs Tightening Water Use Regulations

Unregulated diversion of water for farm irrigation, snowmaking and the maintenance of lush golf courses is a potential problem for state policy makers throughout the country. Sandor M. Polster, our correspondent in Maine, looked into what his state is preparing to do about it. For more information, click on