Stateline Stories

Legislatures Consider Limits on Prisoner Deportations Through Secure Communities

As Congress considers major revisions to federal immigration laws, legislators in a few states are trying to curb the federal government’s power to deport immigrants who land in jail.

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.

Transit Repair Backlog Will Get Renewed Focus

The condition of bus and train transit systems will soon draw more attention because of a new federal law. The extra scrutiny could put pressure on state lawmakers to address their share of a $78 billion national backlog of transit repairs and upgrades.

Best of #StateReads: Why Colorado Children Die of Abuse and Neglect

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.

Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001–2012

Private, independent credit rating agencies evaluate states’ financial health. States with the lowest grades typically have trouble keeping their spending in line with their tax revenues.

Governor Touts Massachusetts’ Success, Stumps for Obama

Americans will decide the fate of the American Dream this November, said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in a speech to a progressive legal society in Washington, D.C. Thursday.

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.

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.

Digital Billboards Get Green Light

LOS ANGELES - As the federal government gives the go-ahead for digital billboards, states consider their safety and visual impact. Industry advocates support the new technology, while critics say the signs distract drivers and "clutter" the landscape.

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.

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.

States Cope With Rising Homelessness

As many as 3.4 million Americans are likely to experience homelessness this year - a 35 percent increase since the recession started in December 2007 - and a majority will be families with children. The economic stimulus package includes $1.5 billion to address the problem, but officials say it's not enough to cover the cost of housing for millions of families in crisis.

Tracking the Recession: Stimulus Helps Revive Summer Youth Jobs programs

With many low-wage jobs snatched up by college graduates, senior citizens and laid-off workers of all ages, young job seekers have a less-than-30-percent chance of finding work this summer. But thanks to $1.2 billion in federal stimulus funds, states are revitalizing summer job programs to give disadvantaged youths a shot at finding a career.

Budget Cuts Drive DMV Changes

Drivers going to the department of motor vehicles will likely face longer lines and higher service fees in several states as recession-ravaged budgets force the shutdown of branch offices, a reduced work force and the need to raise revenue.

Census Bureau Reports on States Tax Burden

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

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.

Alaska, Massachusetts Governors Sell Budgets with Advertising

Looking to win popular support for their budget programs this spring, GOP governors in Alaska and Massachusetts bypassed journalists and went directly to citizens through unprecedented paid advertisements in newspaper and on radio and television.

Women Could Win Big On Nov. 5

Voters in nine states will determine on Nov. 5 whether 2002 will live up to its billing as "the year of the woman governor."

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.

New Federal Rules Force Action In Alaska, Wisconsin

New federal regulations that arrive with the onset of the fiscal year, Friday, October 1, forced decisions by lawmakers in Wisconsin and Alaska this week. In Alaska, lawmakers let a deadline imposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior pass, letting the federal government assume control of fisheries. In Wisconsin, where the Assembly and Senate are still divided over a budget for the state fiscal year that began July 1, Gov. Tommy Thompson prompted lawmakers to appropriate $46 million in welfare money.

Once, Twice, Three Times a Gov?

Among the fresh faces running in the nation's 36 gubernatorial races this year are three who have seen it all before - because they used to be governors. Former Govs. Tony Knowles (D) of Alaska, Don Siegelman (D) of Alabama and William Weld (R) of Massachusetts are seeking second shots at their old jobs. Since 1977, 16 of 45 former state chief executives who have attempted gubernatorial comebacks have regained their seats.

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.

Issue To Watch: Immigration

Long-bottled-up bills that address state policies on whether to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students could become law this year, because of changes in party control of legislative chambers and changes in federal policy.

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 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.

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.

States Help Smokers Quit By Telephone

What do South Dakota and 32 other states have in common? The answer is surprisingly successful telephone hotlines that help smokers kick the habit.

Govs' Speeches Send Grads on Their Way

Like any graduating class, the crop of governors giving commencement addresses in 2007 had its own standouts.

California Reconsiders “Three Strikes”

Voters in California will decide whether to revise the state’s “three strikes” law, largely considered to be the nation’s harshest on repeat offenders. Polling is strong for revision, but many police officers, victims’ advocates and district attorneys oppose the change.

April Cruellest Month For State Budgets

April is the cruellest month, T.S. Eliot lamented in his epic 1922 poem, The Waste Land. State lawmakers might be inclined to agree after tallying up April income tax collections.

Same-Sex Couples Seek Marriage Rights

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

California Advances Gun Control, Two States Still Without Budgets

While lawmakers in Wisconsin and Massachusetts remain stalemated over the state budget, the California Legislature, in its second week back in session, has turned its attention to gun control -- again. Earlier this summer, the legislature completed work on two gun control measures, which Gov. Gray Davis, a Democrat, has already signed.

Commentary: Congress Encroaching on State Priorities

Far scarier than the economic downturn for states is the growing trend on the part of Congress to restrict state revenue and spending prerogatives and to replace them with congressional priorities, writes Raymond C. Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, in his latest commentary for Stateline.org. He cites provisions in two bills now making their way through Congress as important examples.

Voters Could Relax Marijuana Penalties

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues Ballot questions next month will give voters in California, Massachusetts and Michigan a chance to revisit their states' policies on marijuana. If approved, the measures are likely to exacerbate tensions between states and the federal government over the drug.

Sick Leave Tops State Labor Agendas

Now that a majority of states have boosted wages above the federal minimum, lawmakers in at least seven states want to guarantee workers paid sick days. Buoyed by overwhelming approval of a San Francisco ballot initiative that would allow workers at least nine sick days per year, lawmakers in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Vermont, Maine, Montana, Michigan and Maryland are expected to propose similar measures.

Furloughs Cut Into State Services

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

Weekly Wrap: Frustration Mounts

In some of the states hit hardest by the recession, frustration among voters and in the media over the way state government works - or doesn't work - seems to be boiling over.

Big States Staring at Big Corrections Cuts

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: California and Texas consider major changes to their prison systems … Illinois could join New Mexico and New Jersey as the only states to repeal the death penalty legislatively … the Massachusetts parole board resigns, and other public safety news.

Several States Crack Down on Human Trafficking

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: California, Massachusetts and Texas are among the states going after human traffickers, who pressure teens, runaways and others into the sex trade or forced labor.

Fiscal, Not Social Issues, Draw Ballot Attention

It's not abortion and gay marriage that citizens will be voting on at the polls this year. It's taxes and spending.

Drivers' Licenses Now a Tool for Homeland Security

Massachusetts and Colorado are ahead of other states in making their drivers licenses more secure since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Officials hope that state innovations in issuing drivers' licenses will serve as models as a new federal intelligence bill, signed Dec. 17 by President Bush, for the first time involves the federal government in setting nationwide standards for state-issued drivers documents.

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.

WORTH NOTING: Cream Pie on Gov's 4th of July

Vermont's governor unexpectedly gets pie in the eye. Ohio State University, a runner-up in football and basketball, earns a dubious top ranking in something else. And the National Football League raids the Pennsylvania State Police for talent. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Independents Making Noise on Gubernatorial Scene

With so many independents and third-party candidates for governor making a strong showing this year, now is a good time to ask: How do independents do as governor?

As Sandy Hook Students Return to School, Connecticut Governor to Launch Gun Violence Task Force

Still reeling from the elementary school massacre that shocked the nation, Connecticut has launched an expert panel that will study current policy and make recommendations on school safety, mental health and gun violence prevention, Governor Dan Malloy said Thursday.

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.

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.

Connecticut Tops in Teacher Pay, Educators' Union Says

Teachers in Connecticut continue to earn more than their peers in other states, a survey by the American Federation of Teachers, a union that represents more than one million educators, shows. The average Connecticut teacher's salary during the 1997-1998 school year - the latest time period for which there are figures - was $51, 727. South Dakota had the lowest average teacher salary -- $27, 839. The national average teacher's salary was $39,347, the AFT said.

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.

'You've Come a Long Way'

This has been a record year for women politicians. Five of the nation's governors are women, the highest percentage in American history and at least 23 female gubernatorial hopefuls are eyeing the 37 gubernatorial seats up for grabs in November 2002. In a number of states, for the first time, female Republicans and Democrats could be squaring off against each other in a bid for executive office.

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.

Delaware, Tennessee Legislatures Called Into Special Session

Education and tax reform are the topics of legislative special sessions in Delaware and Tennessee. Delaware's Democratic Gov. Thomas Carper summoned lawmakers back to work to consider his controversial plan to raise the standards and accountability required of teachers in his state, while Tennessee's Republican Gov. Don Sundquist is pushing for action on a tax reform plan. Meanwhile, Massachusetts legislators remain mired in a budget stalemate.

Govs set innovative agendas

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) wants to recruit 1000 volunteers to work on community projects across the Bay State. His proposal is among a long list of new initiatives unveiled by governors in announcing their agendas for 2007.

Attacks on Homeless Spur New Laws

A nationwide surge in violence against homeless people has at least six states considering stiffer punishments by adding attacks on the homeless to state hate crime laws.

States Press Congress for S-CHIP Fix

At least six states - Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island - are projected to run out of federal money for the State Children's Health Insurance Program by May, and they're looking to Congress to fix the problem quickly. But they're also asking for a long-term solution so states won't have to ask Congress to retool S-CHIP's funding formulas every year.

Cyber Cafe Gambling Gets Close Scrutiny

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Are Internet cafes that offer games with prizes really fronts for illegal gambling? From Ohio to Florida, states are vowing to crack down on what they worry is unlawful gaming activity.

Report: 9 states May Lose Under Bush Plan

Nine states would receive less money from Washington, D.C., if Congress adopts President Bush's 2007 budget proposal, while most others would see modest increases, suggests a new analysis by Federal Funds Information for States, a subscription service for state officials.

Spread of Soda Taxes Fizzles

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Taxes on soft drinks looked like the next big thing two years ago, but they haven't caught on yet.

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.

WORTH NOTING: Epic battle rages in Mass. House

A Massachusetts proposal to name "Moby Dick" the state's official book nearly sinks. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) says a football movie plays fast and loose with facts. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) gets an unexpected phone call. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

Deportation Record Has States Reconsidering Secure Communities

Three governors have pulled their states out of a federal immigration enforcement program because few of the people being deported were convicted of serious criminal offenses. Data show that an even greater proportion of low-level offenders have been deported from other states.

Indiana Gov Squashes VP Speculation

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said Sunday that if Mitt Romney asked him to be his running mate that he would “demand reconsideration” and send a list of people who “could suit better.” But he declined to say what names would

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.

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.

Tracking the Recession: Stimulus Police Funds Catch Legislators Off Guard

The influx of more than $4 billion in stimulus funding for state and local law enforcement initiatives has raised concerns among some state lawmakers who want a say in how the money is allocated and worry about what will happen when it runs out.

Health Exchange Head Start Reaps Dollars

Every state must have a health insurance exchange in operation by 2014. A few have received rewards for running ahead of schedule.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

Health Of Nation Measured In Report Card

A national report card on health places New Hampshire at the top of the list of states that have healthy residents with decent access to healthcare. Mississippi ranked 50th in the study sponsored by the United Health Group of Minneapolis. Minnesota, Utah and Massachusetts also ranked high among states for all round good health and longevity. Louisiana, South Carolina and West Virginia joined Mississippi at the bottom of the list.

GOP Governors Examined as Potential Running Mates

Several Republican governors have already taken their names out of consideration for the second spot on the national ticket.

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.

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 Slow To Tackle Campaign Finance Reform

When it comes to curbing the influence of special interest money in politics, state lawmakers are sometimes credited with doing more to end questionable practices than the U.S. Congress, which has voted to ban so-called soft money. But reform advocates say campaign fundraising is as open to mischief at the state level as the federal level and that change is unlikely anytime soon.

State Guard Units Filling Expanded Mission

The National Guard is not a part-time service for "weekend warriors" anymore, but an integral part of U.S. military missions worldwide. Filling jobs ranging from chaplains to postal workers, pilots to infantry troops, state National Guard members are on duty in the United States and 48 other countries, augmenting the nation's active duty force or dealing with the latest natural disasters.

Boston Bombings Show Future Use for Police Drones

The manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers has raised fresh questions about the use of domestic drones by law enforcement.

After Boston Bombings, a Failure of Communications

Congress approved $7 billion to build a national public safety broadband network, but making it work will require buy-in from 60,000 public safety agencies. The Boston Marathon bombings gave fresh urgency to the issue.

Balancing State and Federal Roles in Boston Bomber Case

Accused Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged with federal crimes of terrorism that carry the potential for a death sentence. Does it matter that Massachusetts doesn’t have the death penalty?

Security Cameras Were Key to Finding Boston Bombers

Will the successful use of video analysis to identify the suspect accused of planting explosives near the finish line of the Boston Marathon spark a new push for more surveillance cameras in American cities?

Mass. Health Connector, Other Innovations Honored

As the Obama administration and Congress debate the details of a national health care plan, the state that paved the way for universal coverage was honored in Washington, D.C.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2013

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- Jan. 16 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) State of the Commonwealth Address:

Following Outbreak, Massachusetts Seeks Tougher Oversight of Compounding Pharmacies

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has unveiled legislation aiming to plug a regulatory gap that allows compounding pharmacies to operate with little oversight.

Forensic Science Falls Short of Public Image (First of Two Parts)

Many juries depend on lab evidence to make a decision in a criminal trial. They don’t often realize how fragile the crime lab process actually is.

In Massachusetts, Mobilizing Private Investment for Public Good

Massachusetts to tap private investors who want to help pay for money-saving public programs

A New Battleground in 'Right to Die' Debate

Advocates of physician-assisted suicide are taking on entrenched opposition as they seek a high-profile victory in Massachusetts.

Mass. Governor Touts His Own—and Obama’s— Record at Convention

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick used the Democratic National Convention’s primetime spotlight to do more than predictably heap praise on Barack Obama and sling arrows toward Mitt Romney. In an 11-minute speech Tuesday night, Patrick also worked in plenty of kind words for his own administration.

Massachusetts Tackles Health Costs

Controlling health care expenses may be even harder than covering the uninsured. Massachusetts is launching the nation’s broadest effort.

In Massachusetts, No Signature for ‘3-Strikes’

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick says he won’t sign into law a “3-strikes” bill for criminal sentencing unless judges are granted more flexibility.

Massachusetts Inaugural Address 2011

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2011 second inaugural address (Massachusetts does not have a state of the state address in years in which a inaugural speech is given): Lt. Governor Murray, Fellow Constitutional Officers and Members of the Governor's Council; Madam Preside

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2010

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Madame President - there we go - Mr. Speaker, and all of the Members of t

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2009

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Madame President, Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House and Senate, Honorable Members of the Judiciary, Lieute

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2008

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 24 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2008 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Lieutenant Governor and Constitutional Officers, Madame President, Mr. Speaker and all of the Members of the Legislature, Chief J

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2007

BOSTON, Jan. 4 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Deval L. Patrick's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. President and Members of the Senate; Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Representatives; Lieutenant Governor and Members of the Governor's Council and the Cabinet; Madame Chief Justi

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2006

BOSTON, Mass Jan. 18 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitt Romney's 2006 State of the Commonwealth address: President Travaglini, Speaker DiMasi, members of the General Court, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: It's an honor to address you this evening. I also want to recognize my partner an

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2005

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitt Romney's (R) 2005 State of the Commonwealth address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Court and distinguished guests: Thank you for the role you play in a mission we all share making our Commonwealth strong. Tha

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2004

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan. 15 - Following is the full text of Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's (R) 2004 State of the State address: President Travaglini, Speaker Finneran, Lieutenant Governor Healey, Secretary of State Galvin, Attorney General Reilly, Treasurer Cahill, Auditor DeNucci, Minority Leader

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2003

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Feb. 25 - Following is the full text of Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's State of the State Address: President Travaglini, Speaker Finneran, Senator Lees, Representative Jones, members of the Legislature, honored guests and fellow citizens. Tonight, we know we face challenging times, but th

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2002

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Jane Swift's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President. Mr. Speaker. Minority Leaders. Distinguished Members of the Legislature and the Supreme Judicial Court. Constitutional Officers and Mayors of the Commonwealth. Fellow Citizens of Massachusetts

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2001

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Jan. 17 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul Cellucci's 2001 State of the Commonwealth Address: Lieutenant Governor Swift, Chief Justice Marshall, Speaker Finneran, President Birmingham, Congressman McGovern, Mayor Mariano, City Manager Hoover, my fellow constitutional officers, Republican l