Stateline Headlines

Drones, Fences and Sensors Influence Immigration Debate

Border security is a big part of the immigration overhaul. But who will define it?

After Years of Defeats, Immigrants Win Big State Victories in 2013

Arizona’s immigration crackdown is a fresh memory for many, but now many states are passing immigrant-friendly laws. Find out what is driving the change.

The 5 States Most Vulnerable to Sequestration’s Education Cuts

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

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.

Border Plan Reignites an Old Debate

President Bush's plan to send 6,000 National Guard troops to the Southern border has rekindled debate in states about the role of the Guard, particularly on whether the new assignment will strain a force drained by extensive deployments. But some governors called the plan a bold step in the right direction.

States make gift cards friendlier to consumer

Pleased with that $30 gift card you got for Christmas? Not so fast. Some cards come with expiration dates or maintenance fees that can make using them a hassle. But some states have made life a little easier by limiting those fees and expirations.

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.

States Get More Time to Decide If They Will Run Their Own Health Insurance Exchanges

Only a few new states have opted to build and operate their own insurance exchanges. More are taking a wait and see approach.

In Palin Ruling, Alaska Supreme Court OKs Personal Email for State Business

The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday said state officials may use personal email accounts to conduct official business, but some emails sent from private accounts may be subject to open records law.

Western Governors University Improves Its Grade

Western Governors University, an online academic institution established by 19 states in 1997, has more than doubled its enrollment in the past year to 3,000 students. The surge in enrollment came as e-learning at colleges and universities across the country recorded a dramatic rise. While the number of students taking courses on the Internet is increasing, academics and entrepreneurs disagree over whether the trend is good or bad.

Alaska Tops in Federal Dollars, Census Says

The federal government spent about twice as much per capita in Alaska than in Nevada where per capita federal spending was less than $5,000 last year, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report released April 23.

Western Mines Drive Up Toxic Releases, EPA Says

Americans might have been exposed to a higher level of toxic chemicals and chemical compounds in 1999 than they were the year before, according to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data. The nations industries generated 7.77 billion pounds of toxic chemicals and compounds in 1999, a 5.3 percent jump from 1998 due largely to increases in emissions and solid waste disposals from metal mining facilities in the West.

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.

Palin strikes a pose in Vogue

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) is set to join the glitterati in the fashion magazine Vogue. Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) gets a whole bunch of charcoal for Christmas. And New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) wins a New Hampshire primary. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

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.

Issue To Watch: Gun Regulation

Gun legislation moved to the top of the list for many state lawmakers after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December.

Health Care Data Website Unveiled

Did you know Arizona, New Mexico and Texas have the largest percentages of people without health insurance or that Connecticut, New Hampshire and New York spend the most Medicaid money per person of all the states? If you didn't know those bits of trivia, the Kaiser Family Foundation can help you track that information and more. Check out the group's new website known as State Health Facts Online.

Season's Greetings

function holidays() { javascript:mywindow=window.open('http://archive.stateline.org/flash-data/xmascards.swf','mywindow','width=800,height=700,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no,status=no,toolbar=no,resizable=no');mywindow.focus();screen_height = window.screen.availHeight; screen_width = window.screen.availWidth; left_point = parseInt(screen_width/2)-(800/2); top_point = parseInt(screen_height/2)-(700/2); setTimeout('mywindow.moveTo(left_point,top_point)',100);void(0); } For a holiday treat, Stateline.org presents a gallery of governors' greeting cards: from hand-painted pictures by Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) to a recipe from outgoing Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R). Tour the interactive card gallery and learn more by reading the story.

Q&A: How Concerned Should Americans Be About Mexican Drug Violence?

As the Obama administration unveils a new plan to fight surging drug violence in Mexico, Stateline.org asked several experts for their thoughts on the scope of the problem.Inside, Arizona state Rep. Ray Barnes (R), New Mexico state Sen. Cisco McSorley (D) and James Jay Carafano of the Heritage Foundation talk about how concerned Americans should be.

Q&A: Should Armed Guard Troops Be Sent to Mexico Border?

Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) recently asked the federal government to send 1,000 armed National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent drug violence from spilling over into the United States. The Obama administration is weighing Perry's request. Stateline.org asked several experts whether they think armed citizen soldiers should be sent to the border.Inside, New Mexico Attorney General Gary King (D); Arizona state Rep. Ray Barnes (R); James Jay Carafano of the Heritage Foundation; El Paso, Texas, Mayor John Cook; and Randall Rhyne, president, Texas Narcotics Officers' Association talk about whether the National Guard should be sent to the border.

Election Officials Report Mixed Success on Reform

Members of the National Association of State Election Directors, a reform-minded group long before last year's presidential election mess in Florida, met in Arkansas last weekend (July 14-15) to compare notes on the progress of election reform around the country -- and found there was little to cheer about.

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.

Secretaries of State Weigh in on Election Reform

To avoid a repeat of the voting problems that plagued Florida and other states in the 2000 presidential election, top state election officials want statewide uniformity in voting equipment, poll worker training and ballots. A state-by-state guide to improving elections was adopted by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) at the group's annual meeting in mid-July.

More States Climb On Electric Deregulation Bandwagon

Arkansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Delaware passed laws in 1999 that deregulate their electric utilities, bringing to 23 the number of states that now embrace the policy. But not everyone is ready to take the leap. Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns appeared before Congress to state his misgivings about opening his state's electric industry to retail competition. To learn more, click on

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).

Issue To Watch: School Testing

A number of states are pushing to up the stakes on reading tests for younger students and assign letter grades to schools.

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.

Indian Gaming Revenues Spark New Sovereignty Fight

Native American tribes and state governments are fighting over back casino payments in New Mexico. Kansas Gov. Bill Graves is going to court to keep two Oklahoma tribes from opening casinos in his state. California's Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional last fall's Proposition 5, which allowed Indian gambling. These are just a few of the flashpoints in an increasingly bitter dispute over burgeoning revenues from Indian casinos. For more information, click on

WORTH NOTING: Gov Targeted in Critic's Galaxy

A New Jersey mayor shifts his aim from a planet to a politician. California's budget troubles are as bad as what? And a problem gambler gets more help than he wanted to kick the habit. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Former GOP Govs Show Rift in Party

Ideological rigidity is forcing Republicans to become independents, the former GOP governor of California says, while the former GOP governor of New Mexico wins the nomination to run for president under the Libertarian label.

Weekly Wrap: Doing the Math on State Jobs

State and local governments are not gaining employees recently; officials worry about revenue loss from tax breaks; Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell discovers 40 pounds of fat to cut.

Weekly Wrap: Rising Medicaid Bill a Growing Concern for States

New Mexico's human services secretary warns of an impending Medicaid crisis. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) solicits tips for fixing the Golden State, in 140 characters or less. And nearly two months into the new fiscal year, three states still have no budgets.

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)

Thank God It's Furlough Friday?

TODAY'S TAKE: Today (April 2) is another Furlough Friday in California and New Mexico - two states that are employing a common cost-cutting strategy by having their workers take regular, unpaid days off. As The Wall Street Journal reports, it's not a bad deal for some state workers, either, as they're spending more time with their families and finding that businesses are targeting them for special offers.

States Retool Food Stamp, Benefits Systems

A number of states used to make food stamp recipients pass a fingerprint test. Now all but one has stopped, to save on staff time and ease the burden on the clients.

West braces for fire threat

Western States See Natural Gas Drilling Boom

High prices, rising demand and static domestic supplies of cleaner-burning natural gas are fueling a drilling bonanza across the West and setting up a potential battle between gas companies and a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists.

Voters in Pa, Colo., and NM Could Have Trouble at Polls

Sept. 3, 2008, 4:15 p.m. EDTMINNEAPOLIS - Which states will see problems at the polls in November? Some advocates expect voting glitches in a few key swing states where tight contests are expected between presidential candidates Barack Obama (D) and John McCain (R). The battleground states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio and south Florida all have a history of problems administering elections and are the states to watch in 2008, said Mike Slater, executive director of Project Vote, a Washington, D.C.,-based group that aims to get more low-income and minority Americans to vote. "All of this counts when the votes are very close," Slater said. As Stateline.org reported in a story earlier this summer, this year's presidential primaries showed that the problems that made headlines in the past - with voter registration rolls, identification requirements and voting machines - have been upstaged by a new difficulty. The huge turnout during the primaries overwhelmed some states and counties. "I think Pennsylvania is the real sleeper," said Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting, which advocates for voter-verified paper ballots for all U.S. elections. She said that while Florida last year added paper trails to electronic voting machines and Ohio is addressing security issues, only about a dozen counties in Pennsylvania have systems that allow votes to be verified. Slater and Smith made their comments during a Sept. 1 panel session here convened by electionline.org, a project of the Pew Center on the States that tracks election reform efforts. Both electionline.org and Stateline.org are funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts. - Pamela M. PrahComments

Report: Voting Glitches Could Disrupt Election

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

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

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

Several States Quick to Opt for No Child waivers

TODAY'S TAKE: Connecticut, Oregon, New Mexico and Wisconsin immediately said they would seek waivers from key requirements of the No Child Left Behind law, an option announced by the president on Friday (September 23).

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

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

States Ask Hospitals to Come Clean

Faced with a modern-day medical challenge, states increasingly are taking steps to track the number of patients who acquire serious infections while hospitalized. Eight states -- including four with new laws this year -- now require hospitals to tally their infection rates, amid indications that the cost of these medical complications -- in both dollars and lives -- is mounting.

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.

Budget Cuts Hitting Poor in Unusual Ways

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: As more legislatures finish their budgets, programs that help the poor in Kansas and Florida are among those getting scaled back or eliminated altogether.

Fate of Florida Commuter Rail Line Up to Governor

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Florida's governor weighs the arguments for a commuter rail line ... California regulators deal with the unintended consequences of a clean fuel requirement … Minnesota drivers could be caught in traffic if a budget is not passed on time, and other transportation news.

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 Lock Out Drunk Drivers

Most states now have laws that can order drunk drivers to use in-car breathalyzers, called ignition interlocks, that prevent cars from starting if alcohol is detected. While some laws are more lenient, seven states require the ignition interlocks for all first-time convictions.

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.

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.

Crime Lab Backlogs Extend Beyond DNA

State and federal lawmakers are trying to reduce backlogs in unanalyzed DNA evidence even as more common forms of forensic data are being neglected, crime lab directors say.

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.

Democratic Governors Push Agenda

Seeking to play a larger role in the national political arena, Democratic governors met in Washington, DC, Monday to weigh in on the debate over economic stimulus, saying the economy needs greater public investment in roads and schools and not just more tax cuts.

WORTH NOTING: Missouri Sets Sights on Kansas Rivals

A Missouri legislator proposes hunting down Kansas' mythological Jayhawk. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) catches flak for arrests outside a toll hike hearing. And New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) sprouts a new beard. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

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.

Delegates Speak: Issues Facing the States

Aug. 27, 2008, 4:00 p.m. EDT Q. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? Wisconsin on jobsKeeping jobs in America. It is so important. We are losing jobs in Wisconsin. We have a GM plant (in Janesville) that is going to close down. And those are thousands of jobs. We also have a paper factory who has left us. We have another one that planning on closing. We also have small cheese factories that have closed. We don't have jobs for these people to go to. You can retrain them on jobs … skills and things. But where do they go for jobs? The jobs are not there. They are going to either overseas, or just gone... That is the biggest concern. Because if you don't have a job, you have nothing. You can't go the store and buy the bread and milk that we need to survive, or the food. And you can't, of course, afford mortgages. ... You can't even rent if you don't have a job. ... You have to have a job to survive in life. -Wisconsin delegate Mary Goulding of Greenbay, 57, secretary with the public school district interviewed by Barbara Rosewicz, Stateline.org Maine on energy Energy costs are a strong issue for me because obviously we have cold winters and not a lot of people. There's the whole discussion about being on the energy grid and how we can leverage that and get our money's worth, but the good side is that we are uniquely positioned for wind energy and tidal energy, and I really believe Barack Obama is committed to renewable energy and not just drilling and trying to find more oil in our oceans.-Maine delegate Jennifer DeChant, 35, of Bath interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org New Mexico on health careI have four children and six grandsons.Seniors need help. If they don't get it, they are burdens to their families. In New Mexico, jobs aren't good enough for employers to pay employees adequate health insurance. -New Mexico delegate Mary Gail Gwaltney of Las Cruces, 73, retired interviewed by Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.org AFTER THE JUMP: Audio and photos from the interviews Comments

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

More States Announce Mid-Year Cuts

As new holes emerge in their budgets, more and more states are making spending cuts well before their legislatures reconvene next year. Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Missouri are the latest.

Govs' Gaffes Sometimes Overshadow Policies

When Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, recently told a group of high school girls its about time a woman became governor of the Sunshine State, he apparently forgot about Janet Reno, a leading contender for the Florida Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Its not the first time a governor has put a proverbial foot in his or her mouth. And it wont be the last.

Southern, Western States Lag In Preventing Hunger

A report released this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture draws a map of a United States rimmed along the south and west by hunger, but increasingly plump and prosperous as you look north and east. As expected of the state that recently captured the unenviable title of the nation's poorest, New Mexico claims the highest rate of hunger. The upper Midwest boasts the most success in feeding the needy.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

U.S. Indian Schools Fear Funding Cuts

Of the 185 Indian schools in the United States managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the majority -- especially those in Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota -- face financial problems despite small improvements in funding.

Govs, Media - A Love, Hate Relationship

Some governors love talking policy with reporters, and others thirst for the spotlight. But mostly governors want to control what voters read and hear about them.

New 'Human Transporter' Getting Green Light

With a national lobbying effort clearing its path, a much-ballyhooed new "human transporter" called Segway is scooting through state legislatures, winning regulatory changes that allow it to be used on sidewalks and other pathways frequented by pedestrians.

Death Penalty: Will Other States Follow N.J.?

A year after New Jersey became the first state in a generation to repeal the death penalty, capital punishment opponents in Maryland and New Mexico are pointing to recent political developments in their states as a sign they could be next.

States Tackling Public Employee Retirement Benefits in 2010

Since legislatures convened last month, at least 16 states are weighing changes to their worker pension plans. Employees, retirees and unions say they will contest some of the proposals.

N.M. job picture still tough

New Mexico governor to speak to Ohio GOP event

Proposed frack rules draw fire

New Mexico changing its plans for health exchange

Tax and Rev Department must account for money

NM official: Tax package saved jobs

Gov.: Skandera now ‘Secretary of Education’

Nation’s largest uranium mine planned for N.M.

N.M. job picture still tough

Report shows jobs boost in New Mexico

Former NM insurance superintendent on panel that will select next state insurance regulator

Look to WIPP for safe storage of nuke waste

New Mexico high court considers appeal on back pay, raises

State drought conditions worse each week

State scores ‘F’ on campaign reporting

State to require water meters

Furloughs for 7,000 N.M. workers to hit in July

Correra’s wife alleges New Mexico tax probe

High court hears back pay arguments

Gambling oversight boost urged

Lt. Gov. visits Ruidoso to hear concerns

Report: State’s shortage of medical care will grow

Tax bill report ahead of vote was faulty

Legislative auditors fault N.M. gambling regulators

Furloughs for 7,000 N.M. workers to hit in July

Apology given for tax bill information

State agency seeks court ruling on hunting license quotas

HUD threatens to withhold funds from state

Reform pensions for legislators

NM land office brings in more than $45M in April

N.M. tea party group says it was IRS target

Health exchange faces challenges

Rep. Pearce files bill to expand WIPP mission