Stateline Headlines

Michigan, Wisconsin Return, Alaska Tackles Native Rights

Summer has officially come to an end for Michigan and Wisconsin lawmakers who began their fall legislative sessions this week. Also, Alaska started a special session on Wednesday so Gov. Tony Knowles could give lawmakers one last chance to pass a rural subsistence constitutional amendment and prevent a federal takeover of fish and game management in the state.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Several U.S. States Deemed Best Global Oil and Gas Investments

Oklahoma is the best place on earth to invest in oil and gas development, according to a survey of energy executives. Six other states joined it in the top 10.

E-Voting: States Better Get Ready, Experts Say

When it comes to Internet voting, Gov. George Pataki of New York and Gray Davis of California have a similar message: Proceed with caution. "We want to accelerate the pace of Internet voting," Davis said. But he stipulated that "we need to develop a secure, reliable system" before offering voters online ballots. Davis predicted that Californians would be voting via Internet within five to seven years, though some Internet executives expect it to happen a lot sooner.

New Jersey First In School Spending

When it comes to per pupil school spending, New Jersey is at the head of the class. The Garden State spent $10,283 per student in 2000, outdoing second-ranked New York by $244, according to a new Census Bureau report on public education.

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.

Four States Consider Income Tax; Four States Reject It

Facing education funding woes and a variety of budget shortfalls, lawmakers in New Hampshire and three other states that do not collect income taxes considered reversing course this year--and in each case defeated or abandoned those plans for fear of retribution from the voters. To read about this politically perilous policy issue, click on

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Minnesota, West Virginia, Washington Adjourn; Alaska In Special Session

While Minnesota's governor and lawmakers celebrate the end of a legislative session that gave citizens the largest tax cut in state history, Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles has ordered his legislature to continue work in a special session until they forge a long-term budget plan. West Virginia and Washington lawmakers wrapped up special sessions this week by passing compromise bills on nagging issues, bringing to 27 the number of legislatures which have completed work for the year. For more information, click on

Massachusetts, Alaska Join States In Mandating Diabetes Coverage

Diabetics with insurance can now count on having their health plans cover the disease in 40 states. Massachusetts Gov. Paul Cellucci Thursday (5/4) and Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles last month signed bills that require health insurers to provide coverage for diabetes.

Some Rookie Governors Fumble

From Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) indulging in $12,000 drapes for his office to Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) enraging labor supporters with his first veto, some of this year's freshmen governors have gotten off to a wobbly start.

Are There Enough Docs for the Newly Insured?

After Massachusetts started rolling out its 2006 law to ensure that nearly every one of its residents had health insurance, the sudden influx of newly insured patients created long waits to see primary care doctors. Now, physicians worry the entire country could see the same thing happen when the recently passed national health law takes full effect in 2014.

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

LePage Struggles to Fill Maine Cabinet Due to Salary Concerns

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine's governor-elect says top choices for key roles have turned him down, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell promises a fight with the feds over Medicaid funding, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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

Western Governors Wary of Federal Road-Free Forest Plan

A nervous group of Western governors says a Clinton administration proposal to make 54 million acres of national forest road-free would wreak havoc with logging, mining and tourism taking place on adjoining state and private property.

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.

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.

California Lawmakers Adjourn, Others Face Special Sessions

As California wrapped up its legislative season, lawmakers in Missouri, Alaska and Delaware were preparing for special sessions. In California, landmark legislation was approved that will lead to sweeping nursing home reforms.

California, New Jersey Offer Low-Fee Unemployment Cards

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: California and New Jersey offer the best prepaid cards with the fewest fees to access unemployment benefits … Florida uses Twitter to help find homes for foster children ... Nine states could face penalties for missing welfare's work participation thresholds, and other social policy news.

What's the Fuss Over Lieutenant Govs?

Naming a new lieutenant governor in California has been no easy task. At one point last month, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democratic leaders of the Assembly fought over whether the Assembly had actually approved Schwarzenegger's pick for the post. In California, as in several other states, it's hard to keep in mind that the lieutenant governor's office is primarily designed to be a sort of insurance policy in case something happens to the governor. Instead, in several states like California, the position recently has been a political liability. The intrigue is even more baffling because many of the most hotly contested fights are in states where the lieutenant governor's powers are relatively weak.

Divisive Arizona legislature ends on congenial note

House, Senate approve $8.8B Arizona budget, but foes lining up over Medicaid inclusion

Arizona House passes school bonds bill

A ‘second Bill of Rights’ in Arizona?

Lawmakers to review prison expansion project

Dire warnings of Prop. 100 foes didn’t come to pass

As lawmakers deadlock, Arizona students take college debt fight to Washington

Actually, you like Obamacare. Just ask Brewer.

Political winds keep anti-medical marijuana measure off November ballot, lawmaker says

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.

Serving the Wide Open Spaces

Representing rural constituents is a chore when it takes a day's drive for a legislator to reach them. The problem is about to get worse.

Kelly plans bill to keep names of those who sign initiatives, referenda private

BLM is creating plan for central and northern Alaska lands

Gov. Parnell reappoints Fairbanks residents to board aviation board

Alaska receives donation for debris removal

Official: Competing applications could slow LNG project

It's called lite gov for the workload

State relaxes Kodiak Island sockeye fishery

Lt Gov. certifies pot application

Parnell seeks federal disaster declaration

Due date approaches for agreement on Alaska LNG project

Standard procedure: No leaflets in state Capitol Building?

University shows lack of integrity in Cobb case

Parnell extends disaster declaration for flooding

Palin returns to Fox News after brief split

Back to work

UAF solar project derailed by regents

Governor signs bill modernizing trust and estate laws

State investing in sound, scientific fishery research

Judge holding board to redistricting timeline

Democrats criticize Gov.'s tax bill

Parnell signs bill to extend state’s contract with Flint Hills

Parnell signs bill to fight sex trafficking

Alaska National Guard soldiers train in Idaho

NPR-A plan strikes good development-conservation balance

Western senators press Obama to block proposed Alaska mine

Obesity rate declines for some Alaska children

Parnell looks to Europe for insight on oil tax policy

Does Pebble have plan? Depends on who's asking

Lawmakers want to renovate, expand their Anchorage offices

Alaska candidates begin positioning themselves for 2014 campaigns

State looking for counsel for ethics complaints

State admits error in prior case for man accused in double murder

Valley Democrat announces bid for lieutenant governor

Renovations, removal of soil believed contaminated planned at Alaska Governor's Mansion

An elections map: Redistricting board needs to get moving

State reports on censorship of anti-abortion protest

Talerico leaves Rep. Isaacon's staff for private position

State approves land-use request by Navy SEALs

McGuire files to run for lieutenant governor

Alaska Tea Party launches salvos at Common Core education standards

Time right for Alaska, BP says

After filing for statewide office, Anchorage mayor undecided on run, he says

Renovations planned at Governor's Mansion

Parnell breaks ground at Special Olympics ceremony

Opponents of Alaska oil tax legislation seek to get referendum on 2014 ballot

Redistricting board plans to meet on schedule

Redistricting Board rehires former executive director

How often is Alaska the coldest state? Ask USA Today

Alaska lobbying group quietly plows ahead to open ANWR

Do national education standards pose new target for Alaska tea partiers?

BP plans $1 billion investment in Alaska as state lowers taxes

Critics say alcohol control board too lenient

Alaska Gambles With Major Oil Tax Cut

A multi-billion dollar tax experiment could make or break Alaska’s economy and provide a lesson for other states.

Alaska State of the State Address 2013

Following is Alaska Governor Sean Parnell's (R) 2013 State of the State Address

Next Elections: Races for Legislative Leadership

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

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.

In Alaska, Bipartisanship on the Ballot

An unusual coalition of Republicans and Democrats has led the Alaska Senate for six years, but many conservative Republicans hope it won’t continue for a seventh.

Alaska State of the State Address 2011

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sean Parnell's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor Treadwell, fellow Alaskans, thank you for joining us. The State of the State address is a time to take stock of the progress we've made together. In

Alaska State of the State Address 2010

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sean Parnell's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Craig Campbell, President Gary Stevens, Speaker Mike Chenault, cabinet members, legislators, my family - Sandy, Grace and Rachel. Thank you for joining us. Tonight, we r

Alaska State of the State Address 2009

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 22 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Thank you. Our good Lieutenant Governor Parnell, President Stevens, Speaker Chenault, lawmakers, Native Leaders, my dea

Alaska State of the State Address 2008

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site and hear audio of the address. Lieutenant Governor, members of the 25th Alaska State Legislature and all Alaskans, thank you for this opportunity to spe

Alaska State of the State Address 2007

JUNEAU , Alaska , Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's (R) 2007 state of the state address. Click here to access the governor's state of the state web site to view and hear the address. Good evening. It is an honor to stand before you tonight. Lt Governor Parnell. Madame Pre

Alaska State of the State Address 2006

Tonight I would like to thank the Legislature for your strong support of the priorities of this administration: • adding to Alaska's transportation infrastructure, with the approval of last year's capital budget which relieved significant congestion in the Mat-Su Valley, Anchorage, Kenai and Fairbanks • increasing edu

Alaska State of the State Address 2005

Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, and members of the Alaska Legislature Welcome back to Juneau and thank you for the opportunity to deliver this State of the State address and to all Alaskans a Happy New Year. First I'm pleased to introduce my partnerNancy. Last year in July we shared our 50th Wedding Anniversary with a big

Alaska State of the State Address 2004

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 13 - Following is the full text of Alaska Gov. Frank H. Murkowski's (R) 2004 State of the State address: Happy New Year to all of you. The good news is there are only 17 more Saturdays until the Session ends. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker and members of the Alaska State Legislature I appreci

Alaska State of the State Address 2002

JUNEAU, Alaska – Jan. 16 - Following is the full text of Gov. Tony Knowles' 2002 State of the State Address, delivered on Jan. 16: Lt. Governor Ulmer, President Halford, Speaker Porter, members of the 22nd Alaska Legislature, my cabinet, my wife Susan, our daughter Devon, fellow Alaskans. Good evening. I'm

Alaska State of the State Address 2001

JUNEAU, Alaska - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Tony Knowles 2001 State of the State Address: Lt. Governor Ulmer, Senate President Halford, House Speaker Porter, members of the 22nd Alaska Legislature, my cabinet, my wife Susan, our children - Devon, Luke and Sara - and fellow Alaskans. Good evening.