Stateline Stories

States Use Driver's Education to Boost Organ Donation

Virginia is one of a handful of states that use drivers education as a vehicle to boost organ donation. At least eight others -- Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin have adopted similar policies in the past few years.

WORTH NOTING: 'Gas Pain' Troubles for Utah Governor

Utah's chief executive gives reporters too much information. An influential Idaho politician endorses two legislative candidates - for the same House seat. And Arkansas tourism officials are taking "Clinton Country" to the next level. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Govs Start to Back 2008 Candidates

Eleven governors have made endorsements in the 2008 presidential race so far, and the leading beneficiaries of early skirmishing for support from state leaders are Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton and Republican hopeful John McCain.

Study Grades States On Higher Education

Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, Kansas and Massachusetts get the highest grades in a new state-by-state report card that measures performance in higher education. According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, these six states do the best job of preparing students for post-high school education, providing academic opportunities, making them affordable, attaining a high graduation rate and reaping the benefits of an educated workforce. The lowest grades in the report entitled Measuring Up 2000 went to Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and West Virginia.

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.

Still Too Many Schools?

As states become determined to keep more school money inside the classroom, rather than in an administrative office, they are beginning to turn to the thorny issue of consolidation as a way to save on administrative costs. But consolidation of anything related to schools is notoriously difficult, and doesn't always turn out to provide the fiscal windfall states hope for. Implementation is fraught with complexities. Communities worry about the possibility of local schools closing even when it's promised that proposed changes would be largely administrative.

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.

Jobless Benefit Gap Opens Even As Recession Eases

Despite recent indications the national economy is pulling out of its nearly yearlong slump, unemployment is a continuing problem in the states, as more than a million laid-off workers have exhausted their jobless benefits in recent months.

Few States Regulate Outside Campaign Money

Out-of-state money is pouring into Florida to influence the outcome of the race for governor in the Sunshine State, which political experts regard as a a bellwether for the 2002 election and possibly the 2004 presidential race. It's a phenomenon that occurs in most states in election years.

With Rick Scott as Governor, Merit Pay Plan for Florida Teachers May Pass

TRANSITION WATCH: Florida conservatives are eager to revisit merit pay, Arizona's Republican Senate President breaks with business groups on tax incentives and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Surprisingly Small Tuition Increase in Connecticut

EDUCATION BEAT: Connecticut avoids big tuition hike ... School consolidation resisted in Arkansas ... New law cracks down on teacher strikes in Michigan, and other education news.

Govs' Travel Makes People Talk

Want to dodge congested airline ticket counters and long security lines? Fly on government aircraft or corporate jets? You might -- if you get yourself elected governor.

Governors Propose Major Tax Hikes

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

Homegrown Power Could Ease Energy Crunch

Homegrown electricity could be one ingredient used to combat the 21st century's expected energy crunch, easing the load on electrical grids with a system called "net metering," now legal in 34 states. Participants harvest wind and solar energy to fuel their homes and businesses and then sell any surplus back to utilities.

There’s an App for That State Service

States are increasingly turning to mobile applications to provide information and services to citizens.

Obama Administration Poised to Approve Arkansas-style Medicaid Expansions

The Obama Administration is inviting states to apply for Arkansas-style Medicaid expansions in an effort to woo those balking at traditional Medicaid expansion.

Expanding Medicaid with Private Insurance

Arkansas and Ohio are pursuing a “private option” for expanding Medicaid.

Arkansas Passes Nation’s Strictest Abortion Law

Arkansas legislature votes to override Gov. Mike Beebe’s veto, banning all abortions after 12 weeks.

Arkansas State of the State Address 2013

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Jan. 15 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jim Beebe's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

After Tax Hike, Arkansas Plans Highway Building Boom

Transportation funding advocates have suffered setbacks in several states recently. In Arkansas, they won big.

Following Racially Charged Writings, Three Arkansas Candidates Lose GOP Funding

Arkansas Republicans have run into a stumbling block in their quest to take control of the state legislature: the racially charged writings of three of their candidates for the statehouse.

State Scholarship Changes Could Cost Students

Legislators in Arkansas are considering tying scholarship levels to academic progress.

A New Health Care Initiative in Arkansas

Arkansas ranks near the bottom among states in health and income. But it’s much closer to the top when it comes to rising health care costs — they’ve doubled in just the past decade. Reduced benefits and lower provider fees have not halted the escalation.

Courts Struggle to Maintain Safety

No one is sure why, but courthouses are becoming more dangerous every year. Better security is needed, but security isn’t cheap.

Arkansas State of the State Address 2011

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and Senate, Constitutional Officers, Mr. Chief Justice,

Arkansas State of the State Address 2009

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and Senate, Constitutional Officers, Mr. Chief Justi

Arkansas State of the State Address 2007

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mike Beebe's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro-Tempore, Constitutional Officers, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the Co

Arkansas State of the State address 2005

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Jan. 11 - Following is the text of Gov. Mike Huckabee's (R) 2005 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and listen to the address. Gov. Rockefeller, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and House, members of the Supreme Court, Cabinet, distinguished guests, mem

Arkansas State of the State Address 2003

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas - Jan 14 - Following is the full text of Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee's 2003 State of the State address: Gov. Rockefeller, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the assembly, friends and special guests from the gallery and across our state: We come together today facing a budget crisis, a state

Arkansas State of the State Address 2001

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas - Jan. 9 - Following is the full text of Gov. Mike Huckabee's 2001 State of the State Address: First of all, let me extend my congratulations to all of you for your journey here through the election process. My congratulations go not only to you and your families but also to your constituents fo

Petition Drives to Ban Gay Marriage Succeeding

A state-by-state push for constitutional bans on same-sex marriage has met with success in Arkansas, Michigan, Montana and Oregon, where ballot initiative groups appear to have collected more than enough signatures to place amendments before voters in November. If validated by state election officials in these states, the number of states that will vote on constitutional gay marriage bans this fall will increase to 11.

Small Arkansas Schools Pay Big Price for New Money

Arkansas recently resolved a school finance lawsuit with a deal to pump an extra $370 million annually into public schools and make school funding the top state budget priority. But 57 small Arkansas school districts were eliminated as part of the agreement between Governor Mike Huckabee (R) and the General Assembly.

New Governors Off to School

Five of the nation's seven newly-elected governors will get introductory lessons this weekend in the fine art of leading a state. Governors-elect will meet for a National Governors Association (NGA) retreat in West Virginia to learn how to prepare the first family for life in the spotlight, deal with the media, shape their political agendas and work with legislatures.

Arkansas School Reform Fight Nears Turning Point

Gov. Mike Huckabee will decide within days whether to call the Arkansas legislature into special session on reforming a public school system the state Supreme Court has declared dysfunctional.

State Fiscal Prospects on the Upswing, NGA Says

States may finally be emerging from a three-year-long budget crisis, according to new reports from the National Governors Association and the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Their path out of the dense fiscal forest is being cleared by the improving national economy, prudent budgeting and a smattering of tax increases.

Conservative Governor Pushes for Higher Taxes, Education Funding Equity

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee is a bass guitar-playing Southern Baptist preacher whose classic rock band Capitol Offense covers songs by the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival. He's also a conservative Republican bucking traditional political labels by arguing for a 1-cent sales-tax increase and greater equity in education funding.

Governors Races Attract The Colorful

If a former pro wrestler nicknamed The Body can be elected governor, then why not a comedian, an ex-stripper, or a pistol packing candidate? They are among the more colorful contenders for high office this year.

Lt. Governors: Running In the Shadows

You may not know them, but theyre running for governor this year, trying to break out of the shadows cast by long-serving chief executives who, because of term limits or other reasons, arent running for re-election. They are lieutenant governors who have served without much recognition. Seven of them hope to change that on Nov. 5

Millions Potentially Affected By Medicaid Cuts

States are shrinking their healthcare programs for the poor to save money by eliminating services offered during the economically robust 1990s. So if youre an adult on Medicaid in Florida and you want dentures, you may soon be out of luck. Ditto if you get publicly financed home-based health care in Colorado and the state decides youre getting too many visits from caregivers. And if you live in Connecticut or Arkansas and you want a name-brand drug instead of a generic, the state may say "too bad."

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.

Conservative Governors Break Tax Orthodoxy

Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) and Connecticut Gov. John Rowland (R), two self-styled fiscal conservatives, have broken away from Republican Party orthodoxy and proposed significant tax increases as part of their budget plans for the year ahead.

State Policymakers Chart Untested Waters Around RU-486

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

Budget Resolution Ignores Election Reform

Neither President Bush's or Congress budget blueprint includes a dime for election reform initiatives. Senators nixed an 11th hour, Democrat-backed spending plan that would have allotted $500 million for national election reform efforts, moments before a deadline to vote on the fiscal 2002 budget resolution. The House resolution also omitted any reference to election reform. Though non-binding, budget resolutions serve as the basis for the work of Capitol Hill appropriators.

On the Record: Arkansas Secretary of State Sharon Priest

In her dual roles as Arkansas top election official and president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, Sharon Priest is an outspoken advocate of careful change in elections. Priest wants better cooperation between states and local jurisdictions in managing enormous voter registration files and coordinating poll worker recruitment and training. When it comes to Congress, however, Priest and many other secretaries want a helping hand without mandatory national standards or a federalized system of elections. To read an interview, click on

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.

America Under Fire: Huckabee of Arkansas Reflects,

The office of governor is powerful. But when they assumed office, none of the 50 men and women who occupy that office could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they have faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. We begin with Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

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.

Arkansas Gov To Call Modular Mansion Home

"It is NOT a trailer," declares Mrs. Janet Huckabee, wife of Republican Gov. Mike Huckabee, though it was she who initially teasingly cautioned reporters against calling the new temporary modular governor's mansion home a double-wide."It's a triple-wide," Mrs. Huckabee joked.

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

States Retool Welfare Under New TANF Rules

While most states are scrambling to meet stiff new federal standards for moving poor people from welfare to work, Georgia, Arkansas and New Hampshire already have revamped their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs to comply with the new rules. States that fail to meet the standards face hefty penalties starting Oct. 1.

Arkansas Leads in Low-Income Assisted Living

Arkansas is one of the few states to lure assisted-living developers to its rural communities, using tax credits, streamlined rules and flexible Medicaid reimbursement rates. At about half the price of nursing homes, the more flexible elder-care facilities offer states a shield against a predicted explosion in long-term-care expenses created by aging baby boomers and skyrocketing health care costs.

Governors' Inaugurations Take on Frugal Airs

President George W. Bush's inauguration took center stage in the nation's political arena, drawing most of the 28 Republican governors to Washington, D.C. But 11 recently elected governors threw inaugural parties of their own this month, each bringing his or her own style to the occasion, from collecting aid for tsunami survivors to a gala that garnered a visit from Elvis.

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).

Credit Crunch Hits States' College Loans

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

Arkansans Find Convention Bittersweet

DENVER - After the murder of the state party chairman, Bill Gwatney, Arkansas' delegates honor his memory at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Arkansas Delegation Coping with Death of Leader

Aug. 26, 2008, 4:00 p.m. EDTDENVER - The trip to Denver has been bittersweet for Arkansas' Democratic delegates. They just buried their party chairman, Bill Gwatney, last week. He was fatally shot Aug. 13. Read more in Arkansans find convention bittersweet. --Stephen C. Fehr Comments

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.

Govs' Speeches Send Grads on Their Way

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

States test pandemic plans with free flu shots

As flu season nears, some states are offering free immunization programs that double as tests of their emergency response plans for a flu pandemic or bioterrorism attack. Arkansas last month conducted the largest vaccination drive in the country, delivering more than 100,000 shots across the state in a three-day emergency response drill.

Ark., Wash. Trade Blame Over Suspect

TODAY'S TAKE: The fatal shooting of four police officers in Washington state this week has set off angry finger-pointing between Washington and Arkansas over why the suspect in the killings -- a man convicted of at least five felonies in Arkansas and charged with at least eight more in Washington this year alone -- was not behind bars.

Arkansas Asks Voters for Highway Money

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Arkansas voters will get a chance to decide whether better roads are worth a tax increase ... Florida's decision to give back federal high-speed rail money has other states scrambling for the funds … Officials in the Northwest and Midwest explore public-private partnerships for new projects, and other transportation news.

Health Care Law is Bigger Challenge for Some States

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

Balloting for the Busy

As early voting, mail-in voting and other more convenient means of casting ballots become common, the old-fashioned precinct polling place is going out of style.

Jurors on the Internet: A Dilemma for Courts

Most jurors are warned not to use electronic media to discuss a case while they are trying it. But some just ignore the warnings.

The Arkansas Approach: How One State Has Avoided Fiscal Disaster

Arkansas defaulted on its debt in the 1930s. The painful memory of that experience has been a help to its budget process ever since.

In Tough Economy, Arkansas' Lottery Launch Exceeds Expectations

Arkansas is the latest state to create a lottery whose proceeds fund college scholarships for state residents. In less than a year, revenues have come in well above what was expected, and 28,000 students will get money this fall. Can the good news last?

Attorneys General Prepare to Defend Controversial Laws

State attorneys general are about to head to court to defend controversial state laws. Are they required to defend laws that might not survive legal scrutiny?

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

Tracking Election Reform: NAACP To Issue Report Cards

Civil rights leaders impatient with the pace and scope of election reform legislation in state capitals and in Washington have announced they will begin issuing "report cards" to hold officials accountable. NAACP Chairman Julian Bond announced the campaign Monday (7/9) at the organizations annual convention in New Orleans. "It will help you hold accountability sessions with your governor, legislators and other elected officials to find out what they have done to guarantee every vote is counted in the future," Bond said. "And in the fall, were going to issue a report card on their progress. Well see who gets As and who gets Fs."

Education Measures Get Pass or Fail Grades

Ballot measures dealing with education got a mixed reception from U.S. voters on Nov. 7. In some of the most closely-watched contests, far-reaching school voucher initiatives were defeated in California and Michigan, while a ban on bilingual education was approved in Arizona.

Governors Demand Information on Guard Changes

The nation's governors, skeptical of a move to reshape the National Guard, have asked the Pentagon to furnish a state-by-state account of the plan's impact and are insisting on a chance to sign off on any changes in the Guard's structure. Concerns about illegal immigration and health also took center stage at the National Governors Association's winter meeting, which concluded Tuesday (Feb. 28).

Ultrasound at Center of State Abortion Wars

A new Oklahoma law slated to take effect Aug. 1 requires doctors to show a woman considering abortion an ultrasound image of her fetus and recite details of its development. Experts expect a slew of similar statutes next year as abortion foes push states to require the procedure for all abortions.

States Limit Sweeping Tax Hikes — So Far

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

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."

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 Scramble to Ease Pain at the Pump

(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008) As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief.

States Prepare to Launch New Health Law

Debates over Medicaid expansion got most of the attention, but states enacted dozens of other laws that will affect how millions of Americans receive health care next year.

Mandatory Life Sentences for Juveniles Ruled Unconstitutional

Many states will have to reexamine their sentencing guidelines following a Supreme Court ruling that mandatory life sentences without parole are unconstitutional for juveniles.

Southern Governors Oppose Federal Plan To Upgrade Grid

With an abundance of cheap, reliable electricity at their fingertips, governors from across the South are against federal plans to spread the costs of transmission grid upgrades among all the states. They say the proposal represents an assault on the South's economy, which depends on low cost energy to attract big manufacturers.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

Southern Governors to Coordinate Emergency Response

With the nation approaching the first anniversary of last Septembers terrorist attacks, governors from across the South have unveiled a plan to link their health and emergency agencies to better coordinate response and relief efforts.

South Lags in Industry Research

The New South looks uncomfortably like the Old South, as industry research in the region - a key component of economic and wage growth - lags behind the rest of the country, a new report shows.

Infographic: Southern Strength

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

Should Judges Be Forced To Retire?

Judges in 33 states are forced to retire at a certain age. State legislators are not so sure this is a good idea.

Governors Balance Pardons With Politics

Governors are more reluctant to use their pardon power in the face of heightened political scrutiny. But some still issue regular pardons.

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 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.

Economic crisis: Today's state perspective(2)

A scan of today's state news stories shows spreading economic distress - and an array of political plans to cushion the impact, including talk in Nevada of taxing prostitution (it's legal in some counties there). Nevada is among the states hit hardest by the recession.

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.

Weekly Wrap: Louisiana Pleasantly Surprised by Haul From Tax Amnesty Program

More than $300 million is generated from delinquent Louisiana taxpayers; California finance chief hangs it up; Iowa Gov. Culver campaigns as problem solver; and stimulus Web site turns up boo-boos.