Stateline Stories

Advocates for Climate Action Urge Insurers to Join Up

Some are pushing the insurance industry to not only to crank up the volume on its longstanding calls for hardier building and safer land use in disaster-prone areas, but also to push for cuts to the carbon emissions.

Billions on the Ballot

In November, voters in a number of states will consider ballot measures that, if passed, would have enormous fiscal consequences. Some would raise taxes, others would slash them, and still others would impact state spending in dramatic ways.

Va. Tech Tragedy Likely to Affect State Policy

Last month's shocking shooting at Virginia Tech - the nation's deadliest, with 33 killed - is likely to have lasting policy repercussions. A look at the legacy of the 1999 shootings at Colorado's Columbine High School shows how such tragic events have an impact on state laws and policies.

Few Governors Tout Bold Initiatives

In his state of the state address last month, Vermont Gov. James H. Douglas said that the state should track convicted drug dealers the same way it does sexual predators, by publicizing their names and addresses. This proposal is one of only a handful of truly innovative programs proposed by governors in their state of the state addresses this year.

Western States Launch Virtual University

Out West, where vast prairie lands and expansive desert highways bring new meaning to the term distance learning, governors have hopped on the bandwidth wagon and created an 18-state virtual university to bring higher education to far-flung populations at a reasonable price.

State School Funds On Trial, Again

Texas, Colorado, Kansas and others will see action on school finance lawsuits next year, but it could be years before they make a difference in the classroom.

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

Wind Subsidies Raise a Storm in Heartland States

Wind-energy has been a booming industry in many states the past few years. But the federal tax credits that have helped fuel that growth is likely to disappear in a few months.

Gay Activists Hopeful in Colo., S.D., Wis.

After a series of stinging judicial defeats for same-sex marriage this summer, both sides of the issue are looking to November's elections as a test of how far public attitudes have changed toward gay couples.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

Representatives of eight states will gather in Charleston, S.C. next month for a closed-door policy workshop designed to strengthen oral health care initiatives for children.Selected from 28 states that applied for the workshop, delegations from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia will attend the National Governors Associations Policy Academy for State Officials on Improving Oral Health Care for Children Dec. 13-15.

Openly Gay Lawmakers Selected To Lead Chambers

Oregon Representative Tina Kotek is poised to join openly gay lawmakers in Colorado and Washington as a leader of a state legislative chamber.

Governors Push Natural Gas-Powered Vehicles

With oil prices still high, group of 13 governors on Monday (April 30) asked automakers for input on how states might boost demand for natural gas-powered vehicles.

Ten States Join Effort to Buy Natural Gas Vehicles

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Last fall, the governors of Oklahoma and Colorado announced a plan to get states to buy 5,000 vehicles powered by natural gas. So far, 10 states have joined the effort.

Natural Gas Growth Adds Strain to State Regulators

To keep pace with a surge of natural gas drilling, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is looking to triple its staff of well inspectors. In many other states, inspection teams remain small while wells go unchecked.

Legislators Barring Electronic Distractions

Since 1997, when North Dakota state senators pioneered a ban on the use of electronic devices when their august body was open for business, the parliamentary rules of more and more legislatures require cell phones, computers and other high-tech distractions to be turned off or left at the door. Maine's House of Representatives is the latest to join the legislative rebellion against the myriad intrusions of the Digital Age.

States Say No to Teen Tanning

No smoking. No drinking. No talking on cell phones while driving. Now, the latest no-no in state laws aimed at underage teens is indoor tanning.

Handicappers See State, Local Faces In A Gore Lineup

Should Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman make it to the White House, Gore would probably rely on congressional contacts to fill most of his cabinet slots, political analysts speculate. However, they say there are some state and local politicial leaders who could wind up in a Gore administration.

The 'Amazon Tax' War Escalates

Colorado and North Carolina tried a new approach to taxing the sales of internet retailers like Amazon.com. But Amazon is fighting back, both in the courts and by shutting down a key marketing program in those states. How far will the tax war go?

Cuomo Declines to Back Longtime House Speaker

TRANSITION WATCH: New York's governor-elect sends mixed signals on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Alabama legislators promise to focus on ethics and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States' green-building laws 'lead by example'

While rarely requiring private developers to meet eco-aware standards enacted for public buildings, some states are offering builders tax breaks and other incentives to pursue energy-efficient construction. Long-term energy savings are a bonus.

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

TODAY'S TAKE: The Republican attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Washington State are threatening to challenge as unconstitutional a provision written into the U.S. Senate's national health care bill that cuts a special deal for Nebraska.

Toll Roads Hit Speed Bumps

As states increasingly look to toll roads and leases for quick road-funding fixes, the public, consumer advocates and motorist and trucking associations are putting up barriers to pay-as-you-drive proposals.

Missouri is Toughest on Crack Cocaine

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Missouri punishes crack dealers more severely than those who sell the powder version of the same drug… Police are stretched thin in one of the nation's most dangerous cities… The Colorado probation agency comes under scrutiny, and other public safety news.

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.

Mississippi Tops List Of Fattest States — Again

For the seventh straight year, Mississippi has claimed a dubious title: the nation’s fattest state. That’s according to the latest estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2011, nearly 35 percent of adult Mississippians were considered obese, according to data released on Monday (Augu

Minnesota Senate Votes to Shrink State Government

MANAGEMENT BEAT: There may be 15 percent fewer workers in Minnesota state government … California Governor Jerry Brown weighs in with a pension overhaul plan … Nebraska looks to compromise on collective bargaining, and other government management news.

States Test Whether Public Pension Benefits Given Can Be Taken Away

Most changes made to shore up state pension funds have been aimed at new employees. Now, three states are targeting current retirees - a group that has been considered off limits.

Term Limits Will Create Rookie League in Some Legislatures

Many anti-incumbent voters eager to oust their state legislators in 2010 will find term limits doing it for them. Nearly 400 lawmakers in 14 states are being forced by law to retire this year, including a fifth of the nation's house speakers and other key leadership figures. That has raised worries about how newcomers will deal with governing during a budget crisis.

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.

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.

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.

Courts Differ on Police Use of DNA

Taking DNA samples from suspects immediately upon arrest is an increasingly common law enforcement practice. But some courts have ruled it unconstitutional.

Teach for America Alums Take Aim at State Office

Some alumni from the teaching program are making runs for state office. Many are facing opposition from teachers’ unions.

Md. vote may pave way for 'Wal-Mart' bills

Round two in the battle over whether states should require large employers such as Wal-Mart to spend a certain amount on employee health benefits could get under way this week in Washington state. Workers' rights advocates, bolstered by enactment of a new Maryland law, plan to push similar measures in 30 other states this year.

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.

Seniors Are New Target for Tax Increases

Over the years, states have carved out ever more generous tax breaks for the elderly. Now, Kentucky and a few other states are beginning to question whether these policies cost too much.

Secretaries of State Up the Political Ante

In most American states, the job of secretary of state has long been seen as a largely non-partisan post, invested for the most part with administrative and caretaker duties. A new crop of activists is working hard to change that.

States Buffeted by Turbulent Wind Industry

During a turbulent time for the wind industry, Iowa, already a leader in wind energy, is getting a nearly $2 billion boost, while other states consider new incentives. Across the U.S., however, the market remains volatile.

As Layoffs Mount, Governors Seek Support on Wind Tax Credit

With election season politics behind them, several governors are reapplying pressure on Congress to extend a tax credit whose looming expiration is stirring angst within the wind industry.

Illinois Debates School Consolidation

EDUCATION BEAT: School consolidation plan earns mixed reviews in Illinois ... Georgia's first-of-its-kind HOPE scholarships are in danger of running out of money ... Budget cuts could force some Michigan colleges and universities to close, and more education news from the states.

Governors-Elect Plan Low-Budget Inaugural Celebrations

TRANSITION WATCH: New governors arrange no-frills inaugurations as acts of symbolism, redistricting roles are reversed in Ohio, and more 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.

High Court Hears States Rights' Case Involving Motorists

A policy that infuriated citizens in South Carolina, Florida and Colorado this year -- the disclosure of driver's license information -- is getting a U.S. Supreme Court review. At issue is whether the federal government can use the Driver's Privacy Protection Act to keep states from using motor vehicle records as they please.

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.

Rhee is Possible Education Commissioner for Florida's Scott

TRANSITION WATCH: Florida's governor may offer a job to one of the best-known figures in public education, Colorado's new governor pledges apolitical appointments and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

First State Last on 2008 Drunken Driving Law

Delaware is the last state in the nation to resist cracking down further on drunken drivers by lowering the blood-alcohol level that determines intoxication. Other holdout states -- Colorado and Minnesota -- joined the rest of the country last month in enacting laws to lower the blood-alcohol concentration threshold to .08 percent from .10 percent. Delaware is jeopardizing millions of dollars in federal highway construction funds if state lawmakers don't lower the limit this session. Opponents of .08 argue states' rights.

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.

Another Mass Shooting Revives Debate on Gun Laws

Another mass shooting is fueling another debate about the nation’s patchwork of gun laws. But this time some new and prominent faces are calling for the stricter gun measures.

UPDATE: More States Decriminalize Safe Baby Abandonment

In February, Stateline.org reported that seven states were considering abandoned baby laws; that number has now climbed to at least 23. Since mid-April alone, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia have enacted abandoned baby or "safe haven" laws, often in response to tragic stories of infants left in dumpsters, alleyways, shallow graves, public restrooms or parking lots. For an in-depth report on this policy trend, click on

Not So Fast: Tax Revenue Estimates From Legal Marijuana May Not Materialize

Proponents of legalized recreational marijuana touted millions in taxes that could be collected. But don’t count that money yet.

Report: No Easy Options for Feds in Legal Marijuana States

The federal government may not have much choice but to continue its mellow attitude toward legal marijuana in Washington and Colorado.

Backers See Momentum As 6th State Allows Same-Sex Civil Unions

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

Colorado Governor to Sign Civil Union Law

Colorado becomes the latest state to allow same-sex civil unions, as marriage supporters see victories around U.S.

Colorado Governor Signs New Gun Restrictions

Colorado’s new gun restrictions will limit the size of gun magazines and require a background check for all gun sales, including online purchases. Governor Hickenlooper signed the bill just hours after state Department of Corrections Director Tom Clements was shot and killed in his home.

Colorado State of the State Address 2013

DENVER, Colorado -- Jan 10 -- Following is the prepared tect of Gov. John Hickenlooper's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Colorado Preps for Recreational Marijuana

Colorado voters amended the state’s Constitution this November to legalize recreational marijuana use. That’s left the state’s established medical marijuana community apprehensive about its future.

Wildfire Epidemic Leaves States Searching for Answers

The West is getting hotter and drier and stoking more destructive fires. They have left fire control officials looking for ways to fight them more effectively with fewer dollars.

One-Party Control Comes with Power and Peril

Governor John Hickenlooper’s fellow Democrats won majorities in the Colorado House and Senate in November. But some people believe united Democratic control will end up making the governor’s life more difficult.

A Marijuana Revolt?

Colorado, Oregon and Washington voters will decide this November if they want to decriminalize and regulate marijuana production and possession, which could generate millions in state revenue. But any of these initiatives would put the states in conflict with federal law, which classifies marijuana as a controlled substance with no acceptable medical use.

With Drillers at the Door, Some Towns Say ‘Keep Out’

As oil and gas development moves into more populated areas, many municipalities are trying to exert control over where drilling takes place. State regulators and energy companies aren’t happy.

Colorado Theater Shooting Revives Gun Rights Debate

The nation’s latest mass shooting has revived debate over its patchwork of gun laws. But advocates on both sides of the issue expect that public shock and outrage over the killing of 12 people at an Aurora, Colorado movie theater will do little to shift momentum in statehouses and on Capitol Hill toward harsher restri

Colorado State of the State Address 2011

DENVER, Colorado - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Hickenlooper's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Most of us have faced a serious budget problem at some pivotal moment in our lives. Certainly, this is not my first time at the deficit rodeo. Almost 20 years ago to the day, a person who kn

Colorado State of the State Address 2010

DENVER, Colo. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr.'s (D) 2010 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. I have had the privilege of serving as the governor of Colorado for three years now. And what a privilege it is. After

Colorado State of the State Address 2009

DENVER, Colo. - Jan. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Ritter, Jr.'s (D) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Good morning. Two years ago, I stood outside this Capitol and delivered my inaugural address, sharing my belief in

Colorado State of the State Address 2008

DENVER, Colo. -- Jan. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Ritter's (D) 2008 state of the state address: To Lieutenant Governor O'Brien, President Groff, Speaker Romanoff, Mayor Hickenlooper, Executive Directors, Board of Education members, Supreme Court justices, Treasurer Kennedy, Attorney General Suth

Colorado State of the State Address 2007

DENVER , Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Ritter's (D) 2007 state of the state address: INTRODUCTION Lieutenant Governor O'Brien, President Fitz-Gerald, Speaker Romanoff, Mayor Hickenlooper, members of the Cabinet, the state Board of Education, Supreme Court justices, Treasurer Kennedy, Atto

Colorado State of the State Address 2006

DENVER, Colo., Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Owens' 2006 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Norton, President Fitz-Gerald, Speaker Romanoff, Secretary of State Dennis, Treasurer Hillman, Senator Salazar, Mayor Hickenlooper, Members of the Cabinet, Honorable Senators and Represen

Colorado State of the State Address 2005

DENVER, Colorado, Jan. 13, 2005 - Following is the text of Gov Bill Owens' 2005 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Norton, President Fitz-Gerald. Speaker Romanoff, Senator Salazar, Mayor Hickenlooper, Members of the Cabinet, Honorable Senators and Representatives, my fellow Coloradans: Let me begi

Colorado State of the State Address 2004

DENVER, Colorado - Jan. 8 - Following is the text of Gov. Bill Owen's 2004 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Norton, President Andrews, Speaker Spradley, Members of the Cabinet, Attorney General Salazar, Treasurer Coffman, Honorable Senators and Representatives, Mayor Hickenlooper, distinguished guest

Colorado State of the State Address 2003

DENVER, Colorado - Jan. 17 - Following is the text of Gov. Bill Owens' 2003 State of the State Address: It is a great pleasure to be greeted this morning by Colorado's first woman speaker. We know that Lola Spradley is one of the most effective legislators ever to serve in this body. And we know that she'll wield t

Colorado State of the State Address 2002

DENVER, Colorado - Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Gov. Bill Owens' 2002 State of the State Address: Lt. Governor Rogers, Speaker Dean, President Matsunaka, Members of the Cabinet, Honorable Senators and Representatives, my fellow Coloradans: Three years ago I stood at this podium and gave my first Stat

Colorado State of the State Address 2001

DENVER, Colorado - Jan. 11 - Following is the text of Gov. Bill Owens' 2001 State of the State Address: President Matsunaka, Speaker Dean, Lieutenant Governor Rogers, Attorney General Salazar, Secretary of State Davidson, State Treasurer Coffman, Honorable Senators and Representatives, distinguished guests, my fell

Colorado State of the State Address 2000

DENVER, Colorado - Jan. 6 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Bill Owens' 2000 State of the State Address: President Powers, Speaker George, Honorable Senators and Representatives, distinguished guests, my fellow Coloradans: I am honored today to report that the State of Colorado is healthy and vibrant. Our

Drilling Boom in Rockies Breeds Open-Range Conflict

A growing natural gas boom in the Rockies is changing traditional views and alliances on the open range and raising new concerns over air, water and habitat pollution. The result is a 21st-century rangeland clash between those who want to protect natural resources on the surface of federal and private lands and those who want to tap the wealth beneath.

Rocky Mountain Traffic Slows Commerce, Skiers

Colorados growth has led to a Rocky Mountain traffic nightmare. Interstate 70 from Denver to the ski areas gets so clogged that tourists and commerce slow to a crawl on this vital East-West link. Is the solution to widen the highway or install mass transit?

Ten states Identified as Legislative Battlegrounds

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

Bryant Case Spurs States to Fortify Rape Shield Laws

Two states have expanded protections for rape victims in the wake of the high-profile criminal case against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant in a continuing effort by states to guard accusers identities and increase chances for successful prosecutions.

Provisional Ballots Source of Anxiety in Swing States

One of the central safeguards of a new federal law designed to tamp down controversies at the ballot box has spawned pre-election confusion and court fights reminiscent of the hanging-chad hullabaloo after the 2000 election.

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.

Colorado Forecasting Fewer Fires, Return of Tourists

Despite ongoing budget concerns, Colorado legislators are breathing a little easier this summer than they were a year ago, when massive forest fires, stoked by a five-year drought, consumed hundreds of thousands of acres and turned tourism taxes to ash.

Colorado to Consider Constitutional Convention

Colorado lawmakers may try to call a constitutional convention to rewrite conflicting amendments that have been added since Colorado became a state in 1876. On Nov. 1, an interim legislative committee voted 12-6 to approve introduction of a bill that would set in motion the chain of events necessary.

Poor to Get Less Help with Heating Bills

State programs that help low-income residents pay their heating bills expect to spread less money among more needy recipients this winter due to higher jobless rates and heating fuel costs.

Colorado Gun Debate Comes Full Circle

Colorado may have suffered the anguish of being home to the worst school shooting in American history and spawned a nationwide drive to limit access to deadly firearms but its own gun laws have changed little since the tragedy of Columbine High School.

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.

Immigrant Licensing: Security Vs Safety Concerns

After learning that most of the 19 hijackers responsible for the Sept. 11 terrorist attack had obtained drivers licenses in Florida, New Jersey or Virginia using faked credentials, many state lawmakers rushed to introduce legislation aimed at restricting licenses for immigrants as a security measure. Nine months later, most of those initiatives have stalled amid competing concerns over highway safety and anti-terror policy.

Death Penalty Rulings Raise Issues For Lawmakers

The Colorado Legislature will convene in special session July 8 in order to bring state law into line with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the authority of judges to impose sentencing in death penalty cases. At least four other states directly affected by the decision may have to hold special sessions as well.

Debate Rages Over Light Transit's Value

Traffic congestion increases. Commuter frustration mounts. And debate continues about how much funding should be given to light rail systems that may or may not be effective a question that seems to depend on who you talk to.

Budget Axe Fells State Programs

Programs to prevent youth violence in Colorado cancelled. Two-thirds of the school bus stops in Tulsa, Oklahoma eliminated. Stockpiles of the flu vaccine usually purchased by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reduced by nineteen percent. All are victims of state budget cuts. And each, in its own way, is indicative of the kinds of actions lawmakers in many states are taking to keep their budgets balanced in the face of declining tax revenues and a lagging national economy.

Colorado Democrats Have a Shot at Breaking GOP Lock

From a political standpoint, Colorado Springs and surrounding El Paso County are known around the country for one thing: conservative Republican politics. This year, however, Democrats have their best shot in years at breaking the GOP-lock, thanks largely to a reapportionment committee that was stacked in their favor.

Women Call Shots in Colorado Legislature

Women have made history at the Colorado State Legislature this year, sweeping four of six top leadership positions, including speaker of the House, Senate majority leader and the minority leader posts in both the Senate and House. and Senate. Never have so many women wielded so much political power in this state.

Provisional Balloting Works Well in Initial Tests

Under the new federal election reform law, voters who claim to be registered but whose names are not on the rolls must be allowed to cast a provisional ballot starting in 2004. A handful of states implemented the new rule in the Nov. 5 election, and generally found that the system worked well.

Tracking Election Reform: This Week's News

Despite last year's fiasco in Florida, several state legislatures this week defeated or pigeon-holed election reform measures, but others plunged into what could be a busy, contentious season of debates on overhauling how Americans vote. Maryland, Colorado and Utah were states where major proposals went nowhere, but there was action in Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and Iowa. To read the first of a series of weekly reports on this issue, click on

Electoral College Reform Falls Flat

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

Bush Leaves States Holding Environment Bag, Critics Say

President Bush's new budget gives states more responsibility to protect the environment and conserve natural resources, but state officials say it fails to give them much new cash to get the job done. State officials say theyd like more support from an administration that would scale back the federal regulatory role if Bush has his way.

Colorado Senate Leader A Precedent-Setter

When the vote was counted in last November's general election, Colorado's Democrats found themselves in a strange but not unwelcome position. After 40 years in the minority, the Democrats had won a one-seat majority in the State Senate. Two days later, Stan Matsunaka, a quiet, modest Asian-American lawmaker from Loveland, was elected by his caucus to be new Senate president.

On the Record: Colorado Medicaid Chief Richard Allen

Colorado's Richard Allen has had a pretty tough year. Like most Medicaid directors, he's had to cut numerous budget items to keep spending low. On top of that, the division he runs-- the Department of Health Policy and Financing-- was sued by several HMOs who claim they weren't paid enough to care for people on Medicaid. Despite those headaches and after more than 23 years in the state's Medicaid program, Allen still relishes his job. He recently sat down with Stateline.org to discuss the budget crunch, what's next for Colorado on prescription drugs and other issues.

Gun Fight Vexes Colorado Lawmakers

The Colorado Legislature has been a focal point of the gun law debate in the aftermath of last April's shooting spree at Columbine High School. Fifteen people died in that tragedy, the worst outbreak of school violence in U.S. history -- 13 students, a teacher and the two young men responsible for the massacre. The debate has tied Colorado lawmakers in knots and split the state Republican Party.

Colorado Primary Makes Gov Nervous

If today's primary election follows traditional Colorado form, only about 20 percent of the state's eligible voters will turn out. Nevertheless, Gov. Bill Owens will watch the event with more than just a little interest. Owens, in the second year of his first four-year term, is particularly concerned that Ron May, a veteran House member from Colorado Springs, be elected to the state Senate.Owens is so worried about that particular race he has gone to May's district to campaign for him. That irks Douglas Bruce, businessman and political gadfly, who is May's Republican primary opponent.

Colorado Legislators Spell Out 2001 Priorities

Majority Republicans in the Colorado House of Representatives want to deal with growth, education and transportation, in that order, when the 2001 Legislature convenes Jan. 10. Majority Democrats in the state Senate put transportation at the top of the list, with educational improvement and attacking crime next.

Gun Amendment Stirs Colorado Voters

Bullet holes and damage from the Eric Harris-Dylan Klebold shooting spree at Columbine High School had not been cleared away when a movement to tighten gun control was born in Colorado. Now, voters in the November general election will have an opportunity to vote on Amendment 22, which will close what gun control supporters call the "gun show loophole." It would bar weapons sales at gun shows until a background check has been completed.