Stateline Headlines

Conservatives Battle for Tennessee House Speakership

TRANSITION WATCH: The Tea Party becomes involved in the race for Tennessee House speaker, Arizona contemplates a flat tax and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States Use Data To Wrestle With Racial Profiling

Six states trying to stamp out the controversial, alleged police practice of racial profiling - selectively stopping, questioning and searching people based upon arbitrary minor offenses and the color of their skin - have enacted laws requiring officers to police themselves by recording racial data and other pertinent information on all traffic stops. They are North Carolina, Connecticut, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Washington.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

Under pressure from state attorneys general, the popular social-networking Web site MySpace agreed Monday to turn over information on thousands of sex offenders it kicked off its site in early May.

Tax-Hike Plan Fuels Pa. Budget Standoff

California this week closed a staggering $24 billion budget deficit. But in a handful of other state capitals, like this one two hours west of Philadelphia, deeply unpopular fiscal choices still loom for lawmakers who have failed to pass long-overdue spending plans.

Cuomo Proposes “NY Green Bank” To Spur Renewable Energy Investments

Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed creating a $1 billion “NY Green Bank,” a quasi-independent authority that would provide capital for energy projects, aiming to improve coordination across state government and open the door to projects that might struggle to attract investment on their own.

Defense of Marriage Act Discriminates Against Gays, Federal Court Rules

The federal government’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages — including those considered legal in several states — is unconstitutional, a federal court has ruled.

States Back Challenge to Federal Law on Marriage

Three states say that the federal law failing to recognize same-sex marriages considered legal within their borders violates the U.S. Constitution.

States On Guard For West Nile Virus

This week, New York City renews its war on the West Nile virus -- the mosquito-borne disease that killed 7 New Yorkers and sickened 55 others without warning last summer. As the city gears up to ward off another outbreak, states on the Eastern Seaboard and in the southeast are putting plans into place to guard against the virus as well.

Cuomo's Transition Team Heavy With Lobbyists

TRANSITION WATCH: Almost half the members of the New York governor-elect's transition team serve groups that lobby the state, skepticism on corrections privatization in Florida and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Obama Sends $50.5 billion Sandy Relief Package to States

Federal aid is finally headed to the Atlantic Coast states, three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged their shores.

Northeast Governors Outraged About Sandy Aid Delay

Frustration boiled over on Wednesday, the day after the U.S. House, finishing up a compromise to avert the nation’s “fiscal cliff,” scrapped a vote on the $60.4 billion relief plan approved last month by the Senate.

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.

Hassan to Connecticut: Curb your Northern Pass bill

Civil Unions Spread, But Gays Want to Wed

A fourth state just agreed to offer civil unions, but the alternative to gay marriage is proving more popular with lawmakers than with gay rights activists.

States Dubious Of Federal Testing Plan

Nebraskas testing system is better for the Cornhusker State than the testing system mandated by the new federal school aid bill, state Commissioner of Education Douglas Christensen says. If that means bucking Washington, D.C. by failing to comply with new federal requirements to test every child in grades 3-8 annually, then Christensen is willing to do so.

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.

Can Nonprofit News Survive?

Online startups such as Minnesota's MinnPost, The Texas Tribune, the Connecticut Mirror and California Watch have established themselves as must-reads among aficionados of statehouse news. The question is whether they can raise enough money to keep going.

Michigan Governor Renews Push for Canadian Bridge

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Michigan's Rick Snyder makes a new push for a second bridge between Detroit and Canada … Rejecting federal funds for a commuter rail tunnel costs New Jersey $225,000 a month … Connecticut struggles to protect transportation funding, and other transportation news.

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 Wax Fluorescent

What's the latest bright idea to save energy? Lawmakers in at least seven states want to ban ordinary light bulbs in favor of longer-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty

Maryland has executed five people since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But nobody else will be sentenced to death in the Old Line State.

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.

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.

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.

Maryland Bridge Tolls Could Double

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Maryland officials are considering higher bridge tolls for the first time since 1975 ... Michigan revisits its motorcycle helmet law … Connecticut's governor finds out that the public loves highway rest stops, and other transportation news.

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Maine Republican Legislators Contemplate End to Labor Committee

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine Republicans seek to fold historic panel, Connecticut's pension gap gets bigger, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Power Prices Put Utilities in the Hot Seat

Spurred by skyrocketing power bills, lawmakers in at least six states are considering reining in electric utilities that were freed from regulation in the late 1990s.

As Washington Gridlock Persists, States Get Creative in Funding Renewable Energy

The federal government has drastically reduced its funding for renewable energy. States have come up with some unusual ways to try and replace it.

Public Financing Upends Governor's Races

TODAY'S TAKE: A national debate over state campaign finance systems and the First Amendment is hitting the courts just in time for election season. Gubernatorial campaigns in Arizona, Connecticut and Florida already have been affected substantially.

Commuters face nightmare as Metro-North scrambles to get passengers around crash site

Morning commute starts slow; to get worse

Don't change phone laws

Latest scandal again tarnishes state politicians

Malloy, Democrats confronted by spending cap

Corruption no stranger to state politics

State Police seek 39 new jobs to handle gun law workload

State Senate OKs curbs on teen tanning

State must not roll back voting statutes

Sniping for an audience in the Capitol

Compromise reached to provide oversight to university spending

Connecticut lawmakers seek federal funds to rebuild Sandy Hook Elementary school

Bill would let judges stop nuisance businesses

A fixer's tale of attempted bribes

Big health care savings help counter shrinking state budget revenues

Compromise reached to provide oversight to university spending

Bill seeks to collar unlicensed kennels

Beer-box bill goes to governor

State paid for Malloy's trip to New Orleans for UConn championship

Sandy Hook panel: Raze school Adam Lanza attacked, build new on same site

GOP legislator collaborates for school relief

House acts to save 900 acres in Southbury

Julia Tashjian dies; won on O'Neill ticket

Connecticut voters to vote on expanding voting

Sea-level bill focuses on effect, not cause

House votes to regulate tattoo parlors

Children's safety in Legislature's hands with next budget

Loophole on assault must be closed

In fourth year trying, sexual assault bill clears House

Legislators take aim at controversial 'pay-to-play' sports fees

Voting changes go to referendum in 2014

House endorses mixed martial arts

Connecticut reconsidering MMA ban

Legislators concerned about plan for using Sandy relief funds

Deficit situation 'dire' for state college system

Lawmaker says he has 'back-up plan' for failed undocumented driver laws

Taking on high costs of energy

Lawmakers: No mass transit plan, no cash for DOT

Malloy takes to the air to rebut his budget critics

Malloy’s Sandy plan worries coastal mayors

Malloy proposing state funds to help parents who would lose Medicaid coverage

Governors Promote Employment for People With Disabilities

A yearlong initiative at the National Governors Association examines the roles that states and businesses can play in finding jobs for people with disabilities.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2013

HARTFORD, Connecticut -- Jan 9 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dannel Malloy's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

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.

Bullet Tax Proposal Is New Twist in Gun-Control Debate

Today’s Take: The school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut isn’t just prompting gun-control proposals. It’s generating bullet-control proposals, too.

Connecticut Health Agency Fights Desperation Among the Insured

The Affordable Care Act encourages states to create insurance watchdogs like Connecticut’s Office of the Healthcare Advocate.

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.

Connecticut Governor Looks Back on a Tough Two Years

Connecticut has been hit three times in the last year by natural disasters and now faces a new $415 million budget shortfall. In an interview with Stateline, the governor looks ahead and spells out how he plans to balance the budget.

In Connecticut, Death Row Inmates Get Trial on Sentencing Fairness

Seven of Connecticut’s last 11 death row inmates are challenging their sentences, saying they were arbitrarily applied and based partly on race and geography.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2011

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Jan. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dannel Malloy's (D) 2011 inaugural address. It is included in place of a state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Senator McKinney, Representative Cafero, my fellow state officials, ladies and gentlemen of the General Asse

Connecticut State of the State Address 2010

HARTFORD, Conn. - Feb. 3 - Following is a transcript of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Williams, members and guests: We gather today to mark the opening of the 2010 legislative session and we do so at a time of continued challenge, continued anxiety.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2009

HARTFORD, Conn. - Jan. 7 - Following is a transcript of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Williams, Members of the Legislature and guests: Welcome to the official opening of the 2009 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly. The start of a new s

Connecticut State of the State Address 2008

HARTFORD, Conn. - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view the address. Thank you. Thank you all. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Williams, ladies and gentlemen of the House and Senate, friends and g

Connecticut State of the State Address 2007

Hartford , Conn. , Feb. 7 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's (R) 2007 state of the state and budget address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Senator Williams, Members of the General Assembly, Guests. Today I present to you my proposed biennial budget for the State of Connecticut.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2006

HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 8 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's 2006 state of the state address: Thank you. Mister President, Mister Speaker, Constitutional Officers, Legislators, Guests … thank you for joining us in this historic chamber as we mark the beginning of another session of the Connec

Connecticut State of the State Address 2005

Thank you. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Williams, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House and Senate, friends and guests. Before I begin my formal remarks, let me take a moment to thank everyone for their well wishes and their prayers over the last 10 days. I have been overwhelmed by your generous spirit. I have also

Connecticut State of the State Address 2004

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Feb. 4 - Following is the full text of Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland's (R) 2004 state of the state address: Madame Speaker, Madame President, Senator Sullivan, distinguished minority leaders Deluca and Ward, members of the General Assembly, friends and guests. I come before you today ju

Connecticut State of the State Address 2003

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Jan. 8 - Following is the full text of Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland's State of the State speech, delivered Jan. 8, 2003. Madame Speaker, Madame President, Senator Sullivan, Mr. Chief Justice, reverend clergy, members of the General Assembly, friends, and guests. Congratulations to you a

Connecticut State of the State Address 2001

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Jan. 3 - Following is the text of Gov. John G. Rowland's 2001 State of the State Address: Madame Speaker, Madame President, legislative leaders, friends and guests. The opening day of the General Assembly is always a special mixture of pride and hope. The Hall of this House is filled wit

Connecticut State of the State Address 2000

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Feb. 8 - Following is the text of Gov. John G. Rowland's 2000 State of the State Address: Madame Speaker, Madame President, leaders of the House and Senate, distinguished members of the General Assembly, reverend clergy, friends and guests. Good afternoon. By a quirk of the calendar

Rell Brings Clean Image to Connecticut Governorship

She is described as a Steel Magnolia, sweet but tough. Shes an avid NASCAR fan. And since July 1, she is called governor of Connecticut. M. Jodi Rell, a native of Norfolk, Va., brings a congenial but determined leadership style to a state weary of political scandals.

New Governors Spell Change - Road Sign by Road Sign

The transition to a new governor is about more than handing over the reins of power or even the keys to the executive mansion. Sometimes its about pesky issues, such as what to do with 4,000 boxes of salt-water taffy that carry the name of New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, who left office unexpectedly this year. Nine states face such delicate dilemmas as they adjust to new governors taking office.

Northeastern States Seek Terrorist-Intelligence Sharing

Homeland security officials in 10 northeastern states want to establish intelligence-sharing centers that would better disseminate terrorist-related information between federal law enforcement and local police officers. Mark Cohen, who heads the New York State Office of Public Security, said the ability to share intelligence in real time is the most critical component for homeland security in the states.

Connecticut Governor Ending 2003 Under Ethics Cloud

Connecticut Gov. John G. Rowland started 2003 having won a historic third term by landslide two months earlier. Now tyhe onetime political boy wonder is ending the year fighting for his political survival after admitting political supporters and state contractors, some of whom are under federal investigation, paid for a hot tub, a new ceiling, new gutters and a new heating unit at his summer home.

Survey Names Connecticut Smartest State

Connecticut was named Smartest State in the nation by a private research and publishing group in a report released last week.

Online Tax Filing An Option In Many States

For millions of Americans, the April 15 deadline for filing tax returns used to mean a last minute rush to the post office. Now, for many taxpayers, it increasingly means logging on to a PC, surfing to a tax preparation Web site and hitting the send button.

Seven States To Compete for Innovation Awards

Seven state-run programs in areas such as education, public safety, and the environment are among 15 policy initiatives competing for five $100,000 awards for being the most innovative programs in American government. The awards are given annually by the Institute for Government Innovation at Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government in conjunction with the Council for Excellence in Government. The 15 finalists were chosen from 1,300 applicants, and each will receive a $20,000 grant.

Oversight Lax Among Lawmakers, Study Shows

State legislatures that pride themselves on being portrayed as bastions of integrity often are in reality political bodies where hidden conflicts of interest and personal gain often win out over the public good, a new study concludes.

Lawmakers Press Solicitor General on Maine Rx Case

An eight-state coalition wants the U.S. Solicitor General to support Maine in a controversial prescription drug case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. The group, known as the Northeast Legislative Association on Prescription Drug Prices, wants the federal government's chief lawyer to weigh in heavily on behalf of states trying to curb prescription costs.