Stateline Headlines

Economic Development Agencies Face New Scrutiny

When Wisconsin partially privatized its Department of Commerce last year, the hope was to create a less bureaucratic job creation organization. Since then, though, the new entity has faced a series of setbacks.

Primaries Set Gov Races in Wisc., N.C.

Voters Tuesday (May 8) formally picked candidates for governors' races in four states while North Carolina voters approved a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

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.

Virginia GOP Seizes Legislature, Dem Re-elected Kentucky Gov

Voters in Virginia Tuesday gave Republican Gov. James S. Gilmore III something the Old Dominion has never seen before -- a state legislature completely controlled by the GOP. In Kentucky, Democrat Gov. Paul Patton coasted to re-election. But a Mississippi governor's race between Democrat Ronnie Musgrove and Republican Mike Parker was too close to call on Wednesday morning, and officials said it might take 10 days before final results are known. In Washington, voters scrapped a car tax and gave the electorate more say over future tax policy.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

Utah Considers Opting Out of No Child Left Behind

Some key Republicans are taking aim at President Bush's prized No Child Left Behind education program. Case in point: The heavily Republican state of Utah may walk away from federal education dollars rather than comply with the law.

Govs Choosing Sides Early In Presidential Race

Twenty-four of the nation's 31 Republican governors are backing the presidential bid of fellow Republican Texas Gov. George W. Bush. Eight of the 17 Democratic governors have endorsed Vice President Al Gore's quest for the White House (There are two non-aligned governors: Maine Independent Angus King and the Minnesota Reform Party's Jesse Ventura). What do these political marriages mean for state politics? According to experts, not much.

With Health Care Lawsuits, States Hope for Victory but Plan for Defeat

Even as 21 states are suing to stop the federal health care overhaul from taking effect, each one is also taking concrete measures to implement the law.

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.

Should State Education Chiefs Be Elected?

Thirteen states choose their top education official in a partisan campaign. Some people think that makes little sense, but it’s very hard to change.

Issue to Watch: Collective Bargaining

While this year’s legislative battles in the states over collective bargaining rights are likely to be more restrained than previous years, the legislation put forward would still have a significant impact on employer-labor relationships, if passed.

Pay Boost on the Horizon for Some State Workers

Far fewer people are working for state governments than before the recession began, but those who remain may get modest salary increases this year.

Transporting Nuclear Waste May Be Bumpy Ride

The U.S. Congress has approved locating the nations nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain and President Bush signed the legislation this week. But the question remains, how will spent nuclear reactor fuel be safely and efficiently shipped to Nevada?

States' Casino Tax Revenue Tops $7 Billion

Gambling expansion meant a sizeable amount of extra money for some states last year - but it meant a declining take for others.

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.

Super-Sized Majorities Shift Legislative Power

After he was reelected by a comfortable margin on Tuesday, Democrat Jay Nixon will serve four more years as governor of Missouri. Whether he’ll really be leading the state, however, is open to debate. Even as Nixon was winning, Missouri Republicans triumphed in enough legislative races to secure a veto-proof two-th

Drinking and Driving Legal in Some States

Drunk driving may be a crime in every state, but drinking while driving is still legal in three of them Indiana, Mississippi and Montana -- as long as the driver is sober.

Amid Recall, Four Governors Defend Toyota

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Mississippi - all states that are home to Toyota plants -on Wednesday (Feb. 10) defended the Japanese automaker amid its worldwide recall of millions of cars.

Twenty-Seven States Win Awards For Welfare Successes

Twenty-seven states will share $200 million in performance bonuses from the federal government for successfully moving welfare recipients into work. President Clinton announced the awards Saturday. Minnesota showed the best performance, ranking in the top ten in three out of four categories.

Alabama, Tennessee In Special Session, Massachusetts Budget Okayed

Alabama and Tennessee legislators are in special session dealing with tax issues, while Massachusetts lawmakers cleared the way for adjournment by finally passing a budget. For more information, click on

States Loosen Up on Fireworks Laws

In amateur hands, fireworks are as dangerous as ever. But states have a hard time passing up the revenue they bring in.

States Nervous About New Common Core School Standards

Concerns about local control have make implementation of the national education standards controversial in some states.

States Scramble for Gambling Jackpot

States are aggressively tapping into one of the easiest ways to bring cash to their coffers: Let gamblers lose on slots, poker and roulette - and carve out a big take for state treasuries. Kansas is taking that approach one step further with a plan to own and operate its commercial casinos.

Higher Revenues in Kansas, Indiana

TODAY'S TAKE: A faint but steady drumbeat of positive economic news has emerged from state capitals in recent weeks. Tax revenues are inching upward in states that had seen month after month of decline. Indiana and Kansas are the latest examples.

State Officials Try to Redefine 'Adequate' Education

EDUCATION BEAT: Kansas and New Hampshire look for a new definition of "adequate" public education ... An Indiana Senate committee advances a bill limiting collective bargaining for teachers ... Nevada's governor proposes cuts to higher education and K-12 budgets, and other education news.

DHS schedules hearings on Branstad's Healthy Iowa Plan

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he is committed to finishing I-69 into Indianapolis, toll free

Indiana legislators, attorney general call for more accountability in how casino revenues are spent

Tuesday is deadline for Do Not Call list

Lower blood alcohol limits likely won't catch on in Indiana

State Supreme Court blocks Lake County judge's move

Indiana's peculiar liquor laws may drive you to drink

Gov. Mike Pence talks jobs, lemonade and Pacers

For Gov. Mike Pence, double the fun in New York

Indiana court rulings make it harder to prosecute child abusers, advocates say

Court upholds Indiana's limit on civil damages

Indiana gets a zero in study of states' campaign finance disclosure laws for outside groups

Indiana officials to assess public damage from flooding

Federal agency clears INDOT on land purchases

Pence: Flags go half-staff for fallen officers

Indiana State Sen. Grooms, Floyd Commissioner Chuck Freiberger announce 2014 campaigns

State ends negotiations with Indiana Youth Group, 2 others, for specialty license plates

Convenience stores sue over Indiana law banning cold beer sales

Proposal to lower drunk driving limits gets mixed reviews

Indiana hits ‘pause button’ on Common Core education push

'Pause' on Common Core leaves teachers in limbo

Residents urged to comment on Indiana's new transportation plan

Indiana Governor Mike Pence shows he can pick his spots

Indiana governor Mike Pence signs bill to 'pause' adoption of reading, math standards

Indiana schools seeing more success with tax hikes

Pence makes good on promise to oppose new regulations

Amid the pollution, Indiana must start listening to its environmentalists

Indiana political leaders gather in Bremen to say goodbye to former Gov. Otis Bowen

Gov. Mike Pence signs measure eliminating 4 City-County seats held by Dems, cites 'misgivings'

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence issues his third veto

School vouchers expand as Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signs measure at Calvary Christian School

Indiana Governor Mike Pence signs $30 billion state budget into law

Pence readies 1st vetoes as Indiana governor

Pence signs budget, vetoes two bills

Who's the boss? Here's how Mike Pence can show he's in charge

Economic development agency OKs money to lawmaker's Carmel company

Gov. Mike Pence vetoes professional licensing bills

Proposals Would Shift Utility Infrastructure Costs to Ratepayers

Electricity and gas bills could creep higher in several states, as lawmakers consider whether to allow utilities to charge customers upfront for upgrades to aging infrastructure.

Indiana State of the State Address 2013

Indianapolis, Indiana -- Jan. 21 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mike Pence's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

The Uncertain Effects of Right-to-Work

Michigan and Indiana endured divisive and bruising political battles to enact right-to-work legislation in 2012. It will be years before the full impact on economic development and on labor unions becomes clear.

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

Labor won big contests in Indiana, California and New Hampshire, while results were mixed in Michigan.

Federal Court Blocks Indiana Effort to Defund Planned Parenthood

A federal court has blocked an Indiana law that would cut off Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood because its clinics perform abortions.

Indiana State of the State Address 2011

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, members of the Assembly, Hoosier friends and neighbors, thank you yet again for the privilege of t

Indiana State of the State Address 2010

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2010 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. Speaker, members of the Assembly, fellow Hoosiers, good evening. This once a year we gather as a family might,

Indiana Highway Building Ramps Up as Daniels’ Term Winds Down

A road construction spree funded by a 75-year toll road lease may be Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels’ biggest legacy, but most of the projects will still be unfinished when he leaves office.

Indiana State of the State Address 2009

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Fellow public servants and fellow citizens. Together again! Thank you as always for the privilege of this assign

Indiana State of the State Address 2008

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Jan 15. -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Mr. Speaker, Madam President, Members of the Assembly, fellow Hoosiers, Four is a number of special affection for me

Indiana State of the State Address 2007

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 16 -- Follwing is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' (R) state of the state address. Ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, I thank you as always for the privilege of this podium. I recognize how unique the opportunity is, and I will try never to misuse your hospitality. This is my th

Indiana State of the State Address 2006

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Assembly, friends and neighbors: You provide me the privilege of this podium for just the second time, but I know that the excitement I feel on these occasions wi

Indiana State of the State Address 2005

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 18 - Following is the text of Gov. Mitch Daniels' 2005 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, fellow citizens: We are a state of people who speak plainly. We are a state of people who get to the point. Let m

Indiana State of the State Address 2004

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 14 - Following is the text of Gov. Joe Kernan's 2004 state of the state address: Good evening. Thank you. Although we have many special guests this evening I want to express my thanks to Speaker Bauer, President Pro tem Garton, Senator Young, Representative Bosma, Chief Justice Shepar

Indiana State of the State Address 2003

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2003 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues and friends. Speaker Bauer, Senator Garton, Senator Young, Representative Bosma. Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Brook. Thank you for hosting this joint s

Indiana State of the State Address 2002

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 15 - Following is the complete text of Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2002 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues and friends. Speaker Gregg, Senator Garton, Senator Young, Representative Bosma, Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Brook, thank you for hosti

Indiana State of the State Address 2001

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 17 - Following is the text of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2001 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues, and friends. Speaker Gregg, Senator Garton, Representative Bosma, Senator Young, Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Sharpnack, thank you for hosting

Indiana State of the State Address 2000

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana - Jan. 12 - Following is the full text of Gov. Frank O'Bannon's 2000 State of the State Address: Good evening, fellow Hoosiers, colleagues and friends. Speaker Gregg, Senator Garton, Representative Mannweiler, Senator Young, Chief Justice Shepard and Chief Judge Sharpnack, leaders all, thank

Indiana Doubles SUV Use, Census Finds

Critics say sport utility vehicles are gas guzzlers prone to rollovers, but that hasnt diminished their popularity. A Census report released Monday showed Indiana doubled its registrations of SUVs between 1997 and 2002.

Rising Property Taxes Reverberate Politically

Homeowners appear poised to revolt over rising property taxes in a way not seen since the late 1970s. At least six states acted earlier this year to ease the tax burden of homeowners while voters in Indiana, Maine and Washington go the polls this November to consider measures to curb skyrocketing increases in their property tax bills.

Incumbent Governors in Indiana, New Hampshire Lose Races

Republicans won governorships previously held by the Democrats in Missouri and Indiana, and the Democrats ousted a GOP incumbent in New Hampshire and won in Montana in Tuesday's election. In other governors races, Democrats kept control of the state's top office in Delaware, North Carolina and West Virginia. Republicans held on to North Dakota and Vermont and Utah. Colorado cast its electoral vote for President Bush, but let Democrats regain control of both the Colorado House and Senate. Proposals to ban gay marriage were approved in all 11 states that considered them.

Daniels Draws on Private Sector for 'New Crew'

Indiana's Republican Gov.-elect Mitch Daniels used a common-touch approach to the voters to help overcome a Democratic effort to paint him as a wealthy corporate and political insider. But the former White House official and drug company executive is drawing heavily on his background as he prepares to lead his Midwestern state.

O'Bannon's Death Puts Focus On Transition Procedures

Indiana Gov. Frank OBannons sudden death last week brought renewed focus on state leadership succession procedures, and political experts said it was a reminder that some states need an update.

America Under Fire: Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on their role in Americas war with terrorism. In this installment, Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon talks about his response to the attacks and an anthrax scare in his state.

Failing Schools Forced to Offer School Choice

For two years in a row, 8,652 public schools across the country have failed to meet state performance standards, according to the U.S. Education Department. Under orders from Washington DC, these schools must now offer their students the option and funding to switch to a better performing school within their district.

State Medicaid Budgets Start To Squeeze

During the last five years, policymakers expanded Medicaid with a flourish. Armed with hearty surpluses and federal funds to boot, states launched the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), pharmacy assistance programs for the elderly and community-based health services for the elderly and disabled. But budget bliss is fading fast. Numerous states, from Oregon to Tennessee, New Mexico, Kentucky, Indiana and Washington State, are now complaining about Medicaid's skyrocketing price tag.

Indiana Senate Advances Election Reform Bills

The Indiana Senate unanimously passed a $6 million bill Tuesday (3/6) to computerize and centralize the states voter registration system. Earlier in the month, the Senate approved another measure to establish a fund to upgrade voting systems statewide.

State Budget Ills Hinder New Cancer Treatment Plan

Faced with an irony in current law that entitles low-income women to be screened but not treated for breast and cervical cancer, Congress agreed last year to let states expand Medicaid to cover these women. But fiscal constraints threaten to keep many states from moving ahead on the issue.

Push For Ten Commandments To Return To Schools

The Ten Commandments are experiencing a renaissance in states debating bills that would display the Big 10 in schools alongside historical documents. Emphasizing history, not religion, is a strategy that Commandments backers hope will skirt court challenges.

Daylight-Saving Time Dawns in Indiana

Just when Indiana ended its nearly 40-year quarrel over its clocks by accepting daylight-saving time, a new time issue has flared up. One of 12 states that fall into more than one time zone, Indiana is now consumed by a move by 19 of its 82 counties on Eastern time to switch and join its 10 counties on Central time.

Legislative prayer stirs church-state issues

Indiana lawmakers are testing the line between invoking divine guidance on their deliberations and breaching the constitutional wall between church and state. In the process, they are discovering, as legislators around the country before them have, that the simple ceremony of opening legislative sessions with prayers can be tricky.

States Stumble Privatizing Social Services

It sounds like a good idea: Replace state employees with a high-tech contractor to more efficiently screen thousands of applications for state support, and save taxpayers millions. That's what Texas and Indiana policy-makers thought. But early results of a privately run social services project in Texas and troubles with the Indiana bidding process have caused both states to put their plans on hold.

GOP Governors Trim State Employees' Bargaining Clout

State employees in Indiana and Missouri will have less clout the next time they seek a pay raise or try to alter their working conditions. As a first order of business, newly inaugurated Republican Govs. Mitch Daniels of Indiana and Matt Blunt of Missouri each rescinded the collective bargaining rights of state workers.

Next Class of Teachers Enters Changing Profession

Indiana is among several states across the country that have changed the way they evaluate, pay and retain teachers. The changes are controversial, but advocates say they will improve student performance and keep better teachers in the profession.

States Wager on Racetrack Slots

States are betting that adding slots to racetracks will help get them through a faltering economy and dwindling cash reserves

Indiana Attorney General Race Mirrors Obama-Clinton

Two candidates for a top executive office are closing in on the final stage of a closely watched contest to win the majority of some 2,000 delegates needed to become their party's nominee in November. Sound familiar?

Great Lakes States Protect Their Water

Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes.

Indiana Gets OK for Novel Health Plan

In a novel plan, low-income adults in Indiana who can't afford health insurance will be able to tap into as much as $300,000 in coverage by contributing to health savings accounts.