Stateline Headlines

Wisconsin Gov. Walker to headline Iowa GOP event

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.

No Child Left Behind: Not Dead Yet

Most states have received waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind law, but some have found flexibility harder to come by.

Terror Insurance: A New, Risky Business

Book lovers understand that the J. Willard Marriott Library and its three million-volume collection at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City are, in a sense, priceless.

States Embracing Use of 'Green Power'

Demand for "green power" -- electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and water -- is slowly rising. The movement owes its momentum to state policies. Texas, for example, recently passed an electric utility deregulation law stipulating that a certain percentage of Lone Star electricity must be made with green power. For more information, click on

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.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

More Republican Governors Push for Education Overhaul

EDUCATION BEAT: Republican governors in Pennsylvania and Iowa are unveiling plans for major education changes, joining a number of their peers in states such as Florida, Idaho and Maine who made similar moves during the most recent legislative sessions.

Rising Unemployment Vexes States

The national unemployment rate hit six percent last month, its highest level since 1994. But joblessness is even higher in many states as foreign competition combines with the downturn in the business cycle to produce an economic double whammy.

Cities, Counties Hurt By Budget Cuts

Starved for cash due to slumping sales tax revenues and rising Medicaid costs, North Carolinas Mecklenburg County needs another revenue hit like a fish needs a bicycle. But thats exactly what it got in February. Through April of this year, 10 states Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and Washington have cut local revenue sharing dollars to balance fiscal year 2002 budgets.

More Govs Boost Stem Cell Research

As Congress and the Bush administration remain deadlocked over funding for stem cell research, Democratic governors in New York, Massachusetts and Iowa have joined other state leaders in supporting the controversial science.

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.

Five More Governor's Races Set for Fall

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters in five states chose their major-party candidates for governor on Tuesday (June 8), while the Republican contenders in a sixth - South Carolina - are headed for a runoff. Among the prominent headlines: Nevada's Jim Gibbons became the first sitting governor in state history to be rejected in a primary, and former Iowa governor Terry Branstad is one step closer to a return.

Four States to Weigh Calls for Constitutional Conventions

Every so often, voters in some states get to decide whether to write a new constitution. With Iowa, Maryland, Michigan and Montana set to take their turn next month, some worry that calling a convention amidst an angry political environment could do more harm than good.

Watch Your (Official) Language

Missouri, a key presidential swing state and home to one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races, will test what some see as voters' attitudes toward immigrants with a ballot measure to make English the only language of state government.

States Look to Raise Standards for New Teachers

Would paying teachers more improve the quality of teaching candidates? Some states are considering that and tougher admission standards at education programs.

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

State Government Shutdowns: A Dangerous Game to Play

This is the time of year when many state capitols are consumed by talk of budget stalemates and possible closure of government agencies. But the worst rarely happens.

Business Tax Cuts Pass in Michigan But Falter Elsewhere

Republican governors are trying to make good on their promises to cut corporate taxes, but some are finding a bit more resistance than they may have expected.

More States Announce Mid-Year Cuts

As new holes emerge in their budgets, more and more states are making spending cuts well before their legislatures reconvene next year. Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Missouri are the latest.

Few Incumbent Governors Likely to Fall

With high unemployment and pervasive bad news about state budgets, it seems incumbent governors would be in jeopardy of losing their jobs this year. But outside the Midwest, most sitting governors have the edge in their races Tuesday.

How Many Ex-Governors Will Win?

TODAY'S TAKE: In a campaign season marked by an anti-establishment mood, five former governors with a combined 40 years in office will be on the ballot next week, potentially bucking the trend. But at least one, Maryland Republican Robert Ehrlich, has substantial ground to make up. The others appear to be ahead or are locked in close contests.

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.

Possible Medicaid compromise is encouraging

Iowa Legislature OKs high-priority education reform; package headed to Gov. Branstad

Budget bill with $2.65B for school funding passes Legislature

Iowa Legislature pushes towards late-night adjournment of 2013 session

Iowa Senate approves property tax reform but House does not, setting up further debate on Thursday

Iowa Senate OKs health, human services bill before adjourning

Iowa House fails to adjourn, will return Thursday for final votes on 4 bills

Possible Medicaid compromise is encouraging

Branstad hints he'd OK Medicaid expansion if federal funding pledges were secured

Not so fast on property taxes

Iowa Legislature could adjourn today - if compromises occur

Branstad announces social media contest aimed at spurring Iowa home sales

Lt. Gov. Reynolds says she wasn’t sexually harassed in Iowa Senate

Branstad: State might accept federal Medicaid expansion money if it came with ‘assurances’

Branstad hints he'd OK Medicaid expansion if federal funding pledges were secured

Fired Iowa Senate aide to file complaint alleging sexual harassment

Iowa Speaker Paulsen optimistic as 2013 session heads toward finish

Tax reform package is wide-ranging

Key tasks left undone at Iowa Legislature

Legislators behind closed doors

Fired Iowa Senate GOP aide says she detailed sexual harassment by male legislators, staffers

Iowa receives failing grade in campaign disclosure report

Medicaid proposal too bitter a pill for 27 states

Tax reform package is wide-ranging

Property tax plan looms as Iowa lawmakers push for adjournment

Iowa House, Senate reach sweeping deal on tax relief

Iowa lawmakers give final OK to higher ed appropriations bill

Iowa Legislature agrees to fix farm liability issue

Iowa Senate passes spending bill for economic development, other programs

Budget deal hammered out

Lawmakers agree to close Fort Madison mental unit

Iowa DOT releases $2.6 billion, 5-year plan for highway construction

Deal enables tuition freeze

Democrats allege campaign finance violations by new state auditor Mosiman

Legislators reach budget accord aimed at ending 2013 session

Mosiman is appointed auditor

Budget deal hammered out

Hair braiding shows Iowa's ridiculous laws

Branstad: Lawmakers close to deals on education, property taxes

DHS schedules hearings on Branstad's Healthy Iowa Plan

Branstad won't put chief of veterans home on leave

Second try in Legislature aims to help Des Moines pay franchise fee refunds

Mosiman is appointed auditor

Bus inspection reforms stall in Iowa legislature

Iowans worry as health care debate continues

Lawmakers shouldn't overreact to court case

It's time for Iowa to address racial disparity in sentences

Branstad signs military brain injury bill, plus eight other measures

Second try in Legislature aims to help Des Moines pay refunds

Former state lawmaker Swati Dandekar considering run for Congress

Legislature could wrap up session by end of next week

Politicos, take note: If Iowans register, they're likely to vote

State Lawmakers Push Crackdown on Cancer-Causing Radon

Legislation filed in Iowa and Nebraska, and a proposal taking shape in Utah aim to reduce people’s exposure to radon, which kills about 21,000 people each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Iowa State of the State Address 2013

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Jan. 15 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Terry Branstad's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Bucking Trend, Iowa Senator Seeks Death Penalty’s Return

Following the kidnapping and murder of two young girls, an Iowa lawmaker wants to bring back the state’s long-abolished death penalty.

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.

In Iowa and Florida, Judges Survive Expensive Ouster Attempts

Three justices in Florida and one in Iowa held off conservative efforts to remove them from office. In Michigan and North Carolina, conservatives retained power on the Supreme Court following expensive campaigns.

Dam Inspectors Fear the Deluge

Each year, more dams in the United States show signs of disrepair. Meanwhile, the money to fix them grows harder to find.

Best of #StateReads: Iowa Felons Struggle for Voting Rights

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Iowa Budget Address 2011

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 27 - Following is Gov. Terry Brandstad's (R) 2011 budget address: Madam Lt. Governor, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Leaders, justices, judges, legislators, elected officials, distinguished guests, family, friends and fellow Iowans: I am humbled to stand before you once again as your Gover

Iowa State of the State Address 2010

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 12 - Following is Gov. Chet Culver's (D) 2010 state of the state address: A special welcome to Chief Justice Ternus, Members of The Court, fellow statewide elected officials, especially my capable and talented partner, Lt. Governor Judge. Speaker Murphy, Leader McCarthy; President Kibbi

Iowa State of the State Address 2009

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chet Culver's (D) 2009 state of the state address: I want to begin by welcoming all of you, especially the newly elected members of the general assembly, to your state capitol. 2008 was a year we will never forget! May 25th began like any othe

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2008

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 15 - The following is the prepared text of Gov. Chet Culver's (D) 2008 condition of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. My Fellow Iowans, Lt. Gov. Judge, Members of the General Assembly, President Kibbie and Speaker Murphy; Leaders Gronstal,

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2007

DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 9 - Following is the transcript of Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2007 Condition of the State address. Click here to access the governor's web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, thank you very much and Mr. Speaker, thanks to you as well. And I want to thank all the members of the

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2006

DES MOINES, Iowa, Jan. 10 - Following is the full text of Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2006 Condition of the State address. Click here to access the governor's Web page and access video and audio links of the address. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you very much. During the last holida

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2005

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 11 - Following is the full text of Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2005 Condition of the State address. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you Mr. Speaker. Thank you members of the General Assembly for your kind invitation to speak to you about the condition of our great state. Before I do let me al

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2004

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 13 - Following is the full text of Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack's (D) 2004 Condition of the State address: Thank you Madame President. Thank you Mr. Speaker and members of the General Assembly for your kind invitation to share my thoughts about the condition of our great state. I should, also, ex

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2003

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 14 - Following is the full text of Iowa Democratic Gov. Tom Vilsack's Condition of the State Address: Thank you Madam President. Thank you Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly, and our Supreme Court, distinguished guests, and my fellow Iowans. We are blessed, in troubled times i

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2002

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Thomas J. Vilsack's 2002 Condition of the State Address: Thank you, Madame President. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly and our Supreme Court, and distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen. We are assembled on this crisp winter mor

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2001

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 9 - Following is the text of Gov. Tom Vilsack's 2001 Condition of the State address: Iowa always has been a land of great opportunity. The earliest Iowans, the Sacs and Fox tribes among them, lived well and prosperously from our soil's great bounty. Pioneering Americans were drawn to our gre

Iowa Condition of the State Address 2000

DES MOINES, Iowa - Jan. 11 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Thomas Vilsack's 2000 Condition of the State Address: Thank you, Madame president, Mr. Speaker, thank you members of the general assembly, thank you distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen. After a welcome like that from both sides of

Iowa's Vilsack Casts Large Shadow from Small State

Iowa's Tom Vilsack is relatively anonymous now as the governor of a small Midwestern state. But political experts and Republican foes alike say you may be hearing a lot more about the two-term Democrat in the future.

Governors

What would a Kerry administration mean for states? Heres a sampling of responses collected by Stateline.org from governors attending the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

Businesses Outdo States in Multi-Lingual Outreach

Businesses are hungrily eyeing the fast-growing market of Spanish-speaking consumers. But some states are slow to realize the value of communicating with non-English speakers. The contrast underscores two competing national trends: On the one hand, 27 states have passed laws making English their official language. On the other, businesses have recognized the growing immigrant population as a huge marketing opportunity.

State Governments Grow Despite Recession

Despite the worst revenue shortfalls in a decade, most state governments continued to grow this year, and many are approving even larger budgets for next year. The tendency is all up in most states, says fiscal analyst Nick Jenny of the Rockefeller Institute of Government, a university-affiliated think tank in Albany, NY.

Democratic Governors Push Agenda

Seeking to play a larger role in the national political arena, Democratic governors met in Washington, DC, Monday to weigh in on the debate over economic stimulus, saying the economy needs greater public investment in roads and schools and not just more tax cuts.