Stateline Stories

Governors Talk Energy with Obama

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama on Wednesday (Feb. 3) told a group of 11 governors - including those from coal-friendly states - that the United States must move aggressively toward a clean energy economy.

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.

States Struggle with Prescription Drug Abuse

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Legislators are looking for ways to deal with a problem that keeps getting worse. Physicians in some states are starting to work with them.

WORTH NOTING: 'Gas Pain' Troubles for Utah Governor

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

States Suing Feds Over Seniors' Rx Costs

Fifteen states want the U.S. Supreme Court to block the federal government's plan to bill them for a portion of costs for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit passed by Congress. The states call the law "an unprecedented intrusion into each state's sovereignty."

States Scrutinize For-Profit Colleges

Rhode Island is considering whether to approve a for-profit osteopathic medical school, as Kentucky leads 22 other states in investigating the for-profit education industry.

New Meth Recipe Sidesteps State Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: A new method of making methamphetamine - a highly addictive street drug that has caused law enforcement and public health problems from Oregon to Kentucky - is circumventing tough state laws that had been making headway against production of the drug. The new method uses less of a key ingredient - pseudoephedrine - that states have made much harder to acquire.

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.

Democrats in Trouble as Kentucky, Mississippi Elect New Governors

Kentucky and Mississippi voters hit the polls Tuesday to elect new governors. Louisiana voters will do the same later in the month. These are the only regularly scheduled gubernatorial elections this year and Republicans are running strong in all of them.

Republicans Elect Governors in Kentucky, Mississippi

Republican candidates won the governors races in Kentucky and Mississippi Tuesday, continuing a decades-long trend toward Republican domination of the South.

States Promote Nursing, Protect Moms

Mississippi, the state with the lowest breastfeeding rate in the country, has passed a broad new law allowing mothers to nurse at work and in public. In addition, five other states - Arizona, Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina and Alabama - passed laws protecting mothers from charges of indecent exposure when they nurse in public places.

States Try GPS to Protect Social Workers

Last year, a Kentucky social worker was murdered in the line of duty. Although fatalities are rare, this case and others like it are a call to arms for state child-welfare agencies already battling high worker-turnover rates and a nationwide shortage of skilled new social workers. Two states are equipping their frontline caseworkers with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices to boost worker safety and efficiency.

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.

States Aim to Cut Energy Bills

The federal economic stimulus law gave states $3.2 billion to spend on energy efficiency. States are finding creative ways to leverage those dollars to retrofit universities, hospitals, schools and prisons for energy savings.

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.

New Year Brings Slew of New State Laws

New laws for 2011 include further state bans on the practice of texting while driving.

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2013

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- Feb. 6 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steve Beshear's (D) 2013 State of the Commonwealth Address:

Kentucky Governor Calls for Public Smoking Ban

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has called for a ban on smoking in certain public places, an effort to improve the state’s dismal public health record and to cut down on health care costs.

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.

States Nervous About New Common Core School Standards

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

Prescription Databases Weigh Public Health Against Patient Privacy

Prescription drug monitoring programs are a popular tool for states looking to combat prescription abuse, but not all databases are used the same way.

To Raise Revenue, Raise Tobacco Taxes, Kentucky Commission Says

Kentucky’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform recommended the state increase its cigarette tax from 60 cents to $1 per pack, along with a proportional hike on other forms of tobacco.

Can Digital Recordings Save Money for Courts?

Faced with crippling budget shortfalls, state courts are replacing in-person stenographers with digital recording systems. But do they really save money?

Kentucky Debating a Tax Overhaul — Again

For at least a decade, Kentucky has been studying how to adjust its tax system. Governor Steve Beshear hopes the state is finally ready to act.

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2011

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Feb. 1. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steven L. Beshear's (D) 2011 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to hear the governor's address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Lt. Governor Mongiardo, Constitutional officers

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2009

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Feb. 4 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steven L. Beshear's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Lt. Governor Mongiardo, Constitutional officers, honorable members of the Court of Justice, honored

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2008

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Jan 14. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steve Beshear's (D) 2008 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Lt. Governor Mongiardo, Constitutio

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2007

FRANKFORT, Ky., Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ernie Fletcher's (R) 2007 state of the commonwealth address. Click here to access audio recording of the speech. Let's start by having a moment of silence for the people who lost their lives this morning in Nelson County. First Lady, Constitu

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2006

First Lady, Lieutenant Governor Pence, President Williams and Speaker Richards, Constitutional Officers, Legislators, Justices and my fellow Kentuckians. I am here tonight to report on the state of Kentucky to the legislature and to the people of our Commonwealth. I can tell you that the people of Kentucky are m

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2005

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Feb. 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ernie Fletcher's (R) 2005 State of the Commonwealth address: First Lady, Lieutenant Governor Pence, President Williams and Speaker Richards, Legislators, Constitutional Officers, Justices and my fellow Kentuckians, it is a time-honored tradition that

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2004

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 13 - Following is the full text of Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher's (R) 2004 state of the commonwealth address: President Williams, Speaker Richards, and members of the General Assembly; Chief Justice Lambert and members of the Judiciary; Cabinet officers and other members of the E

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2003

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 10 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul E. Patton's 2003 State of the Commonwealth Address: For the sixth and last time, I appear before you as governor to report on the state of the Commonwealth. And in many ways, the state of the Commonwealth is good; but, as always, there are still thi

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2002

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 10 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul Patton's 2002 State of the Commonwealth Address: President Williams, Speaker Richards, and members of the General Assembly, Justice Lambert and members of the Judiciary, Governor Henry and other members of the Executive, my fellow Kentuckians: It's

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2001

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 3 - Following is the full text of Gov. Paul Patton's 2001 State of the State Address: President Williams, Speaker Richards, and members of the General Assembly, members of the Judiciary, Governor Henry and other constitutional officers, my fellow Kentuckians. As the General Assem

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2000

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 4 - Following is the text of Gov. Paul Patton's 2000 State of the Commonwealth Address: Speaker Richards, President Williams and members of the General Assembly, Justice Lambert and members of the Judiciary, Governor Henry and other members of the Executive, distinguished members of Kentu

Kentucky Jail Breaks Raise Political Hackles

Earlier this month, Brian Keith Herron was charged with robbing three banks in Owensboro, Ky. days after being released from prison. This could have been just another crime story, but it has become a key part of a broader political issue in Kentucky.

Gubernatorial Candidates Face Off in Southern States

With hotly contested races for governor in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi, the South is home to three of this year's biggest political battles. While these races are far from the finish line, some analysts are already predicting that Republicans could be in for a good year.

Kentucky Legislators Target Lieutenant Governor

Kentucky, like most other states, has had to make deep budget cuts. One easy target for legislators was the one officeholder lacking specific constitutional duties - the lieutenant governor.

On the Record: Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton (D)

The battle to close looming deficits in Kentucky has been a losing one for term-limited Gov. Paul Patton (D), who finishes a one-year stint as chairman of the National Governors Association in June. In an interview with STATELINE.ORG, Patton discussed state budget problems and the NGAs position on federal fiscal relief for states.

Southern States' Governors' Races Heat Up

Voters in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi elect new governors this fall. With the races well underway, analysts say the best battle is in Mississippi, where incumbent Gov. Ronnie Musgrove (D) is squaring off against political power broker Haley Barbour (R).

On The Record: Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton

The fiscal squeeze on the states was in the spotlight at the annual summer meeting of the National Governors Association, which was winding up in Boise, Idaho Tuesday. In an interview with STATELINE.ORG, Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton, a Democrat whos the new chair of the NGA, discussed state budget problems and other issues.

Kentucky Budget Crisis Goes Largely Unnoticed

On July 1, Tennessee residents couldn't miss the signs that their state legislators had failed to pass a budget: Highway rest areas were closed, road crews were idled and anyone wanting a drivers' license had to wait. In sharp contrast, legislators in neighboring Kentucky also had failed to pass a budget. But outside the Capitol, you could be forgiven for not noticing.

Sex Scandal Roils Kentucky Statehouse

Kentucky Gov Paul Patton, who heads the National Governors Association, is in political and legal hot water because of allegations arising from an extramarital affair with the owner/operator of a state-regulated nursing home. Patton vows he wont resign, but the scandal is casting a shadow on the states budget debate and the 2003 statewide elections

Governors To Congress: Help Us Help Economy

With congressional leaders and President Bush hashing out the details of an economic stimulus package that could reach $75 billion, the nation's governors have weighed in with some proposals of their own. Concerned by double-digit revenue drops in some states, the governors want measures that would save them from having to raise taxes or cut programs at a time when doing either could further damage the economy.

Art Contest Flames Interest In Flight

Benjamin Crabtree has loved airplanes - and drawing - since he was a toddler. Now 12, he is still too young to fly a plane, so he paints his dreams of becoming a pilot and, every year, he enters his work in an international art contest for children sponsored by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale of Lausanne, Switzerland. Meet Benjamin and learn more about the contest in this stateline.org report.

Kentucky, Montana Move To Protect Welfare Surplus

Many states are drafting plans to increase spending on low-income and welfare families, but Kentucky and Montana have announced their new initiatives are a direct result of recent attempts by Congress to cut the federal contribution to welfare and divert those funds to other programs. In this report, stateline.org looks at how those two states have moved to prevent any Washington budgetary raid.

Two Southern Governors Face Key Off-Year Elections

The headline-generating chief executives of Kentucky and Virginia are gearing up for off-year elections with significant ramifications for each man. Pro-gambling, Democratic Kentucky Gov. Paul E. Patton is cruising toward easy re-election in one of the country's most powerful governorships -- Kentucky's legislature meets every two years and has sessions that last only 60 days, giving Patton unparalleled sway over Blue Grass politics. Virginia's Republican Gov. James S. Gilmore III, though not a candidate himself, is weathering a firestorm of Democrat-fueled criticism over his state's clogged highways as he looks to wrest control of the House from the Democrats and consolidate the GOP's hold on the Senate.

Kentucky's Gov. Patton Favored To Win Four-Way Race Nov 2

Kentucky's one term-and-out rule no longer applies to the governor's office, thanks to a 1991 change in the state constitution. And Democratic Gov. Paul Patton is expected to benefit from the change in one of the two gubernatorial elections next Tuesday (the other is in Mississippi). Patton, a former coal industry executive, faces three challengers, but none of them looks strong enough to make the Bluegrass state voting a real contest.

State Voters Face Range of Critical Issues Tuesday

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, off-year elections will decide if Maine bans late-term abortions, if St. Paul, Minnesota, tries to steal the Twins baseball club from Minneapolis and if Texas will provide $400 million in loans for college students. Kentucky and Mississippi will choose a governor, and voters in Virginia will determine if their legislature goes Republican for the first time since Reconstruction.

Priorities 2000: A Kentucky View

Making the state tax system fairer, improving education, protecting the environment and providing more and better mental health services -- these are among Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton's priorities in the coming 12 months. More on Patton's year 2000 agenda -- in his own words.

Towns caught in clash over Net access

When rural Kentuckian Valerie Davis needed a high-speed Internet connection, it was the state that brokered the initial connection -- between her and the service provider. While Kentucky provides a model of public-private cooperation in promoting broadband access, the role of state and local governments has proven contentious elsewhere.

States Break Out Gift Cards for the Holidays

Plastic, stored-value gift cards are the most popular holiday gift in America, and three states -- Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia -- are vying for a piece of the action.

Justices Weigh Lethal Injection

The U.S. Supreme Court, hearing a case that already has halted executions nationwide, on Monday (Jan. 7) delved into the details of the three-chemical cocktail used to put prisoners to death in 36 of the 37 states that allow capital punishment.

Gov Races in Ky., La., Are Wide Open

The 2008 battle for the White House may be grabbing the headlines and bloggers' space, but this fall's three governors' races are starting to garner attention with close races expected in Kentucky and Louisiana.

GOP Eyes Possible Gains in '07 Races

Click here to see the 2007 state elections guide Location, location, location could make all the difference in the three governors' seats in play this year. All three gubernatorial races - in Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi - are in the South, the only region where Republicans made gains in state offices as Democrats in 2006 swept into a majority of governors' mansions and more statehouses than at any time since 1994.

Fletcher Struggles to Overcome Hiring Probe

Kentucky's embattled governor touts his opposition to gambling and his conservative stances, but he trails a once-obscure former lieutenant governor by double digits.

Dems win Ky. gov seat, Va. Senate

Democrats regained the Kentucky governorship, ousting the scandal-tainted incumbent Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R), and appeared to pick up enough seats to take control of the Virginia and Mississippi senates.

Odd-year elections a preview for '08?

What typically is a quiet, off-year election is anything but this year. Voters in Kentucky today (Nov. 6) will decide whether to oust their sitting governor. In three states, both parties have a fighting chance to wrest control of statehouse chambers. And school vouchers and stem cells are among 34 measures on the ballot.

Govs' Q & A: Rethinking Prison Time

With corrections costs rising and tax revenues falling, governors in a handful of states recently have sought to save millions of dollars by shortening the time some prisoners spend behind bars. Stateline.org asked two governors about their plans.

Study Finds Disparity in Corrections Spending

States spend seven times more money on prisons than on probation and parole, even though the vast majority of the 7.3 million people now under correctional supervision are not behind bars, according to a Pew Center on the States report, the first detailed survey of state corrections spending since 2002.

Drug Database Dilemma

No one disputes the need for more information about prescription drug abuse. But who should have access to the information is a divisive issue.

Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address 2012

FRANKFORT, Kentucky - Jan. 4 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Steven L. Beshear's (D) 2012 state of the commonwealth address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the Kentucky General Assembly, Lt. Governor Abramson, Constitutional officers, honorable members of the Court

Spike in Prescription Drug Deaths Roils Kentucky

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Prescription drug abuse becomes deadlier than car crashes in Kentucky … New Mexico toughens its stance toward immigrants … A South Dakota lawmaker proposes an individual mandate to purchase guns, and other public safety news.

Kentucky Legislative Session Ends, Only to Restart

TODAY'S TAKE: Kentucky lawmakers adjourned their 2011 regular session on Wednesday (March 9) without addressing a shortfall in the Medicaid budget. Governor Steve Beshear immediately ordered them back, with harsh words for the Senate president, who is running for governor himself.

Beshear to Face Williams for Kentucky Governorship

TODAY'S TAKE: Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear now knows his opponent in November's gubernatorial election: Senate President David Williams won a closer-than-expected Republican primary on Tuesday (May 17).

Alternatives to Incarceration Prevail in Some States

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Kentucky, Ohio and Oklahoma all approved bipartisan legislation to address overcrowding in their prison systems this year. But in California - the state with a crowding problem so bad it was deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court- Democrats and Republicans could not agree on what to do.

At Inauguration, Kentucky Governor Puts Gambling on Agenda

TODAY'S TAKE: Newly reelected Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear was sworn in for a second term Tuesday (December 13), using the occasion to call for a constitutional amendment to expand gambling.

Summary of the Kentucky State of the Commonwealth Address

"I refuse to use this recession as an excuse not to move forward," Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear (D) told lawmakers in the politically divided Legislature Jan. 6, as another session of difficult budget choices got under way. "I refuse to hunker down and hide, to just wait out this storm and to passively accept the economic situation that others have created for us."

Did Race to the Top Help or Hurt the Push for a Common Curriculum?

States were working on a common set of education standards before the Obama administration decided to make adoption of them part of Race to the Top. The prospect of winning federal money motivated some states to pass the standards, but the administration's blessing may have turned others away.

Governator has whale of a time

California's governor hugs a giant sea creature. Kansas' governor slams her state's wine industry. And add an asterisk to Louisiana Gov.-elect Bobby Jindal's place in the record books. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

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.

Kids catch Iowa lawmakers goofing off

Iowa senators are caught playing computer games while their colleagues speak. YouTube spreads a Montana Republican's barrage against Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D). And budget suggestions bury an Ohio lawmaker's office in paper. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Seven States Lead in Budget Transparency

TODAY'S TAKE: A report released Tuesday (April 13) finds that seven states - Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas - lead the nation in budget transparency, providing the public with comprehensive and easily searchable information about government spending. Eighteen states flunked the scorecard created by U.S. PIRG, a Boston-based research and public-interest advocacy group.

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.

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.

State Support For Ending Cuban Embargo Growing

What do Illinois Gov. George Ryan and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura have in common with Arkansas chicken producers, Texas rice growers and Utah medical companies? They'd all like to see an end to the 40-year-old U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba.

State Brownfields Programs Take National Stage

When Kentuckys Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate both voted unanimously to expand brownfields programs last week, they committed the Bluegrass State to a decade-long push to make investment in cleaning up abandoned industrial sites more attractive to private redevelopers. They also signed on to one of the few nationwide environmental causes to generate real interest in both major political parties since Congress first acted to protect natural resources and public health and set up the Environmental Protection Agency over 30 years ago.

States Vary in Addressing Power Plant Construction

Putting an addition on your home can bring more regulatory hassles than building a power plant in many states. But in a few states like Minnesota, new generating facilities must meet a tough "needs test" to enter today's new electricity market.

Governors' Hiring Under Fire

Governors in Kentucky, Maryland and Illinois are facing scrutiny for hiring practices that test the legal limits of the historic "spoils system" in state government -- rewarding jobs to partisan supporters. Political and legal experts say past governors of both parties have long used partisan patronage to reward allies and ensure loyalty among rank-and-file state workers, but this trio of governors may be under fire as much for their methods as their alleged abuses.

Seven States Woo Clean-Coal Power Plant

Seven states are competing with dollars and regulatory breaks to be the host for a $1 billion federal and private energy initiative being billed as the world's cleanest coal-burning power plant. The project is expected to provide 1,300 construction jobs and 150 facility positions and to generate 275 megawatts of electricity through a process that would eliminate nearly all air pollutants.

WORTH NOTING: Illinois Roads To Be Roadkill-Free Again

Illinois has enough money to start clearing roadkill again after months of letting the coyotes "remove" it. Kentucky and Ohio lawmakers fight over an eight-ton rock. And Vermont teenagers who trashed Robert Frost's house are punished by having to learn about the poet. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Legal Woes Have Hit Other Governors

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) became the latest governor to be in trouble with the law, after federal authorities arrested him and his chief of staff Tuesday (Dec. 9). But not all scandal-tainted governors have been convicted or forced to step down.

Governors Preview Their 2012 Priorities

TODAY'S TAKE: From a constitutional amendment to expand gambling in Kentucky to creation of a health insurance exchange in Idaho, some governors are not waiting until 2012 to declare their agendas.

New Governors: Deficits Are 'Opportunities'

Even with the economy improving, many states are still struggling to recover from a fiscal hangover induced by two-plus years of program cuts, tax increases and layoffs. The governors-elect of Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana soon will lead such states and say they relish this challenge.

States Weigh Role on Export of Electricity

Mid-America is fast becoming ground zero for the biggest power plant construction boom since the 1970s. But much of the electricity generated by these new facilities will be exported to other parts of the country, leaving states without any real economic benefits from the plants' construction and with the financial burden of having to monitor their impact on local communities.

Patients Key to Latest Medicaid Reforms

States hope giving Medicaid recipients a bigger stake in their health care will help keep taxpayers' costs down. Florida is one of four states - along with Idaho, Kentucky and West Virginia - moving toward putting Medicaid recipients in charge of their health care, much like policyholders with private insurance. South Carolina hopes to follow suit as soon as federal regulators sign off on its plans.

Drought Worsens, States Take Emergency Measures

The governors of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware have ordered water rationing and other mesaures to deal with the drought. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman this week designated West Virginia and other parts of the eastern seaboard disaster areas due to excessive heat and lack of rain, making farmers in those areas eligible to apply for emergency loans when drought-related losses are calculated at season's end. For more information, click on

States Warned to Prep for Election Glitches

Eight years after voting irregularities marred the 2000 presidential election, most states still are not as prepared as they should be for Election Day glitches, from machine breakdowns to a shortage of emergency ballots, according to a new report by voter advocacy groups.

Shifting Economy Keeps States Guessing

A month from the start of many legislative sessions, state leaders still don't know how much money they will have to cut from budgets.

Even in this Economy, States Struggle to Recruit IT Personnel

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Qualified IT staff remain difficult for states to recruit … Legislators eye state websites for ad revenue … A defined contribution plan may raise pension costs in Kentucky, and other government management news.

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.

Toothless in Kentucky

Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) sounds off about an American Idol episode. A Florida law lets people take their pets with them to the grave. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) pays a fine for failing to wear a seat belt. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Legislative Hopefuls Break Political Molds

Statehouse candidates following an unbeaten path into politics this year include a former Middle East hostage in Ohio and a California woman who could be the first Saudi-born elected official in the United States. In Kentucky, a former governor is vying for a seat in the state Senate after 25 years away from the Capitol and is running against the big brother of Kentuckys current governor. More than 78 percent of the nation's 7,382 state legislative seats are up for grabs on Nov. 2.

Some Lawmakers Take Unusual Path to Power

Of the 5,804 state legislators elected on Nov. 2, a few stand out from the crowd. In 2004, voters elected three candidates on military duty abroad, the first Vietnamese-American legislator, a wife running to replace her term-limited husband, a daughter running to serve alongside her father and a Connecticut candidate who was both elected and rejected for the same office.

Governors Propose Major Tax Hikes

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

State Pension Funds Defy Scandal, Stock Crashes

Has the stock market crisis made you dizzy, like youve just stepped off the wildest roller coaster ride of your life? Well, if youre a retired state worker with a lifestyle tied to the ups and downs of your pension fund, take a deep breath; chances are youre going to be okay.

States, Women's Groups Slow To Address Women's Smoking

Lung cancer will kill nearly one in four cancer-stricken women this year, a higher rate than deaths from breast cancer, U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher recently reported. Among additional stark findings of importance to the 22 million adult women who smoke in America, researchers say that tobacco companies have stepped up marketing efforts to women, stalling progress in programs that support those who try to stop smoking. Yet states and women's groups are slow in dealing with the problem.

WORTH NOTING: Partying, Politicking and Parrying at Governors' Pads

Some governors can't get away from prying eyes, even in their own mansions. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) is embarrassed when word leaks out of his son's birthday beer bash on the premises; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) can barely get a GOP sign on his own yard; and Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is fighting to get the keys to his mansion from his soon-to-be ex-wife. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

In search of a gentler end

States are planning better ways to support dying and chronically ill children and their families who aren't always well-served by traditional hospice programs. But this specialized kind of care is still rare.

Odd-year elections a preview for '08?(2)