Stateline Stories

Va. Tech Shooting Inspires First Legislation

Updated 4:30 p.m. EDT, WednesdayA new proposal to ban guns in dorm rooms at Louisiana public universities is the latest example of state-run universities seeking to protect gun-free zones even as 48 states now allow citizens to carry concealed weapons.

Is Health Care Ruling a Game-Changer?

TODAY'S TAKE: Partisan state politicians either cheered or denounced a federal judge's ruling Monday (December 13) that a key provision of the Obama administration's new health care law is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Virginia's governor urged his peers to support an idea to fast-track the case directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, and critics of Massachusetts' broad-based health care program saw a new opportunity to challenge it.

In Case of Attack, Who Would Run the Legislature?

An obscure Cold War statute would allow South Carolina legislators to designate successors in case lawmakers were wiped out in an attack on the United States. Problem is no one now serving in the General Assembly has submitted a list of emergency successors. At least three other states have similar succession laws on the books.

Facing Off Over Funerals

A Federal judge last month ordered the Pennsylvania state board of funeral directors to rewrite their “outmoded” regulations that limited the numbers of funeral homes any one director could own, restricted the naming of homes, and prohibited funeral homes from serving food. Industry experts say the ruling could have broad implications for other states.

Oklahoma Among States Limiting Property Taxes

Lowering property taxes is always popular, and results from the November 6 elections show this year was no exemption

Choices Often Limited in ‘School Choice’ Programs

Many top private schools have chosen not to participate in statewide voucher and scholarship tax credit programs in states such as Ohio, Louisiana and Florida.

Are 'Charter Universities' the Future of State-Funded Higher Ed?

With more budget cuts on the horizon, many flagship universities are warming to a new bargain with state government: In exchange for less state funding, they would get more say in running day-to-day operations as well as the ability to impose some tuition increases.

GOP Lawmakers Look to Abolish Income Taxes

Republican lawmakers in several states are taking aim at something no state has done in more than three decades: eliminate income taxes.

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

New Anti-Abortion Strategy Pays Off

The past few months have seen a flurry of new state laws restricting abortion, most of them based on the concept of “fetal pain.”

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

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.

Alliance Forms Over Innovative School Reform

An innovative school reform experiment aimed at the lowest performing schools in Boston, Chicago, New Orleans, San Francisco and St. Louis was launched in Washington yesterday. The Ford Foundation is providing a $500,000 grant to help support labor-management partnerships with local school personnel, parents and a host of education associations. The alliance is being formed at a time when the public is impatient with school reforms and some mayors have taken over failing schools, as recently occurred in Detroit.

Historically Black Colleges Contemplate a More Diverse Future

This summer, two private HBCUs faced extinction. Public HBCUs are exploring new ways of operating to avoid the same fate.

Jindal Stays Put as Isaac Swirls Toward Coast

This week was supposed to be Bobby Jindal’s time in the limelight — a chance at complete redemption for the Louisiana governor, whose star in the Republican Party is rising once again. But a hurricane named Isaac thought otherwise.

Louisiana State of the State Address 2011

BATON ROUGE, La. - March 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bobby Jindal's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, fellow state wide elected officials, and the Senators and Representatives. Family and friends fellow residents of the great state of Louisiana. Thank you for the pri

Louisiana State of the State Address 2010

BATON ROUGE, La. - March 29- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bobby Jindal's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Members of the Legislature … honored guests … statewide elected officials … my fellow Louisianians. Thank you for that warm reception. I hate to do this since you just sat down, I am going to

Louisiana State of the State Address 2009

BATON ROUGE, La. - April 28 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bobby Jindal's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Thank you. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Mr. President, Speaker, Members of the House, Members of the Senate, fellow residents of this great state of Louisi

Louisiana State of the State Address 2007

BATON ROUGE, La., April 30 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Governor, State officials, members of the legislature, my Cabinet and staff, my family, and special guests: Welcome back. Today, I have the distinct honor of

Louisiana State of the State Address 2006

BATON ROUGE, La., March 27 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's (D) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the legislature, and special guests, It's nice to stand before you today with signs of normalcy beginning to return to our state. For exa

Louisiana State of the State Address 2005

BATON ROUGE, La. - April 25 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's (D) 2005 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, members of the House and Senate, honored guests. Let me extend a special welcome to the five newest members of the Legislature and congratulations to Rep. Dorsey, t

Louisiana State of the State Address 2004

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - Mar. 29 - Following is the full text of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's (D) 2004 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, my fellow statewide elected officials, members of the House and Senate, dignitaries, honored guests, members of my family, and citizens of Louisiana. Thank y

Louisiana State of the State Address 2000

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana - April 24 - Following is the text of Gov. Mike Foster's 2000 State of the State Address: During the past special session, you helped to stabilize our budget problems by renewing the three cents. You also helped pass Louisiana, Inc., which will help us attract high paying jobs and compet

Mold-Breaking Rivals Vie in Louisiana Runoff Election

Regardless of the outcome of the Nov. 15 election, Louisiana will make history -- either the first woman or the first non-white male will be elected governor.

State Budget Forecast Calls For Rain

Despite recent indications that the slumping national economy may have turned a corner, state budgets are suffering from a shortage of money and probably will be for some time, state fiscal experts say. More than three-quarters of the states have made budget cuts or implemented spending freezes, and more than half are tapping their rainy day accounts, reserve funds built up during the economy's better days. Even the sacred cow of spending priorities, K-12 education, has come under the budget axe in some states.

Fiscal Gimmickry Gives Louisiana Budget Headache

Unlike their cohorts in 43 other states, Louisiana's legislators came into session this year with a budget that could be balanced simply by staying with the status quo. But a battle that's expected to rage until the Legislature's June 12 adjournment threatens to make Louisiana budget trouble state No. 44.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

Find a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Louisiana through North Dakota

States Seeking Stock Options

With the stock market continuing its trek through bear country, it's not exactly a great time to be selling voters on a plan that would free more state funds for investment in stocks. But that's the task facing some officials in Louisiana, Montana and South Carolina, who are hoping voters will look past the market's recent struggles to see the long-term benefits of playing the market with public funds.

On The Record: Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster

The list of states struggling to maintain their swiftly shrinking water resources is long, but few laymen would put Louisiana on it. With its bayous, its Gulf Coast and its place at the foot of one of the longest rivers in the world, the state practically floats on water. But after two of the driest years in a century and a stack of permit requests for the construction of new, aqua-guzzling power plants, Gov. Murphy J. "Mike" Foster agreed last year with those saying that the time has come to involve the state in managing water. Stateline.org spoke with Foster at a conference in Baton Rouge last week.

Shortage Fears Hit Water-Rich, Policy-Poor Louisiana

Perched on the eastern bank of one of the largest river systems in the world, Louisiana's capitol of Baton Rouge has a potential drinking problem. Drop a well 1500 feet from the middle of a neighborhood south of town into the sands of the states Southeast aquifer system and youre likely to bring up something that tastes more like Gulf Coast brine than a bottle of spring water.

Federal Officials Call For Rx Pricing Reforms

After years of investigations that show physicians can buy pharmaceuticals at a tenth of what the government pays, Congress is considering cutting reimbursement rates for some prescription drugs under Medicare and Medicaid.

Budget Squeeze Snarls Louisiana Gov's Agenda

Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster started his second term Monday after he and seven other statewide elected officials and the new Legislature were sworn in at Baton Rouge ceremonies. The Republican governor has an ambitious agenda for his next four years, but a budget squeeze brought on by smaller than expected tax collections may make it hard to realize.

Gov Foster's Commitment To Education Continues

In his inaugural speech, Gov. Foster called for a continued commitment to education. "As we begin this new era, we must tackle the occurrence of the old riddle: how does a relatively impoverished state like Louisiana educate its children, train its workforce, invest in its infrastructure and do those things only government can do with limited resources? Over the coming days, I will ask our legislative leaders, educational leaders, business leaders, and others to join with me in answering this question and responding to this challenge." he said.

Louisiana's Gov A Man Of Many Parts

He can pilot a 100-ton offshore boat. He's an accomplished airplane pilot and learning to fly a helicopter. He recently began hosting his own statewide radio talk show and enrolled in law school. Some young stud fresh out of college? A Generation Xer with his wannabes in overdrive.Think again.This man for all seasons is Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster, a 70-year-old multi-millionaire re-elected last year in a runaway.

Health Of Nation Measured In Report Card

A national report card on health places New Hampshire at the top of the list of states that have healthy residents with decent access to healthcare. Mississippi ranked 50th in the study sponsored by the United Health Group of Minneapolis. Minnesota, Utah and Massachusetts also ranked high among states for all round good health and longevity. Louisiana, South Carolina and West Virginia joined Mississippi at the bottom of the list.

Louisiana, Maine Legislatures Set To Adjourn

Two more states, Maine and Louisiana, are about to wind up their legislative sessions, leaving 13 states still engaged in the business of making laws. Louisiana is on track to adjourn Monday at 6 p.m. as scheduled. The picture is not quite as clear in Maine. Politicians there traditionally call it quits on the third Wednesday of the month, which was June 16. This year however, lawmakers are gathering at the statehouse this morning to hold a so-called "veto day." For more information, click on

Louisiana Election Looks Like No Contest For Governor

Louisiana voters go to the polls on Saturday to begin the process of electing a governor. Incumbent Republican Mike Foster seems a shoo-in for a second term. Until this week, the only question mark was whether Foster would be pushed into a Nov. 20 runoff with his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, because of the crowded field of candidates competing for votes. But the latest polls suggest the race will be a runaway even though Foster has not had a scandal-free first four years in office.

Katrina Alters Vista for Barbour, Blanco

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco and Haley Barbour took their oaths as governors of Louisiana and Mississippi two days apart in January 2004. Twenty months later, Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf states, tearing apart landscapes and lives and severely testing the leadership of both governors. This report is from "State of the States 2006," Stateline.org's annual overview of significant policy trends in the 50 states.

Katrina, Rita Create Unexpected Boom

Despite dire forecasts that Gulf Coast governors would have to slash state budgets in the wake of hurricanes Katrina and Rita one year ago, a new report finds that booming "hurricane economies" have fueled state revenue surpluses across the region.

Voters Set to Judge Property Rights

Voters in 12 states - starting in Louisiana this weekend - will decide this election year whether to curb government's eminent domain powers, while those in four states will consider whether government should pay when one of its regulations lowers property values.

NCSL Conference Focuses on Floods, Energy

As state lawmakers gather in New Orleans this week for a policy conference, they'll be reminded often of what can happen if public works are allowed to deteriorate.

Louisiana Touts Its Offshore Oil Drilling

NEW ORLEANS - While states on the east and west coast debate whether to drill for offshore oil and natural gas, Louisiana and three other Gulf Coast states hold up their offshore drilling operations as proof that they can produce oil and gas without hurting the environment.

Katrina Inspires Bans on Gun Seizures

Hurricane Katrina has left its imprint on gun laws in at least 13 states, where law enforcers now are banned from taking firearms from law-abiding citizens during a state of emergency.

States Urge Hurricane Awareness

The governors of Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia have declared official awareness periods to highlight the beginning of what forecasters say could be a dangerous hurricane season.

La. Passes New Partial-Birth Abortion Ban

Louisiana lawmakers this week unanimously approved a ban on a medical procedure known as partial-birth abortion, passing the first in what could be a spate of similar state laws next year.

Louisiana kicks off 2007 gov races

Only in Louisiana, known for its peculiar election laws and devotion to college football, could a Louisiana State University football game once again play a role in deciding the victor in a governor's race.

GOP wins Louisiana governorship

Louisiana voters elected the country's first governor of Indian descent Saturday (Oct. 20) and gave the Republican Party control of yet another state executive suite in the South. Bobby Jindal also will become the youngest sitting governor at 36.

Hope fading for GOP gains in La. Legislature

In the last act of the 2007 state elections, Louisiana voters, who already have picked a new governor, will head to the polls to choose legislators on Saturday (Nov. 17). While Democrats are assured of keeping control of the Senate, the contest is closer in the House.

Weekly Wrap: Recession Forcing Government Overhaul

Oregon, Louisiana launch review of government; Utah's four-day work week saves on energy costs; new pension report released.

Tax Revenue Lags in Louisiana

Some top oil producing states like Alaska and North Dakota are enjoying revenue booms. Louisiana isn’t.

Louisiana Weighs Deeper Pension Cuts

Forecasters fear the last round of pension plan reforms will not be enough to guarantee solvency in the long run.

GOP Governors Examined as Potential Running Mates

Several Republican governors have already taken their names out of consideration for the second spot on the national ticket.

Summary of the Louisiana State of the State Address

During his state of the state address to the Legislature March 29, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal called on lawmakers to improve accountability in schools, to retool health care funding and, above all, to not raise taxes.

Spill Reignites Offshore Drilling Debate

TODAY'S TAKE: The oil spill caused by the explosion of a rig off the coast of Louisiana last week is reigniting a debate in the states over whether offshore drilling is environmentally safe. Florida Governor Charlie Crist toured the site of the spill on Tuesday (April 27) and called on lawmakers to hold off on plans to expand drilling in the coming years.

Louisiana Economy Dealt a Fresh Blow

TODAY'S TAKE: The BP oil spill is taking a back seat to another piece of crippling economic news in Louisiana this week. A Northrop Grumman shipyard that builds vessels for the U.S. Navy will close by 2013, taking as many as 12,000 jobs with it.

Pressure Mounts Over Drilling Moratorium

TODAY'S TAKE: Oil companies -- and the Gulf Coast states that depend on them -- won a court victory Wednesday (Sept. 1) when a federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit challenging a temporary federal ban on deepwater drilling. Despite the BP oil spill, Louisiana and Texas are among the states that want drilling to resume as soon as possible, citing lost revenues and economic activity.

Seeing Red, Louisiana Democrats Become Republicans

TODAY'S TAKE: The only Democratic attorney general to formally oppose the Obama administration's health care law in court, Louisiana's James "Buddy" Caldwell, has switched parties. He becomes the latest in a string of Louisiana Democrats to switch to the GOP.

Budget Session Begins in Louisiana Legislature

TODAY'S TAKE: While most states have been debating their budgets for weeks, Louisiana lawmakers are only now turning their attention to a $1.6 billion shortfall - an already difficult task complicated by election-year politics and a just-ended battle over redistricting.

Bashing Oil Industry is Tricky Politics in Gulf States

Now that oil has stopped gushing in the Gulf of Mexico, state and local governments are tallying the economic losses they have suffered-and vowing to hold BP accountable. But they are moving carefully, mindful that much of the region's economy depends on the industry they are confronting.

Onetime Democratic Speaker to Become GOP Leader in Louisiana

TODAY'S TAKE: In 1996, John Alario was the Democratic speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives. Today (January 9), he will be named the Republican president of the state Senate.

State School Board Races Dominate Louisiana Elections

EDUCATION BEAT: A state at the forefront of some controversial changes in education is seeing more than $1 million in campaign donations pour into what are usually quiet elections.

States Hope to Win on New District Maps in Federal Court

For a generation, states have been taking their legislative district maps to the U.S. Justice Department for clearance on issues of racial fairness. There's another route to approval, however, and several of the states are using it.

In Louisiana, Privatization Schemes Hit a Snag

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is pushing to outsource an array of government functions to the private sector. But his efforts lost momentum this week.

Child Support Collections Dip, Except in Louisiana

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Most states are seeing declines in child support collections, but not Louisiana … The number of unauthorized immigrants goes down in Colorado, Florida and New York … Teen birth rates remain steady everywhere except in West Virginia, and other social policy news.

Jindal Warns Obama: 'We're Not Winning This War'

TODAY'S TAKE: During President Obama's fourth tour of the Gulf Coast since oil began spilling from an offshore well, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal told the president that the country is losing the "war" against the spill. The governor's admonition came at the same time Louisiana's state treasurer urged Jindal to prepare for the possible bankruptcy of BP.

Gulf Govs Hail Judge's Ruling on Drilling Moratorium

TODAY'S TAKE: A federal judge's decision overturn the federal ban on offshore drilling drew praise from Gulf state governors who had complained that idling oil production would put workers out of work.

Gulf States Fear Long-Term Fiscal Effects of Oil Disaster

The Gulf Coast states were hopeful that 2010 would be a year of economic revival. Now, one of the worst environmental tragedies in U.S. history is jeopardizing the future of the tourism, fishing and deep-water oil drilling industries. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida do not have the money to offset the revenue losses and are counting on BP to rescue them.

States Try New Tactics to Restrict Abortion

State legislatures across the country this year enacted groundbreaking abortion laws prodded, in large part, by national health care reform. Some of the new laws will dramatically change the circumstances women face when trying to end their pregnancies and at least one could lead to a challenge of Roe v. Wade.

Why Rainy Day Funds Can’t Always Be Used on Rainy Days

Nearly all states put aside money for tough fiscal times. But the rules for using the money are dramatically different from state to state.

Trickle of Democratic Legislators Become Republicans

TRANSITION WATCH: Fewer state-level Democrats are becoming Republicans than in 1994, new Speakers of the House are elected in Montana and Tennessee and other news of the historic shift in power in the states

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indiana Gov Squashes VP Speculation

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said Sunday that if Mitt Romney asked him to be his running mate that he would “demand reconsideration” and send a list of people who “could suit better.” But he declined to say what names would

WORTH NOTING: Illinois Treasurer Shows His Knowledge of Charges

U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

Sunshine Overruns: Hawaii’s Solar Tax Credits Carry Soaring Price Tag

The widespread popularity of Hawaii’s solar energy incentive — and mass confusion over how to implement it — have dealt a blow to the state’s treasury and become a major topic in state politics.

For Some States, Medicaid Expansion May Be a Tough Fiscal Call

GOP governors appear poised to leave federal dollars on the table.

More GOP Officials Vow to Decline Medicaid Expansion

Republican state leaders say they’d rather forfeit federal money than dip into state coffers to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act.

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.

Latest News From State Delegations

If vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin looked at the Florida delegation Wednesday night, she would've seen nothing but women. The male members of the delegation decided to give up their seats to the female delegates, alternates, staffers and guests, reports Bob Dart of The Palm Beach Press .

Gustav Draws Attention to Fla. Generator Law

Power outages caused by Hurricane Gustav have shut down gas stations throughout Louisiana this week, but Florida officials are hoping a little-known state law can help them avoid the same complication the next time a major storm reaches their shores - which could be this weekend.

Foreclosure Aid Program Gets Underway in Florida

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Florida rolls out a program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure … A GOP plan to turn food stamps into a block grant gets mixed reviews … Texas experiences a child boom, and other social policy news.

States Buying in Bulk to Stretch Rx Dollars

A growing number of states are using an age-old bargain shopping strategy buying in bulk to save money on prescription drugs. States are looking within and beyond their borders for ways to leverage the combined buying power of consumers, such as state employees, retirees and Medicaid patients, to negotiate better prices from drug makers.

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.

UPDATE: More States Decriminalize Safe Baby Abandonment

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

Tracking the Recession: Buyouts Lure 9,000 State Workers Into Retirement

As layoffs and furloughs undermine the job security traditionally associated with state employment, at least six states are offering buyouts to tighten their belts without fracturing morale. But some worry this payroll-reduction technique may not save as much money as anticipated.

States Rewrite Education Rules, With or Without Race to the Top

Six states were near-miss finalists in the first two rounds of a federal competition that rewards changes in state education policy. Most of them are continuing the school reform process with their own money.

Safety Net Hospitals Won’t Be Docked in States That Don’t Expand Medicaid

Hospitals in non-expansion states feared they would be hit with bigger federal funding cuts than those in expansion states. HHS says that won’t happen – at least for the first two years.

States Scramble to Implement New Education Law

Scores of schools arent making the grade when it comes to complying with the new No Child Left Behind education law. Some states are reworking their policies to make it easier for students to pass muster while some districts are finding excuses not to take students from schools with poor marks.

Southern States Poorest, Census Says

Making ends meet is harder in Louisiana, West Virginia and Mississippi, states with the highest poverty rates in the country. State poverty rates range from 6.1 percent in New Hampshire to 20.3 percent in Louisiana, according to new figures from the U.S. Census Bureau based on a survey of 700,000 households. States with large minority populations tended to have above-average poverty rates including New York (13.5 percent), California (14 percent), and Texas (15.3 percent), according to an analysis of the survey data by the Washington-based Economic Policy Institute.

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.

Weekly Wrap: Tax Panels Focus on States' Long Term Fiscal Health

States are creating commissions to examine the future financing of government. A new Census report highlights foreclosure rates, median housing values in states.

Weekly Wrap: New Year Brings New Laws

New state laws that take effect across the country on New Year's Day range from affecting the way residents drive to whether they can marry or profit from snapping a celebrity's photograph. (See also:US: State lawmakers, lacking money, took up bad-behavior bans in '09 and US: New 2010 laws -- Cooking to texting)