Stateline Headlines

States Share Latest On Rx Programs

Officials from Florida, Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will provide updates on their Medicaid and state employee prescription drug programs at a forum in Pittsburgh Friday (1/11).

Northern New England seeing surge in heroin use

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."

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.

Legislators Barring Electronic Distractions

Since 1997, when North Dakota state senators pioneered a ban on the use of electronic devices when their august body was open for business, the parliamentary rules of more and more legislatures require cell phones, computers and other high-tech distractions to be turned off or left at the door. Maine's House of Representatives is the latest to join the legislative rebellion against the myriad intrusions of the Digital Age.

Infographic: A Turning Point for Gay Marriage?

Gay marriage supporters have won big victories in state courts and state capitals in recent years. Now, they’re hoping to extend that success to the ballot box.

Motorists Face an 'Avalanche' of Higher Tolls

Toll rates are climbing on highways, bridges and tunnels across the country, but it is not just because of the economy. Many big toll hikes are helping to pay for new construction.

Tea Party Could Sway Key Governors' Races

In the Republican gubernatorial primaries, Tea Party supporters played an outsized role in defeating establishment candidates. Can they pull off an upset twice?

Lawmakers Act to Preserve Endangered Night Sky

For decades, astronomers have warned that the intrusion of artificial light is threatening to wipe out a dwindling natural resource - the starry night sky. Now a growing number of city and state governments are taking up the fight to reclaim the night. For lawmakers, the issue is about energy efficiency and safety, as well as good stargazing.

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.

States Dubious Of Federal Testing Plan

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

Missouri is Toughest on Crack Cocaine

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Missouri punishes crack dealers more severely than those who sell the powder version of the same drug… Police are stretched thin in one of the nation's most dangerous cities… The Colorado probation agency comes under scrutiny, and other public safety news.

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.

As Michigan Passes Pension Tax, Maine Considers Repealing One

Does a pension tax harm a state's economy? It depends on which governor you ask.

Do You Want a Tax With That?

The funeral home director in Pennsylvania and hair dresser in Michigan may soon have something in common with the yoga instructor in Missouri and limo driver in New York. Their customers may have to pay a state sales tax. With tax revenues at a historic low and federal stimulus dollars drying up, states are eying adding a sales tax to some of the 180 services that states could be taxing but most don't, ranging from pet grooming and dating services to dental and legal services. The change would be a fundamental shift in states' tax systems, but the proposals are running into stiff opposition from the business community.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

States Slow To Tackle Campaign Finance Reform

When it comes to curbing the influence of special interest money in politics, state lawmakers are sometimes credited with doing more to end questionable practices than the U.S. Congress, which has voted to ban so-called soft money. But reform advocates say campaign fundraising is as open to mischief at the state level as the federal level and that change is unlikely anytime soon.

Help Maine charter schools succeed before adding more

Veto vowed if hospital debt repayment is linked to Medicaid expansion

LePage withholding support for energy bill, wants wind rules changed

Lawmakers push off pay-freeze bill until 2014

Democrats continue support of school ranking system to replace controversial A-F scale

LePage pledges $44,000 for suicide prevention training for all Maine teachers

Brunswick lawmaker says ‘backroom politics’ is plaguing base redevelopment bill

Police chiefs oppose bill to allow Mainers to carry concealed weapons without permit

Maine tax overhaul would raise sales tax, cut almost all income-tax deductions

Republican amendments on Medicaid expansion rejected

Ignore LePage politics, get to root of DHHS funding needs

LePage hopes to eliminate income tax by end of second term

LePage veto: Ban tobacco in Maine entirely, or not at all

Maine Senate approves bill that links Medicaid expansion to hospital debt repayment

Maine protects a woman’s right to choose

With legal fight far from over, embattled Blue Hill raw milk producer will file for bankruptcy

Democrats kill bills that would have given rights to fetuses, changed abortion requirements

LePage: State will run out of money for DHHS bills June 10

LePage vetoes bill calling for Internet sales tax study

Will a new class of dental professionals improve oral care in Maine? Dentists, lawmakers disagree

Silenced by legislators at budget talks, LePage says Mainers are being played for ‘patsies’

Problems at the threshold of Maine energy reform

Liquor, hospital debt and Medicaid expansion headed for vote — all in one bill

Committee shoots down bill that would allow school staff to be armed

Abortion rights debate reignites at State House with introduction of three bills

Avoiding a self-fulfilling state shutdown

Lawmakers snuff out plan for raising tobacco taxes

LePage vetoes bill to let school districts change how they pass budgets

Republicans express surprise as lawmakers link Medicaid expansion to hospital payback

Panhandlers must abide by general assistance rules

LePage to Maine mayors: I made tough choices, so can you

Bill requiring food producers to label products containing genetically modified organisms passes state committee test

Bill to legalize marijuana fails, but support emerges for statewide vote

Energy bill seeks compromise between lower costs sought by LePage, efficiency sought by Dems

Lawmakers ask: Are business tax breaks working to create jobs in Maine?

Redirecting Maine’s wind energy policy

Lawmakers stand squarely behind measure to audit Maine military sex assault laws

State panel rejects tar sands moratorium, opts for study instead

Portland leaders call out LePage, state government as local school budget vote looms

LePage accuses union of lying, ‘manufacturing a crisis’ over shutdown planning

A fair deal for raw milk

Democrats stall teacher evaluation rules until LePage reveals education agenda

Is 2013 the year for tax reform in Maine?

Did LePage just endorse part of Obamacare? It matters for Medicaid

Should Maine allow teachers to carry guns in school?

LePage’s education credibility problem

Maine’s Legislative Council approves $30,000 to help victims of Lewiston fires

LePage wants wind energy goals out of Maine law

LePage bill lifts cap on charter schools, lets public money go to religious schools

Committee rejects food stamp junk food ban

A sticking point: Reject ‘vaccinations disclosure’ bill

Regulating a proposed resurgence in mining under debate in Augusta

Lawmakers vote to ban ethanol in Maine

LePage: ‘Gang of 11’ tax reform a ‘bad deal’

Raw milk, poultry and produce: Bills easing small-farm oversight clear big legislative hurdle

LePage’s budget changes use bond delay, one-time revenue gain to fill $60 million gap

Tanning-Bed Bills Burn With Controversy

Republican governors take different sides on teen tanning.

Maine State of the State Address 2013

AUGUSTA, Maine Feb 5 Following is the prepared text for Gov. Paul LePage's 2013 State of the State Address

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

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

America’s Capital of Divided Government

As most states turn redder or bluer, Maine goes bright purple.

Maine Tax Cuts May Outlive Republican Rule

Democrats won legislative victories campaigning against tax cuts, but may not have the power or inclination to repeal them.

As Funds Dwindle, Governors Ask for Heating Help

Rising heating costs coupled with increased austerity in Congress could leave many low-income Americans out in the cold this winter, 13 state governors warned this week.

As States Debate Medicaid Expansion, Maine Governor Looks to Cut Rolls

Maine Governor Paul LePage appears poised for a head-on collision with the Obama Administration over the issue of Medicaid eligibility. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s health care ruling last month — the federal government cannot take away existing Medicaid funds to penalize states that refuse to expan

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.

Maine State of the State Address 2011

AUGUSTA, Maine - Feb. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Paul LePage's (R) 2011 state of the state and budget address: President Raye, Speaker Nutting, members of the 125th Legislature, and citizens of Maine, thank you for the invitation to discuss our budget submission for the 2012 / 2013 Biennium. It ta

Maine State of the State Address 2010

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 21 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Madam President, Madam Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: I cannot remember a time that has presente

Maine State of the State Address 2009

AUGUSTA, Maine - March 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Madam President, Madam Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: Thank you for joining me tonight as we co

Maine State of the State Address 2008

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Jan. 9 -- The Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: We come together tonight as Maine stands on

Maine State of the State Address 2007

AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci (D) 2007 state of the state address and budget message: Hello. I am Governor John Baldacci. Thank you for joining me tonight. Thank you to the tv and radio stations for carrying this live. Today I delivered to the Legislature my proposed

Maine State of the State Address 2006

Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature and distinguished guests. Good evening my fellow citizens. Tonight, I am proud to report that the state of this State is strong, secure and healthy. More people are working than ever before. More of our children are going to c

Maine State of the State Address 2005

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 25 - Following is the text of Gov. John Baldacci's 2005 state of the state address: Madam president, Mr. speaker, madam chief justice, members of the legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow citizens, I would also like to recognize the first lady of Maine, Karen Baldacci, an

Maine State of the State Address 2004

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 20 - Following is the text of Gov. John Baldacci's 2004 state of the state address: Madam President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow Maine citizens: Twelve months ago, I had the privilege of taking the oath of office. It's been

Maine State of the State Address 2002

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 22 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the 120th Legislature, and citizens of Maine. Before I begin let's remember that one of the members of the 120th Legislature, Senator Joel Abroms

Maine State of the State Address 2001

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 23 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. President Pro Tem, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the 120th Legislature, Citizens of Maine, In each of the past six years, I have come before you at this time to rep

Maine State of the State Address 2000

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 24 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Angus King's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Honorable Members of the 119th Legislature, and Citizens of Maine: Just a week ago, Maine, and all of us in this building, lost a great friend. Chuck Cia

Maine Laptop Program Bugged by Budget Concerns

Maine's cutting-edge program to provide laptop computers to public middle school students has exceeded the expectations of proponents, converted many critics and sparked a nationwide trend toward personal computing in the classroom. But the states high-tech triumphs havent convinced the Legislature to expand the program to high school as originally planned.

Supreme Court Gives Maine Rx Green Light

In a decision closely watched by dozens of states, the U.S. Supreme Court Monday cleared the way for Maine to implement Maine Rx, a trail-blazing program that enables the state to offer discounted prescription drugs to the working poor and elderly people.

Maine Laptop Program Shows Strong Results

Just over three years ago, when then-Gov. Angus S. King, Jr., proposed an unprecedented program to provide laptop computers to every seventh and eighth grade student in Maines public schools, supporters and critics wasted no time debating whether the plan would work. Now, with 17,000 seventh graders about to complete their first full school year using the laptops, both sides agree that the program does, indeed, work. But the debate about funding continues.

On the Record: Baldacci Talks Universal Health Care

Maine, a trailblazer in controlling prescription drug costs, is now poised to provide universal health care for its residents. Leading the charge is Democrat freshman Gov. John Baldacci. At the National Governors' Association meeting in Indianapolis last week, Gov. Baldacci sat down with Stateline.org and talked about his health care initiative.

States Set Ballot Fights: Maine to Vote on Casino

Maine's Nov. 4 referendum on building a casino will influence the future of the Pine Tree States struggling economy, said pro- and anti-gambling groups. Ballot questions in other states will decide issues ranging from starting a video lottery program in Colorado to allowing childrens videotaped testimony in criminal proceedings in Pennsylvania.

SPECIAL REPORT: States Mull Suit Against Drug Companies

In an action modeled on their 1998 class action lawsuit against the tobacco industry, at least six states are poised to go to court to try to force pharmaceutical companies to lower prescription prices, law enforcement and health care officials tell Stateline.org. "The goal is nothing less than changing the way the industry does business," says Mark Schlein, director of Florida's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Attorney General's office.

States Laud Maine Court Decision

In a ruling heard from Maine to Hawaii, a federal judge on Monday (2/25) gave a boost to states looking to curb rising prescription drug costs. More specifically, U.S District Judge Ricardo Urbina said Maine could continue with a project which offers prescription drugs to poor people, shutting down for the moment a challenge from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Small Town Legislative Race Attracts Opposites

Thousands of state legislators will be elected in November after campaigns that get much less public attention than congressional or gubernatorial contests. A small town in Maine is the scene of one more-or-less typical legislative race.