Stateline Stories

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).

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.

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.

Maine's King Makes Independence Work

Maine. Gov Angus King, one of the nations two politically unaffiliated state executives, is in the homestretch of his second and final four-year term. King, a native of Virginia who remains quite popular after more than seven years in office, says being independent has enabled him to make decisions on the merits. His choice of an epitaph: He didnt do bad for a boy from away.

States Continue Rx Onslaught

Vermont is poised to enact a landmark prescription drug law within the next few weeks, a move that adds fuel to state battles against rising prescription drug costs. Lawmakers borrowed parts of at least five different programsincluding Maine, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia and Illinois to come up with a plan that is sweeping and controversial.

Universal Health Foes Linked To Drug Industry

In a twist on a publicity stunt popularized by proponents of health care reform, a Canadian doctor and 12 of his patients recently traveled from New Brunswick to Maine, warning Americans not to adopt a Canadian-style universal health system. But a closer look at the group reveals ties to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.

Maine Welfare Mom Defies Stereotypes

Heidi Hart grew up in a family that got food stamps and government-supplied commodities like powdered milk, peanut butter and large blocks of cheese. Then she became a mom at age 16. Nine years later, Hart has a college degree and is happily raising a 9-year-old daughter . She works at a child and substance abuse prevention program in Maine and has plans to go to law school or get a master's degree. How did she do it? Hart had something that welfare moms in many other states don't have.

Maine Computer Project Engages Students

When they arrive for the first day of school this week, 18,000 Maine seventh graders will find a new laptop computer on their desk, thanks to a state program designed to arm them with the best technological skills in the world.

On The Record: Maine Human Services Chief Kevin Concannon

Maine may not be seen as a state with a whole lot of political muscle, given its small population and remote location. But in the struggle to get a grip on skyrocketing prescription drug costs, it has become a modern-day Hercules. Maine has put in place programs such as its Physician Directed Drug Initiative, which encourages doctors to use lower cost medications. And with its Maine Rx program which aims to control drug prices, it has angered pharmaceutical manufacturers and sparked a lawsuit. Department of Human Services Chief Kevin Concannon, who oversees the state's Medicaid program, recently spoke with Stateline.org on what's happening in Maine.

Maine A Pacesetter In Rights For Disabled

In a 5-4 ruling last February, the U.S. Supreme Court held that states are exempt from the Americans With Disabilities Act, a federal law that protects handicapped citizens from job discrimination. The ruling could affect the disabled in many states, but not those who live in Maine. It acted to guarantee rights for the disabled even before Congress tackled the issue.

Maine Rx Program Buoyed by Court Decision

Maine is moving to implement a prescription drug cost control program following a U.S. appeals court ruling against the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), which had sued to block Maine Rx. Kevin Concannon, commissioner of the Maine Department of Human Services, called Wednesday's decision by a three-judge panel to lift an injunction that had put the controversial program on hold "unambiguously a grand slam."

Appeals Court To Rule on Maine Rx Program

In the latest round of legal sparring between prescription drug makers and state officials, Maine was back in the courtroom Monday in the First Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston, fighting to keep a new prescription drug program alive. In the opposite corner, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) maintained that the state's program is unconstitutional.

Budget Squeeze Threatens Maine Laptop Plan

Theres nothing like a severe economic slowdown to change state lawmakers from patrons to pikers. When the Maine Legislature set aside $30 million last June to begin funding a first-in-the-nation program to provide 34,000 laptop computers for every seventh and eighth grade student in the state, there was a healthy budget surplus. But then the economy headed south, and with it went the legislative enthusiasm.

States Slowly Erasing Word 'Squaw' From Maps

Detailed maps of the United States like those produced by the U.S. Geological Survey show more than 1,000 different geographical features from towns to mountains to creeks and reservoirs that have "Squaw" in their names. But by January 2001 there will be about 25 fewer with the word for woman that Native Americans find offensive, thanks to legislation enacted in Maine earlier this month.

Fighting Sprawl: A View From The Trenches

The growing pains of a small rural New England town offer a microcosm of the debate about sprawl. The writer of this report, a veteran newspaper and television newsman, provides a first-hand perspective of the complexity of managing growth amid competing interests even in tiny Durham, Maine.

Maine Experiments With RX Price Law

There is nothing small about the battle set to begin in a federal courtroom in Bangor. It pits the State of Maine against the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, and its outcome could affect the price and availability of prescription drugs nationwide. A trade organization representing about 100 of the largest drug companies is challenging Maines first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs. The "Maine Rx Program" was passed by the Legislature and signed by Independent Gov. Angus King last May.

On The Record: Maine State Sen. Chellie Pingree

Over the past year, the cost of prescription drugs has become a white-hot issue in state legislatures across the country. The issue is now a focus of the presidential race. Stateline.org spoke by telephone with Maine Senate Majority Leader Chellie Pingree, a Democrat who spearheaded the effort behind the Pine Tree State's first-in-the-nation price-control law for prescription drugs, to talk about the new Maine law, about how the issue has taken off and what's likely to happen next.

Maine's Approach To Prescription Drugs Draws National Attention

Legislators in 20 states have announced efforts to lower prescription drug prices in present and upcoming legislative sessions. Joined by labor leaders and senior citizen activists, legislators announced plans to model their efforts after a law passed in Maine five weeks ago that established the nation's first program where the state negotiates prescription drug prices for residents.

Eye-Opening Maine Survey Samples Student Attitudes

An innovative program in Maine that tries to learn what adolescents are buoyed and bothered by could be one way to identify and deal with the kind of student alienation that all too often of late has resulted in tragedies like last week's high school massacre in Littleton, Colo. In this report from Orono, Maine, stateline.org special writer Sandor M. Polster takes a look at the program.

Maine Panel To Consider Legislative Reform

On Wednesday, July 14, a 10-member panel in Maine will begin examining whether the state legislature needs to make changes in the way it does business. The panel will look at everything from the how to make the lawmaking body more representative to the way its sessions are structured. In this special report, Sandor Polster explains what's behind this unusual exercise and decribes how it will work. For more information, click on

Maine Weighs Tightening Water Use Regulations

Unregulated diversion of water for farm irrigation, snowmaking and the maintenance of lush golf courses is a potential problem for state policy makers throughout the country. Sandor M. Polster, our correspondent in Maine, looked into what his state is preparing to do about it. For more information, click on

Maine's Contrasting Statistics on Children

The Children's Rights Council recently declared Maine as the best state to raise a child. However, a closer look at all available statistics show the state lagging behind in several important categories. In the words of one key official: "We may start them out right but they don't end right."

Maine's King Makes Independence A Virtue

Thirty-one of the 50 governors are Republican, 17 are Democrats and two are neither. But the label "Independent" has not been much of an obstacle for Maine Gov. Angus King -- he was re-elected by a landslide in 1998. King shares the distinction of being outside the political mainstream with Minnesota's Reform Party Gov. Jesse Ventura. In this profile from Augusta, stateline.org examines how this lesser-known political maverick operates.

Maine's Pleasant Political Problem: Fate Of Surplus

Maine legislators will have the happiest of political tasks when they reconvene in January -- deciding what to do with a budget surplus that may very well top $300 million. Democrats and Republicans are divided on whether to spend the money on pressing needs or rebate it to the taxpayers. And Independent Gov. Angus King has his own ideas.

Results of June 13 Primary

Maine Gov. John E. Baldacci (D) and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) easily won their nominations in the June 13 primary. Sanford will face state Sen. Thomas I. Moore (D) this November while in Maine, state Sen. Chandler Woodcock is leading the GOP field in the race to square off against Baldacci. North Dakota voters approved two constitutional measures, including one that removes language limiting membership to the state's National Guard to men aged 18 to 45. Here is a sampling of local news coverage of the results in races for state offices in the June 13 primaries. Check out Stateline.org's Election issue page for a state-by-state round: AR: Halter wins nomination for No. 2 spotME: Woodcock eyes GOP victory in primaryND: Constitutional changes approvedSC: Sanford will face Moore in November

Maine Closing Technology Gap for Students

The former governor of Maine who created the nation's only statewide program to give laptop computers to public school students is continuing his personal crusade to close Maine's digital divide by offering free home Internet access to low-income students.

State Lawmakers Bag Online Hunting

Lawmakers in 11 states jumped on the bandwagon to outlaw online hunting this year, and California may soon do the same. Why all the fuss? It's over a single website that briefly offered Internet users a chance this spring to shoot live animals on a Texas ranch and that netted a single customer.

Governor Battles Unions in Maine

Governor Paul LePage recently called Maine’s state workers “about as corrupt as you can be.” They’re not pleased with him, either.

States Get Help Expanding Telemedicine

For more than a decade, states have urged health care providers to use telemedicine to boost the quality of medical care in rural communities. Maine and other states just got federal grants to build the health information highway to make that possible.

Maine Gets 2 More Days For Real ID

(Updated 10:30 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, April 1)Maine gets two more days to reach an agreement with federal officials on rules to make driver's licenses more secure and avoid extensive security screenings for its residents at airports and federal buildings beginning May 11.

Delegates Speak: Issues Facing the States

Aug. 27, 2008, 4:00 p.m. EDT Q. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? Wisconsin on jobsKeeping jobs in America. It is so important. We are losing jobs in Wisconsin. We have a GM plant (in Janesville) that is going to close down. And those are thousands of jobs. We also have a paper factory who has left us. We have another one that planning on closing. We also have small cheese factories that have closed. We don't have jobs for these people to go to. You can retrain them on jobs … skills and things. But where do they go for jobs? The jobs are not there. They are going to either overseas, or just gone... That is the biggest concern. Because if you don't have a job, you have nothing. You can't go the store and buy the bread and milk that we need to survive, or the food. And you can't, of course, afford mortgages. ... You can't even rent if you don't have a job. ... You have to have a job to survive in life. -Wisconsin delegate Mary Goulding of Greenbay, 57, secretary with the public school district interviewed by Barbara Rosewicz, Stateline.org Maine on energy Energy costs are a strong issue for me because obviously we have cold winters and not a lot of people. There's the whole discussion about being on the energy grid and how we can leverage that and get our money's worth, but the good side is that we are uniquely positioned for wind energy and tidal energy, and I really believe Barack Obama is committed to renewable energy and not just drilling and trying to find more oil in our oceans.-Maine delegate Jennifer DeChant, 35, of Bath interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org New Mexico on health careI have four children and six grandsons.Seniors need help. If they don't get it, they are burdens to their families. In New Mexico, jobs aren't good enough for employers to pay employees adequate health insurance. -New Mexico delegate Mary Gail Gwaltney of Las Cruces, 73, retired interviewed by Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.org AFTER THE JUMP: Audio and photos from the interviews Comments

Maine and South Carolina Try Different Tacks with Big-Box Stores

For years, local governments have either tried to lure big box stores for jobs and cheap goods -- or discouraged them to preserve local businesses and small-town character. Maine and South Carolina have just weighed in on the issue, taking widely divergent approaches.

Tobacco case could limit state powers

Forty state laws regulating Internet sales of tobacco products - and many more governing the sale and shipment of dangerous products from explosives to wild animals - are at stake in a challenge to a Maine law that the U.S. Supreme Court heard Wednesday (Nov. 28).

GOP Wins Build Momentum for 2010

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans regained the governorships of New Jersey and Virginia on Election Day (Nov. 3). Tax caps failed in Maine and Washington and Ohio voters approved casino gambling. Stateline.org this morning rounded up these results and more for yesterday's elections and for a variety of ballot measures decided by voters.

'Maine Miracle' Faces Challenge

TODAY'S TAKE: Even as other hard-hit states hiked personal income taxes this year to generate revenue, Maine drew national attention for doing the opposite. But the 'Maine Miracle' may face a challenge at the polls next year.

Will States Budget for a Second Stimulus?

TODAY'S TAKE: Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) this week will submit a budget proposal that assumes Congress will pass additional stimulus measures, according to Maine's Capitol News Service.

Maine State of the State Address 2012

AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 24 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Paul LePage's (R) 2012 state of the state and budget address: President Raye, Speaker Nutting, Chief Justice Saufley, members of the 125th Legislature, distinguished guests, and my fellow citizens. I am here t

Maine Republicans Say They Will End 'Dirigo' Health Care Experiment

Governor-elect Paul LePage campaigned on doing away with Maine's first-in-the-nation attempt at creating universal health coverage. With Republicans in charge of the state Legislature, too, there's a good chance he'll get his way.

GOP Takes the Reins in Maine

TODAY'S TAKE: Maine is one of two states - along with Wisconsin - that flipped from all-Democratic to all-Republican rule on Election Day. On Wednesday (December 1), the state's new GOP-dominant Legislature begins work.

Two New Governors Cause Early Political Stirs

TODAY'S TAKE: New governors in Alabama and Maine have found themselves at the center of controversy days after taking office as a result of widely publicized comments that offended minority groups.

Labor Union Discord Reaches New England

TODAY'S TAKE: Maine's Republican Governor Paul LePage wants public employees to work longer and pay more for their retirement benefits, igniting protests in Augusta resembling those recently seen in the Midwest.

Maine Moves to Loosen Teen Labor Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: The Maine House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to loosen the state's laws governing how much teens can work, which are currently the strictest in New England.

Conservative Budget Becomes Law in All-GOP Maine

TODAY'S TAKE: Maine Governor Paul LePage signed a budget on Monday (June 20) that includes tax cuts, the phasing out of a statewide health care plan and spending cuts in pensions and welfare.

Proposed Medicaid Cuts Draw Big Protests in Maine

TODAY'S TAKE: Hundreds of protesters packed the State House in Augusta, Maine, to voice their disapproval of a plan by Governor Paul LePage to eliminate Medicaid coverage for 65,000 residents. LePage says the program has grown so much that it has "cannibalized" money meant for other state priorities.

A Tax Reform Test in Maine

In Tuesday's primary election, Maine voters will decide the fate of the state's most comprehensive tax reform plan since 1969. Other states will be watching as Maine attempts to expand its sales tax base to pay for lowering income taxes.

Maine Governor LePage Backs Nation's Toughest Medicaid Cuts

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Medicaid program in Maine is short of money, and conservative Governor Paul LePage has a blunt proposal for solving the problem - drop people from the rolls.

Maine Redistricting Could Sway Presidential Race

TODAY'S TAKE: When Maine redraws the line between its two congressional districts this fall, it might help determine whether President Obama is reelected.

When a Pension Overhaul Comes Without Social Security

Every state has at least some public employees who are not allowed to receive Social Security benefits. As states ask workers to contribute more toward their pensions, making workers eligible for Social Security would come with pros and cons.

LePage Sparks a Child Labor Debate in Maine

Governor Paul LePage thinks letting young people ages 16 and over work longer hours is a good idea. Critics accuse him of seeking to undo labor regulations that have been widely accepted for decades.

LePage's Regulatory Reversals Stir Debate

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Maine's governor seeks to relax environmental rules ... New Mexico's Supreme Court rebuffs that state's governor in a climate dispute ... New Jersey approves power plant subsidies, and other energy and environment news.

Summary of the Maine State of the State Address

In his last state of the state address, Gov. John Baldacci (D) called on the Democratic-led Legislature to help him close a $438 million budget gap by consolidating natural resource agencies, streamlining government administration, eliminating redundancies between state and local government and cutting social services.

Still Too Many Schools?

As states become determined to keep more school money inside the classroom, rather than in an administrative office, they are beginning to turn to the thorny issue of consolidation as a way to save on administrative costs. But consolidation of anything related to schools is notoriously difficult, and doesn't always turn out to provide the fiscal windfall states hope for. Implementation is fraught with complexities. Communities worry about the possibility of local schools closing even when it's promised that proposed changes would be largely administrative.

Maine, R.I. Diverge on Income Taxes

TODAY'S TAKE: New Englanders have been talking taxes this week, and coming to different conclusions. In Rhode Island, Governor Don Carcieri on Wednesday (June 9) signed into law an overhaul that reduces income taxes for most residents, but changes deductions and tax breaks to keep revenues stable. Contrast that with Maine, where a legislatively approved plan that also would have reduced income taxes fell flat at the polls on Tuesday (June 8).

Maine Law Set Foreclosure Crisis in Motion

The court case that has exposed a national foreclosure problem came out of a state with one of the toughest foreclosure-control laws.

Maine Republican Legislators Contemplate End to Labor Committee

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine Republicans seek to fold historic panel, Connecticut's pension gap gets bigger, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

LePage Struggles to Fill Maine Cabinet Due to Salary Concerns

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine's governor-elect says top choices for key roles have turned him down, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell promises a fight with the feds over Medicaid funding, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

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

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

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.