Stateline Headlines

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.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

Snow Puts Strain on State and Local Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: The heavy snowfall that has blanketed much of the mid-Atlantic region in recent days already has exhausted an entire winter's worth of state and local cleanup budgets in some places.

Conservatives Battle for Tennessee House Speakership

TRANSITION WATCH: The Tea Party becomes involved in the race for Tennessee House speaker, Arizona contemplates a flat tax and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

Penn State Case Spurs Movement for New Child Abuse Reporting Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: The Penn State sex abuse scandal has lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and elsewhere considering new reporting requirements for those who learn of crimes against children.

Handicappers See State, Local Faces In A Gore Lineup

Should Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman make it to the White House, Gore would probably rely on congressional contacts to fill most of his cabinet slots, political analysts speculate. However, they say there are some state and local politicial leaders who could wind up in a Gore administration.

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.

States On Guard For West Nile Virus

This week, New York City renews its war on the West Nile virus -- the mosquito-borne disease that killed 7 New Yorkers and sickened 55 others without warning last summer. As the city gears up to ward off another outbreak, states on the Eastern Seaboard and in the southeast are putting plans into place to guard against the virus as well.

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.

Six States Lead in Children's Dental Health

TODAY'S TAKE: New Mexico has fewer dentists per capita than all but one state, and one in five of its residents is uninsured. Despite its challenges, the state is among six national leaders in providing for the dental health of its children, according to a new 50-state report by the Pew Center on the States, the parent organization of Stateline.org. About two-thirds of the states, in fact, do not have adequate policies in place for children's dental health, with nine states receiving failing grades, the study found.

New 'Human Transporter' Getting Green Light

With a national lobbying effort clearing its path, a much-ballyhooed new "human transporter" called Segway is scooting through state legislatures, winning regulatory changes that allow it to be used on sidewalks and other pathways frequented by pedestrians.

New Jersey E-ZPass System A Financial Debacle

New Jerseys electronic toll collection system may save motorists time, money and fuel, but lawmakers and transportation authorities are learning that the E-ZPass system will not pay for itself.

Death Penalty: Will Other States Follow N.J.?

A year after New Jersey became the first state in a generation to repeal the death penalty, capital punishment opponents in Maryland and New Mexico are pointing to recent political developments in their states as a sign they could be next.

New Jersey Democrats Want to Roll Back Tunnel Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Some New Jersey legislators look to reduce driving costs… A major public works law in Illinois catches a break… Maryland's governor looks to deny driver's licenses to tax delinquents, and other transportation news.

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.

Four States to Weigh Calls for Constitutional Conventions

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

States Use Red Tape To Shrink Food Stamp Program

To determine how much in food stamps a family can receive, some states want to know what a child earns from a paper route or part-time job. A handful go so far as to demand information on the sale of personal items, including blood, from food stamp applicants. By using unnecessarily long applications and intrusive questions, states are preventing needy families from obtaining food assistance, a study released Monday by the national anti-hunger organization, America's Second Harvest, found.

The United Regions of America

President Obama would like to transform the traditional strategy of states battling each other for jobs and replace it with an approach that emphasizes U.S. regions competing against other countries in the global economy.

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.

Few Incumbent Governors Likely to Fall

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

Carroll County's gun law nullification fantasy

Former Balto. Co. exec Smith in talks for transportation job

Harris calls for expanded audit of education spending

Federal audit finds city schools misspent stimulus, Title I funds

Rocky Gap casino opens in Western Md.

City envy in the county schools

Md. passes thoroughbred breeder incentive program amid bickering

Baltimore County says it won't raise water rates

Council to consider mayor's proposed pension changes

Policy pits candy against sugar

Counties, city face potential loss of piggyback revenue

The cost of BGE reliability

Baltimore City school system passes $1.2 billion budget

More poverty in Baltimore's suburbs than in Baltimore, research shows

Md. law requires smoke alarm upgrades

Withholding tax refunds to clear warrants seen as success

Same speculation, different styles for O'Malley, Cuomo

Mayor to preside over mass wedding at GLBT Pride event

As contraband phones flood Baltimore jail, blocking technology comes online

The newest thing in Maryland horse racing: optimism

Roads, bridges, transit projects announced with gas tax hike

O'Malley signs gun bill

$1 billion for new city schools: From non-starter to law

MARC to add weekend service to Washington

Baltimore City Detention Center has high rate of staff-inmate sex

Private companies consider boarding Purple Line light-rail project

Signing of Md. gun control bill to launch new legal battles, fight for public support

Maryland's model for gun regulation

Maryland agrees to buy Annapolis post office

Md. economy will continue to feel government spending cuts

Advertisements to tout Maryland's new gun control law

University system board approves 2.4% tuition, fee increase

Baltimore's noble but flawed hiring bill

Governor visits 'House of Cards' set to highlight incentives success

Dwyer sentenced to 30 days in jail in drunken boating incident

Panel recommends changes at Coppin State

School reform 2.0

Dwyer will plead guilty to operating boat under the influence

Bill would force contractors to hire Baltimore residents

Maryland delegate Dwyer will plead guilty to drunken boating charge, lawyer says

3 bids entered for Prince George's casino site

Stopping the cellphones that foster jailhouse corruption

Why doesn't Baltimore's schools chief need teaching experience?

Smith Islanders debate buyout

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty

Maryland has executed five people since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But nobody else will be sentenced to death in the Old Line State.

Small Businesses Seek Relief from ACA Penalties

Big fines for small businesses are among the possible unintended consequences of the Supreme Court’s decision to make the Medicaid expansion optional for states.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Supreme Court Considers Link between DNA and Privacy Rights

More than half the states allow police officers to collect DNA from criminal suspects before they are convicted of a crime, but a Maryland man is arguing that the practice is a violation of privacy.

Maryland State of the State Address 2013

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland -- Jan. 30 -- Following is the prepared text of Governor Martin O'Malley's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Changing Black Attitudes Could Boost Same-Sex Marriage in Maryland

In just the last year, attitudes of black voters toward same-sex marriage have shifted. The size of that shift could decide whether same-sex couples can marry in Maryland next year.

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.

Courts Differ on Police Use of DNA

Taking DNA samples from suspects immediately upon arrest is an increasingly common law enforcement practice. But some courts have ruled it unconstitutional.

Maryland Defends Strict Gun Permit Process

Maryland officials defended their strict gun permit regulations Friday by asking a federal appeals court judge to block the effects of a lower court ruling that would have loosened the state’s restrictions on obtaining concealed-carry permits.

Teach for America Alums Take Aim at State Office

Some alumni from the teaching program are making runs for state office. Many are facing opposition from teachers’ unions.

Maryland State of the State Address 2011

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access a video of the speech. Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Lieutenant Governor Brown; Treasurer Kopp, Comptroller Franchot; Attorney General Gansler; Attorney General Curr

Maryland State of the State Address 2010

ANNAPOLIS, Md - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Speaker Busch, President Miller, Lieutenant Governor Brown; Treasurer Kopp, Comptroller Franchot; Attorney General Gansler; Attorney General Curran; colleagues in city and county government; men and women o

Maryland Casino Opens to Long Lines, Glitter and Controversy

Maryland’s third and largest casino, Maryland Live , opened this week amid glittery showgirls, a woman dressed as a giant dessert table, a gaggle of politicians, lines of eager gamblers stretched outside the building and the cacophony of 3,200 fully

Maryland State of the State Address 2009

ANNAPOLIS, Md - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Lieutenant Governor; Madame Treasurer, Mr. Comptroller; Congresswoman Edwards; Former Governors; Mr. Ambassador; my colleagues in local government; men and women of the Mary

Maryland State of the State Address 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Jan. 23 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site and listen to the address. Thank you. If you all would remain standing for just one second before I begin our talk here about the urgent business of

Maryland State of the State Address 2007

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 31 Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2007 state of the state address: To my wife, Katie, and our children, to my mom, Barbara O'Malley, and to Joe Curran, one of the great public servants in our state's history, thank you for all your support. Mr. President, Mr. Speak

Maryland State of the State Address 2006

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 26 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Robert Ehrlich's 2006 state of the state address: President Miller; Speaker Busch; Lieutenant Governor Steele; members of the General Assembly; Chief Judge Bell; Attorney General Curran; Comptroller Schaefer; Treasurer Kopp; members of our Congress

Maryland State of the State Address 2005

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - - Following is the text of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s 2005 state of the state address: President Miller; Speaker Busch; Lieutenant Governor Steele; members of the General Assembly; Chief Judge Bell; Attorney General Curran; Comptroller Schaefer; Treasurer Kopp; members of our Congressional D

Maryland State of the State Address 2004

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 29 - Following is the full text of Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr.'s (R) 2004 State of the State speech: President Miller; Speaker Busch; Lieutenant Governor Steele; members of the General Assembly; Chief Judge Bell; Attorney General Curran; Comptroller Schaefer; Treasurer Kopp; mem

Maryland State of the State Address 2003

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 29 - Following is the full text of Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s State of the State Address: Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Mike Busch; Members of the General Assembly; Lt. Governor Steele; Chief Judge Bell; Judge Vaughan; Attorney General Joe Curran; Treasurer Nancy Kopp;

Maryland State of the State Address 2002

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 16 - Following is the full text of Gov. Parris Glendening's 2002 State of the State Address: Thank you. Thank you all very much. Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Cas Taylor; Members of the General Assembly; Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; Chief Judge Bob Bell; Attorne

Maryland State of the State Address 2001

ANAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 17 - Following is the text of Gov. Parris Glendening's 2001 State of the State Address: Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Cas Taylor; Members of the General Assembly; Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; Chief Judge Bob Bell; Attorney General Joe Curran; Treasurer Richard Dixon; Com

Maryland State of the State Address 2000

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Jan. 19 - Following is the text of Gov. Parris Glendening's 2000 State of the State Address: Senate President Mike Miller; Speaker Cas Taylor; Members of the General Assembly; Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend; Attorney General Joe Curran; Comptroller William Donald Schaefer; Treasur

Lawmaking on the Go: A Day in the Life of a Maryland Delegate

Delegate Melony Griffith is a woman who mixes politics, social work and motherhood. Its a blend that keeps her hopping as she juggles priorities. A Stateline.org reporter recently glimpsed a day in the life of this lawmaker that is fairly typical of the lives of the more than 7,300 men and women who serve in state legislatures.

News Media Facing Eviction from Maryland Statehouse

The Maryland Capitol press corps could lose its workspace in the historic Statehouse in Annapolis. Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R), known for his potshots at newspapers, says the media move is part of a temporary plan to replace water pipes. But critics say its the governors payback for bad press.

Maryland's New Governor Off to Bumpy Start

Maryland's first Republican governor in 36 years is getting a political baptism of fire as he seeks to implement his conservative agenda in the liberal-leaning Free State. So far in the current legislative session, Gov Robert Ehrlich's signature proposal to legalize slot machines is stalled in the General Assembly and his choice to head the Environment Department was rejected by the state Senate. Democrats control the legislature.

Civics For A New Generation

Maryland Sen. Patrick J. Hogan (D- Montgomery County) gives a lesson in state government to a class of 26 Maryland high school students as part of a nationwide effort to get more young people involved in politics.

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.

No Stampede For New Terrorism Laws

In contrast with the federal rush to expand police powers to go after suspected terrorists, most state legislatures are moving slowly on post-9/11 homeland protection measures as they seek to balance national security concerns with the preservation of civil liberties.

State Guard Units Filling Expanded Mission

The National Guard is not a part-time service for "weekend warriors" anymore, but an integral part of U.S. military missions worldwide. Filling jobs ranging from chaplains to postal workers, pilots to infantry troops, state National Guard members are on duty in the United States and 48 other countries, augmenting the nation's active duty force or dealing with the latest natural disasters.

Battleground States React to Terrorist Strikes

New York, Virginia and Maryland remained in a state of emergency Wednesday after terrorists, in what looms as the deadliest attack in U.S. history, rammed hijacked passenger jets into Manhattan's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In all three states, hundreds of National Guard units were mobilized or on standby to help with security , search and rescue efforts and the treatment of casualties.

Education Summit Attracts Govs, Business Leaders

Michigan Governor John Engler and IBMs Louis V. Gerstner opened the National Education Summit 2001 Tuesday against the backdrop of last months terrorist attacks on New York City. Engler and Gerstner cited the destruction of the World Trade Towers as an urgent new incentive to improve education.