Stateline Stories

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.

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.

On the Record: Maryland Health Secretary Georges Benjamin, M.D.

While federal officials disagree over the readiness of the nation's public health system to respond to a terrorist attack involving biological or chemical weapons, Maryland Health Secretary Georges C. Benjamin, a physician appointed by Gov. Parris N. Glendening two years ago to oversee the state's 10,000 public health employees, says the discussion is no longer theoretical: His department is already working to defend the public. Benjamin, the new president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, says states are in a better position to respond to an act of bioterrorism than they were even three weeks ago, but much more needs to be done.

Glendening Calls for Federal Role In 'Smart Growth'

Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening wants the federal government to take a more active role in the burgeoning "smart growth" movement. Speaking before a packed house at the National Press Club in Washington, DC Thursday (2/1) Glendening said, "Smart Growth must be more than a nationwide movement in the states, it must become a national movement with the federal government as an active partner."

States Push Flexibility At Environmental Policy Forum

State and local leaders who hope to expand their influence over environmental policy and get more flexibility in meeting national standards for protecting the air, water, land and public health are receiving encouragement from key members of Congress and the Bush administration. At a Washington, DC policy summit Thursday (3/8), top administration officials promised that states would have more input from now on.

Tax Cut Fever Grips Maryland Lawmakers

Maryland's General Assembly begins a four-month session Wednesday, and the biggest issue facing the lawmakers is how to dispose of an unprecedented $1 billion budget surplus. But there are other items on the agenda as well, including gun control, land use and growth, and managed healthcare reform. For more on this, click on

On The Record: Maryland Gov Parris Glendening

Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening Tuesday became chairman of the National Governors' Association, succeeding Republican Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt. Soft-spoken and professorial, Glendening is a second-term Democrat who taught political science at the University of Maryland before getting into politics. His best known initiatives: Smart Growth development policies and safe gun legislation. Glendening spoke to Stateline.org Senior Writer Blair S. Walker in State College, Pa., during the NGA's annual meeting, which began on Saturday.

Rural Schools Struggle With Declining Enrollment

While most of the nation is seeing a record rise in student populations, rural areas in 22 states have been losing students, laying off teachers and closing schools. Downsizing a school system -- a process known as consolidation -- is a wrenching experience for the communities involved, causing all kinds of political and emotional turmoil. Allegany County, Md., a scenic patchwork of Blue Ridge mountain farm towns in a corner of the state wedged between Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Virginia, is a case in point.

States See Greater Post-Election Policy Role

Some of the nations leading governors say the states are in a strong position to shape public policy over the next two years following the virtual dead heat presidential and congressional Nov. 7 election results. "Someone is going to have to step up and say in a major way, weve got to address these problems. The public is not going to sit around for either two years or four years and wait for the next election," Maryland Gov. Parris Glendening (D), chairman of the National Governors Association (NGA), told Stateline.org.

On the Record: Maryland Gov. Parris N. Glendening

Its been a big year for Maryland Gov Parris Glendening. After scoring victories in establishing "smart codes" for old buildings and "smart gun" standards requiring built-in trigger locks, he accepted his fellow governors' nomination as chairman of their national organization, where he promised to fix the spotlight on his visions of "smart growth." Now, Glendening appears ready to lead the governors policy charge up Capitol Hill. He took a moment to talk to Stateline.org recently as he prepared to receive recognition as one of Governing magazines nine Public Officials of the Year.

Md. vote may pave way for 'Wal-Mart' bills

Round two in the battle over whether states should require large employers such as Wal-Mart to spend a certain amount on employee health benefits could get under way this week in Washington state. Workers' rights advocates, bolstered by enactment of a new Maryland law, plan to push similar measures in 30 other states this year.

State DOTs Hope Drivers See Dots

Test programs in Maryland, Minnesota and Pennsylvania aim to curb tailgating by using road markers that alert motorists to distances between vehicles. The markers serve as a tangible reminder of commonly taught driving guidelines such as the "two-second rule," which urges drivers to stay at least two seconds behind the car ahead.

Maryland Politician Still Beloved and Bedeviling

As mayor of Baltimore, Maryland's William Donald Schaefer once donned a 19th century bathing suit to dive into the seal pond at the city's new aquarium. This year, the colorful former governor is in political hot water as he seeks a third term as state comptroller. Political leaders and minority-rights advocates charge the 84-year-old is out of step with the times and should quit the race.

Incumbent AG, Comptroller Lose in Primaries

Wisconsin's attorney general, Peg Lautenschlager, and Maryland's comptroller and former governor, William Donald Schaefer, were two big-name incumbents who were defeated Tuesday (Sept. 12) as nine states held primaries to decide candidates for the Nov. 7 election.

Spread of LNG Terminals Sparks Debate

Because there are no road signs, you might easily miss the nation's largest liquid natural gas terminal, which is sheltered by 800 acres of woods and a freshwater marsh along the Chesapeake Bay. Its quiet location and the longstanding cooperation with environmentalists has largely protected it from the controversy facing proposals for similar projects in other states.

Despite Objections, DNA Sampling Expands

The federal government and a growing number of states are dramatically expanding the pool of Americans from whom DNA samples can be collected for law-enforcement purposes, drawing sharp criticism from civil libertarians, minorities and others.

Fairness of Death-Penalty Panels Questioned

Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views.

More Gambling on States' Ballots Nov. 4

The sour national economy is dramatizing Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's key reasons for pushing to legalize up to 15,000 slot machines. Maryland and five other states - Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri and Ohio - will vote on gambling-expansion proposals Nov. 4.

Govs Win Greater Flag Powers

(Updated 1:40 p.m. EDT, July 2)Governors now enjoy new authority to order the Stars and Stripes lowered on federal buildings - including the White House - under a law just approved by President George W. Bush.

Maryland Launches First Statewide Living Wage

As Americans celebrate Labor Day, the wealthiest state in the union prepares to take an unprecedented step to ensure workers paid with tax dollars earn a "living wage." But some say the law is largely symbolic.

Power Cos. Get Incentive to Save Kilowatts

Environmentalists have long touted conservation as the cheapest way to cut energy pollution, but power companies usually have little or no incentive to sell less electricity. This year, Idaho, Maryland and New York approved plans that allow utilities to preserve their expected profits while selling less electricity.

Tracking the Recession: States Push Job Training

Everyone agrees the way out of this recession is jobs. But millions of workers will not be able to get their old jobs back. Instead, states are investing billions in stimulus money to prepare them for new professions.

Md. 'Millionaire's Tax' Debate Is Back

TODAY'S TAKE: A headline in this morning's Baltimore Sun -- 'Maryland lost nearly 30% of millionaires last year' -- is sure to revive a debate over the higher tax rates that Free State legislators imposed on millionaires in 2008. At least eight other states this year followed Maryland's lead and raised income taxes on the wealthy.

Maryland State of the State Address 2012

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland - Feb. 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Thank you all very much. Let me begin by thanking God for the goodness of Maryland - for her natural beauty, for the goodness of her people, for the hope we see in the

Summary of the Maryland State of the State Address

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) used his 2010 state of the state address Feb. 2 to push for job-creating policies, measures to help people stay in their homes and a general fund budget that spends less than the state did just four years ago.

Another Former Governor Mulls Return

TODAY'S TAKE: 2010 is shaping up as the year of the ex-governor. Former chief executives in at least four states - California, Georgia, Iowa and Oregon - are running for their old jobs again. Within weeks, former Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich is expected to throw his hat into the ring, too.

Governor Debates Heat Up

TODAY'S TAKE: With less than three weeks to go until Election Day, hostility is on the rise in campaigns for governor. The sharper edge has been on display in several debates this week.

How Many Ex-Governors Will Win?

TODAY'S TAKE: In a campaign season marked by an anti-establishment mood, five former governors with a combined 40 years in office will be on the ballot next week, potentially bucking the trend. But at least one, Maryland Republican Robert Ehrlich, has substantial ground to make up. The others appear to be ahead or are locked in close contests.

Maryland Hikes Sales Tax on Alcohol

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting July 1, Maryland residents will pay 9 percent in sales tax on alcohol, an increase of 3 percentage points. The change will help fund schools and services for the disabled.

Maryland Bridge Tolls Could Double

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Maryland officials are considering higher bridge tolls for the first time since 1975 ... Michigan revisits its motorcycle helmet law … Connecticut's governor finds out that the public loves highway rest stops, and other transportation news.

More States Consider Diverting Foreclosure Money

TODAY'S TAKE: Officials in a growing number of states are considering diverting money from a $25 billion foreclosure settlement between big banks and attorneys general to help pay for programs that have nothing to do with housing.

Surging Gasoline Prices Hurt Push for Higher Tax in Maryland

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley testified before state lawmakers in favor of a higher tax on gasoline Wednesday (March 14), but rapidly rising prices have made the proposal unpopular.

Energy Efficiency Push Survives State Budget Crunch

TODAY'S TAKE: As Congress scales back its Home Star program and state budgets shrink, states are looking for long-term savings by investing in their own energy efficiency programs. A new report finds that all states improved energy performance in the past year.

No Jackpot for Maryland Slots

It took years of debate, a public vote and a constitutional amendment for Maryland to get slot machines approved. It's taking years more to get casinos sited and to get the expected revenues clanging into the state treasury.

States Eye License Plate Cameras as Source of Cash

States have used license plate readers to catch car thieves and toll cheats. Now, some are looking at using them to raise revenue by finding - and fining - uninsured drivers. Millions of dollars are at stake, but critics say the idea takes the use of surveillance cameras too far.

Maryland Governor O'Malley Takes a Risk on Gas Tax

The governor's proposal would tie the state's gasoline tax rate to the price of the product, rather than the amount a consumer buys. Motorists would likely pay more over time.

Building a Health Insurance Marketplace One Step at a Time

Creation of a health exchange under the new federal law is a challenge for many states. But some are learning how to do it.

Immigrant Students Win DREAM Act in Maryland but Face Opposition Elsewhere

The issue of unauthorized immigrants in college classrooms is heating up in state legislatures, with widely disparate results. Maryland voted to let such immigrants get in-state tuition rates, while Georgia soon will bar illegal immigrants from attending the state's top schools at all.

O'Malley Mulls Tax Hikes to Offset Federal Cuts

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Maryland's governor says tax increases could happen next year ... Virginia's governor wants a new rainy day fund ... Tennessee fights to preserve its credit rating and more tax and budget news.

Report: Six States Changing the Way Health Care is Governed

HEALTH BEAT: Fiscally strapped states are using more managed care, cutting doctors' fees and limiting drugs and medical services to contain rising Medicaid costs. A few are taking a broader approach to health care spending.

O'Malley Seeks Mandate for Offshore Wind

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Maryland's governor wants wind farms off the coast ... Three attorneys general sue the feds over nuclear waste ... cellulosic ethanol flops in Georgia, and other energy and environment news.

One State's Hospital Cost Solution: Regulated Prices

While every other state lets the market determine hospital costs, Maryland treats them as a government responsibility. Up to now, it has worked pretty well, but reforms may be needed.

New Year Brings Slew of New State Laws

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

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.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

States Scramble for Gambling Jackpot

States are aggressively tapping into one of the easiest ways to bring cash to their coffers: Let gamblers lose on slots, poker and roulette - and carve out a big take for state treasuries. Kansas is taking that approach one step further with a plan to own and operate its commercial casinos.