Stateline Stories

'Sovereign Citizens' Make Noise in Wyoming

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A fringe political group that considers the U.S. government illegitimate is something the FBI would rather not talk about ... Michigan's governor asks for major concessions from a correctional officers' union ... Democrats see a chance to gain Pennsylvania's top law enforcement job for the first time in decades, and other public safety news.

Should Public Workers Have to Live Where They Work?

Municipal residency requirements have gradually become less common. State efforts to ban them can get ugly as cities fight to maintain their middle class population base.

Michigan, Wisconsin Return, Alaska Tackles Native Rights

Summer has officially come to an end for Michigan and Wisconsin lawmakers who began their fall legislative sessions this week. Also, Alaska started a special session on Wednesday so Gov. Tony Knowles could give lawmakers one last chance to pass a rural subsistence constitutional amendment and prevent a federal takeover of fish and game management in the state.

Wisconsin Teachers Seek Last-Minute Contracts

EDUCATION BEAT: Wisconsin teachers want to lock in new contracts before anti-union legislation takes effect ... Pennsylvania governor calls for $1.5 billion in education cuts ... Michigan grants emergency financial managers broad powers, and other education news.

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).

Troubled Times at the State Fair

State Fairs are facing a budget crunch, and one solution is to turn them over to private ownership.

Utah Legislators Skeptical of Governor's Tax Proposal

TRANSITION WATCH: Utah Republicans grapple over the budget, Michigan's incoming governor mulls a new bridge to Canada, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Three More Governor's Races Set

TODAY'S TAKE: It was a busy week on the gubernatorial campaign circuit, as voters in three more states chose their major-party nominees for November. Tennesseans on Thursday (Aug. 5) selected Republican Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam to face Democrat Mike McWherter, the son of a former governor.

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

A Few Candidates Buck Conventional Wisdom on Taxes

Taxes are a hot subject in this year's gubernatorial campaigns, with many calling for tax cuts. But candidates willing to talk about higher taxes are a rare breed. Still, there are a few of them.

As Their Terms End, Governors Show Mercy to Lawbreakers

TODAY'S TAKE: Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania both will leave office next month having granted clemency to hundreds of prisoners.

Two Former Governors to Embark on New Jobs

TODAY'S TAKE: Former Democratic governors Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania have settled on new jobs. Granholm will write a book and teach. Rendell will be an MSNBC pundit and join a law firm.

Rendell Proposal: Allow Prisoners to Care for Dogs

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Pennsylvania's former governor plans a statewide initiative to pair stray dogs with prisoners … Arizona weighs upping corrections spending even as it dramatically slashes funding elsewhere … Michigan considers allowing guns in hospitals, casinos and stadiums, and other public safety news.

Coming This Fall: Big Tuition Hikes

More than half the states cut funding for higher education this year, in some cases by more than 20 percent. The result will be double-digit tuition increases for hundreds of thousands of students and their families.

A Crack in the Prison Door

The recession is forcing lawmakers in some states to search for savings in places that might have been unthinkable a few years ago, including in their prison systems. One of those states is Oregon, where lawmakers last year approved a measure that will result in about 3,500 inmates being released from prison earlier than scheduled.But a recent backlash over the law serves as a reminder of the political sensitivity surrounding "early releases" as a money-saving effort. California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin are among the other states that have recently accelerated prisoner releases or are considering doing so.

North Dakota Up, North Carolina Down in Growth Index

TODAY'S TAKE: A Bloomberg evaluation of how states are faring in the aftermath of the Great Recession shows North Dakota powering forward and North Carolina lagging behind, in part because of Bank of America's woes.

The Bank of North Dakota: Banking's 'Public Option'

Originally intended to help farmers by increasing access to farm loans, the nation's only state-run bank now does a healthy business lending to businesses, students and private-sector banks. Some see the model as a beacon of economic stability and financial independence.

Cities, Counties Hurt By Budget Cuts

Starved for cash due to slumping sales tax revenues and rising Medicaid costs, North Carolinas Mecklenburg County needs another revenue hit like a fish needs a bicycle. But thats exactly what it got in February. Through April of this year, 10 states Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and Washington have cut local revenue sharing dollars to balance fiscal year 2002 budgets.

When Jobs Go Away for Good

The federal economic stimulus law greatly expanded a program for re-training workers whose jobs have gone overseas. As states encourage workers to take advantage of what is considered the Cadillac of unemployment insurance, applications for aid have begun piling up.

Cities, States Face Off on Mandatory Paid Sick Leave

Stateline - NYC and Portland will require businesses to provide paid sick leave. But many states are less than enthusiastic.

New York Sales Tax Holidays Prove Popular Idea

With New York planning to make its temporary clothing sales tax holidays permanent on March 1, other states are considering copying the limited-time tax breaks popularized by New York, Texas and Florida. Lawmakers in Michigan and South Carolina are studying proposals to give tax holidays to consumers, while the Wisconsin legislature rejected Governor Tommy Thompsons plan to give holiday shoppers a break.

Budget Deal Means Prison Closures in New York

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: The governor of New York follows through on a pledge to close prisons, even if they provide employment in rural communities…California's governor orders thousands of state inmates transferred to local facilities, despite a lack of funding for the plan…Michigan is proving more reluctant than other states to grant parole, and other public safety news.

States Racing for Education Money

TODAY'S TAKE: States are facing a Jan. 19 deadline to apply for their share of $4.35 billion in federal education grants. Some - such as Kentucky, Michigan, New York and Tennessee - are cutting it awfully close.

All Public Sector Employees in New Jersey Will Have to Live In-State

MANAGEMENT BEAT: No more commuting from New York and Philadelphia for New Jersey workers … Governments are spending more time collecting and organizing data than using it … A collective bargaining showdown in Nevada, and other management news.

States Tackling Public Employee Retirement Benefits in 2010

Since legislatures convened last month, at least 16 states are weighing changes to their worker pension plans. Employees, retirees and unions say they will contest some of the proposals.

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

TODAY'S TAKE: The Republican attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Washington State are threatening to challenge as unconstitutional a provision written into the U.S. Senate's national health care bill that cuts a special deal for Nebraska.

Best of #StateReads: When a State Runs Out of Psychiatric Beds

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

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.

Missouri Next to Cut Jobless Benefits

TODAY'S TAKE: Michigan this week became the first state to reduce state-level unemployment benefits. Now, Missouri is the first to opt out of a program that provides more federal money for the jobless. About 10,000 workers will be affected, starting next week.

New Anti-Abortion Strategy Pays Off

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

Federal Cuts Could Harm Flood Forecasting

As climate change increases the likelihood of extreme droughts and floods, experts say shutting off the stream-flow gauges could have costly consequences.

Michigan Employee Unions Race to Beat Right-to-Work

Unions try to beat the clock and set long-term contracts before Michigan’s right-to-work law takes effect March 28. Legislature may respond with cuts to education.

Reversing Policy, Michigan to Grant Driver’s Licenses to Deferred Action Qualifiers

Michigan will begin issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who qualify for delayed deportation under federal law.

Michigan State of the State Address 2013

LANSING, Michigan -- Jan. 16 -- Following is a transcript of Gov. Rick Snyder's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

In Michigan and Wisconsin, Some Lawmakers Want to Go Part-Time

Should lawmakers in Michigan and Wisconsin cut their work hours? That’s what some hope to do, as they push constitutional amendments that would convert their states’ full-time legislatures into part-time bodies.

Cyberattack: The Silent Nightmare

Every state knows that a deceptive computer hack-attack could bring crucial activities to a standstill. But most states are doing little about it. Michigan is an exception.

In Massacre’s Wake, Michigan Governor Vetoes Concealed Pistol Bill

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has vetoed a bill that would have allowed concealed weapons into schools and other places that are off limits under current state law.

Amid Protests, Michigan Leaders Press for Quick Enactment of Right-to-Work Legislation

Michigan would be the 24^th state to pass legislation making it illegal to require workers to pay union fees as a condition of their employment.

Voters Give New Detroit Bridge a Green Light

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s plans to add a second bridge for cars and trucks between Detroit and Canada are moving forward, after the governor and his allies defeated a $33 million campaign to block it.

On the Ballot (And in the Constitution?): Michigan’s Energy Future

Renewable energy advocates will be looking to Michigan on Tuesday (November 6), hoping its voters validate a bold experiment in growing the state’s renewable energy portfolio: If at first you’re stymied at the statehouse, just but it on the ballot — and in the constitution.

Michigan Unions Seek Constitutional Protection

A ballot measure in Michigan would give labor’s collective bargaining rights an almost impregnable status.

Michigan Addresses Head Injuries in Youth Sports

Michigan is poised to join the growing list of states addressing head injuries in youth sports.

Michigan Lawmakers Mandate Pledge of Allegiance in Schools

The Michigan Senate on Thursday passed legislation requiring public schools to display a U.S. flag in every classroom and to give students an opportunity each day to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Michigan’s Emergency Managers Seen as Major Threat by Labor

In Michigan, state-appointed emergency managers can assume vast powers over distressed localities. The state thinks that’s necessary. Localities and labor think it’s undemocratic.

Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law Repeal Headed for Ballot

The Michigan Supreme Court has resolved a dispute about whether opponents of the state’s emergency manager law had used the correct type size on their ballot initiative petitions, which was challenging their validity.

Detroit and Its Unions Fight Over Work Rules

As Detroit’s workforce shrinks, labor and city leaders face tough questions about how to make do with the employees they have left. Antiquated work rules are at the heart of the dispute.

Detroit and Michigan: A Fragile Bargain

The state of Michigan and its largest city have pledged cooperation to keep the city afloat. But neither quite trusts the other.

Michigan State of the State Address 2011

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Rick Snyder's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Transcript from the Detroit Free Press: Thank you. Please be seated. Thank you. Well, thank your for such a fabulous welcome. It's exciting to be with you tonight. Good evening. Let me st

Michigan State of the State Address 2010

LANSING, Mich. - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Speaker Dillon, Leader Elsenheimer, Majority Leader Bishop, Leader Prusi, members of my Cabinet, fellow citizens, my beloved family... good evening. Let me begin this evening by recognizing

Michigan State of the State Address 2009

LANSING, Mich. - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Dillon, Majority Leader Bishop, members of my Cabinet, fellow citizens, my beloved family: good evening. There are many familiar faces in the chamber this ev

Michigan State of the State Address 2008

LANSING, Mich. - Jan. 29 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Dillon, Majority Leader Bishop, distinguished leaders, fellow citizens, my beloved family: good evening. Let us begin this evening by putting first things fi

Michigan State of the State Address 2007

LANSING, Mich., Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Dillon, Majority Leader Bishop, Secretary of State Land, Attorney General Cox, members of the Legislature, State Board of Education, judiciary and Cab

Michigan State of the State Address 2006

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 25 -- Following is the prepared text of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2006 state of the state address: Thank you. Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Majority Leader, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, fellow citizens, my beloved family: Before I begin, I wo

Michigan State of the State Address 2005

LANSING, Mich. - Feb. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm's (D) 2005 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker DeRoche, Democratic Leader Byrum, Majority Leader Sikkema, Democratic Leader Emerson, members of the State Senate and House of Representatives, memb

Michigan State of the State Address 2004

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 29 - Following is the full text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's 2004 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Cherry, Speaker Johnson, Democratic Leader Byrum, Majority Leader Sikkema, Democratic Leader Emerson and members of the State Senate and House of Representatives, Chief Justice C

Michigan State Of The State Address 2003

LANSING, Michigan - Feb. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's 2003 State of the State Address: Speaker Johnson, Democratic Leader Byrum, Majority Leader Sikkema, Democratic Leader Emerson and the members of the state Senate and House; Chief Justice Corrigan and the members of the judiciary, At

Michigan State of the State Address 2002

LANSING, Michigan - Jan 23 - Following is the text of Gov. John Engler's 2002 Michigan State of the State Address: Thank you, Bishop Mengeling, for your invocation. Lieutenant Governor Posthumus, Speaker Johnson, Majority Leader DeGrow, members of the House and Senate, Chief Justice Corrigan, justices

Michigan State of the State Address 2001

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 31 - Following is the text of Gov. John Engler's 2001 State of the State Address: Thank you, Lt. Gov. Dick Posthumus, for your introduction. Thank you, Father George Shalhoub, for your inspiring prayer. Speaker Rick Johnson, Majority Leader Dan DeGrow, members of the House and Senate, Chief

Michigan Tops List as Model for Mouse Clickers

Michigan.gov is the place to go for inquisitive citizens with an Internet hookup, winning the No. 1 ranking in a new survey that picks the top 10 states providing government services online. Among Michigans innovations: a mapping program that can lead users to the nearest waterfall, and sample standardized tests for school children. With six out of 10 American adults now hooked into the Internet, e-government is of growing importance to states.

States Teaming Up to Combat Rx Drug Costs

Theres strength in numbers. At least thats the rationale of freshmen governors in Michigan, Vermont, Wisconsin and South Carolina who are mounting a joint attack on the soaring cost of prescription drugs for Medicaid beneficiaries.

State Programs Named Finalists for Innovation Awards

Five state-run programs are among finalists in the competition for Innovations in American Government Awards.

States Balance He's and She's

Though women have had the vote for nearly a century, many state constitutions use only male nouns and pronouns to refer to state offices and functions. There's a move afoot to change that, and it's focused on Michigan and New Hampshire.

State Attorney Generals Step Up Child Support Enforcement

Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox is taking the fight to collect child support to the streets, where billboards will warn the states motorists to pay child support on time or do time. The billboards represent one facet of a large-scale effort by Cox to crackdown on Michigans deadbeat parentsa move that follows the lead of state Attorneys General across the country.

Kansas, Michigan Primaries Define GOP Battle Ground

When voters cast their ballots Tuesday in the Kansas and Michigan primaries, it could be a defining moment for Republicans fighting to maintain their fragile hold on the governors offices in those two states.

Michigan Firm Bucks Negative Welfare Trend

Six years after sweeping welfare reform legislation began moving hundreds of thousands of people off welfare, many former recipients are failing to stay employed and work themselves out of poverty. But an innovative welfare-to-work program created by a Michigan plastics manufacturing firm is bucking that trend by achieving record-breaking success in helping people become independent of public assistance.

Extra Support Helps Welfare-to-Work Program Succeed

Michigan has reduced its welfare rolls by nearly 70 percent in the last six years by helping people on public assistance find jobs and by providing services like childcare to make sure they stay employed. In the second installment of a two-part profile of one of the states most successful welfare-to-work initiatives, Stateline.org looks at how a plastics company helped one welfare recipient become self-sufficient.

Michigan Juggles Options for Dealing With Budget Crunch

As the slowing economy continues to crimp tax revenue, Michigan lawmakers are grappling with belt-tightening decisions that few expected to make just six months ago. They are hopeful that the state will avoid drastic cuts, but the process so far hasnt been easy. And while the Legislature makes progress on budget cuts, it may take an executive order from Republican Gov. John Engler to bring swift action.

New Concealed-Weapons Proposals Face Heated Debate

As Michigans high court decides whether a new law making it easier to carry a concealed weapon will take effect next month or face a referendum next year, both sides of the gun debate are keeping this area a hot topic for policymakers across the country.

Ousted State Senator on Comeback Trail

David Jaye was the first senator in Michigan's 162 year history to be expelled from office. Undaunted, the maverick ultra-conservative Republican now seeks to rewrite the history books again by becoming the first ousted lawmaker to recapture his old seat.

Michigan Governor Calls Terrorist Attacks 'Watershed Moment'

The office of governor is powerful. But when they assumed office, none of the 50 men and women who took the job could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they have faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. Michigan Gov. John Engler, a 53-year-old Republican, offers his observations on what life and governing have been like in recent weeks. As Chairman of the National Governors Association, his responsibilities also include serving as the lead contact with the federal government on behalf of the nations governors.

America Under Fire: Engler of Michigan Reflects

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges they've faced since September 11. From time to time, STATELINE.ORG will publish the reflections of governors on their role in America's War with Terrorism. Michigan's John Engler, a 53-year-old Republican, offers his observations on what life and governing have been like in recent weeks.

Legislators Weigh Morality Bills To Deter School Violence

Ten high-profile school shootings in three years, the most horrific the Columbine High School massacre, have many adult Americans fearful that schools and the nations youth are engulfed in a moral vacuum. In many of the fifty statehouses, this clamor has translated into a reawakened interest in morality-based legislation.

Voters in Michigan Uninspired By Choices

In addition to a close race between presidential candidates Al Gore and George Bush for the state's 18 electoral votes, Michigan is the scene of a cliffhanger U.S. Senate contest and a high stakes battle over school vouchers. Journalist Richard Pretorius recently visited the state to take the pulse of the electorate and learned that many Michigan voters find this year's election campaign distinctly uninspiring.

Michigan Legislature Feeling Impact Of Term Limits

In Maine, Arkansas, Missouri, California, Colorado, Oregon and Michigan, there are a lot of new faces in the legislature this year. These seven states are feeling the impact of term limits that drove scores of veteran lawmakers out of office in 1998. Eleven more states will be affected in coming years as state government is transformed. In this special report, stateline.org examines how the term limit experiment is working in Michigan, which is second only to Arkansas in the number of new legislators.

Four Legislatures Rapped For Lax Ethics Ignore Criticism

In a scathing report last February called "Hidden Agendas," the Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit, non-partisan government watchdog group, criticized state legislators in Michigan, Idaho, Utah and Vermont for having the laxest ethical standards in the nation. stateline.org looked at the situation again six months later, and found that little has changed.

As Mining Surges in Michigan’s North, State Looks at Taking Control

SECOND OF TWO PARTS: Mineral mining is hot again on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the state wants to control the tax revenue it brings in. Some local governments see that as a violation of their rights.

Mining Boom in Great Lakes States Prompts Environmental Concern

PART ONE OF TWO: Mining is a thriving industry again in the upper Midwest. But there are questions about whether current state regulations can handle the environmental impact.

Affirmative Action on Michigan Ballot

The fight over a ballot initiative to ban affirmative action in Michigan's university admissions and government hiring and contracts has turned ugly, leading to a raucous process and claims of voter fraud. The Michigan proposal is modeled after measures passed by California voters in 1996 and Washington state voters in 1998.

Bond Crisis Already Crimping States

Michigan just suspended a state loan program for 8,500 students, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is facing a four-fold jump in interest rates on one of its loans. Both are signs of a new bond-market crisis that is threatening to hurt other cities and states if left unchecked.

Managing Govt. Is Key in Fiscal Downturn

Utah, Virginia and Washington got top marks for managing a wide range of responsibilities - from fixing roads and schools to spending tax dollars and sharing public information - that carry a direct impact on their residents' lives, according to a national study that measured state governments' strengths and weaknesses.

States Avoid Slashing Higher Ed Money

Despite a tough economic year, several states are attempting to hold the line on college tuition - or at least not let increases get out of control - by avoiding deep cuts to higher education, an area that states have been quick to slash in past years when funds were low.

WORTH NOTING: Michigan billed for woman's gas

A woman wants Michigan to pay for gas wasted in stalled traffic. A Nebraska judge considers whether the Almighty can be sued. And a Democrat-sponsored Web site claims Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is the worst of the worst. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Delegates Speak: Michigan on Health Care

Michigan delegate, Zina Kramer Aug. 29, 2008, 1:30 p.m. EDTQ. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address?One of the main issues really winds up being health care and being able to reduce the cost of health care and make health care affordable. And even when it comes to the manufacturing industry, we find now that somewhere between $1,500 and $1,700 of every automobile that you buy that's American are really health care costs. And so to be able to reduce those kinds of costs would be a tremendous benefit to the workforce in the state of Michigan because we believe that that would help more people buy American cars.-Michigan delegate Zina Kramer, 63, of Bloomfield Hills, marketing business owner, interviewed by Barbara Rosewicz, Stateline.orgAFTER THE JUMP: Audio from the Stateline.org interview with KramerComments

State Jobless Funds Are Running Dry

As claims for benefits rise because of the economic downturn, many states are trying to figure out how to pay unemployed workers.

Mega-Donors Get Mixed Election Results

The power of personal fortunes to sway political outcomes was put to the test in state races across the country last year. With help from billionaire activist Jon Stryker, an heir to a medical products fortune, Democrats captured control of the Michigan state House for the first time in 12 years. But other super-rich donors got less bang for their buck.

'One-state' Recession Hampers Michigan

The drumbeat of bad economic news out of Michigan keeps pounding, putting pressure on Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) and state lawmakers to reverse the trend and avert a state budget crisis.

A Detroit charter school's amazing '90-90' pledge -- and success

In 1999 Doug Ross and his colleagues made an outrageous "90-90" promise. In 2007, they would graduate at least 90 percent of ninth graders going through their brand new University Preparatory Academy, an inner-city charter school. And, 90 percent would go on to post-secondary education.

Food vouchers lure Detroit Medicaid patients

A company that helps run Michigan's Medicaid program is trying a new tactic to keep mothers and children healthy: It's holding clinics in doctors' offices where patients can get vouchers for free food and baby formula as well as medical services.

20% Cuts Being Planned in Michigan

TODAY'S TAKE: Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) already is talking budget cuts for the 2011 fiscal year, which doesn't begin until next October. Her proposals are prompting worries about what kind of state government will remain.

Michigan State of the State Address 2012

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared outline of Gov. Rick Snyder's (R) 2012 state of the state address: 1. Welcome and Acknowledgments • Speaker Bolger, Lt. Gov. Calley, Senate Majority Leader Richardville, Senate Democratic Leader Whitmer, House Democratic Leader Hammel, member

Summary of the Michigan State of the State Address

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) urged state lawmakers in her state of the state address Feb. 3 to fix a budget process that has twice in the last three years shut down Michigan government.

24 States Now Ban Texting While Driving

TODAY'S TAKE: Michigan on Wednesday (April 28) became the 23rd state to ban texting while driving, while two other states, Kentucky and Nebraska, approved similar bans earlier this month. Legislation in the states - which have a patchwork of rules concerning the use of phones while driving - could heighten pressure on Congress to come up with a national standard.

Federal Insurance Pool: Which States Opted In?

TODAY'S TAKE: Friday (April 30) was the deadline for states to decide whether to opt into a new federal health insurance pool for high-risk patients - or whether to cover those patients themselves. Several Republican-led states stayed clear of the federal program, while most Democrats embraced it. Some governors, however, bucked their parties.

Michigan Takes Aim at 'Super' Drunk Drivers

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting on Halloween, first-time drunk drivers in Michigan will face tougher penalties if they have a blood alcohol limit of 0.17 percent, which is more than twice the state's current legal limit of 0.08 percent.

Democratic Governors May Join Obama Team

TODAY'S TAKE: An announcement last week by outgoing Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm that she has a "good idea" of what her next job will be has heightened speculation that she will join the Obama administration in the new year. Other outgoing Democrats, including Ohio's Ted Strickland and Wisconsin's Jim Doyle, also may move to Washington.

'Bath Salts' Pose New Test for Law Enforcement

TODAY'S TAKE: White, crystallized powders that are sold legally as "bath salts" are attracting attention from state and federal law enforcement officials, who warn that teenagers and others are abusing the substances to get high.

Michigan Governor Takes on Local Governments

TODAY'S TAKE: Michigan Governor Rick Snyder rolled out a plan on Monday to encourage local governments to cut costs, change employee retirement systems and place more of the burden of health care premiums onto workers. The proposal comes at the same time as the governor is seeking to cut state revenue sharing money to localities.

Michigan Governor Renews Push for Canadian Bridge

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Michigan's Rick Snyder makes a new push for a second bridge between Detroit and Canada … Rejecting federal funds for a commuter rail tunnel costs New Jersey $225,000 a month … Connecticut struggles to protect transportation funding, and other transportation news.

In Michigan, State Lawmakers Approve Four-Year Cap on Welfare Benefits

TODAY'S TAKE: Nearly 13,000 Michigan families will lose monthly benefit checks averaging $515 starting in October after state lawmakers approved a four-year cap on welfare.

Michigan Bucks National Trend on Tech Jobs

TODAY'S TAKE: The United States lost 116,000 high-tech jobs between 2009 and 2010, but Michigan countered the trend by gaining 2,700 positions - more than any other state, according to a new study.