Stateline Stories

States Use Driver's Education to Boost Organ Donation

Virginia is one of a handful of states that use drivers education as a vehicle to boost organ donation. At least eight others -- Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin have adopted similar policies in the past few years.

States Embracing Use of 'Green Power'

Demand for "green power" -- electricity generated by renewable energy sources such as wind and water -- is slowly rising. The movement owes its momentum to state policies. Texas, for example, recently passed an electric utility deregulation law stipulating that a certain percentage of Lone Star electricity must be made with green power. For more information, click on

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.

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.

Oklahoma Rejects Bonding for Capitol Renovation

As the legislature adjourns, repairs for the Capitol and state office buildings are put off another year.

States Find Laws Against Sports Head Injuries Tricky to Enact

Everyone wants to reduce the number of head injuries suffered by young athletes. But deciding just how to do that is more complicated than it might seem.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Govs, Media - A Love, Hate Relationship

Some governors love talking policy with reporters, and others thirst for the spotlight. But mostly governors want to control what voters read and hear about them.

States Try to Help Veterans Find Jobs

With U.S forces out of Iraq and combat troops slated to leave Afghanistan in 2013, states are readying for an influx of returning troops who will be looking for work.

State Rankings for Health of Seniors

Rankings of states by the health of their seniors.

With Vote, Minnesota Is 12th State to Allow Gay Marriage

Minnesota becomes the 12th state to allow gay marriage and the third state to do so this month.

States Unleash the Hounds! Sniffing Out Invasive Mussels

Minnesota officials hope man’s best friend will help the state quash its zebra mussel invasion.

The End of ‘No New Taxes’ in Minnesota

After more than decade of budget deficits balanced without tax increases, Democrats have taken power in Minnesota promising a different path.

Illinois State Government Narrowly Averts Labor Strike

After more than 15 months of negotiations, Democratic Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois’ largest state-worker union have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract.

Why Tax Revision Is an Inexact Science

Several governors are talking about major change in their state tax structures this year. How do they know how much money a revised tax system will bring in? Often, they don’t.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2013

ST. PAUL, Minnesota Feb. 6 Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's 2013 State of the State Address

State Test Results Questioned

Minnesota education officials this week credited tougher standards and a new online testing system as part of the reason 5 percent more students passed the state’s math test this year than last. Brenda Cassellius, the state’s education commissioner, predicted that those tougher standards, adopted in 2007, will lead to

Minnesota State of the State Address 2011

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's (D) 2011 state of the state address: On January 29, 2002, as a Minnesota Senator, I attended President George W. Bush's first State of the Union address. It occurred just four months after the terrible events of September 11, 2001. He

Minnesota State of the State Address 2010

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) 2010 state of the state address: This state of the state address is not the most important thing that happened in Minnesota this week - not by a long shot. The most important thing that happened this week is that our Red Bulls

Minnesota State of the State Address 2009

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. One hundred years ago, John Johnson, another 48-year-old Minnesota governor, returned from the national campaign tr

Minnesota State of the State Address 2008

ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Feb. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view the address. More than 80 years ago, a young man from Central Minnesota made an historic journey, alone, in an airplane across the Atlanti

Minnesota State of the State Address 2007

Thank you. Well this is now my fifth State of the State address. I never really thought I had that much to say. In all the years I spent in this chamber, I sometimes saw Mr. Lincoln looking down on us and wondered what he might have thought. I think he might say that politics and politicians aren't too popular the

Minnesota State of the State Address 2006

St. Paul, Minn., March 9 -- Following is the full prepared text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's (R) 2006 State of the State Address. Click here to access the governor's web page and hear the address. Not far from here is a St. Paul city park called "Swede Hollow." For decades it was a disadvantaged area of the city. There w

Minnesota State of the State Address 2005

ROCHESTER, Minnesota - Jan. 18 - Following is the text of Gov. Timothy Pawlenty's 2005 state of the state address: At 1:00 this morning, a dozen huge garage doors behind me flew open and this facility came alive as more than 15,000 blood and tissue samples began arriving from across the country and

Minnesota State of the State Address 2004

SAINT PAUL, Minnesota - Feb. 5 - Following is the text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 2004 state of the state address: "Why do we live here in Minnesota?" It's been 25 below, it seems like we only see the sun for a few hours during winter days, and we spend a lot of time shoveling snow. There are other places to live.

Minnesota State Of The State Address 2003

ST. PAUL - Feb. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's 2003 State of the State Address: Distinguished guests, distinguished members of the Legislature, thanks for the opportunity to report to you and the good people of Minnesota on the condition of our State. Our State is awesome. It remains one of th

Minnesota State of the State Address 2002

ST. PAUL, Minnesota - - Following is the text of Gov. Jesse Ventura's 2002 State of the State Address: Good evening--I'm speaking to you from the Governor's residence in St. Paul. This past year the longest lasting economic expansion in United States history came to an end. For years we had been warned that what goe

Minnesota State of the State Address 2001

ST. PAUL, Minnesota - Jan 4 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Jesse Ventura's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, and honorable Legislators. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of this prestigious venue to deliver my second state of the state address. Governor Wendell Ande

Governor Bucks Federal Ban on Canadian Drugs

The federal governments ban on buying prescription drugs from Canada has left some states frozen in their tracks. But Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota is brazenly bucking federal law by using the World Wide Web to help Gopher State residents buy less-expensive drugs from Canada. While Minnesotas move may be the boldest so far, Pawlenty is just one of dozens of governors, state legislators and city leaders across the country who are putting increased pressure on the federal government to allow re-importation.

Minnesota Governor Leads Fight for Legal Rx Imports

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) is leading a growing cadre of governors, including several other Republicans, who favor importing less expensive medicine from Canada as a way to curb rising prescription drug costs. Stateline.org sat down with Pawlenty and got his take on the contentious issue that is creating a rift between many states and the federal government and is making waves in the presidential campaign.

Pawlenty Pitches Prescription Plan to Congress

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) Thursday (11/20) urged the federal government to allow the Gopher state to move forward with plans to help its residents buy prescription drugs from Canada: Let us try, Pawlenty said.

Disabled Lawmakers Overcome Barriers

At a recent GOP convention near Elbow Lake, Minn., candidates were allowed to speak until the conventions sergeant stood up to signal five minutes were up. Minnesota Rep. Torrey Westrom, who is blind, says, I went on, and looked over toward him, and said, Im going to keep talking until I see you standing up.

Ventura, Other Govs Sing Red Ink Blues

Gov. Jesse Ventura, Minnesotas outspoken chief executive, is feuding with the legislature over his decision to close the governors mansion as a cost-cutting move. But even governors with more sympathetic legislatures are enduring cuts in office salaries and travel expenses in the face of budget crunches.

Govs' Gaffes Sometimes Overshadow Policies

When Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a Republican, recently told a group of high school girls its about time a woman became governor of the Sunshine State, he apparently forgot about Janet Reno, a leading contender for the Florida Democratic gubernatorial nomination. Its not the first time a governor has put a proverbial foot in his or her mouth. And it wont be the last.

Minnesota Gov Candidates Face Roadblock

Minnesota commuters will not be the only ones tied up in traffic in the coming months. Congestion on Minnesotas deteriorating roads and bridges has reached the point that gubernatorial candidates will have to address the issue.

Provocative Press Pass Miffs Minnesota Media

When Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura's communications director issued "Official Jackal" credentials to the Capitol press corps in St. Paul last week (Feb. 20), he provoked a small tempest and an ongoing debate among the state's journalists and citizens.Is the new badge for reporters who cover the governor an amusing inside joke or a demeaning insult to the fourth estate?

Minnesota's Welfare Program Shows Dramatic Results

A report released Wednesday shows that Minnesota's plan for weaning long-term recipients off welfare has led to one of the largest drops in poverty among single-parent families ever recorded. Minnesota's program also increased the proportion of recipients that got or stayed married, "the first hard evidence" that a welfare program can promote two-parent families, the report says.

Minnesota Tops For Kids, Report Finds

Because of its low poverty rate and success in keeping teenagers in school, Minnesota is the best place to be a kid, a national report has found. In its annual survey of the well-being of children in the 50 states, the Annie E. Casey Foundation ranks Minnesota number one, displacing last year's winner, New Hampshire. The Granite State, which has ranked in the Kids Count top ten every year since 1990, slipped to second place.

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.

Index of 'Caring' Puts Minnesota On Top

Minnesota ranks as the most caring state in the nation, according to a report released last week by the United Way. In the first report of what it promises will be an annual series, the United Way of America, the national association of local non-profit service organizations, has compiled an index of factors it believes reflect Americans' "capacity to care for one another."

Minnesota Legislative Vet Puts Premium On Listening

Stately oil paintings of dozens of past governors line the halls of the Minnesota State Capitol. No such portraits exist of legislative leaders. But in the offices of the Senate majority leader, tiny photographs of past leaders are bunched together in a single frame. The last photo shows the current leader, Democratic-Famer-Laborite (DFL) Roger Moe, looking a youthful 36 years old. The year was 1981.

Minnesota Bucks Trend in Voting To End Emissions Testing

Although vehicle emissions testing is an imperfect science and annoys many motorists, a majority of states maintain testing programs. For one thing, emissions programs do help combat air pollution. For another thing, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can yank millions of dollars in highway funds if states fail to meet air quality standards. Learn more in this stateline.org report.

Minnesota, West Virginia, Washington Adjourn; Alaska In Special Session

While Minnesota's governor and lawmakers celebrate the end of a legislative session that gave citizens the largest tax cut in state history, Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles has ordered his legislature to continue work in a special session until they forge a long-term budget plan. West Virginia and Washington lawmakers wrapped up special sessions this week by passing compromise bills on nagging issues, bringing to 27 the number of legislatures which have completed work for the year. For more information, click on

Ventura Known For Caution As Well As Color

Jesse "The Body" Ventura is one of the few state governors whose name has become a household word. That's because the former pro wrestler turned Minnesota chief executive is a colorful addition to the pantheon of U.S. political celebrities. In Ventura's home state, however, the Reform Party idol's cautious leadership belies his colorful style. To read a profile of this unusual politician, click on

Ventura's Reform Party Faces Y2K Test In Minnesota

Third-party politics face a stiff test in Minnesota in 2000, a year which will determine whether Gov. Jesse Ventura's Reform Party has sunk roots deep enough to become a political force or remain a sideline player and occasional spoiler. Meantime, the two traditional major parties are previewing their political strategies as they get set for a legislative session that begins in February. Lawmakers face an enviable challenge, deciding what to do with a projected $1.6 billion budget surplus.

Twenty-Seven States Win Awards For Welfare Successes

Twenty-seven states will share $200 million in performance bonuses from the federal government for successfully moving welfare recipients into work. President Clinton announced the awards Saturday. Minnesota showed the best performance, ranking in the top ten in three out of four categories.

Minnesota Gov Fears GOP Backlash

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Two years ago, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty was seen as a rising star in the Republican Party. Now he's in the political fight of his life, in danger of losing his seat to Attorney General Mike Hatch of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

Govs' Parties to Fund 2010 Races

MINNEAPOLIS - Republican governors and the people who paid thousands of dollars to hobnob with them partied at a swanky restaurant here this week during the Republican National Convention in nearby St. Paul. Like similar events that Democrats held last week in Denver, it was just one of several big-ticket fundraisers that the Republican Governors Association expects to host during the convention, with some donors paying as much as $250,000 to participate.

The Man McCain Didn't Pick

(Updated 3:40 p.m., Sept. 10, 2008)ST. PAUL, Minn. - Gov. Tim Pawlenty narrowly missed getting a spot on the Republican presidential ticket, but his moment on the national stage likely isn't over yet.

Minnesota Governor Lands National Spotlight

Minn. Gov. Pawlenty The many sides of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) will be on display on a national stage when he takes over as this year's chairman of the National Governors Association this weekend and prepares to host the Republican National Convention in the Twin Cities next summer.

Bridge collapse points to national problem

The Minnesota bridge that collapsed this week is just one of 73,518 "structurally deficient" bridges across the country that state and federal inspectors have deemed in need of significant repairs.

Minnesota Takes the Lead in E-Cycling

Five state legislatures took steps this year to curb the threat of toxic waste created by the proliferation of discarded computer gear and other digital junk, making 2007 a banner year for passage of electronic recycling laws.

Missouri puts bridges on fast track

Missouri's plan to replace or repair 800 bridges in five years is being touted as a novel new way to leverage the power of private capital for public infrastructure by having a team of contractors finance the construction and maintain the bridges for 25 years.

Colleges go on offense against binge drinking

To many college students, binge drinking is a rite of passage, as integral a part of the college experience as midterms and all-nighters. But to college administrators, drinking too much is a hazard to students' health and safety, and they're taking steps to curb it.

In Minnesota, soldiers re-learn civilian life

MOORHEAD, Minn. - The 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard who recently returned from a 22-month deployment - including a record 16 months in Iraq - are getting their first glimpse at a state program intended to help them overcome the challenges of life at home.

After tragedy, political resolve collapses

The Interstate 35 bridge in downtown Minneapolis collapsed on Aug. 1, causing Minnesota and nearly every other state to re-examine the condition of their transportation infrastructure. But that uproar hasn't yet translated into a plan to fix Minnesota's $17 billion backlog of bridge and road repairs.

Minnesota Considers Easing Budget Gimmick

TAX AND BUDGET BEAT: Last year, Minnesota delayed payments to school districts to close its budget gap. This year, with the budget in better shape, it's thinking about reversing course.

Minnesota State of the State Address 2012

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Feb. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mark Dayton's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker and Members of the MN House of Representatives. Madam President and Members of the MN Senate. Madam Chief Justice and Distinguished Members of the MN Supr

Summary of the Minnesota State of the State Address

Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty sounded familiar themes in his final state of the state address, calling for cuts in business taxes and a cap on state spending.

Going to the Mat Over Money

As states continue to find ways to plug an estimated $460 billion hole that opened up in their budgets between 2009 and 2012, "trimming the fat" and "cutting to the bone" are ancient history. But deeper cuts have gotten trickier. "Everything that hasn't been nailed down has been cut," Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, told The Sacramento Bee. "What's left is the legally questionable stuff." And that's just the point for targets of some of those cuts who are, in increasing numbers, taking their appeals to the courts.

Ruling Sets Up Budget Showdown in Minnesota

TODAY'S TAKE: A ruling Wednesday (May 5) by the Minnesota Supreme Court has the potential to rip a $2.7 billion hole in the state budget with just 11 days to go in the legislative session. It also sets up a showdown between the Democratic-led legislature and Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, who has vowed not to raise taxes.

Tax Hikes on Wealthy Face Tough Chances

TODAY'S TAKE: A record eight states raised income taxes on their top earners last year, but similar proposals face much tougher chances in Minnesota and New Jersey this year. Republican governors in both states have ruled out raising taxes on the wealthy, even amid crippling budget shortfalls. But that hasn't stopped Democrats in both legislatures from trying.

More Nuance in States' Views of Health Care Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Seven states that are suing the federal government over health care also have applied for funding under the law to help pay retiree medical costs for their workers. It's the latest apparent contradiction in some states' positions toward the law.

Lone Governor's Race Remains Undecided

TODAY'S TAKE: Gubernatorial races that originally were too close to call in Connecticut and Illinois are now resolved, leaving only Minnesota -- site of a months-long recount involving U.S. Senator Al Franken in 2008 -- as the only state still waiting for its next governor.

Recount Begins in Minnesota

TODAY'S TAKE: Minnesota elections officials are confident that a recount in the undecided gubernatorial race between Republican Tom Emmer and Democrat Mark Dayton won't take as long as the months-long standoff that defined the state's 2008 U.S. Senate election.

Minnesota Awaits Possible Government Shutdown

TODAY'S TAKE: The strain of politically divided government is showing in Minnesota, where Democratic Governor Mark Dayton vetoed the Republican Legislature's budget and the state government is making preparations for a shutdown.

Most Minnesota Lawmakers Still Collecting Their Paychecks

TODAY'S TAKE: More than 20,000 Minnesota state workers have stopped receiving paychecks because of a government shutdown that is now in its 12th day. But most state lawmakers have opted to continue getting paid, and Governor Mark Dayton has not furloughed his state-paid housekeeper.

Minnesota Legislators Try to Prevent Future Shutdowns

TODAY'S TAKE: Now that Minnesota politicians have ended the longest state government shutdown in U.S. history, many are wondering how to avoid such a major disruption in the future.

Minnesota Senate Votes to Shrink State Government

MANAGEMENT BEAT: There may be 15 percent fewer workers in Minnesota state government … California Governor Jerry Brown weighs in with a pension overhaul plan … Nebraska looks to compromise on collective bargaining, and other government management news.

State Worker Strikes: Rare but Momentous

Public employee unions in Wisconsin are not talking about going on strike right now, but growing labor unrest increases the chances of a work stoppage. If state workers resort to picket lines, the consequences for both sides may be great.

Minnesota Vikings Stadium Subsidy Debate Heats Up

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: With a possible special session looming, Minnesota lawmakers will have to decide whether keeping the NFL's Vikings is worth $300 million in state money.

Tobacco Bonds to Rescue Minnesota, for Now

The deal to end Minnesota's government shutdown uses long-term payments from Big Tobacco to fill a short-term budget gap.

State Government Shutdowns: A Dangerous Game to Play

This is the time of year when many state capitols are consumed by talk of budget stalemates and possible closure of government agencies. But the worst rarely happens.

Can Nonprofit News Survive?

Online startups such as Minnesota's MinnPost, The Texas Tribune, the Connecticut Mirror and California Watch have established themselves as must-reads among aficionados of statehouse news. The question is whether they can raise enough money to keep going.

Eliminating Tax Breaks: A Path to Budget Compromise?

Is a tax break really a tax reduction? Or is it more spending in disguise? A growing number of states are asking that question.

Pawlenty Moves to Curry Favor in Iowa, New Hampshire

TODAY'S TAKE: Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has missed few chances to build support among Republicans for a potential presidential run in 2012. On Tuesday, he took another big step in preparing for that possibility by setting up political action committees to help Republican candidates this fall in the early presidential battleground states of Iowa and New Hampshire.

With Minnesota Governor's Race, Democrats Hope to Break long Losing Streak

Democrats tend to do well running for office in Minnesota, but the party has been locked out of the governor's mansion for 24 years. This year, with the Republicans expected to nominate a Tea Party favorite and a credible third-party candidate in the race, anything could happen.

States Test Whether Public Pension Benefits Given Can Be Taken Away

Most changes made to shore up state pension funds have been aimed at new employees. Now, three states are targeting current retirees - a group that has been considered off limits.

With Dayton's Win, Minnesota Tax Fight Looms

TRANSITION WATCH: Minnesota's incoming governor expects a showdown with the legislature over the budget, Rhode Island rejects one federal immigration database but accepts another and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

State Programs Named Finalists for Innovation Awards

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

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.

Snyder's Detroit Outreach Could Include New Office

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor looks to strengthen a troubled Democratic city, revolving door rules could trip up a Rhode Island appointment, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

In Massachusetts, Mobilizing Private Investment for Public Good

Massachusetts to tap private investors who want to help pay for money-saving public programs

Study Grades States On Higher Education

Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, Kansas and Massachusetts get the highest grades in a new state-by-state report card that measures performance in higher education. According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, these six states do the best job of preparing students for post-high school education, providing academic opportunities, making them affordable, attaining a high graduation rate and reaping the benefits of an educated workforce. The lowest grades in the report entitled Measuring Up 2000 went to Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Stumbles Aside, States Press to Cover All

More than a dozen states are entertaining the idea of making health insurance available to all kids or all residents, but the same problems that stymied such ambitious proposals for years again are tempering expectations.

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.

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.

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.

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

Health Of Nation Measured In Report Card

A national report card on health places New Hampshire at the top of the list of states that have healthy residents with decent access to healthcare. Mississippi ranked 50th in the study sponsored by the United Health Group of Minneapolis. Minnesota, Utah and Massachusetts also ranked high among states for all round good health and longevity. Louisiana, South Carolina and West Virginia joined Mississippi at the bottom of the list.

NCSL Conference Focuses on Floods, Energy

As state lawmakers gather in New Orleans this week for a policy conference, they'll be reminded often of what can happen if public works are allowed to deteriorate.

Can Digital Recordings Save Money for Courts?

Faced with crippling budget shortfalls, state courts are replacing in-person stenographers with digital recording systems. But do they really save money?

Ten States Lose Federal Education Money for Poor Children

Federal money to educate poor children is increasing, but 10 states and more than half of the nation's school districts will see a drop in their share of the dollars in the next school year, according to a report released June 15. Overall, nearly 56 percent of school districts will get less federal money, despite a $647 million increase in the Title I program that allocates money for low-income students.

Seven States Lead in Budget Transparency

TODAY'S TAKE: A report released Tuesday (April 13) finds that seven states - Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Texas - lead the nation in budget transparency, providing the public with comprehensive and easily searchable information about government spending. Eighteen states flunked the scorecard created by U.S. PIRG, a Boston-based research and public-interest advocacy group.

Shutdowns Loom in Iowa, Minnesota

TODAY'S TAKE: This week could see the first state government shutdown since 2007, when Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell ordered a partial closure that lasted nine days.