Stateline Headlines

Marijuana Bills Tempt Cash-Starved States

A history of marijuana laws This has been a bumper year for marijuana legislation, according to state policy observers. Crushing state budget deficits gave advocates in California, Washington, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York and elsewhere an opening to pitch marijuana as a new source of tax revenue. At the same time, the Obama administration gave users and distributors some breathing room by signaling in October that it would scale back on prosecuting them as long as they comply with state law.

Northern New England seeing surge in heroin use

State Courts Replacing Paper with Electronic Record-Keeping

State courts have been slow to computerize, but they are gradually replacing stacks of paper with electronic documents.

Legislators Attempt to Strip Courts of Power

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: In an effort to rein in "activist justices," legislators in New Hampshire and Tennessee are attempting to get rid of judical review of legislation.

Education's Less-Than-Certain Windfall

There's $10 billion for schools in the state aid bill Congress passed last month. But some school systems have reason to wonder whether they are going to see the money.

Rhode Island, Delaware And New Hampshire Legislatures Adjourn

Lawmakers in Rhode Island, Delaware and New Hampshire gaveled their legislative sessions to a close this week, leaving just 10 state legislatures still in regular session. For more information, click on

Rhode Island Lawmakers Rush To Adjourn; Two States In Overtime

While the legislatures in Maine and Louisiana closed their sessions as expected on June 19 and June 21 respectively and Rhode Island was poised to adjourn, lawmakers in Oregon and New Hampshire are pushing beyond scheduled closing dates to address unresolved issues. For more information, click on

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

Under pressure from state attorneys general, the popular social-networking Web site MySpace agreed Monday to turn over information on thousands of sex offenders it kicked off its site in early May.

Weekly Wrap: Fed Report Doubts Energy States Will Recover First

Revenues down in gas-producing states; Obama snubs Las Vegas-again; and economist Mark Zandi predicts start of economic expansion.

Ohio Politicians Merge State Agencies, New Hampshire Tackles School Funding

Lawmakers in Ohio spent the week grappling with issues ranging from state agency mergers to education vouchers, while New Hampshire legislators confronted a funding crisis after the state's highest court deemed a new method of funding public schools unconstitutional.

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.

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.

Control of NH’s future: Today’s House vote will be one for the ages

Senate Finance Committee rejects House-approved tax hikes

Think local, vote ‘no’ on casino

Taxing businesses for employees’ tips opposed by N.H. Senate committee

Freshman House members may direct casino debate

New Hampshire celebrates 100 years of primaries

For the people: A century of the NH primary

Gregg named CEO of Wall Street lobbying group

Senate committee awaits casino vote

Helping kids make healthier choices

In Concord, Rand Paul raises cash for N.H. GOP and stokes 2016 speculation

What innovation? The casino way is the lazy way

43 killers on lifetime parole - but where?

Official says NH abortion sites need state scrutiny

Town may have to fix grave error

In Sanbornton, enough already

50 years later, state lottery fight echoes in N.H. casino debate

Casino committee looks to find acceptable language, more votes

Antrim asks for review of wind farm project

Teen party takes Derry rep by surprise

On gun violence, what next?

The cupcake police: Stop! In the name of lard!

Executive Council rejects Pan Am bid for state-owned railroad track

Education department looking at shift to competency-based student evaulations

Supercommittee recommends N.H. casino bill be killed; next stop is House floor

Taxed tips: Another NH revenue grab

Zip through I-93 tolls soon, stop at new rest area in the future

A dozen questions for casino committee

N.H. Senate may try to block state from taxing restaurants for tips to employees

N.H. House committee prepares to vote today on Senate’s casino bill

Supreme Court says Manchester man who lost towed car while hospitalized can sue

Restaurant owners blast proposal to tax employees' tips as business' income

IRS tactics against conservatives outrage NH groups

Two new polls show Shaheen, Hassan and Ayotte popular with N.H. voters

Hassan’s stunt: Northern Pass and priorities

Berlin prison filling up, slowly

Spring brings renewed life for Capital Region’s housing market

State may be close to selecting developer for I-93 rest areas in Hooksett

In Salem, all that glitters is not gold

Senate budget writers hear arguments on Medicaid expansion, other state issues

House likely to make big changes to casino bill

NH's revenue dip: No cause for alarm

House votes 312-0 to honor Marathon bombing victims, rebuking Tremblay

Hassan to Connecticut: Curb your Northern Pass bill

Proposed Salem casino gets bigger: hotel, spa added

Senate Finance Committee chairman says NH House-approved budget has $300 million hole

Northern Pass money dividing North Country opinions

N.H. Senate panel considering bill to raise gas tax

N.H. Senate panel removes home-grow option from medical marijuana bill

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2013

CONCORD, New Hampshire --Feb. 14-- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Maggie Hassan's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Issue to Watch: Collective Bargaining

While this year’s legislative battles in the states over collective bargaining rights are likely to be more restrained than previous years, the legislation put forward would still have a significant impact on employer-labor relationships, if passed.

Tax Pledge Permeates New Hampshire Politics

New Hampshire has no income tax or sales tax. The candidates for governor want to keep it that way. But despite that, the debate over taxes never really goes away.

Out-Of-State Students May Vote in New Hampshire, Judge Rules

Out of state students in New Hampshire will be able to vote in November, a state judge ruled Monday, reversing the legislature’s attempt to say otherwise.

In New Hampshire, a Primary Full of Unfamiliarity

John Lynch, New Hampshire’s popular moderate Democratic governor, is not seeking reelection this year, creating a window of opportunity for Republicans wishing to take back the office.

In New Hampshire, No Veto on Cap-and-Trade Compromise

Under a new law, New Hampshire will leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but only if other states do first. Governor John Lynch, a champion of New England’s cap-and-trade pact, tentatively supported a policy viewed as a compromise.

New Hampshire Inaugural Address 2011

CONCORD, New Hampshire - Jan. 6 - Following is the full text of New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch's (D) inaugural address (New Hampshire does not have a state of the state address in years in which a budget or inaugural speech is given): Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Madam Chief Justice - isn't it good to say Madam Chie

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2010

CONCORD, N.H. - Jan. 21 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Lynch's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Madam Speaker, Madam President, Mr. Chief Justice, honorable members of the Governor's Council, the Judiciary, the House and Senate, and my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: Let me take a moment

New Hampshire Lawmakers Compromise on Cap-and-Trade

New Hampshire lawmakers this week passed legislation calling for the state to exit New England’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but only if two other states drop out first.

Education Funding Control Eludes N.H. Lawmakers

New Hampshire’s state Supreme Court has exercised oversight over education funding and standards through a series of rulings. An amendment that failed Wednesday would have given legislators final say.

New Hampshire Budget Address 2009

CONCORD, N.H. -- Feb. 12 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Lynch's (D) 2009 state of the state and budget Address: Madam Speaker, Madam Senate President, Mr. Chief Justice, members of the House, Senate, and my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: I come before you today as our nation faces its deepest

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2008

CONCORD, N.H. - Jan. 23 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Lynch's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Madam Speaker, Madam President, Mr. Chief Justice, honorable members of the Governor's Council, the Judiciary, the House and Senate, my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: I am proud to come before

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2007

CONCORD, N.H., Jan. 4- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Lynch's (D) 2007 state of the state and second inaugural address: Madam Speaker, Madam President, Mr. Chief Justice and members of the judiciary, honorable members of the House, Senate and Executive Council, and my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: Y

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2006

Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Chief Justice, honorable members of the Governor's Council, the Judiciary, the House and Senate, my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: Before I begin allow me to recognize my wife Susan. Her love, support and patience, and that of our children, make it possible for me to do my job eve

New Hampshire Inaugural Address 2005

CONCORD, New Hampshire - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. John Lynch's 2005 inaugural address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Chief Justice and members of the judiciary, honorable members of the House, Senate and Executive Council, and my fellow citizens: In a ceremony as old as our const

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2003

CONCORD, New Hampshire - Feb. 13 - Following is the full text of New Hampshire Gov. Craig Benson's State of the State Address: All across the nation, states are united in their fiscal woes. Maine, for example, is facing a $1 billion deficit; Massachusetts, $3 billion. States are facing deep program cuts, higher tax

New Hampshire Inaugural Address 2001

CONCORD, New Hampshire - Jan. 4 - Following is the text of Gov. Jeanne Shaheen's 2001 State of the State Address: Speaker, Mr. President, Mr. Chief Justice, honorable members of the House, Senate and Executive Council, my fellow citizens: I want to thank the people of New Hampshire for once again entrusting me

New Hampshire State of the State Address 2000

CONCORD, New Hampshire - Feb. 3 - Following is the text of Gov. Jeanne Shaheen's 2000 State of the State Address: Madame Speaker, Madame President, honorable members of the Executive Council, the House and Senate, my fellow citizens of New Hampshire: I am always humbled when I stand before you in this hist

Re-Election Not a Shoo-In for Gov. Benson in New Hampshire

Gov. Craig Benson is a Republican in a Republican state, and a freshman in a state that has never turned out a governor seeking a second two-year term. The odds favor him for re-election. But Benson's take-no-prisoners style of management plus scandals in his administration make him vulnerable in the Nov. 2 election.

Lynch's Ethics Push Wins Over New Hampshire

Democratic Gov.-elect John Lynch, a political neophyte, scored an election night coup such as New Hampshire hadnt seen in nearly eight decades when he unseated incumbent first-term Gov. Craig Benson. What was Lynchs secret? Apparently, his relentless pounding on one key moral issue personal integrity resonated with Granite State voters.

Libertarian Group Targets New Hampshire

Five thousand members of the Free State Project have chosen New Hampshire as the state the libertarian group will try to take over politically.

Primary Schedule Now Nearly Complete

Courts have finally cleared the way for primary elections to take place in Florida, Kansas, North Carolina and New Hampshire, the last states where legislative redistricting disputes threatened to derail this falls nominating process for the general election. But its still unclear whether the New Hampshire primary scheduled for Sept. 10 will include a full slate of candidates.

State Races See Corporate Scandal Spillover

Call it the Enron effect. From New Hampshire to Texas to California, candidates running for governor on the strength of their business records have been thrown on the defensive by a falling stock market, corporate scandals and the publics growing mistrust of big business.

Remap Threatens New Hampshire's Folksy Politics

New Hampshire is a small state with a big House of Representatives -- the nations largest at 400 members. But redistricting is undermining its cherished principle of small towns having a voice at the state Capitol.

Mystery Web Site Tracks New Jersey Politics

Politicsnj.com, a New Jersey Web site that dishes up political news, regularly scoops the mainstream media and now is being replicated outside the Garden State. But politicsnj.com is a story in itself because nobody seems to know whos behind it.

New Hampshire Gov Defies Tax Taboo

Four years ago, Gov. Jeanne Shaheen not only broke New Hampshire's glass ceiling to become the state's first woman governor, she was the first Democrat elected in 16 years. Now she's trying to break another glass ceiling -- New Hampshire's taboo against broad-based general income and sales taxes.Shaheen is backing a 2.5 percent sales tax to pay for an estimated $225 million shortfall in the upcoming two-year budget. She would use sales tax proceeds to restructure the tax system by repealing New Hampshire's 18 percent inheritance tax and reduce several other taxes.

New Hampshire High Court Upholds Unpopular Tax

A sharply divided New Hampshire Supreme Court Thursday upheld the constitutionality of the state's education property tax, which the state relies on for more than half its aid to public schools. However, the court warned the state it should correct problems with property assessments that led a lower court to declare the tax unconstitutional. It said the state should be able to fix the tax before it expires in 2003.

New Hampshire Still Vexed By School Funding Challenge

In the 3 years since the state Supreme Court ordered the state to find a fairer way to fund schools, New Hampshire's anti-tax tradition has risen up to thwart every attempt to use a personal income or general sales tax to restructure the state's old property tax system. Instead, the state is relying for more than half its funding on a temporary statewide property tax that survived a court challenge with a warning from a sharply divided court to fix the tax -- and soon. The governor and the legislature remain divided on a permanent fix.

Election Campaigns Enter 'Uncharted Waters'

Patriotism, not politics, has been on the minds of many since terrorist attacks last Tuesday. Now a week past, however, elections and campaigns are resuming, entering what both election officials and candidates have called "uncharted waters."

New Hampshire High Court In Crisis, Removal Proceedings Loom

New Hampshire hasn't impeached a judge since 1790, but in a case unprecedented in U.S. judicial history, all but one of the five members of the State Supreme Court may now face removal proceedings because of questionable ethics practices. This extraordinary turn of events was set in motion by one justice's alleged efforts to fix his own divorce case.

New Hampshire Sees First Impeachment Since 1790

What began as an investigation into whether a New Hampshire judge tried to influence the state Supreme Court over his divorce appeal now threatens to end the career of the chief justice in the state's first Senate impeachment trial. Chief Justice David Brock will face an unprecedented trial starting Sept. 18 on charges he called a lower-court judge about a powerful state senator's case, let a Supreme Court colleague have a say in the handling of his own divorce, let disqualified justices participate in cases and lied to a House committee investigating the court.

New Hampshire School Fight May End State's Tax Taboo

For nearly three decades, pledging to veto broad-based taxes has been a rite of passage for New Hampshire governors. No one spurning the pledge has ever won the state's highest office, and Gov. Jeanne Shaheen was no exception in winning her second term last November. But New Hampshire's status as one of two states without a general income or sales tax - Alaska is the other -- is in jeopardy despite Shaheen's promise because of a court-ordered reexamination of public school financing.

Internet Good Source Of Info on New Hampshire School Crisis

With the New Hampshire state government fast approaching a court-imposed April 1 deadline to find a new way to finance public schools, it's easy for the public to learn about the crisis and find out how proposed fixes will affect them. There's a wealth of information on the Internet. In this report, stateline.org identifies some Web sites focusing on the crisis and tells you what you will find on each of them.

No Deal In Sight On New Hampshire School Funding

Finding a fairer way to pay for schools in New Hampshire as the state Supreme Court insists has evolved into a high stakes poker game, with no one yet holding a winning hand. Income tax backers hold the most aces, but Gov. Jeanne Shaheen believes she has the only card needed to trump them - a promise to veto the tax. Meantime, the court's April 1 deadline for action is fast appoaching. A look at the impasse in this stateline.org special report.

Four States Consider Income Tax; Four States Reject It

Facing education funding woes and a variety of budget shortfalls, lawmakers in New Hampshire and three other states that do not collect income taxes considered reversing course this year--and in each case defeated or abandoned those plans for fear of retribution from the voters. To read about this politically perilous policy issue, click on

Funding Gap Plagues New Hampshire's New School Financing System

New Hampshire has a new public school financing system that supposedly assures that students who live in poor communities will receive an education comparable to what kids in richer school districts get. But there's still no relief in sight for the headaches of Granite State lawmakers, who've been grappling with this issue since the state supreme court ruled in December, 1997 that an adequately funded education was a fundamental right of every New Hampshire child. In this special report, Norma Love, who covers the legislature for the Associated Press, spells out the remaining problems.

State Laws Vary on Driving Distractions

New Hampshire is the only state that doesn't require adult motorists to wear seat belts, but it's also the only state where drivers can be ticketed for eating, drinking, talking on a cell phone or fussing with their makeup while behind the wheel. The state whose motto is "Live Free or Die" passed the nation's first distracted driving law in 2001. Since then, every state has looked at ways to keep drivers' minds on the road, but lawmakers in most states are choosing to focus more narrowly on restricting cell phone use while driving.

Students get an eyeful

An Ohio lawmaker accidentally flashes nude photos to high school seniors. Public urination could be a separate crime in New Hampshire, and that would be a good thing for violators. And Alabama now bans the selling of sex toys - unless, of course, people say it's for their health. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Civil Unions Spread, But Gays Want to Wed

A fourth state just agreed to offer civil unions, but the alternative to gay marriage is proving more popular with lawmakers than with gay rights activists.