Stateline Stories

No Clear Favorite Seen in Virginia's Governor's Race

Virginia and New Jersey are the only states to elect governors in 2005. In the first of two stories, Stateline.org looks at the personalities and policy issues in the race to replace Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D), the only governor in the nation limited to one four-year term. Tomorrow's story will focus on New Jersey.

2009 Elections — Small But Significant

This year may be the quiet before the surge of 36 gubernatorial races in 2010, but the results of the few statewide elections in November could preview what's to come.

Few Governors Tout Bold Initiatives

In his state of the state address last month, Vermont Gov. James H. Douglas said that the state should track convicted drug dealers the same way it does sexual predators, by publicizing their names and addresses. This proposal is one of only a handful of truly innovative programs proposed by governors in their state of the state addresses this year.

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.

Utah Lawmakers Could Override Transportation Veto

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Utah's governor faces a rare veto override as lawmakers try to designate sales tax money for transportation … New Jersey won't use a private firm to collect tolls after all … A key U.S. senator suggests states will have to raise gas taxes-not depend on the feds-for new revenue, and other transportation news.

States Suing Feds Over Seniors' Rx Costs

Fifteen states want the U.S. Supreme Court to block the federal government's plan to bill them for a portion of costs for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit passed by Congress. The states call the law "an unprecedented intrusion into each state's sovereignty."

High School Athletes Next for Steroid Tests

(Updated 12:45 p.m. EDT, Monday, June 18)A year after New Jersey became the first state to mandate random steroid testing for high school athletes, Texas and Florida are on the verge of launching their own testing programs, and Illinois may not be far behind.

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.

Aging Prison Populations Drive Up State Costs

Longer sentences and repeat offenders mean states now have aging prison populations, requiring special care for elderly inmates and driving up costs to the taxpayers. It costs about three times as much as the norm to incarcerate elderly inmates, according to the National Institute of Corrections.

'Jock Tax' Boosts Revenue in Pa., N.J.

TODAY'S TAKE: Philadelphia football fans may jeer when the New York Giants come to town, but city and state budget officials are likely to cheer. That's because Philadelphia and Pennsylvania -- as well as neighboring New Jersey -- tax the income of visiting athletes.

Budget Progress in Several States

TODAY'S TAKE: Forty-six states face budget deadlines today (June 30). Unlike last year, when 10 states approached the new fiscal year without spending plans in place, there has been considerable progress this week in states without budgets. Even in Pennsylvania- where Governor Ed Rendell hasn't signed a budget on time in his more than seven years in office - lawmakers appear close to an agreement.

Lame-Duck Session Scheduled in Pennsylvania

TODAY'S TAKE: The Democratic-led Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which will fall under Republican control in January, will convene for a special voting session on Monday (November 15). The lame-duck meeting will give outgoing Democrats the chance to pass legislation before Republicans take over state government, including the governor's office, next year.

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.

States Face Up To Realities Of Police Racial Profiling

As four men, three black and one Latino, made their way down the New Jersey Turnpike toward a North Carolina university where they were planning on trying out for the basketball team in April 1998, they had no way of knowing that three of them would end up at a hospital with police inflicted bullet wounds before they reached the state line. Their attorneys, bolstered by an outraged public, argue that the young men were stopped because they were minorities - a practice known as racial profiling. Read this stateline.org report to learn what states are doing to battle this practice.

Report: Sandy Inundated East Coast With Sewage

Hurricane Sandy’s floodwaters last October inundated East Coast with sewage. Researchers have now estimated how much flowed from crippled treatment plants.

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.

Govs Start to Back 2008 Candidates

Eleven governors have made endorsements in the 2008 presidential race so far, and the leading beneficiaries of early skirmishing for support from state leaders are Democratic hopeful Hillary Clinton and Republican hopeful John McCain.

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.

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.

Food Banks Drawing Statewide Attention

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Emergency food banks are attracting increased interest from state officials this year, but what many of them would like is more money.

Toll Hike Plan Puts Heat on Cuomo and Christie

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York and Chris Christie of New Jersey both lashed out at a proposal to increase tolls on bridges and tunnels between their states. But both governors stopped short of saying they would veto the hikes.

Exemption Debate Looms Over Cuomo's Property Tax Cap

TRANSITION WATCH: New York will consider how far property taxes can rise to pay public employee benefits, Ohio struggles with a tug-of-war over appointments, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2013

TRENTON, New Jersey -- Jan. 8 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chris Christie's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Obama Sends $50.5 billion Sandy Relief Package to States

Federal aid is finally headed to the Atlantic Coast states, three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged their shores.

Christie Vetoes Minimum Wage Hike, Offers Compromise

Governor Chris Christie has conditionally vetoed legislation that would have boosted New Jersey’s minimum wage. Instead, he proposed a compromise that New Jersey lawmakers appear unlikely to accept.

Governors Kick Off Legislative Sessions

Two of the country’s most prominent Republican governors opened their states’ legislative sessions with state of the state speeches from different fiscal vantage points. One day after a strong revenue projection for the upcoming two years, Texas Governor Rick Perry was somewhat optimistic, but warned lawmakers aga

Northeast Governors Outraged About Sandy Aid Delay

Frustration boiled over on Wednesday, the day after the U.S. House, finishing up a compromise to avert the nation’s “fiscal cliff,” scrapped a vote on the $60.4 billion relief plan approved last month by the Senate.

Cory Booker Opts Out of Governor’s Race, Looks Instead to U.S. Senate

The decision prevents a major shakeup to New Jersey politics, rendering moot months of speculation that the state would see a marquee matchup in its race for governor.

New Jersey Lawmakers Send Minimum Wage Boost to Governor

Minimum wage workers in New Jersey would get a major raise under legislation that’s been sent to the governor’s desk. But it is unlikely Governor Chris Christie will sign the bill as is.

At New Jersey Gas Pumps, Life Returns to Normal

Governor Chris Christie announced Monday the state would end gas rationing in 12 New Jersey counties, signaling major progress made in restoring power and fuel delivery to areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

New Jersey Officials: Displaced Sandy Victims May Vote By Email

New Jersey voters displaced by Hurricane Sandy may cast their ballots using fax or email, state officials announced Saturday, prompting concern among some computer security experts.

N.J. Lawmaker to Replacement Refs: ‘Keep Out’

New Jersey’s Senate president plans to introduce legislation that would ban the use of replacement officials in professional sporting events played on state soil.

In New Jersey, Christie Vetoes Anti-Fracking Bill

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has vetoed a bill that would have banned the disposal of hydraulic fracturing waste in New Jersey.

Cory Booker Hints at N.J. Governor Run

Newark Mayor Corey Booker has floated another hint that he’ll run for Governor in 2013, challenging Republican Chris Christie in what would be a high-profile clash of rising political stars.

With Governor’s Signature, New Jersey Expands Drug Courts

Governor Chris Christie signed a bill Thursday (July 19) that expands New Jersey’s drug court program and mandates treatment rather than jail time for drug abusers convicted of non-violent crimes. That makes New Jersey the first state to require drug treatment within the justice system. For months, the governor has

With New Fiscal Year Looming, Government Shutdowns Unlikely

A year after Minnesota’s three-week shutdown, New Jersey is the state that appears at greatest risk of starting the fiscal year without a budget.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2011

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chris Christie's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Guadagno, Madam Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the Legislature, People of New Jersey: It is my constitutional duty to report to you each year on the State of our Sta

New Jersey State of the State Address 2010

TRENTON, N.J. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon Corzine's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Happy New Year to you all and a warm welcome to the members of the 214th legislature. Let me especially welcome the ne

New Jersey State of the State Address 2009

TRENTON, N.J. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon Corzine's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Good afternoon everyone and Happy New Year. Thank you all for attending today's State of the State. Reverend Clergy; p

New Jersey State of the State Address 2008

TRENTON, N.J. -- Jan. 8 -- Following is the text of Gov. Jon S. Corzine's (D) 2008 State of the State address: Good afternoon everyone. It's terrific to be with you. Reverend Clergy, Your Eminence, Metropolitan Evangelos and Reverend Copas thank you for joining us today. Senate President Codey, Spea

New Jersey State of the State Address 2007

TRENTON, N.J. - Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jon S. Corzine's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Happy New Year and thank you all for attending today's State of the State Address. Mr. Senate President; Mr. Speaker; Chief Justice Zazzali; Justices of the Supreme Court; Members of the Legislature

New Jersey State of the State Address 2006

TRENTON, N.J., Jan. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Richard Codey's 2006 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker ... Madam Chief Justice ... Justices of the Supreme Court ... Members of the Legislature ... Members of the Cabinet ... Senator Lautenberg, soon to be Senator Menendez ... Congressmen Pal

New Jersey State of the State Address 2005

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 11 - Following is the text of Gov. Richard Codey's 2005 state of the state address: Reverend Clergy ... Mr. Speaker ... Madam Chief Justice ... Justices of the Supreme Court ... Members of our Congressional delegation ... Members of the Legislature ... Member

New Jersey State of the State Address 2004

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 13 - Following is the text of Gov. James E. McGreevey's (D) 2004 State of the State address: Reverend Clergy, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of our Congressional delegation, members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jer

New Jersey State of the State Address 2003

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 14 - Following is the full text of New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey's State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, distinguished members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jerseyans, a week ago this address had a very different opening. But n

New Jersey State of the State Address 2001

TRENTON, New Jersey - - Following is the tect of Gov. Christine Todd Whitman's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, distinguished members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jerseyans: As you know, this may be the last time I report to you on the state of

New Jersey State of the State Address 2000

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 11 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Christine Todd Whitman's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, distinguished members of the Legislature, honored guests, fellow New Jerseyans: Let me begin with a word of thanks to some special

'My truth is that I am a gay American'

Following is the full text of the resignation speech given by New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey, transcribed by Stateline.org.

New Jersey Succession Plan Concentrates Power

New Jersey's political turmoil following Gov. James McGreeveys admission of an extramarital affair with another man has renewed calls for changes in the state's Constitution and the addition of an elected lieutenant governor.

Exiting New Jersey Governor Riles Party Bosses

Describing himself as an American who just happens to be gay, and proud, New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey says his farewells and prepares to hand over one of Americas most powerful governorships to a relatively obscure leader of the states Legislature. So ends -- in scandal-stained resignation -- a once-brilliant political career that McGreevey says careened off the tracks.

New Jersey Cracks Down on Drowsy Driving

New Jersey lawmakers and highway safety advocates across the country hope the states new drowsy driving legislation the first in the nation will be a wake-up call to drivers who hit the road when theyre tired and currently cause more than 100,000 accidents per year nationwide. The measure allows motorists to be charged with vehicular homicide, an offense punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Campaign Finance: Transparency Only Skin Deep

The recently completed gubernatorial campaigns in New Jersey and Virginia were among the most expensive in U.S. history, with spending reaching into the tens of millions of dollars. But despite state campaign finance laws that require public disclosure of campaign donations, identifying the sources of those millions is often easier said than done.

Budget Ills Vex New Jersey's New Gov

If things were normal in New Jersey, this would be the time of year when the Legislature begins hearings on the budget the governor proposed a month ago for the fiscal year that starts July 1. But these days things are anything but normal.

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 First In School Spending

When it comes to per pupil school spending, New Jersey is at the head of the class. The Garden State spent $10,283 per student in 2000, outdoing second-ranked New York by $244, according to a new Census Bureau report on public education.

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.

State Health Officials Trade Ideas on Preparedness

Days before a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon, Virginia emergency medical personnel completed massage training. This turned out to be invaluable in caring for rescue workers with aching muscles from heavy lifting, and has emerged as a lesson learned from the terrorist attacks, Virginia Health Commissioner Anne Peterson said.

New Faces Replace Washington-Bound Governors

Aficionados of state politics, think quickly: Who are Rick Perry, Donald DiFrancesco and Scott McCallum? The question may sound like a quiz show stumper, but soon the answer may not be so trivial. They either are, or are in line to be, the nations newest state chief executives from Texas, New Jersey and Wisconsin, respectively.

Virginia, New Jersey Elect Governors This Fall

Virginia and New Jersey are unique among the 50 states because only they conduct their state elections in odd numbered years. This year, there are hotly contested races for governor in both the Old Dominion and the Garden State. Both Virginia and New Jersey currently have Republican governors, but the Democrats have strong candidates in each state going into the November balloting.

Drunk Driving Tragedy Prompts 'John's Law'

At a time when the meaning of the word "hero" is often devalued by being used to describe athletes and movie stars, Ensign John R. Elliott was the real thing to everyone who knew him. The 22-year-old U.S. Naval Academy graduate, whom peers viewed as an exemplar of leadership and character, was killed last year in a collision caused by a drunk driver. But Elliot's death has led to enactment of a new law in his home state of New Jersey designed to keep alcohol -impaired motorists off the road -- and creation of a volunteer program that encourages individuals to become designated drivers.

New Jersey Governor Rated Most Powerful State Leader

Juice, stroke, clout, influence -- all synonyms for political power, an asset common to all state governors. But which of the 50 state leaders is the king of the hill? Political experts say Acting New Jersey Gov. Donald DiFrancesco arguably claims that distinction, thanks to a quirk in his state's constitution. DiFrancesco, known as Donny D. in state political circles, replaced Christine Todd Whitman as the Garden State's chief executive last January after Whitman became the Bush administration's top environmental official. DiFrancesco is also president of the New Jersey state senate, giving him legislative clout as well.

Democrats Sweep Governors' Races

Democrats Mark Warner and Jim McGreevey were elected governor in Virginia and New Jersey Tuesday, ending eight years of Republican control of the top offices in those two states. For an election roundup, click on

War Eclipses New Jersey, Virginia Races

September 11 changed America. People talk about a new patriotism and tolerance for one another, a new sense of purpose. This new reality is hardly reflected in the only major U.S. election campaigns this year. In New Jersey and Virginia, both of which were tragically affected by the the terrorist attacks, the candidates for governor are trying to engage distracted voters with traditional politics.

New Jersey Gov-Elect Pledges 'Fiscal Reality'

Democrat Jim McGreevey had been New Jersey's governor-elect less than 24 hours before he used a post-election news conference Nov. 7 to call on Republicans who remain in control of state government through January to stop spending money and freeze discretionary programs.

New Jersey Tops In Education Spending Per Student

New Jersey led states in the amount of money spent per student on elementary and secondary education for 1997, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In a report entitled The 1997 Census of Governments, Public Education Finances, the Garden State beat out New York, Alaska and Connecticut. States that ranked lowest in public grade and high school spending per student were Idaho, South Dakota, Arizona, Mississippi and Utah.

New Jersey Learns From Other States On Electric Deregulation

On Aug. 1, New Jersey became one of a handful of states to begin implementing electric utility deregulation. Before opening their borders to competition, officials in the Garden State studied how California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island implemented deregulation, then sought to replicate successful policies and avoid those that bombed.

N.J. Sees Red Despite Rising Revenues

Most states by now have reached the light at the end of this decade's deep budget-crisis tunnel. Sure, the hurricanes knocked the state budgets of Louisiana and Mississippi for a loop, and Michigan is reeling from shrinkage in the U.S. auto industry. But how come New Jersey's budget is still in a bind?

NJ Rejects Self-Service Gas

For more than 50 years, New Jersey has banned drivers from pumping their own gas. But when Gov. Jon Corzine (D) recently suggested the state test self-service pumps, his office was flooded with complaints.

Lame Ducks Ruffle Feathers in 3 Statehouses

Lame-duck legislators are feeling some heat in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where some groups are calling for changes to post-Election Day legislative sessions that let departing lawmakers cast key votes just before their replacements take over. In Utah, legislative leaders have banned lame ducks from taking taxpayer-sponsored trips.

New Jersey Governor's Race Focuses on Taxes, Spending

New Jersey and Virginia are the only states to elect governors in 2005. In the second of two stories, Stateline.org looks at the personalities and policy issues in campaign to fill the post of New Jersey's Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey (D), who is not running for a full term.

New Jersey May Designate New Heir to the Governor

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey survived more than two centuries without a lieutenant governor's office, but that may change on Nov. 8. Besides electing a new governor, voters will be asked to put an end to New Jersey's unique line of succession that twice this decade has given its Senate president the extra job of acting governor. Forty-two states already have lieutenant governors.

Va. and N.J. Elect New Governors Today

Election Day sends voters to the polls across nine states. Only Virginia and New Jersey elect governors this year in races being watched for clues to America's partisan mood. The rest of the suspense is over 39 ballot measures in California, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Texas and Washington, along with a judicial contest in Pennsylvania that got caught up in voter outrage over a legislative pay raise.

McGreevey Is First Governor to Resign in a Sexual Scandal

New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey (D) is the 11th governor in U.S. history to resign rather than ride out a political scandal. Of 47 previous governors who have left office early, 10 quit in the face of possible criminal charges or impeachment. Other governors have weathered charges of sexual impropriety.

New Jersey Enacts Paid Family Leave

New Jersey this month joined California and Washington in adopting family leave insurance plans that allow workers to take time off with pay to care for sick family members or newborn and newly adopted children. New York and Oregon are expected to consider similar laws next year.

Cash-Strapped N.J.: Pay up for State Police

Facing tough times financially, New Jersey recently started billing some of its smallest communities for a service they have enjoyed free for nearly 90 years: regular state police patrols that help towns without local police respond to crime, car accidents and other emergencies. Pennsylvania is considering doing the same.

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.

NJ Gay Couples Get Civil Unions

New Jersey is the third state to bless civil unions as an alternative to marriage for same-sex couples, choosing a middle ground that establishes a type of relationship that didn't exist before Vermont created it in 2000. Several other states may find themselves at a similar crossroads next year on how to deal with gay unions.

Easter egg flap fries Wyoming artists

A White House Easter tradition leaves Wyoming out, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) disses New Jersey and "The Donald" provokes a fight over Old Glory in the Florida Legislature. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Live from New York, uh, Jersey!

New Jersey lawmakers fume that their state does the work but New York gets the glory. A bubblegum-rock song inspired by a North Carolina bureaucrat gives new meaning to the term "elevator music." And preschoolers make fun of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D). In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

N.J. has three govs in a week

New Jersey gets three governors in one week. Arkansas legislators want to correct a law that would let toddlers get married. And Brattleboro, Vt., votes for public nudity. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

N.J. election sees record number of women

The departure of disgraced legislators - all Democrats - and the retirement of other lawmakers have opened the door to more women candidates than ever in New Jersey. Democrats, meanwhile, head into the election strong, despite the corruption scandal.

State employees to N.J. gov: 'No thanks'

Thanksgiving is a national holiday that reconciles the haves and the have-nots. But the day after Thanksgiving is a sore point, at least for state workers in New Jersey who don't have the day off for only the second time in 45 years.

N.J. latest to try death-penalty repeal

New Jersey lawmakers are speeding ahead on a plan to make the Garden State the first in the nation to repeal the death penalty since it was reinstated more than 30 years ago, capping a year in which similar efforts gained traction across the country.

New Jersey's Waiver Wars

Governor Chris Christie is seeking to make New Jersey’s tough regulatory climate more business-friendly, but environmental groups say his new waiver rule goes too far.

Should Drug Court be Mandatory?

All 50 states have embraced voluntary drug court for treating drug-addicted nonviolent offenders. Would a mandatory program help more people?

In New Jersey, Christie Keeps Up His Confrontational Style

TODAY'S TAKE: On the same day a poll showed that 87 percent of New Jersey voters are tired of their politicians insulting one another, Governor Chris Christie likened some of his adversaries in the state legislature to “pigs at the trough.”

Democrats Block Christie Court Pick

TODAY’S TAKE: Democratic senators handed New Jersey Governor Chris Christie a major defeat Thursday (March 22), rejecting a Christie nominee who would have been the state’s first Asian-American Supreme Court justice.

New Jersey State of the State Address 2012

TRENTON, New Jersey - Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Chris Christie's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Guadagno, Madam Speaker, Mr. President, Members of the 215th Legislature, Members of our Congressional Delegation, Members of the Supreme Court, our f

New Governors Get Into Budget-Cutting Act

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican governors Chris Christie of New Jersey and Bob McDonnell of Virginia swept into power last November on promises of leaner, more efficient state government. Now they're trying to put their words into action, pitching budget plans that slash hundreds of millions of dollars from schools, health care and other fundamental state services.

Pension 'Sea Change' in New Jersey

TODAY'S TAKE: In what The Wall Street Journal called a political "sea change," New Jersey Governor Chris Christie this week signed legislation scaling back retirement benefits for government workers in the traditionally union-friendly state. The move comes as many states face stark gaps between what they have promised their employees and what they have on hand to fulfill those promises.

East Coast Governors Split on Drilling

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama's announcement Wednesday (March 31) that the federal government would allow new offshore oil and gas drilling, primarily off the East Coast, received a mixed reaction from governors of the affected states. Some saw it as long-overdue while others raised economic and environmental concerns. But the reactions did not break down along party lines.

Some Cuts May Hit Twice as Hard

TODAY'S TAKE: As states try to finalize their budget plans for the coming fiscal year, governors and legislators must contend with the reality that some spending cuts may pack twice the punch. That's because reductions to certain state programs could come with corresponding cuts in federal matching money.

Congress Weighs Stimulus for Schools

TODAY'S TAKE: Budget constraints are forcing many state lawmakers to consider deep cuts to K-12 education, prompting warnings from the Obama administration that teacher layoffs could exceed 100,000 if Congress doesn't offer help. Federal assistance may come in the form of new taxes on hedge funds and large financial institutions.

In New Jersey, the Budget is the Easy Part

TODAY'S TAKE: Freshman New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a Republican, won a big victory this week when he pushed a deeply controversial state budget through the Democratic-led Legislature by the narrowest of margins. But the tough work lies ahead, as Christie and lawmakers gird for a special session - possibly during the Independence Day weekend - to address a problem that has frustrated state leaders for years: New Jersey's highest-in-the-nation property-tax burden.

N.J. Teachers Rush Into Retirement

TODAY'S TAKE: Chris Christie, the outspoken New Jersey governor who has become synonymous with spending cuts, appears to have instilled fear in state labor unions. New numbers show that teachers, in particular, are retiring in waves, apparently fearful that the Christie administration will go after their pensions and benefits.

State Inspections Curtailed in New Jersey

TODAY'S TAKE: To save $17 million a year, New Jersey is no longer inspecting residents' cars for bad brakes, broken turn signals, steering problems and other mechanical failures. The state says residents can identify those problems themselves, but the move is likely to cause concern among road-safety advocates.

Another State Lottery Exceeds Expectations

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey's lottery revenues reached their highest point ever last fiscal year, according to newly released figures. The numbers show that not all forms of gambling decline during tough economic stretches.

Chris Christie Can't Shake Race to the Top Fiasco

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is embroiled in the first major crisis of his tenure, as Democrats investigate the clerical error that cost the state $400 million in federal education funding and led to the firing of the state's education chief. The governor, for his part, is trying to move on.

Christie Doubles Down on Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's decision Thursday (Oct. 7) to discontinue the largest public-transit project in the nation - a commuter rail tunnel to Manhattan that he believes the state cannot afford - is sparking a broad range of reaction. But one thing is clear: the decision is keeping the high-profile, first-year governor in the spotlight.

Report Ranks States' Business Climates

TODAY'S TAKE: A new report finds that South Dakota has the friendliest tax system in the nation for businesses, while California and New York have the worst. New Jersey moved up in the rankings because of a veto from Governor Chris Christie.