Stateline Headlines

Legislation Would Take State Mineral Revenue off Chopping Block

Proposals in Congress would save tens of millions of dollars in mineral payments to states from sequestration’s sweeping cuts.

What Do Record Low Natural Gas Prices Mean for States?

Newly abundant and cheap natural gas has slashed home heating bills for many Americans. But in some states, the continued price drop has thinned state budgets and shifted energy production.

How Governors Govern Higher Ed

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett are the latest governors to play a role in resolving crises at their state universities.

As Shuttle Program Ends, States Step Up Roles in Space

With NASA focused on deep-space missions, the federal government is increasingly turning to private companies to handle more routine flights. Now, states are competing to lure the space entrepreneurs-and the high-tech jobs they promise-to their new or refashioned launch facilities.

Pentagon Cuts Have Military States Worried

The federal debt-reduction deal contains at least $350 billion - but perhaps as much as $950 billion - in defense spending cuts over 10 years. Some states see serious problems for their military-dependent economies.

Feds belatedly send $67 million in disaster funds to Utah, Colorado, 12 other states

In Texas, Proposition 6 Would Tap Trust Fund for More Education Dollars

Facing $4 billion in cuts to their schools over the next two years, Texas voters will decide next week whether to authorize dipping deeper into the state's $25 billion education trust fund to make up some of the difference.

Party Switch Gives Texas House Republicans Supermajority

TRANSITION WATCH: Two-thirds control of the House means Texas Republicans can overcome Democratic delaying tactics, outgoing governors issue their final pardons, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

Payday Lenders Catch Lawmakers' Attention

Legislators in Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon recently have clamped down on the short-term, high-interest lending industry, blaming it for saddling residents with dangerous levels of debt.

Natural Gas Growth Adds Strain to State Regulators

To keep pace with a surge of natural gas drilling, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources is looking to triple its staff of well inspectors. In many other states, inspection teams remain small while wells go unchecked.

A Three-Year College Degree in Ohio?

EDUCATION BEAT: Ohio governor wants colleges to offer three-year degrees ... Idaho ends its legislative session after approving three controversial education bills ... Oregon lawmakers want the governor to double as school superintendent and other education news from state governments.

Are 2.5 percent raises equitable or sustainable?

Federal auditors recommend EPA recover $6M from NM agency for labor charges

NM agencies help ranchers defray costs of hauling, pumping water during the drought

House passes Pearce amendment to expand WIPP’s role

High court says raid with chopper was not coercive

Residents say ‘death map’ should spur EPA action

N.M. disability payments skyrocket

Health exchange grant revisions raise fears

Estrada pleads not guilty to hijacking Martinez emails

Health insurance increases loom for state workers

Open primaries? Start talking

State judicial staffers getting 2.5% raises

Belated inspections turn up problems

Reason for Estrada departure in dispute

Hijacked emails fueled political battle

Battle over water supply

State officials oppose legislation shifting management of Valles Caldera

Health exchange grant revisions raise fears

New Mexico investment funds up nearly $2 billion in quarter

Dwindling reservoirs show drought’s stress on state

New state laws take effect Friday

State’s schools to see 10% drop in federal funds due to sequestration

New Mexico official speaks against prairie chicken listing

NM tops list for childhood hunger

State prison cuts well water use

Report: NM leads the nation child in childhood hunger

New program puts low-risk inmates to work around Santa Fe

Governor urges local fireworks restrictions

Partial property tax payments OK

Chairman ousted from state’s medical marijuana board

NM Land Office brings in nearly $48 million in revenues from development on trust land

NM water officials warn lawmakers that drought likely to persist, intensify

University must resolve health-sciences oversight

Forum focuses on open primary

New Mexico high court OKs search warrants by telephone

UNM regent described as an agent for change

AG bans tainted horse meat

N.M.’s tax approach: A century late?

N.M. moves to halt first U.S. horse slaughterhouse

Gov. Martinez: Will not get involved in same-sex marriage challenges in NM

NM lottery provides $529M for education

UNM regent described as an agent for change

Martinez unveils new MVD system to speed service

Study finds SAR creates jobs, boosts state’s economy

State at risk of losing millions in federal funds for special education

Loan rate hike looms for N.M. students

Audit reveals another glitch in prisons

PRC to study power line regulations

AG: Gay marriage not allowed

Bregman strikes back in mass email after governor’s Facebook blast

Report puts N.M. graduation rate at bottom

N.M. vets to get better access to transportation

With new legal challenge, gay marriage debate in New Mexico heats up

Email theft probe went down two paths

NM village runs out of water due to drought

Clovis lawyers recommended for NM judgeship

Gov. airs gripes about email thefts on Facebook

AG’s opinion on gay marriage comes Thursday

High court DNA ruling reflects technology today

New Mexico Sen. Papen back in the States after witnessing firsthand anti-government riots in Turkey

NM Gov. Susana Martinez in Washington, DC for education forum

Details emerge on Martinez email hacking probe

How New Mexico Legalized Gay Marriage – For 8 Hours

For eight hours in 2004, same-sex marriage was legal in New Mexico. Nearly a decade later, the state is still dealing with the fallout.

New Mexico State of the State Address 2013

SANTA FE, New Mexico -- Jan. 28 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Susana Martinez's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

New Mexico Governor Renews Fight Against Driver’s Licenses For Undocumented Immigrants

Governor Susana Martinez has renewed her fight against a law that allows undocumented immigrants in New Mexico to receive driver’s licenses.

New Mexico State of the State Address 2011

SANTA FE, N.M. - Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Susana Martinez's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor; Senate President Pro Tem; Mr. Speaker; Democratic and Republican leaders; esteemed members of the New Mexico legislature; honorable members of the judiciary; former governor

New Mexico State of the State Address 2010

SANTA FE, N.M. - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Before we begin, let me say that the thoughts and prayers of every New Mexican are with the people of Haiti during this terrible disaster. What we don't hold in riches, we have in generosity and

New Mexico State of the State Address 2009

SANTA FE, N.M. - Jan. 20 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Lt. Governor Denish, Speaker Ben Lujan, Senate President Pro Tem Jennings, Chief Justice Ed Chavez and members of the state Supreme Court, Pueblo Governors and former Governors, Dist

New Mexico State of the State Address 2008

SANTA FE, N.M.. -- Jan. 15 -- The following is a transcript of Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) 2008 state of the state address. Lt. Governor Denish, Speaker Ben Lujan, Senate President Pro Tem Tim Jennings, Chief Justice Ed Chavez and members of the state Supreme Court. Democratic and Republican leaders, members of

New Mexico State of the State Address 2007

SANTA FE, N.M., Jan. 16 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) 2007 state of the state address Click here to access the governor's Web site and view the address. Lt. Governor Denish, Senate Pro-tem Ben Altamirano, and Speaker Ben Lujan; Native American and spiritual leaders; Chief Justi

New Mexico State of the State Address 2006

SANTA FE, N.M., Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bill Richardson's 2006 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's Web site and view the address. I. Introduction To Lt. Governor Denish, Senate Pro Tem Altamirano, and Speaker Lujan; To Senator Bingaman and Congressman

New Mexico State of the State Address 2005

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Jan. 19 - Following is the text of Gov. Bill Richardson's 2005 state of the state address: The State of the State marks a special occasion when we gather together. My job here is to talk, to report on the state of our affairs, and it is the job of the legislature and assembled audien

New Mexico State of the State Address 2004

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Jan. 20 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Bill Richardson's (D) 2004 State of the State Address: Lt. Gov. Denish, Senate President Pro Tem Romero, Speaker Lujan, Democratic and Republican leaders, esteemed members of the New Mexico House of Representatives, and the New Mexico Senate, h

New Mexico State of the State Address 2003

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Bill Richardson's 2003 State of the State Address: Lt. Gov. Denish, Senate President Pro Tem Romero, Speaker Lujan, Democratic and Republican leaders, esteemed members of the New Mexico House of Representatives and the New Mexico Senate, honorable membe

New Mexico State of the State Address 2002

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Jan. 15 - Following is the text of Gov. Gary Johnson's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, members of the forty-fifth legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow New Mexicans. This will be a year like no other in recent histor

New Mexico Gov Urges Improvement

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Jan. 16 - Following is the full text of Gov. Gary Johnson's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Honorable Justices of the Supreme Court, Members of the Forty-Fifth Legislature, distinguished guests, my fellow New Mexicans. Last year we all celebrated the millenni

New Mexico State of the State Address 2000

New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson used his State of the State speech Tuesday to renew his campaign for a school voucher program, which was rejected by the Democratic-controlled legislature last year. "What is missing from public education is not money: what is missing is competition and choice," Republican Johnson said.

Lawmakers Act to Preserve Endangered Night Sky

For decades, astronomers have warned that the intrusion of artificial light is threatening to wipe out a dwindling natural resource - the starry night sky. Now a growing number of city and state governments are taking up the fight to reclaim the night. For lawmakers, the issue is about energy efficiency and safety, as well as good stargazing.

Political Brawl Leaves New Mexico Without Budget

Politics is often called the art of compromise, but compromise is in short supply in New Mexico politics these days. The net effect is a state buried at the bottom of nearly every quality of life list. In the latest round of a running battle between Republican Gov. Gary Johnson and Democrats who dominate the legislature, New Mexico is without a budget while Johnson threatens a government shutdown and the Democrats call him a dictator.

Lawmakers In New Mexico, Missouri And Vermont Call It Quits

In New Mexico, Missouri and Vermont, lawmakers scrambled last week to complete last-minute haggling over end-of-session tax and budget measures. Each of these legislatures has now adjourned, bringing to 24 the number of state lawmaking bodies which have completed work for 1999. Click on

New Mexico law sparks push for Guard benefits

Click to enlarge. After attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson vowed his state would do more for its National Guard troops. His efforts to pay the life insurance premiums of guardsmen have inspired similar bills in 35 other state capitals.

New Mexico Law Sparks Push for Guard Benefits

After attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson vowed his state would do more for its National Guard troops. His efforts to pay the life insurance premiums of guardsmen have inspired similar bills in 35 other state capitals.

More States Give Tax Credits to Working Poor

This tax season, even more low- and moderate-income taxpayers can look forward to a check from their states along with their federal refunds, thanks to new state laws that aim to put cash in the hands of the working poor.

Death Penalty Rift in States Continues

New Mexico on Wednesday (March 18) became the second state-after New Jersey in 2007-to repeal the death penalty since its reinstatment by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976. But the modern landscape of capital punishment remains complex, as other states seek to reinstate or expand it and executions nationally are on track to reach their highest mark in 10 years.

Courthouse Costs Engender Controversy

Many courthouses around the country are in dreadful physical shape. But spending the money to replace them can be a politically dicey proposition.

New Mexico State of the State Address 2012

SANTA FE, New Mexico - Jan. 17 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Susana Martinez's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Thank you. Lieutenant Governor; Senate President Pro Tem; Mr. Speaker; Democratic and Republican leaders; esteemed members of the New Mexico legislature; honorable me

Momentum Building to End Driver's Licenses for Illegal Immigrants

TODAY'S TAKE: The number of states that allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses has steadily declined in recent years. Now, political pressure is building to end the practice in New Mexico, one of the three states that still does so.

Crackdown on Illegal Immigrant Drivers Now Nationwide

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: New Mexico and Washington, the last two states that still issue driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, both recently stepped up efforts to make sure that license holders actually live in their states.