Stateline Stories

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.

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.

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.

States Prepare Timelines for Missed Debt Deadline

TODAY'S TAKE: States are calculating how long it will take before a political impasse over the federal debt ceiling begins to affect their bottom lines. Some are preparing backup plans, including the furlough of thousands of workers.

New Mexico to Debate Immigrant Licenses

TODAY'S TAKE: A special legislative session that begins today (September 6) in New Mexico will focus on redistricting, but lawmakers also will debate whether illegal immigrants should be given driver's licenses.

As Some States Close Highway Rest Stops, Others See Roadside Revenue

In the South and West, providing drivers a sanctuary on the Interstate costs states dollars they don't have. But many Northeastern states make lots of money by commercializing rest areas. The difference is due to an obscure federal law that critics want to change.

New Mexico Legislators Look to Curb Charter School Costs

Some lawmakers in New Mexico say publicly funded, privately run schools are taking advantage of the state's rules to get more education funding than public schools.

New Mexico Board to Rule on Cap-and-Trade

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: After a court ruling, cap-and-trade could be rejected in New Mexico ... Alaska plans massive dam to meet renewable energy goals ... California court allows plastic bag ban, and more energy and environment news.

Welfare Rolls Up, Benefits Down in Some States

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Some states are scaling back welfare benefits just as more of their residents are seeking them, a new report says.

New Mexico's New Governor Blocks Carbon Reduction Plan

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Climate-change skeptic Susana Martinez revokes global warming regulations ... Texas to accept other states' radioactive waste ... a department of growth leadership for Florida, and other energy and environment news.

First Session a Mixed Bag for New Mexico's Martinez

TODAY'S TAKE: Susana Martinez, New Mexico's new Republican governor, lost a high-profile debate over her proposal to bar unauthorized immigrants from obtaining drivers' licenses. But Martinez notched other victories in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, on proposals to limit film tax credits and increase DNA collection from criminal suspects.

Summary of the New Mexico State of the State Address

Announcing budget cuts, ethics reforms, public and highway safety initiatives and clean energy incentives, Democratic Gov. Bill Richardson asked lawmakers to support a laundry list of new proposals in his Jan. 19 state of the state address.

Six States Lead in Children's Dental Health

TODAY'S TAKE: New Mexico has fewer dentists per capita than all but one state, and one in five of its residents is uninsured. Despite its challenges, the state is among six national leaders in providing for the dental health of its children, according to a new 50-state report by the Pew Center on the States, the parent organization of Stateline.org. About two-thirds of the states, in fact, do not have adequate policies in place for children's dental health, with nine states receiving failing grades, the study found.

Arizona Immigration Law Roils New Mexico Governor's Race

SANTA FE, N.M. - Since Arizona passed its controversial immigration law, the question of whether states should be more like Arizona or less has come up in a growing number of governors' races. That's especially true in New Mexico, a state that historically has taken a welcoming approach to immigrants.Click on "Read More" below for the story, and follow this link for excerpts from an interview with New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson on the Issues

SANTA FE, N.M. - In a June 10 interview with Stateline, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson discussed how the immigration issue is playing in this year's race to succeed him. He described the benefit of sending the National Guard to secure the border and discussed his recent trip with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to tour the border area.

Driver's Licenses for Immigrants Becoming Rarer

New Mexico is one of the last remaining states to let undocumented immigrants obtain driver's licenses. In a year when state immigration policies are becoming a lighting-rod political issue, that policy may not last for much longer.

Cap-And-Trade Plans Meet Up With Greenhouse Gas Skeptics

States in diverse parts of the country have been firmly on board for new climate change rules. What happens if some of them decide to get off the train?

Democrats Struggle to Generate Hispanic Participation

A lower Latino vote would signal trouble for the Democratic Party in November. So far, there are few signs of the confidence and hope that prevailed at the polls in the high-turnout year of 2008.

A Pardon For Billy the Kid?

A potential pardon for 19th-century outlaw Billy the Kid has ignited a debate over frontier history in New Mexico. Governor Bill Richardson is considering a petition brought forward by an Albuquerque attorney and must make a decision by Friday night. Public opinion seems to support the pardon.

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.

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.

States Tackling Public Employee Retirement Benefits in 2010

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

U.S. Indian Schools Fear Funding Cuts

Of the 185 Indian schools in the United States managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the majority -- especially those in Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota -- face financial problems despite small improvements in funding.

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.

Southern, Western States Lag In Preventing Hunger

A report released this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture draws a map of a United States rimmed along the south and west by hunger, but increasingly plump and prosperous as you look north and east. As expected of the state that recently captured the unenviable title of the nation's poorest, New Mexico claims the highest rate of hunger. The upper Midwest boasts the most success in feeding the needy.

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.

More States Announce Mid-Year Cuts

As new holes emerge in their budgets, more and more states are making spending cuts well before their legislatures reconvene next year. Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Missouri are the latest.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

Maryland became the sixth state in as many years to repeal the death penalty. But the fate of the state’s five remaining death row inmates is up to Governor Martin O'Malley.

Delegates Speak: Issues Facing the States

Aug. 27, 2008, 4:00 p.m. EDT Q. What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address? Wisconsin on jobsKeeping jobs in America. It is so important. We are losing jobs in Wisconsin. We have a GM plant (in Janesville) that is going to close down. And those are thousands of jobs. We also have a paper factory who has left us. We have another one that planning on closing. We also have small cheese factories that have closed. We don't have jobs for these people to go to. You can retrain them on jobs … skills and things. But where do they go for jobs? The jobs are not there. They are going to either overseas, or just gone... That is the biggest concern. Because if you don't have a job, you have nothing. You can't go the store and buy the bread and milk that we need to survive, or the food. And you can't, of course, afford mortgages. ... You can't even rent if you don't have a job. ... You have to have a job to survive in life. -Wisconsin delegate Mary Goulding of Greenbay, 57, secretary with the public school district interviewed by Barbara Rosewicz, Stateline.org Maine on energy Energy costs are a strong issue for me because obviously we have cold winters and not a lot of people. There's the whole discussion about being on the energy grid and how we can leverage that and get our money's worth, but the good side is that we are uniquely positioned for wind energy and tidal energy, and I really believe Barack Obama is committed to renewable energy and not just drilling and trying to find more oil in our oceans.-Maine delegate Jennifer DeChant, 35, of Bath interviewed by Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org New Mexico on health careI have four children and six grandsons.Seniors need help. If they don't get it, they are burdens to their families. In New Mexico, jobs aren't good enough for employers to pay employees adequate health insurance. -New Mexico delegate Mary Gail Gwaltney of Las Cruces, 73, retired interviewed by Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.org AFTER THE JUMP: Audio and photos from the interviews Comments

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

Find a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Louisiana through North Dakota

GOP Governors Examined as Potential Running Mates

Several Republican governors have already taken their names out of consideration for the second spot on the national ticket.

Democratic Governors Push Agenda

Seeking to play a larger role in the national political arena, Democratic governors met in Washington, DC, Monday to weigh in on the debate over economic stimulus, saying the economy needs greater public investment in roads and schools and not just more tax cuts.

WORTH NOTING: Missouri Sets Sights on Kansas Rivals

A Missouri legislator proposes hunting down Kansas' mythological Jayhawk. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) catches flak for arrests outside a toll hike hearing. And New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) sprouts a new beard. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

State Medicaid Budgets Start To Squeeze

During the last five years, policymakers expanded Medicaid with a flourish. Armed with hearty surpluses and federal funds to boot, states launched the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), pharmacy assistance programs for the elderly and community-based health services for the elderly and disabled. But budget bliss is fading fast. Numerous states, from Oregon to Tennessee, New Mexico, Kentucky, Indiana and Washington State, are now complaining about Medicaid's skyrocketing price tag.

State Support For Ending Cuban Embargo Growing

What do Illinois Gov. George Ryan and Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura have in common with Arkansas chicken producers, Texas rice growers and Utah medical companies? They'd all like to see an end to the 40-year-old U.S. embargo on trade with Cuba.

States Vary in Addressing Power Plant Construction

Putting an addition on your home can bring more regulatory hassles than building a power plant in many states. But in a few states like Minnesota, new generating facilities must meet a tough "needs test" to enter today's new electricity market.

Crime Lab Backlogs Extend Beyond DNA

State and federal lawmakers are trying to reduce backlogs in unanalyzed DNA evidence even as more common forms of forensic data are being neglected, crime lab directors say.

States Lock Out Drunk Drivers

Most states now have laws that can order drunk drivers to use in-car breathalyzers, called ignition interlocks, that prevent cars from starting if alcohol is detected. While some laws are more lenient, seven states require the ignition interlocks for all first-time convictions.

States Ask Hospitals to Come Clean

Faced with a modern-day medical challenge, states increasingly are taking steps to track the number of patients who acquire serious infections while hospitalized. Eight states -- including four with new laws this year -- now require hospitals to tally their infection rates, amid indications that the cost of these medical complications -- in both dollars and lives -- is mounting.

Govs set innovative agendas

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) wants to recruit 1000 volunteers to work on community projects across the Bay State. His proposal is among a long list of new initiatives unveiled by governors in announcing their agendas for 2007.

Budget Cuts Hitting Poor in Unusual Ways

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: As more legislatures finish their budgets, programs that help the poor in Kansas and Florida are among those getting scaled back or eliminated altogether.

Fate of Florida Commuter Rail Line Up to Governor

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Florida's governor weighs the arguments for a commuter rail line ... California regulators deal with the unintended consequences of a clean fuel requirement … Minnesota drivers could be caught in traffic if a budget is not passed on time, and other transportation news.

Governors Target Rules at Businesses' Behest

Newly elected Republicans - and some Democrats - have made rethinking regulations a top priority. That has environmentalists and consumer advocates nervous.

Abuses in Delaware Weatherization Program Revealed

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Delaware's troubled energy efficiency efforts ... a deal to remove protections for wolves ... Iowa leads in wind power and other energy and environment news.

Several States Quick to Opt for No Child waivers

TODAY'S TAKE: Connecticut, Oregon, New Mexico and Wisconsin immediately said they would seek waivers from key requirements of the No Child Left Behind law, an option announced by the president on Friday (September 23).

Western States See Natural Gas Drilling Boom

High prices, rising demand and static domestic supplies of cleaner-burning natural gas are fueling a drilling bonanza across the West and setting up a potential battle between gas companies and a coalition of ranchers and environmentalists.

Voters in Pa, Colo., and NM Could Have Trouble at Polls

Sept. 3, 2008, 4:15 p.m. EDTMINNEAPOLIS - Which states will see problems at the polls in November? Some advocates expect voting glitches in a few key swing states where tight contests are expected between presidential candidates Barack Obama (D) and John McCain (R). The battleground states of New Mexico, Colorado, Wisconsin, Ohio and south Florida all have a history of problems administering elections and are the states to watch in 2008, said Mike Slater, executive director of Project Vote, a Washington, D.C.,-based group that aims to get more low-income and minority Americans to vote. "All of this counts when the votes are very close," Slater said. As Stateline.org reported in a story earlier this summer, this year's presidential primaries showed that the problems that made headlines in the past - with voter registration rolls, identification requirements and voting machines - have been upstaged by a new difficulty. The huge turnout during the primaries overwhelmed some states and counties. "I think Pennsylvania is the real sleeper," said Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting, which advocates for voter-verified paper ballots for all U.S. elections. She said that while Florida last year added paper trails to electronic voting machines and Ohio is addressing security issues, only about a dozen counties in Pennsylvania have systems that allow votes to be verified. Slater and Smith made their comments during a Sept. 1 panel session here convened by electionline.org, a project of the Pew Center on the States that tracks election reform efforts. Both electionline.org and Stateline.org are funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts. - Pamela M. PrahComments

Report: Voting Glitches Could Disrupt Election

In two weeks, the American voting system will be stressed as never before with record voter registration and expected large turnouts. But the greatest pressure will fall on 11 battleground states whose stars are aligned for an election debacle: tight races coupled with radical changes in their voting systems.

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

The recession is taking a dramatic toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state government spending: prisons. A new survey says corrections budgets are down in at least 26 states, with prison officials laying off workers or reducing their pay, eliminating vocational and other programs for inmates and granting some prisoners early release.

Issue To Watch: School Testing

A number of states are pushing to up the stakes on reading tests for younger students and assign letter grades to schools.

Saving History: States Push For Preservation Funds

Congress celebrated the U.S. bicentennial in 1976 by establishing the Historic Preservation Fund, a $150 million a year treasure chest for state-administered efforts to save the countrys architectural treasures. But as with most dedicated funding sources for noble-minded cultural and environmental efforts, the money actually set aside has never met the programs grand designs. That could change this year if Congress passes the 15-year, $45 billion Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA), now beginning its second run up Capitol Hill.

Indian Gaming Revenues Spark New Sovereignty Fight

Native American tribes and state governments are fighting over back casino payments in New Mexico. Kansas Gov. Bill Graves is going to court to keep two Oklahoma tribes from opening casinos in his state. California's Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional last fall's Proposition 5, which allowed Indian gambling. These are just a few of the flashpoints in an increasingly bitter dispute over burgeoning revenues from Indian casinos. For more information, click on

WORTH NOTING: Gov Targeted in Critic's Galaxy

A New Jersey mayor shifts his aim from a planet to a politician. California's budget troubles are as bad as what? And a problem gambler gets more help than he wanted to kick the habit. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Former GOP Govs Show Rift in Party

Ideological rigidity is forcing Republicans to become independents, the former GOP governor of California says, while the former GOP governor of New Mexico wins the nomination to run for president under the Libertarian label.

Weekly Wrap: Doing the Math on State Jobs

State and local governments are not gaining employees recently; officials worry about revenue loss from tax breaks; Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell discovers 40 pounds of fat to cut.

Weekly Wrap: Rising Medicaid Bill a Growing Concern for States

New Mexico's human services secretary warns of an impending Medicaid crisis. California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) solicits tips for fixing the Golden State, in 140 characters or less. And nearly two months into the new fiscal year, three states still have no budgets.

Weekly Wrap: New Year Brings New Laws

New state laws that take effect across the country on New Year's Day range from affecting the way residents drive to whether they can marry or profit from snapping a celebrity's photograph. (See also:US: State lawmakers, lacking money, took up bad-behavior bans in '09 and US: New 2010 laws -- Cooking to texting)

Thank God It's Furlough Friday?

TODAY'S TAKE: Today (April 2) is another Furlough Friday in California and New Mexico - two states that are employing a common cost-cutting strategy by having their workers take regular, unpaid days off. As The Wall Street Journal reports, it's not a bad deal for some state workers, either, as they're spending more time with their families and finding that businesses are targeting them for special offers.

States Retool Food Stamp, Benefits Systems

A number of states used to make food stamp recipients pass a fingerprint test. Now all but one has stopped, to save on staff time and ease the burden on the clients.

Election Officials Report Mixed Success on Reform

Members of the National Association of State Election Directors, a reform-minded group long before last year's presidential election mess in Florida, met in Arkansas last weekend (July 14-15) to compare notes on the progress of election reform around the country -- and found there was little to cheer about.

Electricity Deregulation Deadline Nears In Some States

Undeterred by the California power crisis, four states will complete their own electricity deregulation efforts in 2002 as they seek to give customers a greater choice of providers and new industry players a better shot at making money.

Secretaries of State Weigh in on Election Reform

To avoid a repeat of the voting problems that plagued Florida and other states in the 2000 presidential election, top state election officials want statewide uniformity in voting equipment, poll worker training and ballots. A state-by-state guide to improving elections was adopted by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) at the group's annual meeting in mid-July.

More States Climb On Electric Deregulation Bandwagon

Arkansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, Virginia and Delaware passed laws in 1999 that deregulate their electric utilities, bringing to 23 the number of states that now embrace the policy. But not everyone is ready to take the leap. Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns appeared before Congress to state his misgivings about opening his state's electric industry to retail competition. To learn more, click on

Report: States Seeking Prison Solutions

State governments, facing leaner budgets this year as the national economy struggles, are exploring strategies to contain surging prison populations without building costly new correctional facilities, according to a report released Wednesday (Jan. 23).

Issue To Watch: Gun Regulation

Gun legislation moved to the top of the list for many state lawmakers after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December.