Stateline Stories

Legislative Scorecard: West Virginia Set For Special Session

West Virginia legislators return to Charleston Tuesday for a special session that will consider measures to help the state's drought-stricken farmers. California lawmakers resume deliberations Monday after a brief summer recess.

Advocates for Climate Action Urge Insurers to Join Up

Some are pushing the insurance industry to not only to crank up the volume on its longstanding calls for hardier building and safer land use in disaster-prone areas, but also to push for cuts to the carbon emissions.

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.

States Struggle to Update Toxic Chemical Regulation

Unchanged for 35 years, the U.S. Toxic Chemicals Safety Act has left federal regulators without the tools to investigate many chemicals that could endanger human health. That burden has fallen to states, which have enacted a patchwork of regulations that environmentalists, policymakers and industry leaders all consider inadequate.

Terror Insurance: A New, Risky Business

Book lovers understand that the J. Willard Marriott Library and its three million-volume collection at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City are, in a sense, priceless.

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.

Budget Picture Brightens in New Fiscal Year

TODAY'S TAKE: State revenues are a long way from catching up to where they were before the recession started, but reports out of Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee and Virginia show that they are climbing back.

States Tackle School Safety After Sandy Hook Shootings

At least 20 states are considering bills that would allow some teachers to be armed. Others are focusing on emergency plans and mental health checks.

Locals Take Losses in State Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: The trickle-down effect of state budget problems is on display this week in New York and Rhode Island, where governors announced plans to cut aid to localities.

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.

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.

As Their Terms End, Governors Show Mercy to Lawbreakers

TODAY'S TAKE: Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania both will leave office next month having granted clemency to hundreds of prisoners.

Penn State Case Spurs Movement for New Child Abuse Reporting Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: The Penn State sex abuse scandal has lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and elsewhere considering new reporting requirements for those who learn of crimes against children.

Several U.S. States Deemed Best Global Oil and Gas Investments

Oklahoma is the best place on earth to invest in oil and gas development, according to a survey of energy executives. Six other states joined it in the top 10.

The 'Amazon Tax' War Escalates

Colorado and North Carolina tried a new approach to taxing the sales of internet retailers like Amazon.com. But Amazon is fighting back, both in the courts and by shutting down a key marketing program in those states. How far will the tax war go?

Cities, States Face Off on Mandatory Paid Sick Leave

Stateline - NYC and Portland will require businesses to provide paid sick leave. But many states are less than enthusiastic.

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.

New York Takes the Lead on Palliative Care

New York State has enacted legislation linking all patients with advanced illness to palliative care. But even as other states look to follow suit, there is a national workforce shortage in this medical field.

Which State Will Be Next to Allow Fracking?

Hydraulic fracturing continues as a hot-button issue across statehouses, as lawmakers consider how much scrutiny to apply to oil and gas drillers looking to tap shale deposits stretching beneath 31 states. New York, Illinois, California and North Carolina are home to some high-profile debates.

Debt Ceilings Without Drama

Most states have rules that limit how much they can borrow. Unlike Congress, however, state lawmakers have almost never used the limits to engage in high-stakes political confrontations – at least not yet.

New York State of the State Address 2013

ALBANY, New York -- Jan. 9 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

With Quick Action, New York Enacts Tough Gun Laws

New York on Tuesday enacted a wide-ranging set of new gun laws, becoming the first state to tighten oversight in the wake of last month’s elementary school massacre in Connecticut.

Cuomo Proposes “NY Green Bank” To Spur Renewable Energy Investments

Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed creating a $1 billion “NY Green Bank,” a quasi-independent authority that would provide capital for energy projects, aiming to improve coordination across state government and open the door to projects that might struggle to attract investment on their own.

Defense of Marriage Act Discriminates Against Gays, Federal Court Rules

The federal government’s refusal to recognize same-sex marriages — including those considered legal in several states — is unconstitutional, a federal court has ruled.

States Back Challenge to Federal Law on Marriage

Three states say that the federal law failing to recognize same-sex marriages considered legal within their borders violates the U.S. Constitution.

Infographic: Annual State Lottery Sales

New York led all states in lottery sales in fiscal year 2011. Massachusetts residents spent more per capita than residents of any other state.

New York’s Three Primaries Cost Counties, Confuse Voters

New York State is holding primaries three times this year. Hardly anyone is happy about it.

New York State of the State Address 2011

ALBANY, N.Y. - Jan. 5 - Following is a transcript of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Well, good afternoon New York. Oh, it is a better afternoon than that, 2,200 people are here today to talk about their governmen

New York State of the State Address 2010

ALBANY, N.Y. - Jan. 6 - Following is a transcript of Gov. David A. Paterson's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Before we begin I would like to thank Speaker Sheldon Silver and all of his staff members, who arranged these wonderful accommodations for us, and the cooperation of the staff of Senator John Sampson and

New York State of the State Address 2009

ALBANY, N.Y. - Jan. 7 - Following is a transcript of Gov. David A. Paterson's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. To my colleagues and partners in government, Attorney General Cuomo, Comptroller DiNapoli, Speaker Silver, Leader Smith,

New York State of the State Address 2008

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Jan. 9 -- The following is the prepared text of Gov. Eliot Spitzer's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's web site to view the address. To the Members of the Legislature of the State of New York : To my partners in government: Lieutenant Governor Paterson

New York State of the State Address 2007

ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Eliot Spitzer's (D) 2007 state of the state address: To the members of the Legislature of the state of New York: To my colleagues and partners in government - Lieutenant Governor Paterson, Attorney General Cuomo, Speaker Silver, Majority Leader Bruno, Le

New York State of the State Address 2006

Following is the text of Gov. George E. Pataki's (R) 2006 state of the state address: Chief Judge Kaye, honorable members of the Court of Appeals, Lieutenant Governor Donohue, Attorney General Spitzer, Comptroller Hevesi, Majority Leader Bruno, Speaker Silver, Leader Tedisco, Leader Paterson, distinguished members

New York State of the State Address 2005

ALBANY, New York - Jan. 5 - Following is the text of Gov. George Pataki's 2005 state of the state address: Chief Judge Kaye, honorable members of the Court of Appeals, Lieutenant Governor Donohue, Attorney General Spitzer, Comptroller Hevesi, Majority Leader Bruno, Speaker Silver, Leader Nesbitt, Leader Paterson, r

New York State of the State Address 2004

ALBANY, New York - JAn. 7 - Following is the text of Gov. George Pataki's 2004 state of the state address: Chief Judge Kaye, honorable members of the Court of Appeals, Lieutenant Governor Donohue, Attorney General Spitzer, Comptroller Hevesi, Majority Leader Bruno, Speaker Silver, Leader Nesbitt, Leader Paterson, r

New York State of the State Address 2003

ALBANY, New York - Jan. 8 - Following is the full text of New York Gov. George Pataki's State of the State Address: Chief Judge Kaye, honorable members of the Court of Appeals, Lieutenant Governor Donohue, Attorney General Spitzer, Comptroller Hevesi, Majority Leader Bruno, Speaker Silver, Leader Nesbitt, Leader Pa

New York State of the State Address 2002

ALBANY, New York - Jan. - Following is the partial text of Gov. George Pataki's 2002 State of the State Address: Chief Judge Kaye, honorable members of the Court of Appeals, Lieutenant Governor Donohue, Attorney General Spitzer, Comptroller McCall, Majority Leader Bruno, Speaker Silver, Leader Faso, Leader Connor,

New York State of the State Address 2001

ALBANY, New York - Jan. 3 - Following is the text of Gov. George Pataki's 2001 State of the State Address: It's an honor to once again report on the state of the State. And it is a pleasure for me to be able to report that our State is strong, and our future bright with possibilities. I feel great confidence wh

New York State of the State Address 2000

ALBANY, New York - Jan. 5 - Following is the partial text of New York Gov. George Pataki's 2000 State of the State Address: Chief Judge Kaye, honorable members of the Court of Appeals, Lieutenant Governor Mary Donohue, Attorney General Spitzer, Comptroller McCall, Majority Leader Bruno, Speaker Silver, Leader F

New York Seeks Better Online System

University of Albany computer experts are trying to figure out a better way for state and local New York governments to work with each other online. The aim is to let government workers replace the array of computers and programs currently on their desks with one gateway system that would shuttle information back and forth electronically, Meghan Cook, the project manager at the University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government said.

Labor Helps Patakis Re-election Battle

Youd think New York Gov. George Pataki was a Democrat the way hes been bagging labor endorsements this year. Not since Nelson Rockefeller nearly four decades ago has a Republican enjoyed so much labor support in a New York governors race.

New York Weighs Easing Drug Laws

With Republican Gov. George Pataki leading the charge, the New York legislature appears poised to ease the states anti-drug laws, which are among the toughest in the nation. Among those backing the move is a former state legislator who helped pass the laws in the first place.

New York Welfare Numbers Surprise Experts

New York was hit hard economically as well as emotionally by the devastating 9/11 attacks, which came just as the state was feeling the effects of the national recession. Thousands of people lost their jobs and businesses shut their doors. Yet state officials say the number of people leaving the welfare rolls, which have shrunk by more than one million people over the last seven years, continues to drop.

Tracking Election Reform: Movement In Congress

Congress efforts to pass federal election reform have received new life after House and Senate leaders agreed on the framework for legislation. But the newfound momentum could be tempered. Leaders in the voting equipment industry said Congress has already taken so much time that all of the companies working together to produce high-tech machines would be unlikely to meet demand before the next presidential election.

Newborn Hearing Tests A Growing State Trend

New York is the latest of a growing number of states requiring hospitals to screen newborn babies for hearing impairment. Gov. George Pataki signed the bill into law December 22 in a move that coincided with the launch of a national campaign urging all states to have such tests. Research indicates that when a baby is tested in the first six months of life and found to be hearing impaired, there is time to eliminate deafness with modern technology and get the child on a normal learning schedule.

E-Voting: States Better Get Ready, Experts Say

When it comes to Internet voting, Gov. George Pataki of New York and Gray Davis of California have a similar message: Proceed with caution. "We want to accelerate the pace of Internet voting," Davis said. But he stipulated that "we need to develop a secure, reliable system" before offering voters online ballots. Davis predicted that Californians would be voting via Internet within five to seven years, though some Internet executives expect it to happen a lot sooner.

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.

States Benefit From Threat To Close Medicaid Loophole

Several states will continue to reap hundreds of millions in extra funds from a federal account despite attempts by members of Congress to stop the flow of money. Since 1991, a number of states used an accounting stratagem to elicit more money from Medicaid than they otherwise would get. Before Congress adjourns, it is poised to modify Medicaid's rules. The changes will shrink the loophole, but will not close it entirely.

Legislative Scorecard: Three States Still Budget-Less

Lawmakers in New York, Massachusetts and Wisconsin have yet to hammer out budgets for the new fiscal year, which has already begun in all three states. New York's budget is four months late, but that's become the norm in Albany. In Massachusetts, Democrats control both houses of the legislature and they still can't reach an agreement. In Wisconsin, lawmakers have left town on summer vacation and no one knows when they'll return. For more information, click on

E-Commerce Advisory Panel Threads Political Minefield

The Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce walked a tightrope between policy and process this week as members of the panel wrapped up a two-day meeting without moving significantly closer to a recommendation to Congress on Internet taxation. Its deliberations demonstrated anew that cyberspace is the newest hottest tax policy battleground.

New York Sales Tax Holidays Prove Popular Idea

With New York planning to make its temporary clothing sales tax holidays permanent on March 1, other states are considering copying the limited-time tax breaks popularized by New York, Texas and Florida. Lawmakers in Michigan and South Carolina are studying proposals to give tax holidays to consumers, while the Wisconsin legislature rejected Governor Tommy Thompsons plan to give holiday shoppers a break.

New York Wants a Better No-Fault Divorce Law

New York lawmakers are considering reforms to state divorce laws that would make it easier for wedded couples to split up -- a move all other states made in the 1970s. But the Empire State may go from laggard to leader in divorce reform, legal experts say, because its lawmakers are considering first-of-a-kind proposals that would set guidelines for alimony and ensure that both spouses are represented by legal counsel in a no-fault divorce. Meanwhile, other states are pushing policies designed to reduce climbing divorce rates.

New York Court Upholds Same-Sex Marriage

A New York state judge ruled Friday that same-sex couples must be allowed to marry but suspended her decision for 30 days to allow city officials to appeal. The ruling embroils New York in the contentious gay marriage debate set off in 2003 by a Massachusetts high court ruling legalizing same-sex weddings in the Bay State. Also see Stateline.org's 50-state rundown on same-sex marriage laws.

Spitzer, 22nd Disgraced Gov to Leave Office

See Stateline.org's complete roundup of related news storiesNew York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D), who earned a national reputation fighting white-collar crime, on Wednesday (March 12) became the 22nd governor in U.S. history to leave office early under a cloud of scandal.

Who Will Be the Next David Paterson?

The dramatic downfall of former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer that catapulted David Paterson to the governor's mansion shined a spotlight on the succession of the state's second-in-command - the lieutenant governor - a position that eight states don't even have. This year's statewide elections provide a snapshot of the quirky arrangements that determine who is next in line after the governor.

More Govs Boost Stem Cell Research

As Congress and the Bush administration remain deadlocked over funding for stem cell research, Democratic governors in New York, Massachusetts and Iowa have joined other state leaders in supporting the controversial science.

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.

New York Senate's Top Democrat Eyes Realignment

New York Sen. Malcolm A. Smith (D)New York Senate Minority Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D) is accustomed to drama. Actor Denzel Washington was his roommate when both were students at New York's Fordham University. These days, Smith has a front-row seat at a political drama between Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer and Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno.

Tracking the Recession: Prison Economics

FALLSBURG, N.Y. -- New York and other financially struggling states are trying to save millions of dollars by closing prisons. But a look at one rural community's anxiety over the closing of a local prison shows why it's a particularly challenging cost-cutting move.

Casino on Long Island, Table Games in Pa.?

TODAY'S TAKE: Long after the recession ends, one of its most visible legacies is likely to be more places -- and ways -- for Americans to gamble.

New York Expands DNA Databank

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: New York will now take and catalog DNA samples from more offenders than any other state. Supporters say the expansion will make it easier for police to solve crimes and for defendants to prove innocence, but opponents say it's an invasion of privacy.

Legislative Leaders Expect Another On-time Budget in New York

TODAY'S TAKE: State lawmakers in New York are poised to deliver Governor Andrew Cuomo an on-time budget for the second straight year, a rare occurrence in Albany.

New York State of the State Address 2012

ALBANY, New York - Jan. 4 - Following is a transcript of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) 2012 state of the state address: One year ago - almost to the day - I delivered my first State of the State address as your Governor. I said last year that New York was at a crossroads.

Census Quandary: Where Do Prisoners 'Live'?

TODAY'S TAKE: As the 2010 Census gets under way, politicians in some states are debating where prisoners should be counted: in the prisons where they are serving time, or in their home communities. The debate pits rural areas against urban ones - and Republicans against Democrats - as communities fight over the political and monetary resources at stake.

Congress Steps Into Gas-Drilling Debate

TODAY'S TAKE: Congress is stepping into an environmental debate that has raged in New York, Pennsylvania and other states where energy firms are using a technique known as "hydraulic fracturing" to drill for natural gas.

State AGs: Aspiring Governors

TODAY'S TAKE: Confirming what the New York Post deemed "Albany's worst-kept secret," New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced over the weekend that he is running for governor. Cuomo, a Democrat, is one of at least 10 attorneys general running for governor this year in states such as California, Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania.

Race to the Top: Who's In, Who's Out

TODAY'S TAKE: States have until Tuesday (June 1) to apply for the second round of Race to the Top, the Obama administration's signature effort to improve the nation's schools by handing out $4.35 billion in federal money for education. At least nine states won't be participating after only two states - Delaware and Tennessee - won in the first round of the competition.

New York Wants DNA From All Convicts

TODAY'S TAKE: Like many states, New York collects DNA from those convicted of serious criminal offenses. But Governor David Paterson wants to dramatically expand the practice to include those convicted of almost all offenses, including misdemeanors. The idea has sparked debate over privacy, but at least 21 states already go further than New York and collect DNA from those simply arrested for - not convicted of - some crimes.

New York Hikes Cigarette Taxes

TODAY'S TAKE: New York has become the latest state to raise cigarette taxes in the face of a budget deficit that exceeds $9 billion. Once the increase takes effect in July, New Yorkers will pay the country's highest tobacco taxes.

Primary Season Ends With a Bang

TODAY'S TAKE: Businessman Carl Paladino's surprise victory over former congressman Rick Lazio in New York's Republican gubernatorial primary on Tuesday (Sept. 14) provided a dramatic finish to the primary election season. How Paladino and other upstarts will do in November is another matter.

New York Lawmakers OK First on-Time Budget in Five Years

TODAY'S TAKE: In an early-morning vote watched by hundreds of noisy protesters, the New York Legislature delivered a $132.5 billion spending plan to Governor Andrew Cuomo that sharply cuts state funding for public schools and health care, but doesn't raise taxes.

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.

New York Withdraws From Secure Communities

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of New York and Illinois have said their states will no longer take part in the federal Secure Communities program, which screens criminal suspects for immigration violations. But the federal government contends that states cannot withdraw.

In New York, State Worker Layoffs to Begin July 15

TODAY'S TAKE: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has started the process of laying off up to 9,800 state workers, according to a memo obtained by a newspaper in Albany.

Gay Marriage Vote Nears in New York

TODAY'S TAKE: A few Republican state senators in New York control the fate of legislation that would legalize gay marriage in the third-largest state. A vote is expected later this week.

Texas Governor Defends New York's Right to Pass Gay Marriage Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Hundreds of same-sex couples got married in New York State on Sunday, when a law legalizing the unions took effect. Just days earlier, Texas Governor Rick Perry, a conservative who may pursue the Republican presidential nomination, backed New York's right to pass the law, saying "that's their business."

New York Judges Get Long-Awaited Raise of 27 Percent

TODAY'S TAKE: State judges in New York will get their first raise in 12 years. At 27 percent over three years, the raise sounds big, but is significantly less than what many jurists sought.

Union Vote Sets Stage for 3,500 Layoffs in New York

TODAY'S TAKE: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says he will begin notifying 3,500 state workers today (September 28) that they are being laid off. The move comes after a major public employee union rejected Cuomo's contract offer.

New York Sees Big Drop In Prisoners Since 2000

TODAY'S TAKE: A newspaper analysis finds that New York's prison population has fallen 22 percent since 2000, driven by a 62-percent decline among those incarcerated for drug violations.

Early Numbers Show Success for New York Property Tax Cap

TODAY'S TAKE: About 85 percent of New York localities plan to stay within a new property tax cap pushed through by Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to preliminary data.

Tax Talk Grows Louder in California, New York

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of California and New York are considering a push for significant tax changes as their states struggle with ongoing budget deficits.

New York Revenue Plan: Tax Cut or Tax Hike?

TODAY'S TAKE: A broad tax overhaul in New York reduces income taxes for the middle class, but raises them for the wealthy. Supporters are focusing on the tax cuts, even though the overall package raises $2 billion in new revenue.

Subway Riders Could Pay for New York Tax Breaks

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A deal being crafted in Albany to revamp the state's tax code could end up costing subway riders in New York City.

New York Courts Revisit Juvenile Justice

NEW YORK, N.Y. - For the past five decades, New York State has treated 16- and 17-year-old offenders as adult criminals. An experiment begun this year seeks to change the rules, amid mounting evidence that the old way hasn't worked.

States May Lose Crucial Flood-Predicting Tools

Due to state, federal and local budget shortages, the U.S. Geological Survey may shut off hundreds of streamflow gauges across the country, increasing danger in flood-prone areas.

Pension Plans Look Toward Rate of Return

Preoccupied for the last several years with their future cost burdens, public pension managers are starting to think more about how to get a bigger payback on the money they invest.

New York Poised to Make Major Management Changes

MANAGEMENT BEAT: In his state of the state address on Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo promised major alterations in both the organization of the public workforce and the day-to-day operations of state agencies.

Cuomo's Pension Proposal Riles Unions

TODAY'S TAKE: New York's governor has a plan that he says would save state and local governments $113 billion over 30 years by reducing guaranteed pension benefits to public workers. The groups representing those workers aren't happy about it.

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.

New York State Workers Mull Strength of Layoff Protections

MANAGEMENT BEAT: As the ratification process for contracts swings into full gear, some state workers worry that they are being asked to choose between layoffs or more layoffs.

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.

Can Taxing Trucks by the Mile Help Save Transportation Funding?

As taxing fuel by the gallon becomes less effective, one alternative is to charge drivers by how many miles they drive. It is an idea probably too complicated right now to use for cars, but researchers are looking at using it for trucks instead.

Debate Over 'Fracking' Continues in Shale-Rich States

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: The future of natural gas drilling in New York state may turn on the outcome of an energy company's lawsuit against the small town of Dryden. States across the country are watching as they debate allowing a controversial drilling technique known as hydrofracking.

In New York, a 'Big First Step' Toward Fiscal Sustainability

Governor Andrew Cuomo not only got New York's legislature to pass its budget on time but also changed spending assumptions in ways that nudge the budget closer to long-term structural balance.

New York Democratic Senators Form Splinter Group

TRANSITION WATCH: New York Senate Minority Leader John Sampson faces a rebellion, Pennsylvania's Governor-elect makes a second choice for chief of staff, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Summary of the New York State of the State Address

Gov. David Paterson (D), facing what could be a difficult primary campaign this year, proposed a plan Jan. 6 that he said would fix New York's shattered finances, rejuvenate its slumping economy and restore trust in government through a series of major ethics reforms.

States Racing for Education Money

TODAY'S TAKE: States are facing a Jan. 19 deadline to apply for their share of $4.35 billion in federal education grants. Some - such as Kentucky, Michigan, New York and Tennessee - are cutting it awfully close.

Race to the Top Could Be Expanded

TODAY'S TAKE: As states rush to meet Tuesday's (Jan. 19) initial deadline to apply for their share of $4.35 billion in federal education money - known as Race to the Top funds - President Obama is seeking to expand the program by $1.35 billion.

The Empire Strikes Out

New York Governor David Paterson replaced a governor caught up in a scandal. Now Paterson is accused of wrongdoing himself and has declined to run for election. Facing a myriad of challenges, including a $9 billion budget shortfall, Paterson is finding it difficult to be effective in his final months in office.