Stateline Stories

Primaries Set Gov Races in Wisc., N.C.

Voters Tuesday (May 8) formally picked candidates for governors' races in four states while North Carolina voters approved a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

The Not-So-Fast Track for High-Speed Rail

The last time intercity passenger trains served Madison, Wisconsin's capital city, students at the University of Wisconsin campus there were protesting the Vietnam War. The trains stopped running when Amtrak took over passenger service around the country in 1971. But last month, the federal government announced it would give the state $810 million in stimulus money to return passenger trains to Wisconsin's second-biggest city for the first time in more than four decades.The $8 billion in federal stimulus money billed as "high-speed rail" funding that will pay for the Wisconsin improvements is going to 31 states to improve service on trains of all speeds. But as even the straightforward case of Wisconsin shows, the path for states to actually build high-speed rail promises to be long, costly and, in some cases, politically contentious.

Virginia Weighs an End to Its 31-Year-Old Uranium Mining Ban

In Virginia, home to one of the world’s largest deposits of uranium, state lawmakers must decide whether to overturn the state’s 31-year-old ban on mining.

Weekly Wrap: States Could Hand Off Liquor Stores

Three states weigh privatizing liquor sales; Lawmakers take aim at shorter, fewer sessions.

Study Finds Details Lacking in Economic Development Deals

TODAY'S TAKE: Governors are placing a premium on economic development, moving aggressively to lure more private-sector jobs to their states. The public, however, often is kept in the dark about the state tax breaks, grants and other incentives that are often at the center of such deals, according to a new study.

Democrats Have Edge in Statehouse Races

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Democrats are likely to make gains in state legislative races this year, but it's a toss-up whether the seats they win will be enough to overtake control of a handful of narrowly divided statehouses, a panel of election experts said at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual conference here.

States Push to Convert Interstate Highways into Toll Roads

Interstates need money for repairs, and charging toll fees can bring in a lot of it. But the federal government is cool to the idea.

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.

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

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

States Advance With Patient-Centered Care

As President Obama pushes for widespread health care reform, state-based programs for chronically ill patients that focus on prevention and improving long-term health - and cutting costs - are emerging as working models.

Tax-Hike Plan Fuels Pa. Budget Standoff

California this week closed a staggering $24 billion budget deficit. But in a handful of other state capitals, like this one two hours west of Philadelphia, deeply unpopular fiscal choices still loom for lawmakers who have failed to pass long-overdue spending plans.

Legislators Barring Electronic Distractions

Since 1997, when North Dakota state senators pioneered a ban on the use of electronic devices when their august body was open for business, the parliamentary rules of more and more legislatures require cell phones, computers and other high-tech distractions to be turned off or left at the door. Maine's House of Representatives is the latest to join the legislative rebellion against the myriad intrusions of the Digital Age.

North Dakota Up, North Carolina Down in Growth Index

TODAY'S TAKE: A Bloomberg evaluation of how states are faring in the aftermath of the Great Recession shows North Dakota powering forward and North Carolina lagging behind, in part because of Bank of America's woes.

As North Carolina Weighs Fracking, Questions Loom on Wastewater

Once a well is fracked, where does the waste go? Coastal communities in North Carolina are worried they’ll become dumping grounds.

Interview: A Southern Medicaid Director’s Perspective on Health Care Reform

North Carolina’s Medicaid chief has been around the program long enough to know that expanding the program isn’t the only way to deliver health care to the uninsured.

North Carolina State of the State Address 2013

RALEIGH, North Carolina Feb. 18 Following is the prepared text of Gov. Pat McCrory's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

GOP Lawmakers Look to Abolish Income Taxes

Republican lawmakers in several states are taking aim at something no state has done in more than three decades: eliminate income taxes.

Should State Education Chiefs Be Elected?

Thirteen states choose their top education official in a partisan campaign. Some people think that makes little sense, but it’s very hard to change.

North Carolina Democrats Face Uphill Climb in Governor’s Race

Neither state party is very popular in the Tar Heel State these days, but Republicans seem to have the advantage.

Continuing U.S. Trend, North Carolina Helps Military Spouses With Licensing

Governor Bev Perdue signed into law Tuesday (July 24) legislation aimed at helping military spouses land jobs after they arrive at North Carolina military bases, continuing a trend in statehouses to reduce barriers of entry into the workforce for military spouses across the U.S. Under the law, military spouses tr

Legislators Limit North Carolina’s Death Penalty Fairness Law

North Carolina’s “Racial Justice Act” was aimed at establishing fairness in capital cases. Critics complained that it obstructed justice rather than enhancing it.

North Carolina Limits Cities’ Ability to Grow

North Carolina cities, which have enjoyed broad annexation powers for more than five decades, will have a harder time absorbing surrounding areas thanks to a new state law the legislature approved in May. Before the new law took effect, North Carolina cities were allowed to amass unincorporated territory even over

North Carolina State of the State Address 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. - Feb. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Beverly Perdue's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Good evening. Thank you, Speaker Tillis. Lieutenant Governor Dalton, President Pro Tem Berger, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, members of the Cabinet and Council of State, distinguis

North Carolina Agency Is Local Government Lifeline

Local governments are doing better in North Carolina than in other fiscally challenged parts of the country. They have a little-known instrument of state government to thank for that.

Report: N.C. Fracking Debate Draws Campaign Contributions

A North Carolina good government group says that energy interests are unduly influencing the state’s debate over hydraulic fracturing.

North Carolina State of the State Address 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. - March 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Beverly Perdue's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view the address. Speaker Hackney, President Pro-Tem Basnight, Lt. Gov. Dalton members of the General Assembly and honored guests. Let me

North Carolina State of the State Address 2007

RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Mike Easley's (D) 2006 state of the state address: Speaker Hackney, Senator Basnight, Lt. Governor Perdue, Members of the General Assembly, Chief Justice Parker, Members of the Court, Chief Judge Martin, Members of the Court of Appeals, Council of Stat

North Carolina State of the State Address 2005

RALEIGH, North Carolina - Feb. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Mike Easley's 2005 state of the state address: Speaker Black, Senator Basnight, Lt. Governor Perdue, Speaker Pro-tem Morgan, Members of the General Assembly, Chief Justice Lake, Members of the Court, Council of State and Cabinet; honored guests

North Carolina State of the State Address 2003

RALEIGH, North Carolina - March 3 - Following is the text of Gov. Mike Easley's 2003 State of the State Addess: Mr. Speaker, Sen. Basnight, Mr. Speaker, Lt. Governor Perdue, Members of the General Assembly, Chief Justice Lake, Members of the Court, Council of State and Cabinet; honored guests and fellow citize

North Carolina State of the State Address 2001

RALEIGH, North Carolina - Feb. 19 - Following is the full text of North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley's State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker. Sen. Basnight. Lt. Governor Perdue. Members of the General Assembly. Chief Justice, Members of the Court, Council of State, Honored Guests, and fellow citizens. I am proud to

N.C. House Leader Sparks Tempest in State GOP

Poison darts are flying in the North Carolina House of Representatives, not between Republicans and Democrats -- deadlocked at 60 legislators apiece -- but between lawmakers on the GOP side of the aisle. At the center of the fray is Richard Morgan, a veteran GOP legislator who cut a deal last year to become co-speaker of the House. As a new session opens, Morgan is contending with unrest in the GOP ranks, a state party that just dumped him from its executive committee and a well-connected challenger in the July primary.

North Carolina Beer Lovers Want to Pop the Cap

You cant buy specialty beer like porters or stouts in North Carolina because state law caps alcohol content for beer at 6 percent. Beer enthusiasts want to follow Ohios lead and double the limit, but groups such as Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) say it poses risks.

On the Record: North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D)

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley has been wrestling with the budget crisis since he entered office two years ago. In a telephone interview with Stateline.org, he talked about his fiscal strategy.

On The Record: Former North Carolina Gov Jim Hunt

Although former North Carolina Governor James B. Hunt (D) spent four terms as Chief Executive of the Tar Heel State and one term as Lieutenant Governor, his passion hasnt been politics, but education. In a Stateline.org interview, he talked about the challenges states face while trying to improve the schools.

Rising Unemployment Vexes States

The national unemployment rate hit six percent last month, its highest level since 1994. But joblessness is even higher in many states as foreign competition combines with the downturn in the business cycle to produce an economic double whammy.

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.

North Carolina Sees Credit Rating Drop

A top investment risk analysis firm downgraded North Carolina's credit rating Monday (8/19), underscoring how a sputtering economy, declining taxes and burgeoning deficits are creating costly fiscal headaches for states.

New(er) Faces Competing In North Carolina

For the first time in 28 years, North Carolina voters face the task of filling an open seat in the U.S. Senate -- and on Tuesday they'll decide who gets the Democratic and Republican Party nominations to succeed Sen. Jesse Helms, at once the most divisive and enduringly popular figure in state political history.

States Continue to Endorse Patients' Rights

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley signed a patient's bill of rights bill into law today (10/18), making his state the 46th to give more legal power to health care consumers. State officials say the new measure is the toughest in the country. Even so, without congressional action on the issue, up to one-third of Americans are not helped by state managed care laws.

Handicappers See State, Local Faces In A Gore Lineup

Should Al Gore and Joseph Lieberman make it to the White House, Gore would probably rely on congressional contacts to fill most of his cabinet slots, political analysts speculate. However, they say there are some state and local politicial leaders who could wind up in a Gore administration.

NC Gov-Elect Different Kind Of Tarheel Leader

Democrat Mike Easleys election as North Carolina governor preserves one long-standing state tradition. It keeps in power Eastern N.C. Democrats who have ruled the legislative and executive branches for much of the 20th century. But Easley is a different kind of Tarheel politician and he's likely to bring some changes to the governor's office.

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.

North Carolina Youth Violence Task Force Issues Report

A school safety task force has given North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt a "road map" for dealing with school violence and improving school safety. In a thick report released on Wednesday, it urged every North Carolinian to become involved in deterring school violence. The task force also announced a future toll-free tip line for reporting threats of violence. For more information, click on

Secretary Riley Praises North Carolina Schools On 5-State Tour

Richard Riley, the secretary of education, received a rousing reception Thursday during stops in North Carolina as part of a 5-state swing through Southern states. On his annual back-to-school tour, Riley told North Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt and other officials that he frequently cited that state's strong commitment to public education. Challenging other governors to a contest, Hunt said North Carolina aimed to be first in education by 2010. During his stops, Riley stressed that it was a critical time in Washington for education with decisions ahead on school construction, class size, a national teacher shortage and after-school programs. Riley urged parents to "slow down" their lives and help their children grow.

Texas, North Carolina Seen As Models Of Education Reform

Texas and North Carolina continue to be pace-setter states in the public school standards and accountability movement. This was the consensus opinion at the National Education Summit which was held in New York's Hudson Valley last month, and it is supported by student achievement test results.

Pa., N.C. Results Solidify Dems' Control

(Updated 1:05 p.m. EST, Nov. 29, 2006)Three hotly-contested statehouse races were decided on Tuesday (Nov. 28), giving Democrats control of the Pennsylvania state House race for the first time in 12 years, and moving the Montana House from a dead-even tie to a slim GOP majority. In North Carolina, embattled House Speaker Jim Black (D) also was certified as the winner in his bid for an 11th term. But recounts are still pending in four Indiana races where the outcome could shift the partisan control of that state House.

NC Speaker Black Ekes Out Re-Election

There are Teflon-coated politicians, and then there is North Carolina House Speaker Jim Black. Despite an ongoing federal investigation into Black's political activities and the conviction of several of his associates, the embattled Democrat was re-elected to an 11th term by a margin of just 30 votes in November.

Presidential Calendar Boosts '08 Govs' Races

Governors' primary contests in North Carolina and Indiana in May could get an unexpected influx of voters if the still undecided Democratic presidential race lumbers on. Meanwhile, Republicans worry their voters may stay home since their presidential primary race is wrapped up.

Silver Alert Helps Rescue Lost Seniors

(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008)When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states.

N.C. Pushes Ban on Illegal Immigrant Students

While other states struggle with the issue, North Carolina alone is moving ahead with an interpretation of a federal law that the state says bars illegal immigrants from attending community colleges, even if the students pay more than the cost of their education.

WORTH NOTING: Doc's orders: No fist bumps for Easley

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) is told to knock off his knuckle knocking with presidential candidates. A woman shells out $200,000 to run ads against her ex-husband, who's running for Missouri attorney general. And Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) gets blocked from a capital city bar for not having identification. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in.

Other Issues Entangle N.C. Gay Marriage Vote

Opponents are hoping that a proposed constitutional amendment will be defeated today because it could affect unmarried heterosexual couples, domestic violence cases and other seemingly unrelated legal matters. Polls show that most North Carolinians oppose gay marriage.

Infographic: A Turning Point for Gay Marriage?

Gay marriage supporters have won big victories in state courts and state capitals in recent years. Now, they’re hoping to extend that success to the ballot box.

N.C. Governor Race Overshadowed

With all the talk about the recall election of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, another governor’s race that will get decided this month has been largely overlooked.

Former North Carolina Governor Pleads Guilty to Felony

TODAY'S TAKE: Mike Easley on Tuesday (Nov. 23) became the first North Carolina governor ever to plead guilty to a felony. Easley, who left office in 2009, admitted accepting a $1,600 helicopter ride from a political supporter without reporting it on campaign finance documents.

With Governor's Landmark Veto, North Carolina Budget Fight Heats Up

TODAY'S TAKE: Democrat Bev Perdue became the first governor in North Carolina history to veto a state budget, escalating a standoff with legislative Republicans.

Will North Carolina Governor Repeal Racial Justice Act?

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans who control the North Carolina legislature have sent Democratic Governor Bev Perdue a bill to repeal the Racial Justice Act, a 2009 law that allows death row inmates to challenge their sentences on the basis of racial bias.

Study: Medical Homes Saved North Carolina Nearly $1 Billion

HEALTH BEAT: The use of medical homes- a method of coordinating medical services that relies on primary care physicians to manage patients' care - is gaining momentum across the country. The national health law encourages it. But until recently, few studies have documented how much it can reduce costs.

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?

When Jobs Go Away for Good

The federal economic stimulus law greatly expanded a program for re-training workers whose jobs have gone overseas. As states encourage workers to take advantage of what is considered the Cadillac of unemployment insurance, applications for aid have begun piling up.

Pregnancy Medical Homes Gain Momentum in North Carolina

Linking high-risk mothers with caregivers earlier in pregnancy may be a way to save both lives and money.

North Carolina to Revisit Death Penalty Issue

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A two-year old law allows defendants sentenced to death in North Carolina to appeal their sentences on grounds of racial bias. The legislature wants to repeal the law; the governor wants to keep it.

With Perdue Out, Democrats Wonder if They're Better Off

TODAY'S TAKE: North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue, a Democrat, announced she won't run for re-election this year. Some say that decision might actually make Democrats more likely to hold onto the office.

In North Carolina, a Reversal on Municipal Broadband

A state that once was known for aggressive government involvement in rolling out high-speed Internet services has dismantled a key state agency and passed a law making it nearly impossible for cities to operate their own networks.

Making Room in the Statehouse Press Tent

Across the country, traditional media, insider newsletters, opinionated observers and some new media start-ups covering state news are increasingly competing for the online audience. But even as the traditional news coverage changes, if not shrinks, these new products are providing Web visitors access to more information about state government than ever before. The challenge for consumers is finding credible information.Outlets like Carolina Journal Online have been among the leaders in finding their own state news-gathering niche, and traditonal news operations are looking for ways to peacefully co-exist.

Should Finishing First Guarantee a Candidate Victory?

North Carolina is trying a radical new vote count system. It's an instant runoff - one that doesn't require a second trip to the polls.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Issue to Watch: Collective Bargaining

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

Primary Schedule Now Nearly Complete

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

While Congress Stalls, States Worry About Highway Funds

A three-year standoff in Congress makes planning transportation projects harder for states.

State, Local Governments Receive Kudos for Web Sites

Since 1995, Government Technology has singled out state and local governments that host particularly innovative Web sites. North Carolina and Georgia were winners, as was a tiny county in Nevada.

Final Convention News From State Delegations

Were Oklahoma's Ron Paul delegates disenfranchised?

Best of #StateReads: When a State Runs Out of Psychiatric Beds

This week’s extraordinary journalism about state government, tagged to #StateReads on Twitter.

Mississippi Faces Special Session; Oregon, North Carolina Near End

With legislators in Oregon and North Carolina working feverishly to wind up their 1999 sessions and Mississippi's governor calling back lawmakers for what promises to be a contentious special session on taxes, the count of legislatures still working remains at ten.

Will Obama Have Coattails in the South?

High turnout among African-Americans and younger voters could reshape the Southern political landscape this fall. But Democrats may find gains in statewide contests thwarted by bad timing and a potential conservative backlash.

State Jobless Funds Are Running Dry

As claims for benefits rise because of the economic downturn, many states are trying to figure out how to pay unemployed workers.

Michigan Governor Renews Push for Canadian Bridge

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Michigan's Rick Snyder makes a new push for a second bridge between Detroit and Canada … Rejecting federal funds for a commuter rail tunnel costs New Jersey $225,000 a month … Connecticut struggles to protect transportation funding, and other transportation news.

States Wax Fluorescent

What's the latest bright idea to save energy? Lawmakers in at least seven states want to ban ordinary light bulbs in favor of longer-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Are There Enough Docs for the Newly Insured?

After Massachusetts started rolling out its 2006 law to ensure that nearly every one of its residents had health insurance, the sudden influx of newly insured patients created long waits to see primary care doctors. Now, physicians worry the entire country could see the same thing happen when the recently passed national health law takes full effect in 2014.

Teach for America Alums Take Aim at State Office

Some alumni from the teaching program are making runs for state office. Many are facing opposition from teachers’ unions.

Power Cos. Get Incentive to Save Kilowatts

Environmentalists have long touted conservation as the cheapest way to cut energy pollution, but power companies usually have little or no incentive to sell less electricity. This year, Idaho, Maryland and New York approved plans that allow utilities to preserve their expected profits while selling less electricity.

State Lawmakers Bag Online Hunting

Lawmakers in 11 states jumped on the bandwagon to outlaw online hunting this year, and California may soon do the same. Why all the fuss? It's over a single website that briefly offered Internet users a chance this spring to shoot live animals on a Texas ranch and that netted a single customer.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Louisiana - North Dakota

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

States Urge Hurricane Awareness

The governors of Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia have declared official awareness periods to highlight the beginning of what forecasters say could be a dangerous hurricane season.

State Voters Face Range of Critical Issues Tuesday

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, off-year elections will decide if Maine bans late-term abortions, if St. Paul, Minnesota, tries to steal the Twins baseball club from Minneapolis and if Texas will provide $400 million in loans for college students. Kentucky and Mississippi will choose a governor, and voters in Virginia will determine if their legislature goes Republican for the first time since Reconstruction.

In Iowa and Florida, Judges Survive Expensive Ouster Attempts

Three justices in Florida and one in Iowa held off conservative efforts to remove them from office. In Michigan and North Carolina, conservatives retained power on the Supreme Court following expensive campaigns.

State School Chiefs Concerned About Details of Education Bill

State school officials generally praised the US Senate for recognizing the importance of education with passage earlier this month (6/14) of their version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the lions share of Federal K-12 funding. But many remain concerned about details such as cash for mandatory exams, the definition of a failing school and the implementation of sanctions against states and districts.

Planned Parenthood Fight Shifts to States

TODAY'S TAKE: Governor Mitch Daniels will decide within the next week whether Indiana will become the first state to cut off all government funding for Planned Parenthood. Kansas could approve a similar measure soon.

After Standoff, Illinois Road Construction Continues

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Illinois senators agree to back off in a budget fight that threatened to halt the state's summer road building season … Nevada clears the way for its first and only tollroad … Digital billboards could soon be legal in Missouri and Oregon, and other transportation news.

Easley, Kempthorne Reject Anti-State Rhetoric

One's a Southern Democrat, the other a Western Republican, but North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley and Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne are in full agreement in rejecting some harsh conservative rhetoric accusing states of poor fiscal management and criticizing their pleas for federal money.

Lawmakers Chew on Weighty Issues: ‘Whose shad fry is the best?’

Photo Slideshow: Lawmakers call time out to weigh delicious legislation.

Issue to Watch: Renewable Energy

Here is a look at states considering major action on renewable energy policy.

Credit Unions Help Strapped State Employees

As state employees across the country are being hammered by layoffs, pay cuts and forced unpaid days off, some state employees' credit unions are stepping in to help workers get through these tough times.

Tracking the Recession: A Chat With Two State Leaders

Two prominent state legislative leaders, a North Carolina Democrat and a Georgia Republican, offer an early take on whether the stimulus is working in their states.

Georgia Has Infrastructure Money in the Bank

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Georgia's transportation fund has made only one loan in three years … Ohio moves again to shift money from mass transit … Washington State debates how much money to give ferries and other transportation news.

Cyber Cafe Gambling Gets Close Scrutiny

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Are Internet cafes that offer games with prizes really fronts for illegal gambling? From Ohio to Florida, states are vowing to crack down on what they worry is unlawful gaming activity.

Six States To Elect State Schools Chiefs

Election 2000 may be remembered as the education election. The issue has dominated the campaign for Presidency and many races for Congress too, but in six states, campaigns are being waged for an office that will have a lot more impact on schools -- superintendent of education.