Stateline Stories

Should Public Workers Have to Live Where They Work?

Municipal residency requirements have gradually become less common. State efforts to ban them can get ugly as cities fight to maintain their middle class population base.

Economic Development Agencies Face New Scrutiny

When Wisconsin partially privatized its Department of Commerce last year, the hope was to create a less bureaucratic job creation organization. Since then, though, the new entity has faced a series of setbacks.

Feds Slam Wisconsin Public-Private Partnership for Economic Development

Transferring control of Wisconsin’s economic development efforts from a state agency to a new public-private partnership was a focus of Governor Scott Walker’s campaign and one of the first things he accomplished when he took office.

High-Speed Rail Faces High-Speed Demise in Midwest

TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans who won the governorships of Ohio and Wisconsin last week are leaving no doubt that they intend to kill high-speed rail projects that have already been pledged billions in federal stimulus dollars.

Some Democrats Running for Governor Embrace Obama, Others Ignore Him

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama this week headlined events to raise money for the gubernatorial bids of fellow Democrats Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. But the enthusiastic welcome he received in Ohio and Wisconsin stands in contrast to the reception he got in Texas and Georgia, where Democratic gubernatorial nominees stayed far away from the president.

States Use Driver's Education to Boost Organ Donation

Virginia is one of a handful of states that use drivers education as a vehicle to boost organ donation. At least eight others -- Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin have adopted similar policies in the past few years.

States Scramble to Regulate Fracking

As natural gas drilling expands throughout the country, states are trying to balance economic and environmental interests. Finding agreement isn’t easy.

Utah Considers Opting Out of No Child Left Behind

Some key Republicans are taking aim at President Bush's prized No Child Left Behind education program. Case in point: The heavily Republican state of Utah may walk away from federal education dollars rather than comply with the law.

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.

Texas Again Leads Nation in Executions; Ohio a Distant Second

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas executed more than twice as many inmates in 2010 as the next-closest state, Ohio, according to a new report. Nationally, states executed 46 prisoners this year, a 12-percent decline from last year.

States To Brush Up On Childrens Oral Health

Representatives of eight states will gather in Charleston, S.C. next month for a closed-door policy workshop designed to strengthen oral health care initiatives for children.Selected from 28 states that applied for the workshop, delegations from Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and Virginia will attend the National Governors Associations Policy Academy for State Officials on Improving Oral Health Care for Children Dec. 13-15.

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.

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.

Farmers, Frackers and Scarce Water

Hydraulic fracturing by energy drillers may not be the heaviest consumer of water on parched land. But environmentalists and some farmers are starting to worry about it.

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.

Ohio State of the State Address 2013

LIMA, Ohio -- Feb. 19 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kasich's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Ohio Redistricting Overhaul Gains Support

Even if Ohio approves changes to its system for drawing legislative and congressional district lines, it will be a decade before they go into effect. That is one of the major reasons the changes have a chance to pass.

Ohio Governor Backs Medicaid Expansion

Governor John Kasich will press lawmakers to expand Ohio’s Medicaid system, becoming the fifth Republican governor to endorse that key component of President Obama’s controversial health law.

Ohio Awaits Turnpike Study

Many Ohioans are eagerly awaiting the results of a yearlong study on the future of the Ohio Turnpike, but almost everybody, it seems, assumes that the study will call for privatization of the 241-mile-long toll road.

Supreme Court Denies Ohio Plea to Shorten Early Voting

The U.S. Supreme Court has rebuffed Ohio’s last-ditch attempt to shorten its early voting period, confirming victory for the Obama Administration which argued the move would disproportionally affect minority and low-income would-be voters — those more likely to vote Democratic.

Ohio Must Count “Right Place Wrong-Precinct” Ballots, Fed Court Says

Ohio elections officials must count provisional ballots with errors caused by elections officials, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday.

Supreme Court Considers Competency in Death Penalty Cases

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday heard arguments from Ohio and Arizona that federal judges should not be allowed to indefinitely stay a death sentence even if there are questions about an inmate’s mental competency.

Federal Court Reinstates Early Voting in Ohio

Ohio counties can keep polls open for early voting the three days before Election Day, a federal appeals court ruled Friday, handing Democrats another victory in their battle to undo new restrictions on voting passed by Republican-led state legislatures.

Choices Often Limited in ‘School Choice’ Programs

Many top private schools have chosen not to participate in statewide voucher and scholarship tax credit programs in states such as Ohio, Louisiana and Florida.

States Find Laws Against Sports Head Injuries Tricky to Enact

Everyone wants to reduce the number of head injuries suffered by young athletes. But deciding just how to do that is more complicated than it might seem.

Ohio State of the State Address 2011

COLUMBUS, Ohio - March 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kasich's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Well, first of all, I don't want to screw this up, my wife Karen Kasich is in the gallery. Could you recognize her, please? I know you all wonder how I caught her. I wonder about it sometimes also.

Ohio State of the State Address 2010

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 26 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Speaker Budish, President Harris and Chief Justice Moyer. President Harris and Chief Justice Moyer will both be retiring at the end of this year. This is their last State of the State as public o

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.

Ohio State of the State Address 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 28 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) 2009 state of the state address: I'd like to first recognize that one of Ohio's great leaders, Senate President Bill Harris, was not able to be with us today. I know that he is in all of our thoughts and prayers, and we wish him

Ohio State of the State Address 2008

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Speaker Husted, President Harris, Leader Beatty and Leader Miller, Lt. Governor Fisher, statewide elected officials, members of the Cabinet, members of the General Assembly and the Supreme Court

Ohio State of the State Address 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's web page and view the address. Speaker Husted, President Harris, Leader Beatty and Leader Fedor, Lt. Governor Fisher and statewide elected officials, mem

Ohio State of the State Address 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 25 -- Following is the prepared text of Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's (R) 2006 state of the state address. Click here to access a a streaming video recording of the address. Speaker Husted, President Harris, Minority Leaders Prentiss and Beatty, Lt. Governor Johnson and statewide elected officials, m

Ohio State of the State Address 2005

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 8 Following is the prepared text of Ohio Gov. Bob Taft's (R) 2005 state of the state address: Speaker Husted, President Harris, Minority Leaders Prentiss and Redfern, members of the General Assembly and the Supreme Court, distinguished guests, and my fellow Ohioans. I am honored to be here

Ohio State of the State Address 2004

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 29 - Following is the text of Gov. Bob Taft's 2004 state of the state address: Speaker Householder, President White, Minority Leaders DiDonato and Redfern, Lieutenant Governor Bradley, members of the Supreme Court, Statewide Elected Officials, and my fellow Ohioans . . . I am honored to be w

Ohio State of the State Address 2003

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 21 - Following is the full text of Gov. Bob Taft's State of the State Address: Speaker Householder, President White, minority leaders DiDonato and Redfern, Lt. Governor Bradley, distinguished guests, and my fellow Ohioans...thank you for joining us today. First, let me congratulate Senato

Ohio State of the State Address 2002

COLUMBUS, Ohion - Feb. 5 - Following is the text of Gov. Bob Taft's 2002 State of the State Address: Speaker Householder, President Finan, minority leaders Herington and DePiero, distinguished guests, and my fellow Ohioans, thank you for joining us today. As I address you for the fourth time, I remain hu

Ohio State of the State Address 2001

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 24 - Following is the full text of Gov. Bob Taft's 2001 State of the State Address: Speaker Householder, President Finan, Members of the General Assembly, Lt. Governor O'Connor, Chief Justice Moyer and Justices of the Supreme Court, elected officials, Cabinet members, fellow Ohioans... thanks

Ohio State of the State Address 2000

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jan. 19 - Following is Gov. Bob Taft's 2000 State of the State Address: Speaker Davidson - President Finan - Members of the General Assembly - Lt. Governor O'Connor - Chief Justice Moyer and Justices of the Supreme Court - elected officials - Cabinet members - fellow Ohioans - thanks for joining us

Ohio Tax Repeal Drive Divides GOP Officeholders

Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell is locking horns with his fellow Republicans over a $1.2 billion a year sales tax increase approved by the GOP-dominated legislature in 2003. The outspoken conservative has launched a petition drive to either force lawmakers to wipe out the tax hike or put the issue up for a statewide vote next November.

Massachusetts Ruling Stirs Gay-Union Backlash

Ohio is expected to lead a state government backlash against gay marriages by adopting a law forbidding its agencies to grant marriage-like benefits to same-sex couples. Supporters predict the ground-breaking prohibition will win easy final passage in the Ohio legislature as early as this month.

Ohio Tries to Unclog Courts by Limiting Asbestos Suits

Ohios first-in-the-nation attempt to curb the tens of thousands of asbestos injury lawsuits filed in the state became law this month. But the battle over the controversial tort reform measure has just begun.

TV Shock-Show Wiz Weighs Run for Ohio Governor

Jerry Springer, onetime mayor of Cincinnati and longtime king of daytime shock TV, is traveling across Ohio to Democratic Party functions these days, bashing Republicans and testing the waters for a possible statewide candidacy in 2006, most likely for governor.

Ohio Leaders Fight Anti-Gay Marriage Initiative

Leaders of Ohios political establishment, including Republican Gov. Bob Taft, are urging a no vote on a ballot initiative that would write a ban on gay marriage into the state constitiution. Taft and other opponents say the proposal could have an adverse impact on the state economy, an assertion supporters challenge.

Ohio Lawmaker Is Part of Kiddie Caucus

Derrick Seaver, 21, is among the youngest state lawmakers in the country. He and other twenty-something lawmakers say youth brings a valuable perspective to the statehouse.

State Programs Win Innovation Awards

A New York anti-drug plan and a program to help rural Ohioans get college educations have won the Oscars of government prizes. The Innovations in American Government Award honors successful new approaches to tackling societys problems.

Ohio Ironic Setting For Ed Bill Signing

President Bush chose Ohio Tuesday to sign a $26 billion federal school aid package so he could reward Republican U.S. Rep. John Boehner and spotlight a school in the factory town of Hamilton that has improved. But it was an ironic setting for the bill-signing ceremony because Ohio remains mired in a battle over state dollars for schools despite 11 years of lawsuits and court rulings.

Innovations Help Control Prison Health Costs

Because people in jail have a constitutional right to quality health care, Texas, Ohio and most other states are relying on new medical technology and taking other steps, such as requiring inmate co-payments, to ease the cost burden on their taxpayers.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

For a comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Ohio through Wyoming.

Ohio Joins Other States Trying to Capture Lost Revenue

Millions of Ohioans have long neglected to pay sales taxes on mail-order goods, and the state government has let them get away with it. But this year is different. As Ohioans hunch over state income forms with an April 15th deadline, they're noticing a new line -- one that asks how much they spent on untaxed Internet and mail catalogue purchases last year and tells them to pay the five percent state sales tax on the total. Ohio is just the latest of 16 states trying to collect what they consider "lost" tax revenue. Experts estimate that states are missing out on at least $5 billion in sales tax money every year, because out-of-state Internet retailers rarely charge sales taxes.

Slowdown Means Double Headache for Ohio

Most states are feeling a budget pinch, now that the economy is cooling off. But few states face Ohio's "double whammy." At the same time that budget specialists have realized tax revenues over the next two years may come in $800 million below projections, Ohio is under pressure from the state Supreme Court to pump a lot more state dollars into schools.

Ohio Teachers Union Sues Over Charter Schools

Ohio is the latest battleground in the war over charter schools. These mold-breaking institutions are the latest attempt to get the nation's public schools back on track. Thirtynine states have charter schools laws. More than 2,000 have popped up across the country since 1992. Supporters insist they combine the best aspects of public and private education. Several education groups, though, have filed a court suit, charging that Ohio's experiment with 63 charter schools has gone awry. The groups include the Ohio Federation of Teachers, the Ohio AFL-CIO, the Ohio School Boards Association and the Ohio P.T.A.

Ohio Is Latest State to Feel Pressure to Install Video Slots

What do you do if your state's budget is hard-up for cash and you're surrounded by other states that have legalized video slot machines or gambling casinos? You do what Ohio is doing - you consider giving in and installing the slot machines yourself.

Ohio: Anatomy Of A Budget Crunch

The slowing U.S. economy is shrinking the budgets of at least 40 states, and about two dozen of them have frozen spending or cut program to plug the gaps, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures and data compiled by Stateline.org. Ohio is a good example of the problem, the possible solutions, and the political fears that prompt state legislators to rule out certain fixes.

Ohio Considers Junking Electric Chair

Few states are abolishing capital punishment, but there is a move toward making the death penalty at least seem less gruesome. Ohio is the latest example. Ironically, a convicted murderer who doesnt want to be executed is sparking the change by demanding that he be killed in Ohios electric chair.

Black Student Voucher Performance, Bias Experiences Studied

Black students using school vouchers in Dayton, Ohio, and the District of Columbia are getting higher scores on math and reading tests after only six months in private school, according to a Harvard University study. Meanwhile, another study finds that African-American students tend to be disciplined at a higher rate than whites and Asian, and are not given equal opportunities to pursue advanced placement courses.

States Planting Seeds Of Farmland Protection

State agricultural officials and anti-sprawl forces won a small but significant victory in their campaign to preserve U.S. farmland May 2 when the Ohio House of Representatives voted unanimously to put Gov. Bob Tafts $400 million brownfields cleanup and open space preservation bond initiative on the November ballot. The farmland preservation campaign is flourishing in nearly 20 states, but it's not without controversy.

Ohio Supreme Court Race, Presidential Contest Spotlighted

No Republican in the last century has made it to the White House without winning Ohio, a fact not lost on George W. Bush or Al Gore. Bush is leading, but Gore is closing the gap. Meanwhile, $8 million has been funneled into a state Supreme Court race involving a justice linked to two controversial decisions.

Ohio Paring Welfare Rolls With Tough Three-Year Limit

A new federal law limits Americans to five years on welfare, but some states have enacted tougher limits and Ohio is one of them. In fact, the Buckeye State's new three-year cap on welfare payments has begun to jettison welfare recipients from Ohio's rolls.

Economic Slowdown: Ohio A Case In Point

The party is over for state lawmakers. For several years, the booming economy made their jobs relatively easy, but now, that's changing. Ohio is a good example. For the past five years, the bustling economy brought in a bonanza of sales and income tax revenues. So much money flowed in, legislators were able to hand taxpayers $2 billion in income tax cuts and at the same time give Ohio schools billions of extra dollars. But that was then.

Ohio Legislature Recesses Till October

Ohio legislators recessed for the summer this week. When lawmakers return to Columbus in October they will have to decide how to divide the $9.8 billion tobacco settlement cash, and how to streamline the Department of Human Services and the Bureau of Employment into one agency. For more information, click on

Ohio School Voucher Program Challenged In Court

Thirty-eight hundred voucher students in Cleveland, Ohio could lose their scholarships less than two weeks before the start of the new school year. The teachers unions and two liberal public policy organizations have asked a federal court for a preliminary injunction against the program, charging that it violates the constitutional doctrine of separation of church and state.

Ohio Politicians Merge State Agencies, New Hampshire Tackles School Funding

Lawmakers in Ohio spent the week grappling with issues ranging from state agency mergers to education vouchers, while New Hampshire legislators confronted a funding crisis after the state's highest court deemed a new method of funding public schools unconstitutional.

Evangelicals flex political muscle

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Evangelical Christians, energized by ballot victories in the 2004 election, are gearing up to have an impact on the state's 2006 races. New political organizations set up by two prominent evangelical Protestant pastors are setting out to register voters and rate major candidates for "family values." The biggest beneficiary could be Republican Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, who faces tough primary competition to fill the seat being vacated by Gov. Robert Taft (R).

Statehouse Reporters Honored for Stories

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Capitolbeat, a nationwide organization of state government reporters, honored reporters who revealed tax breaks for a failed bid for the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Georgia, exposed questionable hiring practices in Illinois government and chronicled the growing influence of evangelicals in Ohio.

Ohio to Charge to 'Park at the Park'

For the first time in Ohio history, visitors to state parks will soon have to pay a fee to bring their cars and trucks. The $5-a-day parking passes, which are projected to generate $3 million a year, are yet another indicator of the state's continuing budget problems.

WORTH NOTING: R.I. Sweeps Out Cleaning Staff

The Rhode Island attorney general's office is duped by a janitor. A South Carolina lawmaker gets defensive over an incriminating photo. And Ohio cracks down on very tiny, but unwanted overnight guests. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Ohio SOS Pledges Smoother Election

Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, elected two years ago on a promise to fix the state's voting systems, is predicting a smoother election this fall when a record 80 percent of voters are expected to show up to cast ballots.

Ohio Tries to Fend Off Foreclosures on Home Loans

Ohio, which leads the nation in highest foreclosure rates on home loans, is in the forefront of states' efforts to help homeowners whose once-affordable mortgage payments are now busting family bank accounts.

2008 May Come Down to Ohio — Again

In his first column for Stateline.org, journalist Louis Jacobson samples the presidential leanings of the 19 "purple" states that are neither Republican "red" nor Democratic "blue." In this baseline reading, election 2008 - despite consistent Democratic leads in national polling - appears to be just as close as were the 2000 and 2004 elections for the White House. Also see a map and scorecard of states' potential electoral votes.

Strickland leading Ohio Dems' resurgence

COLUMBUS, Ohio - For 16 years, the Ohio Democratic Party verged on hapless. Now, after a GOP scandal, a rookie governor is aggressively leading Democrats into a pivotal election year.

Q & A with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D)

"Out There" columnist Louis Jacobson spoke by telephone with Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland (D). Here are excerpts from that Oct. 5 conversation.

Ohio State of the State Address 2012

STEUBENVILLE, Ohio - Feb. 7 - Following is a transcript of Gov. John Kasich's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Well, thank you, Mr. President, and Mr. Speaker. Thank you members of the General Assembly, my partners in moving Ohio forward. How about that cabinet? Thanks for coming ov

Polls Narrow in Pennsylvania, Ohio

TODAY'S TAKE: Pennsylvania and Ohio are important political battlegrounds, but up until recently, their gubernatorial elections were seen as one-sided affairs.

Ohio, Florida Among 'Dead Heats' in Governor's Races

TODAY'S TAKE: Two of the nation's biggest and most important political battlegrounds have governor's races that could go either way.

Ohio Race Drew More GOP Governors' Money Than Any Other

TODAY'S TAKE: The importance of Ohio in the 2012 presidential election is a key reason why the Republican Governors Association spent more money there than in any other state this year, according to the group's executive director.

Ohio is Next in Collective Bargaining Crackdown

TODAY'S TAKE: The fight in the states over collective bargaining shifts this week to Ohio, where the House of Representatives could vote on a Senate-approved measure to limit negotiation powers for public employee unions.

Kasich Shows No Desire for Cincinnati Streetcar

First, the Ohio governor rejected taking federal money to pay for high-speed rail. Now, John Kasich's latest target is a streetcar proposed for Cincinnati, which local officials say is key to economic growth.

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.

Anti-Health Law Measure Moves Toward Ballot in Ohio

HEALTH BEAT: Ohio opponents of health care law want a 2012 referendum on the individual mandate ... a California insurance regulation bill moves in the state Senate… the Obama administration considers Medicaid cuts in deficit talks, and other health care news.

Ohio Republicans Backtrack on Labor Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican leaders in Ohio now say they will compromise on a tough new collective bargaining law that they approved earlier this year - and which labor unions are working to repeal in November. "I hate what is about to happen here," the House speaker says.

Salary Database Is Big Hit in Ohio

TODAY'S TAKE: A new database of state worker salaries in Ohio drew so much attention when it went live this week that it crashed the server supporting the state treasurer's office.

Kasich Discovers Perks and Perils of State Plane Travel

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Reporters and political opponents love to scrutinize how governors use state planes, but Ohio Governor John Kasich's office says his frequent use of the aircraft helps him do his job more effectively.

Ohio Governor Declines Federal Disaster Aid

TODAY'S TAKE: While the governors of Indiana and Kentucky accepted federal disaster relief after devastating tornadoes, Ohio Governor John Kasich declined, saying his state could handle the recovery on its own.

Are 'Charter Universities' the Future of State-Funded Higher Ed?

With more budget cuts on the horizon, many flagship universities are warming to a new bargain with state government: In exchange for less state funding, they would get more say in running day-to-day operations as well as the ability to impose some tuition increases.

Big Money Invades Small Legislative Districts

COLUMBUS, Ohio - With political map-making on the agenda next year all over the country, the national parties are taking an unprecedented interest in who controls the state legislative chambers where the maps will be drawn.

Drive to Reverse SB 5 in Ohio Is Labor's Last, Best Hope for 2011 Win

A law enacted by Republicans in Ohio this spring represents one of the most dramatic challenges to organized labor anywhere in the nation in 2011. But it may be repealed by voters next week.

Ohio's Kasich Opts for a Health Insurance Exchange

HEALTH BEAT: Republican Governor John Kasich opposes the federal health care overhaul. But he announced last week he wants to move ahead with one of its key components, creating a health insurance exchange, rather than having the federal government do it for Ohio.

Renewable Energy Industry Shows Surprising Clout

Many incoming Republican governors expressed skepticism during their campaigns about reining in greenhouse-gas emissions. But facing a newly influential alternative-fuel business constituency, some are softening their positions.

Ohio Republicans' Agenda Includes Estate Tax Repeal

TRANSITION WATCH: The new House Speaker in Ohio wants to eliminate the inheritance tax, Colorado's governor stirs controversy by appointing a union leader to a key job, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Focus on Privatization Seen in Ohio Budget Proposal

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Kasich looks to turnpike lease and sale of prisons for savings … Debate over workers' benefits heats up in New Jersey … A public employee union in Oregon pitches ideas for cutting the cost of government, and more management news.

Summary of the Ohio State of the State Address

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D) vowed during his Jan. 26 state of the state address to increase the state's green energy production and to beef up job-creation programs.

Reform Collides With Power in Remap Process

The minority party in any state tends to complain that political map making is unfair. Until it becomes the majority.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tea Party Could Sway Key Governors' Races

In the Republican gubernatorial primaries, Tea Party supporters played an outsized role in defeating establishment candidates. Can they pull off an upset twice?

Cuomo's Transition Team Heavy With Lobbyists

TRANSITION WATCH: Almost half the members of the New York governor-elect's transition team serve groups that lobby the state, skepticism on corrections privatization in Florida and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.