Stateline Stories

Western State Reporters Say Taxes, Education Top 2000 Agenda

Reporters from eight Western states identified tax policy, education funding, health care reforms and apportionment of the states' tobacco settlement funds as the most pressing issues likely to be addressed by their states in the next legislative year. Over 50 journalists from Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming repeatedly mentioned those topics during a recent statehouse reporters' conference in Boise, Idaho.

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.

The Not-So-Dependable Sales Tax

In a recession, people cut back on buying things they don't really need. States that depend heavily on sales tax revenue for their budgets have been hit hard as a result.

The Spending That Isn’t Counted

Most spending programs are easily traceable in state budgets. But tax incentives are not. Some legislators think they should be.

For Some States, Health Care Waivers Are a Big Deal

States like Vermont and Oregon, with ambitious health plans, stand to benefit if the Obama administration eases up on the rules.

State Laws Allow Adoptees To Unlock The Past

Last month, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld a law giving adoptees 21 and older access to their birth certificates and adoption records. In Oregon, a first-of-a kind ballot initiative guaranteeing the same right is bottled up in a state appeals court. Over the years, requests to open these records have spawned pitched battles involving adoptees, birth mothers wishing to remain anonymous and anti-abortion advocates who fear that open records laws will make more women choose abortion over adoption.

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 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.

Rhode Island Lawmakers Rush To Adjourn; Two States In Overtime

While the legislatures in Maine and Louisiana closed their sessions as expected on June 19 and June 21 respectively and Rhode Island was poised to adjourn, lawmakers in Oregon and New Hampshire are pushing beyond scheduled closing dates to address unresolved issues. For more information, click on

The Latest in Office Supplies: Treadmills

Oregon state workers may test treadmill desks as a way to improve health and increase productivity.

Can Better Organization Produce More Graduates?

Salem, Ore – Governor John Kitzhaber has overhauled education to improve the state’s dismal graduation rate.

Oregon State of the State Address 2013

SALEM, Oregon -- Jan. 14 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kitzhaber's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

Old Money, New Decisions in Oregon

Almost a decade after balancing its budget with millions of dollars earned off the massive nationwide tobacco settlement reached in 1998, Oregon lawmakers have a second chance this year to put the settlement money to different use.

Oregon Lawmakers To Consider Nike Expansion in Special Session

Governor John Kitzhaber has asked lawmakers to convene in special session Friday to consider legislation aimed at guaranteeing that Nike will expand in Oregon rather than elsewhere.

Openly Gay Lawmakers Selected To Lead Chambers

Oregon Representative Tina Kotek is poised to join openly gay lawmakers in Colorado and Washington as a leader of a state legislative chamber.

Oregon to Vote on Changing Unique Tax Refund

For many years, Oregon has been the only state in the country where tax revenue that exceeds what the state estimated it would collect is automatically refunded to taxpayers. For many years, much of Oregon’s political leadership has complained that

Oregon State of the State Address 2011

PORTLAND, Ore. - Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kitzhaber's (D) 2011 state of the state address: So I guess none of you could get tickets to the game either. Before I begin I would like to pause to offer my heartfelt thanks, my own and on behalf of Oregon to Governor Ted Kulongoski. I don't

Oregon State of the State Address 2010

PORTLAND, Ore. - April 2- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's (D) 2010 state of the state address. Thank you President Wiewel for your kind introduction. It is fitting that I deliver this state of the state address - which is my last - at a university campus. We are beginning to come out of a

Oregon State of the State Address 2009

SALEM, Ore. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's (D) 2009 state of the state address. Speaker Hunt, President Courtney, members of the 75th Legislative Assembly, Chief Justice Paul De Muniz, my colleagues, and fellow Oregonians across this great and blessed state. Welcome to a new ye

Oregon State of the State Address 2008

PORTLAND, Ore., March 21, 2008 -- The following is the prepared text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's state of the state address: Thank you, Don, for your introduction. I also want to thank the members of the City Club of Portland for your civic engagement - and for giving me this forum to deliver my sixth State of the Stat

Oregon City Club of Portland Speech 2007

PORTLAND, Ore., April 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's 2007 address to the City Club of Portland. Click here to access the Governor's website. Thank you Susan for your generous introduction. And thanks to the members of the City Club of Portland for giving me this opportunity to talk about

Oregon State of the State Address 2006

PORTLAND, Ore., Feb 24 - Following is the text of Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski's 2006 state of the state address as prepared: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Thank you, Doug, for your introduction, and for once again making the City Club of Portland available to me as

Oregon State of the State Address 2005

PORTLAND, Oregon - - Following is the text of Gov. Ted Kulongoski's 2005 state of the state address: Speaker Minnis, President Courtney, members of the Legislative Assembly, honored guests and fellow citizens, I am honored to be here, and proud to deliver my State of the State message on this first day of the 2005

Oregon State of the State Address 2000

PORTLAND, Oregon - Jan. 21 - Following is the full text of Gov, John Kitzhaber's 2000 State of the State Address: Today I want to talk to you about Oregon's future. In particular, I want to talk about two of the most central challenges facing our state as we enter the new century: improving our system of public edu

Oregon Votes on Tax Hike as States Set Ballot Fights

Oregons referendum on increasing taxes is among the first batch of statewide ballot measures this election year. Ballot questions in other states will decide issues ranging from adopting a state flag in Georgia to changing how fiscal impact statements are written in North Dakota.

Oregon Rejects Tax Increase as States Set Ballot Fights

Oregon voters soundly rejected a referendum on increasing taxes Tuesday. Ballot questions in other states will decide issues ranging from adopting a state flag in Georgia to changing how fiscal impact statements are written in North Dakota.

Oregon Voters Reject Tax Hike, Face Cuts

Oregon voters have rejected a ballot measure that would have raised their taxes for the next three years to head off planned cuts to education, law enforcement and other state programs.

Oregon Budget Woes Grow As Options Dwindle

From Maine to California, state officials face the worst fiscal problems in years. Nowhere is the situation bleaker than in Oregon, and policy makers there have increasingly limited options.

Mailbox Replacing Ballot Box In Many States

Oregon and Washington are known for allowing voting by mail, but the trend is growing -- 20 other states also allow voters to mail in ballots for any reason to make choosing elected officials more convenient.

Oregon to Vote on Health Insurance Reform

On Tuesday, Oregon voters will say yes or no to a health care reform proposal calling for single payer, universal coverage of state residents. Their verdict will be closely watched in other states where campaigns to restructure the health insurance system are also underway.

Oregon Health Plan Defeated

Voters in Oregon gave a resounding no to a proposed single-payer health insurance system Tuesday. But backers of universal health coverage vowed to try again in 2004.

Oregon Tax Hike Plan Faces Uphill Climb

Oregon voters are likely to reject a proposed $724 million temporary income tax hike in a referendum in January despite their selection earlier this month of Democrat Ted Kulongoski to be the states next governor. Kulongoski backs the tax increase, which he and other supporters say is better than the alternative of dealing with a budget shortfall by cutting more than $300 million from education, health care and other programs.

Oregon Lawmakers Finally Adjourn, Others Also Call It Quits

Oregon lawmakers adjourned their third-longest session in history on Saturday, and their Mississippi counterparts opted for the briefest of special sessions instead of a gabfest when they answered the governor's call to return to Jackson last week. Elsewhere on the state political scene, North Carolina lawmakers ended work last week with an alacrity unusual in recent years, leaving eight legislatures that have yet to finish regular business. For more, click on

Oregon Tests Novel Mileage Tax

In 1919, Oregon was the first state to tax gasoline. This fall, the state will launch the nation's first high-tech experiment to tax drivers for the miles they travel rather than the gas they buy. The program is the first step in a long-term plan to replace the state's gasoline tax, which pays for about 40 percent of Oregon's road projects.

WORTH NOTING: Voters' Guide Promotes Phone Sex

An Oregon voters' guide lists a very wrong number. California's governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Oregon's Primary Unlike Any Other

Oregon Democrats are in the unfathomable position of voting in a still-contested presidential primary May 20, but their votes also stand out for another reason. Oregon stands alone as the only state where all the voting is done by mail. It is also one of six states that have contests for secretary of state this year - in Oregon's case, the No. 2 politician after the governor and the official in charge of overseeing that one-of-kind voting system.

Payday Lenders Catch Lawmakers' Attention

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

Oregonians reconsider land-use measure

Three years ago, Oregonians voted to give themselves unprecedented property rights. Now the state's citizens are trying to decide whether to roll back those rights.

Weekly Wrap: Recession Setting Records in Wisconsin, Oregon

Sales tax revenue drops for the first time in Wisconsin. Demand for food stamps and food boxes sets records in Oregon. Cigar-smoking Pennsylvania lawmakers reject tobacco tax increase.

How Two State Tax Systems Have (and Haven’t) Shaped Metro Portland

Washington has no income tax. Oregon has no sales tax. In some ways, that matters a great deal for the regional economy. In some ways, it doesn’t.

Contention and Compromise in Virginia, Oregon Tied Chambers

The Virginia Senate and the Oregon House each had an equal number of Democrats and Republicans this year, but that's where the similarities ended.

Oregon State of the State Address 2012

PORTLAND, Ore. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Kitzhaber's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Thank you for that kind introduction. I'm proud of the progress we have made during the past year. We have not shied away from tough decisions - on the budget, education and health car

Summary of the Oregon State of the State Address

Term-limited Oregon Governor Ted Kulogonski used his final state of the state speech to look back on his eight years in office - a period, he noted, that covered not one but two recessions. But Kulongoski, a Democrat, also April 2 called on lawmakers to take a longer view of the state's finances and make decisions to avoid what he called a "budgetary cliff" caused by the end of federal stimulus dollars and the exhaustion of the state's rainy day fund.

Oregon Could Join California on Pot Vote

TODAY'S TAKE: California has attracted national attention for a November ballot measure that, if approved by voters, would legalize and tax marijuana. California's northern neighbor, Oregon, may have a similar measure on its ballot. The Oregon secretary of state's office has certified a petition drive that would decriminalize pot if its supporters gather enough signatures - and votes.

New Meth Recipe Sidesteps State Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: A new method of making methamphetamine - a highly addictive street drug that has caused law enforcement and public health problems from Oregon to Kentucky - is circumventing tough state laws that had been making headway against production of the drug. The new method uses less of a key ingredient - pseudoephedrine - that states have made much harder to acquire.

More Bad Budget News in Oregon

TODAY'S TAKE: Revenues continue to fall off a cliff in Oregon. On Thursday (Aug. 26), the state economist announced a new $378 million shortfall in the current two-year budget. Meanwhile, corporations could receive a tax rebate despite the state's lack of money.

A House Divided: Oregon Elects Two Speakers

TODAY'S TAKE: For the first time in its history, the Oregon House of Representatives is evenly divided. On Monday (January 10), members amicably decided to elect two speakers - one from each party - who will alternate control of the gavel every other day.

Oregon Governor Stands Firm on Worker Health Care

TODAY'S TAKE: Oregon is one of a handful of states in which current state employees pay nothing toward health insurance for either individual or family plans. Governor John Kitzhaber wants to change that.

Oregon Food Stamp Use Surges, Leads Nation

TODAY'S TAKE: New data from the U.S. Census Bureau show that nearly a fifth of all Oregon residents received food stamps between 2009 and 2010, the highest rate in the country.

Oregon Looks to Shrink Middle Management

An unusual mix of Republicans, Democrats and labor leaders are working together to restructure state government.

Oregon Banks on Community Health Care

The state's new system is designed to be a throwback to the days of old-fashioned family doctors.

Will Oregon Voters Opt for Kitzhaber a Third Time?

Democrats don't usually lose in Oregon. But a season of voter anger - and an unusual Republican challenger - may be reason enough to place John Kitzhaber's comeback plans in some doubt.

Oregon Tax Hikes Don't Stop Revenue Bleeding

When Oregon voters approved tax hikes on corporations and the wealthy in January, the move was supposed to help the state avoid big budget cuts. But an expected surge in revenue never materialized. As Oregon slashes funding for key programs, Republicans want to make sure Democrats pay a price at the polls in November.

In Oregon, a New Health Care Debate Awaits

PORTLAND, Oregon - In Oregon, the health care debate is taking on a different twist. Incoming governor John Kitzhaber wants to "fundamentally change the way health care is organized and delivered" in his state. He spoke with Stateline recently to discuss his plans.

What Welfare Cutbacks Say About the Wisdom of Block Grants

Welfare isn't a big item in state budgets, but it's an easy one to go after because the states are in charge. Trimming Medicaid is much more complicated: The federal government has a veto.

Oregon Looks for Education Czar

EDUCATION BEAT: Oregon would join five other states - Florida, Iowa, Nebraska, New York and Pennsylvania - with a leader overseeing every level of education.

Oregon, Washington Mull Electric Car Fees

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Northwest states look to electric car drivers for transportation money ... Missouri loosens the rules on renewable energy ... The Green Bay Packers' other big win, and other energy and environment news.

Oregon Tax Vote Poses Fresh Test for Dems

A week after Massachusetts voters delivered a stunning blow to Democrats' legislative agenda in Washington, D.C., Oregonians on Tuesday (Jan. 26) will decide the fate of Democratic-led efforts to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy in the state by $727 million.

Oregon Voters Approve $727 Million Tax Hike

TODAY'S TAKE: For the first time since 1930, Oregon voters approved a general tax increase on Tuesday (Jan. 26), signing off on a plan to raise $727 million by targeting corporations and the wealthy.

A Crack in the Prison Door

The recession is forcing lawmakers in some states to search for savings in places that might have been unthinkable a few years ago, including in their prison systems. One of those states is Oregon, where lawmakers last year approved a measure that will result in about 3,500 inmates being released from prison earlier than scheduled.But a recent backlash over the law serves as a reminder of the political sensitivity surrounding "early releases" as a money-saving effort. California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin are among the other states that have recently accelerated prisoner releases or are considering doing so.

New Script for Sudafed?

Anyone in Oregon who wants to buy tablets of Sudafed or Claritin D must have a doctor's prescription to do so. Those who live in Oklahoma must submit to an instant online screening before they can walk out of a pharmacy with those products.The two states are taking aggressive but different approaches to a common and long-standing problem: the production of crystal meth, a highly addictive drug made with a decongestant found in several leading cold and allergy medicines, including Sudafed.Oregon's approach has alarmed the pharmaceuticals industry, which is lobbying hard in other states in favor of Oklahoma's approach - even offering to pay for it. Either way, the purchase of cold medicines by meth makers is likely to become much trickier.

Budget Shock in Oregon

TODAY'S TAKE: Oregonians made headlines in January when they approved $727 million in tax hikes on corporations and the wealthy. Supporters said the move was necessary to avoid perilous budget cuts to schools. But this week, Oregon fiscal analysts dropped a new bombshell on lawmakers and voters alike: Due to weak income tax collections, a fresh, $563 million hole has opened in the budget, and deep education cuts are likely.

Kitzhaber Proposes 10-Year Budgeting

TRANSITION WATCH: Oregon's Governor-elect wants long-term fiscal planning, Iowa's new governor criticizes a key legislative leader, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Republican to Advise Democrat Kitzhaber on Oregon Health Policy

TRANSITION WATCH: Oregon's new governor picks a Republican for a key post, Florida's incoming governor faces delays filling his administration, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

A Three-Year College Degree in Ohio?

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

Are '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.

Easter egg flap fries Wyoming artists

A White House Easter tradition leaves Wyoming out, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) disses New Jersey and "The Donald" provokes a fight over Old Glory in the Florida Legislature. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Speakers get schooled in statesmanship

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Interested in a quick course on how to excel as a state legislative leader? Here's what you would learn: Be involved and inclusive; stay focused on your goals and personal values; be humble.

Early and Absentee Voting Erode Election Day Tradition

Polling day at the court house may be a revered institution of American democracy, but it's one that is steadily fading away.

Watch Your (Official) Language

Missouri, a key presidential swing state and home to one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races, will test what some see as voters' attitudes toward immigrants with a ballot measure to make English the only language of state government.

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.

State Programs Named Finalists for Innovation Awards

Five state-run programs are among finalists in the competition for Innovations in American Government Awards.

Mega-Donors Get Mixed Election Results

The power of personal fortunes to sway political outcomes was put to the test in state races across the country last year. With help from billionaire activist Jon Stryker, an heir to a medical products fortune, Democrats captured control of the Michigan state House for the first time in 12 years. But other super-rich donors got less bang for their buck.

The Buying and Selling of Legal Marijuana

Of the 14 states with medical marijuana laws on the books, half of them leave unresolved the question of how patients are supposed to get the seeds to grow their plants. Some state governments, which once were reticent to allow dispensaries, have started to reconsider.

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

A New Battleground in 'Right to Die' Debate

Advocates of physician-assisted suicide are taking on entrenched opposition as they seek a high-profile victory in Massachusetts.

Study Grades States On Higher Education

Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Minnesota, Kansas and Massachusetts get the highest grades in a new state-by-state report card that measures performance in higher education. According to the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, these six states do the best job of preparing students for post-high school education, providing academic opportunities, making them affordable, attaining a high graduation rate and reaping the benefits of an educated workforce. The lowest grades in the report entitled Measuring Up 2000 went to Arkansas, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee and West Virginia.

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty, Sixth State in Six Years

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

How Many Ex-Governors Will Win?

TODAY'S TAKE: In a campaign season marked by an anti-establishment mood, five former governors with a combined 40 years in office will be on the ballot next week, potentially bucking the trend. But at least one, Maryland Republican Robert Ehrlich, has substantial ground to make up. The others appear to be ahead or are locked in close contests.

Universal Health Foes Linked To Drug Industry

In a twist on a publicity stunt popularized by proponents of health care reform, a Canadian doctor and 12 of his patients recently traveled from New Brunswick to Maine, warning Americans not to adopt a Canadian-style universal health system. But a closer look at the group reveals ties to the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.

Weekly Wrap: Recession Forcing Government Overhaul

Oregon, Louisiana launch review of government; Utah's four-day work week saves on energy costs; new pension report released.

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.

State Health Officials Concerned About Vaccine Shortage

On the surface, a nationwide tetanus and diphtheria vaccine shortage may not seem like such a big deal. How many people will step on a rusty nail this year? Doctors in states such as Wisconsin say the shortage is serious due to flooding in the state and related accidents, but in Kentucky, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington, health experts say it's not yet a problem. But the shortfall is resulting in higher prices for states and potential problems for patients.

WORTH NOTING: Lawmaker Loses to a Cockroach

A Kansas lawmaker settles a lawsuit for accosting a cockroach-costumed protester. An Oklahoma official tries to stop Christmas gifts for juveniles in state custody. And the South Dakota Legislature schedules a more work-friendly session. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Governors

What would a Kerry administration mean for states? Heres a sampling of responses collected by Stateline.org from governors attending the Democratic National Convention in Boston.

State Medicaid Budgets Start To Squeeze

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

Indiana Legislature Approves Sweeping School Voucher Bill

EDUCATION BEAT: Pupil vouchers on the way in Indiana ... Georgia cuts pre-kindergarten programs ... Oregon House considers new high school graduation requirements, and other state education news.

White House Objects to Indiana Planned Parenthood Law

HEALTH BEAT: Obama administration concerned about new Indiana Medicaid law… Texas cost-cutting proposal attracts federal scrutiny… Oregon raises hospital taxes, and other health care news.

State Brownfields Programs Take National Stage

When Kentuckys Democratic-controlled House and Republican-led Senate both voted unanimously to expand brownfields programs last week, they committed the Bluegrass State to a decade-long push to make investment in cleaning up abandoned industrial sites more attractive to private redevelopers. They also signed on to one of the few nationwide environmental causes to generate real interest in both major political parties since Congress first acted to protect natural resources and public health and set up the Environmental Protection Agency over 30 years ago.

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.

State Budget Gaps Balloon to $97 Billion

Still reeling from high gas prices this summer and plummeting retirement savings this fall, Americans will soon be feeling the pinch in other ways - from increased tuition to potentially higher taxes, as states try to close some $97 billion in budget gaps over the next two years.

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

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

After Election Day Confusion, Hawaii Gov Pushes Full Mail-In Voting

On the heels of an Election Day plagued by long lines and mass confusion, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie says he’s pushing for major changes to voting on the islands —mainly, the elimination of the traditional Election Day altogether.

Sunshine Overruns: Hawaii’s Solar Tax Credits Carry Soaring Price Tag

The widespread popularity of Hawaii’s solar energy incentive — and mass confusion over how to implement it — have dealt a blow to the state’s treasury and become a major topic in state politics.

Jobless Benefit Gap Opens Even As Recession Eases

Despite recent indications the national economy is pulling out of its nearly yearlong slump, unemployment is a continuing problem in the states, as more than a million laid-off workers have exhausted their jobless benefits in recent months.

As Washington Gridlock Persists, States Get Creative in Funding Renewable Energy

The federal government has drastically reduced its funding for renewable energy. States have come up with some unusual ways to try and replace it.

State School Superintendent Hopefuls Hit Campaign Trail

Voters in eight states will be electing a new state school superintendent this November. Although the job entails sparing public education from the sharp blade of the budget scythe and being responsible for revamping schools to meet new federal demands, the field is full of hopefuls from major and minor political parties.

Five Ex-Governors on Ballot in November

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters' choice of Roy Barnes in the Democratic primary for Georgia governor on Tuesday (July 20) means that all five former governors who are running for their old jobs this year will be on the ballot in November. What is less certain is how they will fare.

Medical Malpractice Fights Go to Voters in Four States

Voters in four states will pick sides Nov. 2 in the contentious debate over costly malpractice insurance premiums for doctors, an issue rife in statehouses across the country this year. Physicians and health insurance groups in Florida, Nevada, Oregon and Wyoming are lobbying voters to approve tort reform ballot measures, in the face of fierce resistance from trial lawyer groups. The issue also is being raised in three governors races and other state contests.