Stateline Headlines

Weekly Wrap: Officials Hope to Dodge Pay Backlash

Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.

VSEA reinstates director, but places him on leave

GMP says saving bats would cost $4 million

Former Vermont fire chief enters not guilty plea

State employees raise safety concerns over move to Barre

Blitz about to begin on health insurance exchange

State workers union fires executive director

Google maps Vermont Statehouse with virtual tour

IBM still not talking about Vermont layoffs

Layoffs hit IBM, but the numbers stay secret

Give airport neighbors their voice

Vermont lawsuit spotlights privatization versus access

Vermont political leaders respond to questions on F-35

Air Force: We overstated F-35 support for Burlington

Shumlin's neighbor gets lawyer who is a familiar foe of the governor

Vermont board begins review of rates under exchange

Supporters rally to block deportation of Vermont activist

Secrecy critics fought and lost NSA data collection fight in Vermont

What comes after decriminalization

With Vermont in front, GMO labeling fight heats up

Settlement reached in secure residence appeal

Unions compete to organize under new Vermont law

As of July 1, pot possession draws a ticket, not a charge in Vermont

Shumlin to sign marijuana decriminalization bill

Leader in immigrant license push faces deportation

Lawyer: Shumlin willing to sell land back to neighbor

F-35 decision must be open process

R.J. Reynolds ordered to pay Vermont $8.3 million

ACLU says Vermont blacks face more marijuana charges

New law expands effort to protect student-athletes from concussions

Opponents in F-35 debate say they're ready for discussion

Politicians continue F-35 support as Air Force ups number of residents affected by noise

Vermont State of the State Address 2013

MONTPELIER, Vermont -- Jan. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Peter Shumlin's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

No Child Left Behind: Not Dead Yet

Most states have received waivers from the federal No Child Left Behind law, but some have found flexibility harder to come by.

Vermont Budget Address 2011

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Jan. 25 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Peter Shumlin's (D) 2011 budget address: Click here to hear the governor's speech. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. President Pro Tem, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: Two weeks ago, we gathered he

Vermont State of the State Address 2009

MONTPELIER, Vt. - Jan. 8. - Following is the prepared text of Gov. James Douglas's (R) 2009 state of the state address and fourth inaugural address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished guests, my fellow Vermonters: One hundred seventy three years ago farmers, businessmen, and lawyers from across Vermont

Vermont State of the State Address 2008

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Jan. 10 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. James Douglas's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Mr. President, Madam Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, my fellow Vermonters: As 2008 opens, the hope of a new year - of a new beginning - unfolds before us, touching the horizon

Vermont State of the State Address 2007

MONTPELIER, Vt., Jan. 4 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. James Douglas's (R) state of the state address and third inaugural address: Click here to access the governor's web page Mr. President, Madame Speaker, distinguished guests, my fellow Vermonters: Fifty years ago, on this same Thursday, Robe

Vermont State of the State Address 2006

MONTPELIER, Vt., Jan. 5 -- Following is the full prepared text of Vermont Gov. James Douglas's (R) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. President, Madame Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: Each time I rise to address this General Assembly, I stand humbled before y

Vermont State of the State Address 2005

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Jim Douglas' 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Madame Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: I am deeply honored to stand before you again and am humbled by the trust pl

Vermont State of the State Address 2004

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. James H. Douglas' 2004 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished Members of the General Assembly, my fellow Vermonters: The year 2004 is upon us and it is my honor to report to you on the condition of our state, the progress we

Vermont State of the Budget Address 2003

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 23 - Following is the full text of Vermont James Douglas's' State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the General Assembly, fellow Vermonters: Two weeks ago, I laid out for you a vision for Vermont's future. It is a vision rooted in optimism and confidence in the

Vermont State of the State Address 2002

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 8 - Following is the text of Gov. Howard Dean's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly and fellow Vermonters: Before I begin my last State of the State address, I would like to take a moment of personal privilege to acknowledge a legisla

Vermont State of the State Address 2001

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 3 - Following is the text of Gov. 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly, members of the Vermont Supreme Court, honored guests, and my fellow Vermonters: Governor Robert Stafford--in a Christmas speech made 40 years ago--extolled o

Vermont State of the State Address 2000

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 4 - Following is the full text of Gov. Howard Dean's 2000 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the General Assembly and fellow Vermonters: Calvin Coolidge returned to his Plymouth homestead in 1920 and proclaimed: "Vermont is my birthright. Here one

Vermont Governor Proposes Statewide School Choice

Any Vermont child would be able to attend any of the states public schools under a proposal Gov. James Douglas (R) made Tuesday in his second state-of-the-state address.

Medical Pot Pits States Against Federal Government

Vermont just became the tenth state to vote to legalize medical use of marijuana. Proponents hope a growing acceptance by states of doctor-prescribed "pot" for pain relief will help snuff out federal drug enforcers' efforts to crack down on the practice. The U.S. Supreme Court may be called in to referee federal-state disagreements over whether all marijuana use is illegal.

Few Governors Tout Bold Initiatives

In his state of the state address last month, Vermont Gov. James H. Douglas said that the state should track convicted drug dealers the same way it does sexual predators, by publicizing their names and addresses. This proposal is one of only a handful of truly innovative programs proposed by governors in their state of the state addresses this year.

An Ironic Mix: Economy Up, Revenues Down

State lawmakers trying to close budget gaps may not find much to cheer about in recent reports that the economy is improving. In fact, the good economic news may even add irony to lawmakers' budget debates, according to veteran fiscal analyst Nick Jenny. The reason is that state tax revenues still are coming in well below estimates, despite the improving economy.

On The Record: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean said last week he is considering rejecting $26 million in federal school aid for his state because there are too many strings attached to the money. In a Stateline.org interview, Dean discusses his reservations about the new Education and Secondary Education Act.

On The Record: Vermont Senate President Peter Shumlin

Vermont Senate President Peter Shumlin is on the run these days, literally. Besides running for lieutenant governor, he is leading a coalition of northeastern lawmakers trying to control prescription drug prices. Despite his busy agenda, Democrat Shumlin found time to talk to Stateline.org about healthcare, education and other issues during a recent visit to Washington, D.C.

Vermont's Dean Calls Corp. Ethics Major Campaign Issue

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is running for president, hoping to translate some of his successes in health care and other areas into national programs. In an interview, Dean talks about his presidential bid and why he's already running like its 2004.Click here to read the full interview.

On The Record: Vermont Gov. Howard Dean

Click Here To Read The Full Interview

Vermont Panel Foreshadows Outcome of Gay Rights Debate

Most Americans regard Vermont as a placid rural state with good skiing and lots of cows, but this year it's the arena for a ferocious political battle over gay rights that has national implications. The Vermont Supreme Court set the stage for this late last year when it ruled that all the rights and benefits of marriage must flow to same sex couples. The court left it up to the legislature to decide how, and the course the lawmakers will follow is now clear.

Vermont Lawmakers Weigh Crackdown On Campus Hazing

Because of what happened to a would-be University of Vermont hockey player, the Green Mountain state may become the 42d state to make collegiate hazing illegal. But even with such laws, hazing is a widespread problem on U.S. campuses.

Gay Rights 'Civil Union' Nearing Reality In Vermont

If a bill currently headed toward passage in the Vermont legislature is signed into law as expected, gay and lesbian couples in the Green Mountain State soon will be able to do something that they can't do elsewhere in the United States: they'll be able to stroll into any town hall, get a "civil union" license, have it approved, and then enjoy all the rights and benefits of traditional marriage.

Vermont Politics, Tradition Helped Civil Unions Pass

Vermont is the first state in the Union to establish a means to legally recognize gay and lesbian partnerships. On April 26, Gov. Howard Dean signed a "civil union" bill that grants homosexual couples all the rights of heterosexual couples short of marriage. An unusual combination of circumstances led to passage of this groundbreaking new law.

Minor Party Hopeful Aided By Vermont Campaign Finance Law

Three years ago, Vermont Gov. Howard Dean stood next to Anthony Pollina and praised him for helping pass a sweeping reform of the state's campaign finance system. Today, thanks to that law, Pollina is gunning for Dean's job with the state picking up most of the tab for both of their campaigns.

Civil Unions Law A Factor In Vermont Voting

Ever since last April 26, when Vermont Gov. Howard Dean signed a first-in-the-nation gay rights bill into law, this usually serene and beautiful mountain state has been racked by bitter feuding. The fight came to a head on election day when more Vermonters went to the polls than in any other election in Vermont history.

Vermont Gov Skirts Gay Rights in State of State Speech

Amid beefed up security at the State House, Gov. Howard Dean delivered his yearly "state of the state" address to the Vermont General Assembly Tuesday and appeared to downplay one of the most controversial issues of the coming session -- gay rights. But he repeatedly expressed his commitment to state sponsored health care programs.

Vermont Experiments To Make Justice System Work Better

On any morning, nearly half the 2,500 criminals serving time in Vermont wake up not in prison cells, but in their own homes. Although Vermont has one of the nation's lowest crime rates, it still produces enough criminals to badly overload the Green Mountain State's tiny prison system. To help ease crowding -- and increase the chances that offenders will return to productive lives -- the state has sent a growing number of convicts to live in neighborhoods under programs that range from traditional house arrest to an innovative technique called "reparative probation." In this special report, stateline.org looks at the programs.

Vermont leads pack in taxes per person

Vermont rocketed past five other states during last fiscal year to lead the country with the highest state tax burden per resident, according to a recent U.S. Census Bureau report. In every state but New Hampshire, revenues per resident grew in fiscal year 2005.

Vermont Leads in Per-Capita War Deaths

Americans celebrate Independence Day this weekend at a time when the country remains in a war that has claimed 1,741 American lives. California and Vermont share the distinction of having suffered the most casualties in the Iraq War, depending on how losses are counted, a state-by-state analysis shows.

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.

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.

Vermont State of the State Address 2012

MONTPELIER, Vermont - Jan. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Peter Shumlin's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the General Assembly, distinguished guests, fellow Vermonters: Thank you. It's been such a privilege to serve a

Summary of the Vermont State of the State Address

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas (R) used his final state of the state address to urge lawmakers Jan. 7 to roll back tax increases enacted last year to balance the budget, and he called for sweeping changes to the way Vermonters pay for education.

Vermont Senate Next for Veteran Diplomat

TODAY'S TAKE: Peter Galbraith, a longtime U.S. diplomat who was controversially ousted last year from his position as the second-ranking United Nations official in Afghanistan, is about to become a Vermont state senator.

Vermont Charges Ahead on Health Care 'Public Option'

TODAY'S TAKE: Every Vermont resident eventually could sign up for state-paid health insurance under legislation easily approved by the state House of Representatives on Thursday (March 24). The first-in-the-nation plan is a priority for Democratic Governor Peter Shumlin.

Vermont Is Latest to Adopt National Popular Vote

TODAY'S TAKE: Vermont later this week will become the seventh state to embrace a national compact seeking to change the way presidents are elected.

States Struggle with Prescription Drug Abuse

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Legislators are looking for ways to deal with a problem that keeps getting worse. Physicians in some states are starting to work with them.

Feds Short of Disaster Funds to Rebuild Roads

A record-setting year of disasters took its toll on the nation's roads and bridges, and the federal fund to help states rebuild them has been tapped out.

Anatomy of a Backlog: How Vermont Fell Behind on Adult Protective Services

PART TWO OF THREE: State systems to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect are straining under growing caseloads and budgets that don't keep pace with the amount of work. Vermont's backlog of 733 open or unassigned cases highlights the depth of the challenges.

It's Hard to Keep Track of Your State Senator When There Are Six of Them in One District

Multi-member constituencies were once a dominant feature of American state politics. But they are gradually disappearing from the scene.

Vermont AG Won't Press Charges Against Nuclear Plant Officials

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Despite "untrustworthy" behavior, no perjury case against Vermont nuclear plant executives ... Federal offshore drilling bill seeks revenue for Virginia state government ... Iowa governor proposes new Missouri River management group and more energy and environment news.

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.

Vermont's Pension Solution: Civility

To read the news, you'd think every state was having nasty fights over public pension issues. At least one state has chosen to do it a different way.

Snow Puts Strain on State and Local Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: The heavy snowfall that has blanketed much of the mid-Atlantic region in recent days already has exhausted an entire winter's worth of state and local cleanup budgets in some places.

Vermont Senate Blocks Nuke Plant License

TODAY'S TAKE: Vermont senators became the first state lawmakers in the country to vote for shutting down a nuclear power plant Wednesday when they denied a 20-year extension to the Vermont Yankee facility, scheduled to close in 2012. In most states, decisions over nuclear power plants are handled by state regulators or the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission, not state legislators.

Vermont's Pension Experiment

Like many states, Vermont faces rising public employee pension costs while trying to close a budget shortfall. A state panel recommended cutting pension benefits, angering employee unions. Legislative leaders and the state treasurer tried something different: inviting the teacher's union for a series of private talks that ended with a novel compromise. So far, everyone's happy.

In Vermont, Single-Payer Health Care in a Single State

Vermont is pondering implementation of an exclusive government-run health care program within its own borders. If it goes ahead, the whole country will be watching.

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.

Utah Legislators Skeptical of Governor's Tax Proposal

TRANSITION WATCH: Utah Republicans grapple over the budget, Michigan's incoming governor mulls a new bridge to Canada, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

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.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

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.

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.

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.

Defense of Marriage Act Discriminates Against Gays, Federal Court Rules

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

States Back Challenge to Federal Law on Marriage

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

Lawmakers In New Mexico, Missouri And Vermont Call It Quits

In New Mexico, Missouri and Vermont, lawmakers scrambled last week to complete last-minute haggling over end-of-session tax and budget measures. Each of these legislatures has now adjourned, bringing to 24 the number of state lawmaking bodies which have completed work for 1999. Click on

New Jersey Wants Shorter DMV Lines

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A proposal to reduce wait times to get driver's licenses gets the backing of the agency's chief … Maryland demands more disclosure from a French train operator about its role in the Holocaust … Louisiana's Bobby Jindal kills a highway bill the day it is announced, and other transportation news.

Why State Debates Don't Last Forever

If the United States Senate followed the rules of the New Jersey General Assembly, it wouldn't take 60 votes for Democrats to overcome a Republican filibuster. It would take 75, or three-quarters of the chamber, one of the highest such thresholds of any legislative body in the nation. So why don't filibusters grind business to a halt in New Jersey as they do in the U.S. Senate?

Mystery Web Site Tracks New Jersey Politics

Politicsnj.com, a New Jersey Web site that dishes up political news, regularly scoops the mainstream media and now is being replicated outside the Garden State. But politicsnj.com is a story in itself because nobody seems to know whos behind it.

Civil Unions Spread, But Gays Want to Wed

A fourth state just agreed to offer civil unions, but the alternative to gay marriage is proving more popular with lawmakers than with gay rights activists.

States Dubious Of Federal Testing Plan

Nebraskas testing system is better for the Cornhusker State than the testing system mandated by the new federal school aid bill, state Commissioner of Education Douglas Christensen says. If that means bucking Washington, D.C. by failing to comply with new federal requirements to test every child in grades 3-8 annually, then Christensen is willing to do so.

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

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

Missouri is Toughest on Crack Cocaine

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Missouri punishes crack dealers more severely than those who sell the powder version of the same drug… Police are stretched thin in one of the nation's most dangerous cities… The Colorado probation agency comes under scrutiny, and other public safety news.

Recession Ushers in More Tobacco Taxes

In a double-whammy for smokers, the federal government and seven states raised taxes on cigarettes this year. But the new taxes plus President Obama's vow to sign a bill imposing sweeping regulation of the tobacco industry threaten to shrink cigarette sales - and revenues for state coffers.