Stateline Headlines

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.

W.Va., deregulating, ends up re-regulating

Tomblin appoints new health and human resources chief

Tomblin offers help to Oklahoma tornado recovery

Rockefeller sponsors new head-injury legislation

Gas law issue won't go to state's high court yet

Panel -- Up to $1.28 billion needed for roads

No Child Left Behind waiver will bring major changes to schools

Groups want study for racing industry in state

Speaker pick a big decision for W.Va. House

School employees want more from taxpayers

Lobbyist spending down in 2013

House speaker resignation sparks political jockeying

Hyrdrocodone tops list as most-prescribed drug in W.Va.

Tobacco companies win again in W.Va.

W.Va. gets $1M to offset costs from fall snowstorm

Thompson exit sets off race for House speaker

Still ranked 5th highest for business taxes

State clinics to receive $2.5 million in U.S. funds

W.Va. cultural budget cut 8 percent

Two W.Va. officials challenging EPA clean-air rules

Majority of W.Va. meth lab busts are in Kanawha

Tomblin appoints acting tax commissioner

Medicaid enrollers to face challenges

Tomblin celebrates new gas pipeline law

Some on Medicaid to pay fees

Meth lab busts double in W.Va.

Free lunches a growing trend

Officials hope Internet tax law keeps more revenues in-state

W.Va. school meal effort not starting from scratch

Some on Medicaid to pay fees

In rural W.Va., schools rethink their role

Tomblin embraces school meal legislation

Prison bill mandates more drug courts

In rural W.Va., schools rethink their role

State workshop to offer tips on growing mushrooms

Tomblin embraces school meal legislation

Longtime online sales tax advocate hopeful about House chances

Under new law, counties can appoint 'acting' sheriffs and prosecutors

West Virginia State of the State Address 2013

CHARLESTON, West Virginia Feb. 13 Following is the text of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Deposed West Virginia Schools Chief Fights Back

Jorea Marple wasn’t the only state school superintendent to get dismissed last year, but she’s the only one planning to take her state to court.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2011

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Me

West Virginia State of the State Address 2010

HARLESTON, W.Va. - Jan. 13 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin III's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Mem

West Virginia State of the State Address 2009

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Feb. 11 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin III's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests and my fellow West Virginians: I a

West Virginia State of the State Address 2008

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- Jan 9. -- The following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's web page to view the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests and my fellow West Virginians : Standin

West Virginia State of the State Address 2007

CHARLESTON , W.Va. , Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the

West Virginia State of the State Address 2006

CHARLESTON, W.Va., Jan. 11 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin's (D) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests, the members of my administration and sen

West Virginia State of the State Address 2005

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Feb. 10 - Following is the text of Gov. Joe Manchin III's (D) 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests and My Fellow West Virginians: W

West Virginia State of the State Address 2004

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Jan 14 - Following is the text of Gov. Robert E. Wise's 2004 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Senator Jay Rockefeller, Congressman Mollohan, Distinguish

West Virginia State of the State Address 2003

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Jan. 9 - Following is the texr of Gov.Bob Wise's 2003 State of the State Address: Mr. Speaker--Before I begin, I want to take a moment to recognize a man who sat where you are sitting tonight. Former House Speaker Lew McManus committed his life and dedicated his energies to promote all t

West Virginia State of the State Address 2002

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Jan. 9 - Following is the full text of Gov. Bob Wise's 2002 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests, and My Fellow West Virginians: Before I be

West Virginia State of the State Address 2001

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Jan 14 - Following is the partial text of Gov. Bob Wise's 2001 State of the State Address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Senator Rockefeller, Congressman Mollohan, Distinguished Gues

West Virginia State of the State Address 2000

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Jan. 12 - Following is the text of Gov. Cecil Underwood's 2000 State of the State Address: Twelve days ago, January 1, 2000 -- the first day of the new millennium -- came and went. The lights did not go out, nor did the heat go off. Planes did not fall from the sky. Except for a pa

States in Forefront of Fight for Cheaper Drugs

West Virginia is breaking new ground in bargaining for lower drug prices for Medicaid patients, state workers and residents, an effort expected to intensify in state legislatures in 2005.

States Share Latest On Rx Programs

Officials from Florida, Maine, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia will provide updates on their Medicaid and state employee prescription drug programs at a forum in Pittsburgh Friday (1/11).

West Virginia Gov-Elect Leading Low-Key Transition

By all indications, West Virginia Gov-elect Bob Wise's transition is getting off to as slow a start as his campaign did. Wise unseated Republican Gov. Cecil Underwood by a margin of less than 3 percentage points. Democrats and Republicans alike credited a last-minute campaign blitz by the venerable U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., for putting him over the top. Since election night, Wise has been nearly invisible, holding a very limited number of public appearances and press conferences.

Legislative Scorecard: West Virginia Set For Special Session

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

Schools Embrace Fingerprint Scanning

Schools across the country are scanning students' fingerprints so that they can pay for meals or check out books at the touch of a finger. But a growing backlash from parents and civil libertarians has led some states to outlaw or limit the technology.

States Save The Date

(Updated 5:45 p.m. EDT, June 20, 2008)Don't try to renew your driver's license Friday (June 20) in West Virginia. State agencies' doors are closed for West Virginia Day. Lawmakers in 41 states have added at least 37 state holidays to the annual calendar, celebrating the likes of King Kamehameha I in Hawaii, Casimir Pulaski in Illinois and Cesar Chavez in California and Colorado.

W.Va. projects a split personality

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The 2008 presidential election will test whether Republican George Bush's victories were a fluke in the Mountain State, where Democrats continue to dominate in state and local contests.

Coal States Fear for Future of the Industry

This is an unsettling time for states whose economies revolve around coal. But the future may not be as bleak as doomsayers predict.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2012

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the State Board of Education, Members of the Legislature, D

Another Appointee Could Reach the Senate

TODAY'S TAKE: West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin on Wednesday (July 7) said he is interested in running for the seat of longtime U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, who died last week at 92. Until an election can be set, however, Manchin may appoint someone else to the job, which could bring the number of U.S. senators appointed by governors - rather than elected by voters - to six.

New Governor Takes Office in West Virginia

TODAY'S TAKE: Earl Ray Tomblin, the president of the West Virginia Senate and a fixture at the Legislature for 35 years, will become the state's 35th governor today (November 15), when outgoing Democrat Joe Manchin is sworn in as a U.S. senator.

One More Governor's Race on Tap in 2011

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters in four states will choose governors in 2011, one more than is usual for an off-year. The West Virginia Supreme Court issued a ruling on Tuesday (January 18) that the state's acting chief executive, Earl Ray Tomblin, cannot serve on a temporary basis for longer than a year. The other states holding gubernatorial elections are Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Road Funding a Big Issue in Contest for Governor of West Virginia

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Highways emerge as a crucial topic in West Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial primary … Atlanta area officials have a long wish list of transit projects … Kansas and Texas move forward with plans for higher speed limits, and other transportation news.

Earl Ray Tomblin Has Inside Track in Race for Governor of West Virginia

West Virginia's oddly-timed gubernatorial election has brought out a host of big-name candidates for this Saturday's Democratic primary. But the low-profile incumbent seems likely to end up a winner.

Republicans Push for Upset in West Virginia

Earl Ray Tomblin, the Democratic governor of West Virginia, has spent years wheeling and dealing in state politics. Republicans are trying to use that against him.

West Virginia Tackles Retiree Health Costs

The state makes an unusual down payment on its massive health benefit debt to retired public employees.

Summary of the West Virginia State of the State Address

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) told the Democrat-controlled Legislature Jan.13 that the state's new budget will be "slender," but that West Virginia has weathered the Great Recession better than dozens of other states that suffered deep budget deficits.

Governors Talk Energy with Obama

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama on Wednesday (Feb. 3) told a group of 11 governors - including those from coal-friendly states - that the United States must move aggressively toward a clean energy economy.

In Graying West Virginia, a Mountain of Retiree Health Bills

A rule change in West Virginia means that new state employees and teachers will have to pay for their own health care when they retire. But that doesn't begin to address staggering health costs for existing employees and retirees.

Penny Pinching at the Polling Place

State and local governments are hosting a big election season in a terrible budget year. As elections officials get creative about finding new ways to save even the smallest amounts of money, they're also going to great lengths to minimize the impact on voters.

Women on Death Row Are a Rarity

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginia executed a female prisoner for the first time in nearly 100 years on Thursday (September 23). Nationwide, less than 2 percent of the inmates on death row are women.

Food Tax on Chopping Block

Shoppers in four states -- Mississippi, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming -- soon may be paying less at the supermarket checkout counter, thanks to reduced taxes on groceries.

States Scrutinize For-Profit Colleges

Rhode Island is considering whether to approve a for-profit osteopathic medical school, as Kentucky leads 22 other states in investigating the for-profit education industry.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Ohio - Wyoming

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

New Jersey E-ZPass System A Financial Debacle

New Jerseys electronic toll collection system may save motorists time, money and fuel, but lawmakers and transportation authorities are learning that the E-ZPass system will not pay for itself.

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.

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Several AG Contests Still Tight

As their campaigns wind down to the wire candidates for attorney general in 11 states vie for attention in the flurry of higher-profile contests for president, Congress and governor. "Out There" once more rates how vulnerable the parties in control are.

States Use Red Tape To Shrink Food Stamp Program

To determine how much in food stamps a family can receive, some states want to know what a child earns from a paper route or part-time job. A handful go so far as to demand information on the sale of personal items, including blood, from food stamp applicants. By using unnecessarily long applications and intrusive questions, states are preventing needy families from obtaining food assistance, a study released Monday by the national anti-hunger organization, America's Second Harvest, found.

Minnesota, West Virginia, Washington Adjourn; Alaska In Special Session

While Minnesota's governor and lawmakers celebrate the end of a legislative session that gave citizens the largest tax cut in state history, Alaska Gov. Tony Knowles has ordered his legislature to continue work in a special session until they forge a long-term budget plan. West Virginia and Washington lawmakers wrapped up special sessions this week by passing compromise bills on nagging issues, bringing to 27 the number of legislatures which have completed work for the year. For more information, click on

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.

Rick Snyder Picks a Democrat

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor-elect reaches across the aisle for a top appointment, Georgia's governor-elect picks a controversial chief of staff, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Deval Patrick Asks His Cabinet for Resignation Letters

TRANSITION WATCH: The request of Massachusetts' governor that cabinet members reapply for their jobs, West Virginia's shy new chief executive, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States Continue Rx Onslaught

Vermont is poised to enact a landmark prescription drug law within the next few weeks, a move that adds fuel to state battles against rising prescription drug costs. Lawmakers borrowed parts of at least five different programsincluding Maine, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia and Illinois to come up with a plan that is sweeping and controversial.

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.

State Budget Forecast Calls For Rain

Despite recent indications that the slumping national economy may have turned a corner, state budgets are suffering from a shortage of money and probably will be for some time, state fiscal experts say. More than three-quarters of the states have made budget cuts or implemented spending freezes, and more than half are tapping their rainy day accounts, reserve funds built up during the economy's better days. Even the sacred cow of spending priorities, K-12 education, has come under the budget axe in some states.

Health Of Nation Measured In Report Card

A national report card on health places New Hampshire at the top of the list of states that have healthy residents with decent access to healthcare. Mississippi ranked 50th in the study sponsored by the United Health Group of Minneapolis. Minnesota, Utah and Massachusetts also ranked high among states for all round good health and longevity. Louisiana, South Carolina and West Virginia joined Mississippi at the bottom of the list.

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.

States Scramble for Gambling Jackpot

States are aggressively tapping into one of the easiest ways to bring cash to their coffers: Let gamblers lose on slots, poker and roulette - and carve out a big take for state treasuries. Kansas is taking that approach one step further with a plan to own and operate its commercial casinos.

WORTH NOTING: Ex-State Senator Leaves Phone Greeting - From Jail

A former Maryland senator won't be answering his phone for a few years. A Michigan ballot reform group needs a better proofreader. And South Carolina's new license plates won't be heading off into the sunset. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Rx Cost-Cutting Puts Governors at Odds with Federal Government

Several governors are sparring with the federal government over their cutting-edge tactics to lower prescription drug costs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has branded efforts by Minnesota and other northern tier states to help their residents buy less expensive medicines from Canada illegal and unsafe. And in a separate case, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) is complaining about a bureaucratic delay of federal approval of a multi-state prescription drug purchasing pool.

Seven States Woo Clean-Coal Power Plant

Seven states are competing with dollars and regulatory breaks to be the host for a $1 billion federal and private energy initiative being billed as the world's cleanest coal-burning power plant. The project is expected to provide 1,300 construction jobs and 150 facility positions and to generate 275 megawatts of electricity through a process that would eliminate nearly all air pollutants.

WORTH NOTING: Epic battle rages in Mass. House

A Massachusetts proposal to name "Moby Dick" the state's official book nearly sinks. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D) says a football movie plays fast and loose with facts. And New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) gets an unexpected phone call. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Ill. treasurer tosses stinky furniture

The new Illinois treasurer gets fed up with furniture that reeks of cigarettes and dogs. New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) gets sassy with a pesky reporter. And West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) could get a football honor no one's had since World War I. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

AAA Criticizes Higher Fees for Out-of-State E-ZPass Drivers

The national drivers’ group wants tolling agencies to treat E-ZPass users the same, regardless of where they bought their transponders.

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

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

Georgia's Nathan Deal Hands Off Personal Finances

TRANSITION WATCH: Georgia's incoming governor creates a blind trust, Ohio's new governor tries to keep Race to the Top money and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.