Stateline Stories

Supreme Court Strikes Down Arizona Elections Law

The Supreme Court struck down an Arizona elections policy on Monday, upholding the federal government’s power over states in elections administration and voter registration.

Arizona’s Gov. Brewer Celebrates Tax Hike Expiration

Once upon a time, Arizona Gov. Brewer fought for a sales tax hike; now she celebrates its demise.

Drones, Fences and Sensors Influence Immigration Debate

Border security is a big part of the immigration overhaul. But who will define it?

Attorneys General Prepare to Defend Controversial Laws

State attorneys general are about to head to court to defend controversial state laws. Are they required to defend laws that might not survive legal scrutiny?

States That Skip Medicaid Expansion May Favor New Immigrants Over U.S. Citizens

The law of unintended consequences will strike states that decline to expand Medicaid.

Arizona’s Border Fence Still Faces Obstacles

After nearly two years of preparation and with more than a quarter million dollars of private donations in hand, Arizona officials still have not unveiled a plan to build a border fence. But a state lawmaker who is leading the effort said that will soon change.

Higher Ed Cuts Mean Major Tuition Hikes

Tuition at public colleges in Arizona and California has spiked more than 70 percent over the past five years, the result of massive cuts to state higher education funding in those states and most others.

Supreme Court Probes Arizona Voter Registration Law

The Supreme Court justices dissected Arizona’s challenge to a federal voter registration law during arguments Monday, even as they seemed to avoid the broader issues of states’ rights versus federal authority underlying the case.

Voter Registration in Supreme Court Spotlight

It’s gotten less attention than the challenge to the Voting Rights Act, but an Arizona challenge to the National Voter Registration Act could upset elections administration around the country.

States in Recovery: Housing

The housing crisis that threw states into economic free fall is helping them climb back out.

Pay Boost on the Horizon for Some State Workers

Far fewer people are working for state governments than before the recession began, but those who remain may get modest salary increases this year.

Governors Ask Lawmakers to Prevent Future Shootings

The recent mass shootings in Colorado and Connecticut reshaped governors’ legislative agendas this year, and many used their once-a-year legislative addresses to ask lawmakers to take up gun control, mental health treatment and school safety.

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.

Issue To Watch: Gun Regulation

Gun legislation moved to the top of the list for many state lawmakers after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December.

Issue To Watch: Immigration

Long-bottled-up bills that address state policies on whether to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students could become law this year, because of changes in party control of legislative chambers and changes in federal policy.

Brewer Endorses Medicaid Expansion Under Health Overhaul

Governor Jan Brewer will push to expand Arizona’s Medicaid program after all, she has announced, surprising many who have watched her crusade against that and other key components of President Obama’s health care overhaul.

Arizona State of the State Address 2013

PHOENIX, Arizona --Following is the prepared text of Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's (R) 2013 State of the State Address

States Begin Giving Driver’s Licenses to Young Immigrants

The federal government thrust states back into dealing with the contentious issue of driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, after years when the practice had become rare and the issue dropped off most legislative agendas.

Best of #StateReads: United States of Subsidies

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

Oklahoma Among States Limiting Property Taxes

Lowering property taxes is always popular, and results from the November 6 elections show this year was no exemption

Next Elections: Races for Legislative Leadership

For aspiring legislative leaders, the elections aren’t over yet. Even as the final counts from last week’s votes are still being tallied, lawmakers who hope to be house speakers or senate presidents are courting their colleagues.

U.S. Supreme Court To Hear Arizona Voter Registration Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether states may require a would-be voter to first prove their citizenship — a case likely to answer larger questions about the sometimes conflicting roles of state and federal governments in regulating elections.

Arizona Ballot Measure Challenges the Federal Government Over Public Lands

Most western states remain uncomfortable with federal stewardship of their land. A group of activists wants to rewrite the Arizona constitution to change the rules.

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.

States Defend Anti-Terrorism Centers After Harsh Senate Report

Law enforcement agencies and state officials defended regional information-sharing offices known as “fusion centers” as a key part of the nation’s homeland security network. A Senate report questioned the value of the fusion centers, which they found had “not produced useful intelligence.”

States Still Resisting National Sex Offender Law

A 2006 federal law calls on states to create a national sex offender registry. But most have not complied, and some have stopped trying.

Arizona Conservatives Face Triple Threat

Two ballot initiatives and new district maps for legislative elections will together test conservative Republicans’ hold on the Arizona state legislature in November.

Judge Backs Heart of Arizona Immigration Law

The heart of Arizona’s law cracking down on undocumented immigrants is poised to take effect following a federal judge’s ruling. But the split decision blocked criminalizing knowingly transporting or harboring undocumented immigrants.

Best of #StateReads: Ex-Parks Official Had Criminal Past

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

Christie Headlines Romney Event With GOP Governors

Ten Republican governors joined Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, for a rally and fundraiser in Colorado Thursday (August 3), but most of the attention seemed focused on New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Romney gave Christie, who is often mentioned as a potential vice presidential pick

Federal Court Blocks Arizona Anti-Abortion Law

A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked the state from enforcing a new Arizona law, which prohibits most abortions from taking place after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Alabama Police Start Slowly in Enforcing Immigration Law

CLANTON, Alabama — Alabama is off to a slow start in rolling out its law requiring police to check the immigration status of suspects. But it is ahead of the other states, including Arizona, that approved similar measures.

Do Gay Rights Affect Tourism?

Arizona’s push for U.S. Supreme Court approval of a plan to rescind same-sex benefits for state employees has some worried that tourism will take a hit.

New Anti-Abortion Strategy Pays Off

The past few months have seen a flurry of new state laws restricting abortion, most of them based on the concept of “fetal pain.”

Key Parts of Arizona Immigration Law Struck Down

A majority of Supreme Court Justices ruled that three sections of the Arizona law were in conflict with federal authority.

States May Boost Salaries, With a Catch

Long-awaited salary increases or bonuses will be tied to “ifs” and “buts” for state employees in Arizona and possibly Virginia.

Seeking Economic Boost, Arizona Cuts Capital Gains Taxes

Arizona lawmakers approved a major cut in income taxes on capital gains last week, a move that’s just the latest chapter in the debate over whether income from salaries and income from investments should be treated the same for tax purposes.

Alabama Immigration Debate Heats Up

While justices of the U.S. Supreme Court deliberate over the fate of Arizona’s anti-immigration law, Alabama lawmakers are deciding whether to tweak a similar they passed last year that is considered even harsher.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Emergency City Managers Wield Great Power

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

States Struggling to Slow Tuition Growth

Arizona has led the nation in tuition increases over the past 5 years. Next year, the cost will be frozen. Is tuition growth slowing?

Immigration Law Debate Gets Preview in U.S. Senate

A Senate subcommittee heard testimony from author of Arizona’s controversial immigration law and from opponents of the law. If the Supreme Court upholds Arizona’s law, Senate Democrats threatened legislation to preempt more state immigration enforcement.

Best of #StateReads: Years After Immigration Law’s Passage, Much Has Changed in Arizona

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

States Pick Sides in Arizona Immigration Case

More than half of the states weighed in on a U.S. Supreme Court case scheduled for a hearing next week over an Obama administration challenge to Arizona’s latest anti-immigration law.

Brewer Vetoes Arizona's Voucher-Like Program Expansion

The governor is willing to reconsider the measure, but said passing a state budget must come first.

Doing Union Work on the Government Clock?

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Arizona debates banning localities from allowing government employees to work for their unions during normal business hours.

Brewer Faces a New Budget Fight With Fellow Republicans

TODAY'S TAKE: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer appears headed toward another budget showdown with the Republican-led legislature. Her spokesman called lawmakers' no-growth proposal "short-sighted and reckless."

States Push to Shake Up Personnel Practices

Civil service rules that haven't changed in decades are being re-assessed by several governors bent on major changes in the system.

Courts Block Efforts at Public Pension Change

Two judges have ruled that their states cannot make existing employees contribute more toward their retirement benefits.

Official Homelessness Decreases but Advocates are Skeptical

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: New data run contrary to what many might think: Overall homelessness actually dropped from 2009 to 2011 in states with high unemployment and foreclosure rates.

At Last, a State Budget Year When the Sky Is Not Falling

PART FIVE OF FIVE: After four years of epic budget woes, states are ready for an improved 2012. Some are even poised to add dollars back to programs they wish they never had to cut.

Arizona State of the State Address 2012

PHOENIX, Arizona. - Jan. 9 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jan Brewer's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Good afternoon. Speaker Tobin, President Pierce, Honorable Senators and

Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Eight States

TODAY'S TAKE: Workers in eight states will see slightly larger paychecks beginning January 1, thanks to laws requiring minimum wages to rise with inflation.

Utah Governor Fumes as Arizona Considers New Highway Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Arizona would like to make a toll road out of a remote 29-mile stretch of interstate highway between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Utah Governor Gary Herbert has blasted the scheme.

State Health Care Rolls Plummet in Strapped Arizona

TODAY'S TAKE: More than 25,000 Arizona residents have lost Medicaid coverage in the three months since the state stopped enrolling childless adults.

Governors Skip Border Conference

TODAY'S TAKE: For the second straight year, governors from three of the four states that neighbor Mexico are skipping an annual conference of border leaders intended to foster better relations.

Cash-Strapped State Parks Struggle to Stay Open

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: States are turning increasingly to private money to keep their parks going, but the dollars they take in fall far short of replacing the public funding they have lost.

States Save by Moving Vets From Medicaid's Rolls to VA's

A federal database intended to track welfare cheats is helping states find veterans whose health care could be paid for by the federal government rather than the state.

Arizona Lawmaker's Gun Incident Sparks Debate

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: An Arizona state legislator is accused of pointing a loaded handgun at a reporter outside the state Senate chamber, renewing a debate over whether firearms have a place in state capitols.

Arizona Medicaid Cuts to Go Into Effect

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting Friday (July 8), Arizona will deny health care coverage to childless adults seeking assistance from Medicaid. The change is expected to save the state $190 million by denying coverage to 100,000 residents in the first year.

Higher Health Care Fees for New Jersey's Public Employees

HEALTH BEAT: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie slashes state worker health benefits ... Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley reports that a cost-cutting experiment is not holding down medical costs ... The Arizona Supreme Court refuses to block Medicaid cutbacks, and other health care news.

Christie Proposes to Slash Medicaid in New Jersey

HEALTH BEAT: Governor's plan would drop 23,000 adults who are currently receiving coverage. The federal government would have to approve the change in eligibility rules.

Arizona Senate President Faces Possible Recall Vote

TODAY'S TAKE: Russell Pearce, the conservative leader of the Arizona Senate and author of the state's controversial immigration law, could face a recall election after his critics gathered far more than the 7,700 signatures needed to force a vote. The state elections chief still must approve the effort.

On-Campus Gun Bills Stumble

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Pro-gun Republicans enjoy overwhelming legislative majorities in Arizona and Texas. So why did proposals to allow guns on college campuses fail in both states?

Labor Offer Keeps New Jersey Tolls From Going Private

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Toll collectors will keep jobs but see pay cut by 24 percent … Massachusetts looks to take health care off the bargaining table … Missouri may auction more than 1,000 acres of state property near prisons, and other management news.

Arizona Governor Authorizes New State Militia

TODAY'S TAKE: With the National Guard fighting overseas in large numbers, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on Thursday (April 28) authorized the creation of a state militia that could be called upon to fill any security void at home.

Arizona's Brewer Vetoes School Bill

EDUCATION BEAT: An education bill is rejected by the governor in Arizona ... California universities seek to attract more out-of-state students ... Detroit schools send out thousands of pink slips, and more education news.

A Year Later, Arizona Leaders Stand Behind Immigration Law

TODAY'S TAKE: A year after the approval of SB 1070, the Arizona immigration law that sparked an economic boycott, a lawsuit and months of national debate, the state's leaders say the measure has been a success.

California's Brown Shifts Gears in Debate Over Prisons

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Governor Jerry Brown says tax extensions are necessary in California for public safety ... Crime labs close because of Alabama budget cuts ... Michigan reconsiders its sex offender rules, and other public safety news.

Arizona Approves Guns on College Campuses

TODAY'S TAKE: Three months after the shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords prompted calls for tougher gun restrictions around the country, lawmakers have loosened them in the state where the attack took place.

Brewer Reconsiders Organ Transplants

TODAY'S TAKE: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is open to restoring funds for potentially life-saving organ transplants for about 100 low-income residents. The transplant money was cut from the state budget amid national criticism last year.

Georgia Has Infrastructure Money in the Bank

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

Alabama Parents Go to Court Over Property Tax

EDUCATION BEAT: Alabama school advocates sue the state over funding ... Arizona senators approve drastic cuts to school budget ... New Jersey governor continues to battle teachers' unions, and other education news.

Arizona to Cut Fewer Adults from Medicaid

HEALTH BEAT: Governor Jan Brewer's latest plan spares thousands from losing Medicaid coverage, but could face federal opposition … The number of uninsured Americans rises to 52 million … Maine gets a federal waiver of insurance rules, and other health care news.

Arizona Medicaid Cuts Get Green Light, for Now

TODAY'S TAKE: Will Arizona cut a quarter of a million people from Medicaid to help balance its budget? The Obama administration says it can, but that doesn't mean the matter is settled.

States Eye Arizona-Like Immigration Measures

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Arizona's controversial immigration measure is getting a closer look from lawmakers in more than a dozen states … Cash-strapped legislatures weigh taxing marijuana and allowing Sunday alcohol sales … New programs help ex-offenders find jobs, and other social policy news.

Rendell Proposal: Allow Prisoners to Care for Dogs

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Pennsylvania's former governor plans a statewide initiative to pair stray dogs with prisoners … Arizona weighs upping corrections spending even as it dramatically slashes funding elsewhere … Michigan considers allowing guns in hospitals, casinos and stadiums, and other public safety news.

Christian Health Co-Ops Cater to 'Obamacare' Opponents

Religious groups that help members pay for medical treatment are exempt from key provisions of the new federal health law. As their popularity grows, some state officials are warning consumers to be wary of these unlicensed operators, while others see them as a welcome alternative to traditional health insurance.

Arizona State of the State Address 2011

PHOENIX, Arizona. - Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Jan Brewer's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Good afternoon. Speaker Adams, President Pearce, Honorable Senators and Representatives of the Centennial Legislature, Chief Justice Berch and Justices of the Supreme Court, constitutional o

Report Examines Fiscal Problems in Four Western States

TODAY'S TAKE: The fiscal problems facing four western states - Arizona, California, Colorado and Nevada - may be deeper than feared, partly because of structural deficits that existed before the recession, according to a new report from a regional think tank. The study highlights another western state, Utah, as having sound budgeting practices.

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.

In New Year, Seven States to Hike Minimum Wage

Nine to twelve cents isn't a lot, but those small, automatically triggered increases in the minimum wage will provide a modest New Year's present for workers in a minority of states that automatically increase their minimum wage levels at the start of every year.

Arizona's Next Immigration Debate: Babies Born in U.S.

Lawmakers in Arizona and more than a dozen other states want to pass laws that will force courts to decide whether to revoke the automatic citizenship of babies born in the United States, including those whose parents are in the country illegally.

Arizona's Brewer to Request Federal Waiver to Cut Medicaid

TRANSITION WATCH: Arizona's governor seeks new limits on Medicaid eligibility to balance the budget, Chet Culver's alternative energy program could be eliminated in Iowa and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States to Try Outsourcing Economic Development

Which works best - a government-run business promotion agency or a private one? We're about to learn some lessons.

Arizona Employer Law Nets Immigrants, Not Companies

PHOENIX - Arizona's three-year old law against companies that hire undocumented workers started a wave of workplace raids that led to the arrest of nearly 500 immigrants. But it has done very little to punish their employers.

Wisconsin Lawmakers Battle Over Union Contracts

TRANSITION WATCH: Democrats in Wisconsin look to approve lame-duck labor deals, Arizona contemplates its immigration encore, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

With Rick Scott as Governor, Merit Pay Plan for Florida Teachers May Pass

TRANSITION WATCH: Florida conservatives are eager to revisit merit pay, Arizona's Republican Senate President breaks with business groups on tax incentives and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Conservatives Battle for Tennessee House Speakership

TRANSITION WATCH: The Tea Party becomes involved in the race for Tennessee House speaker, Arizona contemplates a flat tax and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Few Incumbent Governors Likely to Fall

With high unemployment and pervasive bad news about state budgets, it seems incumbent governors would be in jeopardy of losing their jobs this year. But outside the Midwest, most sitting governors have the edge in their races Tuesday.

D.C. Hacking Raises Questions About Future of Online Voting

Security remains an obstacle to voting over the Internet. But more states may be tempted to experiment in order to comply with a new law concerning the rights of military and overseas voters.

Democrats Struggle to Generate Hispanic Participation

A lower Latino vote would signal trouble for the Democratic Party in November. So far, there are few signs of the confidence and hope that prevailed at the polls in the high-turnout year of 2008.

Painful Choices for Incoming Crop of State Leaders

A new report shows that voters are willing to make some sacrifices to avoid fiscal disaster. What they don't realize is how big those sacrifices might have to be.

Serving the Wide Open Spaces

Representing rural constituents is a chore when it takes a day's drive for a legislator to reach them. The problem is about to get worse.

Candidates Say 'No Thanks' to Debates

TODAY'S TAKE: Arizona, Michigan and Oregon are among the states with the nation's biggest budget problems, which may be why gubernatorial candidates in all three are avoiding debates. Their reluctance is raising concerns that voters will get nothing but scripted campaign messages ahead of crucial elections in November.

Arizona Fame Propels Kobach's Kansas Hopes

The most exciting statewide race in Kansas this November may be the campaign for secretary of state. The interest in the normally obscure contest comes largely because of the candidacy of Kris Kobach, a TV-friendly law professor who helped craft Arizona's controversial immigration law this spring.

Quick Turnarounds for Brewer, McCollum

TODAY'S TAKE: Not long ago, Arizona's Jan Brewer and Florida's Bill McCollum were seen as underdogs in their campaigns to capture their states' Republican gubernatorial nominations. Ahead of primary elections today (Aug. 24), both candidates are front-runners.

Can Politics Be Removed From Redistricting?

As state legislatures look ahead to next year's redistricting process, several states, including California and Florida, are discussing how to limit partisan tinkering with the maps. Iowa provides a good example of how to do that. But the experience of other states shows that removing politics from redistricting is harder to do than it sounds.

States Aim to Cut Energy Bills

The federal economic stimulus law gave states $3.2 billion to spend on energy efficiency. States are finding creative ways to leverage those dollars to retrofit universities, hospitals, schools and prisons for energy savings.

Many Reactions Follow Arizona Ruling

TODAY'S TAKE: Arizona Governor Jan Brewer is promising a fast-track legal appeal of a court ruling Wednesday (July 28) that invalidated key parts of the state's new immigration law. The ruling will have broad ramifications not only legally, but politically.

On Immigration, Five States Look to Arizona

TODAY'S TAKE: The explosive Arizona immigration measure that Governor Jan Brewer signed into law in April is scheduled to go into effect on Thursday (July 29), even as the federal government sues to block it. Meanwhile, at least five states are weighing similar laws, according to a new report.