Stateline Stories

Maryland Repeals Death Penalty

Maryland has executed five people since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But nobody else will be sentenced to death in the Old Line State.

Legislatures Consider Limits on Prisoner Deportations Through Secure Communities

As Congress considers major revisions to federal immigration laws, legislators in a few states are trying to curb the federal government’s power to deport immigrants who land in jail.

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.

Governors Promote Employment for People With Disabilities

A yearlong initiative at the National Governors Association examines the roles that states and businesses can play in finding jobs for people with disabilities.

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.

Northeastern States To Drastically Cut Emissions Cap

Nine Northeastern states will drastically cut the region’s carbon cap under proposed changes to the region’s cap-and- trade program, they announced Thursday.

Obama Sends $50.5 billion Sandy Relief Package to States

Federal aid is finally headed to the Atlantic Coast states, three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged their shores.

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.

Cuomo Proposes “NY Green Bank” To Spur Renewable Energy Investments

Governor Andrew Cuomo has proposed creating a $1 billion “NY Green Bank,” a quasi-independent authority that would provide capital for energy projects, aiming to improve coordination across state government and open the door to projects that might struggle to attract investment on their own.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2013

HARTFORD, Connecticut -- Jan 9 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dannel Malloy's (D) 2013 State of the State Address

California Lawmaker Proposes New Controls on Bullet Sales

In an effort to curb gun violence, a California lawmaker has proposed legislation that would tighten oversight of bullet sales.

As Sandy Hook Students Return to School, Connecticut Governor to Launch Gun Violence Task Force

Still reeling from the elementary school massacre that shocked the nation, Connecticut has launched an expert panel that will study current policy and make recommendations on school safety, mental health and gun violence prevention, Governor Dan Malloy said Thursday.

Northeast Governors Outraged About Sandy Aid Delay

Frustration boiled over on Wednesday, the day after the U.S. House, finishing up a compromise to avert the nation’s “fiscal cliff,” scrapped a vote on the $60.4 billion relief plan approved last month by the Senate.

Bullet Tax Proposal Is New Twist in Gun-Control Debate

Today’s Take: The school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut isn’t just prompting gun-control proposals. It’s generating bullet-control proposals, too.

Connecticut Health Agency Fights Desperation Among the Insured

The Affordable Care Act encourages states to create insurance watchdogs like Connecticut’s Office of the Healthcare Advocate.

Another Mass Shooting Revives Debate on Gun Laws

Another mass shooting is fueling another debate about the nation’s patchwork of gun laws. But this time some new and prominent faces are calling for the stricter gun measures.

Connecticut Governor Looks Back on a Tough Two Years

Connecticut has been hit three times in the last year by natural disasters and now faces a new $415 million budget shortfall. In an interview with Stateline, the governor looks ahead and spells out how he plans to balance the budget.

More States Dig into Libor Scandal

As lawsuits and inquiries mount, more states are looking into the rate-rigging scandal.

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

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.

In Connecticut, Death Row Inmates Get Trial on Sentencing Fairness

Seven of Connecticut’s last 11 death row inmates are challenging their sentences, saying they were arbitrarily applied and based partly on race and geography.

Best of #StateReads: On Further Review, Georgia Dropout Rate Doubles

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

A Fight Over Food Labels in California

A ballot measure to require labeling of genetically modified foods has brought big money and prominent players to the table.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Changed Minds on the Death Penalty

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

Connecticut Revisits Old-School Medicaid Financing

While most states are banking on managed care to hold down Medicaid costs, Connecticut has a different plan. The state has returned to directly reimbursing health care providers.

Connecticut's Pro-Worker Measures Leave Business Feeling Resentful

HARTFORD - Last year, Democrats in Connecticut required private companies to give paid sick days to thousands of mostly low-wage employees. This year, they are considering raising the minimum wage from $8.25 to $9.75 an hour. Business interests are crying foul.

Secure Communities Program Draws Criticism in Two States

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: An immigration control effort stirs complaints of federal intrusion into local and state law enforcement.

Report Finds 80 Percent Recidivism Rate in Connecticut

TODAY'S TAKE: A detailed state report to be released today (February 15) finds that nearly 80 percent of men released from Connecticut prisons in 2005 were arrested again by 2010.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2012

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Feb. 8 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dannel Malloy's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Senator McKinney, Representative Cafero, my fellow state officials, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly, honored members of the Judiciary, mem

State Commissioners Ask EPA for Stricter Vehicle and Fuel Standards

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Several state environmental commissioners say that new federal vehicle and fuel standards would be a boon to public health.

Special Sessions: A Calculated Risk

The legislative year ended for most states during the summer, but special sessions are bringing many lawmakers back to their capitals. The success of such sessions can depend on the behind-the-scenes deal-making that precedes them.

Connecticut Approves Bipartisan Jobs Plan

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: State lawmakers in Connecticut eased business regulations, created new tax credits and authorized infrastructure improvements in an overwhelmingly bipartisan, $626 million job-creation effort.

Labor Scuffles Continue in New York and Connecticut

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Most of the Connecticut employees laid off as a result of a battle over contract concessions this summer have since been rehired. Meanwhile, New York sent 3,500 workers layoff notices after rank-and-file members of a large union rejected an agreement last week.

Several States Quick to Opt for No Child waivers

TODAY'S TAKE: Connecticut, Oregon, New Mexico and Wisconsin immediately said they would seek waivers from key requirements of the No Child Left Behind law, an option announced by the president on Friday (September 23).

Special Legislative Sessions to Focus on Jobs

ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: Deficit reduction may be the talk in Washington, but job creation is the priority in the states. Connecticut and Missouri are planning special sessions on economic development.

On Second Try, Connecticut Unions Ratify Contracts

MANAGEMENT BEAT: State workers avert 5,500 layoffs by agreeing to a wage freeze and major changes to retirement and health care benefits.

Income Tax Hikes Take Effect in Connecticut

TODAY'S TAKE: Starting today (August 1), many Connecticut workers will see smaller paychecks, due to income tax increases approved by the legislature earlier this year. Some workers may be surprised at the size of the deductions, which are retroactive to January.

Connecticut Unions Seek to Avert Widespread Layoffs

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Rank-and-file state employees in Connecticut unexpectedly turned down new contracts in June, rejecting an agreement between union leaders and Governor Dannel Malloy. Now a high-stakes re-vote will determine the fate of 6,500 positions.

Layoffs Loom in Connecticut, New York

MANAGEMENT BEAT: High-stakes deals between government and public employees in New York and Connecticut hinge on ratification by rank-and-file union members. Thousands of state jobs hang in the balance.

Maryland Bridge Tolls Could Double

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Maryland officials are considering higher bridge tolls for the first time since 1975 ... Michigan revisits its motorcycle helmet law … Connecticut's governor finds out that the public loves highway rest stops, and other transportation news.

Can Nonprofit News Survive?

Online startups such as Minnesota's MinnPost, The Texas Tribune, the Connecticut Mirror and California Watch have established themselves as must-reads among aficionados of statehouse news. The question is whether they can raise enough money to keep going.

Michigan Governor Renews Push for Canadian Bridge

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Michigan's Rick Snyder makes a new push for a second bridge between Detroit and Canada … Rejecting federal funds for a commuter rail tunnel costs New Jersey $225,000 a month … Connecticut struggles to protect transportation funding, and other transportation news.

As It Hikes Taxes, Connecticut Expects a $1 Billion Budget Surplus

TODAY'S TAKE: The $40 billion state budget that Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signed into law earlier this month contains an expected surplus of $1 billion, even as it raises a host of taxes on residents.

Connecticut Keeps Capital Punishment, for Now

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A last-minute change of heart by two legislators in Connecticut means that the state is unlikely to repeal the death penalty this year.

Pink Slips Go Out to 4,743 Connecticut Workers

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Malloy makes a final push for union concessions … Washington debates privatization of back-office functions … A pension compromise in Kansas, and other management news.

Several States Wrap Up Their Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: Lawmakers in Connecticut, Florida, Missouri and Vermont have finished their budgets or are expected to do so this week, while Alaska is closing in on a deal to end a divisive special session over spending.

Connecticut Tax Package Clears Key Hurdle

TODAY'S TAKE: In a 3 a.m. vote, the Connecticut Senate today (May 3) signed off on a series of sweeping tax increases proposed by Governor Dannel Malloy. House approval is expected later in the day.

Connecticut Governor, Lawmakers Agree to Package of Tax Hikes

TODAY'S TAKE: After weeks of negotiations, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and legislative leaders reached accord Wednesday (April 20) on a budget that will hike taxes on income, corporations, inheritance, alcohol, cigarettes and gasoline.

Connecticut's Dan Malloy Seeks Balance in a Year of Confrontation

This is a time of angry ideological showdowns in budget-writing all over the country. But you wouldn't know it to look at Connecticut. There, the governor is convinced he can prevail by sticking to a centrist course.

Connecticut Governor Seeks to Avoid Public Employee Layoffs

MANAGEMENT BEAT: The struggle over public employee concessions in Connecticut ... the prospect of salary cuts in Pennsylvania ... arguments about a pro-worker mural in Maine, and other government management news.

Governors React to Medicaid Block Grant Proposal

HEALTH BEAT: A GOP plan to turn Medicaid into a block grant gets mixed reviews … A new study predicts some big states will pay a huge tab for Medicaid expansion … Raising Medicare's eligibility age would shift costs to state retiree health benefit plans, and other health care news.

Surprisingly Small Tuition Increase in Connecticut

EDUCATION BEAT: Connecticut avoids big tuition hike ... School consolidation resisted in Arkansas ... New law cracks down on teacher strikes in Michigan, and other education news.

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.

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.

Two Governors See Need for Major Tax Increases

TODAY'S TAKE: Democratic Governors Dannel Malloy in Connecticut and Mark Dayton in Minnesota are detailing plans to sharply hike taxes as a way out of multi-billion dollar budget shortfalls.

Even in this Economy, States Struggle to Recruit IT Personnel

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Qualified IT staff remain difficult for states to recruit … Legislators eye state websites for ad revenue … A defined contribution plan may raise pension costs in Kentucky, and other government management news.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2011

HARTFORD, Connecticut - Jan. 5 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Dannel Malloy's (D) 2011 inaugural address. It is included in place of a state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Senator McKinney, Representative Cafero, my fellow state officials, ladies and gentlemen of the General Asse

Connecticut's Malloy Ponders DMV Overhaul

TRANSITION WATCH: Connecticut's governor-elect considers reorganizing his state's Department of Motor Vehicles, Wisconsin's incoming governor appoints a Medicaid critic, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Maine Republican Legislators Contemplate End to Labor Committee

TRANSITION WATCH: Maine Republicans seek to fold historic panel, Connecticut's pension gap gets bigger, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Oklahoma House Republicans Question Leader's Conservatism

TRANSITION WATCH: Kris Steele's focus on economic issues angers some right-leaning Oklahoma Republicans, Connecticut's new governor is likely to dictate the fate of tens of millions of state e-mails, and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Peter Shumlin Picks a Team of Rivals

TRANSITION WATCH: Vermont's governor-elect appoints former political opponents, Iowa's thrifty transition and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Cuomo's Transition Team Heavy With Lobbyists

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

Culver Preempts Branstad By Inking Pay Raise With Iowa Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Iowa's outgoing governor locks in his successor with higher employee salaries, California's Jerry Brown wants to flatten the structure of the governor's office, 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.

Tuesday's Primary Night is a Nail-Biter

TODAY'S TAKE: Primary elections for governor in four states Tuesday provided plenty of drama. The run-off election between the top two Georgia Republicans still appeared too close to call Wednesday morning, while Minnesota Democrats look to have narrowly avoided a recount. In Colorado and Connecticut, victory went to candidates who, until recently, were largely unknown.

Public Financing Upends Governor's Races

TODAY'S TAKE: A national debate over state campaign finance systems and the First Amendment is hitting the courts just in time for election season. Gubernatorial campaigns in Arizona, Connecticut and Florida already have been affected substantially.

Connecticut's Wild Week

TODAY'S TAKE: It's been a wild week in Connecticut politics. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, is fighting accusations that he lied about serving in Vietnam. The state's highest court found that Democratic Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz - who was hoping to take over Blumenthal's job - isn't eligible to run for it because she doesn't have enough experience as a lawyer. And with two days to go before the party's nominating convention, the fireworks might not be over yet.

Connecticut, D.C. Leap at Medicaid Expansion

TODAY'S TAKE: Only Connecticut and the District of Columbia have jumped at the chance to expand Medicaid under the new federal health care law. Both jurisdictions have submitted early applications to the federal government to shift tens of thousands of residents from existing, locally paid health plans to Medicaid, the joint state-federal health insurance program for the poor. The move could save Connecticut and D.C. tens of millions of dollars.

Why Summer Jobs Are Getting Harder to Find

Last summer, the federal stimulus helped put nearly 320,000 disadvantaged teens and young adults to work. As this summer approaches, most of the stimulus dollars are gone and temporary jobs are harder for young people to find.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2010

HARTFORD, Conn. - Feb. 3 - Following is a transcript of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Williams, members and guests: We gather today to mark the opening of the 2010 legislative session and we do so at a time of continued challenge, continued anxiety.

Summary of the Connecticut State of the State Address

Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell, a Republican, focused on ways to create jobs and cut the deficit in a sobering state of the state address Feb. 3. She called out the state's Democratic-controlled legislature for partisan bickering at a time when a devastating economic recession has thrown 94,000 residents out of work and caused a deep fiscal crisis.

Weekly Wrap: Rating Agency Slams Conn. on Borrowing

Agency lowers Conn. credit outlook; federal broadband grants will be delayed a month; and confusion continues on stimulus job claims.

Weekly Wrap: Streamlining State Government

State leaders warn that the recession may force fundamental changes in state government. Louisiana and Virginia prepare to lay off more than 1,100 state workers. And two months into the current fiscal year, Arizona and Connecticut pass budgets, leaving only Pennsylvania without a 2010 spending plan.

Budget Cuts Drive DMV Changes

Drivers going to the department of motor vehicles will likely face longer lines and higher service fees in several states as recession-ravaged budgets force the shutdown of branch offices, a reduced work force and the need to raise revenue.

Tracking the Recession: Buyouts Lure 9,000 State Workers Into Retirement

As layoffs and furloughs undermine the job security traditionally associated with state employment, at least six states are offering buyouts to tighten their belts without fracturing morale. But some worry this payroll-reduction technique may not save as much money as anticipated.

Tax-Hike Plan Fuels Pa. Budget Standoff

California this week closed a staggering $24 billion budget deficit. But in a handful of other state capitals, like this one two hours west of Philadelphia, deeply unpopular fiscal choices still loom for lawmakers who have failed to pass long-overdue spending plans.

Furloughs Cut Into State Services

With states facing a $121 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year, a growing number of them have turned to squeezing their workforce for savings, and effects both great and small will be felt.

With Crisis as Catalyst, Govs Push Big Changes

Governors are using the economic crisis to sell big changes in how state and local jurisdictions operate, promising overhauls that could alter the face of government around the country. Their proposals range from sharing state helicopters between Minnesota and Wisconsin to shrinking Pennsylvania's system of 500 school districts to just 100.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2009

HARTFORD, Conn. - Jan. 7 - Following is a transcript of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Williams, Members of the Legislature and guests: Welcome to the official opening of the 2009 regular session of the Connecticut General Assembly. The start of a new s

Economy Could Imperil State Readiness

Budget cuts could undermine the progress states have made to respond to public health emergencies and natural disasters, such as the recent wildfires in California and outbreaks of Salmonella on tainted vegetables that sickened more than 1, 440 people in 43 states, says a new report released Dec. 9.

Shifting Economy Keeps States Guessing

A month from the start of many legislative sessions, state leaders still don't know how much money they will have to cut from budgets.

Gay Marriage on the Ballot in 4 States

Click here for Stateline.org's rundown of major issues on this year's ballot. (opens PDF) (Updated 11:21 a.m. EDT, Oct. 22, 2008)In the wake of Connecticut's Oct. 10 high court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, voters in three states will decide in November whether to roll back or prevent a similar ruling by defining marriage in their state constitutions as a union between a man and a woman. In Connecticut, a ballot proposal to rewrite the state charter has become a platform to reverse the high court's ruling.

Three States Weigh Calls for New Charters

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues Voters in Connecticut, Hawaii and Illinois will decide this year whether to convene constitutional conventions that could alter the framework of their state governments. Proponents hope the conventions would bring about much-needed changes; opponents worry the results would be unworkable.

Turf Wars Rage Over Fake Grass

State legislators are used to political turf wars. Now, debates in a handful of states really are about turf, pitting those who back the artificial variety against supporters of natural grass for playgrounds and athletic fields.

Partisan Mix in R.I., Conn. Poses Challenges

The blue states of Connecticut and Rhode Island have had a long tradition of electing Republican governors. But in both states, the combination has led at times to difficult - even chaotic - policymaking.

WORTH NOTING: Rival school's 'nay' is fodder for April Fool's Day

Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R) invites her state's top cop to investigate basketball rivals in Tennessee. Communists could get a break in California. And Missouri lawyers are told to pipe down when talking to kids. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: Lt. Governors May Pass on New York

Can New York host a lieutenant governors' shindig without a lieutenant governor? Some New England residents want to air their laundry - the clean kind. And a New Jersey man sues for a bribe that went bust. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Lead Push for Paid Sick Days

In the midst of this year's flu epidemic, nearly half of all U.S. workers who fall ill or have sick kids must decide whether to stay home and lose wages or go to work sick and expose others, a choice many say no one should have to make. Lawmakers in 12 states and the District of Columbia are considering bills that would make paid sick days a minimum labor standard.

Connecticut State of the State Address 2008

HARTFORD, Conn. - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's web site to view the address. Thank you. Thank you all. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Williams, ladies and gentlemen of the House and Senate, friends and g

Some states reconsider youth sex laws

Lawmakers across the country continue to mete out harsh punishments to sex offenders - from satellite tracking to the death penalty - but a handful of states have eased up on penalties in cases of youths prosecuted for consensual sex.

Report: Women govs get high marks

Women running for governor still have to work harder than men, but once elected, voters think female governors are better at getting things done and solving problems than their male counterparts, new research released Nov. 29 shows.

New Laws Take 'Romeo' Into Account

A handful of states are trying to draw clearer distinctions between sexual predators and young offenders who pose less of a risk, such as those involved in consensual sexual encounters.

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.

AGs Aim to Make MySpace a Safe Space

Under pressure from state attorneys general, the popular social-networking Web site MySpace agreed Monday to turn over information on thousands of sex offenders it kicked off its site in early May.

Paris pleads for a pardon

Socialite Paris Hilton appeals to the California governor's vanity to get a "stay out of jail" pass. Wisconsin declares one of its towns the birthplace of the hamburger. And a teenager is bombarded with calls meant for Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D). In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Wax Fluorescent

What's the latest bright idea to save energy? Lawmakers in at least seven states want to ban ordinary light bulbs in favor of longer-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescents.

Power Prices Put Utilities in the Hot Seat

Spurred by skyrocketing power bills, lawmakers in at least six states are considering reining in electric utilities that were freed from regulation in the late 1990s.

States Tackle Texting Behind the Wheel

Legislators in three states are targeting text messaging to keep drivers' thumbs on the wheel and off the tiny keypads of their cell phones or wireless devices in the latest crackdown on distracted driving. Four states plus the District of Columbia already forbid chatting on hand-held cell phones -- a de facto ban on texting.