Stateline Stories

Despite Governors’ Opposition, Strong Southern Support for Medicaid Expansion

New poll shows Deep South politicians are out of step with their constituents on Medicaid expansion.

NFL Plays Offense to Get Public Money for Stadiums

Why are so many teams asking taxpayers to build new pro football stadiums this year?

Sequester Cuts at Justice Department Threaten Local Drug Investigations

The partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C. threatens to curb drug investigations in rural communities.

Transit Repair Backlog Will Get Renewed Focus

The condition of bus and train transit systems will soon draw more attention because of a new federal law. The extra scrutiny could put pressure on state lawmakers to address their share of a $78 billion national backlog of transit repairs and upgrades.

Georgia State of the State Address 2013

ATLANTA, Georgia -- Jan. 17 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nathan Deal's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

U.S. Senate Committee Probes “School-to-Prison Pipeline”

Education, civil rights and public safety leaders discussed ways to dismantle the “school-to-prison pipeline” on Capitol Hill this week.

Tax Breaks for Sale: Transferable Tax Credits Explained

States offer billions of dollars of tax incentives that businesses can sell to other businesses. Here’s why they do it and how it works.

Best of #StateReads: California Leads U.S. Pay Giveaway

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

Best of #StateReads: “State Faces Major Doctor Shortage”

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

Dam Inspectors Fear the Deluge

Each year, more dams in the United States show signs of disrepair. Meanwhile, the money to fix them grows harder to find.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Confronts Crime by Parolees and Probationers

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

State Scholarship Changes Could Cost Students

Legislators in Arkansas are considering tying scholarship levels to academic progress.

Best of #StateReads: Kentucky Judges Review Child-Abuse List

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

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

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

Federal Court Blocks Parts of Anti-Immigration Law in Alabama, Georgia

A federal appeals court on Monday blocked several provisions of anti-immigration laws in Alabama and Georgia, while leaving intact each state’s so-called “so me your papers” policies.

Transportation Tax Fails in Atlanta, Much of Georgia

Metro Atlanta voters soundly rejected a $7.2 billion plan that supporters said was needed to “untie” the region’s gridlocked transportation system and attract a wealth of young talent. Voters in most other Georgia districts followed suit.

Campus Mergers Bring Big Changes but Questionable Savings

Georgia and New Jersey are hoping to build major public research universities through mergers. Will they work?

Georgia Ponders Spending Billions on Roads and Rails

Voters will decide July 31 whether to pay more sales taxes to pay for dozens of road and rail improvements aimed at reducing congestion.

Questions Swirl Around Nuclear Cost Recovery

Charging ratepayers for nuclear plant construction made sense to many legislatures a few years ago. Attitudes have shifted since then.

Best of #StateReads: Dangerous Times in New Jersey Halfway Houses

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

Public School Alternatives Gather Steam in States

Louisiana gave advocates of charter schools, vouchers and other publicly funded education alternatives everything they could have asked for, but opposition remained fierce elsewhere.

Troubled Times at the State Fair

State Fairs are facing a budget crunch, and one solution is to turn them over to private ownership.

Best of #StateReads: Inside Deals for Louisiana Oil Leases Last Decades

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

Two States, Two Different Paths on Charter Schools

Legislators in Georgia want to the state to be able to create new charter schools without local approval, while legislators in New Jersey would like to slow down the process by requiring local consent.

Labor Shortages Lead Businesses to Support Help for Undocumented Workers

Business groups, especially in agriculture, are pushing several state measures to aid immigrant laborers who are in the country illegally. But many of those efforts are treading on uncertain legal ground.

Georgia Senate Approves Limits on Protests

MANAGEMENT BEAT: A new measure would ban mass pickets at private residences and near businesses and impose penalties.

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.

Georgia State of the State Address 2012

ATLANTA, Georgia - January 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nathan Deal's (R) 2012 state of the state address: Lt. Governor, Mr. Speaker, President Pro Tem Williams, Speaker Pro Tem Jones, Members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, Members of the Judiciary,

Infographic: Southern Strength

Republican dominance in the South started with presidential elections and only later came to statehouses.

Troy Davis Case Prompts Second Look at Eyewitness Identification Rules

Research overwhelmingly suggests that people aren't very good at picking criminals out of a police lineup. State legislatures, the courts and police departments have been slow to respond but are starting to adjust their practices.

Cyber Cafe Gambling Gets Close Scrutiny

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Are Internet cafes that offer games with prizes really fronts for illegal gambling? From Ohio to Florida, states are vowing to crack down on what they worry is unlawful gaming activity.

Georgia Work$ Jobs Program Holds Lessons for Obama

President Obama next week is expected to propose a national version of Georgia Work$, an eight-year-old state program that places Georgia residents receiving unemployment checks into unpaid training positions in an effort to get them full-time jobs. The program is popular on both sides of the aisle, including with congressional Republicans, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

Health Care Law is Bigger Challenge for Some States

TODAY'S TAKE: Eight states will face the greatest difficulties in handling the influx of new Medicaid patients expected after the federal Affordable Care Act goes into full effect in 2014, a new study says.

Coming This Fall: Big Tuition Hikes

More than half the states cut funding for higher education this year, in some cases by more than 20 percent. The result will be double-digit tuition increases for hundreds of thousands of students and their families.

Georgia Wins Water Wars Victory in Court

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Appeals court aids Georgia in water dispute with Alabama and Florida ... California delays cap-and-trade ... New York moves toward allowing natural gas drilling and more energy and environment news.

Georgia Rewrites Its Trial Rules, Replacing a 19th Century System

A little-noticed new law in Georgia amounts to a homework assignment for the state's 34,000 lawyers and judges: learn a new set of courtroom procedures by the end of next year.

California, New Jersey Offer Low-Fee Unemployment Cards

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: California and New Jersey offer the best prepaid cards with the fewest fees to access unemployment benefits … Florida uses Twitter to help find homes for foster children ... Nine states could face penalties for missing welfare's work participation thresholds, and other social policy news.

States Boost Security After bin Laden Raid

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Homeland security officials warn of possible reprisals after the U.S. killing of terror leader Osama bin Laden … California Governor Jerry Brown grants parole to convicted killers … A major court overhaul moves ahead in Florida, and other public safety news.

Interstate Compacts Offer New Weapon Against Health Care Plan

An obscure provision in the U.S. Constitution allows states to join together and ask Congress to supersede a federal law. Some conservatives are trying to use that method to derail the Obama health care act.

Indiana Legislature Approves Sweeping School Voucher Bill

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

Georgia Shows the Pitfalls of Modernizing a State Tax Code

Economists agree that a broader tax base with lower rates is a good idea. But try getting it enacted.

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.

Georgia Set to Pass Arizona-Style Immigration Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Georgia concludes its 40-day legislative session today (April 14), but not before lawmakers debate an Arizona-style immigration crackdown. Supporters and critics of the proposal agree that some form of the measure will pass.

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.

Illinois Debates School Consolidation

EDUCATION BEAT: School consolidation plan earns mixed reviews in Illinois ... Georgia's first-of-its-kind HOPE scholarships are in danger of running out of money ... Budget cuts could force some Michigan colleges and universities to close, and more education news from the states.

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.

Movement to Shrink Class Size Falters Amid Budget Austerity

A decade ago, it was an article of faith around the country that pupils learn better in less crowded classrooms. That idea is proving to be a casualty of the recession.

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.

Scott Puts Road Projects on Hold During Review

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Florida's governor delays $500 million for transportation projects ... the Texas DOT could be in for a remaking ... mayors seek Great Lakes basin study, and other transportation news.

Georgia State of the State Address 2011

ATLANTA, Georgia - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Nathan Deal's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lt. Governor, Mr. Speaker, President Pro Tem Williams, Speaker Pro Tem Jones, Members of the General Assembly, Constitutional Officers, Members of the Judiciary, my fellow Georgians: The addre

Jerry Brown to Abolish California Inspector General Office

TRANSITION WATCH: California's governor-elect kills a watchdog office to save $700,000, Nevada's incoming governor considers budget plans that trouble local governments and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Texas Again Leads Nation in Executions; Ohio a Distant Second

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas executed more than twice as many inmates in 2010 as the next-closest state, Ohio, according to a new report. Nationally, states executed 46 prisoners this year, a 12-percent decline from last year.

Alabama Ethics Law Angers Teachers Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Alabama Republicans restrict payroll deductions used to boost a leading teachers' group, Wisconsin Democrats' last gasp at contracts for public workers fails and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Party Switch Gives Texas House Republicans Supermajority

TRANSITION WATCH: Two-thirds control of the House means Texas Republicans can overcome Democratic delaying tactics, outgoing governors issue their final pardons, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Governors-Elect Plan Low-Budget Inaugural Celebrations

TRANSITION WATCH: New governors arrange no-frills inaugurations as acts of symbolism, redistricting roles are reversed in Ohio, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Pat Quinn Rehires His Old Chief of Staff as an Adviser

TRANSITION WATCH: Jerry Stermer returns three months after he resigned in Illinois, charges of nepotism in South Dakota and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

Trickle of Democratic Legislators Become Republicans

TRANSITION WATCH: Fewer state-level Democrats are becoming Republicans than in 1994, new Speakers of the House are elected in Montana and Tennessee and other news of the historic shift in power in the states

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.

Early and Absentee Voting Erode Election Day Tradition

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

How Many Ex-Governors Will Win?

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

Governor Debates Heat Up

TODAY'S TAKE: With less than three weeks to go until Election Day, hostility is on the rise in campaigns for governor. The sharper edge has been on display in several debates this week.

Fatal Accident Rattles Georgia Governor Race

TODAY'S TAKE: A car collision that killed a teenage driver and injured the daughter and two granddaughters of Georgia gubernatorial candidate Roy Barnes has temporarily placed his campaign on hold.

Georgia Work$ Expands

A nationally recognized re-employment program called Georgia Work$ is expanding to include all jobless workers, whether they're receiving unemployment benefits or not. New Hampshire and Missouri have copied the successful on-the-job training program that already has given thousands of job seekers a chance at a new career.

Roy Barnes' Campaign of Contrition

ATLANTA -- In the 2002 governor's race, incumbent Roy Barnes lost to Sonny Perdue in one of the biggest upsets in Georgia political history. Now, as Barnes campaigns to win back his old office, can he pull off an upset of his own?

This State Park Brought to You By...

Faced with the prospect of closing parks or facilities, some states are turning to a funding opportunity long considered taboo: sponsorship agreements with corporations.

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.

As Some States Close Highway Rest Stops, Others See Roadside Revenue

In the South and West, providing drivers a sanctuary on the Interstate costs states dollars they don't have. But many Northeastern states make lots of money by commercializing rest areas. The difference is due to an obscure federal law that critics want to change.

Sales Tax Holidays: Easy to Sell but Hard to Justify

This time of year, politicians love to give shoppers a break on clothes, shoes and back-to-school supplies. The short bursts of tax relief are popular with consumers and retailers, but tax experts say the benefits are oversold.

Five Ex-Governors on Ballot in November

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

As Scholarship Programs Strain, Will Students Begin to Lose HOPE?

Georgia's landmark HOPE scholarship program was the first to give college students a free ride in exchange for earning good grades. Now, merit-based scholarships in Georgia and other states that copied the idea are threatened by a convergence of economic factors.

Ga. Lawmakers Break Transportation Gridlock

After years of debating how to raise funds for unclogging highways and boosting transit, Georgia lawmakers have struck a compromise. The approach relies on officials from regions around the state to cooperate with each other like they never have before.

The Ever-growing Sex Offender Registry

Under separate state Supreme Court decisions issued days apart in Georgia and Wisconsin last month, two men who did not commit sex crimes must register as sex offenders. Their offense - a crime known as "false imprisonment" - was deemed to warrant inclusion on public registries even if there was nothing sexual about it.The cases reflect a growing debate in the courts and in legislatures. As states crack down on sex offenders, including less serious and even non-sex offenders in online registries, does the value of such registries diminish?

Summary of the Georgia State of the State Address

Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue used his last state of the state address to reminisce about his seven years in office, relate the state's fiscal crisis to other challenges in American history and admonish the Republican-majority legislature to make the tough decisions needed to improve the state's future.

Georgia State of the State Address 2010

ATLANTA, Ga. - Jan. 13 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sonny Perdue's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, President Pro Tem Williams, Speaker Pro Tem Jones … Members of the General Assembly. Constitutional officers and members of the judiciary. The Consular Corps and other dis

Ga. Work Program Grows, Attracts Followers

As states struggle to help legions of jobless workers find employment, some are seeking advice from Georgia, where a growing number of people are landing jobs as a result of free tryouts sponsored by the state unemployment system. Georgia plans to expand the proven program in hopes of spurring private-sector hiring.

States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds

Faced with historic revenue drops, lawmakers in states across the country tapped rainy day funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the recession following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more seem poised to join them.

At Least 26 States Spend Less on Prisons

The recession is taking a dramatic toll on what had been one of the fastest-growing areas of state government spending: prisons. A new survey says corrections budgets are down in at least 26 states, with prison officials laying off workers or reducing their pay, eliminating vocational and other programs for inmates and granting some prisoners early release.

Weekly Wrap: Bullet Point Dramatizes Crisis

Mississippi's "down budget times" have led to the rationing of highway patrol ammo. Fallout from the recession is likely to mean higher fees for would-be Cal State students. It's delaying tax refunds in several states. Vermont had some good news - it ended the budget year that ended June 30 in the black. For a quick update on how the economic crisis is affecting states, read Stateline.org's "Weekly wrap."

Ga. Hotline Aims to Cut Mental Health Costs

Even as the recession chips away at mental health services across the country, Georgia's around-the-clock psychiatric hotline is finding a way to weather the storm - and other states are watching closely.

States Roll Out Plans for 'Smarter' Roads

Nearly half the states plan to use some of their federal stimulus funds to pay for high-tech gadgets that will reduce congestion, help the environment and create jobs quickly.

Tracking the Recession: A Chat With Two State Leaders

Two prominent state legislative leaders, a North Carolina Democrat and a Georgia Republican, offer an early take on whether the stimulus is working in their states.

Tracking the Recession: Credit Crunch Eases Slightly

It's still hard for states to borrow money, but Georgia shows it's not impossible.

State Leaders Struggle With Tough Cuts

The recession is forcing governors and legislators to cut services and raise taxes and fees. They'd rather make a difference in other ways.

Georgia State of the State Address 2009

ATLANTA, Ga. - Jan. 14 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sonny Perdue's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, President Pro Tem Williams, Speaker Pro Tem Burkhalter … Members of the General Assembly.

Nasty Judicial Races Renew Complaints

Another bruising campaign season in judicial elections has spurred calls for reform from advocacy groups, lawyers and others in the legal community, but fierce debate persists over how exactly state judges should be chosen.

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.

Report: Voting Glitches Could Disrupt Election

In two weeks, the American voting system will be stressed as never before with record voter registration and expected large turnouts. But the greatest pressure will fall on 11 battleground states whose stars are aligned for an election debacle: tight races coupled with radical changes in their voting systems.

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Teachers Lured From Struggling States

One state's misfortune is another's opportunity, as out-of-state recruiters hire teachers away from states with large budget gaps.

Republicans Deal With More Stormy Weather

The weather isn't being kind to the Republicans. The threat from Hurricane Gustav, which hit the Gulf Coast and canceled partisan festivities at the start of the Minnesota convention, is dissipating just as another potential hurricane threatens to send East Coast delegates fleeing before the close of the convention.

WORTH NOTING: Scout Takes a Hike from Maryland Mansion

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley evicts Scout, one of his family's dogs, from the governor's mansion. The Colorado Lottery turns to scratch-and-sniff to attract customers. And a Florida prisoner launches a bid for the state House. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

WORTH NOTING: ...And The Lobbyist Makes Three

Three's a crowd when Georgia lobbyists foot Valentine's Day bills. Midget wrestling gets pinned in Iowa. And an epidemic of faux pas hits lawmakers. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Immigration Roils States

States took the lead on immigration reform in 2006 enacting a record 78 immigration-control laws in 33 states. Immigration will continue to dominate state politics this year even as a new Democratically-controlled Congress considers taking up the issue.

Georgia State of the State Address 2008

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Jan. 15 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Sonny Perdue's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, President Pro Tem Johnson, Speaker Pro Tem Burkhalter and members of the General Assembly… My fellow co

Drought pushes states to find new fixes

As states across the country struggle to find new solutions to water shortages in the continuing drought, governors of three Southern states - locked in a battle over a Georgia lake - turned to Washington, D.C., in search of a truce. Other states' policymakers also are responding to parched conditions.

GOP Rules Amid Bickering in Georgia Statehouse

Republicans who control Georgia state government reverted to name-calling and charges of temper tantrums during the 2007 legislative session, one of the longest in state history and noted more for its failures than its accomplishments.

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.

Govs' Speeches Send Grads on Their Way

Like any graduating class, the crop of governors giving commencement addresses in 2007 had its own standouts.

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.