Stateline Stories

Boston Bombings Show Future Use for Police Drones

The manhunt for the Boston Marathon bombers has raised fresh questions about the use of domestic drones by law enforcement.

After Boston Bombings, a Failure of Communications

Congress approved $7 billion to build a national public safety broadband network, but making it work will require buy-in from 60,000 public safety agencies. The Boston Marathon bombings gave fresh urgency to the issue.

Balancing State and Federal Roles in Boston Bomber Case

Accused Boston bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was charged with federal crimes of terrorism that carry the potential for a death sentence. Does it matter that Massachusetts doesn’t have the death penalty?

Security Cameras Were Key to Finding Boston Bombers

Will the successful use of video analysis to identify the suspect accused of planting explosives near the finish line of the Boston Marathon spark a new push for more surveillance cameras in American cities?

After Expanding Coverage, Health Care Pioneer Seeks to Tame Costs

The Affordable Care Act will extend health care coverage to almost everybody. Now states are moving on to the next frontier in health care reform: containing costs. Once again, Massachusetts is taking the lead by putting its health care industry on an annual budget and requiring all insurers and medical providers to make detailed price lists available to the public.

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.

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.

Gas Tax Loses Favor as Governors Look for New Transportation Money

In the search for more transportation money, governors and state lawmakers are largely avoiding one of the most obvious and straightforward funding sources: state gasoline taxes.

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.

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.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2013

BOSTON, Massachusetts -- Jan. 16 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) State of the Commonwealth Address:

Following Outbreak, Massachusetts Seeks Tougher Oversight of Compounding Pharmacies

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has unveiled legislation aiming to plug a regulatory gap that allows compounding pharmacies to operate with little oversight.

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.

Forensic Science Falls Short of Public Image (First of Two Parts)

Many juries depend on lab evidence to make a decision in a criminal trial. They don’t often realize how fragile the crime lab process actually is.

Best of #StateReads: Why Colorado Children Die of Abuse and Neglect

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

In Massachusetts, Mobilizing Private Investment for Public Good

Massachusetts to tap private investors who want to help pay for money-saving public programs

California Reconsiders “Three Strikes”

Voters in California will decide whether to revise the state’s “three strikes” law, largely considered to be the nation’s harshest on repeat offenders. Polling is strong for revision, but many police officers, victims’ advocates and district attorneys oppose the change.

A New Battleground in 'Right to Die' Debate

Advocates of physician-assisted suicide are taking on entrenched opposition as they seek a high-profile victory in Massachusetts.

Mass. Governor Touts His Own—and Obama’s— Record at Convention

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick used the Democratic National Convention’s primetime spotlight to do more than predictably heap praise on Barack Obama and sling arrows toward Mitt Romney. In an 11-minute speech Tuesday night, Patrick also worked in plenty of kind words for his own administration.

Massachusetts Tackles Health Costs

Controlling health care expenses may be even harder than covering the uninsured. Massachusetts is launching the nation’s broadest effort.

In Massachusetts, No Signature for ‘3-Strikes’

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick says he won’t sign into law a “3-strikes” bill for criminal sentencing unless judges are granted more flexibility.

Infographic: Annual State Lottery Sales

New York led all states in lottery sales in fiscal year 2011. Massachusetts residents spent more per capita than residents of any other state.

Best of #StateReads: Illinois Fails to Investigate Abuse and Neglect in Deaths of Disabled

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

Infographic: S&P State Credit Ratings, 2001–2012

Private, independent credit rating agencies evaluate states’ financial health. States with the lowest grades typically have trouble keeping their spending in line with their tax revenues.

With New Fiscal Year Looming, Government Shutdowns Unlikely

A year after Minnesota’s three-week shutdown, New Jersey is the state that appears at greatest risk of starting the fiscal year without a budget.

Governor Touts Massachusetts’ Success, Stumps for Obama

Americans will decide the fate of the American Dream this November, said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick in a speech to a progressive legal society in Washington, D.C. Thursday.

Indiana Gov Squashes VP Speculation

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said Sunday that if Mitt Romney asked him to be his running mate that he would “demand reconsideration” and send a list of people who “could suit better.” But he declined to say what names would

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.

Trade with Brazil on the Minds of States

The presidents of the United States and Brazil talked of trade and the environment when they met at the White House yesterday (April 9) and a few states in particular hope to cash in. That includes Massachusetts, which is to host the Brazilian president today.

GOP Governors Examined as Potential Running Mates

Several Republican governors have already taken their names out of consideration for the second spot on the national ticket.

Would 'Obamacare' Demise Mean End of 'Romneycare,' Too?

TODAY'S TAKE: Legal experts are debating what would happen to Massachusetts' sweeping health insurance law if the federal legislation it inspired, the Affordable Care Act, is struck down.

Spread of Soda Taxes Fizzles

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Taxes on soft drinks looked like the next big thing two years ago, but they haven't caught on yet.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2012

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 23 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2012 state of the commonwealth address: Lieutenant Governor and fellow Constitutional Officers, Madame President, Mr. Speaker and Members of the Senate and of the House, Members of the Judiciary, Members of the Cabinet and of ou

Medicaid Anti-Smoking Program Saved Big Money, Study Says

HEALTH BEAT: It's long been thought that stopping people from smoking yields rewards only in the distant future. New research disputes that theory.

Casinos, Online Poker Get State Attention

Massachusetts is planning new resort-style gambling casinos, and Florida and New York may open their first commercial casinos as a way to generate more tax revenue. Meanwhile, states that already have casinos are looking at new ways to tap the gambling that takes place online illegally.

Romney, Perry Draw Fire for Use of State Resources

TODAY'S TAKE: Two Republican presidential hopefuls who have served as governor face questions over the use of state equipment for political aims.

Lawsuit May Strain Foreclosure Talks

TODAY'S TAKE: Massachusetts has filed suit against five major banks over improper mortgage practices, potentially complicating a 50-state settlement that has been in the works for more than a year.

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.

Massachusetts Gambling Bill Reshuffles the Deck in New England

TODAY'S TAKE: A report from Moody's Investors Service validates what some state officials in New England feared: Massachusetts' likely decision this year to allow casino gambling and slots will take away business from its neighbors.

Budget Picture Brightens in New Fiscal Year

TODAY'S TAKE: State revenues are a long way from catching up to where they were before the recession started, but reports out of Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee and Virginia show that they are climbing back.

Massachusetts Explores 'Social Impact Bonds'

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Should investors be allowed to fund and make money off social programs? Massachusetts is considering the idea, known as "social impact bonds."

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.

Deportation Record Has States Reconsidering Secure Communities

Three governors have pulled their states out of a federal immigration enforcement program because few of the people being deported were convicted of serious criminal offenses. Data show that an even greater proportion of low-level offenders have been deported from other states.

Several States Crack Down on Human Trafficking

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: California, Massachusetts and Texas are among the states going after human traffickers, who pressure teens, runaways and others into the sex trade or forced labor.

State Workers to Pay More for Health Benefits

Whatever the result of this year's contentious debate over collective bargaining and pay for public workers, one thing is certain: Health care coverage for state employees is going to change for good.

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.

Commonwealth Connector Needs Repairs, Study Says

HEALTH BEAT: Massachusetts' insurance exchange fails to attract many businesses ... GOP leaders slam the Obama administration for loose enforcement of its health care law, Vermont's single-payer bill heads for the state Senate, and other health care news.

Health Exchange Head Start Reaps Dollars

Every state must have a health insurance exchange in operation by 2014. A few have received rewards for running ahead of schedule.

Massachusetts Tackles Health Care Costs

The Bay State's landmark health care law was meant to cover everyone, much like the federal law. It has worked, but the costs have been astronomical. Now the state is trying to clamp down on expenses.

Massachusetts Killing Shines Light on State Parole Boards

Who is qualified to decide whether inmates stay in prison or walk free? A murder by a recent parolee in Massachusetts - and the subsequent resignation of the entire state parole board that released him - is calling attention to the question.

Massachusetts Reassessing Energy Subsidies

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: Solar plant closure will cost Massachusetts 800 jobs ... Wisconsin's governor worries the wind industry ... Ohio could open state parks for oil and gas drilling, and other energy and environment news.

Big States Staring at Big Corrections Cuts

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: California and Texas consider major changes to their prison systems … Illinois could join New Mexico and New Jersey as the only states to repeal the death penalty legislatively … the Massachusetts parole board resigns, and other public safety news.

Massachusetts Inaugural Address 2011

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 6 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2011 second inaugural address (Massachusetts does not have a state of the state address in years in which a inaugural speech is given): Lt. Governor Murray, Fellow Constitutional Officers and Members of the Governor's Council; Madam Preside

Is Health Care Ruling a Game-Changer?

TODAY'S TAKE: Partisan state politicians either cheered or denounced a federal judge's ruling Monday (December 13) that a key provision of the Obama administration's new health care law is unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Virginia's governor urged his peers to support an idea to fast-track the case directly to the U.S. Supreme Court, and critics of Massachusetts' broad-based health care program saw a new opportunity to challenge it.

Snyder's Detroit Outreach Could Include New Office

TRANSITION WATCH: Michigan's Republican governor looks to strengthen a troubled Democratic city, revolving door rules could trip up a Rhode Island appointment, 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.

Massachusetts Speaker Reluctant to Reprise Gambling Debate

TRANSITION WATCH: Democrats in Massachusetts look to get along by turning their attention away from gambling, Florida's new governor faces a choice on high-speed rail and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Massachusetts: The State That Forgot to Turn Red

BOSTON - Bay State Republicans saw a big year ahead when they won Ted Kennedy's Senate seat in January. It didn't turn out that way.

Putting the 'Home' in Nursing Homes

CHELSEA, Mass. - States are trying to steer nursing homes away from their rule-bound institutional past toward a model that values quality of life for residents.

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.

Strange Turns in Massachusetts Race Appear to Help Patrick

TODAY'S TAKE: The Massachusetts governor's race has not been short of surprises, but the beneficiary appears to be the incumbent, Deval Patrick.

Fiscal, Not Social Issues, Draw Ballot Attention

It's not abortion and gay marriage that citizens will be voting on at the polls this year. It's taxes and spending.

Independents Making Noise on Gubernatorial Scene

With so many independents and third-party candidates for governor making a strong showing this year, now is a good time to ask: How do independents do as governor?

Billions on the Ballot

In November, voters in a number of states will consider ballot measures that, if passed, would have enormous fiscal consequences. Some would raise taxes, others would slash them, and still others would impact state spending in dramatic ways.

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.

Anti-Electoral College Pact Could Expand

TODAY'S TAKE: Massachusetts soon could become the sixth state to embrace a presidential election system that bypasses the controversial Electoral College. The new method would hand all of the state's electors to the winner of the national popular vote, even if that candidate didn't win in Massachusetts.

Which States Are Most Soccer-Mad?

TODAY'S TAKE: The crown jewel of international soccer - the World Cup - begins Friday (June 11) in South Africa. A quick analysis of state-by-state player registration numbers from U.S. Youth Soccer, the nation's largest youth sports organization, suggests that New England may have more interest in the games than any other region.

State Choking Laws Signal New Attention to Domestic Violence

Advocates against domestic violence have long warned that the act of choking - a common method of domestic assault - can be among the most reliable predictors that a deadly attack will occur in the future. Hoping to crack down on batterers and prevent murders, New Hampshire and Delaware recently joined other states by increasing penalties for choking. The laws are part of a broader effort in the states to reduce domestic violence.

Cape Wind Decision Propels Other Offshore Projects

Now that the nation's most contentious coastal wind farm has the federal government's blessing, other states are hoping their own projects will be generating power soon.

Are There Enough Docs for the Newly Insured?

After Massachusetts started rolling out its 2006 law to ensure that nearly every one of its residents had health insurance, the sudden influx of newly insured patients created long waits to see primary care doctors. Now, physicians worry the entire country could see the same thing happen when the recently passed national health law takes full effect in 2014.

The Return of Martha Coakley

TODAY'S TAKE: The woman who would have been Democrats' crucial 60th vote in the U.S. Senate is focusing on the economy as she gears up for her second campaign of 2010: her bid to remain the attorney general of Massachusetts.Martha Coakley's seat is one of 31 races for state attorney general to be decided by voters this year, including 23 where incumbents are in the running. At least nine other attorneys general have an eye on the governor's mansion.

Oregon Tax Vote Poses Fresh Test for Dems

A week after Massachusetts voters delivered a stunning blow to Democrats' legislative agenda in Washington, D.C., Oregonians on Tuesday (Jan. 26) will decide the fate of Democratic-led efforts to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy in the state by $727 million.

Summary of the Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address

Although the recession opened up a $9 billion budget gap over the past two fiscal years, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) has promised not to cut funding to education and to use the state's high bond rating to invest in construction projects.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2010

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 21 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you. Madame President - there we go - Mr. Speaker, and all of the Members of t

Massachusetts Vote Reverberates in Other States

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican Scott Brown's surprise victory in the special election to fill the late Ted Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts is prompting worries for Democrats and confidence among Republicans. But Tuesday's lessons may be more nuanced than that.

Brown's Win is Latest Boost for GOP

TODAY'S TAKE: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Scott Brown's win over Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) in traditionally Democratic Massachusetts on Tuesday (Jan. 19) lifted the hopes of the Bay State GOP and marked the third major state election in recent months to go Republicans' way.

Thanksgiving Tensions Flare in N.Y., Mass.

TODAY'S TAKE: Democrats in Massachusetts and New York are finding that the stress of resolving budget deficits may outweigh party unity this Thanksgiving.

More States Announce Mid-Year Cuts

As new holes emerge in their budgets, more and more states are making spending cuts well before their legislatures reconvene next year. Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Missouri are the latest.

Weekly Wrap: Frustration Mounts

In some of the states hit hardest by the recession, frustration among voters and in the media over the way state government works - or doesn't work - seems to be boiling over.

Mass. Health Connector, Other Innovations Honored

As the Obama administration and Congress debate the details of a national health care plan, the state that paved the way for universal coverage was honored in Washington, D.C.

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.

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: Stimulus Helps Revive Summer Youth Jobs programs

With many low-wage jobs snatched up by college graduates, senior citizens and laid-off workers of all ages, young job seekers have a less-than-30-percent chance of finding work this summer. But thanks to $1.2 billion in federal stimulus funds, states are revitalizing summer job programs to give disadvantaged youths a shot at finding a career.

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.

Tracking the Recession: Stimulus Police Funds Catch Legislators Off Guard

The influx of more than $4 billion in stimulus funding for state and local law enforcement initiatives has raised concerns among some state lawmakers who want a say in how the money is allocated and worry about what will happen when it runs out.

States Cope With Rising Homelessness

As many as 3.4 million Americans are likely to experience homelessness this year - a 35 percent increase since the recession started in December 2007 - and a majority will be families with children. The economic stimulus package includes $1.5 billion to address the problem, but officials say it's not enough to cover the cost of housing for millions of families in crisis.

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.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2009

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 15 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2009 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Madame President, Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House and Senate, Honorable Members of the Judiciary, Lieute

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.

Massachusetts Leads in `New Economy'

Massachusetts once again leads all other states in moving its economy away from the old industrial "smokestack-chasing" model to one based on technology, creativity and innovation, a new report released Nov. 18 said.

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.

Voters Could Relax Marijuana Penalties

Also see: • A comprehensive list of state elections• A printable PDF of major ballot issues Ballot questions next month will give voters in California, Massachusetts and Michigan a chance to revisit their states' policies on marijuana. If approved, the measures are likely to exacerbate tensions between states and the federal government over the drug.

WORTH NOTING: Cream Pie on Gov's 4th of July

Vermont's governor unexpectedly gets pie in the eye. Ohio State University, a runner-up in football and basketball, earns a dubious top ranking in something else. And the National Football League raids the Pennsylvania State Police for talent. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Commentary: Congress Encroaching on State Priorities

Far scarier than the economic downturn for states is the growing trend on the part of Congress to restrict state revenue and spending prerogatives and to replace them with congressional priorities, writes Raymond C. Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, in his latest commentary for Stateline.org. He cites provisions in two bills now making their way through Congress as important examples.

Worth Noting: 'Taxasaurus' Sighted in Colorado

A gecko-like creature with a governor's head is spotted near Denver. A kidney transplant violates ethics laws in Alaska. And D.C.'s mayor gets snubbed again by those with statehood status. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Massachusetts State of the Commonwealth Address 2008

BOSTON, Mass. - Jan. 24 - Following is the text of Gov. Deval Patrick's (D) 2008 state of the commonwealth address: Click here to visit the governor's website to view the address. Lieutenant Governor and Constitutional Officers, Madame President, Mr. Speaker and all of the Members of the Legislature, Chief J

For Universal Health Care, Two States Push Big Plans

Massachusetts and California are trying to move forward with major health insurance expansion efforts that will be closely watched around the country.

New Year ushers in new laws

At least 31 states will enforce new laws that take effect New Year's Day. So as you ring in the New Year, expect some facet of life to change, ranging from where you can smoke in Illinois to how much it costs to enter a strip club in Texas.

Digital Billboards Get Green Light

LOS ANGELES - As the federal government gives the go-ahead for digital billboards, states consider their safety and visual impact. Industry advocates support the new technology, while critics say the signs distract drivers and "clutter" the landscape.

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.