Stateline Stories

Cities, States Face Off on Mandatory Paid Sick Leave

Stateline - NYC and Portland will require businesses to provide paid sick leave. But many states are less than enthusiastic.

Federal Cuts Could Harm Flood Forecasting

As climate change increases the likelihood of extreme droughts and floods, experts say shutting off the stream-flow gauges could have costly consequences.

Motorcycle Deaths Climb as States Repeal Helmet Laws

With fatalities rising, safety experts say states should force motorcyclists to wear helmets. But legislators are heading in the opposite direction.

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

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

Supreme Court Will Review Michigan’s Affirmative Action Ban

The nation’s highest court will decide whether a Michigan affirmative action ban passed by voters in 2006 can prevent colleges and universities from using race when they decide which students to admit.

Michigan Employee Unions Race to Beat Right-to-Work

Unions try to beat the clock and set long-term contracts before Michigan’s right-to-work law takes effect March 28. Legislature may respond with cuts to education.

Should Public Workers Have to Live Where They Work?

Municipal residency requirements have gradually become less common. State efforts to ban them can get ugly as cities fight to maintain their middle class population base.

Reversing Policy, Michigan to Grant Driver’s Licenses to Deferred Action Qualifiers

Michigan will begin issuing driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants who qualify for delayed deportation under federal law.

In Michigan and Wisconsin, Some Lawmakers Want to Go Part-Time

Should lawmakers in Michigan and Wisconsin cut their work hours? That’s what some hope to do, as they push constitutional amendments that would convert their states’ full-time legislatures into part-time bodies.

Michigan State of the State Address 2013

LANSING, Michigan -- Jan. 16 -- Following is a transcript of Gov. Rick Snyder's (R) 2013 State of the State Address:

Seniors Are New Target for Tax Increases

Over the years, states have carved out ever more generous tax breaks for the elderly. Now, Kentucky and a few other states are beginning to question whether these policies cost too much.

The Uncertain Effects of Right-to-Work

Michigan and Indiana endured divisive and bruising political battles to enact right-to-work legislation in 2012. It will be years before the full impact on economic development and on labor unions becomes clear.

Cyberattack: The Silent Nightmare

Every state knows that a deceptive computer hack-attack could bring crucial activities to a standstill. But most states are doing little about it. Michigan is an exception.

In Massacre’s Wake, Michigan Governor Vetoes Concealed Pistol Bill

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has vetoed a bill that would have allowed concealed weapons into schools and other places that are off limits under current state law.

New York, California Seek Ways to Help Fiscally Fragile Cities

Top officials in two of the nation’s largest states have decided they need to do more to avert disaster in communities that are having budget trouble.

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.

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

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

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.

Amid Protests, Michigan Leaders Press for Quick Enactment of Right-to-Work Legislation

Michigan would be the 24^th state to pass legislation making it illegal to require workers to pay union fees as a condition of their employment.

Federal Charge Doesn’t Thwart Illinois Lawmaker’s Reelection Bid

Derrick Smith’s return to the Illinois General Assembly isn’t much of a welcome back party. With the dust barely settled on his easy win on Election Day, a top Republican lawmaker is already calling for the Chicago Democrat’s ouster — again.

Unions Make Strong Showing at the Polls

Labor won big contests in Indiana, California and New Hampshire, while results were mixed in Michigan.

Voters Give New Detroit Bridge a Green Light

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s plans to add a second bridge for cars and trucks between Detroit and Canada are moving forward, after the governor and his allies defeated a $33 million campaign to block it.

In Iowa and Florida, Judges Survive Expensive Ouster Attempts

Three justices in Florida and one in Iowa held off conservative efforts to remove them from office. In Michigan and North Carolina, conservatives retained power on the Supreme Court following expensive campaigns.

On the Ballot (And in the Constitution?): Michigan’s Energy Future

Renewable energy advocates will be looking to Michigan on Tuesday (November 6), hoping its voters validate a bold experiment in growing the state’s renewable energy portfolio: If at first you’re stymied at the statehouse, just but it on the ballot — and in the constitution.

Best of #StateReads: Michigan Term Limits Encourage Politicians To Go Professional

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

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.

Michigan Unions Seek Constitutional Protection

A ballot measure in Michigan would give labor’s collective bargaining rights an almost impregnable status.

Michigan Addresses Head Injuries in Youth Sports

Michigan is poised to join the growing list of states addressing head injuries in youth sports.

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

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

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.

Michigan Lawmakers Mandate Pledge of Allegiance in Schools

The Michigan Senate on Thursday passed legislation requiring public schools to display a U.S. flag in every classroom and to give students an opportunity each day to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Michigan’s Emergency Managers Seen as Major Threat by Labor

In Michigan, state-appointed emergency managers can assume vast powers over distressed localities. The state thinks that’s necessary. Localities and labor think it’s undemocratic.

In Kansas Primary, Results Could Advance Governor’s Agenda

On a busy primary day in four states, conservatives in Kansas are looking to oust moderate Republicans, freeing up room for the governor to push his ambitious agenda.

Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law Repeal Headed for Ballot

The Michigan Supreme Court has resolved a dispute about whether opponents of the state’s emergency manager law had used the correct type size on their ballot initiative petitions, which was challenging their validity.

States Reconsider Juvenile Life Sentences

The Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life without parole for juveniles convicted of murder is unconstitutional. But the court left little guidance for states on what to do next.

Art for the Economy’s Sake

After years of budget cuts, state funding for the arts is making a comeback.

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.

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.”

Detroit and Its Unions Fight Over Work Rules

As Detroit’s workforce shrinks, labor and city leaders face tough questions about how to make do with the employees they have left. Antiquated work rules are at the heart of the dispute.

Detroit and Michigan: A Fragile Bargain

The state of Michigan and its largest city have pledged cooperation to keep the city afloat. But neither quite trusts the other.

States Loosen Up on Fireworks Laws

In amateur hands, fireworks are as dangerous as ever. But states have a hard time passing up the revenue they bring in.

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.

Best of #StateReads: When a State Runs Out of Psychiatric Beds

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

Schedules Get a Makeover in Schools Across the Country

Tourism and budget cuts have dictated, and in some cases shortened, the school year in some states, but a growing movement thinks students need more time in school.

Troubled Times at the State Fair

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

As Mining Surges in Michigan’s North, State Looks at Taking Control

SECOND OF TWO PARTS: Mineral mining is hot again on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and the state wants to control the tax revenue it brings in. Some local governments see that as a violation of their rights.

Mining Boom in Great Lakes States Prompts Environmental Concern

PART ONE OF TWO: Mining is a thriving industry again in the upper Midwest. But there are questions about whether current state regulations can handle the environmental impact.

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

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

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.

Michigan Governor to Announce Crime-Fighting Plan

TODAY'S TAKE: Governor Rick Snyder will lay out proposals intended to improve public safety in a state with four of the nation's 10 worst cities for violent crime.

Michigan Bridge Project Hits Political Snags

The state of Michigan may be able to have a new bridge to Canada without putting up any money. But state lawmakers are wary of the idea. The governor is thinking about bypassing them altogether.

Graduate Students Campaign to Unionize

Can a graduate research assistant be a public employee? States and universities are struggling to sort that question out.

Public Still Wary of Gas Tax Hikes

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: With federal funding for transportation up in the air, many states are looking for new ways to finance repair work on roads and bridges, as well as the building of new ones. But recent polls from Iowa, Maryland and Michigan show residents are in no mood to pay higher state gas taxes.

Seven Questions for Michigan Governor Rick Snyder

Rick Snyder hasn't followed the confrontational path of many Republican governors elected in 2010. In a Stateline interview, he explains some of his strategies.

Transit Gets Republican Boost in Indiana and Michigan

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Republican governors of two Midwestern states helped along proposals to expand public transit, but transit funding remains controversial in other statehouses.

Michigan State of the State Address 2012

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 18 - Following is the prepared outline of Gov. Rick Snyder's (R) 2012 state of the state address: 1. Welcome and Acknowledgments • Speaker Bolger, Lt. Gov. Calley, Senate Majority Leader Richardville, Senate Democratic Leader Whitmer, House Democratic Leader Hammel, member

Medicaid Directors to Feds: Give States Flexibility

HEALTH BEAT: In a new report, the leaders of state Medicaid programs say federal rules discourage them from experimenting with ideas that could save money and improve care.

North Dakota Up, North Carolina Down in Growth Index

TODAY'S TAKE: A Bloomberg evaluation of how states are faring in the aftermath of the Great Recession shows North Dakota powering forward and North Carolina lagging behind, in part because of Bank of America's woes.

Michigan Bucks National Trend on Tech Jobs

TODAY'S TAKE: The United States lost 116,000 high-tech jobs between 2009 and 2010, but Michigan countered the trend by gaining 2,700 positions - more than any other state, according to a new study.

As Michigan Passes Pension Tax, Maine Considers Repealing One

Does a pension tax harm a state's economy? It depends on which governor you ask.

Pay Cuts in Question in Michigan, Illinois

MANAGEMENT BEAT: A Michigan court orders millions in back wages for pay cuts from 2010, while Illinois Governor Pat Quinn fights for his right to cut - and in some cases completely withhold - state employee pay.

Michigan Unions Try a Unified Approach

MANAGEMENT BEAT: As labor negotiations gear up in Michigan, most of the state's unions are planning to band together on bargaining for a universal contract. They're also working together to push alternative ideas for cost-cutting in state government.

In Michigan, State Lawmakers Approve Four-Year Cap on Welfare Benefits

TODAY'S TAKE: Nearly 13,000 Michigan families will lose monthly benefit checks averaging $515 starting in October after state lawmakers approved a four-year cap on welfare.

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.

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.

New Governors Drive to Reorganize Agencies

An unusually high number of states are debating merging the functions and offices of state government. But consolidation is often easier to do on the organizational chart than it is in real life.

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.

Business Tax Cuts Pass in Michigan But Falter Elsewhere

Republican governors are trying to make good on their promises to cut corporate taxes, but some are finding a bit more resistance than they may have expected.

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.

All Public Sector Employees in New Jersey Will Have to Live In-State

MANAGEMENT BEAT: No more commuting from New York and Philadelphia for New Jersey workers … Governments are spending more time collecting and organizing data than using it … A collective bargaining showdown in Nevada, and other management news.

Revenues Look Better in Three Big States

TODAY'S TAKE: California, Michigan and New Jersey are projecting significant increases in tax collections over the coming months, though serious fiscal problems remain.

Republican Governors Push for Biennial Budgets

For decades, states have been moving toward an annual budgeting process. Now, a GOP strategy is emerging in several states that focuses on budgeting over longer periods of time.

Michigan Debates Four-Year Lifetime Limit on Welfare

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Michigan's proposal would exempt the welfare limit in cases of incapacity or hardship … Louisiana casinos will begin withholding the winnings of parents who owe back child support … New York and West Virginia take home the most government aid per person, and other social policy news.

'Sovereign Citizens' Make Noise in Wyoming

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A fringe political group that considers the U.S. government illegitimate is something the FBI would rather not talk about ... Michigan's governor asks for major concessions from a correctional officers' union ... Democrats see a chance to gain Pennsylvania's top law enforcement job for the first time in decades, and other public safety news.

California Republicans Riled by Brown's Union Deals

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Limitless payouts for unused vacation time in California … A crackdown on using union dues to purchase magazine subscriptions … A comprehensive audit of Missouri state government, and other management news.

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.

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.

Foreclosure Aid Program Gets Underway in Florida

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Florida rolls out a program to help homeowners avoid foreclosure … A GOP plan to turn food stamps into a block grant gets mixed reviews … Texas experiences a child boom, and other social policy news.

Budget Deal Means Prison Closures in New York

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: The governor of New York follows through on a pledge to close prisons, even if they provide employment in rural communities…California's governor orders thousands of state inmates transferred to local facilities, despite a lack of funding for the plan…Michigan is proving more reluctant than other states to grant parole, and other public safety news.

Missouri Next to Cut Jobless Benefits

TODAY'S TAKE: Michigan this week became the first state to reduce state-level unemployment benefits. Now, Missouri is the first to opt out of a program that provides more federal money for the jobless. About 10,000 workers will be affected, starting next week.

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.

New Michigan Law Increases State Role in Local Government

State-appointed emergency managers will move into depressed local jurisdictions with the power to abrogate labor contracts and even break up local governments if they deem it necessary for community survival.

Michigan Governor Takes on Local Governments

TODAY'S TAKE: Michigan Governor Rick Snyder rolled out a plan on Monday to encourage local governments to cut costs, change employee retirement systems and place more of the burden of health care premiums onto workers. The proposal comes at the same time as the governor is seeking to cut state revenue sharing money to localities.

Wisconsin Teachers Seek Last-Minute Contracts

EDUCATION BEAT: Wisconsin teachers want to lock in new contracts before anti-union legislation takes effect ... Pennsylvania governor calls for $1.5 billion in education cuts ... Michigan grants emergency financial managers broad powers, and other education news.

California Looks to Current Workers' Pensions for Savings

MANAGEMENT BEAT: Pension commission argues for tough choices in California … Republican governors back off opposition to collective bargaining … No more "SWAG" in California, and other government management 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.

'Bath Salts' Pose New Test for Law Enforcement

TODAY'S TAKE: White, crystallized powders that are sold legally as "bath salts" are attracting attention from state and federal law enforcement officials, who warn that teenagers and others are abusing the substances to get high.

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.

Snyder Pushes for Detroit-Canada Bridge

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Michigan Governor Rick Snyder tries a new tack to build a bridge between Detroit and Canada … Washington State lawmakers offer an alternative to their governor's ferry plan… Tennessee legislators propose allowing rolling stops at red lights, and other transportation news.

Two Former Governors to Embark on New Jobs

TODAY'S TAKE: Former Democratic governors Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania have settled on new jobs. Granholm will write a book and teach. Rendell will be an MSNBC pundit and join a law firm.

Michigan State of the State Address 2011

LANSING, Michigan - Jan. 19 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Rick Snyder's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Transcript from the Detroit Free Press: Thank you. Please be seated. Thank you. Well, thank your for such a fabulous welcome. It's exciting to be with you tonight. Good evening. Let me st

South Carolina's Haley Pushes Tax Cuts Despite Budget Shortfall

South Carolina's incoming governor wants to eliminate income taxes, Iowa public workers ratify new contracts against the wishes of the governor-elect, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Legislatures Expand Training for New Members

Walking into a legislature as a freshman used to be a frightening experience for many. It's not quite so scary any more.

As Their Terms End, Governors Show Mercy to Lawbreakers

TODAY'S TAKE: Jennifer Granholm of Michigan and Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania both will leave office next month having granted clemency to hundreds of prisoners.

Democratic Governors May Join Obama Team

TODAY'S TAKE: An announcement last week by outgoing Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm that she has a "good idea" of what her next job will be has heightened speculation that she will join the Obama administration in the new year. Other outgoing Democrats, including Ohio's Ted Strickland and Wisconsin's Jim Doyle, also may move to Washington.

Utah Legislators Skeptical of Governor's Tax Proposal

TRANSITION WATCH: Utah Republicans grapple over the budget, Michigan's incoming governor mulls a new bridge to Canada, 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.

Newcomers Will Hold Sway in Many State Legislatures

The 2010 state elections didn't just bring in a flood of Republican lawmakers - they brought in hordes of first-term members who have never held a comparable post before.

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.

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.