Stateline Stories

New York Spends Most Per-Student, Utah the Least: Census Report

Where Does Your State Rank In Education Spending?

Safety Net Hospitals Won’t Be Docked in States That Don’t Expand Medicaid

Hospitals in non-expansion states feared they would be hit with bigger federal funding cuts than those in expansion states. HHS says that won’t happen – at least for the first two years.

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.

Report: Sandy Inundated East Coast With Sewage

Hurricane Sandy’s floodwaters last October inundated East Coast with sewage. Researchers have now estimated how much flowed from crippled treatment plants.

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.

States Rack Up Victories in Bids to Collect Online Sales Taxes

After more than a decade of trying, state officials think they may get to collect billions of dollars of taxes on online sales soon. Find out why.

Registry Finds More Exonerations in 2012

Since 1989, at least 1,089 people convicted of crimes have been officially cleared based on new evidence of their innocence, according to the National Registry of Exonerations annual report released Wednesday.

Colorado Governor Signs New Gun Restrictions

Colorado’s new gun restrictions will limit the size of gun magazines and require a background check for all gun sales, including online purchases. Governor Hickenlooper signed the bill just hours after state Department of Corrections Director Tom Clements was shot and killed in his home.

States Tackle School Safety After Sandy Hook Shootings

At least 20 states are considering bills that would allow some teachers to be armed. Others are focusing on emergency plans and mental health checks.

New York Takes the Lead on Palliative Care

New York State has enacted legislation linking all patients with advanced illness to palliative care. But even as other states look to follow suit, there is a national workforce shortage in this medical field.

Which State Will Be Next to Allow Fracking?

Hydraulic fracturing continues as a hot-button issue across statehouses, as lawmakers consider how much scrutiny to apply to oil and gas drillers looking to tap shale deposits stretching beneath 31 states. New York, Illinois, California and North Carolina are home to some high-profile debates.

Advocates for Climate Action Urge Insurers to Join Up

Some are pushing the insurance industry to not only to crank up the volume on its longstanding calls for hardier building and safer land use in disaster-prone areas, but also to push for cuts to the carbon emissions.

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.

Debt Ceilings Without Drama

Most states have rules that limit how much they can borrow. Unlike Congress, however, state lawmakers have almost never used the limits to engage in high-stakes political confrontations – at least not yet.

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: Renewable Energy

Here is a look at states considering major action on renewable energy policy.

With Quick Action, New York Enacts Tough Gun Laws

New York on Tuesday enacted a wide-ranging set of new gun laws, becoming the first state to tighten oversight in the wake of last month’s elementary school massacre in Connecticut.

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.

Governors Kick Off Legislative Sessions

Two of the country’s most prominent Republican governors opened their states’ legislative sessions with state of the state speeches from different fiscal vantage points. One day after a strong revenue projection for the upcoming two years, Texas Governor Rick Perry was somewhat optimistic, but warned lawmakers aga

New York State of the State Address 2013

ALBANY, New York -- Jan. 9 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

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.

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.

Best of #StateReads: United States of Subsidies

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

More States Dig into Libor Scandal

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

Best of #StateReads: Why New Jersey’s Trains Flooded but New York’s Stayed Dry

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

At New Jersey Gas Pumps, Life Returns to Normal

Governor Chris Christie announced Monday the state would end gas rationing in 12 New Jersey counties, signaling major progress made in restoring power and fuel delivery to areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Next Elections: Races for Legislative Leadership

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

In Some States, Election Season Could Linger Long After Tuesday

Here’s a look at several states whose elections may remain undecided long after Tuesday night.

New Jersey Officials: Displaced Sandy Victims May Vote By Email

New Jersey voters displaced by Hurricane Sandy may cast their ballots using fax or email, state officials announced Saturday, prompting concern among some computer security experts.

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.

In Palin Ruling, Alaska Supreme Court OKs Personal Email for State Business

The Alaska Supreme Court on Friday said state officials may use personal email accounts to conduct official business, but some emails sent from private accounts may be subject to open records law.

Could a Recount of Prisoners Affect Elections?

Four states now count prisoners at their last known home address rather than where they’re incarcerated. Could this affect election outcomes?

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.

With Drillers at the Door, Some Towns Say ‘Keep Out’

As oil and gas development moves into more populated areas, many municipalities are trying to exert control over where drilling takes place. State regulators and energy companies aren’t happy.

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.

Best of #StateReads: Florida Closes TB Hospital as Outbreak Spreads

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

New York’s Three Primaries Cost Counties, Confuse Voters

New York State is holding primaries three times this year. Hardly anyone is happy about it.

Several U.S. States Deemed Best Global Oil and Gas Investments

Oklahoma is the best place on earth to invest in oil and gas development, according to a survey of energy executives. Six other states joined it in the top 10.

Immigration Law Debate Gets Preview in U.S. Senate

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

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.

States Ease Financing for Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Several states are experimenting with an “on-bill” loan financing program that aims to spur investment in energy efficiency for homes and businesses — even for owners who lack capital.

New York Expands DNA Databank

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: New York will now take and catalog DNA samples from more offenders than any other state. Supporters say the expansion will make it easier for police to solve crimes and for defendants to prove innocence, but opponents say it's an invasion of privacy.

Legislative Leaders Expect Another On-time Budget in New York

TODAY'S TAKE: State lawmakers in New York are poised to deliver Governor Andrew Cuomo an on-time budget for the second straight year, a rare occurrence in Albany.

New York Courts Revisit Juvenile Justice

NEW YORK, N.Y. - For the past five decades, New York State has treated 16- and 17-year-old offenders as adult criminals. An experiment begun this year seeks to change the rules, amid mounting evidence that the old way hasn't worked.

Eastern Ports Scramble to Get Ready for New Panama Canal Era

As the Panama Canal expands to allow larger cargo ships to pass through, states along the Eastern Seaboard are maneuvering to make their ports compatible with the bigger and more lucrative vessels. But there is no guarantee the expensive bets will pay off.

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.

Cuomo's Pension Proposal Riles Unions

TODAY'S TAKE: New York's governor has a plan that he says would save state and local governments $113 billion over 30 years by reducing guaranteed pension benefits to public workers. The groups representing those workers aren't happy about it.

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

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

After Toll Hike, Christie Promises to Get Tough on Port Authority

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: New Jersey Governor Chris Christie promises to "get my arms around" the massive agency that hiked toll rates for travel into New York City this summer.

New York Poised to Make Major Management Changes

MANAGEMENT BEAT: In his state of the state address on Wednesday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo promised major alterations in both the organization of the public workforce and the day-to-day operations of state agencies.

New York State of the State Address 2012

ALBANY, New York - Jan. 4 - Following is a transcript of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's (D) 2012 state of the state address: One year ago - almost to the day - I delivered my first State of the State address as your Governor. I said last year that New York was at a crossroads.

Lottery Ruling Opens Doors to Online Gambling

TODAY'S TAKE: State lawmakers around the country are already considering whether to offer online gambling to their residents, shortly after the U.S. Justice Department announced such in-state games are legal.

Pension Plans Look Toward Rate of Return

Preoccupied for the last several years with their future cost burdens, public pension managers are starting to think more about how to get a bigger payback on the money they invest.

States May Lose Crucial Flood-Predicting Tools

Due to state, federal and local budget shortages, the U.S. Geological Survey may shut off hundreds of streamflow gauges across the country, increasing danger in flood-prone areas.

Subway Riders Could Pay for New York Tax Breaks

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: A deal being crafted in Albany to revamp the state's tax code could end up costing subway riders in New York City.

New York Revenue Plan: Tax Cut or Tax Hike?

TODAY'S TAKE: A broad tax overhaul in New York reduces income taxes for the middle class, but raises them for the wealthy. Supporters are focusing on the tax cuts, even though the overall package raises $2 billion in new revenue.

States Struggle to Update Toxic Chemical Regulation

Unchanged for 35 years, the U.S. Toxic Chemicals Safety Act has left federal regulators without the tools to investigate many chemicals that could endanger human health. That burden has fallen to states, which have enacted a patchwork of regulations that environmentalists, policymakers and industry leaders all consider inadequate.

Food Banks Drawing Statewide Attention

SOCIAL POLICY BEAT: Emergency food banks are attracting increased interest from state officials this year, but what many of them would like is more money.

Tax Talk Grows Louder in California, New York

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of California and New York are considering a push for significant tax changes as their states struggle with ongoing budget deficits.

Motorists Face an 'Avalanche' of Higher Tolls

Toll rates are climbing on highways, bridges and tunnels across the country, but it is not just because of the economy. Many big toll hikes are helping to pay for new construction.

Delaware River Basin Commission Postpones Vote on 'Fracking' Plan

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: A vote over whether to allow a controversial drilling method in a key East Coast watershed has been postponed. Energy companies say thousands of jobs are on the line. But environmentalists fear the drinking water for millions of people could be threatened.

Penn State Case Spurs Movement for New Child Abuse Reporting Laws

TODAY'S TAKE: The Penn State sex abuse scandal has lawmakers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and elsewhere considering new reporting requirements for those who learn of crimes against children.

Early Numbers Show Success for New York Property Tax Cap

TODAY'S TAKE: About 85 percent of New York localities plan to stay within a new property tax cap pushed through by Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to preliminary data.

'Occupy' Movement Rekindles New York Millionaires' Tax Debate

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Activists are occupying Albany and criticizing Governor Andrew Cuomo, as higher tax rates for top-income earners are set to expire.

New York Sees Big Drop In Prisoners Since 2000

TODAY'S TAKE: A newspaper analysis finds that New York's prison population has fallen 22 percent since 2000, driven by a 62-percent decline among those incarcerated for drug violations.

Biggest States Face New Budget Gaps

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Recent reports have delivered gloomy fiscal news for the nation's five most populous states, making clear that budget problems in California, Texas, New York, Florida and Illinois aren't over yet.

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.

Union Vote Sets Stage for 3,500 Layoffs in New York

TODAY'S TAKE: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says he will begin notifying 3,500 state workers today (September 28) that they are being laid off. The move comes after a major public employee union rejected Cuomo's contract offer.

Debate Over 'Fracking' Continues in Shale-Rich States

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT BEAT: The future of natural gas drilling in New York state may turn on the outcome of an energy company's lawsuit against the small town of Dryden. States across the country are watching as they debate allowing a controversial drilling technique known as hydrofracking.

Juvenile Crime Drop Prompts New Look at Policies

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: States are experimenting with new ways to handle juvenile offenders. Many of these involve a higher degree of separation from adult state prisons.

New York Judges Get Long-Awaited Raise of 27 Percent

TODAY'S TAKE: State judges in New York will get their first raise in 12 years. At 27 percent over three years, the raise sounds big, but is significantly less than what many jurists sought.

Can Taxing Trucks by the Mile Help Save Transportation Funding?

As taxing fuel by the gallon becomes less effective, one alternative is to charge drivers by how many miles they drive. It is an idea probably too complicated right now to use for cars, but researchers are looking at using it for trucks instead.

Anti-Tax Governors Are OK With Commuter Toll Hikes

TODAY'S TAKE: Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo have flatly rejected tax hikes as a bad idea in a poor economy. But they have approved sharp increases in toll hikes for commuters, underscoring their nuanced position on revenues.

Toll Hike Plan Puts Heat on Cuomo and Christie

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Governors Andrew Cuomo of New York and Chris Christie of New Jersey both lashed out at a proposal to increase tolls on bridges and tunnels between their states. But both governors stopped short of saying they would veto the hikes.

New York State Workers Mull Strength of Layoff Protections

MANAGEMENT BEAT: As the ratification process for contracts swings into full gear, some state workers worry that they are being asked to choose between layoffs or more layoffs.

Texas Governor Defends New York's Right to Pass Gay Marriage Law

TODAY'S TAKE: Hundreds of same-sex couples got married in New York State on Sunday, when a law legalizing the unions took effect. Just days earlier, Texas Governor Rick Perry, a conservative who may pursue the Republican presidential nomination, backed New York's right to pass the law, saying "that's their business."

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.

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.

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.

Gay Marriage Vote Nears in New York

TODAY'S TAKE: A few Republican state senators in New York control the fate of legislation that would legalize gay marriage in the third-largest state. A vote is expected later this week.

In New York, State Worker Layoffs to Begin July 15

TODAY'S TAKE: New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has started the process of laying off up to 9,800 state workers, according to a memo obtained by a newspaper in Albany.

New York Withdraws From Secure Communities

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of New York and Illinois have said their states will no longer take part in the federal Secure Communities program, which screens criminal suspects for immigration violations. But the federal government contends that states cannot withdraw.

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.

In New York, a 'Big First Step' Toward Fiscal Sustainability

Governor Andrew Cuomo not only got New York's legislature to pass its budget on time but also changed spending assumptions in ways that nudge the budget closer to long-term structural balance.

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.

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.

New York Lawmakers OK First on-Time Budget in Five Years

TODAY'S TAKE: In an early-morning vote watched by hundreds of noisy protesters, the New York Legislature delivered a $132.5 billion spending plan to Governor Andrew Cuomo that sharply cuts state funding for public schools and health care, but doesn't raise taxes.

New Jersey Democrats Want to Roll Back Tunnel Tolls

TRANSPORTATION BEAT: Some New Jersey legislators look to reduce driving costs… A major public works law in Illinois catches a break… Maryland's governor looks to deny driver's licenses to tax delinquents, and other transportation news.

New York Democratic Senators Form Splinter Group

TRANSITION WATCH: New York Senate Minority Leader John Sampson faces a rebellion, Pennsylvania's Governor-elect makes a second choice for chief of staff, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

New York State of the State Address 2011

ALBANY, N.Y. - Jan. 5 - Following is a transcript of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Well, good afternoon New York. Oh, it is a better afternoon than that, 2,200 people are here today to talk about their governmen

New Year Brings Slew of New State Laws

New laws for 2011 include further state bans on the practice of texting while driving.

Exemption Debate Looms Over Cuomo's Property Tax Cap

TRANSITION WATCH: New York will consider how far property taxes can rise to pay public employee benefits, Ohio struggles with a tug-of-war over appointments, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

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.

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.

Rhee is Possible Education Commissioner for Florida's Scott

TRANSITION WATCH: Florida's governor may offer a job to one of the best-known figures in public education, Colorado's new governor pledges apolitical appointments 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.