Stateline Headlines

No Child Left Behind waiver will bring major changes to schools

Groups want study for racing industry in state

Speaker pick a big decision for W.Va. House

Lobbyist spending down in 2013

House speaker resignation sparks political jockeying

Hyrdrocodone tops list as most-prescribed drug in W.Va.

School employees want more from taxpayers

W.Va. gets $1M to offset costs from fall snowstorm

Thompson exit sets off race for House speaker

Tobacco companies win again in W.Va.

State clinics to receive $2.5 million in U.S. funds

W.Va. cultural budget cut 8 percent

Still ranked 5th highest for business taxes

Two W.Va. officials challenging EPA clean-air rules

Majority of W.Va. meth lab busts are in Kanawha

Tomblin appoints acting tax commissioner

Medicaid enrollers to face challenges

Tomblin celebrates new gas pipeline law

Some on Medicaid to pay fees

Meth lab busts double in W.Va.

Free lunches a growing trend

Officials hope Internet tax law keeps more revenues in-state

W.Va. school meal effort not starting from scratch

Some on Medicaid to pay fees

In rural W.Va., schools rethink their role

Tomblin embraces school meal legislation

Prison bill mandates more drug courts

In rural W.Va., schools rethink their role

State workshop to offer tips on growing mushrooms

Tomblin embraces school meal legislation

Longtime online sales tax advocate hopeful about House chances

Under new law, counties can appoint 'acting' sheriffs and prosecutors

Prison bill mandates more drug courts

The road to West Virginia’s first governor leads to Parkersburg

Broadband audit to probe communication towers

Tomblin’s vetoes reflect most welcome caution

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

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

West Virginia State of the State Address 2013

CHARLESTON, West Virginia Feb. 13 Following is the text of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's (D) 2013 State of the State Address:

Deposed West Virginia Schools Chief Fights Back

Jorea Marple wasn’t the only state school superintendent to get dismissed last year, but she’s the only one planning to take her state to court.

Republicans Win Big in North Carolina Governor’s Race But Struggle Elsewhere

Despite heavy spending by outside groups in nearly a dozen races for governor, the partisan mix of Democrats and Republicans leading states appeared to change only slightly as a result of Tuesday’s elections.

Democrats Play Defense in Governors’ Races

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year’s presidential campaigns.

Battle Against Stalking Escalates

Concerns over in-person and online stalking have led lawmakers to create new orders of protection. But enforcement is often up to the victims and most don’t pursue it.

Primaries Set Gov Races in Wisc., N.C.

Voters Tuesday (May 8) formally picked candidates for governors' races in four states while North Carolina voters approved a ballot measure to ban same-sex marriage in the state.

Coal States Fear for Future of the Industry

This is an unsettling time for states whose economies revolve around coal. But the future may not be as bleak as doomsayers predict.

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 Scrutinize For-Profit Colleges

Rhode Island is considering whether to approve a for-profit osteopathic medical school, as Kentucky leads 22 other states in investigating the for-profit education industry.

West Virginia Tackles Retiree Health Costs

The state makes an unusual down payment on its massive health benefit debt to retired public employees.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2012

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Jan. 11 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's (D) 2012 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the State Board of Education, Members of the Legislature, D

Infographic: Southern Strength

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

Republicans Push for Upset in West Virginia

Earl Ray Tomblin, the Democratic governor of West Virginia, has spent years wheeling and dealing in state politics. Republicans are trying to use that against him.

Earl Ray Tomblin Has Inside Track in Race for Governor of West Virginia

West Virginia's oddly-timed gubernatorial election has brought out a host of big-name candidates for this Saturday's Democratic primary. But the low-profile incumbent seems likely to end up a winner.

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.

One More Governor's Race on Tap in 2011

TODAY'S TAKE: Voters in four states will choose governors in 2011, one more than is usual for an off-year. The West Virginia Supreme Court issued a ruling on Tuesday (January 18) that the state's acting chief executive, Earl Ray Tomblin, cannot serve on a temporary basis for longer than a year. The other states holding gubernatorial elections are Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2011

CHARLESTON, W. Va. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin's (D) 2011 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Me

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.

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.

New Governor Takes Office in West Virginia

TODAY'S TAKE: Earl Ray Tomblin, the president of the West Virginia Senate and a fixture at the Legislature for 35 years, will become the state's 35th governor today (November 15), when outgoing Democrat Joe Manchin is sworn in as a U.S. senator.

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.

D.C. Hacking Raises Questions About Future of Online Voting

Security remains an obstacle to voting over the Internet. But more states may be tempted to experiment in order to comply with a new law concerning the rights of military and overseas voters.

Women on Death Row Are a Rarity

TODAY'S TAKE: Virginia executed a female prisoner for the first time in nearly 100 years on Thursday (September 23). Nationwide, less than 2 percent of the inmates on death row are women.

Penny Pinching at the Polling Place

State and local governments are hosting a big election season in a terrible budget year. As elections officials get creative about finding new ways to save even the smallest amounts of money, they're also going to great lengths to minimize the impact on voters.

States Struggle to Slow Prescription Drug Abuse

While more than half of the states have set up systems to monitor the public's use of drug prescriptions, regulators continue to see a record amount of abuse.

In Graying West Virginia, a Mountain of Retiree Health Bills

A rule change in West Virginia means that new state employees and teachers will have to pay for their own health care when they retire. But that doesn't begin to address staggering health costs for existing employees and retirees.

Another Appointee Could Reach the Senate

TODAY'S TAKE: West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin on Wednesday (July 7) said he is interested in running for the seat of longtime U.S. Senator Robert Byrd, who died last week at 92. Until an election can be set, however, Manchin may appoint someone else to the job, which could bring the number of U.S. senators appointed by governors - rather than elected by voters - to six.

Governors Talk Energy with Obama

TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama on Wednesday (Feb. 3) told a group of 11 governors - including those from coal-friendly states - that the United States must move aggressively toward a clean energy economy.

Summary of the West Virginia State of the State Address

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) told the Democrat-controlled Legislature Jan.13 that the state's new budget will be "slender," but that West Virginia has weathered the Great Recession better than dozens of other states that suffered deep budget deficits.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2010

HARLESTON, W.Va. - Jan. 13 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin III's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view or hear the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Mem

Weekly Wrap: Tax Panels Focus on States' Long Term Fiscal Health

States are creating commissions to examine the future financing of government. A new Census report highlights foreclosure rates, median housing values in states.

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.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2009

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Feb. 11 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin III's (D) 2009 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests and my fellow West Virginians: I a

Economy Trims Some Govs' Inauguration Plans

In a bleak economy that has led even some of the most financially stable states to grow uneasy, some governors who were elected or re-elected in November are skipping the typical inaugural balls and toning down the glitz at their swearing-in ceremonies to cut costs.

Slumping Economy Hits Prosperous States

With the fall in energy and farm prices, many well-off states are finding they can't escape the national recession.

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.

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.

Several AG Contests Still Tight

As their campaigns wind down to the wire candidates for attorney general in 11 states vie for attention in the flurry of higher-profile contests for president, Congress and governor. "Out There" once more rates how vulnerable the parties in control are.

WORTH NOTING: Ex-State Senator Leaves Phone Greeting - From Jail

A former Maryland senator won't be answering his phone for a few years. A Michigan ballot reform group needs a better proofreader. And South Carolina's new license plates won't be heading off into the sunset. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

States Save The Date

(Updated 5:45 p.m. EDT, June 20, 2008)Don't try to renew your driver's license Friday (June 20) in West Virginia. State agencies' doors are closed for West Virginia Day. Lawmakers in 41 states have added at least 37 state holidays to the annual calendar, celebrating the likes of King Kamehameha I in Hawaii, Casimir Pulaski in Illinois and Cesar Chavez in California and Colorado.

Oh Say, Is That Banner Made in the U.S.A.?

Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state's new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state.

Schools Embrace Fingerprint Scanning

Schools across the country are scanning students' fingerprints so that they can pay for meals or check out books at the touch of a finger. But a growing backlash from parents and civil libertarians has led some states to outlaw or limit the technology.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2008

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- Jan 9. -- The following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin's (D) 2008 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's web page to view the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests and my fellow West Virginians : Standin

WORTH NOTING: Lawmaker Loses to a Cockroach

A Kansas lawmaker settles a lawsuit for accosting a cockroach-costumed protester. An Oklahoma official tries to stop Christmas gifts for juveniles in state custody. And the South Dakota Legislature schedules a more work-friendly session. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Govs' e-mail purges raise hackles

E-mail has become the communications tool of choice in the past decade, but imbroglios involving the governors of Missouri and Texas show that the rules of paperless messaging are still evolving and can create problems for state government.

W.Va. projects a split personality

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The 2008 presidential election will test whether Republican George Bush's victories were a fluke in the Mountain State, where Democrats continue to dominate in state and local contests.

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.

Ill. treasurer tosses stinky furniture

The new Illinois treasurer gets fed up with furniture that reeks of cigarettes and dogs. New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) gets sassy with a pesky reporter. And West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) could get a football honor no one's had since World War I. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Easter egg flap fries Wyoming artists

A White House Easter tradition leaves Wyoming out, West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) disses New Jersey and "The Donald" provokes a fight over Old Glory in the Florida Legislature. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Mega-Donors Get Mixed Election Results

The power of personal fortunes to sway political outcomes was put to the test in state races across the country last year. With help from billionaire activist Jon Stryker, an heir to a medical products fortune, Democrats captured control of the Michigan state House for the first time in 12 years. But other super-rich donors got less bang for their buck.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2007

CHARLESTON , W.Va. , Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin's (D) 2007 state of the state address: Click here to access the governor's Web page and view the address. Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Seven States Woo Clean-Coal Power Plant

Seven states are competing with dollars and regulatory breaks to be the host for a $1 billion federal and private energy initiative being billed as the world's cleanest coal-burning power plant. The project is expected to provide 1,300 construction jobs and 150 facility positions and to generate 275 megawatts of electricity through a process that would eliminate nearly all air pollutants.

Food Tax on Chopping Block

Shoppers in four states -- Mississippi, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming -- soon may be paying less at the supermarket checkout counter, thanks to reduced taxes on groceries.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2006

CHARLESTON, W.Va., Jan. 11 -- Following is the prepared text of Gov. Joe Manchin's (D) 2006 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests, the members of my administration and sen

State AGs Fight Teen Smoking—Onscreen

More than 30 attorneys general are mounting a campaign to add anti-smoking ads to the beginning of films in which actors light up onscreen. The bid to fight teen smoking was prompted by a study that showed a marked increase in smoking among children who watch movie characters puffing away.

State Lawmakers Bag Online Hunting

Lawmakers in 11 states jumped on the bandwagon to outlaw online hunting this year, and California may soon do the same. Why all the fuss? It's over a single website that briefly offered Internet users a chance this spring to shoot live animals on a Texas ranch and that netted a single customer.

West Virginia State of the State Address 2005

CHARLESTON, West Virginia - Feb. 10 - Following is the text of Gov. Joe Manchin III's (D) 2005 state of the state address: Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Board of Public Works, Justices of the Supreme Court of Appeals, Members of the Legislature, Distinguished Guests and My Fellow West Virginians: W

States Buying in Bulk to Stretch Rx Dollars

A growing number of states are using an age-old bargain shopping strategy buying in bulk to save money on prescription drugs. States are looking within and beyond their borders for ways to leverage the combined buying power of consumers, such as state employees, retirees and Medicaid patients, to negotiate better prices from drug makers.

Governors' Inaugurations Take on Frugal Airs

President George W. Bush's inauguration took center stage in the nation's political arena, drawing most of the 28 Republican governors to Washington, D.C. But 11 recently elected governors threw inaugural parties of their own this month, each bringing his or her own style to the occasion, from collecting aid for tsunami survivors to a gala that garnered a visit from Elvis.

States in Forefront of Fight for Cheaper Drugs

West Virginia is breaking new ground in bargaining for lower drug prices for Medicaid patients, state workers and residents, an effort expected to intensify in state legislatures in 2005.

New Governors Spell Change - Road Sign by Road Sign

The transition to a new governor is about more than handing over the reins of power or even the keys to the executive mansion. Sometimes its about pesky issues, such as what to do with 4,000 boxes of salt-water taffy that carry the name of New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey, who left office unexpectedly this year. Nine states face such delicate dilemmas as they adjust to new governors taking office.

New Governors Off to School

Five of the nation's seven newly-elected governors will get introductory lessons this weekend in the fine art of leading a state. Governors-elect will meet for a National Governors Association (NGA) retreat in West Virginia to learn how to prepare the first family for life in the spotlight, deal with the media, shape their political agendas and work with legislatures.