The Pew Charitable Trusts

• Stateline Story
• Regulation, Federal Impact, Consumer Protection

Insurance Changes Explained: Why State Officials Are Nervous About New Federal Rules

Traditionally, the federal government has left most regulation of insurance to the states. But passage of the Dodd-Frank law two years ago inserted the federal government deeper into the mix. More

• Stateline Story
• Driving Laws, Drugs

Driving Laws Explained: In the Medical Marijuana Age, How High is too High to Drive?

States are growing more concerned about "drugged driving." But at the same time, many are offering avenues to legitimate marijuana use. Here’s a primer on the research and policy issues surrounding driving high. More

• Stateline Story
• Affordable Care Act

Health Law Explained: The States Gain New Flexibility in Setting Policies

Ever since the Affordable Care Act passed, states have worried that the federal government would set a rigid national standard for health benefits. Now it's clear that won't happen. More

• Stateline Story
• Transportation

Infrastructure Banks Explained: A Common State Tool Gets Mixed Marks

Most states have infrastructure banks, and President Obama wants the federal government to have one too. But as all levels of government look for creative ways to pay for transportation, the debate continues over the effectiveness of this strategy. More

• Stateline Story
• Budget, Cities

Municipal Bankruptcy Explained: What it Means to File for Chapter 9

Jefferson County, Alabama, filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in history this month. What exactly happens when a municipality goes broke? More

• Stateline Story
• Mortgages, Foreclosures

Foreclosure Probe Explained: What State AGs Want From Big Banks

A year ago, all 50 states launched an investigation into some of the nation's biggest banks, accusing them of using illegal practices to cheat homeowners and worsen the foreclosure crisis. In this explainer, Stateline examines the states' investigation and its potential outcomes. More

• Stateline Story
• Education

School Accreditation Explained: Does a Seal of Approval Matter?

Kansas City's school system is about to join St. Louis in losing state accreditation. Does it matter? Here's a primer on school accreditation and what's at stake when schools lose it. More

• Stateline Story
• Medicaid

Medicaid Explained: How Would Lower Provider Taxes Affect State Budgets?

To reduce the federal debt, the Obama administration has proposed rolling back a Medicaid financing mechanism that critics liken to a shell game. Here's a primer on how the change would affect states. More

• Stateline Story
• Budget

Rising Revenues Explained: Are States Really Getting a Windfall?

Many of this year's state revenue forecasts underestimated the amount of money coming in. Budget writers wonder if that was a blip or a sign of better times ahead. More

• Stateline Story
• Medicaid

Medicaid Explained: How a 'Blended Rate' Would Work

• Stateline Story
• Budget

Budget Gimmicks Explained: Five Ways States Hide Deficits

Next week starts a new fiscal year for most states. Are their new budgets truly balanced? It depends on how you do the math. More

• Stateline Story
• Health Care Costs, Managed Care

Managed Care Explained: Why a Medicaid Innovation is Spreading

After two decades of experimenting with managed care in Medicaid, a growing number of states are expanding its use. Here's a primer on what's driving the growth in managed care, and why states are hopeful about cost savings even as critics say they should be cautious. More

• Stateline Story
• Budget

Rainy Day Funds Explained: How Much Money Should States Have in the Bank?

In states fortunate enough to have emergency cash reserves in a lean budget year, legislators are debating how much of that money to spend and how much to save for future crises. In this explainer, Stateline explores state rainy day funds. More

• Stateline Story
• Medicaid, Federal Aid

Medicaid Explained: How Would Block Grants Work?

Last week, Republicans in the U.S. House passed a plan that would overhaul the federal-state partnership when it comes to providing health insurance for the poor. Here's a primer on how Medicaid works, what's being proposed and what the impacts might be. More

• Stateline Story
• Budget

State Budgets Explained: Why Deficit Figures Don't Always Add Up

In some states this year, disagreement over how to calculate budget deficits has made for confusing debates. Here's a primer on what budget shortfalls are, the math behind them and why those calculations have become controversial. More