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The LATEST from ME
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- Report
- States' Fiscal Health
The Trillion Dollar Gap
States that ignored public sector retirement challenges now face growing bill coming due—bills that may have significant consequences for taxpayers. This report from the Pew Center on the States examined the roots of the problem and how the economic crisis is spurring states into action.
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- Stateline Story
2010 Elections: New Faces, Daunting Problems
Barack Obama won the presidency running on a platform of change in 2008, and change also will be the watchword in 2010 at the state level. Bruising budget battles could put voters in a testy mood and usher in a wave of new faces to lead state government, where Democrats now hold the majority of governorships and statehouses.more -
- Stateline Story
Is It Time for a New Fiscal Balance Between States and the Feds?
In his 1982 State of the Union address, President Ronald Reagan called for sweeping changes in the partnership between Washington and the states. His proposal for a grand swap of state and federal responsibilities would have relieved states of one of the fastest-growing burdens on their budgets today. Congress never acted on Reagan's proposal, and his idea to fundamentally rethink the financial ties between states and the federal government went dormant. Perhaps until now.more -
- Stateline Story
Summary of the Maine State of the State Address
In his last state of the state address, Gov. John Baldacci (D) called on the Democratic-led Legislature to help him close a $438 million budget gap by consolidating natural resource agencies, streamlining government administration, eliminating redundancies between state and local government and cutting social services. more
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- Stateline Story
2010 Speeches Are Bleak for Most Governors
With nearly three-quarters of their seats up for election this year, the nation's governors are setting the stage for 2010 by warning that the economic downturn is far from over in the states, where tax collections are weak, unemployment is surging and the likeliest outcomes will be unpopular tax hikes and sharp budget cuts. more
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- Stateline Story
Maine State of the State Address 2010
AUGUSTA, Maine - Jan. 21 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. John Baldacci's (D) 2010 state of the state address: Madam President, Madam Speaker, Madam Chief Justice, members of the Legislature, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests and my fellow citizens: I cannot remember a time that has presente
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- Infographic
Legislative Control and Redistricting, 2010
Winning control of legislative chambers is especially important this year, because some state legislatures will be drawing new congressional and statehouse districts based on population changes revealed in the 2010 census. more
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- Stateline Story
Report: States Behind on Traffic Safety Laws
TODAY'S TAKE: A new report shows a number of states lack even basic traffic safety laws, such as ones requiring seat belt use. more
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- Stateline Story
Will States Budget for a Second Stimulus?
TODAY'S TAKE: Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) this week will submit a budget proposal that assumes Congress will pass additional stimulus measures, according to Maine's Capitol News Service.more -
- Stateline Story
'Maine Miracle' Faces Challenge
TODAY'S TAKE: Even as other hard-hit states hiked personal income taxes this year to generate revenue, Maine drew national attention for doing the opposite. But the 'Maine Miracle' may face a challenge at the polls next year.more
