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Archive of Stateline.org RSS - State by State Roundup on Tuesday March 15, 2005
Bill would raise cell phone fees to pay for rural 911 technology
Outside of large Alabama population centers like Mobile and Baldwin counties, the odds are drastically reduced that response crews can pinpoint the location of a cell-phone user making an emergency call, 911 center officials say. [Mobile Register] Read More
Democrats to meet Saturday
The Mobile County Democratic Executive Committee will hold its regular meeting on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Jon Archer Agriculture Center on Schillinger Road, according to a news release. [Mobile Register] Read More
Kelly bill puts F&G on offense
Rep. Mike Kelly thinks the state could better respond to "attacks" from groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals if its laws mandated that the top Department of Fish and Game official's job includes promoting hunting, fishing and trapping. [Daily News-Miner (Fairbanks)] Read More
Schools optimistic about funding
Emboldened by high oil prices, many lawmakers opened the legislative session in January with confident statements about providing early funding for K-12 education. [Daily News-Miner (Fairbanks)] Read More
Lawmakers think again about commercial fishing fees
A court decision in a class-action lawsuit by out-of-state commercial fishermen has Alaska lawmakers rethinking the state's fishing permit fees. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Senate proposes retirement change
Senate leaders propose shutting off to new employees a state-administered retirement program that has been in place more than 40 years for public school teachers, state and municipal workers. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Coffey offers sales tax
Anchorage Assemblyman Dan Coffey proposes a sales tax to lower property taxes for Anchorage property owners. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Senate OKs vouchers
For the first time in Arizona, a bill letting parents receive public dollars to send their children to private schools appears likely to win legislative approval. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Job quantity up, quality lags
Although the state may have the second-greatest job-generating machine in the nation, according to the latest federal and state figures, that hasn't translated into better wages and benefits for its workforce. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Judge won't expand Prop. 200
A judge threw out an attempt to add teeth to Arizona's Proposition 200 on Monday, just as the state House tentatively approved sweeping legislation to expand the measure's influence throughout the state. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Two charter schools may lose state funding
Two local charter schools are at risk of having their charters revoked and state funding eliminated. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Voucher bill on path to Napolitano
Whether parents will get taxpayer-financed vouchers to send their children to private and parochial schools is up to Gov. Janet Napolitano. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
House OKs community college bill
The state House on Monday approved a sweetened version of the bill that would allow some community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees and would turn Eastern Arizona College into a four-year-liberal arts college. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Governor signs human trafficking bill
Gov. Janet Napolitano on Monday signed a bill targeting "coyotes" and human traffickers who recruit and coerce immigrants into prostitution or forced labor. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Inmate begins selecting jurors in hostage case
An inmate defending himself against charges he raped a guard and held her captive in a prison watchtower for 15 days politely questioned prospective jurors in Phoenix about whether they had seen the hostage crisis on television. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Legislative leaders eye budget
With major budget decisions still weeks away, legislators return to work this week casting weary eyes at what remains of more than 3,000 bills filed for the regular session. [The Log Cabin Democrat (Conway)] Read More
House gives timber industry $11.5 million tax break
Lawmakers approved a $11.5 million tax break Monday for the state's ever-growing timber industry, despite fears that it would cause other businesses to start seeking exemptions. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Gambling bill endorsed by House panel
The House Rules Committee on Monday recommended a bill to expand gambling by electronic games of skill at Arkansas' two racing tracks where gambling is allowed. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Nutrition, physical health changes for schools goes out for public comment
The state Board of Education voted Monday to take a step toward adding significant nutritional and physical health requirements for the state's public schools. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Promenade partners break ground in style
ROGERS, Ark. - A helicopter circled the site of the Pinnacle Hills Promenade twice before landing in a field near an events tent to allow Arkansas Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller and Mayor Steve Womack to disembark. The two took part in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Promenade on Monday. Read More
Hendrix professor's passion for arkansas politics shines
With bookshelves packed floor to ceiling and walls lined with campaign memorabilia and political icons, his small, windowed office could pass for a miniature museum of Southern state politics. [The Log Cabin Democrat (Conway)] Read More
Judge rules state can't bar gay marriage
SAN FRANCISCO - Gays and lesbians have a right to marry under the California Constitution, a state judge here ruled Monday, striking down state laws that limit marriage to "a man and a woman." [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Judge orders launch of nurse staffing rule
A requirement that California hospitals have one nurse on duty for every five patients took effect Monday afternoon at the direction of a Sacramento Superior Court judge. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
'Undaunted' Angelides set to launch campaign for governor
SAN FRANCISCO - Saying he had "no illusions" about the difficulty of unseating a popular celebrity governor, state Treasurer Phil Angelides said he's confident he'll win the Democratic nomination for governor in 2006 and beat Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a head-to-head showdown. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Teachers' ads accuse governor of breaking his word
The California Teachers Association launched another media salvo Monday in its campaign to regain $2 billion in education funds it says Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger promised to return this year after borrowing it last year. [The Contra Costa Times] Read More
Impetus seen for constitutional ban
WASHINGTON - Conservative backers of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage say a San Francisco judge's ruling Monday that may pave the way for such marriages in California will help spark their renewed effort in Congress to pass the constitutional ban. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Schwarzenegger criticizes state unions
STANFORD, Calif. - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger criticized state unions for not acting in the public interest and said he does not have a gripe with nurses or teachers, just the unions that represent them. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Judge in gay marriage case is a Catholic Republican appointee
SAN FRANCISCO - Supporters of same-sex marriage found an ally in San Francisco Judge Richard Kramer - a Catholic Republican appointed to the bench by a former GOP governor. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Hollywood glitz at capitol
For a state Capitol that's grown accustomed to the Hollywood glitz of California's governor and his wife, rarely has the glow been as bright as Monday. [Mercury News (San Jose)] Read More
Gay marriage bans rejected
Handing a significant victory to advocates of same-sex marriage, a San Francisco judge ruled Monday that two California laws limiting marriage to couples of opposite gender violate the state constitution's guarantee of equal protection. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
Quick end sought on stem cell lawsuits
LOS ANGELES - California's new stem cell research program can't sell bonds or issue grants until two lawsuits challenging its constitutionality are resolved, the state attorney general told the California Supreme Court on Monday. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
Dog cropping bill causes uproar
Mia, an elegant Doberman pinscher, has ears that stand ramrod straight, pointing skyward as she prances and poses on the dog show circuit. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
California judge voids ban on gay marriage
SAN FRANCISCO, - In a victory for city officials here, a state judge ruled on Monday that California's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, overturning a statewide proposition passed in 2000 that defined marriage as between a man and woman. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Calif.'s gay-marriage ban tossed out
A California judge ruled Monday that limiting marriage to a man and a woman violates the state's constitution. If upheld on appeal, the ruling would allow the nation's most populous state to join Massachusetts as the only states that allow same-sex marriage. [USA Today] Read More
Churchill likely to be at CU for years
With negotiations for a university-funded early retirement buyout of Ward Churchill's contract all but dead and prospects for a privately funded settlement dim, it appears increasingly likely that the incendiary professor will be on campus for the foreseeable future. [Denver Post] Read More
Budget ballot measure getting a lot of company
Conservative groups have launched a volley of budget-squeezing initiatives at the November ballot, and analysts and some lawmakers say their effort could damage any budget measure's chances with voters. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Dem to seek Beauprez seat
Joanna Conti on Monday became the first of what's expected to be a steady stream of Democrats mounting a challenge for the 7th Congressional District seat held by Republican Bob Beauprez. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Thomas introduces bill to extend Glendo water contracts
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Sen. Craig Thomas has introduced legislation to extend the Glendo Reservoir water storage contracts for Wyoming and Nebraska irrigation districts until Dec. 31, 2007. [The Grand Island Independent] Read More
Scientists map high-tech war on Utah crickets
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Armed with a glue gun and radio transmitters the size of a penny, a University of North Carolina scientist is trying to stop mass insect migrations that devastate ranches in the Mountain West. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Wet winter in N.M. raises hantavirus, plague concerns
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The snow and rain that has brought joy to skiers, farmers and ranchers in New Mexico this year is also providing more food for the animals that carry hantavirus and plague. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Use of tobacco-tax money gets first OK
A bill that would use tobacco-tax dollars to give health-care benefits to an extra 100,000 Coloradans has cleared its first hurdle. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Bill to force benefits managers to reveal drug payments dies
A bill that would have forced pharmacy-benefits managers to reveal if they have taken money to promote one drug over another died in committee Monday. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
CU wants racism cases reported
BOULDER, Colo. - University of Colorado officials urged victims Monday to report racial harassment, even if the chance of catching the offender is small. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Junk-fax law may be altered
Trish Dill fears she is going to lose her employment business, all because of 54 faxes her Centennial firm sent. Dill is being sued by a company that goes after junk faxers, but she doesn't believe she fits that category. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
House committee sinks water-management proposal
Utility officials and local leaders have tried for several months to build legislative support for a governing board that would oversee billions of dollars in projects to move and store more water in the region. [Denver Post] Read More
Owens' economist floats $200 million budget idea
Gov. Bill Owens' chief economist has discovered an accounting change he says can put $200 million back into the state's wallet. [Denver Post] Read More
Daniels grants for CU delayed
A major Colorado philanthropic organization, the Daniels Fund, has delayed as much as $400,000 in grant requests for the University of Colorado, in part because of the school's recent scandals, fund president Hank Brown said Monday. [Denver Post] Read More
Owens vetoes CU's purchase of 2 buildings from Auraria schools
Gov. Bill Owens has issued his first veto of the legislative session, blocking the University of Colorado's purchase of two Denver office buildings from the nonprofit Auraria Foundation. [Denver Post] Read More
Halaby, Schaffer may vie for GOP committee post
Outgoing Colorado Republican chairman Ted Halaby is seeking election Saturday as the state's new Republican national committeeman. [Denver Post] Read More
Ruling buoys kayakers
In another victory for whitewater enthusiasts, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Monday that state officials exceeded their authority in trying to limit water for a Gunnison kayak course. [Denver Post] Read More
Voter's guide bill advances
Republican lawmakers tried unsuccessfully Monday to block a Democratic bill that could depoliticize the official voter's guide on ballot issues. [Denver Post] Read More
Nursing home strike nears
Nearly 3,700 workers could strike 34 nursing homes statewide unless last-minute talks result in new labor contracts this week. [New Haven Register (registration)] Read More
As he awaits his fate
Former Gov. John G. Rowland is facing his sentencing Friday on federal corruption charges with a blend of anxiety and resignation, friends say - "ready to face the future, whatever that might be," as one confidant put it. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Report - Don't jail teens with adults
While Connecticut is one of only three states in the nation to treat 16-year-old offenders as adults, it is also one of three New England states taking the lead in juvenile justice reform, according to a national study released Monday. [New Haven Register (registration)] Read More
Hartford attempts a salsa-spiced rebirth
The self-proclaimed insurance capital of the world - considered the richest city in the country after the Civil War - has since become one of the nation's poorest. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Report - DCF making headway
Recent reforms are helping the state Department of Children and Families better serve abused and neglected children, but there is still much work to be done, a federal court monitor said in a report released Monday. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Dog control to counties?
The state has proposed turning the dogs on the counties. At least dog control. Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is expected to talk tonight to Kent County Levy Court about giving responsibility for dog control over to the counties. [Delaware State News (Dover)] Read More
CSX, state settle on bridges
The state and CSX Transportation will share the cost of fixing three deteriorating railroad bridges and razing a fourth under an agreement announced Monday that also settles the question of who is responsible for the spans. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Judges - More order in court
Delaware's top judges asked the legislature's budget committee to increase court security staffing on Monday, with a deadly incident in a Georgia courtroom not far from the officials' minds. [Delaware State News (Dover)] Read More
Shift to computers may cut DCF jobs
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - An effort to use new technology to upgrade the Department of Children & Families' welfare application system will result in layoffs statewide, and it has already caused problems for the public. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Fla. measure aims to keep Schiavo alive
Lawmakers proposed a measure Monday aimed at preventing Friday's scheduled removal of a feeding tube that is keeping brain-damaged Terri Schiavo alive. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Smoking bans taken in stride in other states
DESTIN, Fla. - The Hog's Breath went outside the box to deal with this state's indoor smoking ban. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Bush pushes litigation reforms
Hoping to invigorate efforts to rewrite Florida's civil litigation laws during this legislative session, Gov. Jeb Bush will join a capital rally today calling for sweeping changes, including significant new limits on class-action suits. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Schiavo bill a race against time
With emotions running high in the Terri Schiavo case, the Florida Legislature is poised to pass a new end-of-life law before Friday, the day a judge has ordered the removal of the Pinellas Park woman's feeding tube. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Democrats jockey for state party post
An unpredictable race for Florida Democratic chairman is brewing as Democrats prepare for Scott Maddox to pursue his own political ambitions. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Famed, decried for work on guns
To some, Marion Hammer is a Florida folk hero, a fighter for the Second Amendment, a throwback to the state's pioneer days when muzzle-loading skills were essential. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
MADD urges measures to thwart tipsy drivers
A bill intended to expand the use of devices that prevent drunk people from starting their car and another that would institute tougher penalties for people who drive at twice the legal blood-alcohol limit are the top priorities in the legislative session for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
House passes new bill for Gullah preservation
For the second time in two years, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to create a commission that would preserve Gullah-Geechee culture in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. [The Post and Courier (Charleston) (registration)] Read More
Report - Charter-school debt rises
A growing number of Florida charter schools are operating in the red, forcing many to cut services or borrow money to keep their doors open, according to a state report released Monday [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Utilities agency leaves public irate over rates
Nancy Johnson has a curt response to the idea that Florida Power & Light Co. needs to impose a surcharge on customers to pay hurricane expenses from last year. [The Palm Beach Post] Read More
Bills would limit public's access to information
There are plenty of ways for identity thieves and other criminals to get personal information about you. Sen. Bill Posey says government documents shouldn't be one of them. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Legislators examine mammogram funds
Women who get regular mammograms can substantially reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer. But new studies find that thousands of Florida women -- particularly low-income blacks and Hispanics without health insurance -- are going without the annual tests. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Money gives Senate chief "insurance"
Florida Republicans are bragging about a rare harmony between Gov. Jeb Bush and top lawmakers these days. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Call for action following courthouse carnage
ATLANTA - Pressure mounted Monday for swift action to prevent more potentially lethal security lapses at the Fulton County Courthouse, as somber and subdued employees returned to the workplace where three days earlier a state judge and two other people were slain, allegedly by a rampaging prisoner. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Rule breach may result in House censure
House Speaker Glenn Richardson on Monday publicly chastised a lawmaker who he said disrupted a special Saturday session of the General Assembly. He said formal disciplinary action by the full House is being considered. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
State Legislature ahead of goals as end of session nears
The historic first Republican-led General Assembly since Reconstruction so far appears to have new masters who have only occasionally let their reach exceed their grasp. [The Macon Telegraph] Read More
House passes new bill for Gullah preservation
For the second time in two years, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to create a commission that would preserve Gullah-Geechee culture in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. [The Post and Courier (Charleston) (registration)] Read More
Democrats craft tough amendments
Senators were given these choices Monday: Fix up the governor's mansion or spend more on health insurance for poor children. Money for one of the governor's new pet programs, or life insurance for National Guard troops in Iraq. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
It's 'Sunshine Week' in state
Gov. Sonny Perdue has declared this week "Sunshine Week" in Georgia as part of a national effort to promote open government. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Sandy Springs bills move through Senate
The effort to establish a new city of Sandy Springs took a sudden, unexpected step forward on Monday as the Senate passed half the legislation needed. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
HSTA says big pay raise needed
Hawaii's teachers union said yesterday it is seeking hefty pay increases averaging 15 percent in each of the next two years, saying higher salaries are needed to address a teacher shortage. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Employee gets deferral for donations
A state judge ordered a former employee of a local architecture firm to perform 60 hours of community service after she pleaded no contest to charges of making illegal political donations to former Mayor Jeremy Harris' campaign. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Sea life returning to repaired coral
Divers are seeing reef fish returning to rescued coral heads at the site of last month's grounding of the cargo ship Cape Flattery. [Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Bill to allow tuition charges moves toward a Senate vote
The full Senate will decide whether Idaho students at most state colleges and universities should pay tuition as well as fees. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
State laws limit access to records: Idaho Legislature has put some information off limits
Want to see the minutes of a City Council meeting from 1911? No problem. The city keeps more than a century's worth of meeting records in its files, dating back to Pocatello's incorporation. [Idaho State Journal (Pocatello)] Read More
Ponderosa park facelift gets cold shoulder
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's multi-million plan to spruce up the popular Ponderosa State Park at McCall with a guest lodge, meeting space and new beach access has been sidelined by lawmakers doubtful that the park should leap ahead of the state's other critical building needs. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Planned Parenthood, state spar over files
Attorney General Steve Carter is demanding the medical records of 73 low-income patients from Planned Parenthood of Indiana as part of an investigation that critics say tramples on Hoosiers' privacy rights. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Judge's foe sent notes to officials
CHICAGO - The man authorities have said killed Judge Joan Humphrey Lefkow's husband and mother also sent hostile, puzzling letters to state and federal officials six years ago, sparking an investigation by the Illinois attorney general's office. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Blagojevich blames Daley's staff for stalled gun bills
Gov. Rod Blagojevich blamed city lobbyists Monday for roadblocks Mayor Richard Daley's gun-control package encountered in Springfield this month as the governor announced he was launching a special state police unit to fight illegal gun-trafficking. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Study faults state sex education
Sex education in Illinois schools is too often glossed over in health classes and taught with materials that offer teens incomplete or inaccurate information, according to a statewide survey released Monday. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Madigan seeks top-level probe of cop's claims
The Illinois attorney general is seeking a review of allegations that state police officers investigating a Downstate double-murder were thwarted by their supervisors because a potential suspect had made hefty political donations. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
DCFS threats to take children ruled illegal
A federal judge ruled that Illinois families were deprived of their constitutional rights when state child welfare officials threatened to separate parents from their children during abuse investigations. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Political wrangling sidelines program
Jacqui Mullen, one of the thousands of homeless single mothers in Illinois, is "tired of being a statistic." The 24-year-old works full time at a minimum-wage job taking care of elderly and disabled people. After paying for food, clothes, child care and diapers for her 21-month-old son, there isn't money to pay rent. So she and Benji live in a dormitory-style shelter for women and their children. [The Daily Herald (Arlington)] Read More
Tax increase under attack by lawmaker
Wheaton Republican state Sen. Peter Roskam is spending $40,000 to try to ensure a massive state tax hike, pushed as a way to solve school funding problems, never happens. [The Daily Herald (Arlington)] Read More
School districts push for tax hikes
Reeling from mounting deficits and a lack of state financial support, numerous school districts are asking voters on April 5 to approve property-tax increases to avoid cuts in educational programs, extracurricular programs or both. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
State makes preschool a priority
As the 3 o'clock dismissal bell rings at schools across Chicago, Yesenia Rivera and hundreds of other preschoolers are pouring into city classrooms to begin their day. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
NRA to fight state gun list that feds recently OK'd
The National Rifle Association is pushing legislation to scrap an Illinois database of more than 2.1 million gun transactions -- six months after Gov. Blagojevich won permission from the federal government to keep it. [Chicago Sun-Times] Read More
Quinn praises local development efforts
MACOMB, Ill. - Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn toured several Illinois cities Monday to promote participation in the Illinois Main Street program. [Peoria Journal Star] Read More
Work with me, governor tells Daley
Gov. Blagojevich insists he supports gun-control legislation being pushed by Mayor Daley in Springfield, but he wants the mayor's lobbyists to work more closely with his staff on the issue. [Chicago Sun-Times] Read More
At least one judge doesn't want a gun
A proposed state law that would allow judges to carry concealed firearms won't make courthouses any safer, one Sangamon County judge said Monday, while the judge who came up with the idea suggested it was only "an option that might be available." [The Daily Herald (Arlington)] Read More
Panel OKs gay-marriage ban
Those opposed to a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage chastised lawmakers who approved the measure Monday by chanting "shame, shame, shame" after every "yes" vote. [The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne)] Read More
House committee approves voter ID bill
Legislation to require voters to show a photo ID at the polls advanced Monday along a 7-5 party-line vote in the House Elections and Apportionment Committee. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Local residents take property tax protest to Statehouse
Donnie Sabol's sign said it all: "Help! Taxes on my 80-year-old house in Whiting: $7,251.12." [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
Changes help bill for state watchdog
House Republicans agreed Monday to scale back legislation that would create an inspector general, setting the stage for a vote today on the once-controversial proposal. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Gay-marriage ban to get House vote
After more than a year of waiting, the Indiana House of Representatives will finally vote on a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
House passess bill protecting genetically modified crops
The Iowa House voted Monday to block local governments from regulating the use of certain agricultural seeds after a move by some to ban the use of genetically modified crops. [Sioux City Journal] Read More
New plan calls for sharing services
A plan being assembled by state lawmakers would push Iowa communities to cooperate at an unprecedented level, rewarding those that share services and eventually punishing those that do not. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Vilsack casts doubt on border tax plan
Gov. Tom Vilsack expressed concerns Monday with a plan pushed by some lawmakers that would allow Iowa?s border communities to drop the state income tax for their residents to make rates more comparable with neighboring states such as Illinois. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Iowa patrol opens reports to the public
The Iowa State Patrol will make its incident reports available for public inspection for the first time beginning today. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
School funding could hinge on state gamble
Casino gambling appears headed for a test vote soon in the Senate, whose members are searching for ways to pay for a three-year school funding plan. [Wichita Eagle (registration)] Read More
Gay-marriage amendment campaigns go into action
The movement against gay marriage in Kansas has begun in houses of worship across the area. The campaign literature is in the mail, television commercials are ready, and a statewide rally -- expected to draw thousands to Kansas City, Kan., on April 3 -- was announced Monday. [Kansas City Star (registration)] Read More
Goal - Rein in state's spending increases
Americans for Prosperity kicked off a campaign Monday to enact a proposed state constitutional amendment limiting Kansas spending increases to the annual rate of inflation. [Kansas City Star (registration)] Read More
Democrats stalling vote on Blunt's Medicaid cuts
Republican senators are promoting Gov. Matt Blunt's plan to remove more than 100,000 people from Medicaid as an intermediate step to revamping what they describe as a bloated and broken government health care system for the poor. [Kansas City Star (registration)] Read More
With schools, death cases pending, legislators answer courts
Stung by rulings mandating higher spending on public schools and striking down Kansas' death penalty law, legislators are considering proposals to limit judges' power and make the courts more responsive to voters. [Kansas City Star (registration)] Read More
Legislative committee studying school-finance plans
A legislative conference committee started work Monday on a school finance plan that critics say is inadequate, irresponsible and unconstitutional. [Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Kline - Pedophiles better at using Internet to prey on children
WASHINGTON - Less than two minutes after Angie Wilson entered an online chat room posing as a 14-year-old girl, older men began sending her messages. It didn't take long for some messages to turn graphic, with one of the men sending Wilson, a special agent with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, a sexually explicit image of himself. [Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Sebelius surveys fire damage
FORT SCOTT, Kan. - Gov. Kathleen Sebelius visited Fort Scott's historic downtown area Monday, studying the damage caused by a roaring, wind-whipped fire. [Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
House bill would provide merit pay funds for teachers
Rep. Steve Huebert, R-Valley Center, hopes to get up to $25 million in new school funding earmarked for merit pay for teachers. [Wichita Eagle (registration)] Read More
Poverty stalks more Kansas kids
In many ways, news is getting better for Kansas kids, according to the 2005 Kansas Kids Count Data Book. [Wichita Eagle (registration)] Read More
Kansas abortion clinics fight data request
Two Kansas clinics are opposing efforts by the state's attorney general to obtain the medical records of more than 80 women who received late-term abortions in 2003. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Bill lets Fletcher stuff war chest earlier for 2007
As soon as Gov. Ernie Fletcher signs a bill that repeals public financing in Kentucky governors' races, he and Lt. Gov. Steve Pence will be free to raise and spend money for their 2007 re-election campaign. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
Prisoners help each other get off drugs
LA GRANGE, Ky. - Lee West is the odd man who doesn't want to leave prison if granted parole later this year. West, who is serving 14 years for burglary and robbery while on a marijuana-smoking binge, said he plans to stay at Roederer Correctional Complex to attend a drug rehabilitation that saved his life. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
State behind on voter changes
The state Board of Elections has yet to allow voters who aren't Republicans or Democrats to identify themselves on voter rolls, nearly three years after a state law required it. [The Kentucky Post (Covington)] Read More
Democrats hope regional meeting will steer them in right direction
After taking a beating in last fall's elections, Northern Kentucky Democrats are planning to regroup at a get-together to rev up the party faithful and look for new faces to bring into the fold. [The Kentucky Post (Covington)] Read More
Castro meeting analyzed
Gov. Kathleen Blanco and other members of last week's trade delegation to Cuba said they were surprised when Fidel Castro summoned them during the final hours of their trip. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
State's retirement systems called 'ticking time bomb'
Generous benefits granted by the Legislature, as well as investment losses, have put the state's four major retirement systems "on the ropes," the head of a nonpartisan governmental watchdog group said Monday. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
State inspectors to head for sugar mill work site
Citing safety concerns about the state agriculture department's work practices, the agency that oversees state workers' compensation claims will step in to conduct a special safety inspection at a construction site in Lacassine where Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom is building a $45 million sugar mill with the help of hundreds of his department's employees, many of whom are untrained in construction work. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
DEQ finds rail cars release vapors, may add to ozone problem
As industry prepares to install more air monitors to look for sources of ozone-causing pollutants called highly reactive hydrocarbons, the state has expanded its search for these pollutants to include railroad cars. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Report says cut nursing-home funds, boost other programs
State government is too generous in paying nursing homes and poorly funds programs that offer community-based care for the elderly and disabled, a legislative auditor's report released Monday concludes. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Bill: Help kids drink, lose your license
Legislators and a major alcohol manufacturer worked together Monday to drum up support for a bill that takes driving privileges away from those who buy liquor for minors. [Kennebec Journal] Read More
State must help towns understand new tax-relief law
The governor, state finance officials and lawmakers should be doing much more to answer the flood of questions about Maine's new tax-relief law. [Morning Sentinel] Read More
Make it Moxie in Maine
Some say it's bitter. Others prefer it well-chilled. [Kennebec Journal] Read More
To aid court security, Maine mulls a tax on guns
The sponsor of a bill that would tax gun sales to finance improved court security said the state is "living on borrowed time" because of its repeated failure to deal with the issue. [Portland Press Herald] Read More
Pool for high-risk insured proposed
Republican lawmakers are trying to resurrect a plan that separates Maine's sickest people from the individual insurance market as a way to drive down premium costs for those who are younger and healthier. [Portland Press Herald] Read More
Embden wants deal to share tax burden
NORTH ANSON, Maine - State educators and legislators will meet with their local counterparts tonight in an effort to solve perceived inequities in the new education-funding model. [Morning Sentinel] Read More
Maryland Senate delays Ehrlich appointments
The Maryland Senate last night held up confirmation of 90 of Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s appointees to state commissions after raising concerns about the number of mid-level state workers who had been fired by the Ehrlich administration. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Compromise is unlikely in slots standoff
With just four weeks left in the legislative session, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller appears to be left with few good options in his bid to wring a compromise on the slot machine gambling bill from his counterpart in the House of Delegates. [The Sun (Baltimore) (registration)] Read More
Schaefer, Curran called unlikely retirees
Now that Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes has decided to forgo re-election, what will Maryland's two other elder statesmen do? There are two schools of thought on the impact that Sarbanes' retirement from politics next year will have on Comptroller William Donald Schaefer and Attorney General J. Joseph Curran Jr. The first is that Sarbanes showed that politicians can gracefully step aside, and that Curran and Schaefer will follow his lead. [The Sun (Baltimore) (registration)] Read More
Romney aide is grilled on budget
Skeptical lawmakers grilled Governor Mitt Romney's budget chief for more than two hours yesterday, questioning his assertion that rising revenues and healthcare savings make it possible to boost some state spending and cut taxes at the same time. [The Boston Globe] Read More
Big Dig consultant - Tunnels may be unsafe
BOSTON - The independent engineering specialist who led an investigation into leaks at the $14.6 billion Big Dig project says he can no longer vouch for the safety of its tunnels. [USA Today] Read More
Calif.'s gay-marriage ban tossed out
A California judge ruled Monday that limiting marriage to a man and a woman violates the state's constitution. If upheld on appeal, the ruling would allow the nation's most populous state to join Massachusetts as the only states that allow same-sex marriage. [USA Today] Read More
State grants eyed for private students
Catholic and Jewish school parents are joining Governor Mitt Romney in a push to give students in private schools the same chance as those in public schools to take the MCAS and win a scholarship to a state college or university. [The Boston Globe] Read More
DSS clears prep school in student sex scandal
The state Department of Social Services has cleared Milton Academy in the sex scandal that rocked the elite private school, an agency spokeswoman said yesterday. [Boston Herald] Read More
Doubt aired on safety of I-93 tunnels
The engineering specialist who led the investigation into leaks in the Big Dig says he can no longer say with confidence that the Interstate 93 tunnels are safe to drive in, according to a letter obtained by the Globe. [The Boston Globe] Read More
Governor blesses religious funding
Quoting scripture and taking a page from President George W. Bush, Gov. Jennifer Granholm called Monday for closer ties between religious leaders and state services to reach more people in need, and to funnel more government money to faith-based programs. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
State abortion law delayed
The latest Michigan law aimed at limiting so-called partial birth abortion -- enacted in 2004 by petition drive after Gov. Jennifer Granholm's veto of an identical measure a year earlier -- won't go into effect as scheduled on March 30 pending action by a federal court judge hearing a challenge to its constitutionality. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
Bill takes aim at exotic species
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Great Lakes states should regulate the oceangoing ship ballast widely suspected of ferrying exotic species to the region, instead of leaving the job to a slow-moving federal government, two Michigan legislative leaders said Monday. [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
State-tribal casino gains backers
Twenty members of the Minnesota House have signed on as co-sponsors of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal to allow Indian tribes to join with the state in a partnership to operate a Twin Cities-area casino. [St. Paul Pioneer Press (registration)] Read More
Mother testifies in support of bill
ST. PAUL, Minn. - It wasn t Anne Buchanan s idea to testify to a Minnesota Senate committee on Monday. [The Forum (Fargo)] Read More
DFL bill would accelerate use of home-grown energy sources
Minnesota should require at least 20 percent of the electricity in the state to be generated from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass by 2020, DFL legislators said Monday. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
Shedding light on access
The Minnesota House bill that would give life to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's high-profile crackdown on sex offenders runs 109 pages in all, including many passages and provisions familiar to newspaper readers. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
State Senate passes bill to lift restrictions on media at polls
With minimal debate, the state Senate approved a bill Monday that would relax restrictions on reporters who want to keep an eye on polling places during elections. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
Legislator seeks to toughen standards for lead poisoning
Calling for tougher action to reduce lead poisoning in children, a Minneapolis legislator on Monday proposed stricter state regulations and taxing cans of paint to pay for them. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
Safety seats could be required for kids to age 9
Special automobile seat restraints for most children until they're 9 years old would be the law of the land in Minnesota under a bill approved Monday by the state Senate. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
Casino bill adds means testing
Any band that wants to participate with the state in running a Twin Cities-area casino would have to demonstrate that it currently lacks money to meet housing, medical care and other basic needs of its members, according to details of a House bill that emerged Monday at the Legislature. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
Senate committee takes up competing ATV bills
Even before mud season sets in, the Minnesota Legislature is again in a fight over all-terrain vehicle regulation. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
Shiny quarters, happy people
DENVER - Brekken Armstrong may be just a kid from St. Paul, but he knows one thing for sure about the Minnesota quarter he minted Monday after helping select its design. [St. Paul Pioneer Press (registration)] Read More
Legislators explore ways to trim Medicaid spending for next year
State lawmakers negotiating Medicaid's 2006 budget also must address a sliver of this year's shortfall. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Barbour defends special session
JACKSON, Miss. - Gov. Haley Barbour on Monday defended his decision to order a special session of the Legislature over the weekend and signed into law a bill it produced to keep Medicaid afloat through June. [The Sun Herald (Biloxi)] Read More
Judge extends coverage deadline
A day after lawmakers prevented a shutdown of the state's Medicaid program, a federal judge extended the deadline to keep 50,000 beneficiaries from losing eligibility. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Gas hits record prices in Miss.
Record prices for gasoline have at least one Jackson-area business evaluating delivery fees. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Compromise on DHS unlikely in last weeks of session
It appears unlikely lawmakers will reach a swift compromise on reauthorizing the Department of Human Services, even though there are a few weeks left in the session. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Proposed cuts threaten schools
Tuition could skyrocket 20 percent, up to 1,500 employees could become jobless and some academic programs could lose accreditation under proposed budget cuts to state universities, higher education officials said. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Loss of funding forces services to be cut at UMC
The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been spared some financial strain since lawmakers erased a major Medicaid deficit for this year, but it still must forge ahead with cuts to keep up with rising medical costs. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Court refuses to block execution despite mental-retardation claim
ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Supreme Court on Monday refused to halt the execution of Stanley Hall, despite claims that the condemned killer is mentally retarded. [Kansas City Star (registration)] Read More
Bill calls for reporting of sexually active teens
A bill that seeks to overhaul Missouri's child abuse reporting laws could require teachers, doctors, nurses and others to report sexually active teenagers and children to the state's abuse hot line. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Blunt cites Moody's rating as backing for his budget plan
Gov. Matt Blunt said last week that Moody's Investment Services backs his budget plan, or Missouri will lose its long-held "Aaa" financial rating. [Jefferson City News Tribune] Read More
Bill tackles $114 million spending surplus
Passage of a single bill could eliminate half of lawmakers' more than $100 million budget problem caused by a restriction on how much certain state government spending can increase over the next two years. [Billings Gazette] Read More
House OKs small business tax credits
The House gave preliminary approval Monday to a bill to give tax credits to small businesses that could not otherwise afford health insurance for their employees. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Foster unopposed for regent at Senate confirmation hearing
Amid partisan bickering over whether the Democratic-led Senate should confirm the appointment of Republican Mike Foster to the state Board of Regents, not one person spoke against the Billings man during his public hearing Monday. [Missoulian] Read More
Freeze of business tax OK'd
The Senate gave initial approval Monday to a bill to freeze the property tax on business equipment at 3 percent, stop the tax from being phased out and exempt more than 13,000 businesses from paying it. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Insurance bill widely supported
Many groups, and the state's attorney general and auditor supported a bill Monday to protect consumers if Montana's two major health insurers convert from nonprofit to for-profit entities and regulate their public assets as charitable trusts. [Billings Gazette] Read More
State plan works to slow CWD
A single case of chronic wasting disease in Montana could cost the state up to $200,000 as part of a developing plan that calls for "reducing to dust" the carcasses of any infected animals, a new plan shows. [Missoulian] Read More
No state job for accused Fossey killer
LINCOLN, Neb. - The state of Nebraska made - and then abruptly took back - a job offer to a man convicted of murdering Dian Fossey, the American wildlife researcher whose work in Africa was the subject of the movie ''Gorillas in the Mist.'' [Chicago Sun-Times] Read More
College officials ask for need-based aid
The new director of Nebraska's higher education coordinating commission says he can help nearly 2,000 of the state's low-income students afford college. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
'Alcopop' measures debated
Nebraska would play into the hands of the liquor industry by taxing Skyy Blue, Mike's Hard Lemonade and other flavored malt beverages at the lower beer rate, several state senators argued Monday. [Omaha World-Herald] Read More
Judge approves Nebraska agreement on Indian inmates and religion
A judge has approved new rules to accommodate the religious and cultural needs of Nebraska's American Indian inmates to settle a federal court action. [The Grand Island Independent] Read More
Former state senator charged with drunk driving
PAPILLION, Neb. - Former state Senator Ray Mossey was charged Monday with drunken driving, more than a month after he was he was ticketed when his vehicle ran off a snowy Sarpy County road. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
Education, workers' rights high on Latin lobby
Their temporary Capitol office had the markings of a campaign war room -- white board with talking points, tidy handouts of bite-sized information -- and Ed Leahy was orchestrating the political equivalent of basic training. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
Thomas introduces bill to extend Glendo water contracts
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Sen. Craig Thomas has introduced legislation to extend the Glendo Reservoir water storage contracts for Wyoming and Nebraska irrigation districts until Dec. 31, 2007. [The Grand Island Independent] Read More
Conviction in Fossey death puts end to job
Almost as quickly as they announced their choice, Nebraska officials Monday withdrew a state job offer to a man convicted in abstentia by Rwandan authorities in the murder of famed gorilla researcher Dian Fossey. [Omaha World-Herald] Read More
Nebraska rescinds job offer to man convicted of murdering 'Gorillas in the Mist' researcher
LINCOLN, Neb. - The state of Nebraska made -- and then abruptly took back -- a job offer to a man convicted of murdering Dian Fossey, the American wildlife researcher whose work in Africa was the subject of the movie ''Gorillas in the Mist.'' [The Daily Ardmoreite (Ardmore)] Read More
State response frustrates potential identity theft victims
When Alexis Lamb first heard of last week's break-in at a Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles office, she believed initial claims that her personal information was safe. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Property tax proposals - Legislators to consider three plans
Nevada lawmakers and others looking for a solution to rapidly rising property tax bills will hear public testimony on the three top proposals today. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Advisory board member decries rural water grab
The almost $2 billion plan to pipe rural groundwater to Las Vegas is both logically and morally wrong, according to one member of an advisory committee formed to help the Southern Nevada Water Authority plan for the future. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Activists seek minority health office
Armed with statistics showing high death rates from treatable diseases for blacks, Hispanics and American Indians, activists are asking lawmakers to create a state office for improving the health of Nevada minorities. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Nurses back bill to protect their jobs
Nurses asked Nevada lawmakers on Monday to make it illegal for employers to fire them for refusing an assignment because they feel it's dangerous. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Lobbyists spend big in first month
Nevada's legislative lobbyists spent $60,685 on food and drinks at dinners, receptions and other events during the first month of the 2005 session, a new report showed Monday. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Lawmakers may amend ethics proposal
Nevada lawmakers may amend an ethics-in-government proposal because of concerns about a bill that could help an online auction business run by Sen. Sandra Tiffany. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
All-day kindergarten considered
Children who attend all-day kindergarten classes have posted phenomenal gains on tests, according to educators who on Monday testified in favor of the Legislature spending $72 million to establish the programs in all schools. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Bills would change age of adulthood
New Hampshire lawmakers are considering two bills that would again treat 17-year-old criminals as juveniles instead of adults. [The Telegraph (Nashua)] Read More
News of pol's impending doom dead wrong
Reports of her looming death have been ``greatly exaggerated,'' said a former New Hampshire lawmaker who held a ``cremation party'' over the weekend to raise money for her funeral bills. [Boston Herald] Read More
Legislators to hear request for school building funds
When Deputy Education Commissioner Paul Ezen meets with the members of the House today, he is expected to ask for an increase in school building aid funding. [The Union Leader (Manchester)] Read More
HHS budget plans worry counties
Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen?s proposed budget cuts would stick county property taxpayers with an unfair burden to pay for long-term care and other services, the group that represents New Hampshire counties said Monday. [The Telegraph (Nashua)] Read More
Chandler pleads guilty in ethics case
Former House Speaker Gene Chandler pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge of failing to disclose cash gifts from lobbyists and others, his lawyer said. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
N.H. joins national challenge to improve energy efficiency
New Hampshire has joined a national challenge to improve the en-ergy efficiency of state buildings by 10 percent or more. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
'Pocket bikes' drive new debate and laws
Pocket bikes," or "mini motos," usually 15-18 inches high and capable of going 35 mph, have joined motorized skateboards and scooters on the danger list in many states, towns and cities that consider them a speedy nuisance. [USA Today] Read More
Assembly clears bid to boost minimum wage
Legislation to increase the state's minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15 an hour over the next 18 months gained final legislative approval yesterday in the state Assembly. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
No-smoking bill gains after 2-year deadlock
A bill that would ban smoking in all indoor public establishments except cigar bars cleared a Senate committee yesterday as lawmakers took action on legislation that had been stalled for nearly two years. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Unanimous Senate approves limits on use of 'pocket bikes'
Motorized scooters commonly known as "pocket bikes" would be banned from New Jersey's streets and sidewalks under a bill that passed the Senate yesterday 39-0. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Terror funds are `trashed'
Newark used federal Department of Homeland Security funds to help pay for 10 top-of-the-line, air-conditioned garbage trucks -- and a group of state lawmakers think that stinks. [New York Post] Read More
`Big box' measure gathers support
Nearly 200 people demonstrated at the Statehouse yesterday to push for a bill that would require cities and towns to consider the potential effects of approving a so-called "big box" store on a neighboring municipality. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Costly school site fiasco spurs Assembly measure
Responding to a report that the state agency in charge of building schools paid $5 million to evict a company from property it never bought, a state assemblyman introduced a bill yesterday that would require the Schools Construction Corp. to make sure it owns the property before it agrees to an eviction deal. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
New agency policing ethics is proposed for New Jersey
Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey of New Jersey, pressing his campaign for stronger ethics regulation in the state, presented a sweeping set of recommendations on Monday that would for the first time create an independent agency to enforce ethics laws in the executive branch. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Dean rallies the Democrats in Jersey
The last time Howard Dean was in Trenton, former Gov. James E. McGreevey and Assembly Speaker Albio Sires were endorsing the former Vermont governor's presidential campaign. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Ethics reformers want citizens holding the reins
New Jersey needs an "entirely new, independent and proactive" citizens ethics commission to serve as a primary watchdog over state government, a report issued yesterday by acting Gov. Richard Codey's special co-counsel on ethics reform has concluded. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Audubon group advocates deer hunting
New Jersey's surging deer population has eaten through so much of the state's forest that the Audubon Society is, for the first time, advocating hunting to help prevent deforestation from leading to the extinction of various species of birds. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Proposed N.J. smoking ban includes casinos
TRENTON, N.J. - Gamblers would not be allowed to smoke on Atlantic City casino floors or inside fraternal organizations under a measure passed Monday by a New Jersey Senate committee. [USA Today] Read More
Governor renews threat of possible special session
Gov. Bill Richardson is renewing his threat to call a special session of the Legislature if lawmakers fail to approve tax cuts and other administrative initiatives, including pre-kindergarten and anti-crime programs. [New Mexican (Santa Fe) (registration)] Read More
Hunting, fishing license increase proposals goes to governor
A proposal to raise the cost of hunting and fishing licenses is heading to Gov. Bill Richardson. [New Mexican (Santa Fe) (registration)] Read More
Ignition interlock measure closer to Richardson's desk
A requirement that all convicted drunken drivers in New Mexico use ignition interlock devices is a step closer to Gov. Bill Richardson's desk. [New Mexican (Santa Fe) (registration)] Read More
House panel shelves Baca impeachment measure
The House Rules Committee on Monday shelved a proposal to impeach Public Regulation Commissioner E. Shirley Baca, saying it was premature. [New Mexican (Santa Fe) (registration)] Read More
State considers Park and Ride expansion
State-funded commuter bus service in Northern New Mexico would begin serving Las Vegas, N.M., and Las Cruces under a new contract for which the state Transportation Department is seeking bids this month. [New Mexican (Santa Fe) (registration)] Read More
Assembly, Senate move budget bills
Lawmakers began passing budget plans Monday, even though many members complained more time is needed for public comment. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Senator loses security privilege
State Sen. Kevin Parker better leave himself some extra time in the morning, now that the Office of General Services has suspended the swipe card that gives him quick access to state buildings. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Velella's jail term is to end this week
After six months in jail - a shortened sentence served in two stints - former State Senator Guy J. Velella will change into his street clothes and board the Q101 bus to freedom later this week. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Lobbyists making big money in Albany's chronic logjams
When the owners of Madison Square Garden decided to lobby against the football stadium proposed for the West Side, they did not simply hire a lobbying firm to represent their interests in Albany, as big companies used to do. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Tragic mom: Silver ignored DWI plea
The grieving mother of a Queens boy who was killed by a drunken driver yesterday accused Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of using her for publicity and then ignoring her pleas for tougher DWI sentences. [New York Post] Read More
Top-dollar parties fill calendars
It's a busy week for the Legislature. It's not busy just because they have only nine regular days -- besides their Easter holiday -- to end 20 years of futility and pass a state budget on time. Their schedules are full because many of them are throwing parties for some of their closest supporters, ones who won't hound lawmakers like voters did last fall about the need for reform of Albany and its pay-to-play routine. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Vote reform panel splits on devices
A bipartisan committee trying to determine how New York will comply with the federal Help America Vote Act remains divided on key issues, including which new voting machines the state should buy. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Albany is moving faster on budget, but it's no cigar
For all the seeming harmony between Gov. George E. Pataki and his fellow Republicans in the State Senate over next year's budget plan, the two are still standing on opposite sides of an $800 million divide on spending. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
City officials call budget 'a disaster' for day care
One-third of New York City families who receive subsidized day care would lose their slots as early as this summer under Gov. George E. Pataki's proposed budget, city officials said yesterday. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
State regents adopting new approach to high school math
New York State's Board of Regents is expected to adopt sweeping changes today in the way high school mathematics is taught, reorganizing the subject into three one-year courses, each with a single focus. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Medicaid proposal may cost hospitals
Gov. Mike Easley's plan to trim Medicaid costs would deter folks from relying on hospitals for routine medical care. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Shortfall answers flow slow
Charlotte-area business and nonprofit leaders fell silent Monday when asked how to bridge the $1.3 billion shortfall between the amount state leaders want for education, health and other expenses next fiscal year and the amount they will have. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
Cold medicine next target in drug war
Attorney General Roy Cooper's first attack on the spread of methamphetamine labs in North Carolina increased prison time for makers of the illegal drug. [The Winston-Salem Journal (registration)] Read More
School-secession bill not DOA
N.C. House Speaker Jim Black said Monday he will allow a hearing on a bill to allow school systems to be broken into smaller districts, but he and other key lawmakers still consider the proposal a long shot. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
Former legislator will keep tourism job
The head of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources said Monday that she will keep former state Rep. Michael Decker in his new job promoting tourism in the Triad despite complaints that the position amounts to a political payoff for helping House Speaker Jim Black. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
House passes new bill for Gullah preservation
For the second time in two years, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to create a commission that would preserve Gullah-Geechee culture in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. [The Post and Courier (Charleston) (registration)] Read More
State Bar's conduct under scrutiny today
An unusual self-examination gets under way today at the N.C. State Bar, the agency that licenses and disciplines lawyers. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
He served in legislature
Caldwell "Red" Hinson, a former longtime S.C. legislator from Lancaster County, died Monday morning at a Columbia hospital. He was 84. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
First day of quota buyouts quiet
DOBSON, N.C. - It was supposed to be a long day filled with long lines at Farm Service Agency offices across North Carolina. [The Winston-Salem Journal (registration)] Read More
Traffic deaths drop in N.C.
After four years with no improvement, the number of people killed on U.S. highways dropped slightly in 2003, the nation's chief traffic safety official said Monday at a conference in Charlotte. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
Senate OKs English fluency requirement
A proposal to require North Dakota's Board of Higher Education to develop an English fluency policy for instructors was approved in the state Senate, despite arguments that it could apply to some regions of the state itself. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Bar owners want to snuff out possible smoking ban
North Dakota tavern owners, upset about legislation that would ban smoking in their establishments and most other public places, are asking lawmakers to defeat a proposal for tough new anti-tobacco restrictions. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Equity battle divides presidents
The rivalry between North Dakotaﾠs two largest universities is heating up again, only this time itﾠs not about athletics, academics or protecting turf. [The Forum (Fargo)] Read More
Mother testifies in support of bill
ST. PAUL, Minn. - It wasn t Anne Buchanan s idea to testify to a Minnesota Senate committee on Monday. [The Forum (Fargo)] Read More
Concealed carry has little effect
Ohioans have been carrying concealed weapons -- legally -- for nearly a year now, and so far, area law enforcement officials say they have not encountered the problems many feared. [The Beacon Journal (Akron)(registration)] Read More
Taft OK with spending cap
Ohio Gov. Bob Taft said Monday an amendment to the state's constitution to limit the growth of government spending would add credibility to his tax overhaul and budget plans. [The Cincinnati Enquirer] Read More
Lawmakers may look again at online charter schools
Lawmakers are taking another look at rules governing online charter schools as the digital alternative to bricks-and-mortar classrooms continues to grow in Ohio. [The Cincinnati Enquirer] Read More
Bond plan could add jobs across the state
TULSA - A $500 million education bond proposal and the improvements it would fund would add about 160 jobs a year and create $81.72 million in extra spending over the next six years, according to an economic analysis. [The Daily Ardmoreite (Ardmore)] Read More
House Democrats keep "open mind" on Republican higher ed plan
House Democrats renewed support for Gov. Brad Henry's $500 million higher education bond plan Monday but said they will keep an "open mind" on Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett's alternative program. [Shawnee News-Star] Read More
Lawmaker seeks to limit attorney general
Rep. Fred Morgan sent a letter Monday urging fellow House members to pass a bill requiring the state attorney general to ask permission of the governor or Legislature before filing lawsuits. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) (registration)] Read More
Library is a capital resource for Nebraska
It is a graceful room, long and narrow with high-domed ceilings, a room rich with details. [Omaha World-Herald] Read More
Insurer given two more years to build reserves
Legislation giving Oklahoma's major medical malpractice insurer a two-year reprieve to build reserves before state regulators intervene was passed by the state House Monday. [Shawnee News-Star] Read More
Nebraska rescinds job offer to man convicted of murdering 'Gorillas in the Mist' researcher
LINCOLN, Neb. - The state of Nebraska made -- and then abruptly took back -- a job offer to a man convicted of murdering Dian Fossey, the American wildlife researcher whose work in Africa was the subject of the movie ''Gorillas in the Mist.'' [The Daily Ardmoreite (Ardmore)] Read More
Proposal would increase school funds
Senators on Monday approved a $2.152 billion appropriation bill to operate public schools in Oklahoma in the next fiscal year. The measure, Senate Bill 217, increases funding for schools $144.7 million over the current fiscal year. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) (registration)] Read More
Medicine bills advance
Similar proposals expanding a program that connects people with free or reduced-price drugs offered by pharmaceutical companies passed the House and Senate on Monday. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) (registration)] Read More
Bill would curb 'sweetheart' deals
Lawmakers are considering limiting the "sweetheart" contract deals that allowed a former Salem education administrator to leave with a luxury SUV. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
Republicans urge Kulongoski to drop lawsuit about Oregon dams
Republican lawmakers called on Gov. Ted Kulongoski to back out of suing the federal government to make Oregon's dams less lethal to salmon, saying that it's an unnecessary step that will result in increased power costs. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
Rendell pushing school boards to 'opt in' on Act 72 slot revenue
Gov. Ed Rendell is getting tough with school districts that won't take part in a new tax reduction program funded with slot machine revenue, saying taxpayers in those districts will be "ticked" if they don't see their property taxes lowered. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Report - Pa. vote process flawed, needs to improve
Pennsylvania needs to streamline its voter-registration system, simplify its absentee balloting process, and train poll-workers better, according to a coalition of advocacy groups that sifted through thousands of voter complaints from November's presidential election. [The Inquirer (Philadelphia) (registration)] Read More
Montco to draw GOP's big 3
Montgomery County Republicans will have a front-row seat for one night next month at their party's three-way fight for the 2006 gubernatorial nomination. A cocktail fund-raiser for the county GOP committee could be first time all three prospects - state Senate Majority Leader Jeffrey E. Piccola, former Lt. Gov. William W. Scranton 3d, and former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lynn Swann - press party regulars for support in the same room. [The Inquirer (Philadelphia) (registration)] Read More
Risk of run is worth it, Casey says
Deciding to run for the U.S. Senate could defer or dash Robert P. Casey Jr.'s dream to be governor of Pennsylvania, but he said he had to take that risk to fight an assault on health care and programs for the vulnerable. [The Inquirer (Philadelphia) (registration)] Read More
Legislators to take another drag on smoking ban
Randy Larson said he sees the benefits: cleaner air and a cleaner bar. Joyce Bowen said she thinks smokers should light up where they please, as long as they're not bothering anyone. Larson, the owner of the HomeTowne Tavern in Swissvale, Allegheny County, and Bowen, a bartender at Darby's Pub in Uniontown, are two voices in the debate over whether Pennsylvania should ban smoking in public places. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
Health Savings Accounts touted for medical expenses
Lawmakers touted Health Savings Accounts yesterday as tools to slow the spiral in health-care costs and improve the quality of care. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Court settlement clears way for foster care payments to relatives
As a result of a federal lawsuit settled yesterday, child welfare officials across the state are looking for grandparents, aunts, uncles and others caring for kin placed there by caseworkers. For some, the lawsuit settlement means they will be able to get foster care payments. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Proposed cuts in Medicaid pose threat to R.I. plan
The budget committees in the U.S. House and Senate last week proposed major cutbacks in Medicaid spending, threatening a program that serves almost one in five Rhode Islanders. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
Hearings begin on R.I. lead regulations
Rhode Island has gradually been shedding its unofficial title of lead-poisoning capital of the country -- dropping from a poisoning rate of more than 14 percent 10 years ago to less than 4 percent in 2003. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
New online filing for lobbyists draws criticism
Two advocates for open records said yesterday that the secretary of state's new online lobbyist filing system is so unwieldy that they had abandoned their efforts to use it to submit a report due today. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
Judge denies request in speaker food fight
The case of the speaker's hors d'oeuvres moved forward yesterday as a judge refused to force former House Speaker John B. Harwood to provide more details -- at this point -- about his complaint against House Speaker William J. Murphy. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
Bill puts medical examiner under state police control
A state senator from Johnston has a response to the criticism leveled at the Rhode Island medical examiner's office over workplace conditions, autopsy delays and its handling of The Station nightclub fire. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
RIPTA suggests cutting 53 routes
With its budget deficit widening again, the staff of the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority yesterday proposed service cutbacks that could affect as many as 2.3 million riders per year. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
Funds sought to put financial reports online
Out-of-town voters who want copies of S.C. state legislators' campaign finance reports have two inconvenient options: Paying steep copying costs or traveling to Columbia. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
House panel looks at toughening campaign law
By October, a panel will decide whether to toughen the way members of the S.C. House of Representatives report campaign fund raising and spending. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
Security strategy takes center stage
South Carolina will have to refine its antiterrorism strategy to better reflect federal funding priorities, its top homeland security adviser said Monday after meeting with the new federal homeland security secretary. [The Post and Courier (Charleston) (registration)] Read More
House restores programs' funding
COLUMBIA--The House restored money cut from a little-known program that helps the blind stay on top of local news as it began debate Monday on a $5.8 billion spending plan. [The Post and Courier (Charleston) (registration)] Read More
S.C. beaches in bad shape
COLUMBIA, S.C. - One of the busiest hurricane seasons in years -- combined with a five-year drought in funding -- has left S.C. beaches in their worst shape since Hurricane Hugo, state coastal management officials said Monday. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
House passes new bill for Gullah preservation
For the second time in two years, the U.S. House of Representatives has approved legislation to create a commission that would preserve Gullah-Geechee culture in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. [The Post and Courier (Charleston) (registration)] Read More
Environmental officials want more oxygen in lower Saluda River
State environmental officials want South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. to meet new water quality standards for the lower Saluda River by January. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
Si Tanka continues discussion with BIA
The Interior Department requested more information about Si Tanka University as negotiations continued Monday between the university and Bureau of Indian Affairs officials about securing federal money to keep the school open. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Governor's FTE plan mostly intact
Gov. Mike Rounds created a stir when he proposed adding the equivalent of 359 full-time employees to the state payroll, but the Legislature approved more than 90 percent of those positions. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Budget balanced by cutting pay raises
South Dakota lawmakers balanced the $3 billion state budget Friday by trimming the size of pay raises that will be given to state employees next year. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Gov. Rounds signs bills
Gov. Mike Rounds has signed a bill that makes an exception to a South Dakota law banning Internet gambling. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Financial aid directors tell senator availability is key
Cuts and changes in federal financial aid programs would force college students to borrow money at higher rates from private lenders and put them deeper in debt when they graduate, South Dakota college officials told U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson on Monday. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Closing agencies that help kids, families questioned by lawmakers
State Department of Children's Services Commissioner Viola Miller came under fire yesterday by a panel of legislators who questioned the wisdom of her plan to dismantle 12 community service agencies across the state that help kids and families in crises. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
House OKs $10.8 billion tax overhaul
The Texas House on Monday night gave tentative approval to a $10.8 billion tax overhaul that would cut local school property taxes by about one-third in exchange for a revamped state business tax, higher sales and cigarette taxes and a new tax on snack foods. [The Houston Chronicle (registration)] Read More
Bill could open door to casinos, slots
Gambling legislation filed just before last week's deadline for lawmakers to submit bills could lay the groundwork for slot machines or casino gambling in Texas. [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
Newspaper levy edited out of bill before the vote
Over breakfast Monday, Texas House Speaker Tom Craddick told newspaper executives a proposed sales tax on newspapers likely would be removed from a comprehensive tax bill about to be debated in the House. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
Governor creates criminal justice advisory panel
By executive order, Gov. Rick Perry today created a panel to advise him on criminal justice issues, including ?the adequacy of criminal procedures from the initial stage of investigation into a crime to appellate and post-conviction proceedings.? [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
Parents - Help our disabled stay at home
Jean Steensma is worried about her daughter's fate. On Monday, she stood before a group of about 75 people on the south steps of the Capitol to explain why and to try to sway lawmakers into pumping more money into programs for Texans with disabilities. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
To prosper, state must aid immigrants, study says
Texas must invest in education, job training and health services for its growing Hispanic and immigrant work force or, in coming decades, the state will become older, poorer and less educated, a report on the economic relationship between Mexico and Texas concludes. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
Proposals would expand gambling
Two Texas House members submitted proposals to legalize video lottery terminals at horse and dog racetracks and on lands belonging to three American Indian tribes, with one measure also envisioning a dozen casinos aimed primarily at tourists. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
New mercury rules to start slowly
The federal government is expected to finalize rules as soon as today that would reduce power plant mercury emissions by almost 70 percent by 2018, but would do little to curb levels in Texas before then. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
Beleaguered traffic measures to get hearings
Two Houston traffic measures that have drawn opposition from lawmakers will get hearings at the Capitol today, as a House committee considers a bill to ban red-light cameras and one to block the Safe Clear freeway towing ordinance. [The Houston Chronicle (registration)] Read More
AG wants all eyes on ID theft protection
After two nationwide data brokers, a national bank and a retail U.S. footwear chain revealed recent security breaches, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott issued a statement Monday warning all Texas corporations to review the security of their customer databases. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
Perry creates board to seek 'more perfect system of justice'
With the Texas criminal justice system taking heat from all sides as being too harsh and unreliable, Gov. Rick Perry responded Monday by creating an advisory board that he said would help the state move toward "a more perfect system of justice." [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
For Bell, it's not too early to think of governor's race
One year out, and the green buds of campaigns are beginning to sprout around Austin. [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
Legal gambling would be win for restaurateur
HOUSTON - If casino gambling comes to the Lone Star State, a Texan - restaurateur Tilman Fertitta - is an odds-on favorite to build the first one, though he's keeping his cards close to the vest for now. [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
Tax changes get tentative OK
The House late Monday night tentatively approved a far-reaching tax bill that would add a penny to the state sales tax and close loopholes in business taxes to compensate for $5.4 billion a year in property tax cuts. [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
Huntsman makes case against nuclear waste
WASHINGTON - Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. urged Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman on Monday to develop a federal policy that would allow nuclear waste to remain at the reactors that produce it rather than shipping it to a proposed storage facility in Utah's west desert. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Latino panel urged delay of license bill
The day before Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. signed a bill into law denying driver licenses to people without a Social Security number, the state's Hispanic Advisory Council sent him a letter pleading with him to hold off. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Exercise challenge sees lawmakers step up to the plate
Utah lawmakers covered a lot of ground this year, and some of Utah's children will reap the benefits. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
NRC chief downplays Utah nuclear peril
WASHINGTON - The nation's top nuclear regulator is assuring residents of the Wasatch Front they will not suffer health or environmental risks should 4,000 casks of spent nuclear fuel be stored in Tooele County, even in the unlikely event that a terrorist attack breached some of the containers. [Desert Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Scientists map high-tech war on Utah crickets
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Armed with a glue gun and radio transmitters the size of a penny, a University of North Carolina scientist is trying to stop mass insect migrations that devastate ranches in the Mountain West. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Fight over Dean records goes before court
SOUTH ROYALTON, Vt. - A public watchdog group asked the Vermont Supreme Court on Monday to undo an agreement struck by former Gov. Howard Dean to keep documents from his administration sealed for 10 years. [USA Today] Read More
Hearings begin over wind energy
Opponents began cross-examining a wind energy company Monday about its plans to put four 330-foot-high wind turbines on a remote mountain Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
Attorneys battle over Dean records
Judicial Watch, a government watchdog group, is as keen in 2005 to look inside 93 sealed boxes of documents from former Gov. Howard Dean's years in office as it was in late 2003 when Dean was a leading Democratic presidential candidate. That's why the group had an attorney arguing before the Vermont Supreme Court on Monday to overturn Dean's deal with the secretary of state, which allows many of his records to remain under wraps until 2013. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
Transit funding shortage foreseen
As Northern Virginia drivers spend more time in their cars on bottlenecked highways, money to expand the state's road and transit network is disappearing fast, transportation experts said yesterday. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
J. Warner expects some base closings in Va.
Virginia can expect to lose some military installations in the next round of base closings, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee said yesterday. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
State gets good grades for access
In the sunshine of Virginia's open government law, some clouds have formed -- 137 to be exact. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
Tally of mishandled ballots grows
King County election workers counted as many as 660 provisional ballots in the governor's election before the eligibility of those voters was checked, Elections Director Dean Logan said yesterday. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Democrats offer own malpractice plan
There's the doctors' approach to solving the medical-malpractice problem: Initiative 330. Then there's the lawyers' idea of reform: Initiative 336. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Bill would change rules on tax votes
Senate Democrats have a bill in the wings that would let lawmakers raise taxes with a majority vote instead of the two-thirds vote now required. [The Seattle Times] Read More
A meteor, an outage, a quake, all in a night
Washington residents who looked up at the sky Saturday night saw a great ball of fire ignite the sky. When they went back inside their homes, some of them found only darkness -- and no power. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Monorail car-tax bill dies in committee
A bill that would have extended Seattle's monorail car tax to new cars has died in the state House Transportation Committee, its chief sponsor said yesterday. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Democrats weigh in on medical malpractice
Democratic state lawmakers yesterday released a package of proposals they say will crack down on bad doctors, toughen regulation of malpractice insurance and overhaul how courts handle malpractice claims. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
About 660 votes cast without verification
King County election returns likely included close to 660 provisional ballots that were tabulated in November without the required verification of voter eligibility, county election Director Dean Logan said yesterday. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Senators draft measure to allow tax increases by only a majority vote
Senate Democrats laid the groundwork for new taxes last night by preparing an amendment that would negate part of voter Initiative 601, which required a two-thirds vote to increase taxes or state spending limits. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Fingerprint company, state create positive ID
A Tacoma company provides fingerprint identification systems to the New York Police Department, the FBI, the U.S. Army and nine states. [The News Tribune (Tacoma)] Read More
Nurseries fear profits will wither
A statewide drought declaration has Washington's billion-dollar nursery-and-landscape industry worried that it could suffer if customers downsize gardens out of a desire to save water or a fear of losing new greenery to possible watering restrictions. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Manchin seeks to limit bus rides
Gov. Joe Manchin proposed a bill Monday designed to limit long bus rides for rural schoolchildren. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
Metro government bill advances, 11-2
Legislation that would give cities and counties the flexibility to consolidate government services received a major endorsement in the Senate Government Organization Committee Monday. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
Senate move delays action on table games legislation
Prospects for legalizing table games at the state's four racetracks suffered a minor setback Monday, when Senate Democrats decided to have the Judiciary Committee first take up Gov. Joe Manchin's legislation to restrict third-party bad-faith lawsuits. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
Two upcoming bills aim to cut county jail costs
Lawmakers may slap convicted criminals with a new fee, hike the current fee on civil filings and have felony cases marched more quickly through the courts to help counties pay the bills they owe the state regional jail system. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
Measure would make pirating movies inside theaters a felony
Pirating movies inside theaters for mass production on DVDs and video cassettes becomes a felony in a bill approved Monday by the Senate Judiciary Committee. [The Register-Herald (Beckley)(registration)] Read More
Delegate moves to bring back three-day sales tax holiday
Convinced Gov. Joe Manchin hasn't slammed the door on the idea, Delegate Ron Thompson moved Monday to revive the three-day sales tax holiday for back-to-school purchases. [The Register-Herald (Beckley)(registration)] Read More
Wage tax may not get out of committee
Gov. Joe Manchin's proposal to allow certain local governments to impose a wage tax of up to 2 percent might not escape from a Senate committee now considering it. [Charleston Daily Mail] Read More
Ireland backs optical scan systems for state voting
Secretary of State Betty Ireland announced Monday a plan to help West Virginia counties comply with federal voting laws by using optical scan voting machines. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
Senator's water-regulation bill questions unanswered
Lawmakers need information prior to considering legislation, freshman Sen. Clark Barnes believes. And when no information was forthcoming Monday, he was one of two votes against transferring the water regulation authority from the state Environmental Quality Board to the Department of Environmental Protection. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
Senate committee wants more time to study table games
You got to know when to hold 'em, and when to fold 'em -- and, besides cards, that applies equally to any controversial legislation surfacing in a major legislative committee. [The Register-Herald (Beckley)(registration)] Read More
Lawmakers will try to appeal gas minimum markup law
With gas prices again hovering near record levels, two state lawmakers Monday said they'll introduce legislation to permanently repeal the state's minimum markup law that regulates gasoline prices. [La Crosse Tribune] Read More
Legislation pushes for alternatives to prison
The state could pay counties to treat nonviolent criminal offenders with drug and alcohol problems as an alternative to prison terms, a bill to be introduced next week said. [Janesville Gazette] Read More
DNR officials - Hunting fee hikes are crucial
Department of Natural Resources officials say hunting fee increases in the next budget cycle are important in preserving Wisconsin's hunting and fishing programs, but hunters express mixed views on the proposal. [Janesville Gazette] Read More
State representative opts against AG bid
State Rep. Mark Gundrum opted against running for attorney general next year, saying Monday a statewide campaign was not in his family's best interest right now. [The Capital Times (Madison)] Read More
Governor supports restrictions on energy
JACKSON, Wyo. - If a newly created state wildlife trust fund is to succeed in the long run, environmentalists in Teton County must make concessions to energy industry and agricultural leaders, Gov. Dave Freudenthal said. [Billings Gazette] Read More
State considers banning facial piercings in restaurants
As if the hair in your salad wasn't bad enough, a city health inspector here said there had been "several cases" of tongue rings and other facial jewelry found in the food in the city's restaurants. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Commission adopts disease plan
The plan is done. Now it's time to begin implementing the brucellosis recommendations concerning wildlife in Wyoming. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Thomas introduces bill to extend Glendo water contracts
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Sen. Craig Thomas has introduced legislation to extend the Glendo Reservoir water storage contracts for Wyoming and Nebraska irrigation districts until Dec. 31, 2007. [The Grand Island Independent] Read More
State aid to help save old schools
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - With local control of education slipping away, communities received a major boost in efforts to hold onto old schools with a bill signed into law by Gov. Dave Freudenthal. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Game and Fish updates Wyoming wildlife atlas
CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Wyoming's wildlife atlas is many things you might expect in a government document - homely, hefty and a bit cryptic. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Impetus seen for constitutional ban
WASHINGTON - Conservative backers of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage say a San Francisco judge's ruling Monday that may pave the way for such marriages in California will help spark their renewed effort in Congress to pass the constitutional ban. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Teaching - Where Are The Men?
Just 21 percent of the nation's 3 million teachers are men, according to the National Education Association (NEA). [CBSNews.com] Read More
Study finds poor performance by nation's education schools
American colleges and universities do such a poor job of training the nation's future teachers and school administrators that 9 of every 10 principals consider the graduates unprepared for what awaits them in the classroom, a new survey has found. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Transportation bill takes aim at 'pay to play'
NEW YORK - Every five years Congress passes a massive transportation funding bill that is often filled with so much pork the legislation is usually embraced by nearly every congressman and senator. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More |
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