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Archive of Social Policy on Monday May 05, 2008
States' welfare caseloads starting to rise
WASHINGTON - State welfare rolls, which declined for more than a decade after a 1996 overhaul of the nation's cash-assistance program, are beginning to rise, due in part to the struggling economy. Read More
States divided on approach to polygamous sect
PHOENIX - It was a showdown, of sorts, over how far states should go to keep tabs on the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints, the group known to endorse multiple wives for men and motherhood for underage girls. Read More
States look to rein in private Medicare plans
WASHINGTON - State officials say they will soon ask Congress for more power to regulate the marketing of private Medicare insurance plans to older Americans because they are still receiving complaints of high-pressure sales tactics that have led some beneficiaries to sign up for unsuitable policies. Read More
Virginia tries to ensure students' safety in cyberspace
Alan Portillo didn't think much, if at all, about his online vulnerability. Then the 15-year-old heard technology teacher Wendy Maitland list three pieces of information an online predator would need to find him. Read More
For the elderly, being heard about life's end
HANOVER, N.H. - Edie Gieg, 85, strides ahead of people half her age and plays a fast-paced game of tennis. But when it comes to health care, she is a champion of "slow medicine," an approach that encourages less aggressive - and less costly - care at the end of life. Read More
Will efforts to ensure school loans help students?
After months of turmoil in the nation's student loan markets, Congress and the Bush administration have stepped in to ensure that students will be able to borrow money for college this fall. Read More
Reports show systemic abuse at Texas' psychiatric hospitals
Patients with severe mental illness are committed to Texas' state psychiatric hospitals to be protected from themselves. Instead, some are suffering vicious abuse from the very caregivers hired to look after them. Read More
Dallas man exonerated after 27 years in prison
James Lee Woodard walked out of a Texas prison last week after 27 years behind bars. The state now agrees that Woodard was wrongfully convicted in 1981 of killing a girl he had been dating. Read More
Fiscal pressures lead some states to free inmates early
NEW YORK - Reversing decades of tough-on-crime policies, including mandatory minimum prison sentences for some drug offenders, many cash-strapped states are embracing a view once dismissed as dangerously naive: It costs far less to let some felons go free than to keep them locked up. Read More
CPS limits caseloads over sect children
As Child Protective Services caseworkers track the progress in foster care of children removed last month from a polygamous sect's ranch in Eldorado, they'll work on just 15 cases at a time. Read More
In teen's memory, a mental health push
The teenager spoke so eloquently about the wild cycles of bipolar disorder that she drew tears from a State House audience last May. Read More
Corzine shifts to back gas-tax holiday plan
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine is shifting gears to support a federal gas tax holiday this summer. Read More
AARP plans Trenton rally to protect property-tax rebates
AARP New Jersey plans to rally at the Statehouse in Trenton today to oppose reductions in property tax rebates. Read More
Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in. Read More
Seeds of social issues dot 2008 elections
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Parents turn to states for autism help
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs. Read More
With justices' OK, voter ID moves ahead
A decision Monday (April 28) by the U.S. Supreme Court to let Indiana demand photo identification from voters paves the way for other states to do the same during November’s presidential election, experts say. Read More
More states offer choice in long-term care
More states are poised to offer a successful alternative to traditional Medicaid plans that allows elders and the disabled to avoid moving to a nursing facility by hiring friends, neighbors or family members to look after them in their own homes. Read More
Gay marriage decisions ripe in Calif., Conn.
More than four years after its historic court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, Massachusetts stands alone in blessing gay marriages — more than 10,000 to date — and its example has spurred no imitators but lots of backlash. All eyes now are on the highest courts in California and Connecticut. Read More
Governors pitch ambitious programs
Billion-dollar deficits in California, New York and Arizona haven’t stopped governors there and elsewhere from proposing big-ticket items for 2008. Stateline.org looks at proposals from governors’ 2008 "state of the state" speeches and provides an exclusive summary of all the addresses so far.
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Embryonic stem cell research divides states
President Bush’s second veto of a bill to allow federal funding of stem cell research puts the ethical issue squarely in states’ hands. So far, seven states have moved to fund the research, six have banned it, three have affirmed its legality but do not fund it and a handful of others continue to debate the issue. Read More
Palin balances newborn's needs, official state duties
The results of Gov. Sarah Palin's prenatal testing were in, and the doctor's tone was ominous: "You need to come to the office so we can talk about it." Read More
Arkansans won't escape effects of global tightening of rice supply
Less than a three-hour drive from riceland that feeds people worldwide, the manager of an Asian restaurant in Russellville would like to build a stockpile of rice that would last at least half a year. Read More
AP News Analysis -- Ballot measure campaigns to be waged in Arkansas' pews
The best place to hear arguments this fall over whether to create a state-run lottery for education or to restrict public services for illegal immigrants may not be at a campaign rally. It'll be from the pews. Read More
Mental health help hit by budget crunch
Hundreds of psychiatric patients will no longer receive personal therapy or casework. Sixteen low-income schools will lose on-site crisis-intervention services. Group homes for teens may see a vital county subsidy disappear. Read More
Jaime Escalante stills stands, delivers advice
Jaime Escalante, whose success in teaching advanced mathematics to inner-city Los Angeles teenagers was immortalized in the movie "Stand and Deliver," will be honored today at the Capitol. Read More
California faces huge upheaval
If demography is destiny, as 19th-century French philosopher Auguste Comte first proposed, California is destined to soon experience an economic and cultural tsunami of monumental proportions. This is the year the oldest of the post-World War II baby boomers turn 62 and can begin drawing Social Security benefits. That's expected to touch off a mass exodus from the state's labor force over the next two decades. Read More
Foster care cuts challenged
Two years ago, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law an eight-bill package designed to improve the lives of thousands of children in foster care. Now, Schwarzenegger is proposing a 10 percent across-the-board cut in state services because of a budget deficit he says may reach $20 billion. Read More
California lawmakers consider new sentencing laws
Lawmakers have revived a pair of bills to overhaul California's criminal sentencing laws, but majority Democrats are still wrangling over which approach to push. Read More
California parolees get a chance in community programs
California corrections officials are again diverting thousands of parole violators into community programs instead of sending them to prison, hoping this time the experiment doesn't fail. Read More
Mental health policy costs state Medicaid funds
At a time when officials are scrambling to find money to balance the state budget, Connecticut is losing out on millions of dollars in federal Medicaid revenue because of its continued over-reliance on nursing homes to house the mentally ill. Read More
Bill would shift care from nursing homes to communities
State Senators have approved a plan to help more than 5,000 elderly and disabled people in Connecticut move from nursing homes and other institutions back to their homes or other community settings. Read More
Greenwich schools limit Boy Scouts recruiting
GREENWICH, Conn. - The Greenwich schools superintendent has barred recruiting by Boy Scouts while classes are in session, drawing criticism from town officials and Boy Scouts supporters. Read More
Locals developing taste for locally grown food
Concerns about food contamination and the environmental impact of long-haul transportation are stoking demand for locally grown food in Connecticut. Read More
Colleges are allowing coed dorm rooms
Erik Youngdahl and Michelle Garcia share a dorm room at Connecticut's Wesleyan University. But they say there's no funny business going on. Really. They mean it. Read More
UConn criticized for cost of President's inauguration
STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut welcomed its new president in style with fireworks, a festival and a ceremony last month, but the $170,000 cost of the inauguration, including $29,000 for invitations alone, is setting off some fireworks of its own among students. Read More
Tampa Bay area's legislative rewards small in lean budget year
Stopping lead-laced toys from being distributed and sold in Florida seemed like "an apple pie bill" to Sen. Charlie Justice. The Senate even passed it. Read More
Winners and losers in the 2008 Florida Legislature
A list of legislation that passed in this year's regular session of the Florida Legislature, which ended Friday, from The Associated Press. Read More
Belt-tightening session comes to an end
Florida lawmakers ended their annual session Friday by approving a tight-fisted state budget and stitching together plans to provide modest health coverage to kids with autism, the working poor and small businesses. Read More
$66.2B budget will roll out Crist's health-insurance plan
The Florida Legislature skidded to the finish line of the 2008 session Friday, approving a $66.2 billion budget, help for children with autism, and a sweeping health-insurance plan sought by Gov. Charlie Crist. Read More
Florida governor praises budget, while Democrats grimace
As Gov. Charlie Crist praised the Legislature for its "great work" Friday night, his own human services secretary, Bob Butterworth, stood a few feet away and gave a very different critique of the 2008 session. Read More
Lawmakers OK health-care plan for uninsured
State legislators approved a plan to provide basic health insurance Friday for nearly 4 million Floridians who can't afford coverage, calling it "a giant step" toward protecting the poor and working poor. Read More
Rubio leaves mixed record
His last moments in power ticking away, House Speaker Marco Rubio kneaded his forehead with his hands and turned his back to the rest of the chamber. It had happened again. Read More
It came down to money -- and there wasn't enough
Republicans at the helm kept one eye on a fuel gauge that showed tax collections on fumes and another on the approaching storm of the November elections. The result was a $66.2-billion budget with more than $4 billion in spending cuts targeted largely at school children, the sick and the elderly. Read More
Florida lawmakers lament lack of money
While the budget is the only thing lawmakers must do, they tackled other issues as well, ranging from deadly serious programs to expand insurance coverage of autism, the issue that brought the session to an emotional, last-minute climax to the seriously absurd: the short-lived ban against displaying bull genitalia on bumpers. Read More
Necessity, not politics, ruled '08 session
A souring economy and a worrisome election year forced Florida's Republican-led Legislature to moderate its politics in the session that ended Friday because it had no other choice. Read More
Kids' advocates praise adoption move
Child-welfare advocates Saturday praised a late move by the Florida Legislature to restore $7 million in subsidies to families that adopt foster children from the state. Read More
Stark Florida budget might be weapon
Schools and health and human-services programs may not be the only losers emerging from the 2008 Legislature. Outnumbered Democrats see the stark $66.2 billion state budget as a political weapon they plan to use in attempts to unseat many Republican legislators in the fall elections. Read More
State shifting funds for disabled from institutions toward care within community
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. -- There was clearly so much wrong with the young man. The nurses at Central State Hospital said he was 16. He had a tube sticking out of his neck, and his arms were bent at unnatural angles. Read More
Lingle pulls land talks with OHA off the table
Gov. Linda Lingle says the failure of the state Legislature to approve a ceded-lands settlement with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs was shortsighted and a disappointment. Read More
Shield law for journalists awaits governor's OK
Hawaii journalists would be protected from revealing their sources, notes and video recordings to the government under a measure given final approval by lawmakers last week. Read More
Task force presents report on universities and minorities
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa -- Officials at Iowa's public universities want to close the graduation and retention gap between white and minority students. Read More
Iowa JEL representatives to attend tobacco company meeting
State officials are spending some of the state's anti-smoking money on a trip for five Iowa high schoolers and their adult mentor. Read More
Thousands removed from child-abuser list
Nick and Judi Brunstein are former foster parents who spent $20,000 in legal fees to clear their names after being accused by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services of child abuse. Read More
Records show Kline didn't drop efforts
Phill Kline didn't abandon attempts to prosecute Wichita abortion provider George Tiller after leaving the attorney general's office, recently unsealed court records show. Read More
Dog track ends talks with lottery regulators
FRONTENAC, Kan. - The owner of Camptown Greyhound Park has ended negotiations with the Kansas Lottery that would reopen the racetrack with slot machines, the Lottery Commission said. Read More
Medical funds added to budget
House lawmakers may have found an additional $8.6 million to help train doctors in Wichita -- though not how people originally envisioned. Read More
Supreme Court unseals records in abortion cases
The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday unsealed two lawsuits demanding that Johnson County District Attorney Phill Kline return abortion records to Planned Parenthood. Read More
Legislators agree on bill to require voter IDs
Senate and House negotiators reached a tentative compromise Friday on a bill to require voters to show photo identification at the polls. Read More
Doctor training gets funding
Rural rotations by doctors who get specialized training in Wichita will be funded by $1.5 million included in a health care reform package sent to the governor Saturday. Read More
Enduring cancer without coverage
When Tracie Revis started her fight against cancer more than two years ago, she didn't expect to take on a health care system ill-equipped to handle an uninsured 20-something. Read More
Governor to consider health care bill
Legislators sent Gov. Kathleen Sebelius health care legislation that supporters say provides greater access to health care for many Kansans and saves them money on insurance. Read More
Labor group backs slots
A union group that represents more than 300,000 area workers endorsed a referendum yesterday to legalize slot machine gambling in Maryland, an announcement that underscores the institutional support proponents will have in the lead-up to November's vote. Read More
Gay rights at standstill
Gay and lesbian activists thought they had a friend in Martin O'Malley. Read More
Powerful groups align behind slots
Superficially, the battle over November's slot machine referendum is starting to resemble a fight between a heavyweight and a flyweight. Read More
Consumers' investments help farmers produce a return benefiting both
Billi Barker, who has a 25-acre market farm in St. Albans, faces her greatest need for money in the spring. Read More
CHINA Utility to move home to make way for line
CHINA -- Debbie Tracy never suspected her property on Pleasant View Ridge Road would be part of a more than billion dollar project. Read More
State cash to boost city nursing care
The Michigan Department of Community Health plans to announce today a $1.7 million investment into Detroit nursing homes to improve the quality and skills of the staff serving a population of low-income, minority residents with chronic and mental health issues. Read More
Medical Society takes 'neutral' position on stem cell ballot initative
After five years of supporting embryonic stem cell research, the Michigan State Medical Society changed its policy Sunday to a neutral position on the controversial issue that may appear on the November ballot. Read More
Petition deadline is here - but sign with caution
Ken McKoy, a veteran political activist and African-American pastor, would never dream of adding his name to a petition seeking to curb affirmative action in Missouri. Read More
House committee won't vote on Insure Missouri until hospitals sign off on regulation changes
Gov. Matt Blunt's Insure Missouri plan for expanding government-funded health care has become a hostage in a fight about government regulation of medical facility expansion. Read More
Four groups make deadline to file initiative petitions
Supporters angling to get their initiative petitions on the November ballot dropped off boxes filled with petitions and tens of thousands of signatures Sunday. Read More
Missouri program strives to rehabilitate inmates
TIPTON, Mo. - With six criminal convictions and two stints in prison, Adam Arnall is a problem for Missouri. Read More
Springfield nursing home cited after resident dies
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - A Springfield nursing home was cited after investigators determined employees had not adequately addressed the needs of a patient who later died. Read More
Group fails to get enough signatures for anti-affirmative action amendment
A group seeking to bar many state affirmative action programs missed a Sunday deadline to submit its initiative petition. Read More
Court has not ruled on request for execution date
It's not so much that she wishes death on condemned inmate Earl Wesley Berry, Jena Watson just wants an end to the nightmare that began with her mother's murder more than two decades ago. Read More
Natives & newcomers -- Doing business
The Crow Tribe recently signed an innovative agreement with Montana and the federal government that will make it easier for banks to offer secured loans on the reservation. Essentially, it provides for seizure of personal property used as collateral when a loan is in default. (It does not apply to land held in trust for the tribe or its members.) Read More
Latino values clear, but the voter rolls are not
Henry Cisneros says the future of the Democratic Party lies with Latinos. The former Cabinet secretary said Friday that the country's growing Hispanic population in the United States will be a vital constituency in the future. He said that the surge won't change the party's issues much because they are already "part of the American dream." Read More
Study finds 1 in 5 babies lags on shots
Nearly one in five North Carolina toddlers fails to get properly vaccinated against childhood diseases, says a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More
Gang bill faces obstacles
State lawmakers say they have a new plan to curb gang-related crime, but questions remain about whether the legislation unfairly targets some groups and whether it will be effective. Read More
Even in spring, heating oil prices a pain
With the arrival of spring, thermostats are being turned down but prices keep going up for New Hampshire residents who use oil to heat their homes. Read More
Sewer rate rises proposed
Some residents could see their sewer rates increase by 33 percent or more over the next five years under a proposal by the Clark County Water Reclamation District. Read More
March, April among driest on record in much of N. Nevada
RENO, Nev. - The months of March and April were among the driest in the last 100 years across much of northern Nevada, the National Weather Service said Friday. Read More
Porter's nudge greenward
Washington - Going green has never been more popular. Shop at a department store, get a reusable tote bag. Channel surf and see celebrities greening their mansions. Take a summer vacation, make it energy efficient. Read More
TOUGH TIMES: Less help as more need aid
An economic downturn, a wave of foreclosures and anemic state and local budgets are combining into a stark reality for those who work with housing and the homeless: People need more help at the exact time that there's less help available. Read More
Nevada's first school for deaf students to open in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS - In 12 years teaching at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the world's first higher education institution for the deaf, Robert Daniels doesn't recall ever coming across a student who had graduated from a Nevada high school. Read More
Nevada judge faces removal in odd courthouse saga
LAS VEGAS - Within six months of being sworn in, District Court Judge Elizabeth Halverson was locked out of her courtroom by the chief judge and accused misusing her position, tainting juries, treating her staff like personal servants and falling asleep on the bench. Read More
Mischief-making blockers are signature gatherers? bane
Russ Stevens walks out of the North Las Vegas DMV office and is approached by a woman asking him to sign a petition in favor of raising casino taxes to benefit teachers and schools. Read More
$147M in pork headed home
Lawmakers are showering $147 million in pork-barrel spending on 10,000 programs, agencies and charities back home this election year. Read More
Governor, other top Dems call on Dann to resign
All statewide Democratic elected officials and legislative leaders are calling on embattled Attorney General Marc Dann to resign from office. But Dann is rebuffing the request. Read More
Ohio school head looks for new job
Ohio Superintendent Susan Tave Zelman, facing criticism and a potential ouster from the governor, has begun looking for a new job. Read More
Ohio project works to educate Amish on breast cancer
A statewide project to encourage Amish and Mennonite women to undergo regular breast exams is working to overcome cultural and transportation issues to reduce the high number of deaths from breast cancer in the two populations. Read More
Farmer pioneers green energy practices in Ohio
BROOKVILLE, Ohio - When he was laid up in the hospital recovering from knee surgery, farmer Ralph Dull picked up a thick notebook dropped off by a friend that detailed how wind generators are being used to produce electricity. Read More
Dem leaders call for independent investigation
If embattled Attorney General Marc Dann was looking for political comfort from fellow Democrats, he didn't get much of it from his party's two top leaders, Gov. Ted Strickland and state Democratic Chairman Chris Redfern. Read More
Ohioans warned not to get too wild on Cinco de Mayo
Officials are urging Ohioans to be responsible if they're celebrating Cinco de Mayo today. Read More
Warning went unheeded
A sexual harassment scandal inside Attorney General Marc Dann's office began about seven months ago when aides overlooked the concerns of a staff member who tried to raise the issue with human resources, according to transcripts of a recently concluded investigation. Read More
Dann scandal weighs heavily on Democrats - An analysis
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann has become an election-year live wire. Read More
Dann admits having affair; vows to stay as four leave
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann vows to stay in office and repair the damage caused by his affair with a staffer and a sexual-harassment investigation that concluded dramatically Friday with four people losing their jobs. Read More
Ohio axes 554 jobs at agency for food stamps, unemployed
The state agency that oversees food stamps and health insurance for the poor is eliminating about 554 jobs to comply with Gov. Ted Strickland's order that the agency reduce spending by $67.5 million. Read More
Candidate, major newspaper join calls for Dann to resign
A Democrat running for Congress and one of Ohio's largest newspapers are calling for Attorney General Marc Dann to resign. Read More
Agency studies court decision affecting thousands of workers
The state insurance fund for injured workers is trying to figure out the impact of a court ruling that in theory could allow hundreds of thousands of previously settled injured workers claims to be reopened. Read More
State ice storm costs tallied
TULSA, Okla. - The cost of damage to Oklahoma homes, businesses and infrastructure from December's historic ice storm is approaching $180 million, state officials said. Read More
Governor to decide killer's fate
TULSA, Okla. - A woman sentenced to life in prison for beating her husband to death with the help of a teenage accomplice could be released if the governor approves a recommendation from the pardon and parole board. Read More
Extortion claims aired in judge case
TULSA, Okla. - If a special prosecutor used extortion in hopes of forcing a Tulsa judge to resign, the prosecutor should face criminal charges, an expert on legal ethics says. Read More
Death row inmate deemed sane by Pittsburg County jury
McALESTER, Okla. - A Pittsburg County jury has determined that a death row inmate is sane enough to be executed, but it's uncertain when the punishment will be carried out. Read More
Cinco de Mayo festival celebrates Mexican heritage in OKC
For Carlos and Patricia Tello, Sunday's Cinco de Mayo festival was an opportunity to celebrate their heritage. Read More
Official says Oklahoma's addiction treatment services fail to meet needs
Terri White, commissioner for the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said Friday that although the state was gradually increasing its level of services to those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, many adults and adolescents are still not receiving timely or adequate treatment. Read More
Nursing home sex harassment case settled
Wildwood Care Center and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former employee of the Tulsa nursing home, EEOC officials announced Friday. Read More
Michelin nears completion of $200 million investment project
Michelin's Ardmore plant is nearing the finish line of its $200 million investment project that began in late 2002. The company has already spent $187 million for upgrades and will wrap up the rest by the end of October. Read More
State's insurance program for kids a big success
An expansion in Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program helped add more than 15,000 children to the program in a year, according to the state Department of Insurance. Read More
'We're fired up, and we can't take it'
After snarling Friday rush hour traffic in downtown Providence with a "Unity March" from the Westin Hotel to the Statehouse, a coalition of labor and community groups held a rally in support of state workers, immigrants and union labor. Read More
Union workers rally for respect at Rhode Island's State House
Two themes generated the loudest cheers at a State House labor rally yesterday afternoon -- respect for workers and protection for public-employee benefits. Labor officials say both concepts are under attack as Rhode Island grapples with an estimated $384-million budget deficit for the coming fiscal year. Read More
Remarks on immigrants raise concerns
A nonprofit group whose board members include First Lady Sue Carcieri asserts that nearly 45 percent of all immigrants in Rhode Island -- legal and illegal -- lack high school diplomas and "this low-skilled cohort of immigrants to Rhode Island costs state taxpayers about $212 million per year." Read More
State to issue jobless benefits on debit cards
The state Department of Labor now will issue unemployment benefits on debit cards. Starting this summer, paper checks no longer will be mailed. Read More
Out-of-state gifts are OK by Senate
Legislators have voted to make clear that they may accept food, beverages, "amenities, goodie bags or admission tickets" from lobbyists and their employers while attending out-of-state legislative conferences. Read More
Bill seeks to change juror rules
Dodging jury duty will become more difficult and more citizens will be subject to being called upon to decide cases in court under legislation scheduled for votes on the floor of both the state House and Senate this week. Read More
Nashville - Lottery deal tough with less money
House and Senate efforts to resolve a yearlong standoff on how to spend some Tennessee Education Lottery funds are running into new problems as a result of lower-than-expected lottery growth, top lawmakers said. Read More
Nashville - Bills seek punishment for use, display of fake weapons
Concerns that realistic-looking toy weapons are confusing police and threatening safety have led 15 states to take a crack at going beyond gun control to implement fake-gun control. Read More
No-question policy at hearing draws criticism
The testimony by Commissioner Carey Cockerell of the Department of Family and Protective Services before a Senate panel Wednesday was unusual -- and not just because the topic was the largest child welfare operation in state history. Read More
After hiatus, states set wave of executions
HUNTSVILLE, Texas - Here in the nation's leading death-penalty state, and some of the 35 others with capital punishment, execution dockets are quickly filling up. Read More
Utah's 300 new laws to take effect today
Friends will gather today to raise a glass and bid farewell to a dear friend, the Long Island Iced Tea, the potent concoction of five different liquors that has been the source of countless hangovers and untold regrets. Read More
Changes in state liquor law cause some confusion
SALT LAKE CITY -- If Cinco de Mayo isn't enough reason for some Utah revelers to party, consider this: The amount of liquor allowed in the standard cocktail is increasing by 50 percent to 1.5 ounces. Read More
Proposed special-ed changes opposed
Parents and their advocates are mobilizing against proposed changes to the state's special-education regulations that they fear would rupture carefully forged working relationships and minimize parental input. Read More
Virginia Assembly honors actor Charlton Heston
The Virginia General Assembly honored the man who memorably portrayed Moses with a resolution commemorating actor and gun rights champion Charlton Heston, who died April 5 at 83. Read More
Vermont Supreme Court upholds DNA sampling of felons
The Vermont Supreme Court has upheld a 2005 law that allows the state to collect genetic samples from nonviolent felons. Read More
Vermont targets cycle of "domestic violence"
Longtime law enforcement officials have noticed a trend in dealing with domestic violence assaults: Add a junior to the name of today's offender and you may have identified tomorrow's abuser. Read More
Youngest House member champions values of her generation
From her spot in the far corner of the committee room, Rep. Rachel Weston has a cat-bird's view of the 10 other committee members, the witnesses who testify and the audience of those who are following the legislation before them. Read More
Should underage GIs drink?
An attempt to lower the drinking age for members of the military in Wisconsin. A state legislator wants to lower the drinking age to 19 or members of the military. Read More
Teacher pension transfer faces several hurdles
Members of West Virginia's only public 401(k)-style retirement plan face several hurdles in their quest to join another state-run pension program. Read More
Rally for health-care reform draws 200 people to Capitol
More than 200 people from a diverse coalition of groups rallied Saturday at the Capitol to call for "health care for all." Read More
Lawyers give most money to Maynard
Chief Justice Elliot "Spike" Maynard says it's the "worst hypocrisy" to focus on campaign donations from business interests while ignoring big money from lawyers. Read More
Rockefeller wants to help poor buy gas
U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller has proposed legislation that would provide low-income families with a monthly stipend of $100 to $165 to offset soaring gasoline costs. Read More
Teacher pension transfer plan hits key date today
Today marks D-Day in the campaign to allow teachers and others to leave West Virginia's only public 401(k)-style retirement plan for another state-run pension program. Read More
Repeat offenders a large part of drunken driving problem
HUNTINGTON. W.Va. - Repeat offenders may be the most frustrating component of the drunken driving problem: no matter what sanctions they face, they continue to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Read More
WVU hopes scandal won't drive donors away
MORGANTOWN, W.Va - With one major donor revoking an offer of $2 million worth of donations, West Virginia University hopes the furor over an unearned master's degree won't plague its fundraising efforts. Read More
Legislators prod Congress on Medicaid, Real ID
As some states tumble into what they fear is a recession, state lawmakers from across the country are pushing Congress for relief from impending federal rules that would force states to pick up more Medicaid costs and spend billions to make drivers’ licenses more secure. Read More
Credit crunch hits states' college loans
(Updated 11:55 a.m. EDT, April 23, 2008)
The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college. Read More
Democratic mid-term gains affecting policy
So complete was the Democratic rout in the 2006 midterm elections that the party even gained legislative influence in Alaska, Idaho, North and South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming – states long dominated by the Republicans. And those gains, though small, are translating into policy achievements. Read More
States outpace feds on minimum wage
When the new federal minimum wage takes effect July 24, 30 states will require employers to pay hourly workers more than federal law requires. Read More
Medicaid: Biggest insurer is a budget buster
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