|
|
Archive of South Carolina on Tuesday May 13, 2008
States, locals swamp immigration program
Sudden demand by state and local police to join the federal 287(g) initiative, which lets local police start deportation proceedings for suspects and criminals who are illegal immigrants, is overwhelming the federal government. That means long waits and alternative programs offered to police departments that want to join. Read More
State prison system asks to run $4.3 million deficit
The state's prison system, which already spends less per inmate than any other in the nation, won't have enough money to finish the fiscal year and has asked to run a $4.3 million deficit, records released today show. Read More
House panel to consider requiring DNA samples after arrests
A House committee is to consider a bill to require anyone charged with a felony punishable by at least five years in prison to give DNA samples for a state database. Read More
Bill suggests to local governments how to hold legal prayers
A bill designed to guide local governments on how to legally pray before meetings is up for discussion in a House committee. Read More
Senate to resume spending limit debate
The Senate could resume debate on a constitutional amendment limiting state government spending. Read More
Program aims to put laptops in hands of state's low-income children
Cheap laptop computers that are being used to bring technology to children in developing countries are now being put in the hands of low-income public school children in South Carolina. Read More
Sen. Greg Ryburg says lawmakers shouldn't be in education testing business
State Sen. Greg Ryberg said education experts, not lawmakers, should be responsible for what kind of test South Carolina public school students take to hold schools accountable. Read More
SC Supreme Court -- Casino boats don't have to report wagers
The state Supreme Court says casino boats operating out of South Carolina do not have to report how much money they take in each month to the state Revenue Department. Read More
SC prison agency says it will run $4.3 million deficit
Despite a frugal daily diet of $1.43 worth of macaroni, rice, turkey parts and organ meat for each of its 23,977 prisoners, the South Carolina Department of Corrections can't pay its bills and the agency is considering closing some facilities. Read More
In school sports, who makes the call?
A shot at the buzzer of a high school championship game — was it in time or not? — led the South Carolina Legislature to consider a bill to require referees to watch video replays. It was hardly the first example of armchair quarterbacking by lawmakers.
Read More
WORTH NOTING: Illinois treasurer shows his knowledge of charges
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) endures a bruising charge from Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D). A new Utah law stirs Salt Lake City bartenders to create a new drink. And Louisiana prison guards get outside help to prevent escapes. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in. Read More
Neutral govs to remain on sidelines
 In the homestretch of an unprecedented presidential primary season, spinning with competing sound-bites and endless rhetoric, voters still heading to the polls in four states can’t look to their governors for any pre-election advice. These governors plan to wait until after their states vote to make their own endorsements.
Read More
Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008) When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states. Read More
At-risk gubernatorial seats increase
Read More
Will states fix 2012 primary process?
Read More
Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state. 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
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
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
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
Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
Read More
'Purple' states turn a little more 'blue'
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.
Read More
Summary of the State of the State Address
Gov. Mark Sanford (R) repeated his goals for the state during his Jan. 16 speech before the Republican-controlled Legislature: restructuring the government, installing tougher drunk-driving laws and increasing tax cuts. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden. Read More |
Powered by