Our Mission

State Legislatures is the national magazine of policy and politics. It informs legislators, legislative staff, county government executives, lobbyists and the interested public about state actions and innovations in public policy issues. It reports on trends and legislation in the 50 states, best practices, the legislative process and institution, leaders, and federal initiatives that affect the states in a series of short features within a national context.

Through its departments it provides short profiles on individual legislators; reports on trends in tables, charts and graphs; provides short articles on state innovations; relates life and professional transitions of legislators and staff. It also provides one paragraph discussions on state happenings around the country, and presents “how to” articles and product reviews. It is issued 10 times a year and is mailed to all state legislators, key legislative staff, members of Congress, governors, county government executives, lobbyists, political scientists, librarians, universities and the interested public.

 
Editorial Features

Statestats: A look at a hot topic through charts and graphs. 59% of readers read this feature every issue.

People & Politics: Insight into what's up under the dome. Read consistently by 55 percent of subscribers.

Trends & Transitions: A glance at emerging and evolving issues in state legislatures. 55 percent of readers read this feature in every issue.

Stateline: Short tidbits that inform and entertain on a variety of happenings. 44 pecent of readers read this feature every issue.

Features: Stories that make sense of current public policy with clear, concise writing. Read consistently by 55 percent of readers.

Tools of the Trade: Tips to help lawmakers and legislative staffers do their jobs well. 41 perecent of readers read this feature in every issue.

As They See It: Editorial cartoons and quotes that shine a lighthearted spotlight on state legislative activity. Read consistently by 25 percent of readers.

For the Record: Interviews with the people having an input on policy.

Taking the Floor: Leaders' perspectives.