States Lead the Way on Immigration Legislation

In 2006, more than 500 pieces of legislation concerning immigrants have been introduced in state legislatures around the country. Legislation covered a wide variety of topics, and many states focused on employment, trafficking, public benefits, education, identification, voting rights and procedures, trafficking, law enforcement, and legal services.  At least 57 bills have been enacted in 27 states, a pace that exceeds that of 2005.

Term Limits To Oust Hundreds of Legislators and Many Key Leaders

Term limits will prevent a total of 268 legislators in 13 states from running for re-election in the 2006 elections.  The hardest hit chambers will be the Nebraska Senate (losing 41 percent of its membership), the California House (losing 33 percent of its membership), the California Senate (losing 30 percent of its membership), and the Arkansas House (losing 29 percent of its membership). Among those termed out this year are 26 key leaders - presiding officers and majority and minority floor leaders - and 109 chairs of standing committees.

States and Vehicles May be Outgrowing the Gas Tax

Gas taxes, which generate a majority of transportation revenue in half of the states and more than one third of all highway funding, have not kept pace with inflation. And they could become an even less reliable revenue source as cars grow more fuel efficient, according to the new NCSL report Surface Transportation Funding: Options for States. Oregon is one state with an innovative approach for shifting dependence to new funding sources. And other states, including North Carolina, have recognized the need to do so. Ask for a copy of the report.