|
NCSL in the News December Archive
This archive of news articles that cite the National Conference of State Legislatures should serve as a record only. Links to the actual articles may not work several weeks after they have been posted. If you are interested in a story with a non-working link, please visit the Web site of the newspaper in which it was printed. These links are provided for information only. NCSL does not endorse the views in any articles linked to from this page.
December 31 GrassCatcher:
No GrassCatcher due to Holiday
December 28 GrassCatcher:
Fastest-growing states show slower expansion
The bursting housing bubble squelched expansion in some of the nation’s fastest-growing states in the year that ended July 1, according to an analysis of census figures released Wednesday. The New York Times Read the article.
Consumer spending foundation cracking
From Madrid to Malibu, the housing meltdown is cracking the foundation of consumer spending. The Guardian Read the article.
States’ widening of health care hits roadblocks
A year that began with great ambition for major expansions of health insurance in Sacramento and other state capitals is ending with considerable uncertainty, as a second wave of change runs headlong into a darkening economy and political divisions over how to apportion the cost. New York Times Read the article.
Atheists vocal over moment of silence law
When high school freshman Dawn Sherman learned that Illinois had a law requiring public schools to provide a moment of silence each day for "reflection and student prayer," she was outraged. The Los Angeles Times in the Boston Globe Read the article.
Census 2010: Texas wins; California loses?
California’s 53-seat delegation will remain the largest. But for the first time in its history, it may not grow after Congressional reapportionment. Rose Report Read the article.
Maine cell-phone recycling law kicks in Jan. 1st
Mainers who've been tossing their old cell phones in the trash or slipping them into desk drawers to be forgotten will have a new alternative as of the new year: A state law will require retailers to collect used cellular telephones at no charge for recycling. The Associated Press in the Laconia Citizen Read the article.
December 27 GrassCatcher:
Big truck ban is small, may be just the start
One lane of Interstate 70 through St. Charles County will become off limits to large trucks next week due to a piece of legislation enacted earlier this year Jefferson City. St. Louis Post Dispatch Read the article.
Beshear appoints agriculture policy director
Governor Steve Beshear today announced the appointment of Roger Thomas, 57, as Executive Director of the Governor's office of Agriculture Policy. WKYT-TV Read the article.
In South Carolina, primary day comes twice
Iowa does it in one day. So does New Hampshire and, for that matter, most other states. Not South Carolina. Atlanta Journal Constitution Read the article.
December 26 GrassCatcher:
Lawmakers seeking stiffer penalties for copper thieves
Lifelong farmer Dave Sturgis made an unsettling discovery last spring while going out to water one of his fields. Kalamazoo Gazette Read the article.
Proposition 93 provisions reduce years but aid some incumbents
A state-by-state examination shows California would join Oklahoma with the nation's strictest cumulative term limits on future lawmakers under Proposition 93 – but the measure would let lame-duck legislators off the hook. Sacramento Bee Read the article.
Rell asks state agencies to seek out cost savings
Citing concerns over rising energy prices and the sub-prime mortgage crisis, Gov. M. Jodi Rell is asking state agencies to cut spending. Newsday.com Read the article.
New Hampshire legislature doesn't mirror population
New Hampshire legislators are older than their counterparts in other states, more than half of them are retired and 70 percent of them are men. The Eagle Tribune Read the article.
Many states see finances start to slip
State government finances are weakening across the nation, with some states collecting less revenue than projected and others worried about that possibility, a National Conference on State Legislatures’ report says. Arkansas Democrat gazette Read the article.
States eye ways to rein in property tax
The amount paid in local and state property taxes in the country increased 50 percent from 2000 to 2006, according to Census data cited by some U.S. Congress members when discussing the topic. The Associated Press Read the article.
New Jersey's governor weighs health woes
Governor Jon S. Corzine said finding health insurance for the 1.4 million New Jerseyans who lack it ranks among New Jersey's top problems, but doesn't expect to solve the plight in 2008. Business Week Read the article.
In South Carolina, state picks up tab for separate primaries
Iowa does it in one day. So does New Hampshire and, for that matter, most other states. The Herald Read the article.
Health care expansions hit roadblocks
A year that began with great ambition for major expansions of health insurance here and in other state capitals is ending with considerable uncertainty, as a second wave of change runs headlong into a darkening economy and political divisions over how to apportion the cost. Herald Tribune Read the article.
Florida bills would crack down on illegal immigrants
In the two years since immigration reform legislation stalled in Congress, many states have passed their own laws targeting illegal immigrants. St. Petersburg Times in TC Palm Read the article.
Disquiet over schools' moment of silence
When high school freshman Dawn Sherman learned that Illinois had a new law requiring public schools to provide a moment of silence each day for "reflection and student prayer," she was outraged. Los Angeles Times Read the article.
Blunt and Nixon take major steps against a minor problem
Missouri's gubernatorial candidates are competing in a one-upmanship contest to appear tough on illegal immigrants. But their attention to the issue may be disproportionate to the actual problem. The Associated Press in the St. Louis Post Dispatch Read the article.
Voter ID laws fuel debate ahead of primaries
Choosing a 2008 presidential candidate might be confusing enough, but some voters will face an additional challenge next year, remembering to bring the right identification to the polls. USA Today Read the article.
Illinois leads the way in helping veterans
By mid-January, Illinois will become the first state to require screening of all returning National Guard troops for traumatic brain injuries. And a hot line will provide around-the-clock psychological help for veterans who wake up in the middle of the night panicked by combat-related stress. St. Louis Post Dispatch Read the article.
Smokers beware: tax hike eyed
HOLD ON tight, smokers. You've been banned from restaurants, thrown out of bars and pushed out onto the deck at your mother-in-law's house. Union Leader Read the article.
December 25 GrassCatcher:
No GrassCatcher, NCSL closed for holiday
December 24 GrassCatcher:
No GrassCatcher, NCSL closed for holiday
December 21 GrassCatcher:
State-funded partisanship on the rise
Fighting between Democrats and Republicans was so intense, the two parties refused to meet in the same room. Alexandria Echo Press Read the article.
States struggle to cut trans fat
States are having a hard time following in the footsteps of cities that have succeeded in banning artery-clogging trans fats from restaurant menus. Washington Times Read the article.
Tougher voter ID laws fuel debate as 2008 primaries near
Choosing a 2008 presidential candidate might be confusing enough, but some voters will face an additional challenge next year -- remembering to bring the right identification to the polls. News 10.net Read the article.
Dan Flynn seeks re-election
State Representative Dan Flynn, R-Van, has filed for re-election to a fourth term to represent House District 2. This includes Hunt, Rains and Van Zandt counties in Northeast Texas. Cedar Creek Pilot Read the article.
December 20 GrassCatcher:
Senator: New children's health plan just a start
A New Jersey state senator on Wednesday deemed new plans to offer low-cost health insurance to children as a key step toward making health care affordable for all New Jerseyans. Newsday Read the article.
Right the first time, Senator Clinton
If Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign goes south, historians are likely to remember October 30 as the date of departure. Opinion in Reason Online Read the article.
Tougher voter ID laws fuel debate
Choosing a 2008 presidential candidate might be confusing enough, but some voters will face an additional challenge next year — remembering to bring the right identification to the polls. USA Today Read the article.
Not too soon for state to tighten belt
Gov. Chris Gregoire will need to be every bit as tight-fisted with the state's surplus revenue as she's promised to be in her new supplemental state budget proposal. Editorial in The Daily News Online Read the article.
December 19 GrassCatcher:
Spending Control
The emphasis in solving the state’s current budget problems has been to find ways to cut ongoing costs to shrink expected future shortfalls. Bangor Daily News Read the article.
State facing huge tab in promises to retirees
The state of California is not funding a mountainous $48 billion tab for medical benefits promised to future government retirees, a bill that ranked as the second largest in the nation last year. Sacramento Bee Read the article.
Maryland is urged to rein in spending
Afraid that the state could be headed for a recession, a committee of General Assembly leaders recommended last night cutting state spending increases by almost half. Baltimore Sun Read the article.
Popular-vote plan nears crucial period
A three-year-old effort aimed at electing U.S. presidents through a popular vote is entering a critical phase in the coming weeks, with two big states set to possibly endorse the concept. The Hill Read the article.
New report: state budgets sliding
Three independent reviews of state finances have reached the same troubling conclusion: budget shortfalls and spending cuts are coming. The Associated Press Read the article.
December 18 GrassCatcher:
Buyers interested in state’s bridges
Financial companies have approached the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority repeatedly to ask about buying or leasing the Pell and Mount Hope bridges. Providence Journal Read the article.
Swift rips Romney
Former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift said presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's history of flip-flopping on major conservative issues could doom him, as well as the party, if he is the nominee. Sea Coast Online Read the article.
Housing slump hurting state budgets nationwide
State budgets across the country are affected by low revenue growth, a report from the National Conference of State Legislatures shows. Argus Leader Media Read the article.
With feds stuck, states take on immigration
State lawmakers have taken widely divergent approaches to dealing with an influx of immigrants, including 11 million thought to be here illegally. Stateline.org Read the article.
Arizona business group files new lawsuit to halt immigration law
After a federal judge last week threw out a lawsuit contesting Arizona's new immigration law, an umbrella organization representing about a dozen business groups filed a new lawsuit and requested a temporary restraining order. Arizona Business Group Read the article.
December 17 GrassCatcher:
State budget tight in coming year
It's still early, but Alabama's education budget looks tight in the coming fiscal year. The Associated Press in AL.com Read the article.
English-only government forms sought
The head of South Carolina's Senate has a message he wants to send to non-English-speaking immigrants looking to use state or local government services: No hablamos español. Charlotte Observer Read the article.
Illegal workers on state agenda
Six bills target illegal immigration in Florida as national efforts stumble. St. Petersburg Times Read the article.
Early look at Alabama's finances not encouraging
The first look at next year's Alabama government finances, especially the public school fund, doesn't look too rosy for legislators who will start budget work in January. Times Daily Read the article.
State finance director budgets time to include family, fishing
When he's not crunching numbers and overseeing the state's budget office, Tony Hutchison would like to be calculating how to hook a fish. NewsOK Read the article.
State-funded partisanship on the rise
Fighting between Democrats and Republicans was so intense, the two parties refused to meet in the same room. The Republican Eagle Read the article.
December 14 GrassCatcher:
PAYGO = Political "Play-Dough"
“Play-Dough” is a great toy for keeping young folks occupied and challenging their creativity. As many of you, I’ve watched my children, grandchildren, great grand-children mould and make some pretty interesting things using that product. American Daily Read the article.
Arizona business group files new lawsuit to halt immigration law
After a federal judge last week threw out a lawsuit contesting Arizona's new immigration law, an umbrella organization representing about a dozen business groups filed a new lawsuit and requested a temporary restraining order. Builder Online Read the article.
December 13 GrassCatcher:
Buyers interested in state’s bridges
Financial companies have approached the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority repeatedly to ask about buying or leasing the Pell and Mount Hope bridges. Providence Journal Read the article.
Swift rips Romney
Former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift said presidential hopeful Mitt Romney's history of flip-flopping on major conservative issues could doom him, as well as the party, if he is the nominee. Sea Coast Online Read the article.
Housing slump hurting state budgets nationwide
State budgets across the country are affected by low revenue growth, a report from the National Conference of State Legislatures shows. Argus Leader Media Read the article.
With feds stuck, states take on immigration
State lawmakers have taken widely divergent approaches to dealing with an influx of immigrants, including 11 million thought to be here illegally. Stateline.org Read the article.
Arizona business group files new lawsuit to halt immigration law
After a federal judge last week threw out a lawsuit contesting Arizona's new immigration law, an umbrella organization representing about a dozen business groups filed a new lawsuit and requested a temporary restraining order. Arizona Business Group Read the article.
December 12 GrassCatcher:
Debates persist over subsidies for immigrant college students
Go to college, we urge our children. College is the new high school, and without an undergraduate degree, they will be doomed to low-earning, second-rate lives. The New York Times Read the article.
Oklahoma: slight tax improvement
State tax collections in November improved slightly over the previous month, but remained below expectations, a report showed Tuesday. The Associated Press in the Houston Chronicle Read the article.
Hawaii Democrats may sue to close primary
Several state Democrats, concerned about the influence of crossover voting, want to exclude independents and Republicans from Democratic primaries. The Honolulu Advisor Read the article.
Voters to decide veto power
Voters, you may at last have your chance to slay Frankenstein. Wisconsin State Journal Read the article.
DNA match leads to arrest in lingerie-wearing burglar case
A DNA match led to the arrest Monday of a convicted felon in connection with a March 3 burglary of a South Beaverton apartment. The Oregonian Read the article.
December 11 GrassCatcher:
Housing market lull means tax refunds for many property owners
Property values have been rolled back in many parts of the county, particularly where homes have been bought and built during the past two years when the market hit its peak. Santa Cruz Sentinel Read the article.
Subprime slide only grazes state pension funds
While real estate slumps in California and Florida have forced scrutiny of pension and other funds, Texas' conservatively run government pension funds didn't buy Wall Street's latest alphabet soup of investment vehicles wreaking havoc on the global economy. Dallas Morning News Read the article.
Jane Swift: If Republicans nominate flip-flip Romney, they'll lose
You've heard the jokes. Mitt Romney's flip flops have provided endless fodder for the late night talk show circuit. Commentary in Union Leader Read the article.
Not so golden state
While a sagging revenue forecast helped create a $10 billion budget shortfall in California, a new survey finds that 23 states have stable revenue and 11 other states have actually raised their revenue forecast. San Diego Union Tribune Read the article.
December 10 GrassCatcher:
Housing slump damages state revenue
The U.S. housing slump has damaged many states' revenue streams, leaving some with shortfalls and worries about funding education and health care, according to a report released by the National Conference of State Legislators on Monday. Reuters in the Washington Post Read the article.
Housing slump pinches almost half of state budgets, report says
The end of the U.S. housing boom is cutting into the revenue of nearly half of state governments as a slower economy crimps tax collections from New Jersey to California, according to a report by a state lawmakers group. Bloomberg News Read the article.
Florida fund’s woes spark investment jitters
The crisis swirling around a state-run investment fund in Florida has escalated concerns among public-finance officials there and elsewhere about the investments of school districts and other public entities against a national backdrop of credit and home-mortgage woes. Education Week Read the article.
Huckabee's gubernatorial pardons attract scrutiny
As the governor of Arkansas, Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee issued twice as many pardons and commutations as his three predecessors combined. RTTNews Read the article.
New Jersey eyes eliminating gifts for legislators
Time is running out for New Jersey legislators looking for freebies. Newsday.com Read the article.
Lawmakers to enjoy pay raise
Few freshman state lawmakers who used voter discontent over a legislative pay-hike scandal as a springboard into office last year are showing any uneasiness with collecting fatter paychecks this year. The Herald Standard Read the article.
Holiday season brings more than just presents
Christmas carols are playing, shoppers are shopping, and families across the nation are decorating the tree. News Zap Read the article.
Immigration bills looming
A Utah lawmaker who wants to take a tough stand on illegal immigration seems to be garnering support from the GOP, at least locally. Deseret Morning News Read the article.
December 7 GrassCatcher:
UNC takes up immigrant issue
The University of North Carolina system will study whether to provide in-state tuition to illegal immigrants, system President Erskine Bowles said Thursday. The Charlotte Observer Read the article.
Bill pushes for all drivers to carry liability insurance
Wisconsin drivers would be forced to buy liability insurance under a bill a state lawmaker is shopping around for support again. Appleton Post-Crescent Read the article.
Alternative energy could mean new manufacturing jobs for Michigan
Michigan is uniquely positioned to turn parts of its ailing automotive sector into a manufacturing center for alternative energy equipment, whether it's wind turbines, solar cells or waste recycling, Gov. Jennifer Granholm says. WSBT-TV Read the article.
Another legislative committee looks at global warming
Another legislative committee waded into the question of whether global warming fears are fact or fiction Thursday, this time from the Senate side. Insider Advantage.com Read the article.
December 6 GrassCatcher:
States need gumption to end economic incentives game
We hope that efforts by two North Carolina lawmakers to boost support for an interstate pact or a congressional crackdown to end the use of economic development incentives like tax credits and cash grants gains traction. Opinion in Citizen Times Read the article.
Slay the incentives elephant
State Rep. Pryor Gibson is fond of an old saying that there's only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time. North Carolina News Record Read the article.
Attorney who handled state's first fetal homicide case will represent Town of Kaukauna man
The attorney who handled Wisconsin's first fetal homicide case will represent a Town of Kaukauna man charged with slipping his lover a contraceptive to cause a miscarriage. Oshkosh Northwestern Read the article.
December 5 GrassCatcher:
Should legislators jump into immigration battle?
If you're a state lawmaker and you're thinking of proposing laws to deal with illegal immigration, look before you leap. Blog in the Statesman Journal Read the article.
State has met English learning requirements, attorney tells appeals court
The attorney for Republican legislative leaders argued Tuesday that lawmakers have done all they need to comply with federal laws requiring the state to ensure all students have an opportunity to learn English. Yuma Sun Read the article.
Wisconsin considers banning new drug plant
A state lawmaker wants to ban a Mexican herb that can cause intense hallucinations. Wausau Daily Herald Read the article.
Is having one-language test a good thing?
A proposed bill that would only allow state driver’s license exams to be given in English might not be that good of an idea. Opinion in the Clanton Advisor Read the article.
Wisconsin considers banning new drug plant
A state lawmaker wants to ban a Mexican herb that can cause intense hallucinations. La Crosse Tribune Read the article.
Credit card companies under fire for raising interest rates
Credit-card companies came under fire Tuesday for using cardholders' falling credit scores to charge higher interest rates despite a good payment history. RTTNews.com Read the article.
December 4 GrassCatcher:
Outagamie RU-486 case may be a first
The Outagamie County case of a man accused of trying to cause an abortion by spiking his girlfriend's drink appears to have no precedent. The Post-Crescent Read the article.
State Sen. Beason proposes English-only driver's exams
A state senator who is vice chairman of a panel studying immigration issues in Alabama said Monday he will introduce legislation to require the state driver's license exam be given in English only. The Birmingham News Read the article.
Bill on 'morning-after' pill withdrawn due to lack of support
Legislation requiring hospitals to provide access and information on emergency contraception to rape victims collapsed in the state House on Monday when it became apparent there was insufficient support for it. The Morning Call Read the article.
GOP legislation would limit primary participation
A group of Republican legislators, emboldened by last week’s flap over a primary election pledge, will push next year to require Virginians to declare a political affiliation when registering to vote in the state. The Examiner Read the article.
Our views: Lobbyists face scrutiny
Really want to clean up the State Capitol? Make it less fun. Opinion in 2 The Advocate Read the article.
States combat ‘bidding wars’
Two North Carolina lawmakers are pressing their counterparts around the country to stop what one calls a “bidding war” among states to lure businesses. Citizen Times Read the article.
Hearing postponed for man accused of killing girlfriend's fetus
A hearing to determine whether a man accused of putting an abortion drug in his girlfriend's drink to kill her fetus should go to trial was postponed Monday. Rhinelander Daily News Read the article.
Enthusiasm in other states for ending incentives, lawmaker reports
Back from a trip to Phoenix, state Rep. Phillip Frye says lawmakers from other states welcomed his complaints there about economic development incentives. Citizen Times Read the article.
December 3 GrassCatcher:
New loan regulations under review
As the subprime crisis has continued to worsen, efforts to strengthen regulation of mortgage lending have increased in Washington and nationally. Seattle Times Read the article.
Homeland security
Congressional Committees that oversee the Homeland Security Department do not have any major public hearings scheduled for this week, but according to aides will work behind the scenes to examine areas of concern. Helicopter Association International Read the article.
Make decision about relocating before it becomes an issue
I don't think there's a reliable way to track relocation failure and success — too many variables. Opinion in the Sun Sentinel Read the article.
U.S. officials worry about international trade tribunals trumping state laws
A Canadian company wants to open a new plant in Claremont, N.H., to bottle fresh water from a source in Stockbridge, Vermont. The Canadian News Read the article.
Disclosure laws in state ranked 17th among 50
The Arkansas laws that require personal financial disclosures by governors get an average grade from a Washington-based nonpartisan group. The Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.
Gift cards popular, unused
Any old ones still in your wallet? The Cincinnati Enquirer Read the article.
Legislative interest in immigration explodes
Immigration legislation is nothing new in Arizona where the state's proximity to the border has made it a bubbling issue for years. The Arizona Republic Read the article.
An effort to outlaw 'robo-calls'
State lawmakers takes aim at campaign tactic. The Associated Press in the Kentucky Herald-Leader Read the article.
Activists renewing push for same sex marriage amended in Pennsylvania
A billboard along the Pennsylvania Turnpike poses a provocative question: "Should Pennsylvania kiss marriage goodbye?" The Associated Press in Pennlive.com Read the article.
Police obtain fetal tissue in abortion pill case
Tests may determine if suspect faces homicide trial. The Appleton Post-Crescent Read the article.
Attempt at stealth abortion alleged
A Wisconsin man is charged with lacing a woman's drink with a drug for terminations. Philly.com Read the article.
|
