May 12, 2008
State & Policy News
 Financial crisis stems from 'super-bubble'
There's a "super-bubble" in the economy that's bigger than just the recent housing crises, and he blames exotic financial instruments for helping cause it. National Public Radio Read and Listen to the article.
Spread of nuclear capability is feared
At least 40 developing countries from the Persian Gulf region to Latin America have recently approached U.N officials to signal interest in starting nuclear power programs, a trend that concerned proliferation experts say could provide the building blocks of nuclear arsenals in some of those nations. Washington Post Read the article.
Voter ID battle shifts to proof of citizenship
The battle over voting rights will expand this week as lawmakers in Missouri are expected to support a proposed constitutional amendment to enable election officials to require proof of citizenship from anyone registering to vote. New York Times Read the article.
Tornado season deadliest in a decade
The deaths of 98 people attributed to tornadoes this year has made 2008 the deadliest year thus far for tornadoes since 1998 and the seventh deadliest since modern recordkeeping began in 1950. USA Today Read the article.
Large quake rattles China
A major earthquake struck southwestern China Monday, with the quake death toll in one county estimated at as many as 7,600 people. Wall Street Journal Read the article.
How safe is your safe-deposit box?
The problem is that the states return less than a quarter of unclaimed property to the rightful owners. ABC News Read the article.
State programs add safety net for the poorest
“The goal had been getting parents off of welfare,” said Jack Tweedie of the National Conference of State Legislatures, who counsels states on poverty issues and has advised Arkansas officials. “The emphasis now is much more on work and helping parents stay in work.” New York Times Read the article.
Campus gun debate looms in La. House
Guns on campus legislation has been defeated in several states this year but is alive in Arizona, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and South Carolina, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. A previous news story said only the Louisiana and Arizona bills were still in the process. Alexandria Town Talk.com Read the article.
The Buzz: Who says analyzing bills can't be fun?
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 23 states are facing budget gaps in the coming fiscal year. An NCSL survey compiled last month found that as a percentage of its general operating fund, California's projected deficit (11.2 percent) trailed only Alabama (12.6 percent) and neighboring Nevada (16.9 percent) and Arizona (17.9 percent) in terms of the size of its sea of red ink. Sacramento Bee Read the article.
Push on to inspect ice cream vendors' pasts
A growing number of communities across the USA are moving to prevent sexual predators from becoming ice cream truck drivers. USA Today Read the article.
States using drug 'recycling' programs to help cure budget ills
At least 33 states have laws to allow or study drug recycling programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Most state programs are just a few years old or still in the test stages, but officials envision huge gains. North County Times, California Read the article.
New state challenges confront legislators
But North Carolina is in better fiscal shape than many states. A recent report by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that nearly half the states face budget deficits; on Wednesday, the governor of Tennessee announced plans to cut 2,011 state jobs to help close a $468 million shortfall. News and Observer, North Carolina Read the article.
Legislators' pay should not be quadrupled
Our lawmakers do well in comparison with those from other Southern states. The $16,800 salary they receive is above that of the $14,364 average for Southern legislatures, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Only two other states in the Southern Region -Florida and Georgia, are higher paid. Opinion in the Daily Advertiser Read the article.
Panel gets earful on feds’ ID law
The National Conference of State Legislatures, which relays state government interests in Washington, D.C., has called on Congress to repeal the act and reinstitute a negotiated rulemaking process “that brings all parties to the table,” Molly Ramsdell said. Times Leader Read the article.
The links to the articles in GrassCatcher are provided for information purposes only. NCSL does not endorse the views expressed in any of the articles linked to from this page. |
