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NCSL in the News March 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.
March 31 GrassCatcher:
State promises help with college costs for low-income students
But now Washington is stepping in to help low-income students like Jackson's grandchildren go to college. Seattle Post Intelligencer Read the article.
24 towns yet to file policy on profiling
Eudora’s police department, along with those of 23 other towns across Arkansas, hasn’t complied with a 2007 state law requiring every law enforcement agency in the state to create a policy to avoid racial profiling and submit it to the state for review. Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.
Arizona considers a guest worker program of its own
The state already at the cutting edge of immigration reform seems poised to undertake yet another experiment: a guest worker program created and administered by a state rather than by the federal government. Christian Science Monitor Read the article.
Jessica Rogers, paralyzed in accident, crusades for road-rage legislation
As the car sped down rain-slick asphalt, its driver looking to settle a score, 16-year-old Jessica Rogers felt a sickening mix of helplessness and terror. Philadelphia Inquirer Read the article.
Budget debate over state watchdog office strikes a chord
A tiny fraction of the $190 million budget played an outsized role in debates last week, bringing recognition to a little-known state government office. Central Maine Morning Sentinel Read the article.
Employer mandates hit legal snag, states continue to search for options
An integral part of some state and local health system reform efforts has hit a major stumbling block. The business community has taken employer mandates to court. American Medical News Read the article.
Today's immigrants are more widely dispersed across America
Whatever our emotional reaction to the tide of immigrants flowing into America, it's time to re-evaluate. Daily Press Read the article.
Recall bill tops Franks' to-do list
State Rep. Jack Franks says his first priority when the General Assembly reconvenes Tuesday will be to get his constitutional amendment to recall state elected officials passed in the House. Northwest Herald Read the article.
Yin and yang
With Congress failing to enact meaningful immigration reform, a lot of states are trying to take it on. But they're bound to find out just how difficult that job really is. Bend Weekly Read the article.
Louisiana on Track for Record Year in Films
Justin Timberlake, Salma Hayek and Michael Douglas are among a host of celebrities working on films in Louisiana, contributing to what's shaping up to be the busiest year for the state's film industry to date. The Associated Press in Forbes Read the article.
March 28 GrassCatcher:
Panel deliberates vote-contest case
A state Senate committee deliberated about four hours Thursday a historic election contest case, then spread further action over the next several days. Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.
Oklahoma bill would make it legal to have guns on campus
Oklahoma lawmakers have a plan to prevent violent outbreaks at colleges: Let students carry guns. Detroit Free Press Read the article.
Tennessee legislators deserve full-time pay
On March 18, 1968, days before his murder, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. told striking sanitation workers in Memphis, "It is criminal to have people working on a full-time basis … getting part-time income." The Tennessean Read the article.
ESA’s new head of state government relations affairs appointed
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today named Sally Jefferson as its new head of state government affairs. Web Wire.com Read the article.
March 27 GrassCatcher:
Motorcyclist deaths spike as helmet laws loosen
Death rates from motorcycle crashes have risen steadily since states began weakening helmet laws about a decade ago, according to a Gannett News Service analysis of federal accident reports. USA Today Read the article.
Group starts unprecedented bid to recall New Jersey governor
Three Glen Ridge residents are the first in New Jersey history to try to recall a governor. Associated Press in Newsday.com Read the article.
Alabama Senate committee blocks campus gun bills
A state senator, motivated by deadly campus shootings in Virginia and Illinois, drew opposition from Alabama higher education officials and got nowhere with his bills to allow professors and some students to carry guns on Alabama campuses. Associated Press in the Florida Times Union Read the article.
Correction: immigration-states story
In a March 7 story about state legislatures considering laws to curb illegal immigration, The Associated Press erroneously reported that 1,500 such measures were proposed nationwide last year. Associated Press Read the article.
Oklahoma lawmakers say student guns can stop violence
Oklahoma lawmakers have a plan to prevent violent outbreaks at colleges: let students carry guns. Bloomberg News Read the article.
Committee rejects campus gun bills
The state Senate Education Committee rejected legislation Wednesday that would have allowed students and professors to carry firearms on college campuses. Tuscaloosa News Read the article.
March 26 GrassCatcher:
States get breathing room on Real ID
In the showdown with the federal government over making state-issued driver’s licenses more secure, all but three states have won a reprieve from more extensive security screenings for their residents at airports and federal buildings that were set to begin May 11.
Stateline.org Read the article.
Bill outlines exercise requirement for schools
Iowa school children would be required to wriggle out of their desks and get moving for about half an hour each day and junk food would be tossed out of vending machines under a bill that is advancing through the Legislature this year. Des Moines Register Read the article.
News briefs from around Kentucky
Herman May spent more than 13 years in prison after a woman identified him as her attacker in a sexual assault. The identification in 1988 came even though the 17-year-old May had bright reddish-orange hair and looked little like the tall, thin, dark-haired man in his mid-20s identified as the attacker. May was convicted of rape in 1989 and sentenced to 40 years in prison - until DNA evidence showed in 2002 that he didn't commit the crime. The Associated Press in the Lexington Herald-Ledger Read the article.
Late officers’ families get more benefits
When Baton Rouge police Officer Cpl. Mark Beck was killed in a car crash while driving home from an extra-duty job, he left a wife and two children to fend for themselves. WBRZ News 2 Read the article.
Senate committee gives go ahead to smoking bill
Just when about everybody thought an effort to ban smoking in most public places was dead, it’s back. The Associated Press in the Kansan.com Read the article.
Former state Representative Bowler named La. deputy commissioner
Louisiana Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon named former State Representative Shirley Bowler of Harahan to take over the vacant position of deputy commissioner of the Office of Management and Finance in the Department of Insurance. Bowler's appointment is effective on March 24, 2008. Insurance Journal Read the article.
N.Y. legislator unveils bill to waive parental consent
Young women can receive reproductive health care, birth control, abortions and other services at Planned Parenthood clinics -- all without parental consent. But if they are under 18 and want a vaccine against the human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer, they need family permission. Press & Sun Bulletin Read the article.
March 25 GrassCatcher:
Watchdog office faces downsizing
A proposal to significantly cut funding to the state's independent government watchdog office is drawing sharp criticism. Kennebec Journal Read the article.
Bill would stop state employees from serving in legislature
A bill has been introduced in the Alabama Legislature that would ban anyone who works for state government from also serving as a legislator. The Associated Press in the Birmingham News Read the article.
March 24 GrassCatcher:
Immigration bill hurts employers, some say
The state Agriculture Commissioner said farmers don't want to hire people who break the law, but he said a federal program needs to be in place that allows Alabama the ability to have more legalized workers. Montgomery Advertiser Read the article.
The wrong call
It's hard to be a Libertarian with all of these knuckleheads around. Opinion in the Boston Globe Read the article.
Nebraska pays travel for exiting senators
After term-limited state senators cast their last votes and become lame ducks, some of them will be jetting off to conferences in New Orleans, Chicago and elsewhere out of state. Forbes Read the article.
N.J. crossing state lines in search of tax money
South Carolina businessman J. Barry Godwin sees it as nothing short of "extortion." Courier News Read the article.
Group focuses on working families' needs
States other than Alabama are looking at campus gun laws, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tuscaloosa News Read the article.
A look at trends in immigration proposals at the state level
Last year, more than 1,500 anti-illegal immigrant laws were proposed nation wide. Myrtle Beach Sun News Read the article.
Poulsbo city council member to run for state senate spot
Poulsbo City Council Member Connie Lord announced her candidacy for the Washington state Senate Thursday. She will run against 23rd District Sen. Phil Rockefeller (D) this November. Central Kitsap Reporter Read the article.
State illegal immigrant hiring law won’t work
An almost 6-month-old state law that calls for fining businesses employing illegal immigrants can’t be enforced, an official said Friday. Las Vegas Sun Read the article.
Governor Gregoire campaign now accepting checks
Chris Gregoire's re-election campaign is accepting campaign checks even as the first-term governor decides the fate of several hundred bills interest groups lobbied to pass and kill during this year's legislative session. Tri-City Herald Read the article.
South Carolina lawmakers push to make voters prove citizenship
Anyone registering to vote in South Carolina would have to show a passport, birth certificate or naturalization documents under a bill being pushed by Republican lawmakers. WITN-TV Read the article.
March 21 GrassCatcher:
Will Democrats grow legislative edge in '08?
With the nation swept up in a riveting presidential election, state legislative races might rank far down the political totem pole this fall. But with almost two dozen chambers at risk of a takeover by their minority parties — roughly one of every four that have elections — state legislative contests will carry weight this year, both for the obvious policy implications as well as for their impact on the 2010 round of congressional redistricting. Stateline.org Read the article.
Storied state lawmaker Wilder will hang it up
John Wilder was Tennessee's second-most-powerful man for 36 years and next in line for the governorship, before he was sidelined by the state's shifting political tides. The Tennessean Read the article.
Wilder won't seek re-election
Former Tennessee Lt. Gov. John Wilder’s formal announcement Thursday that he will not seek re-election leaves fellow Senate Democrats with another major seat to defend this year, officials said. Chattanooga Times Free Press Read the article.
NY online privacy push
Albany's an interesting place, and not just because residents of the New York Governor's mansion seem to spend as much time bed-hopping as signing budgets. On a more important - although less salacious - note, downstate Assemblyman Richard Brodsky has introduced legislation that would shore up Internet users' rapidly deteriorating privacy, reports the New York Times today. HuffingtonPost.com Read the article.
March 20 GrassCatcher:
Problems spotted in worker-ID bill
A legislative proposal to curb illegal employment of immigrants by requiring all new employees to obtain a Midwest-issued driver's license or identification card likely will face multiple constitutional challenges, several Iowa attorneys say. Des Moines Register Read the article.
In Portland, Fox criticizes U.S. policy on Mexico
Much of the U.S. public and some of the country's leaders do not fully comprehend the importance of Mexican immigrants to the U.S. economy and are confusing those immigrants with terrorists, former Mexico President Vicente Fox said. Statesman Journal Read the article.
Property tax for sales tax: A fair trade for Oregon?
Oregon may take a new tack in the effort to shore up its oft-criticized fiscal structure — and if you own property, it could make you very happy. The Bend Bulletin Read the article.
March 19 GrassCatcher:
N.H.: Driver texting ban passes House
The House voted Tuesday to make it illegal for drivers to send text messages on cell phones or type on laptop computers or other electronic devices. CNN Money Read the article.
Georgia Senate asked to sideline immigration bill
Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory is asking the Georgia Senate to sideline a legislative proposal targeting illegal immigrants driving cars in the state, saying it would unfairly punish families. Georgia Bulletin Read the article.
Parties count on familiar faces where they can
As Maine's era of term limits matures, candidate recycling has become a standard tool for Democrats seeking to maintain their legislative majorities and for Republicans looking to reverse longstanding trends. Boston Globe Read the article.
Property tax for sales tax: A fair trade for Oregon?
Oregon may take a new tack in the effort to shore up its oft-criticized fiscal structure — and if you own property, it could make you very happy. Bend Bulletin Read the article.
Overhaul of higher education act is magnet for lobbying
House and Senate negotiators have pushed off completion of a Higher Education Act overhaul until after the March recess, but interest groups representing students, colleges and state officials aren’t just whiling the time away. They’re furiously lobbying over provisions that still hang in the balance. CQ Quarterly Read the article.
March 18 GrassCatcher:
Federal ID effort could affect airports, airlines
U.S. airports and airlines could be hardest hit by sanctions imposed by the federal government against states refusing to comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005, industry officials say. Tulsa World Read the article.
Bill proposes Sazerac for 'official state cocktail'
With the right mix of lawmakers, the Sazerac may be designated the "official state cocktail" at the regular legislative session that starts March 31. The Times-Picayune Read the article.
Powder sports get lift from lawmakers
Sorry, ice anglers, curlers and snowmobilers, but it's almost official: Skiing and snowboarding are on their way to becoming the "official state winter recreational sports" in Colorado. Denver Post Read the article.
Supreme Court to rule on NC minority voting rights lawsuit
The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will consider whether legislative and congressional districts designed to help minority candidates win office must do so by containing a majority of minority voters. The Associated Press in the Fayetteville Observer Read the article.
States' budget crises will hurt millions
Financially strapped states are looking to take away government health insurance and benefits from millions of Americans already struggling with a souring economy. The Associated Press Read the article.
March 17 GrassCatcher:
Breast-feeding rooms needed, lawmaker says
Toilet stalls are not good enough for working moms who need to breast-feed an infant, a state lawmaker says. Des Moines Register Read the article.
Republicans' exposure of nepotism requires they first begin at home
While there certainly is a degree of political theater in the House Republicans' effort to shine a light on nepotism among legislators, there's also considerable merit to the plan. Getting it passed is another matter. Opinion in Delaware Online Read the article.
Just follow the spirit of state constitution
One of the greatest features of Tennessee's government is its part-time legislature. Since lawmakers generally meet for no more than 90 days every two years, they are true "citizen legislators." Most legislators hold their office not to boost their income, but to serve the public. Tennessean Read the article.
Traffic laws set for legislative tune-up
State lawmakers are once again pushing to make Florida's traffic laws stricter, including forbidding drivers from talking on cell phones, letting police pull over motorists who aren't buckled up, and legalizing cameras that catch red light runners. TampaBay.com Read the article.
Driving while texting is a deadly distraction
Police investigators at first weren’t sure what caused the Dec. 3 car crash that killed A.J. Larson. Buffalo News Read the article.
Alabama voices: double dippers wrong
Alabama's two-year college system is making significant progress toward restoring its credibility and integrity, thanks in part to the ban on double dipping passed last year by the State Board of Education. Opinion in the Montgomery Advertiser Read the article.
Critical need for large-animal veterinarians
Bill Bennett has spent 45 years feeding and herding 2,500 cattle on his rolling eastern Washington ranch. He's also had to act as a doctor because he's unable to find a veterinarian who will come to his rural spread. San Francisco Chronicle Read the article.
Federal ID law draws objections
A three-year-old U.S. law, little known and less understood, requires Oklahoma and the other states to overhaul driver's licensing systems and issue licenses meeting federal standards over the next decade. Tulsa World Read the article.
Budget woes hit home as travel plans are scotched
No trip for you . . . The state's budget woes got personal last week for a pair of House Democrats. The Arizona Republic Read the article.
Jindal 'bats a thousand' at session
The state Legislature on Friday wrapped up its second special session during the 2-month-old administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal by completing a full sweep of the governor's proposed package of business tax cuts and $1.1 billion in surplus spending priorities. The Times-Picayune Read the article.
March 14 GrassCatcher:
Bills aim spotlight on Delaware's nepotism
House Republican leaders, prompted by The News Journal's reporting on nepotism in state government, unveiled measures Thursday to require lawmakers to disclose the names of relatives on the state payroll and to prohibit legislators from trying to secure state jobs for relatives. The New Journal Read the article.
New York wants spending cap enacted
The New York State Senate Majority has proposed enactment of a constitutional spending cap that would prevent the Executive from submitting a budget that increases spending by more than four percent over the previous year’s budget and force both houses of the Legislature to live within reasonable spending limits. North Country Gazette Read the article.
Panel planning study of new immigration law
The governor signed into law a sweeping illegal immigration on Thursday. Deseret News Read the article.
Measure to restrict stun guns dies in ID committee
Lawmakers concerned about self-defense rights narrowly killed a proposal on Thursday that would have required a concealed weapon permit to carry stun guns in Idaho. Fort Mills Times Read the article.
Kansas panel rewrites immigration bill
A Senate committee rewrote immigration legislation Wednesday so that it met the approval of the business community but upset backers of the original, tougher proposal. Houston Chronicle Read the article.
SB 2988 takes on illegal alien issue
Despite limited action, we were able to secure an important step in our battle against illegal immigration. Editorial in the Laurel Leader Call Read the article.
March 13 GrassCatcher:
Nation's surface transportation needs are substantial
The gap between America's surface transportation needs and the financial resources required to bridge them is large, immediate and long-term, according to a report released by state and local government groups. Sun Herald Read the article.
Michigan Senate passes film incentives
Michigan lawmakers began passing bills Wednesday aimed at making the state one of the country's most attractive places to make a movie. Forbes Read the article.
Utah’s liquor laws change
Utah is the only state in the U.S. to limit the amount of liquor allowed in a standard shot according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Every other state is allowed to “free pour." On the Snow Read the article.
Alabama must end double dipping
Alabama's two-year college system is making significant progress toward restoring its credibility and integrity, thanks in part to the ban on double dipping passed last year by the State Board of Education. Opinion in the Anniston Star Read the article.
Smoking ban Q&A
Smoking bans that include bars and restaurants exist now in 22 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, according to Amy Winterfeld, a health policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Des Moines Register Read the article.
Reflections on prevailing wage, gun classes
West Virginia Legislature has told public schools they can teach hunting education classes, but they cannot be mandatory. WOWK-TV Read the article.
Tuition freeze is a temporary fix, analysts say
While some lawmakers are pushing to freeze tuition rates for the state’s university system, analysts warn the plan simply will not work long-term. Gazette Read the article.
Salvia's herbal high spurs push for ban
Called salvia divinorum, it has been banned in Australia, Belgium and Italy but was completely legal in the United States until recently. Miami Herald Read the article.
March 12 GrassCatcher:
Bill would forbid illegal workers from taking pay
It would be a crime for illegal immigrants to accept pay for work done in Tennessee under a proposal headed for votes in both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly. The Senate Commerce Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to advance the proposal to make it a misdemeanor for illegal immigrants to accept compensation. The Tennessean Read the article.
Pitney Bowes urges voting by mail
With talk of a vote-by-mail do-over for the Democratic presidential primaries in Florida and Michigan, the mailing company Pitney Bowes Inc. wants everyone to know they are up to the task. Perhaps it was to allay the fears of Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan who said that a mail solution would face a “security issue.” Wall Street Journal Read the article.
March 11 GrassCatcher:
Parental umbrella would cover young South Carolina adults
South Carolina would be taking one of the most aggressive stands in the nation in extending health insurance to its young adults under a proposal lawmakers will discuss today. A bill proposed by Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland, would require insurance companies to insure adult dependents up to age 25. The State Read the article.
Alabama bills tackle safety issues, idling reduction
A handful of bills introduced at the Alabama statehouse are intended to make the state's roadways safer. They include efforts to lower speed limits, limit left lane use and make way for emergency vehicles. Another bill still is intended to be used as an incentive to reduce truck idling. Land Line Magazine Read the article.
March 10 GrassCatcher:
Immigration bills up but will they pass?
State lawmakers around the country are proposing hundreds of bills this year aimed at curbing illegal immigration, but experts say the cost and public opposition will keep many from becoming law. Associated Press Read the article.
A city wants IDs for voters
Fed up with nagging rumors of election day skulduggery, Lawrence wants to be the first city in Massachusetts to require voters to present photo identification to cast a ballot, stepping into a raging national debate over integrity at the polls. Boston Globe Read the article.
Lobbyist reporting requirements for South Dakota, neighboring states
Here, from the National Conference of State Legislatures, is a general summary of lobbyist reporting requirements in South Dakota and neighboring states. Argus Leader Read the article.
What will green power cost? Surcharge, spending cap considered
Michigan's drive to renewable energy is generating concern about higher electricity prices. Crain's Detroit Business Read the article.
States work to provide coverage to young adults
Thomas Mahoney came out of a seizure last December surrounded by paramedics ready to take him to the hospital by ambulance. The Associated Press in the Foster's Daily Democrat Read the article.
Legislature signs off on hunting classes in schools
West Virginia schools will be able to offer hunting education classes, but state lawmakers have decided against making the courses mandatory. Charleston Daily Mail Read the article.
Energy for Kansas
I have received many communications regarding the proposed energy bill and my vote on SB 327's Conference Committee Report. The decision to support the measure was not taken lightly. Opinion in the Lawrence-Journal World Herald Read the article.
Alabama voices: why it matters
When it comes to politics and the political class, it would be useful to actually define "ethics." Opinion in the Montgomery Advisor Read the article.
Rural areas face veterinarian shortage
Bill Bennett has spent 45 years feeding and herding 2,500 cattle on his rolling eastern Washington ranch. He's also had to act as a doctor because he's unable to find a veterinarian who will come to his rural spread. The Associated Press Read the article.
Future voters may need citizenship proof
Anyone registering to vote in South Carolina would have to show a passport, birth certificate or naturalization documents under a bill being pushed by Republican lawmakers. The Associated Press in The State Read the article.
March 7 GrassCatcher:
Politically, women gaining faster in Congress than on state level
The number of women in Congress has reached an all-time high, and a woman is running for the nation's highest office. But those gains aren't reflected at the state level, where the percentage of women in legislative bodies has leveled off the past decade. Gannett News Service in The Shreveport Times Read the article.
Local lawmakers support bill OK'ing public breast-feeding
Local lawmakers say they favor a bill headed toward passage in the Massachusetts Legislature that would protect women who breastfeed in public places. The Sun Chronicle Read the article.
Kansas legislature mulling immigration measures
Kansas lawmakers are considering immigration legislation.
In testimony presented by witnesses over two days last week, the House Federal and State Affairs Committee heard from backers and foes of four get-tough measures. Dos Mundos Read the article.
Police say handheld cell phone ban doesn't always apply to them
Is the long arm of the law exempt from the state's new ban on the use of handheld cell phones while driving? Some motorists are upset police who can now pull them over for driving while talking on their cell phone without a headset don't practice what they preach. The Associated Press in Newsday Read the article.
Reform on initiatives advised
Proponents of changes to the Colorado Constitution will be disappointed when a special committee releases its preliminary recommendations today. The Gazette Read the article.
March 6 GrassCatcher:
Ariz.: panel OKs sanction law changes
A committee of the Arizona Legislature approved proposed revisions Tuesday to a law that prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. Associated Press in Houston Chronicle Read the article.
Legislators' expenses hit $130K in 2007
Anne Arundel County lawmakers spent almost $130,000 on meals, mileage and lodging during the 2007 calendar year, according to the expense reports that sparked a controversy when a county employee requested them. The Capital Home Town Annapolis Read the article.
Dispute over penalties delays higher education bill
A renewal of the primary law governing colleges, universities and federal financial aid will not come to the floor in either chamber until after the March recess. CQ Politics Read the article.
News summary - 03/06
Utah is the only state to limit the amount of liquor allowed in a standard shot, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Maryland Daily Record Read the article.
Minnesota plan: Clone embryos and kill them!
Lawmakers in Minnesota have given their endorsement to a University of Minnesota plan to clone human embryos for "research," force taxpayers to pay for it, and then kill those embryos when the "research" work is finished. World Net Daily Read the article.
Guns on campus
Six state legislatures — Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and South Carolina — introduced bills this year that would allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry on public school and college campuses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Phoenix Read the article.
Cell phones, driving don't mix
Lawmakers are considering several bills that would, among other things, prohibit drivers with learner's permits from using cell phones and having more than one passenger under 18; and ban text messaging and mandate hands-free phone devices for all drivers. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Read the article.
Recall amendment moves forward
A proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution allowing for recall elections is headed for a House of Representatives vote after sailing through committee Wednesday. Northwest Herald Read the article.
March 5 GrassCatcher:
Utah fine-tunes complicated liquor laws
Bar patrons in Utah, which has some of the nation's strictest liquor laws, will soon be able to get 50 percent tipsier off one cocktail. Be warned, though: no more "sidecars." The Associated Press in the Washington Post Read the article.
Pols overstay welcome without term limits
Whatever happened to term limits? In the 1990s 15 states adopted legislative term limits. During that same period 14 new Chia Pets were introduced. Were they both just fads? Opinion in the Boston Herald Read the article.
W.Va. lawmakers will be above average in pay
West Virginia lawmakers will make at least $5,000 more than the average part-time legislator across the country if Gov. Joe Manchin signs a bill increasing their annual salary and daily expense payments. Charleston Daily Mail Read the article.
State's February revenue described as 'mixed bag'
Led by income-tax collections, state gross general revenue increased $25. 5 million in February over the same month last year, but the state’s chief fiscal officer described the overall report as "a mixed bag." Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.
States move to ban hallucinogen salvia
It’s a type of mint plant, with broad leaves and a hollow stem, widely used by landscapers and gardeners as ground cover. It’s also sold on the Internet for about $15 an ounce for leaves, $11 for the more potent extract, to be smoked or chewed for a high lasting a few minutes to a half-hour. Stateline.org Read the article.
Plan would set schedule for House floor debates
The legislative lottery on when bills are brought up for debate on the House floor may be refined a little in the general session that will begin March 31. The Times-Picayune Read the article.
State police hand out 150 tickets to drivers on cell phones Signs warning drivers about New Jersey's strict new ban on cell phone use were posted on interstate and toll roads, but some people may have been too busy talking to read them. The Associated Press in PhillyBurbs.com Read the article.
Property taxes low, but curb in growth pushed
By every measure, property taxes in Oklahoma are low in comparison to other states, but they are growing too fast to suit many Oklahomans. The Associated Press in The Journal Record Read the article.
March 4 GrassCatcher:
Ban on gifts to doctors sought
Senate President Therese Murray proposed a total ban on all gifts and freebies to doctors from pharmaceutical companies, a move that would make Massachusetts the first state in the country to ban such gifts outright. The Boston Globe Read the article.
Rx program has room to improve
For years, well-intentioned state legislators had worked to create a discount prescription drug program for lower-income Coloradans. However, legislation creating the Colorado Cares Rx Program is not an across-the-board, reliable place to get the best drug prices. Opinion in The Denver Post Read the article.
Farm-to-school relationships may get a big boost
The potatoes still need to be planted, as do the squash, but at Kirsop Farm, Genine Bradwin and Colin Barricklow are readying their land for the abundance of vegetables that will go to farmers markets, co-ops and local schools. The Associated Press in the Deseret Morning News Read the article.
March 3 GrassCatcher:
No text messages or calls for New Jersey drivers
For New Jersey drivers, the message is clear: Keep your thumbs on the wheel and off the keypad. The Associated Press Read the article.
Reducing distracted driving subject of session
State Reps. Joe Markosek and Kathy Watson are from different political parties and opposite sides of the state, but they share one problem. Pittsburgh Post Gazette Read the article.
A nation of immigrants, divided over the subject of immigration
Just about every family in the United States has at least one member, now or in the past, who came from another country. Even American Indians may have immigrant ancestors through marriage. Voice of America Read the article.
Polls back moms’ right to breast-feed publicly
Nursing moms would be liberated to unabashedly breast-feed their babes in stores, restaurants, movie theaters and parks by a proposed bill to be chewed over tomorrow on Beacon Hill. Boston Herald.com Read the article.
Coast to coast, hard time for states
It may not be much consolation, New Jersey, but at least you're not alone. Philadelphia Inquirer Read the article.
Idea could put more doctors in underserved areas of N.Y.
In secluded corners of upstate New York and impoverished neighborhoods around New York City, the sick are less likely to see a doctor. The Associated Press in the Houston Chronicle Read the article.
Next speaker enjoys broad support
Anyone who knew Wilhelmina Bass might understand why her daughter Karen Bass, the Los Angeles Democrat elected Thursday as the next leader of the California Assembly, has devoted her Capitol career to making the state a better parent to its 80,000 foster children. Los Angeles Times Read the article.
Analysis: immigration tricky in Kansas too, especially for GOP
Legislators feel pushed to attack illegal immigration because the federal government hasn’t done enough about it to satisfy many of their constituents. Joplin Globe Read the article.
WA measure would encourage farm-to-school relationships
The potatoes still need to be planted, as do the squash, but at Kirsop Farm, Genine Bradwin and Colin Barricklow are readying their land for the abundance of vegetables that will go to farmers markets, co-ops and local schools. The Associated Press in the Seattle Post Intelligencer Read the article.
NJ gets tough on cell phones while driving
Starting today, chatting it up on your mobile device can get you fined. Lawmakers noticed that in 2006 more than 35-hundred crashes were linked to cell phone use in New Jersey, so they changed the rules. 6ABC Read the article.
The highest standards of integrity
When it comes to politics and the political class, it would be useful to actually define "ethics." The accepted definition is "the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group ..." Opinion in the Anniston Star Read the article.
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