Topic: National Conference of State Legislatures

All Content

Amanda Clayton, lottery winner, defends food stamps. Michigan disagrees.

Amanda Clayton made headlines for acknowledging that she still received $200 in monthly food assistance after winning $1 million in Michigan lottery money. Legislation could now pass.
With 2012, state laws kick in on everything from immigration to shark fins

State legislatures passed close to 40,000 new laws in 2011, and a number of those measures take effect on Jan. 1. On some issues, like immigration, state laws are taking markedly different stands.
Tax VOX
A fix on the horizon for the online sales tax mess

The new measure  would allow states to require online retailers to collect sales taxes on all purchases, as long as the states first agree to simplify their sales tax rules. Remarkably, the idea has broad support in the business community and may actually pass.
Public pensions must be on the table

With the cost of retirement plans soaring, public employees need to do their part in balancing state budgets.
Rick Perry's HPV vaccine problem

Rick Perry is in a political bind over ordering girls to receive injections to protect against a sexually transmitted disease. The controversy is of special interest to tea party and social conservatives.
Why North Carolina vote to ban gay marriage might help Obama

North Carolina's Republican House could have put the gay-marriage ban on the November ballot, when it might have boosted the vote for President Obama's Republican challenger. Instead, the House scheduled it for May.
When can you eavesdrop on police? Chicago case exposes legal gray area.

Illinois state law prohibits secretly recording conversations with police – or anyone else. But a woman was acquitted of the charges because she said she was exposing criminal behavior.
States' bottom line improves, but can the good news last?

States' 2011 budgets are heading in the right direction as tax revenue increases, new indicators report. But with federal support waning and local demand on programs like Medicaid up, will the good news last?
On the Economy
Texas and the government are chummier than you'd think

Though Texas has lost its fair share of jobs in the private sector, it's added a huge number of government jobs
Washington deadlocked? States lead in cutting deficits

New Jersey, Ohio, and others have tackled tough budget deficits. They're addressing deficits by cutting spending, not hiking taxes, and looking at the long term.
The Vote
How will New York's gay marriage law affect the 2012 election and beyond?

New York’s new same-sex marriage law could change the dynamic in next year’s elections – particularly for President Obama, who’s tried to straddle the issue.
Will Supreme Court ruling on immigrants pit Big Business against states?

The Supreme Court ruling affirming Arizona's right to yank licenses from firms that employ illegal immigrants may spur similar laws in other states, pitting politicians against their business allies.
Arizona legislature OKs guns on campus

Arizona's legislature passed a bill Thursday to allow guns on the streets and sidewalks of public college campuses. Texas is also considering a broader bill to allow guns in campus buildings.
Tuition breaks for illegal immigrants? Montgomery College faces lawsuit.

Montgomery College recently formalized a policy of granting its lowest tuition rates to a group that includes some undocumented students. A lawsuit claims the policy violates federal and state laws.
School shootings: In Nebraska, a proposal to arm teachers

A Nebraska state senator proposes allowing school districts to authorize teachers to carry concealed guns to deter school shootings. In 43 states bringing guns to K-12 schools is prohibited.
Illinois tax increase: why lawmakers passed 66 percent income-tax hike

No other state has successfully raised income taxes to balance its 2011 budget. The Illinois tax increase would push the personal income tax rate from 3 percent to 5 percent.
US public schools are going broke, yet some spend like a kid in a candy store

The $578 million price tag for the Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools complex in Los Angeles is hard to justify at a time when many schools are turning to desperate measures to save teachers' jobs. Voters must respond by pushing profligate public schools to be as frugal as charter schools.
Federal pay freeze: why Obama is following path trod by states, businesses now

Obama's proposed federal pay freeze is an idea whose time has come to a sector whose turn has come. It's also a nod to the GOP and recognition that deficit-cutting is a priority for the public.
The 2010 election was a call to cut public pensions

Voter anger at generous (and unfunded) retirement benefits for government workers resulted in successful ballot initiatives and the election of governors promising change.
Big perk for GOP in state election wins: more power in redistricting

Redistricting occurs once each decade, following the US Census, and the party in power at the state level can make it more likely that its own candidates win seats. More states are switching to GOP control after the elections.
The New Economy
Immigration reform heats up again as elections and trials approach

Immigration reform lawsuit costs will be paid by private citizens, who have already raised $3.6 million to support the Arizona laws in court.
Immigration law sponsor in Arizona pleased to bring attention to the issue

Immigration law in Arizona is still undergoing the first of many judicial tests. State senator Russell Pearce, who drafted the controversial law, is glad there is a national conversation going on over the issue of illegal immigration.
Immigration reform: Obama's political dilemma

President Obama wants comprehensive immigration reform, and he’s suing to block Arizona’s tough new law. But most Americans – including many Democratic officials – are against him.
Robert Byrd successor will be appointed. A good idea?

The death of Sen. Robert Byrd opens up room for the sixth Senate appointee since January 2009. Some states are considering whether a special election is a better option for selecting a senator.
Education reform: California to join Race to the Top rush

States are scrambling to pass education reforms to be eligible for the Obama administration's $4.35 billion in Race to the Top grants. California was set to confirm far-reaching reforms Tuesday.