|
NCSL in the News July 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.
July 31 GrassCatcher:
NCSL purchasing wind power for summit
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is holding its annual legislative summit at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and will address topics including renewable energy, sustainability and climate change policy. NorthAmerican Wind Power Read the article.
Cosentino: Country not so pretty in pink
Based on a report, also released last week by the National Conference of State Legislatures, it is clear that the next year for states is not going to be pretty. Opinion in AuburnPub Read the article.
W.Va. lawmakers mull loosening health regulations
That's on the stricter side of the 36 states that issue certificates of need, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, which says the median number of regulated services in those states is 17. CNN Money Read the article.
Louisiana touts its offshore oil drilling
"It was interesting seeing the way they developed the oil on the Outer Continental Shelf," where oil is being drilled in the Gulf, said Alaska state Sen. Gary Stevens (R) after the tour, which was offered to attendees of the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual meeting. "It's good to see they can do it safely and without any damage to the environment." iStock Analyst Read the article.
Proposed bill would allow recall of officials
Eighteen states permit the recall of state officials and at least 36 states allow the recall of local officials, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. ncnewsonline Read the article.
Climate change could melt jobs in Michigan
As a result they told the National Conference of State Legislatures that Michigan could lose more than $4 billion in foreign trade as well as 13,000 jobs. wwmt news Read the article.
July 30 GrassCatcher:
Gloom and doom: States face looming budget deficits
As a whole, the budget crisis is most comparable to the downturn after the dot-com collapse which prompted budget gaps of $58 billion in 2002, $79 billion in 2003 and $83.78 billion in 2004, says Corina Eckl, director of Fiscal Affairs program at NCSL. "Based on what legislative fiscal directors say, the state fiscal situation is expected to get worse before it gets better and most of them are bracing for tougher times," Eckl tells ABCNews.com. ABC News Read the article.
Nunnelee named to national health committee
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Alan Nunnelee has been appointed vice chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Health Committee. The Clarion-Ledger (MS) Read the article.
Climate change could melt jobs in Michigan
The scientists say the dry conditions could drop water levels in the Great Lakes up to eight feet. As a result they told the National Conference of State Legislatures that Michigan could lose more than $4 billion in foreign trade as well as 13,000 jobs. WWMT News Channel 3 Read the article.
Real ID may cost Alabama $16.3 million
State Sen. Wendell Mitchell, a member of the executive committee of the Southern Legislative Conference, said Real ID was a hot topic at a recent National Conference of State Legislatures summit he attended. Montgomery Advertiser Read the article.
National Conference of State Legislatures presents staff achievement awards
Nineteen state legislative staffers or divisions have been honored by members of the National Conference of State Legislatures for their dedication to legislative institutions. NCSL's 10 staff sections and staff network, national associations of state workers who serve in similar capacities across the country, chose the 2008 recipients of the Legislative Staff Achievement Awards. Government Technology Read the article.
198 employment-related immigration bills introduced by state legislators in the first half of 2008, according to report
"We're witnessing a trend of states willing to take the lead in responding to immigration challenges when Congress will not," said William T. Pound, executive director of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). "States are looking at creative solutions to law enforcement and worksite enforcement as well as considering the needs and contributions of legal immigrants to the United States." CCH.com Read the article.
The conservative reformation: 'Starts'
A network of collaborative forums connecting this dispersed group, such as the various state and county municipal leagues, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Governors Association, etc. The Moderate Voice Read the article.
Wisconsin not alone in budget problems
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that states face a collective deficit of more than $40 million in the current budget year -- three times the cumulative shortfall from the previous year.
Pierce County Herald Read the article.
NCSL committees recommend amended streamlining De Minimis policy
Committees of the National Conference of State Legislatures recommended on July 23 a policy amendment to have the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board determine an appropriate small-business exception.
State Tax Notes Read the article.
NCSL report looks at states' falling revenue, growing budget gaps
State revenue fell more than originally anticipated in fiscal 2008 and more states have reported budget gaps for fiscal 2009 due to poor revenue collections, according to a National Conference of State Legislatures report released on July 23.
State Tax Notes Read the article.
July 29 GrassCatcher:
NCSL asks Streamlined Sales Tax board to craft small business sales exemption
The National Conference of State Legislatures approved a policy resolution July 25 recommending that the Streamlined Sales Tax Governing Board Inc. determine an appropriate small-business exception and the adequacy of vendor compensation under the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. BNA Daily Report for Executives Read the article.
Basalt Middle School to try out school within a school
Smaller learning environments positively affect grades, test scores, attendance and graduation rates, drug and alcohol use, and school safety, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan research foundation. Aspen Times Read the article.
Louisiana touts offshore drilling
“It was interesting seeing the way they developed the oil on the Outer Continental Shelf,” where oil is being drilled in the Gulf, said Alaska state Sen. Gary Stevens (R) after the tour, which was offered to attendees of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ annual meeting. Stateline.org Read the article.
Climate change impact studied
The National Conference of State Legislatures has released a study that examined the economic effect of climate change on Georgia industries, from timber to tourism. Macon (GA) Telegraph Read the article.
Budget crises cloud SLED market
Last week, the National Conference of State Legislatures [NCLS] issued its State Budget Update based on data collected from state legislative fiscal directors in June and early July. ChannelWeb.com Read the article.
'Swing Vote' and other political films searching for heroes
"I travel around the world talking to other nations' parliamentarians about voting and democracy," says Tim Storey, a senior fellow at the National Conference of State Legislatures. "It's embarrassing to tour the world and talk with these people who look to our system and for us to have such low participation. It's very cliche to say every vote counts. But there are a lot of examples where it does." San Jose Mercury News Read the article.
States slash K-12 funding to fill budget gaps
State education budgets are being battered in a fiscal year that is proving to be even worse than projected, with 11 states already having cut K-12 education and others facing budget woes, according to a report released today by the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures. Education Weekly Read the article.
State budget woes threaten to chill education initiatives
Campaign platforms and budget woes came head to head here this week at the National Conference of State Legislatures’ annual summer meeting, which provided a stage for education advisers to Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama. Education Weekly Read the article.
July 28 GrassCatcher:
Mike's on the money
Addressing the National Conference of State Legislatures in New Orleans last week, Mayor Bloomberg cut right to the chase. New York Post Read the article.
State legislators support hiking federal gas tax
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), meeting in New Orleans Friday, approved a motion to call on Congress to shore up the diminishing Highway Trust Fund with an increase in the federal gas tax. The Bulletin Read the article.
Failing Texas schools face dwindling options to remedy them
"There's a reason U.S. schools get their butts kicked in international comparisons," Dr. Vallas said at the National Conference of State Legislatures meeting in New Orleans, pointing to the greater length of time students spend in school in other countries. "You've got to remove the obstacles that limit instructional time." Dallas Morning News Read the article.
Minnesota politics notebook
More states faced budget woes in 2008 than experienced financial pinches a year earlier, according to a National Conference of State Legislatures report. The report said that faced with a downturn in revenue and other economic problems, “a few states levied tax or fee increases, (but) the principal focus was on cutting spending.” Grand Forks Herald Read the article.
The immigration fight gets ugly
States are taking the lead in responding to immigration challenges because Congress will not," says Sheri Steisel, an attorney for the NCSL. Business Week Read the article.
Immigration legislation? Begorra!
According to the NCSL, celebratory resolutions were included in their roundup because in some states they are considered no different than full-fledged laws and often signal a shift in focus towards one particular immigrant group. Providence Journal Read the article.
Gazette opinion: Ups & downs
State finances. Individual income tax revenue up $90 million, oil and gas revenues up $47 million, other natural-resource revenues up $8 million, $34 million in budget savings from state agencies. Those June 30 estimates by the Montana Department of Revenue help explain why Montana is one of only 21 states not facing a budget shortfall this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Opinion in the Billings Gazette Read the article.
Basalt Middle School to try out school within a school
Smaller learning environments positively affect grades, test scores, attendance and graduation rates, drug and alcohol use, and school safety, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan research foundation. Aspen Times Read the article.
Good news, maybe
A new report from the National Conference of State Legislatures says Kentucky is one 11 states that have reacted to budget shortfalls by effectively cutting appropriations for K-12 education, and one of 11 that have cut college and university budgets. In effect, our General Assembly forced another big tuition tax on public campus students and their families. Louisville Courier Read the article.
On legal fees, Hackney hears different drum
The Orange County Democrat was installed as president of the executive committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures. News and Observer Read the article.
School aid lawsuits common in U.S.
"Rodriguez effectively removed the constitutional burden for providing public education away from the federal government and placed it squarely on the states," a summary of the case by the National Conference of State Legislatures says. Sioux Falls Argus Leader Read the article.
California bans restaurants from using trans fats
New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, Baltimore and Montgomery County, Md., have ordinances banning trans fats, but California is the first state to adopt such a law covering restaurants, said Amy Winterfeld, a health policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. California and Oregon already had laws banning trans fats in meals served at schools, she added. Associated Press Read the article.
Diverse interests reach accord on Gulf Coast needs
Louisiana Senate President Joel Chaisson, D-Destrehan, said at the National Conference of State Legislatures in New Orleans the agreement "represents a milestone" because so many groups, including state and local governments, have come together. Shreveport Times Read the article.
Kansas will pay for warming, stronger storms
That was the conclusion of a report on climate change and the economy released Wednesday at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual convention in New Orleans. Hayes Daily News Read the article.
Jindal extends thanks to lawmakers at lunch
Earlier in the day, after addressing the National Conference of State Legislatures, Jindal defended the $16 million in legislative projects that he cut from the state operating budget. The Advocate Read the article.
W.V. proposes $400 fee to erect roadside memorials
There is no federal law on roadside memorials, leaving regulation up to states and municipalities. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least a dozen states allow roadside memorials under certain conditions. Associated Press Read the article.
July 25 GrassCatcher:
Mike to state: Off your butts
Michael Bloombers blew smoke in the MTA's face over its fare-hike plans. New York Post Read the article.
High cost of good intentions
Some states have gotten wise and reduced the number of mandates, or at least stopped adding to them, said Richard Cauchi, health program director of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some states have begun to recognize that raising the cost of insurance keeps more people from getting it.
Chicago Tribune Read the article.
Generation text: Emailing on the go sends some users into harm's way
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, several high-profile accidents may have had a role in prompting states such as New Jersey and Washington to outlaw texting while driving. Among the accidents the group cited: a cyclist killed by a texting teen driver in 2005. Wall Street Journal Read the article.
Global warming predicted to cost Ohio billions
The university released the report jointly with the National Conference of State Legislatures. It was partially paid for by the Environmental Defense Fund, an independent advocacy group based in New York City. Plain Dealer Read the article.
Bloomberg Calls for Action on U.S. Infrastructure
Messrs. Bloomberg and Rendell are on a two-day tour to promote infrastructure investment that began yesterday at the National Conference of State Legislatures gathering in New Orleans. New York Sun Read the article.
Traffic plan will live, despite 'spineless' pols, says Mayor Bloomberg
Bloomberg made his comments at a meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures, where he and Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell called for both presidential candidates to attend a town hall meeting on America's crumbling infrastructure. New York Daily News Read the article.
Nevada's economic woes among nation's worst
The assessment by the National Conference of State Legislatures showed 17 states with less revenue in the fiscal year that ended June 30. Among them, Nevada ranked third highest with a 7 percent drop in state tax revenues behind Florida, 7.3 percent, and Oregon, 7.5 percent. Reno Gazette Journal Read the article.
Climate change to threaten Nevada water supplies
The report released this week by the National Conference of State Legislatures and Center for Integrative Environmental Research concluded that rising temperatures associated with a warming climate could create "profound drought conditions" in Nevada, which was examined along with 11 other states around the country. Reno Gazette Journal Read the article.
Diverse interests reach accord on Gulf Coast need
Louisiana Senate President Joel Chaisson, D-Destrehan, said at the National Conference of State Legislatures in New Orleans that the agreement "represents a milestone" because so many groups, including state and local governments, have come together. Shreveport Times Read the article.
Climate change could cost Kansas $1 billion
The study released Wednesday by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Center for Integrative Environmental Research, analyzed the costs of global warming on several states and was paid for in part by the Environmental Defense Fund. Kansas City Star Read the article.
PA Gov. Rendell, Mayor Bloomberg announce expansion of building America's future infrastructure coalition
In two addresses before the 2008 Legislative Summit of the National Conference of State Legislatures, or NCSL, Rendell and Bloomberg encouraged members to join Building America's Future in building support for greater federal investment in the nation's infrastructure. The two are kicking off a two-day trip to promote infrastructure investment at the NCSL conference. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the coalition's third co-chair, was in Sacramento due to ongoing budget negotiations and will participate in the second day of the tour. Market Watch Read the article.
Should the votes of dead people be counted?
"In Montana, there have been several legislative seats decided by one, two, three votes," said Tim Storey of the National Conference of State Legislatures, an organization that recently looked at 12 mostly Western states and found that half have no rules governing ballots of the deceased. The Associated Press Read the article.
Muni market forced into rethink
The market could now come under further pressure as the various states grapple with budget shortfalls. A recent survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures showed a gap of $40bn as states prepared for budgets for current fiscal year. Financial Times Read the article.
State surplus estimated at $400M
The National Conference of State Legislatures reported that 20 states faced widening budget gaps in June between declining revenues and rising spending. The Missoulian Read the article.
Report forecasts climate-caused costs
The study, released jointly Wednesday by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Center for Integrative Environmental Research, concludes that rising temperatures connected with “unchecked” climate change could trigger more flash floods, additional severe storms and tornadoes, and the spread of more invasive species that could threaten crops. Lawrence Journal World Read the article.
July 24 GrassCatcher:
Study warns of water problems
The prediction came as part of a study released Wednesday by the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Center for Integrative Environmental Research. The Associated Press in the Mercury News Read the article.
Rising temps cools tourism
In addition to the University of Maryland, the National Conference of State Legislatures was involved in the study. Funding came from the Environmental Defense Fund. Denver Post Read the article.
Lawmakers’ group hears hopefuls’ education plans
The forum took place at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures, which has attracted about 6,000 lawmakers and others from around the nation. 2The Advocate Read the article.
Shoring support for Louisiana's wetlands
More than 30 state legislators from as far away as Alaska and Utah saw firsthand Wednesday how closely the nation's energy production is tied to Louisiana's coastal wetlands and hurricane protection efforts. The Advertiser Read the article.
What, me worry?
At least 28 other states have laws restricting a minor’s use of tanning beds, which usually include in-person or written parental consent, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan research organization. The Examiner Read the article.
States, insurers discuss catastrophes
“We are better prepared,” Donelon said after participating in a panel discussion on “Insuring for the Next Big One” at the weeklong National Conference of State Legislatures in New Orleans. 2The Advocate Read the article.
But, hey...everything will be alright in Washington
That gap -- identified Wednesday in a survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures -- is more than triple the size of the previous year's. Sound Politics Read the article.
Federal catastrophe fund needed for the next ‘big one’
The opposing sides voiced their opinions at a National Conference of State Legislatures summit at the Morial Convention Center. State lawmakers from across the country are gathered to discuss issues facing state governments. Daily Advertiser Read the article.
Montana government finances better than expected
The National Conference of State Legislatures released a report Wednesday that shows finances are getting worse in many states. The Associated Press in Forbes.com Read the article.
Immigration: A top issue in every state
A new NCSL report will detail the numbers and types of immigration-related legislation being discussed as well as those that became law in the first six months of 2008. Sun Herald Read the article.
Nebraska's lawmakers may get tax-cut pressure
Nearly half of all states reported spending overruns during the recently completed fiscal year, which ended last month, according to a report released Wednesday by the National Conference of State Legislatures. That, says the report, is "a sharp contrast to fiscal year 2007, when nearly every state reported stable financial conditions." The Associated Press in Forbes Read the article.
Sharing excerpts from Representative Tim Jones Interim Report
In April, the National Conference of State Legislatures reported that Missouri is one of only thirteen states projecting stable or optimistic revenue outlooks for 2009. OP-ED in the Seneca News Dispatch Read the article.
New report finds more than a third of states falling short on policies to fight cancer
How Do You Measure Up?: A Progress Report on State Legislative Activity to Reduce Cancer Incidence and Mortality was released today at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting in New Orleans, LA. FOX News Read the article.
Many states report revenue shortfall
More states are reported revenue gaps for fiscal 2009 than for fiscal 2008, with the cumulative total more than tripling from about $13 billion to more than $40 billion, according to a report released today by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Richmond Times Dispatch Read the article.
July 23 GrassCatcher:
State Legislatures' annual summit opens today
The National Conference of State Legislatures opens its 34th Annual Legislative Summit today with a pre-convention Energy Policy Summit on the challenges of rising costs, climate change and increasing dependency on imported fuel. Times-Picayune Read the article.
New report finds more than a third of states falling short on policies to fight cancer
How Do You Measure Up?: A Progress Report on State Legislative Activity to Reduce Cancer Incidence and Mortality was released today at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting in New Orleans, LA. EarthTimes.com Read the article.
Legislative contingent heads to New Orleans
North Carolina is sending more than 70 legislators and legislative staffers this week to the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual meeting in New Orleans, where House Speaker Joe Hackney will be installed Thursday as president of the organization's executive committee. News Observer Read the article.
Energy-tight buildings needed to cut emissions
The National Conference of State Legislatures is holding its annual meeting in New Orleans. On Tuesday, a session centered around energy policy and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The Associated Press on KATC.com Read the article.
Philadelphia streets unsafe for manhole covers
At least 28 states have proposed bills this year increasing penalties for metal theft or requiring metal recyclers to fingerprint customers and keep better transaction records, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Sixteen of the bills have become law. Gainesville Sun Read the article.
More golf carts leaving greens
Laws in 26 states either allow low-speed electric vehicles to use some local streets or give communities the power to make that decision, said Jim Reed, Transportation Program Director for the National Conference of State Legislatures. USA Today on News10 Sacramento Read the article.
Uniform DNA procedures needed in states
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, all 50 states require that convicted sex offenders provide DNA samples. Mississippi is one of 45 states requiring convicted felons to provide DNA samples. Laurel (MS) Leader-Call Read the article.
N.C. legislators attend New Orleans summit
State lawmakers from North Carolina and around the country will consider energy, transportation and other issues facing state governments at a summit starting today in New Orleans. Reps. Phillip Frye, R-Mitchell, and Phil Haire, D-Jackson, are among those planning to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual meeting. Ashville Citizen-Times Read the article.
July 22 GrassCatcher:
NCSL Conference focuses on floods, energy
As state lawmakers gather in New Orleans this week for a policy conference, they'll be reminded often of what can happen if public works are allowed to deteriorate. Stateline.org Read the article.
"Blue Book" honored
North Dakota's biennial "Blue Book" has won an award from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Praire Public Television, Bismark, ND Read the article.
Summit seen as boon to N.O.
About three-fourths of Louisiana’s legislators and most of their staffs are in New Orleans this week playing host to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Advocate Read the article.
La. putting up $1.3M for legislative conference
Louisiana put up $1.3 million to help cover costs for the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual meeting in New Orleans this week, an event attracting more than 6,000 state legislators, government staffers and vendors from across the country . KATC Read the article.
July 18 GrassCatcher:
Four-day school weeks reviewed
But according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, opponents of the shorter week worry that class days will be long and tiring. Glens Falls Post-Star Read the article.
Pa. turns its eyes toward the sun for energy
Kate Marks, energy program director with the National Conference of State Legislatures, called the fund a "leading investment in renewable energy" that demonstrates how states, not the federal government, are taking the lead. Philadelphia Inquirer Read the article.
Fannie, Freddie Cut Lobbying Budget, Rely on Allies in Congress
Through Fannie's foundation, company executives gained access to members of Congress and their staffs, spending millions to support groups such as the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and National Conference of State Legislatures. Bloomberg Read the article.
NCSL names press room after La reporter LaPlante
The press room for the National Conference of State Legislatures' meeting next week will be named after longtime Louisiana political reporter John LaPlante, who died last year. Associated Press on WDAM-TV Read the article.
As Arizona goes, so goes the nation
Second, Medicaid effectively enlists the intergovernmental lobby--the National Governors Association, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and their sister organizations--in a campaign for government-provided health care. American Enterprise Institute Read the article.
July 17 GrassCatcher:
Groups meeting in New Orleans this week and next give local tourism industry a boost
Next week, the National Conference of State Legislatures will bring 8,000 people to town for a four-day legislative summit starting on Tuesday. New Orleans Business News Read the article.
Running for office
Rep. Patrick Flood, R-Winthrop, has announced his intention to seek re-election to District 82. In 2007, Rines was appointed to the National Conference of State Legislatures' Communications, Financial and Interstate Commerce Committee. Kennebec Journal Read the article.
House rebuffs federal plan to secure state IDs
To date, 10 states have officially "opted-out" of the federal plan, by passing laws saying that their agencies will not comply with the law, according to data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The State Read the article.
Federal immigration failures fuel state action
In 2005, approximately 300 immigration bills were introduced in state legislatures, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Last year, the number of such bills soared to 1,562. During the first three months of this year, lawmakers proposed 1,106 laws pertaining to immigrants. Associated Press Read the article.
July 16 GrassCatcher:
Law should recognize fetal homicides
Most states have much stronger laws than that on their books, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Opinion in the News Record Read the article.
2008: Democratic sweep or near miss?
Democrats who think that they must avoid the "T" word might note a 2006 shift away from the "something-for-nothing" plague: The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that voters passed only one of the 17 state measures that would have saddled legislators with arbitrary budget, taxation, and term-limit restraints, California style. Huffington Post Read the article.
July 15 GrassCatcher:
Legislators traveling on taxpayers’ dime
Seventeen legislators and eight staff plan to travel to New Orleans for the National Conference of State Legislatures meeting July 22-26. Lawrence Journal-World Read the article.
A break on health insurance for young people
For a list of each state's age requirements for dependent coverage, see the National Conference of State Legislatures' Web site. Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine Read the article.
States scramble to pay the bills
Florida is in a double bind. Without a state income tax, it depends on sales and property taxes. According to state officials surveyed by the National Conference of State Legislatures, "The state is in the midst of a three-year decline in state revenues, unprecedented in the last 40 years." Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine Read the article.
July 14 GrassCatcher:
Waiting to celebrate a gas-tax holiday? Do not hold your breath
At least four state legislatures this session have considered enacting their own summer gas-tax holidays, according to Kate Marks, Energy Program Director at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Op-Ed on WWJ Newsradio, MI Read the article.
State not alone in facing road funding woes
"Nationally, the trend that we're seeing is a lot of states are struggling to come up with these dollars," said Matt Sundeen, a transportation analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in the Charleston Gazette Read the article.
Thumbs up, thumbs down
Thumbs up: To state Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, for being vice chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Transportation Committee, a national transit policy group. Opinion in the Herald Bulletin Read the article.
House appropriations hurts immigration enforcement
The National Conference of State Legislatures recently reported that more than half of 1,100 immigrant-related bills filed address law enforcement. Human Events Read the article.
Ethics improve for trips by Utah lawmakers
The annual summer multiday conferences are: the National Conference of State Legislatures, this year in New Orleans, July 22-26 (the main group that most Utah legislators attend); Council of State Governments (Western meetings), this year in Alaska, Wednesday through Sunday; and the American Legislative Exchange Council, this year in Chicago, July 30-Aug. 3. Deseret News Read the article.
St. Louis mural on eminent domain spawns lawsuit
Some states, such as California, have few restrictions, said Larry Morandi, director of state policy research for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Last year, lawmakers in Sacramento failed to pass a measure that would have limited local governments from acquiring homes, churches and farmland through eminent domain. The Los Angeles Times in the Columbia Missourian Read the article.
Legislature hums old favorite: "Here's that rainy day"
Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia have rainy day funds, said the National Conference of State Legislatures. Arkansas, Kansas and Montana have none. Republican American Read the article.
Can Senator Lieberman be recalled?
Recall procedures are listed for 18 states on the official site of the National Conference of State Legislatures — but the number shouldn't be misinterpreted. "We're the national conference of state legislators," says the group's media manager, Meagan Dorsch, "so this page pertains primarily to the recall of state officials. Some of these laws may be applicable for both state and U.S. elected officials — but you would have to read the states' constitutional articles to find out their exact definition of an elected official." 10 Zen Monkeys Blog Read the article.
Lawmakers feuding over who pays convention tabs
We’re paying six Democratic senators -- four of their aides -- and two Senate staff members to go to New Orleans for the annual convention of the National Conference of State Legislatures. New Richmond News Read the article.
July 11 GrassCatcher:
Legislator sees merit in yearly meetings
The remaining six — Arkansas, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon and Texas — hold sessions every other year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.
Wisconsin court bans sex with dead people
The decision brings Wisconsin's law in line with more than 20 other states who prohibit necrophilia or the abuse of a corpse, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. FOX News, Twin Cities Read the article.
6:38 p.m.: Austin to serve on national transportation committee
Austin’s selection as vice chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Transportation Committee was announced recently by NCSL President Joe Hackney, speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives. The Herald Bulletin Read the article.
Who pays for convention travel? Wisconsin legislators at odds
Wisconsin taxpayers will send six Democratic senators, four of their aides and two Senate staffers to the National Conference of State Legislatures convention in New Orleans July 22-26, at a cost of more than $1,000 per person. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Read the article.
Push for annual sessions in Ark. faces hurdles
Arkansas is part of a shrinking minority of states that meet every other year. Forty-four state Legislatures meet annually and the last state to change from biennial to annual sessions was Kentucky in 2001, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The other states that meet every other year are Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon and Texas. Pine Bluff Commercial, AK Read the article.
Uniform DNA procedures needed in state
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, all 50 states require that convicted sex offenders provide DNA samples. Mississippi is one of 45 states requiring convicted felons to provide DNA samples. Opinion in the Mississippi Press Read the article.
July 10 GrassCatcher:
Small business is latest focus in health fight
The states, meanwhile, will continue experimenting with their own efforts, according to Richard Cauchi, who follows state health initiatives for the National Conference of State Legislatures. “There’s certainly momentum and growing interest on the state level,” he said. The New York Times in Blue Ridge Now.com Read the article.
Court: Wisconsin law bans sex with dead bodies
The decision brings Wisconsin into line with more than 20 other states that prohibit necrophilia or the abuse of a corpse, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press Read the article.
Initiative seeks to aid immigrants
"States are not pursuing a one-size-fits-all solution," said Dirk Hegen, a policy associate at the Washington-based National Conference of State Legislatures, which tracks state legislation nationwide. "They come up with their own solutions." Boston Globe Read the article.
State releases fiscal year end 2008 general revenue report
In April, the National Conference of State Legislatures reported that Missouri is one of only 13 states projecting stable or optimistic revenue outlooks for 2009. Senaca News Dispatch Read the article.
July 9 GrassCatcher:
Riley mum about VW plant
Conferences this month include the Southern Legislative Conference scheduled Friday through Tuesday, the National Governors Association meeting Friday through Monday, the British air show that governors usually attend to drum up business from Saturday through July 20, and the National Conference of State Legislatures from July 21-26. Times Daily (AL) Read the article.
Education key to trained workers
New York and Illinois, have established minimum time or frequency standards for physical education. Those two are the only states that have such standards for all grades, but about 18 states have minimum time or frequency standards at some grade levels, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. RedOrbit.com Read the article.
State collects $8B in fiscal 2008 revenue
Missouri is one of 13 states projecting stable or optimistic revenue outlooks for 2009, according to an April report from the National Conference of State Legislatures, the report said. Springfield Business Journal (MO) Read the article.
July 8 GrassCatcher:
Investor backing sought on stem cells
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, no state has tried this approach with stem cell research. Associated Press in (NJ) Courier Post Read the article.
Missouri bill dies that called for putting in place price gouging protections
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that nearly 30 states have some type of price-gouging ban with others pursuing their own rules. The laws in many of those states are triggered by emergency declarations. Land Line Magazine Read the article.
Latino immigrants in the U.S.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, in 2007 over 1,200 immigration bills had been submitted by local lawmakers. Opinion in Workers World Read the article.
Employers fight tough measures on immigration
Although immigration has long been a federal issue, more than 175 bills were introduced in states this year concerning the employment of immigrants, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. State lawmakers “are starting to be more responsive to the employer community because of its engagement in the issue,” said Ann Morse, who monitors immigration for the national legislature conference. New York Times in Wilmington Star News Read the article.
July 7 GrassCatcher:
Lousiana debates holding sex offenders longer
At least 16 states have similar laws, the first enacted in Wisconsin in 1989, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The laws tend to require a judge or jury to find someone either "sexually violent" or "sexually dangerous," terms that are defined in the laws. The Associated Press on ABC News Read the article.
Education key to trained workers
Those two are the only states that have such standards for all grades, but about 18 states have minimum time or frequency standards at some grade levels, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Opinion in the Charleston Gazette Read the article.
States restrict chatting on roads
California and Washington now require drivers to use a hands-free device when talking behind the wheel, joining Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Utah and the District of Columbia, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Leader-Telegram Read the article.
U.S. employers push back against immigration raids, NYT reports
More than 175 immigrant employment bills were introduced in state legislatures this year, the newspaper said, citing the National Conference of State Legislatures. Bloomberg News Read the article.
New Jersey says it is studying new way to promote stem cell research
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, no state has tried this approach with stem cell research. Canadian Press Read the article.
Pa. passes on taxes for oil, natural gas
Different states do different things with their ample severance tax revenue, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Few put it in their general funds, preferring to earmark the money, or parts of it, for specific purposes, including conservation and reclamation, direct payments to local governments hosting drilling or environmental enforcement and regulation. Towanda Daily Review Read the article.
The people's business, by the Mississippi
They're off to New Orleans to the grandly named the National Conference of State Legislatures 2008 Legislative Summit. Opinion in the Hartford Curant Read the article.
Employers fight tough measures on immigration
Although immigration has long been a federal issue, more than 175 bills were introduced in states this year concerning the employment of immigrants, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. News and Observer Read the article.
Company doesn't want to be left idling
The National Conference of State Legislatures said nine states have passed anti-idling laws for environmental and other reasons. IdleAire puts the total number of bans, including those passed by cities, at more than 20. Roanoke Times Read the article.
States increasingly test clause to pass own changes.
Amid growing frustration with illegal immigration and with Congress unable to reach agreement on the issue, some states are trying to crack down themselves. Among the hottest areas of activity is employer verification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Austin American Statesman, TX Read the article.
Cause for crime and cutbacks
"It's an issue across the nation," said Arturo Perez, a fiscal analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. "Agencies are being told to deal with it and address it within their existing budgets." Washington Post Read the article.
Parties avoid taxes as solution
"It's not been a very pleasant situation," Osten said. "Legislators were verbally abused, physically abused. Anti-taxers surrounded the Capitol, invaded the Capitol. If you don't have a personal income tax now, it would be very difficult politically." Carson Times Read the article.
Revenue projections fall short
"With a few exceptions, state finances are deteriorating, in some cases considerably," according to an April report on the National Conference of State Legislatures' Web site. Jackson Clarion Leger, MS Read the article.
Boaters debate lake speed limits in wake of fatal NH crash
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, some state statutes provide for speed limits on certain bodies of water or during certain hours. Boston Globe Read the article.
The only state with a new view on science
“It has definitely been a topic in states,” said Heather Chikoore, education policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. Lawmakers in four other states, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama and Missouri, debated similar bills this year, but they all failed to pass. Opinion in the Independent, LA Read the article.
Most dialed in on cell law
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Modesto Bee Read the article.
July 4 GrassCatcher:
No GrassCatcher due to holiday
July 3 GrassCatcher:
Driving while talking ? compliance; tickets up
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. WBEN 930 Read the article.
Store didn't tell consumers about credit card hack
But in response to fears of identity theft, 44 states have passed laws that generally require organizations holding consumer data to tell people when their information has leaked, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. NewsFactor Network Read the article.
Bill moves on Pa. autism insurance, Blues merger
Nearly two dozen other states have laws mandating some level of autism insurance coverage, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. AP in Forbes Read the article.
Voters heard; raise vetoed
The pay raise, the first for lawmakers since 1980, would have made Louisiana legislators the highest-paid in the South and the 14th highest paid in the country, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. St. Tammany News Read the article.
Slow down, save money: Hurried drivers resist gas-conserving move
A National Conference of State Legislatures scan of pending bills shows legislation has been introduced in Alabama calling for reducing highway speeds to conserve on gas. Detroit News Read the article.
La. alone with controversial science law
Lawmakers in five other states debated similar bills this year but they failed to pass, said Heather Chikoore, education policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. 2theadvocate.com Read the article.
State ’08 surplus: $176 million
For weeks, the National Conference of State Legislatures has been reporting that the finances in many states are deteriorating, considerably in some instances. Arkansas Democrat & Gazette Read the article.
July 2 GrassCatcher:
Calif's hands-free cell law for drivers in effect
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press in the Washington Post Read the article.
Michigan bills seek expanded price gouging protections
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports nearly 30 states have some type of price gouging ban with still others pursuing their own rules. The laws in many of those states are triggered by emergency declarations. Land Line Magazine Read the article.
Gas prices hit another record here, hit cities nationwide
High energy costs have taken a toll on government budgets already strained by the housing collapse. "They have a much more direct role in affecting consumer confidence, which can affect sales tax revenue, which accounts for one-third of state revenues," said Arturo Perez, an analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Los Angeles times in The Capitol Times Read the article.
July 1 GrassCatcher:
Wise ways to go hands-free for cell phones
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. CBS News The Early Show Read the article.
Jindal vetoes bill to double salaries of lawmakers
The bill would have made Louisiana legislators the highest paid in the South and the 14th-highest paid in the country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Hindu News Read the article.
In turnaround, Louisiana governor vetoes bill doubling lawmakers’ pay
It would have made Louisiana legislators the highest paid in the South and the 14th-highest paid in the country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press in The New York Times Read the article.
Energy prices put pinch on public services
High energy costs have taken a large toll on government budgets already strained by the housing collapse. "They have a much more direct role in affecting consumer confidence, which can affect sales-tax revenue, which accounts for one-third of state revenues," said Arturo Perez, an analyst at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Los Angeles Times in the Seattle Times Read the article.
Jindal vetoes legislative pay raise; recall efforts fizzle
It would have made Louisiana legislators the highest-paid in the South and the 14th highest-paid in the country, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in the Houma Courier Read the article.
O.C. anti-illegal immigration activists reject McCain, Obama
In the first three months of 2008, legislatures in 44 states considered a total of 1,106 immigration bills, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Last year, 1,562 immigration-related bills were introduced in 50 states. Three times as many state laws were enacted in 2007 as in 2006: 240 compared to 84. Orange County Register Read the article.
California laws look to keep drivers focused
Lawmakers in 33 states have introduced 127 bills related to driver distraction in this year alone, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. "Ten years ago, there were very few people with cellphones," said Matt Sundeen, the organization's transportation expert. "That's obviously changed." Associated Press in the Wall Street Journal Read the article.
|
NCSL in the News Archives
GrassCatcher This Week
NCSL Resources
State Policy News
National Newspapers
National Broadcast Media
Contact us
|
