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NCSL in the News September 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.
September 30 GrassCatcher:
States act to cushion Wall Street meltdown
The first comprehensive look at how many states are looking at additional red ink will come later this year when the National Conference of State Legislatures releases results of its 50-state survey. “Right now we just don’t know,” said NCSL budget specialist Arturo Perez. Stateline.org Read the article.
'Big 7' sends a message to the next president
Representatives from a variety of state, county and city government coalitions met at Independence Visitor Center yesterday to publicly send a message to the next president of the United States: Meet with us to discuss national policy. The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Read the article.
Fuel prices take toll on police, fire departments
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of June, more than 30 states faced $40 billion in budget deficits - more than triple the shortfall for the previous fiscal year. And “this is going to impact public safety in one way or another,” a spokesman said. Homeland Security Today Read the article.
Iowa: State officials consider 4-day school week
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, school districts in 17 states operate on a four-day week. The Associated Press in the Telegraph Herald (IA) Read the article.
Panelists debate proposed federal moratorium on cellphone taxes
‘‘There is nothing fair about the countless number of taxes and fees that wireless customers pay today,’’ said (Illinois Senate Assistant Majority Leader James F.) Clayborne, who also serves on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Communications, Financial Services, and Interstate Commerce Committee. State Tax Notes Read the article.
50 little labs: States are functioning as proving grounds for healthcare information technology initiatives
“When California passed the financial data breach law a few years ago, 30 other states followed suit. So this may be the model for other states,” says Kory Mertz, research analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington, D.C. “This is the laboratory of democracy argument.” Mertz, who tracks health IT legislation for NCSL, notes that all the states are struggling to cope with certain common issues. “They are all grappling with how to update their privacy laws,” Mertz says. Healthcare Informatics Read the article.
September 29 GrassCatcher:
Maybe we need a ballot bailout
"The initiative process is being used as a tool for political purposes rather than policy purposes," says Jennifer Drage Bowser of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Denver Post Read the article.
Ohio battles over Tuesday's early voting
In the six states that had same-day registration and voting before 2006, as well as in North Dakota (which doesn't have voter registration), turnout has been 10 percent to 17 percent higher than the national average, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. CBS News Read the article.
Young voters, homeless targeted
Turnout has been 10 percent to 17 percent higher than the national average in the six states that had same-day registration and voting before 2006, as well as in North Dakota (which doesn't have voter registration), according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press Read the article.
Four day school week talked about in Iowa
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, school districts in 17 states operate on a four-day week. Chicago Tribune Read the article.
Employment pipeline
According to a 2005 report from the National Conference of State Legislatures, immigrants make up one in nine U.S. residents, one in seven U.S. workers and one in two new workers. The lobbying group said population estimates show immigrants will generate most if not all of the net growth in the labor force for the next two decades because the size of the native-born U.S. population in the working ages of 25 to 54 isn't growing. Indianapolis Star Tribune Read the article.
State lawmaker says he will push medical pot in January
A northern Idaho lawmakers says legislation to legalize medical marijuana will be introduced in the next Legislative session. Rep. Tom Trail, a Republican from Moscow, says the legislation he is drafting is modeled after bills from the National Conference of State Legislatures and will be similar to statutes in Washington and Oregon. KOBI News, Idaho Read the article.
Eye on Austin: Randall county among reddest
Texas is one of 17 states where voters have the option of casting their ballots along party lines, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Amarillo.com Read the article.
Number of state workers opting for retirement soars
Until recently, Rhode Island was one of 11 states that paid 100 percent of medical benefits for most employees who retire with the required years of service before age 65, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Providence Journal Read the article.
More smoking bans debated in tobacco-growing Kentucky
Across the country, at least 23 states plus the District of Columbia have passed laws requiring most public places and workplaces - including bars and restaurants - to be smoke-free, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN Read the article.
Groups see N.D. global warming risks for health, farm, outdoors
The study was produced in conjunction with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Grand Forks Herald Read the article.
State lawmakers prepare for next budget
With Nevada ranking the third highest in the country in percentage of decreased revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, political and economic movers and shakers worry that a continued shortfall will worsen what is already a perilous economic situation. Nevada Business Journal Read the article.
Michigan House OKs bills to 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. Landline Magazine Read the article.
Rangel: Straight ticket voting could benefit Gilbert Flores
Texas is one of 17 states in the Union where voters have the option of casting their ballots along party lines, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. LubbockOnline.com Read the article.
September 26 GrassCatcher:
Colo. leaders, businesses demand immigration reform
More than 175 state immigration laws have passed in 39 states this year, according to the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures. In 2007, states enacted 240 immigration laws, up from 84 in 2006, and 38 in 2005. Denver Post Read the article.
Byrd, Jay champion states in bailout plan
Byrd's bill and Rockefeller's letter are part of a fast-moving, monumental chess game, with huge stakes, being played out on Capitol Hill, said Michael Bird, chief lobbyist for the National Conference of State Legislatures. "There's a lot going on, on many fronts." Charleston Gazette Read the article.
Texting while driving to be banned
Seven other states and the District of Columbia have banned text-messaging or the use of hand-held phones while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Euraka Reporter Read the article.
With bailout in the news, how will tax increases fare in November
Yet according to Jennie Drage Bowser, an expert on ballot issues for the National Conference of State Legislatures, this also is true: Voters tend to support bond issues and tax increases, especially when they sustain or improve public services. Opinion in the Kansas City Star Read the article.
NY gov sees slow rebound for Wall Street, nation
The National Conference of State Legislatures also believes a recovery in the states won't be fully felt until the 2010 budgets, even if the bailout is approved. "It's not a pretty picture," said Michael Bird, a federal affairs staffer for NCSL. Business Week Read the article.
Calif. lawmakers get free gasoline
California is unique in giving legislators free rein on transportation spending, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. In most other states, lawmakers must submit the same kind of mileage-expense forms used by companies to reimburse employees for their business travel. "You have to prove what you're using it for," said Morgan Cullen, a Denver-based researcher for the bipartisan national organization. Associated Press Read the article.
Luther to hold early Election Day Oct. 7
Early voting is allowed in 23 states according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Luther College Chips, IA Read the article.
Federal dollars tied to foreclosures
Tens of millions in state Medicaid funding could also depend on foreclosure rates through a formula advanced by the House of Representatives leadership, according to Joy Wilson, legislative counsel of the National Conference of State Legislatures. "The subject of foreclosures is not really in my bailiwick, but once it becomes part of the formula for dispersing Medicaid dollars, I have an interest," Wilson said. Charleston Gazette, WV Read the article.
September 25 GrassCatcher:
California law outlaws text messages while driving
Seven other states and the District of Columbia ban text-messaging or the use of hand-held phones while driving, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press Read the article.
Federal dollars tied to foreclosures
Tens of millions in state Medicaid funding could also depend on foreclosure rates through a formula advanced by the House of Representatives leadership, according to Joy Wilson, legislative counsel of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Charleston Gazette Read the article.
September 24 GrassCatcher:
Medicaid targets fraud in Indiana
At least 33 other states have already enacted new rules to meet the federal mandate, according to Donna Folkemer of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Indianapolis Star Read the article.
Local officials press for a piece of the rescue plan
Michael Bird, federal affairs counsel for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said states are collectively running $40 billion in deficits now. "For entities that have to balance general operating budgets, that's a lot of money. Every indication we have is there is no immediate relief in sight," he said. "And now the big question is, what does this big bailout mean for us? We don't know." Congress has been discussing a proposal to give states a four-percentage-point bump in federal money for Medicaid, he said. Now that proposal is likely off the table, and there has been no indication that lawmakers are discussing its inclusion in the bailout plan. "We still believe that it should happen," Mr. Bird said. "We hear all the talk about a clean bill, but [the Medicaid increase] would be an asterisk compared to the numbers we're talking about now." Wall Street Journal Read the article.
Kansas Chamber protecting past
Such arguments overlook the potentially huge economic losses from unchecked global warming. A recent case study by the National Conference of State Legislatures concluded that Kansas could suffer economic losses of more than $1 billion due to climate change. Editorial in the Wichita Eagle Read the article.
N.Y. Legislature leads nation in bill introductions
The state closest to New York in bills considered, New Jersey, had fewer than half as many introductions (6,430), according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Read the article.
Obama victory could rewrite painful U.S. race saga
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 24 states have broader voter identification requirements than mandated by the 2002 Help America Vote Act. “In these states, all voters are asked to show identification prior to voting,” according to the conference web site. “Seven of these states specify that voters must show a photo ID; the other 17 states accept additional forms of identification that do not necessarily include a photo.” National Catholic Reporter Read the article.
September 23 GrassCatcher:
Immigration finds itself as ballot issue again
A handful of states will have immigration-related ballot measures this fall. One group that failed to get an immigration crackdown on its state ballot is pushing for restrictions by other means. National Public Radio Listen to the segment.
A flexible formula to fund transportation
But we in the states need a strong federal partner -- one that complements and supports without burdening our efforts. A letter to the editor in Washington Post Read the article.
Congress closes in on approving bailout plan
Michael Bird, federal affairs counsel for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said the group is concerned that the giant bailout expense will mean other actions, such as a second economic stimulus package that has been floated in the Senate and House, will be pushed aside. The stimulus package would include billions for infrastructure, as well as a bevy of other provisions to spur job and economic growth. "If it gets jettisoned, that's just one less resource for us to try to stem what is really a negative tide right now for most states," Bird said. "Does [the bailout] essentially close the door on finishing any other activity, except maybe a continuing resolution?" The Bond Buyer Read the article.
Pa.'s record on juvenile lifers put under scrutiny
Sarah Hammond of the National Conference of State Legislatures said Colorado has led the way, creating a clemency board to hear cases of juveniles convicted as adults, among other changes to laws that guaranteed life in prison for juveniles. Associated Press Read the article.
Maryland feels pinch of thinning federal dollars
Block grants, which pay for services for low-income neighborhoods, have been cut by 18% since 2001, according to Federal Funds Information for States, a non-partisan research group for the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures. USA Today Read the article.
Speaker: Women should protect against HPV
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures Web site, 17 states have enacted legislation to require the vaccine as well fund and educate the public. DailySkiff.com Read the article.
September 22 GrassCatcher:
Across Mass., wait to see doctors grows
Legislators hope the law passed in July to control the cost and improve the quality of healthcare will draw more primary care doctors into the workforce. Richard Cauchi of the National Conference of State Legislatures said no other state has passed so many initiatives in a single year to increase access to primary care. Boston Globe Read the article.
Stock dive hurts state pensions, budgets
Arturo Perez, a fiscal analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said that 31 states struggled to close gaps in their latest annual budgets. They managed to do so, but now risk a drop in revenues if stocks continue to decline. ABC News Read the article.
Researchers reconsider Gardasil vaccine
According to The National Conference of State Legislatures, 17 states have enacted this legislation. The Beacon Read the article.
Look at compensation, not just pay
“In 1988, 65 percent of government employees and 54 percent of private sector employees who were covered by pensions had traditional defined benefit plans,” the National Conference of State Legislatures reports. "By 2003, 80 percent of public employees, but only 27 percent of private-sector employees, had these traditional plans.” Opinion in the Grand Forks Herald Read the article.
Tennessee: Despite blow from Wall Street, state pension fund called solid
Arturo Perez, a fiscal expert at the National Conference of State Legislatures, said state pension funds “are trying to provide the best return for their retirees over the long term, so they’re often widely diversified in terms of their investments. You don’t see any one single state retirement system that has all its eggs in one basket,” he said. Chattanooga Times Free Press Read the article.
September 19 GrassCatcher:
Moore: South of the border
This week, leaders of representative democracy from throughout the Western Hemisphere are attending COPA's Eighth General Assembly in Mexico City, Mexico. As vice president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, I am privileged to participate in this important gathering. The Daily News Tribune Read the article.
Who's a journalist, but what is journalism
So have legislatures in California, Tennessee, and Georgia, according to Michelle Blackston, a spokeswoman for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Blackston’s group counsels an inclusive press policy—urging lawmakers to leak good stories to bloggers, and to start their own blogs. “We feel strongly it’s a new way for lawmakers to connect with their constituents,” she says. Reclaim the Media Read the article.
Former representative joins port commission
He also has served on the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference as well as the Economic Development Committee of the National Conference of state Legislatures. Shreveport Times Read the article.
Albany's logjam
According to a new study by the National Conference of State Legislatures, in 2006, the last year for which a full state-by-state comparison is available, almost 10 times as many bills were introduced in New York (17,700) as in California (1,853) - even though California has almost twice as many people. Opinion in the Lower Hudson Journal News Read the article.
September 18 GrassCatcher:
Educators eye exposure to U.S. financial turmoil
"These are all long-range problems,” Ronald Snell, the director of the state-services division at the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures said of worries stemming from Wall Street’s troubles. “We don’t know yet where this is going to go. It could mean a sustained period of lower investment values.” Education Week News Read the article.
Lengthy ballot awaits voters
Nobody's going to come close to Colorado," said Jennie Drage Bowser, who tracks ballot initiatives for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Durango Herald Read the article.
Hinchey, Phillips rail against unfunded mandates
Phillips cited a 2004 report from the National Conference of State Legislatures that claims the state spends six percent of its general fund on the mandates, and that No Child Left Behind is under funded by roughly $40 billion. The Ithaca Journal Read the article.
No electronic devices while driving for city
The prohibition, which went into effect yesterday but will not be enforced for 30 days, is broader than any of the cell phone bans adopted in 19 states and the District of Columbia because it does not provide exemptions for speaker phones or other hands-free technology, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Baltimore Sun Read the article.
After bridge tragedy, an epiphany
"That whole project is to be bid out and includes a strong public-private funding” component, said Jim Reed, transportation program director with the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The NCSL has noticed more inquiries and discussion at the state level of bridge-related legislation and funding, Reed said. “I think every state got a wake-up call with the [I-35W] bridge collapse,” he said. “But there is a real shortage of money for infrastructure at the state and federal level, so it’s been a challenge.” Finance and Commerce Read the article.
September 17 GrassCatcher:
Does Roys' election to Assembly foreshadow a November shift?
Of the 132 members of the Legislature, only 30 are women -- 8 in the 33-member Senate and 22 in the 99-member Assembly. That's 22 percent, slightly below the national average of 23.4 percent, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Capitol Times (Madison, WI) Read the article.
Economy may dash legislators' pay hopes
"Any time elected officials try to raise their own salaries, it becomes a hotly contested political issue," said Morgan Cullen, a policy associate for the National Conference of State Legislatures based in Denver. "That's why these raises don't happen all that often." Oregon Statesman Journal Read the article.
National Conference of State Legislatures lists Ohio in top ten state battlegrounds
The National Conference of State Legislatures listed Ohio among its top ten state battlegrounds this election cycle. The story of the Top Ten state battlegrounds says of Ohio, "Term limits hit Republicans disproportionately hard in the Ohio House offering Democrats their best shot at winning back control since they lost it in 1994." PolitickerOH.com Read the article.
ND ranchers support ban on hunting rights sale
Douglas Shinkle, a policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver, said no other state had a law similar to North Dakota's when he researched the issue last year. He found no indication that other states were concerned about the issue, he said. Associated Press Read the article.
Poll: Public opposes increased presidential power
Since the ruling, 39 states have enacted legislation or passed ballot measures restricting the government's power to take property, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press on 1500 AM Federal News Radio Read the article.
Group finds AZ Legislature could switch party hands in November
Tim Storey, an expert at the NCSL, said, "History suggests that success for either Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama will produce a coattail effect, and [this]is especially true in presidential battleground states like Ohio and Pennsylvania." PolitickerAZ.com Read the article.
Watchdog: Parole board stingy with elderly inmates
Rising prison health care costs — particularly for elderly inmates — helped fuel a 10 percent jump in state prison spending from fiscal year 2005 to 2006, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Progress Illinois Read the article.
September 16 GrassCatcher:
We need voting system for 21st century
There are groups, such as the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Pew center on the States, that are looking at voting innovations that can increase turnout as well as the accuracy, convenience and security of balloting. Kennebec Journal Read the article.
State governments more open to working with offshore companies?
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, several states have passed laws banning or limiting state contracts with non-U.S. citizens. Opinion in IT Business Edge Read the article.
Bad news for Wadhams: Colorado not in top-10 state legislative battlegrounds
“History suggests that success for either Sen. John McCain or Sen. Barack Obama will produce a coattail effect,” said Tim Storey, an NCSL elections expert, “and is especially true in presidential battleground states like Ohio and Pennsylvania.” The Colorado Independent Read the article.
Assembly panel clears plan to make NJ eleventh state with ‘Silver Alert’ system for missing elderly
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, New Jersey would join Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia with “Silver Alert” systems. PolitickerNJ Read the article.
Democracy or legislative logjam? More bills introduced in NY than any other state
The state closest to New York in bills considered, New Jersey, had fewer than half as many introductions (6,430), according to the National Conference of State Legislatures' figures. Lower Hudson Journal News Read the article.
State Representative Jim Decesare to visit area schools
The National Conference of State Legislatures introduced the program in 1999 to provide a contemporary approach for engaging students in understanding the value of democracy. WBKO Kentucky Read the article.
September 15 GrassCatcher:
Faulk first to air campaign ads
Tennessee may not be a hot spot in the presidential race, but the National Conference of State Legislatures has labeled it one of the nation's top 10 "battlegrounds." Knox News Read the article.
Virginia anti-spam law overturned, spammer walks
At least 38 states have laws regulating spam, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Washington Post Read the article.
Green economy will benefit Kansas
But in a recent case study of eight states, including Kansas, the National Conference of State Legislatures observed that economic discussions of climate change often emphasize the costs of taking action to reduce greenhouse gases while ignoring the costs of doing nothing. Opinion in The Wichita Eagle Read the article.
GOP senators decry Democratic staffing
The National Conference of State Legislatures evaluates the size of legislative staffs in each state every five years. Montgomery Advertiser Read the article.
Editorial: Cell phone limits needed on state roads
In fact, 27 states and the District of Columbia have some sort of restriction, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Leader Telegram Read the article.
Poll: Public opposes increased presidential power
Since the ruling that governments may seize people's homes and businesses for private economic development when there is a corresponding public purpose of bringing more jobs and tax revenue, 39 states have enacted legislation or passed ballot measures restricting the government's power to take property, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press Read the article.
New York lawmakers score 9% on legislation
New Jersey, which ranked second behind New York, had fewer than half as many introductions (6,430), according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Press Connects Read the article.
Legislators debating property rights and hunting
The National Conference of state Legislatures says North Dakota is the only state that has a ban on the sale of hunting rights. KFVR-TV North Dakota Read the article.
Property rights backers favor ND hunting sale ban
Douglas Shinkle, a policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver, said no other state had a law similar to North Dakota's when he researched the issue last year. Forbes.com Read the article.
Spammer walks free as Virginia anti-spam law is declared unconstitutional
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, approximately 38 states have anti-spam laws, most of which apply to people who send junk e-mail in order to promote a business or financial gain of any sort. eFlux Media Read the article.
September 12 GrassCatcher:
Parties battle for control of statehouses
In its list of states that most face the possibility of flipping partisan control, released Thursday (Sept. 11), the National Conference of State Legislatures also included states off the national radar, such as Delaware and New York. Indiana, Oklahoma and Tennessee also made NCSL's list of legislative battleground states. Stateline.org Read the article.
Tennessee state Senate races ranked among the nations’s Top 10
“What’s really important about these elections is who sets the agenda at the state level,” NCSL election expert Tim Storey said in a national teleconference and “webinar” today about the upcoming elections. “Very important issues will be on the table when state legislatures reconvene in January, in a tight fiscal time for states, and this is the next to the last legislative election before redistricting.” DeSoto Appeal Read the article.
Georgia tops at seizing economic stimulus checks
A National Conference of State Legislatures report in late July said states across the country were facing a cumulative shortfall of more than $40 billion this fiscal year. So the $85.7 million they have received so far from the stimulus checks won’t solve their fiscal problems. Atlanta Journal Constitutuion Read the article.
September 11 GrassCatcher:
Teachers lured from struggling states
Michigan is one of 31 states facing a multi-million budget gap this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Stateline.org Read the article.
Maine's oil customers are called 'desperate'
Examples are New Hampshire's program in which efficiency upgrades can be paid with the energy savings, and Vermont's $31 million program to promote energy efficiency, according to a presentation by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Boston Globe Read the article.
September 10 GrassCatcher:
Is shifting driving age a fine idea?
An evaluation of Florida's program between 1996 and 2002 showed a 9 percent reduction in fatal crashes among drivers ages 15 to 17, said the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tampa Tribune Read the article.
Vermont to score impact of EMRs
To achieve those results, the doctors must not only implement the EMR systems but also adjust their workflows, learn to use their new systems and continue to use them over months and years. “The practice must demonstrate that is using the system effectively or lose the software license and support,” James Hester, director of the Health Care Reform Commission for the Vermont State Legislature said at a teleconference sponsored by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Government Health IT Read the article.
Tourism Tuesday Meeting, keynote speaker will be Sen. Downing
Since 2006 (State Sen. Benjamin B.) Downing, who serves 48 communities in western Massachusetts, has represented the Senate in a variety of capacities including as a member of the Governor’s Local Government Advisory Commission, the Council of State Government’s Eastern Leadership Academy and the National Conference of State Legislatures Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and Energy. iBerkshires.com Read the article.
September 9 GrassCatcher:
Obama's foes fire same old cheap shot
A recent survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that only Colorado, Delaware, Massachusetts, Missouri and Texas allow similar options in at least one chamber. Blog in the Chicago Tribune Read the article.
Prescription tracking: Too invasive?
Studies cited by the National Conference of State Legislatures suggest that the monitoring programs dramatically reduce prescription forgery and doctor shopping, but they also push abusers to states lacking a program and to the internet. InjuryBoard.com Read the article.
Practitioners list OPEB funding strategies with GASB 45 requirements now in effect
At a National Conference of State Legislatures conference in 2007, a Massachusetts official said states around the country were revising retiree benefit plans or increasing funding to comply with GASB 45. BNA Daily Report for Executives Read the article.
Interview with Jim Eads — The ICE man cometh
"What NCCUSL did in the end was tell its drafting committee to go back to being a study committee and to talk to more people like NCSL [National Conference of State Legislatures] and ALEC [American Legislative Exchange Council] before proceeding further." Sate Tax Notes Read the article.
September 8 GrassCatcher:
The kids are all right
And according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, that makes us a bit of an oddity; 25 is the nation’s oldest minimum, shared with five states. A handful of others set a higher limit to sit in the Senate (either 27 or 30), but the notion that there should be a seven-year gap between earning the right to vote and sitting in the legislature isn’t widely shared. Editorial in the Rocky Mountain News Read the article.
Primary day Tuesday
Finishing her sixth term and first as house speaker, Norelli was recently named chairwoman of the standing committees with the National Conference of State Legislatures. Portsmouth Herald News Read the article.
Addicted to tobacco taxes
The National Conference of State Legislatures reported last month that states were facing combined budget deficits of more than $40 billion in 2009. Raising cigarette taxes is one way some states are trying to make up the shortfall. Dallas Morning News Read the article.
September 5 GrassCatcher:
Colorado voters face longest ballot in 96 years
It’s also the longest ballot in the country, according to a tally by the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures. Perennial leaders California and Oregon take second place this year with 12 ballot questions each. The Colorado Independent Read the article.
Backers of Ohio sick-leave initiative pull issue from ballot
Supporters have pulled the plug on an Ohio ballot initiative that could have made the state the first to require employers to provide paid sick leave. Workforce Management Read the article.
Budget crunch requires schools to get creative
The Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures found that 31 states have reported budget shortfalls ranging from $2 billion in Arizona to $10 million in Hawaii. Las Vegas Sun Read the article.
Palin's efforts to reform health care are complicated
"It would seem like increasing competition would reduce costs, but that's not what's happening," said John A. Hurson, a former president of the National Conference of State Legislatures and a health policy expert. "The demand just meets the supply. There's more advertising. It just generates more costs." Washington Post Read the article.
Legislators could get 22 percent pay increase
Oregon is among 23 states whose legislatures are categorized by the National Conference of State Legislatures as neither full time, such as those in California and nine other large states, not truly part time as in 17 mostly small states. Statesman Journal Read the article.
Renewable energy fuels Colorado governor
“People see a potential for realistic economic growth,” said Glen Andersen, an energy specialist with the National Conference of State Legislatures. eGov Monitor Read the article.
September 4 GrassCatcher:
New group of state lawmakers join effort to preserve hobby
State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus Chairman Bill Reilich and SAN Director Jason Tolleson attended the National Conference of State Legislatures Annual Legislative Summit. Over the three-day event, the duo enlisted 100 new lawmakers into the caucus. Blog in High Performance Pontiac Read the article.
School, and family, budgets under pressure
A report in July from the National Conference of State Legislatures said thirty-one of the fifty states were having budget problems. Voice of America News Read the article.
State’s general revenue up $24.9 million from year ago
A growing budget surplus and a healthy natural gas industry have helped Arkansas buck a trend of souring budgets in other states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures
Descriptive paragraph. Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.
September 3 GrassCatcher:
Jury exemptions for nursing mothers grow
Eleven states and Puerto Rico have passed laws that exempt nursing mothers from jury service, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Law.com Read the article.
Recall petition: Jindal vetoes legislative pay raise
The bill by Democratic senator Ann Duplessis would have raised Louisiana lawmakers' annual base pay from $16,800 to $37,500, making them the highest-paid in southern US and the 14th highest-paid in the country, according to data from the National Conference of State Legislatures. Hindustan Times Read the article.
Fault the law, not the schools
It is the reason the National Conference of State Legislatures, back in 2005, recommended Congress weigh limited English proficiency students by measures that emphasize annual progress, instead of basic benchmarks. Red Orbit Read the article.
Gov. Kaine orders agencies to plan for up to 15% in cuts
A spring survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures found 31 states had to close budget gaps for the fiscal year that ended June 30. Hampton Roads.com Read the article.
How do you appeal a heath claim denial?
The National Conference of State Legislatures lists several states that have no independent, external review process: Alabama, Idaho, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota and Wyoming. The Ithaca Journal Read the article.
September 2 GrassCatcher:
Government gets hooked on tobacco tax billions
The National Conference of State Legislatures reported last month that states were facing combined budget deficits of more than $40 billion in 2009. The New York Times Read the article.
Immigration measures prompt grass-roots response
More than 1,500 immigration-related bills were introduced in state legislatures in 2007, up from 300 in 2005. More than 1,200 such bills already have been considered this year, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. LoHud.com Read the article.
Right thing to do -- or is it revenge?
Illinois is among seven states to handle dual employment this way, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Chicago Sun Times Read the article.
Bush, McCain view state issues similarly
Michael Bird, federal affairs counsel for the National Conference of State Legislatures, was optimistic that a McCain administration would be easier to work with than the current Bush administration. “It’s been so bad, it couldn’t possibly get worse,” Bird said of states' relationships with the Bush administration. Stateline.org Read the article.
Problems multiply as schools forced to subtract from budgets
According to a July report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, 31 states had budget gaps totaling $40 billion, and many had cut school financing. The New York Times in the Seattle Times Read the article.
Mississippi considers federal REAL-ID requirements
The nationwide cost is estimated to be at least $4 billion, Jeremy Meadows of the National Conference of State Legislatures told McBride and his committee. Thus far Congress has appropriated $90 million. Daily Journal (Mississippi) Read the article.
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