January 6, 2009
State & Policy News
The 'McMansion' trend in housing is slowing
Economic hard times, plus shifting neighborhood and urban values, are key factors. Christian Science Monitor Read the article.
Obama pitches stimulus plan
President-elect Barack Obama arrived on Capitol Hill yesterday and immediately set to work reassuring skeptical Republicans about his massive economic stimulus package -- part of a campaign that earned him praise for seeking their input but questions from those averse to hundreds of billions of dollars in new spending. Washington Post Read the article.
Hard-hit families finally start saving, aggravating nation's economic woes
As layoffs and store closures grip Boise, these two local families hope their newfound frugality will see them through the economic downturn. But this same thriftiness, embraced by families across the U.S., is also a major reason the downturn may not soon end. Wall Street Journal Read the article.
TV converter coupon program's out of cash; wait list started
The government's $1.34 billion coupon program for digital converter boxes ran out of money on Sunday. USA Today Read the article.
Optimistic push for D.C. vote in House
Lawmakers are planning a quick start in their latest effort to get a D.C. voting representative in the House, introducing bills as members of the new Congress are sworn in today. Washington Post Read the article.
Gay-marriage opponents attack Jerry Brown's argument to void Proposition 8
Legal briefs filed Monday say the California attorney general's theory 'fails at every level' and contradicts the judiciary's role. The state Supreme Court could hear oral arguments as soon as March. Los Angeles Times Read the article.
Report: Corrections can do more to fight gangs
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 32 other states in recent years have approved legislation to increase penalties for gang-related crime or to enact suppression, intervention and prevention programs. Associated Press in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Read the article.
Other View: Lawmakers want part time
Michigan is one of only 10 states with full-time lawmakers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Editorial in Traverse City Record Read the article.
Reformer in Power
People said Joe Hackney was too squeaky clean to run the North Carolina House. Then a scandal gave him his chance. He’s made the most of it. NCSL President featured in magazine article Read the article.
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