October 9, 2008
State & Policy News
States’ actions to block voters appear illegal
Tens of thousands of eligible voters in at least six swing states have been removed from the rolls or have been blocked from registering in ways that appear to violate federal law. The New York Times Read the article.
Medicare drug options shrink for low-income
Low-income beneficiaries in Medicare's prescription drug program have fewer plans to choose from next year in every state except Wisconsin, raising concerns among advocates that millions will be forced to change plans. USA Today Read the article.
First into recession, California shows possible future for U.S.
With its export businesses, manufacturing sector, professional services and big retail employers, California looks like many other U.S. states, only more so. Wall Street Journal Read the article.
Polling places lack resources, civil rights group says
Polling places in six battleground states, including many with large minority populations, could be overwhelmed on Election Day because officials have not allocated enough voting stations, machines and poll workers. USA Today Read the article.
Report: Minority college attainment up, but stalls
The number of minorities in college has increased substantially in recent years, but not fast enough to keep up with demographic changes. National Public Radio Read the article.
Stem-cell science an election issue in 3 states
Voters in three states — Michigan, North Carolina and Washington state — are being asked to consider whether potential cures for millions of Americans are worth the moral cost of destroying human embryos. Stateline.org Read the article.
Perino confirms White House won't extend jobless benefits
According to a July survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures, states are being forced to slash spending and cut jobs “in order to close a projected $40 billion shortfall in the current fiscal year,” more than triple the size of the previous year’s. Think Progress Read the article.
Questions and answers on constitutional convention
Since 1961, 16 states other than Illinois have held 25 conventions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. AP in Morris Daily Herald Read the article.
Child support ends earlier for college students
A 2007 survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that 38 states end mandatory child support at 18 — also the cutoff age for Missouri children who do not go on to college after high school. St. Louis Post Dispatch Read the article.
The links to the articles in GrassCatcher are provided for information purposes only. NCSL does not endorse the views expressed in any of the articles linked to from this page. |
