Sign In
Free Newsletter
Recent Articles from Stateline.org
Scandals, social issues headline 2009 governors’ races
In the first statewide elections since the Great Recession was declared, economic issues are competing with ethics and social issues for voters' attention in New Jersey and Virginia - the only gubernatorial contests this year.
Credit unions help strapped state employees
As state employees across the country are being hammered by layoffs, pay cuts and forced unpaid days off, some state employees' credit unions are stepping in to help workers get through these tough times. Services include a variety of loan programs and even one Web site for recession and job-related tips.
State tax hikes take aim at top earners
Two months into the current fiscal year and still without a budget, Connecticut state senators voted at 2:30 a.m. on Sept. 1 to send Gov. M. Jodi Rell (R) a spending plan that generates revenue by hiking income taxes on the state's wealthiest residents.
Budget cuts test state personnel policies
Forced to dramatically cut payrolls, some states are finding low-cost ways to boost employee morale, even as they struggle to maintain basic human resource functions such as training, recruiting, hiring and regular performance reviews.
Weekly wrap: Rising Medicaid bill a growing concern for states
New Mexico may foreshadow a Medicaid crisis facing states next year as the federal economic stimulus money dwindles. During a recent PowerPoint presentation by New Mexico Human Services Secretary Pam Hyde to state lawmakers, she said the state's Medicaid program could be facing a shortfall of up to $300 million by 2011 unless costs are contained. The stimulus money will be gone by then, she str[...]
States draw down rainy day funds
or Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D), the convergence of bad economic times and a depleted state emergency savings account is a familiar experience. When Baldacci stepped into office in 2003, he inherited a recession-battered economy and an empty reserve account, also known as a rainy day fund. As a result, he and the Legislature faced the daunting task of closing a $1.2 billion budget hole without [...]
Cities, states wrangle over cuts to local aid
In Minnesota, Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty's cuts in state funding to local government forced cities and counties to consider their own round of layoffs, furloughs and benefit freezes. State reductions were so troubling in Massachusetts that three cities are now deciding whether to cancel their primary elections to conserve cash.
Budget cuts drive states’ DMV changes
Drivers going to the department of motor vehicles will likely face longer lines and higher service fees in several states as recession-ravaged budgets force the shutdown of branch offices, a reduced work force and the need to raise revenue.
Weekly wrap: Doing the math on state jobs
On the same day (Aug. 20) the Rockefeller Institute of Government released a report saying state and local governments have added 110,000 jobs since the start of the recession, six states were discussing layoffs of state employees.
Budgets overshadow social, political highlights
The national economy may have dominated the 2009 state legislative session, but history was also made both politically and on the social policy front. Many expected 2009 to be quiet in state political circles before the surge of 37 gubernatorial races in 2010, but the year will go down as one of the most explosive with the removal of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) in Illinois, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin[...]
Most states plug budget holes, for now
This year's state legislative session will go down as one of the most brutal in recent memory as the national recession forced lawmakers to find money to cover a staggering $215 billion in estimated budget gaps for 2009 and 2010 - the equivalent of more than $700 for every man, woman and child in the country.
Buyouts lure 9,000 state workers into retirement
Looking to shield their work forces from tumultuous cutbacks, at least six cash-strapped states have decided this year to spend millions on incentives to encourage government employees to retire.
