Stateline

Recent Articles

• Cities Fight States Over Mandatory Sick Leave Policies
• May 13, 2013
• Mandatory sick leave is being championed by several localities across the nation. At the same time the progressive public health measure is sparking fierce opposition in several state legislatures.

• Voting Rights Activists Strike Back on Elections Laws
• May 10, 2013
• Trying to stem the tide of restrictive voting measures passed in recent years by Republicans, voting rights activists have successfully targeted states controlled by Democrats to win reforms expanding voting rights.
• 2 Comments

• North Carolina Carefully Weighs Fracking Options
• May 8, 2013
• As the legislature considers lifting a decades long ban on unconventional drilling which would allow hydraulic fracturing the state's unique geography is prompting concerns about disposal of the wastewater the drilling produces.
• 1 Comments

• Road Deaths Increase for 1st Time Since 2006
• May 7, 2013
• A newly released federal report reveals that the number of people who died in traffic accidents inched up last year, reversing a downward trend in road deaths that began in 2006.

• States Make Needed Upgrades to Capitol Buildings
• May 6, 2013
• At least ten states are considering renovations to their capitol building. Though repairs and upgrades are expensive and can take years, more than two-thirds of the states have carried them out since 2000.

• U.S. Forest Service Asks States to Return Funds Due to Sequestration
• May 6, 2013
• The U.S. Forest Service has asked a dozen states to return $17.9 million in federal revenue-sharing funds, so the agency can meet its sequestration budget cut obligations.
• 2 Comments

• Feds Seek Stronger Cybersecurity Partnerships with States
• May 3, 2013
• With cybersecurity legislation stalled in Congress, the White House is looking to partner with states to protect critical infrastructure from attacks.
• 1 Comments

• Use of Mortgage Interest Deduction Varies by State
• May 1, 2013
• The mortgage interest deduction, widely viewed as a tax break for a broad slice of middle-class America, benefits the residents of some states far more than others, according to a new report by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

• Small Businesses Fear Fines from Affordable Care Act
• Apr 30, 2013
• Small businesses in states that choose not to expand Medicaid could be liable for billions in federal tax penalties that companies in states that do expand will not have to pay.
• 1 Comments

• Boston Bombings Highlight Need for Public Safety Broadband Network
• Apr 29, 2013
• The wireless crashes that law enforcement experienced in the aftermath of the deadly bombing reinforced the need for a dedicated national public safety broadband network that's now in its planning stage.

• Texas-Oklahoma Water War Could Have National Implications
• Apr 25, 2013
• A decision in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court could unleash a flood of litigation asking courts to crack open some of the more than 30 compacts that determine how states share water.

• Boston Bomber Case Must Balance State and Federal Roles
• Apr 25, 2013
• The accused Boston bomber may face the death penalty as a result of federal charges filed against him, even though his crimes were committed in a state where the death penalty is outlawed.

• States Press Ahead on Bills Expanding Voter Access
• Apr 24, 2013
• Amid the legal battles over Voter ID laws and the Voting Rights Act, legislation to expand voter access and decrease election day lines is active in 21 states.

• Motorcycle Deaths Rise as States Rethink Helmet Laws
• Apr 24, 2013
• The number of motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents jumped 9 percent in 2012 and have gone up in 14 of the last 15 years. Experts say more states should enact universal helmet laws to reverse that trend.
• 9 Comments

• Laws Limiting Drones Gaining Steam
• Apr 19, 2013
• Several states have recently passed laws limiting drone use within their borders and 29 other states are still considering legislation.
• 5 Comments