http://www.governing.com/rss/all_articles/rss/?a=${author.id} Articles on Governing.com http://www.governing.com/news/politics/In-Obamas-Forgotten-States-Dissent-Festers.html Barack Obama’s near-complete absence from more than 25 percent of the states, from which he is politically estranged, is no surprise, in that it reflects routine cost-benefit calculations of the modern presidency. But in a country splintered by partisanship and race, it may also have consequences. http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-switch-rider-elephant-making-organizational-change-happen.html A remarkable book provides leaders with a practical, simple framework, based on the latest brain research, for turning an organization to a new direction. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/195-billion-nj-tax-incentives-since-2011.html The value of tax incentives New Jersey has awarded to companies since January 2011, which is more than it awarded between the 15-year period between 1996 and 2011 combined. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/bruce-katz-on-how-metro-areas-can-stand-out.html Bruce Katz, co-author of "The Metropolitan Revolution: How Cities and Metros are Fixing our Broken Politics and Fragile Economy," on how the economic structures of metro areas are really different from each other. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-will-prism-hinder-open-data-efforts.html The controversy surrounding the National Security Agency's online spying program, PRISM, has some open data proponents concerned it will negatively impact their image. http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-scotus-supreme-court-rejects-arizona-proof-citizenship-requirement-federal-voter-registration.html A ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court blocks proof-of-citizenship requirements on federal voter registration forms, but leaves open the possibility of amending the form to include Arizona's stricter standard for verifying citizenship. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-illinois-gov-signs-fracking-regulations-into-law.html Gov. Pat Quinn has signed signed sweeping legislation to regulate horizontal hydraulic fracturing, better known as "fracking," in Illinois. The legislation includes some of the tightest restrictions on companies in the nation. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-states-go-different-directions-on-the-death-penalty.html Supporters and opponents of capital punishment agree: The current death penalty is expensive, inefficient, and arbitrary. Some state legislatures have reacted to those faults by abolishing the death penalty, while others are trying to speed it up. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-florida-blocks-local-votes-on-mandatory-paid-sick-time-measures.html Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill Friday that would block local governments from enacting mandatory paid-sick-time measures, such as the one pending in Orange County. http://www.governing.com/news/federal/mct-supreme-court-outlines-limits-on-right-to-remain-silent.html In a 5-4 decision the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that crime suspects need to speak up if they want to invoke their legal right to remain silent. The ruling highlights the limited reach of the famous Miranda decision. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Report-US-Teacher-Training-System-is-Broken.html The U.S. teacher training system is badly broken, turning out rookie educators who have little hands-on experience running classrooms and are quickly overwhelmed by the job, according to a report released Tuesday by the National Council on Teacher Quality. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Garcetti-Aims-to-Be-Different-Kind-of-LA-Mayor.html Since his victory last month, Mayor-elect Eric Garcetti has set himself to the task of being a more low-key public official than his predecessor. He is not using a transition team studded with big names and has scraped plans for a black-tie inaugural ball, opting instead for a public party in Grand Park with music and food. http://www.governing.com/news/state/National-Shortage-of-Large-Air-Tankers-Hampers-Firefighting-Efforts.html A growing challenge for fire commanders attempting to slow and contain dangerous fires is a continued shortage of large air tankers that are available to them. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Florida-Governor-Signs-Bill-to-Speed-Up-Executions.html Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill into law Friday aimed at accelerating the pace of the death penalty process in Florida, which could make the governor the most active executioner in modern state history. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Fracking-Fuels-Water-Battles-in-Drought-Plagued-States.html In Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming, the vast majority of the counties where fracking is occurring are also suffering from drought, according to an Associated Press analysis of industry-compiled fracking data and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official drought designations. http://www.governing.com/news/federal/Director-of-US-Immigration-Agency-Resigns.html The director of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency said on Monday he will step down at the end of July to go to the private sector after heading the agency for four years. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Choice-of-Health-Plans-to-Vary-Sharply-By-State.html Under President Obama’s health care law, it is becoming clear that the millions of people purchasing policies in the exchanges will find that their choices vary sharply, depending on where they live. http://www.governing.com/blogs/fedwatch/gov-examining-the-ongoing-metropolitan-revolution-power-of-cities-bruce-katz.html Why cities and their leaders could wind up mattering more than Washington. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/texas-farmer-on-selling-groundwater-to-oil-companies.html West Texas cotton farmer Charlie Smith, who plans to sell some of the groundwater beneath his fields to drillers, because it isn’t enough to irrigate his lands. His fields were declared to be in a drought disaster area this year by the USDA. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/201-total-gifts-received-va-gov-mcdonnell.html The total number of gifts received by Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell from 2002 to 2012, which were collectively valued at $303,550. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-states-will-offer-additional-subsidies-on-health-exchanges.html At least three states will offer supplemental assistance to people purchasing health coverage on Obamacare's insurance marketplaces. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-states-rush-to-cash-in-on-cybersecurity-boom.html As data dragnets and information breaches dominate the news, states are scrambling to cash in on a rapidly expanding business sector by offering tax incentives to firms that protect sensitive information from outside attacks. http://www.governing.com/news/state/tt-texas-enacts-unemployment-drug-testing-law.html Gov. Rick Perry has signed a bill that will subject Texans applying for unemployment benefits to a drug test if their responses to a screening questionnaire indicate possible drug use. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Phildadelphia-Schools-Face-Severe-Budget-Cuts.html Lacking adequate state funding and using a draconian budget passed by the Philadelphia School District last month, some schools may be forced to cut all support staff including nurses, aides, counselors, and security monitors and still be short money for books. Mayor Michael A. Nutter is seeking an additional $304 million in extra revenue from the city, the state and teachers' givebacks, but thus far has failed to come up with the money. http://www.governing.com/news/state/New-England-States-Look-to-Increase-Hydropower.html Hydropower could play a larger role in New England’s energy mix as five of the region’s states, including Massachusetts, move to import more of it -- most likely from Canada -- and at least one has passed a law that could allow electricity from large-scale hydroelectric dams to be classified as green as wind or solar energy. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Californias-Inland-City-Budgets-Remain-Weak.html California's monthly report on jobs and unemployment includes a county-by-county breakdown that shows a sharp east-west economic split with cities along the coast recovering well from the recession while inland cities remain mired in deficits and high unemployment. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Some-GOP-Lawmakers-Refuse-to-Answer-Constituent-Questions-on-Obamacare.html Constituents frequently contact their Congress members with questions or requests for help with Medicare, Social Security and other government programs. But when it comes to Obamacare inquiries, some GOP lawmakers say they won't assist constituents or will forward the calls to the Obama administration. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Police-Increasingly-Using-State-Photo-ID-Databases.html The faces of more than 120 million people are in searchable photo databases that state officials assembled to prevent driver’s-license fraud but that increasingly are used by police to identify suspects, accomplices and even innocent bystanders in a wide range of criminal investigations. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Nevada-to-Give-Tax-Credits-to-Filmmakers.html Gov. Brian Sandoval’s signature Tuesday means filmmakers will now be granted transferrable tax credits in a move he hopes will bring jobs and a new industry to the state. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Bloomberg-Plan-Aims-to-Require-Food-Composting.html Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, who has tried to curb soda consumption, ban smoking in parks and encourage bike riding, is taking on a new cause: requiring New Yorkers to separate their food scraps for composting. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Washington-Congressional-Delegation-Not-Attempting-Reconciliation-of-Pot-Laws.html Seven months after Washington voters legalized recreational pot, supporters are growing increasingly aggrieved over the dearth of effort by the state’s congressional lawmakers to reconcile the state law with the federal prohibition against marijuana. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Indianas-Gay-Marriage-Fight-Could-Continue-Beyond-Supreme-Court-Ruling.html The state legislature has delayed debate on an amendment banning gay marriage in the state while it waits to see the outcome of the pending Supreme Court ruling. But barring a sweeping decision by the court, both sides expect the fight over the proposed change to the state constitution to continue. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/25-million-pa-missing-guns.html The number of Pennsylvania residents who live in municipalities with a requirement to report missing firearms. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/ca-gop-rep-on-new-bond-measure.html California assemblyman Don Wagner, R-Irvine, on a bill passed by the legislature that asks voters to lower the voter-approval threshold necessary for a local government to incur bonded indebtedness for certain public improvements. http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-detroit-emergency-manager-proposes-moving-retirees-to-health-exchanges.html Following in Chicago's footsteps, the city's emergency manager wants to send retired public employees to Obamacare’s health insurance marketplaces to buy coverage -- a plan that's likely to face lawsuits. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-epa-orders-minn-increase-water-pollution-prevention.html About a dozen states face similar petitions pending at the EPA, most filed by citizen groups that say state regulators are not doing enough to enforce the Clean Water Act. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-ca-bullet-train-gets-federal-oversight-exemption.html California's bullet train agency won a key legal ruling Thursday, obtaining an exemption from regulatory oversight by the federal Surface Transportation Board for construction of the first segment of the rail system that would run 220 mph trains from Los Angeles to San Francisco. http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-barbour-bush-push-immigration-reform.html Immigration reform could save states money and boost the economy, said former governors Haley Barbour and Jeb Bush at a recent forum. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-michigan-budget-signed.html Gov. Rick Snyder signed a 2013-14 state budget that doesn't address two of his major priorities -- expanded Medicaid coverage and raising more than $1 billion in extra revenues for repair and maintenance of state roads and bridges. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Private-Preschools-See-More-Public-Funds-as-Classes-Grow.html Across the country, states and districts are increasingly funneling public funds to religious schools, private nursery schools and a variety of community-based nonprofit organizations that conduct preschool classes. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Nevada-Gov-Sandoval-Vetoes-Universal-Background-Checks.html In his veto message, Gov. Brian Sandoval said the universal background checks provision "imposes unreasonable burdens and harsh penalties upon law-abiding Nevadans, while doing little to prevent criminals from unlawfully obtaining firearms." http://www.governing.com/news/state/Arizonas-GOP-Gov-Brewer-Wins-Medicaid-Expansion-Battle.html Whether it was exhaustion, resignation or a decision to save the fight for another day, the bitter tirades that dominated the budget and Medicaid fight on Wednesday and into Thursday morning were replaced by hugs and handshakes. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Philadelphia-Council-OKs-New-Property-Cigarette-Taxes.html Regarding school funding, Council unanimously passed a new $2-per-pack cigarette tax as part of Mayor Nutter's plan to help the school district close a $304 million budget hole. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Court-Allows-Christies-Special-Election-.html A three-judge appellate panel has rejected a challenge to Gov. Chris Christie’s decision to call a special election to fill the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg’s seat in October, three weeks before the regularly scheduled November election. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Colorado-Parole-Chief-Fired-in-Wake-of-Corrections-Chiefs-Murder.html The Department of Corrections has fired State Parole Chief Tim Hand in the wake of the murder of corrections chief Tom Clements, whom officials believe was killed by a parolee. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Gov-Scott-Heads-to-Paris-in-Search-of-Jobs-to-Bring-to-Florida.html Gov. Rick Scott heads overseas again on Friday, this time to Paris as the leader of a trade mission aimed at bringing more aerospace jobs to Florida. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Legal-Fight-over-Drilling-Money-Seeps-into-Virginia-Governors-Race.html A complex legal dispute over mineral rights in Virginia’s coal country has become the latest battleground in the state’s bitterly fought gubernatorial race, with Democrats accusing Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II of improperly siding with out-of-state energy companies against Virginians who say the firms cheated them out of natural gas royalties. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-pennsylvania-bill-to-require-missing-gun-reporting-reconsidered.html After 30 municipalities passed laws requiring residents to tell police when their guns disappear, the legislature is reconsidering a statewide proposal that failed in 2008 to do just that. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Record-Breaking-Colorado-Fire-Kills-2-Burns-379-Homes.html Rich Harvey, the commander of the federal incident-management team that took over firefighting duties early Thursday, estimated containment at 5 percent. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/34-percent-localities-rainy-day-fund-levels.html The average amount of unreserved general funds that localities keep in the bank each year. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/chris-ronayne-on-cleveland-corrupt-past.html Chris Ronayne, a potential candidate for county executive, on the leadership turnaround that's happened in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, after years of cronyism, bribery and corruption. http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-report-most-graduation-requirements-dont-align-with-common-core.html Most of the 45 states that adopted the Common Core State Standards haven’t updated their high school graduation requirements to comply with the new K-12 academic standards, according to a new report. http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-irs-sec-cracking-down-municipal-bond-market.html Despite some positive developments, it seems the SEC and IRS are cracking down on the municipal bond market. http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-school-teacher-education-preparation-setting-higher-standards.html Teacher education programs have long set a low bar for students seeking to enter the profession. That is finally beginning to change. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-nasbo-nga-budget-surplus-report.html A new report forecasts that most states will end the fiscal year in the black. But it may be too early to celebrate. http://www.governing.com/news/state/tt-sc-decides-texas-okla-water-case.html In a unanimous ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has sided with Oklahoma over the Tarrant Regional Water District of Texas in a case that could have national implications for water supplies. http://www.governing.com/news/state/More-Police-Agencies-Collecting-DNA-Records.html The trend — coming at a time of heightened privacy concerns after recent revelations of secret federal surveillance of telephone calls and Internet traffic — is expected only to accelerate after the Supreme Court’s recent decision upholding a Maryland statute allowing the authorities to collect DNA samples from those arrested for serious crimes. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Arizona-House-OKs-Medicaid-Expansion-in-Final-Days.html The vote moves Arizona one step closer to becoming the 21st state to expand Medicaid. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Indiana-Lawmakers-Override-Gov-Pences-Veto.html The votes defied the normal political alliances, with most Democrats backing the Republican governor, and most Republicans voting to reject his veto. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Bloombergs-Plan-to-Fight-Climate-Change-Faces-Obstacles.html The projects will have to pass through an array of government agencies, billions of dollars in financing must be secured; and of course the mayor is leaving office at the end of the year, and there is no guarantee that his successors will embrace all of the components. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Maryland-Gov-OMalley-Endorses-Booker-for-NJ-Senate.html In the first of what is likely to be a string of national endorsements, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said he is endorsing Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s candidacy to replace U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg. http://www.governing.com/news/state/FEMA-Rejects-Texas-Request-for-More-Aid-After-Plant-Blast.html Officials across Texas are scrambling to reverse the federal government’s decision not to free up more funds to help rebuild the town, where a fertilizer plant explosion killed 15 and destroyed schools and homes. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Bid-to-Legalize-Marijuana-in-Arizona-Begins.html The initiative needs 259,213 valid signatures by July 3, 2014, to qualify for the November 2014 ballot. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Judge-Rules-Tennessee-Violated-Occupy-Nashvilles-1st-Amendment-Rights.html Occupy protests spread around the country in 2011, mostly by citizens who were taking aim at the country’s income disparities and what they saw as an overly cozy relationship between federal politicians and Wall Street financiers. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/col-affordable-care-act-obamacare-health-benefit-exchange-covered-california.html In creating its health-benefit exchange under the Affordable Care Act, California has gotten off to an encouraging start http://www.governing.com/news/local/Jersey-Shore-Town-Bans-Baggy-Pants-on-Boardwalk.html The Wildwood City Commission on Wednesday adopted new "decency standards" for the Boardwalk to outlaw sagging pants and to require shirts during the evening hours. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/76-percent-americans-against-affirmative-action-in-admissions.html Americans who oppose the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of the issue this year. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/clint-bolick-on-border-security-and-immigration-reform.html Attorney Clint Bolick speaking at a Cato Institute event about why immigration reform can’t wait for increased border security. Bolick and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush co-wrote "Immigration Wars: Forging an American Solution." http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/fastest-growing-65-older-population-census-data.html New Census data shows most regions are seeing their age 65 and older population climb. But for some jurisdictions, the growth has been far more pronounced than others. View new demographic data for states and counties. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-what-tennessee-can-learn-from-colorado-hillsborough-county.html Tennessee is asking its 1,600 IT employees to reapply for their jobs. The state may learn from Colorado and Hillsborough County, Fla., which have both overhauled their workforces in this way. http://www.governing.com/columns/urban-notebook/gov-a-city-job-that-requires-resilience.html The Rockefeller Foundation is awarding $100 million to cities willing to create chief resilience officers to prepare for and recover from disasters, which have increased in frequency and intensity due to climate change. http://www.governing.com/news/state/tt-texas-truany-process-challenged-in-court.html On behalf of seven Dallas-area students, Texas Appleseed, Disability Rights Texas and the National Center for Youth Law will ask the Justice Department to declare that the state's process of prosecuting truancy as a crime is unconstitutional. http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-state-lawmakers-donate-charity-nonprofits-no-oversight.html Ethics experts say questionable ties between nonprofits and politicians are on the rise, but state scrutiny is often ineffective. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Washington-State-Prepares-for-Shutdown-as-Special-Session-Begins.html With the legislature headed into a second special session and no budget yet approved, the governor is making plans for a possible government shutdown should the current state budget expire without a new one. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Arizona-Gov-Brewer-Calls-Special-Session-for-Budget-Medicaid-Expansion.html Some denounced the governor’s decision to call a special session as unnecessary and antagonistic, while many avoided the floor and instead sat in the gallery. Others left their respective chambers in protest. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Ballot-Initiative-to-Expand-Gun-Background-Checks-Submitted-in-Washington-State.html Both federal and state lawmakers passed on similar proposals. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Planned-Parenthood-ACLU-Sue-Alabama-over-Abortion-Clinic-Law.html The law, signed by Gov. Robert Bentley in April and set to take effect next month, requires every doctor who performs an abortion at a clinic to have staff privileges at a local hospital. http://www.governing.com/news/local/NYC-Bike-Share-Program-Faces-Problems-Unlike-Anywhere-Else.html The city's new program has had technical errors of a magnitude never experienced by bike-share programs in other major American cities. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Kansas-to-Start-Teaching-Evolution-Climate-Change-in-Kindergarten.html The Kansas school board has approved new multistate science standards for public schools that treat evolution and climate change as key concepts to be taught from kindergarten through the 12th grade. http://www.governing.com/news/local/DCs-Educare-a-Preschool-Model-for-the-US.html NE D.C.’s state-of-the-art Educare, funded both publicly and privately, celebrates its first birthday. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Thousands-Evacuated-as-Wildfire-Burns-Through-Colorado.html More than 3,600 people were evacuated as a wildfire in east central Colorado burned quickly through dry timber Tuesday. http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-local-government-pension-connection-state-policy.html Many cities and counties are tied to state pension systems. That can be a liability, but it also can be an asset. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Tea-Party-Group-Threatens-Support-for-Gov-Snyder-over-Medicaid-Expansion.html A coalition of tea party groups sent an open letter to Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday, saying he risks losing their support for re-election for his embrace of Medicaid expansion as part of the federal Affordable Care Act. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/42-percent-govt-officials-pay-freezes.html The portion of senior state and local officials who have been subject to pay freezes during the past year, according to a recent Governing survey. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/former-va-auditor-on-jobsohio-audit-mystery.html Former Virginia State Auditor Walter Kucharski, referring to JobsOhio, a non-profit economic development firm created by the legislature that's considered a private entity and Gov. John Kasich doesn't want audited. http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/col-colorado-child-services-media-work-together.html The Colorado Department of Human Services and The Denver Post prove that the relationship between government and media doesn't have to be adversarial. http://www.governing.com/news/local/mct-chicago-public-schools-releases-five-year-plan.html The long-term plan is the first of its kind since Mayor Rahm Emanuel took office and aligns the entire district with the rigorous Common Core Curriculum by the 2014-15 school year. http://www.governing.com/news/state/tt-tx-gov-adds-transportation-funding-to-legislative-agenda.html Gov. Rick Perry has asked the legislature to consider the funding of transportation infrastructure projects during their current special session. http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/Metro-Areas-With-the-Most-Blue-Collar-STEM-Jobs.html A new Brookings report finds that there are far more STEM employees in the United States than previously estimated -- and the demand is growing. View maps and data for metro areas. http://www.governing.com/news/state/tt-tx-legislature-fails-pass-statewide-workplace-smoking-ban.html For a fourth consecutive legislative session, a proposed statewide ban on smoking in public workplaces fell short, as critics argued that such a ban could unconstitutionally curtail businesses’ freedom. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-california-governor-jerry-brown-strikes-budget-deal.html Gov. Jerry Brown and top lawmakers have reached agreement on some of the most contentious issues in the state budget, granting the governor significant victories on the redistribution of school money and expectations of revenue. http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/state-local-governments-extended-pay-freezes.html Many public employees have waited years for salary increases, and recent surveys indicate pay freezes are continuing to persist. The implications have been far-reaching, from hindering employee retention to hurting morale. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Chicago-Police-Tactics-Reverse-Rising-Homicide-Rate.html A year after the city drew new attention for soaring gun violence and gang bloodshed, killings this year have dipped to a level not seen since the early 1960s. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Colorado-Asks-Judge-to-Strike-Down-New-Marijuana-Magazine-Restrictions.html The law says magazines about marijuana must be sold behind the counter at stores where people under 21 are allowed to enter. On Monday, Lawyers for the state joined attorneys for marijuana-themed magazines and booksellers and filed a joint request for an order declaring the law unconstitutional. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Mississippis-Entire-Medicaid-Program-at-Stake-in-Expansion-Debate.html Numerous states have battled over expanding Medicaid under Obamacare. But in Mississippi, it’s playing out in a way that threatens the entire program, not just the 300,000 who could get covered if the state expanded. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Medicaid-Expansion-Defeat-Sets-Up-Showdown-in-Airzona-House.html The Arizona House could consider Medicaid expansion as early as today, less than 24 hours after Republicans in a key committee defeated Gov. Jan Brewer’s top legislative priority. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Poll-Booker-Leads-Democratic-Primary-Field-for-New-Jersey-Senate-Seat.html The Rutgers-Eagleton survey found that more than half of New Jersey voters have a positive opinion of Newark Mayor Cory Booker. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Washington-State-May-End-Sales-Tax-Exemption-for-Out-of-Staters.html A bill that passed the Washington House and is now in the Senate would require Oregon customers -- as well as those from Alaska, Montana and other states that shun the sales tax -- to pay full tax on all their purchases. Under the proposal, they could eventually get a refund by sending a form to the state. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Cuomo-Bill-Eyes-Public-Financed-Elections.html With just seven days left in the legislative session, Gov. Andrew Cuomo will introduce a bill calling for public financing of elections and limits on "soft-money" donations to political parties. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Ex-White-House-Chief-of-Staff-Forms-Committee-to-Challenge-Illinois-Governor.html Former White House chief of staff Bill Daley plans to announce Tuesday that he's forming an exploratory committee as he weighs a Democratic primary challenge to Gov. Pat Quinn. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Massachusetts-Considers-Raising-Its-Minimum-Wage.html Massachusetts legislators are considering a substantial increase in the state minimum wage for the first time in four years, setting up a showdown between advocates backing low-wage earners and business activists, both still struggling from the slow economy. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/you-get-a-letter-like-that-you-probably-put-it-in-the-garbage-can.html Connecticut Commissioner of Economic Development Catherine Smith, referring to letters that Florida Gov. Rick Scott wrote to business leaders in her state sharply criticizing life there in an effort to get them to relocate to Florida. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/22-legislatures-with-veto-proof-majorities.html The number of state legislatures where one party now enjoys a veto-proof majority in both chambers. http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-bloomberg-nyc-on-track-to-meet-sustainability-goals.html New York City is more than halfway toward its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2030, and has a new plan to prepare for future extreme weather events. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-ohio-officials-battle-over-auditing-of-economic-development-money.html When the state auditor tried to subpoena records from a private firm using public money, the governor and legislature moved to stop him. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-epa-report-money-needed-to-improve-us-water-infrastructure.html California, New York and Texas are in need of billions to fix aging water systems over the next two decades, according to a federal survey that placed them at the top of a national list of water infrastructure needs. http://www.governing.com/news/state/tt-texas-gov-heads-to-nyc-on-jobs-raid.html Texas Gov. Rick Perry is making another jobs raid, this time in New York City. His visit will be supplemented with a $1 million television advertising campaign in the city promoting Texas' pro-business environment. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-ca-achieves-cleaner-air-despite-more-cars.html New research shows that despite a threefold increase in people and cars in the last 50 years, California's strict vehicle emissions standards have managed to significantly clean up the state's air. http://www.governing.com/news/state/ACA-Payment-Glitch-May-Leave-Millions-of-Unbanked-without-Coverage.html A new report shows that no one devised a plan for how 8.5 million Americans who qualify for health insurance subsidies but don’t have checking accounts will pay their premiums. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Federal-Government-Has-15-Definitions-of-Rural.html These varying definitions have become a baroque example of redundancy and duplication in Washington. They mean extra costs for taxpayers — and extra hassle for small-town officials — as separate offices ask them the same question in up to 15 different ways. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Harvard-Helps-6-States-Develop-Social-Impact-Bonds.html In the coming months, the states plan to write contracts for social service programs that taxpayers would pay for only if they prove to be successful. The initial outlays for the programs would be financed by private investors, who would reap a profit years later if the programs work as promised. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Brookings-Report-Shows-STEM-Jobs-Account-for-More-Than-Believed.html Such jobs account for 20 percent of all positions in the U.S., far more than the 4 percent to 5 percent of jobs previously estimated http://www.governing.com/news/state/New-Jersey-Bill-Allows-Cops-to-Search-Cell-Phones-After-Car-Crashes.html The measure would allow cops — without a warrant — to thumb through a cell phone to determine if a driver was talking or texting when an accident occurred. http://www.governing.com/news/state/The-Nonprofits-That-Profit-Politicians.html Amid the spring uproar over the Internal Revenue Service targeting conservative nonprofit groups for extra scrutiny, the political world has largely overlooked a fresh innovation in the world of outside spending: nonprofits organized around broad issues of public interest that actually function to advance the ambitions of a single potential candidate. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Washington-Lawmakers-May-Use-Infrastructure-Funding-for-Schools.html The public works funding list is light on bridge projects, but the span on Interstate 5 that fell into the Skagit River last month hangs over any talk of infrastructure. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Illinois-Gov-Quinn-Has-Almost-600-Bills-Before-Him.html Gov. Pat Quinn and his aides now must sift through them and decide what gets signed into law and what is returned to the legislature with an outright veto or changes. http://www.governing.com/news/local/After-Philadelphia-Building-Collapse-Committee-Probing-City-Regulations.html Council members say the committee will examine procedures related to licenses and permits, construction and demolition, building maintenance and safety, and workers' certification. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/14-billion-ca-exports-to-china.html The value of goods California exported to China in 2012, which is the most sold to the Asian nation by any state. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/georgia-town-gun-law.html Richard Craig, a town board trustee in Nucla, Colo., which requires residents to own guns. Nelson, Ga., has a similar ordinance that's being challenged in court as unconstitutional. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-states-extend-tax-credits-to-private-schools.html Wisconsin not only wants to join the more than handful of states that give families tax breaks for sending their kids to private schools, its lawmakers are proposing what would be the most generous tax deduction of them all. http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/may-2013-jobs-report-state-local-employment.html While the federal government began to feel the effects of the sequester, localities have added jobs in recent months. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-reformers-clash-over-teacher-evaluations-and-charter-schools.html Some education reformers say mandated teacher evaluations infringe on the independence of charter schools. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-states-seek-to-increase-trade-with-china.html U.S. relations with China are important to states, many of which have seen exports to China triple and, in some cases, quadruple in the last 10 years. Those trade relationships are sure to be discussed by President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping at meetings starting today. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-majority-americans-ssm-certainty.html Nearly three-quarters of Americans say same-sex marriage has reached the point in which it is certain to become legal, according to a newly released poll from the Pew Research Center. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-illinois-gov-calls-special-legislative-session-for-pension-reform.html Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn is summoning lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session June 19 to try to break a stalemate over the state's massive public employee pension debt that triggered two downgrades from major credit rating agencies this week. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-judge-dismisses-corbett-lawsuit-against-ncaa.html A federal judge Thursday dismissed a lawsuit and concluded there was no legal basis for the governor to challenge the sanctions assessed against Penn State University last year in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Audit-Finds-Half-of-Colorados-Prison-Sentences-May-be-Too-Short.html In some cases, offenders are being returned from parole or community supervision and some offenders are being notified of longer prison sentences. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Iowa-Gov-Branstads-Old-Friendship-with-Chinas-President-May-Guide-Obama.html President Barack Obama is openning a lengthy and high-profile series of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California Friday. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Detroit-to-Offer-Creditors-Pennies-on-the-Dollar-to-Avoid-Bankruptcy.html Detroit’s attempt to avoid bankruptcy will hit a critical stage next week as emergency manager Kevyn Orr brings together dozens of creditors to present a stark offer: less than 10 cents on the dollar for the loans, bonds, retiree obligations and other debts that have been strangling the city for years. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Poll-Gay-Marriage-Should-be-Decided-by-the-States.html A solid majority of Americans opposes a broad national right to same-sex marriage, saying the power to legalize gay unions should rest with the states — even as most support marriage equality for gay people, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Iowa-Denies-Using-Pyschics-to-Solve-Crimes.html A spokesman said that the public safety commissioner believes investigators should follow every lead, including those from psychics, but he said the department isn’t using psychics “as some sort of philosophy." http://www.governing.com/news/state/New-Hampshire-Grants-14-Slaves-Freedom-2-Centuries-After-They-Asked-for-it.html New Hampshire is posthumously emancipating 14 slaves who fought in the Revolutionary War and had asked state lawmakers for their freedom more than 200 years ago. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Northeastern-Colorado-Considers-Seceding-from-State.html The plan to carve off the northeastern corner of the state — Weld, Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma and Kit Carson counties — and form the state of North Colorado was hatched at a Colorado Counties Inc. conference earlier this week. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Pennsylvania-Employees-Unions-Fail-to-Pay-for-Political-Deductions.html Despite a contract requiring unions representing state workers to reimburse the state for deducting voluntary contributions to political action committees, no such payments have been made, according to a sworn affidavit obtained by the Tribune-Review. http://www.governing.com/news/state/State-Takeover-of-Camden-Schools-Approved.html The state Board of Education voted unanimously to approve Gov. Chris Christie's plan to seize control of the state's lowest performing school district starting June 25, the last day of school this year. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/okla-state-climatologist-on-extreme-weather.html Oklahoma state Climatologist Renee McPherson discussing the state's weather patterns, which often include extremely dry summers, very wet winters and tornadoes. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/650-retired-phoenix-police-firefighters-pension-lump-sums.html The number of retired police and firefighters in Phoenix who have collected lump sum payments of more than $250,000 in addition to their pensions, due to a deferred retirement option plan passed by the state in 2001. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-states-legislature-continue-to-raise-speed-limits.html In the last few months, lawmakers in four states have voted to increase speed limits. Studies show doing so doesn't cause more accidents, but critics say it makes them more severe. http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/col-phoenix-police-firefighter-public-pension-spiking.html Some police and firefighters are getting hundreds of thousands of dollars in pension payouts, draining the city's finances and helping to shrink the public-safety workforce. Pension benefits need to be tied to contributions. http://www.governing.com/columns/bg-report/col-atheist-arkansas-treasurer-revenue-raising-nebraska.html All the public-sector management news you need to know. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Christie-Appoints-New-Jersey-AG-Jeff-Chiesa-to-Senate-Until-Special-Election.html New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday announced he will appoint state Attorney General Jeff Chiesa to the seat left vacant by the death of Sen. Frank Lautenberg. A new senator will be elected Oct. 16. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-wealthy-gop-venture-capitalist-enters-illinois-gov-race.html Wealthy venture capitalist Bruce Rauner has formally entered the Republican governor's race, saying state government is broken and portraying himself as a down-to-earth businessman who can fix it. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-ca-hix-premiums-vary-by-geographic-region.html With insurers on the health exchanges no longer allowed to use underwriting rules like policyholder's weight, blood pressure, medical history and physical fitness, geography will now be the primary factor used to set prices. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-florida-enacts-new-abortion-law.html Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill into law requiring that doctors performing an abortion offer emergency medical care if the baby is somehow born alive. Florida becomes the 29th state to enact this kind of legislation. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-states-and-localities-look-to-regulate-short-term-rentals.html As the popularity of short-term rental websites like Airbnb, FlipKey and HomeAway grow states and localities are struggling with how much regulation is needed. http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/fordham-teacher-pension-system-study.html A report published today examines projected retiree costs for three large school districts, evaluating cost savings of recent pension reforms. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Iowa-Citys-Drone-Ban-Could-be-a-1st-in-the-Nation.html The Iowa City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to ban drones, automated traffic cameras and license-plate readers. That comes after thousands of local residents signed a petition calling for such a ban. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Cuccinelli-Demands-IRS-Pay-the-125-Million-it-Owes-Virginia.html Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II (R) seemed to be spoiling for his next big fight with the federal government, announcing Wednesday morning that the Internal Revenue Service was refusing to pay $125 million owed to Virginia, possibly in retaliation for his legal battles with the Obama administration. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Big-Questions-Surround-Philadelphia-Building-Collapse.html Authorities had no easy answers yesterday about what caused the collapse that killed six. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Pennsylvania-Governor-to-Sign-Bill-Banning-Abortion-Coverage-in-Health-Exchanges.html Women in Pennsylvania will have the right to choose insurance through the state health exchange, but it won’t extend to abortion. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Cory-Booker-Collecting-Signatures-for-New-Jerseys-Special-Senate-Election.html Newark Mayor Cory Booker has started the process to run in a special August primary to fill the seat of U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, who died Monday. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Bill-to-Keep-Dead-Imprisoned-People-Off-Welfare-Becomes-Michigan-Law.html Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a new law aimed at making sure dead and imprisoned people are taken off the eligibility list for the state’s Bridge Card food assistance program. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Colorado-Sessions-Ends-Veto-Free.html Gov. John Hickenlooper didn't use his veto pen on any of the 441 bills sent to him by the legislature, but he said that had nothing to do with the fact that his fellow Democrats in 2012 won control of both the Senate and the House. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Latest-to-Run-for-Maryland-Governor-Promises--Tax-Cuts.html Del. Ronald A. George (R-Anne Arundel) on Wednesday became the latest Maryland gubernatorial hopeful to make his 2014 bid official, promising supporters he would roll back a gas-tax increase, cut business taxes and focus on job creation. http://www.governing.com/news/state/North-Carolina-Gov-McCrory-Wants-to-Weed-Out-Unnecessary-Tests-for-Students.html Public school students take too many tests, Gov. Pat McCrory told education leaders Wednesday, and the state needs to figure out how to lighten the load. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-brady-center-battles-city-over-right-not-to-bear-arms.html The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence is suing the city of Nelson, Ga., over its new ordinance requiring residents to own firearms. The lawsuit's outcome could impact other places with gun mandates. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/col-flint-michigan-cost-past-public-services-pensions-regional-solution.html When people leave a struggling city for its suburbs, they leave behind the costs of public services that were delivered in the past. Regional solutions are needed. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/75-percent-gdp-generated-by-cities.html The portion of U.S. gross domestic product that's generated by metropolitan areas. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/laboratories-of-democracy-without-scientists.html Shelley Metzenbaum, president of The Volcker Alliance, talking about the federal role in facilitating learning. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-shelley-metzenbaum-wants-you-to-trust-government-again.html A former leader at the Office of Management and Budget hopes to use her new position to restore public confidence in government. Here's how she plans to do it. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-california-calderon-center-of-fbi-raid.html FBI agents searched offices in the Capitol on Tuesday -- the first such raid in 25 years -- serving warrants and carting away evidence in what law enforcement officials said was a corruption probe that began in Los Angeles County. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-exchanges-could-solve-retiree-health-benefits-riddle.html States and localities are considering having their retired workers buy health coverage through Obamacare's insurance exchanges instead. The move would likely save employers money but not necessarily employees. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-california-launches-new-program-to-revamp-parks.html California officials have launched a new program called Parks Forward to analyze and overhaul the state parks system. It will be led by a volunteer commission. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-dream-act-drivers-license-bill-vetoed.html Gov. Rick Scott on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have allowed children of undocumented immigrants to get temporary Florida driver’s licenses, a decision that may bolster his standing among immigration hard-liners but could hurt him among Hispanic voters. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Jefferson-County-Reaches-Deal-to-End-Biggest-US-Municipal-Bankruptcy.html Jefferson County, Alabama, reached an agreement to pay its largest creditors $1.84 billion, or 60 percent of what they’re owed. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Violent-Crime-Rises-for-1st-Time-Since-2006.html Violent crime rose in the United States in 2012 for the first time in six years, led by an increase in major crimes in large cities, according to preliminary data released Monday by the F.B.I. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Blacks-4-Times-as-Likely-to-be-Arrested-for-Marijuana.html Black Americans were nearly four times as likely as whites to be arrested on charges of marijuana possession in 2010, even though the two groups used the drug at similar rates, according to new federal data. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Christie-Calls-Special-Election-for-Lautenbergs-Senate-Seat.html Gov. Chris Christie called for a special election in October to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Frank Lautenberg, spurring an all-out sprint for the office and drawing fire from Democrats. http://www.governing.com/news/local/Study-Ranks-Best-City-Park-Systems.html Minneapolis, where 94 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, has the U.S.' best park system, according to new rankings by a national nonprofit conservation group. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Revived-NCLB-Bill-Gives-States-More-Options.html On Tuesday, Sen. Tom Harkin, the retiring chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, released a new 1,150-page bill to update No Child Left Behind Act. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Gun-Lobbying-Restricted-under-New-Kansas-Law.html Gov. Sam Brownback signed legislation Friday to restrict the use of state tax dollars to promote or oppose gun control policies, a measure championed by gun-rights supporters but seen by critics as endangering free-speech rights. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Newtown-Privacy-Bill-Passes-Connecticut-Senate-House.html The state Senate and House, after short debates, voted overwhelmingly early Wednesday to approve a bill blocking public disclosure of photos of homicide victims and some other records in reaction to the Newtown school massacre. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Oregons-Foreclosure-Meditation-Program-Expanded.html Gov. John Kitzhaber on Tuesday signed a bill expanding state's foreclosure mediation program, which had been largely bypassed by mortgage lenders. http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/col-information-technology-government-data-judgment-performance.html The key to performance is information that makes work accountable, provides guidance, coordinates over distance and seeks out innovation. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/260000-us-nurses-shortage-2025.html The expected shortage of nurses in the United States by 2025, which would be the largest since the 1960s. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/economic-development-ceo-on-attracting-jobs-to-detroit.html George W. Jackson, Jr., president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, on the difficulties of attracting outside investment and new jobs to the troubled city. http://www.governing.com/blogs/fedwatch/gov-lahood-expect-big-announcement-from-obama-on-transportation-funding.html Transportation stakeholders have become increasingly vocal in recent years over the disconnect between the president's lofty rhetoric about the need to invest and his lack of serious policy proposals on the matter. http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/google-fiber-ogita-civic-hacking-benefits.html All the government technology news you should know. http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-local-state-government-owned-bridge-condition-disparity.html Bridges localities own are more than twice as likely to be considered structurally deficient as those on state roads. View detailed bridge inspection data for your state. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-mich-gov-declares-financial-emergency-in-hamtramck.html Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder declared a financial emergency Monday in Hamtramck, a step that could lead to the appointment of an emergency manager. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-wind-industry-expands-in-midwestern-states.html Despite the still uncertain long-term fate of the wind energy tax credit, the industry has plans to develop more turbines in states like Iowa and Nebraska. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-minn-to-use-300-million-tax-windfall-for-schools-reserves.html Stronger-than-expected tax collections have left the state with an extra $300 million which the state will use to fully replenish its reserves and pay down money it still owes local school districts. http://www.governing.com/news/state/sl-emergency-services-workers-face-budget-cuts-pay-disparity.html EMTs and paramedics are governed by a haphazard patchwork of rules that vary widely by city and state and in tough economic times, emergency services often are on the chopping block. http://www.governing.com/news/state/California-DNA-Law-Still-Faces-Challenges-After-US-Supreme-Court-Ruling.html Monday's ruling protected California's right to collect DNA during arrests, but civil libertarians said they would continue to challenge the California program as overly broad. Challenges of the California program are pending in the California Supreme Court and the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Illinois-Credit-Rating-Drops-Again-After-Pension-Reform-Fails.html Fitch Ratings further lowered Illinois' worst-in-the-nation credit rating following lawmakers' inability to agree on money-saving reforms to the public employee pension system. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Nevada-Joins-5-Other-States-Allowing-Immigrants-to-Drive.html Gov. Brian Sandoval signed into law Friday a bill that allows people in the country illegally to legally drive in Nevada starting in January. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Sen-Lautenbergs-Death-Puts-Gov-Christie-in-Difficult-Spot.html The death of Frank R. Lautenberg on Monday has left Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey with the kind of opportunity that politicians usually covet: the chance to give away a seat in the United States Senate. But the decision is fraught with pitfalls, none bigger than having to choose between improving his party’s fortunes in Washington and furthering his own political ambitions at home. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Connecticut-May-Label-Genetically-Modified-Food-if-Other-States-do.html Legislation requiring special labels on food sold in Connecticut that contains genetically modified ingredients, so long as other states pass similar legislation, is heading to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's desk for his signature. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Police-Dogs-Not-Sniffing-for-Marijuana-Anymore-Where-Its-Legal.html The newest drug-sniffing dog on a police force in Washington state is one of a few that are not trained to point out pot during searches. Other police departments are considering or in the midst of re-training their dogs to ignore pot as well, part of the new reality in a state where voters last fall legalized marijuana use. http://www.governing.com/news/local/DC-Officials-at-Odds-with-Carefirst-over-Health-Exchange.html The city accused CareFirst -- the city’s dominant private health insurer -- of drastically cutting the number of small-business plans it will offer on the insurance exchange. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Education-Reforms-Become-Iowa-Law.html Gov. Terry Branstad called the education reform bill he signed into law Monday “a turning point in Iowa history,” but it lacks many of the provisions included in the administration’s initial pitch for improved schools. http://www.governing.com/news/state/Public-Will-be-Excluded-from-Some-Meetings-if-California-Gov-Brown-Signs-Bill.html The measure was created in reaction to a legal opinion by a county prosecutor who said a private 2011 meeting between Jerry Brown and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors violated the public's right to see government business being conducted. http://www.governing.com/government-quotes/gun-lobbyist-on-nevada-background-checks-legislation.html Nevada lobbyist Billy Vassiliadis, who dropped out of an effort to pass universal gun background checks in Nevada this year because he thought it was unwinnable. http://www.governing.com/daily-digit/200000-az-residents-paying-large-income-percentages-rent.html The number of Arizona residents who are paying more than 78 percent -- far more than the recommended 30 percent -- of their income toward rent. A new report recommends ways for the state to address its affordable-housing shortage. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-supreme-court-overrules-maryland-dna-ruling.html More than half of the states now require a DNA mouth swab when people are charged with a serious crime, and many of the others were awaiting a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of the practice. http://www.governing.com/news/local/mct-boston-fire-chief-quits.html Steve Abraira has come under fire from his underlings after he refused to take charge at the Boston Marathon bombing scene. http://www.governing.com/columns/col-metropolitan-revolution.html The founding director of the Brookings Institution's Metropolitan Policy Program discusses how the roles and responsibilities of different levels of government are being irreparably resorted. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-marijuana-regulation-bill-fails-california-legislature.html The California Assembly quashed a bill that would have created a state agency to tax and regulate the state's overgrown medical marijuana landscape. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-court-rules-against-californias-execution-method.html Death penalty supporters want Gov. Brown to challenge a court decision that lethal-injection protocol was not properly reviewed, but other technical hurdles remain. http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-bankrupt-insurance-companies-cost-florida-taxpayers.html Despite Florida having no major hurricanes in the last seven years, one-third of the insurance companies that have taken over policies previously held by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. have gone belly up -- and cost taxpayers $400 million.