• California Democrats Seek to Keep Strictest Gun Laws in U.S.
• Source: San Jose Mercury News   |   California   |   February 8, 2013
• State Senate Democrats unveiled a 10-bill package that constitutes the single largest gun control push in decades in the Golden State, which already boasts some of the nation's strictest gun laws.
• 4 Comments

• Christie Vetoes Online Gambling Bill -- for Now
• Source: Newark Star-Ledger   |   New Jersey   |   February 8, 2013
• New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he wanted lawmakers to provide more funds to combat gambling addiction, toughen oversight of casino employees, revise the bill to collect more taxes and then he would sign the bill.

• Indiana Gay Marriage Vote Put Off Until Next Year
• Source: Indianapolis Star   |   Indiana   |   February 8, 2013
• Legislative leaders, even as they believe it is time for voters to weigh in on the issue, decided to postpone until next year the necessary and final vote in the Indiana General Assembly.

• Immigration Reform Brings Business and Labor Together
• Source: New York Times   |   Nation   |   February 8, 2013
• The A.F.L.-C.I.O. and the Chamber of Commerce have formed an alliance to find a way for immigrants illegally in the United States to gain citizenship.

• Bill to Switch Pensions to (401)k Plans Advances in Florida
• Source: Tampa Bay Times   |   Florida   |   February 8, 2013
• A bill placing all new state employees in a 401(k)-style retirement plan passed a House subcommittee on a party-line vote, setting up a major showdown between legislative Republicans and public workers' unions.

• Top Tax Bracket Backlash: California's Higher Earners Weighing Move
• BY: Liz Farmer   |   California   |   February 7, 2013
• Sometimes it’s not good to be the king. And in California, higher earners are feeling a little put upon.
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• On Medicaid Expansion, Michigan GOP Gov. Snyder Will Need Legislature's Support
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Michigan   |   February 7, 2013
• Gov. Rick Snyder said that he unconditionally supports expanding the state's Medicaid rolls, but the legislature -- which includes many skeptics of anything associated with the federal Affordable Care Act -- will have to be convinced.

• Drone Ban Up in the Air in Virginia
• Source: Politico   |   Virginia   |   February 7, 2013
• Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has not decided whether he will sign a bill barring state and local agencies from using drones for two years — the first legislation of its kind in the country that passed through the state’s General Assembly.

• Drug Tests Would be Required for Welfare Under Nevada Bill
• Source: AP/Reno Gazette-Journal   |   Nevada   |   February 7, 2013
• According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, seven states have implemented some type of drug testing or screening for public assistance over the last two years.
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• Illinois Gov. Quinn Talks Guns, Gay Marriage in State Address
• Source: Chicago Tribune   |   Illinois   |   February 7, 2013
• Gov. Pat Quinn marked the unofficial launch of his 2014 re-election campaign, delivering a State of the State address pitched at Democratic primary election voters inclined to like his calls for a minimum wage increase, an assault weapons ban and gay marriage.

• Minnesota Gov. Dayton Defends Tax Overhaul in State Address
• Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune   |   Minnesota   |   February 7, 2013
• Gov. Mark Dayton spent much of his nearly hourlong address defending a budget proposal that would usher in the biggest tax overhaul in a generation but is also proving to be a harsh test for the new DFL leaders in both chambers.

• Chicago Suburbs OK New Gun Law
• BY: McClatchy News   |   Cook County, Ill.   |   February 6, 2013
• Firearms owners in suburban Cook County will now face fines up to $2,000 if they don't report to police when their guns are lost, stolen or sold.

• Connecticut Legislature Could be 1st to Legalize Assisted Suicide
• Source: Connecticut Mirror   |   Connecticut   |   February 6, 2013
• Similar laws have passed in other states, but if approved, Connecticut would be the first state to legalize assisted suicide for patients with a terminal illness legislatively.

• English-Only Debate Reviving in Arizona Legislature
• Source: Arizona Republic   |   Arizona   |   February 6, 2013
• A state House committee passed a bill that would forbid state agencies from mailing out certain documents in any language but English. Critics already warn it could violate the federal Civil Rights Act.

• Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton's 2013 State of the State Speech
• BY: Gov. Mark Dayton   |   Minnesota   |   February 6, 2013
• Read the full speech and view which words were uttered most.