Although not every city and state is eager to form inspector general offices -- New York City leaders, for example, are currently debating the benefits of one for the police department -- the trend toward more of them has been steady.
Shield laws provide predictability, say media advocates. But some worry that championing such laws puts journalists in the same arena with those they cover.
July 1 is the beginning of the fiscal year in most states, and the preferred start date for new or updated taxes. This year, legislatures changed tax rates on significant parts of the economy, including gasoline or fuel levies, sales taxes and property taxes.
Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, which Governing previously named a legislator to watch, entered the national spotlight this week when she successfully led a rare and possibly temporary victory to kill a restrictive abortion bill.
