In the old days, legislatures were secretive and autocratic. In Albany, the old days continue.

Last year, states lowered taxes for a record fifth consecutive year, approving a net tax reduction of $5.5 billion for FY 2000. State fiscal conditions remain just as favorable this year.

There's more of almost everything in state politics this year: more power, more attention, more money.

The cost of prescription drugs is soaring. For many states, it is the fastest-growing health care expense, with prescription drugs doubling over the past six years in some states and costs for Medicaid prescription drugs increasing 15 percent annually in several states.

Financial deregulation offers the public some neat opportunities. it also offers the potential for disaster.