States could take steps to curb their revenue losses from the aggressive use of corporate tax planning. They haven't.

Localities Join Forces to Increase Efficiency.

Maryland Medicaid Keys Up Provider Relief.

Two major drug companies agreed to pay $345 million in fines in the largest Medicaid fraud settlement ever. The federal government, 49 states and Washington, D.C., will split most of the settlement, with the states divvying up $147 million in amounts per state that will range from tens of milions to a few thousand. California, for instance, will receive $32.2 million; Maine, $2.5 million, and South Dakota, $260,000.

Some states are making it easier for taxpayers to donate a little extra money.