Social Issues Crowd State Ballots
In a special to the Pew Research Center, a Stateline.org report finds more proposals that would appeal to conservative voters than to liberals are showing up in 2008, but no consensus on whether ballot measures tend to drive enough voters to the polls to give an advantage to a presidential candidate.
State Legislative Roundup: Sour Economy Limits Options In ’08
In a special to the Pew Research Center, Stateline.org provides its annual look at legislative accomplishments. It finds lawmakers shying away from major expansions of public health programs or preschool classes, short on highway funding and predicting even worse financial woes ahead.
Gavels and Gags: State Legislatures Adjourn
Many states conclude their sessions with traditions that are funny, bizarre and even poignant. With half of state legislatures concluding in the past two months, and several more to adjourn within a few weeks, the celebrations are in full swing.
States Aim to End the Electoral College
A movement is bubbling at the state level to ensure that future presidents are the candidates who get the most votes nationwide.
The Federal Government’s Favorables Fall Even Farther
Americans continue to hold their local and state governments in fairly high esteem, but positive views of the federal government are at their lowest point in at least a decade.
Will States Fix the 2012 Primary Process?
Not a moment too soon, party insiders and state election officials are in informal talks to improve procedures for the next contest for the White House.
Justices’ OK for Indiana’s Voter ID May Prompt Other States to Follow Suit
With bills pending in state legislatures across the country, more states may move to require photo identification for voters in November.
States Push Food Stamps for the Needy
As the economy sputters, states are taking extraordinary measures to help people keep food on the table, and a federal program is their primary tool.
States Think Smaller, Slower On Immigration
Under pressure from business groups and budget stringency, states are no longer rushing to pass immigration control measures.
Who will be the next David Paterson?
Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s downfallthat catapulted David Paterson to the governor’s mansion spotlights the quirky arrangements that determine who is next in line after a governor in many states.
