States introduce more immigration laws, enact fewer

2011-12-13T14:00:24Z

(Reuters) - State lawmakers this year introduced more immigration-related bills than in 2010, but enacted fewer laws as state officials waited on the sidelines to see how court challenges to Arizona's get-tough legislation played out, the

Judge blocks Alabama immigration rule on mobile homes

2011-12-12T19:30:09Z

BIRMINGHAM, Ala (Reuters) - A federal judge temporarily blocked a part of Alabama's tough new immigration law on Monday that requires residents to show proof of citizenship when registering mobile homes with the state.

U.S. District Judge

Life insurers pay out $52.6 million after NY push

2011-12-05T18:00:08Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Nearly 8,000 people received $52.6 million in previously unpaid life insurance benefits after New York authorities pushed insurers to match policies with a list of confirmed deaths, state officials said.

New York is one of many states probing overdue benefits. The initial results announced Monday by the state Department of ...

Texas asks top court to stop congressional map

2011-11-30T15:30:18Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Texas asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to stop implementation of an interim Texas map for congressional districts that was crafted by a panel of federal judges and could favor minorities and Democrats in 2012 elections.

Texas

Legislative leadership positions are no lock now with term limits

2011-11-29T02:30:19Z

If good for nothing else, term limits excel at stirring palace intrigue.Assembly Speaker John Oceguera, D-Las Vegas, term limited and running for Congress, will step aside in January as chairman of the caucus, creating an opening for ambitious Assembly members looking to lead the state's lower house in 2013.

In the past there would be little controversy over who ...

Minnesota summer shutdown costs-savings a wash: budget office

2011-11-22T12:00:44Z

MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - A nearly three-week Minnesota government shutdown in July over a budget impasse left broad public frustration, but little impact on state finances, the state's budget office said on Tuesday.

The longest and most expansive state government shutdown in Minnesota histo...

Thousands rally against Wisconsin Republican governor

2011-11-19T21:30:06Z

MADISON (Reuters) - Thousands of people gathered at the Wisconsin capitol on Saturday to demand a recall of Republican Governor Scott Walker, whose controversial and successful drive to limit public unions last winter sparked the biggest protests in the s...

Recall effort against Wisconsin GOP governor to start

2011-11-14T20:30:11Z

MILWAUKEE (Reuters) - Opponents of Wisconsin Republican Governor Scott Walker, who led a controversial move to limit bargaining rights of state employees, will launch a recall effort against him with an online filing on Tuesday, organizers sa...

Control of Virginia Senate uncertain after split vote

2011-11-11T14:00:13Z

PORTSMOUTH, Va (Reuters) - Virginians face months of uncertainty over how their state Senate will operate when it reopens for business next year after a Democratic incumbent's concession sealed a 20-20 split between the two parties.

Edd Houck publicly conceded to Republican Bryce Reeves on NASHVILLE, Tenn (Reuters) - Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam will ask prosecutors to drop trespassing citations against anyone arrested last month in Occupy Nashville economic protests, his office said on Thursday.

Police arrested 55 protesters over consecutive nights in October...

Despite upper hand, Democrats were stifled

2011-11-10T02:30:53Z

CARSON CITY - Elections have consequences.

That's what the reigning parties say to explain the millions of dollars spent to win political races. Winners get to govern according to their philosophies. At least theoretically.

Then there's the reality of a system stacked against big changes regardless of how impressive the victors' showing at the ballot box.

Democrats have learned that lesson to their frust...

Wisconsin politicians face specter of fresh recall votes

2011-11-08T05:30:32Z

MADISON, Wis (Reuters) - Republican Governor Scott Walker could headline a cast of Wisconsin lawmakers who may be fighting for their political lives in a sequel next year to last summer...

Virginia state Senate election may be signal for Obama

2011-11-05T18:30:10Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Virginia's state Senate elections next week are shaping up as an early signal for President Barack Obama ahead of national elections next year.

Republicans have a strong shot at taking control of the state Senate from

Washington state government cuts cell phones, car fleets

2011-11-04T18:00:23Z

(Reuters) - Washington state Governor Christine Gregoire told state agencies on Friday to reduce their use of cellular phones and the number of cars in their vehicle fleets to help cut the state's expenses.

Gregoire's directive comes as the legislature prepares for a specia...

California Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani Comes Out Gay

2011-11-02T08:00:08Z

California Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani has publicly announced she is gay

California Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani has publicly announced she is gay.

The 47-year-old Galgiani discussed her sexual orientation for the first time on Tuesday with the Stockton Record.

In the wide-ranging interview, the Democrat from Livingston told the pa...

University of New Hampshire, faculty at contract impasse

2011-10-27T14:00:17Z

LITTLETON, New Hampshire (Reuters) - The University of New Hampshire and its faculty reached an impasse in salary negotiations on Thursday for the second time in a year, as the school struggles to cope with a steep cut in state fund...

Rep. John Olver of Massachusetts announces retirement plans

2011-10-26T16:30:07Z

CONWAY, Mass (Reuters) - Representative John Olver, a Massachusetts Democrat, said on Wednesday he plans to retire from Congress when his current term ends next year, citing family issues.

Olver's decision could lead to elimination of his district, averting a potential fight in the state over planned Congressional redistricting.

Olver...

Ohio clamps down on exotic animals after slaughter

2011-10-21T17:30:27Z

Ohio clamped down on private ownership of exotic and dangerous animals Friday after dozens of lions, bears and rare tigers freed by their suicidal owner had to be killed.

Governor John Kasich signed an executive order ordering state agencies to do everything allowed under existing laws to track down any dangerous animals being kept in the midwestern US state and make sure they are held in adequate and s...

Ohio governor takes steps on exotic animals

2011-10-21T15:00:15Z

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Reuters) - Ohio Governor John Kasich on Friday called for a temporary moratorium on the sale of dangerous wild animals after a collector caused a panic by releasing dozens of lions, tigers, bears and other animals.

But a leading critic said Kasich's...

Utility bill assistance fund is out of money

2011-10-15T02:32:31Z

The state has turned off the lights on its program to help Nevadans keep theirs on.

A state program that helps thousands of poor families with their utility bills has temporarily run out of money.

The Energy Assistance Program, funded by a surcharge on electricity bills and the federal government, ran out of cash in late September, said Miki Allard, spokeswoman for the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services.

The program will not resume its work until e...

More jobs in low-tax Texas, but wages are low

2011-10-14T09:30:25Z

Craig LeTulle is living the American dream on his ranch in Texas -- where there's no state income tax and few restrictions on business -- and he doesn't think President Barack Obama has any right to take it away with tax hikes targeting the rich.

Obama says it's only fair for those who can afford it to pay a little more to help the country get its fiscal house in order and recover from...

Another Nigerian ex-governor targeted in graft probe

2011-10-07T14:30:17Z

Nigerian authorities declared an ex-state governor wanted Friday over corruption allegations involving hundreds of millions of dollars, the fourth ex-governor caught up in graft investigations this week.

"The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former governor of

California to end food stamp fingerprinting

2011-10-06T21:30:06Z

SACRAMENTO, Calif (Reuters) - Low-income Californians will no longer need to be fingerprinted when they apply for food stamp assistance, under legislation signed into law on Thursday by Governor Jerry Brown.

California was ...

California law fights regulation with regulation

2011-10-06T20:30:14Z

SACRAMENTO, Calif (Reuters) - In an odd twist, California business groups applauded Governor Jerry Brown for signing legislation on Thursday to create a new layer of government regulation they say will lessen the burdens imposed ...

Wisconsin Democrats want anti-union governor's picture removed

2011-10-06T15:00:10Z

MILWAUKEE (Reuters) - Democrats in the Wisconsin state Assembly want to remove a portrait of a former governor who gave an order that led to the fatal shooting of seven people in a Milwaukee labor dispute 125 years ago.

The political battle over art is reminiscent of the controversial removal earlier this year of a m...

A son, a mentor's son and a U.S. senator

2011-10-04T02:30:48Z

Rarely could an application process for a city attorney position rise to Shakespearean levels, but this one does.But if the Bard fits, use him:

A senator's son applies for the job. Dad calls councilfolk to talk up son. That's par for the Nevada juice course.

But the part that makes this Shakespeare-worthy is that another applicant happens to be the son of a former governor — a chief executive whom the senator love...

Supreme Court won't review gun rights outside of home

2011-10-03T08:30:35Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court refused Monday to consider whether an individual's right to own guns includes carrying a firearm outside the home, staying out of one of the nation's most divisive social, political and legal issues.

The justices let stand a ruling by Maryland's highest court that upheld a state law prohibiting the carrying of a handgun without a permit o...

Another top aide to Wisconsin governor steps down

2011-09-30T12:30:13Z

MADISON, Wis (Reuters) - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker's chief of staff Keith Gilkes, who helped steer the Republican governor's controversial push to curb collective bargaining rights of public sector workers, resigned ...

U.S.-Mexico border governors sign crime-fighting pact

2011-09-29T23:30:05Z

ENSENADA, Mexico (Reuters) - Governors along the U.S.-Mexico border agreed on Thursday to examine how to create shared databases where they can swap DNA and other biometric information on criminals in an effort to curb the flow of guns and drugs between the two countries.

Officials announced the agreement at the end of an annual conference of regio...

Pennsylvania lawmakers: English-only bills would unify state

2011-09-19T16:30:30Z

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Two Republican Pennsylvania state legislators said on Monday their proposals to declare English the official language of state government would be a unifying move that says "this is who we are."

The proposal by Representative Scott Perry would ...

Hospital executive found guilty in New York corruption probe

2011-09-12T15:30:10Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former hospital executive was convicted on Monday of conspiracy and fraud for creating fake consulting contracts to funnel money to New York state legislators in exchange for influence in Albany.

David Rosen, who...

Ruben Diaz Says David Weprin's Gay Marriage Vote Betrayed New York Families

2011-09-12T08:00:17Z

New York State Senator Ruben Diaz is dialing against Assemblyman David Weprin for his support of gay marriage

New York State Senator Ruben Diaz is dialing against Assemblyman David Weprin for his support of gay marriage.

Diaz, the Senate's only Democrat who voted against a bill in June that made New York<...

Illinois Governor Quinn to close facilities, cut jobs

2011-09-08T13:30:28Z

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said on Thursday he will close two state prisons and other facilities and lay off more than 1,900 workers to keep the current state budget from running out of money.

The Democratic governor blamed the Democrat-c...

California legislature approves shark fin ban

2011-09-06T20:00:10Z

SACRAMENTO (Reuters) - Shark fin soup would be off the menu in California, under a bill headed for the governor's desk following its approval by the state Senate on Tuesday.

The measure, which gained final passage on a bipartisan 25-9 vote, would ban the sale, purchase or possession in Cal...

Appeals court upholds same-sex benefits in Arizona

2011-09-06T18:00:08Z

PHOENIX (Reuters) - A federal appeals court ruled on Tuesday that Arizona must continue for now to provide health care benefits to same-sex partners of state government workers.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in CHICAGO (Reuters) - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's administration warned on Tuesday that some state agencies will run out of money in late April because appropriations will fall short.

"The General Assembly sent the governor an incomplete budget that does not ...

Atlantic coast communities work to clean up before Labor Day

2011-08-29T12:30:17Z

WILMINGTON, North Carolina (Reuters) - Communities along the Atlantic coast and inland grappled on Monday with the lingering effects of Hurricane Irene, with floodi...

Missouri judge blocks teacher-student social media law

2011-08-26T13:00:19Z

KANSAS CITY, Mo (Reuters) - A Missouri judge on Friday blocked a pending state law that would prevent teachers and students from communicating privately over the Internet on social media sites such as Facebook.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla (Reuters) - A tough economy and a governor's campaign promise have Florida alligator farmers shedding more than crocodile tears as they try to market their exotic commodity with less help from the state.

Republican Governor...

Analysis: For unions, state votes may point way for 2012

2011-08-09T12:30:21Z

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Labor unions and their Republican opponents are pouring record amounts of cash into state ballot fights over workers' rights this year that could shape the political agenda in the 2012 election.

The contests in Wisconsin and Ohio -- both crucial "swing" states expected to be decided by slim margins when Democratic

Wisconsin spending soars as Senate recall elections near

2011-08-04T15:30:13Z

MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) - Spending on recall election campaigns for Wisconsin's Senate, seen as a potential gauge of public sentiment, has reached about $30 million, largely by outside interest groups, a nonpartisan watchdog said on Thursday.

Wisconsin'...

NJ Governor Christie more like 2016, not 2012, hopeful

2011-08-01T07:00:41Z

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has said he has no interest in running for president but relentless speculation about his plans could make him a kingmaker in 2012 and position him to run in 2016.

Known for his blunt style and conservative approa...

Jerry Brown Inauguration

2011-01-03T17:31:54Z

Jerry Brown, left, is sworn-in as the 39th Governor of California by California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, right, as Anne Gust Brown looks on during ceremonies in Sacramento, Calif.<...

Wisconsin Governor Inauguration

2011-01-03T13:01:59Z

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks at an inauguration ceremony in the rotunda of the state Capitol Monday, Jan. 3, 2011, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

...

Alaska Senate

2010-12-31T16:30:30Z

FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2010 file photo, Republican Joe Miller speaks with reporters during a news conference in Juneau, Alaska. Miller is ending his fight over Alaska's U.S. Senate seat, conceding the race to his bitter rival, incumbent Delaware Republican Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell delivers remarks at Values Voter Summit in Washington. Federal authorities have opened a criminal investigation of O'Donnell to determine if she broke ...

Slavery Murals

2010-12-29T12:01:40Z

One of seven historic paintings hang in the lobby of the Georgia Department of Agriculture Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, in Atlanta. Incoming Georgia agriculture commissioner Gary Black wants to remove the paintings, including one depicting idealized versions of slavery, and put them into storage when he take...

State Government News

Drive to force Wisconsin recall vote nears goal