The Council of State Governments’ National Center for Interstate Compacts is working with several stakeholder groups on issues ranging from electric transmission lines, distance learning, and licensing of EMS and other medical services personnel. Find out more about compacts relating to these issues, all of which are in various stages of development.

On a previous blog post I took a look at a Washington Post article that highlighted how arguments across state legislatures are heating when it comes to how best to spend surplus revenue due to the recent rebound in state revenue levels. It was noted that Republican-leaning states tended to use the surplus to cut taxes while Democrat-leaning states tended to use the surplus for social welfare benefits like education. This new Stateline article picks up where that Washington Post article left off and details how some of these states are going about their business. 

Today's Wall Street Journal featured a front page story highlighting that US crude oil production grew by 14% last year. The finding came from an annual compilation of industry trend lines that is published by BP  called the Statistical Review of World Energy, which noted that the increase was the largest in the world and the largest in US history. Rising domestic crude oil production, according to the report, was largely tied to increased use of hydraulic fracturing that has led to rapid growth in shale production in North Dakota and Texas.

Transportation funding is getting a close look as lawmakers convene in special sessions in Austin and Olympia this week. I also have items on how Connecticut lawmakers recently approved a measure to make the state’s transportation fund off-limits to budget raids, how Michigan’s high gas prices may be hurting the chances of a gas tax increase, and how a compromise transportation plan might emerge in Pennsylvania. Plus, news from the world of public-private partnerships and additional links to recent items and resources.

Arkansas is about to give some of its college students “credit when it’s due.” The state’s higher education leadership announced on Wednesday a plan that will make it easier for students who begin postsecondary studies in a community college but later transfer to a four-year institute to earn an associate degree.