2012 CSG Innovations Award Winners!

Panels of state officials in the CSG regions convened this summer and chose two winners of a 2012 CSG Innovations Award from several outstanding finalists in their respective regions. These programs address archiving state records, corrections, economic development, forestry, mental health, military veterans, water, and welfare fraud. 

Stateline Midwest ~ February 2012

Shortly after setting her sights on her current office, Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman recalls being gently warned about what lay ahead by a legislative colleague.

Stateline Midwest ~ May 2012

When can and do bills enacted into law actually take effect?

Can cutting red tape in state government really make a difference when it comes to job creation and business support? At a time when many states are seeking ways to encourage economic growth and stability, secretaries of state are making efforts to ensure that state filing and licensing offices are business-friendly and streamlined for success through business one-stops, fee reductions and other incentives.

The office of lieutenant governor is the proven method of gubernatorial succession in the states and territories, having stood the test of time and experience for more than 200 years. The few states that ever abolished the office of lieutenant governor have reinstated it. History reveals five principles to well-written succession law utilizing the office of lieutenant governor. Moreover, states and territories continue to capitalize on the value of this office with lieutenant governors garnering power and responsibility from the constitution, statute or gubernatorial appointment, or through personal initiative. The trend line for the growth and value of the office is seen through new studies and increasing pay rates, growth in duties and political roles, and anecdotally through press.

Governors remain in the forefront of activity in the 21st century.  While the governorship was not the stepping stone to the White House for President Barack Obama - as it was for the country's two previous presidents, Democratic Gov. Bill Clinton from Arkansas (1993-2001) and Republican George W. Bush from Texas (2001-2009) - governors continue to be in the middle of addressing the problems facing the country's weak economy.  The demands on governors to propose state budgets and then keep them in balance have increased greatly during the current recession as severe revenue shortfalls have hit the states.  This has placed severe limits on states' abilities to address the many growing needs of people trying to live through tough times.  Politically, this has led to fallout from unhappy voters as they vent their anger and frustration towards leaders on election days. 

The National Bureau of Economic Research determined the end of the Great Recession in June 2009 because, “the trough marks the end of the recession that began in December 2007 and the beginning of an expansion.”² Now three years into an expansion, governors are beating the bushes for ways to stretch a dollar. This year, governors presented many ideas for keeping government going, though primarily in the areas of education and economic development. Chief executives did not shy away from talking about revenues, though most of this talk addressed the creation of tax credits, exemptions or incentives to promote job creation. Continued fiscal stress in the states is evidenced by the fact that for the second straight year, the number of issues addressed by at least two-thirds of governors declined. Governors exhibit “funnel vision” as fiscal malaise continues; they have honed down their budget and policy agendas and focus on just the most primary of state functions.

Chapter 4 of the 2012 Book of the States contains the following articles and tables: