State eNews

States Face Difficult Task in Balancing Budgets

By
Jennifer BurnettDebra Miller
|
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:00 AM

State eNews, Issue #46, May 11, 2010

While some economists believe the national economy began its recovery last year, it will likely take years for states to see any respite from the economic storm wreaking havoc on revenues and fiscal stability. In the meantime, states have to figure out how to balance their budgets using controversial tax increases and program cuts—leading to intergovernmental disagreements, legal challenges and special sessions.

Funding New Energy Economy ‘Just Makes Sense’

By
Mikel Chavers
|
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:00 AM

State eNews, Issue #46, May 11, 2010

Even before the federal stimulus funding hit the states, state leaders were exploring renewable energy industries and energy efficiency projects to attract desperately needed jobs. Drawing on the states’ experiences in this arena, The Council of State Governments will feature two sessions on the new energy economy and driving renewable energy at the Economic Summit of the States May 20-23 in New York City.

States Aim for Common Standards for Students

By
Tim Weldon
|
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 12:00 AM
 
About 85 percent of West Virginia’s eighth grade students taking the state’s end-of-year test for reading skills scored at or above a proficient level in 2007. That’s one of the nation’s highest rates for reading proficiency, and would seem to indicate the state’s schools are doing a good job preparing students for college or a career.

States Challenge Federal Health Care Reform

By
Mikel Chavers
|
Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 12:00 AM

State eNews Issue #45, April 29, 2010

So far, 21 states led by their attorneys general are challenging the federal health care reform law, saying the law is unconstitutional in expanding Medicaid, putting a burden on the already cash-strapped states. Other states may join.

States Fall Short of Weatherization Goals

By
Mary Branham
|
Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 12:00 AM

State eNews Issue #45, April 29, 2010

When Congress included $4.73 billion for weatherization projects across the country, many in the states believed that was the ultimate “shovel-ready” project because a federal weatherization program with a funnel to states already existed.

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