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Governors To Congress: Let Us Tax Internet Sales
More than 40 governors are calling for congressional approval of state sales taxes on Internet purchases. In a letter sent to all House and Senate members late last Friday (8/17), the governors urge Congress not to renew a 1998 moratorium on Internet access taxes unless the states are allowed to design a system for the […]
Redistricting Causes Sparks Regardless of Process
With ten years of state and congressional political control hanging in the balance, redistricting is often rife with power struggles and partisanship. But over the past few decades, many states have tried to get the partisanship out of the process by enacting various guidelines, from employing independent mapmakers to giving the courts a say. Twelve […]
Economic Slump Has States Tightening Belts
The slowing national economy has many states facing budget deficits and shrinking account balances for the first time since the early 1990’s, according to a report released this week by the National Conference of State Legislatures. NCSL surveyed the 46 states that have passed budgets for fiscal year 2002 — which began July 1 for […]
Federal Tax Rebates an Issue For Some States
When Congress approved President Bush’s income tax rebate plan, lawmakers in nine states were faced with the prospect of being cast as the grinch who stole Christmas. That’s because laws in their states would have taken a bite out of the federal refund to taxpayers. But the lawmakers quickly realized that the political headache caused […]
States Slow To Fund Faith-Based Organizations
Five years after President Clinton signed a law allowing state governments to direct federal funds to faith-based organizations, most states have not given a single dollar to religious nonprofits and only a handful have sent significant sums their way. Experts say the slow-going has been caused by bureaucratic inertia, fear of lawsuits for constitutional violations, […]
Fireworks, Public Safety Uneasy Bedfellows
Many state borders look different around the Fourth of July. Colorful signs spring up as border towns and back roads become convenient locations for fireworks vendors to set up shop. The reason? State fireworks laws are as spotty as one’s vision after a shimmering fireworks show, and open borders permit a free flow of pyrotechnics […]
States Fall Short On Tobacco Prevention Efforts
States are making little progress this year on anti-smoking prevention programs, say researchers from the American Lung Association. Though there are a few bright spots in Maine and Mississippi, in other parts of the country, lawmakers have backed measures that cap civil suits against the tobacco industry. Numerous states are also opting to use tobacco […]
State Surplus Auctions Go High-Tech
From the surprise success of PBS’ Antiques Roadshow to the ever-growing popularity of online auction house eBay, people everywhere are capitalizing on America’s appetite for used goods. States too are in the used goods business. And recently, more and more of them have been turning to the Internet to clear their attics of the excess […]
Bush Tax Cut Hits States’ Wallets
At a time when the slowing national economy is already threatening the states’ financial health, the package of tax cuts passed by Congress figures to compound their fiscal woes. Billed by the Bush administration as tax relief for all people, the tax cuts will drain billions of dollars from state coffers as the states’ share […]
States Confront Challenges of Changing Economy
Once known more for cow chips than computer chips, Austin, Texas is booming. Thirty years of solid economic growth and recent spectacular gains have catapulted this once-sleepy government and university town into the upper-echelon of the nation’s economic performers. Austin is now positioned among the likes of California’s Silicon Valley, Boston, Mass., and Northern Virginia […]
Pennsylvania, Washington Take Different Paths To E-Government
In an interview with Stateline.org last January, President Bill Clinton said the Internet “will not only be a global electronic marketplace–it may also become the town square.” As more state governments move to offer additional services online, President Clinton’s prediction is coming true. But a little-explored consequence of the move toward e-government is the blurring […]
Internet Changing Face of State Government
Ever wanted to tour the New Hampshire State House? Rather stroll through the Colorado governor’s mansion instead? Perhaps you’d like to hear the cry of a loon as it glides over Minnesota’s lakes region? Or maybe you’re thinking of making a movie in Mississippi and would like to investigate the area and its resources? Until […]