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Social Policy

Silver Alert helps rescue lost seniors
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer

A recent Silver Alert on a Texas state highway automated sign. (Stateline.org removed the license plate number to protect the owner‘s privacy.)
A recent Silver Alert on a Texas state highway automated sign. (Stateline.org removed the license plate number to protect the owner‘s privacy.)
(Updated 9:30 a.m EST, May 8, 2008)

When an elderly person with dementia is lost, eight states can trigger an alert to let the community know. Proposals in Congress would expand the successful missing persons program to all 50 states.

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US: Facebook safeguards will protect young users


HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday.
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US: Behind college raid, rising drug use on campus


LOS ANGELES - The arrest this week of 96 suspects on drug-related charges, including 75 students, after a six-month sting operation at San Diego State University is shining a fresh spotlight on the issue of growing substance abuse at America's colleges and universities.   Read More
VA: Tax increases would hurt poorest, group says  Registration Required


Some of the taxes and fees being considered by Virginia lawmakers to fund the state's transportation needs could hit the neediest residents the hardest, according to a report released yesterday.   Read More
CA: Debate on analyzing 'cold hit' DNA matches swirls in case before California Supreme Court


One of the key issues in a case argued Thursday before the California Supreme Court is how to describe the significance of a "cold hit," when a criminal suspect is first identified through a DNA database search.   Read More
SC: Help on the way for senior scam victims


Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer is undertaking a new initiative that seeks to help seniors steer clear of scams and stand by them when they are victims.   Read More
NC: Easley supports college for illegal immigrants  Registration Required


In a statement that defied the legal advice of the state's attorney general, Gov. Mike Easley told community colleges Thursday that they can set their own admission standards, which currently welcome students regardless of their immigration status.   Read More
FL: Prevent blindness, save the manatee - and give to Family First?


A Tampa group that promotes healthy families would be the first of its kind allowed to ask Florida drivers to donate money under a little-noticed bill headed to the governor.   Read More
MA: Keeping the boys away from the girls  Registration Required


The teacher, a burly presence in the front of the room, calls his young charges "gentlemen," even if they're really boys.   Read More
MA: State agency seeks to cover 30,000 more uninsured  Registration Required


The authority overseeing the state's healthcare law is exploring ways to cover an additional 30,000 uninsured residents, a step that could increase the annual cost of the program by more than $250 million within a few years.   Read More
CA: California tax proposals target beer-loving, pornography-watching yacht owners  Registration Required


As state leaders hunt for politically palatable solutions to the swelling budget shortfall, some Democrats are proposing unorthodox ways to generate cash.   Read More
23 states face budget gaps in '09
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Like a college student fishing for stray quarters in the sofa cushions, states are tightening their belts, dipping into their rainy day funds and hoping revenues will pick up. But the faltering economy already has punched a $26 billion hole in 23 state budgets for 2009 – and it could get worse, according to a new report issued today (April 25).
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CA: Group sues over order to stop feeding the homeless at Doheny State Beach  Registration Required


Members of a charity group threatened with arrest while trying to feed homeless people at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point have filed a federal lawsuit against state parks officials, claiming interference with their constitutional rights.   Read More
Fairness of death-penalty panels questioned
By John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Death-penalty supporters are raising questions about the fairness of state commissions charged with studying how capital punishment is carried out in Maryland and Tennessee, claiming the panels will issue reports that ignore their views.   Read More
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
By Pauline Vu, Stateline.org Staff Writer

An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.   Read More
Seeds of social issues dot 2008 elections
By Louis Jacobson, Stateline.org Columnist

With a sagging economy and a divisive war occupying Americans’ minds, will social issues be overshadowed in state elections in 2008?
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Parents turn to states for autism help
By Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org Staff Writer

(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.
 
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With justices' OK, voter ID moves ahead
By Daniel C. Vock and John Gramlich, Stateline.org Staff Writers

A decision Monday (April 28) by the U.S. Supreme Court to let Indiana demand photo identification from voters paves the way for other states to do the same during November’s presidential election, experts say.   Read More
Gay marriage decisions ripe in Calif., Conn.
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer

(Updated March 6, 2008)

More than four years after its historic court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, Massachusetts stands alone in blessing gay marriages — more than 10,000 to date — and its example has spurred no imitators but lots of backlash. All eyes now are on the highest courts in California and Connecticut.
  Read More
Governors pitch ambitious programs
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

Billion-dollar deficits in California, New York and Arizona haven’t stopped governors there and elsewhere from proposing big-ticket items for 2008. Stateline.org looks at proposals from governors’ 2008 "state of the state" speeches and provides an exclusive summary of all the addresses so far.
  Read More
Embryonic stem cell research divides states
By Christine Vestal, Stateline.org Staff Writer

President Bush’s second veto of a bill to allow federal funding of stem cell research puts the ethical issue squarely in states’ hands. So far, seven states have moved to fund the research, six have banned it, three have affirmed its legality but do not fund it and a handful of others continue to debate the issue.   Read More
AL: Senate blocks grocery tax bill


Democrats in the Alabama Senate fell one vote short Thursday of bringing up a bill that would remove the state sales tax from groceries by no longer allowing Alabamians to deduct the federal income taxes they pay from their state income taxes.   Read More
AR: Lawmakers tell Ark. MLK panel they're tired of controversy


Legislators on Thursday told the Martin Luther King Commission -- which has been beset by public infighting over its appointments and finances -- that they've grown tired of the controversy surrounding the panel.   Read More
AR: 211 information and referral system launched in Arkansas


LOWELL, Ark. - Arkansas became the 17th state this week to have a simple, three-digit number that connects residents to community services and volunteer opportunities.   Read More
AR: King Commmission co-chair supports director, concerned about commission's direction


The co-chairman of the troubled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission on Thursday defended the executive director, who has been linked to an insurance fraud ring, but said he is concerned about the commission and its future.   Read More
AZ: Arizona abortion providers might increase  Registration Required


A panel of the state Board of Nursing is recommending that nurse practitioners be allowed to perform first-trimester abortions in Arizona.   Read More
CO: Legislature: Disabled win hearts, votes


Advocates for the developmentally disabled were stunned and saddened when Rep. Michael Garcia resigned suddenly Feb. 1.   Read More
CO: Colorado AG praises Facebook safeguards


Facebook will put in new safeguards to protect children from online predators and inappropriate content.   Read More
CT: Yale fires back at South Korean university over fake degree  Registration Required


NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Details of a sex scandal involving a top South Korean official and an art history professor, who lied about having a Yale degree, will be used by the Ivy League school to defend itself against a federal lawsuit filed by the South Korean university that hired the professor.   Read More
CT: Legislature left nursing-home reforms on table  Registration Required


For months, state Sen. Edith Prague rallied support for nursing-home reforms from Democratic leaders and advocates for the elderly, telling anyone who would listen that "this is the year" for improvements to minimum-staffing requirements and stronger oversight of the industry.   Read More
CT: Rell - Low-interest loans OK'd for Norwich fire victims  Registration Required


NORWICH, Conn. - Gov. M. Jodi Rell says victims of the April 26 fire that destroyed a Norwich apartment complex can apply for low-interest federal loans.   Read More
CT: Democrats plan special session


Democratic lawmakers said they are committed to calling the state legislature back in for a special session this spring, citing their desire to extend a critical source of revenue for cities and towns.   Read More
CT: Demonstration permits issued for Cheney visit  Registration Required


NEW LONDON, Conn. - Supporters and opponents of the war in Iraq have been granted permits to demonstrate during Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's commencement.   Read More
FL: Democrats tout shift in Hispanic voting  Registration Required


Hispanic voters registered as Democrats have overtaken Hispanic Republicans in Florida, signaling a trend that, if it continues, could have far-reaching implications for the 2008 election and U.S. foreign policy.   Read More
FL: Results mixed for Citizens' loan program  Registration Required


The 13 insurers that took advantage of a low-cost loan program to pump up capital and write thousands of new policies are still sitting on millions of unused dollars.   Read More
FL: Republican Hispanic Conference to court Hispanic vote in Orlando  Registration Required


Florida's Republicans will gather Saturday in Orlando to shore up support among Hispanics as the presidential election nears -- part of a long-term strategy to earn the community's votes for good.   Read More
GA: Another to be put to death


Two days after becoming the first state to break a seven-month pause in executions, Georgia is moving quickly to put another convicted killer to death later this month.   Read More
GA: Warrant signed for next Georgia execution  Registration Required


An execution warrant was signed Thursday for death-row inmate Samuel David Crowe, who is now scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection 7 p.m. on May 22.   Read More
IA: Senator questions printing of DOT notice in Spanish


Senate Republican Leader Ron Wieck of Sioux City says it appears the Iowa Department of Transportation broke the law by having a public hearing notice printed in the Sioux City Journal Thursday in both English and Spanish.   Read More
IA: Despite exemption, prisons to ban smoking


NEWTON, Iowa -- Iowa's prisons will become tobacco-free in early January even though state lawmakers exempted the institutions in a new law that bans smoking in most public places.   Read More
IA: Tama casino offers poker to gamblers under age 21


The Meskwaki Indian tribe plans to offer poker to 18- to 21-year-old gamblers next month at its Tama casino, but state regulators said the young players will be barred from slot machines, blackjack and other games.   Read More
IA: Iowa prisons to ban smoking in 2009


Iowa's prisons are going smoke-free, despite an exemption from the state's new statewide smoking ban.   Read More
IA: New law targets fans of dogfights


Those who attend and bet on illegal animal fights could now face tougher penalties, thanks to the work of two Davenport lawmakers who want to stop animal abuse.   Read More
IA: DOT to continue using Spanish, other languages


The Iowa Department of Transportation plans to keep publishing official notices in Spanish and other languages, despite a recent court ruling upholding the state's English-language law, a spokeswoman said Thursday.   Read More
IL: Will the capital city be able to gamble on racing?


Harness racing up to nine months a year at the Illinois State Fairgrounds could help raise money for fairground improvements and the Sangamon County emergency dispatch system, according to Rep. Raymond Poe.   Read More
IN: Booksellers agree with suit challenging new legislation


"I just thought it was stupid." That was the reaction of Sarah Bird, co-owner of the Griffon Bookstore in downtown South Bend, when she first heard of a new law that will require retailers of sexually explicit materials to register with the state and pay a fee.   Read More
KS: Legislature's issues in 2008 mirrored nation's  Registration Required


Kansas lawmakers spent the 2008 session wrestling mightily with problems of national, even global scope, and their failures were nearly as big.   Read More
KS: Local issues played a role in session


For the second time in as many years, lawmakers said with a unified voice that Kansas hates funeral protests.   Read More
LA: Museum system changes cleared by Senate panel


Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu cleared the first step Thursday to gaining more control over the Louisiana museum system, but not without museum supporters renewing accusations that he is attempting a misguided power grab that would harm properties such as the Cabildo and the Presbytere.   Read More
LA: Panel approves 'Bill of Rights'


A Senate committee gave swift approval Thursday to a proposed "Bill of Rights" that would grant sweeping new benefits for Road Home applicants who assert that the contractors running the homeowner grant program are not following the policies set by the Louisiana Recovery Authority.   Read More
LA: Bill would ban mentally ill from guns


More than a year after a mentally ill student killed 32 people at Virginia Tech, Louisiana legislators are considering a bill to prohibit similarly unstable people from buying firearms.   Read More
LA: Cravins expects Jetson bill OK


A state Senate bill that sets deadlines for closing Jetson - a state-run juvenile prison with a history of brutality - and for establishing smaller, regionalized juvenile detention facilities has a good chance of passing, said State Sen. Donald Cravins Jr.   Read More
MD: Union won't back slots


Breaking with the state teachers union, the Montgomery County Education Association voted Wednesday night not to endorse Maryland's slot machine gambling referendum, according to a news release from Marylanders United to Stop Slots.   Read More
MD: Stem cell study grants awarded


Maryland has handed out its second round of grants for stem cell research, awarding a total of $23 million for 62 projects ranging from basic studies of the cells' properties to potential therapies for human disease.   Read More
MD: Divided over slots


Large organizations are having as difficult a time with the issue of bringing slot machine gambling to Maryland as the General Assembly had in bringing the issue to the November ballot.   Read More
ME: Outdoor smoking at restaurants: Is a ban too much?


A proposal to ban smoking in outdoor seating areas at Portland restaurants triggered a debate Thursday on the competing rights of individuals.   Read More
MI: Senate OKs plan to ban smoking in bars, eateries


Michigan is closer than it's ever been to snuffing out smoking from most bars, restaurants and workplaces.   Read More
MI: State smoking ban closer to reality


"Smoking or nonsmoking?" That question was closer to extinction Thursday as the state Senate approved a statewide ban on smoking on all workplaces including bars, restaurants and even casinos.   Read More
MI: Some owners OK with ban, others not


A smoking ban in Michigan restaurants and bars won't have the long-term negative impact on business that many owners fear it will, several restaurateurs predicted Thursday.   Read More
MI: Senate passes ban on smoking


All Michigan workplaces, including bars, restaurants and clubs, are a big step closer to becoming smoke-free.   Read More
MI: Tribe exemption unfair, casino officials say


A smoking ban approved by the Michigan Senate that includes casinos could keep gamblers away in Detroit, and gives an unfair advantage to casinos operated by tribes, casinos officials and observers said.   Read More
MI: Senate OKs smoking ban; reaction mixed


When Chris Fegley and his son, 4-year-old Gavin, venture out for a meal, their restaurant choice depends on the location's smoke level.   Read More
MI: Same-sex benefits ruling might have minimal effect


A potentially devastating ruling Wednesday by Michigan's high court about same-sex benefits is likely to have little local effect.   Read More
MI: Michigan Senate OKs ban on smoking in bars, restaurants


The Michigan Senate on Thursday voted to prohibit smoking in all bars, restaurants and workplaces.   Read More
MN: Legislators OK higher dropout age, minimum-wage hike  Registration Required


Legislators dropped the hammer on Minnesota teens, and passed a bill to raise the minimum wage in two stages. But a transportation policy bill that would have made the failure to wear seat belts a primary offense was sent back to a conference committee.   Read More
MS: New recovery chief meets Coast leaders


GULFPORT, Miss. -- President Bush's newest recovery czar met with local leaders Thursday to discuss pressing needs in South Mississippi.   Read More
MS: Facebook agrees to make site safer for teens


In a continuing effort to develop restrictions to protect children on the Internet, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said Thursday that he and 47 of his counterparts have hammered out an agreement with Facebook.   Read More
MT: Attorney general hopeful focuses on meth


Montana law enforcement needs more manpower in the battle against methamphetamine, and addicts need more treatment, a Democratic candidate for attorney general said.   Read More
NE: AG -- Facebook agrees to make changes


Attorney General Jon Bruning joined 48 other attorneys general in announcing that social-networking site Facebook agreed to changes to better protect children from predators and inappropriate content.   Read More
NE: Bruning stands firm on position for discrimination cases


If the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission and Attorney General Jon Bruning can?t cooperate, about 80 housing discrimination complaints a year will go to federal investigators.   Read More
NH: Cigarette tax likely to stay flat


House budget writers proposed delaying a potential 25-cent cigarette tax increase yesterday to see if a pending tax increase in neighboring Massachusetts will drive smokers to New Hampshire despite high gas prices.   Read More
NJ: Panel OKs aid for low-income students  Registration Required


A bill authorizing a pilot program of scholarships to allow low-income children to attend private or out-of-district public schools cleared its first step in the state legislature yesterday.   Read More
NJ: Talk explores medical care at end of life


New Jersey's intensive use of medical care at the end of life -- the most aggressive in the nation -- will be examined at a day-long medical conference Monday at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.   Read More
NJ: Activists -- COAH's dragging its feet


Activists who want an appeals court to appoint a special master to oversee the state's affordable housing effort yesterday charged the Council on Affordable Housing will not meet a court-ordered deadline for finalizing new housing construction guidelines and is intentionally dragging its feet.   Read More
NM: Navajo water rights bill heads to U.S. Senate floor


ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.?The bill that would settle the Navajo Nation's water rights claims in the San Juan River Basin has cleared its first hurdle with approval of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.   Read More
NV: Public Health Crisis - More infections surface  Registration Required


Health authorities said Thursday that 77 more patients might have contracted hepatitis C at a local medical clinic where unsafe injection practices have been identified.   Read More
NV: Nevada Republicans bolt party line, support housing package


WASHINGTON - In a sign of how the mortgage crisis is rippling through Nevada and across the national political landscape, the state?s two Republican House members broke ranks with their party Thursday and defied President Bush?s veto threat to vote for the main provisions of a Democratic housing rescue package.   Read More
NV: Union pushed; Trop fell


The owners of the Tropicana might have filed for bankruptcy protection regardless of labor union tactics.   Read More
NY: Gov. endorses tests for cops involved in shootings


Gov. David A. Paterson met Thursday with Sean Bell's family at his office in Manhattan, where he endorsed a proposal to test officers involved in shootings for alcohol or drugs. The reform has been sought by activists after Bell's 50-shot slaying in 2006.   Read More
NY: NY governor says he'll explore police procedures


NEW YORK ? Gov. David Paterson pledged Thursday to examine undercover police conduct in the aftermath of the 50-bullet police shooting of an unarmed man.   Read More
NY: N.Y. governor vows to examine undercover police procedures


NEW YORK - Gov. David Paterson pledged to examine undercover police conduct on Thursday, a day after more than 200 people were arrested protesting the acquittal of three detectives involved in the shooting death of an unarmed man.   Read More
OH: Dann's ethics form for Washington trip missing


As a state senator, Marc Dann railed against then-Gov. Bob Taft for failing to disclose golf outings and other freebies on his annual financial disclosure statements filed with the Ohio Ethics Commission.   Read More
OH: Ohio pharmacists want to expand role with patients


Ohio pharmacists want to convince insurers that paying them to have one-on-one time with patients with chronic diseases and on multiple medications will improve health and save money.   Read More
OH: Paid sick day backers say they will take issue to ballot


A coalition that wants to require most Ohio businesses to give their employees paid sick days says it wants to put the issue on the November ballot.   Read More
OH: Hard-hit consumers turn to Amish-run stores, expired goods


MESOPOTAMIA, Ohio - In a quiet gas-lit farmhouse on a frosty spring morning, two girls in bonnets and long blue dresses wind tape around expired bottles of Newman's Own salad dressing, and wipe dust off dented cans of vegetables and crumpled boxes of Butterfinger candy bars.   Read More
OH: Husted wants independent inquiry


House Speaker Jon Husted, R-Kettering, believes an independent, external investigation is needed to gather all the facts before the House considers whether to impeach Democratic Attorney General Marc Dann.   Read More
OH: Clearing the air costly to county


DAYTON, Ohio - Enforcing Ohio's indoor smoking ban costs big bucks, and the fines issued to violators don't come close to paying for it, local health department officials have discovered.   Read More
OH: Former Ohio AG aide says he was fired with no investigation


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - A former aide to embattled Attorney General Marc Dann says he was terminated last year without an investigation by the office, unlike two top aides who were fired last week after sexual harassment claims against one of them prompted an internal probe.   Read More
OK: Lawmaker encourages disaster funding  Registration Required


A state lawmaker is encouraging the Legislature to approve a plan to secure state dollars for emergency disasters in Oklahoma.   Read More
OK: City advocates promoting 'wraparound' care  Registration Required


When her daughter was tiny, Jackie McKenzie knew something was amiss to make her growl and cry instead of coo and smile.   Read More
OK: District judge sides with police union, chief seeks appeal


SHAWNEE, Okla. - A judge sided with the Shawnee police union in an issue involving minimum staffing policies that the city had appealed to district court, but the police chief is expected to seek another appeal.