Nov. 7 2009
Here are this week's Stateline.org stories on important trends and innovations in state capitols.
Weekly wrap: Louisiana pleasantly surprised by haul from tax amnesty program
By Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.org Staff Writer
More than $300 million is generated from delinquent Louisiana taxpayers; California finance chief hangs it up; Iowa Gov. Culver campaigns as problem solver; and stimulus Web site turns up boo-boos.   Read More  

Report: 11 states emerging from recession
By David Harrison, Special to Stateline.org
It’s going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report.   Read More  

N.J. race could be omen for incumbents
By Stateline.org Staff Reports
TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) today (Nov. 3) becomes the first incumbent governor in the 2009-2010 election cycle to face the voters amid the rising unemployment and deep budget cuts that have hit states across the nation.   Read More  

Spending limits, gambling top fiscal 2009 ballot measures
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
The national spotlight may be focused Nov. 3 on elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, but voters elsewhere could take action to profoundly change the way their states get and spend taxpayers’ money.   Read More  

Budget 'fixes' run into trouble
By Stateline.org Staff Reports
TODAY'S TAKE: Unlike the federal government, almost every state is required by law to balance its budget. But that doesn't mean state lawmakers always balance the books in the most straightforward of ways: by matching revenues with spending.   Read More  

Weekly wrap: Rating agency slams Conn. on borrowing
By Stephen C. Fehr, Stateline.org Staff Writer
Agency lowers Conn. credit outlook; federal broadband grants will be delayed a month; and confusion continues on stimulus job claims.   Read More