BioOil plant planned for Arkansas

ARKANSAS: Biofuel plant to be built by Canadian company

Dynamotive Energy Systems Corp. of Vancouver's new U.S. subsidiary will be Dynamotive USA Inc. The company plans to build a $40 million biomass-to-biofuel plant in the El Dorado area. Sawdust from Springhill Land & Timber of Taylor will be used as a "feedstock" to produce a product called BioOil, which can be used as a replacement for certain types of heating oils.

"It's an exciting thing. It's a new technology, and it's something that Gov Beebe campaigned on," Don Wales of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce told ArkansasBusiness.com.

And the 60 jobs created will be high-paying jobs, equivalent to chemical plant and oil refinery plant jobs -- there's definitely money in going green.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Legislature to take up ethics bills today

FLORIDA: State House approves bill that weakens growth regulations

GEORGIA: Harbors, wildlife refuges to get stimulus funds

LOUISIANA: Senate approves changing megafund law

KENTUCKY: State joins others struggling with unemployment payments

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: Sid Salter: Mississippi needs Section 5, voter ID and early voting

NORTH CAROLINA: State's retirement system loses $4 billion

SOUTH CAROLINA: Earmarks -- Republicans Brown, Clyburn made the most requests

TENNESSEE: Gas tax hike could be added to bills this legislative session

VIRGINIA: State's Democrats welcome Sen. Specter to the party

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Florida Forever land program dropped

FLORIDA: Legislature drops Florida Forever program from budget

Florida Forever, the nation's largest environmental land-buying program, was dropped from the state budget.

Both chambers wanted to zero out the program's $12 million appropriation as the state is facing a $6 billion shortfall. However, Sens. Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee) and Carey Baker (R-Mount Dora) found a new funding source -- $10 million from the potentially $400 million expected by the state from closing a corporate tax loophole.

For now, the program is dead.

ALSO IN THE SOUTH:

ALABAMA: House unanimously approves $6.2 billion budget for education

ARKANSAS: Legislature to be asked to pass law against releasing petitioners' personal information

GEORGIA: SW Ga. mayors want Gov. Perdue to veto tax freeze

KENTUCKY: State's women observe 'Pay Equity Day'

LOUISIANA: Legislature to look at hospital and ethics bills today

MISSISSIPPI: Smokers in Mississippi may see additional 50 cent rise in cigarette prices

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue orders furlough of state employees

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate rejects alternative budget

TENNESSEE: Bill passed by House to allow megasite expansions

VIRGINIA: Democratic candidates for governor gear up for second debate in two days

OPINIONS: Patrick Leahy: Voting Rights Act still has work to do for states
"Today the U.S. Supreme Court will consider a case challenging the constitutional authority of Congress to reauthorize Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act. Three years ago, the Senate and House of Representatives overwhelmingly reauthorized expiring provisions of this critical civil rights law. The challenge brought today before the nation’s highest court threatens to undermine one of the nation’s premier laws protecting the right to vote."

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Alabama's Davis could boost Democrats

ALABAMA: Time: Can Alabama bring about a Democratic revival in the South?

Rep. Artur Davis, the four-term congressman from Alabama, is starting his campaign for the 200 gubernatorial race -- and is considered the candidate who could bring about a Democratic revival in the South.

Nearly 40 of the nation's governor's seats will be open between now and November 2010; in the South, the governor's races in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and in Alabama will be key tests of whether the Democrats can extend their recent gains.

If elected, Davis' win would land another blow to what remains of the G.O.P.'s racially divisive Southern Strategy. He would also be only the third black elected governor in American history, the second from the South.

Peggy Wallace Kennedy, George Wallace's daughter, drew headlines recently for endorsing Davis, and says, "I believe he'll be one of the best governors we've ever had." Asked what her father would say about the prospect of a black governor, she adds, "He'd just say, 'It's the future,' and I think he'd be okay with it."

It's a political race to watch.

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: Commentary on state legislature's defeat of sovereignty resolution

FLORIDA: State legislature keeps jobless rules intact, declines some stimulus funds

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue, Rep. John Lewis comment on necessity of Voting Rights Act

KENTUCKY: State's summer youth jobs program gets $15 million in stimulus funds

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal opens 2009 legislative session with talk of teamwork

MISSISSIPPI: Proposed 43-mile long rail line could link ports with east Mississippi

NORTH CAROLINA: State lottery as a tool for collecting back-taxes, child support

SOUTH CAROLINA: Budget battle continues in the legislature

TENNESSEE: House passes bill that bans texting while driving

VIRGINIA: Farmland disappearing at faster rate in Virginia

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Supreme Court to hear voting rights case

Voting rights case to be heard by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the requirement that a local government get permission from the Justice Department before making even small changes in voting procedures -- from moving a polling place to changing when a poll opens.

The challenge to Section 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act could affect how elections are run in some states. The current law requires nine states -- Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia -- to submit any election changes to Justice officials to ensure that they wouldn't adversely affect minorities.The same requirement affects parts of seven states -- New York, California, Florida, North Carolina, South Dakota, Michigan and New Hampshire.

At issue is whether Section 5 is constitutional and whether certain jurisdictions can "bail out" of the pre-approval requirement if they show that they've kept racial discrimination away from the ballot box for at least 10 years.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Rep. Robert Aderholt backs Tim James for governor

ARKANSAS: State GOP gears up for U.S. Senate race

FLORIDA: Offshore drilling pushed by conservative Republicans in the House

GEORGIA: Ad campaign implores U.S. Rep. Barrow to vote for energy legislation

KENTUCKY: Research center aims to take on overseas battery manufacturers

LOUISIANA: More than 1,000 bills to be debated in 2009 legislative session

MISSISSIPPI: State's mental health system to be studied by panel

NORTH CAROLINA: House to hear from public on budget items Tuesday

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's Democrats meet, consider candidates for 2010 governor's race

TENNESSEE: Natural gas fee seen as hidden tax by some

VIRGINIA: Democratic primary is six weeks away

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Alabama featured in Times story

Take a look at this story from the Friday "Escapes" section of The New York Times. It highlights the area of middle western Alabama where famed Depression-era photographer Walker Evans took memorable photos in 1936.

"Evans is best known for his photographs for “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men,” which chronicled rural poverty in the Depression. The book was written by James Agee, who along with Evans lived with three sharecropping families for a month not far from Greensboro in Hale County. It was published in 1941 by Houghton Mifflin and, in time, garnered praise from social critics as well as the ire of some who said it portrayed Southerners as backward and ignorant."

We travelled through this part of Alabama a few weeks ago and writer Laura Holsen's beautiful writing captures the area perfectly.

Call to end surface mining in Kentucky

KENTUCKY: Scholar takes stand and calls for end to surface coal mining

Saying an end to surface mining will be good for the state's economy, University of Kentucky professor Ron Eller gave the keynote speech to the East Kentucky Leadership Conference in Hazard. He also said the state must recognize declining coal reserves, political opposition to coal-fired energy, and rising regulations on carbon dioxide emissions.

Eller also said surface mining is not necessary to the coal industry, "it's just cheaper," and not compatible with clean water, clean air and the region's growing adventure tourism industry. Jobs lost in surface mining could be buoyed by underground mining and replaced by sustainable forestry, tourism and green energy production, he said. "There is potential for tourism but only if the environment is preserved."

Reacting to the comments, House Speaker Greg Stumbo said that landowners have to give permission for coal companies to conduct surface mining. It wouldn't be fair to tell landowners they didn't have that option, he said.

And, even though Stumbo says leveled mountaintops are put to good uses, like industrial parks, it's hard to imagine these flat areas are better than the mountaintops for Kentucky's people.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House approves operating budget for next year

ARKANSAS: Judge in East Arkansas could be pulled from bench

FLORIDA: House to consider watered-down version of elections law overhaul

GEORGIA: State BOE to hand out millions in stimulus funds to schools

LOUISIANA: Educators plan "Black Monday" protest when legislature opens Monday

MISSISSIPPI: House, Senate at impasse over cigarette tax increase

NORTH CAROLINA: Senate to consider reducing overall tax rate but adding taxes to some services

SOUTH CAROLINA: State senate cuts $50 million from local government budgets

TENNESSEE: House passes 'baby daddy' bill on child support payments

VIRGINIA: A look at Gov. Kaine's Renew Virginia initiative

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Southern states see benefits of census

Census gains in importance for Southern states

Many states, including those in the South, are facing huge obstacles in the upcoming census count due to threadbare budgets and fast-changing demographics. Depending on how the Census count goes, the South could gain anywhere from seven to nine Congressional seats and Electoral College votes. Stateline.org predicts eight seats added:

Florida +1

Georgia +1

North Carolina +1

South Carolina +1

Texas +4

An obstacle for states to overcome: Many Southern states have a disproportionate share of the populations that are historically undercounted in the Census: African-Americans, new immigrants, low-income residents and military families.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Senate committee stalls bill on texting while driving

ARKANSAS: State Hispanic group won't endorse boycott of census

FLORIDA: Budget standoff to cost state $40,000 per day

GEORGIA: State's pre-K program ranked third in the nation

KENTUCKY: Sen. Bunning says less money needed for his re-election campaign

LOUISIANA: Teachers upset with cuts planned by Gov. Jindal

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers give reasons for stalemate on cigarette tax

NORTH CAROLINA: Feds say state's coast is "prime stretch" for offshore wind energy

SOUTH CAROLINA: New power plant to be built inside Sunoco facility

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen says state should keep Tennessee Ethics Commission

VIRGINIA: State's governor's race now has Bill Clinton impact

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Mississippi's green ways go beyond Earth Day

MISSISSIPPI: State's efforts in 'going green' extend beyond Earth Day

At Mississippi Valley State, cafeteria oils are being turned into biofuel, which is used in generators, weed cutters and other university equipment. While the program is still in its early stages -- 100 gallons of oil can be converted into biofuel in 24 hours -- the campus plans to expand the program and use the biodiesel in its fleet of buses and tractors.

All across the state, colleges and individuals are making efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. A store in Ridgeland, Symbiotic, is the first eco-friendly gift shop in the state and sells items made of recycled materials.

"The people who come in like the concept," store owner Matthew Deming said. "I certainly hope it catches on. It is a big risk. It's one of those things that we had planned doing before the situation with the economy happened, and we just had to roll with it.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's plan to use $51 million for Coastal Impact Assistance approved by feds

ARKANSAS: State's 211 system close to going broke

FLORIDA: House GOP proposes lifting state's ban on offshore drilling

GEORGIA: Expanded unemployment bill signed by Gov. Perdue

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear pushes for unique funding agreement for hospital

LOUISIANA: Pools at foreclosed homes now dangerous mosquito breeding ponds

NORTH CAROLINA: Legislature considers less-restrictive smoking ban

SOUTH CAROLINA: 11 House members investigated over unfiled tax returns

TENNESSEE: House divided over proposed higher unemployment taxes

VIRGINIA: Opinion: Virginia delegates erred by watering down unemployment benefits

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Virginians on global warming

VIRGINIA: New poll on global warming out

76% of Virginians believe global warming is real, but most aren't doing much about it. In the poll conducted by Christopher Newport University's Center for Public Policy and the Virginia Environmental Endowment, resultsl showed that 60% of respondents said they have made minor changes to their living and shopping habits, while 29.6% said they have made major changes.

The most severe problems facing the state, according to the respondents, are the health of the Chesapeake Bay and the mountaintop removal of coal.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Federal money to go toward health issues in Black Belt

ARKANSAS: U.S. Sen. Lincoln says she'll support I-49 funding

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist may veto changes to voter law

GEORGIA: State budget could be hit hard by tax breaks in next few years

KENTUCKY: Energy efficiency makeovers to take place in seven counties for Earth Day

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal warns that budget woes may increase

MISSISSIPPI: Car tag fee to increase

NORTH CAROLINA: Health-care crisis looms from recession

SOUTH CAROLINA: SC GOP sues state over voter party registration

TENNESSEE: House approves guns in parks

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

A look at food inspection

GEORGIA: FDA wants states to grade their own inspectors

The FDA is supposed to evaluate the performance of states it pays to inspect food processors on its behalf. However, the FDA hasn't reviewed Georgia since at least 2001. In the time period between 2001 and 2009, eight people contracted botulism from chili sauce canned in Augusta, contaminated peanut butter from Sylvester, Ga. sickened hundreds, and salmonella-tainted products from Peanut Corporation of America have been blamed for nine deaths and more than 700 illnesses.

"If they haven’t raised issues, they don’t have any issues with how we conducted those inspections,” said Oscar Garrison, Georgia’s assistant agriculture commissioner for consumer protection, referring to the FDA. “That’s all we have to go on.”

The FDA has delegated about 80% of food processing inspections to state regulators

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Some lawmakers and lobbyists say ethics law is confusing

ARKANSAS: State gets $5.25 million in economic development grants

FLORIDA: Lawmakers consider overhauling system for mentally ill criminals

KENTUCKY: A look at Kentucky citizens' state of "mental distress"

LOUISIANA: State of the wetlands explored by students this week

MISSISSIPPI: Farmers fight for hurricane relief funds

NORTH CAROLINA: Group protests Duke Energy's coal-fired plant

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's utilities wary of carbon tax

TENNESSEE: Investigation shows companies flood waterways with pharmaceuticals

VIRGINIA: Democrats go after GOP delegats on stimulus vote

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Ala. city creates fuel from wood

ALABAMA: City of Hoover believed to be first U.S. city to convert wood waste to biofuel

The nation's first program recycling municipal wood wastes into automotive biofuel is operating in Hoover, Alabama. Ethanol produced from tree limbs pulled off curbside heaps is going into gas tanks after processing. The first 100 gallons of the fuel were put into a few police cars at a kickoff ceremony in the city.

"We don't produce corn, but we can grow pine trees," said Mark Bentley, executive director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. "If we can establish a couple of plants in the state to convert that tree waste into cellusoic fuel it can be used ... to fuel entire fleets."

The city of 73,000 people has aggressively sought alternative fuels, and Mayor Tony Petelos said 88 percent of its vehicles are powered by a combination of ethanol fuels, electricity and recycled cooking oil.

Way to go, Hoover!

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: State included in proposed high-speed rail plans

FLORIDA: Senate approves bill to allow $1 per pack increase in cigarette tax

GEORGIA: Speculation surrounds 2010 governor's race now that Cagle is out

KENTUCKY: State's public defenders get $2 million to avoid shutdown

LOUISIANA: 5% tuition increase approved by LSU System board

MISSISSIPPI: New law gives state more control over school accountability

NORTH CAROLINA: 'Green' drugstore concepts to open in Raleigh, Asheville

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawsuit filed to allow legislature to request stimulus funds

TENNESSEE: Senate passes bill that allows guns to be where alcohol served

VIRGINIA: Groups sponsor first statewide Invasive Plant Removal Day

OPINION:

Tom Eblen --New approaches to Kentucky's energy challenges
"A couple hundred leaders from academia, politics and business gathered Thursday in Lexington to talk about energy and Kentucky — where we are, where we need to be and how we might get there."

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Obama endorses high-speed rail

NPR: President Obama backs idea of high-speed rail

President Obama wants the country to move swiftly to a system of high-speed rail travel, touting its congestion-relieving benefits as well as better use of energy and cleaner air.

Obama said the country cannot afford not to invest in a major upgrade to rail travel. He said he understands it necessarily will be "a long-term project" but said the time to start is now.

Obama said the rail upgrades are critically needed because the nation's highways and airways "are clogged with traffic."

Will this endorsement speed up movement on high-speed rail? We'll see.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House to vote on phone deregulation

ARKANSAS: A look at how the state funds school districts

FLORIDA: Legislators begin 'twittering' to connect with constituents

GEORGIA: Legislators give boost to solar and wind power with bill

KENTUCKY: Kentucky noted as 'the saddest state'

LOUISIANA: Rep. Anh Cao seeking more than $1 billion in earmark requests

MISSISSIPPI: Cigarette tax increase talks to be revived by lawmakers

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue to highlight jobs initiative today

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's citizens to get $800 million in tax cuts, says Obama

TENNESSEE: Bill to ban texting while driving advances in House

VIRGINIA: High voltage power line across mid-Atlantic delayed

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Tax tea parties

Washington Post: Tea parties ignored by some media

As opined by Howard Kurtz, the big push on the tax tea parties happening today across the country has come from Fox news hosts to a large extent.

Kurtz continues, "But there's another side to this saga. Most of the mainstream media fell down on the job, ignoring the growing movement or mocking it as a bunch of wingnuts."

There has been some coverage in the South, though.

In Florida, at least 50 tax tea parties are planned across the state. Sean Hannity is leading the tea party in Atlanta, while Republican Rep. Jack Kingston will take part in Rome's gathering. In South Carolina, Sen. Jim DeMint and Gov. Sanford will speak in Columbia. In Louisiana, several tea parties have been arranged.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Solution proposed for prepaid tuition shortfall in bill

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe signs measure to cut state buildings' energy consumption by 30%

FLORIDA: Tax break for yachts and planes considered by lawmakers

GEORGIA: Fixed tuition program suspended by university regents

KENTUCKY: Kentucky poultry banned by Singapore after bird flu outbreak

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal wants legislators to approve surplus funds for roads

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour to host statewide stimulus summit

NORTH CAROLINA: House approves plan to fix state health program

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers work to force governor to take some stimulus funding

TENNESSEE: Senate passes measure to allow wine to be shipped directly to homes

VIRGINIA: Political rite of Spring: Annual 'shad planking' takes place today

OPINION, Wall Street Journal: Glenn Harlan Reynolds: Tax day becomes protest day
"Today American taxpayers in more than 300 locations in all 50 states will hold rallies -- dubbed "tea parties" -- to protest higher taxes and out-of-control government spending. There is no political party behind these rallies, no grand right-wing conspiracy, not even a 501(c) group like MoveOn.org."

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Stimulus funds' impact on school budgets considered

Washington Post: Hitch in stimulus funds for schools

Some state and local governments are taking away funds to schools as federal stimulus funds come in. For example, after hearing that an initial batch of $11.8 million in federal funds would soon arrive in Virginia's Loudoun County, supervisors cut $7.3 million from the schools budget. They also made clear that if more federal recovery money flows to schools, schools might be asked to give back an equal amount of county dollars.

The budget shifts in Loudoun County offer a case study of a phenomenon that worries educators nationwide. When all is done, will the stimulus money from Washington be enough to transform classrooms?

Education Secretary Arne Duncan has warned states against playing "shell games" with money aimed at schools. The stimulus law and regulations have strings to protect against big drops in education funding but allow the most cash-strapped states to seek some flexibility.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bill introduced to seal handgun permit records

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe announces Lottery Commission appointees

FLORIDA: Rep. Meek opposes Obama's plan on remittances to Cuba

GEORGIA: Gubernatorial candidate pushes for road from Savannah to Chattanooga

KENTUCKY: Consortium of 50 companies pushes for car battery plant

LOUISIANA: A look at the irony of stimulus funds for flood monitoring

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour hosts stimulus summit

NORTH CAROLINA: Working to prevent land loss among rural African-Americans

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate to vote on stimulus today

TENNESSEE: Cubans in Nashville praise Obama's lifting of restrictions

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine fights for additional funds for jobless

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

TVA buys up some tainted property

New York Times: Land tainted by coal ash spill bought by utility

The Tennessee Valley Authority has spent more than $20 million buying up 71 properties tainted by a major coal-ash spill, but has rejected 160 properties in the process.

The agency has received more than 200 requests from property owners wanting to sell tracts that they felt were damaged or devalued by the release in December of 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash after a retaining wall breach at Kingston Fossil Plant.

We'll have to wait and see if the cleanup costs has an impact on TVA policy in the future.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: A look at the candidates for governor of Alabama

ARKANSAS: Rep. Marion Barry's interaction with Rahm Emanuel

FLORIDA: Cancer legislation filed by Florida legislator finds criticism

GEORGIA: Head of state EPD talks about drought, conservation

KENTUCKY: Grant will allow state to review wrongful convictions

LOUISIANA: State teams up with iPhone application company to benefit Conservation Fund

MISSISSIPPI: Complaints over Chinese drywall surface in South Mississippi

NORTH CAROLINA: Sen. Richard Burr's senate seat considered vulnerable in 2010

SOUTH CAROLINA: U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn noted as 'sage' by Obama's senior staff

TENNESSEE: Legislature challenged by budget talks

VIRGINIA: Virginia Tech reopens site of student massacre

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Florida plans new solar powered city

FLORIDA: New city to run on solar power

Kitson & Partners is developing a new city, Babcock Ranch, that will hold 19,500 homes, creating "the first city on earth powered by zero-emission solar energy."

The city will include the world's largest photovoltaic power plant, which will be operated by Florida Power & Light. Buildings will be certified green and surrounded by thousands of acres of open space.

The city's solar panels will sit on 350 acres within the development. More than half of the city's 17,000 acres will be permanently protected as greenways and open space, the developer said, and will adjoin the 73,000-acre Babcock Ranch Preserve that has been purchased by the state.F

Subject to approvals, groundbreaking on the solar plant could start later this year. Construction of the city center could begin next year. This will be one development to watch.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Spurred by AT&T, Senate passes legislation to deregulate landlines

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe warns that surplus funds won't be available next year

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue certifies 67 road, bridge projects to get stimulus money

KENTUCKY: Environmentalists against proposed coal-fired power plant in Clark County

LOUISIANA: Servolution, a local service project to help widows, goes global

MISSISSIPPI: Biofuel byproducts could prove economically viable for growers

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue raids various finance areas to meet payroll

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gov. Sanford to use TV ads to promote stance on stimulus funds

TENNESSEE: State Democrats work to regroup before 2010 elections

VIRGINIA: Close race already noted for Democratic governor hopefuls

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Hank Aaron's impact

Christian Science Monitor: What Hank Aaron and Barack Obama have in common

"Thirty-five years ago yesterday, on a cool evening at Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Hank Aaron shattered the most hallowed record in sports: Babe Ruth's career home run mark of 714. Yet Mr. Aaron's feat was remarkable not for its dethroning of a mythic American hero, but for its legacy of grace under fire – a legacy that would be invoked decades later in a race for the White House.

"When Aaron swung at a fastball from the Dodgers' Al Downing and ran around the bases for the 715th time, he didn't feel like celebrating. "I was just glad it was over," Number 44 recalled many years later. Aaron, a black man, had just endured nearly two years of death threats, and literally tons of vicious hate mail – simply for daring to challenge the Babe."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Tax collections continue to fall in the state

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe to sign budget plan

FLORIDA: Cigarette sales by tribes may be targeted next by state

GEORGIA: Statewide unemployment numbers jump 126.3% in March

KENTUCKY: Early U.S. Senate race poll shows Bunning behind challengers

LOUISIANA: Youth prison costs under scrutiny by lawmakers

MISSISSIPPI: Gaming summit to feature Gov. Barbour

NORTH CAROLINA: AARP comes out against bill that would restrict elderly drivers

SOUTH CAROLINA: Sen. Sheheen's bill would force governor to accept stimulus funds

TENNESSEE: Editorial: Economy no excuse to ignore global warming

VIRGINIA: Most of Gov. Kaine's vetoes upheld

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Study on state lotteries released

Philadelphia Inquirer: Study released on state lotteries

The study, conducted by a California consulting firm, looked at 20 state lottery programs. The conclusion: States could be bringing in an additional $14 billion if they tweak their lottery programs by attracting a new generation of players and by increasing the size of lottery prizes.

There are 43 state lottery programs, plus one in the District of Columbia.

The study suggested that states do more advertising and marketing on the Internet, especially as a way to reach a younger generation of players. And while online gambling is illegal in the United States, the report said lotteries might benefit from discussions to legalize Internet gaming.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley signs legislation to honor state's first black legislators

ARKANSAS: Judicial choices of senators questioned by NAACP

FLORIDA: Cigars may be excluded from state tobacco tax

GEORGIA: State public defender system faces lawsuit

KENTUCKY: Bird flu found on poultry farm in Western Kentucky

LOUISIANA: State loses 35,000 acres of rice paddies due to 2008 hurricanes

MISSISSIPPI: Law targets minors with fake ID, alcoholic beverages

NORTH CAROLINA: New bill outlines tougher standards for older drivers

SOUTH CAROLINA: Rep. Clyburn calls for challenge to Gov. Sanford over stimulus funds

TENNESSEE: Poor economy drives more people to seek therapy

VIRGINIA: Former GOP head Frederick may run for chairmanship again

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

The greening of D.C.

New York Times: Environmentalists return to D.C. in droves

Under the Bush administration, environmentalists fled from Washington; now, with a friendly administration, many are returning and taking policy positions within the government.

David Doniger, the policy director at N.R.D.C.’s climate center (who himself served in the Clinton administration), said “there are a lot of top-notch people at N.R.D.C. — who work at N.R.D.C. now and who have gone to the Hill and come from the Hill.”

Also, many academics are heading to Washington, joined by some state regulators as well..

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State senate majority leader spends night in jail on several charges

ARKANSAS: 14 counties have extremely low natural water resources

FLORIDA: Lawmakers plan to divert Medicaid funds

GEORGIA: To date, more than 2 million gallons of raw sewage have spilled into Chattahoochee River

KENTUCKY: Lottery anniversary: $3 billion to state over 20 years

LOUISIANA: Bill to require drug tests for welfare recipients gains support

MISSISSIPPI: Coastal development dependent on public trust tidelands money

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers upset over Gov. Sanford's remarks on stimulus funds

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue wants to create regional energy hub in Charlotte

TENNESSEE: Concerns raised over UT's plans to lease forestland for gas drilling

VIRGINIA: Gubernatorial campaign draws big money from outside the state

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

NC utilities move forward with 'green' programs

North Carolina: 'Green' homes get go-ahead in the state

Prompted by public demand, utility companies are beginning to subsidize the cost of 'green' upgrades to homes. By the end of the year, a homeowner in North Carolina will be able to choose from a smorgasbord of financial incentives -- federal, state and local.

"If you haven't checked in lately on these things, there is this opportunity for combo incentives where you get anywhere from 30 percent to 50 percent off on these high-dollar [upgrades]," said Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy.

It's a move in the right direction.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Some lawmakers consider upping tobacco tax even more

ARKANSAS: $4.5 billion budget approved by lawmakers

FLORIDA: "Florida Forever" land preservation program zeroed out in budget

GEORGIA: Mental health reformers conflicted over settlement on state psychiatric hospitals

KENTUCKY: A look at Kentucky's General Assembly session

LOUISIANA: Rep. Guillory, Pat Cravins in runoff for senate seat

MISSISSIPPI: Officials from Missisippi, Alabama, and Louisiana make pitch for high-speed rail

SOUTH CAROLINA: School, safety funds from stimulus deal up in the air

TENNESSEE: Senate to consider written driver's license tests in English only

VIRGINIA: Frederick is out as GOP chairman

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Wind power along coastline?

GEORGIA: Obama administration pushes for wind power along the East Coast

The administration is putting wind energy development along the Atlantic coastline as a major priority in its search for energy alternatives. It also wants to update the studies on off-shore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean.

"We know we have huge wind energy potential” in the Atlantic, Interior Department Secretary Ken Salazar told reporters afterward. “This will be a high priority for us.”

However, the prospect of drilling off the coast of Georgia has pitted environmentalists and many coastal property owners against the energy industry and politicians who support more offshore drilling.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State employee furloughs blocked by Legislative Council

ARKANSAS: House approves ban on absentee lobbying

FLORIDA: Lawmakers want new study of tri-state river system

KENTUCKY: Severe storms spreading across the state today

LOUISIANA: State's $102 million computer upgrade on hold due to budget

MISSISSIPPI: Federal prison opened in state by Corrections Corporation of America

NORTH CAROLINA: House passes ban on smoking

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gov. Sanford to ask for stimulus funds but wants to strike a deal on spending them

TENNESSEE: TDOT to pay $5.7 million to state for wetlands replacement

VIRGINIA: Mike Huckabee exhorts state GOP to rally votes for governor's race

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Drop-out rate high in Virginia

VIRGINIA: State has 9% high school drop-out rate for 2008

State educators say that most of the drop-outs showed warning signs of missing classes or repeating grades before dropping out of high school for good. In Northern Virginia, Alexandria had the highest dropout rate, with 11.1 percent. Hispanic students were more likely than others to drop out, as nearly 20% failed to graduate.

Virginia is among a few states that have begun counting dropouts by assigning all students an identifying number and tracking their progress from the start of freshman year to graduation day. In Mississippi, the drop-out rate for the same time period was 16%.

With the new data and tracking system, educators hope to target at-risk students and close the gap between graduates and drop-outs.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House unable to remove 4-cent grocery sales tax again

ARKANSAS: GOP meets to form statewide chapter of Republican National Hispanic Assembly

FLORIDA: House looks at raising lots of fees

GEORGIA: House votes to give more power to governor over DOT

KENTUCKY: Blame game rampant in failure of NASCAR tax bills in Senate

LOUISIANA: Louisiana guardsmen return from Iraq

MISSISSIPPI: Debate continues in House and Senate over hospital tax

NORTH CAROLINA: Joblessness reaches 8.3% in region

SOUTH CAROLINA: Rally held to urge Gov. Sanford to take stimulus funds

TENNESSEE: Renewable energy purchases considered by TVA

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Tobacco tax increase sparks calls

Smoking quit lines flooded with calls across nation

Smokers are flooding 'stop smoking' lines in a panic over an increase in the tobacco tax that goes into effect today. The federal tax goes up from 39 cents to $1.01 today, prompting many to try to stop the habit.

Quit lines around the country are feeling the surge, according to an informal survey by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids that found a missed opportunity as cash-strapped states struggled to meet demand.

Arkansas quit general advertising of its hotline to keep up with calls that rose from about 500 a week in January to more than 2,000 a week in mid-March, the campaign said.

And, in related news, Florida's cigar makers are worried how the tax increase will affect their $2 billion industry as the tax increase will move from about 5 cents per cigar to about 40 cents a cigar.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bill would create fund for affordable housing in the state

ARKANSAS: House votes down stronger ethics bill

FLORIDA: New state tax on all forms of tobacco proposed

GEORGIA: Federal judge allows state's 16,000 sex offenders to volunteer in churches

KENTUCKY: Delay by Kentucky on Ohio River bridges legislation stalls Indiana legislature

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal rejects stimulus funds for Medicaid program

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour signs sales tax exemption for back-to-school crowd

NORTH CAROLINA: Grandfather Mountain named state's newest park

SOUTH CAROLINA: Hydrogen conference: Cell technology generates interest

TENNESSEE: Ash spill monitoring planned by TVA

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine amends green-energy legislation

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