10/30: Study shows states lower testing standards to make NCLB

New York Times: Study shows states lower testing standards to make NCLB

Nearly a third of the states lowered their standards so that they could stay ahead of sanctions under the No Child Left Behind law, according to a new study by the federal Department of Education. However, lowering standards also confuses parents about how children’s achievement compares with those in other states and countries.

The study found wide variation among states, with standards highest in Massachusetts and South Carolina. Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee had standards that were among the lowest.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's lawmakers say Pentagon's tanker rules are unfair

ARKANSAS: Crops in state take a $600 million hit due to rains

FLORIDA: Five signs that will signal end of state's recession

GEORGIA: Lawmakers to look at flaws in property tax system

KENTUCKY: State's largest drug roundup pulls 318 people from 34 counties

LOUISIANA: State puts forth new effort to fight Medicaid fraud

MISSISSIPPI: Sen. Wicker says census "could cost Mississippi"

NORTH CAROLINA: Sea level rise along state's cost is accelerating

SOUTH CAROLINA: USC tops 'sexual health' rankings

TENNESSEE: Campaign pushes for more adoptions in state

VIRGINIA: State to close pharmacy for the mentally ill

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

10/29: In FL, public option in healthcare finding favor

Miami Herald: In Florida, public option in healthcare finding favor

At two very different forums on Wednesday, Florida doctors and nurses agreed that healthcare reform is desperately needed -- and they're not opposed to a public option as part of the package.

As a half-dozen speakers made clear on Wednesday, the issue is no longer whether there should be healthcare reform -- but what the details should include.

By Friday, it's expected that the House and the Senate will each have consolidated myriad proposals into a single bill in each chamber -- and each will have the option for government insurance.

Let's see what happens over the next 24 hours.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley announces grants to build new schools in state

ARKANSAS: Mass flu shot vaccination clinics begin in state

FLORIDA: State's 'smart power' program gets $200 million federal grant

GEORGIA: State creates new child care agency

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear says 'holiday tree' will go up at Capitol; Christian critics upset over nomenclature

LOUISIANA: Former Gov. Treen dies at 81

MISSISSIPPI: Economic special session postponed, says Gov. Barbour

NORTH CAROLINA: Rock-slide closure of I-40 to impact Asheville area's economy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Boeing chooses SC; Impact expected to be big

TENNESSEE: Vandal decides to censor 'dirty' words in library books

VIRGINIA: Voter mass mailing stopped over legal questions
If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/28: Proposed change in census could alter congressional seats

New York Times: Proposed change in census could alter congressional seats

Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana is proposing to count only United States citizens when reapportioning Congress. This could alter the representation in each state, according to an independent analysis. For instance, North Carolina and South Carolina would each gain a seat under this proposal; if counted the traditional way, Florida and Georgia would gain a seat each.

The Constitution, as amended, requires that Congressional districts be reapportioned on the basis of a count every 10 years of the “whole number of persons” in each state. The 10-question 2010 census form does not ask about citizenship, but the Census Bureau collects information on citizenship on other forms.

Sen. Vitter warned this month that a vote against his proposal would “strip these states of their proper representation in Congress,” while including noncitizens would “artificially increase the population count” in other states.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: A look at investments made by state employees' pension fund

ARKANSAS: U.S. Chamber of Commerce to run ads against health care plan in Arkansas, Louisiana

FLORIDA: Proposed huge biopower plant to bring jobs and energy to North Florida

GEORGIA: State gets federal funds to upgrade power grid

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear announces funding for 911 call centers

LOUISIANA: State officials blast FDA plan on limiting oyster production

MISSISSIPPI: Gulfport to start environmental court

NORTH CAROLINA: 'Memory loss' hits former Gov. Easley's witnesses at Board of Elections hearing

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's farmers fight language of climate change bill

TENNESSEE: Nonpartisan Tax Foundation says state's tax structure needs new look

VIRGINIA: Attorney General candidates face off in Richmond

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

10/27: Survey shows where those without health insurance live

New York Times: Survey shows where those without health insurance live

The Census Bureau conducted a survey last year to find out where those without health insurance live. It was the first survey of its kind.

Red state residents (especially low-income Democrats) are less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to have legislators unwilling to provide it. A chart details coverage by state, showing red states -- like Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina -- have low rates of health coverage for all age groups. This chart considers a "red state" one that voted for John McCain for president and with representation by two Republican senators; a "blue state" is one that voted predominantly for Barack Obama with representation by two Democratic senators.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State delays H1N1 vaccines given by school clinics to after Thanksgiving

ARKANSAS: Broadband access across state to be mapped by Connect Arkansas

FLORIDA: State House split over offshore drilling

GEORGIA: Georgia delegation to talk water with Florida, Alabama leaders

KENTUCKY: Opinion: Brad Luttrell: Coal issues need balanced debate

LOUISIANA: This is final week for state's 'tax amnesty' program

MISSISSIPPI: Chevron reports molten sulfur leak into Bayou Casotte

NORTH CAROLINA: Federal investigation of former Gov. Easley begins

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's graduation rate is near bottom in new report

TENNESSEE: Sen. Alexander calls climate change bill a 'job killer'

VIRGINIA: Serious gang crime down, but a rise in middle school offenses has officials concerned

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

10/26: GA, TN senators not thrilled about new climate bill

Times Free-Press: GA, TN senators not thrilled about new climate bill

The bill calls for a 20% cut in greenhouse gases by 2020, a rule that senators from Georgia and Tennessee say could increase the cost of energy. Electric utilities, especially ones that use coal-powered plants that produce greenhouse gases, are expected to have to buy more allowances. That cost would be passed on to customers.

“I am concerned that some in Congress and the administration are rushing to judgment on a cap-and-trade system to regulate carbon,” said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. “Cap-and-trade will raise the cost of energy to all Georgians, especially those who rely on electric energy.”

Said U.S. Sen. Bob Corker: "If we would focus solely on climate change, and people wouldn't view this as a mechanism to expand government and line the pockets of interest groups, this whole process would probably be much different."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley, Gov. Barbour to announce multi-state aerospace alliance today

ARKANSAS: Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln considered vulnerable for next election

FLORIDA: Largest solar power plant in U.S. to go online in Florida

GEORGIA: State is third in the nation for total number of meth users between 12 and 17

KENTUCKY: Coal still important to Kentucky, nation

LOUISIANA: School superintendents complain about forced charter school funding

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: School consolidation can work in Mississippi

NORTH CAROLINA: State blocks release of dangerous inmates

SOUTH CAROLINA: SC to participate in Appalachian Regional conference on alternative energy

TENNESSEE: State's schools rank high in cutting junk food

VIRGINIA: State considers returning elk to mountains

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

10/23: Senate adds sexual orientation to hate crimes law

Miami Herald: Senate adds sexual orientation, gender ID to hate crimes law

The groundbreaking vote on Thursday added sexual orientation to the hate crimes law, giving the Justice Department the power to prosecute bias-motivated crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Although Florida and many other states already have hate-crime laws encompassing sexual orientation, the new law allows federal prosecution, which for the first time would provide a means for criminal action in states without such a law.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State may increase cost of benefits for teachers

ARKANSAS: Lawmakers want lottery scholarship changes

GEORGIA: 174 pounds of meth seized in Lawrenceville subdivision raid

KENTUCKY: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks out on health care

LOUISIANA: State to delay $101 million computer software upgrade

MISSISSIPPI: First Environmental Education Conference to be held in state

NORTH CAROLINA: UNC researchers close to turning methane gas into liquid fuel

SOUTH CAROLINA: State lawmakers pass handicap parking reform

TENNESSEE: TVA to buy wind power from the Great Plains

VIRGINIA: Va. man arrested for being naked in his own home

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

10/22: Report card released on states' energy efficiency

Atlanta Business Chronicle: Report card released on states' energy efficiency

Georgia is among the states that need to improve energy efficiency, ranking 44th in the nation.

Other Southern states that need improvement include Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. No Southern state made the top ten.

The scorecard examines six state energy efficiency policy areas: utility-sector and public benefits policies, transportation policies, building energy codes, combined heat and power, state government initiatives, and appliance efficiency standards.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: GOP legislator to unveil bills on pre-paid tuition program

ARKANSAS: Jobless rate held steady at 7.1% in September

FLORIDA: House wants federal government to stop casino games on reservations

KENTUCKY: State's social workers say they -- and the children -- still aren't safe

LOUISIANA: Opinion: Does Bardwell incident show Louisiana politics is still land of David Duke?

MISSISSIPPI: Third most polluted river in the country is Mississippi River

NORTH CAROLINA: Judge says Kinston must have party affiliations on ballot to protect rights of black voters

SOUTH CAROLINA: Economy expected to remain stagnant until 2012 in SC

TENNESSEE: State sets up new rules for municipal bond deals for cities, counties

VIRGINIA: State's graduation and drop out rates improve over last year

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

10/21: Surge in meth labs may change pharmacy offerings

Wall Street Journal: Surge in meth labs may change pharmacy offerings

State and federal lawmakers are considering copying an Oregon law requiring a prescription for many cold medications, a move opposed by major drug manufacturers.

Oregon's 2005 law requires a doctor's prescription for medicines with pseudoephedrine, a major component in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Federal laws in place now limit the amount of cold medicines that can be purchased at one time; the Oregon law goes further.

This issue will be interesting to watch, especially as we enter the cold and flu season.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State ranks sixth in nation for percentage of adults without health insurance after losing jobs

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe to cut $100 million from current fiscal year budget

FLORIDA: State may become first bagless state

GEORGIA: State workers put together class action suit against Georgia for raises

KENTUCKY: Study finds KY leads nation in rate of child abuse and neglect deaths

LOUISIANA: Interracial couple sues judge for refusing to marry them

MISSISSIPPI: Conference set for Friday on impact of public policies on low-to-middle class Mississippi families

NORTH CAROLINA: Solar energy rooftops to be launched by Duke Energy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers say changes to unemployment system will have to wait

TENNESSEE: Legislative panel wants to reassert 'state sovereignty' over federal government's reach

VIRGINIA: State Supreme Court's drunk driving ruling blasted by U.S. Chief Justice

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

10/20: States track stimulus funds

Stateline: States track stimulus funds

The first big test of states’ oversight efforts comes this October when they must file the initial quarterly reports with the federal government on how they have spent those funds.

The federal law doesn’t require states to name point people or spell out their duties. But the Obama administration, which has czars for health care, energy, illegal drugs and even for cities, has asked states to name “implementation czars” to keep an eye on their share of the federal stimulus package. Governors are free to tap whomever they want for the post—if anyone at all. Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland and Texas have opted not to name a person.

An interactive map names the czars and websites for each state.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Rep. Artur Davis calls for rewrite of state constitution

ARKANSAS: State lottery repays $2.8 million loan to state

FLORIDA: State's senators talk about high speed rail

GEORGIA: State wants more training for daycare workers

KENTUCKY: Report puts price tag on pollution from coal plants

LOUISIANA: Graduation rates among La. high school students falls most

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: State dilemma: Tax hike or more cuts?

NORTH CAROLINA: State's residents upset over plan to free inmates

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers to reconvene to discuss jobless benefits

TENNESSEE: Sen. Lamar Alexander, former secretary of education, pushes for 3-year college degrees

VIRGINIA: Candidates for Lt. Gov. embroiled in heated debate

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

10/19: States consider Internet rules for campaign fundraising

AP: States consider Internet rules for campaign fundraising

Florida mayoral candidate Scott Wagman bought an ad that popped up online when anyone ran a Google search for his opponents' names. The Florida Elections Commission ordered Wagman to remove it and pay a $250 fine, even though the required disclaimer was longer than the 68 characters allowed in the text of the ad, which wasn't "paid for" until someone clicked on it.

An ongoing debate is raging about how "old media" rules governing campaign spending should apply to the "new media" of the Internet age. When does a blog connected to a campaign need to disclose its allegiance? Does a candidate's personal Facebook page need a disclaimer if it is updated by a staffer? Can a campaign-related tweet - a message posted on social media site Twitter - even be regulated?

"Policing this is going to be a tremendously difficult thing, let alone writing the rules," said Edwin Bender, executive director of the National Institute on Money in State Politics, a nonprofit group in Helena, Mont.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: If health care overhaul fails, 46,000 Alabamians will lose health benefits says report

ARKANSAS: GOP hopes to unseat Democrat Vic Snyder, the state's lone liberal voice

FLORIDA: Files full of personal information found in mortgage company's trash

GEORGIA: U.S. Dept. of Justice rejects Georgia's voter tracking system

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear to tour state this week holding education press conferences

LOUISIANA: Cancer rate hits alarming numbers in Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: State's harvest ruined by excessive rain, costing farmers $377 million

NORTH CAROLINA: Economic summit on education and economy at NCCU today

SOUTH CAROLINA: Coastal alliance formed by SC, GA, FL, NC to handle regional issues

TENNESSEE: State may have to cut total of $1.1 billion from 2010 budget

VIRGINIA: Judge rules for second time that VA violated voting rights of military personnel

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

10/16: GA street gangs going after cartel cash, drugs

GEORGIA: Street gangs go after cartel cash and drugs, increasing risk for law enforcement

Gang investigators in the state say that Mexican drug trafficking organizations are becoming targets of criminal street gangs.

The danger has increased for law enforcement officers, as cartels are arming themselves more heavily to deter the thefts. A small number of reporters were allowed to attend this month's Georgia Gang Investigators Association meeting – which is usually private – on the condition that they not identify the gang behind a string of recent drug rip-offs or disclose its country of origin.

Investigators said the Latino street gang that has been targeting Mexican cartels in the metro Atlanta area is violent, brash and increasing in numbers.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Foreclosures up 22% in September

ARKANSAS: No change on math scores for fourth, eighth graders

FLORIDA: State may ban both paper and plastic bags

KENTUCKY: State gets a 'D' on protecting children's legal rights

LOUISIANA: Interracial couple denied marriage license in state

MISSISSIPPI: State plans more budget cuts for 2010

NORTH CAROLINA: Baptist preacher plans to burn Bibles on Halloween

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's jobless fund is running out of money

TENNESSEE: Jobless rate in state drops to 10.5%

VIRGINIA: State's infrastructure gets poor rating

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

10/15: No more toothless Kentuckians

KENTUCKY: No more toothless Kentuckians: State launches childrens' dental health project

Gov. Steve Beshear said the state has a serious problem in dental health, and announced the launch of a three-year, $2.2 million initiative to improve the dental health of children in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

The initial focus, Beshear said, will be on creating a training curriculum to teach Kentucky dentists effective techniques to work with young children.

Currently, only 28 of the 120 counties in the state have pediatric dentists. A 2001 state survey found that half of Kentucky's children had decay in their primary teeth and that nearly 47 percent of children ages 2, 3 and 4 had untreated dental problems — more than twice the national average.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Stimulus funds create 4,450 Alabama jobs

ARKANSAS: Students in state unprepared for degree-requiring jobs, says ACT group

FLORIDA: Foreclosure rate in state slows, but is still 6th-worst in U.S.

GEORGIA: Atlanta to be first city electronically mapped by nonprofit OpenStreetMap

LOUISIANA: Sen. Vitter to alter census amendment to drop inquiry into immigration status

MISSISSIPPI: State lifts 180-day cap on earned time off prison sentences

NORTH CAROLINA: Key to sustainable economic recovery is education reform, book says

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Senate rejects plan to put governor in charge of DHEC

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredensen says cost of health care to state could exceed $3 billion

VIRGINIA: Rehab tax credit urged for state's public schools

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

10/14: SPR: South's Senate Finance members split along party lines on healthcare bill

Southern Political Report: South's Senate Finance members split along party lines on healthcare bill

"Whether or not health care reform passes has important political implications, not only for President Obama, but for lawmakers in both parties who will be facing the voters next year. For Obama and his fellow Democrats, passage of health care reform would fulfill one of his key campaign promises and give his party a major talking point for the 2010 elections.

"For the GOP, defeat of the bill would show the party’s grass roots activists that their strenuous -- at times raucous -- opposition to Obama’s health care proposals had some effect, and would demonstrate that their party still has clout in congress. And it would add energy to Republican efforts to retake control of congress, or at least increase the party’s strength in both the senate and house."

Repercussions of the vote could hit some senators hard, such as Sen. Lincoln of Arkansas, whose decision to support the measure could provide ammunition for the strong GOP effort to defeat her next year.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Democratic Party mistakenly appoints dead man to panel

ARKANSAS: State prison officials consider allowing some inmates to have e-mail

FLORIDA: Seven-term U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler is resigning

GEORGIA: Consumer advocate group says state lags in health care affordability

KENTUCKY: Hearing held to debate mountaintop mining

LOUISIANA: National ACORN embroiled with Louisiana branch

MISSISSIPPI: State now requires civil rights classes in schools

NORTH CAROLINA: "Ask Anything" with Gov. Beverly Perdue

SOUTH CAROLINA: Jobless benefits to be lost by 6,900 South Carolinians

TENNESSEE: GOP's Marsh wins special election to fill 62nd District House seat

VIRGINIA: Five of six delegate seats in Central Virginia open

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

10/13: Mississippi last on health scorecard

The Commonwealth Fund: Mississippi has worst health care

The Commonwealth Fund has issued its second State Scorecard on Health System Performance to compare states in terms of access, affordability and care.

None of the 11 Southern states we cover are in the top tier of the 2009 rankings.

However, five of the ten lowest ranking states are in the South: Mississippi (#51 of 51), Louisiana (#49) , Arkansas (#48), Kentucky (#45) , and Florida (#44). Of the six other states in the South, the rankings are as follows:

• North Carolina - #41
• Alabama - #40
• Tennessee - #39
• Georgia - #38
• South Carolina - #33
• Virginia - #22

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Candidate Artur Davis says next governor can save more than $500 million

ARKANSAS: Eight school districts removed from 'fiscally distressed' list

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist outlines his conservative credits in campaign for Senate

GEORGIA: State seeks more alternative energy projects

KENTUCKY: Mortality rate unusually high at VA hospital in Lexington

LOUISIANA: State's juvenile justice system still troubled, say activists

NORTH CAROLINA: U.S. Supreme Court to hear NC-SC water lawsuit today

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Ports Authority works to reduce air pollution

TENNESSEE: State tax collections down again in September

VIRGINIA: Democrat and former GOP governor want public-private approach to school renovation

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

10/12: Some states not spending school stimulus funds correctly

NPR: Inspector General says states are not spending school stimulus funds as intended

The Department of Education's Inspector General is taking issue with how states are using school stimulus funds -- instead of boosting funding for schools and colleges and protecting key programs and jobs, some states are using the money to replace what was cut from their education budget.

According to Jon Shure of the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 25 states have cut funding for K-12 education, and 34 have cut higher-education funding. Shure says that the stimulus has covered no more than 30 percent of states' budget shortfalls.

"States are facing such a severe crisis that a lot of the federal money is just helping states stay even and avoid further budget cuts," Shure says.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Some churches begin pushing for recycling, environmental stewardship

ARKANSAS: Historic preservation boosts state's economy

FLORIDA: Senate Majority Leader denies conflict of interest with lobbyist wife on offshore drilling

GEORGIA: Recession hard on homeless shelters, services for the poor

KENTUCKY: State Sen. Joey Pendleton says time is right to legalize industrial hemp

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal straddling health care politics

MISSISSIPPI: Group wants stronger animal cruelty laws in state

NORTH CAROLINA: Legislators to revamp tax system

SOUTH CAROLINA: New study shows growing domestic violence problem in state

TENNESSEE: Two legislative oversight committees are back on task

VIRGINIA: Debate between gubernatorial candidates is tonight

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

10/9: Nobel Peace Prize goes to President Obama

New York Times: Nobel Peace Prize goes to President Obama

President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for Diplomacy just nine months into his presidency. The award committee noted "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

In particular, Obama's effort to reduce the world's nuclear arsenal was noted. However, the announcement still stunned everyone. "There has been no discussion, nothing at all,” said Rahm Emanuel, the president’s chief of staff, in a brief telephone interview.

And in the South:

ALABAMA: Vaccine for swine flu arrives in Alabama

ARKANSAS: State's lethal injection rules considered by Supreme Court

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist draws in millions for Senate race

GEORGIA: SBA disaster loans to be key to flood recovery

KENTUCKY: Anti-price gouging law upheld in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: Big-chain restaurant commits to sell Louisiana shrimp

MISSISSIPPI: State hospitals reject swine flu nasal spray

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue says state will keep offering incentive packages

SOUTH CAROLINA: Smart growth conference set for October 20-21 in Columbia

TENNESSEE: State ranks 48th for childhood health

VIRGINIA: Prison magazine sues state

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

10/8: Homeowners with tainted Chinese drywall could lose insurance

Miami Herald: Homeowners with tainted Chinese drywall could lose insurance coverage

Chinese drywall is causing lots of problems, besides the rotten-egg smell and health issues that include troubled breathing, nosebleeds and headaches.

In Florida, many homeowners have filed claims with their home insurers to repair the drywall damage. That's turning out to be a dead end: Most property insurers are denying the claims because homeowners policies don't cover contamination or building material defects. But once an insurer knows there is drywall damage in a home, the existing damage could be the trigger for not renewing a policy unless repairs are made.

Thousands of homes in the nation are affected, as noted by The New York Times.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State gets $27 million in energy stimulus funds

ARKANSAS: European companies can give state good economic opportunities, says Gov. Beebe

GEORGIA: 80-member water 'contingencies' task force meets

KENTUCKY: State lawmakers want more info available to public on government spending

LOUISIANA: 35,800 new jobs forecast over next two years in Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: Health care scorecard puts Mississippi at bottom of list

NORTH CAROLINA: State health plan will penalize smokers and the obese

SOUTH CAROLINA: Public hearing set for offshore wind energy

TENNESSEE: State ranks 39th in health care study

VIRGINIA: "Book club" gatherings a new campaigning trick for Deeds in governor's race

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

10/7: Editorial: Nation should share La.'s coastal burden

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Nation should share Louisiana's coastal burden
"A federal Minerals Management Service study concludes what Louisianians have known for a long time: oil and gas production has taken a significant toll on Gulf Coast wetlands, contributing to this state's land loss crisis.

"The report also points out that destruction caused by pipeline and navigation channel construction could be avoided or reduced by using the least damaging and most easily mitigated construction method."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Montgomery considers 'gasifying' waste into reusable materials or energy

ARKANSAS: First week of lottery sales estimated at $9.8 million

FLORIDA: Economists warn Florida officials of another big budget deficit

GEORGIA: U.S. Rep. Deal ends 20-year business deal with state

KENTUCKY: 'Tea party' rally to take place on Saturday

MISSISSIPPI: State tax revenues continue to drop

NORTH CAROLINA: Wind turbines to be placed in Pamlico Sound

SOUTH CAROLINA: State college enrollment shows overall increase in women students

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen says Senate health proposal could cost state $735 million

VIRGINIA: State to use federal stimulus funds to reward energy-conserving consumers

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

10/6: Coverage vs. cost in debate on health care

New York Times: Coverage vs. cost in debate on health care

Democrats face tough choices when they take up health care legislation in Washington -- affordable prices for health insurance policies vs. policies that offer comprehensive health benefits.

The different versions of the legislation would all require insurance companies to provide coverage more generous than many policies sold in the individual market today. That is good for consumers, Democrats say.

But Republicans say the new requirements would mean added costs for some consumers and for the government, which would help pay premiums for millions of low- and middle-income people.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's financial problems likely to persist into 2011 budget

ARKANSAS: Despite ban, predatory lenders still operating in state -- on Internet

FLORIDA: Policy group assessing offshore drilling in Florida

GEORGIA: Federal judge reiterates ruling against Georgia in tri-state water war

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear wants new psychiatric facilities for youth

LOUISIANA: Some state agencies to opt-out of Gov. Jindal's 'outcome based budgeting'

MISSISSIPPI: Commission on Colleges of SACS says state should consolidate, eliminate college programs

NORTH CAROLINA: Hospitals in state begin information campaign on SIDS

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Supreme Court to hear Sanford ethics case

TENNESSEE: High school dropouts in 2009 could cost state $6.5 billion in lost income

VIRGINIA: Voters to decide which party controls House of Delegates

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

10/5: Prepaid state college plans may not cover all costs

New York Times: Prepaid state college plans may not cover all costs

In the last year, the slump in the stock market and rising college costs have put all but two of the 18 prepaid college savings plans in the red.

South Carolina’s plan overseers have developed doomsday scenarios, capping how much a family would get if the program shut down completely.

Alabama closed its program to new enrollees because the fund lost almost half of its assets — more than $300 million — in the stock market in the last year, and the state might have to put its own money in to keep it solvent.

Between them, the 18 state funds serve nearly 1.6 million families and hold $23.8 billion in assets, ranging from Tennessee’s small $80 million fund serving 9,700 families to Florida’s massive $8.7 billion fund that serves about 850,000 families.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Military retirees stunned by 21% inpatient fee hike

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe responds to $55.8 million shortfall in revenue

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist gets bad media coverage lately

GEORGIA: State gets another blow in water wars as drinking water not considered in study

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear heads to China, Japan on trade mission

LOUISIANA: Autism numbers more prevalent than previously thought

MISSISSIPPI: Revenues down dramatically in September

NORTH CAROLINA: State asks for $5.3 billion for trains

SOUTH CAROLINA: Water Wars, Part Two: SC, NC battle over Catawba River

VIRGINIA: DNC to pump another $1 million into gubernatorial race

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

10/2: State resources could be depleted by flu cases

Stateline: State resources could be depleted by H1N1 flu cases

The Trust for America's Health, a nonprofit health advocacy group, has released a report that says 15 states could run out of hospital beds if a flu epidemic hits 35% of the population. The report underscores the need for more public health funding, better cooperation between governments and more outreach to those most at risk from the flu.

“We need to really address the nation’s ability to provide mass care during disasters,” said Jeffrey Levi, executive director of the trust. “We cannot continue to take a band-aid approach to disaster response.”

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Education budget to take another hit, hurting proven literacy programs

ARKANSAS: Lawmaker says guns in church proposal isn't dead

FLORIDA: Nearly 25% of Floridians have no health insurance

GEORGIA: SE drought blamed on population growth rather than global warming

KENTUCKY: State Supreme Court strikes down sex offender law

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Louisiana lawmakers should know that open sessions are always the right choice

MISSISSIPPI: Deeper cuts likely to hit budget, says Gov. Barbour

NORTH CAROLINA: Chris Fitzsimon: Final budget numbers, same misleading rhetoric

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lieutenant governor's race heats up

TENNESSEE: Middle Tennessee hit hard with flu

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine wants those interested in education to get involved in transportation issues

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

10/1: La., Miss. to get grants to add uninsured children to health plans

AP: More uninsured children to be added to La., Miss. health plans

Nearly $2.2 million will go to Louisiana and Mississippi agencies to help find uninsured children who are eligible for either of two programs and enroll them. The aim is to get the children into Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.

The grant money will cover a two year period, ending December 31, 2011.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Advocates for the poor say state's census figures are wrong

ARKANSAS: Police prepare to enforce new texting, cellphone-while-driving laws

FLORIDA: Home insurance rates could go up in Florida

GEORGIA: Federal judge rejects state's plan to fix mental hospitals

KENTUCKY: State gets grant to help create jobs

NORTH CAROLINA: Beginning today, it's illegal in NC not to recycle plastic bottles

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gov. Sanford doesn't want ethics report released

TENNESSEE: Number of uninsured could soar in state if health system not changed

VIRGINIA: Study shows high return on state's investment in higher education

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an e-mail to info@bettersouth.org.