12/31: New 2010 law will limit payday loans in Kentucky

KENTUCKY: USA TODAY: New 2010 law will limit payday loans in Kentucky

Borrowers will be limited to two loans totaling no more than $500 at any one time. Payday lenders typically apply high interest rates on loans tied to a borrower's employment paycheck.

"Kentucky seems to be leading the way" in limiting payday loans, said Meagan Dorsch, spokeswoman for the National Conference of State Legislatures.

A leading grower of tobacco and maker of cigarettes, North Carolina will join the states making it illegal to light up inside most restaurants and bars. Excluded are cigar bars, country clubs and places operated by non-profit organizations such as veterans groups.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Prepaid Alabama College Tuition (PACT) program changes upset contract holders

ARKANSAS: Editorial: Arkansas gets a nice break

FLORIDA: Peacocks a problem for much of Florida

GEORGIA: State's super speeder law to begin Friday

LOUISIANA: Spending reduction plans released by Gov. Jindal's office

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers to consider tax on pre-sweetened soda

NORTH CAROLINA: State is 8th most religious in nation, according to Pew Research Center

SOUTH CAROLINA: A.G. McMaster joins 12 others in threatening lawsuit over health care deal

TENNESSEE: State's Medicaid program on electronic health records to get $2.7 million in federal funds

VIRGINIA: Gov.-elect McDonnell proposes privatizing state's liquor stores

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

12/30: SPR: Where America really ranks in health care

Southern Political Report: Where America really ranks in health care and hospitals

A report by John Tures of LaGrange College on where the country ranks in health care and hospitals. An excerpt:

"The most cited data comes from the World Health Organization (WHO) which compares countries’ health systems. Data comes from preventable deaths, healthy life expectancy, health performance, and health expenditures, as a percentage of GDP over the last decade.

"Unfortunately, the USA doesn’t fare as we would like it to perform. It currently ranks 37^th in the world, out of 190 countries. France finished first, followed by Italy (2^nd), Spain (7^th), Japan (10^th), Norway (11^th), United Kingdom (18^th), Colombia (22^nd), Germany (25^th), Saudi Arabia (26 ^th), Canada (30^th), Australia (32^nd) and Costa Rica (36^th). We’re two spots ahead of Cuba."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Rep. Artur Davis faces unlikely critics in run for governor

ARKANSAS: New laws go into effect January 1

FLORIDA: Attorney General investigates legality of health insurance mandate

GEORGIA: State tallies cost of DUIs

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear says state budget outlook is far worse than expected

LOUISIANA: Regulation of greenhouse gases protested by Gov. Jindal

MISSISSIPPI: Third year of declining revenue could mean fewer state employees

NORTH CAROLINA: Smoking ban to begin Saturday

SOUTH CAROLINA: State lawmakers sued by residents with disabilities

TENNESSEE: Legislators may delay workers' compensation law

VIRGINIA: Gov.-elect McDonnell urges offshore drilling in state

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

12/29: TN legislators want to expand community colleges' mission

TENNESSEE: State legislators want to expand community colleges' mission

Gov. Phil Bredesen is developing an overhaul of the state's education system that could mean more students will attend four-year community college programs.

Lawmakers will open debate next month on a plan meant to cut costs and bolster Tennessee's graduation rate by realigning how the state's two-year colleges and four-year universities work together.

The plan would shift some course work from public universities to community colleges while also making it easier for students to transfer credits between schools.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley publishes book touting life in the state

ARKANSAS: New iPhone application lists state's laws

FLORIDA: State Supreme Court orders statewide managed mediation program for glut of foreclosures

GEORGIA: One analyst's look at health reform costs in Georgia

KENTUCKY: Schools await new state standards

LOUISIANA: State's first-time jobless claims drop

MISSISSIPPI: 'Most religious' state is Mississippi

NORTH CAROLINA: State to compete for high-speed rail funding

SOUTH CAROLINA: Little clarity in race to replace Gov. Sanford

VIRGINIA: Drop in 7% noted in state's manufacturing jobs

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

12/28: New report says Alabama is getting greener

ALABAMA: New report says Alabama is getting greener

The report shows the state is making the biggest strides in construction, as the energy price increases over the last few years have spurred people to begin constructing more efficient buildings.

There is room for improvement -- free curbside recycling still hasn't been implemented in Mobile. And, existing pollution laws need to be enforced.

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: State's only nuclear power plant turns 35 amid climate change debate

FLORIDA: State's schools to apply for $700,000 federal grant

GEORGIA: State's small towns hammered by drop in tax revenues

KENTUCKY: Unemployment benefits extended into 2010 in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: Analysis: Louisiana could lose a House seat

MISSISSIPPI: New study shows recession hit Mississippi hard

NORTH CAROLINA: Former Christmas trees used to fight beach erosion in NC

SOUTH CAROLINA: Where's S.C. headed? An Insider Advantage/Statehouse Report poll

TENNESSEE: Budget cut could mean no state troopers in 13 counties, fewer in state

VIRGINIA: Mental health care, public safety may be partially cut from budget

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

12/24: Congressional musical chairs over latest population estimate

Southern Political Report: Latest population estimate signals tense round of Congressional musical chairs

"The last US Census Bureau estimate of population changes before the actual count is taken next year contains some good news and bad news for the South – and a certain amount of suspense.

"With the latest numbers, South Carolina joins Florida and Georgia as Southern states which are expected to gain a new congressional seat in the next round of reapportionment. That’s good news for the Palmetto State, not so good for Florida, which earlier in the decade – before the real estate bust, that is – had been expecting to gain two or three seats in the next decade. Another state with reason to be disappointed in the new data is North Carolina, which in previous population estimates appeared to be on track to gain a seat."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Judge dismisses lawsuit by Alabama legislators over no-bid computer contract

ARKANSAS: State troopers crack down on drunk-driving over holidays

FLORIDA: More leaving Florida than moving to the state

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue, some senators want investigation into health care deal

KENTUCKY: State AG asks Supreme Court to look at sex offender law

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal proposes expedited highway project plan

MISSISSIPPI: Jobless benefits extended in state

NORTH CAROLINA: Unemployment rate in state drops

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's senators applaud attorney general's move against health care bill

TENNESSEE: State's senators react to health care bill passage

VIRGINIA: State cuts $42 million more from transportation budget

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

12/23: Census reports slow growth in states

USAToday: Census reports slow growth in states

New state population estimates show Louisiana added 40,563 residents, a 0.9% increase -- nearly to the population level before Hurricane Katrina.

In the South, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina saw increases of 16% or more, and Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and Louisiana saw growth of under 10% as compared with population numbers recorded in 2000.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: U.S. Rep. Parker Griffith announces he'll switch parties

ARKANSAS: Immigrant population expanding in state

FLORIDA: State leaders plan statewide conference on job creation

GEORGIA: Task force says Lake Lanier is Atlanta's best source for drinking water

KENTUCKY: State's Race to the Top program doesn't include charter schools

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal balances budget by cutting $248 million from state agencies

MISSISSIPPI: Special Gulf Coast census under consideration

NORTH CAROLINA: Sen. Kay Hagan defends health care bill tradeoffs

SOUTH CAROLINA: New poll says electorate is tired of Sanford drama

TENNESSEE: Attorney General to appeal the guns-in-bars decision

VIRGINIA: Incoming governor names Sean Connaughton as state's transportation secretary

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

12/22: Survey shows Southerners lead in religious devotion

USA Today: Survey shows Southerners lead in religious devotion

Southerners, and Mississipians in particular, are most active in their religious practices and beliefs according to a new survey from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.

Five other states had at least seven in 10 people stating that religion holds that kind of importance for them: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State agencies worried about 2011 General Fund budget

ARKANSAS: Two-year college enrollment booming in Arkansas

FLORIDA: Senate candidates agree one one thing -- Cuba

GEORGIA: Biofuel demonstration plant to be built in Tifton

KENTUCKY: Number of children in foster care rises in state

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Keep ban on drilling in Lake Pontchartrain

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour names panel to study school district consolidation

NORTH CAROLINA: Foreclosure prevention program helps more than 2,500 in state

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers consider reassessment cap which could hurt local governments

TENNESSEE: A year later, TVA coal ash spill still unresolved

VIRGINIA: State could see $20 million increase by taking in Pennsylvania convicts

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

12/21: EPA pushes farmers to use coal waste on fields

New York Times: EPA pushes farmers to use coal waste on fields

A synthetic gypsum created as a waste product from coal-fired power plants is being pushed by the EPA as a field enhancer - as a fertilizer and soil loosener. The EPA says the synthetic gypsum, which contains mercury, arsenic, lead and other heavy metals, has levels of toxins too low to cause any threat to crops, surface water or humans.

However, some environmentalists say not enough is known about how the material, called flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum), affects crops and human health.

Currently, FGD gypsum is widely used in the South as a less expensive alternative to mined gypsum, said Glen Harris, a soil scientist at the University of Georgia's Tifton campus. Farmers in states such as Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas have long spread mined gypsum on their fields, where its calcium spurs the growth of peanuts.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Alabama Education Association opposes State BOE's charter school push

ARKANSAS: Sen. Lincoln says health care reform bill would cover more than 400,000 uninsured residents

FLORIDA: South Florida seniors concerned about proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage

GEORGIA: New state mental health agency now must cut budget, programs

KENTUCKY: Many in Eastern Kentucky without power following winter storm

LOUISIANA: Health care debate shows Louisiana politicians have much at stake

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: Task force: Best way of improving state's quality of life is education

NORTH CAROLINA: New landfill gas-to-energy plant opens in Durham

SOUTH CAROLINA: Jobless rate in S.C. reaches new high of 12.3%

TENNESSEE: Control of Congress may be in Tennessee's hands

VIRGINIA: Rep. Scott's Prison Reform Act aims to change cruel prison conditions

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

12/18: Louisiana ranks as the happiest state, says CDC

AP: Louisiana ranks as the happiest state, says CDC

A new study comparing self-described pleasant feelings with objective measures of good living found that those living in sunny, outdoorsy states generally have reason to feel fine.

The happiness ratings were based on a survey of 1.3 million people across the country by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It used data collected over four years that included a question asking people how satisfied they are with their lives.

Ranking No. 1 in happiness was Louisiana; however, one researcher urged a bit of caution in that ranking, noting that part of the happiness survey occurred before Hurricane Katrina struck the state, and part of it took place later. Nevertheless, he said, "We have no explicit reason to think there is a problem" with the ranking.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Cities, towns in Alabama see census as crucial for federal dollars, power

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe wants panel to gauge racial profiling problem in Arkansas

FLORIDA: Ausley considers dropping Senate bid and running for state CFO instead

GEORGIA: State to spend $42 million on fiber optic loop for rural Internet

KENTUCKY: State's unemployment rate drops to 10.6%

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour slams health reform bill

NORTH CAROLINA: Judge rules state's sex offender law unconstitutional

SOUTH CAROLINA: State economists say revenues are meeting expectations

TENNESSEE: Ethnic groups say 'white' isn't descriptive enough on census

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine to deliver budget news today

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

12/17: Tainted, toxic -- but legal -- tap water

New York Times: Tainted, toxic -- but legal -- tap water

A 35-year old federal law regulating tap water is very out-of-date -- and scientists say that what Americans are drinking from the tap can pose serious health risks, but still be legal in the eyes of the government. Only 91 contaminants are regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act, yet there are more than 60,000 chemicals used in the U.S. which can find their way into the drinking water.

A study found that various contaminants were often associated with increased incidents of disease. However, that research — like all large-scale studies of human illnesses — sometimes cannot definitively say that chemicals in drinking water were the sole cause of disease.

Take a look at water quality, state-by-state. This may drive filter sales.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's 2011 education funding request considered 'unrealistic'

ARKANSAS: State enacts tougher penalties for animal abusers

FLORIDA: Rail bill signed by Gov. Crist

GEORGIA: V. P. Biden to announce funds for high-speed internet to rural areas

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear bans text messaging by workers driving state-owned vehicles

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal's office to push legislation to give board of ethics appeal power

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers say fees may spike, not taxes

NORTH CAROLINA: State is #1 in number of certified teachers for 14th year in a row

SOUTH CAROLINA: House panel votes down Sanford impeachment plan

TENNESSEE: State leaders and advocacy groups participate in Copenhagen climate conference

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine may renew car tax debate

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

12/16: Governors set aggressive timeline for tri-state water plan

Governors set aggressive timeline for tri-state water agreement

The governors of Georgia, Florida and Alabama met Tuesday for two hours to work towards ending the 20-year water war between the states. At issue: The Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river basin.

All three governors will leave office during 2010, putting a greater push on getting an agreement sealed. Georgia Gov. Perdue alluded to the pres­sure of time and politics saying Tuesday that he believed "it would be shameful" to allow the knowledge that the three gover­nors have gained working on the water disputes to transfer to their successors.

Gov. Riley said, "As long as we look at what's best for that Southern region -- these three states -- I'm still convinced that we can reach a resolution."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Services to be cut if funds can't be found

ARKANSAS: Report says state is prepared for medical health emergencies

FLORIDA: State DOT criticized for rail bill e-mails

GEORGIA: Governors predict water agreement by end of 2010

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear supports payday-loan rate

LOUISIANA: Sen. Landrieu approves current health care bill

MISSISSIPPI: Federal bill includes $150 million for Mississippi projects

NORTH CAROLINA: A look at future growth along N.C. 3

SOUTH CAROLINA: State cuts $238 million from budget

TENNESSEE: Special session called by Gov. Bredesen on schools

VIRGINIA: Drug use is up among youth in Virginia

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

12/15: Environmentalists target soft toilet paper

Tennessean: Environmentalists target soft toilet paper

Environmentalists say the super-soft toilet paper pushed by manufacturers like Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble are anti-green. Greenpeace, the Natural Resources Defense Council and other environmental groups are urging these companies to stop using wood from virgin forests to make tissue products. But, even as Americans say they support green initiatives, they also say in surveys that they don't want to sacrifice comfort.

Darby Hoover, a senior resource specialist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, understands the pressure of customer demand but wonders: Do we really need toilet paper to be as soft as it can be or do we need it just soft enough? Other countries — particularly in South America, Africa and Asia — seem to be OK with "soft enough."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Lawmakers say state can't maintain retirees' benefits as they are

ARKANSAS: Judge allows non-religious display at Arkansas Capitol

FLORIDA: Federal grant may mean up to $700 million to Florida schools

GEORGIA: Tri-state water talks begin today between Georgia, Florida and Alabama governors

KENTUCKY: State has highest cancer death rate in the nation

LOUISIANA: State serves as a model in teacher assessment under new initiative

MISSISSIPPI: Food stamp program in state shows big increase in participation

NORTH CAROLINA: Commentary: Should an atheist councilman in NC be allowed to serve public office?

SOUTH CAROLINA: Racial health disparities outlined in South Carolina report

TENNESSEE: State's judges often judged in secret by judicial officials

VIRGINIA: Group says increase in gas tax could help solve budget problem

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

12/14: States haunted by scary budget scenarios

Stateline: States haunted by scary budget scenarios

Budgets in most states will be facing service cuts, tax hikes, IOUs, layoffs, furloughs and political gridlock. In Virginia, outgoing Gov. Tim Kaine is putting together a budget that his successor, Bob McDonnell, will have to finalize. Said Kaine, "The things that get put in front of me in terms of cuts are ... tougher and tougher, and somewhere in whittling down that $3.6 billion number, I know I am going to get a cut that I don't want to make."

Arkansas has seen worse budgets over the years, including the hit the state took in 1930 when a third of the state flooded -- it was already reeling from budget problems before the Great Depression. In 1933, Arkansas defaulted on its bonds — the only state to do so during the Great Depression — and its state government essentially functioned on federal money for two years. It started digging itself out only when it passed a sales tax, and even then, the state had to stop building roads for 16 years.

To avoid a repeat, state leaders will have to be strong and offer solid plans to weather the budget problems.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Some of the state's schools are still segregated, according to study

ARKANSAS: Crop losses in the state estimated at $309 million by economists

FLORIDA: Judicial Ethics Committee advises judged not to befriend attorneys on Facebook

GEORGIA: Savannah worried about Atlanta's water plans and impact on coast

KENTUCKY: Abuse statistics considered 'alarming' in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: Commission on Streamlining Government works on state expenses

MISSISSIPPI: Some legislators want to change the way the budget is written

NORTH CAROLINA: Asheville councilman's atheism causing a huge stir across nation

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gubernatorial candidates outline jobs programs

TENNESSEE: Opinion: It's time Tennessee slams jail door shut

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine prepares Virginia budget

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

12/11: Climate policies as job creators

Center for American Progress: Stronger climate policies will create low-carbon jobs worldwide

From John Podesta, Saya Kitasei and Andrew Light:

"This week, delegates from 192 countries arrived in Copenhagen to move forward on the terms of a new international agreement on curbing carbon pollution. Nevertheless, many countries, including the United States, are under severe attack that the measures they are taking to address climate change cannot be justified while their economies remain weakened by the global recession. The International Labor Organization estimates that global unemployment in 2009 will increase by between 18 million and 50 million relative to 2007. Stimulating growth, reducing unemployment, and maintaining competitiveness have become top priorities around the world.

"Yet growing evidence suggests that investing in a low-carbon economy will not only reduce our dependence on fossil fuels but generate new economic opportunities. In fact, the global recession has increased the urgency of building new industries that can support new jobs and sustainable growth during the 21st century. Policymakers around the world have seized this opportunity, creating renewable energy and energy efficiency provisions in domestic stimulus bills and designing climate legislation to produce dividends in employment and economic growth." More

And in the South:

ALABAMA: State's public schools spend savings to keep doors open

ARKANSAS: Group of medical professionals looks at how state will adjust to Medicaid changes

FLORIDA: Editorial: High-speed rail is on fast track

GEORGIA: Environmentalists say state could do more in water conservation

KENTUCKY: State revenue is up for first time in eleven months

LOUISIANA: Dramatic drop in number of Louisiana smokers noted

MISSISSIPPI: Economist says education was a factor in sluggish state economy

NORTH CAROLINA: Editorial: Keep the reform train rolling

SOUTH CAROLINA: New study shows manufacturing still a mainstay of state's economy

TENNESSEE: Group renews effort to block Tennessee's foster-care law

VIRGINIA: Wind power turbines now allowed in one Virginia county

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

12/10: Anti-smoking program funding drops in South

Anti-smoking program funding drops in South

Tennessee is the worst in the nation at funding anti-smoking programs aimed at children. In the current budget crisis, the state cut its spending by 96% this year, putting the state in the lowest spot as reported by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Tennessee (51st), Georgia (50th), Alabama (47th), South Carolina (44th) and Kentucky(40th) rank in the bottom of the rankings. Kentucky's anti-smoking spending continues to be low, as it spends about 6.9% of the amount recommended on cessation programs as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And, tobacco companies are spending $20 to market products for every $1 the state spends to fight tobacco use.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Inmate attorneys say state underreports violence at prison

ARKANSAS: Sens. Lincoln and Pryor tout health care proposal

FLORIDA: State is ranked #2 for number of foreclosures in November

GEORGIA: Atlanta's mayoral race settled with recount: Kasim Reed wins

LOUISIANA: State's doctors oppose Medicare expansion proposed in Senate

MISSISSIPPI: Companies in Washington County seek 'free port exemption'

NORTH CAROLINA: Video games playing bigger role in education

SOUTH CAROLINA: House panel votes against impeachment of Gov. Sanford

VIRGINIA: State to get federal aid for disaster areas

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

12/9: Climate change in Ky. could bring poverty or growth

KENTUCKY: Experts say climate change could bring poverty or growth to Kentucky

A group of state and national experts met at the Kentucky Science & Technology Corp.'s climate change conference and said that the state could move toward increased poverty or see an opportunity for growth depending on the speed and direction of climate change.

If the weather changes, the energy costs could rise and coal industry could dry up. Or, if there's limited climate change, the state could benefit by gaining businesses that other states lose if the state beefs up education and infrastructure.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bipartisan group wants further study of state's 2-year college system

ARKANSAS: In 71 days, lottery generates $25 million for scholarships

FLORIDA: Senate approves Tri-Rail funding plan by 27-10

GEORGIA: Green-building measure for Atlanta on hold for now

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Teamwork on coastal restoration

MISSISSIPPI: Next state health officer to face Ky. challenges: Obesity, heart disease, cancer

NORTH CAROLINA: Medical malpractice reports now available online

SOUTH CAROLINA: Public meeting on racial profiling to be held in Columbia

TENNESSEE: Obesity and diabetes rates go up in Tennessee counties

VIRGINIA: Governor-elect McDonnell doesn't want any tax hikes

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

12/8: EPA says greenhouse gases hazardous to health

Christian Science Monitor: EPA says greenhouse gases are hazardous to human health

The Environmental Protection Agency's announcement on greenhouse gases was made on the first day of the climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Environmentalists applauded the move. "This means the US can go to Copenhagen and negotiate from a position of strength. It shows the world that the Obama administration is serious about tackling the climate problem even if legislation in the Senate falls flat,” says Frank O’Donnell, president of Clean Air Watch, an environmental watchdog group. “It’s also a reminder to the Senate that if they sit on their hands, the Obama EPA is going to do something to regulate these emissions.”

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Governors of Georgia, Florida and Alabama to meet over water rights

ARKANSAS: Education advocate, former state senator Jodie Mahony dies

FLORIDA: State's high court may require more specific Miranda warnings

GEORGIA: Ethics reform to be a big topic of 2010 legislature

KENTUCKY: Control of state Senate to be decided in today's special election

LOUISIANA: Tax amnesty brings in $466 million, three times more than expected

MISSISSIPPI: "Green" Grand Bay Coastal Resources center dedicated

NORTH CAROLINA: Drunk driving fatality rate drops in state

SOUTH CAROLINA: State lawmakers want to outlaw texting while driving

TENNESSEE: Editorial: Local clinics could vanish along with state funding

VIRGINIA: State's charter school law gets 'fail' from education reform group

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

12/7: Rendering a more balanced state tax structure

Statehouse Report: Andy Brack: Rendering a more balanced state tax structure

"With a quarter of the state’s population jobless, underemployed or fed up looking for work, a pretty good case can be made that if the state of South Carolina wants to move past the recession, it needs to seriously rethink its priorities.

"Instead of continuing to do things the same ways they’ve always been done, now might be the best time to shake things up a little. Perhaps it is time to focus more on underfunded areas that, if funded better, could generate real rewards."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Jobless hotline in state swamped with calls

ARKANSAS: State to get lottery vending machines in Spring 2010

FLORIDA: House lawmakers to vote on commuter rail today

GEORGIA: Spread of hemlock woolly adelgid worries Georgia foresters

KENTUCKY: State to adopt protocol for death row executions

LOUISIANA: Analysis: Gov. Jindal quiet on Medicaid fix he sought

MISSISSIPPI: Three cities legalize Sunday alcohol sales

NORTH CAROLINA: State Chamber of Commerce talks taxes with state policy makers

SOUTH CAROLINA: Five reasons why Sanford may remain state's governor

TENNESSEE: State improves on ranking of healthy states, moving from 48th to 44th

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine proposes expanding health benefits to partners

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

12/4: More on Georgia's water problem

Gov. Perdue may turn to reservoirs for metro Atlanta water

A task force has been put together to help solve Georgia's water problems. A federal judge has set a 2012 deadline for Georgia to come up with a solution with Alabama and Florida; if a deal isn't reached, Georgia could be cut off from using millions of gallons of water from Lake Lanier.

The controversial practices of interbasin transfers or piping water from far-away rivers and lakes is are also being considered, to the dismay of environmentalists and rural lawmakers. And, currently a state law strictly prohibits river basin water transfers, so a battle over water resources within the state is sure to come.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley backs off on ban of no-bid contract deals

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe speaks with Washington governor about interstate parolee system

FLORIDA: State senators split on Medicare

GEORGIA: Speaker of the House resigns

KENTUCKY: Parts of eastern Kentucky to be targeted by MSHA due to black lung disease

LOUISIANA: State's federal funding dependence challenged by Rep. Darrell Issa

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour cuts $54.3 million in second round of budget cuts

NORTH CAROLINA: Judge considers arguments on NC's 'life' sentences for prisoners

SOUTH CAROLINA: Attorney General expects good news in Carolinas' water war

TENNESSEE: State to open adult health plan to sickest children

VIRGINIA: Study on safety of uranium mining to begin this winter

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

12/3: FDIC report released on bank accounts

AP: FDIC report says South's households more likely to live without banks

Nationwide, of the 1.3 million households that stopped having bank accounts in 2008, more than 31 percent said they closed them because of overdraft fees, service charges or high minimum balance rules. A slightly larger group, 34.1 percent, said they did not have enough money to need an account, the report says.

As noted in Southern Political Report, the South has the highest percentage of households which don't have checking or saving accounts, and Mississippi has the highest percentage in the country with 16.4 percent, followed by Georgia and Alabama.

Instead of banks, those without accounts rely on pawn shops, checking services, payday loans or similar non-bank instruments to meet their financial needs.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Two insurers to cut property owners' Gulf Coast wind coverage

ARKANSAS: 10% of Arkansas households have no bank account

FLORIDA: Rail project is the subject of today's special legislative session

GEORGIA: Ethics complaint considered against House Speaker Richardson

KENTUCKY: State extends unemployment benefits

LOUISIANA: Reasons for farmers to support action against global warming

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour to announce more budget cuts on Thursday

NORTH CAROLINA: New fund created to invest in state businesses

SOUTH CAROLINA: Economists say state's recession will last through 2010

TENNESSEE: Another candidate drops out of governor's race

VIRGINIA: Three days left on tax amnesty

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

12/2: States consider permanent cuts following furloughs

Stateline: States consider permanent cuts following furloughs

A look at states with furloughs and layoffs, and how these may be impacted by the development of budgets next year for fiscal 2011.

In preparation of budget development, many states are taking stock of every position in state government to determine what effect job cuts and the possible elimination of whole departments will have on revenues, expenses and the quality of government services.

“I think we’re kind of in a permanent retrenchment,” says Raymond C. Scheppach, long-time director of the National Governors Association. “There are a number of areas where we’ve got to sit back and almost look at new models for delivering services.”

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Tom Baxter: Bingo bounces back in Bama

ARKANSAS: Old liquor laws thwart sale of alcohol-infused truffles

FLORIDA: Black lawmakers want special session delayed due to national conference

GEORGIA: New group wants to stop tri-state water wars

KENTUCKY: If state budget is cut 6%, layoffs and furloughs likely

LOUISIANA: Panel rejects plan to cut 15,000 government jobs over next three years

MISSISSIPPI: Lt. Gov. Bryant pushes for 'performance budgeting'

NORTH CAROLINA: Progress Energy to shut down 11 coal-burning power plants in state

SOUTH CAROLINA: Employment Security Commission under review

TENNESSEE: State health insurance plans stop enrollment of needy

VIRGINIA: State's congressional delegates react to President Obama's speech

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

12/1: Weakened Sanford pushes ahead despite cloud

Statehouse Report: Brack: Weakened Sanford pushes ahead despite cloud

"On the day newspaper headlines screamed that the state Ethics Commission accused Gov. Mark Sanford of 37 violations, the governor's sense of humor remained intact. When asked how he would like his terms as governor to be remembered, he said, “Better than today.”

"Then during another of his Rotary Club apology tours across the state, Sanford paused 9 seconds to consider the question."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Despite court ruling, casinos plan to reopen

ARKANSAS: Study shows Southern-born people have higher risk of dying of stroke

FLORIDA: Editorial: Shifting sands (on private property owners and beach rights)

GEORGIA: State homebuyer tax credit expires

KENTUCKY: Charities struggling more than ever in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: State's delegates to support 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers from Mississippi to work on efficiencies in next legislative session

NORTH CAROLINA: 50 new state laws include ban on texting while driving

TENNESSEE: GOP leadership tries to block House Speaker from rejoining party

VIRGINIA: Editorial: I-81 in Virginia a great road to avoid

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