3/10: Ga. leaders may increase fees dramatically

Macon Telegraph: State leaders may increase fees dramatically to balance budget

Georgia legislators are working to balance the budget, and they're considering raising fees to do that. Some fees will be raised substantially. And the annual sales-tax-free, back-to school shopping weekend will likely not take place this year.

The idea is to take many of the 1,800-plus fees the state charges for various licenses, court costs and inspections and raise them until they fully — or close to fully — fund that government function. Many fees haven’t changed in decades, something the state Department of Audits has pointed out more than once in recent years. For instance, the Georgia Department of Transportation charges just $10 to license a new airport.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Unemployment rate in state rises to 11.1%

ARKANSAS: State as 'ground zero' for climate politics as Lincoln vs. Halter heats up

FLORIDA: Norovirus clusters found across the state

GEORGIA: State leaders may increase fees dramatically to balance budget

KENTUCKY: House passes $3.4 billion transportation bill

LOUISIANA: State still has a problem with underground cockfighting

MISSISSIPPI: House approves legislation to create 12 charter schools

NORTH CAROLINA: Researchers find higher price on junk food means less consumed

SOUTH CAROLINA: State spending cuts could mean 2,300 fewer state employees

TENNESSEE: Toddler dies after mistaking loaded gun for Wii game controller

VIRGINIA: Editorial: In Virginia, legalized discrimination is alive and well

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

3/8: NC's Gov. Perdue wants census count change

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue wants a census change on how deployed troops are counted

Gov. Beverly Perdue is focusing on changing the way deployed troops are counted. Currently, military personnel in the United States are counted as living in their barracks or off-base residence where they spend most of their time. But deployed soldiers are counted by either their home state, their legal residence or the last base they were assigned to before deploying.

Gov. Perdue wants deployed soldiers counted by their base assignments, which could mean more federal money coming to the state (up to $641.5 million over the next ten years).

While it's not likely to change for this census count, it could be considered for the 2020 census.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Experts say alternative energy could boost Alabama's revenue

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe: Making Arkansas count

FLORIDA: South Florida tourism aims to appeal to Chinese tourists

GEORGIA: State's use of medical reprieves for inmates on the rise

KENTUCKY: General Assembly enters tenth week of 2010 session

LOUISIANA: Civil Service Commission backs pay-raise plan for 61,000 state workers

MISSISSIPPI: Education and prisons at the top of budget discussions at Capitol

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's budget more dependent on fines, fees than one would think

TENNESSEE: State proposes tax on free hotel breakfasts

VIRGINIA: State AG tells colleges to end gay protections

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

3/2: New opinion poll highlights AL voters' top concerns

ALABAMA: New opinion poll lists voters' top concerns in state: education, health, highways

The Public Research Council of Alabama has conducted an opinion poll to state voters' top concerns for 2010. They are: education, health care, public safety and highways.

A majority said they were willing to pay higher taxes to avoid substantial cuts in education and health-care services, generally understood to be Medicaid.

The poll, conducted in January by Samford University political science professor Randolph Horn, asked about gambling, a major issue facing the legislators this year. The poll asked if gambling should be taxed and regulated. In response, 72 percent said yes and 26 percent said it should be outlawed.

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: U of A enters racial controversy over national stepping competition win

FLORIDA: Report says FL is deadliest state for pedestrians and bicyclists

GEORGIA: President Obama to bring "Cash for Caulkers" program to Savannah

KENTUCKY: State House approves pilot project to open some family courts to public

LOUISIANA: State prison officials look for ways to cut recidivism, escapes

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers propose soft drink tax to offset high obesity rate

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue wants to know value of privatizing state liquor stores

SOUTH CAROLINA: Budget proposal cuts 1,000 state employees

TENNESSEE: Three TN road projects blocked by KY Sen. Bunning

VIRGINIA: Strategy by state Democrats aimed at blocking gun bills

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

3/1: Analysis of NC voters shows allegiances are shifting

Washington Daily News: Analysis of NC voters shows allegiances are shifting

According to the nonpartisan Democracy North Carolina, a county-by-county analysis of North Carolina voters points to dramatic shifts in the past decade that will likely influence campaign strategy for elections this year.

Statewide, unaffiliated numbers advanced by 627,547, showing 83-percent growth from 2000 through the first month of 2010. During the same decade, Democratic ranks expanded by 11 percent, while Republicans grew their party by 16 percent.

These major shifts in registration have unsettled some key figures in the two major parties. The state Democratic and Republican parties allow unaffiliated registrants to vote in their primaries.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: 2010 session at midpoint; legislators have yet to work on budget

ARKANSAS: Opinion: Hard to judge merits of Legislature's fiscal session

FLORIDA: Few dentists in state are willing to deal with Medicaid

GEORGIA: U.S. Rep. Linder will not seek re-election

KENTUCKY: Legislative committee stalls prison food bill

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal says he'll take second stimulus package, even as he speaks against it

MISSISSIPPI: First Lady Michelle Obama to visit state this week to work against childhood obesity

SOUTH CAROLINA: Opinion: Jailhouse rocked? Legislators facing a tough funding choice

TENNESSEE: SBI report finds gang activity in schools across the state

VIRGINIA: Officials say rail is state's transportation future

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

2/25: Florida considered a 'growing gang capital'

FLORIDA: State is considered a 'growing gang capital'

There are an estimated 49,000 gang members living in Florida, making up 1,100 gangs.

South Florida has the most gang members at 19,685, with Palm Beach County considered a hotbed of gang activity.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Jerry Bailey says data sharing among different agencies and departments is helping bust more bad guys, but adds there is room for improvement.

"We're going to have to be able to talk better, to share more of the information, but the big thing is getting it all into a centralized database so that gang that's working today in Palm Beach County and tomorrow in Leon County, that we can better track their movements and their activities," says Bailey.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State has spent only 7% of $71.8 million stimulus package

ARKANSAS: Legislators prepare to cast final votes on spending plan today

GEORGIA: Pew Center study shows state's children need better dental care

KENTUCKY: Cockfighting supporters want the practice legalized

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal proposes bill to give colleges control over tuition

MISSISSIPPI: Budget battle enhanced by $14 million federal funds windfall

NORTH CAROLINA: Editorial: Governor's order might help create jobs

SOUTH CAROLINA: State House committee passes tobacco tax increase

TENNESSEE: State is ranked #2 in credit card debt

VIRGINIA: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield customers to see double-digit rate increases

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

2/24: Illegal immigrant numbers rise in the Southeast

AP: Illegal immigrant numbers rise in Southeast

A new federal report shows that Georgia had the greatest percentage increase among the 10 states with the biggest illegal immigrant populations during 2000-2009, with more than 480,000 immigrants noted during that period. In 1990, Georgia had just 35,000 illegal immigrants.

North Carolina is also one of the top 10 states for the sheer size of its illegal immigrant population, estimated at about 370,000 in January 2009 as compared to 260,000 in 2000, according to the report by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Immigration Statistics.

As recently as the 1980s, Southeastern states with the exception of Florida had very few immigrants, legal or illegal, Jeff Passel of the Pew Hispanic Center said. A recession in California in the early 1990s, and a ready supply of low-skilled jobs in other regions prompted immigrants to look elsewhere, especially the Southeast, Passel said.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Lawmakers consider ban on public release of 911 calls

ARKANSAS: International students boost state's economy by more than $23 million

FLORIDA: Supreme Court approves Florida's version of Miranda rights warnings

GEORGIA: Statewide campaign -- Exit 2 Text It -- aimed at teen motorists

KENTUCKY: Group rallies against payday lenders

LOUISIANA: State to get $77 million more in stimulus money for health care

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour gives President Obama advice -- 'jobs, jobs, jobs' should be priority

NORTH CAROLINA: State lags behind on disclosing hospital infections

SOUTH CAROLINA: State considers early release of 3,000 prisoners as way to save money

TENNESSEE: New biorefinery to convert wood products into diesel or jet fuel

VIRGINIA: Primary victims of state budget: Education and Medicaid

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

2/23: It's time for state goverment to listen to the people

Anniston Star: Glen Browder: It’s time state government listens to ‘voice of the people’

"Vox populi is a fancy Latin term that means “voice of the people” and stresses the importance of listening to everyday citizens in public affairs. Coincidentally, it also is the motto of the Alabama House of Representatives.

"Unfortunately, public officials often have invoked fuzzy versions of the “voice of the people” to justify questionable causes and foist empty solutions upon their constituents. Maybe these politicians are just confused by the onslaught of ideas from loud activists and powerful special interests, all claiming to speak for the people.

"It’s also unfortunate that many citizens have opted out of civic dialogue and defaulted as responsible participants in the democratic process. Perhaps they’re just disgusted with endless attack ads, robo-calls and sales pitches disguised as public-opinion surveys." (More)

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Rep. Davis outlines economic plan if elected governor

ARKANSAS: Lottery-funded college scholarship bill advances in House

FLORIDA: Judge rules red-light cameras are illegal

GEORGIA: NE Georgia water departments apply for Homeland Security funds

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear announces Kentucky Saves Week

LOUISIANA: State to appeal gay adoption/birth certificate ruling

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour says governors should have say in health care debate

NORTH CAROLINA: State poll reveals most voters don't want health overhaul

SOUTH CAROLINA: State lawmakers build budget without considering federal money

TENNESSEE: State Senate opposes children's rights plan

VIRGINIA: Senate approves using coast drilling royalties for roads

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

2/19: States consider Medicaid cuts as enrollment grows

New York Times: States consider Medicaid cuts as enrollment grows

Because states are temporarily barred from reducing eligibility, they have been left to cut “optional benefits,” like dental and vision care, and reduce payments to doctors and other health care providers.

In Georgia, Gov. Sonny Perdue assumed in his budget proposal that the additional federal money would be provided, but that the state would still face a Medicaid imbalance of $608 million, said Dr. Rhonda M. Medows, the commissioner of community health. Mr. Perdue decided it would be unwise to cut optional benefits because that might drive Medicaid patients into expensive emergency rooms. He proposed instead to levy a 1.6 percent tax on hospital and managed care revenues and to cut payments to many providers by nearly 2 percent.

Gov. Phil Bredesen of Tennessee is proposing the largest cuts in the history of TennCare, his state’s Medicaid program. To trim 9 percent of the TennCare budget, he would establish a $10,000 cap on inpatient hospital services for nonpregnant adults and would limit coverage of X-rays, laboratory services and doctor’s office visits.

Concerns about health care costs are likely to dominate the winter meeting of the National Governors Association, which begins Saturday in Washington.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Shooting puts spotlight on university tenure process

ARKANSAS: Poultry companies in state accused of polluting sensitive watershed

FLORIDA: Lawmakers scramble to save Florida's space businesses

GEORGIA: Lawmakers take two-week break to tackle $1 billion budget deficit

KENTUCKY: Army plans to blow up stored chemical weapons in Richmond, KY

LOUISIANA: State's per capital debt grows

MISSISSIPPI: State Senate restores budget cuts, Gov. Barbour says he'll veto

NORTH CAROLINA: Charter school debate heats up in NC

SOUTH CAROLINA: State to sue over Yucca Mountain nuclear dump

TENNESSEE: TVA to buy wind power from Iowa

VIRGINIA: State AG files challenge to EPA greenhouse gas regulation

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

2/17: States withhold funds from municipal gov'ts

Stateline: States withhold funds to cities, counties across nation

As budget shortfalls continue to make headlines, some states are withholding funds owed to municipal governments as a way to balance state books.

In North Carolina, about 7% of the proceeds from the state's corporate income tax had routinely been transferred to local governments for school capital costs, but starting this year, legislatorss decided to put that money -- about $125 million over two years -- towards the state's budget
deficit.

The withholding of funds is not without protest -- in some states, including Florida, lawsuits have been filed to get the funds reinstated.

It's an interesting situation to watch.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State Senate committee to vote on Gov. Riley's charter school plan

ARKANSAS: State lawmakers want more control over Medicaid program cuts

FLORIDA: State panel debates plastic bag ban, but offers no answer

GEORGIA: Nuclear reactors in Georgia to get $8.3 billon federal loan guarantee

KENTUCKY: State's economy could get boost from underused Earned Income Tax Credit

LOUISIANA: State prison system sues death row inmates to stall lethal injection lawsuit

MISSISSIPPI: 'Personhood' initiative filed to get abortion issue on statewide ballot

NORTH CAROLINA: State education officials change minds about altering history curriculum

SOUTH CAROLINA: Landfill in S.C. to store dangerous chemicals from Pickens County river

TENNESSEE: White Nose Syndrome blamed for deaths of Tennessee bats

VIRGINIA: In private, Gov. McDonnell pushes for deeper budget cuts of more than $1 billion

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

2/12: Home heating aid shifts to the South

ABC News: Home heating aid shifts to the South

The recent cold snap in the Deep South has sucked federal emergency home heating dollars away from traditional cold-weather states, causing heating aid to dry up faster than usual in many northern states.

Last month, $490 million in emergency heating funds were released by the Obama administration once a formula that took into account colder-than-normal temperatures and, for the first time, unemployment levels. Both of these factors favored the South.

Emergency funding more than tripled for Florida and Georgia, and more than doubled in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bill to create charter schools in state is tabled indefinitely

ARKANSAS: Fiscal session's first week ends with no-raise expense bill in place

FLORIDA: State sees decline in illegal immigrants

GEORGIA: Details on CRCT cheating at public schools released

KENTUCKY: Hundreds take part in rRally against mountaintop removal held in Frankfort

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal's $24 billion budget spares higher education

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour signs bill to restrict over-the-counter medicines used in meth making

NORTH CAROLINA: Editorial: Pressing for justice

SOUTH CAROLINA: Report shows state needs tougher jobless laws

TENNESSEE: State to resume enrollment in CoverKids, the uninsured children's program

VIRGINIA: State budget continues to be a mystery

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

1/28: Pres. Obama announces high-speed rail projects

New York Times: President Obama announces high-speed rail projects

Today, President Obama visited Florida to announce an investment of $8 billion for high-speed rail projects, the first of several initiatives to boost job growth across the country.

“One in 10 Americans is out of jobs,” Mr. Obama said. “That’s why creating jobs has to be our No. 1 priority in 2010.”

Mr. Obama and Vice President Biden were in Florida to announce the projects and the high-speed rail could run from Tampa to Orlando.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Senate panel approves Alabama constitutional convention

ARKANSAS: Crop loss in 2009 estimated at $397 million

GEORGIA: Legislators offer to take six more furlough days

KENTUCKY: State's stimulus Web site, Kentucky at Work, ranked No. 2 nationally

LOUISIANA: State Board of Regents to cut 28 programs to save money

MISSISSIPPI: House approves restoration of $100 million of budget cuts

NORTH CAROLINA: $545 million allocated for high-speed rail in NC

SOUTH CAROLINA: Photo ID vote could affect 178,000 South Carolinians

TENNESSEE: Senate rejects Gov. Bredesen's veto on menu labeling

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell gives GOP response to State of the Union address

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

1/26: EPA issues new air quality standards

Wall Street Journal: EPA issues new air quality standards

Stricter limits on the amount of nitrogen dioxide along busy roads have been set, which will require states to install monitoring equipment in big urban areas in order to reduce pollution during periods of high traffic.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued the new standard Monday, seven months after first proposing new short-term limits. Businesses said the new standard is too strict while environmentalists said it didn't go far enough.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's prepaid tuition program considered by legislature this week

ARKANSAS: Class action suit alleges state sold personal information

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist seeks budget increase for public schools

GEORGIA: Bill would require DNA samples with felony arrest

KENTUCKY: House passes patient-protection bill, now bill heads to Senate

LOUISIANA: State reaches agreement on repaying two federal loans

MISSISSIPPI: Higher education to cost more in MS this fall

NORTH CAROLINA: Number of independent voters in the state up 83% since 2000

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lt. Gov. Bauer's welfare remarks called 'immoral'

TENNESSEE: Analysis: Unlikely allies altering education in Tennessee

VIRGINIA: Bill on not forcing Virginians to buy health care advances

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

1/25: 24 states' laws could be moot with campaign finance change

New York Times: 24 states' laws could be moot with proposed campaign finance change

Laws in 24 states will be directly or indirectly called into question after the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that the federal government may not ban political spending by corporations or unions in candidate elections.

Richard Hasen, an election law specialist at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said he expected state judicial races to be especially affected by the Supreme Court decision. States like Florida and Ohio can expect to see the biggest and quickest influx of money, as it is relatively expensive to run campaigns and most are competitive.

However, David Primo, a political science professor at the University of Rochester, counseled caution about predicting the impact of the Supreme Court decision. While it grants corporations and unions new access, it is also likely to spur state officials and campaign reform groups to push for new types of restrictions.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Unemployment in state hits 11%

ARKANSAS: U.S. Rep. Marion Berry to announce retirement today

FLORIDA: Some expect President Obama to announce billions for high speed rail in Florida

GEORGIA: Report says state's foster care system has problems of abuse and neglect

KENTUCKY: Census officials having a hard time filling jobs in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal gets boost with anti-tax stance

MISSISSIPPI: Doctors turn to Iran to find out how to reduce MS's high infant mortality rate

NORTH CAROLINA: N.C. Attorney General suggests way to resolve water issue with S.C.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers put off tax evaluation report

TENNESSEE: Regular legislative session opens today with dire budget situation

VIRGINIA: Coalition wants to create offshore wind industry

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

1/21: Pres. Obama may scale back health care overhaul

New York Times: President Obama may scale back health care overhaul

President Obama signaled Wednesday that he may be open to scaling back his proposed health care overhaul to a version that could attract bipartisan support. The election of Scott Brown to the Senate seat in Massachusetts has changed the climate in Congress, as Democrats no longer have enough votes to stop filibusters.

In an interview with ABC, President Obama cited two specific goals for the health care plan: cracking down on insurance industry practices that hurt consumers and reining in health costs.

This issue continues to be one to watch.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State gets $6 million in stimulus funds for energy job training

ARKANSAS: Sen. Teague considers business tax hike to cover borrowed unemployment funds

FLORIDA: 5,000 cold-stunned sea turtles rescued by state & federal wildlife workers

GEORGIA: World's largest wood pellet plant to be built in Waycross

KENTUCKY: Bake sales promoted as way to plug state's budget hole

LOUISIANA: Opinion: Forgiveness of federal loan lifts a heavy burden from Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: A dozen libraries in south Mississippi close due to budget woes

NORTH CAROLINA: Nonprofit to get $28 million in stimulus funds to expand Internet access

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gov. Sanford gives final State of the State address, gives three goals

TENNESSEE: Senate approves restructuring of higher education funding

VIRGINIA: State to re-open 19 rest areas

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

1/20: States upset over health care reform

Stateline: States upset over health care reform

State leaders are concerned that the health care overhaul will put more costs on already overburdened state budgets. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen said he was “'moderately outraged” at the inconsistent treatment states could receive under the bill, according to the Nashville Business Journal. Bredesen, a former health care executive, estimated the Medicaid expansion could cost his state as much as $1.2 billion over five years at a time when the state is looking at a $1.5-billion budget gap.

Gov. Bob Riley of Alabama said the Nebraska deal “reeks to me of legalized bribery,” according to the Montgomery Advertiser, while attorneys general in more than a dozen states have threatened to sue, arguing the preferential treatment is unconstitutional.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House passes ban on texting while driving

ARKANSAS: Legislators react to discrimination claim on lottery distribution

FLORIDA: New standards for tattoo industry to be taken up by legislators

GEORGIA: State's coastal aquifers could provide more water than currently provided

KENTUCKY: Ten Commandments back on wall of Kentucky courthouse

LOUISIANA: Casino revenue down 15.8% in December

MISSISSIPPI: State House wants governor to tap rainy-day and stimulus fund to balance budget

NORTH CAROLINA: State GOP leaders plan to block parts of health care bill

SOUTH CAROLINA: Legislators set to approve commercial property tax relief today

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen wants to tie college funding to graduation rates

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell outlines bold economic plan

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

1/14: AL religous groups fight gambling legislation

ALABAMA: Religious groups to fight gambling legislation

Religious groups are lining up to fight legislation that would expand and tax gambling in the state.

On Wednesday in Montgomery, the Rev. Jimmy Jackson, president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention, called gambling "an evil" that the Legislature should stop. The Rev. Joe Godfrey, director of the Alabama Citizen Action Program, said he opposes letting Alabama citizens vote on expanding gambling. He said operators and machine manufacturers would spend millions on the referendum, and opponents couldn't match that.

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: Arkansas Works program expanded by Gov. Beebe

FLORIDA: Most of Florida Power & Light $1 billion rate hike request rejected

GEORGIA: Senator Shafer pushes water conservation bill

KENTUCKY: Senate panel passes nuclear power bill

LOUISIANA: Attorney General files lawsuit over tainted Chinese drywall

MISSISSIPPI: Leaky water system causes fourth day of government shut down

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue unveils education initiative aimed at improving achievement

SOUTH CAROLINA: State House censures Gov. Sanford, 102-11

TENNESSEE: House panel calls for moratorium on traffic cameras

VIRGINIA: Gov.-elect McDonnell won't push to remove corporate income tax

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

1/12: Southern states fail at discouraging tobacco use

Reuters: Southern states fail at discouraging tobacco use

The American Lung Association has issued a state-by-state report that grades federal and state governments on cigarette taxes, laws banning smoking in the workplace and elsewhere, tobacco prevention and control efforts, and programs to help smokers quit.

Alabama, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia received all failing marks. None of the 50 states excelled in all areas. However, the ALA gave the government credit for giving the FDA the power to regulate tobacco, and credited Congress for more than doubling the federal per-pack cigarette tax, from 39 cents to $1.01 per pack.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Conservation leaders want state to extend land preservation program

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe to cut budget another $106 million

FLORIDA: State considers reinstating $44 million back-to-school tax break

GEORGIA: New speaker promises to bring renewal to the 'people's House'

KENTUCKY: Federal judge upholds tough restrictions on tobacco advertising

LOUISIANA: Adult education to bear brunt of State DOE cuts

MISSISSIPPI: Underachieving schools studied by legislative task force

NORTH CAROLINA: State still failing when it comes to tobacco control

SOUTH CAROLINA: State NAACP wants more accurate census count this year

TENNESSEE: Skeptical legislators want more detail on Gov. Bredesen's education bill

VIRGINIA: State ranks among the worst for highway safety

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

1/8: New smog limits could be challenging for NC, US

News & Observer: New smog limits could be challenging for NC, US

Much of North Carolina would flunk the federal pollution standards in a nationwide proposal Thursday to require tougher limits on smog. The federal Environmental Protection Agency's new limits are the strictest so far.

The new standards will put hundreds of counties across the nation out of compliance and force local officials to find creative new ways to squeeze more pollution reductions from transportation, heavy industry and residents.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Opinion: How Alabama can meet justice needs

ARKANSAS: Schools in state scramble for federal money

FLORIDA: South Florida schools face mid-year budget crisis

GEORGIA: Homeowners in state could lose $13 billion in property values in next two years

KENTUCKY: New mining procedures to cut down on dumping of coal waste

LOUISIANA: Much of New Orleans area to be out of compliance with new EPA ozone standards

MISSISSIPPI: State denies Allstate's bid to raise insurance rates by 65%

SOUTH CAROLINA: State legislature says cigarette tax is likely this year

TENNESSEE: Legislative agenda's top issues: budget cuts, education

VIRGINIA: State tightens rules on car-title lending

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

1/7: Schools in the South show two majorities

New York Times: Schools in the South show two majorities

The South is the first region in the country where more than half of public school students are poor and more than half are members of minorities, according to a new report by the Southern Education Foundation.

The shift is due to an influx of Latinos and other minorities, the return of blacks to the South and higher birth rates among black and Latino families.

The report says the new numbers mark a milestone for the South -- "the only section of the United States where racial slavery, white supremacy and racial segregation of schools were enforced through law and social custom."

The South will face an enormous challenge in tackling on such a broad scale the lower achievement rates among poor and minority students, who score lower than average on tests and drop out more frequently than whites.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bill pre-filed to ban driver text-messaging

ARKANSAS: State unveils universal scholarship application, replacing 20+ separate forms

FLORIDA: State emergency management division allegations continue

GEORGIA: GA, SC to meet for talks on water

KENTUCKY: State's food prices dropped 5.6% in 2009

LOUISIANA: Undeveloped business sectors to be focus for 2010 in state

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour issues state of emergency covering entire state

NORTH CAROLINA: Foreclosure filings up by 17% in 2009

SOUTH CAROLINA: More than $1 billion in stimulus funds have come to state agencies

TENNESSEE: Budget trimming 'devastating' to state's TennCare Medicaid program

VIRGINIA: More than $4 billion to be cut when legislators return to Capitol next week

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

1/6: Extended cold spell raises concerns over FL crops

New York Times: Extended cold spell raises concerns over Florida crops

Central and southern Florida are in the grips of a cold spell that could damage the state's orange, strawberry and tomato crops. The weather was also blamed for four deaths in Tennessee and has produced record snowfalls in New England. And, schools were closed in Arkansas and parts of West Virginia due to heavy snow.

In Florida, Gov. Charlie Crist signed an executive order giving state agencies the authority to provide growers help. Farmers are so worried about the effects of a prolonged freeze that Charles H. Bronson, Florida’s agricultural commissioner, asked Mr. Crist on Tuesday to lift a weight limit on trucks that haul produce.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Judge halts raid on new gambling center

ARKANSAS: State tax collections continue to decline

GEORGIA: Editorial: Obama effigy in Georgia shows little progress

KENTUCKY: State legislators still planning big projects despite $1 billion shortfall

LOUISIANA: Agencies release details of budget cuts

MISSISSIPPI: Legislature passes two bills on economic development on first day

NORTH CAROLINA: State's tax collection effort nets $427 million

SOUTH CAROLINA: Study shows SC lost $94 million on uncollected Internet sales tax last year

TENNESSEE: Four deaths tied to cold weather in state

VIRGINIA: Gov.-elect to allow Cabinet secretaries to serve on corporate boards

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

1/4: A look at the top ten jobs for the upcoming decade

NPR: A look at the top ten jobs for the upcoming decade

The first decade of this century ended as a disaster for employment. Since the recession began two years ago, the U.S. has lost more than 7 million jobs. So where are the jobs going to be?

In healthcare (R.N.s, home health aides, nursing aides/orderlies), customer service, food preparation, personal and home care aides, retail sales, office clerks, accountants, and post-secondary education teachers, according to Harvard economist Lawrence Katz.

The shocker -- six of the top seven fastest-growing occupations are considered low-skill, low wage jobs.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley to recruit businesses at Tide BCS football game

ARKANSAS: State's homeless programs get $4.2 million in federal funds

FLORIDA: Laid-off workers having trouble keeping COBRA health coverage

GEORGIA: Editorial: Damage to education is self-inflicted

KENTUCKY: General Assembly begins Tuesday: Budget, gambling to top talks

LOUISIANA: State is third most expensive homeowner's insurance market

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour defends budget proposal

NORTH CAROLINA: Opinion: It's time to fix the state health plan

SOUTH CAROLINA: Voters want lawmakers to look at jobs, public education

TENNESSEE: TVA: Battle brewing over natural gas drilling

VIRGINIA: State payday loans promoted by Virginia

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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

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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

12/18: 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

12/16: 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

12/14: 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

12/4: 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