4/28: Officials consider setting oil spill on fire

Wall Street Journal: Officials consider setting oil spill off La. coast on fire

Response efforts continued on offshore drilling as an oil spill off Louisiana's coast spread. The oil slick had grown Tuesday to 100 miles by 45 miles—or about the size of Jamaica. The fast-moving slick was about 20 miles off the Louisiana coast Tuesday morning and the state had activated a response plan, the U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday.

While Coast Guard officials admit a controlled burn of some pockets of the crude sitting on the water's surface isn't an optimal solution, they say it is better than allowing the oil to hit the beaches and marshes that line the Gulf Coast, which will likely happen by this weekend if weather patterns hold.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State is second cheapest for home health care

ARKANSAS: Conservative activist group files lawsuit against health care plan

FLORIDA: State's budget deal avoids tax hikes, major cuts

GEORGIA: State roads considered among the best, says U.S. PIRG study

KENTUCKY: State could rekindle debate on illegal immigration following Arizona law passage

MISSISSIPPI: Storm damage in state 'well north of $50 million'

NORTH CAROLINA: Study says state has 15th worst business tax environment

SOUTH CAROLINA: Wetlands to be restored following 2002 oil spill in Charleston Harbor

TENNESSEE: Construction contracts up considerably in March

VIRGINIA: State's universities begin signing off on nearly 10% tuition increases

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

4/26: NC's war over taxes with Amazon escalates

Stateline: NC's war over taxes with Amazon escalates

A tax war has been sparked by states, such as North Carolina and Colorado, which are taking steps to collect taxes from online retailers such as Amazon.

Last week, Amazon sued North Carolina after the state's Department of Revenue asked the company to release the names and addresses of its North Carolina customers - information that the state would need to collect unpaid taxes. With as many as 15 other cash-strapped states considering whether to pass Amazon taxes of their own, there's a lot of attention directed toward the NC case.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: This legislative session, all ethics reform and accountability bills die

ARKANSAS: Soybean crops in the state are now experiencing black root rot

FLORIDA: Budget may include cuts to mental health and drug treatment programs

GEORGIA: Major issues finalized with two days left of legislative session

KENTUCKY: State gets $176 million to boost school budgets

LOUISIANA: Cold weather has meant fewer mosquitoes for Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: FEMA teams head to Mississippi to help with tornado damage

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate begins budget debate today

TENNESSEE: Half of Tennessee's youth considered "too fat to fight"

VIRGINIA: Tens of thousands of ash trees in the state at risk of dying due to Asian beetle

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

4/22: Forty years after the first Earth Day, new threats arise

New York Times: Forty years after first Earth Day, new threats arise

When the first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, pollution was a tangible, visible problem. Now, forty years later, smog levels nationwide have dropped about 25% and lead levels in the air are down 90%. But threats are still out there -- largely invisible.

Issues such as climate change are less obvious to the naked eye. Since the first Earth Day, carbon dioxide levels in the air have increased by 19 percent, pushing the average annual world temperature up about 1 degree Fahrenheit, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

''We've cleaned up what you can see and left everything else in limbo,'' said Kathleen Rogers, president of the Earth Day Network.

Let's keep working on it.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Voters to decide on $1 billion roads bill in November

ARKANSAS: State NAACP gives most in congressional delegation an "F"

FLORIDA: Pay cuts could be on the horizon for state workers

GEORGIA: Editorial: Georgia governor's race looks to be a wild one

KENTUCKY: State's worst-performing schools get $56 million in federal funds

LOUISIANA: 11 still missing in aftermath of offshore oil rig explosion

MISSISSIPPI: Legislative session dominated by budget bills

NORTH CAROLINA: State extends appliance rebate program through weekend

SOUTH CAROLINA: Legislators talk about trash-to-power legislation

TENNESSEE: Al Gore launches "Inconvenient Youth" program on Earth Day

VIRGINIA: House rebuffs Gov. McDonnell's proposal to cut public broadcasting

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

4/19: Simpler, smaller "one pot" meth labs found in LA

LOUISIANA: Simpler, smaller "one pot" meth labs found in Louisiana

Law enforcement officials say a new "one pot" method of manufacturing methamphetamine is springing up across the U.S. The smaller meth operations are not only reduced in size, these "cooking" facilities also require much less in the way of equipment, chemicals, and source material such as cold medicine.

Louisiana State Police Lt. Doug Cain said, "It can happen just about anywhere. In a hotel room, in an apartment, right in the middle of town, in somebody's car."

Cain said that the new method of cooking meth leaves behind toxic trash in addition to the risk of explosion. "If they're thrown out in the trash in an apartment building, or they're thrown into a neighborhood ditch, that causes problems for citizens in that area," he said.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Needs of some disabled persons not met by state programs

ARKANSAS: Unemployment rate continues to rise in state

FLORIDA: Former Governor Jeb Bush's influence seen in this legislative session

GEORGIA: State begins to sell assets, imperiling city, county governments

KENTUCKY: Both sides blame budget impasse on the other

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour backs VA Gov. McDonnell on 'Confederate History' declaration

NORTH CAROLINA: State AG won't challenge health care reform

SOUTH CAROLINA: WhatWorksSC looks at best ideas for South Carolina's schools

TENNESSEE: TN's coal ash transferred to Alabama site and causes health problems

VIRGINIA: Budget may cut public broadcasting funds

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

4/16: Was the Confederacy really about slavery?

Southern Political Report: John Tures: Was the Confederacy really about slavery?

"By now, you’ve probably heard all about that fuss over Confederate Heritage Month declarations in Virginia and Mississippi. It may make you wonder why the Southern States seceded. Was it really about slavery, or was that more of a side issue? Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell declared April to be “Confederate History Month.” According to David Paul Kuhn with realclearpolitics.com. “The proclamation recognized the ‘sacrifices of the Confederate leaders, soldiers and citizens during the period of the Civil War.’ It did not mention slavery.” According to “On McDonnell’s Confederate Mistake,” Kuhn’s article, “McDonnell explained the immense omission to The Washington Post: ‘There were any number of aspects to that conflict between the states. Obviously, it involved slavery. It involved other issues. But I focused on the ones I thought were most significant for Virginia.’”

"Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour defended McDonnell, having issued a similar proclamation. And Rev. Cecil Fayard, chaplain in chief for the national Sons of Confederate Veterans said “The War Between the States was fought for the same reasons that the tea party movement today is voicing their opinion. And that is that you have large government that’s not listening to the people, there’s going to be heavy taxation…And the primary cause of the war was not slavery, although slavery was interwoven into the cause, but it was not the cause for the War Between the States.”

"So I ran a hypothesis test to determine if states left the Union to join the Confederacy over slavery, or whether that was more of a side issue. I located the declarations of secession for four different states that were available: South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas." (More)

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Report says Alabama should stop segregating prisoners with HIV

ARKANSAS: AG says judging constitutionality of health care law is not his job

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist's veto of merit-based pay a victory for teachers

GEORGIA: Thousands attend Tea Party rally in Atlanta

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear 'disgusted' - Legislative session ends without a state budget

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal to address another budget shortfall

MISSISSIPPI: State College Board votes to increase cost of room and board

NORTH CAROLINA: State's tax revenue projection drops by $788 million

SOUTH CAROLINA: Report card on state's schools shows little improvement

TENNESSEE: Day of Prayer ruled unconstitutional by federal judge

VIRGINIA: Commonwealth Institute says state budget raises taxes on the poor

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

4/14: Some states look to soda, candy taxes

Stateline: Some states look to soda, candy taxes

There's a growing trend to levy taxes on unhealthy food much as liquor and tobacco have been treated. And with states facing revenue shortfalls, a new revenue source, such as candy and soda taxes, is looking attractive. Florida, Illinois and New Jersey have extended their sales taxes to cover candy. Colorado will begin applying the state's 2.9% sales tax to candy and soda next month.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, an advocacy group, figures that states as a whole could generate $10 billion a year by levying a tax of 7 cents per 12-ounce can of soda. The group has created a Liquid Candy Calculator to help states calculate the revenue they could raise from sales or excise taxes on sugary beverages.

Such a tax could help with America's obesity problem, as one-third of all adults are considered obese.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Electronic bingo bill moves forward in legislature

ARKANSAS: State launches smart phone application for voters

FLORIDA: Opinion: Education reform and the fall of Charlie Crist

GEORGIA: State joins with 18 other states in health reform lawsuit

KENTUCKY: Kentucky scores best in the nation for transparency of state gov't spending

LOUISIANA: Seat-belt legislation debated by House Transportation Committee

MISSISSIPPI: Judge orders stop to school transfer policy

NORTH CAROLINA: Forecasters expect 2% revenue shortfall in state

SOUTH CAROLINA: Incentive program for retired teachers could be cut from state budget

TENNESSEE: Poorer schools will get most aid from Race to the Top funds

VIRGINIA: State to end free online tax-filing service

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

4/13: New laws could hurt small food producers

Citizen-Times: New laws could hurt small food producers in Western NC

New federal food safety laws could drive some small food producers out of business due to added costs and inspections required by the laws.

The U.S. Senate could vote this week on the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, which would require more FDA inspections of farms and processing facilities and more meticulous record-keeping from producers.

Local producers and sellers said the law is written for big food companies and supposes the food supply will be more global in coming decades and not more local.

An amendment has been added to the bill that would exempt small producers.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Four hospitals hold up statewide trauma system

ARKANSAS: Officials at University of Arkansas propose tuition increases

FLORIDA: State teachers union battles to defeat education bill that would change pay structure

GEORGIA: Tom Baxter: Georgia legislature running out of time on key issues

KENTUCKY: Senate, House continue talks on budget, but time is running out

LOUISIANA: Proposal would put more money into state's roads and bridges

MISSISSIPPI: New law gives money to schools that participate in HealthierUS Challenge

SOUTH CAROLINA: State panel decides not to eliminate corporate income taxes

TENNESSEE: Energy efficiency plan urged across state to cut power costs

VIRGINIA: Requirement added to process for restoration of voting rights

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

4/12: A look at how states handle the sex offender registry

Stateline: A look at how states handle the sex offender registry

In Georgia and Wisconsin, the crime of false imprisonment counts as a sex offense under state law, even if nothing sexual happened.

A larger debate is emerging in courts and legislatures around the nation: Have states gone too far in categorizing criminals as sex offenders? Already the number of registered sex offenders is growing quickly, and it will only keep rising as more states comply with the federal Adam Walsh Act. That law requires all states to make false imprisonment a sex offense, as Georgia and Wisconsin already do, by July. The Adam Walsh Act also requires the states to post more information about sex offenders on their registries such as their work addresses.

Some state legislators are thinking twice before they expand sex-offender registries. For example, lawmakers in a growing number of states have sought to reduce the criminal penalty for 'sexting.' Under current state laws, those who do it may be forced to register as sex offenders alongside much more serious criminals, such as rapists and pedophiles. Several states also have passed so-called "Romeo and Juliet" laws so that teens who've engaged in underage but consensual sex don't have to register as sex offenders.

As Kansas State Sen. Tim Owens says, "When you start putting everything on (the registry), it diminishes the impact of it."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State Supreme Court keeps rules to discourage judicial complaints

ARKANSAS: State prepares for congressional redistricting

FLORIDA: Lawmakers to now consider Medicaid, corruption, redistricting

GEORGIA: MCG researcher finds troubling developments in childhood obesity

KENTUCKY: Two days left in legislative session to finalize jobless benefits, education

LOUISIANA: Analysis: Balancing act of development, state budgets difficult

MISSISSIPPI: Mississippi Delta -- the land of permanent recession

NORTH CAROLINA: State's first energy chief loses job

SOUTH CAROLINA: Opinion: SC Legislature: Good work in bad times

TENNESSEE: Dying in childbirth is hidden risk in Tennessee

VIRGINIA: State must borrow billions to pay jobless claims

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

4/9: Al Gore speaks at Duke on climate crisis

News & Observer: Al Gore speaks at Duke on climate crisis

Speaking at the spring Duke Environment and Society Lecture presented by the Nicholas School of the Environment, the Nobel Prize winner said it takes bigger changes "than just light bulbs" to counteract climate change. He argued for changing laws, from those that influence environmental impact to those that regulate lobbying and campaign contributions.

Gore spent less time presenting evidence for global warming, focusing instead on possible solutions and ways to involve communities. In addition to solar energy, he discussed possibilities for wind power, geothermal power and other renewable energy sources.

The largest source of new energy is efficiency, he said, noting only 10 percent of the gasoline used in vehicles is used to power them.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House rejects proposal to drop sales tax on groceries

ARKANSAS: Wind turbine plant to be built by Mitsubishi in Arkansas

FLORIDA: Lawmakers approve sweeping school changes

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue says AG should sue over voting check

KENTUCKY: Impasse over state budget could impact upcoming elections

LOUISIANA: State's two public university systems spent millions on D.C. lobbying

MISSISSIPPI: State nursing home groups file lawsuit over Medicaid cuts

SOUTH CAROLINA: State is 'fine' with accepting out-of-state nuclear waste, temporarily

TENNESSEE: House increases prison time for armed robbery

VIRGINIA: State restructures troubled IT outsourcing contract

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

4/2: MS voters to decide on 2011 ballot when life begins

Clarion-Ledger: Mississippi's voters to decide on 2011 ballot when life begins

Petitioners gathered 106,325 signatures to get an initiative on the 2011 ballot for voters to define when life begins. Voters will decide whether a 'person' should be defined as any life 'from the point of fertilization, cloning or equivalent thereof.'

The personhood petition is the second voter-led effort that has secured enough signatures to appear on the November 2011 ballot. The other seeks to require voters to show identification at the polls in Mississippi.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State Senate votes for health care opt out bill

ARKANSAS: Court says undocumented aliens can't bring lawsuits anonymously

FLORIDA: House approves budget; long negotiations likely between the chambers

GEORGIA: State appeals water rights ruling

KENTUCKY: Senate approves charter schools in attempt to get federal education funds

LOUISIANA: Interior secretary says state will be first to benefit from expansion of oil and gas exploration

NORTH CAROLINA: President Obama to visit state today to talk jobs

SOUTH CAROLINA: New state law could make retrofitting homes easier

TENNESSEE: Political discord prompts hundreds to enter Tennessee's federal and state races

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell quits wind energy coalition

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

4/1: Elusive Mississippians show distrust of census

New York Times: Elusive Mississippians show distrust of census

As the deadline for returning census forms hits today, the difficulty of getting
census forms returned is highlighted. In Mississippi's Issaquena County, only 21% of residents have returned their forms, compared with 52% nationally.

The county and entire Delta area is plagued by poverty and illiteracy. People misstrust census takers for a variety of reasons, including a belief that the government is trying to catch them doing something illegal like misrepresenting the number of people in their household, which could impact benefits such as food stamps.

In the last census, the numbers showed there was one person per 116-acres in Issaquena County.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bill to end grocery tax hits state legislature

ARKANSAS: Researcher says state's way of identifying grade inflation is flawed

FLORIDA: Offshore oil drilling plan spares South Florida

GEORGIA: Study shows small soda taxes don't impact obesity

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear says more jobs are coming to the state

LOUISIANA: Black Caucus to fight lawsuit challenging health care reform law

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: Budget -- Avoid 'irrational exuberance'

NORTH CAROLINA: Offshore oil drilling will include North Carolina coast

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate approves 50-cent increase on cigarette tax

TENNESSEE: Tennessee Health Freedom Act passes key vote in legislature

VIRGINIA: State lags behind others in census response

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

3/26: Ga.'s Gov. Perdue to name special AG for lawsuit

Savannah Morning News: Gov. Perdue to name special AG for health reform lawsuit

Gov. Sonny Perdue says he'll appoint a special attorney general to sue the federal government over the new federal health care reform law. A team of pro bono lawyers will file the lawsuit following the refusal of Attorney General Thurbert Baker to sue.

Baker wrote in a letter to the governor Wednesday that the state doesn't have "a viable legal claim" and that he didn't want to waste state resources in a time of budget crisis.

Following Baker's refusal to sue, the state constitution gives the governor the right to appoint a special attorney general who will have the same power as the state attorney general in this specific matter, Perdue said.

Georgia probably will not join the lawsuit filed by attorneys general in 14 other states who are challenging what they deem an unconstitutional overreach of federal power, but will likely file a separate suit, Perdue said.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Alabama is one of three states to allow controversial judicial override

ARKANSAS: Lawmakers concerned over required flood insurance by FEMA

FLORIDA: Senate approves Florida class size amendment

KENTUCKY: State unemployment rate rose to 10.9% in February

LOUISIANA: Higher education in 'precarious situation' as legislative session set to begin

MISSISSIPPI: State's lawmakers to finish budget in late April

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue wants to lift film incentives gap

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate agrees on prison sentencing reform

TENNESSEE: Online map tracks census returns, finds Tennessee is lagging behind

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell says no 'rampant discrimination' against gay employees evident

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

3/19: New report says fewer people in prisons

Washington Post: New report says fewer people in prisons

"Prison Count 2010," a new report from the Pew Center on the States, shows inmate population at state prisons has declined for the first time in 38 years.

In Kentucky, there were 300 fewer prisoners in 2009. The decrease is attributed to programs focused on keeping those at risk out of prison in the first place and systems to help keep inmates from returning. Virginia saw a smaller decline in inmates -- 0.5 % -- to 38,000 total.

There's "a new emphasis on substance abuse diversion and treatment, credits for time served under supervision for non-violent parole violators, and increased credit and paroles for inmates who reduce their risk of re-offense by completing programs behind bars," according to Jake Horowitz, program manager for Pew's Public Safety Performance Project.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Opinion: State officials need to consider why AL's prison population went up in 2009

ARKANSAS: State is first in nation to offer mobile payments for gov't services

FLORIDA: Nearly one-quarter of construction jobs lost in South Florida

GEORGIA: Proposed change to open meetings law opposed by Georgia Press Association

LOUISIANA: State's colleges may get $84.4 million cut in mid-year budget, says Gov. Jindal

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour makes fifth round of budget cuts, trimming another $41 million

NORTH CAROLINA: State community college board votes to allow illegal immigrants

SOUTH CAROLINA: State House passes $5.1 billion budget after all-nighter

TENNESSEE: State may overhaul how it spends money with the private sector

VIRGINIA: State's schools will lose $700 million in two years

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

3/16: TN bill on divorce draws national attention

The Tennessean: Bill on divorce would require equal custody of children

National attention is focused on a bill in Tennessee that would evenly split child custody in contentious divorce cases. Groups for and against the bill are divided along gender lines. On the one hand is a powerful alliance of women's groups, the Tennessee Bar Association, and some judges who say the change would make divorces harder to settle. On the other hand, fathers-rights groups say children are being deprived of full relationships with both parents, and this law could help that.

Observers say that, if the bill passes, Tennessee would become home of the most gender-neutral and revolutionary child custody law in the United States.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State court system to lay off more than 100 temporary employees

ARKANSAS: Appliance rebate program begins in state

FLORIDA: Legislature seeks property tax cuts, but this could cost local governments

GEORGIA: State lottery announces record profits for first half of 2010 budget year

KENTUCKY: U.S. Senate race includes stab at candidates with Duke degrees

LOUISIANA: Roads in Louisiana are worst in the nation, according to data

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour vetoes extension of wind pool bill

NORTH CAROLINA: State can't explain a 39% jump in 2008 cases of SIDS

SOUTH CAROLINA: Legislators use federal money to patch South Carolina's budget

VIRGINIA: A look at winners and losers in state budget talks

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

3/15: Stroke belt study points to greater risks for black men

The Tennessean: Stroke belt study points to greater risks for black men

The stroke belt -- Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina -- is highlighted in a new study, "Reasons for Geographic and Racial Difference in Stroke." The study shows that certain groups, including blacks, are at greater risks for health problems such as abnormal heart rhythms or high blood pressure.

For people in the stroke belt, there's a greater risk for a stroke, up to 50 percent greater if they're lifelong residents. And black men are 60 percent less likely to know they are at risk of stroke and 75 percent less likely to be treated for the risks.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Budget becomes priority as legislative session winds down

ARKANSAS: Eleven candidates and incumbent vie for U.S. Senate seat

FLORIDA: Bill would tie teachers' wages to student performance instead of tenure

GEORGIA: State schools superintendent wants to raise lottery ticket price to benefit schools

KENTUCKY: Costs of state's weak public education system are increasing

LOUISIANA: Opinion: Smart tactic: Tax tobacco

MISSISSIPPI: Animal cruelty bill fails in House

NORTH CAROLINA: Textiles find new niche in state's economy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Budget for next year may be 'bloodbath'

TENNESSEE: 120,000 in state have Alzheimer's disease, says Alzheimer's Association

VIRGINIA: A look at Gov. McDonnell's first legislative session

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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