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

4/5: High school dropout 'epidemic' threatens AL's future

Montgomery Advertiser: Editorial: High school dropout 'epidemic' threatens state's future

"A health problem affecting 40% of a segment of the population certainly would qualify as an epidemic, so the use of that term is well justified in discussions of Alabama's disturbing high school dropout rate. The state's long-term well-being is decidedly threatened when such a large percentage of its students don't graduate from high school.

"That grim reality makes the recently released findings of the Alabama Select Commission on High School Graduation particularly important. The commission is chaired by state Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, who also was the sposnor of important legislation -- supported by this editorial page -- that raised the state's legal dropout age from 16 to 17.

"The fiscal cost of such a high dropout rate is staggering -- billions of dollars in lost income potential over the lifetimes of dropouts, with corresponding losses in tax revenue. But more importantly the human cost is incalculable, a terrible toll in stunted human potential, in lives far less productive and satisfying than they might have been." (More)

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: Clean Energy potential of Arkansas explored at forum

FLORIDA: Debate prompted by legislature's merit-pay plan for teachers

GEORGIA: Study shows state's day care classrooms offer low-quality care

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear is expected to sign landmark autism bill

LOUISIANA: Cap-and-trade could unlock new reserves in state

MISSISSIPPI: Shortage of doctors in state about to get worse

NORTH CAROLINA: State's business taxes among lowest in the nation

SOUTH CAROLINA: Opinion: Will S.C. reapply for massive education grant?

TENNESSEE: Alcoa expands aluminum can recycling operation in East Tennessee

VIRGINIA: U.S. Rep. McHenry upset over anti-Census conservatives

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

3/31: Redistricting to result from census

Stateline: Redistricting to result from census

Texas is expected to pick up three congressional seats when the census is finalized. Other states that are expected to pick up a seat in Congress and play a primary role in redrawing districts include Florida, Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina and Utah. Arizona and Washington are slated to pick up at least one new congressional seat, but these states use commissions to draw new lines.

The Constitution leaves it up to the state to determine the method it wants to use for redistricting. In all but about a dozen states, state legislators and governors play key roles in the process, while commissions are in charge in the other states.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House passes Education Trust Fund budget

ARKANSAS: State agency threatened by new student loan law

FLORIDA: Massive protest aimed at education bill under consideration in FL legislature

GEORGIA: State to consider selling property surplus to save $230 million over five years

KENTUCKY: State wants to improve its chances on Race to the Top round two

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal tells legislators: "We will not raise taxes"

MISSISSIPPI: State tightens rules on release of mentally ill acquitted of crime

NORTH CAROLINA: State's poultry farms to increase

SOUTH CAROLINA: Debate over cigarette tax to begin today in legislature

TENNESSEE: House committee's surprise move ends attempt to ban mountaintop mining

VIRGINIA: President Obama to allow gas and oil drilling off VA coast

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

3/30: TN wins "Race to the Top" education funds

Times-Free Press: Tennessee wins "Race to the Top" federal education funds

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said that the fact that every district in the state agreed to participate in "Race to the Top" is a big reason why Tennessee was awarded the $500 million for which officials applied.

Race to the Top is a federal competition designed to reward states for education reform. The $4.35 billion fund, which is part of President Barack Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was announced about a year ago.

Georgia ranked third in the competition, but only had 23 of the state's 180 school districts signed on to participate.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey shows AL ranks 47th for 'legal climate'

ARKANSAS: State stays out of health-care fight, remembering 1957 events

FLORIDA: Appliance rebate program funds expected to run out in one day

GEORGIA: Tom Baxter: Minimalist Ga. governor going out with audacious bang?

KENTUCKY: Bill under consideration would increase income tax by 1%

LOUISIANA: Over 2,500 acres of wetlands restored and protected

MISSISSIPPI: State's meth lab busts for 2010 already surpass all of 2009

NORTH CAROLINA: Jobless rate in NC rises to 11.2%

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senators consider eliminating corporate income tax

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell to launch aggressive campaign to reshape government

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

3/29: VA program to help minority business falls short

News & Advance: Virginia program to help minority business falls short

The program aimed at helping small, women and minority firms win state business has been deemed largely ineffective at awarding contracts to minority owners. A big part of the problem -- The definition of 'small business' is so broad that it includes 99% of the businesses in the state.

"When you’re looking at minority business and small business, that’s two different issues on two different fronts,” said Darryl Samuels, executive vice president of the National Association of Minority Contractors. “The minority issue gets diluted.”

“It is a program from hell,” said A. Hugo Bowers, president of the 48-member Black Business Alliance of Virginia, formed to press for public and private sector diversity. “(State agencies) can meet their SWaM goals and never hire a minority.”

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Legislators found way to fund education plan

ARKANSAS: Child maltreatment reports in seven-county area are up

FLORIDA: Editorial: Florida's lawmakers aren't facing up to the state's budget crisis

GEORGIA: State House won't force AG to sue over health reform

KENTUCKY: Impact of health care reform on Kentucky explored

LOUISIANA: State legislature convenes 2010 session today

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: State's unemployment benefits need work

NORTH CAROLINA: Protesters rally against jail's policy on deporting immigrants

SOUTH CAROLINA: National health care may mightily expand SC's Medicaid, bills

TENNESSEE: State health officials say H1N1 flu has increased slightly

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

3/22: Health care overhaul approved by Congress

New York Times: Health care overhaul approved by Congress

Democrats hailed the votes as a historic advance in social justice, comparable to the establishment of Medicare and Social Security. They said the bill would also put pressure on rising health care costs and rein in federal budget deficits.

“This is the Civil Rights Act of the 21st century,” said Rep. James E. Clyburn of South Carolina, the No. 3 Democrat in the House.

However, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Republican of Florida, called it “a decisive step in the weakening of the United States.” Rep. Virginia Foxx, Republican of North Carolina, said it was “one of the most offensive pieces of social engineering legislation in the history of the United States.”

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's congressmen vote 'no' on healthcare reform

ARKANSAS: Arkansas is more likely to institutionalize disabled than most states

FLORIDA: State's AG says health care reform violates the Constitution

GEORGIA: State hospitals could suffer severe financial crisis

KENTUCKY: Reading gap between boys and girls is larger in KY than other states

LOUISIANA: Lawmakers consider ban on high-caffeine drinks for kids

MISSISSIPPI: State's next 'cash crop' could be its musical heritage

NORTH CAROLINA: Opinion: NC Senate should ignore flawed House annexation bill

SOUTH CAROLINA: Meeting in the middle on the environment

TENNESSEE: Sen. Alexander says health plan could cripple education in state

VIRGINIA: State to file lawsuit over healthcare reform

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

3/17: TN legislators prepare for a vote to ban an income tax

WDEF: Tennessee legislators prepare for a vote to ban an income tax

A constitutional amendment banning an income tax has now been read twice on the Senate floor. Senators could vote on it as early as Thursday. If it passes, the proposal would then be sent to the House for approval. Then, next year, lawmakers would have to pass it with a two-thirds majority before the public could vote on it in 2014.

State Rep. Eric Watson of Cleveland says Tennessee and an income tax don't mix. "It's very difficult and this is something we don't need. The people are fed up with the government and state agencies wasting money."

The constitutional amendment would allow the state to continue to collect taxes on income from stocks and bonds.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's prepaid tuition plan could be over by fall 2011

ARKANSAS: Lawsuit contests law that bars unmarried couples from adoption/fostering

FLORIDA: FEMA denies Florida's request for Chinese drywall help

GEORGIA: House passes bill to keep crime scene photos sealed

KENTUCKY: Horse racing bill to get revamped before it heads to Senate

LOUISIANA: State a finalist in Race to the Top federal education funds competition

MISSISSIPPI: State Senate boosts education funding by $29 million

NORTH CAROLINA: State Attorney General wants to expand DNA database

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Senate rejects move to ban earmarks

VIRGINIA: Eight state rest-areas to reopen today

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

3/5: Seven Southern states make finals for education fund

Wall Street Journal: Seven Southern states picked as finalists for education funds

The Obama administration has chosen 16 finalists for extra federal education funds. Included in the $4.35 billion Race to the Top competition are Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

The administration defended the surprisingly large number of finalists, saying that all states whose applications cleared a pre-set score automatically advanced to the next round.

Independent evaluators have given especially high marks to three states on the list—Florida, Tennessee and Louisiana—for their accountability standards and for implementing systems to track student performance. All three have also pushed to expand the growth of charter schools, which are publicly funded but independently run.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Legislature overrides veto on TVA funds

ARKANSAS: Legislative session formally ends in Arkansas

FLORIDA: All state lawmakers to sign letter of objection to new NASA plan

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue chides legislators over proposed college cuts

KENTUCKY: Jobless rate in state is highest in 26 years

LOUISIANA: Sen. Vitter wants probe into deaths of ten living with toxic Chinese drywall

MISSISSIPPI: Meth's huge toll on state will mean move to prescription pseudoephedrine

NORTH CAROLINA: Editorial: State shows signs of slipping

SOUTH CAROLINA: State has a problem with school dropouts

TENNESSEE: Opinion: Tennessee can't afford to opt out of health-care reform

VIRGINIA: Senate panel kills proposal on gun restrictions

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

3/3: FL spends nearly $10 billion a year on food-borne illnesses

Tampa Tribune: Florida spends nearly $10 billion a year on food-borne illnesses

A nationwide review on contaminated food has been released today by the Produce Safety Project, an initiative of the Pew Charitable Trusts. In the U.S., food-borne illnesses such as e. Coli and salmonella cost the nation $152 billion a year. Florida's portion of that is nearly $10 billion, representing 4.9 million people. The average cost of treating a patient with a food-borne illness is $1,984, the second-highest in the nation.

This report comes as the U.S. Senate considers legislation that would require more government inspections of food manufacturers and give the FDA new authority to order recalls, among other things.

"The takeaway message from the report is that this estimate demonstrates that food-borne illness is a serious burden to our society," said Sandra Eskin, director of Pew's food safety campaign.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State Senate votes 19-16 in favor of legalizing electronic bingo

ARKANSAS: State officials say sexual assault claims are under-reported

GEORGIA: Poll says voters prefer increased tobacco tax over cuts in education

KENTUCKY: U.S. Sen. Bunning backs down from blockade on unemployment benefits

LOUISIANA: Glitch keeps state out of 17-state education alliance to improve graduation rates

MISSISSIPPI: Residents upset over prospect of no Saturday postal service

NORTH CAROLINA: Long standing school diversity policy voted down in Wake County

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's electric co-ops to study most cost-effective home energy solutions

TENNESSEE: State gets new reputation as a leader in education reform

VIRGINIA: House budget would cut 19 judgeships

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

2/10: Michelle Obama launches fight against childhood obesity

Washington Post: Michelle Obama launches fight against childhood obesity

First Lady Michelle Obama has released a national program to fight childhood obesity called "Let's Move!" The program will be backed by as much as $1 billion a year in federal funds for the next ten years.

At its core, the initiative has four pillars: more nutrition information, increased physical activity, easier access to healthy foods and, ultimately, personal responsibility. And, it has garnered bipartisan support.

Obama's initiative challenges the Food and Drug Administration to work with food and beverage producers, who have announced their support of Obama's proposals, to improve package labeling. And there will be a push to reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act as a way of improving school meals.

It's something all states should get behind, especially those in traditionall overweight Southern states.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State to help laid-off casino workers even though casinos are illegal

ARKANSAS: House approves no-raise expenses bill

FLORIDA: Citrus growers lost 7.4 million boxes of fruit from freeze, agency says

GEORGIA: State has $1 billion in unclaimed funds

KENTUCKY: State to be the first to endorse new national education standards

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal says he won't raise state taxes

MISSISSIPPI: State Senate approves charter school plan

NORTH CAROLINA: Probe into private flights extended to all 2008 and 2004 gubernatorial candidates

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate approves property tax break

TENNESSEE: Lottery sales surge with two new games available

VIRGINIA: Del. Cole wants to criminalize involuntary implantation of human microchips

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

1/22: Lobbyists get strong weapon in campaign finance ruling

New York Times: Lobbyists get strong weapon in campaign finance ruling

A lobbyist can now tell any elected official: if you vote wrong, my company, labor union or interest group will spend unlimited sums explicitly advertising against your re-election.

The decision seeks to let voters choose for themselves among a multitude of voices and ideas when they go to the polls, but it will also increase the power of organized interest groups at the expense of candidates and political parties. It could also have a big impact on state and local governments, where a few million dollars can have more influence on elections.

In North Carolina, a state law similar to a federal law that had barred corporations and unions from using money from their general funds to produce and run campaign ads to endorse or oppose a candidate now appears unenforceable. This could impact future elections.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: American Indian remains found at construction site of Oxford sports complex

ARKANSAS: Housing market in state shows signs of improvement

FLORIDA: Cost of fruits and vegetables skyrockets due to Florida freeze

GEORGIA: State faces $506 million Medicaid gap

KENTUCKY: Senate defeats amendment that would expand gambling

LOUISIANA: Sen. Landrieu works to block EPA's greenhouse gas decision

MISSISSIPPI: State lawmakers consider making cold medications prescription-only

SOUTH CAROLINA: Businesses in state want to keep DHEC out of governor's control

TENNESSEE: Lawmakers pass higher-education bill, easing transfer requirements

VIRGINIA: House rejects former Gov. Kaine's proposed tax increase plan

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

1/18: Haiti earthquake a foreshadowing of Mississippi Delta quake?

Christian Science Monitor: Haiti earthquake a foreshadowing of Mississippi Delta quake?

Geologists consider the New Madrid fault line a major seismic zone and predict that an earthquake roughly the magnitude of the Haiti earthquake (7.0 on the Richter scale) could occur in the area during the next 50 years. And, the poverty of this area is being compared to that of Haiti.

In many areas, people still live in shanties. Healthcare is sparse. Even clean water is scarce in some places. Often, public and private buildings are decades-old and fragile, needing retrofitting or strengthening. Hundreds of towns could see severe structural damage, and large segments of the population displaced, says Dr. Al-Shukri, director of Arkansas Earthquake Center.

The New Madrid fault zone crosses five state lines and the Mississippi River in at least three places. It extends from northeast Arkansas through southeast Missouri and into western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: 'Connecting Alabama' broadband initiative head to next phase

ARKANSAS: State leads the nation in battling childhood obesity

FLORIDA: State to push minority count, targeting ten groups, in U.S. Census

GEORGIA: State prisons to go smoke-free by end of the year

KENTUCKY: Bill would make it easier to build nuclear power plants in state

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Keep your eyes on the road

MISSISSIPPI: State BOE to be restructured in next few months

NORTH CAROLINA: Pig power: Business explores using pig manure as source of power

SOUTH CAROLINA: Confederate flag still visible in state, even as it's gone from top of State House dome

TENNESSEE: Sen. Alexander's nuclear push faces many obstacles

VIRGINIA: Lawmakers to consider ethics reform plans

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

1/15: NC, VA consider privatizing liquor sales

Stateline: North Carolina, Virginia consider privatizing liquor stores

North Carolina and Virginia (and Washington) are considering eliminating state-run liquor stores, turning over the sale of booze to the private sector. Currrently, nineteen states control their liquor sales.

Virginia's Gov.-elect McDonnell, who will be sworn in as the state's governor on Saturday (Jan. 16), made privatization of the state’s 300 liquor stores a central theme of his winning campaign last fall. He said it would raise about $500 million in one-time money for transportation, but critics say it will never pass the General Assembly because the state would have to give up about $100 million a year in revenue that helps pay for public schools, human services, prisons and other services.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Legislature rejects plan to furlough state workers

ARKANSAS: State official says Medicaid could face big deficit in 2012

FLORIDA: State sets new foreclosure record in 2009

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue wants regional sales tax to pay for transportation

KENTUCKY: House Speaker Stumbo favors rollback of sales tax

LOUISIANA: State's education system gets a C grade from Quality Counts

MISSISSIPPI: Recovery in Mississippi to be slower, harder says Economic Outlook 2010

NORTH CAROLINA: State law doesn't address freed sex offenders

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Dept. of Natural Resources faces budget crisis, plans layoffs

TENNESSEE: House may act today on teacher tenure legislation

VIRGINIA: Opinion: For Virginia politicians, is a Southern accent a bad thing?

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

1/13: TN higher education plan pushes state's economic needs

TENNESSEE: Higher education proposal pushes state's economic needs

Higher education reforms proposed by Gov. Phil Bredesen would require the Tennessee Higher Education Commission to address the state's economy in developing its master plans.

The Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010 would require the commission’s master plans to “address the state’s economic development, work force development and research needs.”

The act would create a new higher education funding formula based on student success rather than enrollment, and a statewide transfer policy allowing students who graduate from a two-year community college to move on to a four-year university as a junior.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley calls on lawmakers to pass ethics reform, approve charter schools

ARKANSAS: State DOE says 58 schools inflated students' grades

FLORIDA: State leaders lobby for rail funding

GEORGIA: Activists push for immigration reform in state

KENTUCKY: State senate begins deliberating on education bill

LOUISIANA: Public schools will have to meet higher standards next year

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmaker considers making changes to state retirement system

NORTH CAROLINA: State gets 171 complaints about smoking ban violations

SOUTH CAROLINA: Report says racial profiling could be a major problem in the state

VIRGINIA: Delegate Marsden narrowly wins special Senate election

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

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

12/17: 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

12/11: 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