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

2/18: Internet access hard to find in MS, AL

Census Bureau says: Hard to find Internet access in Mississippi, Alabama

Data released Wednesday shows that Mississippi and Alabama rank at the bottom nationally in the percentage of households with access to the Internet. Neither state has gotten much help from a $7.2 billion pool of stimulus money to fund broadband expansion.

Only 56.6 percent of homes in Mississippi have Internet access, last in a nation where 73.5 percent of homes have access. In Alabama, 61.7 percent of households have access to the Web.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Editorial: Alabama legislature snubs charter schools

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe proposes repaying lawmakers' project fund

FLORIDA: Big crowd rallies against EPA's plans for stiffer environmental regulations

GEORGIA: Groups oppose Gov. Perdue's hospital bed tax

KENTUCKY: State is one of eight to take part in early college pilot project

LOUISIANA: Rating the health of the state's parishes

MISSISSIPPI: State House will likely kill proposed soda tax

NORTH CAROLINA: NC Innocence Inquiry Commission frees first wrongly-accused man

SOUTH CAROLINA: Tourism is an $18 billion industry in the state
TENNESSEE: Senate approves Health Freedom Act

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell takes away discrimination protections for state workers

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

2/3: Food hardship report: Poverty up in South

Examiner: Food hardship report shows increase in poverty in South

Ten of the eleven states the ThinkSouth blog covers are suffering the highest rates of hunger in America -- Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia.

Mississippi, the state with the highest incidence of food hardships report, saw their numbers increase when children under the age of 18 were factored into the statistics. Mississippi households without children held a hunger rating of 22.5 percent while Mississippi households with children held a hunger rating of 33.8 percent.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State Senate fails to pass $1 billion road construction bill

ARKANSAS: Counselors see increase in gambling addictions in Arkansas

FLORIDA: Including illegal immigrants in census count becomes an issue in Senate race

GEORGIA: PSC wants refund for taxpayers from abandoned Yucca Mtn. nuclear waste project

KENTUCKY: State highway plan could cost $11 billion from 2010-2016

LOUISIANA: Coastal restoration funds in President Obama's proposed 2011 budget

MISSISSIPPI: Commentary: Odds stacked against state lottery

NORTH CAROLINA: State has exhausted ability to borrow money according to new report

SOUTH CAROLINA: Study links port expansion to health problems

TENNESSEE: Nursing home care in state ranks very low

VIRGINIA: Under Gov. McDonnell, death penalty likely to expand

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

1/4: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also in the South:

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

ARKANSAS: New laws go into effect January 1

FLORIDA: Attorney General investigates legality of health insurance mandate

GEORGIA: State tallies cost of DUIs

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

LOUISIANA: Regulation of greenhouse gases protested by Gov. Jindal

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

NORTH CAROLINA: Smoking ban to begin Saturday

SOUTH CAROLINA: State lawmakers sued by residents with disabilities

TENNESSEE: Legislators may delay workers' compensation law

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

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

12/23: Census reports slow growth in states

USAToday: Census reports slow growth in states

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

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

Also in the South:

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

ARKANSAS: Immigrant population expanding in state

FLORIDA: State leaders plan statewide conference on job creation

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

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

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

MISSISSIPPI: Special Gulf Coast census under consideration

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

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

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

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

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

12/21: 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

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

Governors set aggressive timeline for tri-state water agreement

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

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

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

Also in the South:

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

ARKANSAS: Report says state is prepared for medical health emergencies

FLORIDA: State DOT criticized for rail bill e-mails

GEORGIA: Governors predict water agreement by end of 2010

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear supports payday-loan rate

LOUISIANA: Sen. Landrieu approves current health care bill

MISSISSIPPI: Federal bill includes $150 million for Mississippi projects

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

SOUTH CAROLINA: State cuts $238 million from budget

TENNESSEE: Special session called by Gov. Bredesen on schools

VIRGINIA: Drug use is up among youth in Virginia

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

12/15: Environmentalists target soft toilet paper

Tennessean: Environmentalists target soft toilet paper

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

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

Also in the South:

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

ARKANSAS: Judge allows non-religious display at Arkansas Capitol

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

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

KENTUCKY: State has highest cancer death rate in the nation

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

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

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

SOUTH CAROLINA: Racial health disparities outlined in South Carolina report

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

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

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

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

Anti-smoking program funding drops in South

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

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

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Inmate attorneys say state underreports violence at prison

ARKANSAS: Sens. Lincoln and Pryor tout health care proposal

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

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

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

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

NORTH CAROLINA: Video games playing bigger role in education

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

VIRGINIA: State to get federal aid for disaster areas

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

12/7: Rendering a more balanced state tax structure

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

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

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

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Jobless hotline in state swamped with calls

ARKANSAS: State to get lottery vending machines in Spring 2010

FLORIDA: House lawmakers to vote on commuter rail today

GEORGIA: Spread of hemlock woolly adelgid worries Georgia foresters

KENTUCKY: State to adopt protocol for death row executions

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

MISSISSIPPI: Three cities legalize Sunday alcohol sales

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

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

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

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine proposes expanding health benefits to partners

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

11/23: Hidden costs of fossil--and bio--fuels

Christian Science Monitor: Hidden costs of fossil -- and bio -- fuels

The National Research Council has released a new study on the "hidden" costs of energy produced by burning fossil fuels. The report found that, in 2005, the hidden costs of energy production with fossil fuels in the United States amounted to $120 billion. This includes the negative impact of air pollution on health, but doesn’t include the effects of mercury emitted by coal-fired plants on wildlife and people, harm done to ecosystems by air pollution, or the climate-warming effects of carbon emissions.

Damages from ethanol made from corn were usually similar to, or even slightly worse, than damages from gasoline. That’s because of the extra energy needed to convert corn to biofuel.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Illiteracy in the state has economic impact

ARKANSAS: Sen. Blanche Lincoln continues to be a 'question mark' on health care vote

FLORIDA: Revenue projections from offshore oil drilling make some question numbers

GEORGIA: State's unemployment fund is depleted

KENTUCKY: Ten nursing homes cited as among worst in the nation

LOUISIANA: Study shows preschoolers spending too much time in front of TV

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour considers consolidating state agencies

NORTH CAROLINA: State's tax revenue drops by $99 million in October

SOUTH CAROLINA: Jobless rate at 12.1%, an all-time high

TENNESSEE: Federal ban on selling paddlefish hurting state's commercial fishermen

VIRGINIA: State DOE wants to increase Hispanic college enrollment

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

11/17: Electric car coalition launched by top businessmen

Associated Press: Electric car coalition launched by top businessmen

The new coalition is aimed at getting the federal government to make a major investment in electric transportation, pointing to electric cars as the best way to confront the nation's dependence on imported oil. Businessmen from Nissan Motor Co., Fedex Corp., PG&E, and battery developers A124 Systems and Johnson Controls-Saft are involved.

The coalition is urging Congress to pass a series of tax credits and loan guarantees to bring 14 million electric cars to the road by 2020 and more than 100 million by 2030. The group envisions a network of electric vehicles in six to eight cities in the short term and an expansion across the country, making 75 percent of all vehicle miles traveled powered by electricity by 2040.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Timber theft a growing problem in the state

ARKANSAS: Sen. Lincoln gets pressure from all sides as Senate vote on health care reform nears

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist looks at special session for high-speed rail discussion

GEORGIA: Nonprofit studies GA's large rural student population, notes low graduation rates

KENTUCKY: AARP rallies against further state budget cuts

LOUISIANA: State's politics complicated in national health care debate

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour proposes merging eight universities into five

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue says jobless rate to rise even as economy gets better

SOUTH CAROLINA: 2009 Homeless County reveals depth of problem in SC

TENNESSEE: State's budget gap could reach $1.5 billion next year

VIRGINIA: Delegate Hamilton quits House, which may end ethics probe

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

11/10: SPR: 21st Century agenda in works for South

Southern Political Report: Tom Baxter: Group attempts to forge 21st Century agenda for region

"What kind of place do you want the South to be in 2020? That thought-provoking question was the subject which brought together more than 30 planners, politicians, academics and journalists – your humble scribe included – for a conference at Davidson College this past weekend by the Center for a Better South.

"The Center for a Better South is the grandchild of the LQC Lamar Society, which was founded in 1969 by a group of young Southern leaders, including former Mississippi Gov. William Winter, former North Carolina Sen. Terry Sanford, Alabama publisher H. Brandt Ayers and Mississippi writer Willie Morris, to forge a vision for a post-segregation South that would, as Sanford once put it, 'avoid making Northern mistakes in a Southern setting.'

"Proposing an agenda for the region took more courage 40 years ago took more courage than it does today, but arguably it has never been harder, in what the center’s president, Andy Brack, described as 'increasingly partisan and media-saturated world of small soundbites for big problems.'"

(Read more.)

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Editorial: Alabama needs a tougher ethics law and it needs to be enforced

ARKANSAS: Pedestrians in state face more danger than many

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist moves away from previous support of stimulus package

GEORGIA: Smoking ban in state extended to prisons

KENTUCKY: State Chamber says state workers should pay more for health insurance

LOUISIANA: State turns to 'career diplomas' to cut high school dropout rate

MISSISSIPPI: State considers textbook rental system at public universities

NORTH CAROLINA: State pays millions to for state vehicles to sit parked

SOUTH CAROLINA: Wind turbines could be 8 miles offshore in SC

TENNESSEE: Nashville the site of today's Tennessee Solar Symposium

VIRGINIA: Rep. Perriello defends 'yes' vote on health bill

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

11/5: LA, MS emerging from recession

Stateline: Louisiana, Mississippi among states emerging from recession

Eleven states and the District of Columbia seem to be emerging from the recession according to a new report. Moody's Economy also reported that the states, while still in recession, have seen the pace of their decline slow down, or moderate.

Energy production revenues helped states such as Alaska, Louisiana, Montana and North Dakota to stay afloat. Louisiana also boasts low business costs, ports that connect it to foreign markets, health care centers and military installations, all of which were well-positioned to weather the downturn.

Mississippi is in a similar position to Louisiana, according to Moody’s. That has allowed it to lure major investment, such as a Toyota plant in the northeastern part of the state.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State agencies laying off employees

ARKANSAS: House members reject proposed out-of-state travel rule

FLORIDA: NRA wants adoption agencies to ban questions about gun ownership of prospective parents

GEORGIA: New study shows rareness of Georgia floods

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear wants passage of slots bill by winter

LOUISIANA: State's delegation is a tough sell on health care overhaul

MISSISSIPPI: State's budget to receive "facelift" next year

NORTH CAROLINA: State's pork producers see effect of swine flu

SOUTH CAROLINA: New Medicaid pharmacy program saves state money

TENNESSEE: State legislators may dump $70 million biofuels project

VIRGINIA: Five state house seats gained by GOP

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

11/3: EPA considers new coal ash rules

The Tennessean: EPA considers new coal ash rules

The Environmental Protection Agency is considering new rules for coal ash disposal: If it's wet, it would be considered hazardous; if it's dry, it would be considered non-hazardous if moved to a dry landfill.

However, some environmentalists viewed the new option included in the General Accountability Office report as a potential loophole that would allow industry to avoid regulation.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State ranks seventh in the nation for business climate

ARKANSAS: Per capita income up in Arkansas to 46th in nation

FLORIDA: Symposium experts say offshore drilling poses little risk to coast

GEORGIA: Congressional hearing held on state's bank failures, foreclosures

KENTUCKY: State increases number of children in public health programs

LOUISIANA: Costs of Medicaid now over $300 million in state

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers consider ATV safety regulations

NORTH CAROLINA: Golden LEAF foundation criticized in state audit

SOUTH CAROLINA: Rise in college costs could make higher ed unaffordable for SC residents

VIRGINIA: Voters to pick state's next governor today

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

10/19: States consider Internet rules for campaign fundraising

AP: States consider Internet rules for campaign fundraising

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

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

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

Also in the South:

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

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

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

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

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

LOUISIANA: Cancer rate hits alarming numbers in Louisiana

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/13: Mississippi last on health scorecard

The Commonwealth Fund: Mississippi has worst health care

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

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

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

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

Also in the South:

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

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

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

GEORGIA: State seeks more alternative energy projects

KENTUCKY: Mortality rate unusually high at VA hospital in Lexington

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

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

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Ports Authority works to reduce air pollution

TENNESSEE: State tax collections down again in September

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Some churches begin pushing for recycling, environmental stewardship

ARKANSAS: Historic preservation boosts state's economy

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

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

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

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal straddling health care politics

MISSISSIPPI: Group wants stronger animal cruelty laws in state

NORTH CAROLINA: Legislators to revamp tax system

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

TENNESSEE: Two legislative oversight committees are back on task

VIRGINIA: Debate between gubernatorial candidates is tonight

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State gets $27 million in energy stimulus funds

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

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

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

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

MISSISSIPPI: Health care scorecard puts Mississippi at bottom of list

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

SOUTH CAROLINA: Public hearing set for offshore wind energy

TENNESSEE: State ranks 39th in health care study

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

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

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

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

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

Also in the South:

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

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

FLORIDA: Economists warn Florida officials of another big budget deficit

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

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

MISSISSIPPI: State tax revenues continue to drop

NORTH CAROLINA: Wind turbines to be placed in Pamlico Sound

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

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

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

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

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

Stateline: State resources could be depleted by H1N1 flu cases

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

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

Also in the South:

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

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

FLORIDA: Nearly 25% of Floridians have no health insurance

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

KENTUCKY: State Supreme Court strikes down sex offender law

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

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

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

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lieutenant governor's race heats up

TENNESSEE: Middle Tennessee hit hard with flu

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

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

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

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

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

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

Also in the South:

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

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

FLORIDA: Home insurance rates could go up in Florida

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

KENTUCKY: State gets grant to help create jobs

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

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

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

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

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

9/23: House votes to extend jobless benefits to 27 states

LOUISIANA: List of 27 states on House bill to get jobless benefit doesn't include LA

The House has voted to give the jobless in 27 states with unemployment topping 8.5% another 13 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits. The Senate is set to vote on a similar matter.

One of the 17 Democrats to vote against the bill, Rep. Charlie Melancon of Louisiana, said he did so because the unemployed in his state, with its lower unemployment rate, did not qualify. The jobless in neighboring Mississippi are eligible.

GOP Rep. Geoff Davis of Kentucky, one of the 27 states qualifying for the additional benefits, has a different take on the legislation, saying the need for the legislation was "yet another sign of the failure of this administration's stimulus plan to create jobs."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley offers deal in Medicaid dispute

ARKANSAS: First lottery ticket sale ceremony to be held

FLORIDA: PSC scandals and proposals on rate hikes draw scrutiny

GEORGIA: Assume floodwaters are contaminated, say health officials

KENTUCKY: Reports show most schools are making progress

MISSISSIPPI: Voter ID issue won't be on 2010 ballot, says secretary of state

NORTH CAROLINA: State gets a "D" grade on economy

SOUTH CAROLINA: 17.4% in the state lack health insurance

TENNESSEE: Opponents to guns-in-bars take issue to court

VIRGINIA: State to use federal funds to expand health care access

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

9/14: House prepares to vote on rebuking Sen. Wilson of S.C.

New York Times: House prepares to vote on rebuking Sen. Wilson

The House is planning to vote on admonishing Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina for his commentary during President Obama's speech last week. On Sunday, Rep. Wilson said he would not apologize for heckling the president during his speech, which prompted Democrats to introduce a resolution formally holding Mr. Wilson in violation of House rules. Despite not wanting to give Mr. Wilson more attention, Democrats feel it's important to hold Mr. Wilson accountable for his remarks.

Republicans will be asked to rebuke Mr. Wilson, who has become a hero in conservative circles and among angry anti-Obama voters that the GOP is now aggressively courting. Voting with Democrats to rebuke their colleague could turn off those conservatives. However, most Republicans have also agreed that Mr. Wilson went beyond the bounds of acceptable behavior on the House floor and balking at the resolution could put them in the position of condoning his behavior.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: New state budgets likely to be cut from 4.5% to 10%

ARKANSAS: Lottery machines being installed statewide

FLORIDA: Taxpayers are funding security tab for politicians who visit Florida

GEORGIA: State sets up swine flu vaccine plan

KENTUCKY: Travel expenditures by legislature under scrutiny

LOUISIANA: Sen. Landrieu holds key position in health care reform

MISSISSIPPI: State GOP needs more signatures for voter ID ballot initiative

NORTH CAROLINA: A look at where the stimulus funds are going in the state

SOUTH CAROLINA: Sen. Graham says public option on health care is dead

TENNESSEE: Federal stimulus funds fuel weatherization projects

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine says state's largest conservation easement is complete

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