2/8: States try to tax more services

Wall Street Journal: States try to tax more services

Faced with the worst budget crisis in a generation, many states are looking to expand sales taxes to services, such as lawn care or accountants' advice. The goal, legislators say, is to broaden the tax base to cover a broader swath of the economy as traditional sources of tax revenue decline.

In Kentucky, representatives have introduced a measure to extend sales taxes to some high-end services like limousines and balloon rides. In North Carolina, the legislature last year considered, but didn't pass, a proposal to tax services such as car repairs and lawn care.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Sen. Shelby blocks 70 Obama nominees to get defense contracts for Alabama

ARKANSAS: State begins first-ever fiscal session, as state starts annual budgeting process

FLORIDA: Fewer politicians rely on state to pay for flights

GEORGIA: Both parties upset over Gov. Perdue's plan to appoint four statewide officers

KENTUCKY: State has significant medical care gap

LOUISIANA: Education Secretary Duncan praises LA for reforms on state education

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour cuts $21 million in fourth round of budget cuts

NORTH CAROLINA: Commentary: Jim Hunt: More creativity in the classroom

SOUTH CAROLINA: Opinion: Andy Brack: Legislature should back off on search, ID bills

TENNESSEE: Mental health care cuts deepen in state

VIRGINIA: Medicaid funding for disabled could be cut in state

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

1/11: Ga. bills would allow guns in more places, including church

GEORGIA: New House, Senate bills would allow guns in more places, including church

Four bills on guns are up for discussion during the legislative session that begins today in Georgia. One, House Bill 615, would make it a crime to take a firearm, knife or explosive into a building that has a courtroom, jail or prison. However, it would also remove existing restrictions on bringing a gun to a church or political rally, among other locations.

State Rep. Tim Bearden said his bill’s purpose is to clarify the definition of “public gathering” and get a head start on an expected future decision on the Second Amendment by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Lawmakers divided over furloughs for state workers

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe concerned about lottery's impact on state revenues

FLORIDA: An indepth look at Gov. Charlie Crist and his run for the Senate

KENTUCKY: Cow waste experiment nets power at Western Kentucky University

LOUISIANA: State plans to handle invasive Asian carp by putting them on dinner tables

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour wants to turn South Mississippi into container ship hub

NORTH CAROLINA: State's first ethanol plant to get first shipment of corn February 1

SOUTH CAROLINA: Commentary: More work needed on Palmetto Priorities

TENNESSEE: Teachers worried about education reform that would tie tenure to test scores

VIRGINIA: A look at the upcoming legislative session's biggest issue -- the budget

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