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

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

Governors set aggressive timeline for tri-state water agreement

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

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

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

Also in the South:

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

ARKANSAS: Report says state is prepared for medical health emergencies

FLORIDA: State DOT criticized for rail bill e-mails

GEORGIA: Governors predict water agreement by end of 2010

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear supports payday-loan rate

LOUISIANA: Sen. Landrieu approves current health care bill

MISSISSIPPI: Federal bill includes $150 million for Mississippi projects

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

SOUTH CAROLINA: State cuts $238 million from budget

TENNESSEE: Special session called by Gov. Bredesen on schools

VIRGINIA: Drug use is up among youth in Virginia

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

12/14: States haunted by scary budget scenarios

Stateline: States haunted by scary budget scenarios

Budgets in most states will be facing service cuts, tax hikes, IOUs, layoffs, furloughs and political gridlock. In Virginia, outgoing Gov. Tim Kaine is putting together a budget that his successor, Bob McDonnell, will have to finalize. Said Kaine, "The things that get put in front of me in terms of cuts are ... tougher and tougher, and somewhere in whittling down that $3.6 billion number, I know I am going to get a cut that I don't want to make."

Arkansas has seen worse budgets over the years, including the hit the state took in 1930 when a third of the state flooded -- it was already reeling from budget problems before the Great Depression. In 1933, Arkansas defaulted on its bonds — the only state to do so during the Great Depression — and its state government essentially functioned on federal money for two years. It started digging itself out only when it passed a sales tax, and even then, the state had to stop building roads for 16 years.

To avoid a repeat, state leaders will have to be strong and offer solid plans to weather the budget problems.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Some of the state's schools are still segregated, according to study

ARKANSAS: Crop losses in the state estimated at $309 million by economists

FLORIDA: Judicial Ethics Committee advises judged not to befriend attorneys on Facebook

GEORGIA: Savannah worried about Atlanta's water plans and impact on coast

KENTUCKY: Abuse statistics considered 'alarming' in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: Commission on Streamlining Government works on state expenses

MISSISSIPPI: Some legislators want to change the way the budget is written

NORTH CAROLINA: Asheville councilman's atheism causing a huge stir across nation

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gubernatorial candidates outline jobs programs

TENNESSEE: Opinion: It's time Tennessee slams jail door shut

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine prepares Virginia budget

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

11/24: South Atlantic households to spend less this holiday season

Atlanta Business Chronicle: South Atlantic states' residents to spend less this holiday season

A survey published by The Conference Board says states in the South Atlantic will spend an average of $346, while households in the nation as a whole will spend an average of $390. Last year, the national estimate was $418.

"Consumers are approaching the holiday season very cautiously," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, in a statement. "Job losses and uncertainty about the future are making for a very frugal shopper. Retailers will need to be quite creative to entice consumers to spend, both in stores and online this holiday season, as consumers most certainly will expect major markdowns and bargains."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Central Alabama high school students struggle to read

ARKANSAS: A look at Gov. Beebe's 'rising star'

FLORIDA: Coalition says pending federal pollution rules won't be worth the cost

GEORGIA: Outside second-hand smoking risks tested by UGA researchers

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear asked to halt executions until death penalty study is complete

LOUISIANA: State says dredged river sediment could be used to rebuild coast

MISSISSIPPI: State sets up new accountability system for all schools

NORTH CAROLINA: Leaky underground oil tanks a problem for the state

SOUTH CAROLINA: Hate crimes on the increase in South Carolina

TENNESSEE: State lawmakers seek delay of workers' comp bill

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine hasn't ruled out tax increases to deal with budget

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

11/6: U.S. unemployment rate hits 10.2%

New York Times: U.S. unemployment rate hits 10.2%

The unemployment rate is at its highest rate in 26 years. The rate, which measures the number of people actively seeking work, continues to climb, and economists do not foresee relief until well into next year.

“There’s no doubt that the slashing and burning of jobs has abated quite a lot,” said Allen L. Sinai, the founder of Decision Economics, a research firm. “The economy is recovering, but it is a very soft recovery.”

The biggest losses came in the construction, manufacturing and retailing sectors. In anticipation of this report, Congress voted Thursday to extend benefits for jobless workers for up to 20 weeks.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State benefits from Kia's Georgia plant as 3,600 jobs go to Alabamans

ARKANSAS: Looking at Arkansas politics for 2010

FLORIDA: State's plan to tear down highway toll plazas comes with alternative pay proposal

GEORGIA: Prescription drug deaths continue to rise in Georgia

KENTUCKY: State gets $350,000 in federal energy grants

LOUISIANA: Senate kills Sen. Vitter's census proposal on way to redraw Congressional maps

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour wants more authority to make deeper budget cuts

NORTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers consider special session to deal with inmate issue

SOUTH CAROLINA: Simulated photos released of what offshore wind turbines would look like

TENNESSEE: 2009 public schools report card shows mixed bag of 'grades'

VIRGINIA: State Supreme Court upholds multistate power line plan

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

10/29: In FL, public option in healthcare finding favor

Miami Herald: In Florida, public option in healthcare finding favor

At two very different forums on Wednesday, Florida doctors and nurses agreed that healthcare reform is desperately needed -- and they're not opposed to a public option as part of the package.

As a half-dozen speakers made clear on Wednesday, the issue is no longer whether there should be healthcare reform -- but what the details should include.

By Friday, it's expected that the House and the Senate will each have consolidated myriad proposals into a single bill in each chamber -- and each will have the option for government insurance.

Let's see what happens over the next 24 hours.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley announces grants to build new schools in state

ARKANSAS: Mass flu shot vaccination clinics begin in state

FLORIDA: State's 'smart power' program gets $200 million federal grant

GEORGIA: State creates new child care agency

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear says 'holiday tree' will go up at Capitol; Christian critics upset over nomenclature

LOUISIANA: Former Gov. Treen dies at 81

MISSISSIPPI: Economic special session postponed, says Gov. Barbour

NORTH CAROLINA: Rock-slide closure of I-40 to impact Asheville area's economy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Boeing chooses SC; Impact expected to be big

TENNESSEE: Vandal decides to censor 'dirty' words in library books

VIRGINIA: Voter mass mailing stopped over legal questions
If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email 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

9/4: Some parents don't want students seeing Obama video

New York Times: Some parents against airing Obama video to students on Tuesday

Some conservative parents across the nation are opposed to a planned speech by President Obama on Tuesday to public school students across the nation. They're accusing the president of trying to indoctrinate the students with socialist ideas and want school officials to excuse their children from listening.

In the speech, President Obama plans to urge students to work hard and stay in school.

The Republican Party chairman in Florida, Jim Greer, said he “was appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama’s socialist ideology.” Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday is urging superintendents to provide an alternative to the speech for those children whose parents don't want them hearing the speech.

Herb Garrett, executive director of the Georgia School Superintendents Association, said many of his members felt that the controversy had put them in an awkward situation, vulnerable to attacks from conservative talk-show hosts if they open up instructional time for Mr. Obama’s speech, and open to accusations that they have disrespected the president if they do not.

“It’s one of those no-wins,” Mr. Garrett said.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley plans industry hunting trip to Germany

ARKANSAS: Sen. Lincoln voices opposition now to public option on health reform

GEORGIA: State has limited success in making ethanol a viable alternative fuel

KENTUCKY: New loan program will make it easier for agencies to be 'green'

LOUISIANA: Today is start of state sales tax holiday for guns, ammunition

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour orders 2.9% budget cut

NORTH CAROLINA: Teacher turnover down in state schools

SOUTH CAROLINA: State agencies must cut 4% from budgets

TENNESSEE: Some state officials oppose ICE's plan to limit public information about detainees

VIRGINIA: Both sides pleased with new permit for coal-fired power plant

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

9/3: Speculation abounds over Justice Stevens' one hire

Washington Post: Speculation abounds over Justice Stevens' one hire

U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has hired only one clerk instead of the usual four for the term that begins in October 2010. Speculators believe Stevens, who is 89, may be preparing for retirement. Retired justices are entitled to one clerk.

If he retires, President Obama would have his second opportunity to appoint a justice.

And in the South:

ALABAMA: State's education budget likely won't get cut any more this year

ARKANSAS: Another candidate announces for U.S. Senate seat

FLORIDA: Seminole Tribe to pay state $6.8 billion over 20 years for gambling rights

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue talks water at state tourism conference

KENTUCKY: State considers grasses, grains, wood products as potential fuel

LOUISIANA: Looking at Gov. Jindal's Sunday helicopter travel to churches

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour to announce major budget decisions today

NORTH CAROLINA: Schools fear 'dangerous' label

SOUTH CAROLINA: 22 counties in Upstate are back in drought conditions

TENNESSEE: Interim chief of University of Tennessee notes poor graduation rates

VIRGINIA: DNC to spend $5 million on Virginia's governor's race

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

8/28: Offshore oil drilling debate gets heated

FLORIDA: Tallahassee Democrat: Offshore oil drilling debate gets heated

Barney Bishop, president of Associated Industries of Florida, and Leon County Commissioner Bob Rackleff, a well-known environmentalist, debated AIF's plan for drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Bishop says a 'radical left-wing fringe' of voters is stopping the state from cashing in on offshore oil drilling. Reckleff says the oil industry is trying to dazzle the voters by dangling 20,000 new jobs and $1.4 billion in state revenues.

Both, however, agree that solar and wind power, increased conservation, or higher fuel taxes are not feasible solutions in the near term.

In 2006, polls showed 51% of those polled supported oil exploration if rigs were 125 miles from the coast. Now, in 2009, the figure is about 75%. The debate continues.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Deep budget cuts possible for school system

ARKANSAS: Green Party sues state challenging decertification as a political party

GEORGIA: State to get $9.3 million for energy-efficient appliance program

KENTUCKY: State cuts 4% from budget of most agencies

LOUISIANA: Opinion: The state of New Orleans: An Update
"This year, the Gulf Coast’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina has become President Obama’s responsibility. How bad a situation has he inherited?"

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour wants reversal on civil justice decision

NORTH CAROLINA: Report says state tax increases don't cause job losses

SOUTH CAROLINA: 45% of state's banks have posted losses

TENNESSEE: Pre-paid tuition plan may get suspended

VIRGINIA: Rep. Moran defends the public option on health care

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

8/13: Anger continues at health care town hall meetings

New York Times: Anger continues at health care town hall meetings

Constituents worried about health care changes have peppered their legislators with questions and have emphasized their concern at town hall meetings. In Georgia, Sen. Johnny Isakson said at a meeting in Tifton, “The question is whether the government should make health care an entitlement and a right or should the government establish a level playing field for private providers.”

In South Carolina, U.S. Rep. John Spratt is being urged to hold a town hall meeting, even though he's recuperating from foot surgery. It may be a few weeks before he can host such a meeting, he says. North Carolina's Rep. Heath Shuler plans two tele-town halls, but no in-person town hall meetings this August. Alabama's Rep. John Tanner answered questions at a Rotary Club meeting; today, constituents plan to urge him to hold a town hall meeting.

Expect more meetings during the recess.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: House passes bill to extend unemployment compensation for 20 weeks

ARKANSAS: Economic competitiveness of state ranked at 12th best

FLORIDA: Opinion: Matt Towery: Vulnerable Crist may be GOP's test case

GEORGIA: State's colleges to furlough employees for six days

KENTUCKY: Cold medicine restriction may continue due to meth lab prevalence

LOUISIANA: Revised price-gouging protection laws go into effect August 15

MISSISSIPPI: State's higher education challenge -- budgets

NORTH CAROLINA: Older population in state to suffer most from budget cuts

SOUTH CAROLINA: State must deal with $200 million in budget cuts

TENNESSEE: State gets $22 million grant for charter schools

VIRGINIA: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deeds says he'll sign tax increase bill

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