3/8: NC's Gov. Perdue wants census count change

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue wants a census change on how deployed troops are counted

Gov. Beverly Perdue is focusing on changing the way deployed troops are counted. Currently, military personnel in the United States are counted as living in their barracks or off-base residence where they spend most of their time. But deployed soldiers are counted by either their home state, their legal residence or the last base they were assigned to before deploying.

Gov. Perdue wants deployed soldiers counted by their base assignments, which could mean more federal money coming to the state (up to $641.5 million over the next ten years).

While it's not likely to change for this census count, it could be considered for the 2020 census.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Experts say alternative energy could boost Alabama's revenue

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe: Making Arkansas count

FLORIDA: South Florida tourism aims to appeal to Chinese tourists

GEORGIA: State's use of medical reprieves for inmates on the rise

KENTUCKY: General Assembly enters tenth week of 2010 session

LOUISIANA: Civil Service Commission backs pay-raise plan for 61,000 state workers

MISSISSIPPI: Education and prisons at the top of budget discussions at Capitol

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's budget more dependent on fines, fees than one would think

TENNESSEE: State proposes tax on free hotel breakfasts

VIRGINIA: State AG tells colleges to end gay protections

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

12/1: Weakened Sanford pushes ahead despite cloud

Statehouse Report: Brack: Weakened Sanford pushes ahead despite cloud

"On the day newspaper headlines screamed that the state Ethics Commission accused Gov. Mark Sanford of 37 violations, the governor's sense of humor remained intact. When asked how he would like his terms as governor to be remembered, he said, “Better than today.”

"Then during another of his Rotary Club apology tours across the state, Sanford paused 9 seconds to consider the question."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Despite court ruling, casinos plan to reopen

ARKANSAS: Study shows Southern-born people have higher risk of dying of stroke

FLORIDA: Editorial: Shifting sands (on private property owners and beach rights)

GEORGIA: State homebuyer tax credit expires

KENTUCKY: Charities struggling more than ever in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: State's delegates to support 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers from Mississippi to work on efficiencies in next legislative session

NORTH CAROLINA: 50 new state laws include ban on texting while driving

TENNESSEE: GOP leadership tries to block House Speaker from rejoining party

VIRGINIA: Editorial: I-81 in Virginia a great road to avoid

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