3/9: Census directs federal funds to states

Charlotte Observer: Census directs federal funds to states

A Brookings Institution study was designed to underscore the importance of ensuring an accurate count. "The hope is that it stimulates participation in the census, that people recognize that there's a connection between their participation and the amount of federal money and federally funded goods and services their community receives," said Andrew Reamer, the report's author.

The report found that North Carolina got $11.8 billion and South Carolina $5.5 billion. (See the report here.)

Most of the money - nearly 60 percent in North Carolina - went to health programs such as Medicaid. Housing, highways and education accounted for the next-largest allocations.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Editorial: Alabama takes hit in tanker decision

ARKANSAS: State BOE approves merging school districts

FLORIDA: Bill has teacher merit pay provision

GEORGIA: Lawmakers scramble to stop Hustler Magazine from getting slain hiker photos

KENTUCKY: Legislator wants cellphone, landline users to pay equally for 911 service

LOUISIANA: State to cut at-risk youth services

MISSISSIPPI: Voter ID to be on November 2011 ballot

NORTH CAROLINA: State hospital inspection data kept from the public

SOUTH CAROLINA: Three groups to get federal funds for renewable energy projects

TENNESSEE: State has huge financial stake in getting accurate Census count

VIRGINIA: Bills would increase financial incentives to companies moving into state

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

10/6: Coverage vs. cost in debate on health care

New York Times: Coverage vs. cost in debate on health care

Democrats face tough choices when they take up health care legislation in Washington -- affordable prices for health insurance policies vs. policies that offer comprehensive health benefits.

The different versions of the legislation would all require insurance companies to provide coverage more generous than many policies sold in the individual market today. That is good for consumers, Democrats say.

But Republicans say the new requirements would mean added costs for some consumers and for the government, which would help pay premiums for millions of low- and middle-income people.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's financial problems likely to persist into 2011 budget

ARKANSAS: Despite ban, predatory lenders still operating in state -- on Internet

FLORIDA: Policy group assessing offshore drilling in Florida

GEORGIA: Federal judge reiterates ruling against Georgia in tri-state water war

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear wants new psychiatric facilities for youth

LOUISIANA: Some state agencies to opt-out of Gov. Jindal's 'outcome based budgeting'

MISSISSIPPI: Commission on Colleges of SACS says state should consolidate, eliminate college programs

NORTH CAROLINA: Hospitals in state begin information campaign on SIDS

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Supreme Court to hear Sanford ethics case

TENNESSEE: High school dropouts in 2009 could cost state $6.5 billion in lost income

VIRGINIA: Voters to decide which party controls House of Delegates

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