NATIONAL
Obama preschool expansion plan sees states sharing costs (February 14)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-14/obama-preschool-expansion-plan-sees-states-sharing-cost.html

Continuing resolution deadline raises concerns on Capitol Hill (February 14)
http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-continuing-resolution-deadline-raises-concerns-capitol-hill.html

Luring primary care docs into Medicaid (February 14)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/luring-primary-care-docs-into-medicaid-85899451224

Survey signals possible public-sector hiring rebound (February 13)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/ipma-hr-state-local-government-employment-outlook-survey.html

Build America rally waning as subsidy threatened (February 13)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-14/build-america-rally-waning-as-subsidy-threatened-muni-credit.html

States gear up to pitch health plans (February 12)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323511804578300532327035860.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_health

Slower growth of health costs eases budget deficits (February 12)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/12/us/politics/sharp-slowdown-in-us-health-care-costs.html?hp&_r=1&

Seizing Medicaid expansion as a means to reform (February 11)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/seizing-medicaid-expansion-as-a-means-to-reform-85899450010

Landmark S&P lawsuits mark improved state-fed relations (February 11)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/fedwatch/gov-sp-lawsuits-mark-a-first-in-statefed-relationship.html

Nevada and New Jersey jockey for online gambling revenue (February 11)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/nevada-and-new-jersey-jockey-for-online-gambling-revenue-85899450023

With fewer to lock up, prisons shut doors (February 10)
http://professional.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324761004578283773700966956.html?mod=WSJPRO_hps_MIDDLEThirdNews

Holding states and schools accountable (February 10)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/education/debate-over-federal-role-in-public-school-policy.html?ref=us

Republican governors embrace part of health care law (February 8)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/02/07/republican-governors-embrace-part-of-health-care-law/?hpid=z1

States will be pushed to take control of health exchanges (February 8)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/fedwatch/gov-states-will-be-pushed-to-take-control-of-health--insurance-exchanges.html

Casinos saturating U.S. Midwest cannibalize state revenue (February 8)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-08/casinos-saturating-u-s-midwest-cannibalize-state-revenue.html

Medicaid expansion divides GOP governors (February 7)
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-na-medicaid-20130208,0,6884419.story

Alabama
Gov. Robert Bentley says he will work to make oil spill fine money available to fortify homes (February 13)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/02/gov_robert_bentley_says_he_wil.html

Senate passes proposals overhauling law enforcement, IT in Alabama (February 13)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20130213/NEWS02/302130032/Senate-passes-proposals-overhauling-law-enforcement-Alabama?nclick_check=1

Senate Democrats push Bentley to expand Medicaid (February 13)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20130213/NEWS02/302130036/Senate-Democrats-push-Bentley-expand-Medicaid

Fiscal cliff settlement costs Alabama schools $70M (February 12)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/viewart/20130212/NEWS02/302120010/Fiscal-Cliff-settlement-costs-Alabama-schools-70M

House passes repayment bill; Senate debates efficiency (February 7)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/02/tracking_the_2013_session_hous.html

Alaska
Parnell calls for action on gas, oil concepts (February 13)
http://www.newsminer.com/news/politics/article_f4671592-75bb-11e2-aaf4-001a4bcf6878.html

Arizona
Brewer rolls out new Arizona sales tax plan; cities balk at potential loses (February 12)
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/money/article_f648b348-7462-11e2-b7ba-0019bb2963f4.html

Judge rules against co-pays for Arizona Medicaid (February 11)
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/arizona/politics/article_e20b612a-725d-11e2-85b1-001a4bcf887a.html

Brewer signs bill for extra redistricting funding (February 7)
http://azstarnet.com/news/state-and-regional/brewer-signs-bill-for-extra-redistricting-funding/article_0a5a0ac6-548f-53e5-884c-1a9b29948b70.html

Arkansas
Panel endorses bill to create tiered lottery scholarships (February 13)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/update-panel-endorses-bill-create-tiered-lottery-scholarships.html

Bill to set cap on spending growth clears House committee (February 13)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/update-bill-set-cap-spending-growth-clears-house-committee.html

Budget bills on agenda as lawmakers enter fifth week (February 11)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/budget-bills-agenda-lawmakers-enter-fifth-week.html

Bills filed to change prison-reform law (February 7)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/bills-filed-change-prison-reform-law.html

California
Labor unions move to challenge California pension changes for public workers (February 14)
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/14/5189503/labor-unions-move-to-challenge.html#mi_rss=Top%20Stories

Cities, counties look for ways to replace billions lost in redevelopment dollars (February 11)
http://www.scpr.org/news/2013/02/11/35916/cities-counties-look-way-replace-billions-lost-red/

California $4.3 billion ahead of forecast in January (February 11)
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2013/02/controller-california-43-billion-ahead-of-forecast-in-january.html

Colorado
Study: Medicaid expansion would boost jobs, Colorado coffers (February 14)
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22583382/study-medicaid-expansion-would-boost-jobs-colorado-coffers

Hickenlooper argues in D.C. for state regulation of fracking (February 13)
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_22572881/hickenlooper-tells-senators-d-c-that-colorado-is

Critics linger, but Colorado girds for roll-out of Common Core (February 11)
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_22558044/critics-linger-but-colorado-girds-roll-out-common

Connecticut
Malloy’s proposal would merge scholarship programs (February 8)
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Malloy-s-proposal-would-merge-scholarship-programs-4264609.php

Lawmaker’s scrutinize governor’s budget proposal (February 8)
http://theday.com/article/20130208/NWS12/302089958/1018

Delaware
Delaware debt retains triple A rating (February 14)
http://blogs.delawareonline.com/firststatepolitics/2013/02/13/delaware-debt-retains-triple-a-rating/

Businesses may pay price for unemployment fund shortfall (February 13)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130214/NEWS02/302140003/Business-owners-may-face-tax-hike?nclick_check=1

Delaware hopes for winning hand in online gambling (February 10)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130211/NEWS02/302060077/Delaware-hopes-winning-hand-Internet-gambling?nclick_check=1

Markell signs port bill (February 7)
http://blogs.delawareonline.com/firststatepolitics/2013/02/07/markell-signs-port-bill/

Florida
State government tries to puzzle through new health care law (February 11)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/banking/state-government-tries-to-puzzle-through-new-health-care-law/1274691

Proposal to change Florida state pensions to 401(k) plan moves forward (February 8)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/legislature/proposal-to-change-florida-state-pensions-to-401k-plan-moves-forward/1274237

Georgia
Gov. Nathan Deal signs Medicaid tax compromise (February 13)
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2013-02-13/gov-nathan-deal-signs-medicaid-tax-compromise

Obama visit puts Georgia pre-K in spotlight (February 12)
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/obama-visit-puts-georgia-pre-k-in-spotlight/nWMPr/

Georgia, Amazon face off over sales tax (February 8)
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/georgia-amazon-face-off-over-sales-tax/nWJzW/

Hawaii
Senate committee approves soda fee (February 11)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/s?action=login&f=y&id=190803201&id=190803201

Idaho
House committee approves 3 education bills (February 13)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_71a3ac94-bb7a-5aa3-88ab-260a8f245343.html

Otter gets boost from near unanimous Senate panel on health exchange (February 8)
http://blogs.idahostatesman.com/otter-gets-boost-from-near-unanimous-senate-panel-on-health-exchange/

Illinois
Quinn signs into law $1.5 billion in new spending (February 7)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-senate-sends-quinn-15-billion-in-new-spending-20130207,0,4515522.story

Indiana
Gov. Mike Pence to refuse to expand Medicaid unless state can keep Healthy Indiana Plan (February 13)
http://www.indystar.com/article/20130213/NEWS05/130213037/Gov-Pence-refuse-expand-Medicaid-unless-state-can-keep-Healthy-Indiana-Plan?nclick_check=1

House panel OKs voucher expansion, preschool funding (February 7)
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/house-education-panel-oks-voucher-expansion-preschool-funding/article_c5bb6abc-f875-58a7-b058-9b9615af90cf.html

Iowa
House GOP scales back education reform package (February 13)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130214/NEWS10/302140076/1011/NEWS10/House-GOP-scales-back-education-reform-package?nclick_check=1

House GOP cool to Medicaid expansion (February 13)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130213/NEWS10/302130059/1011/NEWS10/House-GOP-cool-Medicaid-expansion?nclick_check=1

Iowa Senate panel OKs more school aid spending bills (February 7)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/02/07/iowa-senate-panel-oks-more-school-aid-spending-bills/article?nclick_check=1

Kansas
Senate panel OKs most of governor’s tax proposals (February 12)
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/feb/12/senate-panel-oks-most-governors-tax-proposals/?kansas_legislature

Brownback administration releases estimate on expanding Medicaid, $600 million over 10 years (February 8)
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/feb/08/statehouse-live-brownback-administration-releases-/?kansas_legislature

Kansas wants mediator to help resolve school funding dispute (February 7)
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/02/07/4054368/kansas-seeks-mediation-to-settle.html

Kentucky
Kentucky House eyes cigarette tax to pay for pension reform (February 13)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130212/NEWS01/302120086/Kentucky-House-eyes-cigarette-tax-fund-pension-reform?nclick_check=1

Kentucky tax revenue up 3.8% in January (February 11)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130211/NEWS01/302110049/Kentucky-tax-revenues-up-3-8-percent-January

Kentucky Senate passes landmark pension reform (February 7)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130207/NEWS01/302070074/Kentucky-Senate-passes-landmark-pension-reform?nclick_check=1

Louisiana
Louisiana to contract with Ernst & Young to review Jindal’s tax plan (February 7)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/louisiana_to_contract_with_ern.html#incart_river

Maine
Legislative panel approves $153M plan to balance budget, refers it to full legislature (February 13)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/02/13/politics/legislative-panel-gets-closer-to-completing-153m-plan-to-balance-budget/

LePage wants energy price cuts in exchange for Maine agreement on lower emissions cap (February 8)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/02/08/news/state/lepage-wants-energy-price-cuts-in-exchange-for-maine-agreement-on-lower-emissions-cap/

Maryland
Kopp warns state bond rating could suffer if Washington fails to act (February 14)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-kopp-rating-20130213,0,6270815.story

Massachusetts
Mass. gov. open to other revenue proposals (February 13)
http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2013/02/mass_gov_open_to_other_revenue_proposals

Massachusetts Senate taps rainy day fund to help close budget gap (February 12)
http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/massachusetts_senate_taps_rain.html

$67M allocated for Mass. affordable housing (February 8)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/07/massachusetts-officials-say-million-targeted-for-affordable-housing/nHjjWWcl2LBObiwtM6NSVJ/story.html

Michigan
Michigan budget drops right-to-work funding (February 14)
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20130214/NEWS04/302140023/Michigan-budget-drops-right-work-funding?nclick_check=1

Gov: Approve fed money for health exchange (February 14)
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130214/POLITICS02/302140373/1022/POLITICS/Gov-Approve-fed-money-health-exchange

Gas tax, Medicaid plans make fiscal sense, Snyder says (February 11)
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/viewart/20130211/NEWS04/302110017/Gas-tax-Medicaid-plans-make-fiscal-sense-Snyder-says

Snyder’s big budget plan sees hikes in gas tax, vehicle registration fees, more (February 8)
http://www.freep.com/article/20130208/NEWS15/302080128/Snyder-s-big-budget-plan-seeks-hikes-in-gas-tax-vehicle-registration-fees-more?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Michigan%20news

Highlights of Snyder’s proposed 2013-14 budget (February 8)
http://www.freep.com/article/20130208/NEWS15/302080124/Highlights-of-Snyder-s-proposed-2013-14-budget?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Michigan%20news

Schools would see funding boost under budget plan (February 7)
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20130207/NEWS04/302070080/Schools-would-see-funding-boost-under-budget-plan?nclick_check=1

Snyder pushes to expand Medicaid to 470,000 Michiganders -- 'care for people who need it’ (February 7)
http://www.freep.com/article/20130207/NEWS15/302070216/1008/NEWS06/Snyder-pushes-extend-Medicaid-470-000-Michiganders-care-people-who-need-

Minnesota
State IOUs to schools nag at Minn. lawmakers (February 12)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20130212/1098808063.shtml

Dayton: State budget ‘is not supposed to be easy’ (February 11)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/blogs/190765011.html

State takes in additional $140 million in January (February 11)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/blogs/190754781.html

Got money to burn? Bill would double Minn. cigarette tax (February 7)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/190269171.html?refer=y

Mississippi
House OKs $5K teacher raise; money not in budget (February 11)
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130212/NEWS010504/302120022/House-OKs-5K-teacher-raise-money-not-budget?gcheck=1

State’s health exchange rejected amid GOP riff (February 8)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324906004578292271269356316.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_health

Feds reject proposed Mississippi health exchange (February 7)
http://www.sunherald.com/2013/02/07/4455595/feds-reject-proposed-mississippi.html

Missouri
Nixon proposes money for Missouri drug task forces (February 12)
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/02/12/4061988/nixon-proposes-money-for-missouri.html

Nixon casts Medicaid expansion as business decision (February 7)
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/politics/nixon-casts-medicaid-expansion-as-business-decision/article_590edbf2-7156-11e2-a7e4-10604b9f6eda.html#.URUU1fK57wl

Montana
Education budget panel approves boost in K-12 funding (February 12)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/education-budget-panel-approves-boost-in-k--funding/article_acd462c6-ab63-5243-8a67-e9e5b5bf1645.html

State pension plans ‘unsustainable’ without changes, researcher says (February 12)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/state-pension-plans-unsustainable-without-changes-researcher-says/article_fdde082f-703e-5c86-9e0f-54e94064d6c4.html

U-system budget hikes might be tied to performance measures (February 7)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/u-system-budget-hikes-may-be-tied-to-performance-measures/article_acc61d95-55aa-5b24-b443-4c0d536f8694.html

Nebraska
Sen. Ashford wants more time on tax plan (February 12)
http://www.omaha.com/article/20130213/NEWS/702139835/1685#sen-ashford-wants-more-time-on-tax-plan

Overcrowding might necessitate new state prison (February 11)
http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/nebraska/overcrowding-might-necessitate-new-state-prison/article_592fe32c-6877-5a6b-8d05-6c1e5bdd0e92.html

Nevada
Nevada senate bill aims to tax internet poker (February 12)
http://www.rgj.com/viewart/20130212/NEWS11/302120046/Nevada-Senate-bill-aims-tax-internet-poker

Some Nevada lawmakers want to keep 2009 tax increase from expiring (February 12)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/feb/12/legislature-taxes/

State pension plan collecting good earnings but employees to kick in more (February 7)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/feb/07/state-pension-plan-healthy-employees-kick-bit-more/

New Hampshire
Gov. Hassan to present state budget proposal to legislature today (February 14)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4405734-95/hassan-budget-state-gambling

Committee approves state partnership on health insurance exchange (February 13)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4422282-95/state-insurance-committee-exchange

New Jersey
Christie announces oversight measures for federal Sandy money (February 11)
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/chris_christie_press_conferenc.html#incart_river

Budget battle is brewing between Christie, legislature (February 10)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/budget/Budget_battle_is_brewing_between_Christie_Legislature.html

Gov. Christie approves of online gambling with caveats (February 8)
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/gov_christie_takes_action_on_o.html#incart_river

New Mexico
House panel OKs health exchange proposal (February 12)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/xgr-NM--HealthExchange#.URuNe4Y_d9s

New Mexico lawmakers assume lower revenues as they work on state budget plan (February 11)
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f5f8b53f23a646de8eca14b73eb3cf7d/NM--Revenue-Outlook

Senate Finance chairman treads carefully on tax relief (February 10)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/021113xgrtaxchair#.URvK8_K57wl

New York
Turf battle shapes up over budget (February 13)
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Turf-battle-shapes-up-over-budget-4276953.php

Cuomo’s budget boosts ‘back door borrowing,’ DiNapoli says (February 13)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-13/cuomo-s-n-y-budget-boosts-back-door-borrowing-dinapoli-says.html

New York governor puts off decision on drilling (February 13)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/13/nyregion/cuomo-delays-decision-on-gas-drilling-as-health-study-continues.html?ref=nyregion&_r=0

Cuomo pulls back on casino locations (February 12)
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Cuomo-pulls-back-on-casino-locations-4270092.php

Mayors focus on aid change (February 10)
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Mayors-focus-on-aid-change-4267313.php

N.Y. borrows $500M privately to fund new Tappan Zee (February 7)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-07/new-york-borrows-500-million-privately-to-fund-new-tappan-zee.html

North Carolina
Panthers’ owner wants state money (February 13)
http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/02/13/2678338/dome-panthers-owner-wants-state.html

Bill overhauling jobless benefits heads to McCrory (February 13)
http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/02/13/2677901/bill-overhauling-jobless-benefits.html

McCrory, GOP plan to stop NC Medicaid expansion (February 13)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/02/13/3851323/mccrory-gop-plan-to-stop-nc-medicaid.html

McCrory opposes state run health exchange (February 12)
http://hamptonroads.com/2013/02/mccrory-opposes-state-run-health-exchange

McCrory-backed high school bill passes NC Senate (February 8)
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/N/NC_VOCATIONAL_ED_DIPLOMAS_NCOL-?SITE=NCWIN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

North Dakota
State revenue forecasts show a plateau (February 12)
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/389836/group/News/

House rejects more tax bills (February 12)
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/house-rejects-more-tax-bills/article_c2017b8c-7599-11e2-8e3b-0019bb2963f4.html

North Dakota delegation announces $1.1M flood recovery grant (February 8)
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/north-dakota-delegation-announces-million-flood-recovery-grant/article_598f0586-7163-11e2-a425-0019bb2963f4.html

Ohio
Medicaid best deal for Ohio now, Kasich says (February 14)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/02/14/medicaid-deal-best-for-ohio-now-kasich-says-to-mandel-letter.html

Tax chief, legislators spar over Kasich’s budget (February 13)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/02/13/tax-chief-legislators-spar-over-kasichs-budget.html

Ohio runs surplus, but budgets are tight locally (February 10)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/02/10/ohio-runs-surplus-but-budgets-are-tight-locally.html

Kasich’s funding plan draws complaints from school leaders (February 8)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/02/08/this-is-not-what-we-were-told.html

Kasich: tax changes will create Ohio jobs (February 8)
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/kasich-tax-changes-will-create-ohio-jobs/nWJbB/

State prisons look to private food vendor to save money (February 7)
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/crime-law/state-prisons-look-to-private-food-vendors-to-save/nWJrC/

Oklahoma
Sequestration in Oklahoma: jobs, public health programs at stake at state Health Department (February 13)
http://newsok.com/sequestration-in-oklahoma-jobs-public-health-programs-at-stake-at-state-health-department/article/3754794

Oklahoma House panel votes down measure to review tax credits (February 12)
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-house-panel-votes-down-measure-to-review-tax-credits/article/3754483

Oregon
Unions propose state budget cuts of $278 million (February 13)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20130213/NEWS/302130057/Unions-propose-state-budget-cuts-278-million

Health care reforms earn Gov. John Kitzhaber a seat with Michelle Obama (February 12)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/health_care_reforms_earn_orego.html#incart_river

Gov. John Kitzhaber, business leaders throw support behind tuition equity bill (February 11)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/gov_john_kitzhaber_business_le.html#incart_river

Oregon PERS: Legislative counsel says Gov. Kitzhaber’s money-saving proposals won’t pass legal review (February 8)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/oregon_pers_legislative_counse.html#incart_river

Pennsylvania
Corbett shifts stance on cuts to school funds (February 13)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20130213_Corbett_shifts_stance_on_cuts_to_school_funds.html

Pa. Senate plan would raise fees to help cover additional $1 billion for roads and bridges (February 12)
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-corbett-transportation-funding-211-20130212,0,6167654.story

Gov. Tom Corbett chooses education as the best place for liquor system sale proceeds to go (February 12)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/02/gov_tom_corbett_chose_educatio.html#incart_river

Corbett’s pension reform could end up in court (February 10)
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-corbett-pension-reform-sunday-20130209,0,5872501.story

Rhode Island
R.I. taxpayer payment to state retirement system to increase by $24 million (February 14)
http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/02/ri-taxpayer-payment-to-state-retirement-system-to-increse-by-24-million.html

R.I. lawmaker wants to eliminate state sales tax (February 11)
http://news.providencejournal.com/politics/2013/02/ri-lawmaker-wants-to-eliminate-state-sales-tax.html

South Carolina
Haley: cut S.C. rules that hurt businesses (February 13)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/13/2630744/haley-cut-sc-rules-that-hurt-businesses.html#.URutVvK57wl

Bill offers S.C. taxpayers an average $86 savings (February 12)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/12/2630185/bill-would-cut-income-taxes-by.html#.URutIvK57wl

South Dakota
SD lawmakers exploring Medicaid expansion (February 13)
http://siouxcityjournal.com/ap/state/sd-lawmakers-exploring-medicaid-expansion/article_6be62bdc-ab03-5bb6-8d05-578db2dcda2c.html

Panel approves flexibility in how schools spend (February 13)
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130213/NEWS/302130040/Legislature-Panel-approves-flexibility-how-schools-spend?nclick_check=1

SD governor says state revenues hitting projections (February 8)
http://www.capjournal.com/news/sd-governor-says-state-revenue-hitting-projections/article_65159d16-71bd-11e2-b3d6-0019bb2963f4.html

Tennessee
Online school legislation deals with enrollment, ownership (February 13)
http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20130213/NEWS0201/302130142/Online-school-legislation-deals-enrollment-ownership

Texas
Can Texas beat its fund-balance addiction? (February 13)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/can-texas-beat-its-fund-balance-addiction-85899450829

Nine state parks could close under budget plan (February 12)
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/texas_legislature/article/Nine-state-parks-could-close-under-budget-plan-4270304.php#ixzz2Kh4eeQDD

House to take up $4.5 billion Medicaid IOU next week (February 11)
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/house-to-take-up-45-billion-medicaid-iou-next-week/nWMCz/

Texas faces uphill battle as school finance lawsuit heads to state Supreme Court (February 11)
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/state-politics/20130211-texas-faces-uphill-battle-as-school-finance-lawsuit-heads-to-state-supreme-court.ece

Senators to state corrections officials: tighten your belts (February 7)
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/senators-to-state-corrections-officials-tighten-yo/nWJjh/

Utah
Bill allowing school districts to access leftover funds clears Senate committee (February 13)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865573111/Bill-allowing-school-districts-to-access-leftover-funds-clears-Senate-committee.html

Utah schools get new accountability system (February 12)
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55717294-78/students-system-schools-utah.html.csp

Vermont
Higher education chiefs welcome funding increase (February 13)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130213/NEWS03/302130018/Higher-education-chiefs-welcome-funding-hike?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s&nclick_check=1

Gas tax opponents warn of effects on business and consumers (February 13)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130213/NEWS03/302130024/Gas-tax-opponents-warn-effects-business-consumers?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s

Virginia
Va. House, Senate stake out different transportation plans (February 14)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-politics/virginia-senate-passes-transportation-plan/2013/02/13/b5dbb98c-75f6-11e2-8f84-3e4b513b1a13_story.html

Senate panel approves raise to gas tax (February 13)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/virginia-politics/general-assembly/senate-panel-approves-plan-to-raise-gasoline-tax/article_ef898c0e-9242-531a-aee5-8765dea644e0.html

State revenue jumps – but there’s a catch (February 12)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/state-revenue-jumps-but-there-s-a-catch/article_71fc17cc-7af6-5880-9289-3bfc8941c5cc.html

House GOP wants reforms before Medicaid expansion (February 12)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/house-gop-wants-reforms-before-medicaid-expansion/article_abdbef4d-4044-5495-be87-289c2d9ebcd1.html

Va. General Assembly approves proposed changes to budget (February 7)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-politics/va-general-assembly-approves-proposed-changes-to-budget/2013/02/07/c33480b8-7179-11e2-a050-b83a7b35c4b5_story.html

Virginia’s Medicaid expansion plan moves forward (February 7)
http://hamptonroads.com/2013/02/virginias-medicaid-expansion-plan-moves-forward

Washington
Inslee describes $122 million plan for jobs (February 14)
http://www.theolympian.com/2013/02/14/2422743/inslee-describes-122-million-plan.html

Lawmakers confident on education agreement (February 13)
http://www.theolympian.com/2013/02/13/2421139/lawmakers-confident-of-education.html

Pot revenue still unsure, but spenders are ready (February 12)
http://www.theolympian.com/2013/02/12/2419732/pot-revenue-still-unsure-but-spenders.html

Tax vote law could be made permanent (February 8)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/feb/08/tax-vote-law-could-be-made-permanent/

West Virginia
Education drives Tomblin’s State of the State address (February 13)
http://www.dailymail.com/News/201302130303

Next state budget cut without layoffs or furloughs (February 13)
http://wvgazette.com/News/201302130119

Medicaid, exchange answers elude state lawmakers (February 11)
http://wvgazette.com/News/politics/201302110252

Wisconsin
Scott Walker picks Obamacare over Medicaid (February 14)
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/walkers-health-remedy-obamacare-with-a-twist-87634.html

Scott Walker to back limited but not full expansion of BadgerCare (February 12)
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-will-announce-wednesday-his-stance-on-a-full-expansion-of-badgercare-q28ogmj-190877771.html

Walker seeks $100M for job training (February 11)
http://www.postcrescent.com/viewart/20130211/APC010401/302110227/Walker-seeks-100M-job-training

Scott Walker’s budget to include millions in tax credits for start-ups (February 8)
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/gov-walkers-budget-to-include-millions-of-dollars-to-boost-states-economy-cv8mm90-190241921.html

Wyoming
Education reform passes first test (February 14)
http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2013/02/14/news/20local_02-14-13.txt

Gas tax advances in Wyoming Senate (February 12)
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/gas-tax-advances-in-wyoming-senate/article_2dcff69b-af54-5698-b66c-db910c4ee2ff.html

Revamped Medicaid expansion could return to Wyoming next year (February 10)
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/revamped-medicaid-expansion-could-return-to-wyoming-next-year/article_86111936-bc08-5bac-98af-367a7a9cde80.html

Expansion’s death leave poor without Medicaid or insurance subsidies (February 10)
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/expansion-s-death-leaves-poor-without-medicaid-or-insurance-subsidies/article_50dc4e5f-7cfc-5e68-8ca1-4a7cfc736a50.html

Wyoming lawmakers preserve state funding for conservation easements, but opposition grows (February 8)
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/wyoming-lawmakers-preserve-state-funding-for-conservation-easements-but-opposition/article_79deb65a-ee85-5a9e-8bb5-a39b10c9c467.html