NATIONAL
Debt ceilings without drama (February 6)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/debt-ceilings-without-drama-85899448699

Some GOP governors accepting part of ACA (February 5)
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/some-gop-governors-are-facing-realities-of-aca-87232.html?hp=f3

States send warnings to feds with Medicaid expansion ‘triggers’ (February 5)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-states-send-warning-to-feds-with-medicaid-expansion-triggers.html

Kathleen Sebelius: Medicaid expansion not ‘bait and switch’ (February 5)
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/02/kathleen-sebelius-medicaid-expansions-not-bait-and-switch-87154.html?hp=l9

Study: tax haven use dries up state funds (February 5)
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/281165-study-state-revenues-take-a-dent-from-tax-haven-use

For insurance exchanges, states need ‘navigators’ – and hiring them is a huge risk (February 4)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/for-insurance-exchanges-states-need-navigators--and-hiring-them-is-a-huge-task/2013/02/04/bb5e577c-6960-11e2-ada3-d86a4806d5ee_story.html

Mega public pensions beat small funds in 2012 (February 4)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-04/-mega-public-pensions-beat-small-funds-in-2012-wilshire.html

Local governments become less cautious on hiring (February 3)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/capitalbusiness/local-governments-become-less-cautious-on-hiring/2013/02/03/2def27a0-6bd5-11e2-bd36-c0fe61a205f6_story.html

Default risk at 18-month low as confidence climbs (February 3)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-04/default-risk-at-18-month-low-as-confidence-climbs-muni-credit.html

Gas tax loses favor as governors look for new transportation money (February 1)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/gas-tax-loses-favor-as-governors-look-for-new-transportation-money-85899447502

State, local employment remains steady (February 1)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/state-local-government-jobs-report-data-january-2013.html

White House adviser: Obama willing to cut Medicare, but not Medicaid (February 1)
http://thehill.com/blogs/healthwatch/medicaid/280401-white-house-adviser-obama-willing-to-cut-medicare-but-not-medicaid

CMS official pledges health exchanges will open on time (February 1)
http://www.governing.com/news/federal/gov-cms-official-pledges-health-exchanges-will-open-on-time.html

Why isn’t the U.S. better at public-private partnerships? (February 1)
http://www.governing.com/topics/finance/gov-public-private-partnerships-in-america.html

Sequestration cuts to BAB payments could be higher than estimated (February 1)
http://www.bondbuyer.com/issues/122_23/upcoming-build-amercia-bonds-sequestration-cuts-likely-higher-than-estimate-1048277-1.html

Performance based college funding is coming stateside (February 1)
http://www.governing.com/topics/education/gov-performance-based-college-funding-coming-stateside.html

The income tax rebellion: can it work? (January 31)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-the-income-tax-rebellion-can-it-work.html

The muni bond market in 2013 (January 31)
http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-municipal-bond-market-forecast-2013.html

Alabama
Gov. Robert Bentley’s budgets: more corrections officers, more teacher pay (February 7)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20130207/NEWS02/302070011/Gov-Robert-Bentley-s-budgets-More-corrections-officers-more-teacher-pay?nclick_check=1

Bentley’s proposed budgets spend more on pre-kindergarten, prisons (February 6)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/02/bentleys_proposed_budgets_spen.html

Education trust fund projected for surplus; shortfall in general fund smaller than last year (February 6)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20130206/NEWS02/302060029/State-budgets-Education-Trust-Fund-projected-surplus-shortfall-General-Fund-smaller-than-last-year

Alabama’s tax collections up 6 percent over same period last year (February 5)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/02/alabamas_income_tax_collection.html

Democrats ask Gov. Robert Bentley to rethink Medicaid expansion (February 2)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/02/democrat_asks_robert_bentley_t.html

Alaska
Alaska looks to get a handle on health care costs (February 4)
http://ap.juneauempire.com/pstories/state/ak/20130204/1095881216.shtml

Alaska lawmakers consider school voucher proposal (February 3)
http://www.newsminer.com/news/politics/article_e2dbb086-6e35-11e2-9fc7-001a4bcf6878.html

Arizona
Brewer frees funds to help northern Arizona communities damaged by the cold (February 6)
http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2013/02/05/brewer-frees-funds-to-help-northern-arizona-counties-damages-by-cold/

Brewer approves emergency funding for CPS (January 31)
http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2013/01/31/brewer-approves-emergency-funding-for-cps/

Arkansas
Medicaid director: reason for lower projected shortfall unclear (February 7)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/medicaid-director-reason-lower-projected-shortfall-unclear.html

California
Big taxes and big spending cuts give California a budget surplus (February 7)
http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/07/news/economy/california-budget/index.html

High yield in California gives governments bonanza (February 5)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-05/high-yield-in-california-gives-governments-bonanza.html

California teachers pension fund faces $64 billion deficit (February 4)
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2013/02/california-teachers-pension-fund-faces-64-billion-deficit.html

California turns corner with upgrade as pensions choke Illinois (February 1)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-01/california-turns-corner-with-upgrade-as-pensions-choke-illinois.html

Schools likely winner in surprise $5 billion state cash (February 1)
http://www.news10.net/news/california/article/227878/430/Schools-likely-winners-in-surprise-5-billion-state-cash

California’s rating no longer lowest (January 31)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324610504578276141612731784.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_6

Colorado
Colorado announces sweeping reforms to child welfare system (February 7)
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22533149/colorado-announces-sweeping-reforms-child-welfare-system

House gives first OK to sales tax on cigarettes over GOP objections (February 1)
http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_22500174/house-gives-first-ok-sales-tax-cigarettes-over

Colorado lawmaker embrace health care change (February 1)
http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_22488033/co-health-care-change-gets-1st-legislative-review

Colorado’s state workers may be getting bigger pay raise than expected (January 31)
http://www.denverpost.com/politics/ci_22494705/colorados-state-workers-may-be-getting-bigger-pay

Connecticut
Malloy proposes 2-year budget that increases spending nearly 10 percent (February 6)
http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-state-budget-20130205,0,746324.story

Malloy pushes $43.8 billion budget (February 6)
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Malloy-pushes-43-8-billion-budget-4255949.php

Amazon will collect sales tax, open distribution center (February 4)
http://ctmirror.com/story/18996/amazon-will-collect-sales-tax-will-open-50m-distribution-center-here

Delaware
Prime Hook funding OK’d from Sandy relief package (February 6)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130207/NEWS08/302070028/Prime-Hook-funding-OK-d-from-Sandy-relief-package?nclick_check=1

Report praises Delaware’s education reform efforts (January 31)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130201/NEWS03/302010043/Report-praises-Delaware-s-education-reform-efforts?nclick_check=1

Florida
State wins approval for senior Medicaid overhaul (February 4)
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/04/3217331/state-wins-approval-for-senior.html

Gov. Rick Scott pushes “Finish in Four” tuition plan to save college students money (February 2)
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/02/3214289/gov-rick-scott-pushes-finish-in.html

Gov. Rick Scott proposes $74.2 billion budget (February 1)
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/stateroundup/gov-rick-scott-proposes-742-billion-budget/1273110

Gov. Rick Scott proposes largest budget in Florida history at $74.2 billion (January 31)
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/31/3210022/gov-rick-scott-to-outline-his.html

Georgia
Senate Democrats propose HOPE changes (February 6)
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/senate-democrats-propose-hope-changes/nWHZd/

Georgia’s overdue federal loans have employers footing the bill (February 3)
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2013-02-03/georgias-overdue-federal-loans-have-employers-footing-bill

Hawaii
Soda tax bill draws divided testimony (February 7)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/s?action=login&f=y&id=190158611

Hawaii teachers want to raise taxes for education (February 5)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20130205_Hawaii_teachers_want_to_raise_taxes_for_education.html?id=189927981

Hawaii lawmakers mull over ways to solve problem of rising cost of retiree health care (February 5)
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/bcb8c9c6e0ac4c288e221e01e9502dfa/HI--Hawaii-Unfunded-Liabilities

Idaho
Corrections nixes planned mental health prison (February 5)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_ff59aff4-7b02-5d93-a1d1-a66e69506a64.html

Study finds state employees paid below market wage (February 3)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_ba239834-03db-53ba-9f4e-6b1acbe34b28.html

Illinois
Quinn sees last chance to fix Illinois pension mess (February 6)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-06/quinn-sees-last-chance-to-fix-illinois-s-worst-in-nation-pension.html

Lawmakers push to spend $900 million (February 5)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-illinois-house-spending-0205-20130205,0,7166353.story

Group asks Quinn to reconsider closing prison (January 31)
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/politics-and-government/2013-01-31/group-asks-quinn-reconsider-closing-prison.html

Indiana
Pence rules out Indiana Medicaid expansion in current form (February 6)
http://www.fortwayne.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130206/NEWS/320136337/1006/NEWS03

Voucher program for schools would grow under Indiana legislature bill (February 5)
http://www.indystar.com/article/20130205/NEWS05/302050322/Voucher-program-schools-would-grow-under-Indiana-legislature-bill?nclick_check=1

Indiana legislators seek ways to inject money into state, local roads (January 31)
http://www.indystar.com/article/20130131/NEWS05/130131002/Indiana-legislators-seek-ways-inject-money-into-state-local-roads?nclick_check=1

Iowa
House panel OKs governor’s education reform package (February 6)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/02/05/house-panel-oks-governors-education-reform-package/article?nclick_check=1

GOP plan would make it harder to pass tax hikes (February 5)
http://muscatinejournal.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/gop-plan-would-make-it-harder-to-pass-tax-hikes/article_bd20cb61-a030-5f38-8b6a-cbdc3b487752.html

Democrats seek in-state tuition rate for immigrants (February 2)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130203/NEWS10/302030030/1011/Democrats-seek-state-tuition-rate-immigrants?nclick_check=1

Kansas
Fairness of Brownback’s tax plan debated (February 6)
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/feb/07/fairness-brownbacks-tax-proposals-debated/

School finance talk centers on funding-performance link (February 5)
http://cjonline.com/news/2013-02-04/school-finance-talk-centers-funding-performance-link

Kentucky
Beshear: ‘Are we courageous enough to invest in our children’s future?’ (February 7)
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/02/06/2505912/beshear-are-we-courageous-enough.html

Beshear tells lawmakers state needs tax overhaul (February 7)
http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/state/beshear-tells-lawmakers-state-needs-tax-overhaul/article_a03e8345-fcea-504f-9c7d-5f073ee15a33.html

Health care reform fight continues in Kentucky legislature (February 4)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130204/PRIME07/302040061/Health-care-reform-fight-continues-Kentucky-legislature?nclick_check=1

Kentucky budget remains pinched (February 3)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130203/NEWS01/302030054/Kentucky-budget-remains-pinched?nclick_check=1

Kentucky’s outlook downgraded (February 1)
http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-kentuckys-outlook-downgraded.html

Kentucky education bills would address dropout age and college funding (January 31)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130130/NEWS010101/301300165/Kentucky-education-bills-would-address-dropout-age-college-funding?nclick_check=1

Louisiana
Bobby Jindal holds firm on rejection of Medicaid expansion despite other governors’ change of heart (February 7)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/bobby_jindal_holding_firm_on_r.html#incart_river

State amends Medicaid claims pact (February 5)
http://theadvocate.com/news/5098357-123/state-amends-medicaid-claims-pact

Louisiana running out of money for construction, officials say (January 31)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/01/louisiana_running_out_of_money.html#incart_river

Maine
Dems say LePage should split liquor contract, hospital debt plan (February 6)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/02/06/politics/dems-say-lepage-should-split-liquor-contract-hospital-debt-plan/

LePage delivers impassioned call to improve Maine (February 5)
http://bangordailynews.com/slideshow/lepage-delivers-impassioned-call-to-improve-maine/

New liquor plan promises more funds for state, adds $20M to budget hole in short term (January 31)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/01/31/politics/new-liquor-plan-promises-more-funds-for-state-adds-20m-to-budget-hole-in-short-term/

Maryland
State lawmakers propose ‘Race to the Tots’ program (February 6)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/education/blog/bal-state-lawmakers-propose-race-to-the-tots-program-20130204,0,6948863.story

Maryland will receive $8.6 million more in Sandy aid (February 6)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-md-will-receive-86-million-more-in-sandy-aid-20130206,0,288573.story

Md. is flagged for Race to the Top delays (February 1)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/education/blog/bal-md-race-to-the-top-delays-20130201,0,3984766.story

Massachusetts
Average state health care base rates to rise 2.7% (February 7)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/06/massachusetts-health-insurers-boost-premium-base-rates-percent-for-small-businesses/1KZNHxwBk00vo2GgpNBDbO/story.html

Mass. state pension fund strong in 2012 (February 6)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/02/06/massachusetts-state-pension-fund-posts-percent-investment-gain-for/TridTpdEiYOg3BPdGUfrzM/story.html

Mass. panel approves $30M for drug lab crisis (February 5)
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2013/02/04/mass-panel-approves-for-drug-lab-crisis/JKQlsRDDE7zBuOrTRQDo8O/story.html

Michigan
Gov. Snyder seeks health spending spike (February 6)
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130206/POLITICS02/302060364/1022/POLITICS/Gov-Snyder-seeks-health-spending-hike

Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration says ‘additional investment’ for public education to be included in Michigan budget proposal (February 5)
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/gov_rick_snyders_administratio_1.html#incart_river

Michigan corrections won’t meet $10M in budgeted savings (February 3)
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20130203/NEWS04/302030071/Michigan-Corrections-won-t-meet-10M-budgeted-savings

Minnesota
State of the State: Dayton defends budget plan, supports same-sex marriage (February 7)
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/02/07/politics/dayton-state-of-state

Gov. Dayton delivers up a broadside on state budget (February 7)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/190054171.html

Dayton trying to keep ‘Obamacare’ from swallowing MinnesotaCare (February 5)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/189940801.html?refer=y

State wants to reward doctors for keeping Medicaid patients healthy (February 4)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/189399541.html

Mississippi
Expansion not in Medicaid bill, but not dead issue (February 6)
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/viewart/20130206/NEWS01/302060032/Expansion-not-Medicaid-bill-not-dead-issue

Missouri
Nixon reverses $8.5M in cuts to higher education (February 5)
http://www.stltoday.com/news/state-and-regional/missouri/nixon-reverses-m-in-cuts-to-higher-education/article_108134c2-030a-58a4-b2c5-a1fb16ed839c.html

Mo. revenues up 9.5 percent for 2013 budget year (February 5)
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2013/feb/04/mo-revenues-95-percent-2013-budget-year/

Panel releases changed higher ed funding plan (February 5)
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2013/feb/05/panel-releases-changed-higher-ed-funding-plan/

Governor’s Medicaid plan could boost pay for doctors (February 4)
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2013/feb/04/governors-medicaid-plan-could-boost-pay-doctors/

Gov. Nixon proposes $10 million for Missouri mental health (February 1)
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/158297/gov-nixon-proposes-10-million-for-missouri-mental-health/

Legislative panel hears tax change ideas (February 1)
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2013/feb/01/legislative-panel-hears-tax-change-ideas/

Montana
Bills advance to provide public funding for private, charter schools (February 6)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/bills-advance-to-provide-public-funding-for-private-charter-schools/article_f70b0714-1ad5-567b-bd5d-eb5a1b0443ff.html

Governor, higher ed commissioner call for tuition freeze (February 1)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/governor-higher-ed-commissioner-call-for-tuition-freeze/article_4e808f82-e743-5244-afac-6e3a94698159.html

Nebraska
Most testifiers on tax reform plan opposed to the plan (February 6)
http://journalstar.com/legislature/most-testifiers-on-tax-reform-bill-opposed-to-the-plan/article_99a3ff5b-d0c1-590b-9f36-ff41fe74fe72.html

Nebraska governor’s thinking on tax cuts, Medicaid (February 4)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/diving-deeper-nebraska-governors-thinking-on-tax-cuts-medicaid-85899447891

Nevada
Assembly speaker calls for tax reform, stop to education cuts (February 5)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/feb/04/assembly-speaker-calls-tax-reform-stop-education-c/

Education underlined in budget (February 4)
http://www.lvrj.com/news/education-underlined-in-budget-189617841.html

Nevada court: legislature can consider taxing businesses for education (January 31)
http://www.rgj.com/viewart/20130131/NEWS07/301310047/Nevada-court-Legislature-can-consider-taxing-businesses-education-issue-could-go-voters

New Hampshire
State revenues plunge in January (February 5)
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130205/NEWS06/130209567

Committee’s role unclear in N.H. health reform plans (February 4)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4228802-95/state-committee-federal-law

N.H. Senate passes school funding fix, research and development tax credit expansion (January 31)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4071631-95/senate-bill-passed-state

New Jersey
New Jersey will get $1.82 billion installment in Sandy disaster aid (February 7)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/New_Jersey_will_get_182_billion_in_Sandy_disaster_aid.html

State Senate budget committee advances bill to increase tax credit for poor (February 4)
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/state_senate_budget_committee.html#incart_river

Gov.’s advisory committee, community groups urge Christie to expand Medicaid in N.J. (February 1)
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/01/govs_advisory_committee_commun.html#incart_river

New Mexico
Proposal boosts payout from state’s permanent fund for early childhood programs (January 31)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/Local%20News/020113xgrPermanentFund1stLd-Writethru#.UQwjK_K57wl

GOP lawmakers propose ‘reboot’ of state tax system (January 31)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/localnews/020113ConsumptionTax1stLd-Wri...

New York
Wary local leaders may back Cuomo’s pension plan (February 4)
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20130204/NEWS01/302040008/Andrew-Cuomo-pension-costs?nclick_check=1

Cuomo seeking home buyouts in flood zones (February 4)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/04/nyregion/cuomo-seeking-home-buyouts-in-flood-zones.html?hp&_r=1&

Race to the Top funding appears to be safe so far (January 31)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324610504578276462417456482.html?mod=WSJ_NY_LEFTTopStories

North Carolina
Jobless bill advances to Senate (February 6)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/02/06/3836296/jobless-bill-advances-to-senate.html

NC Senate Republicans vote to block Medicaid expansion, exchanges (February 5)
http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/02/04/2656119/senate-republicans-vote-to-block.html

McCrory withholding judgment on Medicaid expansion (January 31)
http://www.journalnow.com/news/state_region/article_07298c54-6c21-11e2-b13b-001a4bcf6878.html

Audit: state overspent Medicaid budget by $1.4B (January 31)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/01/31/3825086/audit-state-overspent-medicaid.html

North Dakota
Dalrymple pushes new K-12 funding formula (February 6)
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/389000/group/News/

Dalrymple signs $720 million road improvement bill into law (February 5)
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/388821/group/News/

ND teachers union, state employees vote to join forces (February 4)
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/nd-teachers-union-state-employees-vote-to-join-forces/article_a6eaa93a-6f14-11e2-91e1-001a4bcf887a.html

OhioKasich unveils budget plan for Ohio (February 5)
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130204/NEWS010801/302040149/IN-DEPTH-Kasich-Lower-income-Sales-taxes-Tax-services-?nclick_check=1

Tax code overhaul, education revamp, gas and oil taxes part of John Kasich’s budget plan (February 5)
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/02/tax_code_overhaul_education_re.html#incart_river

Income, sales taxes cut in new proposed state budget (February 4)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/02/04/Kasich-budget-release.html

Ohio Medicaid rolls will grow by 275,000 people (February 4)
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130204/NEWS010801/302040149/Kasich-set-unveil-two-year-budget

Kasich wants $300 million school grants similar to Obama’s (February 1)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-01-31/kasich-wants-300-million-school-grants-reminiscent-of-obama-s.html

Education reform aims to expand voucher program, reduce funding gaps (January 31)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/01/31/Kasich-education-reform-plan.html

Oklahoma
A new Oklahoma House committee prepares review of federal funds (February 6)
http://newsok.com/a-new-oklahoma-house-committee-plans-review-of-federal-funds/article/3752301

No pay raise for state workers in Oklahoma governor’s proposed budget (February 5)
http://newsok.com/no-pay-raises-for-oklahoma-workers-in-governors-proposed-budget/article/3752007

Gov. Mary Fallin seeks personal income tax cut, money for Capitol (February 4)
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-gov.-mary-fallin-seeks-personal-income-tax-cut-money-for-capitol/article/3751870

Bond issue unlikely in Oklahoma House, speaker says (January 31)
http://newsok.com/bond-issue-unlikely-in-oklahoma-house-speaker-says/article/3750857

Oregon
Kitzhaber’s priority list has building projects for state colleges (February 6)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20130206/NEWS/302060063/Kitzhaber-s-priority-list-has-building-projects-state-colleges?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Home|p&gcheck=1

Proposed PERS reforms get off the ground (February 5)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20130204/UPDATE/302040047/Proposed-PERS-reforms-get-off-ground

State budget, schools, PERS, prisons dominate Oregon legislature’s agenda (February 3)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/02/state_budget_schools_pers_pris.html#incart_river

Pennsylvania
Corbett rejects Medicaid expansion (February 6)
http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-06/news/36952126_1_medicaid-expansion-medicaid-eligibility-corbett

Corbett’s budget would raise spending, but require pension limits (February 6)
http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-06/news/36952119_1_way-future-benefits-budget-plan-public-pensions

Governor’s proposed budget loosens purse strings (February 6)
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/governor-loosening-purse-strings-673599/

Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget: by the numbers (February 6)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/02/gov_tom_corbetts_budget_by_the.html#incart_river

Pennsylvania gas taxes would rise 5 cents a year under Gov. Corbett’s budget (February 6)
http://articles.philly.com/2013-02-06/news/36952131_1_transportation-secretary-barry-schoch-gas-tax-oil-company-franchise-tax

State tax collections are ahead of estimates (February 3)
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/state-tax-collections-are-ahead-of-estimates-673238/

Rhode Island
Raimondo opposes Chafee bid to funnel $12.9-m surplus into FY14 budget (February 6)
http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/02/raimondo-opposes-chafee-bid-to-funnel-129m-surplus-into-fy14-budgetready.html

RI lawmakers to begin budget hearings (February 4)
http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/02/ri-lawmakers-to-begin-budget-hearings.html

South Carolina
State Medicaid agency doesn’t ask for expansion funds (February 6)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/06/2620407/sc-political-briefs-state-medicaid.html#.URJPvh3LTzM

State could change law on local government funding (February 1)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/01/2613610/sc-political-briefs-state-could.html#.UQvANB3LTzM

GOP: use car tax fund for road repairs (January 31)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/02/01/2613591/gop-use-car-tax-funds-for-road.html#.UQwlB_K57wl

South Dakota
S.D. must shift federal money for roads (February 5)
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130205/NEWS/302050013/S-D-must-shift-federal-money-roads?nclick_check=1

Bill forbidding Medicaid expansion fails (February 4)
http://politicalsmokeout.tumblr.com/post/42279441833/bill-forbidding-medicaid-expansion-fails

SD legislature passes criminal justice reform plan (February 1)
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/sd-legislature-passes-criminal-justice-reform-plan/article_d0314213-4741-54c3-98d8-f0f226c6287e.html

Daugaard signs tourism tax measure into law (January 31)
http://siouxcityjournal.com/ap/state/daugaard-signs-tourism-tax-measure-into-law/article_f4d5f539-a1e4-5bbb-a9b0-d01cffaf8bc1.html

Tennessee
State income tax ban sent to TN Senate (February 6)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130206/NEWS0201/302060108/State-income-tax-ban-sent-TN-Senate?nclick_check=1

TennCare debate simmers over possible expansion (February 4)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130204/NEWS0201/302040004/TennCare-debate-simmers-over-possible-expansion?nclick_check=1

Amazon.com reminds Tennesseans they may owe taxes (February 1)
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/feb/01/retailer-reminds-tennesseans-they-may-owe/

Texas
State sales tax revenue up 6.1% (February 6)
http://www.statesman.com/news/business/state-sales-tax-revenue-up-61/nWHXS/

Online tuition helps U. of Texas offset state budget cuts (February 5)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-05/internet-tuition-helps-public-universities-offset-budget-cuts.html

Judge: Texas school plan unconstitutional (February 4)
http://news.yahoo.com/judge-texas-school-finance-plan-unconstitutional-221045057.html

Medicaid expansion in spotlight as session heats up (February 4)
http://www.texastribune.org/2013/02/04/agenda-texas-medicaid-expansion/

New agency chief seeks $263 million to protect children, elderly (January 31)
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/new-agency-chief-seeks-263-million-to-protect-chil/nWCRt/

Utah
Utah guv wants to add state employees to Avenue H exchange (February 6)
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/55779396-90/health-avenue-herbert-utah.html.csp

Utah changes course, seeks health exchange pairing (February 5)
http://www.heraldextra.com/news/state-and-regional/utah/utah-changes-course-seeks-health-exchange-pairing/article_98343645-1cf1-55cf-8634-812d35e02939.html

Senate committee advances tuition waiver, charter school, degree attainment bills (February 5)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865572274/Senate-committee-advances-tuition-waiver-charter-school-degree-attainment-bills.html

House votes to spend now, save later (February 4)
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/55765387-90/amendment-aside-effect-lawmakers.html.csp

Budget bills pass House, Senate in initial step to approval (January 31)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865571940/Budget-bills-pass-House-Senate-in-initial-step-to-approval.html

Vermont
Lawmakers criticize Shumlin on mental health cuts (February 5)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/viewart/20130205/NEWS03/302050024/Vermont-lawmakers-criticize-Governor-Shumlin-on-mental-health-cuts

Food fight in the Vermont House over school lunch aid (February 4)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130204/NEWS03/302040023/Food-fight-Vermont-House-over-school-lunch-aid?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s&nclick_check=1

Virginia
House, Senate pass McDonnell’s plan for failing schools (February 6)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/house-senate-pass-mcdonnell-s-plan-for-failing-schools/article_c30a389a-402b-5386-9c11-816360cfbaec.html

Va. lawmakers give McDonnell partial win on transportation at session midpoint (February 6)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-politics/va-lawmakers-give-mcdonnell-partial-win-on-transportation-at-session-midpoint/2013/02/05/254116ca-6fd8-11e2-ac36-3d8d9dcaa2e2_story.html

Virginia DREAM Act stalls in House money panel (February 5)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/virginia-dream-act-stalls-in-house-money-panel/article_8904f26e-51f4-5859-ab44-b781dd0a14f5.html

Extra salary boost urged for state workers (February 4)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/local/government-politics/extra-salary-boost-urged-for-state-workers/article_aa1cb534-6e34-11e2-a983-001a4bcf6878.html

Virginia Senate could be headed for budget stalemate (February 3)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/va-politics/virginia-senate-could-be-headed-for-budget-stalemate/2013/02/03/be7963a0-6e03-11e2-8b8d-e0b59a1b8e2a_story.html?wpisrc=nl_headlines

Bolling splits with McDonnell, backs Medicaid expansion (February 1)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/bolling-splits-with-mcdonnell-backs-medicaid-expansion/article_d714d8a4-cf5e-5391-b665-d58814777402.html

Washington
Lawmakers not ready to pledge state workers’ pay raises (February 5)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2013/02/05/2462314/lawmakers-not-ready-to-pledge.html

Mental health funds sought as help falls short (February 4)
http://www.theolympian.com/2013/02/04/2409671/mental-health-funds-sought-as.html

Supermajority on taxes kept out of House rules (February 1)
http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/feb/01/supermajority-on-taxes-kept-out-of-house-rules/

West Virginia
W.Va. tax revenues again fall below estimates (February 1)
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statenews/201302010110

Wisconsin
State smoking tax high, but cessation programs get butt of budget (February 4)
http://www.jsonline.com/features/health/high-smoking-tax-but-aid-gets-butt-of-budget-318jl6j-189762881.html

Wyoming
Gov and legislators clash on savings, agree on spending (February 6)
http://wyofile.com/2013/02/gov-and-legislators-clash-on-savings-agree-on-spending/

Wyoming fuel tax compromise dies (February 4)
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/wyoming-fuel-tax-hike-compromise-dies/article_456fe86e-f9df-5406-92b5-4067012336d4.html

Senate rejects Medicaid expansion (February 1)
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/senate-rejects-medicaid-expansion/article_defe944e-7c0b-5a5b-af73-08e709d11258.html