NATIONAL
Hearing targets ‘crisis budgeting’ (March 13)
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/03/13/crisis-budgeting-criticized/1985989/

Waiting for recovery: U.S. public schools shed jobs (March 13)
http://www.cnbc.com/id/100550071

Republican governors face party opposition over Medicaid (March 11)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-12/republican-governors-face-party-opposition-over-medicaid.html

State of the State addresses: what are governors’ priorities? (March 11)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/gov-state-of-the-state-speeches-summary.html

Antrhopology mocked as U.S. governors push for employable grads (March 11)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-12/anthropology-mocked-as-u-s-governors-push-for-employable-grads.html

States wrestle with new Obamacare exchanges (March 10)
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/states-wrestle-with-new-obamacare-exchanges-88674.html?hp=l7

Arkansas plan shows that health care law’s Medicaid expansion leaves flexibility for states (March 9)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/arkansas-plan-shows-that-health-care-laws-medicaid-expansion-leaves-flexibility-for-states/2013/03/09/be994f24-8836-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394_story.html

State governments continue slashing payrolls (March 8)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/gov-state-government-job-cuts-february-jobs-report.html

4 myths about public pension retirees (March 8)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-top-4-myths-about-public-pension-retirees.html

Alabama
Alabama Senate passes $1.75 billion general fund budget (March 13)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/03/alabama_senate_passes_175_bill.html

Alabama Senate approves bill to put $48 million in tobacco settlement money in general fund (March 13)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/03/alabama_senate_approves_bill_t_2.html

Gov. Robert Bentley backs changes for state’s Medicaid program (March 13)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/03/gov_robert_bentley_backs_manag.html

Alabama state employees could lose ground on insurance coverage, take-home pay (March 11)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/03/state_employees_could_lose_gro.html

Alabama Senate passes right-to-work legislation (March 7)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20130307/NEWS/303070037/Alabama-Senate-passes-right-work-legislation?nclick_check=1

Alaska
Analysis puts price of oil tax plan at up to $1.3B (March 13)
http://ap.juneauempire.com/pstories/state/ak/20130313/1110627434.shtml

Senate Finance unveils oil tax rewrite (March 13)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/03/alabama_senate_passes_175_bill.html

Arizona
Battle looms as Democrats offer budget (March 13)
http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20130313battle-looms-democrats-offer-budget.html?nclick_check=1

Brewer unveils legislation to broaden Medicaid eligibility (March 13)
http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20130312brewer-unveils-legislation-broaden-medicaid-eligibility.html?nclick_check=1

Arizona bill ties funds to school performance (March 13)
http://www.azcentral.com/news/politics/articles/20130311arizona-bill-ties-funds-school-performance.html?nclick_check=1

Arkansas
Lawmakers working to solve Rubik’s Cube-like budget puzzle (March 11)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/lawmakers-working-solve-rubik%E2%80%99s-cube-budget-puzzle.html

Arkansas plan shows that health care law’s Medicaid expansion leaves flexibility for states (March 9)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/arkansas-plan-shows-that-health-care-laws-medicaid-expansion-leaves-flexibility-for-states/2013/03/09/be994f24-8836-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394_story.html

Beebe calls for legislative cooperation on Medicaid issue (March 8)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/update-beebe-calls-legislative-cooperation-medicaid-issue.html

California
Gov. Jerry Brown says federal prison oversight a waste of money (March 11)
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/11/5254367/gov-jerry-brown-says-federal-prison.html#mi_rss=Top%20Stories

Democrats, Brown at odds over healthcare act (March 9)
http://www.latimes.com/health/la-me-healthcare-brown-20130310,0,2899658.story

Medi-Cal expansion bill sails through CA legislature (March 7)
http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2013/03/two-similar-medi-cal-expansion-bills-sail-through-legislature.html

Colorado
State to help with growing welfare costs (March 13)
http://www.chieftain.com/news/local/state-to-help-with-growing-welfare-costs/article_74b4b58c-8b93-11e2-b9ee-001a4bcf887a.html

Nearly $20 million approved for revamp of mental health system (March 13)
http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_22777065/nearly-20-million-approved-revamp-mental-health-system

Colorado immigrant tuition rate passes through House, headed to Gov. (March 8)
http://www.coloradoan.com/viewart/20130308/NEWS11/303080038/Colorado-immigrant-tuition-rate-passes-through-House-headed-Gov-

Connecticut
Big health care changes coming for state, nation (March 11)
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Big-health-care-changes-coming-for-state-nation-4345350.php

Sequestration threatens Connecticut’s defense industry (March 9)
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Sequestration-threatens-Connecticut-s-defense-4342392.php

Delaware
Carper again seeks bipartisan budget (March 13)
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20130314/NEWS/303140055/Carper-again-seeks-bipartisan-budget

Florida
Senate panel rejects Medicaid expansion in Florida (March 11)
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/11/3279764/senate-panel-rejects-medicaid.html

State may shrink mental health care spending (March 10)
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/state-may-shrink-mental-healthcare-spending/nWnGc/

Committee advances bill to revamp pension system (March 8)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-pension-data-analysis-contested-20130308,0,3687336.story

Scott budget touts $36 million for Agency for Persons with Disabilities (March 7)
http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130308/POLITICSPOLICY/303080026/Scott-budget-touts-36-million-Agency-Persons-Disabilities?gcheck=1

Tuition equity bill may have a chance in Florida this year (March 7)
http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-florida-house-moves-forward-instate-tuition-bill.html

Georgia
Ga. House adopts $40.9 billion spending plan (March 13)
http://www.ajc.com/ap/ap/legislative/ga-house-adopts-409-billion-state-budget/nWqCJ/

House passes $19.8 billion budget for coming year (March 13)
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/house-passes-198-billion-budget-for-upcoming-year/nWqDQ/

Ga. House OKs lower G.P.A. for HOPE grants (March 7)
http://onlineathens.com/local-news/2013-03-07/ga-house-oks-lower-gpa-hope-grants

Hawaii
Hawaii House passes $2.3B state budget, about $600 million short of governor’s request (March 13)
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/d9d526acbbcc4b8f98c5d1187a6aa4d1/HI-XGR--State-Budget-Hawaii

Hawaii Council on Revenues raises annual growth forecast to 6.7% (March 13)
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2013/03/13/hawaii-council-on-revenues-raises.html

About 21,000 in Hawaii will lose Medicaid under federal reforms (March 11)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/20130311_About_21000_in_Hawaii_will_lose_Medicaid_under_federal_reforms.html?id=197250261

Hawaii to move forward with $46.4 million in capital improvements to state facilities (March 8)
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2013/03/08/hawaii-to-move-forward-with-464.html

Idaho
Health exchange moves to Idaho Senate (March 14)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/mar/14/health-exchange-moves-to-senate/

GOP lawmaker touts Medicaid expansion (March 13)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_8e79dac6-9922-5c60-bd25-c84bf2ef6d08.html

Idaho’s budget to grow about 2.9 percent to $2.78B (March 8)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_642f986b-56e8-5efd-ad38-e5cd0cde4405.html

House panel OKs teachers contract bill (March 8)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_dfa06890-fdfa-5385-bb72-64320270b470.html

Illinois
Senate committee approves 2 pension proposals (March 13)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-illinois-pension-reform-0314-20130314,0,664499.story

SEC charges Illinois with securities fraud (March 12)
http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-sec-charges-illinois-with-securities-fraud.html

Illinois settlement shows worst pension’s true cost (March 12)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-12/illinois-settlement-shows-worst-pension-s-true-cost-muni-credit.html

Quinn’s budget cuts money for cities and transit (March 7)
http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/quinn-s-budget-cuts-money-for-cities-and-transit/article_44731a69-c879-57b1-acb2-37a8687f01f0.html

Illinois deal on fracking could be national model (March 7)
http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/illinois-deal-on-fracking-could-be-national-model/article_6619f28f-1fbe-5483-ba97-2ef774047151.html

Ill. House OKs cap on salary amounts for pensions (March 7)
http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/ill-house-oks-cap-on-salary-amount-for-pensions/article_458757f6-6540-583f-a1f2-0be2c53bb7f3.html

Indiana
Gov. Mike Pence heightens opposition to gambling expansion (March 13)
http://www.indystar.com/article/20130312/NEWS05/303120091/Gov-Mike-Pence-heightens-opposition-gambling-expansion?nclick_check=1

Gov. Mike Pence joining rally of Indiana school choice backers (March 11)
http://www.indystar.com/viewart/20130311/NEWS04/303110023/Gov-Mike-Pence-joining-rally-Indiana-school-choice-backers

Indiana casinos’ revenue falls (March 10)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130310/NEWS02/303110040/Indiana-casinos-revenue-falls?nclick_check=1

State revenues less than projected in February (March 8)
http://www.indystar.com/article/20130308/NEWS05/303080076/State-revenues-less-than-projected-February?nclick_check=1

Indiana budget leader: schools, roads need boost (March 7)
http://www.courier-journal.com/viewart/20130307/NEWS02/303070123/Indiana-budget-leader-Schools-roads-need-boost

Iowa
Flat tax/rebate bill approved in House (March 13)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130314/NEWS10/303140076/1011/NEWS10/Flat-tax-rebate-bill-approved-House?nclick_check=1

Proposed constitutional amendment on taxing and spending passes Iowa House committee (March 13)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/03/12/proposed-constitutional-amendment-on-taxing-and-spending-passes-iowa-house-committee/article?nclick_check=1

Vaudt sees improvements in Branstad’s proposed budget (March 12)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130312/NEWS10/303120056/1011/NEWS10/Vaudt-sees-improvements-Branstad-s-proposed-budget

Branstad wants Iowa legislators to pay 20 percent of health insurance premiums (March 11)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/03/11/branstad-wants-legislators-to-pay-20-percent-of-health-insurance-premiums/article?nclick_check=1

State leaders will have to settle Medicaid impasse, legislators from both parties say (March 8)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/03/08/state-leaders-will-have-to-settle-medicaid-impasse-legislators-from-both-parties-say/article?nclick_check=1

Sequestration budget cuts cost Iowa $46.5 million (March 7)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/03/07/iowas-state-government-losing-46-million-to-federal-budget-cuts-including-loss-of-236-positions/article?nclick_check=1

Iowa Senate advances version of education reform with more money and more options for schools (March 7)
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2013/03/07/iowa-senate-advances-version-of-education-reform-with-more-money-and-more-options-for-schools/article

Kansas
Kansas Senate agrees on reshaped tax proposal (March 13)
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/03/13/4118877/kansas-senate-advances-income.html

Kansas House looks at rival tax measure (March 12)
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/03/12/4116657/kansas-house-panel-oks-tax-plan.html

House Appropriations Committee whittles down Brownback’s budget plan on higher education by $16 million (March 11)
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/mar/11/house-appropriations-whittles-down-brownbacks-budg/?kansas_legislature

Kentucky
Pension overhaul, other priorities remain in limbo as legislature winds down (March 11)
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/03/11/2553122/pension-overhaul-other-priorities.html

Kentucky tax revenues down 5.2 percent in February (March 11)
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130311/NEWS01/303110073/Kentucky-tax-revenues-down-5-2-percent-February?nclick_check=1

Louisiana
Public, lawmakers choose sides on Medicaid expansion (March 13)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/medicaid_expansion_obamacare_l.html#incart_river

Jindal’s budget criticized by lawmakers for sweeping away state’s dedicated funds (March 13)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/jindals_budget_criticized_by_l.html#incart_river

Hospital privatization could impact thousands of state employees (March 11)
http://theadvocate.com/news/5385816-123/hospital-privatization-could-impact-thousands

Louisiana colleges would regain tuition setting power under new bill (March 8)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/louisiana_colleges_would_regai.html#incart_river

Maine
LePage budget doesn’t fully use ‘zero base’ he hoped to introduce (March 13)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/13/politics/lepage-budget-doesnt-fully-use-zero-base-he-hoped-to-introduce/

Dems seek ‘sugar daddy’ in liquor, hospital debt deal, LePage says (March 13)
http://www.kjonline.com/news/dems-seek-sugar-daddy-in-liquor-deal-lepage-says_2013-03-13.html

Municipal, business leaders blast LePage’s budget proposals at hearing (March 13)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/13/news/state/municipal-business-leaders-blast-lepages-budget-proposals-at-hearing/

Consensus to expand Medicaid in Maine seen as likely (March 11)
http://www.pressherald.com/news/LePage-says-he-hasnt-ruled-out-Medicaid-expansion.html

Democrats say LePage has given Maine ‘ransom note’ by not signing bonds (March 7)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/07/politics/state-house/democrats-say-lepage-has-given-maine-ransom-note-by-not-signing-bonds/

Maryland
House GOP wants to cut O’Malley’s budget by 2 percent (March 7)
http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/government/house-gop-wants-to-cut-o-mallley-s-budget-by/article_9ddfd08e-4565-5823-bf95-721437bf988a.html

Massachusetts
Gov.’s $1.9B tax plan seen as DOA by Dems (March 8)
http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2013/03/gov_s_19b_tax_plan_seen_as_doa_by_dems

Michigan
Detroit asks for more time to avoid state takeover (March 13)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/13/us/detroit-seeks-more-time-to-avoid-state-takeover.html?ref=us&_r=0

Save more or spend more? Michigan lawmakers consider Gov. Rick Snyder’s ‘rainy day’ plan (March 11)
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/michigan_budget_rainy_day_fund.html#incart_river

Fight over health exchange not over (March 11)
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/viewart/20130311/NEWS04/303110014/Fight-over-health-insurance-exchange-not-over

U.S. regulators sign off on Michigan’s health insurance exchange (March 8)
http://www.freep.com/article/20130308/NEWS15/303080062/U-S-regulators-sign-off-on-Michigan-s-health-insurance-exchange

Minnesota
Minn.’s Dayton takes 2^nd swing over state budget (March 13)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20130314/1110804458.shtml

Dayton administration aims for higher grad rates (March 13)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20130313/1110597627.shtml

Dayton confronts Minn. businesses over taxes (March 13)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20130313/1110594247.shtml

Educators voice support for Dayton’s budget (March 11)
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/03/11/education/educators-dayton-budget

Dayton drops much criticized business sales tax plan (March 8)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/blogs/196300461.html

Minnesota Senate passes sweeping health insurance change (March 8)
http://www.startribune.com/196236281.html

Mississippi
Medicaid expansion: weighing the outcomes (March 12)
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130312/NEWS010504/303120039/Medicaid-expansion-Weighing-outcomes?gcheck=1

Missouri
Missouri Senate, House panels defeat Medicaid expansion (March 13)
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/159730/missouri-senate-house-panels-defeat-medicaid-expansion/

Missouri House members to begin forming budget plan (March 13)
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/159690/missouri-house-members-to-begin-forming-budget-plan/

Missouri Senate passes income tax cut (March 12)
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/03/12/4116453/missouri-senate-passes-income.html

Nixon says Missouri shouldn’t shift burden to sales tax (March 11)
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/03/11/4114250/nixon-says-missouri-shouldnt-shift.html

Sequestration impacts coming to Missouri (March 10)
http://www.newstribune.com/news/2013/mar/10/sequestration-impacts-coming-missouri/

Nixon raises concerns about GOP Medicaid plan (March 7)
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/159483/nixon-raises-concerns-about-gop-medicaid-plan/

Montana
Gov. Bullock unveils bill to expand Medicaid in Montana (March 13)
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/montana-legislature/gov-bullock-unveils-bill-to-expand-medicaid-in-montana/article_0b7ece32-8c41-11e2-9640-001a4bcf887a.html

Montana House backs 2 bills to cut taxes for businesses (March 12)
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/montana-legislature/montana-house-backs-bills-to-cut-taxes-for-businesses/article_3de77cdc-8b76-11e2-b071-0019bb2963f4.html

Both big pension fixes still alive at legislature (March 12)
http://helenair.com/news/legislature/both-big-pension-fixes-still-alive-at-legislature/article_035fa9de-8b41-11e2-a8e3-001a4bcf887a.html

Montana House panel OKs $9B budget on party line vote (March 11)
http://missoulian.com/news/local/montana-house-panel-oks-b-budget-on-party-line-vote/article_8e5ea066-8ac5-11e2-a5d9-0019bb2963f4.html

Regents: faculty involvement key in writing performance measures (March 8)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/regents-faculty-involvement-key-in-writing-performance-measures/article_6b99b370-3ecd-5c40-8bef-fb4037970b57.html

Nebraska
Lawmakers want insurers to pay for special formula for rare disease (March 8)
http://journalstar.com/legislature/lawmakers-want-insurers-to-pay-for-special-formula-for-rare/article_4d736d72-5cf3-5fb8-8a56-2d91b110a790.html

Nevada
School superintendents call for long-term funding strategy, more money (March 13)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/mar/13/school-superintendents-call-long-term-funding-stra/

Assembly Republicans approve money saving measures (March 7)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/mar/07/assembly-republicans-pursue-money-saving-measures/

New Hampshire
NH House sends tax credit bill to Senate (March 13)
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130313/AP02/303139962/-1/FOSNEWS0409

NH House considers banning Medicaid expansion (March 12)
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130313/AP02/303139991/-1/FOSNEWS0409

More details but few surprises seen in newly released budget bill (March 10)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/4869803-95/state-bill-budget-committee

NH Senate voting on casino bill backed by governor (March 10)
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130310/AP02/303109974/-1/FOSNEWS0409

New Jersey
N.J. appeals decision in federal sports betting case (March 14)
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/nj_appeals_decision_in_federal.html#incart_river

Christie budget again based on optimistic goals, S&P says (March 13)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-13/s-p-says-new-jersey-revenue-forecast-may-be-challenging-to-meet.html

N.J. sends feds its plan for $1.8B in Hurricane Sandy funds (March 12)
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2013/03/new_jersey_sends_hud_plan_on_h.html#incart_river

Christie relying on web bets for N.J. budget seen as risk (March 11)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-11/christie-relying-on-web-bets-for-n-j-budget-seen-as-risk.html

Revenue on upswing for Gov. Christie (March 8)
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/revenue_on_an_upswing_for_gov.html

New Mexico
State lawmakers approve budget despite veto threat (March 13)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_8ffde7d8-26ae-524e-adcb-955e171aa8b0.html

Public pension overhaul clears legislature (March 13)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_9cb8d9a4-1e9e-5919-a738-867ceaade11b.html

Health exchange measure moves forward, but concerns about system remain (March 13)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_e3288051-ec3e-5c72-b827-b103a96f22d5.html

Senate OKs budget with state worker pay raise (March 12)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_347ad5bd-8073-5f75-b00e-9a6418da1e05.html

New York
NYS legislature pushes to settle budget early (March 11)
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/03/nys_legislature_pushes_to_sett.html

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces New York government transparency website (March 11)
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/03/gov_andrew_cuomo_announces_new.html

School aid cut has day in court (March 10)
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/School-aid-cut-has-day-in-court-4343847.php

North Carolina
McCrory signs state of emergency for 12 western counties (March 14)
http://www.journalnow.com/news/state_region/article_df9d15c8-8c5c-11e2-b715-0019bb30f31a.html

McCrory: Limit state spending to cover Medicaid overrun (March 8)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/08/3902766/mccrory-limit-state-spending-to.html

North Dakota
Senate rejects Heritage Fund proposal (March 11)
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/senate-rejects-heritage-fund-proposal/article_62a053f8-8a97-11e2-8743-001a4bcf887a.html

No shortage of ideas on retooling North Dakota higher ed (March 11)
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/392900/group/News/

Ohio
Ohio taxpayers saving millions as fewer ex-cons return to prison (March 13)
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/state-regional/ohio-taxpayers-saving-millions-as-fewer-ex-cons-re/nWqn4/

Medicaid expansion opposed during House hearing (March 13)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/03/14/medicaid-expansion-opposed.html

Nearly half of Ohio school districts will lose money under Gov. John Kasich’s school funding proposal (March 13)
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2013/03/nearly_half_of_ohio_school_dis.html#incart_river#incart_m-rpt-2

Panel seeks explanations for grants to JobsOhio (March 12)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/03/12/panel-seeks-explanation-for-grants-to-jobsohio.html

Kasich’s tax plan: sales tax increase raising concerns (March 10)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/03/10/sales-tax-increase-raising-concerns.html

Oklahoma
Oklahoma House approves income tax cutting measure (March 13)
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-house-approves-income-tax-cutting-measure/article/3765209

Sequestration: Oklahoma health department anticipates losses (March 13)
http://newsok.com/sequestration-oklahoma-health-department-anticipates-losses/article/3765287

Oregon
Kitzhaber offers praise -- and criticism -- for legislative budget plan (March 13)
http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/03/kitzhaber_offers_praise_--_and.html#incart_river

Kitzhaber wants ‘unlikely bedfellows’ to work with him on tax reform (March 13)
http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2013/03/kitzhaber_wants_unlikely_bedfe.html#incart_river

Leaders dispute need for cigarette tax increase (March 13)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/proart/20130313/news/303130065/leaders-dispute-need-cigarette-tax-increase?pagerestricted=1

Three ways Oregon lawmakers could raise $275 million in taxes (March 11)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/three_ways_oregon_lawmakers_co.html#incart_river

Budgets target PERS benefits (March 10)
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/proart/20130310/news/303100028/budgets-target-pers-benefits?pagerestricted=1

Pennsylvania
Corbett pitches LCB privatization in Delco (March 14)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20130314_Corbett_pitches_LCB_privatization_in_Delco.html

Corbett considers revising lottery contract with Camelot (March 13)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20130313_Corbett_considers_revising_lottery_contract_with_Camelot.html

State House passes bill to overhaul special education funding formula (March 11)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/03/state_house_passes_bill_to_ove.html#incart_river

Rhode Island
R.I. Senate leaders submit legislation to improve business climate (March 12)
http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/03/ri-senate-leaders-submit-legislation-to-improve-business-climate.html

South Carolina
SC House sends $6.3B spending plan to Senate (March 13)
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130313/APN/1303130801

Prisons, roads big winners in SC House budget (March 13)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/03/13/2673603/sc-house-approves-227-billion.html

SC House rejects Medicaid expansion (March 13)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/03/12/2672341/sc-house-debates-medicaid-expansion.html

South Dakota
Low-income students get break with new scholarship (March 11)
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130312/NEWS/303120020/Low-income-students-get-break-new-scholarship

Legislature: Budget follows Daugaard’s script (March 9)
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013303090013

Expansion of Medicaid deferred to study group (March 9)
http://www.argusleader.com/article/20130309/NEWS/303090014/Legislature-Expansion-Medicaid-deferred-study-group

South Dakota legislature passes $4.1 billion state budget after arguing over priorities (March 8)
http://www.aberdeennews.com/news/sns-ap-sd-xgr--budget-20130308,0,1107212.story

Tennessee
DCS $15M budget request clears first hurdle (March 14)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130314/NEWS02/303140024/DCS-15M-budget-increase-clears-first-hurdle?nclick_check=1

Tenn. mulls health money as Obamacare expected to bring $1.4B in federal health (March 12)
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2013/mar/12/do-not-export/

Texas
Senate panel OKs budget with more money for schools, health (March 13)
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Senate-panel-OKs-budget-with-more-for-schools-4351297.php?cmpid=houtexhcat

Gov. Perry signs measure to pay Medicaid IOU (March 13)
http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2013/03/gov-perry-signs-measure-to-pay-medicaid-iou/

Tax committee leader weighs options to boost state’s economy (March 10)
http://www.statesman.com/news/business/tax-committee-leader-weighs-options-to-boost-state/nWncR/

Republicans exploring plans to insure more low-income Texans (March 7)
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/republicans-exploring-plans-to-insure-more-low-inc/nWkkj/

Senate budget writers agree to added mental health funding (March 7)
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/headlines/20130307-senate-budget-writers-agree-to-added-mental-health-funding.ece

Utah
Lawmakers strike ban against expanding Medicaid (March 13)
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56001621-90/bill-care-charity-decision.html.csp

Utah lawmakers back charity care instead of Medicaid expansion (March 11)
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/55986241-90/care-state-utah-federal.html.csp

Legislative leaders agree on spending limit (March 8)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865575324/Legislative-leaders-agree-on-spending-list.html

Vermont
House committee votes for gas tax increase (March 13)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130313/NEWS03/303130026/House-committee-votes-for-gas-tax-increase?nclick_check=1

Lawmakers take up government transparency bill (March 11)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130311/NEWS03/303110014/Vermont-lawmakers-take-up-government-transparency-bills?nclick_check=1

Vermont state finances: the puzzle gets tougher (March 10)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/viewart/20130310/NEWS03/303100023/Vermont-state-finances-puzzle-gets-tougher

Virginia
Va. government revenue dips 2 percent in Feb. (March 14)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/va-government-revenue-dips-percent-in-feb/article_e4a254f7-4b51-51a6-aa3c-624b0e867144.html

McDonnell achieves mixed results in trying to reform Virginia’s schools (March 10)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/mcdonnell-achieves-mixed-results-in-trying-to-reform-virginias-schools/2013/03/10/e3fd1800-85ba-11e2-98a3-b3db6b9ac586_story.html

Washington
Inslee: close tax breaks to boost money for education (March 13)
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2013/03/13/inslee-close-tax-breaks-to-boost-money-for-education/

Washington state house approves college aid for young illegal immigrants (March 13)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/washington_state_house_approve_1.html#incart_river

Sequestration could cost Washington tens of millions (March 7)
http://www.theolympian.com/2013/03/07/2452126/sequestration-could-cost-washington.html

Washington lawmakers already looking to tap pot revenue (March 7)
http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/mar/07/washington-lawmakers-tap-marijuana-revenue/

West Virginia
Education bill clears Senate Education Committee (March 12)
http://www.dailymail.com/News/201303120051

Medicaid decision: the sooner Tomblin decides, the better, advocates say (March 10)
http://wvgazette.com/News/201303100076

Wisconsin
Wis. gov signs bill to create job grants, database (March 13)
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/state-and-regional/wi/wis-gov-signs-bill-to-create-job-grants-database/article_960dce18-598a-5664-8c4b-a59c999c10bf.html

Walker signs mining bill into law (March 11)
http://www.postcrescent.com/viewart/20130312/APC010401/303120228/Walker-signs-mining-bill-into-law

Federal health care law continues to create arguments (March 9)
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/federal-health-care-law-continues-to-create-arguments-j192uev-196702991.html

Wyoming
First year of Wyoming wind tax blows in $2.6 million (March 13)
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/first-year-of-wyoming-wind-tax-blows-in-million/article_ab416dcc-3b59-5325-b6f6-4982ed43b4bd.html

Educators back Wyoming lawmakers’ education reform actions (March 7)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/educators-back-wyoming-lawmakers-education-reform-actions/article_93cf0bd1-bf42-5c98-b77a-6ad6287acd77.html