NATIONAL
Muni bonds’ tax exemption likely to stay (March 20)
http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-muni-bonds-tax-exemption-likely-to-stay-intact.html

States eye private insurance for Medicaid expansion enrollees (March 20)
http://money.cnn.com/2013/03/20/news/economy/medicaid-expansion/index.html?iid=HP_LN

Will the Marketplace Fairness Act succeed in 2013? (March 20)
http://www.governing.com/blogs/fedwatch/gov-will-marketplace-fairness-act-succeed-2013.html

Feds will need to enforce ACA reforms in 4 states (March 20)
http://www.politico.com/story/2013/03/feds-must-enforce-aca-reforms-in-four-states-89041.html

White House proposes energy program modeled on ‘Race to the Top’ (March 19)
http://www.governing.com/news/federal/gov-obama-proposes-race-to-the-top-for-energy-efficiency.html

America’s infrastructure is finally getting a bit better (March 19)
http://money.cnn.com/2013/03/19/news/economy/infrastructure-improved-roads-bridges-rail/index.html?iid=HP_MPM

Next wave of state minimum wage proposals would ‘index’ to inflation (March 15)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/next-wave-of-state-minimum-wage-proposals-would-index-to-inflation-85899459281

What’s the Medicaid expansion worth to a state? (March 14)
http://www.governing.com/columns/public-finance/col-medicaid-expansion-benefits-states.html

Alabama
Panel defeats bill to stop Alabama common core goals for public schools (March 20)
http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/viewart/20130320/NEWS/130320019/Panel-defeats-bill-stop-Alabama-common-core-goals-public-schools

Legislators hear comments on proposed Medicaid overhaul (March 19)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/03/legislators_hear_comments_on_p.html

Alabama tech programs could get $50 million boost from legislature (March 18)
http://blog.al.com/montgomery/2013/03/alabama_tech_programs_could_ge.html

Gov. Robert Bentley signs Alabama Accountability Act (March 14)
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/03/gov_robert_bentley_signs_tuiti.html

Alaska
Alaska Senate OKs overhaul of oil tax structure (March 21)
http://www.adn.com/2013/03/21/2833728/alaska-senate-oks-overhaul-of.html

House passes $9.8B state operating budget (March 15)
http://ap.juneauempire.com/pstories/state/ak/20130315/1111271124.shtml

Arizona
Supporters, opponents of Medicaid expansion clash at hearing (March 20)
http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2013/03/20/supporters-opponents-of-arizona-medicaid-expansion-clash-at-hearing/

Doing the Medicaid math (March 15)
http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2013/03/15/az-gov-jan-brewers-medicaid-ahcccs-plan-by-the-numbers/

Arkansas
Deal on tax cuts possible this week (March 20)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/update-deal-tax-cuts-possible-week.html

DHS: extra cost of private option of health insurance expansion not high (March 18)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/dhs-extra-cost-private-option-health-insurance-expansion-not-high.html

Arkansas to net $22.7 million tobacco agreement (March 17)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/arkansas-net-227-million-tobacco-agreement.html

House OKs bill to create alternatives to sentencing (March 15)
http://arkansasnews.com/sections/news/arkansas/house-oks-bill-create-alternatives-sentencing.html

California
State budget proposal would charge ‘search fee’ for court documents (March 21)
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/21/5280134/state-budget-proposal-would-charge.html#mi_rss=Top%20Stories

Deal will avoid deep cuts in home care for elderly, disabled (March 19)
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-home-care-20130320,0,7613504.story

Furloughs save $1B less than expected in California (March 18)
http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-ca-furloughs-save-less-than-expected.html

California fracking fight has $25 billion taxes at stake (March 17)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-17/california-fracking-fight-has-25-billion-taxes-at-stake.html

California study urges changes in retirement payouts (March 14)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-14/california-study-urges-changes-in-retirement-payouts.html

Colorado
Colorado school funding bill stalls in rewrite (March 21)
http://www.sacbee.com/2013/03/21/5280134/state-budget-proposal-would-charge.html#mi_rss=Top%20Stories

Stock sales fill Colorado tax coffers (March 20)
http://www.denverpost.com/newsheadlines/ci_22820050/stock-sales-fill-colorado-tax-coffers

Colorado advocates rush to save kid dental benefits on exchange (March 15)
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_22794704/colorado-advocates-rush-save-kid-dental-benefits-exchange

Connecticut
Malloy’s budget would deplete retired teachers’ health care fund (March 19)
http://ctmirror.com/story/19484/budget-knife-hits-retired-teachers-heath-care

Health care officials warn of state cut consequences (March 16)
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Health-care-officials-warn-of-state-cut-4360738.php

Delaware
State raises budget forecast (March 18)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130318/NEWS02/130318019/State-raises-budget-forecast-?nclick_check=1

Proposals for several permanent tax increases introduced in Delaware House (March 14)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130314/NEWS02/130314025/Proposals-several-permanent-tax-increases-introduced-Delaware-House?nclick_check=1

Pension policy changed (March 14)
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20130315/NEWS02/303150017/Pension-policy-changed

Florida
Bucking Scott’s plan, Senate proposes merit-based raises for teachers (March 21)
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/20/3297211/bucking-scotts-plan-senate.html

Republicans in Tallahassee back alternative Medicaid expansion plan (March 20)
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/03/20/3297271/republicans-in-tallahassee-back.html

Georgia
Senate panel amends HOPE grant bill (March 21)
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/senate-panel-amends-hope-grant-bill/nWySx/

MARTA privatization bill stalls in Senate (March 19)
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/marta-privatization-bill-stalls-in-senate/nWxpq/

Equalization fund: some schools more equal than others (March 16)
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/equalization-fund-some-schools-more-equal-than-oth/nWs4R/

Hawaii
DOE chief of finance frets cuts to budget by House (March 20)
http://www.staradvertiser.com/s?action=login&f=y&id=199107751&id=199107751&c=n&c=n

Judge rules Expedia, other online travel companies owe Hawaii $70M (March 19)
http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2013/03/19/judge-rules-expedia-other-online.html

Senate education committee pushes forward bill to fund Hawaii schools through land development (March 18)
http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/012b83773f014e0d901d6e0a5e209925/HI-XGR--School-Land-Development

Idaho
Idaho House favors private school tax credits (March 20)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/mar/20/idaho-house-favors-private-school-tax-credits/

Education panel OKs seniority layoffs bill (March 20)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_2ff98487-accd-5490-9706-28284f43e5ad.html

Idaho tax panel kills road financing plan (March 15)
http://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/article_540b31f0-b6a5-54ba-b13e-bd3a1eae64f8.html

Illinois
Senate swings, misses on sweeping pension overhaul (March 20)
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-illinois-senate-pension-reform-0321-20130321,0,6255605.story

Largest union in Illinois approves contract with state (March 19)
http://qctimes.com/news/state-and-regional/illinois/largest-union-in-illinois-approves-contract-with-state/article_18317ed6-910f-11e2-97cf-0019bb2963f4.html

Indiana
Republicans spar over expanding school vouchers (March 20)
http://www.indystar.com/article/20130320/NEWS05/303200106/Republicans-spar-over-expanding-school-vouchers?nclick_check=1

Gov. Mike Pence talking to local leaders who oppose tax cut (March 19)
http://www.indystar.com/viewart/20130319/NEWS05/303190020/Gov-Mike-Pence-talking-local-leaders-who-oppose-tax-cut

Iowa
Property tax bill unites GOP’s, Branstad’s ideas (March 20)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130320/NEWS10/303200061/1011/NEWS10/Property-tax-bill-unites-GOP-s-Branstad-s-ideas?nclick_check=1

Iowa House OKs budget plans in three areas (March 20)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130321/NEWS10/303210082/1011/NEWS10/Iowa-House-OKs-budget-plans-three-areas

Iowa lawmakers push competing tax proposals (March 18)
http://siouxcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/iowa/iowa-lawmakers-push-competing-tax-proposals/article_0851d6c3-af9d-5376-be60-830c01a3cee5.html

Senate offers Medicaid deal (March 15)
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20130315/NEWS10/303150043/1011/NEWS10/Senate-offers-Medicaid-deal?nclick_check=1

Kansas
Kansas House slogs through sweeping tax reform debate (March 20)
http://cjonline.com/news/2013-03-20/house-slogs-through-sweeping-tax-reform-debate

Senators vote to restore $5M in grants for KU, K-State programs (March 20)
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/03/20/4133449/senators-vote-to-restore-5-million.html

Final House budget rejects highway funds diversion (March 20)
http://cjonline.com/news/2013-03-20/final-house-budget-rejects-highway-funds-diversion

House rejects $45M in local property tax relief (March 20)
http://cjonline.com/news/state/2013-03-20/house-rejects-45m-local-property-tax-relief

Senate snubs state workers in budget bill (March 20)
http://cjonline.com/news/2013-03-20/senate-snubs-state-workers-budget-bill

Kentucky
Stumbo: Senate is working on a funding plan for pension system (March 20)
http://www.kentucky.com/2013/03/20/2565879/stumbo-senate-republicans-working.html

Louisiana
Lawmakers get specifics on taxable services and elimination of exemptions in Jindal’s tax plan (March 20)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/lawmakers_get_specifics_on_tax.html#incart_river

College funding in question (March 18)
http://theadvocate.com/news/5375384-123/college-funding-in-question

Bobby Jindal will call special legislative session if education overhaul ruled unconstitutional (March 15)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/vouchers_edreform_bobby_jindal.html#incart_river

Jindal administration doesn’t say yes or no to Arkansas-type Medicaid deal for Louisiana (March 15)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/jindal_administration_doesnt_s.html#incart_river

Jindal tax plan unveiled to legislators (March 14)
http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/jindal_tax_plan_unveiled_to_le.html#incart_river

Maine
LePage wants more funding, flexibility before expanding Medicaid (March 20)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/20/politics/lepage-wants-more-funding-flexibility-before-expanding-medicaid/

LePage rolls out new $100 million transportation bond proposal (March 20)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/20/politics/lepage-rolls-out-new-100-million-transportation-bond-proposal/

Signing deadline passes, LePage lets six bills become law without his signature (March 20)
http://bangordailynews.com/2013/03/20/politics/signing-deadline-passes-lepage-lets-six-bill-become-law-without-his-signature/

One year later, table games at Hollywood Casino bring in nearly $7.6 million (March 15)
http://bangordailynews.com/slideshow/one-year-later-table-games-at-hollywood-casino-bring-in-nearly-7-6-million/

Maine booze-bond plan buoys hospitals needing cash (March 15)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-15/maine-booze-bond-plan-buoys-hospitals-needing-cash-muni-credit.html

Maryland
Senate overwhelmingly approves O’Malley’s budget (March 20)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-budget-approved-20130320,0,5255663.story

Gas tax increase advances in House of Delegates (March 20)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-transportation-house-20130320,0,4280625.story

O’Malley’s $37 billion budget passes House (March 15)
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/blog/bal-omalleys-37-billon-budget-passes-house-20130315,0,3730241.story

Massachusetts
Attorney Generals to Congress: Don’t let for-profit colleges use federal grants and loans for advertising (March 17)
http://www.boston.com/business/news/2013/03/17/attorney-generals-congress-don-let-for-profit-colleges-use-federal-grants-and-loans-for-advertising/lMzPoQYWOjKHlCepMMffOL/story.html

Health law may squeeze Mass. (March 16)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2013/03/15/massachusetts-health-officials-bristle-new-federal-rules-that-could-drive-health-costs/wsxbWQpiB1tbRYn6gnE0RP/story.html

Mass. Gov. Patrick files transportation bond bill (March 14)
http://bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_politics/2013/03/mass_gov_patrick_files_transportation_bond_bill

Michigan
State warns workers of potential layoffs as massive federal cuts trickle down (March 21)
http://www.freep.com/article/20130321/NEWS15/303210160/State-warns-workers-of-potential-layoffs-as-massive-federal-cuts-trickle-down

Mich. House panel approves health budget without Medicaid expansion (March 21)
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130321/POLITICS02/303210358/1022/POLITICS/Mich-House-panel-approves-health-budget-without-Medicaid-expansion

Mich. House committee OKs roads budget $1.2B less than Snyder wants (March 19)
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130319/POLITICS02/303190408/1022/POLITICS/Mich-House-committee-OKs-roads-budget-1-2B-less-than-Snyder-wants

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder pushes vote on federal partnership for ‘Obamacare’ health exchange (March 19)
http://www.mlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/michigan_gov_rick_snyder_pushe.html#incart_river

Snyder: Detroit manager qualified despite tax liens (March 18)
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130318/METRO01/303180403/1022/POLITICS/Snyder-Detroit-manager-qualified-despite-tax-liens

Minnesota
Dayton pitches tax, spending plans in Duluth (March 20)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20130320/1113678745.shtml

Minnesota DFLers push for higher taxes on transportation (March 20)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/199277731.html?refer=y

Minnesota health insurance exchange becomes law (March 20)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/199278341.html?refer=y

On school IOUs, Dayton says waiting is fine by him (March 20)
http://ap.brainerddispatch.com/pstories/state/mn/20130319/1113065547.shtml

The end of ‘no new taxes’ in Minnesota (March 19)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/the-end-of-no-new-taxes-in-minnesota-85899460548

Dayton’s new plan: ‘Tax the rich,” leave sales tax alone (March 15)
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/198385151.html

Dayton: higher tobacco tax is about health, not revenue (March 15)
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/03/15/politics/dayton-tobacco-tax

Minnesota lawmakers consider funds for colleges (March 14)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324392804578360733666253050.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_News_5

Mississippi
Medicaid status could affect state finances (March 18)
http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/viewart/20130319/NEWS01/303190018/Medicaid-status-could-affect-state-finances

State ed officials cite funding failures (March 14)
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20130315/NEWS01/303150037/State-ed-officials-cite-funding-failures?nclick_check=1

Missouri
Mo. high court strikes down science startup fund (March 19)
http://www.stltoday.com/business/local/mo-high-court-strikes-down-science-startup-fund/article_0fec0524-0eca-5190-9d18-e77dd48f15a2.html

Missouri Senate bills could raise tax revenue (March 17)
http://www.columbiamissourian.com/a/159854/analysis-missouri-senate-bills-could-raise-tax-revenue/

Missouri Senate wants to finance state highways with sales tax (March 15)
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/political-fix/missouri-senate-wants-to-finance-state-highways-with-sales-tax/article_018d4af7-e3b3-5057-aff2-68ac454f9978.html

Montana
Montana lawmakers say Medicaid expansion bills likely dead (March 20)
http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/montana-legislature/montana-legislators-say-medicaid-expansion-bills-likely-dead/article_d73f5840-91b7-11e2-ad64-001a4bcf887a.html

Some lawmakers say tax cut bills may be whittled down to meet budget needs (March 16)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/some-lawmakers-say-tax-cut-bills-may-be-whittled-down/article_33b8f39d-27fc-5f6d-bdf7-45dc9ea614ad.html

Nebraska
Senator: tax bill ‘ready to go to heaven’ (March 20)
http://journalstar.com/legislature/senator-tax-bill-ready-to-go-to-heaven/article_f14a47bc-5a2d-5a7f-a283-5829682e088e.html

University defends its budget request (March 19)
http://journalstar.com/legislature/university-defends-its-budget-request/article_06ae4379-6dab-5271-a90a-597a596b7023.html

Committee says no to retirement income exemption bill (March 19)
http://journalstar.com/legislature/committee-says-no-to-retirement-income-exemption-bill/article_14be2f00-6aaa-54d9-8023-1ea22834f882.html

Nevada
Governor calls for review of new prison industry contracts (March 20)
http://www.reviewjournal.com/news/government/governor-calls-review-new-prison-industry-contracts

Regents back chancellor’s order to present united front on funding formula (March 18)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/mar/19/regents-back-chancellors-order-present-united-fron/

Holding back a flood of new money? (March 17)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2013/mar/17/deadlocked-congress-bad-news-state-budgets/

New Hampshire
N.H. House rejects attempt to block Medicaid expansion (March 20)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/5210956-95/medicaid-expansion-federal-hampshire

House budget writers not counting on casino revenue (March 17)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/5180677-95/budget-casino-revenue-bill

House panel considering smaller gas tax raise (March 15)
http://www.concordmonitor.com/home/5130223-95/increase-state-raise-committee

New Jersey
Transportation advocate: raise N.J. gas tax to fix roads, bridges (March 19)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/Assembly_Democrats_call_on_Christie_to_find_permanent_fix_for_transportation_funding_.html

Lottery privatization, privacy bills pass N.J. Senate (March 18)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/Lottery_privatization_privacy_bills_pass_NJ_Senate.html

Legislative panel OKs Christie plan to refinance $1.1B in transportation debt (March 18)
http://www.northjersey.com/news/Legislative_panel_OKs_Christie_plan_to_refinance_11B_in_transportation_debt.html

State retains $84M from Sandy grant to run programs (March 17)
http://www.app.com/article/20130316/NJNEWS1002/303160081/State-retains-84M-from-Sandy-grant-run-programs?nclick_check=1

New Mexico
Senator defends passage of 11^th hour tax deal (March 19)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_2371d2f9-2569-5bda-912b-74cef0289dc4.html

Lawmakers give tax bill last minute approval, avert special session (March 16)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_67950e03-b27c-56a0-b284-34b02dce1c81.html

Legislature OKs wage, pension, health bills (March 15)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_3e967d15-e321-5770-b414-97b7cdae10ad.html

Martinez vetoes measure to boost TV series productions (March 15)
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/legislature/article_15c7a753-f8ee-57f0-ab8d-efec86fb1628.html

New York
Cuomo nails $136 billion budget deal with N.Y. lawmakers (March 21)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-21/cuomo-gets-136-billion-budget-accord-with-new-york-lawmakers.html

Cuomo, lawmakers reach budget deal (March 20)
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20130320/NEWS01/303200056/Cuomo-lawmakers-reach-budget-deal?nclick_check=1

Deal in Albany would extend higher taxes on top earners (March 19)
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/20/nyregion/albany-deal-would-keep-higher-tax-rate-on-top-incomes.html?hp&_r=1&

North Carolina
McCrory’s budget: hires 1,800 more teachers, gives state workers a pay raise (March 20)
http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/03/20/2765714/mccrorys-budget-includes-pay-hike.html

McCrory budget focuses on schools, efficiency (March 20)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/20/3928673/mccrory-budget-focuses-on-schools.html

Falling gas tax collections may mean less money for NC roads and bridges (March 20)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/20/3928716/falling-gas-tax-collections-mean.html

Lawmakers look at adding taxes to 130 more services (March 19)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/19/3926605/lawmakers-look-at-adding-taxes.html

Berger announces major education package (March 19)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/19/3926462/berger-announces-major-education.html

Gov. Pat McCrory signs digital learning bills into law (March 15)
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/03/15/3916175/mccrory-signing-2-digital-learning.html

North Dakota
Lawmakers reject direct payments to residents (March 20)
http://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/lawmakers-reject-direct-payments-to-residents/article_9d99075a-91ab-11e2-880c-001a4bcf887a.html

Oil tax sparks partisan fighting (March 18)
http://bismarcktribune.com/bakken/oil-tax-sparks-partisan-fighting/article_290b21f4-904b-11e2-b20e-0019bb2963f4.html

Gov. Dalrymple sees successes, potential in ND higher ed system (March 17)
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/393515/group/news/

Ohio
Clergy pushes Medicaid expansion (March 21)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/03/21/clergy-pushes-medicaid-expansion.html

Ohio Chamber of Commerce testifies against Kasich’s tax plan (March 19)
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/03/ohio_chamber_of_commerce_testi.html#incart_river

JobsOhio to refund public money (March 19)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2013/03/19/JobsOhio-to-refund-public-money.html

GOP leaders in Ohio Statehouse call for outside opinions on Gov. John Kasich’s tax plan (March 15)
http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2013/03/gop_leaders_in_ohio_statehouse.html#incart_river

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

Oklahoma
Oklahoma will receive more federal funds to improve schools (March 18)
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-will-receive-more-federal-funds-to-improve-schools/article/3767184

Oklahoma House turns back OETA funding threat (March 15)
http://newsok.com/oklahoma-house-turns-back-oeta-funding-threat/article/3765962

Oregon
Can better organization produce more graduates? (March 20)
http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/can-better-organization-produce-more-graduates-85899460987

Partisan lines deepen over PERS, taxes at Oregon legislature (March 16)
http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/03/partisan_lines_deepen_over_per.html#incart_river

Pennsylvania
Both sides agree on tough new fracking standards (March 20)
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/03/both_sides_agree_on_tough_new.html#incart_river

Pennsylvania panel to discuss modified plan for State Store privatization (March 18)
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20130318_Pennsylvania_panel_to_discuss_modified_plan_for_State_Store_privatization.html

Governor’s plan would freeze current pension benefits (March 17)
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/governors-plan-would-freeze-current-pension-benefits-679622/

To avoid court fight, Corbett will revise lottery contract (March 17)
http://articles.philly.com/2013-03-17/news/37789859_1_lottery-contract-camelot-global-services-corbett-administration

Rhode Island
Payment options suggested as 38 Studio’s tax bill comes due (March 19)
http://news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/2013/03/as-taxpayer-bill-comes-due-for-failed-38-studios-options-suggestedready.html

Chafee, Raimondo address bond investors conference in R.I. (March 18)
http://news.providencejournal.com/business/2013/03/chafee-raimondo-address-bond-investors-conference-in-ri.html

South Carolina
SC lawmakers turn to technology to solve SC health problems (March 20)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/03/21/2685961/technology-to-solve-sc-health.html

SC Senate kills tax hike for high income earners (March 19)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/03/19/2683763/sc-senate-votes-to-avoid-tax-increase.html

Budget woes could shut down SC Family Courts, officials warn (March 18)
http://www.thestate.com/2013/03/17/2681598/budget-woes-could-shut-down-sc.html

South Dakota
SD governor approves state budget, other bills (March 20)
http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/sd-governor-approves-state-budget-other-bills/article_eb93d694-2f8c-52a0-8b0a-b1fa69f029d4.html

‘Building South Dakota’ signed into law (March 20)
http://politicalsmokeout.tumblr.com/post/45843111433/building-south-dakota-signed-into-law

Tennessee
Haslam, Senate spar over school vouchers bill (March 20)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130321/NEWS0201/303210055/Haslam-Senate-spar-over-school-vouchers-bill?nclick_check=1

Gov. Bill Haslam against bill to block TennCare expansion (March 19)
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2013/mar/19/bill-haslam-against-bill-to-block-tenncare/?politics

‘John B.’ ruling ends court-ordered monitoring of TennCare children’s services (March 15)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130315/NEWS03/303150061/Federal-court-ends-monitoring-TennCare-children-s-care?nclick_check=1

DCS budget talks turn to concerns over agency’s work (March 15)
http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130315/NEWS0201/303150094/DCS-budget-talks-turn-concerns-over-agency-s-work?nclick_check=1

Texas
Texas Senate approves state budget bill (March 20)
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/texas-senate-approves-state-budget-bill/nWyZB/

Budget turns to Texas House after passing Senate (March 20)
http://www.chron.com/news/texas/article/Budget-turns-to-Texas-House-after-passing-Senate-4372251.php

Perry pressured by Texas businesses over Medicaid refusal (March 19)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-19/perry-pressured-by-texas-businesses-over-medicaid-refusal.html

Perry asks Texas delegation to fight for flexibility on Medicaid (March 14)
http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2013/03/perry-asks-texas-delegation-to-fight-for-flexibility-on-medicaid/

Utah
Report: Utah needs additional $11 billion for transportation by 2040 (March 19)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576239/Report-Utah-needs-additional-11-billion-for-transportation-by-2040.html

Delay in Utah Medicaid expansion decision draws fire (March 19)
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/55991374-78/health-medicaid-utah-federal.html.csp

Education gets a boost, but preschool advances remain elusive (March 16)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865575996/Education-gets-a-boost-but-preschool-advances-remain-elusive.html

Family health successes overshadowed by Medicaid debate (March 16)
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865575999/Family-health-successes-overshadowed-by-Medicaid-debate.html

Budget: focus was on education, social safety net (March 15)
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/politics/56000667-90/education-utah-budget-state.html.csp

Vermont
Shumlin signs pension reform bill into law (March 20)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130320/NEWS03/303200005/Shumlin-signs-pension-reform-bill-into-law?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|p&nclick_check=1

House gives first approval to gas tax in transportation bill (March 20)
http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20130320/NEWS03/303200010/Vermont-House-gives-first-approval-to-gas-tax-in-transportation-bill

Speaker sets goal of $20 million in new revenue (March 15)
http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20130315/NEWS03/703159863/1004

Virginia
State roads poised for $4B (March 20)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/state-roads-poised-for-b/article_5d802920-9417-5568-b523-b5b16445e6d0.html

Virginia road plan could unravel – in Washington (March 19)
http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/jeff-schapiro/virginia-road-plan-could-unravel-in-washington/article_bf64fab9-54ea-5394-b70a-653cd6447ff4.html

State won’t privatize sex offender program (March 15)
http://hamptonroads.com/2013/03/state-wont-privatize-sex-offender-program

Washington
GOP, Democrats kick off budget rhetoric (March 21)
http://www.theolympian.com/2013/03/21/2471183/gop-democrats-kick-off-budget.html

Good news, for once, from state revenue forecast (March 20)
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2013/03/20/good-news-for-once-from-state-revenue-forecast/

Washington Senate leaders vow to up higher ed funding (March 19)
http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/mar/19/senate-leaders-vow-more-higher-ed-funding/

Medicaid forecast reveals swelling budget shortfall for state (March 14)
http://www.theolympian.com/2013/03/14/2462326/caseload-forecast-reveals-swelling.html

Washington Republicans add $556 million to K-12 education in budget proposal (March 14)
http://www.oregonlive.com/pacific-northwest-news/index.ssf/2013/03/washington_republicans_add_556.html#incart_river

West Virginia
Prison overcrowding bill advances in Senate (March 20)
http://www.wvgazette.com/News/201303200139

Education bill breezes through House committee (March 19)
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statehouse/201303190154

Bill to reduce Medicaid costs cut up in committee (March 14)
http://www.dailymail.com/News/statehouse/201303140134

Wisconsin
Legislature’s budget panel appears to back Scott Walker’s health program plan (March 20)
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/legislatures-budget-panel-to-take-up-scott-walkers-health-program-plan-wednesday-c19835e-199174601.html

Scott Walker’s plan to borrow nearly $1 billion, hire 700 workers hits speed bump (March 19)
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walkers-plan-to-borrow-nearly-1-billion-hire-700-works-hits-speed-bumps-hf97nnu-199055781.html

Both sides stake positions as budget debate starts (March 19)
http://host.madison.com/news/state_and_regional/both-sides-stake-positions-as-budget-debate-starts/article_453c6a87-c061-53c4-817f-9158595733a3.html

Scott Walker Medicaid decision could cost Wisconsin employers $36 million (March 19)
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/scott-walker-medicaid-decision-could-cost-employers-36-million-dq9753i-198858511.html

Bill would raise retirement age for public employees (March 16)
http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/bill-would-raise-retirement-age-for-public-employees/article_c6ebc03a-8e6c-11e2-8436-0019bb2963f4.html

Scott Walker’s budget borrows $1 billion, mostly for roads (March 14)
http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/fiscal-bureau-scott-walkers-budget-would-spend-682-million-a-27-hike-bb95kee-198134561.html

Wyoming
Wyoming gets $1.1M from feds for worst schools (March 18)
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/wyoming-getting-m-from-feds-for-worst-schools/article_c5976163-a780-5412-8383-0024025fb43c.html