State Government

Ski Patrol Before Teachers? States Criticized Over Vaccine Timelines

State officials chose which groups are next in line for coronavirus vaccines. Now some are facing criticism over who they prioritized.

  • By Andrea Noble

Lawmakers Move to Strip Governors’ Emergency Powers

In at least half the states, Republicans and some Democrats have proposed limiting their governor’s emergency powers in some way during the pandemic.

  • By Sophie Quinton, Stateline

Census Estimates Show Population Decline in 16 States

The declines could lead to economic stagnation for some states. Overall, the nation grew about 7% between 2010 and 2020, similar to a previous historic low around the time of the Great Depression.

  • By Tim Henderson, Stateline

“Sense of Entitlement”: Rioters Faced Few Consequences Invading State Capitols. No Wonder They Turned to the U.S. Capitol Next.

Armed far-right mobs met little law enforcement resistance when they repeatedly attacked state capitols. You can draw a direct line from that kind of impunity to the riot at the U.S. Capitol on Jan 6.

  • By Jeremy Kohler, ProPublica

Women Hold Unprecedented Power in Vermont’s Statehouse. This Is How They’ll Lead.

Women hold the three top positions in Vermont’s legislature. With them they bring an understanding that to focus on economic recovery means to focus on caregiving.

  • By Barbara Rodriguez, The 19th

State IT Officials Will Push for New Federal Grants to Help With Tech Upgrades

The group that represents chief information officers says the pandemic has highlighted how unemployment systems and other state and local technology need to be modernized.

  • By Andrea Noble

'The Internet Has Made Us Dumber,' and Other Lessons Government Officials Learned in 2020

State and local officials weigh in on what they're taking from—and leaving behind in—the dumpster fire that was last year.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Make Government Boring Again

ANALYSIS | The Texas Capitol had its defenses ready for the start of the legislative session after last week's riots in the U.S. Capitol. But opening day was nice and quiet.

  • By Ross Ramsey, The Texas Tribune

Farmers Can be Isolated and Unsure How to Seek Support. One State is Trying to Help.

Farmers in Wisconsin can access a 24-hour hotline, free counseling and, soon, virtual support groups. It's all part of a state-funded wellness program focused on the agricultural community.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Many States Resist Adapting Worker Safety Rules to Pandemic

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued no new rules during the pandemic. And states with their own workplace safety agencies lack a strong benchmark to follow.

  • By Alex Brown, Stateline

State Capitols on 'High Alert' Amid Talk of Armed Protests

Governors in multiple states were beefing up security at statehouses in preparation for rumored protests through the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Michigan Commission Bans Firearm Open Carry Inside State Capitol

The decision comes in the wake of the siege of the U.S. Capitol and as statehouses across the country are on heightened alert for security threats.

  • By Andrea Noble

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Report: Stop Lines do Little to Encourage Drivers to Stop

Stop lines, the thick white bars painted ahead of intersections, do little to prevent crashes or influence driver behavior, a 14-year study found.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Many State Capitols Have Security Holes

“We're deeply concerned for what's likely to come in the coming months in state capitols."

  • By Elaine S. Povich and Alex Brown, Stateline

In 2021, States Are Poised to Tighten Abortion Restrictions

The more conservative Supreme Court will likely embolden lawmakers to pass restrictions that could run afoul of Roe v. Wade.

  • By Shefali Luthra, The 19th

After Mob Attack on U.S. Capitol, State Governments Take Precautions

Washington's governor announced plans for a heavy law enforcement presence at the state Capitol next week. Other states have taken extra security measures as well.

  • By Andrea Noble

Lawmakers from Multiple States Involved in Capitol Chaos, or Related Activities

Republican state lawmakers from across the country traveled to D.C. on Wednesday. At least one joined the siege of the U.S. Capitol Building.

  • By Emma Coleman

Lawsuit: State Vaccination Program Should Prioritize Seniors

An 87-year-old Idaho man filed the suit, seeking to force the state to alter its Covid-19 vaccination program.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

With Schools Deemed Low-Risk for Covid, One State Urges a Return to Hybrid Learning

Delaware Gov. John Carney asked schools to resume at least some in-person instruction by Monday, saying that state health data showed that schools have not been significant sources of infection.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Kentucky Lawmakers Who Catch Covid Can Vote From Their Cars

Parking lot participation for those stricken by the virus, or quarantining because of exposure, is just one way that legislatures are adapting to the pandemic era.

  • By Bill Lucia

Texas' Move to Control Coal Ash Pollution Could Shield Industry from Tougher Rules Under Biden-led EPA

Texas is close to finalizing a years-long effort to wrangle control of coal ash pollution from the EPA, a move that could, for a time, keep coal companies insulated from tougher rules expected from the next administration.

  • By Erin Douglas, The Texas Tribune