ThinkSouth

11/9: Health care plan passes House

2009-11-09T09:16:00.004-05:00

New York Times: Health care plan passes House

Saturday night, the House narrowly passed a sweeping overhaul of the health care system in the U.S. The approved plan will cost $1.1 trillion over 10 years.

The new plan would end insurance company practices like not covering pre-existing conditions or dropping people when they become ill. It would also extend coverage to 36 million people not currently covered by insurance.

The Senate will look at the bill next.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: H. Brandt Ayers: South's cultural barriers

ARKANSAS: Cecil Cogburn: Spent fuel a valuable resource

FLORIDA: State may be next to consider medical marijuana

GEORGIA: State bans smoking in mental hospitals

KENTUCKY: One Kentucky vote helps pass health care bill

LOUISIANA: Research paper says 10% of Louisiana to be submerged by 2100

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour to wait until elections of 2010 to answer 2012 queries

NORTH CAROLINA: State begins Web site to help guide 'no smoking' transition

SOUTH CAROLINA: Sen. Lindsey Graham to work on climate change bill

TENNESSEE: Climate fight taken to Green Hills by Al Gore

VIRGINIA: State's transportation board to scale back projects

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

Setting an Agenda for a Better South: Day 3

2009-11-08T08:54:00.003-05:00

The 2009 "Setting an Agenda for a Better South"conference is drawing to a close today as Southern progressive leaders finalize a set of goals and tactics and strategies for reaching those goals. The conference has decided on a list of 9 important issue areas where the South could make major improvements:

-Job Creation/Employment
-Education
-Wellness
-Energy
-Taxes
-Infrastructure
-Governance
-Social Justice
-Community Safety

Later today, the attendees will devise a set of nine measurable policy goals that will address the above issues and call on elected officials in Southern states to work towards meeting these goals.

Sunday session to focus on setting new agenda

2009-11-08T08:33:00.002-05:00

This morning, participants in the Better South conference, Setting an Agenda for a Better South, meets to work on the nitty-gritty of what will be included in a visionary document.

To check out what has been happening, you can go to these sources:

* Live tweets from the conference

* Anniston Star publisher Brandt Ayers' challenge in today's paper.

* Live posts through our own ThinkSouth blog.

More later...

PANEL: McCorkle, Barth on Southern leadership

2009-11-07T10:42:00.006-05:00

Political consultant Mac McCorkle and Hendrix College proofessor Jay Barth are up for a panel discussion on Southern leadership moderated by former US Congressman Glen Browder of Alabama.

Up first is McCorkle, who is focusing much of his discussion on former NC Gov. Terry Sanford, to whom McCorkle served as an aide. McCorkle makes a number of interesting observations on Sanford's leadership style. McCorkle says that Sanford would be disappointed by the lack of leadership displayed by many of the leaders in the South. McCorkle says Sanford rejected the idea of limiting government to the "best and the brightest," instead working to involve people from all walks of life.

Barth follows with a presentation on the factors that have stymied leadership in the South. Barth says that the politics of emotion, which began during the 70s, and a resistance to diversity are the crucial reasons that the South as a region cannot lead.

Glen Browder closes the panel discussion in agreement with Barth's earlier statement that the South can't lead the rest of the country, saying that we can't even lead ourselves. Browder also says that the region must build race into our leadership and recognize the role of race in the legacy of the South. "We've got to break through the partisan trap. We've got to avoid electing leaders who run far-left as a Democrat, far-right as a Republican," says Browder.

PANEL: Southern trends, cont'd

2009-11-07T09:55:00.005-05:00

Winthrop's Dr. Adolphus Belk is analyzing statistical data on political ideology and religion in the South and how those factors are affecting change in the South.

-Despite the fact that a conservative ideology tends to dominate Southern politics, a recent Gallup poll reveals that an overwhelming majority of Democrats and a plurality of Republicans and independents are not in favor of drastic spending cuts in areas like health care and education. Another interesting poll revealed that a plurality of Southerners also believes that the government should increase its involvement in protecting the environment.

-Religion plays an important role in the lives of Southerners across racial and socioeconomic boundaries.

-Southern states are also performing poorly in the area of health, with Southern states well represented amongst the bottom states in terms of access to a healthy life and health insurance.

-The decline of productive manufacturing has lead to a society in which it's harder for lower- and middle-class workers to move up.

-The "up from the bootstraps" mentality behind Southern thinking fails to recognize government programs like GI Bill.

Governing Magazine's Richard Greene, a consultant for the Pew Center on the States, is up now, discussing the Pew Center's "Grading the States" project.

PANEL: Southern Trends

2009-11-07T08:33:00.012-05:00

Governing Magazine's Richard Greene is moderating a panel analyzing Southern trends with UNC's Ferrel Guillory and Winthrop's Adolphus Belk.

Guillory's presentation outlined changes in electoral, demographic, and socioeconomic indicators amongst Southern states, pointing out some of the most concerning changes. Some of the interesting thoughts presented:

-The South is outpacing the rest of the nation in population growth, fueled by the influx of more affluent Whites and African Americans into growing metropolitan areas.

-One of the biggest problems in the South is the disparity in education attainment amongst different racial groups- particularly Southern Latinos, 40% of whom don't have a high school diploma, compared with 23% of blacks and 14% of whites.

-In the rest of the country, dropout rates are higher amongst blacks than whites, but in the South, high school dropout rates are a biracial problem.

-The South shifting away from blue collar jobs and towards "inside jobs."

-The idea of a purely rural South is slowly dying, creating a greater disparity betweent he metropolitan areas and the rural buffer zones that separate them.

All of these factors are coming together to create a Southern society with more affluence, but greater inequality. One key solution to helping some of the rural areas catch up to the metropolitan areas is using government resources to create a link between the two areas.

Winthrop University's Dr. Adolphus Belk is up now, discussing political ideology and religious trends.

11/6: U.S. unemployment rate hits 10.2%

2009-11-06T09:31:00.006-05:00

New York Times: U.S. unemployment rate hits 10.2%

The unemployment rate is at its highest rate in 26 years. The rate, which measures the number of people actively seeking work, continues to climb, and economists do not foresee relief until well into next year.

“There’s no doubt that the slashing and burning of jobs has abated quite a lot,” said Allen L. Sinai, the founder of Decision Economics, a research firm. “The economy is recovering, but it is a very soft recovery.”

The biggest losses came in the construction, manufacturing and retailing sectors. In anticipation of this report, Congress voted Thursday to extend benefits for jobless workers for up to 20 weeks.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State benefits from Kia's Georgia plant as 3,600 jobs go to Alabamans

ARKANSAS: Looking at Arkansas politics for 2010

FLORIDA: State's plan to tear down highway toll plazas comes with alternative pay proposal

GEORGIA: Prescription drug deaths continue to rise in Georgia

KENTUCKY: State gets $350,000 in federal energy grants

LOUISIANA: Senate kills Sen. Vitter's census proposal on way to redraw Congressional maps

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour wants more authority to make deeper budget cuts

NORTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers consider special session to deal with inmate issue

SOUTH CAROLINA: Simulated photos released of what offshore wind turbines would look like

TENNESSEE: 2009 public schools report card shows mixed bag of 'grades'

VIRGINIA: State Supreme Court upholds multistate power line plan

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

11/5: LA, MS emerging from recession

2009-11-05T09:55:00.004-05:00

Stateline: Louisiana, Mississippi among states emerging from recession

Eleven states and the District of Columbia seem to be emerging from the recession according to a new report. Moody's Economy also reported that the states, while still in recession, have seen the pace of their decline slow down, or moderate.

Energy production revenues helped states such as Alaska, Louisiana, Montana and North Dakota to stay afloat. Louisiana also boasts low business costs, ports that connect it to foreign markets, health care centers and military installations, all of which were well-positioned to weather the downturn.

Mississippi is in a similar position to Louisiana, according to Moody’s. That has allowed it to lure major investment, such as a Toyota plant in the northeastern part of the state.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State agencies laying off employees

ARKANSAS: House members reject proposed out-of-state travel rule

FLORIDA: NRA wants adoption agencies to ban questions about gun ownership of prospective parents

GEORGIA: New study shows rareness of Georgia floods

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear wants passage of slots bill by winter

LOUISIANA: State's delegation is a tough sell on health care overhaul

MISSISSIPPI: State's budget to receive "facelift" next year

NORTH CAROLINA: State's pork producers see effect of swine flu

SOUTH CAROLINA: New Medicaid pharmacy program saves state money

TENNESSEE: State legislators may dump $70 million biofuels project

VIRGINIA: Five state house seats gained by GOP

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

Center to hold major conference on setting agenda for Better South

2009-11-04T16:25:00.002-05:00

NOV. 4, 2009 – More than three dozen thinkers from across the South will gather Saturday for a two-day conference to develop an “Agenda for a Better South” that seeks to inspire Southern leaders to move the region forward.

“In our increasingly partisan and media-saturated world of small soundbites for big problems, it’s often hard for elected and appointed officials, and other leaders to make serious inquiries and give thoughtful consideration to big problems facing the South,” said Andy Brack, president of the Center for a Better South. “Instead, they often have to put out the fires of immediate problems rather than finding solutions for decades-old challenges.

“By crafting this new Agenda for a Better South, we will highlight for our leaders that public policy matters … and that they can make significant progress for the future by focusing on the big picture for each state.”

To help the invited participants get better prepared for the conference, which opens Friday with a reception and begins Saturday morning on the campus of Davidson College in Davidson, N.C., the Center has published a 70-page Briefing Book filled with data on 55 indicators of information about each Southern state. Former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco used the Briefing Book as a foundation for an Oct. 24 commentary in HoumaToday.com.

To view the Briefing Book, visit: http://www.bettersouth.org

Brack said the reason for developing a written agenda was to inspire legislators and thinkers in Southern states to move forward in new ways that would help people who lived in the region – much like President John Kennedy motivated the nation to put a man on the moon in the 1960s.

“Rather than continuing to debate worn proposals, we believe Southern leaders should take a broader view to work on the real problems that ensure progress across the region – getting better jobs, improving education, bettering health care, protecting the environment and curbing multiple conditions created by generational poverty,” Brack said. The Center is expected to release proposals from the conference next week.

The Center for a Better South is a pragmatic, nonpartisan think tank under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. The Center is dedicated to developing progressive ideas, policies and information for thinking leaders who want to make a difference in the American South. More: www.bettersouth.org and www.thinksouth.org.

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11/4: Stimulus funds used to give raises in some cases

2009-11-04T09:20:00.005-05:00

New York Times: Stimulus funds used to give raises in some cases

Errors in the government's latest effort to track the effectiveness of the $787 billion stimulus plan are showing that funds were used not just to create or save jobs, but to fund raises or benefits for existing employees.

In Georgia, a nonprofit, the Southwest Georgia Community Action Counciil, reported saving 935 jobs -- however, there are only 508 people working there.

The latest stimulus report, released Friday, significantly overstates the number of jobs spared with money from programs serving families and children, mostly the Head Start preschool program. The report shows hundreds of the programs used nearly $323 million to provide pay raises and other benefits to their existing employees.

The raises themselves were appropriate -- the stimulus law set aside money for Head Start salary increases -- but converting that number into jobs proved difficult. The Obama administration told Head Start officials to consider a fraction of each employee as a job saved.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Tea Party rally scheduled for today in Huntsville

ARKANSAS: State's tax revenue is again less than expected

FLORIDA: Sex offender restrictions in state may be flawed, says analyst

GEORGIA: Why a white woman may win the Atlanta mayoral race

KENTUCKY: State should budget $64 million more a year for college aid, says study

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal says resignation of justice who refused interracial marriage 'long overdue'

MISSISSIPPI: More prison cuts planned for 2010 budget

NORTH CAROLINA: New rules proposed to help homeowners avoid foreclosure

SOUTH CAROLINA: Ten candidates in running for governor's post talk energy, environment

TENNESSEE: State departments face up to 9% cuts

VIRGINIA: Analyst says policies, not parties, key to GOP win in Virginia

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

11/3: EPA considers new coal ash rules

2009-11-03T09:25:00.004-05:00

The Tennessean: EPA considers new coal ash rules

The Environmental Protection Agency is considering new rules for coal ash disposal: If it's wet, it would be considered hazardous; if it's dry, it would be considered non-hazardous if moved to a dry landfill.

However, some environmentalists viewed the new option included in the General Accountability Office report as a potential loophole that would allow industry to avoid regulation.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State ranks seventh in the nation for business climate

ARKANSAS: Per capita income up in Arkansas to 46th in nation

FLORIDA: Symposium experts say offshore drilling poses little risk to coast

GEORGIA: Congressional hearing held on state's bank failures, foreclosures

KENTUCKY: State increases number of children in public health programs

LOUISIANA: Costs of Medicaid now over $300 million in state

MISSISSIPPI: Lawmakers consider ATV safety regulations

NORTH CAROLINA: Golden LEAF foundation criticized in state audit

SOUTH CAROLINA: Rise in college costs could make higher ed unaffordable for SC residents

VIRGINIA: Voters to pick state's next governor today

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

11/2: Turnout crucial in VA governor's race

2009-11-02T09:17:00.005-05:00

Christian Science Monitor: Turnout crucial in Virginia governor's race

The Nov. 3 governors’ races in Virginia and New Jersey are being closely watched for clues as to how Republicans and Democrats might fare in midterm elections a year from now.

The number of voters will likely be down, as midterm elections don't attract the crowds of a presidential election. In Virginia, there's concern that fewer African American voters and young voters will turn out on Tuesday, as a Washington Post poll shows lower numbers of likely voters on November 3.

And, if the weather is bad, turnout could be even lower.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley heads to Colombia for economic development trip

ARKANSAS: Prison board to talk about budget cuts

FLORIDA: Poll shows Floridians oppose public option for healthcare

GEORGIA: Georgians may not be able to take public option for healthcare

KENTUCKY: State has longest waiting list for low-cost drugs for AIDS patients

LOUISIANA: State's shale could change fate of U.S. energy supply

MISSISSIPPI: Obstacles to higher education include child care, transportation

NORTH CAROLINA: NC Chamber of Commerce holds conference on environmental issues

SOUTH CAROLINA: Legislators consider reforming prison sentences

TENNESSEE: Some lawmakers work to put TN at forefront of national sovereignty movement

VIRGINIA: Candidates' efforts increased as voting nears

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/30: Study shows states lower testing standards to make NCLB

2009-10-30T10:33:00.003-04:00

New York Times: Study shows states lower testing standards to make NCLB

Nearly a third of the states lowered their standards so that they could stay ahead of sanctions under the No Child Left Behind law, according to a new study by the federal Department of Education. However, lowering standards also confuses parents about how children’s achievement compares with those in other states and countries.

The study found wide variation among states, with standards highest in Massachusetts and South Carolina. Georgia, Oklahoma and Tennessee had standards that were among the lowest.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's lawmakers say Pentagon's tanker rules are unfair

ARKANSAS: Crops in state take a $600 million hit due to rains

FLORIDA: Five signs that will signal end of state's recession

GEORGIA: Lawmakers to look at flaws in property tax system

KENTUCKY: State's largest drug roundup pulls 318 people from 34 counties

LOUISIANA: State puts forth new effort to fight Medicaid fraud

MISSISSIPPI: Sen. Wicker says census "could cost Mississippi"

NORTH CAROLINA: Sea level rise along state's cost is accelerating

SOUTH CAROLINA: USC tops 'sexual health' rankings

TENNESSEE: Campaign pushes for more adoptions in state

VIRGINIA: State to close pharmacy for the mentally ill

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/29: In FL, public option in healthcare finding favor

2009-10-29T13:01:00.004-04:00

Miami Herald: In Florida, public option in healthcare finding favor

At two very different forums on Wednesday, Florida doctors and nurses agreed that healthcare reform is desperately needed -- and they're not opposed to a public option as part of the package.

As a half-dozen speakers made clear on Wednesday, the issue is no longer whether there should be healthcare reform -- but what the details should include.

By Friday, it's expected that the House and the Senate will each have consolidated myriad proposals into a single bill in each chamber -- and each will have the option for government insurance.

Let's see what happens over the next 24 hours.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley announces grants to build new schools in state

ARKANSAS: Mass flu shot vaccination clinics begin in state

FLORIDA: State's 'smart power' program gets $200 million federal grant

GEORGIA: State creates new child care agency

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear says 'holiday tree' will go up at Capitol; Christian critics upset over nomenclature

LOUISIANA: Former Gov. Treen dies at 81

MISSISSIPPI: Economic special session postponed, says Gov. Barbour

NORTH CAROLINA: Rock-slide closure of I-40 to impact Asheville area's economy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Boeing chooses SC; Impact expected to be big

TENNESSEE: Vandal decides to censor 'dirty' words in library books

VIRGINIA: Voter mass mailing stopped over legal questions
If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/28: Proposed change in census could alter congressional seats

2009-10-28T09:30:00.005-04:00

New York Times: Proposed change in census could alter congressional seats

Sen. David Vitter of Louisiana is proposing to count only United States citizens when reapportioning Congress. This could alter the representation in each state, according to an independent analysis. For instance, North Carolina and South Carolina would each gain a seat under this proposal; if counted the traditional way, Florida and Georgia would gain a seat each.

The Constitution, as amended, requires that Congressional districts be reapportioned on the basis of a count every 10 years of the “whole number of persons” in each state. The 10-question 2010 census form does not ask about citizenship, but the Census Bureau collects information on citizenship on other forms.

Sen. Vitter warned this month that a vote against his proposal would “strip these states of their proper representation in Congress,” while including noncitizens would “artificially increase the population count” in other states.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: A look at investments made by state employees' pension fund

ARKANSAS: U.S. Chamber of Commerce to run ads against health care plan in Arkansas, Louisiana

FLORIDA: Proposed huge biopower plant to bring jobs and energy to North Florida

GEORGIA: State gets federal funds to upgrade power grid

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear announces funding for 911 call centers

LOUISIANA: State officials blast FDA plan on limiting oyster production

MISSISSIPPI: Gulfport to start environmental court

NORTH CAROLINA: 'Memory loss' hits former Gov. Easley's witnesses at Board of Elections hearing

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's farmers fight language of climate change bill

TENNESSEE: Nonpartisan Tax Foundation says state's tax structure needs new look

VIRGINIA: Attorney General candidates face off in Richmond

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/27: Survey shows where those without health insurance live

2009-10-27T09:21:00.005-04:00

New York Times: Survey shows where those without health insurance live

The Census Bureau conducted a survey last year to find out where those without health insurance live. It was the first survey of its kind.

Red state residents (especially low-income Democrats) are less likely to have health insurance, and more likely to have legislators unwilling to provide it. A chart details coverage by state, showing red states -- like Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina -- have low rates of health coverage for all age groups. This chart considers a "red state" one that voted for John McCain for president and with representation by two Republican senators; a "blue state" is one that voted predominantly for Barack Obama with representation by two Democratic senators.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State delays H1N1 vaccines given by school clinics to after Thanksgiving

ARKANSAS: Broadband access across state to be mapped by Connect Arkansas

FLORIDA: State House split over offshore drilling

GEORGIA: Georgia delegation to talk water with Florida, Alabama leaders

KENTUCKY: Opinion: Brad Luttrell: Coal issues need balanced debate

LOUISIANA: This is final week for state's 'tax amnesty' program

MISSISSIPPI: Chevron reports molten sulfur leak into Bayou Casotte

NORTH CAROLINA: Federal investigation of former Gov. Easley begins

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's graduation rate is near bottom in new report

TENNESSEE: Sen. Alexander calls climate change bill a 'job killer'

VIRGINIA: Serious gang crime down, but a rise in middle school offenses has officials concerned

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/26: GA, TN senators not thrilled about new climate bill

2009-10-26T09:54:00.004-04:00

Times Free-Press: GA, TN senators not thrilled about new climate bill

The bill calls for a 20% cut in greenhouse gases by 2020, a rule that senators from Georgia and Tennessee say could increase the cost of energy. Electric utilities, especially ones that use coal-powered plants that produce greenhouse gases, are expected to have to buy more allowances. That cost would be passed on to customers.

“I am concerned that some in Congress and the administration are rushing to judgment on a cap-and-trade system to regulate carbon,” said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. “Cap-and-trade will raise the cost of energy to all Georgians, especially those who rely on electric energy.”

Said U.S. Sen. Bob Corker: "If we would focus solely on climate change, and people wouldn't view this as a mechanism to expand government and line the pockets of interest groups, this whole process would probably be much different."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley, Gov. Barbour to announce multi-state aerospace alliance today

ARKANSAS: Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln considered vulnerable for next election

FLORIDA: Largest solar power plant in U.S. to go online in Florida

GEORGIA: State is third in the nation for total number of meth users between 12 and 17

KENTUCKY: Coal still important to Kentucky, nation

LOUISIANA: School superintendents complain about forced charter school funding

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: School consolidation can work in Mississippi

NORTH CAROLINA: State blocks release of dangerous inmates

SOUTH CAROLINA: SC to participate in Appalachian Regional conference on alternative energy

TENNESSEE: State's schools rank high in cutting junk food

VIRGINIA: State considers returning elk to mountains

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/23: Senate adds sexual orientation to hate crimes law

2009-10-23T10:22:00.002-04:00

Miami Herald: Senate adds sexual orientation, gender ID to hate crimes law

The groundbreaking vote on Thursday added sexual orientation to the hate crimes law, giving the Justice Department the power to prosecute bias-motivated crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Although Florida and many other states already have hate-crime laws encompassing sexual orientation, the new law allows federal prosecution, which for the first time would provide a means for criminal action in states without such a law.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State may increase cost of benefits for teachers

ARKANSAS: Lawmakers want lottery scholarship changes

GEORGIA: 174 pounds of meth seized in Lawrenceville subdivision raid

KENTUCKY: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks out on health care

LOUISIANA: State to delay $101 million computer software upgrade

MISSISSIPPI: First Environmental Education Conference to be held in state

NORTH CAROLINA: UNC researchers close to turning methane gas into liquid fuel

SOUTH CAROLINA: State lawmakers pass handicap parking reform

TENNESSEE: TVA to buy wind power from the Great Plains

VIRGINIA: Va. man arrested for being naked in his own home

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/22: Report card released on states' energy efficiency

2009-10-22T10:33:00.002-04:00

Atlanta Business Chronicle: Report card released on states' energy efficiency

Georgia is among the states that need to improve energy efficiency, ranking 44th in the nation.

Other Southern states that need improvement include Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. No Southern state made the top ten.

The scorecard examines six state energy efficiency policy areas: utility-sector and public benefits policies, transportation policies, building energy codes, combined heat and power, state government initiatives, and appliance efficiency standards.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: GOP legislator to unveil bills on pre-paid tuition program

ARKANSAS: Jobless rate held steady at 7.1% in September

FLORIDA: House wants federal government to stop casino games on reservations

KENTUCKY: State's social workers say they -- and the children -- still aren't safe

LOUISIANA: Opinion: Does Bardwell incident show Louisiana politics is still land of David Duke?

MISSISSIPPI: Third most polluted river in the country is Mississippi River

NORTH CAROLINA: Judge says Kinston must have party affiliations on ballot to protect rights of black voters

SOUTH CAROLINA: Economy expected to remain stagnant until 2012 in SC

TENNESSEE: State sets up new rules for municipal bond deals for cities, counties

VIRGINIA: State's graduation and drop out rates improve over last year

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/21: Surge in meth labs may change pharmacy offerings

2009-10-21T10:15:00.003-04:00

Wall Street Journal: Surge in meth labs may change pharmacy offerings

State and federal lawmakers are considering copying an Oregon law requiring a prescription for many cold medications, a move opposed by major drug manufacturers.

Oregon's 2005 law requires a doctor's prescription for medicines with pseudoephedrine, a major component in the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Federal laws in place now limit the amount of cold medicines that can be purchased at one time; the Oregon law goes further.

This issue will be interesting to watch, especially as we enter the cold and flu season.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State ranks sixth in nation for percentage of adults without health insurance after losing jobs

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe to cut $100 million from current fiscal year budget

FLORIDA: State may become first bagless state

GEORGIA: State workers put together class action suit against Georgia for raises

KENTUCKY: Study finds KY leads nation in rate of child abuse and neglect deaths

LOUISIANA: Interracial couple sues judge for refusing to marry them

MISSISSIPPI: Conference set for Friday on impact of public policies on low-to-middle class Mississippi families

NORTH CAROLINA: Solar energy rooftops to be launched by Duke Energy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers say changes to unemployment system will have to wait

TENNESSEE: Legislative panel wants to reassert 'state sovereignty' over federal government's reach

VIRGINIA: State Supreme Court's drunk driving ruling blasted by U.S. Chief Justice

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/20: States track stimulus funds

2009-10-20T10:03:00.003-04:00

Stateline: States track stimulus funds

The first big test of states’ oversight efforts comes this October when they must file the initial quarterly reports with the federal government on how they have spent those funds.

The federal law doesn’t require states to name point people or spell out their duties. But the Obama administration, which has czars for health care, energy, illegal drugs and even for cities, has asked states to name “implementation czars” to keep an eye on their share of the federal stimulus package. Governors are free to tap whomever they want for the post—if anyone at all. Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland and Texas have opted not to name a person.

An interactive map names the czars and websites for each state.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Rep. Artur Davis calls for rewrite of state constitution

ARKANSAS: State lottery repays $2.8 million loan to state

FLORIDA: State's senators talk about high speed rail

GEORGIA: State wants more training for daycare workers

KENTUCKY: Report puts price tag on pollution from coal plants

LOUISIANA: Graduation rates among La. high school students falls most

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: State dilemma: Tax hike or more cuts?

NORTH CAROLINA: State's residents upset over plan to free inmates

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers to reconvene to discuss jobless benefits

TENNESSEE: Sen. Lamar Alexander, former secretary of education, pushes for 3-year college degrees

VIRGINIA: Candidates for Lt. Gov. embroiled in heated debate

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

10/19: States consider Internet rules for campaign fundraising

2009-10-19T09:39:00.005-04:00

AP: States consider Internet rules for campaign fundraising

Florida mayoral candidate Scott Wagman bought an ad that popped up online when anyone ran a Google search for his opponents' names. The Florida Elections Commission ordered Wagman to remove it and pay a $250 fine, even though the required disclaimer was longer than the 68 characters allowed in the text of the ad, which wasn't "paid for" until someone clicked on it.

An ongoing debate is raging about how "old media" rules governing campaign spending should apply to the "new media" of the Internet age. When does a blog connected to a campaign need to disclose its allegiance? Does a candidate's personal Facebook page need a disclaimer if it is updated by a staffer? Can a campaign-related tweet - a message posted on social media site Twitter - even be regulated?

"Policing this is going to be a tremendously difficult thing, let alone writing the rules," said Edwin Bender, executive director of the National Institute on Money in State Politics, a nonprofit group in Helena, Mont.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: If health care overhaul fails, 46,000 Alabamians will lose health benefits says report

ARKANSAS: GOP hopes to unseat Democrat Vic Snyder, the state's lone liberal voice

FLORIDA: Files full of personal information found in mortgage company's trash

GEORGIA: U.S. Dept. of Justice rejects Georgia's voter tracking system

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear to tour state this week holding education press conferences

LOUISIANA: Cancer rate hits alarming numbers in Louisiana

MISSISSIPPI: State's harvest ruined by excessive rain, costing farmers $377 million

NORTH CAROLINA: Economic summit on education and economy at NCCU today

SOUTH CAROLINA: Coastal alliance formed by SC, GA, FL, NC to handle regional issues

TENNESSEE: State may have to cut total of $1.1 billion from 2010 budget

VIRGINIA: Judge rules for second time that VA violated voting rights of military personnel

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10/16: GA street gangs going after cartel cash, drugs

2009-10-16T09:44:00.003-04:00

GEORGIA: Street gangs go after cartel cash and drugs, increasing risk for law enforcement

Gang investigators in the state say that Mexican drug trafficking organizations are becoming targets of criminal street gangs.

The danger has increased for law enforcement officers, as cartels are arming themselves more heavily to deter the thefts. A small number of reporters were allowed to attend this month's Georgia Gang Investigators Association meeting – which is usually private – on the condition that they not identify the gang behind a string of recent drug rip-offs or disclose its country of origin.

Investigators said the Latino street gang that has been targeting Mexican cartels in the metro Atlanta area is violent, brash and increasing in numbers.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Foreclosures up 22% in September

ARKANSAS: No change on math scores for fourth, eighth graders

FLORIDA: State may ban both paper and plastic bags

KENTUCKY: State gets a 'D' on protecting children's legal rights

LOUISIANA: Interracial couple denied marriage license in state

MISSISSIPPI: State plans more budget cuts for 2010

NORTH CAROLINA: Baptist preacher plans to burn Bibles on Halloween

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's jobless fund is running out of money

TENNESSEE: Jobless rate in state drops to 10.5%

VIRGINIA: State's infrastructure gets poor rating

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10/15: No more toothless Kentuckians

2009-10-15T14:24:00.001-04:00

KENTUCKY: No more toothless Kentuckians: State launches childrens' dental health project

Gov. Steve Beshear said the state has a serious problem in dental health, and announced the launch of a three-year, $2.2 million initiative to improve the dental health of children in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.

The initial focus, Beshear said, will be on creating a training curriculum to teach Kentucky dentists effective techniques to work with young children.

Currently, only 28 of the 120 counties in the state have pediatric dentists. A 2001 state survey found that half of Kentucky's children had decay in their primary teeth and that nearly 47 percent of children ages 2, 3 and 4 had untreated dental problems — more than twice the national average.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Stimulus funds create 4,450 Alabama jobs

ARKANSAS: Students in state unprepared for degree-requiring jobs, says ACT group

FLORIDA: Foreclosure rate in state slows, but is still 6th-worst in U.S.

GEORGIA: Atlanta to be first city electronically mapped by nonprofit OpenStreetMap

LOUISIANA: Sen. Vitter to alter census amendment to drop inquiry into immigration status

MISSISSIPPI: State lifts 180-day cap on earned time off prison sentences

NORTH CAROLINA: Key to sustainable economic recovery is education reform, book says

SOUTH CAROLINA: State Senate rejects plan to put governor in charge of DHEC

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredensen says cost of health care to state could exceed $3 billion

VIRGINIA: Rehab tax credit urged for state's public schools

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10/14: SPR: South's Senate Finance members split along party lines on healthcare bill

2009-10-14T09:23:00.005-04:00

Southern Political Report: South's Senate Finance members split along party lines on healthcare bill

"Whether or not health care reform passes has important political implications, not only for President Obama, but for lawmakers in both parties who will be facing the voters next year. For Obama and his fellow Democrats, passage of health care reform would fulfill one of his key campaign promises and give his party a major talking point for the 2010 elections.

"For the GOP, defeat of the bill would show the party’s grass roots activists that their strenuous -- at times raucous -- opposition to Obama’s health care proposals had some effect, and would demonstrate that their party still has clout in congress. And it would add energy to Republican efforts to retake control of congress, or at least increase the party’s strength in both the senate and house."

Repercussions of the vote could hit some senators hard, such as Sen. Lincoln of Arkansas, whose decision to support the measure could provide ammunition for the strong GOP effort to defeat her next year.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Democratic Party mistakenly appoints dead man to panel

ARKANSAS: State prison officials consider allowing some inmates to have e-mail

FLORIDA: Seven-term U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler is resigning

GEORGIA: Consumer advocate group says state lags in health care affordability

KENTUCKY: Hearing held to debate mountaintop mining

LOUISIANA: National ACORN embroiled with Louisiana branch

MISSISSIPPI: State now requires civil rights classes in schools

NORTH CAROLINA: "Ask Anything" with Gov. Beverly Perdue

SOUTH CAROLINA: Jobless benefits to be lost by 6,900 South Carolinians

TENNESSEE: GOP's Marsh wins special election to fill 62nd District House seat

VIRGINIA: Five of six delegate seats in Central Virginia open

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