Guber Trends
Fallin Pushes Tax Cut
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin(R) is making a final push to convince her legislature to make serious reductions in the state income tax. Fallin is one of three mid-western Republican governors to take a major swing at the income tax this year with the goal of eventually eliminating the tax completely. Read More: NewsOK.com – Income [...]
Christie Veto
Citing the pending case before the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the national healthcare law, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie(R) has vetoed a bill setting up a health insurance exchange. He says moving forward at this time may place an un-necessary burden on state taxpayers when the fate of the national healthcare progam is in limbo. [...]
Iowa School Reform
Final legislative approval has been given to a package of K-12 schools reforms pushed by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad(R). Branstad and leading lawmakers say the reforms are the start of what will be a long process. The changes being made under the new law focus on increasing literacy and improving performance for teachers and school [...]
Colorado Civil Unions
A law allowing for civil unions in Colorado is headed for a debate in the House. A vote could come Wednesday – the last day of the session. The measure – which is supported by Governor John Hickenlooper(D) – received approval from the final legislative committee Tuesday afternoon. Supporters are concerned legislative leadership may use [...]
Christie Pushes Reforms
Perhaps emboldened by recent polls showing his approval ratings on the rise, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie(R) is not backing off his efforts to reform the teacher tenure system in his state. At a town hall meeting Tuesday, Christie warned Democratic lawmakers not to send him what he called “B.S.” reform measures. He says he [...]
Malloy vs. Teachers’ Unions
It was a rare display of enlightenment for a Democratic governor to admit teacher union contracts might be a stumbling block to school reform and after four months of fighting over the issue, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy(D) and legislative Democrats have struck a compromise. Both sides – Malloy and the unions – are claiming victory. [...]
Vikings Touchdown
After a tense few days of negotiations and lobbying efforts by Governor Mark Dayton(DFL), the Minnesota House has given approval to a bill that would lead to the construction of a new football stadium for the Minnesota Vikings. The bill goes next to the Senate and could be signed by the governor by the end [...]
Colorado Civil Unions
The fate of the civil unions bill may be decided today (Tuesday) in Colorado. The measure has the support of Governor John Hickenlooper(D), but it is unclear whether legislative leadership will take up the bill if it wins final committee level approval. The session ends Wednesday. Read More: Denver Post – Civil Unions
Perry Writes Obama
Texas Governor Rick Perry(R) is renewing his battle with the Obama administration over illegal immigration. Perry says the number of under age illegal immigrants is rising and in a letter to President Obama said it is the president’s responsibility to do something about it. Perry said he is most concerned about those under-aged illegal immigrants [...]
Judicial Hardball
Two months after the state Senate rejected one of his Supreme Court nominees, a source close to the administration of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie(R), says the governor is considering refusing to re-appoint several Superior Court judges. The governor says he will not automatically re-appoint judges, but will make individual decisions based merit. Last month [...]
