ThinkSouth

11/20: CDC survey points out Southern counties most obese

2009-11-20T09:38:00.004-05:00

AP: CDC survey points out Southern counties most obese

The first county-by-county survey of obesity reflects past studies that show the rate of obesity is highest in the Southeast and Appalachia, with two Alabama counties -- Greene and Dallas -- having adult obesity rates that are among the highest in the nation.

New research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows that more than 80% of counties in the Appalachian region (Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia) show high rates of obesity and diabetes. The same high rates of obesity and diabetes were found in about 75% of counties in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina.

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: Power costs likely to go down in state now that multi-state agreement can be broken

FLORIDA: New cigarette tax increases state budget, despite drop in sales

GEORGIA: Tom Baxter: Clock ticks on Georgia in water wars dispute

KENTUCKY: Jobless rate in state is now at 11.2%

LOUISIANA: Protesters say Hispanic residents are getting citizenship questions from police

MISSISSIPPI: University leaders worry about impact of merger talk

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue says group of violent inmates won't be released from prison

SOUTH CAROLINA: Foreclosures up slightly in South Carolina

TENNESSEE: Lawsuit over guns-in-bars statute to be heard today

VIRGINIA: State faces $3.5 billion hole in next two-year budget cycle

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

Center releases new Agenda for a Better South

2009-11-19T09:20:00.006-05:00

The Center for a Better South today released a sweeping and bold new vision today with its Agenda for a Better South. The Agenda, developed earlier this month by leading thinkers at a conference at Davidson College, includes eight "measurable visions:"

NURTURING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATION: To compete in a 21st century global economy, each Southern state must increase its high school graduation rate and have 60 percent of native Southerners and new residents with post-secondary degrees, including associates’ degrees from technical colleges, by 2020.

BOOSTING WELLNESS: Each Southern state should increase life expectancy to levels on par with Canada.

IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY: Each Southern state should develop a state energy plan that improves per capita energy efficiency by 20 percent in 2020.

REFORMING TAXES: Each Southern state should adopt or change tax structures by 2015 that expand the tax base while lowering the rate to help ensure revenue sources match or exceed the state’s growth rate in the state's overall economy.

INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE: Each Southern state must invest 90 percent of its capital budget spending on priorities identified in its infrastructure capital planning process.

CULTIVATING GOVERNANCE: Each Southern state should develop and implement a benchmark citizen trust survey by 2011. By 2015, each state's levels of trust in state government should increase by 20 percent over the benchmark.
ENSURING OPPORTUNITIES: Southern states should reduce disparities in the treatment and well-being of different groups to foster a more inclusive, creative, productive and prosperous South. By 2012, each Southern state should adopt measures to drive significant reduction in identified disparities within at least five major categories.

FOSTERING SAFE COMMUNITIES: Each Southern state should reduce the rates of violent crime to below the national average by 2020.

To learn more and see some expanded discussion on the Agenda, click here.

IN TODAY'S HEADLINES

ALABAMA: Legality of bingo in the state debated

ARKANSAS: State prepares for big earthquake

FLORIDA: State to seek $1 billion in education grants

GEORGIA: Study shows Georgia among nation’s least healthy states

KENTUCKY: State’s poor and middle income residents spend larger percentage on taxes

LOUISIANA: State ranks 47^th in national health survey

MISSISSIPPI: Critics say Gov. Barbour’s K-12 budget recs ‘almost impossible to implement’

NORTH CAROLINA: Study says state could be ‘second Sunshine State’

SOUTH CAROLINA: State’s tax code hurts low and middle income families, new study says

TENNESSEE: Column: To free felons would save money, but at what price?

VIRGINIA: Budget expert says state shouldn’t build any more prisons

11/18: Analysis of tax systems in U.S. released

2009-11-18T10:03:00.004-05:00

ITEP: Distributional analysis of tax systems in the 50 states

A state-by-state look at how fair each state's tax systems are, considering both state and local taxes paid by different income groups in 2007. The study shows which states have done the best and worst job of providing fairness in their tax systems overall.

One overall conclusion: Nearly every state and local tax system takes more proportionally from middle and low income families than from the wealthy -- "most tax systems are regressive."

Of the eleven Southern states we cover, Tennessee, Florida, and Alabama are among the ten most regressive tax states among the 50.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Black Belt's future projected to be in biofuels, some say

ARKANSAS: 2010 governor's race to be impacted by economy

FLORIDA: Top senators say state should drop out of federal Medicaid system

GEORGIA: On population count, South Georgia could lose legislative seats

KENTUCKY: State considers how to repay federal jobless funds loans

LOUISIANA: Poll finds race relations mostly unchanged in last year

MISSISSIPPI: 79 of state's 82 counties declared a disaster by heavy rain, drought

NORTH CAROLINA: Human trafficking seen as a problem in NC due to highways, agriculture

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's onshore winds may not be enough for power generation

TENNESSEE: State parks may cut jobs, close amenities to save money

VIRGINIA: New economic engine for N. VA could come from Ignite Institute

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

11/17: Electric car coalition launched by top businessmen

2009-11-17T09:31:00.003-05:00

Associated Press: Electric car coalition launched by top businessmen

The new coalition is aimed at getting the federal government to make a major investment in electric transportation, pointing to electric cars as the best way to confront the nation's dependence on imported oil. Businessmen from Nissan Motor Co., Fedex Corp., PG&E, and battery developers A124 Systems and Johnson Controls-Saft are involved.

The coalition is urging Congress to pass a series of tax credits and loan guarantees to bring 14 million electric cars to the road by 2020 and more than 100 million by 2030. The group envisions a network of electric vehicles in six to eight cities in the short term and an expansion across the country, making 75 percent of all vehicle miles traveled powered by electricity by 2040.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Timber theft a growing problem in the state

ARKANSAS: Sen. Lincoln gets pressure from all sides as Senate vote on health care reform nears

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist looks at special session for high-speed rail discussion

GEORGIA: Nonprofit studies GA's large rural student population, notes low graduation rates

KENTUCKY: AARP rallies against further state budget cuts

LOUISIANA: State's politics complicated in national health care debate

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour proposes merging eight universities into five

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue says jobless rate to rise even as economy gets better

SOUTH CAROLINA: 2009 Homeless County reveals depth of problem in SC

TENNESSEE: State's budget gap could reach $1.5 billion next year

VIRGINIA: Delegate Hamilton quits House, which may end ethics probe

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

11/16: Study shows FL at risk for fiscal calamity

2009-11-16T09:37:00.006-05:00

Orlando Sentinel: Study shows Florida is at risk for fiscal calamity

Florida, with an economy built on rapid growth, is experiencing a worse slowdown in its economy than other states. A study last week by the Pew Center on the States identified Florida as one of the states at risk of fiscal calamity and cited its reliance on population growth as contributing to its economic woes.

"Florida's population is shrinking -- a disturbing trend for a state that has built its economy, and structured its state budget, on the assumption that throngs of new residents will move to its sunny shores each year," said the report.

However, what might seem like slow growth for Florida is still higher than in much of the rest of the nation, William Frey of The Brookings Institution said. Even if Florida growth slows to 2 percent a year, that's still twice the national average.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Study says state may not recover jobs until 2013

ARKANSAS: State gets research edge with tobacco funds

FLORIDA: Sink says state ban on gay adoption must go

GEORGIA: State House speaker says he tried to commit suicide

KENTUCKY: Anonymous online attacks seen in state's Senate race

LOUISIANA: Committee to consider lifting oyster moratorium

MISSISSIPPI: State BOE to vote on school accountability plan this week

NORTH CAROLINA: Fees at community colleges jump nearly three times over last year

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers consider new property tax rules

TENNESSEE: State's H1N1 immunization system is model for others

VIRGINIA: New leaders elected to state's Democratic House caucus

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

11/13:Southern voters: A snapshot

2009-11-13T09:36:00.006-05:00

The Atlantic: Southern voters: A snapshot

"Winthrop has a poll out today of 866 respondents in 11 Southern states--Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia--and what we can glean from it is: independents in the South disapprove of President Obama, Southerners as a whole don't like Democratic health care reforms, and they are generally ambivalent about the stimulus package."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State education board wants teachers to pay more for benefits

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe authorizes release of flood funds

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist faces problems in Florida

GEORGIA: Prison health care costs go up as inmates age and get sicker

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear works to simplify enrollment process for children in health care system

LOUISIANA: House speaker challenges governor on amnesty payment plans

MISSISSIPPI: State's economic council ends 12-city tour

NORTH CAROLINA: Study says state's budget is relatively healthy

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gubernatorial candidates take questions about agribusiness, politics

TENNESSEE: TVA challenged over wastewater permits by environmentalists

VIRGINIA: State's lawmakers go after expansion of F-22 fleet

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

11/12: Obstacles exist for electric car use

2009-11-12T09:26:00.005-05:00

Tennessean: Obstacles exist for electric car use

A few cities in the U.S. will be targeted in an electric vehicle push and a program is being launched to provide a network of recharging stations. Included in these cities is Nashville, and there's concern about consumer hesitance to the vehicles.

"If every one of us had a car or two in the garage that was charging every night, could that be handled?" said Joe Hoagland, TVA's vice president for environmental policy, science and technology. "I'm not sure." If people want to fast-charge vehicles at the same time, it could mean transformers blow.

Efforts to stagger charges or build larger transformers are being pursued, as are ways to improve batteries, figure out the best way to give electric cars a 100-mile range, and establish ways for people to pay if they need to plug in while visiting a friend or shopping.

It'll have to be convenient to get the public's buy-in.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State's aversion to charter schools may be over as federal dollars available

ARKANSAS: Agriculture in state could be taking $650 million hit this harvest

FLORIDA: State ranks 7th on Pew Center's list of 'States in Fiscal Peril'

GEORGIA: State may raise fees for public services & licenses instead of raising taxes

KENTUCKY: Q&A with Rand Paul, candidate for U.S. Senate seat

LOUISIANA: Opinion: Senator fails to keep immigrants out of 2010 Census

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: Justice too slow for death row inmates

NORTH CAROLINA: No more test points for cash in Goldsboro school, say officials

SOUTH CAROLINA: New study shows state could save $5 billion if more energy efficient

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen open to furloughs and contract freezes

VIRGINIA: State to work with Delaware and Maryland on off-shore wind energy

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

11/11: The Dixie Diet

2009-11-11T09:34:00.006-05:00

Like the Dew: The Dixie Diet

A look at prison spending on inmate food -- Some state prisons spend between $1.13 and $1.75 a day. In Tennessee, U.S. District Judge Todd Campbell heard more than five days of testimony, during which inmates stepped on scales in the courtroom to document their weight, with one inmate losing 100 pounds in the 19 months he was incarcerated.

In Alabama, there's a law that allows sheriffs to decide how much of their budgets will go to feed county inmates; they get to pocket the rest. In Georgia, prisoners don't get lunch on the weekends or on Fridays.

What will it take to change this system?

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gubernatorial candidates Davis, Sparks split on health care bill

ARKANSAS: Poll shows Southerners worried about job loss and the economy

FLORIDA: Decision on energy-conservation goals delayed by PSC

GEORGIA: Number of homeless veterans in Georgia is down

KENTUCKY: State lags behind in protecting date-violence victims

LOUISIANA: State sets 2010 taxable wage base

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour says budget could have 'dramatic' restructuring

NORTH CAROLINA: Goldsboro school sells test points for $20 as fundraiser

SOUTH CAROLINA: Judge rules "I Believe" license plates unconstitutional

TENNESSEE: Green energy projects urged by Gov. Bredesen

VIRGINIA: State spent 74% more money in most recent budget due to inflation, population growth

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

11/10: SPR: 21st Century agenda in works for South

2009-11-10T09:39:00.006-05:00

Southern Political Report: Tom Baxter: Group attempts to forge 21st Century agenda for region

"What kind of place do you want the South to be in 2020? That thought-provoking question was the subject which brought together more than 30 planners, politicians, academics and journalists – your humble scribe included – for a conference at Davidson College this past weekend by the Center for a Better South.

"The Center for a Better South is the grandchild of the LQC Lamar Society, which was founded in 1969 by a group of young Southern leaders, including former Mississippi Gov. William Winter, former North Carolina Sen. Terry Sanford, Alabama publisher H. Brandt Ayers and Mississippi writer Willie Morris, to forge a vision for a post-segregation South that would, as Sanford once put it, 'avoid making Northern mistakes in a Southern setting.'

"Proposing an agenda for the region took more courage 40 years ago took more courage than it does today, but arguably it has never been harder, in what the center’s president, Andy Brack, described as 'increasingly partisan and media-saturated world of small soundbites for big problems.'"

(Read more.)

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Editorial: Alabama needs a tougher ethics law and it needs to be enforced

ARKANSAS: Pedestrians in state face more danger than many

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist moves away from previous support of stimulus package

GEORGIA: Smoking ban in state extended to prisons

KENTUCKY: State Chamber says state workers should pay more for health insurance

LOUISIANA: State turns to 'career diplomas' to cut high school dropout rate

MISSISSIPPI: State considers textbook rental system at public universities

NORTH CAROLINA: State pays millions to for state vehicles to sit parked

SOUTH CAROLINA: Wind turbines could be 8 miles offshore in SC

TENNESSEE: Nashville the site of today's Tennessee Solar Symposium

VIRGINIA: Rep. Perriello defends 'yes' vote on health bill

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

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