State of the States 2013

Stateline's 13th annual State of the States report looks at key issues legislatures are debating this year, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between states and the federal government.

Part One: Politics

Republicans and Democrats strengthened their respective majorities in 2012 in many of the states where they hold power. While Democrats made gains at both the state and federal level, Republicans still are on top in terms of overall state control. Read the article

Part Two: Budgets

State budgets are finally in the black again, but budget dithering in Washington might imperil the fragile gains states have made. Read the article

Part Three: Social Issues

States are making big changes on social issues such as gay marriage and marijuana. Will Washington be forced to follow their lead? Read the article

Part Four: Environment

A severe drought and Hurricane Sandy were just two of the environmental disasters that befell states in 2012. With similar expectations for this year, states are working on solutions to better predict and respond to the next round of disasters. Read the article

Part Five: Health Care

The Affordable Care Act is still standing after several challenges, but its success depends on how much states are willing to participate. Read the article

Read the full report, State of the States 2013, on the Pew Center on the States website.

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics

Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?