State Policy

December 13, 2013 - Corporate interest advocacy groups including the controversial American Legislative Exchange Council made repealing North Carolina's renewable energy law a top priority last year. Their effort failed, but now ALEC is trying a different approach by taking aim at the solar boom.

December 10, 2013 - But through federal taxes, their residents will still help pay for the cost of other states' efforts to expand health insurance coverage to more low-income people.

December 6, 2013 - A court battle is underway pitting voting rights advocates against Louisiana officials who have not fulfilled their responsibilities to encourage low-income people to vote under the National Voter Registration Act.

December 6, 2013 - The American Legislative Exchange Council lost members and money after the 2011 shooting death of unarmed Florida teen Trayvon Martin and the acquittal of his assailant under the state's Stand Your Ground law, which the corporate interest advocacy group helped craft and promote nationwide.

November 20, 2013 - Southern states have a high rate of unintended pregnancies, with most of the resulting births being paid for by public insurance programs. The evidence shows that investing in family planning services not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also saves taxpayers money. So why are some Southern legislatures targeting those services for cuts?

November 8, 2013 - It's well-documented that the heaviest burdens under strict photo voter ID laws fall on African Americans, Latino Americans and those of low income. But women voters also face special problems under these laws -- especially North Carolina's.

November 7, 2013 - The national debate over "Obamacare" rages on, but whose voices are being heard? Not those of black teenagers in the impoverished Mississippi Delta -- at least until now.