State governments across the nation are assuming increasing responsibility for initiating major public policy innovations.  State legislatures are also coordinating their efforts to enhance consistency and establish national standards for state policy concerns. This unprecedented surge in state policy innovations and interstate cooperation is bringing tangible results across a spectrum of public policy concerns.  The dramatic increase in recent legislative accomplishments is attributed largely to an absence of partisan deadlock at the state level.  Much of the legislation has been initiated with strong support from Democrats and Republicans and it is anticipated that there will be a range of additional public policy initiatives over the next few years.

• Access to prescription drugs is a major issue for legislatures across the country.
• Over 22 states have already passed pharmacy assistance laws for for low-income senior citizens and the disabled.
• Four states have initiated new subsidy programs while several others have increased funding for these programs and raised the maximum income eligibility so middle income consumers would be eligible.
• Missouri now offers tax credits for low-income seniors with high prescription drug costs.
• Nevada provides a subsidy of up to $480 per year to seniors who purchase private prescription drug health insurance.
• And, Vermont has developed a program in conjunction with the federal government to provide drug price discounts to senior citizens through a Medicaid waiver program.

• State legislatures are making children's health a top priority.
• States are taking action to comply with the standards set by the Federal Food Quality Protection Act which gives states the responsibility to enforce guidelines for products and pollution.
• Medical studies have indicated that children's rapid development and growth makes them more vulnerable to environmental pollutants.
• Children absorb a much higher percentage of toxins in the environment, yet environmental impact statements usually do not take this into consideration when determining hazard levels.
• Environmental conditions have been linked directly to higher rates of cancer, asthma, leukemia, and other health concerns in many areas.

• After several individuals on death row were found to be innocent, many states have begun to allow post-conviction DNA testing.
• In most states, new evidence must be presented within 6 months of the conviction.  Those who were wrongfully convicted before DNA testing was developed would not be able to prove their innocence through the testing.  However, new legislative proposals would give judges discretion to set aside the 6 month rule.
• A recent Gallup Poll indicates that while most Americans support the death penalty, an overwhelming majority do not want a deadline for DNA testing.  Ninety-two percent of those polled said those convicted before the technology was available should be allowed to take DNA tests.  And, 90 percent of those polled believe DNA tests are more reliable than fingerprint evidence.

• Unmanaged suburban sprawl is bringing a surge of proposals from legislators across the country.
• Policy makers are becoming more aware of the impact of suburban sprawl on infrastructures and traffic.  Moreover, there is concern that sprawl is damaging the environment in areas surrounding metropolitan areas.
• Many lawmakers are also concerned that too much suburban sprawl is causing the decline of downtown areas.
• There is also concern that suburban sprawl is overburdening residents with skyrocketing tax rates.
• New legislative initiatives will call for:  Greater county and local coordination in land use planning.  Revenue sharing among cities to avoid the need to attract new malls for the purpose of sales taxes.  And incentives to finance the acquisition of open space for preservation.

• Redistricting: Arizona recently passed legislation establishing an independent commission to oversee the drawing of congressional district boundaries, thus avoiding the influence of partisan favoritism.  Several other states are considering similar measures.
• Traffic safety:  One hundred million Americans subscribe to wireless telephone services and 85% of those subscribers use their phones while driving.  More distractions are expected as auto makers will soon provide TV, computers and fax machines for use in autos.  Only three states---California, Florida and Massachusetts---place restrictions on the use of cell phones on the road.  However, over half the states are now considering legislation to prohibit the use of cell phones and other devises while driving.