As Budgets Are Trimmed, Time in Class Is Shortened

School districts across the country are gutting summer-school programs, cramming classes into four-day weeks or lopping days off the school year.

Beyond New York, Gay Marriage Faces Hurdles

Gay-rights groups say they have learned lessons that will help as they seek approval of marriage bills in other states.

Several States Forbid Abortion After 20 Weeks

On the theory that fetuses can feel pain after 20 weeks (an idea disputed by mainstream medicine), several states have banned abortions later than this.

After New York, New Look at Defense of Marriage Act

In addition to forbidding federal recognition of same-sex marriage, DOMA says that no state can be forced to acknowledge a same-sex couple’s marriage from another state.

Republican Challenges Administration on Plans to Override Education Law

Representative John Kline of Minnesota said he would use a House rewrite of the No Child Left Behind law to rein in Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s influence.

Growth in Education Spending Slowed in 2009

The change in spending, reported in census figures, is seen as a response by states to deepening fiscal woes and flatter tax revenues.

U.S. Objects to New Law on Clinics in Indiana

The Obama administration says the law, which cuts off state and federal money for Planned Parenthood, imposes impermissible restrictions on Medicaid recipients.

News Analysis: For States, a Glimmer of Hope on Deficits

State governments may not be out of the woods, but budget officials are breathing more easily.

Bill Weakening Union Rights Moves to Ohio House

Legislation that would curtail collective bargaining rights for public sector workers appears headed for passage in Ohio, as a potential new battlefront opens in Maine

Public Universities Seek More Autonomy as Financing From States Shrinks

The colleges say they cannot afford the complicated web of state regulations governing areas like procurement and building, and need more flexibility to compete with private institutions.

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