New lawmaker seeks to ease burden of housing sex offenders

“They’re sent back to the counties that can least afford it.”

State should ‘honor the deal’ on land easements, lawmaker says

“…These folks down there … seem to be getting the stilts kicked out from under them.”

Lawmakers ponder trade-offs as federal funding rises for health care

“Whether it’s federal dollars or not, my question is still, can we afford this?”

Rhonda Fields’ journey: from personal tragedy to public service

“I have a strong connection to people who are underdogs, people who are less privileged, people who have been impacted by crime.”

Audit, both parties cast doubt on state’s concealed-carry database

“It’s another one of those government programs that’s doing no good at all.”

Lawmaker aims to roll back controversial hike in vehicle late fees

“It’s the impact on families that are struggling out here and ask themselves, ‘Do I feed myself or my family, or do I pay for the plates on my vehicle?’”

Lawmakers seek more oversight for foster-care funding

“We’re talking about some really high-profile problems with the division of child welfare.”

Another tough budget year, another ’state fiscal emergency’

“We’ve done this in the last two years and I believe that the General Assembly will have to do it again.”

Budget travails trip up state’s civil-rights watchdog, official says

Cuts in state funding to the Civil Rights Division “have reached a point of jeopardizing federal funds the division receives.”

Funding, results don’t always add up in protecting kids, panel told

“Behind every dollar is a kid’s life….Giving a kid a future is priceless.”