The governors of Wisconsin and Minnesota, in response to rising state budget deficits and the sagging economy, have announced an agreement between their states to share some products and services. Aides are analyzing the feasibility of pooling resources and purchasing power for everything from state vehicles and warehouse space to road salt and prison food. Other ideas include consolidating or sharing functions related to call centers, collections, licensing and back-office work.

An unanticipated result has come from Oregon's efforts to reduce its dependence upon fossil fuels: its tax revenue from gasoline sales has dropped dramatically. Now, Oregon is among several states studying the viability of funding road repairs through a tax on mileage, not on gasoline purchases. Under one version of the proposal, all new vehicles would be equipped with GPS to record where and how far they travel. Drivers would then pay a surcharge at the pump based on how much they drove, and the state could charge higher fees for rush-hour travel in congested areas. Critics charge that GPS-tracking poses privacy concerns and that the measure could decrease the financial incentive for buying fuel-efficient vehicles.

In Florida, public school students in Broward County can now send an anonymous text message to authorities if there is danger on campus. The service permits informants to contact security personnel 24/7 if they have information that could keep schools safe. In the wake of a fatal high school shooting last year, officials believe the program's $3,000 price tag is a small price to pay.

The Social Security Administration is readying itself to handle an expected surge of applications for benefits by baby boomers. Its new online service allows people to apply for and receive benefits without having to travel to a field office. The agency expects that most people will be able to file for retirement or disability benefits in 15 minutes or less. This effort is critical as the agency estimates that baby boomers will become eligible for retirement at a rate of 10,000 a day for the next 20 years.

The SEPTA transit agency is piloting the use of a "QuietRide" car on one of its Philadelphia commuter lines during rush hour. Riders in the car are asked to limit conversations, avoid using mobile phones, and wear headsets with electronic devices. Amtrak, as well as select commuter lines in Maryland and California, also operate quiet cars on some trains. SEPTA may extend the program to other lines if it proves popular.

In what is being touted as the first loan program to specifically target the healthcare of children, Texas is going to increase the number of doctors and dentists who will provide care for children with Medicaid coverage by providing loan repayment support. The program is expected to provide loan repayments for up to 1,200 physicians and dentists a year. Each healthcare provider will be eligible for up to $140,000 in loan repayments over four years if they meet certain targets for services to this population.

Law enforcement officials in San Bernardino County, California, hope that the card games that state inmates play regularly will help solve cold cases. The Cold Case Team has widely distributed 52-card decks in which each card shows a picture of a victim, a small summary of the case, and a phone number for the inmates to call to report anonymous tips and potentially earn a monetary reward. The goal is to tap into the information that inmates often have about other crimes. A similar program in Florida helped solve two murder cases. The cards are inspired by the "Iraq's Most Wanted" playing cards that were issued by the US military to troops in 2003.

San Francisco International Airport has launched a program to reward both rental car drivers and companies for using hybrid or high-mileage cars. Under the Green Rental Car program, customers that rent these cars will receive a $15 discount. Additionally, airport rental car companies that increase these types of rentals by 15 percent will receive a 20 percent decrease in the rent they pay to the airport. The program could eliminate over 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

Under a tool sanctioned by recent state law amendments, the Los Angeles city attorney and county prosecutors are going after the cash, homes, cars, and businesses of gang members. The law allows the government to take advantage of the lower standard of proof required in civil court in an effort to financially cripple the organizations. The proceeds from a recent favorable judgment will go towards revitalizing the downtown community affected by the gang activity.

Many states are enacting legislation to help veterans make a successful transition when returning home. In Oklahoma, eligible disabled veterans and their spouses will not have to pay property taxes. California will borrow close to $1 billion to maintain low-interest farm and home mortgage loans for veterans, and is one of five states that offer similar programs. Ohio provides free in-state college tuition, and North Dakota plans to follow suit later this year. In addition, New York will boost civil service examination scores based on a veteran's wartime injury.

The New York State Department of Health has created a Website that gives professionals, researchers, and citizens a window into the level of healthcare available in their community. The new Prevention Quality Indicator is a free, publicly accessible tool that tracks the rates of "avoidable" hospitalizations by zip code for 12 preventable or controllable illnesses. These ailments include circulatory, respiratory, and diabetes-related conditions. The site also reveals disparities in access to healthcare by breaking down data according to patients' race and ethnicity. The data is expected to allow site visitors to identify gaps in primary and preventive care in their communities and make more informed policy decisions.