The top House Democrat says she and fellow Democratic lawmakers will oppose including cuts in Social Security or Medicare benefits in any package aimed at reducing huge federal deficits.

Three firms are vying to advise the Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration on efforts to privatize a Louisiana state worker health insurance program.

A state commission voted Thursday to seek an attorney general's opinion on whether Maryland law would allow the state to reduce cost-of-living adjustments for retirees.

The weeklong shutdown of Minnesota's government stems from a deep conflict about the state's tradition of generous public assistance programs.