In the previous three columns in this space, we've considered both the proposal from President Bush in his State of the Union speech, those of at least one major critic, and those advanced by the leading candidates to become his successor (along with at least one non-contestant who thinks he might have some right answers). Meanwhile, each individual state in America has been struggling to solve the problem on their own turf. Although a complete overview would be both too time-consuming and mostly redundant, there are some notable directions being taken in this regard.

Last November, voters approved Prop. 1C, a $2.9 billion bond aimed at increasing affordable housing in California. Though well-intentioned, the bond does not address the manageable factors contributing to the high price of housing in the Golden State. A true solution requires tackling the regulatory cost drivers.

There's a lot of research where, as somebody once said, what's true isn't new and what's new isn't true. Take two recent reports from two very different organizations that agreed on but one thing: In education, California isn't doing well.

Some members of Congress want to tax the Internet , and they're trying to do it under the guise of "telecom reform." That's a trick Americans won't like. It's time to send Washington a message, loud and clear: hands off the Internet.

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced that Louisiana has been awarded a $20.9 million grant through the Charter Schools Program to help reopen charter schools damaged by the hurricanes, help create 10 new charter schools, and expand existing charter schools to accommodate students displaced by hurricane damage. (Sept. 30)

What do liberal House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Christian Coalition have in common? No, it's not a penchant for government-funded jet rides -- it's a misguided belief about net neutrality, proposed rules that could affect the future of Internet management.

Enthusiasm for universal healthcare coverage has swept the nation, with governors in Massachusetts and California leading the way.  But the proposals under consideration do little to address the primary reason for the lack of coverage -- very expensive insurance, says Sally C. Pipes, president and CEO of the Pacific Research Institute.

Recent news stories about questionable practices involving government employee pensions are creating a backlash among taxpayers and some lawmakers.