Here are some highlights since January 1st, useful information about what's coming next in the states, and where to track those events as they happen:

#1: Transparency in government spending spreads. Kentucky, Georgia, and Maryland have all made new transparency Websites available. Let's hope this trend continues during the remaining weeks and months of 2009!

#2: Over the next several weeks, governors across the U.S. will be indicating the direction in which they plan to steer their constituents. As you listen or read transcripts of their speeches, use this type of analysis to help interpret and critique what's said about the state of each state.

#3: Finally, www.statebooks.org has been launched--use it as a one-stop-shop to keep abreast of state fiscal and economic events as they take place during the New Year.