Back to work for many legislatures.

• Position: STATESTATS - Brief article

Legislators waste no time getting back to work after the holidays. In fact, although it's not mandatory as it is some years, Massachusetts lawmakers work on the holiday this year--New Year's Day, Jan. 1. (It's in the state Constitution: "The general court shall assemble every year on the said first Wednesday of January.")

Calendars are also filling fast for lawmakers in the other 35 states whose regular sessions kick off in January. The District of Columbia Council convenes Jan. 2, quickly followed by legislatures in California, Idaho and Indiana on Jan. 6. Six states start on Jan. 7, and 10 start Jan. 8.

North...