Gridlock in Congress May Mean Opportunity for States.

• Author: Lays, Julie

New year, new approach.

We've typically used the first issue of the year to identify the topics we think will be hot in the coming legislative sessions in capitols across the country. But this year, instead of cranking out yet another top 10 list, we asked ourselves, What are the issues states will be forced to deal with because Congress has failed to act?

For many observers, the term "Congress" has become synonymous with gridlock and toxic partisanship, inaction and party before all else. In our cover story, Governing magazine writer Alan Greenblatt says the situation is unlikely to change anytime soon. That means more inertia in Congress and more issues that you, the nation's state lawmakers, will have to tackle this year with little to no help from your congressional counterparts.

Gridlock in our nation's capital...