Stepping up to bat: states take the lead on health policy

Long considered a training camp for Congress, state government has come into its own and now is leading the way on health reform. A transfer of some authority from Washington has helped to energize governors, legislators, and regulators. In an ironic sense, recession pressures have led to some innovative policymaking. Key leaders at the state level hope their efforts will help to break the national stalemate over health reform.