Every year, editor Kevin Smith samples from publications such as Governing, State Legislatures, State News, and Campaigns & Elections to grab your students interest with highly readable and current articles that hit close to home. Thirty nine new articles cover significant issues facing state and local government, including: the growing dysfunctional relationship between federal, state, and local governments; the impact of female legislators at all levels of government; baby boomers leaving the workforce and the need to recruit younger workers to replace them; state and local efforts to prevent climate change; and the challenges posed by illegal immigration. This 2008-2009 edition is a sure fit for your state and local government courses.