41.   But that shifted as many states began to face legal challenges to their systems of financing education.

42.   But then the state began skimming some of the proceeds for its own budget.

43.   But when states began inquiring whether workers have to be available for work after having a baby to collect benefits, the Labor Department began studying the issue.

44.   Each state began with uniform expectations of what students should learn in each grade.

45.   Education officials said the low scores were expected because the state only recently began requiring students to take more difficult math courses to receive credit toward graduation.

46.   Economists warn of an impending labor shortage, as the state begins to run out of experienced white-collar workers.

47.   For example, about four years ago the state began requiring thumbprints when property changed hands.

48.   For thousands of working-class families earning more than that, the state has begun offering a subsidy to provide low-cost health insurance premiums as well.

49.   He and others predicted that other states would begin to band together to lower drug prices.

50.   In addition, every state has begun sending teen-agers involved in the most serious crimes into the adult courts and prisons, bypassing the juvenile justice system entirely.