71.  In 1996, California became the first state to approve energy deregulation, which took effect two years later.

72.  In 1996, Maine became the first state to enact a public financing plan that will go into effect for the 2000 election.

73.  If their efforts are successful, Massachusetts could become the first state in the nation to let the industry operate on its own.

74.  In 1913, Kansas became the first state to officially recognize chiropractic as a legitimate profession by issuing chiropractors licenses.

75.  In 1989, California became the first state to require health warnings on cigars, and earlier this year Massachusetts became the second.

76.  In 1991, New York State became the first state to release performance data about doctors and hospitals.

77.  In 1993, New Jersey became the first state to bar additional payments to welfare mothers who have more children.

78.  In 1994, Oregon became the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide when voters approved a ballot initiative, the Oregon Death With Dignity Act.

79.  In a landmark decision, California has become the first state in the nation to give gay and lesbian parents the same tax benefits as heterosexual mothers and fathers.

80.  In 1851 Maine became the first state to go dry.