New oil taxes are blocked in Assembly
From: www.latimes.com
"Assembly Republicans on Wednesday night blocked proposed taxes on oil companies that Democrats said would offset Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's planned cuts to schools."
Insurers' profits in Texas prompt calls for lower rates
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Texas insurers were virtually untouched by the slowing economy in 2007 as they recorded one of their most profitable years of the decade, prompting new calls for tougher state action on homeowner rates."
Legislators seek to stanch spate of home foreclosures
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"As the number of foreclosures in Maryland continues to climb, state lawmakers are considering one of the nation's most ambitious packages of legislation to control the housing crisis by strengthening homeowner protections and toughening oversight of the mortgage-lending industry. "
SA pays $750,000 in SEC inquiry
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Alabama's pension program for public employees, the Retirement Systems of Alabama, paid $750,000 to former stockholders of the Liberty Corp. after federal regulators began an investigation of insider trading by the system, pension officials said Wednesday."
Illegal-immigrant push adds landlords
From: www.azstarnet.com
"A House panel approved legislation Wednesday night designed to hit illegal immigrants where they live -- literally."
California workers protest at Bee over online salary database
From: www.sacbee.com
"About 100 angry members of California's largest state workers union launched a sidewalk protest against The Bee on Wednesday for posting a searchable database of state employees' salaries on the newspaper's Web site."
Nunez's bill taxing oil companies falls short
From: www.sfgate.com
"A political fight over raising taxes to help solve California's fiscal crisis was touched off Wednesday when Democratic lawmakers proposed taxing big oil to help pay for threatened public education programs."
California Assembly kills Nunez oil tax plan
From: www.sacbee.com
"With gasoline prices soaring, legislation to slap the oil industry with higher taxes died in the Assembly late Wednesday in the latest party-line battle over the state's beleaguered budget."
UConn - Loans program clean
From: www.courant.com
"STORRS, Conn. -Internal auditors found no problems with student lending practices at the University of Connecticut, determining there was no evidence that the university was steering students or families to particular lenders or giving preferential treatment to certain lenders."
Taser, stun-gun legislation tabled in House
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Legislation to make the unauthorized use of a Taser or similar electronic stun gun a felony was tabled by a House committee Wednesday for a technical correction."
Lawmakers look to next year's budget cuts
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"After slashing $512 million from the existing state budget on Wednesday, lawmakers today begin the painful process of cutting as much as $3.7 billion from next year's nearly $70 billion spending plan."
Lawmakers try to save land-buy program in lean financial times
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Florida Forever, the state's land-buy program, runs out in 2010. On Tuesday, a House council tried to figure out how to continue its aims when money is tight."
Lawmakers slash $512M from Florida budget
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The easy part is over. Florida lawmakers on Wednesday gave swift approval to $512 million worth of cuts to the current year's budget, despite complaints from Democrats that the GOP-controlled Legislature did not consider tapping into reserves as a way to ease the impact of the trims."
Legislature approves $512 million in budget cuts; votes follow party lines
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"South Florida Democrats on Wednesday voted against $512 million in state budget cuts, saying they would hurt the state's most vulnerable residents, children and the poor."
Seminole Tribe looks for a hand
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"MIAMI - The Seminole Tribe of Florida is about to hire workers for blackjack and other card games it plans to soon offer at its casinos, even though the compact with Gov. Charlie Crist allowing the games is being challenged in the Florida Supreme Court."
Florida House and Senate approve $512 million cut in state budget
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"One day after economists told lawmakers they have $3 billion less to spend next year, the House and Senate approved cutting $512 million from this year's $70 billion budget."
Bill would end mercury use at chlorine plants
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Chlorine plants that use large amounts of toxic mercury for manufacturing -- including Olin Corporation's Augusta chlor-alkali plant -- would be forced to convert to modern methods or close by 2012 under a house bill introduced this week."
Jekyll Island figures don't add up
From: www.ajc.com
"Jekyll Island -- depending on who's talking -- is either in danger of financially slipping into the Atlantic Ocean or is competently keeping its nose above water."
Midstate foreclosures on the rise
From: www.macon.com
"A disturbing national trend hasn't passed by Middle Georgia. A record 762 foreclosures were recorded in Bibb County last year, 30 more than 2006."
Dunwoody incorporation architect sponsors tax allocation bill
From: www.ajc.com
"A state senator from Dunwoody is sponsoring two proposals in the Legislature that could have profound impacts on development near Perimeter Mall and elsewhere in Georgia."
Senate OKs bills to help foreclosed homeowners
From: www.ajc.com
"Troubled homeowners soon may get a little more breathing room from Georgia lawmakers. Two bills aimed at providing more opportunities to avoid foreclosure won overwhelming approval from the state Senate on Tuesday."
House revives bill allowing Sunday alcohol sales
From: www.ajc.com
"The bill to allow package sales of alcohol on Sundays in Georgia was revived Wednesday afternoon when it was attached to Senate legislation allowing Sunday beer sales at Gwinnett County's new baseball stadium."
State budget needs trim as revenues contract
From: starbulletin.com
"State lawmakers will have about $45 million less to work with as they go about crafting the supplemental budget for the current two-year budget cycle."
Senate approves bill giving time off to caucus
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa workers would have the legal right to unpaid time off to go to the presidential caucuses under a bill the Iowa Senate passed Wednesday."
Iowa Student Loan won't offer private loans
From: www.qctimes.com
"A tightening credit market could make life increasingly difficult this fall for college students who may not find money available to borrow or could be forced to ask their parents to co-sign a loan."
Fallon blasts Boswell over trade agreements
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Democratic candidate Ed Fallon is blasting Congressman Leonard Boswell for supporting a series of international trade agreements. Fallon accuses Boswell, his opponent in the June primary, of bowing to special interests when Boswell backed trade deals with Peru, Chili and Singapore."
House flips, weakens smoking ban
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Smoking would be allowed in most bars, casinos and some restaurants under a significant legislative revision to a proposed statewide tobacco ban approved Wednesday by the Iowa House."
Midwest scrambles to attract post-college professionals
From: www.journalstar.com
"DES MOINES, Iowa - Like many Midwest 20-somethings, Chris Diebel left for Los Angeles after graduating college here. Unlike many of them, he came back."
Senate passes weaker measure to promote efficient ID buildings
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Senate Wednesday passed a scaled-back plan to encourage new or remodeled state buildings to conform to heightened energy efficiency standards."
ID Senate committee backs tax breaks for uranium plant
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A state Senate committee has given another nod to incentives meant to persuade officials at French nuclear services company Areva Inc. to build in the remote desert of eastern Idaho."
Committee backs bill to phase out business equipment tax
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A bill to eliminate as much as $120 million annually in taxes on business equipment cleared a legislative committee Wednesday."
Leaders sample drinks before voting on them
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Illinois lawmakers cracked down on alcoholic energy drinks Wednesday even as some cracked open a few."
Tollway reform measures gain initial support
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Commuters would be notified once they've accumulated three toll violations under legislation approved Wednesday by an Illinois House committee."
Proposal would ease suburbs' break from Cook County
From: www.dailyherald.com
""Reagan County" has a bit of a ring to it for state Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine. That could be the name created if Palatine and other towns fed up with having little influence in Cook County matters disconnect and former their own county."
Illinois House members side with newspapers in photo battle
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Newspapers would be free to take and sell as many pictures as they want of high school athletes at state championships, under a proposed state law an Illinois House committee approved Wednesday."
Beck testifies on Rezko's sway with board
From: www.dailyherald.com
"It was a day of some contradictions Wednesday in the trial of Antoin "Tony" Rezko Wednesday, with a wiretap recording seemingly incriminating the defendant, followed by the subject of the recording soft-pedaling that tape."
Group wants to improve Medicaid dental care
From: www.sj-r.com
"People who rely on Medicaid and other government-funded programs are getting shortchanged on their dental care, officials said Wednesday as they announced an initiative to fix the problem."
Teens would get same pay as adults under bill
From: www.sj-r.com
"Teenagers would get the same minimum wage as adults under a bill approved by the Illinois House Labor Committee Wednesday."
Committee approves another bill to prevent IHSA from regulating photos
From: www.sj-r.com
"Less than a week after a state Senate panel said the Illinois High School Association shouldn?t regulate how news organizations use photos and video of high school sporting events, a House committee repeated the message."
Harness-racing bill clears first hurdle
From: www.sj-r.com
"Efforts to bring more horse racing to the Illinois State Fairgrounds and more money into government coffers cleared its first hurdle Wednesday."
B&B Electrical locks down fairgrounds contract
From: www.sj-r.com
"A low bid of $1.8 million submitted by B&B Electrical of Springfield on Wednesday won the contract to install some 22 miles of underground electrical cable at the Illinois State Fairgrounds."
State official says he took orders from Rezko
From: www.sj-r.com
"CHICAGO - The former chairman of a state board with power over multimillion-dollar hospital construction plans testified Wednesday he took his "marching orders" from political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko."
Power rate to increase 2% in June
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Electricity rates for Commonwealth Edison residential customers, which shot up after prices were set by an auction in 2006, will go up another 2 percent, an increase resulting from higher market prices for power, the utility said Wednesday.
"
Chicago real estate transfer tax hike unanimously approved
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Sell a house or other real estate in Chicago, and the city will take a bite of the proceeds under a measure that won council approval Wednesday."
Rezko ran hospital planning board behind the scenes, jury told
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Fearing a suburban hospital project might be torpedoed by politics, its backers sought out a consultant ostensibly to help keep the focus away from clout and on health care. So who got the job? A former Chicago ward boss."
Flavored cigarettes could be banned in Illinois
From: www.stltoday.com
"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - An Illinois Senate Committee moved Wednesday to ban the sale of flavored cigarettes, saying the addictive effects will make smoking more appealing to teens.
"
Defiant lawmaker honors vow to vet
From: www.suntimes.com
"For four years, wounded Iraq war veteran Sgt. Ronald Gist has been trying to get state Rep. La Shawn Ford to live up to a list of promised repairs Ford said he'd complete when he sold his mother's house to Gist."
Lawmakers close in on property tax deal
From: www.indystar.com
"Lawmakers inched closer Wednesday to reaching a final agreement on legislation to resolve the state's property tax crisis."
Immigration bill pleases business groups
From: cjonline.com
"As Sen. John Vratil, R-Leawood, walked out of a hearing Wednesday where he helped significantly alter an immigration bill before its passage, a Kansas Chamber of Commerce representative shook his hand."
Residents rally with Sebelius against coal plants
From: www2.ljworld.com
"For her 14th birthday, Sarina Farb said she wanted to work against the proposed coal-fired power plants. So the Lawrence teen, her mother and father, JoAnn and Joe, and sister, Samantha, 9, came to the Capitol on Tuesday to rally with others against legislation that would allow two 700-megawatt coal-burning plants in western Kansas."
Kansas Senate committee cuts proposals on illegal immigration bill
From: www.kansascity.com
"TOPEKA, Kan. - Kansas lawmakers backed off aggressive proposals to crack down on illegal immigration Wednesday."
Pension bill changed, Senate passed
From: www.kypost.com
"A House plan to reform the state's pension plan was overwhelmingly approved in the Senate today after changes were made."
Budget, revenue package passes out of committee
From: www.kypost.com
"The House Appropriations and Revenue Committee passed a state Executive Branch budget bill Wednesday, that would rely on an $800 million revenue package to meet the state's education, health services and other needs over the next two years."
Ky. to invest in renewable energy technology co.
From: www.kypost.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear announced Wednesday, the launch of Kentucky New Energy Ventures, a state program that administers $5 million in public funds for investment in promising renewable and alternative energy companies in the Commonwealth."
House OKs tax hikes, budget
From: www.kentucky.com
"A state budget proposal that relies on a bevy of tax hikes to maintain spending levels for education and human services won approval Wednesday in the House, but it still faces two major revisions before becoming law."
Senate OKs a revised pension bill
From: www.kentucky.com
"The Senate approved a revised House bill Wednesday night on a 33-3 vote to overhaul the state's retirement systems."
Senate passes its own pension reform bill
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Senate yesterday passed a public pension reform bill that differs significantly from the versions proposed by Gov. Steve Beshear and passed unanimously by the House. The vote on House Bill 600 was 33-3, with Democrats Julian Carroll, of Frankfort, and Perry Clark and Tim Shaughnessy, both of Louisville, voting against it."
House committee passes bill to ease meth cleanup certifications
From: www.courier-journal.com
"It would be easier -- and cheaper -- for companies that clean up toxic residue from residential methamphetamine labs to be certified by the state under a bill approved by a House committee yesterday."
Budget, tax increases get House approval
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The House passed a 25-cent increase in the cigarette tax as part of a revenue package yesterday and then approved a state budget bolstered by the extra money."
House OKs $69 million in tax breaks for businesses
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"The House on Wednesday unanimously approved a $69 million tax break for businesses."
House urges relief for Dome
From: www.nola.com
"With little debate, the House gave unanimous approval Wednesday to legislation that could lower the interest the Superdome Commission is paying on its bonds. House Bill 5 by Speaker Jim Tucker, R-Algiers, now heads to the Senate for debate."
State panel to target employment fraud, 'underground economy'
From: www.bostonherald.com
"PLYMOUTH, Mass. - A state panel will examine the so-called underground economy in Massachusetts, considered to be work done by people who are paid under the table."
Gov - Have buildings that produce, use own energy
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday challenged the construction industry to build "zero net energy" homes and commercial facilities by 2030 in order to help the environment."
State seeks crackdown on abuse of medication
From: www.boston.com
"State health authorities yesterday proposed a major campaign to catch prescription drug abusers by alerting doctors when patients visit multiple clinics and pharmacies in pursuit of powerful painkillers and stimulants."
New tax on top earners backed
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Support is mounting in the General Assembly for a plan to replace Maryland's new computer services tax with an income tax surcharge on top earners, suggesting that the coming weeks could become a reprise of the debate that nearly scuttled November's special legislative session."
Panel votes for ban on slots-like devices
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"A Senate committee voted almost unanimously yesterday to advance a bill seeking to ban slots-like video gambling machines that have proliferated throughout Maryland, setting the stage for the full Senate to take up the measure today."
PSC chief appeals for lower BGE rates
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland's top energy regulator asked lawmakers yesterday to limit certain costs that are passed on to BGE's customers, potentially saving them more than $1.4 billion in coming decades."
Senate cuts $391 million from budget, rejects amendment paving way for repeal of computer services tax
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"The Maryland Senate rejected an amendment to the state budget Wednesday that would have paved the way for repeal of the unpopular computer services tax."
Senate balks at plan to allow repeal of computer services tax
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Maryland Senate rejected a budget amendment yesterday that supporters said would have made it possible to repeal the state's new tax on computer services.
"
Flirting with $4 a gallon
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"KENNEBUNK, Maine - Ferhat Durakovic filled his tractor-trailer with diesel and watched as the numbers ticked upward."
Michigan 6th in nation for foreclosures
From: www.freep.com
"Michigan ranked sixth nationwide for foreclosure filings in February, according to figures from RealtyTrac Inc."
Child-care rating bill wins vote
From: www.showmenews.com
"The Senate gave first-round approval yesterday to a five-star ranking system for child-care centers that's similar to the one used for hotels and restaurants."
Early education panel seeks fans in business
From: www.showmenews.com
"Providing quality preschool to disadvantaged children can change an economy over time by ultimately keeping those youngsters from relying on social services and turning to crime later in life. Researchers have shown the economic benefits of early education many times. "
Bill full of tax breaks advances
From: www.stltoday.com
"The Senate gave first-round approval Wednesday to a bill to authorize tens of millions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies.
"
Barbour praises new Tindall plant
From: www.sunherald.com
"MOSS POINT, Miss. -- Tindall Corp. officially opened its new, world-class precast concrete manufacturing plant on Wednesday with Gov. Haley Barbour calling it another hurricane recovery milestone as he presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony."
House OKs roads for Toyota plant
From: www.clarionledger.com
"The Mississippi House has voted to borrow $25 million to four-lane highways near Blue Springs, where Toyota is building a massive $1.3 billion automobile manufacturing plant."
Advocates want Barbour to veto worker bill
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Gov. Haley Barbour has until Monday to act on a bill that would require companies to make sure all their employees are working legally in Mississippi."
State to get 2 more mine inspectors
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The federal mine-inspection crew in Montana is expanding as the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration adds inspector positions nationwide to step up safety evaluations, work the agency acknowledges has been lacking."
WSI fires three
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"Thud, clunk, thump. Those were the sounds of the other shoes dropping, the fallout many saw coming after a well-publicized review of North Dakota's worker's compensation agency."
WSI to reorganize
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"In addition to firing three executives Wednesday, the state's worker's compensation agency made several other personnel moves."
Five WSI employees lose jobs
From: www.in-forum.com
"Five state workers' compensation agency workers were fired Wednesday -- three who had sought whistle-blower protection and two others who carried baggage from the height of the Sandy Blunt era. A sixth was demoted."
Measure advances to pay irrigators
From: www.omaha.com
"Some 300 irrigators in the Republican River basin would finally get paid for selling their water last year under a bill given first-round approval Wednesday by the Nebraska Legislature."
Bill would help poor with energy projects
From: www.journalstar.com
"The Legislature gave first-round approval Wednesday to a measure (LB1001) that would allow power companies in the state to put about 5 percent of the state sales tax they collect into a program that helps people pay for energy-efficient home improvements."
Lawmakers back water money, but dispute with Kansas not resolved
From: www.journalstar.com
"About 300 farmers in the Republican River basin could get checks totaling $9 million from the state, but Nebraskans are still staring down the possibility of paying millions in damages to Kansas."
Revenue Committee backs changes in Super Advantage bill
From: www.journalstar.com
"Revenue Committee members will be supporting a slimmer version of the Super Advantage bill, aimed at recruiting companies with high-paying jobs."
Agricultural panel advances I-300 alternative
From: www.journalstar.com
"Less than 14 months after a federal judge tossed the state?s corporate farming ban on the scrap heap, the Legislature?s Agriculture Committee has crafted an alternative and advanced it for floor debate."
How the cookie crumbles: Sales of Girl Scout goodies hurting as economy sags
From: www.fosters.com
"BARRINGTON, N.H. - Like Val Gillen, very few people can resist those delectable Girl Scout cookies currently being sold in local communities -- not only do they taste great but they also support a worthy cause."
Two bad seasons, growing demand mean higher maple syrup prices
From: www.fosters.com
"Gov. John Baldacci has kicked off the maple syrup season by tapping a tree on the Blaine House lawn. But the treat won't come cheap this year."
Environmentalists -- Builders writing rules in N.J.
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- Environmentalists blasted draft housing reports yesterday, accusing the Corzine administration of promoting sprawl by trying to relax rules governing development throughout New Jersey."
Affordable housing overhaul is in play
From: www.nj.com
"Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts plans today to advance a long-awaited plan to reshape the state's 2-decade-old affordable housing effort and ban wealthier towns from paying their way out of obligations to provide housing for low- and moderate-income residents."
Federal agency not fighting Nevada developer's water plan
From: hosted.ap.org
"The federal government has dropped its opposition to a bid by wealthy Reno businessman and powerbroker Harvey Whittemore to get rural Nevada water for a huge development he's building about 50 miles north of Las Vegas."
Wall Street spirits rally as foe falls
From: www.nypost.com
"Soon-to-be-former Gov. Spitzer may finally earn some gratitude from Wall Street - where his jubilant archenemies at the New York Stock Exchange and financial houses around the city cheered his resignation speech."
Feds making their case against Eliot
From: www.nypost.com
"Federal investigators will pore over Gov. Spitzer's financial records - dating to his earliest days as New York's attorney general - before they decide whether, or how, to prosecute him, a law-enforcement source told The Post yesterday."
Spitzer steps down, has no deal to avoid prosecution
From: online.wsj.com
"Eliot Spitzer resigned as governor of New York, but his departure left unanswered whether a man who made his name as one of America's leading crime fighters will himself face prosecution."
Wiretaps, rookie hookers and Client No. 9
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Temeka Rachelle Lewis dialed her boss in late January, fed up with the headaches of small-time business. "
Bank reports, then wiretapping, led to unraveling of ring and its Client 9
From: www.nytimes.com
"Last July, the North Fork Bank raised a red flag about suspicious financial transactions involving Gov. Eliot Spitzer. But for several months, the electronic report languished unnoticed in a vast Treasury Department database in Detroit."
What will a governor Paterson mean for New York development?
From: www.observer.com
"The big question following Governor Spitzer?s resignation announcement today is what will happen to his administration?s agenda for economic development and all the expansive, and in many cases expensive, projects under a Governor Paterson."
For an aspiring singer, a harsher spotlight
From: www.nytimes.com
"She left a broken home on the Jersey Shore at 17 and came to New York City to work the nightclubs as a rhythm and blues singer. Now, at 22, she is the unwitting, and as yet unseen, star of the seamy drama that is the downfall of Gov. Eliot Spitzer of New York."
Patterson to take the lead
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Republicans in the state Senate expressed reservations Wednesday about the next governor, David Paterson, saying he is far more liberal than Eliot Spitzer and might not be as attuned to the needs of upstate as his predecessor.
"
Spitzer call girl identified as aspiring singer
From: abcnews.go.com
"The call girl at the center of the prostitution scandal that prompted Gov. Eliot Spitzer to resign in disgrace has been identified as a 22-year-old aspiring musician who struggled in a broken home as a child."
4 arrests, then 6 days to a resignation
From: www.nytimes.com
"The beginning of the end came on Monday morning, as Eliot Spitzer rode south through Manhattan in his black S.U.V. with his wife, Silda, still not sure if he would resign as governor of New York. (See Stateline.org's complete roundup of related news stories)"
Transition raises budget questions
From: www.timesunion.com
"Gov. Eliot Spitzer's resignation leaves a big question mark beside key initiatives that might have become hallmarks of his administration, including a property tax cap and a $4 billion education endowment funded by privatizing the state lottery."
Gas prices on the rise ... with no end in sight
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Gasoline prices are up here and across the nation today. The AAA put the national average Wednesday at $3.25 per gallon, a new record. The Cleveland average was $3.28 and the Akron average $3.31, both below records set last May because of Midwest refinery shutdowns."
Plans unveiled for Ohio casino complex
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"BLUE ASH, Ohio - Ohioans and other private investors could invest in a $600 million casino resort complex, promoters said Wednesday, March 12, in unveiling the first drawing of the proposed development near the northwest corner of Interstate 71 and Wilmington Road in Clinton County."
Strickland fires back at editorial critical of Ohio
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday fired back at a Wall Street Journal editorial blaming Ohio's tax and labor climate for its failure to imitate the economic success of Texas."
Charter air service announces Ohio operations expansion
From: hosted.ap.org
"NetJets Inc., a private air charter service that caters to companies and business executives, announced expansion plans for Ohio on Wednesday, ending speculation that the company would move much of its operations."
Vote on unionization of Catholic Healthcare nurses called off
From: hosted.ap.org
"CINCINNATI - A national nursing union said Wednesday that a canceled unionization vote by employees at nine hospitals in Ohio would have been a sham election and would not have given employees a fair choice in deciding on organization."
Democrat accuses Republicans of blocking grocery sales tax break
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"State lawmakers played political pingpong with Oklahoma's sales tax on groceries Wednesday night as Republicans in the Oklahoma House stopped a Democratic proposal to repeal it from being heard and Democrats prevented a Republican repeal proposal from being considered."
Economist forecasts lower OKC, Tulsa job outlook
From: www.journalrecord.com
"TULSA, Okla. - New federal employment data will spur a downward revision of the Oklahoma State University economic projections for Oklahoma City and Tulsa, economist Mark Snead said Wednesday."
Labor commissioner Gardner resigns post
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"Oregon's labor commissioner announced his resignation Wednesday to take a job with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union in Washington, D.C."
'Big Look' at Oregon land use resumes
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon's "Big Look" task force, idle and out of money for eight months, will dust off its preliminary review of the state's land-use planning system and get back to work Friday."
Oregon chinook season canceled
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"GRANTS PASS, Ore. - Fisheries managers on Wednesday canceled early season ocean fishing for chinook salmon off Oregon."
State, county eye drink tax alternatives
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"State lawmakers will meet Friday with Allegheny County Council members to discuss alternatives to the 10-percent drink tax, organizers said."
Senate bills take aim at regulating lenders
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Though Pennsylvania in general and Pittsburgh in particular have been largely bypassed by the national mortgage crunch, the state Senate hopes a package of bills aimed at regulating lenders more tightly will be ready for a vote this summer."
Investigation sought
From: www.projo.com
"A national Latino clergy leader yesterday called on the state to "investigate immediately" a storeowner's demand to see the Social Security card of one or both of two Spanish-speaking customers, and his subsequent threat to call immigration authorities and make "a citizen's arrest.""
Senate panel mulls 24-hour gambling, sports-betting bills
From: www.projo.com
"With gambling promoters dangling the promise of tens of millions of new state dollars before their eyes, lawmakers yesterday turned their attention to professional sports-betting and round-the-clock gambling at Twin River and Newport Grand as possible ways to plug the state's massive deficit."
Spending cuts win House OK
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"COLUMBIA, S.C. --- The House gave key approval Wednesday to a $7.2 billion state budget that cuts spending by more than 4 percent and relies heavily on raiding reserve accounts in the face of a slowing economy."
EPA tightens pollution standards
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday limited the allowable amount of pollution-forming ozone in the air to 75 parts per billion, a level significantly higher than what the agency's scientific advisers had urged for this key component of unhealthy air pollution. "
Environmental groups turn attention to laws governing Great Lakes pact
From: www.detnews.com
"With passage of the Great Lakes Compact in sight, state environmental organizations are turning their attention to the accompanying legislation that will govern how it is implemented."
EPA toughens requirements for cutting smog
From: www.msnbc.msn.com
"WASHINGTON - The air in hundreds of U.S. counties is simply too dirty to breathe, the government said Wednesday, ordering a multibillion-dollar expansion of efforts to clean up smog in cities and towns nationwide. "
Utahns praises closure of mercury-spewing Nevada plant
From: www.sltrib.com
"Nevada environmental officials have shut down a gold-ore plant until it can scrub more mercury pollution from its smokestacks."
Commission removes textbook tax
From: deseretnews.com
"Textbooks have just gotten cheaper at Utah's public college and university campus bookstores."
Virginia legislators reach deal on $77 billion state budget
From: hamptonroads.com
"House and Senate budget negotiators shook hands Wednesday on a final deal for a two- year, $77 billion state budget that would go into effect July 1."
Committee approves parity bill
From: www.timesargus.com
"Against the protests of Vermont's largest insurance company, a Senate committee approved a new mental health parity bill that would allow state regulators to be more aggressive in how they police the industry."
Bill advances for Yankee inspection
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"The Vermont Senate on Wednesday gave preliminary approval to a bill calling for an independent inspection of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant before the state approves the plant's bid for a 20-year extension on its license."
Demographics, national economy, hit Vermont
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"New labor figures for Vermont may demonstrate the first effects of the national economic slowdown and the aging of the state's workforce.
"
WA governor, lawmaker haven't given up on KeyArena plan
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire isn't giving up hope of finding a solution to keep professional basketball in Seattle, even if it's looking less likely the answer will come before the end of the current legislative session."
Energy Department takes step to protect historic Hanford reactor
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"YAKIMA, Wash. -- A reactor that produced plutonium for one of two atomic bombs dropped on Japan to end World War II will be preserved until a final decision is made about its future, the Energy Department said Wednesday."
Wind farm bill runs out of gas
From: www.madison.com
"Wind farm skeptic Lynda Barry-Kawula was already concerned about a bill that would dramatically expand the state 's role in deciding where the towering stands of windmills should be built."
Wind farm bill runs out of gas
From: www.madison.com
"Wind farm skeptic Lynda Barry-Kawula was already concerned about a bill that would dramatically expand the state 's role in deciding where the towering stands of windmills should be built."
Donation goes to planting trees
From: www.jsonline.com
"A Chicago manufacturer is donating $261,500 to the State of Wisconsin to plant 2 million trees, building on donations that began in 1990 that aim to add nearly 5 million trees in Wisconsin by 2018."
Pilgrim's Pride blames ethanol in closings
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"Pilgrim's Pride Corp., the state's biggest chicken processor, is dramatically cutting back production, saying federal ethanol subsidies have driven feed costs devastatingly high."
Deal in works for coal test plant
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Gov. Dave Freudenthal said construction could start as soon as this summer on a coal research plant that the University of Wyoming is developing with General Electric Co."
Jobless rate at lowest level since 1979
From: billingsgazette.net
"CASPER, Wyo. -- Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell in January to 2.7 percent, its lowest level in nearly three decades. It was the second-lowest rate in the nation, trailing only South Dakota's 2.6 percent."
Governor doesn't expect demand for housing program
From: www.trib.com
"Although Gov. Dave Freudenthal has approved long-delayed rules for a housing infrastructure loan program, he said Wednesday he doesn't expect much interest from contractors."
Freudenthal signs number of bills
From: www.trib.com
"Gov. Dave Freudenthal signed into law Wednesday a measure that will allow counties to regulate large-acre land developments -- but he said the law may not do enough to protect land buyers."
Freudenthal unhappily signs property tax bill
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Wednesday signed a bill that extends a property tax refund program for needy people. But even as he signed the measure into law, the governor criticized the Legislature for not doing more to give residents property tax relief."
WORTH NOTING: Lt. govs may pass on New York
From: www.stateline.org
"Can New York host a lieutenant governors’ shindig without a lieutenant governor? Some New England residents want to air their laundry – the clean kind. And a New Jersey man sues for a bribe that went bust. In case you missed any of those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
Future of coal power under fire
From: www.stateline.org
"Coal-producing states that supply nearly half of the nation’s electricity are feeling squeezed as efforts to combat global warming outpace technology needed to make the nation’s most abundant fossil fuel burn more cleanly."
WORTH NOTING: Gov. Palin expecting No. 5 — soon
From: www.stateline.org
"
 | Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) in Washington, D.C., Feb. 25. |
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) explains her “bump.” Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has a “first girlfriend.” And the “governator” reports some unusual gifts from celebrities. In case you missed any of those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
"
States get help expanding telemedicine
From: www.stateline.org
"For more than a decade, states have urged health care providers to use telemedicine to boost the quality of medical care in rural communities. Maine and other states just got federal grants to build the health information highway to make that possible."
Managing govt. is key in fiscal downturn
From: www.stateline.org
"Utah, Virginia and Washington got top marks for managing a wide range of responsibilities — from fixing roads and schools to spending tax dollars and sharing public information — that carry a direct impact on their residents’ lives, according to a national study that measured state governments’ strengths and weaknesses."
WORTH NOTING: National Governors Association edition
From: www.stateline.org
"This week’s gathering of the National Governors Association generated many serious discussions — but plenty of lighter moments, too. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) “rang in” the meeting. Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) promoted his colleagues for vice president. And three governors toyed with starting a rock band. In case you missed any of those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
From: www.stateline.org
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden.
California corrections officials install “flushometers” to control wasteful toilet flushing in prisons. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in."
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: www.stateline.org
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden.
California corrections officials install “flushometers” to control wasteful toilet flushing in prisons. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in."
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
