Governor signs bill cracking down on illegal immigration
From: www.sltrib.com
"Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. signed a comprehensive anti-illegal immigration bill into law on Thursday. The new law will allow local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws and forces some employers to verify the U.S. documentation status of their workers. It goes into effect July 2009."
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."
Layoff notices set to hit teachers' mailboxes
From: www.sfgate.com
"More than 10,100 teachers will see pink slips in their mailboxes over the next few days as districts up and down California meet a Saturday deadline to warn staff of anticipated layoffs due to the state's budget crisis.
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Senate OKs video gambling machines across Florida
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Covetously eyeing the hundreds of millions it could bring into state coffers, the Florida Senate on Thursday approved a plan to expand gambling statewide.
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Tide turns against use of plastic bags
From: www.usatoday.com
"Massachusetts is considering taxing them. Reno is talking about banning them. Plastic shopping bags are increasingly popular targets of governments looking for ways to help the environment."
Ruedrich matter weighs on GOP convention
From: www.adn.com
"It's supposed to be a show of unity before Alaska sends 29 delegates to the Republican National Convention this summer."
Home sales slow further in January
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"The number of homes sold in Arkansas in January fell 26.6 percent compared to the same month last year, while the average price of homes sold rose 1 percent, the Arkansas Realtors Association reported Thursday."
Republican senator questions GOP leaders' opposition to gas tax
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"A senior Republican state senator clashed with his party Thursday over its chairman's public opposition to Gov. Mike Beebe's proposed severance tax hike on natural gas, calling comments criticizing the proposal "out of line.""
Panel rejects resolution to protect environment in Fayetteville Shale play
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"A legislative committee Thursday rejected a resolution to encourage the creation of a comprehensive plan to protect the environment during development of the Fayetteville Shale play.
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House chairman subpoenas EPA for greenhouse gas waiver documents
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"WASHINGTON - A House committee chairman issued a subpoena Thursday to force the Environmental Protection Agency to turn over 196 internal documents about its decision to deny California permission to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. "
Water model would study social impacts
From: www.chieftain.com
"In the past, water deals involved things like acre feet, cubic feet per second and historical court decrees, as well as the money changing hands. In the future, the impacts of the deals on schools, roads and hospitals could become the most important elements of a change in water use."
VMware growing in Colo., bringing jobs
From: www.denverpost.com
"A fast-growing technology company is expanding in Broomfield, bringing up to 300 jobs in the next couple of years. "
House panel's Husky insurance vote elicits veto threat from Rell
From: www.nhregister.com
"A legislative committee Thursday voted to continue the status quo for administration of the Husky Medicaid program for another year and force Charter Oak insurance to be bid separately."
Blumenthal OKs ban on smoking in casinos
From: www.nhregister.com
"The General Assembly can extend the state?s smoking ban to the Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Thursday in a formal legal opinion."
UConn -- Loans program clean
From: www.courant.com
"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."
Therapists at ease as insurance bill dies
From: www.nhregister.com
"A bill that would have cut social workers out of Connecticut?s mental health system died quietly in committee Thursday, but other measures sent to the full House suggest that the struggle over insurance coverage of psychological care is far from over."
Blumenthal seeks talks on smoking ban at two casinos
From: www.theday.com
"The state's attorney general gave the General Assembly the legal go-ahead Thursday to move forward with a bill that would ban smoking at the state's two tribe-owned casinos, but he also urged lawmakers to push for negotiations with the two tribes to avoid a lengthy and costly court battle."
State releases aid to Waterbury hospitals, seeks more details on possible merger
From: www.rep-am.com
"The state agreed this week to release $5.5 million in financial aid for the city's two hospitals, saying they had met its request to outline a plan for consolidating the two institutions.
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Senate OKs slot machines at race tracks, jai-alai frontons
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Over the heated objections of religious conservatives, the Senate voted Thursday to allow slot machines at every race track and jai-alai fronton in Florida, although the bill's fate is far from certain.
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State funding for Moffitt cancer center to expire
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The state's premier cancer treatment and research center could be a victim of Florida's budget woes, a powerful Republican lawmaker warned Thursday. The clock is ticking for H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa, with a 10-year, $10 million annual state funding stream expiring Dec. 31.
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Senate panel urges tough legislation on Florida property insurers
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"A special Senate panel that grilled insurers last month about how rates are set proposed sweeping property insurance changes on Thursday.
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Bill to help Florida's frontons and racetracks faces long odds
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"MELBOURNE, Fla. - Struggling dog tracks in Melbourne, Daytona Beach and across the state could get a boost from a gambling bill that passed the Florida Senate on Thursday, but few are betting it will win in the House.
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Perdue reiterates opposition to Sunday sales
From: www.macon.com
"Gov. Sonny Perdue on Thursday reiterated his opposition to permitting alcohol sales on Sunday and said he isn't persuaded by those who say let the people vote on the issue. "
Georgia's Feb. unemployment claims up about 38%
From: atlanta.bizjournals.com
"The Georgia Department of Labor reported Thursday first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits spiked 37.7 percent in February."
Hawaii may mandate solar water heaters
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"With the price of oil surpassing $100 a barrel, state lawmakers are taking a serious look at requiring new homes in Hawai'i to have solar water-heating systems."
Shooting up
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii residents registered a record 21,784 personal firearms last year as gun permit applications reached an all-time high and fewer people were turned down than ever before, says a state report."
Bill would ease limit on prizes for games
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"You walk into a bar and play a Fruit Bonus game, which looks somewhat like a video slot machine."
Key lawmaker predicts some type of smoking ban will pass
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Key lawmakers predict a smoking ban will clear the legislature this year, a ban that likely would prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants but allow it in casinos."
Senate rejects smoking ban shift
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A weaker version of a statewide tobacco ban was rejected Thursday when the Iowa Senate insisted on its earlier and most strict proposal."
Iowa Senate stands by tougher smoking ban
From: www.qctimes.com
"The Senate on Thursday rejected broad exemptions to a statewide smoking ban, and a key leader predicted lawmakers ultimately would approve a bill calling for smoke-free restaurants and bars.
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Bill could help block the spread of invasive species
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Lawmakers will consider granting broad powers to the state agriculture department to stop the spread of invasive species into Idaho."
Senate committee delays vote on grocery tax relief
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A Senate committee is debating a plan to gradually increase rebates to offset the 6 percent sales tax Idaho consumers pay on groceries."
Getting rid of Asian carp a problem
From: www.qctimes.com
"It can be difficult for a company that makes its money selling fish to turn away commercial fishermen with boats loaded full of thousands of pounds of the day's catch. But if no one wants to eat the fish, throwing them back can be the only option."
Dentists seek higher reimbursement rate
From: www.rrstar.com
"Dr. Brian Soltys quit accepting new Medicaid patients at his Rockford dental office 10 years ago."
Illinois schools eye 1-cent sales tax
From: www.qctimes.com
"School districts in Rock Island County plan to join a handful of other Illinois districts in putting an up-to-1-cent sales tax on the ballot.
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Illinois House members clash on tax hike
From: www.dailyherald.com
"What seemed to be an argument suited for the Cook County Board found itself in the Illinois House Thursday."
'I was so embarrassed,' vote switcher tells Rezko's trial
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A member of a powerful state health care planning board told political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko's fraud trial Thursday that he switched his vote on an $81 million hospital construction project partly because he felt embarrassed and humiliated by another panel member. "
Bill to ban aluminum bats strikes out
From: www.sj-r.com
"A state lawmaker wants to prohibit kids from using aluminum bats in baseball and softball games, but the idea struck out Thursday with some members of a House committee."
Rezko appointed to hospital board but never served
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Antoin "Tony" Rezko, on trial for allegedly trying to manipulate the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board for a $1 million bribe, was appointed to the board in 1998 but never served, The Associated Press has learned. "
Lawmakers leery of plan for state to buy Wrigley Field
From: www.suntimes.com
"A World Series sweep for the Cubs almost seems more likely than a state deal getting worked out to buy Wrigley Field -- that was the prevailing sentiment Thursday among legislators."
Vote on deck on property tax
From: www.fortwayne.com
"Lawmakers decided late Thursday night to put off a vote on a final property tax reform package that would cut homeowners' tax bills this year by more than 30 percent statewide and provide protection against hikes in the future."
Vote set for today on tax plan
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer had hoped to hold a vote Thursday night on massive property tax reform, including a change that affects only St. Joseph and Lake counties."
Dobis turns down South Shore money match
From: www.nwi.com
"State Rep. Chet Dobis, D-Merrillville, turned down $175 million in state funding for South Shore expansion because the last-minute deal would have required a local tax hike."
Tax deal almost done
From: www.nwitimes.com
"State lawmakers reached agreement Thursday on a plan to cut homeowner property taxes 26 percent this year and begin the process of permanently capping them."
Governor signs bill to tighten oversight of cemetery trusts
From: www.indystar.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels on Thursday signed a bill that will put cemetery and funeral trusts on par with charitable trusts and hold those who oversee them more accountable for their use."
Immigration bill appears dead
From: www.indystar.com
"Indiana is unlikely to begin cracking down on businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants anytime soon."
GOP, Dems strike deal on tax relief
From: www.indystar.com
"Lawmakers returned to the Statehouse this morning and must cast a final vote by midnight on a major property-tax reform plan that would cut the average Hoosier homeowner's bill by about 30 percent."
Barton explosion prompts bill requiring inspections
From: www.kansas.com
"A bill spurred by the Barton Solvents explosion last summer would require the state fire marshal to inspect above-ground chemical storage facilities every three years."
AP Interview - Beshear says he's turning attention to gambling
From: hosted.ap.org
"After a temporary hiatus, Gov. Steve Beshear is again calling on lawmakers to approve a constitutional amendment to legalize casinos in Kentucky."
Coal miners strike back with mass rally at Capitol
From: hosted.ap.org
"Some 1,500 coal miners staged a mass rally on Thursday on the front lawn of the state Capitol to protest legislation that they fear could eliminate their jobs."
Beshear - House budget 'difficult'
From: www.kentucky.com
"The version of the budget that passed the House on Wednesday could paralyze some state services because it would prevent the administration from filling 3,300 state jobs, Gov. Steve Beshear said Thursday."
Governor warns House budget could cause layoffs
From: hosted.ap.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear warned that a nearly $19 billion, two-year state budget approved by the House this week would likely force spending cuts and perhaps layoffs."
Beshear says House budget falls short
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The budget approved by the House assumes unrealistic savings, pushes excessive debt payments into the future and is likely to force spending cuts and perhaps layoffs, Gov. Steve Beshear said yesterday."
Katrina contractor has reaped millions
From: www.latimes.com
"NEW ORLEANS -- Two and a half years after Hurricane Katrina, tens of thousands of homeowners are still waiting for their government rebuilding checks, and many complain they can't even get their calls returned. But the company that holds the contract to distribute the aid is doing quite well."
Final Cape Wind hearing held in Boston
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Supporters and opponents of the Cape Wind power project took one more chance to give their views to federal regulators at the last of four public hearings this week.
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Big Dig's finance risk costs $300G - per month
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A deal intended to free up cash for the Mass Pike in exchange for taking a riskier variable rate on loans has come back to bite the Pike in the budget.
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Sal 'digging in' on fight vs. casinos
From: www.bostonherald.com
"House Speaker Sal DiMasi is strong-arming colleagues into killing the proposal for resort casinos, pro-casino lawmakers charged, and a top aide to Gov. Deval Patrick said democratic debate is being quashed in the back rooms of the State House.
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Senate OKs measure on equity loans
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"In a move that essentially reverses a ruling by the state's highest court, the Maryland Senate approved a bill yesterday to allow state-chartered banks to continue extending certain home equity loans."
O'Malley backs tech tax repeal
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley threw his support behind a growing effort to repeal a $200 million tax on computer services and suggested yesterday that Maryland's wealthiest residents ought to help make up the difference with a surcharge on their personal income taxes."
Miller presses teachers for help on slots
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller has told the leaders of the state's powerful teachers union that they need to support a November referendum to legalize slot machine gambling or be prepared for severe cuts in education funding."
Senate OKs credit repeal
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Senate gave preliminary approval to a bill that would repeal a controversial new law requiring Maryland homeowners to apply for a property tax credit they have been getting automatically until now."
Utility fined for air pollution violation
From: gazette.net
"State officials fined energy company Mirant $250,000 for repeated pollution violations at coal-burning power plants in Charles, Montgomery and Prince George's counties, but environmental advocates called it a "slap on the wrist" to a company with $2 billion in profits last year."
Senators search for tech tax solution
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"The idea first came up on a Sunday afternoon during last fall's special session, when a group of senators spent all day searching for ways to drum up $800 million in new revenue."
Rising gas prices, slumping economy and little relief
From: gazette.net
"With oil prices setting record highs each day and the national economy slumping, lawmakers said this week that they have little hope of passing legislation to either provide relief from prices at the pump or increase the gasoline tax in hopes of addressing a bleak budget outlook."
Pol wants tobacco cash in lump sum
From: gazette.net
"With Maryland facing a sluggish economy, one lawmaker has floated a measure that would trade the roughly $2.6 billion the state still stands to gain from 1998's landmark tobacco settlement for a lesser lump sum that will help during the expected downturn."
MDE, lawmakers spar over wetland fee
From: gazette.net
"Rural lawmakers are at odds with the Maryland Department of the Environment over a tidal wetland fee and permitting process that is halting a project to extend broadband cable to remote communities."
Governor backs repeal of tax
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley added his voice yesterday to those calling for a repeal of Maryland's new tax on computer services, saying he would like to see legislators agree on another source of revenue before adjourning next month. "
Lack of health coverage is deadly in Michigan
From: www.detnews.com
"At least two working-age Michiganians die each day because they don't have health insurance, according to a report released Thursday."
Illegal tobacco sales cost Michigan millions
From: www.freep.com
"Big-time profiteers and small-time cheaters are smuggling 7 million cartons of cigarettes into the state annually to evade Michigan's high cigarette taxes, costing the state about $140 million a year."
Granholm signs bill to create optional driver's licenses
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation to create optional Michigan driver's licenses designed to make it easier to cross the nation's borders."
Spitzer's fall began near Lodge
From: www.detnews.com
"It's a nondescript building easily spotted from the Lodge Freeway or passed by gamblers on the way to the MGM Grand Casino."
Minnesota's foreign-born population: then and now
From: www.minnpost.com
"Foreigners are taking over Minnesota: stealing jobs, slow to learn English and hostile to our way of life."
Hulshof vows to end license office patronage system
From: www.newstribune.com
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Kenny Hulshof pledged Thursday to abolish the patronage system for state license offices and instead award them by competitive bids."
Mo. lawmakers propose sales tax break to spur economy
From: hosted.ap.org
"If you're torn over whether to spend or save your federal tax rebate check, Missouri politicians want to give you an extra enticement to go shopping."
Missouri GOP proposes another sales tax holiday
From: www.stltoday.com
"Republican leaders want to give you an incentive to spend your federal tax rebate in Missouri stores. For three days in June, the GOP is proposing to exempt any product costing up to $600 from state or local sales taxes."
Housing board shelves program
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The Montana Board of Housing is suspending a loan program for first-time buyers because of troubles in the nationwide credit markets."
Pharmacy board to hear case
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Montana needs to find a way, either through administrative rule or legislation, to protect consumer access when pharmacists refuse to dispense contraceptives because of religious beliefs, a Planned Parenthood of Montana spokeswoman said Tuesday."
It may be last leg for racing group
From: www.in-forum.com
"Legislators are threatening to dissolve the state Racing Commission, saying it refuses to abide by a 2007 law meant to preserve a horsemen?s premium fund."
Heineman bullish about State Fair Park transformation
From: www.journalstar.com
"Gov. Dave Heineman is bustling with enthusiasm about the possibilities for transforming State Fair Park into a research setting for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and potential private-sector partners."
Talks aim to help resolve State Fair site flap
From: www.omaha.com
"Legislative Speaker Mike Flood of Norfolk and Agriculture Committee Chairman Phil Erdman of Bayard held tandem meetings Thursday night in an effort to bring together the parties involved in the dispute over the future location of the Nebraska State Fair."
Lawmakers support ban on rodeo events
From: www.journalstar.com
"Some events that occur at Mexican-style rodeos could soon be banned. The Legislature gave first-round approval to a bill (LB764) that would ban horse-tripping and steer-tailing."
Bill on Mexican rodeos advances
From: www.omaha.com
"Nebraska lawmakers moved Thursday toward bringing down two controversial traditions of charreadas, or Mexican rodeos.
"
Family leave bill advances despite doubts
From: www.nj.com
"A bill allowing workers to take paid leaves of absence to care for family members moved closer to becoming law yesterday, despite a contentious Assembly debate over whether the program would hurt New Jersey's weakening economy."
Short-term loan interest rate cap ruled unconstitutional
From: www.nj.com
"A federal judge has struck down parts of a New Jersey law set to take effect next month that caps interest rates lenders can charge consumers who take out loans against their anticipated tax refund."
Jerseyans want universal health care, poll finds
From: www.nj.com
"Three of every four registered voters in New Jersey believes everyone should be required to have health insurance, with about the same number supporting a mandate requiring employers to help uninsured workers purchase coverage, according to a poll released today."
Overtime to drop with cut in salaries
From: www.lvrj.com
"The Regional Transportation Commission approved Thursday reclassifying some hourly staff positions to salaried jobs, a move an officials said could save more than $130,000 in overtime costs."
Paterson hints at delay in LNG decision
From: www.theday.com
"GARDEN CITY, N.Y. - Lt. Gov. David Paterson said Thursday he may seek another delay in deciding whether the state will approve a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal in Long Island Sound."
Report says credit score ban could hurt insurance competition
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A financial ratings firm says the state's ban on using credit scores and socio-economic factors to make auto insurance decisions could hamper the shift to a more competitive market.
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Paterson commits support to Midtown project, upstate funds
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Lt. Gov. David Paterson promised continuity in state government Thursday as he prepared to succeed disgraced Gov. Eliot Spitzer, saying he is committed to support for redeveloping Midtown Plaza and a $1 billion upstate development fund.
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For Paterson, similar agenda, different approach
From: timesunion.com
"Governor-designee David Paterson promised Thursday to continue to pursue Eliot Spitzer's policy agenda, while jettisoning his combative style in favor of collaboration with fellow state leaders, particularly legislators.
"
New leader, new promise
From: timesunion.com
"Joking and at ease in his first gubernatorial news conference, Lt. Gov. David Paterson showed respect for disgraced Gov. Eliot Spitzer and revealed Thursday that he's open to new taxes to support the state budget."
Ohio counties face up to new federal smog laws
From: news.enquirer.com
"Motorists, utility companies and factory owners will all be affected by new federal standards on clean air, and about two dozen Ohio counties will have their work cut out for them to comply, environmental officials said."
Strickland sees House as a hurdle
From: news.enquirer.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland said Thursday the delay in getting Ohio House approval of his energy bill is hurting the state's economy."
Senate's tougher scrap law would undo cities' rules
From: www.cleveland.com
"The Ohio Senate has approved new rules for scrap dealers aimed at reducing thefts of everything from catalytic converters out of cars to telephone wiring out of buildings because of the prices metals can bring."
Local, state officials face up to tougher federal smog standards
From: hosted.ap.org
"Motorists, utility companies and factory owners will all be affected by new federal standards on clean air, and about two dozen Ohio counties will have their work cut out for them to comply, environmental officials said."
Northeast Ohio faces challenge to meet new EPA air-quality guidelines
From: www.cleveland.com
"Two years ago, the director of the state's Environmental Protection Agency issued a dour prediction that made few people breathe easy: Northeast Ohio, he said, could not meet clean-air requirements by 2010."
Sen. Brad Avakian named head of labor and industries bureau
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Democratic Sen. Brad Avakian of Bethany will take on oversight of Oregon's workplaces when Labor Commissioner Dan Gardner leaves the job next month."
Coastal areas brace for salmon shutdown
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Fishery managers have shut down salmon fishing off Oregon's coast through April to protect collapsing fish stocks, presaging what could become the largest West Coast closure in history."
Firm's turnpike access decried
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell gave a Spanish firm competing to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike exclusive access to records, inspections and staff expertise."
Governor orders audit of landfill corporation
From: www.theday.com
"The state corporation that runs Rhode Island's landfill donated millions of dollars in public money to charities in return for sports tickets, meals and other perks and paid above-market prices for land connected to government officials, according to an audit released Thursday."
Governor signs law to regulate adult-oriented businesses
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"Gov. Mike Rounds has signed into law a measure that will place more regulations on strip clubs and other adult-oriented businesses in South Dakota."
Governor has not yet signed liquor licensing, other bills
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"Saturday is the deadline for Gov. Mike Rounds to take action on a couple of dozen notable bills the Legislature passed before beginning its two-week recess Feb. 29."
Governor criticizes EPA's new standards to fight air pollution
From: www.star-telegram.com
"Gov. Rick Perry is chastising President Bush's Environmental Protection Agency for imposing new clean air standards that he said could undermine the state's economy while failing to give the state credit for reducing pollutants."
Texas should aid small businesses, lawmaker says
From: www.chron.com
"Texas should diversify its economic development efforts, which center on offering incentives to large corporations, to fund microlending for small business development, a key lawmaker said Thursday."
Cities use local laws to curb strip clubs
From: www.usatoday.com
"A growing number of cities and counties are using zoning, licensing regulations and other techniques to discourage strip clubs without running afoul of the businesses' First Amendment rights."
Businesses face cut in immigrant work force
From: www.nytimes.com
"HYANNIS, Mass. - For years, William Zammer Jr. has relied on 100 seasonal foreign employees to turn down beds, boil lobsters and serve cocktails at the restaurants, golf course and inn he owns on Cape Cod and in nearby Plymouth."
Ozone rules weakened at Bush's behest
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Environmental Protection Agency weakened one part of its new limits on smog-forming ozone after an unusual last-minute intervention by President Bush, according to documents released by the EPA. "
Crandall Canyon Mine operators lose records fight with The Tribune
From: www.sltrib.com
"The State Records Committee rejected an appeal Thursday by operators of the Crandall Canyon mine to prevent the mine's public co-owner, Intermountain Power Agency (IPA), from turning over some internal records to The Salt Lake Tribune."
Gov signs law that curbs citizens' power to challenge developers
From: www.sltrib.com
"A proposal limiting the public's ability to challenge city land-use decisions passed through this year's legislative session with hardly a ripple. But things might not be quiet for long."
Matheson bill would bar nuclear waste imports
From: deseretnews.com
"A bill introduced Thursday in Congress seeks to prohibit the Nuclear Regulatory Commission from authorizing any company in the U.S. to accept foreign-generated nuclear waste."
After assembly losses, Kaine seeks initiative
From: www.inrich.com
"Gov. Timothy M. Kaine suffered high-profile defeats in the 2008 General Assembly -- on tax breaks, gun control, redistricting and smoking in public. But he's using the legislature's tardy departure to regain the initiative on new and unfinished business."
Lawmakers approve budget, but bond, road issues linger
From: www.inrich.com
"The General Assembly quit twice last night. After first adopting a $77 billion two-year budget and adjourning to close the 2008 session five days late, the legislators immediately called a special session to discuss differences over two bond bills."
Bill would force a return of topless dancers' pasties in Chesapeake
From: hamptonroads.com
"About seven months ago, customers of Headlights and J.B.'s Gallery of Girls saw a change in the 50 or so dancers at the Chesapeake clubs: The women's pasties were gone."
Economy, partisan politics play a role in lawmakers' inability to finish tasks
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"RICHMOND, Va. - The failure of the Virginia General Assembly to complete its work on time this year can be traced to the downturn in the economy, a bitterly partisan fall campaign and a surprising state Supreme Court decision. "
Bill gives newspapers a tax break
From: www.thenewstribune.com
"The state House shipped Gov. Chris Gregoire a bill Thursday that would cut newspapers a tax break for their online advertising. House Bill 2585, which passed the Senate 48-1, was approved by the lower chamber 98-1."
WA gov signs climate change blueprint into law
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"A measure that directs Washington state to come up with plans for cutting greenhouse gas emissions was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire, who said the state has taken another step to create a new economy based on clean energy and sustainable practices."
Lawmakers said no to checkpoints, stadium taxes and cougars
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Among the bills that failed to pass the Washington Legislature was one to set up police checkpoints to catch drunk drivers."
Republicans warn Democrats spending state into deficit
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"The supplemental budget approved by the Washington Legislature calls for saving $835 million. Minority Republicans warn that won't be nearly enough as they expect a slowing economy will leave a budget gap and lawmakers will have to make cuts when they convene next year."
Zipcar tax exemption gets zapped in Legislature
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Users of Zipcar, formerly called Flexcar, will continue to pay a car-rental tax after the state Legislature failed to give the company an exemption."
Democrats call Legislature session a success; GOP sees red ink
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Under the dark clouds of an economic downturn, the Legislature wrapped up the 2008 session Thursday with more than $800 million in the bank and a list of accomplishments, Democrats say, that will help brighten the outlook for the future."
Legislature calls it a year, leaves much undone
From: www.wausaudailyherald.com
"The Legislature finished its regular session on Thursday. It will be remembered more for what it didn't do than what it did. And both parties blamed the other. "
Gov -- Coal plant work could begin in '08
From: www.trib.com
"Gov. Dave Freudenthal said construction could start as soon as this summer on a coal research plant the University of Wyoming is developing with General Electric Co."
On health care, govs are tightening belts
From: www.stateline.org
"While still charting a course toward universal health insurance, governors this year are increasingly trying to keep just their current health programs afloat. They are reacting to a souring economy and new Bush administration policies that are threatening budgets for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program."
TV, film people make their pitch to lawmakers
From: www.projo.com
"It was a dramatic moment for a man who loves drama. An emotional Steven Feinberg faced the Senate Committee on Finance yesterday afternoon, fighting for a tax credit he says will keep Hollywood in Rhode Island. The room behind him was stuffed with supporters ? actors, local business owners, truck drivers ? who indirectly benefit from the film and TV tax credit that will cost the state $18.6 million this year in lost revenue."
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.
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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."
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