Florida tax plan would slash property tax, boost sales tax
From: www.tampabay.com
"Florida voters in November will get the historic option to cut their property taxes by 25 percent or more. But they also would be agreeing to a higher sales tax."
College scholarships revitalize Arkansas town
From: www.csmonitor.com
"EL DORADO, Ark. - When officials announced the El Dorado Promise to an assembly of this Arkansas city's best and brightest high school students, there was a moment of stunned silence."
Drought eases, water wars persist
From: www.usatoday.com
"ATLANTA - It's raining again in the Southeast. Much of the drought-parched region has been deluged recently by winter downpours, including weekend storms that battered the downtown business district and a swath of north Georgia."
Casino no done deal for tribal leaders
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick has repeatedly argued that the state should license casinos because, with or without state approval, the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe will inevitably build one under federal rules. "
Bear Stearns' collapse causes Calif. to look at bond deals
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A day after Bear Stearns agreed to be sold to avoid bankruptcy, California officials sought additional assurances Monday that it will receive $1.3 billion the company owes the state."
Permanent fund loses in Bear Stearns crackup
From: www.adn.com
"The Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. has lost more than $3 million so far this month due to the crackup of Bear Stearns Cos., the nation's fifth-largest investment bank. (Also see: CA: Bear Stearns' collapse causes Calif. to look at bond deals)"
Interest rate cuts have yet to trickle down to consumers, businesses
From: www.al.com
"The Federal Reserve is poised to slash a key short-term interest rate again this week, but so far consumers, homebuyers, investors and savers have not seen many benefits since the aggressive rate-cutting campaign began last fall. "
State begins study of canal's effect on delta
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Plans to build a peripheral canal to divert water around the delta took a key step forward Monday when the Department of Water Resources launched a 30-month study on how to stabilize unreliable water supplies."
A safer bet?
From: www.sacbee.com
"For every Californian who has celebrated March Madness or a Super Bowl by popping a few bucks into an office betting pool, proposed new state legislation is designed to help you sleep easier. Passage of the measure would remove the possibility of jail time for organizing or participating in nonprofit, all-in-fun office pools."
Empty houses prompt concerns about crime
From: www.npr.org
"California leads the nation in home foreclosures and some neighborhoods are full of empty houses. Some fear that the vacant homes invite crime."
DNC funds deadline blown
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"The committee charged with raising money to put on the Democratic National Convention in August is about $5 million short of the goal it was supposed to reach Monday."
State faces '08 budget shortfall
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A struggling economy and a downturn in corporate and personal income tax collections have shot a potential $126 million hole in Delaware's current operating budget -- a hole that must be filled by the end of the fiscal year on June 30."
Resort tax plan battle is brewing
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Prodded by lobbyists for online travel companies and time shares, state lawmakers are quietly crafting a package that could ultimately shield those industries from millions of dollars in taxes every year."
Florida residents to get say on property taxes
From: www.tallahassee.com
"Voters will get to decide in November if they want to cut their property taxes by an average of 25 percent and swap them with a penny sales tax increase, state budget cuts, closing sales tax loopholes, or relying on growth.
"
Property-tax proposal could give South Florida big savings
From: www.miamiherald.com
"One of the biggest tax cuts in state history is headed for the November ballot, after a powerful state commission voted Monday to put an amendment before voters that would scrap most of the portion of local property taxes that goes to schools.
"
Florida to vote on property-tax cut in November
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida voters will get a chance in November to cut their property-tax bill by 25 percent or more -- by eliminating $9.6 billion now collected to help finance public schools."
Atlanta events still on
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Workers struggled to their offices Monday through debris and snarled traffic after a tornado struck downtown, but no long-term effects on the city's lucrative convention and tourism industry were anticipated."
Surfers fight ferry pier
From: starbulletin.com
"WAILUKU, Hawaii - A new Maui surfing group said yesterday it is opposed to any Hawaii Superferry development in Kahului Harbor that would eliminate surfing sites."
Panels reject $200M OHA land settlement
From: starbulletin.com
"A proposed $200 million settlement between the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the state over the use of former monarchy lands appears dead for this session."
Ceded lands settlement bill killed in Senate
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"In a rebuke of a proposed $200 million settlement between the state and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, three Senate committees voted against moving forward with the agreement last night."
Report shows 50,000 Iowa jobs unfilled
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"A new report says roughly 50,000 Iowa jobs are unfilled because of a lack of applicants, a number projected to triple in the near future because of retirements."
Debate over Caucus participation
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A bill making its way through the legislature would give workers the right to ask for unpaid time off to attend the precinct caucuses held by Iowa's two major political parties. But some lawmakers like Representative Mary Mascher are urging the two parties to go further and give Iowans the right to cast their presidential preferences by absentee ballot."
DNR issues rare rejection of construction permit
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has denied a construction permit for a large dairy confinement proposed for northwest Iowa."
Senate sends two ID theft measures to House
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Any Iowan worried about identity theft can put a"security freeze" on their credit information, prohibiting thieves from opening unauthorized accounts."
Insurance plans met with skepticism
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Child-welfare advocates expressed disappointment Monday over a legislative effort to provide health insurance to all Iowa children."
Parties work to resolve lawsuit over TouchPlay
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A high-stakes legal battle over the state's termination of the Iowa Lottery's ill-fated TouchPlay game could be headed toward a settlement."
Senate passes measures aimed at identity theft
From: www.qctimes.com
"The Senate unanimously passed two measures Monday aimed at protecting consumers from identity theft, a crime they said is becoming more common in Iowa."
Settlement possible in TouchPlay lawsuit
From: www.qctimes.com
"A settlement could be in the works in a high-stakes legal battle over Iowa's ban on TouchPlay video gaming machines."
Idaho Senate panel passes anti-NAFTA resolution after changes
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A conservative lawmaker from southwestern Idaho finally won a Senate committee's initial blessing for his anti-North American Free Trade Agreement bill -- but only after dropping his call for outright withdrawal."
Idaho lawmakers begin effort to repeal failed Albertson's breaks
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Lawmakers began efforts to repeal a failed law once aimed at keeping Albertson's Inc. in Idaho. There was no opposition to introducing the repeal Monday in the House Revenue and Taxation Committee."
House votes 41-27 for bill that seeks to end tax shift
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The House of Representatives voted 41-27 for a bill that seeks to reduce property taxes levied by counties by changing the formula that local governments use to calculate the addition of new construction."
ID Senate committee rejects illegal immigration bill
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho lawmakers have killed a measure for the second time this year that would crack down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants."
Home operator threatens lawsuit after Otter signs drug-felon law
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The operator of a growing network of group homes for drug felons is threatening a lawsuit after Governor Butch Otter Monday approved a bill allowing cities and counties to more closely regulate such facilities."
Committee backs stiffer fines for fishery destruction
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"State lawmakers are backing a proposal to stiffen penalties on developers who harm lakes or fisheries, a reaction to a builder who destroyed a key spawning bed for a prized sport fish in north Idaho last spring."
Lawmaker-turned-lobbyist aims to return to Idaho House
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A former Republican lawmaker-turned-lobbyist aims to rejoin her former colleagues in the state House of Representatives a year after her work prompted calls to add revolving-door reforms to Idaho's lobbying laws."
Senate backtracks, votes to lift ID election day booze sale ban
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"In voting that one lawmaker described as "weird," the Idaho Senate reversed course Monday and approved a measure to lift a 69-year-old ban on package liquor sales on election day."
State Senate backs tax breaks for Idaho uranium plant
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Senate on Monday passed a pair of big tax breaks meant to help lure a proposed new $2 billion uranium enrichment complex to a site near the Idaho National Laboratory outside Idaho Falls."
Legislators want to limit county board's power
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Using Todd Stroger's new budget as a rallying cry, Republican lawmakers are calling on Springfield to restrict Cook County's ability to raise taxes and add workers."
Rezko witness ties Blagojevich's father-in-law to kickback plan
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Political insiders in the Blagojevich administration at one point prepared a sham consulting agreement to divert $125,000 to Chicago Alderman Dick Mell after he "was upset because he was not participating in the spoils" of the administration, a witness testified Monday."
Just like that, seniors pay nothing to ride
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich's last-minute politicking to give seniors free rides on public transit drew cries of outrage from Democrats and Republicans and nearly propelled the RTA to the brink of a budget crisis in January. But Monday, the first day of the new no-fare policy, it was all smiles and good vibrations on Pace bus 234."
Wrigley Field to be sold to state? Don't count on it
From: www.qctimes.com
"Illinois lawmakers are scoffing at a proposal that would have the state purchase Wrigley Field from Tribune Co. boss Sam Zell."
Court to hear complaints about dispensing 'morning-after' pill
From: www.qctimes.com
"The Illinois Supreme Court is slated to hear complaints about Governor Rod Blagojevich's three-year-old order requiring pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception."
Lawmakers consider tax breaks for Winfrey, Springer shows
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"From Chicago, it's "The Oprah Winfrey Show," brought to you with a little help from Illinois taxpayers. Or, this Jerry Springer throwdown is funded in part with a break from Barack Obama's home state. "
Blagojevich not ruling out gambling expansion
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Governor Rod Blagojevich says he's still willing to talk about gambling expansion to pay for a statewide construction program. "
Wrigley Field sale to state looking like latest Cubs loser
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The government authority angling for Wrigley Field is expected to submit its bid as early as Tuesday, but the proposal will arrive badly bruised, according to sources close to the potential deal."
Seniors step up as free transit rides begin
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A new era in mass transit dawned in Illinois Monday as senior citizens climbed aboard buses and trains for free, an event that transit agencies took in stride and riders welcomed with a shrug and a grin."
Ald. Richard Mell sought kickback from state pension board business, witness tells Rezko jury
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Not long after his son-in-law Rod Blagojevich became governor, Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) sought to squeeze a sizable kickback out of an insider deal at a state pension fund, according to testimony Monday in federal court."
State agency still wants to buy Wrigley Field
From: www.suntimes.com
"Former Gov. Jim Thompson said Monday he's forging ahead with Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell's plan to have the state buy and renovate 94-year-old Wrigley Field -- in spite of editorial and political opposition to the deal.
"
Bauer -- Tax plan tweak aids county
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"St. Joseph County might get out of imposing an extra 1 percent income tax thanks to changes in a property tax bill that passed the General Assembly last week, House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer said Monday. But that claim is disputed by the president of St. Joseph County's Board of Commissioners."
Henry looks to local income tax hike
From: www.fortwayne.com
"Saying the state?s property tax plan has forced his hand, Mayor Tom Henry plans to discuss raising local income taxes with members of the City Council."
State's economic clouds likely to hover awhile
From: www.indystar.com
"Don't look for a quick uptick in the Indiana economy just because of the bailout of New York investment bank Bear Stearns."
RCA Dome auction is bilking taxpayers, lawsuit says
From: www.indystar.com
"The money from the public auction of RCA Dome seats, chunks of its turf and roof and assorted items such as locker room urinals belongs to taxpayers and not to the two nonprofit groups that are in line to get it, a lawsuit claims."
House OKs tax relief for business
From: www.kansas.com
"An economic stimulus and disaster relief package designed to help mostly businesses won House approval Monday."
Hoosier challenges bridge tolls
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Tolls shouldn't be considered as a way to pay for the Ohio River Bridges Project, a Southern Indiana congressman said yesterday."
Kentucky not alone with its budget problems
From: hosted.ap.org
"As Kentucky faces a projected revenue shortfall of nearly $1 billion over the next two fiscal years, the state is not alone in the nation when it comes to grappling with sagging revenues and increasing budgetary needs."
Gambling czar bet millions on Kentucky getting casinos
From: www.courier-journal.com
"His casino empire, his personal finances and his integrity all are under siege. He recently lost his only New Jersey casino license in a high-stakes case that has reverberated throughout the gambling industry. And regulators in the four states where he is still in the gambling business ? Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Nevada ? are investigating or reviewing his operations."
Senate leaders balk at passing House budget's tax cuts
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Senate opposes raising taxes and disagrees with other provisions in the budget and revenue package approved last week by the House, Senate President David Williams said yesterday."
New Orleans' homeless rate swells to 1 in 25
From: www.usatoday.com
"NEW ORLEANS - The homeless population of New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina has reached unprecedented levels for a U.S. city: one in 25 residents."
DiMasi on casinos - 'My answer is no'
From: www.boston.com
"House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi this morning set a dire tone for what is expected to be a difficult day for proponents of expanding gambling, blasting the governor's plan to license three casinos in Massachusetts."
Casino backer will turn to voters if House kills measure
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A prominent supporter of the governor's casino gambling proposal said Monday he would seek a fall statewide referendum on it if, as now appears increasingly likely, the House moves to kill the measure this week."
Group lays out potential means for Turnpike toll equity
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A task force is recommending several possible ways of making turnpike tolls more equitable, including the reinstatement of tolls in western Massachusetts and Exit 16 in Newton."
Lawmakers push to end tax credit hurdle
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"The State Senate last week moved closer to repealing a law that requires homeowners to apply for a longstanding tax credit, a hurdle some lawmakers said may be costing some taxpayers thousands of dollars."
Official focuses on bar games
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Comptroller Peter Franchot is pushing for Baltimore City and Baltimore County to stop providing licenses for thousands of video gambling machines that critics allege make illegal, "under the table" payouts in area bars and restaurants."
Taxing times for county budgets
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The leaders of Maryland's two largest Washington suburbs, facing a sinking economy and slumping housing sales, yesterday proposed raising taxes and trimming spending to balance local budgets while protecting what they say are critical public services. "
Threat to Maine banks minimized
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Experts say Maine's financial institutions will remain relatively unscathed by the subprime lending fallout that has rocked Wall Street for months and resulted over the weekend in the collapse of investment bank Bear Stearns."
$40M sought to promote Michigan tourism
From: www.lsj.com
"Most residents are tired of winter in Michigan, but Steve Yencich wants to see a lot more of it."
Lawmakers fire at hookah tobacco
From: blog.mlive.com
"Oakland Community College student Ryan O'Connor, 18, had his first experience smoking hookah tobacco in 10th grade."
Changes proposed in liquor license system
From: blog.mlive.com
"Proposed new restrictions on liquor licensing for businesses in Michigan's downtown development areas (DDAs) would improve the licensing system, according to a legislative aide."
Proposal would protect jobs of volunteer firefighters, EMTs
From: blog.mlive.com
"Several Utica volunteer firefighters have faced termination from their paid jobs because they were absent or late when they had responded to emergencies."
Granholm wants program prepping students for hospital work
From: www.detnews.com
"Lincoln Middle School principal Gloria Hill likes the idea of her students one day working at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac."
Michigan to get 3,000 jobs
From: www.detnews.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm, eager to prove her economic development efforts are working, plans to announce today that 10 companies will expand in the state with the potential to create more than 3,000 jobs, including 1,500 at a Troy credit card processing company that was being wooed to relocate to Florida."
License plate sales raise $215,000 for lighthouses
From: www.freep.com
"More than $215,800 has been raised for lighthouse restoration through the sale of ?Save Our Lights? license plates, according to the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries."
Minn. biodiesel plant suspends operations due to soybean oil cost
From: ap.brainerddispatch.com
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The rising cost of soybean oil, a main ingredient in biodiesel, has led a New Jersey company to shut down, delayed construction of a plant in Nebraska, and now forced a Minnesota producer to temporarily suspend operations and lay off dozens of employees."
Missouri unemployment rate inches up to 5.5 percent
From: newstribune.com
"Missouri's unemployment rate inched higher in January even as jobs were added."
Barbour OKs illegal-worker bill
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Companies in Mississippi soon will be required to use a federal pilot program called eVerify to determine whether potential workers are legal U.S. residents, under a bill Gov. Haley Barbour signed into law Monday."
Barbour signs illegal immigrant bill
From: www.djournal.com
"Legislation designed to crack down on illegal immigrants and the businesses that hire them was signed into law Monday by Gov. Haley Barbour, but not without reservations."
Barbour signs bill to verify worker citizenship
From: www.sunherald.com
"Gov. Haley Barbour signed a bill Monday that would force companies to verify the citizenship status of their workers, but he said he had some technical concerns about it."
State agrees to pay in PCB case
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The state of Montana and chemical giant Monsanto Co. have recently reached settlement agreements with landowners along Big Spring Creek near Lewistown who said their property values declined because PCBs in paint used on fish hatchery raceways washed into the creek."
Public records show foreclosure crisis
From: www.charlotte.com
"Before 2005, when the Observer began investigating home loan failures, almost no one knew a foreclosure crisis was happening here. That's because no local, state or federal agency tracked foreclosures by neighborhood."
Wine-makers get to keep business
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"GRAND FORKS, N.D. - A make-your-own wine franchise is staying open, its owners say, after the state Tax Department reversed a ruling that the franchise owed back taxes and failed to use enough North Dakota products."
5 to be interviewed for WSI position
From: www.in-forum.com
"The search committee working to find a new interim executive director at North Dakota's Workforce Safety and Insurance will interview five candidates today and name three finalists."
NPPD agrees to buy power from new wind farm near Bloomfield
From: www.journalstar.com
"An agreement announced Monday will pave the way for construction of Nebraska's largest wind farm near Bloomfield."
City prepares to tighten the spending belt
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"Reserve funds are dry, revenue is down, and two years of tight budgeting have left city departments wondering what's left to trim in the city's spending plan. This year, city residents will feel the cuts, whether it's roads left unpaved, city employees asked to work part time without benefits, or diminished police, fire and recreation services. "
Pump prices soar: Gasoline prices could hit $3.50 per gallon by Memorial Day
From: www.fosters.com
"DOVER, N.H. - Gas prices rose to record high levels in Maine and New Hampshire on Sunday and experts say motorists could be paying as much as $3.50 per gallon for unleaded regular fuel by Memorial Day weekend."
Legislators want U.S. attorney to ovesee a probe of EnCap
From: www.nj.com
"Even as calls intensified yesterday for a criminal investigation into the $1 billion EnCap project, some state legislators said the attorney general may be the wrong one to do it."
Acting treasurer sees further decline in state revenues
From: www.nj.com
"The acting state treasurer acknowledged yesterday a slumping economy is likely to pinch state revenues in coming weeks, but said he doubts it will cause a crippling shortfall."
Bill to ban crab harvest heads to Corzine
From: www.nj.com
"A proposed ban on horseshoe crab harvests is heading for Gov. Jon Corzine's signature following yesterday's approval of the measure by the state Senate."
Universal health care for New Jersey?
From: www.northjersey.com
"All New Jersey residents would be required to have health insurance over the next three years under a plan unveiled Monday in Trenton. "
New Jersey to consider health plan to cover all
From: www.nytimes.com
"TRENTON, N.J. - Thrusting New Jersey again into the vanguard of social change, a bipartisan group of legislators unveiled a proposal on Monday that would require all residents to have health care coverage within three years.
"
Fort Sill Apaches pressing government to allow casino
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"LAS CRUCES, N.M. ? The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma has filed a motion in federal court in Oklahoma City, asking the federal government to quickly process an application granting reservation status to 30 acres of New Mexico land where the tribe wants to open a casino. "
Blind find hope in rise to power
From: www.timesunion.com
"People in the blind community say Gov. David Paterson's ascent to the state's top job may improve the job prospects for all of them."
$25B transportation plan in works
From: www.timesunion.com
"State Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn is poised to propose a $25 billion five-year capital plan for the state's transportation system."
New York official resigns post amid shift in leadership
From: www.nytimes.com
"The changing of the guard at the state's troubled economic development agency was already under way when Gov. David A. Paterson took the oath of office on Monday."
Once a defender of Indian Point plant, the state pushes to close it
From: www.nytimes.com
"There was a time when the owner of a nuclear reactor at Indian Point labored mightily against a cadre of passionate opponents and hostile county officials who wanted the plant to be shut down. "
Bear Stearns sale buoys most public employee pension funds
From: www.toledoblade.com
"J.P. Morgan's bargain buyout yesterday of sinking Bear Stearns brought panic to Wall Street, but it brought mixed news for Ohio's public employee pension funds."
First-time home buyers look to benefit from housing slump
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Many Ohioans hoping to become first-time homeowners seek to cash in on the economic slump that has home prices tumbling."
Ohio pension funds weather Bear's fall
From: www.ohio.com
"Among the 100 top shareholders in investment bank Bear Stearns & Co. are Ohio's two largest public pensions, the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio fund and the Ohio Public Employees Retirement fund."
Lottery to spend $18M on Keno lottery machines
From: hosted.ap.org
"The Ohio Lottery plans to spend almost $18 million on equipment needed to operate the state's new Keno, a video lottery game resembling bingo that will be played at licensed restaurants and taverns."
Stock plunge makes National City 'an attractive target'
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Fear of more problems in the banking industry today pushed shares of National City Corp. to their lowest level since 1991."
Gasoline prices in Oregon continue to soar
From: hosted.ap.org
"PORTLAND, Ore. -- According to AAA, gas prices in Oregon continue to reach new all-time record highs -- while diesel prices in the state are skyrocketing as well."
Tests find unsafe chemical levels in bass near dam
From: www.oregonlive.com
"New tests of smallmouth bass from the Columbia River near Bonneville Dam found fish with concentrations of industrial chemicals of as much as 26,000 times higher than what state officials consider safe for human consumption."
Turnpike study called one-sided
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A taxpayer-funded study that criticized a proposed lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike was not as "independent" as lawmakers suggested."
Obama assails Bush on economy in Beaver County stop
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Illinois Sen. Barack Obama yesterday assailed President Bush about the economy, charging that administration policy was "so divorced from the reality facing the American people and the American economy that it would be laughable if it weren't so frightening.""
Obama urges targeted tax cuts
From: www.mcall.com
"Sen. Barack Obama on Monday urged the government to cut middle-class taxes this year to ease the spreading economic crisis, as he and Democratic presidential rival Sen. Hillary Clinton criticized President Bush for failing to take the lead in addressing the nation's economic woes."
State urges court to reject appeal by paint companies
From: www.projo.com
"The State of Rhode Island, backed by briefs from more than 50 organizations and public health experts, filed legal papers yesterday urging the state Supreme Court to reject an appeal by three corporations seeking to overturn a jury's verdict two years ago that found their lead-based paints created a nuisance by poisoning children throughout the state."
S.C.'s low graduation rate hurting economic competitiveness, report says
From: greenvilleonline.com
"South Carolina's next-to-the-bottom high school graduation rate is hindering the economic competitiveness of its work force, according to a new analysis."
S.C. suffers at least $15M in damage
From: www.charleston.net
"Powerful storms that swept across South Carolina Saturday caused millions of dollars worth of damage and prompted thousands of calls to insurance companies from property owners across the state."
House votes to override veto on liquor bill
From: argusleader.com
"The South Dakota House voted 57-12 shortly before noon to override Gov. Mike Rounds? veto of a bill creating a new liquor license to let South Dakota farm wineries sell producers for off-premise consumption."
Liquor ad deal shows power held by lobbyists
From: www.tennessean.com
"A couple years ago, the state's top alcohol regulator was in a tough spot. A proposed bill in the legislature would have clipped one of her agency's key duties, regulating liquor and wine commercials."
Housing Choice vouchers may be cut in federal budget
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Nearly 1,500 federal Housing Choice vouchers in Tennessee would not be renewed if Congress approves President Bush's proposed fiscal 2009 budget, according to a report from a nonprofit center on federal budget priorities."
Oil and gas, job rate shield Texas from economic downturn
From: www.star-telegram.com
"The Texas economy has bucked the increasingly dire national downturn, largely because of the thriving oil and gas industry and healthy employment rates."
El Paso wants state to revoke smelter's permit
From: www.chron.com
"EL PASO, Texas - The city of El Paso wants the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to rethink its recent decision to give a copper company a new air quality permit for a shuttered smelter."
10 states to initiate CO2 auction
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"Ten northeastern states hoping to crack down on power plants and other large-scale greenhouse gas emitters announced plans Monday for a carbon dioxide allowance auction, to be held Sept. 10. "
Energy, farm prices protect some states
From: www.sfgate.com
"DES MOINES, Iowa -- Rising energy costs have been cited as one factor pushing the nation toward recession, but those same increases are keeping some state economies strong."
Uneasy economy -- State budget cuts to hit poor, working class
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Financially strapped states are looking to take away government health insurance and benefits from millions of Americans already struggling with a souring economy. An Associated Press review of the budgets in all 50 states reveals coverage would be eliminated for hundreds of thousands of poor children, disabled and the elderly."
New state laws require providers to cover colon cancer screening
From: www.cqpolitics.com
"More than half the U.S. population is now covered by new state laws requiring insurance providers to cover colon cancer screening tests. "
Huntsman gives several bills his John Hancock
From: www.sltrib.com
"Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. signed 225 bills into law, including legislation targeting Salt Lake City's domestic partner registry, extending a tax break to Delta Air Lines, and making it a felony to torture a pet dog or cat."
Military clings to beloved air tanker
From: www.sltrib.com
"Consider, for a moment, the most sophisticated piece of technology in your home. You use it. You love it. Perhaps you even feel a bit loyal to its maker. Now consider whether it will still be around in five years. Or 10. Or 50."
Chesapeake sisters selling Illinois-shaped cereal flake online
From: hamptonroads.com
"Forget recession fears, skyrocketing gas prices and falling stocks. Someone, apparently, is willing to pay more than six grand for a corn flake."
Seattle passes lobbyist disclosure requirements
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Lobbyists seeking to influence Seattle politicians will soon be required to publicly report their efforts -- except for some on government payrolls."
Doyle tobacco plan will cost $94 million
From: www.madison.com
"A plan by Gov. Jim Doyle to get cash upfront to help fix the state's broken budget will cost the state $94 million in payments from tobacco companies over the long haul, an independent analysis has found."
Hospital tax picks up key support
From: www.wrn.com
"One of Wisconsin's largest business groups has come out in support of a proposed hospital assessment in the Governor's budget repair bill."
AB&C closes 2 W.Va. facilities; workers to meet with lawyer
From: hosted.ap.org
"MARTINSBURG, W.Va. - Workers who lost their jobs when AB&C Group closed two call centers in West Virginia plan to meet with a lawyer next week to discuss their options."
Amid Wall Street woes, W.Va. expects its investments to miss mark
From: www.dailymail.com
"While urging a long-term view, state officials predicted West Virginia's investments will fail to reap their projected 7.5 percent return when the budget year ends June 30."
Corrections housing taking shape
From: billingsgazette.net
"RAWLINS, Wyo. -- The Wyoming Department of Corrections is negotiating with a Salt Lake City development company to build 48 housing units in Rawlins for Wyoming State Penitentiary employees."
State government watches investments
From: www.trib.com
"Wyoming investment officials said Monday they were keeping a close eye on volatile financial markets, but public investment funds, covering everything from retirement plans to college scholarships, would not be affected by the sudden sale of Bear Stearns."
State of denial?
From: www.trib.com
"When Jerry Burgess was diagnosed with blood cancer, he wasn't sure whether it was work-related. All he and his family knew was that the medical and financial challenge had begun, and their first line of defense was a credit card."
'This has been hell'
From: www.trib.com
"Barbara Brettin was 34 in 1990 when she began her long struggle with Wyoming's workers' compensation program."
Budget woes hit home
From: www.stateline.org
"Economists and politicians may debate whether the country has fallen into a recession, but new figures to be released next week suggest states are at the brink with state tax collections the lowest in nearly five years."
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."
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.
"
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: 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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