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."
Kansan stokes energy squabble with coal ruling
From: online.wsj.com
"WASHINGTON -- Rod Bremby doesn't have the star power of Al Gore or Arnold Schwarzenegger, but his decision to block a permit for two big coal-fired power plants in Kansas has put him at center stage in the national debate over energy and the environment."
Druggists ask to stop forced 'morning-after' pill sales
From: www.usatoday.com
"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A group of pharmacists asked the Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday to throw out a rule that forces them to dispense emergency contraception despite moral objections, claiming it amounts to illegal coercion."
Ark. AG asks payday lenders to shut down or face lawsuits
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel moved Tuesday to shut down payday lending companies in the state, saying the fees they charge harmed the working poor and violated the state constitution's ban on high-interest loans."
House speaker warns tanker owners
From: www.adn.com
"House Speaker John Harris is threatening to hold hearings on whether owners of the shipping company that hauls North Slope crude oil for BP are skimping on tanker maintenance."
Sen. Murkowski asks for faster track to gas pipeline
From: www.adn.com
"U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Tuesday that time is running short on Alaska to get a natural gas line project moving -- while competing natural gas projects are gaining ground."
Murkowski urges gas line action
From: juneauempire.com
"The advice from U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski to state lawmakers on Tuesday was simple: "Think energy and think jobs.""
House approves savings plan
From: www.adn.com
"The state House has agreed to ask voters if they would approve a plan to stash surplus oil revenues in an income-generating endowment."
Text of Sen. Lisa Murkowski's address to the Alaska Legislature
From: www.ktuu.com
"Speaker Harris, President Green, members of the Legislature: Thank you for allowing me to address the Legislature today. I want to talk about making history together, but first let's thank those Alaskans who are making us safe. "
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley's proposed General Fund budget for fiscal 2009 leaves four health programs in a bind
From: www.al.com
"Hampered by an economic downturn and rising costs, the governor's proposed budget for next year does not fund at least four health programs that provide critical services to thousands of people, the state's health officer warns."
One-shot turkey hunt helps state bring in business
From: www.accessmontgomery.com
"Alabama isn't just targeting turkeys but some of the world's prize businesses. Gov. Bob Riley said one reason the state has been so successful in its hunt for these businesses has been Alabama's one-shot turkey hunt."
Leading insurer to cut back
From: www.al.com
"State Farm, Alabama's largest property insurer, will impose significant restrictions on new policies in Mobile and Baldwin counties beginning April 1, in what the company said Tuesday was an effort to cut its exposure to possible losses from a hurricane."
Payday lenders must shut down or face lawsuits, AG says
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Payday lenders throughout Arkansas must shut down immediately or face the likelihood of lawsuits, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Tuesday."
Payday lenders must shut down or face lawsuits, AG says
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Payday lenders throughout Arkansas must shut down immediately or face the likelihood of lawsuits, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Tuesday."
2 Senate bills gain that advance idea of state toll roads
From: www.azstarnet.com
"State senators gave their blessing Tuesday to two measures that eventually could lead to toll roads."
Proposed employer sanctions revisions stall at the Legislature
From: www.azstarnet.com
"The progress of proposed revisions to Arizona's employer sanctions law stalled Tuesday after some business groups opposed an attempt to add a new punishment to the law."
Toll-road ideas advance in Senate
From: www.azcentral.com
"Proposals that would pave the way for new toll roads in Arizona rolled forward in the Legislature on Tuesday. "
Senate OKs health-care bill for businesses
From: www.azcentral.com
"A bill aimed at saving a beleaguered state health-insurance program for small businesses passed the Senate on Tuesday.
"
State Sen. Migden fined for campaign finance violations
From: www.latimes.com
"State Sen. Carole Migden has agreed to pay a record $350,000 in fines for 89 violations of state campaign finance laws that include using political funds for personal benefit and failing to disclose what her political committees purchased with credit cards, according to documents released Tuesday."
House committee kills movie-location incentives
From: www.chieftain.com
"No one was more stunned than Reps. Tom Massey and Cheri Jahn when a House committee unexpectedly killed their bill Tuesday to promote more movies filmed in the state."
Solar energy bill passes House
From: www.chieftain.com
"A day after she loudly spoke out against a bill on solar energy -- twice in the same day -- Rep. Dorothy Butcher voted for the measure Tuesday."
House panel approves farmworker bill
From: www.chieftain.com
"It took her several attempts, but an El Paso County Republican finally convinced a House committee Tuesday to approve her bill to help get Mexican farmworkers into Colorado."
Senate backs state employee strike ban
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"State employees would be barred from striking under a bill given initial approval by the Senate on Tuesday."
House panel kills film-incentives bill
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"A Colorado House panel today killed a proposed bill that would have offered up to $25 million in financial incentives to entice producers to shoot movies in Colorado."
Foreign-worker bill drops some baggage, clears committee
From: www.denverpost.com
"A bill intended to help Colorado farmers more easily hire foreign workers cleared its first major hurdle Tuesday, but only after its sponsor jettisoned some key provisions."
Legislators raise questions about hiring of ex-governor
From: www.theday.com
"Two state lawmakers want to know whether former Gov. John G. Rowland will be interacting with state government in his new job as Waterbury's economic development coordinator."
Bill to expand movie tax credits advances
From: www.theday.com
"A proposal to continue broadening the state's incentive program for motion picture and television production passed a preliminary hurdle Tuesday, winning approval from the legislature's Commerce Committee."
I-95 repairs have drivers standing still
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Crumbling concrete on I-95 in Philadelphia may cause some Delaware motorists headaches, and the issue surfaced Tuesday as presidential campaign fodder."
Budget crunch brings hiring freeze
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and top state budget officials, grappling with a projected $126 million shortfall in the current year's budget, are implementing a state hiring freeze today."
Crane regulations pending
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Before news spread of Saturday's deadly New York City crane accident, state legislators and the Miami-Dade County Commission already had proposals for crane safety standards on the horizon. The main question at stake was who would get their regulations up first."
Balancing act - Public rights vs. privacy
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Sen. Dave Aronberg said he's just trying to ensure the safety of emergency medical workers who fear being threatened after responding to a call. But to open-government advocates, Aronberg's bid to make private the home addresses of EMTs and paramedics (SB1660) is among about 50 bills filed this legislative session that threaten to erode a key right of Floridians."
Property-tax bill no panacea for housing sales
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Proposed property tax relief could give a boost to South Florida's beleaguered real estate industry, pushing skittish home buyers off the fence and easing the burden on commercial property owners, industry leaders said Tuesday."
School districts wary of tax cut plan
From: www.miamiherald.com
"For the second time in a year, Florida voters will go to the polls with an opportunity to trim their own property taxes. But the tax measure has Florida school districts queasy about the prospect of shrinking revenues and bulging class sizes."
Request moves forward for new nuclear-power units
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Florida Power & Light Co.'s request for two new nuclear-power units at its Turkey Point plant in Dade County on Tuesday cleared a major hurdle toward state approval.
"
FPL backs off on state beach wind-farm project
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"MIAMI - Bowing to unexpected public opposition, Florida Power & Light is abandoning plans to use a state-owned beach on Hutchinson Island for Florida's first industrial wind farm."
If property taxes are cut, raise sales tax by 2 pennies
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"If voters in November decide to cut school property taxes by $9.6 billion, the next speaker of the Florida House said Tuesday he might raise the state's 6-cent sales tax by two pennies or even more to make up the difference."
If property tax falls, new taxes likely would rise
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"If voters pass the sweeping property-tax cut headed for the November ballot, it could cost you more to hire a lawyer, get a haircut, or go to the opera or racetrack."
Incorporated Dunwoody won't hurt business, says legislator
From: www.ajc.com
"The creation of a city of Dunwoody will not divert money away from the business district around Perimeter Mall, state Rep. Fran Millar (R-Dunwoody) said Tuesday."
Ga. second in U.S. in increased carbon emissions
From: www.ajc.com
"Georgia is second only to Texas in increased carbon emissions from its power plants since 2002, according to a national report released Tuesday by an environmental advocacy group."
Ga. employers use system to deter illegal workers
From: www.ajc.com
"Mike Turner wants to make sure his company doesn't hire people who can't legally work in the United States. The human resources manager for Terminix in the Southeast joined a group of about 20 employers and lawyers Tuesday at the downtown Westin Peachtree Plaza for a free seminar on the government's E-Verify system."
Genetic taro talks resume at Capitol
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"State lawmakers today are resuming discussion of a highly divisive measure to prohibit the University of Hawai'i and others from performing genetic research on taro, a year after the proposal was shelved by a key legislative committee."
Iowa ag secretary says head to the grocery store and offer thanks to farmers
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Have you hugged a farmer lately? That may be going to the extreme but this is National Agriculture Week and the state's Ag Secretary Bill Northey says it's time to recognize the hard work of all farmers and others involved in the ag industry, while working to raise awareness of the impact U-S agriculture has on the national and global economies."
Law to help businesses that employ returning vets
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowa lawmakers are taking steps to address reports that citizen soldiers are having trouble finding jobs."
Judge leans on lawmakers to expand bottle bill
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"With a legislative proposal to expand the state's bottle deposit program in limbo, Lt. Gov. Patty Judge summoned a landfill director and redemption center owner to the Capitol Tuesday to advocate the plan."
Landfill operators join call for "bottle bill" expansion
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Landfill operators have joined the chorus clamoring for an expansion of Iowa's bottle deposit law in hopes of keeping more recyclable plastic out of their landfills."
Bottle bill expansion has momentum
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"There's a possibility that a nickel deposit could eventually show up on plastic water, juice and sport drink bottles, a key lawmaker said Tuesday."
Debate on 'fair share' fee resurfaces
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The fiery debate over "fair share" fees for labor unions is alive again."
Protesters ask Culver to stop power plants
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Protesters on Tuesday called for Gov. Chet Culver to prohibit the construction of coal-powered plants in Marshalltown and Waterloo.
"
Senate Ed kills push to whip Idaho vending machines into shape
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Kids, eat up. Idaho lawmakers won't interfere with school vending machine choices."
House passes bill given weight to noncompete agreements
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The House has approved a bill that would add weight to noncompete agreements between workers and employers in Idaho. House lawmakers voted 43-27 on Tuesday to pass the measure."
Senate committee approves grocery tax relief bill
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A plan to increase rebates gradually to offset the 6 percent sales tax Idaho consumers pay on groceries passed a Senate committee on Tuesday."
House panel kills effort to restrict Idaho naturopath licensing
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The House Health and Welfare Committee dumped a bill seeking to restrict naturopathic physician licenses to graduates of doctoral programs recognized by the U.S. Department of Education."
Statewide sales tax receipts down in Idaho
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- Idaho residents last month cut back on purchases, reducing state sales tax revenue, officials said."
Plan B rule threatens religious freedom, pharmacists say
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich's rule requiring pharmacies to fill prescriptions for the "morning-after" pill poses a direct threat to the religious freedom of business owners and pharmacists, and should be overturned, Illinois Supreme Court justices were told Tuesday."
State-shaped corn flake pulled from site, then returns
From: hamptonroads.com
"The Great Illinois Corn Flake disappeared from eBay for a while, but fear not lovers of state-shaped cereal - it's still available."
Levine lays out his history of drugs, bribes
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Political powerbroker Stuart Levine learned early on how the game was played."
Levine talks about taking bribes, drugs
From: www.sj-r.com
"CHICAGO - The star witness at political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko's fraud trial took the stand Tuesday and painted a panorama of bribery, heavy drug use, huge profits and blockbuster campaign contributions before FBI agents finally closed in on him."
Pharmacists to court -- Overturn rule on 'morning-after' pill
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A group of pharmacists asked the Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday to throw out a rule that forces them to dispense emergency contraception despite moral objections, claiming it amounts to illegal coercion.
"
Levine weaves tawdry tale
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The government's star witness in the corruption trial of Antoin "Tony" Rezko took the stand Tuesday and in just 48 minutes laid out a stunning personal tale of bribery, treachery, rampant drug abuse and a precipitous fall from grace."
Fast Eddie bombshell
From: www.suntimes.com
"When the witness stepped into the courtroom, Tony Rezko turned and fixed his gaze. "
Daniels to sign property tax bill today
From: www.indystar.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels is scheduled to sign property tax relief legislation Wednesday afternoon."
Congressman against tolls for new bridges
From: www.indystar.com
"JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. -- An Indiana congressman says he doesn't like the plan moving through the Kentucky Legislature that would allow the charging of tolls on two planned Ohio River bridges."
Huge Indiana property tax reform taking effect
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"A massive property tax reform that was discussed, debated, pulled apart, put back together and passed by the General Assembly last week will become law today."
Toll Road cash prices to nearly double
From: www.nwi.com
"If you're still paying cash on the Indiana Toll Road, it'll cost you more next month.
"
Governor to sign property tax legislation
From: www.nwi.com
"Legislative leaders are expected to join Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels Wednesday afternoon for a ceremonial signing of the property tax restructuring package the Indiana General Assembly approved last week.
"
Infrastructure for proposed biosecurity lab could cost Kansans $164 million
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Legislative leaders Tuesday said Kansas taxpayers will have to pay up to $164 million to help the state lure a federal biosecurity lab."
Grace period to end for state job registers
From: www.kypost.com
"Interested applicants for state merit jobs within the Commonwealth of Kentucky posted on or after March 18, now must create an online account with the Personnel Cabinet's Career Opportunities System (COS)."
Plan to help compulsive gamblers clears first legislative hurdle
From: www.kypost.com
"Although a proposal to legalize casinos in Kentucky has stalled in the state legislature, lawmakers pressed ahead on Tuesday with a plan to rehabilitate compulsive gamblers. "
Senate OKs bill to post GPS identifiers at mine sites
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Senate has passed legislation that would require coal companies to post their GPS coordinates at mine sites so medical helicopters can be given precise directions in emergencies."
State's birding trail growing
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"LAFAYETTE, La. -- Louisiana has opened three new birding trails across the state, an expansion that officials said will help attract even more tourists from across the country."
Disney kiosk may tout Louisiana culture
From: www.nola.com
"The Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism is in talks with Disney World-EPCOT Center to staff a kiosk to promote the state's culture, food and drink starting Oct. 1 and running through mid-November, Chuck Morse, the agency's director of tourism, said Tuesday."
Senators block flood insurance vote
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"WASHINGTON - Gulf Coast senators have joined together to block reauthorization of the federal flood insurance program in an effort to add wind coverage to the legislation."
Power play on Beacon Hill
From: www.bostonherald.com
"The video-game industry rolled out its big guns on Beacon Hill yesterday to try to beat back Mayor Thomas Menino's proposal to ban the sale of the most violent games to children ages 17 and under."
Pike eye$ hikes, adding tolls
From: www.bostonherald.com
"The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority yesterday began mulling new tolls on portions of Interstate 93, hiking tolls on the western Pike and reinstating charges at exits 1 through 6 to help rescue the agency?s ailing finances and to eliminate inequities."
DiMasi's stance strains old neighborhood ties
From: www.boston.com
"Born and raised on Prince Street in the North End, Angela Guarino knows Salvatore F. DiMasi not as the wily and powerful speaker of the Massachusetts House, but as Sal from Salem Street. "
Speakers drone on at hearing, but no vote cuts them short
From: www.boston.com
"Workers in bright red and blue union T-shirts formed a long line at the State House door early yesterday morning, as traffic rumbled around satellite trucks parked out front. "
Patrick fights odds on casinos
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick, appearing at a long-awaited hearing on his landmark casino proposal, mounted a last-ditch effort yesterday to stave off a major defeat, pleading with lawmakers to change, not kill, his plan to boost the economy with legalized gambling."
Video gambling bill heard
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"A bill that proponents believe would allow the state to get rid of thousands of video gambling machines in Baltimore-area bars and restaurants got a favorable hearing in a House of Delegates committee yesterday."
Delay of dish-soap ban near in Senate
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Senate is poised to delay the implementation of a statewide ban on dishwasher detergent containing polluting phosphorus that seeps into the Chesapeake Bay, in response to objections from consumer products giant Procter & Gamble, which said it cannot meet the original deadline."
Panel sinks proposal to clean up Maine lakes
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Dirt and gravel camp roads that lead to waterfront homes are slowly loading Maine lakes with pollution that's turning dozens of them green with algae and threatening hundreds more. Fixing the problem is proving to be a challenge."
Maine history goes on sale
From: www.sunjournal.com
"Replicas of Joshua Chamberlain's eight-page report on the Battle of Gettysburg, the 1820 Penobscot Treaty and an 1863 Civil War draft poster are among items for sale through the Maine State Archives' online store."
GOP urges budget cuts
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Republicans at the Statehouse have put forward their own versions of budget cuts, at least three of which would directly affect state workers."
Judge allows law banning race, gender preferences
From: www.detnews.com
"A federal judge Tuesday upheld the constitutionality of a Michigan law that prohibits racial and gender preferences in government hiring and public university admissions."
House Democrats push for lower insurance rates
From: www.freep.com
"House Democrats said Tuesday they'll move to stop insurance companies from using consumers' credit scores to determine auto insurance rates, and to give the state more clout against high rates."
Bipartisan effort to save nursing homes amid budget crunch
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Long-term care advocates say Minnesota nursing homes could lose nearly $32 million under Gov. Tim Pawlenty's recent proposal to fix the state budget deficit."
Bill eliminates tax breaks for businesses
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"The Chair of the Minnesota House Tax committee wants to eliminate tax breaks for businesses. In exchange, taxes would be cut for all businesses."
Showdown builds at Capitol between trial lawyers, insurers
From: www.startribune.com
"A bill that pits the insurance industry against the trial lawyers -- two of the Capitol's most powerful lobbying groups -- appears headed for another showdown with the promise of expending more cash and more rhetoric."
Insurance claims bill advances
From: www.twincities.com
"The Minnesota Senate gave preliminary approval Tuesday to a bill allowing consumers to sue their insurance companies over denied claims ? but only after capping the damages and attorneys' fees they could collect."
Metro Transit bus, train fares likely to increase
From: www.twincities.com
"A possible $47.5 million hole in the budget of the Metropolitan Council will likely lead to fare hikes on buses and trains at a time when ridership is booming, the agency's top official said Tuesday."
Senate set to pass 'good faith' bill
From: www.in-forum.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesotans could sue insurance companies that don't pay claims under a bill senators gave preliminary approval to on Tuesday."
Missouri Supreme Court overturns ruling blocking eminent domain
From: newstribune.com
"The state Supreme Court has overturned a ruling that would have blocked many communities from using eminent domain for private development supported by tax breaks.
"
Mo. Supreme Court upholds Arnold's right to use eminent domain
From: www.stltoday.com
"ARNOLD, Mo. - A Missouri Supreme Court ruling Tuesday allows Arnold to move ahead with plans to take by eminent domain the office of a dentist who had challenged that right in court, a city attorney says."
Katrina suit moving ahead
From: www.sunherald.com
"A lawsuit that Dickie Scruggs and his Scruggs Katrina Group filed for 22 policyholders against State Farm is moving forward in U.S. District Court."
Insurance-reform bills die
From: www.sunherald.com
"A bill that would extend tourism incentives to casinos to build upscale attractions is still alive, but the last of the Katrina-related insurance-reform bills died in the Legislature on Tuesday."
Gulf Coast senators block insurance bill
From: www.clarionledger.com
"WASHINGTON - Gulf Coast senators have joined to block reauthorization of the federal flood insurance program in an effort to add wind coverage to the legislation."
Hike in cig tax doesn't survive
From: www.clarionledger.com
"A cigarette tax hike that would have helped pay for Medicaid services, a plan to provide affordable insurance for small businesses and a bill that would have banned unmarried couples who live together from adopting were among measures that failed to survive a key legislative deadline Tuesday."
New law to require employers to check immigrants
From: www.cdispatch.com
"Mississippi's Republican governor campaigned last year on minimizing government regulation of business, but he signed bill Monday that he said will require employers to use an unproven federal system to check immigrants' status."
State wildlife agencies wait to take over wolves
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The ever-growing wolf population in the Northern Rockies last year paid a heavier price for getting into ranchers' cattle and sheep. Government agents and ranchers legally killed a record 186 wolves in the region in response to depredations on livestock, according to recently released 2007 figures."
Lottery is legal, says N.C. court
From: www.charlotte.com
"The state Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that state lawmakers lawfully approved the bill that created North Carolina's lottery, but the court's split decision means the issue probably will end up at the state's highest court."
Records show ABC store waste
From: www.charlotte.com
"Towns and counties in North Carolina can create Alcoholic Beverage Control boards and open ABC stores. Since the profits benefit the public, citizens have the right to examine ABC records."
Appeals Court upholds dismissal of lottery suit
From: www.newsobserver.com
"The state lottery is safe for now. The N.C. Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a lower court's dismissal of a suit that challenged the way North Carolina's lottery was established."
Dakotas lead in working parents
From: www.in-forum.com
"The latest Census Bureau data on working parents, released Tuesday, show that South Dakota leads the nation in the percentage of young children with both parents in the work force, with North Dakota not far behind."
Climate bill costs debated
From: www.in-forum.com
"North Dakota would lose up to 4,110 jobs in 2020 and Minnesota up to 33,735 jobs because of high costs associated with a climate-change bill if it is passed in Congress, according to a Washington-based researcher."
Governor tours flood-prone area
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Gov. John Lynch toured Goffstown neighborhoods yesterday ravaged by floods in 2006 and 2007 as residents braced for the spring thaw and the potential rise of the Piscataquog River."
Senate panels approve two Lynch priority bills
From: www.unionleader.com
"Senate committees yesterday gave strong support to two bills that are priorities for Gov. John Lynch."
House OK's bill limiting use of radio tracking devices
From: www.unionleader.com
"Privacy advocates overturned a Commerce Committee vote and won House approval of a bill yesterday limiting the use of radio tracking devices in consumer products."
Pension reform passes House without debate
From: www.unionleader.com
"A sweeping reform of the state's public pension system passed the New Hampshire House without a word of debate yesterday."
Concerned state wants show-and-tell on Xanadu
From: www.nj.com
"Responding to complaints that the Xanadu retail/entertainment complex rising in the Meadowlands looks "yucky," the sports authority has demanded a public show-and-tell by the project's architects."
Ford can't be sued for truck part added later, appeals court rules
From: www.nj.com
"A truck manufacturer cannot be held responsible for injuries caused when a part that was added to the vehicle after it was sold fails during an accident, a state appeals court ruled yesterday."
Half-dozen Dems vie for PRC position
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Six Democrats, including some with familiar names, will compete for the state Public Regulation Commission seat that Ben Ray Lujan is vacating to run for Congress. "
Grant to help expand rural telemedicine
From: hosted.ap.org
"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - In rural areas, where accessing health care is often a challenge, the doctors and patients of the future will increasingly be linked by virtual interstates."
Stagehands sour on union
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"After a bitter organizing campaign last year, 10 stagehands based at the Orleans voted for union representation at three Boyd Gaming casinos."
Nevada governor promises more info on state finances
From: hosted.ap.org
"Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons signed an order Tuesday aimed at ensuring more public access to the state budget, contracts and other financial data."
Credit market shaking plans for 2 projects on Vegas Strip
From: hosted.ap.org
"LAS VEGAS - One Las Vegas casino resort project may be a step closer to foreclosure, while developers of another are due to go before county lawmakers Wednesday amid reports they face trouble due to a shaky credit market and rising building costs."
Paterson asks $800M in cuts
From: www.timesunion.com
"Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday blamed a recession for withering revenues and proposed to cut $800 million in agency spending in the upcoming fiscal year. Legislative leaders suggested more drastic action may be needed."
Officials discuss smart growth transit plans
From: www.timesunion.com
"The governor's smart growth cabinet focused Tuesday on how transit-oriented development could provide numerous benefits to communities, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Ohio Civil Rights Commission finds Argent Mortgage biased against blacks
From: www.cleveland.com
"The Ohio Civil Rights Commission has ruled there is evidence that Argent Mortgage Co. discriminated against black homeowners and homebuyers in Greater Cleveland by targeting them with predatory, subprime home loans that they could not afford."
Republicans in Ohio legislature may block Keno lottery plan
From: www.cleveland.com
"Not so fast. Republicans in the Ohio legislature Tuesday put the brakes on Gov. Ted Strickland's plan to patch the state budget by putting quick-draw Keno lottery terminals in bars and restaurants."
Farmers getting paid to keep carbon dioxide in soil
From: hosted.ap.org
"GREENVILLE, Ohio - As a way to help protect the environment, some Ohio farmers are getting paid for not tilling their land in order to keep carbon dioxide stored in the soil."
Gov. Strickland pulls request to expand Ohio lottery gaming
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Republican lawmakers on a key panel said Tuesday they would block a governor?s request to allot money quickly to expand lottery gaming throughout the state, leading Gov. Ted Strickland to pull the funding request."
Lottery changes sought
From: www.news-star.com
"The Oklahoma Lottery Commission voted Tuesday to reaffirm its support for changing the lottery distribution formula so it can increase funding for education."
State lottery mandate could be harmful, officials say
From: newsok.com
"The Oklahoma lottery faces a financial crisis unless legislators remove a requirement that guarantees the state 35 percent of all sales beginning next year, a lottery commission trustee said Tuesday."
Proposed Ore. casino proves contentious
From: www.boston.com
"CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. - Along the main drag of this Columbia River town, the signs of despair read "closed" and "for sale.""
Rendell stands by hiring of firm
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell on Tuesday defended the hiring of his former law firm for $1.8 million as state lawmakers intensified their criticism of his decision."
DeNaples review needed, GOP says
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A special committee with subpoena power should investigate the state Gaming Control Board's award of a casino license to a businessman accused of perjury for lying about the extent of his relationship with Mob figures, Republican state lawmakers said Tuesday."
GOP wants to know if board knew slots applicant was being probed
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Some Republican legislators want to create a special bipartisan committee to find out "what did the state Gaming Control Board know and when did it know it?''"
Pa. is a national leader in growth of CO2 emissions
From: www.philly.com
"Pennsylvania recorded the fifth-highest state increase in emissions of heat-trapping carbon dioxide from power plants last year, according to an environmental group that reported a 2.9 percent rise nationwide, the most in nine years."
Special investigation urged over Poconos casino license
From: www.philly.com
"A group of Republican House members hope to form a special committee with the power to subpoena documents and witnesses to determine how a Scranton businessman won a slots license despite being under a criminal investigation."
Carcieri wants court to overturn law against privatizing state workers
From: www.projo.com
"Governor Carcieri has asked the state's highest court to strike down a law passed last year that he says threatens to paralyze Rhode Island government by blocking his ability to use private companies to conduct state business."
Port Royal developer backs out of deal with state
From: www.thestate.com
"A company planning to develop state-owned waterfront property at the port of Port Royal said Tuesday it has backed out of the deal because the nation's financial markets are in such turmoil that it could not get financing for the project. State officials said the land is back on the market."
State begins Upstate mortgage-related activity investigation
From: greenvilleonline.com
"With home foreclosures increasing in South Carolina, the state Department of Consumer Affairs has begun a civil investigation into mortgage-related activity in the Upstate, an agency official said."
S.D. first in multiple income homes
From: argusleader.com
"South Dakota ranks first in the nation for having 74 percent of children younger than 6 with two working parents, according to U.S. Census data. The national average is 62 percent."
CVS to pay TennCare $886,000 in settlement
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"CVS Caremark Corp. will pay more than $886,000 to the TennCare Bureau to settle allegations of improper billing, the state attorney general?s office announced Tuesday."
Bredesen wants Tennessee to improve its energy efficiency
From: www.tennessean.com
"Gov. Phil Bredesen wants reduced energy consumption by state agencies to serve as an example to businesses and homeowners in Tennessee."
Iowa among states suing maker of cholesterol drug
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowa is among the 18 states which have filed a lawsuit against two drug companies, charging the firms conspired to keep a cheaper generic version of a name brand prescription drug off the market."
CVS Caremark agrees to settle Medicaid fraud claims
From: www2.indystar.com
"CVS Caremark Corp. agreed to pay almost $37 million to nearly two dozen states and the federal government to settle claims that the nation's largest pharmacy chain billed Medicaid programs for a more expensive formulation of an antacid, authorities said Tuesday."
Kaine awaits accord on roads
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Gov. Tim Kaine will call a special session of the General Assembly to resolve Virginia's ongoing transportation funding problems, but only if it appears lawmakers are close to a deal."
Virginia to have $1.1 billion less for roads in next six years
From: hamptonroads.com
"With a faltering economy and holes blown into last year's landmark transportation plan, Virginia will have $1.1 billion less to spend on roads in the next six years."
House endorses housing bill
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"A housing bill designed to encourage construction of moderately priced homes in developed areas won preliminary approval Tuesday in the House, but it wasn't easy. "
House gives nod to controversial affordable housing bill
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"The House gave preliminary approval to a bill designed to encourage the development of affordable housing Tuesday after what was among the most heated -- and longest -- debates on the House floor so far this year."
Doyle -- Cut mercury pollution 90 percent
From: www.madison.com
"Coal-fired power plants would be required to cut their mercury emissions by 90 percent under a proposed administrative rule Gov. Jim Doyle announced this morning at a news conference at the Alliant Energy Center corporate headquarters."
Governor calls for mercury reductions
From: www.wrn.com
"The state Department of Natural Resources is being called on to reduce the environmental impact of mercury emissions."
Notary public law cracks down on scams
From: www.jsonline.com
"Notary publics who scam Latino immigrants by charging them for legal advice will now face criminal penalties under a new law signed by Gov. Jim Doyle in Milwaukee on Tuesday."
DNR grants condo-hotel development along Wisconsin River
From: www.twincities.com
"WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. -- The Department of Natural Resources has approved a large development project along the Wisconsin River and next to a state natural area."
W.Va. faces 2-week window to prep teachers on pension option
From: hosted.ap.org
"Enrollees in West Virginia's sole public 401(k)-style plan will know what they stand to gain - and lose - at retirement age and beyond, before they decide whether to transfer into another state pension program, officials vowed Tuesday."
Doctors, officials create health group
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"A team of doctors, hospital executives, health center administrators and state officials started a program Tuesday designed to change West Virginians' unhealthy lifestyles."
Water bills to increase almost 15 percent
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"Starting later this month, thousands of West Virginia residents and businesses will pay almost 15 percent more for their water."
'We had to fight the system'
From: www.trib.com
"Jerry Burgess's first experience with Wyoming's workers' compensation program was in 1995, when he suffered a hernia from lifting 80-pound sacks of oats at Farmers' Co-op in Sheridan. He went to a doctor for treatment and filed a claim. Workers' compensation paid."
Surplus prompts study of system
From: www.trib.com
"Since 1986, Wyoming's workers' compensation program has gone from hemorrhaging $700,000 monthly, with millions in unfunded liability, to a nearly $1 billion cash reserve."
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.
"
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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