States weigh lowering drinking age
From: www.usatoday.com
"Debate over lowering the drinking age is heating up in several states, fueled in part by legislators who contend that men and women who are old enough to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan are responsible enough to buy alcohol legally."
House discards toilet-paper bill aimed at restaurants
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida diners, beware: Toilet paper will continue to be optional in restaurant restrooms -- at least as far as state law is concerned.
"
House rejects casino bill; backers vow to roll again
From: www.boston.com
"Led by House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, the House last night resoundingly defeated Governor Deval Patrick's casino bill, 108 to 46, but racetracks, unions, and other gambling proponents vowed to keep up their lobbying blitz."
Energy rebate gaining steam
From: www.adn.com
"A proposal to send each Alaskan a $500 check to help offset high fuel costs seems to be gaining new energy, at least in the House of Representatives."
Legislative limbo haunts hatchery plan
From: newsminer.com
"State lawmakers are kicking back at Gov. Sarah Palin?s plan for getting two sport fish hatcheries built in Anchorage and Fairbanks. And while the hatchery in Fairbanks ? the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery ? would have been secure under Palin?s plan, it might not be under two legislative proposals at play."
Alabama governor plans trade missions to China, South America
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Gov. Bob Riley will lead trade missions this spring to China and South America in hopes of boosting Alabama's record exports."
Arizona immigration boss to focus on illegal hiring
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"The new leader of a federal immigration agency in Arizona said Thursday that a key element in his plans to confront the state's border woes is cracking down on employers who knowingly hire illegal immigrants. "
Senate rejects toll-road bill, OKs option
From: www.azstarnet.com
"The state Senate killed one measure Thursday that could have led to toll roads, while passing another proposal for privately built and operated roads."
AG says development near bases restricted without previous OKs
From: www.azcentral.com
"A new legal interpretation of a 2004 state law intended to help preserve Luke Air Force Base and other key installations can bar some proposed development that could put bases at risk, an attorney general's opinion concludes.
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Senate OKs one toll road bill, rejects another
From: www.azcentral.com
"One bill that could allow construction of toll-road highways in Arizona has cleared the state Senate while another went down to defeat."
Attorney general's opinion may help protect Luke field
From: www.azcentral.com
"An auxiliary field vital to the mission of Luke Air Force Base would be protected from encroaching development if Maricopa County ended up following a legal opinion released Thursday by state Attorney General Terry Goddard."
Next Big One will cost more than $165 billion, study finds
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"MENLO PARK, Calif. A new study puts the projected property damage from the next big earthquake on the Hayward Fault at more than $165 billion."
Schwarzenegger drops parks appointees
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has dropped his brother-in-law, Bobby Shriver, and fellow action hero Clint Eastwood from the state parks commission after their vigorous opposition helped derail a plan for a toll road through San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County.
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Tahoe wildfire recommendations, at a glance
From: www.sacbee.com
"A report the California-Nevada Tahoe Basin Fire Commission contains 47 findings and 70 recommendations that will be submitted to the governors of California and Nevada. Among them:"
Governor vetoes collective bargaining for child-care workers
From: www.sacbee.com
"Legislation to grant collective bargaining rights to grandmas, aunts and other subsidized child-care providers was vetoed Thursday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."
As Southland counties reassess home values, tax bills fall
From: www.latimes.com
"The tumbling housing market has prompted county tax officials around Southern California to begin reducing the assessed value of many houses, resulting in lower tax bills for homeowners but less-than-expected revenue for already cash-strapped governments.
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California's fiscal crisis hits schools
From: www.csmonitor.com
"LOSANGELES - California, home to 1 in 9 American schoolchildren, is on the brink of what may be the biggest public education crisis in state history. Facing a $16 billion state budget shortfall, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed $4.8 billion in school-funding cuts, or 10 percent of education spending."
Dim economic forecast clouds future state budgets
From: www.chieftain.com
"The state will see a nearly $700 million decrease in revenues over the next five years that will mean less money for transportation and virtually nothing for capital development projects, according to new revenue forecasts released Thursday."
Proposal aims to raise taxes on oil, gas industry
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Democratic lawmakers are planning a ballot measure that would raise taxes on the oil and gas industry and channel tens of millions of additional dollars to Colorado's universities."
$700,000,000 budget shortfall -- What's getting cut?
From: www.denverpost.com
"The chicken wire holding up the Capitol's gold dome will have to do its job for another five years, as lawmakers grappled with the surprise news Thursday of a $700 million budget shortfall."
Sunday liquor sales bill on Ritter's desk
From: www.denverpost.com
"Coloradans soon will be able to pick up a bottle of chardonnay after church if Gov. Bill Ritter signs a bill allowing Sunday liquor sales."
State blasts Broadwater ruling
From: www.courant.com
"The approval Thursday by federal regulators of the proposed Broadwater natural gas plant in Long Island Sound shifts the focus of the rancorous debate over the plan to New York, where opponents are hoping officials will block the project."
UConn construction audit reveals dorm irregularity
From: www.courant.com
"State auditors conducting a special review of expenditures in the University of Connecticut construction program uncovered $1.04 million they said was intentionally charged to a dorm renovation project when the money was actually used to pay for work at a different dorm complex."
House OKs bank tax change
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A bill that would alter the state's banking tax to benefit asset-management firms -- and bring high-paying jobs to Delaware -- passed the state House Thursday."
Judge denies state effort to limit awards to Broward homeowners in citrus canker suit
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"With millions of dollars in payments to Broward County homeowners at stake, a judge in a class-action suit over the citrus canker eradication program heard motions Thursday that could influence how much money ultimately is awarded."
Legislation would let dog race gambling expand, give tax breaks to track owners
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"While its leaders decry expanded gambling in Florida and warn of billions in state budget cuts, a measure pending in the Republican-led state House would give new tax breaks to wealthy racetrack owners and could lead to off-track betting parlors."
Alligator Alley may be up for lease
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Desperate to generate more money for road projects across the state, Florida transportation authorities are moving ahead with a plan to lease Alligator Alley to a company that would have the power to set the tolls it charges."
Bill would repeal ban on gifts
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Democratic state Sen. Gary Siplin of Orlando has filed a bill to do away with the controversial but nationally praised 2005 law banning gifts from lobbyists to legislators."
Tax swap draws critics, but Crist favors idea
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The loudest opponents of the property-tax swap going before voters in November are lobbyists for major corporations and future legislative leaders who would be stuck with the plan's heavy lifting: $9.6 billion in sales tax increases, budget cuts and other revenue hikes."
Liability issues slowing speed of commuter train project
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"A state House panel gave a critical first approval Thursday to the lawsuit limits that CSX Corp. wants as part of a $491 million deal to bring commuter rail to Central Florida.
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Critics challenge tax-cut proposal
From: www.tampabay.com
"Opponents of a measure aimed at cutting property taxes 25 percent have launched a quiet campaign hoping to thwart its placement on the November ballot."
Vote on Florida tax loophole was merely political theater
From: www.tampabay.com
"Money is vanishing from state coffers by the billions, forcing lawmakers to eviscerate the budget."
Legislature bucks Perdue on budget cuts
From: www.macon.com
"A defiant Georgia Legislature on Thursday refused to cut state spending as much as Gov. Sonny Perdue wanted in order to deal with the flagging economy."
Coliseum bill is likely to die, lawmaker says
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Restructuring the Augusta Coliseum Authority is likely to wait until next year, according to Rep. Hardie Davis."
Jekyll Island beach protection clears House committee
From: www.ajc.com
"Protection of Jekyll Island's pristine main beach received a legislative boost Thursday when the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee voted to keep the half-mile stretch of sand development-free."
Lingle defends Puahala plan
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Gov. Linda Lingle made a rare appearance in front of a state board yesterday to rebut criticism of a plan that would convert public housing units in Kalihi into a transitional homeless shelter."
Broader union clout clears hurdle
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa lawmakers pushed ahead Thursday to expand public employee union negotiating powers despite mass outcries from opponents that clogged lawmakers' phone lines at times."
Casino says smoking ban could derail expansion
From: www.omaha.com
"COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - As Iowa legislators hammer out a compromise on a statewide smoking ban, at least one casino is stepping up the pressure in its effort to gain an exemption for the industry.
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State gives $155 million to business projects
From: www.qctimes.com
"Economic development officials approved state loans valued at $155 million for 11 business projects on Thursday for companies promising to create 613 jobs."
Cunningham trial delayed so competency hearing can be held
From: www.qctimes.com
"A federal judge has ordered a competency hearing for a former top executive of a Des Moines-based job training agency, and as a result she will not face trial at the same time as her three co-defendants.
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Legislature moving toward collective bargaining expansion
From: www.qctimes.com
"The Legislature was moving Thursday toward expanding public workers' collective bargaining rights, making the first changes to the state's rules in more than three decades.
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Senate passes study of Idaho's Teton Dam 32 years after failure
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Senate voted 34-1 to spend $11.8 million on water projects, including a study of resurrecting the Teton Dam, which failed spectacularly in 1976."
Your grocery tax credit is going up
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idahoans are finally set to receive a gradual boost in rebates to offset the 6 percent sales tax they pay on groceries, after more than a year of wrangling between the governor and lawmakers."
A chance left for 183rd jets
From: www.sj-r.com
"Despite local defeats in the battle, the war to retain the Illinois Air National Guard?s Springfield-based fighter jets isn?t over."
Levine lays out bribery scheme
From: www.sj-r.com
"CHICAGO ? An admitted fixer turned federal witness testified Thursday that he schemed to split a $1.5 million bribe with political fundraiser Antoin ?Tony? Rezko ? someone he saw as so influential with Gov. Rod Blagojevich that ?he can get anything done that he wants done.?"
In Illinois, more are e-filing taxes
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Illinoisans waiting for tax refunds are increasingly checking their computer instead of their mailbox, and the number of people filing their taxes electronically is projected to eclipse paper filings for the first time in Illinois, state officials announced Thursday."
Villa Park in line to place its bets on OTB
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Saying they're tired of watching their neighbors prosper while they stand pat, Villa Park officials are on the verge of approving an off-track betting parlor in town, joining a growing number of communities in the Chicago area where OTBs have opened recently."
Tape shows Levine in awe of Rezko clout
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Stuart Levine considered himself an accomplished political fixer, but he said he had never partnered up with anyone quite as skilled at the dark art as Antoin "Tony" Rezko, then a top fundraiser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich."
Levine says he was amazed at Rezko clout
From: www.suntimes.com
"In decades in politics, former Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board member Stuart Levine had never met an operator as powerful as Tony Rezko, Levine said this morning, in his third day of testimony in Rezko?s corruption trial."
Levine - Bribe talk got Rezko to back hospital
From: www.suntimes.com
"At first, Tony Rezko wasn't keen on the state approving a new $81 million hospital in McHenry County, star prosecution witness Stuart Levine testified Thursday at the corruption trial of Gov. Blagojevich's former top fund-raiser."
Surgical techs seek licensing legislation
From: fwweb.sv.publicus.com
"When Dedra Gerard, co-owner of Sheets Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing in Fort Wayne, underwent more than seven hours of surgery last year, she assumed everyone in the operating room was either licensed or had fulfilled some sort of requirement to be there. After all, her employees must be licensed and pass a test before they're allowed to install a furnace or air conditioner."
Tax relief may cut county library hours
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"Indiana's new property tax reform law may mean the elimination of Saturday hours at all St. Joseph County Public Library locations, library Director Donald Napoli said."
Income tax hike meets skepticism
From: www.journalgazette.net
"The Allen County commissioners urged caution Thursday against moving too quickly to raise local income taxes."
Hoosiers rally around Clinton
From: www.fortwayne.com
"ANDERSON, Ind. ? Hoosier voters got their first taste of presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton on Thursday as she made a three-city swing through Indiana, focusing on reviving blue-collar Midwest towns that have suffered an economic wallop in recent years."
State Fairgrounds barn to be moved Monday
From: www.indystar.com
"The famed 1930s-era, green-roofed Normandy Barn on East 38th Street in Indianapolis will be moved Monday from its current location to its new home inside the State Fairgrounds, the Indiana State Fair Commission announced."
Clinton fires up Hoosiers over jobs
From: www.indystar.com
"All Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton had to do to bring several thousand people in Anderson to their feet was mention the word "jobs.""
Minimum wage proposal fails
From: www2.ljworld.com
"A proposal to put Kansas? state minimum wage -- the lowest in the nation -- on track with the federal minimum wage was defeated Thursday by Republicans in the House."
House passes payday-lending database bill
From: www.kentucky.com
"After brief but heated floor debate, legislation that would track payday lending passed the House on Thursday."
Partner benefits bill killed
From: www.kentucky.com
"A House committee killed a bill that would have prevented public universities and other government agencies from providing health insurance to unmarried domestic partners."
House approves payday loan bill
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The House passed a bill yesterday to increase oversight of Kentucky's payday loan industry over objections of some lawmakers who argued it might hurt small lenders."
House rejects ban on universities' domestic partners health insurance
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A House committee yesterday killed a Senate bill that would bar state universities and other public agencies from providing health insurance for domestic partners of employees."
Jindal -- Work-force training next
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"BASTROP, La. -- Gov. Bobby Jindal, making a full-court legislative press while he has the political capital to pull it off, said the upcoming regular session will be the third step in restoring Louisiana's reputation and girding its economy, with an emphasis on work-force development."
Donelon, auditor settle records flap
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"State Legislative Auditor Steve Theriot told legislators Thursday that a five-month dispute over access to state insurance department records has been settled."
Jindal administration working on policy for GO Zone projects
From: hosted.ap.org
"Many Louisiana projects hoping to borrow money through the federal Gulf Opportunity Zone Act are in a holding pattern while Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration crafts its recommendations for the program."
Panel OKs use of special bonds for Algiers plaza
From: www.nola.com
"The State Bond Commission approved a $6 million project Thursday that developers say would use special bonds issued to stimulate recovery in hurricane-affected parishes to renovate a shopping center in Algiers."
Deal gives legislative auditor access to Citizens records
From: www.nola.com
"A newly signed legal agreement will give Legislative Auditor Steve Theriot's office access to records of the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., allowing state auditors their first chance to analyze certain records tied to the state's troubled insurer of last resort."
Critics - DiMasi's vow to be "fair" eroded
From: www.bostonherald.com
"House Speaker Sal DiMasi's carefully cultivated reputation as an evenhanded leader is under assault from lawmakers who say the tightly choreographed casino debate has undercut his 2004 promise to be a "fair and open-minded" ruler of the chamber."
Pols vote to discard casino bill
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Lawmakers yesterday resoundingly rejected Gov. Deval Patrick's casino proposal by redirecting it to a study commission amid jeers and fiery protests from some legislators who accused House leaders of dodging a fair vote."
Lawmaker defends his abstention from key panel vote
From: www.boston.com
"As a member of the committee considering controversial casino legislation, state Representative Robert L. Rice Jr. was among 19 lawmakers given a pivotal role in deciding whether to allow gambling in Massachusetts."
Patrick's challenge now is to march forward, chin up
From: www.boston.com
"Losing a political fight over casinos that left many in his liberal base disillusioned and his relationship with House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi in tatters, Governor Deval Patrick now faces the difficult task up of picking up the pieces and moving on, in search of victories elsewhere."
State health plan underfunded
From: www.boston.com
"The state's new subsidized health insurance program will cost "significantly" more than the $869 million Governor Deval Patrick proposed in his 2009 budget just two months ago, the state's top financial official said yesterday, after insurers were granted an increase of about 10 percent."
Home loan reform is near
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"With the foreclosure crisis accelerating, Maryland lawmakers approved last night the final elements of one of the most aggressive reform packages in the nation to guard against future mortgage-related calamities."
O'Malley's agenda faces rocky road ahead
From: gazette.net
"With just more than two weeks until Sine Die, several of Gov. Martin O'Malley's top legislative priorities are in limbo or, worse, meeting heavy resistance in the General Assembly."
Global warming bill heads to the House
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Senate approved an amendment yesterday that environmentalists and the O'Malley administration say would significantly weaken a bill designed to reduce global warming pollution."
Computer services tax stays, for now
From: gazette.net
"Four months after the curtain closed on the fall?s special legislative session, many state lawmakers say they are looking at the computer services tax they passed and thinking that they made a big mistake."
Global warming bill delayed in Senate
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"A bill to slash Maryland's carbon emissions as a way to address global warming was delayed yesterday by senators who feared the bill could hike energy prices and put factories out of business."
Immigration measures stall in General Assembly
From: gazette.net
"With only days left in the 2008 legislature, the General Assembly has made little progress on addressing immigration, and some lawmakers would like to keep it that way."
Stores rip lottery plan
From: www.sunjournal.com
"Each time a customer buys a $1 lottery ticket, store owners earn eight cents from the state. But in the face of Maine's $190 million projected budget shortfall, that soon may change."
Tax preparer indicted in evasion case
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"A tax preparer in Manchester was indicted Thursday by a grand jury in Kennebec County on 42 counts of evasion of state income taxes and one count of theft by deception."
Legislature's debate about health insurance continues
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"The debate about changing Michigan's rules guiding health insurance for individuals who aren't covered by employer or government plans may last several more weeks."
Mich. House approves retraining plan; takes break
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"The state House has approved a plan that would add $40 million to Michigan's No Worker Left Behind retraining program."
Indiana is in the business of Job poaching
From: www.mlive.com
"A Michigan business trying to garner certain perks or breaks from the state in order to expand its operations or add jobs has to first jump through a series of hoops."
Census -- suburban population boom slows
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"U.S. Census figures released Thursday show that the explosive growth in Minnesota's outer-ring suburbs is slowing."
Immigrant workers converge on Capitol
From: www.clarionledger.com
"About 60 workers from India have called for a Pascagoula oil rig construction company to stop what they claim has been the exploitation of guest workers and to pay fair wages and benefits."
Judicial watchdog seeks suspension for judge linked to Scruggs investigation
From: www.cdispatch.com
"Mississippi's judicial watchdog said its efforts to suspend a state judge while it investigates allegations that powerful plaintiffs attorney Richard ?Dickie? Scruggs tried to illegally influence him are not ?a finding of judicial misconduct.?
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Senate - Insure stomach surgery for the obese
From: www.unionleader.com
"The state Senate voted, 21-3, yesterday to require that insurers include bariatric surgery as an option in treating diseases and ailments caused by obesity."
Small business health insurance plan gets Senate OK
From: www.unionleader.com
"A plan to cut the cost of health insurance for small businesses advanced yesterday on a 21-3 vote in the state Senate."
Price-controlled insurance passes
From: www.cmonitor.com
"New Hampshire's small businesses would get to choose from a new line of price-controlled health insurance plans under a bill passed by the state Senate yesterday."
State known as anti-tax calls for reform
From: www.nytimes.com
"DURHAM, N.H. - For decades, it has virtually been a requirement that elected state officials in New Hampshire take "The Pledge," a promise not to institute a broad-based income or sales tax."
N.J. carpenters accuse builder of illegal hiring
From: www.nj.com
"Unionized carpenters have filed a lawsuit against D.R. Horton Inc., accusing the Texas-based homebuilder of illegally hiring undocumented workers, misclassifying them as independent contractors, and paying them substandard wages off the books."
State to shed $360M worth of stock in firms tied to Iran
From: www.nj.com
"New Jersey is poised to jettison $360 million worth of stock in 11 companies to comply with new state legislation that prohibits state investment in firms doing business with Iran, officers of the pension fund reported yesterday."
Parsons wins $286M pact to continue inspections
From: www.nj.com
"The California company that touched off a political furor when it fumbled the takeover of New Jersey's car inspection system almost a decade ago has been awarded a $286 million contract to continue handling inspections for another five years, the state Treasury Department announced yesterday."
Gambler loses again as N.J. court refuses to drop lifetime ban
From: www.nj.com
"A self-admitted problem gambler from Delaware who asked Atlantic City casinos to ban him from gambling there for life cannot have the ban lifted just because he didn't realize it would prevent him from gambling in other states."
Court adds to taverns' duty toward safe driving
From: www.nj.com
"The operators of a tavern can be sued for allowing a customer to drive away drunk, even if they weren't the ones who served him alcohol, a state appeals court ruled yesterday."
State says 'wait' on solar system rentals
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"To help consumers cope with the high cost of solar heating systems, three out-of-state companies hope to rent or lease them to homeowners and businesses."
Paterson reaffirms state plan to spend $1 billion on upstate economy
From: www.buffalonews.com
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. ? Barely three days after his inauguration, Gov. David A. Paterson came to upstate New York on Thursday, reaffirming a commitment to spend $1 billion to jump-start the economy."
Paterson pushes ahead on Midtown
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Gov. David Paterson entered Midtown Plaza shortly before noon on Thursday, and the crowd of several hundred people filling the atrium and lining the second-floor railings erupted in cheers, snapping pictures and straining for a glimpse."
3 banks give up on student loans
From: www.timesunion.com
"Pointing to what they say is lower profitability and turmoil in financial markets, three large banks, including two with substantial presences in the Capital Region, have pulled out of the federal student loan program."
School chief tells council deep cuts are needed
From: www.nytimes.com
"Facing a souring economy and city and state budget gaps, Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein testified Thursday that he was considering scaling back everything from consultants to testing contracts but still thought it would be necessary to make direct cuts to schools. "
Shoppers trying to deal with rising grocery prices
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"KETTERING, Ohio - Family budgets already stressed by higher energy costs are now being squeezed by the rising cost of eggs, milk, cheese and other groceries."
Strickland - Ohio not in recession
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland said Thursday that Ohio is not in a recession, blaming President Bush for the perception and urging residents to "hang tough.""
Brunswick to close Ohio boat plant
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Boat maker Brunswick Corp. says it's closing a factory in Bucyrus (byoo-SEYE'-rus), Ohio."
Chronic diseases cost Ohio $57 billion a year, study says
From: www.cleveland.com
"Common chronic diseases cost Ohio's economy nearly $57 billion a year, according to a new study."
Ohio jobless rate down slightly in February
From: hosted.ap.org
"The state says Ohio's unemployment rate was 5.3 percent in February, down from 5.5 percent in January."
Kulongoski to address tax on cigarettes
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"Gov. Ted Kulongoski plans to announce a renewed push to increase Oregon's cigarette tax to pay for expanded children's health care when he delivers his state-of-the-state address today in Portland."
Kulongoski predicts economic growth for Oregon
From: www.oregonlive.com
"While the rest of the country wrings its hands over the stumbling economy, Gov. Ted Kulongoski cracks a "What, me worry?" grin. Oregon, he says, will be spared the brunt of the downturn and should be back on pace for modest growth within a year."
Hospitals' performance now online
From: www.mcall.com
"For the first time, it takes only a couple of mouse clicks to access information on how Pennsylvania hospitals stack up against each other."
Pennsylvania drops bid to privatize forensic mental-health services
From: www.post-gazette.com
"After reaching a cost-saving agreement with union leaders, the state plans to end its efforts to privatize and consolidate forensic services in state hospitals serving people with mental illnesses."
State police told to pay tow truck owner $3.25 million
From: www.mcall.com
"A federal jury has awarded $3.25 million to a Monroe County towing operator in a lawsuit against state police."
Sprague says testimony about DeNaples is wrong
From: www.philly.com
"The attorney for Mount Airy Casino Resort owner Louis A. DeNaples, who is charged with perjury, said yesterday that prosecutors were relying heavily on the testimony of a reputed mob boss who is himself lying."
R.I. loses 1,200 jobs
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island last month shed 1,200 more jobs, and payrolls shrank to their lowest level in nearly four years, a government report released today shows."
Carcieri challenges restraints on privatization
From: www.pawtuckettimes.com
"Gov. Donald Carcieri is mounting a constitutional challenge to a controversial law he says violates separation of powers and "impermissibly interferes" with the authority of the executive branch of government."
Bill -- Employers can tout they're smoke-free
From: www.thestate.com
"Employers would be able to tell prospective workers in advertisements that they have nonsmoking workplaces under a bill headed to the Senate floor."
Kansas crossed off list of potential sites
From: argusleader.com
"Hyperion officially has withdrawn from considering Kansas as a site for its planned $10 billion oil refinery and power plant, according to State Rep. Richard Carlson, R-St. Marys, who dealt with company officials about building the project there."
Texas may be spared in fiscal storm
From: www.chron.com
"Texas' economic strengths do not insulate it from the U.S. downturn but should provide a buffer stout enough to keep the state from following the nation into any recession, top officials and experts say."
Texas seeks bids for border cameras
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Texas is seeking bids for a video camera network on the Mexican border. Gov. Rick Perry's emergency management division calls it a "virtual border neighborhood watch" designed to help crack down on drug running, human trafficking and other crime along the 1,200-mile border between the state and Mexico."
Inflation hits the poor hardest
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Inflation is walloping Americans with low and moderate incomes as the prices of staples have soared far faster than those of luxuries. "
Gov says economy 'resilient'; construction workers say 'bull'
From: www.sltrib.com
"It was a study in economic contrast. At the second annual Governor's Utah Economic Summit, staged Thursday at Grand America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. offered advice to the hundreds of business leaders dressed in dark coats, neckties and pant suits."
Utah's cell-phone taxes are among nation's highest
From: www.sltrib.com
"The freedom to talk on the go comes with a price: Utah's cell-phone users pay the 11th-highest taxes in the nation."
Advocates to press point at eateries in April
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"RICHMOND, Va. - At least twice in recent weeks, Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw proclaimed on the Senate floor that customers who bring guns into restaurants in urban areas of the state are asked to leave. "
Senate backs increase in Vermont Yankee decommissioning fund
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"The Vermont Senate gave preliminary approval Thursday night to a bill that would require the owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant to ensure there is enough money to shut the plant down when the time comes. "
Wash. governor signs bill providing more water for Columbia Basin
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Legislation to provide the largest new influx of water to towns and farms in the Columbia Basin in three decades was signed Thursday by Gov. Chris Gregoire."
Troubled Hanford cleanup has state mulling lawsuit
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"The hose ruptured just after 2 a.m. in July at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, spilling 85 gallons of radioactive waste being pumped from a decaying underground tank. "
Budget repair -- fixin' for a fight?
From: www.wrn.com
"The stage appears set for a battle over budget repair. State Senate Democrats vote next week on their budget repair bill -- and that might mean a summer of haggling with Assembly Republicans."
Audit -- Tribes gave millions to state in gambling revenue
From: www.channel3000.com
"A new state audit shows Wisconsin's American Indian tribes gave about $195 million in gambling revenue to the state over the last three fiscal years."
Senate's budget repair advances
From: www.jsonline.com
"A three-way Capitol debate over how to balance the state budget emerged Thursday, when Senate Democrats offered their plan to raise taxes on businesses and hospitals, push $125 million in aid to schools into the future and grab $65 million in cash reserves."
Subpar area air expected for years
From: www.jsonline.com
"Metropolitan Milwaukee residents will breathe air that is sootier than federal health standards for years to come, despite Gov. Jim Doyle's claims that the entire state will meet tougher new air-quality standards, according to a veteran state air specialist and the Sierra Club."
Regulators approve power plant
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Wyoming regulators gave final approval Thursday for Black Hills Power to construct Wygen III, a 100-megawatt power plant east of Gillette."
Growth spills to other areas
From: www.trib.com
"The abundance of jobs in Wyoming is driving up the state population, including some rural areas not normally associated with growth."
Closure doesn't help coal ambitions
From: www.trib.com
"Thursday's closure of the Fort Union plant near Gillette may seem to counter the notion that Wyoming's coal industry will soon advance from a mining and export-only operation to adding advanced coal refinery processes in state. But some don't think so."
Company idles coal refinery
From: www.trib.com
"Wyoming's single existing coal-enhancement facility was idled Thursday, just two years after it began operation."
WORTH NOTING: Let the basketball betting begin!
From: www.stateline.org
"Iowa's governor gives new meaning to the phrase "pork-barrel spending" as the NCAA men's basketball tournament begins. The next U.S. senator from Idaho literally could be "Pro-Life." And the Texas judicial system considers whether ankles really exist. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in."
Budget woes hit home
From: www.stateline.org
"
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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."
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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