What economic slowdown? Some spots still boom
From: www.csmonitor.com
"NEW YORK - Don't look for an economic downturn in North Dakota: In fact, the state is holding job fairs in other states to try to fill 13,000 open jobs."
No-bid contract criticism spreads
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell has awarded more than $1 billion in contracts without seeking competitive bids, state records show."
Racetracks might not push slots
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"As both sides gird for a November referendum on slot machines in Maryland, some of the biggest potential beneficiaries of expanded gambling -- racetrack owners -- are hedging their bets on whether they will take part in the campaign. "
Winning firm gave to DiMasi charity
From: www.boston.com
"A Canadian software company that was improperly awarded a $13 million state contract, in which House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi took a strong interest, has contributed generously to a favored DiMasi charity. "
Gov. vetoes coal plant bill
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Fight or compromise? After Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed legislation Friday that would authorize the construction of two coal-fired power plants, legislative leaders vowed to try to push for votes to override the veto."
Public-safety alert system faces closure
From: www.azcentral.com
"A reverse 911 system used to relay public-safety messages to Maricopa County residents will be eliminated in July if officials do not find an alternative funding source."
Ariz. last in pork-barrel cash, lawmakers say it's a waste
From: www.azcentral.com
"WASHINGTON - Arizona has some powerful lawmakers in Washington, including Republican presidential candidate John McCain. "
Cities modify Jessica's Law even as court mulls validity
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"As the state Supreme Court considers the validity of California's sex-offender statute, known as Jessica's Law, San Diego and other cities are passing tougher versions of it."
Group wants probe into governor's removal of Eastwood, Shriver
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A national environmental group is calling for a legislative investigation into Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's removal of his brother-in-law, Bobby Shriver, and actor-director Clint Eastwood from a state parks panel."
Air board may trim electric car mandate
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"California's air-quality regulators may wish to lay to rest the legend of who killed the electric car. But a proposal going before the Air Resources Board on Thursday fails to sway critics convinced that the state continues to retreat from its once-lofty goal of seeing thousands of electric cars on the roadways."
From tote bags to junkets, pols' assets, gifts revealed Internal Affairs
From: www.mercurynews.com
"While sports fans are fixated on March Madness basketball brackets, political junkies look forward to another annual ritual: California Form 700. That's the document also known as the Statement of Economic Interests, released by public officials each March, to explain what they own and how much it's worth."
California regions battle over housing money
From: www.latimes.com
"More than a year after state voters approved a $2.85-billion bond issue for affordable housing, a geographical tug of war has developed over the money, with Southern California's elected officials complaining that their area is getting short shrift."
Mobile home park residents rally against measure banning rent control
From: www.sacbee.com
"A statewide initiative on the June ballot would make it impossible for Citrus Heights, or any other jurisdiction in California, to impose rent controls on apartments or mobile home parks."
Details scant on donations for Schwarzenegger's Hyatt suite
From: www.sacbee.com
"Private donors have paid for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's presidential suite at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento ever since he became governor in 2003, but his office has not documented the gifts for years."
Lawmaker hopes to collar support for dogs-at-work bill
From: www.sacbee.com
"No, the Legislature is not going to the dogs ? despite Assembly Concurrent Resolution 103. The "Take Your Dog to Work Day" resolution urges employers to honor canines on June 20 in the same way that they set aside one day per year for employees to bring a child to their job site."
California state employee unions face tough bargaining
From: www.sacbee.com
"For the state public employee unions whose contracts come up this year, the timing couldn't be worse. It's a bargaining season where an $8 billion budget deficit provides the economic backdrop, and just about all the parties agree the atmosphere surrounding the talks is going to be dismal."
California seeks new ways to recover unpaid taxes
From: www.sacbee.com
"As California struggles to bridge an estimated $8 billion budget deficit, it just so happens that's about the same amount the Legislative Analyst's Office estimates the state loses annually in uncollected taxes."
Bill would give certain rights to airline passengers in Calif.
From: www.sacbee.com
"A consumer group is seeking legislation requiring airlines to provide passengers with basic necessities when they're stuck in grounded planes."
California budget cutters look at tax breaks
From: www.sacbee.com
"Each year Californians benefit from an estimated $50 billion in tax breaks, deductions for everything from conducting business research to raising children. But as California faces at least an $8 billion state budget shortfall this summer, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic lawmakers have begun focusing on those deductions, credits and exemptions ? what budget wonks call "tax expenditures" ? to help balance the books."
High-speed rail backers hope adding private investors to bond measure will avoid delays
From: www.sacbee.com
"Democratic lawmakers have agreed to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's request to include public-private partnerships for a high-speed train that could travel from either San Francisco or Sacramento to Los Angeles in 2 1/2 hours."
An exodus from Medi-Cal
From: www.latimes.com
"After San Diego ear, nose and throat physician Ted Mazer recently billed the state's medical insurance program for the poor for a tonsillectomy, he got a check for $168, too little to cover surgical costs. The balance came out of his pocket. "
Paid-time-off change eyed for state workers
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Republican lawmakers cried foul Thursday over a proposed policy to combine sick leave and vacation for state workers."
Democrats push for state to save more
From: www.denverpost.com
"Plans to bank state funds for economic rainy days have died two years running, but that won't stop leading House Democrats from trying again to bolster Colorado's savings account."
`Appalling' gossip site draws AG's ire
From: www.theday.com
"On Friday, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal announced he has launched an investigation into whether the Web site JuicyCampus.com and its Nevada-based owner, Lime Blue LLC, are abiding by rules to prohibit "libelous, defamatory and abusive postings.""
Lawmakers impose new exception to public's access to information
From: www.courant.com
"The public's ability to get the home addresses of state employees would be curtailed in legislation advancing in the General Assembly."
Florida's payroll sees some triple-dip
From: www.tampabay.com
"Forget double-dipping. Florida has 131 triple-dippers. These state employees are drawing not one but two pensions and are back on the job, receiving a salary and working toward a third pension."
Forecasts clash on impact of Florida tax swap
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Sweeping tax revisions proposed by a state commission could create economic problems or stimulate development, according to conflicting studies requested by the commission."
Proposed property-tax trade - Deliverance or downfall?
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A ground-breaking $9.6 billion property tax swap headed for the November ballot is the perfect solution for an aging government system that will always trail the demographic trend. Or it's a constitutional crisis in the making that will paralyze Tallahassee and leave the state's most vulnerable strewn in its wake."
With economy slowing, legislators grim about cutting Florida's budget
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Florida legislators return to work this week, their budget-cutting knives sharpened, poised to pare up to $3 billion in state spending. "
Florida tax panel puts legislators in a corner
From: www.tampabay.com
"For once, legislators must look far into the future. What they see terrifies them. "
Legislators look at large loophole in pension rules
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"More than 1,200 state employees are collecting two or more pensions, with 131 of them collecting at least two pensions and a salary, a newspaper reported Sunday.
"
Florida ranks last in pay for state employees
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"The state spends less per capita on its work force than any other, according to a recent study by the Pew Center on the States and Governing."
Lawmakers in Tallahassee look at higher fees to aid budget
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Most of the talk in Tallahassee is about budget cuts, but a few lawmakers are willing to whisper that they're also considering hiking fees.
"
Lawmakers split over insurance
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"A year after making sweeping insurance reforms, Florida lawmakers are divided about whether to keep pushing for lower homeowner premiums or allow them to start inching up."
Bills would aid some homeowners
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"One in 494 homes in Georgia were in foreclosure in February, giving the state the eighth-highest tally of defaults in the country, according to Realtytrac.com."
Most requests are generated by businesses, not reporters
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Retired industrial engineer Ronald Miller wanted to compare the cost of educating a child in his county to others in the state, so he made a formal request under Georgia's Open Records Act."
Settlement over ceded lands looks doubtful
From: the.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Tomorrow is the 37th day of the 60-day session. Three state Senate committees voted Monday to kill a proposed $200 million settlement between the state and the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs over ceded crown lands."
Republicans, Democrats reach deal on bargaining bill
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Republicans and Democrats agreed Friday to end a 24-hour stalemate that had blocked a proposed expansion of the state's collective bargaining law.
"
A collective sigh of relief ends impasse by Iowa lawmakers
From: www.omaha.com
"DES MOINES, Iowa -- Republicans and Democrats agreed Friday to end a 24-hour stalemate that had blocked a proposed expansion of the state's collective bargaining law."
Teen driving, bottle bills alive, but sputtering
From: www.qctimes.com
"Legislators are entering the last four weeks of the session with hot tempers and a long list of priorities that soon might run out of air."
Bills pursue later cutoff for insuring young adults
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa legislators want to let young adults remain on their parents' health-insurance policies until they're 26, but the proposed change comes with a big catch: It would apply to less than half of the state's families."
House passes bill to phase out business equipment tax
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The House passed a bill Friday to eliminate as much $120 million annually in taxes on business equipment, a move that companies in Idaho have been demanding for years because the tax discourages investment."
House votes to put local-option tax rules in Idaho Constitution
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A constitutional amendment to require at least two-thirds support at the polls for approval of local option sales taxes cleared the House on a mostly party-line 51-19 vote Friday."
Southeast-side gas station typifies chronic nuisance
From: www.rrstar.com
"Recent scenes at a Mobil gas station in southeast Rockford are just the sort of public nuisance Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey would like to stamp out, city officials say."
The buzz over alcoholic energy drinks
From: www.dailyherald.com
"At first glance, it looks like a Web site with doodles straight from a teenager's notebook."
ICC deal likely means Ameren will raise rates
From: www.sj-r.com
"Another rate increase is looming for Ameren customers."
Par-A-Dice Casino license renewed
From: www.sj-r.com
"PEORIA, Ill. -- The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously agreed Wednesday to renew the Par-A-Dice Casino's license for four more years."
Agency proposes rules for students' cafeteria choices
From: www.sj-r.com
"Fruit smoothies made with low-fat yogurt could be sold in school cafeterias to sixth-graders but not to fifth-graders under a proposal from the Illinois State Board of Education."
Transportation planning looks to 2040
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Planning officials, concerned with exploding population growth, haphazard development and unmet transportation needs, are hoping to formulate a new strategy to guide northeastern Illinois for the next 30 years."
Wrigley, Cubs in limbo as Tribune's Zell seeks home-run deals
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Despite a Midas touch for eking profit from distressed properties, Sam Zell surely didn't know that having control of baseball's lovable losers would be this hard.
"
Metra, Canadian National spar over rail line they both covet
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Metra and the Canadian National Railway Co. are at loggerheads over the railroad's $400 million plan to divert freight traffic around Chicago, a proposal that also puts suburbs at odds with each other and with the City of Chicago over train congestion and blocked railroad crossings."
Fundraiser's fraud trial is full of surprises as star witness talks
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko's fraud trial has only been going three weeks but already has produced more than its share of embarrassing bombshells. Names are being named and nerves are being hit. "
Hastert, Poshard to use clout to push long-stalled construction plan
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Two beltway veterans are trying to accomplish what state lawmakers haven't been able to for years: reach consensus on a statewide construction program.
"
Can gov's capital plan fly?
From: www.suntimes.com
"State Rep. Julie Hamos has been praised for being a sane voice in the Springfield wilderness that averted "Doomsday" cuts on the CTA. Hamos sponsored the sales tax bill that provided operating funding for area transit.
"
State schools fear tax plan's impact
From: www.fortwayne.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels says the state's new property tax restructuring plan "puts taxpayers first." But schools worry that coming in second could cost them millions, threaten programs and widen the gap between poor and rich districts."
Criticism of tax plan draws pithy response
From: www.indystar.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels didn't mince words recently when asked about Kevin Brinegar, the president of the state Chamber of Commerce."
City budget decisions could be made by state
From: www.nwi.com
"The financial futures of some of the region's oldest cities soon could fall to a new state board controlled by the governor."
Electric rates become issue in debate over coal-fired plants
From: www.kansas.com
"Gov. Robert Bennett learned a hard lesson about how electric rates can move voters. Late in Bennett's 1978 re-election campaign, Democratic challenger John Carlin said rates were too high and blamed the Republican incumbent."
Sebelius vetoes coal bill
From: www.kansas.com
"Now what? Making good on her veto promise, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Friday blocked a bill to allow a sizeable expansion of a coal-burning power plant in western Kansas."
More states step in to limit carbon emissions
From: www.kansas.com
"Regulating greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, could drive businesses away from Kansas, some argue."
Senate's state budget in progress
From: www.kansas.com
"Money for Wichita projects, such as aviation and doctor training, were not included in a budget proposal approved Friday by a Senate committee."
Cessna chief to lead state energy group
From: www.kansas.com
"Cessna Aircraft chairman Jack Pelton will lead a new state advisory group that will look for ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while formulating a climate change action plan."
Legislators tackle immigration
From: www.kansas.com
"When illegal-immigration reform comes up on the House and Senate floor this week, the debate could get emotional."
What's with labor's 180 degree turn?
From: www.kentucky.com
"What a difference a year makes for Bruce Lunsford. In March 2007, amid the Democratic primary for governor, key unions in Kentucky not only wrote off the possibility of backing Lunsford, some openly campaigned against him. Many in organized labor remained steamed over Lunsford's 2003 run for governor, in which he dropped out of the Democratic primary and later backed Republican Ernie Fletcher in the general election."
Legislators try to restrict smoking
From: www.nola.com
"A rookie lawmaker from New Orleans has filed legislation designed to keep cigarettes and other tobacco products out of the hands of anyone younger than 21."
Lottery officials thrilled with sales of $20 scratch ticket
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Massachusetts lottery officials say they are "thrilled" with sales of the "Billion Dollar Blockbuster" scratch ticket, which so far have surpassed a half billion dollars."
Environmental hearing to be held on tribe's casino plan
From: www.bostonherald.com
"MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. - The debate over casino gambling is far from over. Less than a week after the House killed Gov. Deval Patrick's proposal to license three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts, federal officials will hold a public hearing Tuesday on a proposal by the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe to build a casino in Middleborough."
Pols tapped by Sal changed vote on casinos
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Half a dozen state lawmakers who previously supported gaming expansion voted to kill Gov. Deval Patrick?s casino bill, or missed the vote altogether, after being elevated to lucrative leadership posts by House Speaker Sal DiMasi, a Herald review found."
Pols hunt for revenue after casino plan defeat
From: www.bostonherald.com
"OK, now what? That's the question dogging lawmakers as they search for new dollars after the collapse last week of Gov. Deval Patrick's plan to license three resort-style casinos in Massachusetts."
Casino vote is a blow to labor
From: www.boston.com
"Democrat Ruth Balser of Newton gave the final speech on the House floor before last week's casino vote, warning of the dangers of gambling addiction. She said she was raised never to cross a picket line and considered herself a good friend of labor."
Mass. residents spent $1.1b at nearby gambling venues, study says
From: www.boston.com
"Massachusetts residents spent $1.1 billion last year at gambling venues in Connecticut and Rhode Island, shrugging off a shaky economy to top the billion-dollar mark for the fifth consecutive year, according to an annual survey to be released today."
Pricing gas by market sought
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"A Republican state lawmaker is pushing to repeal a "price floor" he says is keeping competition from driving down the cost of gas in Maryland."
Domestic partner bill advances in the Senate
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Senate gave preliminary approval yesterday to a bill that would allow domestic partners the same right as married couples to avoid paying taxes when adding each other to home property deeds to create joint ownership."
House finds consensus on shoreline limits
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The O'Malley administration's bid to tighten shoreline development restrictions won preliminary House approval yesterday, as builders and local officials joined environmentalists in backing the compromise legislation."
Slated cuts hit private schools
From: bangornews.com
"Proposed cuts in the state education budget would reduce funds to private high schools in the state, although a compromise in committee would lessen the blow somewhat."
Legislature has its successes, even if larger issues linger
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Some of the toughest issues of the legislative session remain unresolved, but the Legislature has passed more than 70 bills so far, covering everything from selling guns to minors to protecting phone-card users from unannounced rate increases."
State building code finally has industry backing
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Groups that have traditionally blocked passage of a statewide building code are working together to make it happen this time around."
Maine organization offers scholarships for college
From: bangornews.com
"Maine high school students and their families who are trying to patch together funding for a college education may want to contact the Maine Community Foundation, which administers dozens of privately endowed scholarship funds."
Suit against ex-lawmaker dismissed
From: bangornews.com
"PORTLAND, Maine ? The Maine Supreme Judicial Court has ruled in favor of a Frankfort man who sought the dismissal of a lawsuit that was filed against him when he served in the state Legislature in 2006."
Maine seeking to expand state's lottery options
From: bangornews.com
"State lottery director Dan Gwadosky says the lottery is seeking to increase revenue and change its mix of games and is using studies and focus groups to figure out what games Mainers would play and why."
Anti-piracy war targets college students
From: blog.mlive.com
"In the war against illegal piracy of movies and music, a contentious relationship has developed between some universities and groups that represent the movie and music industry."
Guarantee access to 'landlocked' cemeteries, lawmakers say
From: blog.mlive.com
"New legislation could prevent a difficult situation for those who want to pay their respects to departed loved ones, but can't get there."
Mich. population up since 2000
From: www.freep.com
"A sour economy and chronically high unemployment haven't kept Michigan's population from inching upward."
Copper thefts ratcheting up as prices jump
From: blog.mlive.com
"Because of the rising cost of one of the most basic materials in our society, some thieves are contemplating new ways to make a buck."
Michigan's home vacancy rate rises
From: www.detnews.com
"The percent of non-rental homes that sit vacant on the market has risen markedly in Michigan, another example of how the state's beleaguered economy and foreclosure crisis have hit home."
State swamped by homeowner appeals of taxes, assessments
From: www.detnews.com
"Seeing empty houses and "For Sale" signs around his neighborhood, Jaroslaw Siemieniak swears the assessment on his home -- and his property taxes -- were too high last year."
Replace St. Cloud bridge? Or repair it?
From: www.startribune.com
"Replacing the troubled Hwy. 23 bridge in St. Cloud would cost $25 million to $35 million, state officials said Friday, even as they consulted with bridge experts about whether the 51-year-old structure could ever reopen."
Survey -- Outstate MN especially glum about sluggish economy
From: www.twincities.com
"ROCHESTER, Minn.?As the economy continues to struggle, residents in outstate Minnesota appear to be even more anxious than those in the metro area."
Reporters' shield law lacks support where it counts
From: www.stltoday.com
"Legislation to establish a so-called media "shield law" has friends in high places ? but not the right places. For at least the third straight year, a bill has been filed that would demand a court order before requiring reporters to divulge their confidential sources or turn over notes or video that hasn't been aired. "
Missouri unemployment rate inches down
From: newstribune.com
"Missouri's unemployment rate inched lower in February, but so did the number of jobs.
"
A full agenda awaits Missouri lawmakers
From: www.kansascity.com
"Missouri lawmakers return to the Capitol this week with many of the biggest issues of the session bogged down in controversy or still under study by legislative committees."
Zach Scruggs pleads guilty
From: www.sunherald.com
"Oxford attorney Zach Scruggs denied conspiring to bribe a state judge, but the 33-year-old did plead guilty Friday to a felony that will cost him his legal career."
Casinos have second best February
From: www.sunherald.com
"Mardi Gras and Leap Day helped push the gross casino revenue to its second highest February on record."
Hot-button bills working against clock
From: www.clarionledger.com
"A bill that would give gaming companies tax incentives to invest in economic development unrelated to casinos is expected to heat up on the floor of the Mississippi Senate this week."
Looking for oil alternatives
From: billingsgazette.net
"MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- On a wind-swept air base near the Missouri River, the Air Force has launched an ambitious plan to wean itself from foreign oil by turning to a new and unlikely source: coal."
ln fights for State Fair
From: www.omaha.com
"Mayor Chris Beutler is pitching a new financing plan to keep the Nebraska State Fair in the Capital City, just as momentum appears to be building to move the event to Grand Island."
State wants to recruit hunters, anglers
From: www.journalstar.com
"Most hunters and anglers love having the field or water to themselves. But when it comes to the future of fishing and hunting, it's better to be joined by a crowd."
Attorney General's office to look at town's books
From: www.unionleader.com
"WINDSOR, N.H. - The Attorney General's office is stepping in to help unravel the problems with the town's tax records as a town-ordered audit of the books continues."
Fees paid to lobbyists soar in NH
From: www.unionleader.com
"Fees paid to lobbyists in New Hampshire soared to an all-time high last year, according to an analysis by The Telegraph of Nashua."
Influx of patients stretch thin centers for underserved
From: www.nj.com
"When Lucy Galvez showed up for an appointment last week at her local health center in Newark she knew there would be a short wait before her son could see the doctor."
Contracts awarded to insiders, suits allege
From: www.nj.com
"A number of companies vying for business in one of the state's largest counties charge that publicly bid contracts appear wired to favor insiders, and several are now going to court over the matter."
Farmers digging in to save Department of Agriculture
From: www.nj.com
"John Hauser first heard the rumblings in mid-February: the Department of Agriculture, a lifeline for the Old Bridge farmer and his peers, was on the chopping block."
Bars and eateries shrug at liability ruling
From: www.nj.com
"Bar manager Jimmy Paladino has seen his share of customers wandering into the Skylark Diner in Edison at the end of the night for a cup of coffee or a midnight snack. Even when those patrons don't order drinks, Paladino and his staff keep a close watch, knowing that the Skylark might be the last stop after a night of bar-hopping."
As indicators point to recession, jittery Jerseyans look for ways to curtail their spending
From: www.nj.com
"The grande mocha, as it turns out, says a lot about the economy."
Tiny towns in N.J. have to merge
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"MOONACHIE, N.J. -- Driving down County Road 503, if you blink, you might miss this borough. There's East Rutherford, then Carlstadt, then Moonachie, then -- whoosh-- faster than the car radio can play the latest hit single, you're in Little Ferry, the next borough over. "
Nevada officials fret as shortfall estimate nears $800 million
From: hosted.ap.org
"Analysts for both Gov. Jim Gibbons and Nevada lawmakers now have revenue shortfall estimates nearing $800 million, and it's likely Gibbons will soon look at budget cut plans beyond the 4.5 percent cuts he imposed in January."
Sen. Alesi asks for oversight
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"A Rochester-area state senator wants to bolster the accountability of local development corporations, which are increasingly used by municipalities to oversee public services."
Paterson repays motel charges
From: www.timesunion.com
"Gov. David Paterson's attorney on Friday said the governor was paying back his campaign about $250 for two motel charges going back about four to five years, while a spokesman suggested it was sexist to ask about payments to women who had been on Paterson's campaign payrolls when he was in the state Senate."
With economy tied to Wall St., New York braces for job cuts
From: www.nytimes.com
"New York is accustomed to job losses on Wall Street. They come with just about every economic slump, and their impact is felt throughout the city."
Economy, unemployment blamed for record food stamp use in Ohio
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Amid a sluggish economy, a record 1.1 million Ohioans are getting food stamps, the state's welfare agency said. That's about 10 percent of the state's population."
Ohio gas prices down 13 cents from last week
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"A survey shows Ohio gasoline prices fell 13 cents over the past week as oil prices pulled back from their recent record high."
Round the Rotunda - High-profile bills await legislators
From: blog.cleveland.com
"When state lawmakers slide back into Columbus after the Easter break, there will be plenty of heavy lifting to do before baby-kissing season begins in earnest on Memorial Day."
Agency upholds beer quality-control rules
From: newsok.com
"Beer distributors argued quality control versus fairness in the marketplace Friday. In the end, the state Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission voted to keep a rule that permits strong beer manufacturers to tell distributors how to take care of their products."
Oregon governor to revive Healthy Kids initiative
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Asserting that Oregon has a "moral imperative" to see that all children have access to health care, Gov. Ted Kulongoski is reviving his Healthy Kids initiative, ahead of the 2008 election and the 2009 Legislature."
Rural areas will lose a voice in Salem
From: www.oregonlive.com
"BEND, Ore. -- Among the victims of Oregon's darkening fiscal picture this year is the state's only rural policy director. Not that rural Oregonians are surprised. As they'll tell you, getting the short end of the stick sort of comes with the territory."
Oregon mining towns brace for prospectors
From: www.oregonlive.com
"SUMPTER, Ore. -- Veteran miners in northeast Oregon are bracing for an invasion by amateur gold prospectors when the mountain snows disappear, inspired by gold reaching $1,000 an ounce."
Proposed Oregon natural gas pipeline raises environmental concerns
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The latest maps of a natural gas line proposed for Oregon show a freeway-wide clear-cut slicing through 73 miles of public forest and the pressurized pipeline crossing about 50 rivers and named streams."
Want to aid climate? Fix land use, groups say
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Three Oregon environmental groups are calling on state transportation and land-use commissions to set goals and adopt policies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting back on car and truck travel in the state."
Animal protection proposals leave out cats
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"State lawmakers pushing to stiffen Pennsylvania's animal protection laws are not considering new rules for cat sanctuaries and rescue operations."
For farmers, too few migrant workers, not too many
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Keith Eckel, whose family farm was Pennsylvania's leading producer of fresh market tomatoes, will not grow any this year. He paid field hands about $11 an hour to harvest his crop last summer, but not a single U.S. citizen filled any of those 100 jobs. They did not want them."
College-age voters say economy their top issue
From: www.post-gazette.com
"SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Like a lot of students at Slippery Rock University in the rural north of Butler County, Nicholas Marts is used to driving to his classes on the 600-acre campus. As these are not usual times -- with the price of gas, food and education climbing -- he has been forced to change."
Committee to begin hearings
From: www.projo.com
"A Senate committee is poised to begin investigating the way the state hires builders for certain public projects, following a Superior Court ruling that the policies violate state bidding law."
For Carcieri, clock ticking on furloughs
From: www.projo.com
"More than two months have passed since Governor Carcieri announced plans to force all of state government's 15,000 employees to take six unpaid work days before July."
I.D. checks may be forced
From: www.charleston.net
"Businesses across South Carolina would have to check new hires through a federal work-eligibility database under some versions of the state's planned crackdown on illegal immigrants."
Investment by foreign countries might help punch hole in South Carolina's poverty belt
From: www.charleston.net
"PROVIDENCE, S.C. -- Dahl Shuler steps down from hammering in roof trusses on a new concession stand for the Purple Hurricanes baseball diamond at Providence United Methodist Church. The stand is about the only new construction around this tiny crossroads community amid the vast farmlands of eastern Orangeburg County."
SC peach crop enters sensitive time as forecasts call for freeze
From: www.goupstate.com
"Peach farmers will be on guard this week as forecasters are calling for a late freeze - similar to one at Easter last year that decimated the crop."
Sanford not surprised by port-sale breakup
From: www.beaufortgazette.com
"Last week's collapse of the Port of Port Royal deal came as no surprise to Gov. Mark Sanford, who said the debacle is indicative of what he uncovered during his research into the developer and the need to privatize aspects of state government."
State Forestry to offer strategies at seminar
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"HOT SPRINGS, S.D. -- How to move forward with timber removal and replanting after a fire, as well as steps homeowners can take to limit the effects of future fires, will be among the topics addressed at a disaster-recovery seminar at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at Mueller Civic Center."
Jury still out on courtroom cameras
From: www.argusleader.com
"Lawmakers have decided bringing a camera into a South Dakota courtroom should no longer be a crime, but opinions vary widely on how much access the media should get."
Eminent domain change spurs petition drive
From: www.argusleader.com
"South Dakotans could get a chance to decide whether to speed up the hearing process when railroads attempt to take over private land."
Ballot may get crowded
From: www.argusleader.com
"A ballot initiative that would shake up Pierre lobbying and place limits on government contracts has been submitted to the secretary of state."
Census - NW Iowa losing residents
From: www.argusleader.com
"New census estimates show that Iowa's population in 2007 topped 2.9 million - a 2.1 percent increase over the 2000 census - but counties in the northwest corner of the state are losing numbers."
Regents want mobile computing venture
From: www.argusleader.com
"Public campuses are unsure how to proceed with plans to create a laptop environment since the Legislature failed to support the program, a higher education official says."
San Antonio attorney is a loud voice for the silent
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"San Antonio lawyer Rolando Rios is at it again. This time he's taking aim at Farmers Branch, a small city outside Dallas that has persisted in its efforts to try to prevent undocumented immigrants from renting apartments. "
Toll road heat may come to seem mild
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"On his first day working for the state highway department, David Casteel was assigned to scoop up dead animals."
Housing agency endures overhaul
From: www.chron.com
"It stands out even in the blighted northeast Houston neighborhood surrounding it: A bleak, forbidding shell of a building, surrounded by a chain-link fence topped with barbed wire."
Bids sought for border cameras
From: www.statesman.com
"Texas is seeking private company bids for a video camera network on the Mexican border, similar to an earlier state pilot program that allowed the public, via the Internet, to help spot illegal activity."
Border fence a great divide for Texas landowners
From: www.npr.org
"Dozens of landowners in south Texas are fighting plans by the federal government to build a fence along the U.S.-Mexico border."
Texas trails only California in government earmarks
From: www.dallasnews.com
"WASHINGTON - Texas corralled $2.2 billion in special projects from the federal government this year, everything from $294,000 for a Houston zoo program to $22 million for an Army gymnasium near El Paso. Only California was given more goodies, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis.Here are some conclusions from the analysis:
"
Options running dry
From: www.jsonline.com
"People hoping to protect the Great Lakes from becoming a Paul Bunyan-sized water cooler for an increasingly thirsty world like to invoke frightening language."
Problems won't evaporate
From: www.jsonline.com
"Anyone who thinks natural resources shortages somehow just work themselves out should take a trip to the mountaintop community of Monteagle, Tenn., about two and a half hours north of Atlanta."
Texas reaps $2.2 billion in earmarks
From: www.chron.com
"WASHINGTON - Texas corralled $2.2 billion in special projects from the federal government this year, including $294,000 for a Houston zoo program and $22 million for an Army gymnasium near El Paso."
Possible compromise on Real ID
From: www.unionleader.com
"WASHINGTON - Homeland security officials hinted at a possible face-saving deal to end their standoff with a handful of states over new driver's license rules -- a dispute that, left unresolved, could cause big air travel headaches."
Calls grow for U.S. to bail out homeowners, prevent foreclosures
From: www.latimes.com
"From Wall Street to Capitol Hill, calls are growing for the government to get into the mortgage business as the only way out of the housing crisis roiling the economy and the financial markets."
Mining growth irks lake lovers
From: www.sltrib.com
"WILLARD, Utah -- Hundreds, if not thousands, of migrating pintail ducks and snow geese filled the gray sky on a remote stretch of the Great Salt Lake where Jeff and Lynn Pace and Rich Noble skimmed across the shallow waters northwest of Willard Bay in airboats."
Va. agency to hold workshop in Ashland on starting a business
From: www.inrich.com
"Starting a business can be intimidating.
To ease the anxiety, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will hold a workshop in Ashland on Thursday to advise would-be entrepreneurs on how to start and maintain businesses and where to find resources."
Ferries launch advertising
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Imagine Cirque du Soleil performers strolling though a Washington state ferry, talking to riders and giving mini-performances."
Home mortgage standards getting tougher in Wisconsin
From: www.madison.com
"Mounting foreclosures and the subprime mortgage crisis have contributed to a national credit crunch, making it more difficult for borrowers to qualify for a mortgage loan."
Don't be fooled by food labels
From: www.wrn.com
"Mary Pesek, Nutrition and Physical Activity Program Coordinator with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, says healthy eating also includes food safety."
Passage in Wisconsin isn't deal's last hurdle
From: www.jsonline.com
"Even if the Wisconsin Legislature does eventually pass the Great Lakes compact, the fight over who is entitled to the water won't be over."
Consol executive says zero accidents is realistic
From: hosted.ap.org
"WILLIAMSON, W.Va. - Consol Energy says zero mining accidents is a realistic goal, despite the inherent dangers of coal mining."
W.Va. holding its own as other states struggle
From: www.dailymail.com
"Even amid fears of a national recession, the Mountain State has stayed on course to end its budget year on June 30 with more revenues than expected."
Study -- Meth use declining among state's workers
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Fewer Wyoming workers posted positive results for the use of methamphetamine in 2007 than in the two previous years, according to statistics from the nation's largest drug-testing company."
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
"
|
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: 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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