States get breathing room on Real ID
From: www.stateline.org
"
In the showdown with the federal government over making state-issued driver’s licenses more secure, all but three states have won a reprieve from more extensive security screenings for their residents at airports and federal buildings that were to begin May 11.
"
State's fiscal picture dims
From: www.boston.com
"As the sputtering economy sends shocks from Wall Street to Main Street, the reverberations are being felt on Beacon Hill, where key officials acknowledged yesterday that the signs are bad and the future may be even worse."
Senators back cap on payday lending
From: www.denverpost.com
"The Senate gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill tightening regulations on payday loans despite Republican objections that it was "economic paternalism.""
Health secretary pushing for price compare Web site, electronic records
From: www.nola.com
"Louisiana consumers should be able to search for hospitals and health care facilities in much the same way they shop for cars, by comparing quality and performance, says the state's health care chief."
These state salaries a $3M PR nightmare
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A small army of state workers assigned to public relations is costing taxpayers in cash-strapped Massachusetts at least $3 million as officials struggle with ways to cut costs, a Herald review of the latest state payroll has found."
Study - Anti-illegal-immigrant bill to cost state $1.8B
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"A new study estimates that Oklahoma's anti-illegal immigration law will cause $1.8 billion in economic losses as foreign-born workers flee the state."
Wine bill uncorked in committee
From: newsminer.com
"The story of HB 51 and SB 305 already involves conflicts of interest, clashing personalities, and uncorked bottles of wine. And it's not over yet."
Alaskans call Verizon's bluff on MCI phone card block
From: www.adn.com
"The national telecom company that planned to block Alaskans from recharging their cheap MCI prepaid phone cards has abandoned the plan."
State sets new limits on cruise ship waste
From: juneauempire.com
"Cruise ships have until 2010 to comply with strict new state limits on the wastewater they discharge, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation."
McCain's race, possible win -what it all means to Arizona
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Barry Goldwater once said, "It's a great country, where anybody can grow up to be president . . . except me."
Forty-four years after the legendary Arizonan lost his 1964 presidential bid, the successor to his Senate seat ? John McCain ? has essentially clinched the GOP nomination. For Arizonans, that could mean a lot for the state's national profile.
"
Lawmaker and mayor join, blast developer tax breaks
From: www.azcentral.com
"Cities are giving away property-tax breaks to developers, placing a bigger burden on other taxpayers, and depriving schools of their fair share of tax dollars, a state lawmaker says."
Day-labor measure disputed in lawsuit against town
From: www.azcentral.com
"Day-labor supporters filed a lawsuit in federal court Tuesday in Phoenix challenging an anti-solicitation ordinance they say restricts the First Amendment rights of immigrants, both documented and otherwise."
New rule would limit bans on street-corner advertising
From: www.azcentral.com
"Gov. Janet Napolitano on Tuesday signed a measure prohibiting cities from enforcing blanket bans against advertising and other communications done by street-corner sign-walkers."
Bill restricts contracts to E-Verify employers
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Companies that don't check the legal status of new workers could not get government contracts or assistance under legislation approved Tuesday by the Senate Appropriations Committee."
Four Silicon Valley tech moguls could be candidates for governor
From: www.mercurynews.com
"They are ultra-ambitious, Silicon Valley success stories, all pondering the next chapter of their careers. What better to do than run for California governor? The names of four tech moguls come up frequently: Carly Fiorina, Steve Poizner, Meg Whitman and Steve Westly."
Electric car goal could be cut again
From: www.mercurynews.com
"California's once-ambitious, always-controversial plan to require automakers to sell electric cars faces a vote this week that, advocates say, would effectively gut the program. Thursday, the state Air Resources Board meets in Sacramento to consider a plan to cut the number of pure electric vehicles that carmakers would be required to sell over the next few years from 25,000 to 2,500."
Drug-tracking delay sought
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"California is poised to become the first state to require electronic tracking of all prescription drugs ? a development considered essential to keeping tainted and counterfeit medicines from reaching consumers."
Audit fiinds violations by state chiropractic board
From: www.sacbee.com
"A sweeping audit released Tuesday found the state board that licenses 15,000 chiropractors broke open meeting and conflict-of-interest laws and failed to aggressively pursue wayward practitioners."
Eastwood's termination - 'Somebody got a bee under their bonnet'
From: www.latimes.com
"After Clint Eastwood learned last week that his friend Arnold Schwarzenegger no longer wanted him on the state parks commission, he spoke with Bobby Shriver, the governor's brother-in-law, who had also been dropped. "
Divided over new jobs
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Republican lawmakers accused Democrats of courting disaster by adding 1,334 new state jobs in the state budget as the Colorado economy -- and tax revenues -- are tanking."
Beetle-kill tax exemption clears second committee
From: www.denverpost.com
"Wood that bears the indelible blue mark of Colorado's pine beetle infestation is a step closer to becoming a little cheaper. House Bill 1269, which would grant a sales tax exemption on beetle-kill timber or wood products, won approval in the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday."
Auraria building gets a pump-up
From: www.denverpost.com
"After college leaders complained that funding for the Auraria campus science building had been cut, state Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a plan to tap gas royalties to restore the project."
Severance tax teamwork
From: www.denverpost.com
"Two groups that had pitched competing ideas for raising severance taxes on the oil and gas industry in Colorado announced Tuesday they have joined forces and filed a single proposal that would generate an estimated $200 million extra per year."
Senate Plan Aims To Aid Connecticut Businesses
From: www.theday.com
"Leaders of the Democratic majority in the state Senate are hoping to give Connecticut companies a leg up in winning contracts from the state."
Committee's 2009 budget proposal undercuts Rell
From: www.theday.com
"The legislature's Appropriations Committee will offer an $18.4 billion budget for fiscal 2009 when it convenes today, a cut of more than $100 million from Gov. M. Jodi Rell's proposal that reflects growing concerns about the state and national economy."
Amann Gets Ironworkers' Backing As He Explores Possible Run For Governor
From: www.theday.com
"State House Speaker James A. Amann is not yet an official candidate for governor, but Connecticut's ironworkers union has seen enough to back his candidacy."
Democrats say their budget spends less than Rell's plan
From: www.courant.com
"Majority Democrats at the state Capitol said they'll unveil a spending proposal for next fiscal year that spends about $110 million less than the Republican governor's budget and likely won't include any tax rebates."
Manchester cable manufacturing plant shuts, lays off 132 workers
From: www.courant.com
"MANCHESTER, Conn. - A manufacturer of high-speed electronic cables is closing its plant and will lay off 132 workers as it consolidates with a recently opened factory in Mexico."
State's growth at heart of panel
From: www.delawareonline.com
"NEWARK, Del. - Standing before a group of middle-aged men and women, Richard Killingsworth posed a question: How many walked to elementary school as children?"
Dover Downs is looking upscale
From: www.delawareonline.com
"In the beginning, there were horses. Then the race cars roared in to town. Then slot machines and singers and spas arose to entice customers through the doors at Dover Downs."
State panel OK's Internet dating-service bill
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Might that online romantic match for you be a registered sex offender -- and should there be a law that lets you know?
Or is such a legal requirement just a virtual ''food fight'' that one Internet dating service has launched against rivals for a competitive advantage? Those concerns were bandied back and forth Tuesday at the Senate's Commerce Committee, which narrowly approved the ''Internet predator awareness and online safety act'' despite the objections of companies such as Yahoo! and Match.com."
Lawmakers confront task of deeper cuts
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Steep tuition hikes for college students, a one-year delay in the opening of the Florida International University medical school, thousands of prison jobs eliminated. Those are just some of the ways in which the state Legislature may balance the budget in the coming year and fill a $3 billion gap caused by sagging tax collections."
Bill would extend Florida Forever
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"House and Senate committees this week are considering draft bills to extend the Florida Forever land-buying program without committing the state to spending money that it may not have in the future."
S. Floridians trek to Tallahassee, ask for tax relief
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The crowd was large and the passion intense as the 530 people, mostly from Miami-Dade County, traveled to Tallahassee Tuesday to tell legislators to stay focused on giving them property tax relief."
Senate bill pressures home insurers
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Tuesday advanced a package of changes to keep pressure on insurers and extend the reforms enacted last year to lower homeowner premiums."
Senate committee OKs guns-at-work bill
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Over strong objections from business lobbyists, a Senate committee voted Tuesday to let employees keep guns locked in their cars while at work."
Tax panel to vote on spending limits
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"It could be the biggest shake-up in Florida tax policy since -- well, last week. The state Taxation and Budget Reform Commission is scheduled to vote today on allowing voters in November to cap state and local government revenues and subject future tax increases to public votes, a concept known nationwide as "the taxpayers' bill of rights.""
Cruise-industry giant Carnival challenges state's fuel-fee probe
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Cruise-industry giant Carnival Corp. is challenging state Attorney General Bill McCollum's investigation into its controversial fuel surcharge by claiming the extra passenger fee already was approved when Gov. Charlie Crist was attorney general."
Florida House, Senate have conflicting budget strategies
From: www.tampabay.com
"The Florida House and Senate are advancing starkly different strategies to patch a $2.5-billion shortfall in tax revenue for next year."
Florida insurers' side gets support of agency, lawmaker
From: www.tampabay.com
"The same day that a global credit rating agency predicted the Florida homeowners insurance market could collapse if a major hurricane strikes, state Rep. Don Brown continued his crusade to sound alarms over how last year's insurance reforms - which created that market - put the entire state's economy in peril. "
Florida tax protesters tramp into Crist's office
From: www.tampabay.com
"Their anger was etched on weary faces, carried in chants and scrawled across signs mocking Gov. Charlie Crist's promise to drop property taxes "like a rock.""
Ethics panel investigating Sailor's loan from lobbyist
From: www.ajc.com
"The state Ethics Commission has opened an investigation into why a lobbyist for the payday loan industry last year gave then Rep. Ron Sailor, a payday loan supporter, $80,000 for a land deal less than a month before a key vote on a controversial payday lending bill."
Union organization bill heads to Lingle
From: starbulletin.com
"A bill that would make it easier for labor unions to organize workers has cleared the state Legislature."
No ban on genetically modified coffee
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii won't ban genetically altered coffee, a decision that worries growers of the Kona coffee brand who want to keep it pure."
Lawmakers call for compromise on shield law for reporters
From: starbulletin.com
"State senators asked journalists and prosecutors yesterday to work on a compromise regarding a measure that would protect reporters from having to reveal their sources and notes."
Lingle leads team to help unemployed prepare
From: starbulletin.com
"A team of officials from various state agencies is headed to Molokai tomorrow to address the concerns of the roughly 120 employees at Molokai Ranch who are expected to lose their jobs when the property closes its operations by the end of the month."
Group -- Labor bill's scope would be widest in U.S.
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa would have the widest-reaching union rights for public employees in the nation under a proposal that Democratic leaders pushed through the Legislature during the past week, according to a nonprofit group."
Union measure could be factor in fall elections
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Expansion of union negotiating rights will be an issue on the campaign trail this fall, a legislative leader and a Drake University professor predicted Tuesday."
Iowa gets record dash of salt
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa Department of Transportation crews dished out a high-salt diet to drivers over the winter - a record 294,463 tons of rock salt to melt snow and ice on the state's highways."
Culver hoists stop sign at union-negotiations bill
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver threatened Tuesday to veto legislation that would give Iowa's public employees greater negotiating powers."
Culver threatens veto of bargaining measure
From: www.qctimes.com
"Gov. Chet Culver threatened Tuesday to veto a bill giving public workers new bargaining rights unless backers can ease concerns about the measure's potential costs."
Idaho Republicans block effort to free Democrat-backed bills
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Republican senators Monday easily beat back efforts by Democrats to free two bills now trapped in committees that would add revolving-door restrictions to Idaho's lobbying laws and boost regulation of day cares. The party-line vote in each instance was 28-7."
More than $1.8 million in unclaimed cash headed to general fund
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Time is running out to lay claim to nearly $2 million in unclaimed property held by the State Tax Commission."
Bill to attract film industry passes ID Legislature
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A bill that supporters say could set the stage for film crews to come to Idaho and spend millions of dollars on local businesses has cleared the Legislature."
New owner of Great Illinois Corn Flake has big plans
From: hamptonroads.com
"WILLIAMSBURG, Va. - The Great Illinois Corn Flake began a new life Tuesday, surrounded by other oddities great and small."
Latino advocacy group -- Code enforcement won't prevent crowding
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Aggressive code enforcement won't reduce overcrowding among Latinos living in the Chicago suburbs, a new report by a Latino advocacy group found."
State overpaid grants
From: www.dailyherald.com
"The Illinois auditor general says the state Public Health Department overpaid seven grants for stem-cell research by $863,000."
Transit backers seeking money
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Transit supporters called on the governor Tuesday to cover the basic needs for new buses and trains in his massive $25 billion infrastructure improvement proposal."
Wheat gluten alert is sent by state after 2 bad reactions
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The Illinois Department of Public Health is warning people to not eat Hanaro brand mini-size sweet rice dumpling skins because it contains wheat gluten.
"
Homer Glen earns honor for light ordinance
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The same week millions of people across the world are encouraged to turn off non-essential lights for 60 minutes during the second annual Earth Hour, the Village of Homer Glen is being honored for adopting one of the most comprehensive lighting ordinances in the state."
Legislators recap session
From: www.indystar.com
"Hendricks County's lawmakers are touting nearly a billion dollars in relief for property taxpayers passed in the recent session of the General Assembly."
Kansas House approves health care bill with insurance subsidies
From: www.kansascity.com
"The House has passed a health care bill providing a year's worth of state aid to poor families to help them buy insurance."
Kansas House focuses on health-care bill
From: www.kansascity.com
"The Kansas House on Tuesday endorsed health-care reforms designed to help poor pregnant women, offer greater insurance flexibility to consumers, and spend more money for cancer screenings."
Researchers find correlation between premature deaths, coalfields
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"CHARLESTON, W.Va. - New research concludes that people who live in Appalachia's coalfields are far more likely to have chronic heart, lung and kidney problems."
Jindal aims to fix work-force crisis
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal unveiled his plan to fix what he calls a work-force crisis in Louisiana. The state's unemployment rate is almost the lowest it's been in 30 years, but with nearly 100,000 job openings and not enough workers to fill them, the governor says the current worker shortage could cripple our state's economic growth.
"
Blanco spurned plea from legal aid
From: www.nola.com
"Three days before then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco agreed to pay the Road Home contractor an additional $156 million, her administration said it couldn't come up with less than $500,000 to continue legal services to help low-income Louisiana homeowners get their grants.
"
Technical training focus of Jindal's proposal
From: www.nola.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal on Tuesday announced his plan to refashion the way Louisiana prepares people for the job market, by addressing the needs of business with more emphasis on training at community and technical colleges and vocational schools.
"
State can't pay legal aid bill for Road Home applicants
From: www.nola.com
"Three days before then-Gov. Kathleen Blanco agreed to pay the Road Home contractor an additional $156 million, her administration said it couldn't come up with less than $500,000 to continue legal services to help low-income Louisiana homeowners get their grants.
"
Jindal proposes overhaul for work force training in Louisiana
From: hosted.ap.org
"An overhaul of the way Louisiana trains its workers that would revamp the state labor department and rework community and technical college spending was proposed Tuesday by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
"
Jindal pushes work-force plan
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal said Tuesday that work-force development will be his main focus during the upcoming legislative session.
"
Healthcare cost increases dominate Mass. budget debate
From: www.boston.com
"When Massachusetts launched its landmark universal health insurance initiative nearly two years ago, the state put off addressing rising costs so it could expand coverage immediately. Now those costs are dominating the discussion as the state faces a recession and pivotal funding decisions that could make or break health reform."
State to borrow $400M against anticipated revenue to pay bills, aid
From: www.bostonherald.com
"An unprecedented cash crunch will force the state to borrow up to $400 million on an emergency basis next month to pay bills and make promised aid payments to cities and towns, Treasurer Tim Cahill said yesterday.
"
Scholarship tax-credit bill advances
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Senate gave preliminary approval yesterday to a bill that would allow businesses to receive $5 million in tax credits for sponsoring scholarships at private schools."
Consensus on tech-tax repeal lacking
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley and top General Assembly leaders met yesterday evening to develop a plan to repeal Maryland's new computer services tax, but they failed to reach a consensus on new tax increases or budget cuts to make up for the $200 million a year the tax is expected to generate."
Rate relief gets a boost
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Anxious about soaring electricity costs, a Senate committee voted to give households a break on monthly bills by using money that had been set aside by Gov. Martin O'Malley for energy efficiency and conservation."
Fallen soldier privacy act likely headed for governor's desk
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"A bill outlawing the use of dead soldiers' identities for commercial purposes is expected to reach the governor's desk after being amended to alleviate free speech concerns."
Senate passes greenhouse gas reduction goal
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"Even though the Maryland Senate passed an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gases, the fight against global warming could come back to the General Assembly over and over again."
Swift steps help avert foreclosures in Baltimore
From: www.nytimes.com
"BALTIMORE - When Wilbert and Patricia Savage missed two mortgage payments on their tidy row house here last fall, Mr. Savage, 75, despaired that they could ever catch up. "
House leader - get the lead out
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"House Speaker Glenn Cummings on Tuesday called childhood lead poisoning "a completely preventable disease" that can be wiped out with education and money raised by keeping in place a 25-cent-per-gallon fee on paint."
Maine requests time on Real ID
From: bangornews.com
"Gov. John Baldacci asked the federal government Tuesday not to penalize Maine travelers if the state misses a deadline to make driver's licenses more secure, saying the state is making progress in upgrading the security of state-issued credentials."
Voters to decide on new casino plan
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Maine voters will decide on Nov. 4 whether to allow construction of a casino in Oxford County."
Baldacci requests protections with Real ID deadline nearing
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Gov. John Baldacci asked the federal government Tuesday not to penalize Maine travelers if the state misses a deadline to make driver's licenses more secure, saying the state is making progress in upgrading the state-issued credentials."
U-M instructors back to class
From: www.detnews.com
"ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Following a one-day strike, graduate student instructors at the University of Michigan reached a tentative agreement with school officials late Tuesday and will return to class today."
Divided Michigan Senate approves health care budget
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"A divided Michigan Senate on Tuesday passed a spending plan that would provide health care to the poor and disabled."
No beer at barbershop, attorney general says
From: www.mlive.com
"The owner of Jude's Barbershops, which had offered a free beer with a cut, is disappointed in a state Attorney General ruling that says he needs a liquor license if he wants to hand out beer."
Herman Miller, states settle suit on Aeron chair price
From: www.mlive.com
"When customers shopped for Herman Miller Inc.'s popular Aeron chair, they found one price advertised wherever they looked: $949, the company's suggested retail price."
Divided Michigan Senate approves health care budget
From: www.mlive.com
"After lengthy debate, a divided state Senate has passed a spending plan providing health care to the poor, elderly and disabled."
State tells abortion clinic to retrain staff in waste disposal
From: www.detnews.com
"The Lathrup Village abortion clinic has been asked to retrain its employees on handling of medical waste by next month, according to a letter mailed Tuesday to WomanCare by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality."
North suburban GOP might meet again for endorsement vote as two challengers come forth after Anoka's Jim Abeler narrowly misses backing
From: www.twincities.com
"After upsetting the party faithful with his vote to override the governor's veto of a transportation bill, Rep. Jim Abeler couldn't win an endorsement for re-election -- though he was the only candidate."
State not teaching what it practices in technology, math
From: www.startribune.com
"Minnesota, home of medical breakthroughs and groundbreaking feats of technology and engineering, is apparently not doing enough to educate its children in those areas."
In Minnesota, health care overhaul plan hits snag
From: www.argusleader.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. ? An effort to overhaul Minnesota health insurance and spending that was months in the making is stuck in a rut amid allegations of bad-faith bargaining."
Missouri gauges flood damage
From: newstribune.com
"ST. LOUIS, Mo. - While officials fanned out across Missouri on Tuesday to assess property damage from last week's floods, residents and volunteers relied on elbow grease to clean up messy, and potentially moldy, properties."
Nixon sues to stop Corps spring rise on Missouri River
From: newstribune.com
"WASHINGTON - Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon filed a lawsuit Monday seeking to stop the Army Corps of Engineers from raising water levels on the Missouri River this week."
Courts deny Missouri's request to stop river release
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"ST. LOUIS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said late Tuesday it will begin a 48-hour release of water into the Missouri River from an upstream dam at midnight. Efforts earlier by state of Missouri to stop the release failed."
Flood victims use respite to salvage what they can
From: www.latimes.com
"PIEDMONT, Mo. - Before the skies darken and rain returns to this soaked corner of the heartland, people are scrambling to salvage what they can.
"
Deal would benefit casinos
From: www.sunherald.com
"A bill that would give tax breaks to casinos that build non-gambling amenities - South Mississippi's last surviving piece of legislation for the 2008 session - faces a deadline today."
Musgrove linked to beef plant case
From: www.sunherald.com
"A new round of felony indictments in a failed state-sponsored beef processing plant could cause political trouble for former Mississippi Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, who's now running for the U.S. Senate."
New state law exempts small honey producers from regulation
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Mississippi lawmakers are taking steps to help mom-and-pop operations that produce small quantities of honey.
"
Schweitzer reaffirms opposition to Real ID in letter to feds
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer sent a letter to Homeland Security officials this week assuring them that he agrees with the state attorney general about making Montana driver's licenses more secure even though he opposes the federal Real ID program."
Company proposes Otter Creek coal lease
From: billingsgazette.net
"A London investment bank representing an unspecified company has asked for an estimated 550 million tons of coal owned by the state of Montana to be put up for lease in the next few months, state officials said Tuesday.
"
Candidates offer thoughts on water, drought
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Candidates for governor were asked questions Tuesday about water and drought at a forum at Duke University. The questions touched on the legal, economic, environmental and political aspects of the state's water supply and the continuing drought. "
State touts success of advertising in 2007
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"North Dakota?s $1.66 million in tourism advertising generated $203.9 million in visitor spending last year, a research firm reported."
State touts success of advertising in 2007
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"North Dakota's $1.66 million in tourism advertising generated $203.9 million in visitor spending last year, a research firm reported."
Corporate tax cuts supported by lawmakers
From: www.journalstar.com
"The state Legislature is in favor of giving some corporations a tax cut."
Relocating State Fair to Grand Island foreseen
From: www.omaha.com
"Gov. Dave Heineman thinks the Nebraska State Fair is headed to Grand Island, according to those who heard him speak Tuesday to a group of the state's business and political leaders."
NH named 'Most Livable State'
From: www.unionleader.com
"One week after being named the safest state in the country, New Hampshire was named yesterday as the "Most Livable State." In its annual ranking, CQ Press put the state at the top of its annual rankings for the fifth straight year."
Bill seeks compromise on A.C. smoking ban
From: www.philly.com
"ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Smoking would be banned on the floor of Atlantic City casinos but permitted in enclosed smoking lounges under a compromise proposal to be introduced by the City Council tonight."
Again, Corzine's budget is assailed
From: www.philly.com
"Small towns, farms and the environment will all suffer if the budget proposed by Gov. Corzine is adopted by the Legislature, advocates warned yesterday."
New Jersey bans horseshoe crabbing to help migratory shorebirds
From: www.philly.com
"An open-ended ban on horseshoe crabbing was signed into law by Gov. Corzine yesterday, a key part of efforts to save a migratory shorebird that eats the crabs' eggs on Delaware Bay beaches."
Corzine insists effort to add housing won't harm environmental laws
From: www.nj.com
"Gov. Jon Corzine said yesterday he will not weaken environmental regulations in his attempt to create 100,000 new and refurbished affordable houses and apartments."
State crab ban kills off harvesters' industry
From: www.nj.com
"To save a declining shorebird, a small New Jersey industry will be rendered extinct, all sides acknowledge, under a bill that Gov. Jon Corzine signed yesterday to ban the harvesting of horseshoe crabs."
A bleaker outlook for state revenues
From: www.nj.com
"The New Jersey Legislature's nonpartisan budget expert yesterday warned that the state is more likely to face a revenue decline than a windfall in coming months, amid growing fears that the slumping economy is putting the brakes on state finances across the nation."
The world's view of N.J.
From: www.nj.com
"Folks who have never played Skee-Ball, or used a Turnpike exit number to identify where they live, think they can picture New Jersey -- even if it's from halfway around the globe."
Ceremony to mark release of state's quarter
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Arif Khan wants to hold a New Mexico quarter in his hand and see the reaction of schoolchildren to a coin that honors their state."
State paying $2.8 million for Rail Runner right of way
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"The state is paying $2.8 million to private landowners to route the Rail Runner commuter train across their property near Santa Fe."
Audit cites problems with dam safety programs
From: timesunion.com
"A state audit released Tuesday identified major problems with the state's dam safety programs, including lax oversight, staff shortages and outdated policies from 2004 through early 2007."
Court strikes down state law protecting fliers
From: www.nytimes.com
"A federal appellate court on Tuesday rejected New York State's attempt to penalize airlines for not providing adequate services to passengers trapped on planes at airports for more than three hours."
Black leaders from area discuss financial problems with senator
From: www.ohio.com
"Twenty-three black community leaders focused on Akron and Summit County during an economic development meeting Tuesday with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio."
DHS faces budget cuts, greater need
From: newsok.com
"It is shaping up to be a tough year for Oklahoma's poor."
Survey - National housing market affects Oklahomans
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"The record decline in home prices in many cities around the country is leading some Oklahomans to have a skewed perception of the real estate market in the state, real estate officials said Tuesday."
Split in works for Oregon's economic development agency
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The two main halves of Oregon's economic development agency are headed for a split."
Clinton laments economics' role in transplants
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Economic pressures are driving many health care issues, including the practice of performing liver transplants on people who don't need them, Sen. Hillary Clinton told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial board Tuesday."
Clinton, Rendell split on no-bid deals
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Sen. Hillary Clinton is pushing legislation to eliminate federal no-bid contracts at a time when the value of no-bid state contracts is soaring in Pennsylvania under Gov. Ed Rendell."
Student loans feeling the pinch
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The nation's credit squeeze is beginning to affect availability and prices of student loans offered by private lenders, according to a survey of hundreds of private colleges and universities released yesterday."
Peaches, other crops appear OK after cold snap in the Carolinas
From: www.goupstate.com
"Peaches and other fruit crops apparently survived an overnight cold snap that worried farmers in parts of North Carolina and South Carolina, officials said Tuesday.
"
Bill allowing liquor sales on Election Day moves forward
From: www.goupstate.com
"A bill allowing liquor sales on Election Day is moving to the Senate floor.
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Bill banning smoking in public places likely dead for year
From: www.goupstate.com
"A bill that would ban smoking in restaurants and bars across South Carolina is essentially dead until the state Supreme Court rules on whether cities and towns can impose local bans, legislators said Tuesday.
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Bill to ban smoking in bars, restaurants at impasse
From: www.charleston.net
"A bill that would ban smoking in restaurants and bars across South Carolina is essentially dead until the state Supreme Court rules on whether cities and towns can impose local bans, legislators said Tuesday.
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Estimates of storm damage rise to $43M
From: www.charleston.net
"Insurers say estimated damage in South Carolina from severe weather two weeks ago has increased to $43 million.
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State senator might try to enhance incentives for film companies
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"PIERRE, S.D. - The 2006 Legislature passed a law that gives incentives to film companies who shoot movies in South Dakota. "
Attempts to let grocery stores sell wine may fall flat
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"A pair of bills that would allow Tennesseans to buy wine from grocery stores and over the Internet went sour Tuesday, running into opposition from liquor interests and lawmakers reluctant to make purchases of alcohol easier."
Credit woes put student loans in jeopardy
From: www.chron.com
"The nation's credit crunch is taking a toll on a sector of the population that tends to be unemployed and untested when it comes to repaying debt: college students."
Texas drivers face first liability hike in 22 years
From: www.statesman.com
"Texas drivers who carry the minimum amount of state-mandated liability coverage will need to buy more insurance beginning Tuesday, a reflection of higher-priced vehicles and rising medical costs."
Texas pension funds could invest in big road projects
From: www.statesman.com
"Senate Finance Committee Chairman Steve Ogden said Tuesday that the state should consider creating a public-private partnership to invest in roads and other infrastructure in Texas, possibly using the vast resources of the state's major pension funds."
Texas approves Farmers Insurance's revised premiums
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Score one for Farmers Insurance and zero for some consumers. "
Americans skip medical care because of cost, AFL-CIO survey says
From: www.cleveland.com
"One in three Americans say their families skipped medical care because they couldn't afford it, according to an AFL-CIO survey."
Some liquor stings a waste?
From: deseretnews.com
"The state needs to ease up on using undercover agents to bust restaurants for allowing customers to leave with open bottles of beer, Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, told liquor commissioners on Tuesday."
Salt Lake drops 'domestic partners' phrase
From: deseretnews.com
"Restrictions imposed by the Utah Legislature have led to a name change for the city's domestic partnership registry, a mechanism by which employers voluntarily can extend health care and other benefits to their employees' domestic partners -- including gay couples, siblings, long-term roommates and parents -- if they reside in Salt Lake City."
Virginia Tech families may sue the state
From: www.inrich.com
"A state offer of $100,000 for each of the families of victims killed April 16 at Virginia Tech apparently has not impressed the families. Lawyers for many of the families have put Tech and the state on notice that they might file suit."
State OKs plans for Asian oysters
From: hamptonroads.com
"NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Despite objections from several environmental agencies and groups, state officials on Tuesday endorsed plans for growing 1.3 million Asian oysters in Virginia waters, beginning June 1."
Bill creates process for refunding $13 million in taxes, fees
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) signed a bill yesterday to establish a process for issuing refunds to people who paid taxes levied by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, taxes that were ruled unconstitutional by the Virginia Supreme Court. "
Gap grows between wages and housing
From: rutlandherald.com
"The widening gap between wages and home prices threatens to displace working Vermonters and stunt the economy at large, according to affordable housing advocates.
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Now, not just anyone can be a counselor
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"One of the most loosely regulated health-care professions will be abolished and more than 18,000 people stripped of their counseling credentials as part of legislation signed Tuesday by Gov. Christine Gregoire."
A lack of coverage could kill
From: www.wrn.com
"A new report claims five Wisconsinites die each week because they can't afford health insurance."
Recession protection
From: www.wrn.com
"There are signs that a recession this year could be more painful that first expected, but the impact in Wisconsin may be eased somewhat."
Senate approves its budget repair plan
From: www.jsonline.com
"Democrats Tuesday pushed through the Senate a budget-repair bill that would raise taxes on businesses, saying large, multistate corporations pay little or no corporate income taxes in Wisconsin."
Massey fined $4,456 for violations tied to fatal accident
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"Massey Energy has been fined nearly $4,500 for safety violations the state says contributed to a fatal accident at a West Virginia coal mine."
Senate hopefuls differ on mining, agree on raise
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"Candidates for Kanawha County's 8th and 17th senatorial districts presented a study in contrasts at Tuesday's meeting with Gazette editors."
Cowboy State gas to Canada?
From: www.trib.com
"GREEN RIVER, Wyo. -- Two leading pipeline companies are joining forces to develop the next major natural gas pipeline out of the Rockies."
Ranchers outside wolf zone say they'll only target offending animals
From: www.trib.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- Gray wolves in the Northern Rockies will no longer be protected as an endangered species starting Friday. But Wyoming ranchers and county predator control boards outside the wolves' trophy game zone say they won't send up airplanes that morning to haphazardly hunt the predators."
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."
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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