State courts face budget cuts as economy struggles
From: www.npr.org
"State courts complain that the economy is threatening their ability to provide constitutionally mandated services. Legislatures across the country are requiring courts to get along with less money, just like other parts of the government. "
Gregoire weighs veto of toy ban
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Archie McPhee, the Ballard novelty shop that built an empire on high-grade rubber chickens and yodeling pickles, fears it might lose its bacon -- everything from its popular bacon air fresheners to its bacon strips bandages -- if a new state ban on toxic toys is signed into law."
Governor refuses to blame illegal immigrants for budget problems
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called it a "big mistake" Wednesday to blame illegal immigrants for the state's looming $8 billion budget gap, just as Republican lawmakers have proposed a rollback of benefits for illegal immigrants to save money.
"
State House says yes to guns at work
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida residents could pack guns along with their briefcases as part of their workday routine, under a controversial measure endorsed by the Florida House on Wednesday.
"
Food bank pantries shrink amid economic woes, surplus shortage
From: www.al.com
"The supply of donated food from area food banks - big warehouses that are instrumental in stocking pantries at churches and soup kitchens - is shrinking as farm surplus commodities, given to the food banks by the federal government, decrease."
Casino bill is near death
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear indicated yesterday that his effort to legalize casino gambling could be about over as the General Assembly's session begins to wind down."
Phone cards will remain usable in Alaska
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Verizon Communications has ended its quest to prevent Alaska customers from recharging their MCI phone cards."
Energy rebate talk draws heat, no action
From: www.adn.com
"A proposed law to pay every Alaska resident $500 this year as a way to offset high energy costs nearly flamed out Wednesday in a volatile debate among lawmakers."
State settles lawsuit over lack of warnings on dangerous drug
From: www.adn.com
"Just days before its case would have gone to a jury, the state settled a lawsuit against Eli Lilly over the drug Zyprexa for $15 million in a deal that disappointed lawyers fighting in court for the state but was still a "good result," according to Attorney General Talis Colberg."
Alaska suit against Lilly is settled
From: www.nytimes.com
"The prospect of a pending Supreme Court case that could sweep away many lawsuits against drug companies loomed over Alaska?s decision to settle the state?s suit against Eli Lilly over the schizophrenia drug Zyprexa, lawyers for Lilly and the state said Wednesday."
State office aids displaced workers
From: www.swtimes.com
"BOONEVILLE, Ark. - In downtown Booneville on Tuesday, First Western Bank's electronic marquee sign alternated flashing advice to Cargill employees to apply for unemployment benefits and to passers-by the number of a charitable account established for the displaced workers."
Ariz. personal income sees slower rise
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Personal income in Arizona rose at a slower rate from 2006 to 2007 than in any other state."
AZ universities seek $1.4B as construction boost
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Officials at Arizona's three public universities are floating a proposal that calls for state lawmakers to put $1.4 billion toward new campus construction and renovation to stimulate the lagging construction industry.
"
Napolitano aide says trust land talks at impasse
From: www.azcentral.com
"A state official says talks aimed at reaching a legislative compromise on a state trust land ballot measure have hit an apparent impasse.
"
Calif. grapples with auto emissions rule
From: www.boston.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A major revision proposed to the state's tough auto emissions program would cut the number of battery-powered and hydrogen vehicles that automakers must produce for California and 10 other states."
State's role over Powerlink debated
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A lingering question in the Sunrise Powerlink controversy is what influence and legal powers, if any, the state Department of Parks and Recreation might have if a 500-kilovolt transmission line is ordered to be built through 22 miles of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. "
Poll taps Californians' gloom
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Californians are in an increasingly sour mood about the economy and the deteriorating state budget - and they're taking it out on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature, a new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California shows.
"
California air board looks at eased rules for plug-in electric cars
From: www.sacbee.com
"The California Air Resources Board will consider a proposal today to relax state quotas for battery and fuel-cell vehicles in exchange for new standards designed to speed the introduction of so-called plug-in hybrids.
"
California Lottery should repay state for party, audit says
From: www.sacbee.com
"California Lottery officials should repay $46,336 that was inappropriately spent on an employee celebration dinner last November, according to an audit released Wednesday by the State Controller's Office.
"
New foundation to campaign for more efficient California government
From: www.sacbee.com
"Could late and unbalanced budgets, along with partisan gridlock, disappear from Sacramento? That's the goal of a new bipartisan political foundation that unveiled its campaign Wednesday to improve state government, bringing along a three-year, $15.9 million budget and high hopes for overhauling the way the state does business.
"
Governor signs bill to help state, local governments on bonds
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill Wednesday to help state and local governments avoid a spike in municipal bond interest rates.
"
California utility to install solar panels
From: www.nytimes.com
"An electric company plans to install a huge patchwork of solar cells, 10 times bigger than any previous such installation, on more than 100 large rooftops around Southern California."
Per capita income growth lags
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Telecom employees and architects with lackluster raises. Immigrants and inexperienced twenty-somethings moving to Colorado. Workers leaving large companies behind for startups. All of those may have contributed to income levels in Colorado last year rising at one of the weakest rates in the country."
Housing crisis takes toll on pets
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"When hard times hit home, four-legged family members sometimes end up without one. The housing crisis has meant more people moving, and that has meant more animals let loose to fend for themselves and more owner-surrendered pets coming in to area animal shelters. At Table Mountain Animal Center in Golden, there have been 509 pets given up so far this year, a 17 percent increase over the same time last year, Executive Director Nick Fisher said."
Republicans critical of spending plan
From: www.theday.com
"The legislature's Republican minority responded to the Democrats' $18.4 billion budget bill Wednesday with a line complicated enough to suit the budget process itself: You can thank us for this, if it's real."
Legislature seeks to extend tax credits to music business
From: www.courant.com
"State lawmakers are seeking to extend to the music industry tax credits used to draw filmmakers to Connecticut."
Data show Conn. the nation's richest state, with lead growing
From: www.courant.com
"Connecticut remains the nation's richest state and is widening its lead over the other 49."
Highlights of the Democrats' $18.4 billion budget proposal
From: www.courant.com
"Following are highlights of the $18.4 billion budget plan, approved Wednesday by the Democrat-controlled Appropriations Committee:"
Gubernatorial hopefuls see frustration
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A bit of frustration emerged Wednesday when gubernatorial candidates John Carney and Jack Markell spent their lunch hours with a group of professional engineers at the Christiana Hilton."
Reservist sues state over firing
From: www.delawareonline.com
"An Army lieutenant colonel now assigned to Coalition Headquarters in Baghdad filed a lawsuit Wednesday alleging he was fired from the Delaware State Police in violation of state and federal laws that protect reservists and National Guardsmen from discrimination and retaliation because of their military service."
House offers compromise to guns-at-work debate
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Floridians who have concealed-weapons licenses could lock their guns in their cars while at work, under a "Tallahassee compromise" that sailed through the House with little debate Wednesday.
"
Measures would erase 'no-aid' clause, offer tax breaks for working waterfront businesses
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Voters in November will have a chance to erase a ban on government aid to religious institutions that has been embedded in the Florida Constitution for 140 years and give tax breaks to working waterfront property owners"
Senate debates measure to restructure BOG
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The Senate on Wednesday debated and set the table to ask voters to weaken the Board of Governors and make clear that the Legislature has the authority to set college tuition.
"
Orlando's growth slows as people leave for jobs, less-expensive housing
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Florida cities have competition from Dallas and Atlanta, where lower housing costs have made them two of the most popular move-in destinations in the country, a new report shows.
"
Florida Senate plan would cut programs for medically needy
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Health programs serving Florida's poor, elderly and critically ill face a staggering $803 million in cuts under a Senate plan aimed at helping to close a $3 billion state budget shortfall.
"
Vote on tax-cap proposal postponed for week
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The sponsor of a plan to put a strict cap on all governments' tax revenues into the state Constitution struggled to keep the issue alive Wednesday and postponed a vote on whether to put it on the November ballot."
Religious leaders lobby on illegal immigration issue
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Leaders from a variety of religious faiths are urging state legislators to reject a bill which seeks to curb illegal immigration. The bill would require all who apply for a job in Iowa to show a valid photo I.D."
Lawmakers consider regulating "ultimate" fighting
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A bill advancing in the legislature would impose new state oversight of so-called "ultimate fighting." The House Ways and Means Committee has approved a bill which would establish fees for those who promote and participate in "unarmed combat fighting" events."
Iowa officials act to erase state income tax on "stimulus" checks
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowans who receive those "stimulus payments" from the federal government won't have to pay state income taxes on the check."
House votes for task force instead of "Bottle Bill" expansion
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa House has voted to create a new commission to study changes in the state's bottle deposit law."
Report says Iowa's personal income up over six percent
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Federal Bureau of Economic Analysis says Iowa's personal income based on population grew at a faster pace than the U.S. overall total in 2007. Kathy Albetski is the chief of the bureau's region that covers Iowa."
Religious leaders -- Treat immigrants with dignity
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa religious leaders tried to send a message to state lawmakers Wednesday that "all God's children should be treated with dignity and respect" - including illegal immigrants."
Rebates to be tax-free; vets can use as they wish
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Veterans at the Iowa Veterans Home will be able to spend their special federal rebate checks any way they choose -- and all Iowans' rebates will be free of state taxes -- under a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Chet Culver."
Bottle bill proposal receives reprieve
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver's plan to expand Iowa's 5-cent bottle redemption law received a temporary reprieve Wednesday, soon after some lawmakers announced it was unlikely to survive this week's legislative deadline."
Iowa bargaining bill threatens Democratic unity
From: www.qctimes.com
"Potentially historic changes to Iowa's labor laws could fall victim to divisions among Democrats who control the Legislature and governor's office."
Bill passes to let Sun Valley lodge get booze license
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Skiers at Sun Valley's Warm Springs Lodge will be able to order mojitos with their moguls under a bill that has cleared the Legislature."
Legislature passes truck chain rule for N. Idaho passes
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A bill to require interstate truckers to use traction devices on their vehicles on three northern Idaho road passes during snowy conditions has cleared the Legislature."
Legislature passes repeal of failed Albertson's break
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Senate has approved a repeal of an incentive package once aimed at keeping Albertson's Inc. in Idaho."
Personal property tax stalls in Senate, may be amended
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A bill to gradually eliminate as much $120 million in annual business equipment taxes has stalled in the Idaho Senate and now may be changed."
Legislators blast governor's plan to close Stateville's maximum-security wing
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A coalition of state legislators on Wednesday blasted Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to close a section of Stateville Correctional Center, calling it a "misguided and shortsighted" attempt to save money at the expense of Will County jobs and inmate care."
Elk Grove Village officials lament apparent Chicago victory in O'Hare land game
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"To the dismay of Elk Grove Village officials, Chicago appears set to acquire its first chunk of property in the northwest suburb for the planned expansion of O'Hare International Airport."
Jobs take center stage in governor's race
From: www.nwi.com
"Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels and Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jim Schellinger painted discordant portraits of the Indiana economy Wednesday in competing campaign messages."
House leader stumps for Obama
From: www.journalgazette.net
"The Indiana House majority leader campaigned Wednesday for Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama across Indiana by attacking Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton?s record on trade."
Schellinger says jobs priority
From: www.journalgazette.net
"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Schellinger chose jobs as his first policy announcement Wednesday, a subject sure to be a priority during the 2008 gubernatorial campaign."
Spotlight on jobs in governor's race
From: www.indystar.com
"Jobs are again taking center stage as the race for the governor's office ramped up Wednesday."
Few happy with reassessment
From: www.indystar.com
"Marion County's property reassessment, approved Wednesday by the state eight months after flawed 2007 bills unleashed a tax revolt, wasn't sitting well with businesses or homeowners."
Kansas House panel tables bill blocking Overland Park annexation
From: www.kansascity.com
"The Kansas Legislature is usually reluctant to get in the middle of a local fight, and the Overland Park annexation squabble is no exception."
Toned-down immigration bill advances in Kansas Legislature
From: www.kansascity.com
"The Kansas Senate listened to the business community Wednesday, rejecting calls to hold businesses more accountable for illegal immigration."
On voice vote, Senate approves immigration bill
From: www.kansas.com
"The Senate debated immigration reform into early morning hours today, rejecting an attempt to revoke in-state tuition for illegal immigrants and defeating multiple attempts to take a tougher line on businesses that hire illegal workers."
Pawnshop bill sent to House
From: www.kentucky.com
"As an economic recession forces some Kentuckians to scramble for cash, lawmakers are poised to help pawnbrokers sell the items hocked for 30-day loans."
Casino bill remains no-show; Beshear considers options
From: www.kentucky.com
"The supposed deadline for rounding up votes for a constitutional amendment allowing casino gambling came and went on Wednesday with no vote and no sign of one anytime soon."
Moviemakers could get tax breaks in Kentucky
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Producers of four movies have expressed interest in shooting in Kentucky -- a move that could pump $20 million into the state's economy -- if the legislature approves tax breaks for film companies."
Bill to help ex-inmates to avoid becoming homeless
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A bill aimed at helping people leaving prison or other state facilities avoid becoming homeless passed a Senate committee yesterday and appears headed for final approval."
Push for mega-project bill fails
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear and Louisville Metro Mayor Jerry Abramson said yesterday that they made an unsuccessful effort to advance legislation to create state or local authorities for large-scale transportation projects like the proposed Louisville bridges."
La. incomes surge
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"For the second straight year, Louisiana posted the fastest personal income growth in the nation -- largely a consequence of spending after the 2005 hurricanes -- but the trend showed signs of cooling down considerably at the end of last year."
New no-smoking bill targets bars that serve food
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Smokers could no longer light up in bars that serve food if a Baton Rouge-area lawmaker gets his way."
Louisiana boasts nation's fastest personal income growth for second straight year
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"For the second straight year, Louisiana has posted the fastest personal income growth in the nation, but a prominent economist says that the post-hurricane boost will not necessarily last."
Turnpike monthly debt could balloon by $2 million on interest adjustments
From: www.bostonherald.com
"The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority?s debt could balloon by an extra $2 million a month next year, forcing the agency to turn to the state or raise tolls as a last resort.
"
DiMasi aide?s film fest nets $50G state grant
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A small independent film festival in Falmouth run by one of Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi?s top aides received a $50,000 state grant last year while larger, more established fests have gone unfunded, the Herald has learned.
"
Md. incomes grow
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Marylanders saw a bigger average increase in personal income last year than in 2006, according to new government estimates."
Md. Senate revises energy credit
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"A day after advancing a proposal to give homeowners an estimated $5 monthly credit on their electric bills, state lawmakers decided yesterday to cut that amount to less than $2 while directing the rest to conservation and other programs designed to reduce energy use."
Loophole in smoking ban gets backing
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Del. Joseph J. "Sonny" Minnick co-owns a tavern in Dundalk, and he said he's lost business since the state banned smoking in bars and restaurants."
Tax credits for donations to private schools get Senate nod
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"An Anne Arundel County lawmaker's legislation that was approved in the Senate this morning is being criticized as a back-door attempt to institute school vouchers."
Constellation, state agree to settle lawsuits
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley plans to announce today a settlement with Constellation Energy Group, ending a bitter battle between the state and BGE's parent company and securing $187 million in one-time rebates for more than 1 million residential customers, according to state officials who have been briefed on the agreement."
O'Malley discusses deal to kill computer services tax
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) has floated a compromise that would allow for the repeal of the state's new tax on computer services by imposing a surcharge on the income of millionaires, diverting some funding for transportation projects and requiring additional budget cuts in state agencies. "
Granholm celebrates Focus: HOPE's 40th anniversary
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm was on hand Wednesday to help Detroit-based civil rights organization Focus: HOPE celebrate 40 years of operation at its Machinist Training Institute on Oakman Boulevard."
Movie role in future for prison?
From: www.mlive.com
"When the state closed the Southern Michigan Correctional Facility last November to help balance the state's budget, the local economy suffered. Now, the historic facility has the potential to provide an economic boost to the area as a movie location."
Zoo seeks Metro funds
From: www.detnews.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm is scheduled this morning to sign legislation that would allow county authorities to levy a tax on residents to help fund the cash-strapped Detroit Zoo."
Michigan's jobless rate climbs to 7.2%
From: www.freep.com
"Michigan's unemployment rate edged upward by one-tenth of a percentage point to 7.2% during February."
Senate joins House in cutting JOBZ
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota's main rural economic development program would be history, but local governments would get more state aid, under a bill senators are considering."
Indicted executives' contributions tied to Musgrove
From: www.sunherald.com
"The manager of Ronnie Musgrove's U.S. Senate campaign says it would be unfair for people to cast doubts on the former governor because of a new round of federal indictments against three executives for a Georgia business that had a contract to work on a failed Mississippi beef plant."
Casino incentives OK'd
From: www.sunherald.com
"A bill giving tax breaks to casinos to build non-gambling amenities - South Mississippi's last surviving piece of legislation for the 2008 session - passed the Senate Wednesday after a lengthy debate."
Income growth 3rd in nation
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Mississippi had the third-highest increase in per capita income among all states in 2007, according to a Bureau of Economic Analysis report released Wednesday."
Bills clear hurdle, but Medicaid crisis looms
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Bills that would change Mississippi's gaming laws, fund education and allow cities to seize drug houses survived a key legislative deadline Wednesday."
PSC to consider NWE rate increase
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The state Public Service Commission will hold a hearing Monday in Helena on NorthWestern Energy's application to make permanent a 2 percent increase in natural gas and electric delivery rates in Montana."
State goes after casinos with credit gambling
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"In two months last year, Boomers Pub & Gambling Parlor in Missoula let a gambler use a credit card to obtain more than $10,000 in cash advances to gamble. Each transaction was coded as a food or beverage sale ranging from $50 to $600, or most of the money was designated as a tip. That's a violation of Montana law."
Easley says education spending is economic key
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Gov. Mike Easley says incentives are nice, but they aren't as important to economic development as education and work-force development."
Schafer to discuss farm bill in N.D.
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"Gov. John Hoeven has invited more than 20 farm group leaders to meet with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer in North Dakota.
"
Figures show boost in N.D. personal income
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"An economist says an increase in North Dakotans' personal income last year reflects growth in the agriculture and energy industries."
Senate hearing tackles carbon issue
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"With large stores of coal in North Dakota and Montana, Democratic lawmakers from these neighboring states are teaming up in search of ways to make the industry environmentally friendly."
Merits of Omaha smoking ban to be argued in state Supreme Court
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"OMAHA, Neb. -- A co-owner of an Omaha bar hopes the state Supreme Court will agree with her that the exceptions to the city?s smoking ban unfairly benefit certain businesses."
At least four from Ag Committee like Grand Island as fair site
From: www.journalstar.com
"At least four of the eight members of the Legislature's Agriculture Committee regard Grand Island as the best site for the Nebraska State Fair if it moves from Lincoln's State Fair Park."
Senators advance gas tax hike
From: www.omaha.com
"With gas prices on the rise, Gov. David Heineman threw cold water on a bill that would raise gas taxes to fund Nebraska road improvements."
Bill to tax downloads easily clears first vote
From: www.omaha.com
"Phone calls and e-mails that argued against taxing songs, movies and books downloaded over the Internet apparently had little effect on state legislators."
Economic woes factor into budget
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"No man is an island, and in addressing the board of aldermen Tuesday, Mayor Donnalee Lozeau drove home the point that no budget is, either. Lozeau presented the board the first budget of her administration, a spending plan forged against the backdrop of a struggling local economy."
Report -- New England not meeting global warming targets
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"CONCORD, N.H. - New England is not on track to meet its targets for global warming pollution reductions -- a commitment made back in 2001, according to a report issued by a coalition of environmental groups."
Bad fuel leaves cars clunking
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Several filling stations around Santa Fe closed Wednesday after learning Giant Industries delivered gasoline mixed with diesel, which created mechanical problems for untold numbers of motorists. "
An energy promise kept
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The state's largest utility is set to back its commitment to renewable energy with more spending, this time on geothermal power."
Gaming sets scope on club deals
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Amid an Internal Revenue Service investigation and media scrutiny of two of the Strip?s most popular nightclubs, state gaming regulators are launching an industrywide review of the lucrative business dealings between casinos and their nightclub partners."
Lawmaker to pursue employer penalties
From: hosted.ap.org
"A Nevada lawmaker who pushed for a bill to penalize Nevada employers for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants said she'll try again next year now that the attorney general's office said key provisions of the 2007 measure are unenforceable."
Union - Nevada budget cuts could bring layoffs
From: hosted.ap.org
"With Nevada's projected budget shortfall nearing $800 million, a government employees' union leader says there's no way Gov. Jim Gibbons can avoid layoffs unless revenues improve - and layoffs could cause public safety problems."
Nurses may bolt service union
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The Service Employees International Union faced an apparent revolt Wednesday as several hundred nurses at the three St. Rose Dominican hospitals filed a petition to switch to a rival union -- even as the SEIU negotiates a new contract on the nurses' behalf."
Gov. Paterson tries to move on from confessions
From: www.newsday.com
"SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Gov. David A. Paterson attempted Wednesday morning to move beyond his admissions of marital infidelity to the national recession and its impact on the state budget.
"
Meeting kicks off budget haggling
From: timesunion.com
"Talks among Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders Wednesday led to optimism that lawmakers could start working this week on a roughly $123.5 billion for the fiscal year that begins in six days."
Tenure clash over tests
From: timesunion.com
"A battle over teacher tenure erupted in the Legislature Wednesday, with local and statewide school officials pitted against lawmakers they say are trying to stifle reform at the behest of powerful teachers unions."
State moves toward deal on a budget
From: www.nytimes.com
"With five days until the deadline for enacting a state budget, Gov. David A. Paterson's support of congestion pricing has revived hopes for it in the capital, while Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's proposal to increase taxes on people making $1 million or more remains on the table. "
Home prices continue slide as sellers take less
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Home prices continue to slide in Greater Cleveland as frustrated sellers take less for their properties than they ever expected."
Ford says Batavia plant to close around end of May
From: hosted.ap.org
"BATAVIA, Ohio - Ford Motor Co. has sent a letter to the nearly 800 employees at its Batavia plant notifying them that their last day of work will be around May 30."
Big-city mayors endorse cap on payday lending rates
From: hosted.ap.org
"Six of Ohio's big-city mayors have pledged support of a crackdown on payday lending practices, citing an explosion in the growth of payday stores when families are facing mounting economic challenges."
Bill would make mini-trucks street-legal
From: www.journalrecord.com
"Long before gas prices shot up, Edgar Hamm of Hamm?s Sportsman Oasis in Frederick saw the benefit in buying a mini-truck. Now that agricultural producers, construction businesses and others are feeling the pinch from increasing costs for raw materials, state Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon, expects to see a lot more of the diminutive utility-style vehicles in the future"
DHS faces budget cuts, greater need in Oklahoma
From: newsok.com
"It is shaping up to be a tough year for Oklahoma's poor."
State ranking in per capita personal income slips in 2007
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"Oklahomans' per capita personal income rose faster than the national average in 2007 but still lost ground in national rankings, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported Wednesday."
State might pull downtown Portland's Greek Cusina's liquor license
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A downtown nightclub known for its hearty parties, not to mention a giant octopus that greets diners as they enter, is facing a serious downer during spring break."
Rendell pressures lawmakers on stimulus, building package
From: www.mcall.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday renewed his push to get state lawmakers to sign off on millions of dollars in borrowing to fund an economic stimulus and public building program."
$400 state checks won't be in mail
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell is backing off his plan to give $400 checks to low-income Pennsylvanians."
LCB head's law firm does $5.7 million in Pa. business
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Ballard Spahr, a Philadelphia law firm where Gov. Ed Rendell used to work, has earned millions of state dollars in the past five years doing legal work on a potential Pennsylvania Turnpike lease and other matters. But it isn't the only group of legal eagles who are cashing in on their connections to the Rendell administration."
Rendell scraps plans for low-income rebates
From: www.philly.com
"Gov. Rendell said yesterday that he was scrapping his push to give rebates of up to $400 to low-income Pennsylvanians this year because of strong legislative resistance."
Rendell scraps plans for low-income rebates
From: www.philly.com
"Gov. Rendell said yesterday that he was scrapping his push to give rebates of up to $400 to low-income Pennsylvanians this year because of strong legislative resistance."
Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of state insurance tax
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the state tax on insurance premiums."
Court - State insurance-tax requirements are constitutional
From: www.argusleader.com
"Insurance laws that give a tax break to companies with a regional office in South Dakota don't unconstitutionally discriminate against out-of-state firms, the state Supreme Court says."
National Coal clashes with environmentalists over bill
From: www.knoxnews.com
"During a contentious hearing Wednesday, a National Coal Corp. executive said the firm would go out of business in Tennessee, shifting a planned $30 million investment elsewhere, if a bill imposing new restrictions on mining is enacted."
Government briefs - New version of mining bill proposed
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state attorney general says revisions to a bill to ban most mountaintop removal mining in Tennessee could allow the proposal to meet federal requirements."
Pedernales co-op, lawmakers to face off today
From: www.statesman.com
"When Pedernales Electric Cooperative officials arrive at the Capitol this morning for a legislative hearing spurred by excesses at the Johnson City-based co-op, they will be armed with evidence that management has turned over a new leaf with a spate of recent reforms. "
Census - Texas is the hot place to live
From: www.statesman.com
"DALLAS - Four Texas metropolitan areas were among the biggest population gainers as Americans continued their trend of moving to the Sun Belt in 2006 and 2007, according to Census Bureau estimates to be released Thursday."
Nursing homes cut back on physical restraints on patients
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"WASHINGTON -- The use of physical restraints on nursing home patients declined nearly 40 percent nationally in recent years as the federal government, states and the nursing home industry placed greater emphasis on eliminating what once was a common practice."
Zions to drop out of student lending
From: www.sltrib.com
"Zions Bank is joining other big banks in getting out of the federal program to make government-guaranteed student loans, the consequence of subsidy cuts that have made lending to students unprofitable."
Guv says Utah needs to focus on future
From: www.deseretnews.com
"Utah not only can survive the United States' worsening economic woes but should be striving to have the best economy in the nation, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said Wednesday."
Leaders OK interim studies
From: www.deseretnews.com
"Utah legislative leaders decided Wednesday to conduct in-depth studies of four different issues this summer and fall."
Toxic releases up in Va. in '06
From: www.inrich.com
"Factories, power plants and other sources in Virginia reported an 18.6 percent increase in toxic-chemical releases in 2006, a state report says. Reported releases to waterways nearly doubled."
In N.Va., a Latino community unravels
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"A vibrant Latino subculture built in Prince William County over more than a decade is starting to come undone in a matter of months. "
State to spend $150,000 on studying expansion of lottery
From: www.timesargus.com
"Gov. James Douglas' proposal to lease the Vermont Lottery never got much traction in Montpelier. But lawmakers are exploring whether the state can capitalize on the same profit potential that prompted Wall Street investment firms to offer the lottery buy-out.
"
Legislative action on buffers halted
From: www.timesargus.com
"A controversial measure that would restrict development within 50 feet of most lakes and rivers in the state got stuck in the mud -- perhaps permanently -- on Wednesday after a long debate in the Vermont House."
Census shows solid rise in state's population
From: www.thenewstribune.com
"SPOKANE, Wash. -- Many of Washington?s metropolitan areas have grown substantially since 2000, with the Tri-Cities, Bellingham and Olympia showing the highest percentage growth, the Census Bureau reported today."
State lawmakers set aside more than $1 million to save local farmland
From: www.thenewstribune.com
"Dick and Terry Carkner have spent 25 years working their rich Puyallup Valley soil, but they worry what will happen to it 25 years down the road. That's why they sought public money to keep Terry's Berries, their 21-acre organic farm between Tacoma and Puyallup, from being sold to developers."
State falling short on labor needs in trades, high tech
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Educators and labor leaders painted a woeful picture of the obstacles facing Washington's work force Wednesday. "
Group asks judge to force DEP to yank plant's permit
From: hosted.ap.org
"An environmental group says the air pollution permit for a proposed $416 million clean coal plant should be revoked because the developers have waited too long to begin construction."
M.B.A. query caused flurry of calls among WVU administrators
From: www.postgazette.com
"The top aide to West Virginia University President Michael Garrison had multiple phone conversations with Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch over five days in October -- a period when university officials were deciding to award her an M.B.A. degree even though official university records showed she did not earn it."
WORTH NOTING: Gov targeted in critic's galaxy
From: www.stateline.org
"
A New Jersey mayor shifts his aim from a planet to a politician. California’s budget troubles are as bad as what? And a problem gambler gets more help than he wanted to kick the habit. In case you missed any of those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
"
Tax breaks lure moviemakers, cost state millions in tax revenues
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Moviemaking tax breaks embraced by Gov. Deval Patrick and legislative leaders have lured dozens of film productions to Massachusetts. A new report released by the state Department of Revenue finds that there will be at least 88 film productions eligible to claim tax credits for 2006 through the end of 2008.
"
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.
"
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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