State deals blow to zero-emission vehicle supporters
From: www.latimes.com
"California's Air Resources Board voted Thursday to slash by 70% the number of emission-free vehicles that carmakers must sell in the state in coming years, a significant blow for environmentalists and transportation activists. "
Tenacious tax break lays an egg, but lingers in Florida
From: www.tampabay.com
"Ostriches, they're, uh, sort of like chickens. Meaner birds, leaner meat. That was the rationale back in 1992 when lawmakers gave farmers a sales tax break on ostrich feed to encourage ostrich farming in Florida."
Bishop says feds shouldn't keep states from importing waste
From: deseretnews.com
"If states are willing to accept foreign nuclear waste, there's no reason the federal government should prohibit them, says a Utah congressman whose district could get tons of Italian leftovers."
Perdue opinion piece slams Sunday sales
From: www.macon.com
"Gov. Sonny Perdue has made no secret of his opposition to allowing grocery and convenience stores to sell alcohol on Sundays. In a new opinion piece he penned for use in Georgia newspapers, the governor, a conservative Baptist who doesn't drink, said public safety is a large part of the reason why."
Legislature favors sanctions law changes
From: www.azcentral.com
"A package of changes to Arizona's employer-sanctions law appears headed for speedy approval in the Legislature, after a preliminary favorable vote Thursday in the House of Representatives. "
Casino bill declared dead
From: www.kentucky.com
"There will be no casinos in Kentucky anytime soon. Gov. Steve Beshear conceded on Thursday that his plan to solve the state's budget woes with tax revenue from casino gambling has no chance of passage in the legislative session that ends April 15, killing casinos until at least 2010."
Alaska real estate is healthy
From: www.adn.com
"PALMER, Alaska - Longtime local home builder Jess Hall gets the occasional visitor hoping to cash in on the subprime loan debacle triggering angst in real-estate markets around the country."
Ex-governor of Alabama is ordered released
From: www.nytimes.com
"MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Donald Siegelman, former governor of Alabama, was ordered released from prison on Thursday by a federal appeals court, pending his appeal of a bribery conviction that Democrats say resulted from a politically driven prosecution. "
Court orders Siegelman free on bond, won't let Scrushy out on appeal
From: www.al.com
"Former Gov. Don Siegelman, who has spent the past nine months behind bars, will be freed from prison today after a court ruled there were substantial questions about his conviction in a government corruption case, his lawyer said. "
Economic plan - Fix up colleges
From: www.azcentral.com
"Arizona's three state universities are pitching a $1.4 billion campus construction plan that they say would jump-start the state's flagging economy while fixing up dozens of old buildings and erecting new ones to handle future student growth. "
House supports changes to employer-sanctions law;
From: www.azstarnet.com
"State and local agencies could be barred from issuing business licenses and permits to individuals who cannot prove they are in this country legally. The new requirement was added Thursday to legislation designed to clarify Arizona's new employer-sanctions law. "
Big pension fund CalPERS to withold votes for 3 Eli Lilly directors, cites stock's performance
From: www2.indystar.com
"The country's largest public pension fund plans to withhold votes for three Eli Lilly and Co. directors, including incoming CEO John Lechleiter, at next month's annual meeting."
State slashes clean-air car goal
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Air quality regulators dramatically reduced the goal for emission-free vehicles in California yesterday, but for the first time they required automakers to sell a new generation of plug-in hybrid cars."
California cuts clean car goal
From: www.detnews.com
"WASHINGTON -- The California Air Resources Board on Thursday reduced the number of zero-emission vehicles the top six automakers must sell in the state, but didn't go as far as the board's staff and U.S. automakers urged."
State air board demands more low-emission cars
From: www.sfgate.com
"The California Air Resources Board, acknowledging that development of air pollution-free vehicle technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells is lagging, moved Thursday to require major automakers to produce more low-emission cars such as plug-in hybrids."
Nunez 'proud' of pension offer
From: www.sacbee.com
"Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez on Thursday defended his "golden handshake" offer to veteran Assembly employees as a way to save budget funds, after a top Democrat said earlier this week Nunez had punished him for challenging the plan."
California air board eases green-vehicle mandate
From: www.sacbee.com
"State regulators on Thursday relaxed a rule that called for at least 25,000 vehicles powered by hydrogen fuel cells or batteries to be on California roads by 2014, bowing to automaker complaints that those technologies are still too immature and costly for large-scale production."
State ignores law requiring annual Medi-Cal payment studies
From: www.sacbee.com
"When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and lawmakers agreed last month to cut 10 percent from what the state pays Medi-Cal doctors, they did so without knowing how it might further limit services to the poor. That's because for years the state has been ignoring a law requiring the Medi-Cal director to conduct an annual review in order to keep doctors' reimbursement rates competitive with other insurance programs."
California may push back zero-emissions deadline
From: www.npr.org
"California regulators are considering reducing the number of zero-emission vehicles automakers must produce by 2014. The auto industry says it needs more time to manufacture battery-powered and fuel-cell cars, but environmentalists say the state shouldn't back away from its toughest-in-the-nation air-quality standards."
Governor's inconsistencies may overshadow his accomplishments
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger compares his governing style to hitting the "sweet spot" on a golf ball that sends it soaring through the air: negotiating contentious issues until he strikes the exact compromise that brings opposing groups together. "
Massive Calif. deficit sets up budget battle
From: www.npr.org
"California is facing a massive $16-billion budget deficit. To fix the problem, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed across-the-board budget cuts. But Democrats in the state Legislature are unlikely to go along with his plan."
Panel backs extension of real estate tax
From: www.theday.com
"The legislature's finance committee approved another two-year extension of the real estate conveyance tax for municipalities on Thursday, rejecting demands from brokers to abolish the stop-gap measure first passed in the state's budget crisis in 2003."
Democrats have 3 in running for insurance commissioner
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Three Democrats are now in the race for state insurance commissioner. Sussex County resident Tom Savage filed for the seat earlier this month, joining Gene Reed of Bear, and Karen Weldin Stewart of Wilmington said she is making a third bid for the office."
House gets tough on copper theft
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"With copper prices soaring, so is copper theft, creating power outages, communication breakdowns and other issues beyond the immediate thievery. The problem has gotten so bad -- some people think the economic slowdown contributes to the crime -- that legislators are likely to increase penalties for copper theft that damages or interrupts utilities or communication services."
Staffing cuts weighed for nursing homes
From: www.miamiherald.com
"In a move that one Miami nursing-home operator called a return to the ''dark ages,'' Republicans in the Florida House of Representatives want to suspend a state law that mandates how much care nursing-home patients must receive each day."
Springing forward for daylight saving time could fall away
From: www.miamiherald.com
"What's worse: Dusk ruining a late-afternoon round of golf, or figuring out how to change the microwave clock twice a year? A state senator is sure it's the latter, so he's pushing a bill to abolish daylight saving time in Florida."
Florida lawmakers face tough cuts in services for poor, seriously ill, elderly
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Dentures and hearing aids for the poor. Money for hospitals and nursing homes caring for the frailest Floridians. Payments to group homes. Even health coverage for those awaiting lifesaving organ transplants. All are part of a grim roster of state services facing deep cuts or outright elimination under spending plans taking shape Thursday in the House and Senate."
House approves alcohol sales in limousines
From: www.ajc.com
"Limousine drivers could sell martinis, champagne and other alcoholic beverages to their passengers under legislation that passed the Georgia House on Thursday. Senate Bill 385, sponsored by state Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville), passed by a 128-26 vote."
Bill opposing menu labeling goes to governor
From: www.ajc.com
"Local counties can't require restaurants to post nutrition information about their menu items under a bill that easily passed the Senate Thursday. The bill, which sailed through the House earlier this session, now goes to the governor's desk."
Perdue takes final shot at stopping Sunday alcohol sales bill
From: www.ajc.com
"Gov. Sonny Perdue made one last pitch Thursday, before he heads to China on a trade mission, to derail legislation that would allow package sales of alcohol on Sundays."
Superferry's dry dock pau as boat plans for restart
From: starbulletin.com
"The idled Hawaii Superferry returned from dry dock yesterday, but a company official says the repaired commuter vessel is still almost a month away from plying the seas."
Alakai moved out of drydock
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii Superferry's Alakai has been moved from drydock to its regular berth at Pier 19, but company spokeswoman Lori Abe said there is no change in plans to resume service April 23."
HMSA may hike premiums 12.8%
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Health insurance premiums will jump by 12.8 percent for thousands of Hawai'i small businesses under a proposed rate hike by the Hawaii Medical Service Association."
Donovan discloses more red ink at UH
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"University of Hawaii-Manoa athletic director Jim Donovan apologized yesterday to state House lawmakers for what he described as evasive and inaccurate financial information his predecessor, Herman Frazier, provided about the department last year."
Weakened dollar helps isle visitor industry
From: starbulletin.com
"Continued weakening in the U.S. dollar might have played a key role in the good news from Hawaii's visitor industry last month."
OHA audit resolution advances in Senate
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"A key Senate committee yesterday advanced a resolution urging state Auditor Marion Higa to conduct a financial and management audit of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, following more than three hours of testimony for and against the action."
Ferry service to Kawaihae has residents skeptical
From: starbulletin.com
"KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii - Kawaihae town is not ready to handle Hawaii Superferry passengers in large numbers, residents told state officials and consultants."
Democrats seek to ease tensions with governor
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Democratic legislative leaders on Thursday sought to ease tensions with Gov. Chet Culver over a labor-backed expansion of collective bargaining rights and said they could change a measure that's already cleared the Legislature."
Attorney General files suit to get money from former CIETC leaders
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit today against several former executives and consultants that were involved in a central Iowa employment agency salary scandal."
Ray says he backs Culver's stand on union bill
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Former Gov. Robert Ray said Thursday that he would veto a controversial union bill that's causing a bitter political spat as well as friction between Iowa's present governor and the leaders in his own party."
Senate panel changes bill dealing with college textbooks
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A Senate committee has reworked a bill which aims to help college students buy textbooks at more reasonable prices. "
Teen driving proposal joins scores of bills labeled dead
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Teen drivers got a free pass this year from lawmakers who considered prohibiting them from hauling their friends around."
Iowa moves up to 27th in personal-income rankings
From: www.omaha.com
"The income of Iowans grew faster than the national average in 2007, pushing the state past Oregon and Ohio. Iowa now ranks 27th among the states."
The buzz -- State beekeeper hired
From: www.omaha.com
"DES MOINES, Iowa -- The state has hired an expert to help its bee industry."
Can Iowa Democrats play nice on labor bill?
From: www.omaha.com
"DES MOINES, Iowa -- Democratic legislative leaders Thursday sought to ease tensions with Gov. Chet Culver over a labor-backed expansion of collective bargaining rights and said they could change a measure that already has cleared the Legislature."
House OKs bill to let developers form taxing districts
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Developers are closer to being able to form taxing districts to pay for roads, bridges and sewers for their subdivisions."
Senate backs plan for ID timber payments, if Congress doesn't
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Senate voted 34-1 to give public schools in Idaho's forest communities up to $11.7 million -- should Congress fail to reauthorize federal payments meant to replace money from the dwindling logging industry."
Real-estate price disclosure bill dies in Idaho House committee
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A House committee rang the death knell for efforts to force Idaho property buyers to tell county assessors what they paid for residential real estate."
House may kill plan to ease debt curbs for ID cities, hospitals
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"House leaders are considering dumping a plan to amend the Idaho Constitution to make it easier for cities, counties and public hospitals to take on debt if no property taxes are used to repay the money. The measure sailed through the Senate unanimously."
Growth of Idaho employment, home appreciation slows
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho's employment and home appreciation growth rates slowed noticeably in the fourth quarter of 2007 but remained among the nation's leaders, the federal government reported Thursday."
Senate drastically cuts business tax break
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Economic jitters proved too much for Idaho senators when faced with a bill that would have repealed a business tax most lawmakers don't like."
Efforts break down to resolve two issues that have kept the Legislature in session
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Two defining issues for the Idaho Legislature are finally in focus, one week after lawmakers had hoped to adjourn: There will be no additional money to improve Idaho highways this year. If the Legislature does cut the amount of tax businesses pay on equipment, it will be in greatly reduced form."
No real answers
From: www.southernillinoisan.com
"Plans to build a coal gasification plant on the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus have come to a halt, but officials say they'll continue pursuing new options for electricity generation."
State alters rules, now says Plainfield needs a hospital
From: www.suburbanchicagonews.com
"The Illinois Department of Public Health's latest assessment of Edward Hospital's plan for a hospital in Plainfield shows a need for hospital beds in Plainfield -- the opposite of what the state agency has said for four years."
Blagojevich says Cubs should stay at Wrigley Field forever
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Thursday he'll do all he can to keep the team playing at Wrigley Field as billionaire owner Sam Zell looks to sell both the team and the ballpark."
Defense not resting during Rezko break
From: www.suntimes.com
"While some people might be spending more time with their kids this week or even vacationing under sunnier skies, Tony Rezko's lawyers are staying close to home."
Calls for more spending compound Ill. budget woes
From: www.npr.org
"Illinois is facing a huge budget deficit this year, and with officials loath to raise taxes, options are severely limited. Compounding the problem, at budget hearings across the state, legislators are hearing requests for increased spending on education and human services programs."
Immigration bill OK'd after rewriting
From: www2.ljworld.com
"The House gave first-round approval to a bill dealing with illegal immigration after rewriting it to the point that its chief supporter disowned it."
House backtracks on seizing business licenses
From: www.kansascity.com
"Kansas lawmakers Thursday backed away from threats to pull the licenses of businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants."
Proposal for riverfront development OK?d
From: www2.ljworld.com
"A proposal to set up a riverfront authority to promote development in De Soto is sailing through the Legislature."
Lawmakers seek end to nuclear power plant ban
From: www.kentucky.com
"Some lawmakers hope to lift a longstanding ban on construction of nuclear power plants in Kentucky."
Senate sends payday loan bill to committee
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Senate has sent a bill meant to better regulate Kentucky's payday loan industry to its budget committee, a move supporters fear could kill it."
Legislative briefs
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A bill that seeks to create a statewide trauma system passed the Kentucky Senate 36-0 this week and now goes to the governor for his signature."
Bill to reduce homelessness advances in Senate
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A bill aimed at helping people leaving prison or other state facilities avoid becoming homeless is eligible for final passage in the Senate as early as today."
Beshear concedes defeat on casino effort
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear conceded defeat yesterday on casino gambling legislation -- an issue that had been the centerpiece of his election campaign last year."
Kentucky's options to make up shortfall unpopular
From: www.npr.org
"As Kentucky lawmakers consider what to do about a projected $900-million budget shortfall over the next two years, most residents don't like the solutions they're hearing. Among them: steep cuts to higher education, a big hike in cigarette taxes and casino gambling."
Bill seeks to ID all subcontractors for Road Home
From: www.nola.com
"As the state auditor and inspector general continue to monitor the contractor that runs the Road Home grant program, a leading lawmaker wants the public to learn more about the subcontractors who command a substantial cut of ICF International's deal with the state."
Site on automaker's short list
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"Louisiana's top economic development official said the state's Franklin Farms Industrial Megasite in Richland Parish is one of 10 sites an automaker is considering for an expansion, but it could be 12 to 18 months before a final decision is made."
Patrick chased book deal during vote
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick traveled to New York last week to shop a proposal for an autobiography among New York publishing houses, departing the state to pursue the book contract just hours before the House voted down his high-profile casino legislation on Beacon Hill."
Prop 2 1/2 under siege in Mass.
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Cash-starved cities and towns across the state are launching an all-out offensive on taxpayers' pocketbooks, repeatedly asking homeowners to ignore Proposition 2 1/2 and dig deep to pay for everything from teachers to fire trucks to trash collection."
Police details eyed for overhaul
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A sweeping transportation reform plan unveiled yesterday would curb the use of police details on road projects, slash employee benefits at the MBTA and Mass Pike and force all transportation agencies to publicly report cash flow on major construction projects."
Gov. bailed on casino push, booked it to N.Y.
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Gov. Deval Patrick traveled to New York to discuss a book deal during the Legislature?s final deliberations on his casino proposal, leaving the legislation for dead as he worked on plans to publish an autobiography, aides confirmed last night."
BGE deal to award $170 per customer
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"A sweeping settlement between Maryland and Constellation Energy Group Inc. includes rate relief for customers, saves them nuclear decommissioning costs and puts a new nuclear power plant in Maryland back on track, Gov. Martin O'Malley said yesterday."
State OKs Ocean City property tax breaks
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The General Assembly has passed legislation that would let local governments give tax breaks to two Ocean City amusement parks, both of which have been grappling with skyrocketing property tax bills."
Bill to exempt some sites from smoking ban fails
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"A bill that would have created an "outdoor" exemption for Baltimore County bars and restaurants to the state ban on smoking in public places died in a House committee yesterday, effectively ending an effort that some health advocates feared could unravel statewide support for the newly imposed law."
Law aims to protect mail-order brides
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"In an effort to prevent domestic violence and close a loophole in federal law, Maryland lawmakers want criminal background checks available on men who pay to meet mail-order or Internet brides through marriage brokers."
Senators advance Leopold's agenda
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"The majority of County Executive John R. Leopold's legislative agenda has been cleared for passage after Anne Arundel's Senate delegation signed off on multiple bills yesterday."
Constellation, state settle suit over energy credits
From: gazette.net
"Lawyers for the state and Constellation Energy Group Inc. settled litigation over the return of energy credits to ratepayers, ending a bitter feud between the two parties that threatened the development of a third reactor at Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, state officials announced on Thursday."
Session's work reflects weak economy, pols say
From: gazette.net
"It wasn't supposed to be this way. The special session convened last fall was supposed to shore up Maryland?s finances and allow Gov. Martin O?Malley (D) and state lawmakers to move full speed ahead with new initiatives in 2008."
Discussions heat up on computer tax repeal
From: gazette.net
"With time running out in the 2008 General Assembly, Gov. Martin O?Malley is working feverishly to broker an agreement with legislators to repeal the unpopular sales tax on computer services."
Constellation Energy, state settle lawsuit
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"A legal settlement between Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.'s parent company and Maryland could put $170 back in customers' pockets and clear the way for building a new nuclear reactor in the state."
O'Malley's budget compromise sinking in committee
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"A compromise floated by Gov. Martin O'Malley to allow for the repeal of Maryland's computer services tax is short of the votes needed to move it forward in the Senate, leaders of the chamber said yesterday. "
Marylanders back campus credit card marketing reforms
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"WASHINGTON - Maryland students and a state delegate applauded the release of a nationwide survey that recommends broad restrictions on credit card marketing to college students."
All eyes on tourism
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"If tough times put a dent in Maine's largest economic sector, a lot of businesses and workers could suffer.
"
Mich. Senate votes to make state government use green energy
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The Michigan Senate on Thursday voted to make state government use more green energy but didn't ask the same of residents and businesses because of Republicans' worries that renewable power costs too much."
Granholm signs levy zoo tax bill
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed legislation allowing voters in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to decide whether to use a property tax to help fund the Detroit Zoo."
Senate tries to boost home sales with tax changes
From: www.mlive.com
"The state Senate has passed legislation aimed at spurring homes sales in Michigan."
`Good faith' bill easing insurance lawsuits clears Minn. House
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Legislation giving consumers a stronger case to sue their insurance companies over denied claims cleared the Minnesota House on Thursday. "
Lawmaker wants to cut injury fund settlements
From: www.stltoday.com
"The Senate's top budget writer proposed Thursday to reduce the maximum settlement payments available to workers who suffer repeated injuries -- a move he claims could ward off the disability fund's projected insolvency. "
Income up 6.7 % in state in '08
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"New federal figures show Mississippi still has the lowest per capita income in the nation, despite having the third-highest rate of growth for the figure in 2007."
Governor offers no relief for Hardin jail
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer sent letters this week to hundreds of supporters of an empty Hardin jail explaining why he cannot pave the way for out-of-state inmates to fill the privately run, for-profit lockdown as they had hoped."
Sales data shows economic health
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"North Dakota's Tax Department says taxable sales and purchases jumped 11.6 percent during last year's Christmas shopping season."
Figures show boost in N.D., Minnesota personal income
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"FARGO, N.D. - An economist says an increase in North Dakotans' personal income last year reflects growth in the agriculture and energy industries."
Closing Beatrice home isn't goal
From: www.omaha.com
"A legislative investigation of the Beatrice State Developmental Center will improve the troubled state institution, not close it, Speaker Mike Flood said Thursday."
Economy takes toll on the state; $200m deficit looms
From: www.fosters.com
"State lawmakers say New Hampshire's revenues continue to deteriorate due to the slumping economy and the state could be left with a $200 million deficit by the end of the biennium in 2009."
Sweet gold: N.H. maple syrup prices reach record high
From: www.fosters.com
"STRAFFORD, N.H. - Don Black said the maple syrup has never run better from his trees as it has this week, but he doesn't know how many gallons he will actually boil on Saturday."
In bond ratings, some good news
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Despite its financial troubles, Nevada has retained its good bond ratings."
Nevada court - 'Comped' casino food not taxable
From: hosted.ap.org
"In a split decision that cuts into Nevada's tax take, the state Supreme Court held Thursday that food provided for free to some casino patrons and to many resort employees isn't taxable."
Job total dips in state, but the city gains a bit
From: www.nytimes.com
"The number of jobs in New York State dipped in February, a sign that the state, like the nation, may be heading into a recession. But the jobs numbers in New York City, moving counter to that trend, increased slightly last month."
Station plan put in doubt as Garden opts to stay
From: www.nytimes.com
"The dream of transforming Pennsylvania Station and creating a new financial district around it suffered a potentially fatal blow on Thursday when the owners of Madison Square Garden announced that they would renovate the 40-year-old arena instead of moving to a new location a block away."
Local leaders push for state aid
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"With a Tuesday deadline to pass a state budget, Rochester leaders were lobbying state leaders Thursday in hopes of getting aid for hometown projects.
"
Paterson, leaders agree on framework of budget
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Legislative leaders and Gov. David Paterson agreed late Thursday to cut spending in next year's budget to about $300 million less than Gov. Eliot Spitzer proposed last month."
N.Y. opposes plan for Lake Ontario water levels
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"In an unusual last-minute appeal, Gov. David Paterson has asked U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to urge reconsideration of a new plan to regulate Lake Ontario water levels."
New York legislators' campaign spending eyed
From: www.newsday.com
"Wade into the campaign spending records of legislators here, seeking facts about who bought what and why they did, and you'll soon find yourself neck-deep in a swamp of confusion.
"
Albany rules out raising millionaires' taxes
From: www2.nysun.com
"Governor Paterson and state lawmakers, who are closing in on a 2008-09 budget deal, have ruled out raising taxes on millionaires but have agreed to spend more than what Mr. Paterson had advised."
Paving way on state budget
From: timesunion.com
"As the bottom falls out on Wall Street revenues, legislative leaders and Gov. David Paterson late Thursday said they are hastening to fashion a new state budget of about $124 billion that will be built on some increased fees and other unspecified funds."
Lobbyists push for tax increases to offset budget shortfall
From: timesunion.com
"Lobbyists are making a last-minute push for higher taxes on millionaires and smokers as the budget deadline approaches in less than a week."
Strickland shifts 3 agencies' roles
From: news.enquirer.com
"Ohio is realigning three major state agencies in order to improve the way it matches businesses with workers and job seekers with jobs."
Survey - Students want more regulation of credit-card marketing
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"The state's top law enforcement officer wants Ohio's colleges and universities to crack down on what he believes are overly aggressive and deceptive marketing practices by credit-card companies on campus."
Other states profit from Ohio's gambling fever
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Ninety-nine miles from Cleveland, off Interstate 90 in northern Pennsylvania, the region's newest gambling destination rises outside of Erie like a handsome big-box store in the ex-urban sprawl."
Strike fallout may spread to GM car plants in Michigan, Ohio
From: hosted.ap.org
"DETROIT, Mich. - The increasingly bitter monthlong strike at auto parts maker American Axle and Manufacturing Holdings Inc. is starting to hit General Motors Corp. where it hurts."
Immigration cost defended by economist
From: newsok.com
"The president of an economic consulting firm on Thursday defended a report showing the state could lose $1.8 billion in economic activity because of legislation that targets illegal immigration."
House speaker says education funding taking longer than expected
From: newsok.com
"House Speaker Chris Benge said Thursday Oklahoma educators will have to wait longer than he had expected to receive millions of dollars in state supplemental funds so they can pay their bills through the rest of the school year."
Companies, cities turn to biometrics in state
From: newsok.com
"TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - When city employees in Tahlequah arrive at work, they don't punch a card in a time clock to document their arrival."
Senator probes Rendell's 'favoritism'
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"When GTECH sought and won a $6.3 million annual contract to run Pennsylvania's slots computer system in 2003, it turned to Ken Jarin, a key fundraiser for Gov. Ed Rendell and an attorney with the governor's former law firm."
County is top tourist draw in state
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Allegheny County ranks first in the state in terms of tourism spending, but the lack of a headquarters hotel hampers efforts to attract the largest of gatherings, including national political conventions, VisitPittsburgh officials said yesterday."
Health care dispute brings problems
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell is telling the state's doctors they will have to pay more for their medical malpractice insurance coverage because no agreement has been reached on legislation to extend health care coverage to the uninsured."
House panel OKs expanded gambling hours
From: www.projo.com
"Legislation to allow 24-hour gambling at the state's two slot parlors in Lincoln and Newport on weekends and holiday eves won House Finance Committee approval last night, a day after a key Senate committee approved a matching bill."
Supreme Court denies Carcieri's request
From: www.projo.com
"The state Supreme Court has denied a request from Governor Carcieri to meet with Chief Justice Frank J. Williams over the issue of privatizing some state jobs."
No action taken on new town plan
From: www.projo.com
"The bumper stickers that state Rep. Nicholas Gorham, R-Coventry, has been handing out in recent weeks call it "the Town of the Future.""
Business owners have their say on widening taxation
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island business does not want to be forgotten."
SC legislation would ban stripper lap dances, curb club hours
From: www.goupstate.com
"Exotic dancers would have to stay six feet from strip club customers and those businesses would have to close at midnight under legislation approved by House panel Thursday."
Unemployment down locally, statewide
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"Statewide, the total number of unemployed workers -- those without jobs and actively searching for one -- totaled 116,900 in February, down more than 13,000 over January's totals."
More groups want own specialty license plates
From: www.tennessean.com
"Whether you are an Elvis Presley fan, a supporter of schools or just love to fish for bass, there is a specialty license plate for you."
Tyson defends hiring practices, works with refugees
From: www.t-g.com
"Tyson Foods officials have been working with the imam of Shelbyville's Islamic mosque to bridge the cultural gap that exists between the Somali community and the rest of the public."
Regents schools expect increases up to 10%
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Members of the Tennessee Board of Regents, considering a nearly 10 percent tuition increase, were looking for some temporary relief Thursday from a bleak state economic forecast."
Senate hearing targets PEC allegations
From: www.statesman.com
"State Sen. Troy Fraser, R-Horseshoe Bay, said Thursday that his experience dealing with Pedernales Electric Cooperative leads him to believe lawmakers should consider everything from re-imposing state oversight on electric co-operatives to bringing them under state open records and meetings laws for the first time."
High gas prices top Utahns' priority list
From: www.sltrib.com
"Energy issues, specifically high gasoline prices, are paramount in the minds of Utah voters, followed by education, according to the findings of a survey released by the Utah Foundation on Wednesday."
State denies any cover-up over Kennecott tailings pond
From: deseretnews.com
"A 1997 Kennecott Utah Copper document suggests that the state and Kennecott were part of a conspiracy to cover up evidence about potential seismic weakness in a now-retired tailings pond."
Powell pipeline plan going public
From: deseretnews.com
"ST. GEORGE, Utah -- Details of newly filed documents outlining Utah's intent to build a massive water distribution pipeline from Lake Powell to Sand Hollow Reservoir in Washington County are going on display for public review."
Panel cites threat to Va. from warming
From: www.inrich.com
"CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The effects of global warming on Virginia are not certain, but some threats seem pretty clear, members of the state's climate-change panel say."
Vt. spent millions on suspect drug
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"As the lawsuits against Eli Lilly over its top-selling anti-schizophrenia drug Zyprexa began piling up in 2006, Vermont's state-run insurance program spent nearly $4 million on the drug, according to documents."
Human Rights panel backs case of breast-feeding passenger
From: www.timesargus.com
"The Vermont Human Rights Commission on Thursday ruled there were reasonable grounds to believe Freedom Airlines discriminated against a New Mexico woman ordered off a plane after refusing to cover up while breast feeding her infant, an official said."
State rejects bid for new ferry
From: www.thenewstribune.com
"It may take awhile longer for Pierce County to get back the Steilacoom II, the vessel it's leasing to Washington State Ferries for temporary use on the Port Townsend-Keystone route. That's because the only bid for a 50-car ferry that will be built to take over that route for the state ferry system came in almost $10 million higher than expected."
Utility rates to increase for green effort
From: www.theolympian.com
"Puget Sound Energy received permission from state utility regulators Thursday to raise electric and natural-gas rates Tuesday to pay for an increase of energy conservation programs."
Toy-safety debate continues
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"There's trouble in toyland. Toy sellers and manufacturers are pressing Gov. Christine Gregoire to veto a bill that would outlaw toys that contain certain toxins, while children's-health advocates are encouraging her to sign it."
Ferry bid exceeds state's estimate
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"The sole bid for building a new 50-car ferry to run between Port Townsend and Keystone hit turbulence Thursday when it came in at least $9 million over the state's estimate. Todd Pacific Shipyards bid nearly $26 million to build the ferry."
Group Health first to drop loophole, will pay for client's liver transplant
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Group Health Cooperative on Thursday said it is changing its policies and will pay for a Spokane man's life-saving liver transplant, a procedure that had been initially denied on a technicality because he was in the midst of a waiting period for organ-transplant coverage."
A new tax for businesses
From: www.wrn.com
"Quietly, the Legislature and Governor have approved a new tax on business. The measure is designed to prop up the state's Unemployment Compensation Fund, which was getting close to running out of money."
Doyle promotes Clean Energy Wisconsin plan
From: www.lacrossetribune.com
"Wisconsin's resources and talent can be used to make it the leading state for clean and renewable energy, just as they were used to switch from a wheat-growing state to "the dairy state" a century ago, Gov. Jim Doyle said Thursday."
Conservative accuses Butler
From: www.madison.com
"A conservative activist is alleging that Supreme Court Justice Louis Butler has failed for years to report in-kind campaign contributions from a Milwaukee law firm."
W.Va. remains 49th in nation in per capita income
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"While West Virginia's per capita income grew by more than $1,300 from 2006 to 2007, it still remained 49th in the country.
"
Workers authorize strike at Mountaineer casino
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"CHESTER, W.Va. - Some 200 cashiers, slot technicians and money room employees are set to go on strike at midnight Saturday at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort. "
Average income doubles in decade
From: www.trib.com
"A booming energy industry has helped Wyoming's average income double over the past decade."
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.
"
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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