Ariz., Fla. duel for spring training role
From: www.stateline.org
"
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla - Local pride and the possibility of economic benefits are at stake as Arizona and Florida slug it out to attract teams for the annual six-week ritual of spring training. But whether the games generate enough extra money to boost the local economy is debatable."
Arizona considers a guest worker program of its own
From: www.csmonitor.com
"PHOENIX - The state already at the cutting edge of immigration reform seems poised to undertake yet another experiment: a guest worker program created and administered by a state rather than by the federal government."
Lights, cameras and big tax breaks
From: www.freep.com
"The golden age of Michigan moviemaking is set to begin -- awaiting only the signature of Gov. Jennifer Granholm on a package of laws creating what state officials call the nation's most generous financial incentives for filmmaking."
States are hit hard by economic downturn
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"NEW YORK -- In Illinois' Cook County, women in poor neighborhoods no longer have access to free mammograms from two mobile vans testing for breast cancer. "
As jobs vanish, food stamp use is at record pace
From: www.nytimes.com
"Driven by a painful mix of layoffs and rising food and fuel prices, the number of Americans receiving food stamps is projected to reach 28 million in the coming year, the highest level since the aid program began in the 1960s. "
Tobacco funded Mass. researchers
From: www.boston.com
"The nation's largest cigarette maker has paid for scientific research at four Massachusetts universities since 2000, a practice that critics of the tobacco industry liken to the Mafia underwriting crime fighting."
June legislative session to take place in Juneau
From: juneauempire.com
"The June special legislative session the governor called on natural gas pipeline issues will be in Juneau."
Palin calls for special session
From: juneauempire.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin on Friday called a special session of the Alaska Legislature for June, leading observers to believe her administration will approve TransCanada's application to build the state's long-awaited North Slope natural gas pipeline."
Humbler bills seek passage in Juneau
From: www.adn.com
"State Rep. Berta Gardner figured it was time to turn the page on a personal pet peeve -- a nuisance she was sure annoyed many Alaskans."
Jefferson County's ultimatum to Wall Street banks carries risks for both sides
From: www.al.com
"Jefferson County's ultimatum to Wall Street banks to accept a proposal for paying part of its $3.2 billion sewer debt comes with risks for both sides, say two finance professors and a longtime bankruptcy lawyer. "
State unemployment rate drops sharply in February
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Arkansas' unemployment rate dropped sharply in February, down six-tenths of a percentage point since January to 5 percent, labor statistics released Friday showed.
"
Older gas wells not expected to pay full tax, governor says
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"With a special session to raise the state severance tax on natural gas just days away, Gov. Mike Beebe said Friday that 12 percent of state's natural gas wells in the Fayetteville Shale play will be taxed at the full rate beginning next year and 52 percent by 2012."
State senator pushes bill to eliminate fees for unlisted phone numbers
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Californians should not have to pay their phone company for not doing something. That's the view of state Sen. Sheila Kuehl, a Santa Monica Democrat who argues that unlisted phone numbers should be free.
"
Lawmakers got freebies large and small in '07
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Dinners with liquor company executives, free tickets to the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl and trips to Central Asia, Japan, Europe and South America are among the gifts San Diego County legislators reported receiving last year."
Day of political preening
From: www.sacbee.com
"State Attorney General Jerry Brown waxed nostalgic Saturday about his former days as governor and strongly suggested that he might run again -- just as soon as he is done suing President Bush over global warming."
Assemblywomen seek more oversight of assisted living facilities
From: www.sacbee.com
"Driven in part by their personal experiences, two Democratic lawmakers have joined a coalition of seniors, caregivers and the Service Employees International Union, in calling for increased regulation of the fast-growing assisted living industry. The group calls itself the Campaign to Improve Assisted Living."
Rell open to compromise on billboards
From: www.courant.com
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who has called for the removal of billboards from state-owned property, says she's working with state lawmakers on a possible compromise that would limit outdoor advertising."
Sunday buses may start as early as June
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Because of savings and other efficiencies, DART First State hopes to launch Sunday bus service in New Castle County in June -- five months sooner than previously announced."
Finding a cure for the cost of care
From: www.delawareonline.com
"John Flaherty didn't go to the emergency room, even though he knew he'd separated his shoulder."
Florida's population slowing to 30-year low, study shows
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A new study has reaffirmed a growing demographic trend in Florida: The state is seeing its population growth slow to its lowest level in three decades."
Florida lawmakers still have much work left to do
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"With four weeks gone in Florida's Legislative session and four weeks to go, little in the way of meaningful legislation has made its way into law ? and it could stay that way. Still pending are major initiatives on insurance and taxes and thousands of bills ranging from immigration to education to environmental issues."
Final wording of proposed tax-swap amendment in flux
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The property-tax swap proposed for the November ballot remains unchanged as the committee assigned to write the final draft of the controversial plan to amend the state Constitution postponed its work until next week."
Legislators eye Citizens' surplus
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Money earmarked to pay future insurance claims could end up funding a program to provide additional capital for start-up and newer insurance firms."
'Children's week' begins at Capitol
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Despite the threat of budget cuts to education and health services, volunteers merrily festooned the Capitol rotunda with thousands of tiny handprints and other children's artwork Sunday in hopes of reminding state lawmakers how the budget they are crafting will affect kids."
Lawmakers continue tug-of-war over Florida budget
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"State funding of everything from life-saving medical services for the poor and jobs of state prison and probation officers to field trips for school kids and shrubbery beside roads is on the chopping block as legislators grimly craft what will end up as Florida's $68 billion state budget this week."
Tax changes could sock your wallet in some new ways
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"A little-known panel of lawyers, lobbyists and ex-legislators is on the verge of placing some of the most transformative tax-and-spending changes in decades on the November ballot."
Stakes high in state budget game
From: www.ajc.com
"The first move in the annual game of budget poker at the state Capitol is to collect a few bargaining chips. In the House, you cut out $2 million that's supposed to go for a new library in Gov. Sonny Perdue's Houston County."
Lawyer by day, boxer by night
From: www.ajc.com
""WWE Raw" this wasn't. It was barely 8 a.m. on a recent weekday, and the atmosphere inside a gilded conference room at the state Capitol was decidedly buttoned-down. Buzzing BlackBerries largely went ignored by onlookers as the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities committee considered legislation to tighten the regulatory ropes on boxing, wrestling and martial arts in Georgia."
Audit of private prisons possible
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"State lawmakers today will consider ordering an audit of two Corrections Corporation of America facilities in the wake of national media accounts alleging that the huge private prison company misrepresented statistical data to make it appear that CCA facilities had fewer violent acts and other problems than was actually the case."
Government searches for ways to help airline
From: starbulletin.com
"Gov. Linda Lingle, while expressing sympathy for Aloha Airlines workers, announced a plan yesterday to fight the carrier's intended shutdown of passenger service."
Lawmakers still hopeful, vow support for workers
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Even after Aloha Airlines said its final flight for passengers will come tonight and 1,900 employees will be let go, some government officials are holding out hope that the airline's six-decade history really isn't drawing to a close."
Lawmakers plot study for stadium in West Oahu
From: starbulletin.com
"State lawmakers are calling for the University of Hawaii to study ways to build a new stadium in West Oahu."
Local lawmakers look to make inroads on state spending plan
From: www.qctimes.com
"With the legislative session winding down, Iowa lawmakers will shift budget negotiations into high gear as early as this week, as they try to divvy up an estimated $6 billion in spending."
Supreme Court rejects complaints over proposed hog facility
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"The Iowa Supreme Court on Friday rejected the complaints of neighbors of a proposed hog confinement operation saying they failed to prove it would be a nuisance."
Legislators to focus on budget this week
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The scheduled adjournment date for the 2008 Iowa Legislature is April 22nd and lawmakers are starting to nail down the details in next year's state budget. "
Bargaining bill still before Iowa lawmakers
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"For a third week in a row, Northwest Iowa legislators will be focused on a contentious union bargaining bill."
State announces massive testing program to measure aquifer
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- State officials plan next week to start a five-year program of measuring water depths in some 1,300 wells to get a more accurate picture of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer to help resolve water disputes."
Houses passes bill to reimburse developers for roadwork
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho lawmakers want to broaden a program that lets developers build huge road projects and recoup the costs from sales taxes generated by the stores they build."
Committee backs bill to allow developers' taxing districts
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A bill to let developers form taxing districts to pay for roads, bridges and sewers for their subdivisions is now headed to the full Senate."
Bickering between House, Senate and Otter extend ID Legislature
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Late-session bickering between the House, Senate and Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has conspired to delay the end of the Legislature for a second year, as lawmakers likely won't adjourn until Tuesday, at the earliest."
Lawmakers hope to wrap up their work this week
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A disappointment and a compromise have paved the way to a likely mid-week wrap-up for the 2008 Legislature."
Taxes, primaries, drug treatment wrap up session
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A legislative session that started with high hopes of early adjournment has dragged into day 85, making it the second longest session since 2003. According to legislative leaders, though, the end is in sight, with most of the major issues resolved or dead for the year."
Poshard, Hastert want to hear public's ideas for funding capital bill
From: www.southernillinoisan.com
"Southern Illinois residents get their chance to sound off on funding ideas for a state construction plan Wednesday at the Carbondale Civic Center."
Jo Daviess on edge over mega-dairy
From: www.rrstar.com
"When Tom Bergstrom imagines a mega-dairy farm near his home in northwestern Illinois, he envisions vast pools of manure contaminating groundwater and the stench of ammonia clouding the air."
Rezko lawyers ask judge to bar call
From: www.suntimes.com
"Tony Rezko's lawyers are trying to keep out of his corruption trial parts of a secretly recorded phone call in which political power broker William Cellini talks about pay-to-play tactics in Gov. Blagojevich's administration."
400 part-time bus drivers needed
From: www.suntimes.com
"So the economy's on the fritz, your job moved to India, and that career you planned as a supermodel isn't working out. Consider driving a bus."
Poe, Brauer seek input for potential capital bill
From: www.sj-r.com
"State Reps. Raymond Poe, R-Springfield, and Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg, want to know what?s needed locally if the legislature approves a new construction bond program."
Ill. casinos angle for all-day cruise
From: www.suntimes.com
"Several Illinois casinos are seeking permission to stay open around the clock in hopes of boosting lackluster gambling revenues -- a controversial idea that state gambling regulators plan to consider next month."
Lincoln museum contractors to pay state
From: www.sj-r.com
"The state is recovering more than $3 million in cost overruns associated with construction of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum after settlement of a long-running dispute with contractors."
Rising interest costs bog down U. of I. debt
From: www.suntimes.com
"URBANA, Ill. - University of Illinois officials say the country's credit crisis is costing the school as much as $50,000 a week in higher-than-expected interest costs.
"
Illinois, contractors settle fight over Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A long and bitter fight about cost overruns at the $145.2 million Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum has ended with the state collecting more than $3 million and refusing to pay millions of dollars that contractors contended they were owed."
For NFL, a will-do attitude
From: www.indystar.com
"If the National Football League were to request a statement of the state and city's willingness to grovel, they might just get it. They got pretty close this past week."
Some Hoosiers stock up before Tuesday sales tax hike
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"Ranges, washers, refrigerators. They've all become a little more appealing to customers at Bob Miller's Appliances in the past few days as the clock ticks closer to Tuesday -- the day Indiana's sales tax jumps from 6 percent to 7 percent."
State regulators to determine Casino Aztar's fate
From: www.indystar.com
"The fate of Casino Aztar will be in the hands of Indiana gambling regulators this week, a little more than a year after the troubled boat was taken over by Kentucky hotel magnate William Yung III."
Dispute intensifies on illegal workers
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Two days of debate in the Kansas Legislature showed the wide range of opinion and emotion on the issue of illegal immigration both in the Capitol and across the state as e-mails flooded the inboxes of legislators."
Sebelius approves bonds for NBAF
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Just two weeks after learning Kansas needed to sweeten the pot to stay in contention for a federal biosecurity lab, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius Friday signed into law legislation that would allow the issuance of $105 million in bonds."
Push to allow casinos could return next year
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Failed efforts to legalize casinos have been part of the Kentucky General Assembly for much of the past decade -- and the issue is almost certain to return, possibly as soon as next year."
House passes bill to allow civil fines for gasoline thefts
From: www.courier-journal.com
"People caught driving off without paying for their gasoline could face a bigger penalty under a bill approved yesterday by the House."
State budget negotiators won't budge over tax, lottery revenue
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Any chance that the 2008 General Assembly would raise the cigarette tax apparently evaporated late yesterday when Senate budget negotiators said they would not approve the measure."
Time short for remaining bills
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Some of the biggest issues, including casino gambling, are dead in the current session of the General Assembly."
Jindal donor got first contract
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"The first business to benefit from state economic development aid under Gov. Bobby Jindal is run by a man whose family and businesses donated at least $135,250 to the governor?s campaign and local Republican Party causes during the past year."
Jindal getting out of driver's seat
From: www.nola.com
"The Legislature convenes today for a three-month regular session in which Gov. Bobby Jindal's priorities include revamping Louisiana's job-training programs and upgrading mental health services in New Orleans."
Session will sift torrent of issues
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"While work-force development will capture much of the attention in the regular session that starts today, state lawmakers will have more than a plateful of other issues to satisfy their appetites."
Insurance chief up against Louisiana's past
From: www.usatoday.com
"NEW ORLEANS - James Donelon has a lot of persuading to do."
Tough times for taxpayers
From: www.bostonherald.com
"As if soaring gas, heating and food costs aren't enough, cash-strapped Bay State homeowners in dozens of towns are being kicked in the gut again as they're asked to hike their own taxes."
Patrick, pols urge $27M to combat youth violence, gangs, add jobs
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Gov. Deval Patrick and top law enforcement officals are set to launch an uphill battle for an infusion of nearly $27 million to keep youth off the streets, out of gangs and employed in the face of a dismal state budget crunch."
Rep urges DiMasi to back off slots vote
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A top pro-gaming lawmaker is exhorting House Speaker Sal DiMasi to sideline his lobbying push against expanded gambling in advance of an upcoming vote on whether to legalize slot machines at the state's four race tracks."
In midst of fiscal crunch, hike in gas tax lingers as one option
From: www.bostonherald.com
"With gas prices well over $3 a gallon and the country veering toward a possible recession, the idea of hiking the state gas tax continues to linger just out of sight on Beacon Hill."
Unchecked growth endangers coastline
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"The rolling fields and unspoiled coastlines of Maryland's Eastern Shore are threatened by poor planning, according a state report."
State poses questions about proposed hospital partnership
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Posing questions about the proposed partnership between St. Vincent Regional Medical Center and Christus Health is a bit like raising rabbits. "
Home construction drops sharply, but land-use remains contentious
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Though an annual report shows that new home construction in Howard County dropped precipitously last year, land-use issues remain a pressing concern among politicians and activists."
Hagerstown area tops growth in Maryland, despite economic slowdown
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"WASHINGTON - The Hagerstown metropolitan area is Maryland's fastest growing, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau, despite a slowdown prompted in part by the sputtering national economy."
Session set for hectic ending
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"One week ago it appeared that Gov. Martin O'Malley's second legislative session would conclude with few victories and plenty of unresolved problems."
Grocers and union make tentative pact
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Giant Food and Safeway supermarkets and the union representing 23,000 area grocery workers reached an agreement yesterday on a tentative labor contract, union officials said."
Session to end on fiscal note
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"Heading into the last full week of the General Assembly session, heavy lifting remains to be done as the House and Senate search for ways to repeal the "tech tax.""
FairPoint-Verizon Deal Set To Close After 11th-Hour Votes
From: www.wmtw.com
"PORTLAND, Maine -- FairPoint Communications becomes northern New England's biggest phone company on Monday, but not before getting an 11th-hour scolding by regulators in Vermont and New Hampshire."
Mainers' food stamp use on rise
From: bangornews.com
"One in eight Mainers depends on food stamps to help feed themselves and their families, but the increasing cost of food means the benefit does not go as far as it did just a year ago."
Be wary of online pharmacies, officials warn
From: blog.mlive.com
"Prescription drugs are just a mouse click away."
Proposal would ease burial of unclaimed veterans' ashes
From: blog.mlive.com
"Across Michigan, unclaimed urns of cremated ashes are piling up in funeral homes."
Falling home values could mean property tax shift to businesses
From: ap.brainerddispatch.com
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - Housing values for property tax purposes have fallen sharply throughout the Twin Cities area, an ominous sign of budget pressures for local officials but a potential boost for tax-weary homeowners."
DLF leaders expect agreement on bonding bill this week
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"DFL leaders in the Minnesota House and Senate say they expect an agreement this week on a borrowing plan for public construction projects. "
Food rescue program helps feed the hungry in the Twin Ports
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"The idea behind the food rescue program is simple. Every day grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, schools, universities and hospitals have leftovers they can?t use, or produce or meat still fresh enough to be eaten but not to sell. Every day, emergency feeding programs need food to feed hungry people."
Less corn in the ground could translate into higher grocery bills
From: www.startribune.com
"WASHINGTON - Farmers are expected to plant less corn this year, according to the Department of Agriculture, and that could mean higher bills at the grocery store."
MOHELA to delay payment to state
From: www.newstribune.com
"CHESTERFIELD, Mo. - Missouri's student loan authority will delay part of a scheduled payment toward the state's college construction program because of financial losses and uncertainty over the U.S. credit market."
National wind coverage plan appears dead for this year
From: www.sunherald.com
"The Senate is unlikely to add wind insurance this year to a National Flood Insurance Program riddled with problems."
NorthWestern rate deal questioned
From: www.missoulian.com
"The state's utility consumer advocate and NorthWestern Energy have agreed on a $15 million-a-year rate increase for the company's electric and natural gas rates -- but not everyone believes it's a good deal."
Governor -- Policy meeting a success
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer says a meeting he had over the weekend with a dozen Democratic governors allowed them to refine their objectives for clean-coal technology."
Hamm awestruck by status
From: www.in-forum.com
"Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm still seems in awe of his status as a statewide official ensconced in the Capitol."
Senators give final OK to state budget
From: www.journalstar.com
"Senators gave final approval Friday to a $6.8 billion two-year state budget that includes a likely 1 cent per gallon increase in the fuel tax. Now it's Gov. Dave Heineman's turn."
Corporate income tax cut gets first-round approval
From: www.journalstar.com
"Everyone loves a tax cut. More than half a dozen senators took the microphone last week to support a tax reprieve for smaller businesses, the only broad tax cut of the session. "
FairPoint, Verizon avoid last-minute derailment of deal
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"FairPoint Communications will take over Verizon's Northern New England telephone network today as scheduled, despite two tense regulatory hearings yesterday that threatened to upend the $2.4 billion deal in the eleventh hour. "
All Aboard: High gas prices help train, buses attract more riders
From: www.fosters.com
"A growing number of people are using the Downeaster and C&J Trailways to commute to and from Boston each day as gasoline prices continue to rise to what some experts predict will be $3.50 per gallon of unleaded regular by Memorial Day."
Outreach for servicemen works
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"The state's intense effort to reach out to returning servicemen and women is paying off in the form of low unemployment rates for veterans. "
Taking no chances with N.J. casinos
From: www.nj.com
"They were the most glaring casualties of New Jersey's government shutdown two years ago: Atlantic City's prized casinos, gone dark for three days as lawmakers and Gov. Jon Corzine battled to a state budget stalemate. When the slots stopped jingling, public outcry helped break the impasse."
Farmers fear agriculture dept.'s abolition
From: www.nytimes.com
"New Jersey's nickname notwithstanding, the Garden State's farmers amount to just one half of one percent of the total workforce, and rank far below the next largest group, which is furniture makers, according to federal employment figures. "
N.M. improves in economic rankings
From: www.daily-times.com
"FARMINGTON, N.M. - Mostly above-average income growth in New Mexico edged the state closer to the national average. However, one part of the growth economy actually leads the way for the nation."
New Mexico - It's not just for Westerns any more
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"New Mexico, whose screen fortunes once rose and fell with the popularity of Westerns, has become a film Mecca. "
More bad economic news for Nevada
From: hosted.ap.org
"Nevada officials worried about a state revenue shortfall that could hit $800 million by mid-2009 got more bad economic news on Friday - reports showing a continuing slump in sales and higher-than-average unemployment."
State budget on the fast track
From: www.nypost.com
"With the state budget deadline looming tonight, Gov. Paterson and legislative leaders said they expect lawmakers to begin passing measures today that would increase spending by as much as 4.7 percent while nearly doubling the state tax on smoking to $2.75 a pack and hiking education spending by a record $1.8 billion."
Congestion pricing's fate comes down to politics
From: www.newsday.com
"Congestion pricing is supposed to be about an end to traffic gridlock in midtown Manhattan, the expansion of mass transit and the reduction of the chronic asthma caused by air pollution. But its fate likely will be determined by day-to-day politics."
Middle class Long Islanders turning to food pantries
From: www.newsday.com
"These days, food pantries aren't just for the jobless or homeless. Tapping such free resources has turned into a survival tactic for some working members of the middle class as they struggle with an economy that has put them in a bind."
Counties warn of tax hikes, cuts in services
From: www.timesunion.com
"The state's county executives see cuts in services followed by higher county property taxes in 2009 as they confront a proposed state budget that reduces their state aid."
Reeling in cost of brownfields
From: www.timesunion.com
"A proposed bill to cap the amount of money developers get to clean up polluted sites is expected to spur redevelopment upstate and keep a tighter control on state tax credits, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said."
Call girl linked to Spitzer knew reputed mob affiliate
From: www.nytimes.com
"Federal investigators have developed information that the prostitute whom Eliot Spitzer is said to have met in Washington last month has some relationship with a man who the authorities contend is an associate of organized crime, according to people with knowledge of the matter."
Budget focuses on new taxes
From: www.timesunion.com
"State budget negotiators on Friday talked privately of raising taxes on cigarettes, insurers and bankers as lawmakers started working out ways to add hundreds of millions of dollars to education and health care spending."
Nickels add up for bottle bill's foes
From: timesunion.com
"For years, the "bigger, better bottle bill" has inspired passion among environmentalists and other advocates, and drawn big payouts from the beverage industry to lawmakers' campaign coffers. And this year is no different."
Hard times, hard choices threaten on-time New York budget
From: timesunion.com
"Lawmakers and Gov. David Paterson, all trying to put a month of scandal behind them, are finding out just how hard the fiscal times are."
A state budget built on hope
From: timesunion.com
"Even as the economy worsens, the Legislature and Gov. David Paterson are finding ways to raise spending well above the inflation rate."
Big tobacco tax hike ahead?
From: timesunion.com
"Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders huddled behind closed doors and inched toward a budget deal on Sunday that could include increasing cigarette taxes by at least $1.25 per pack."
State workers clock over $100 million as overtime increases
From: www.cleveland.com
"Overtime for state employees increased 16 percent during the first year of Gov. Ted Strickland's administration, topping $100 million for the first time, a newspaper reported Sunday."
Employers to receive break in compensation premiums
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Ohio's private employers are about to see their first overall cut in workers' compensation premiums in seven years and the first real break of any kind since investment scandals undermined confidence in the system in 2005."
State jobless rate decreases
From: www.journalrecord.com
"Oklahoma's unemployment rate declined to 3.5 percent in February from 4.2 percent in January and 4.7 percent in February 2007."
Governor thinking green on trade mission
From: www.registerguard.com
"PORTLAND, Ore. -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski was leaving Oregon Saturday for a trade mission to Europe and Israel that will focus on market-based systems to fight global warming."
Metsger seeks secretary of state position
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"Rick Metsger said the next secretary of state should have real authority to shape state policies, especially those meshing Oregon's efforts in economic development and environmental protection."
Prison land development plan updates
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"The state is updating a plan that is expected to guide the future development of more than 1,300 acres of land in southeast Salem that is home to several correctional facilities."
Oregon and Washington growers, beekeepers to ask OSU to research bee die-off
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon farmers nervous that they, their crops and the public will feel the sting from suddenly declining bee populations are pressing for improved research into what's troubling a key link in the food supply."
GOP pushes slots license reform in wake of perjury allegations
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"House Republicans join their Senate counterparts today to propose legislation that would change how gambling licenses are awarded in Pennsylvania."
Truckers making a run for lower fuel taxes
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Truck drivers will take their diesel price pleas to Harrisburg."
Rendell proposes closer examination of slots license applicants
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell is proposing three major changes in the 2004 state law that authorized casinos in Pennsylvania, including one aimed at ensuring that the state Gaming Control Board is given all relevant background information about applicants seeking a slots license."
State cites noise levels to restrict dredging
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The state has amended the dredging permit of Hanson Aggregates PMA Inc. to mute loud banging, clanging and motor noises from its commercial dredging on the Allegheny River that have plagued residents of the River Forest Drive community in northwestern Westmoreland County for more than a year."
Health care-malpractice legislative dispute goes on
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Faced with a Monday deadline, Senate Republican leaders yesterday called on House leaders to consider legislation that would extend for another year a program that reduces doctors' costs for malpractice insurance."
How long, how far -- R.I.'s recession could be deeper than other states
From: www.projo.com
"The Rhode Island economy has slipped into recession twice over the past 20 years, most recently when the dot.com bubble burst in 2001. Back then, the housing market was soaring, and within a year the state labor market had recovered."
Bi-state port brings together confluence of commissions
From: www.beaufortgazette.com
"Several agencies, many of which will meet for the first time in April, are involved in the preliminary work to ensure things keep rolling in the development of a new port on the Jasper County side of the Savannah River. Once the Georgia Ports Authority, the S.C. State Ports Authority and Georgia Department of Transportation entered into an intergovernmental agreement Jan. 27 on behalf of South Carolina and Georgia, the ball began rolling in the seven- to 10-year journey."
Tennessee lawyer pushes for strict rules at S.C. strip clubs
From: www.thestate.com
"South Carolina will be among a handful of states to institute a sweeping no-touch law for exotic dancers if a bill introduced this week becomes law."
Bill might ban lap dances
From: www.charleston.net
"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 a House panel this week."
State leaders try for compromise on DUI bill
From: www.goupstate.com
"A long struggle to strengthen the state's drunken driving law could come to an end this week. A conference committee trying to work out differences between the House and Senate versions of the new law is scheduled to meet Wednesday morning, and Rep. Scott Talley believes the six-member panel could finish then."
S. Dakota leads U.S. in growth of income
From: argusleader.com
"South Dakota enjoyed the country's largest rate of increase in personal income for the last quarter of 2007, spurred in large part by a robust ag economy."
Federal agencies: Our rules pre-empt injury lawsuits
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"NEW ORLEANS ? If you think the prescription drug you took for headaches caused your heart attack, the Food and Drug Administration says you can't sue the maker for injury if it met agency standards."
Immigrants choosing SLC over rest of Utah
From: www.sltrib.com
"Never mind those bumper stickers advising Californian migrants how to find their way home from Salt Lake City. In Utah's capital, migration is a distinctly international movement."
Guv stresses bright outlook
From: deseretnews.com
"Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. warned Friday of the "psychological impact" of negative economic news on the spending habits of Utahns, although the state's financial picture won't ever be as bleak as for most of the rest of the country."
Taking Va. Lottery private discussed
From: www.inrich.com
"The odds of winning the Virginia Lottery may be better than chances that the state turns it over to private business."
Toll-road profits up 62% in'07
From: www.inrich.com
"Operating profits from its toll roads and bridges jumped 62 percent last year -- but the Richmond Metropolitan Authority says it faces a financial squeeze."
Vt., N.H. OK Verizon takeover
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Vermont and New Hampshire regulators held emergency hearings Sunday on FairPoint Communications' rising cost of borrowing, but gave the firm the go-head to complete its purchase today of Verizon's landline phone and Internet service in northern New England."
Vermont's unemployment rate increases slightly in February
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Vermont's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed a tenth of 1 percent in February. The increase to 4.3 percent from January's rate of 4.2 percent was not considered statistically significant."
Washington says more dams may become reality
From: www.nwpr.org
"RICHLAND, Wash. -- For years, heated debate has focused on taking out the four lower Snake River dams and other obstructions to salmon habitat in the Pacific Northwest. But now, Washington officials are looking seriously at building more dams."
New law allows domestic abuse victims out of rental agreements
From: www.jsonline.com
"Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a new state law that allows domestic abuse victims to break rental agreements without penalty."
As hunting's popularity declines, wildlife agencies are looking for money
From: www.dailymail.com
"STOWE, Vt. - Bob Shannon is an avid hunter, a fishing guide and owns a tackle shop, but he sometimes struggles to get his own son out into Vermont's woods and fields."
Strike continues at W.Va. casino; no negotiations set
From: www.dailymail.com
"CHESTER, W.Va. - A strike involving about 200 workers at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort entered its second day Sunday with no new negotiations scheduled."
Inflation rate surges in Wyo
From: www.trib.com
"The cost of living in Wyoming is accelerating faster than at anytime since the energy boom of the 1980s, new state figures show."
Talks over Sylvan Pass to continue
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- The National Park Service and the state of Wyoming said they will meet next month to try to resolve a dispute over the federal agency's decision to stop maintaining a pass frequently used by snowmobilers to enter the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park."
Tribe hopes new casino will draw gamblers from Wyoming, beyond
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- With the opening of a $30 million casino this spring, the Northern Arapaho Tribe is betting that its earlier ventures into Las Vegas-style gambling have whet Wyoming's appetite for more high-stakes slot machines and card games."
Tight budgets, rising costs squeeze states
From: www.stateline.org
"
Like an American tourist in Europe, states are seeing their dollars just don’t go as far as they used to. Not only was the amount of tax revenue states collected during the fourth quarter of 2007 the weakest in almost five years, but for the first time since the 1990s, inflation for state and local governments grew substantially faster than for the economy as a whole, according to new data released March 31.
"
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 one state, Maine, has won a reprieve from more extensive security screenings for their residents at airports and federal buildings that were to begin May 11.
"
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.
"
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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