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.
"
Colleges take more notice of gambling problems
From: www.csmonitor.com
"Colleges concerned about the addictive potential of gambling face an uphill battle against its glamorized image. "
The ones that got away
From: www.boston.com
"When Genzyme Corp. started expansion of its plant in Allston in September, the biotech company attracted a crowd of dignitaries, including Governor Deval Patrick. "
Sales fall by 36% after $1 bump in cigarette tax
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The number of cigarettes sold in Iowa has dropped 36 percent since the $1-a-pack tax increase that took effect in mid-March last year, state officials said Monday."
Washington state debates strict bill on child products
From: www.nytimes.com
"SEATTLE - Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington is expected to sign a measure on Tuesday that would give the state some of the toughest rules in the nation restricting toxic materials used in children's products, though it was unclear just how broad the measure would be. "
Senator raises porn surcharge idea as budget talks begin
From: www.goupstate.com
"A senator has proposed a 20 percent surcharge on magazines the state considers obscene."
Malpractice insurance help ends today for Pa. doctors
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Pennsylvania doctors can expect to pay higher malpractice insurance bills soon."
State energy rebate bills losing power
From: juneauempire.com
"Billions of dollars of oil wealth are flowing into Alaska's treasury, but attempts to share it with Alaska residents are faltering on concerns about fairness and fiscal responsibility."
'Hydrogen Highway' stuck in first gear
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"Four years ago this month, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order to create a "hydrogen highway" -- a network of hydrogen fueling stations where California motorists could fill up fuel cell cars that release no smog, only water vapor. But today, not a single fueling station has been built under the program."
House votes to protect coast from oil drilling
From: www.sfgate.com
"Washington -- California moved a step closer to permanently protecting its shores from offshore oil drilling Monday when the House approved legislation to ban development in federal waters along all 76 miles of Sonoma County's coastline and off the southern tip of Mendocino County's coast."
Judge orders rebate for non-union state workers
From: www.sacbee.com
"A federal judge has ordered the state's largest public employee union to repay as many as 28,000 non-union state workers who were not given a chance to challenge a 2005 dues increase to fight initiatives backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."
State drafts rules to regulate emergency room payments
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration has moved to ban physicians and hospitals from billing patients for the cost of services above what their HMOs are willing to pay. "
Allard, Salazar evaluate Paulson's regulatory fix
From: www.chieftain.com
"Less than a month after warning against overreacting to the crippled U.S. housing industry, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson unveiled a far-reaching plan over the weekend to refashion the federal agencies entrusted with regulating the nation's financial market."
Union group backs ballot initiatives
From: www.denverpost.com
"Employers in Colorado would be required to give workers annual cost-of-living increases and provide many employees with health insurance under ballot proposals submitted to the state Monday by a labor group. "
Old-fashioned water fight brews in Colorado
From: www.latimes.com
"FORT COLLINS, Colo. - When it starts at 10,000 feet and slices through the mountains in the canyon that bears its name, the Cache la Poudre River is a shock of water in this dry land."
Lawmakers tout prescription savings for seniors
From: www.courant.com
"Lawmakers say they've found a way to save needy senior citizens more money on prescription drugs, but not cost the state any more cash."
Supreme Court backs Del. in river dispute, says state can block N.J. LNG pier
From: www.delawareonline.com
"The U.S. Supreme Court tidied up part of a messy, centuries-old Delaware River border squabble Monday with a ruling that gave Delaware a clear veto over energy giant BP's proposed liquefied natural gas pier opposite Claymont."
Supreme Court upholds Delaware border claim
From: www.csmonitor.com
"Delaware has won a border dispute with neighboring New Jersey over its power to block development projects on the Jersey side of the Delaware River."
Supreme Court rules for Delaware in river dispute
From: www.nytimes.com
"WASHINGTON - New Jersey's hope of profiting from a huge liquefied natural gas processing plant on its Delaware River shore ended in the Supreme Court on Monday when the justices ruled by a vote of 6 to 2 that Delaware has the right to veto the project."
Delaware wins border battle about NJ gas pier plan
From: www.nj.com
"New Jersey lost its "border war" with Delaware today. The U.S. Supreme Court said Delaware can block construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Jersey side of the Delaware River because it would have extended into waters claimed by Delaware since Colonial times."
Dog tracks may face tougher scrutiny
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A proposed law before the Legislature would toughen regulation of Florida's 16 dog tracks -- nearly one-half of the nation's 39 tracks -- including one each in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. "
Bill would reduce state research funds
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A bill before a Florida Senate committee would reduce by half the amount of money the Innovation Incentive grant program invests in biotechnology companies and research centers."
Florida urged not to cut funding for Everglades
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"WASHINGTON ? Members of South Florida's congressional delegation Monday warned legislative leaders not to eliminate spending next year for Everglades restoration."
State House sees no end to budget cuts
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Despite a 10 percent cut to their state spending plan for next year, House lawmakers said Monday that a historic run of budget shortfalls might not be over."
No raises in $65.1 billion Florida House budget
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"House leaders rolled out a $65.1 billion budget with no pay raises for state employees Monday, along with a stop-gap plan to let Gov. Charlie Crist use reserves and trust funds if Florida's tax collections continue to fall short."
State reserves might be raided
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Struggling to patch together the leanest budget in years, House leaders Monday said they were getting ready for even grimmer news in coming months."
Health care for poor at risk of cutbacks
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"With Florida lawmakers considering some of the deepest cuts in three decades to the state's health program for the poor, families across the state are faced with losing health care, dental care, access to nursing homes and training programs for those with disabilities."
Tampa Bay area legislators work to get funding for local projects
From: www.tampabay.com
"Even in lean times, some Tampa Bay lawmakers have found ways to carve favored projects into spending bills."
House leaders' plan allows easier access to reserve funds
From: www.tampabay.com
"Amid fears of a deepening recession in an election year, state lawmakers are proposing giving Gov. Charlie Crist and a handful of legislators the power to spend up to $1.7-billion in reserves to avoid a deficit. "
Senate passes tax break friendly to movie industry
From: www.macon.com
"The Senate gave final approval Thursday to a plan to expand tax breaks to movie makers, hoping to bring back Hollywood to Georgia."
Leaders create plan for revamp
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"It didn't take long for Sens. Ed Tarver and J.B. Powell to draft their own version of legislation to revamp the Augusta Coliseum Authority."
Perimeter business leader promotes China-U.S. ties
From: www.ajc.com
"A Northside business leader left Monday on Gov. Sonny Perdue's trade mission to China."
Wine direct order measure goes to Perdue for approval
From: www.ajc.com
"Georgians would be able to order up to 12 cases of wine directly from wineries each year over the Internet or phone under legislation that won final approval Monday."
Lawmakers give no gift to Aloha
From: starbulletin.com
"There is no emergency state legislation available to help restart Aloha Airlines."
Lawmakers' optimism has dwindled
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"State House and Senate leaders said yesterday they are still willing to help Aloha Airlines but acknowledged there is little they can do to resurrect the failed interisland carrier."
Attorney general's consumer fraud proposal derailed again
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Attorney General Tom Miller said he's disappointed that lawmakers have again rejected legislation that would allow consumers to file a lawsuit under Iowa's anti-fraud act. Miller said Iowa is the only state where consumers don't have such a right."
Campaigns leave debts across Iowa
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"When Hillary Clinton's campaign left after the caucuses, it left more than $110,000 in unpaid bills to Iowa businesses that the presidential candidate had yet to repay nearly two months later, federal election records show.
"
Party-switching appointee raises doubts
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Some Republican lawmakers are questioning whether it's a good idea to confirm a certain Republican to an important appeals board when she has switched political parties, including registering as a Democrat to caucus for presidential candidate Barack Obama,"
Five companies get state grants to offer internships
From: www.qctimes.com
"Five Iowa businesses received state grants to offer 13 internships to Iowa college students."
Cigarette sales drop 36 percent in Iowa
From: www.qctimes.com
"The number of cigarettes sold in the state has decreased by 36 percent in the last year, according to state officials.
"
Otter signs grocery tax bill
From: www.magicvalley.com
"Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed a bill Monday to increase the grocery tax credit in Idaho, ending nearly two years of debate with state lawmakers over how to offset property tax relief."
Supreme Court rules in Jerome County comp plan case
From: www.magicvalley.com
"The Idaho Supreme Court has ruled against a Jerome County dairy that sued to block changes to the county's comprehensive plan, a document that guides land-use decisions."
Justices to rule on ID case over payroll deductions
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Monday stepped into a dispute between the state of Idaho and labor unions over payroll deductions for political activities."
Law that lured Cabela's to Idaho expanded in Senate committee
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"One of Idaho's most congested roads may be closer to being widened."
Otter signs bill to increase grocery tax relief for Idahoans
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Gov. Butch Otter signed a measure to boost rebates that Idaho residents receive annually to offset the 6 percent sales tax they pay on groceries."
More data wanted on dairy plan
From: www.rrstar.com
"The state wants more information before it decides whether to allow a mega-dairy farm in northwestern Illinois, about 50 miles from Rockford. "
State -- Spending on fuel to rise by 40 percent
From: www.sj-r.com
"Rising fuel prices aren?t just pinching consumers. The state of Illinois expects to spend about $20 million in the next year for gasoline, diesel and oil changes for its fleet of vehicles."
Levine details all-night drug parties
From: www.sj-r.com
"CHICAGO ? The star witness at political fundraiser Antoin ?Tony? Rezko?s corruption trial said Monday that he took time off from scheming to get millions of dollars in bribes to take part in marathon drug parties, including some held at a suburban rendezvous known as ?the purple hotel.?"
Governor says Film Tax Credit resulted in millions spent in state
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The state's effort to lure movie makers to Illinois is paying off. Governor Rod Blagojevich's office says the Film Tax Credit enacted in 2003 brought in $155 million for Illinois last year. "
Despite big sales tax, shortfall seen for Cook County
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Despite more than doubling its sales tax, Cook County will need even more money in a few years, county officials said Monday."
Levine describes closing on scheme
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Political fixer Stuart Levine wanted to hit the total button for Antoin "Tony" Rezko on how much the fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich stood to pocket from a scheme to manipulate state boards, Levine testified at Rezko's federal fraud trial Monday."
Racinos ready to go
From: www.nwi.com
"The Indiana Gaming Commission removed the final regulatory hurdles Monday for two downstate horse tracks to begin offering casino gambling this summer.
"
Nevada firm offers $245M for Casino Aztar
From: www.indystar.com
"EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- A Nevada gambling company is buying Casino Aztar of Evansville in a deal worth up to $245 million."
Toll Road rates go up today
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"HAMMOND, Ind. -- Motorists who pay cash to drive on the Indiana Toll Road will see their rates increase starting today.
"
Big-ticket buyers beat 7 percent sales tax
From: www.fortwayne.com
"Sales associate Ryan Johnson worked the phones Monday, trying to get prospective car buyers to come to Fort Wayne Lincoln Mercury to take advantage of a final offer."
South Shore extension 'not dead'
From: nwi.com
"Why the South Shore extension bill went off the tracks in the General Assembly is a question still being grappled with by friends and foes of the $1 billion project."
Indiana wallets take a hit today
From: www.indystar.com
"Starting today, the state's sales tax increases to 7 percent from 6 percent. The change is expected to generate nearly $1 billion in new revenue each year, which the state will use to help lower property taxes."
State pension plan overhaul stalls
From: www.kentucky.com
"After a fractious start, a committee of lawmakers did little work on a compromise bill to overhaul the state employees' retirement systems."
Jindal turns focus to worker training
From: www.nola.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal opened the first general legislative session of his brief tenure Monday, asking lawmakers to build on recent special sessions by approving his plan to reorganize the state's worker training programs."
Jindal pushes training
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal opened the regular legislative session Monday by asking lawmakers to help close the gap between untrained workers and job vacancies in Louisiana."
New tax panel under fire from business lobby
From: www.nola.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal's newly appointed Louisiana Tax Commission has come under fire from the head of the state's largest business lobby for the panel's decision to scratch a procedural rule that could have a significant impact on the tax bills of some corporations."
Patrick says Massachusetts weathering economic storm
From: www.bostonherald.com
"PITTSFIELD, Mass. - Gov. Deval Patrick says Massachusetts is weathering the nation?s economic storm, but he acknowledges that many residents are just one paycheck away from trouble."
Power auctions cleared
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland's top utility watchdog said yesterday that regulators found no wrongdoing on the part of Constellation Energy Group during wholesale power auctions several years ago that caused household electricity bills in the state to skyrocket."
Amid budget struggle, O'Malley ups 'core' spending request
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"As lawmakers worked yesterday to trim state spending to balance Maryland's budget for next year, Gov. Martin O'Malley proposed $18.2 million in new expenditures, much of it earmarked for health care, programs for children with disabilities and a fund to help the poor pay their electricity bills."
'Tech tax' repeal likely to clear Md. senate panel
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The governor and legislative leaders have corralled enough votes to send a bill to the full Maryland Senate that would repeal the state's new tax on computer services and offset part of the lost revenue with a surcharge on the income of millionaires, a key lawmaker said yesterday. "
Mainers' personal incomes lag behind nation
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Slow growth in Mainers' personal incomes can be boiled down to a pretty simple equation, according to Christopher St. John."
Bills would tighten rules in cemetery purchases
From: www.freep.com
"Prospective buyers of Michigan cemeteries would face more thorough background checks, stricter licensing and additional safeguards against the looting of trust funds, under legislation to be unveiled today by a west Michigan lawmaker."
Lansing looks to the stars for help
From: www.detnews.com
"The prospect of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt breezing through town or perhaps the thought of Jeff Daniels making movies right here in Michigan, rather than commuting to another state or country, has united the state Legislature in an act of magnanimity no other state can match."
Will movies make money for Michigan?
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"When Gov. Jennifer Granholm signs tax incentives aimed at making Michigan the country's most attractive place to make movies, they may come with a hefty price tag."
WSU center focuses on cracking social issues Detroit
From: www.freep.com
"A new research center at Wayne State University will connect number-crunchers, policy-makers and social workers as they tackle Detroit's -- and possibly the nation's -- thorniest social issues, its organizers said Monday."
State not protected from asbestos lawsuits
From: www.helenair.com
"PHILADELPHIA -- A bankruptcy judge has refused to shield the state of Montana from lawsuits over its alleged failure to protect residents from the dangers posed by W.R. Grace & Co.'s mining operations."
Morrison files brief in case before top court
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"State Insurance Commissioner John Morrison has filed a friend-of-the-court brief in a legal dispute before the U.S. Supreme Court over an insurance company's dual role of paying disability benefits and deciding whether employees are eligible for them."
PSC looks at plan for $15M increase
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"A proposed $15 million-a-year increase in NorthWestern Energy's electric and gas rates could be viewed as a loan to the company, which will repay it through relatively lower rates in the future, a consumer expert testified Monday."
Stockgrowers sound alarm over buyout
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Montana stockgrowers, fearing a monopoly, are balking at a Brazilian company's proposed $1.5 billion cash buyout of two American beef industry giants."
Beutler - Fight for fair is not over
From: www.journalstar.com
"Lincoln officials were focusing on the positive Monday, celebrating the increased likelihood that a research corridor will be developed near the university, while holding out hope that won?t require the State Fair to move out of town."
Senators share opinions on State Fair
From: www.journalstar.com
"Lincoln area senators have mixed feelings about moving the State Fair out of Lincoln, but given the choice between the fair and a research park connected to the University of Nebraska, most say the research park just has too many advantages for the city, state and university to pass up.
"
Ag Committee favors moving fair to G.I.
From: www.journalstar.com
"A legislative committee on Monday approved a compromise on the future home of the State Fair that its members hope will appease each dueling party in a very public, very heated 18-month-old battle.
"
Discount plan set for uninsured
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- Uninsured patients in New Jersey will soon see some deep discounts on prescriptions with a new discount drug card being offered by doctors and one of the state's largest HMO plans."
State to switch to UMDNJ for inmate health care services
From: www.nj.com
"The state has canceled its $85 million annual contract with a St. Louis-based company that has provided medical, dental and pharmaceutical services to state prisoners since New Jersey privatized its inmate health care system in 1996, officials said yesterday."
Developer wins round in fight over off-site work
From: www.nj.com
"In the first ruling of its type, the state Supreme Court yesterday held that a developer cannot be compelled to shoulder more than its share of the cost of off-site improvements."
Nevada governor says budget shortfall is nearly $900 million
From: hosted.ap.org
"Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons said Monday that the state's budget shortfall could reach $900 million by mid-2009 and he'll work with legislators to find more ways of reducing spending beyond the 4.5 percent cutbacks he ordered in January."
Revenue Forecast - Budget shortfall $898 million
From: www.lvrj.com
"Gov. Jim Gibbons said Monday that the state's revenue shortfall could reach almost $900 million but vowed to try every trick in the book to balance the budget without layoffs or further cuts to public education, public safety, and health and human services."
Union woos nurses amid rift
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"A California-based nurses union is seeking to exploit a national rift in the country's largest and fastest-growing union by poaching nurses at three local St. Rose Dominican hospitals, according to state labor leaders and national experts."
State budget advances, but likely to miss deadline
From: www.newsday.com
"With their goal of adopting a new state budget on time slipping away, lawmakers Monday approved money to continue paying state workers and retirees while planning to pass the first of several spending bills before the midnight deadline."
Budget bills take shape
From: timesunion.com
"Lawmakers on Monday began working out a budget that will be packed with hundreds of millions of dollars in new taxes and fees, and expected to come four days late."
Suozzi predicts school tax relief
From: www.timesunion.com
"COLONIE, N.Y.-- Property owners could see relief in school taxes in 2009 if a state commission recommends capping taxes and the governor and lawmakers agree, Tom Suozzi said Monday."
As budget deadline looms, spending cuts remain elusive
From: www.nytimes.com
"As the midnight deadline for approving the state's budget loomed on Monday, legislators found themselves trying to solve an impossible equation: how to keep the budget from growing when they keep adding to it."
Strickland, Moyer to unveil plan to provide legal help with foreclosures
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland, Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Moyer, and Rob Ware, president of the Ohio State Bar Association on Tuesday, April 1, will announce a partnership to provide added legal resources for families in or facing foreclosure."
University System of Ohio plan stresses community colleges, regional branches
From: www.cleveland.com
"A new state plan for higher education would steer many more students to community colleges and the regional campuses of four-year institutions."
Sources -- New grand jury on slots
From: www.mcall.com
"A new grand jury will investigate the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the process it used to approve casino licenses, according to sources familiar with the investigation."
Truckers demand fuel tax halt
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Traffic choked the state Capitol on Monday as hundreds of tractor-trailers slowly circled the sprawling complex, their horns creating a deafening din. "Fuel prices are too high. We can't put our kids through college," said J.B. Farrow, a truck driver from Duncannon in Perry County. "People can't heat their homes.""
GOP pushes slots license 'integrity'
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Any felony conviction, no matter when it occurred, would disqualify someone from owning a casino in Pennsylvania under a package of bills announced Monday by Senate and House Republicans."
GOP proposes Pa. slots-law overhaul
From: www.philly.com
"Republicans are introducing proposals in the House and Senate that would overhaul the way prospective casino owners are investigated and how casino licenses are awarded."
Clinton back in Pa., focusing on economy
From: www.philly.com
"Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton returned to Pennsylvania yesterday, talking about the economy and concerns of middle-class voters at an afternoon roundtable outside Harrisburg and an evening rally in Bucks County."
LIHEAP aid ends, leaving many without help
From: www.philly.com
"Low-income Pennsylvanians facing shutoff notices from their utility companies won't be able to turn to the state for help until winter. That's because the Department of Public Welfare shut down its heating assistance program, LIHEAP, on March 21 despite having a $13 million balance."
State takes over some nuclear duties
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Pennsylvania has assumed responsibility from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for licensing, inspection and enforcement of almost 700 sites in the state using radioactive materials."
Truckers air gripes over high fuel prices
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Independent trucker Bob Carr, of suburban Harrisburg, spends about $1,200 a week on diesel fuel, up from $700 last year. Owner-operator Bob Dobrosky is on target to spend $88,000 on diesel fuel this year, up from $57,000 last year. Their routes haven't changed, just the price of diesel fuel."
Carcieri order is lambasted
From: www.projo.com
"Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and a host of community advocacy groups yesterday demanded Governor Carcieri rescind what Roberts called ?a very shortsighted? executive order targeting illegal immigrants in Rhode Island."
Senate panel approves increasing cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack
From: www.thestate.com
"Smokers would pay 50 cents more for a pack of cigarettes under a proposal approved by a Senate panel Monday that would use the money to help poor people afford health insurance."
High court upholds local smoking bans
From: www.charleston.net
"Cities and towns can ban indoor smoking in public places, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday in a decision cheered by Charleston, Sullivan's Island and Mount Pleasant officials."
State fears banking rules will remove local control
From: argusleader.com
"WASHINGTON - State regulators in South Dakota fear a new proposal in Washington will strip much of their power to oversee the banking and insurance industries here."
Tracy bill promotes health insurance
From: www.t-g.com
"The Tennessee State Senate has given final approval to legislation to let more small business owners join together to negotiate lower health insurance rates."
Subpar credit leads to car repos
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"As the nation's economy reels, vehicle repossessions are predicted to reach the highest level in a decade."
Bredesen, Tipton roll out jobs initiative
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen visited Covington Monday to officially kick off a project that he says may bring more jobs to rural areas like Tipton County."
Legislature asks if state pension fund invests in backers of terrorism
From: www.tennessean.com
"The Tennessee legislature wants to know whether the state's $32 billion pension fund includes investments in companies that operate in nations that sponsor terrorism."
State audit of Pedernales co-op in jeopardy
From: www.statesman.com
"Hours after Pedernales Electric Cooperative officials testified last week that the state could play a supervisory role in checking the financials at the troubled utility, a deal was in the works that could diminish prospects for a full-fledged state audit."
Dell to close Austin computer factory, lay off thousands worldwide
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Dell Inc. expects to save $3 billion a year by closing a desktop computer factory in Austin and laying off thousands more workers around the world, the company announced Monday. "
Cohen vows to revive $5-per-patron strip club fee
From: www.chron.com
"State Rep. Ellen Cohen pledged Monday to revive a $5-per-patron strip club fee, three days after a Travis County district judge struck down the law as unconstitutional."
U.S. Supreme Court sides with Delaware in N.J. dispute
From: www.philly.com
"The U.S. Supreme Court came down on Delaware's side yesterday in a border dispute with New Jersey over a proposed liquefied natural gas plant."
Del. wins border battle over gas pier
From: www.nj.com
"New Jersey lost a long-running and sometimes colorful fight with Delaware yesterday after the U.S. Supreme Court said Delaware can block a liquefied natural gas terminal from being built on the Jersey side of the Delaware River."
'One laptop per child' plan faces challenges in U.S.
From: www.npr.org
"The group behind the One Laptop Per Child initiative just delivered more of its super-cheap laptops to South Africa, but how will this new technology fare with schoolchildren in the United States? Now the group has a deal to provide computers to kids in Birmingham, Ala. "
Transportation funding discussed
From: www.inrich.com
"Prominent anti-tax activists say Virginia can pay for transportation with tolls and fees on landowners whose property increases in value because of new roads."
Va. employment commission cuts back
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Virginia agency charged with processing unemployment claims is retrenching just as workers are beginning to feel the pinch of the economic slowdown. "
State joins anti-smoking campaign
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"State Health Secretary Mary Selecky joined other national health leaders in Washington, D.C., on Monday to launch a new stop-smoking campaign. "
Small business support for a hospital tax
From: www.wrn.com
"A small business group is throwing its support behind a proposed new tax on hospitals."
Envoy touts free trade in visit
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- The South Korean ambassador to the United States said Monday that a free-trade agreement between the United States and South Korea would boost Wyoming's economy."
States lead feds in toy safety
From: www.stateline.org
"Reacting to an increase in toy recalls and consumer complaints, 29 states have pursued toy safety legislation that in some way regulates toy safety. The toy industry, meanwhile, says abiding by such a wide range of laws is challenging."
Maine gets 2 more days for Real ID
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 10:30 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, April 1)
Maine gets two more days to reach an agreement with federal officials on rules to make driver's licenses more secure and avoid extensive security screenings for its residents at airports and federal buildings beginning May 11.
"
The economic downturn: an opportunity for governors?
From: www.stateline.org
"Most governors recognize that they have the best political job in America. Most also would concede that the job is more satisfying when the economy is strong and revenues are growing than during an economic downturn, when cutting budgets becomes the major task. But even a recession can present opportunities for governors to make improvements that yield lasting benefits for their states."
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."
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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