States move fast on mortgage aid
From: online.wsj.com
"State governments are acting more aggressively to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, frustrated by what they view as the federal government's inadequate response to the mortgage crisis. But some of the programs are putting states at odds with mortgage lenders."
Legitimacy of pot tax revenue remains hazy
From: www.npr.org
"California's potential $16 billion budget shortfall has led state officials to an unusual source for tax revenue - medical marijuana storefronts. In a state where it's legal to buy prescription pot, those shops generate millions of dollars each year."
Bill puts oil and gas billions to work
From: www.denverpost.com
"Lawmakers from both parties -- briefly ignoring the bruises of a partisan budget fight the day before -- stood side by side Thursday to announce a "historic" bill restructuring how Colorado uses its rapidly increasing mineral revenues."
Telemarketers losing access to Texas crash victims' phone numbers
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Texas drivers involved in accidents will no longer be required to furnish telephone numbers for crash reports under an agreement between two state agencies trying to pull the plug on phone solicitations by telemarketers. "
Barbour vetoes bill on children's products
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Gov. Haley Barbour has vetoed a bill that backers said would have required the attorney general's office to create and maintain a list of children?s products that have been recalled or have otherwise been found unsafe. Lawmakers said the list would be available free to the public."
Guns-at-work bill set for final Florida Senate approval
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"After rejecting a series of proposed changes, the Senate is poised to give final approval next week to a bill allowing people with permits to carry guns to work regardless of their employers' wishes.
"
Changes in quarter horse racing could affect card rooms
From: www.tampabay.com
"It's pitched as a way to modernize and toughen quarter horse gambling regulations in Florida. "
Legislature mulls big bet for big debt
From: juneauempire.com
"Is it possible to borrow your way out of debt? While that sounds like a pitch made on late-night infomercials, some of the top finance experts in the Alaska Legislature think it's not as crazy as it sounds."
Pebble Partnership names former DNR commissioner CEO
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A well-known Alaska businessman is taking the helm of the partnership developing the controversial Pebble Mine."
Legislature approves plan to pay down pension debt
From: www.adn.com
"The Alaska Legislature has agreed to give the state another financial tool -- a somewhat risky one -- to help pay down a massive debt in its retirement systems."
Tax plan could make Exxon pay state millions
From: www.al.com
"A fight over taxes between Alabama and ExxonMobil ramped up Thursday, with the governor and lawmakers pushing a bill that could essentially force the company to pay back a $41 million court-ordered tax refund."
Panel OKs bill for higher gas tax
From: www.accessmontgomery.com
"A tax battle between Alabama's Republican governor and the nation's biggest oil company swung in the governor's favor Thursday when a legislative committee approved higher taxes on natural gas wells drilled along the Alabama coast."
Counties to be part of anti-smoking push
From: www.tucsoncitizen.com
"Beginning this fall, all Arizona counties will be part of a new battle against lighting up. As tobacco tax revenue goes up in smoke, state health officials will be trying a new approach by blitzing churches, Block Watch groups, social-service agencies, schools and neighborhood associations with anti-tobacco information. "
Cash-strapped Coastal Commission cancels meeting
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"For the first time in its 35-year history, the state Coastal Commission has canceled one of its monthly public meetings because it is running out of money. "
Controller presses lottery chief for plan to repay party costs
From: www.sacbee.com
"State Controller John Chiang turned up the heat Thursday on California Lottery Director Joan Borucki, demanding to know how she plans to repay $46,336 used for an employee party.
"
Private tax-collecting firm has troubling record
From: www.sacbee.com
"A state employee union is complaining about an embryonic scheme in the state Board of Equalization to hire one or more private collection firms to track down those who owe taxes to the state.
"
Lawmakers try to make U-turn on tort system
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"A group of lawmakers wants Colorado to return to a form of no-fault car insurance but have run into a roadblock."
House committee passes RTD financing plan
From: www.denverpost.com
"A bill that would enable RTD to issue tax-exempt bonds to promote private development of transit improvements won overwhelming support from the House transportation committee Thursday."
Bill puts billions to work
From: www.denverpost.com
"Lawmakers from both parties - briefly ignoring the bruises of a partisan budget fight the day before ? stood side by side Thursday to announce a "historic" bill restructuring how Colorado uses its rapidly increasing mineral revenues. "
House and Senate find money to replace cuts to public housing
From: www.courant.com
"It's now up to Gov. M. Jodi Rell to sign a bill that replenishes funding for public housing authority properties and public housing units run by nonprofit agencies."
As Poe companies were sinking, leaders fed campaigns
From: www.tampabay.com
"As Poe insurance companies sank toward insolvency after two record hurricane seasons, Poe family members and managers were not just collecting hefty payments, they were also flexing their political muscle. "
Insurers ruffled, regulators pleased by judges' rulings
From: www.tampabay.com
"Florida insurance regulators' tough stance on insurance rates won a symbolic stamp of approval this week that has left the insurance industry reeling. "
Senate hearing goes well for Florida Forever
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A plan to help save family farms while staving off development received a favorable response in a Senate hearing Thursday, but the sponsor withdrew the proposal for more debate in a later committee.
"
Local officials ask Florida tax panel to reject referendum on tax caps
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"City and county officials Thursday publicly pleaded with Florida's powerful tax commission to jettison a plan that would put harsh caps on government revenues and require voters to approve new taxes.
"
Council approves Florida state budget for House floor vote
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"House money managers Thursday approved a $65.1 billion state budget that Democrats called "ugly" but Republican leaders said is the best Florida taxpayers can afford in hard times.
"
Constitutional panel reviews more tax plans
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The citizen panel with the power to put constitutional amendments on the ballot nears the end of its once-every-20-years review of state tax policy Friday with a packed agenda that may put as many as nine more proposals before voters in November."
Deep budget cuts in store for S. Florida
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Short on cash and options, Florida lawmakers approved rival versions of the state budget Thursday that all but guarantee a record $4 billion to $5 billion in wide-ranging cuts, from healthcare to classroom spending to road building and courthouse workers."
Senate to vote on worker gun bill
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The state Senate is cocked and ready to vote next week on a guns-at-work bill that would allow people with concealed-weapons permits to leave their guns locked in their cars at workplace parking lots."
Key bills still pending on session's final day
From: www.macon.com
"A look at some of the bills still pending on the final day of the Legislature's 40-day session: "
Isles stand to lose 500,000 visitors
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The twin failures of Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines could increase the cost of flying to the Mainland by at least $100 each way as less competition makes it possible for remaining carriers to raise prices."
Superferry speeds return to service
From: starbulletin.com
"The Hawaii Superferry will begin offering its Oahu-Maui service on Monday, nearly two weeks earlier than had been expected."
Superferry returns to service Monday
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii Superferry will return to service Monday, soothing some concerns about interisland travel options in the wake of this week's shutdown of Aloha Airlines passenger flights."
Video on debt part of proposed reforms
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Before taking out a private loan, Iowa college students would have to watch a video that explains how to keep college costs down and how to borrow wisely, under a bill state lawmakers are considering."
Child health insurance plan looks more likely
From: www.qctimes.com
"Legislative Democrats have agreed to jettison a controversial mandate from a proposed health-insurance plan for children, a move that supporters say virtually guarantees the bill will become law this year."
Transportation feud, private jet rides marked 2008 session
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The 2008 session that wrapped up Wednesday will go down in legislative lore as the one where the economy flew the coop, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter flew off the handle over transportation funding and 10 Idaho lawmakers just flew -- on a private jet to a Republican political event in Idaho Falls."
Changing economic complexion dominated 2008 Idaho Legislature
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The 2008 Legislature was a tale of two sessions, one before the bad economic news and one after."
Democrats back governor on health care
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Senate Democrats reaffirmed their political allegiance to Gov. Rod Blagojevich Thursday, approving his multimillion-dollar health care expansion plan. "
Levine goes from star witness to main target
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Over eight days of questioning by prosecutors, Stuart Levine calmly and dispassionately poured out a life story brimming with scams, swindles, lies and debauchery."
Bill would strengthen oversight of doctors
From: cjonline.com
"The Senate passed legislation Thursday to strengthen oversight power of the state board responsible for regulating more than 20,000 medical professionals in Kansas."
Senate defies energy veto
From: cjonline.com
"After months of wrangling over energy and the environment, lawmakers are one step away from passing a bill allowing a $3.5 billion expansion of a coal-fired power plant in southwest Kansas."
Kansas population - 3 million in 2024
From: www.kansas.com
"Over the next two decades, Kansas will likely grow at a pace that's slightly below the national average, and the state's population will probably top 3 million sometime in 2024."
Speaker of Kansas House - Votes sufficient to override veto of coal-plant legislation
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Supporters of two coal-fired power plants said today they may have enough votes to get around a veto by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius."
State Senate overrides Sebelius coal plant veto
From: www2.ljworld.com
"The Kansas Senate today voted to override Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto of a bill that would allow the construction of two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas."
Senate votes to override coal veto
From: www2.ljworld.com
"The Senate votes to override Governor Kathleen Sebelius' veto of a bill allowing two coal-fired power plants in Southwest Kansas."
Coal plant supporters hoping for override
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Supporters of two coal-fired power plants on Thursday tried to maneuver around Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' rejection of the $3.6 billion project."
House, Senate favor expansion of western Kansas power plant
From: www.kansascity.com
"TOPEKA, Kan. - Kansas lawmakers mounted new efforts Thursday to allow a western Kansas power plant expansion, a final push to resurrect the project before the legislative clock runs out."
Beshear might veto items in budget, call session on taxes
From: www.kentucky.com
"A day after legislators approved a lean state budget, Gov. Steve Beshear said he might veto specific spending items, but not the entire measure. He also warned of a possible special lawmaking session to raise taxes."
Flood warnings issued for state
From: www.kentucky.com
"LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Forecasters issued flood warnings throughout Kentucky as heavy rains moved in and soaked already-saturated ground."
Budget may reduce staff of racing authority by half
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The agency charged with ensuring the integrity of Kentucky's horse racing industry could lose more than half of its staff ? about 20 positions ? under the budget approved by the legislature Wednesday night."
Stumbo helped get budget agreement
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A deal between Senate President David Williams and Rep. Greg Stumbo likely saved the state budget from failure in the House, lawmakers said yesterday."
Bond panel OKs tighter GO Zone rules
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"The Jindal administration on Thursday approved stricter rules for businesses that apply to the state for special low-interest, tax-free borrowing."
Official -- Bring natives home
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"The weakening U.S. economy gives Louisiana a chance to bring native sons and daughters home, the state?s labor secretary said Thursday."
Labor chief lauds local job centers
From: www.nola.com
"As the administration of Gov. Bobby Jindal tries to redraw the state's workforce training system, his secretary of labor has given high marks to the job service centers in the New Orleans area for taking steps toward the governor's goal of regional cooperation."
Sentencing delayed for former film chief
From: www.nola.com
"Judgment day for Mark Smith, the former Louisiana film commissioner who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in exchange for lenient interpretation of state tax incentives, has been pushed back by almost four months because the federal investigation of the film program is still under way."
State puts cap on bond projects
From: www.nola.com
"Business developers applying for the $1.9 billion in bond money that the state expects to have left to help rebuild areas after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will be limited to a maximum of $100 million each, the State Bond Commission voted Thursday."
O'Malley signs bills to rein in foreclosures
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Three mortgage-lending reforms aimed at slowing Maryland's booming foreclosure rate are now law."
Vouchers likely to win support
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"School-choice supporters appear likely to win a sizable victory in this year's General Assembly. The Senate has already passed a bill that gives a tax credit to businesses who donate to scholarship funds for private schools, and a House committee is scheduled to hear the measure today."
'Tech tax' repeal on fast track
From: gazette.net
"The Senate voted 30-17 Thursday night to approve a bill that paves the way for a repeal of the much-despised $200 million computer services tax enacted during last year's special session."
Senate vote might nullify BGE pact
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Senate voted yesterday to regulate any new power plants built in Maryland, brushing aside warnings that its action could scuttle a $2 billion settlement of the state's prolonged legal battle with Constellation Energy Group."
Tax on millionaires would replace tech tax
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"A proposal to repeal the tech tax will head to the full Senate for discussion after a committee approved higher taxes on millionaires and cuts in transportation and other spending as replacement revenue."
Senate votes to repeal computer services tax
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Senate voted last night to repeal the computer services tax and replace it with a combination of cuts and an income tax surcharge on millionaires."
O'Malley supports waiving tidal wetland fee
From: gazette.net
"Gov. Martin O'Malley wants to waive the collection of a tidal wetland fee that was impeding progress on a project to extend broadband cable to rural Maryland."
For schools, no news from General Assembly is good news
From: gazette.net
"For education advocates, perhaps the biggest news of the 2008 session is what did not happen."
Repealing levy could hurt road projects
From: gazette.net
"With the Senate approving the repeal of the $200 million computer services tax on Thursday and more cuts to the transportation budget in the offing, Prince George?s and Montgomery lawmakers are hoping their road projects will stay on course."
Senate approves repeal of new levy
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Maryland Senate voted 30 to 17 last night to repeal the state's new tax on computer services and offset the lost revenue with a three-year surcharge on the income of millionaires as well as cuts to transportation projects and state agencies. "
O'Malley signs foreclosure-relief bills
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) signed into law yesterday a sweeping package of emergency legislation that provides immediate help to beleaguered homeowners facing foreclosure while overhauling state regulation of the mortgage-lending industry. "
$1 million fine plus refunds for insurer
From: www.sunjournal.com
"Maine state officials say MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company, accused of improperly determining premiums for individual health insurance policies, has agreed to pay a $1 million fine and to refund $4.6 million, plus interest, to consumers."
Blues opposing insurance overhaul
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan said Wednesday it is strongly opposed to alternatives being proposed by the chairman of the state's Senate Health Policy Committee to overhaul individual health insurance affecting 322,000 people.
Advertisement
"
Electric utilities fight to keep turf
From: www.detnews.com
"More than $1 million has been spent on lobbying and campaign donations in the high-stakes battle over an energy package that will impact every Michiganian who flips on a light switch.
"
Senate approves massive budget bill
From: www.startribune.com
"A sprawling budget bill that would cut funding for health care, higher education and courts, while finding extra money for everything from kindergarten milk money to grants for movie producers passed the state Senate on Thursday night."
Minn. House says yes to smoking shacks during budget debate
From: www.startribune.com
"The Minnesota House voted Thursday to give smokers some shelter -- in smoking shacks outside of the bars and restaurants where lighting up became illegal six months ago."
MOHELA bonds deemed unsalable amid credit crisis
From: www.showmenews.com
"Last June, William Loehman began moving $300,000 into bonds offered by the Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, or MOHELA."
Governor pushes Show-Me Green Tax Holiday
From: www.showmenews.com
"Missouri residents shopping for new appliances would receive an extra incentive to purchase energy-efficient alternatives under a state sales tax holiday proposed by Gov. Matt Blunt."
Bill to curtail telemarketing stalls in Senate
From: www.showmenews.com
"An effort has stalled in the Missouri Senate to bolster the state?s No Call List program by banning telemarketers from dialing up cell phones, sending faxes and using text messaging."
Missouri Senate approves added restrictions on illegal immigrants
From: www.newstribune.com
"Senators endorsed legislation Thursday that adds restrictions on illegal immigrants, their employers and the cities in which they live."
Missouri House votes to toughen penalties for mortgage fraud
From: www.newstribune.com
"Legislation creating a specific state crime of mortgage fraud and expanding civil penalties for it passed the Missouri House without any dissent Thursday.
"
Bill would require insurance at some swimming pools
From: www.stltoday.com
"The drowning last year of a Joplin, Mo., boy has led to House passage of legislation to require for-profit swimming pools to have liability insurance."
Moratorium on casinos moves closer to passage
From: www.stltoday.com
"A bill moving through the House would stop the Missouri Gaming Commission from licensing any new casinos for two years."
No hoax - Ad man?s wife running for State House
From: www.stltoday.com
"Coming soon to a campaign near you - viral politics? Perhaps, if you?re in Creve Couer, where Councilwoman Jill Schupp, a Democrat, is seeking the State House seat being vacated by Sam Page, who is running for lieutenant governor."
Utility regulator under fire again
From: www.stltoday.com
"Jeff Davis is the chief arbiter of how much the state's utility companies can charge the customers they serve."
Bill on children's products vetoed
From: www.sunherald.com
"Gov. Haley Barbour on Thursday vetoed a bill that would penalize those who sell dangerous children's products, saying he believes it would undermine the state's tort reform laws."
Preservation group offers grants
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"A state historical preservation group is offering grants up to $25,000 this summer to help preserve "endangered" industrial structures in Montana."
Montana commodity exports hit record
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Montana's commodity exports rose nearly 35 percent in 2007 to a record $1.74 billion, the state Commerce Department said this week."
Pipeline builders start legal action
From: www.in-forum.com
"GRAFTON, N.D. - The company building the Keystone oil pipeline from Canada through the Midwest says it has started court action against some landowners along the North Dakota route."
Bill to move state fair advances in Nebraska Legislature
From: www.omaha.com
"The "train" carrying the Nebraska State Fair out of Lincoln to Grand Island got a big head of steam from state lawmakers Thursday."
Kaylin counts on prosthetic leg - Efforts seek higher insurance policy caps
From: www.omaha.com
"Six-year-old Kaylin Jensen gallops as she scurries around her backyard, her left leg leading her right. The right leg -- made of hard plastic and metal -- naturally trails. "
One day gave fair deal its momentum
From: www.journalstar.com
"It would never fit in the same tidy timeline with the first Territorial and Mechanical Fair (1859) or the first fair at State Fair Park (1901). But March 24, 2008, will be remembered by the select group summoned to the office of Grand Island attorney Don Dunn to try to hammer out a deal that would move the fair from Lincoln to Grand Island as early as 2010."
Demand for food stamps soars in NH
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Amid rising food prices and an unstable economy, more New Hampshire households are receiving food stamps than at any other time in recent years, according to data from the state's Department of Health and Human Services.
"
Greenwich refinery settles with DEP
From: www.nj.com
"A noxious odor sent Paulsboro High School students fleeing from their classrooms last year. A year earlier, a misty oil cloud settled on hundreds of cars and properties in the Paulsboro and Greenwich Township area. These were just two of a dozen violations cited by the state Department of Environmental Protection between 2005 and 2007 at the Valero Refining Co. in Greenwich."
Schering CEO expects worst job cuts in Jersey
From: www.nj.com
"Schering-Plough's chief executive said yesterday the budget ax will fall first and hardest in New Jersey as the drugmaker cuts more than $1 billion in spending after the abrupt collapse of its top-selling cholesterol medicines."
Lawsuit challenges immigration raids in New Jersey
From: www.nytimes.com
"Immigration agents systematically entered homes and made arrests without proper warrants during raids to round up immigration fugitives in New Jersey, according to a federal lawsuit filed Thursday."
Governor pushes for commercial space programs
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Gov. Bill Richardson and the director of New Mexico's spaceport made the rounds in Washington, D.C., this week, trying to secure federal help in the state's push toward space commercialization.
"
Gaming tax hike petitions in works
From: www.lvrj.com
"The head of the state teachers union said Thursday that her organization will begin immediately to circulate a petition that would let voters decide whether to increase the gaming tax rate to benefit education."
Gibbons plans government overhaul
From: www.lvrj.com
"Gov. Jim Gibbons said Thursday that he hopes soon to form a commission to examine the state budget and root out government inefficiency and waste."
Friendly crowd goes frigid for Gibbons
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The applause for Gov. Jim Gibbons inside a conference room at the Rio could be called tepid only if the Colorado River runs tepid this time of year. No, this applause was downright cold, made all the more so by the makeup of the audience - a Las Vegas business community as friendly as the governor will ever see outside of Sparks."
Judge preserves teachers' casino tax petition
From: hosted.ap.org
"Rejecting pleas from lawyers for major Nevada casinos, a judge on Thursday endorsed a revised petition from a teachers' union that would raise Nevada gambling taxes to provide about $250 million a year for public education."
Construction lawsuits clog judges' calendars
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"At first glance the relationship seems to make sense: an explosion of new homes in the Las Vegas Valley since 2000 prompts a rise in the number of construction defects suits filed today."
Progress slow on NY state budget
From: www.newsday.com
"With fights over education funding and congestion pricing still looming, lawmakers here progressed barely at all yesterday toward producing a state budget, lessening the chances they will finish before the week's end.
"
$250M give and take in budget
From: www.timesunion.com
"Budget negotiators have come up with a $250 million "one shot" by giving a video slot operator at Aqueduct the money to build a racino in exchange for getting the money back to help pay for this year's budget, a government official said Thursday."
Lawyer says legislator was victim of entrapment
From: www.nytimes.com
"A lawyer for Diane M. Gordon, a state assemblywoman from Brooklyn, told a jury on Thursday that Ms. Gordon might have been naive and made questionable statements to a developer who offered her a bribe of a free house, but was also a victim of entrapment and wound up rejecting the bait."
Money planned for infrastructure a small portion of Ohio's needs
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"The $400 million Ohio plans to spend on roads, bridges and sewage systems throughout the state is a tiny portion of the billions of dollars needed to make infrastructure improvements, several studies show."
Ohio looking for new ways to slow foreclosures in court
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"CINCINNATI - The state attorney general's office is looking for new ways to slow foreclosures in court, hoping a recent Ohio appellate court decision will help in those efforts."
Governor tours plant producing ethanol
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"GREENVILLE, Ohio - Marveling at steel and concrete grain bins capable of holding 3 million bushels of corn, Gov. Ted Strickland called Ohio's largest ethanol plant just one kind of "energy infrastructure" he wants to grow through a newly proposed, bipartisan $1.57 billion jobs stimulus package."
Fifth Third may be looking at National City
From: www.cleveland.com
"One potential buyer of National City Corp. is definitely interested in expanding in the Midwest."
Oklahoma House panel backs Sonics tax deal
From: newsok.com
"A House committee gave its approval Thursday to a bill intended to help bring the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City."
State auditor seeks fewer charges
From: newsok.com
"MUSKOGEE, Okla. - Defense attorneys want a judge to dismiss four of nine criminal counts facing state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, saying in part there's no clear link between his acceptance of trips from businessman Steve Phipps and the alleged help the auditor later provided Phipps."
MADD campaigns in state for ignition interlock law
From: newsok.com
"Virgil L. Green wants Oklahomans to envision a state that has eliminated drunken driving and deaths from alcohol-related crashes. What that would mean in the state, he said, is at least 150 fewer deaths each year."
Keeping tabs on greenhouse gas
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon plans to require more than 600 industries and utilities, from Portland General Electric and Intel to plywood and paper mills, to begin reporting greenhouse gas emissions."
Construction cranes inspected by operators, not government
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Tower cranes -- those massive cranes that, well, tower above high-rise buildings under construction -- have become such a part of Portland's skyline that people take their presence for granted."
Dauphin County slots investigation denied
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A Dauphin County grand jury is not investigating the Gaming Control Board's award of slots licenses, prosecutors said in a court filing."
PUC wraps up public hearing on high-voltage power line
From: www.post-gazette.com
"A hearing over plans for a high-voltage power line in Washington and Greene counties ended yesterday, about a week before anticipated."
Senate panel OKs no-pork budget, $50M in savings
From: www.charleston.net
"A budget that eliminates every pork barrel project the House approved last month and cuts $50 million in overall spending was passed Thursday by a Senate committee worried about a souring economy."
Governor signs new SC law that hopes to curb identity theft
From: www.goupstate.com
"South Carolina residents will soon be able to put a free block on their credit reports to help protect themselves from identity theft."
State sells top-rated public golf course at loss
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state will lose more than $2.6 million in the sale of a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in rural Middle Tennessee to a private company."
Tennessee group seeks to close tax loophole
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"A statewide group that has advocated a state income tax touted legislation Thursday that they said would close a tax loophole for large, multistate companies and bring down Tennessee?s food tax."
Nuclear expert tells Utah audience to think again about new reactors
From: www.sltrib.com
"Chris Paine doesn't see the nuclear renaissance panning out. Director of nuclear programs for the Natural Resources Defense Council, he sees too many obstacles for nuclear power before it could become the meaningful solution to climate change that nuclear boosters suggest."
'Growth is positive' in Utah
From: deseretnews.com
"OREM, Utah -- While statements from federal financial officials this week are painting a bleak picture of a looming national recession, Utah Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert says the state is faring well when compared nationally -- especially in the area of housing."
Payday lending opponents call proposed reforms insufficient
From: www.inrich.com
"Foes of payday lending say new restrictions on money stores don't go far enough in protecting Virginians and will drive up the cost of borrowing."
State senators want oil price probe
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"The state Senate called Thursday for Attorney General William Sorrell to launch a criminal investigation of major oil companies to see if recent petroleum price increases might involve price-fixing, consumer fraud or other violations of law."
Short of hops, brewers forced to alter some recipes
From: www.timesargus.com
"Vermont's brewers say hopheads are in for a rough couple years. In the face of a global hops shortage, many small breweries are raising prices, refiguring recipes and discontinuing certain hops-intensive products. Many of Vermont's beer-makers said this week that they are in the same boat."
Group would build state's green economic sector
From: www.timesargus.com
"The Greater Burlington Industrial Corp. has a plan to expand Vermont businesses by building on "a green economic sector" that will provide jobs for the next generation of workers."
State agency rejects ferry bid as too costly
From: www.thenewstribune.com
"State ferry officials have rejected a $26 million bid to build a 50-car ferry that's supposed to take over on the Port Townsend-Keystone run."
PSE hit with record penalty
From: www.theolympian.com
"Puget Sound Energy, the state's largest utility, will pay a record $1.25 million fine for fraudulent natural gas pipeline inspection records, the state Utilities and Transportation Commission said Thursday."
State rejects bid for new Port Townsend-Keystone ferry
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Washington State Ferries today rejected a bid by Todd Pacific Shipyards to build a new 50-car ferry to run between Port Townsend and Keystone."
PSE to pay $1.25 million fine
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"A tip from an anonymous whistle-blower has led to the largest fine ever against a Washington natural-gas distributor."
Generic drugs helping to curb costs
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"A recent proliferation of discount retailers charging as little as $4 to fill certain generic prescriptions appears to be having an impact on the state's health-care costs, officials said."
Turnpike tolls may become inevitable
From: www.register-herald.com
"BLUEFIELD, W.Va. - Are folks driving elsewhere in West Virginia eventually going to get a taste of what southern drivers have faced for half a century - shelling out bucks for the privilege of using the Turnpike?"
Massey raises price expectations
From: hosted.ap.org
"Massey Energy is accelerating recently announced expansion plans."
Truckers converging on Capitol in diesel protest
From: www.dailymail.com
"Hundreds of truckers from around the Mountain State were traveling in a miles-long convoy to Charleston today in order to peacefully protest the nation's surging fuel prices."
Even with pinch hitters, Supreme Court again overturns $76 million Massey verdict
From: www.dailymail.com
"Four months, two recusals and numerous national headlines later, West Virginia's Supreme Court has echoed its earlier conclusion vacating a $76.3 million judgment against Massey Energy Co. in a coal contract dispute."
W.Va. ruling faces appeal to top court
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Two Pittsburgh attorneys whose clients were on the losing end of the West Virginia Supreme Court's decision overturning a $77 million judgment against Massey Energy will appeal the ruling -- and how the court reached it -- to the U.S. Supreme Court."
High court hears Copperleaf case
From: www.trib.com
"CODY, Wyo. -- The long-running legal dispute over the Copperleaf subdivision reached the Wyoming Supreme Court this week, as justices heard oral arguments in an appeal by neighbors and others contesting the project's permit."
Probe finds uranium mine violations
From: www.trib.com
"What has been considered Wyoming's "model" in-situ uranium mine, and the only operational uranium facility in the state in recent years, is under scrutiny by state regulators for what they describe as an alarming volume of environmental violations."
States think smaller, slower on immigration
From: www.stateline.org
"The headlong rush of states into immigration policy may be slowing. So far this spring, ambitious proposals in state capitols have been watered down, delayed or outright defeated."
States lead feds in toy safety
From: www.stateline.org
"Reacting to an increase in toy recalls and consumer complaints, 29 states have pursued 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."
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.
"
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: 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."
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
