In Northern Rockies, wolves raising howls
From: www.stateline.org
"A recent decision by the federal government to lift protections for gray wolves living in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming means the three states now are responsible for managing the animals — and inherit a years-old debate between conservationists and ranchers over what should be done with them."
In soft economy, railroad cars stand idle near Craig
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CRAIG, Mont. -- BNSF Railway Co., the nation's top hauler of container rail freight, is parking miles of rail cars in Montana and elsewhere because there isn't enough freight to keep them rolling."
Study shows economic downside of illegal immigration crackdown, coalition says
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Arkansas' economy would suffer if the state were to pass punitive legislation targeting immigrants, members of the Arkansas Friendship Coalition said Monday, citing a recent study conducted in Oklahoma to back up their argument."
Aid for young insurance firms weighed
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A bill will hit the floor of the state House of Representatives Wednesday that proposes to use $250 million from the state-run insurer's reserves to fund a capital-buildup program for young or start-up insurance companies."
Labor chief -- 100,000 jobs vacant in La.
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Despite having about 100,000 job openings in the state, many residents do not have the proper training or education to fill those positions, Labor Secretary Tim Barfield said Monday."
Michigan set to get more moviemaking thanks to new tax-break legislation
From: www.freep.com
"A starstruck state is ready for its close-up as Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation Monday providing generous tax benefits to entice filmmakers to choose Michigan."
AGIA process challenged ahead of special session
From: newsminer.com
"As state lawmakers look ahead to a special legislative session on the natural gas pipeline, some are openly challenging Gov. Sarah Palin's approach to picking the best project for the state."
Palin seeks study of gas line to Anchorage
From: www.adn.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin formally asked lawmakers Monday to pay for an $8 million study of the idea of laying a small pipeline to bring North Slope gas to the Anchorage area."
Ads put happy face on Alaska housing market
From: www.adn.com
"The state-owned corporation that finances many home purchases in Alaska is on a mission to stimulate confidence in the state's housing market."
Officials offering incentives to rebuild Ark. meat packing plant
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"A 35-acre plot of land, tax breaks and other incentives are being offered to Cargill to rebuild a meat packing plant in Booneville that was all but destroyed by an explosion, Gov. Mike Beebe and the city's mayor said Monday."
Illegal-alien plan called a bad idea
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"A news conference by a group that advocates for illegal aliens turned mildly confrontational Monday when opponents attended and alleged that contractors are driving off legal workers by hiring illegal aliens who work cheaply. The intruding group held signs calling such employers criminals."
Plan in works to help Booneville, Beebe says
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"Gov. Mike Beebe said Monday that state and local officials are developing an incentive package for Cargill Inc., an international food and financial firm with total revenue of $ 88 billion last year, to rebuild its Booneville plant."
State working to help Cargill rebuild in Booneville
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"The state has offered a package of economic incentives to get Cargill to rebuild its burned-out beef processing operation in Booneville, Gov. Mike Beebe said Monday."
Arizona House panel endorses guest-worker program proposals
From: www.tucsoncitizen.com
"A committee of the Arizona Legislature approved proposals Monday that would attempt to create a guest-worker program that's run by the state."
Senate rejects bill seen as free speech threat
From: www.tucsoncitizen.com
"A bill decried as a threat to First Amendment free-speech protections is now on the cutting room floor at the Legislature."
Senators kill bill to let victims sue video producers
From: www.azstarnet.com
"State senators killed legislation on Monday that would have opened the door for crime victims to sue the producers of books, movies, music and video games that could be seen encouraging sexual violence or other crimes."
Guest-worker bill bars entrants already in AZ
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Undocumented workers already in Arizona and working here will be ineligible to be employed here even if the state gets to set up its own guest-worker program."
$1.4 bil campus-construction plan gains backers
From: www.azcentral.com
"A proposed $1.4 billion campus-construction plan to jump-start the economy got support Monday from several business and education groups."
Panel tosses bill targeting obscene media
From: www.azcentral.com
"Saying they had too many unanswered questions, members of a state legislative panel on Monday snuffed out a proposal that would make companies financially liable for creating or distributing books, movies and other media that eventually led to a serious crime."
Committees advance bills in response to San Francisco oil spill
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Cleanup crews would speed their response to oil spills and have more money and better technology at their disposal under eight bills that cleared their first legislative committees Monday."
Bills aim to minimize oil spill effects
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Nearly five months after a cargo ship struck the Bay Bridge and spilled more than 53,000 gallons of bunker oil into the San Francisco Bay, lawmakers unveiled nine bills Monday to try to prevent future spills while improving local authorities' ability to respond and restore damaged coastline."
Renewable power initiative poised for ballot, draws fire
From: www.sacbee.com
"A California initiative that would have at least half the state's electricity coming from the sun and other renewable sources by 2025 has generated more than enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, proponents said Monday."
California lawmakers move to restore funding for chiropractic board
From: www.sacbee.com
"Despite its problems, a state board that licenses chiropractors should have its full budget restored, a Senate committee decided Monday."
Green energy powers to the top of Sacramento chamber's lobbying list in D.C.
From: www.sacbee.com
"WASHINGTON - Clean-energy technology, which last year was not even on the agenda, was a top advocacy item for the Sacramento Metro Chamber on Monday as 350 of its members spread out over Capitol Hill on the business organization's annual Capitol-to-Capitol lobbying trip."
As governor plugs bill for park volunteers, protesters blast his plan to close some parks
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger played politics with parks Monday, using Sacramento County's treasured jewel of the American River Parkway as a backdrop to boost a bill to make it easier for volunteers to keep them clean and green."
Opponents say California power initiative is ill-advised
From: www.latimes.com
"Should two Arizona billionaires tell California, arguably the nation's greenest state, how to run its electricity business?"
A bigger bottom line for nursing homes
From: www.latimes.com
"California nursing homes bolstered their bottom lines with much of the $590 million that state lawmakers provided them to better tend to the poor, while patient care declined by several key measures, according to a study to be released today."
Prosecutors pressing Berkshire to remove CEO Of General Re
From: www.theday.com
"New Haven, Conn. - Federal prosecutors want Berkshire Hathaway Inc. to replace the chief executive of its reinsurance subsidiary after four former executives of the company were convicted in February, according to a person familiar with the negotiations."
Citibank closing 10 branches in Connecticut
From: www.courant.com
"WATERBURY, Conn. - Citigroup Inc. is confirming plans to close 10 Connecticut Citibank branches beginning in July, trimming the number of branches it has in the state by a third."
Millstone nuclear power plant incident investigated
From: www.courant.com
"The operator of the Millstone 2 nuclear power plant in Waterford is investigating how 1,000 gallons of water from a reactor cooling system inadvertently leaked into a water storage tank Sunday, a mistake a company spokesman said has never before happened at the facility. "
Park-ride proposal gets mixed reception
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A complicated land swap proposal met with mixed response at a public hearing in Rehoboth Beach on Monday."
Del.'s child poverty rate rises in '07
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Delaware's Child Poverty Task Force wants to cut the rate of child poverty in half in 10 years, but some of the state's strongest advocates for children don't believe it can be done."
Growing pains for a deep-sea home built of subway cars
From: www.nytimes.com
"SLAUGHTER BEACH, Del. - Sixteen nautical miles from the Indian River Inlet and about 80 feet underwater, a building boom is under way at the Red Bird Reef."
Rubio defends added budget wording
From: www.miamiherald.com
"House Speaker Marco Rubio said Monday he used obscure budget language that helped a friend and blocked a $265 million turnpike deal due to concerns over the Department of Transportation's potentially ''cozy'' ties to ''monopolistic'' contractors."
Florida House panel to weigh immigration measures
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A package of immigration-related bills has been slated for a workshop session today in the House Committee of State Affairs."
Allstate complies on release of papers
From: www.miamiherald.com
"After years of defying court orders and racking up fines, Allstate has released about 150,000 pages of documents it had staunchly protected as proprietary."
Florida's insurance regulators seek immediate Allstate ban
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Insurance regulators want to start the arm-twisting of Allstate immediately and on Monday asked a court if it could."
Plaza bids pit turnpike agency against House Speaker Rubio
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"The state agency that runs the Florida Turnpike is at odds with House Speaker Marco Rubio over the way contracts are awarded for providing food and gasoline at the turnpike's eight service plazas."
Legislator wants background checks in online dating mix
From: www.tampabay.com
"Like a suitor who won't give up, Rep. Kevin Ambler is asking Florida lawmakers to help chaperone Internet dating again."
Fundraising to be priority for halls of fame
From: www.macon.com
"With the state trimming the budgets of Georgia's music and sports halls of fame by $150,000 each, officials from both museums say they will focus on fundraising and potential cutbacks."
Environmental impact still major concern
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"One person not happy to see Hawaii Superferry back in service so soon is Irene Bowie. She is executive director of Maui Tomorrow, one of three groups that successfully challenged the state's failure to undertake an environmental review of $40 million in ferry-related port improvements and potential ferry impacts."
Ink law sticks
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii tattoo artists claimed victory yesterday for the safe and professional marking of the human body."
Few passengers set sail with Superferry?s return
From: starbulletin.com
"With tradewinds blowing, the ocean ride to Maui was a little bumpier than the ride back to Oahu aboard the Hawaii Superferry yesterday as it resumed service."
Terse exchange in senate over labor bill
From: www.radioiowa.com
"There was a terse exchange today at the statehouse as the Senate's Republican leader failed to force some movement on a controversial labor bill. The legislation would expand the subjects public employees can explore during union contract negotiations."
Panel endorses smoking ban, except for casino floor
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A 10-member panel of lawmakers has voted for a statewide ban on smoking in most public places, but smoking would still be allowed on the gaming floors of the state-licensed casinos. The Iowa House could take up the proposal as soon as Tuesday. "
New rules considered for colleges dealing with student loans
From: www.radioiowa.com
"State lawmakers are considering a new code of conduct for colleges and lenders handling student loans."
Culver again pushes bottle bill
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Gov. Chet Culver said expanding the bottle bill remains one of his top priorities this year and urged Iowans to put pressure on lawmakers to pass it."
Iowa fuel tax increase could be revived
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"A hike in the state's fuel tax could be used as a means to generate road construction funding, providing voters are sold on the need for the increase, Gov. Chet Culver said Monday."
Smoking ban accord exempts casino floors
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"People in Iowa bars would be prohibited from smoking but gamblers on casino floors could keep puffing under a proposed statewide tobacco ban compromise that a legislative panel reached Monday."
Culver open to gas tax increase in future
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver said Monday that he's willing to consider a gasoline tax increase next year, but he wants to make sure motorists are sold on the idea that it's needed to pay for road construction projects."
College-loan firm urges prudence on legislation
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Officials from Iowa Student Loan on Monday urged lawmakers to take "special precautions" so that proposed legislation doesn't have negative effects on students who are seeking loans for college this fall."
Senate backs expansion of health care coverage
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The Iowa Senate voted Monday to work toward obtaining health insurance for all Iowa children, but not to require it."
Culver pushes Legislature on schools, bottles
From: www.qctimes.com
"Gov. Chet Culver again focused attention Monday on proposals to toughen local school curriculum and expand the state's bottle deposit law."
Bargainers strike agreement on smoking ban
From: www.qctimes.com
"House and Senate bargainers reached a compromise Monday on a proposed smoking ban that exempts casinos and the Iowa Veterans Home but includes restaurants and bars.
"
Senate approves $25 million health care expansion
From: www.qctimes.com
"The Senate on Monday overwhelmingly approved a $25 million expansion of the state's health care system aimed at providing coverage for most Iowa children.
"
CIETC trial starts, stops when juror seeks medical care
From: www.qctimes.com
"DAVENPORT, Iowa - The trial of three former job training officials started Monday with prosecutors accusing them of "manipulation, deception, greed," but then was suddenly stopped for the day when a juror sought medical care."
ID Board of Medicine disciplines two Boise-area doctors
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Two family doctors accused of having drug problems have been disciplined by the state Board of Medicine."
Water committee to assess state supplies Friday
From: www.magicvalley.com
"The Idaho Water Supply Committee will hold its annual spring water assessment meeting on Friday in Boise."
State -- Mustard Tree doctors covered by liability statute
From: www.magicvalley.com
"Doctors volunteering at the Mustard Tree Wellness Clinic should be covered by a state statute providing immunity from liability for volunteer health care providers, according to the Idaho Attorney General's Office."
Blagojevich targets Extension, 4-H for budget cuts
From: www.qctimes.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich has put another 450 jobs on the chopping block as part of his latest budget feud with lawmakers."
Casino boss says 24-hour gaming would create jobs, increase taxes
From: www.sj-r.com
"Letting Illinois casinos stay open 24 hours a day would create jobs while boosting tax revenue for the state and the communities that host casinos, according to the boss at East Peoria's Par-A-Dice."
Illinois physicians profiled on state's new Web site
From: www.sj-r.com
"More information about Illinois' doctors, including out-of-court settlements of malpractice lawsuits, is now available on a new Web site operated by the state."
'Levine' off zoo exhibit
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Stuart Levine has lost his millions, his reputation and, soon, his freedom. Last week, he also lost the plaque at the Lincoln Park Zoo denoting his family's support of the polar bear exhibit."
Levine denies drugs impaired memory
From: www.suntimes.com
"The star prosecution witness at Tony Rezko's corruption trial insisted Monday his memory isn't faulty despite 30 years of drug abuse."
Obama oil ad deemed 'a little too slick'
From: www.indystar.com
"WASHINGTON -- A Barack Obama campaign ad airing in Indiana that boasts the candidate doesn't take money from oil companies is "a little too slick," according to a political fact-checking group."
Ethanol not final answer
From: www.journalgazette.net
"WASHINGTON - Higher grocery prices might be a burden Americans have to shoulder -- at least temporarily -- for reducing reliance on foreign oil, Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday."
Group predicts teacher layoffs
From: www.kentucky.com
"The two-year spending plan approved by lawmakers last week is likely to cause teacher layoffs across the state, according to an advocacy group that represents most school superintendents."
Court tosses $1M award in insurance suit, orders new trial
From: www.clarionledger.com
"NEW ORLEANS - A federal appeals court on Monday threw out a $1 million punitive damage award to a Mississippi couple who sued the nation's largest insurance company over Hurricane Katrina damage."
Labor secretary -- recession provides opportunities for Louisiana
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Louisiana has thousands of available jobs and could seize the opportunity of a looming recession and rising unemployment nationwide to attract new and former residents, state Labor Secretary Tim Barfield said Monday."
Katrina victims face foreclosure
From: www.usatoday.com
"NEW ORLEANS - Letitia Youngblood struggled through repairs, government paperwork and shady contractors to rebuild her home after Hurricane Katrina. Then her mortgage payments recently jumped 35%."
Mashpee residents approve land deal with tribe
From: www.bostonherald.com
"MASHPEE, Mass. - Voters in Mashpee have approved an agreement with the Wampanoag tribe which protects the town from future land claims while guaranteeing that a casino will not be built on tribal land."
Sen. Murray - Senate backs hike in cigarette tax
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Senate President Therese Murray says a proposed $1 tax hike on a pack of cigarettes has strong support in the Senate."
Panel scuttles unemployment aid for part-timers
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Part-time employees in Maryland won't be eligible for unemployment benefits after all. A bill to expand state unemployment benefits to cover part-time workers died yesterday by a single vote in a House committee. The vote on the legislature's last working day means the measure is shelved until at least next year."
Panel kills bill to fight warming
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"A bill that would have committed Maryland to fight global warming died in a House committee last night after lobbying from industry and from factory workers fearful for their jobs."
Democrats see victory as session concludes
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The General Assembly adjourned last night after an annual session that saw the passage of new protections for homeowners against foreclosures and new funding for consumer energy efficiency incentives but the failure of legislation authorizing statewide speed cameras and banning the use of hand-held cellular phones while driving."
BGE's customers to get $170 rebate
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"BGE customers will get one-time rebates of $170 and other benefits totaling $2 billion in the coming years under a settlement agreement with the utility's parent company approved by the General Assembly last night."
Assembly begins sprint to midnight adjournment
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"With Maryland lawmakers set to begin their sprint today to a midnight adjournment of the General Assembly, 75 steelworkers pushed for them to kill a global warming bill that was among the biggest of hundreds of measures still pending."
Restraint in bleak times for Md.
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"In its final hours before adjournment, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill yesterday expanding the collection of DNA from crime suspects but balked at authorizing speed cameras in school zones and neighborhoods, capping a session in which the state's continuing fiscal challenges greatly shaped what was attempted and what occurred. "
2-year colleges expecting boost
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Community colleges expect enrollment to rise this fall, partly due to a staggering economy."
Water, wind acted separately, Senter says
From: www.sunherald.com
"Nationwide insurance companies have gone too far in claiming they owe a Gulfport couple no more money for Katrina's wind damage because their loss also involved flooding, U.S. District Court Judge L.T. Senter Jr. has ruled."
DuPree's tax plan appears to be dead
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Progress Hattiesburg is probably dead in the Legislature this year, state Sen. Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, told an Area Development Partnership gathering Monday."
West Point pushing Legislature to OK hike in tourism tax
From: www.clarionledger.com
"West Point officials have asked the Legislature to increase the local hotel and restaurant tax by 1 percent with the extra money going to city recreation activities."
$1 million State Farm verdict tossed out
From: www.sunherald.com
"The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out a $1 million punitive damages verdict against State Farm Fire and Casualty Co. on Monday and sent the case back to federal court in Gulfport for a jury to determine how much the company owes Biloxi policyholders Norman and Genevieve Broussard."
Insurance claims could top $50M
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Claims from Friday's storms are expected to exceed $50 million, Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said Monday night."
Triad recoups Skybus incentives
From: www.news-record.com
"Skybus may have taken the Triad's pride, but in the end, the bankrupt airline did not take away much of the region's incentive money. Preliminary figures show that the region has recouped all but $40,000 of the incentives paid to recruit the airline, airport officials say."
Commissioners plan legislative agenda
From: www.newsobserver.com
"DURHAM, N.C. - County commissioners Monday discussed the issues they'd like to push for as legislators head back to work this spring. Among them was legislation allowing Durham to charge a 1 percent prepared food tax on restaurant and bar bills."
Wright convicted on corruption charges
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Thomas E. Wright gave his wife a slight wink as armed deputies led him from a Wake County courtroom Monday. It was the former legislator's only reaction to learning he will be in prison until at least 2014.
"
Ex-lawmaker is sentenced to prison
From: www.nytimes.com
"RALEIGH, N.C. - A former state lawmaker was convicted Monday of mishandling thousands of dollars in charitable contributions and fraudulently obtaining a $150,000 loan and was sentenced to six to eight years in prison."
Study on oil potential due to be out this week
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"A long-awaited federal report on oil that could be recovered in parts of North Dakota, Montana and two Canadian provinces is to be released this week, potentially boosting investment in already promising oil territory."
Corporate tax cut approved by Legislature
From: www.journalstar.com
"Businesses will get a tax cut under a bill that was given final-round approval by lawmakers on Monday."
Workers' comp for mental injuries stalls in Legislature
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraska lawmakers likely won't extend workers' compensation benefits to employees who witness violent acts and suffer mental illnesses as a result."
Airline closing leaves other firms in lurch
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"A Portsmouth aviation company that handles baggage, maintenance and refueling at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease is owed more than $100,000 by Skybus Airlines, the low-cost airline that went out of business last week, according to bankruptcy court"
'Pay-to-play' list shows who gave and who got
From: www.nj.com
"Insurers and highway contractors dominated the state's second annual tally of public contracts, released yesterday by the Election Law Enforcement Commission."
Divided Senate approves bill allowing paid time off for family care
From: www.nj.com
"An arduous 12-year legislative battle ended yesterday when the Senate approved a bill that grants six weeks of leave at reduced pay to workers who stay home to care for a new child or sick relative.
"
Contractor must 'tough it out' 7 years later
From: www.nj.com
"Robert Messina spent most of his adult life as a laborer, first running his own landscaping business, then as a contractor in the carpenters union. Accidents were part of the job."
Problems beset new truck scales
From: www.nj.com
"New Jersey's $54 million truck weigh station on Route 78 in Warren County has been plagued by so many problems that drivers and local officials say its westbound scales are closed more often than they are open."
The ins and outs on paid family leave
From: www.nj.com
"The Senate yesterday approved a bill allowing workers to take paid leaves of absence to care for family members. It now awaits the signature of Gov. Jon Corzine, who has said he will sign it."
Taking leave in Trenton
From: www.nj.com
"An arduous 12-year legislative battle ended yesterday when the Senate approved a bill that grants six weeks of leave at reduced pay to workers who stay home to care for a new child or sick relative."
Nightmare for many injured workers -- The boss with no insurance
From: www.nj.com
"Each year, thousands of New Jersey workers get hurt on the job and discover a frightening and potentially expensive fact: Their employer ignored the law that requires businesses to have insurance for work-related injuries."
Corzine -- Will OK family leaves
From: www.philly.com
"The New Jersey legislature, despite heated opposition from the state's business leaders, yesterday became the third in the nation to adopt paid family leave."
New Jersey lawmakers approved paid leave for workers
From: www.nytimes.com
"TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey moved another step closer on Monday to becoming the third state in the country to give employees the right to take paid leave to care for a newborn or a sick relative."
Divided NJ Senate approves family leave bill
From: www.nj.com
"An arduous 12-year legislative battle ended yesterday when the Senate approved a bill that grants six weeks of leave at reduced pay to workers who stay home to care for a new child or sick relative. "
New York State budget 8 days late and counting
From: www.newsday.com
"Adoption of a new state budget ground to a halt yesterday with lawmakers preoccupied over a proposal for congestion-pricing in Manhattan and partisan sniping in the Senate."
Shel game wasn't personal this time
From: www.nypost.com
"Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver delivered another painful civics lesson to Mayor Bloomberg yesterday, although this time - unlike Silver's humiliation of the mayor in the bitter West Side stadium battle three years ago - rejecting his congestion-pricing plan was anything but personal."
Taking tax cap's measure
From: www.timesunion.com
"COLONIE, N.Y. -- To cap or not to cap. That will be one of the biggest decisions that a property tax study commission headed by former gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi makes next month."
Silver - Little support for congestion pricing plan
From: www.newsday.com
"Mayor Michael Bloomberg's ambitious proposal to charge motorists $8 to enter lower Manhattan on weekdays appeared to be all but dead after Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced yesterday his house would not put the measure to a vote.
"
Agency pay is all over map
From: www.timesunion.com
"If state Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn gets a hankering for a raise, she might apply for Michael Fleischer's job as executive director over at the Thruway Authority."
State pension fund to go green
From: www.timesunion.com
"State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli said Monday he will divert $500 million of the $154.5 billion state pension fund to environmental investments."
Red light for Bloomberg traffic bill
From: www.timesunion.com
"As the state entered the second week of the fiscal year without a new budget, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday failed to get the Legislature to pass his plan to impose fees on motorists entering Manhattan during the work week."
Healthy living, at home and work
From: www.timesunion.com
"A new public health campaign launched by the state Health Department on Monday aims to reach New Yorkers at home and at work."
$8 traffic fee for Manhattan gets nowhere
From: www.nytimes.com
"Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's far-reaching plan to ease traffic in Manhattan died here on Monday in a closed conference room on the third floor of the Capitol."
School buses guzzle bucks
From: news.enquirer.com
"Car drivers aren't the only ones fretting over rising fuel prices."
Hog farmers battered by market glut, grain prices
From: hosted.ap.org
"UNION, Ohio - A glut on the market and the rising cost of feed have some hog farmers looking at hard times."
Mortgage firms pledge to help
From: www.cleveland.com
"Nine mortgage servicing companies Monday promised state officials they would try to help struggling Ohioans avoid foreclosure and keep their homes."
Anti-tobacco bill fails to get Oklahoma House hearing
From: newsok.com
"A proposal aimed at stopping tobacco companies from using information from driver's licenses for marketing purposes will not get a hearing by a House committee before this week's deadline."
Transportation officials appeal to nix funding trigger
From: www.journalrecord.com
"When the state Legislature voted in 2005 and again in 2006 to pass huge increases in transportation funding -- contingent upon a 3-percent increase in state revenues -- the state's economy was on the upswing. A 3-percent increase in annual revenues seemed a reasonable threshold."
Deal gives money to tribes to drop role in fish lawsuits
From: www.nytimes.com
"SEATTLE - The enduring battle over endangered salmon in the Northwest took a new turn on Monday with the announcement of a deal between the federal government and four Indian tribes."
Phila. officials urge Rendell to extend LIHEAP aid
From: www.philly.com
"Gov. Rendell's decision to suspend an energy assistance grant program for low-income households was assailed yesterday by City Controller Alan Butkovitz, two City Council members, and leading Philadelphia clergy."
State revenues take hit
From: www.thestate.com
"State economists have cut $90 million from budget forecasts, forcing lawmakers to further trim spending plans that already included across-the-board cuts."
SC budget sees sharp revenue decline
From: www.goupstate.com
"South Carolina will collect $90 million less in taxes this year than anticipated, economists said Monday, a shortfall that will likely force lawmakers to tap an emergency fund for the current year's budget and trim spending or raise taxes for the budget they're now debating."
Gambling law change unlikely anytime soon
From: www.charleston.net
"This weekend's high-profile raid on a Hanahan poker ring ultimately might encourage state lawmakers to modernize the state's gambling laws, but don't bet on anything passing this year."
Senators look for more budget cuts
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"State senators will meet this morning to find another $40 million to cut from next year's budget after the state Board of Economic Advisors projected Monday that state revenue for the year beginning in July will be $90 million less than predicted."
Lawmakers say AT&T bill should promote cable competition
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Lawmakers said Monday that Tennessee consumers should benefit from a compromise that allows AT&T to compete more easily with cable companies such as Comcast in offering television services."
Economic expert warns state about tax slowdown
From: www.tennessean.com
"A top financial adviser has warned that the state should brace for a revenue slowdown, a forecast that could mean cuts to the current year's budget, or even reductions to budget proposals for next year."
Rising prices affect power distributors, heavy energy users
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"The Tennessee Valley Authority?s latest electricity rate increase has raised costs for industries and business, which may have to pass them on to customers, officials said."
Cable bill to get first public hearing
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"Legislators rolled out a compromise bill Monday to streamline and expedite the provision of cable-style video services in Tennessee by AT&T and others in competition with existing cable companies."
Democrats urge Fort Worth senator to forfeit $357,000
From: www.star-telegram.com
"Democrats are calling on state Sen. Kim Brimer, R-Fort Worth, to relinquish more than $300,000 from his campaign account after the sale of a luxury condo he once rented in Austin -- with donated political money -- from his wife."
NW states jump on "green-collar" bandwagon
From: www.nwpr.org
"You've heard of blue-collar and white-collar jobs. Now there's a lot of buzz about green-collar jobs. The Democratic presidential candidates are talking about them. So are the Democratic governors of Washington and Oregon."
Wyden tries to reassert states' authority on LNG projects
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Sen. Ron Wyden has recruited a powerful group of peers in a renewed attempt to wrest back state authority for licensing liquefied natural gas terminals from federal energy regulators."
A.G.'s probe in Kennecott cover-up still under way
From: www.sltrib.com
"The Utah Attorney General's office is continuing its inquiry into whether the state helped cover up the dangers faced by neighbors of Kennecott Utah Copper's old mine-waste impoundment."
Washington state issues Spokane River dam guidelines
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"SPOKANE, Wash. -- The scenic waterfalls over the Spokane River would roar even in late summer under guidelines issued Monday by the state Department of Ecology."
Doyle lobbies in D-C for health care
From: www.wrn.com
"Governor Jim Doyle is optimistic about winning federal approval for expansion of BadgerCare Plus. "
Doyle seeks to expand state's health insurance program
From: www.channel3000.com
"Gov. Jim Doyle said that he hopes to get federal approval for an expansion of the state's BadgerCare Plus health insurance program within the next three to five months."
Dairyland park lost $2.82 million
From: www.jsonline.com
"Dairyland Greyhound Park, the state's lone pari-mutuel racetrack, lost $2.82 million in 2007, according to an audit released Monday."
Tentative deal reached in W.Va. casino strike
From: hosted.ap.org
"MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Union negotiators and executives at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort in Chester have reached a tentative deal on a new contract for 200 striking workers."
West Virginia can't seem to crack economic ceiling
From: www.dailymail.com
"Since 1979, the state has never ranked higher than 44th in the nation when it comes to the income level of its average citizen."
Woman pushes Wyo. boycott over wolves
From: www.wyomingnews.com
"BILLINGS, Mont. -- Wyoming's policy of allowing wolves to be shot on sight in most of the state is prompting a call in the cyber world to boycott the state and its tourism industry."
Letter to BLM -- 'Whoa, slow down'
From: www.trib.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- Pinedale-area scientists and health professionals are calling on Gov. Dave Freudenthal and state and federal agencies to complete a more scrupulous investigation into the potential human health impacts of expanded natural gas drilling in Sublette County."
Panel pulls gas, oil leases
From: www.trib.com
"The Interior Board of Land Appeals has thrown out 11 federal oil and gas leases inside several big game crucial winter ranges across Wyoming."
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: 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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