Legislature - It's okay to bring a gun to work
From: www.tampabay.com
"The National Rifle Association finally won its three-year fight Wednesday to allow Floridians to bring guns to work. "
Bill would decriminalize some office betting pools
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Too late for March Madness, but by next year's collegiate basketball tournament, sports fans busted for wagering on the games might not be treated like criminals.
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Legislators try to dampen gambling initiative
From: www.adn.com
"State legislators are moving toward changing the state constitution to demand a public vote before any gambling for profit can be legalized in Alaska."
A gas line is pitched -- but state wonders what comes next
From: newsminer.com
"A day after ConocoPhillips and BP announced they were starting work on a natural gas pipeline project, legislative leaders and Gov. Sarah Palin are somewhat at odds over how to proceed with the state effort to get one built."
Lawmakers want share of offshore oil revenue
From: www.adn.com
"State lawmakers say it's time for Alaska to receive a share of federal revenue collected from offshore oil and gas development."
Some already question BP-Conoco plan
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The new gas line proposal from BP and Conoco Phillips has only been out for one day. Already an article in a London newspaper is questioning the plan."
State mortgage brokers call for mortgage reform
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"The Alabama Mortgage Brokers Association has announced a plan that it says will help restore public trust through mortgage reform."
State reduces agency budgets by $107 million for next fiscal year
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"An announced $107 million cut in the state's projected budget for the next fiscal year did not surprise legislators Wednesday, and an economist said many states are also tightening their belts because of a slowing economy."
Senate panel acts to block DEQ's plan on emissions
From: www.azstarnet.com
"State senators took the first steps Wednesday to block Gov. Janet Napolitano from mandating reduced greenhouse-gas emissions in Arizona and imposing new standards on vehicles that can be sold here."
Bill requiring paid sick leave in Calif. passes committee
From: www.sacbee.com
"A bill requiring paid sick leave for California workers has been approved by a state Assembly committee.
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Panel kills bill on volunteer pay
From: www.sacbee.com
"The state Senate's labor committee killed a bill Wednesday that would have permanently exempted government-supported organizations from having to pay their volunteers prevailing wages."
Animal rights fight to ballot
From: www.sacbee.com
"Egg-laying hens, pregnant pigs and calves raised for veal could not be confined in restrictive enclosures in California that did not allow them to extend their wings or limbs, under an initiative that qualified Wednesday for the Nov. 4 ballot."
California Assembly panel passes state-run IRA proposal
From: www.sacbee.com
"A proposal to open California's retirement system to private sector workers prompted questions Wednesday about government competing with investment firms and the pension system's ability to handle the unique program.
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House bill requires developers have adequate water supply
From: www.chieftain.com
"Developers would be required to demonstrate they have "adequate" water for new construction projects under a bill that won preliminary House approval Wednesday."
Bounty hunter's racist rant not forgotten in Capitol visit
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Dog the Bounty Hunter blew into the Colorado Capitol on Wednesday to pit his reality television star power against lawmakers he thought were trying to shackle his livelihood."
Right-to-work ballot battle builds
From: www.denverpost.com
"Organizers of a ballot initiative to make Colorado a right-to-work state filed signatures Wednesday to put the issue before voters in November despite pleas from Gov. Bill Ritter and others to stand down."
Hartford teachers' union elects president
From: www.courant.com
"Andrea Johnson, a 30-year veteran teacher in the Hartford public school system and first vice president of the teachers' union's executive board, was elected president of the Hartford Federation of Teachers Wednesday night. She will serve a two-year term beginning July 1."
Overtime bill draws no support
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A bill that would exclude overtime pay when calculating pensions of state employees hired after June 30 appeared doomed Wednesday after drawing virtually no support at a House hearing."
Report may doom offshore wind farm
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Delaware should kill a 25-year purchase proposal for offshore wind energy, according to a draft report prepared for a legislative committee reviewing the state's energy supply."
State official resists extending Citizens rate freeze
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Some lawmakers are inclined to give homeowners covered by the state-run insurer another break on rate increases next year."
Beekeepers stung by disappearing bees
From: www.miamiherald.com
"DADE CITY, Fla. -- With a third of the nation's honeybees disappearing because of a mysterious malady, Florida's beekeepers are working to restore their hives and nurse their bee colonies back to health."
Florida lawmakers approve gun-in-car law
From: www.miamiherald.com
"In the three-year fight over whether citizens should be allowed to conceal their firearms in locked vehicles at work, state lawmakers have decided Florida business owners will have to bite the bullet."
Legislature's budget-slashing fervor heats up
From: www.tampabay.com
"State lawmakers seeking to blunt the impact of budget cuts took aim Wednesday at a $641-million deal to bring commuter rail to Orlando and $20-million in annual tax rebates to Florida's professional sports franchises, including three in Tampa Bay. "
Senate budget bill cuts funds for the poor, elderly
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Prisons, child abuse investigations, public schools and health programs for Florida's poor and elderly would be dramatically cut under the Senate's plan to balance a state budget reeling from a stalled economy
"
House, Senate cut school, hospital budgets
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"A tuberculosis hospital in Lantana could be shut down, less money would be spent on public schools and 2,000 jobs for corrections and probation officers would be cut under competing state budgets approved Wednesday by Florida legislators."
Legislature OKs workplace gun bill
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Nearly all workers, except teachers and those who make fireworks, would be able to bring guns to work and leave them locked in their vehicles under a bill Gov. Charlie Crist says he will sign into law."
Guns-at-work bill on its way to Crist
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The guns-at-work bill is on its way to the governor -- who said he's likely to sign it -- after the Senate passed it Wednesday with little debate and a 26-13 vote.
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Soon, gun OK at work - if it stays in vehicle
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"About 5,000 Floridians with concealed-weapons permits will soon be able to carry guns to work as long as they keep them in their cars.
"
Florida House proposal would freeze subsidies for pro-sports franchises
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"State subsidies used to help fund pro hockey and spring training baseball in Broward County would be eliminated for one year, under a budget amendment the Florida House adopted Wednesday night.
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Commuter rail plan survives in Florida Senate budget
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Central Florida's commuter-rail deal survived an assault in the state Senate Wednesday, as lawmakers scrambled to find cash in an austere budget year to soften cuts to critical services.
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Senate passes $65.9B budget
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A Legislature divided down party lines spent most of the day debating steep budget cuts, with Republicans holding the line on tax increases and Democrats warning about dire consequences for schools, public health programs and the elderly.
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Senate passes controversial guns-to-work bill
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"The Republican-led state Senate handed a major election-year victory Wednesday to the National Rifle Association by approving a measure allowing about 500,000 Floridians with concealed-weapons permits to carry their guns to work.
"
House endorses new plan for distributing school infrastructure dollars
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa House has passed legislation that would have the state distribute the local option sales tax money for school constructions projects on a per pupil basis."
Algona, Mediapolis and Morning Star win Vision Iowa grants
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Vision Iowa Board approved three grants today that will benefit the communities of Algona, Mediapolis and Morning Sun. Vision Iowa Board Chair Andrew Anderson says the grants, which total one million dollars, are contingent on fundraising efforts in the towns."
Anti-smoking ad budget faces cuts
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Democratic legislators plan to cut $590,000 from the Iowa Department of Public Health's anti-smoking advertising budget in an attempt to calm Republican anger over ads favoring a public-smoking ban.
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Culver vacations at donor's condo
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"When lawmakers were debating a controversial bill on union power, Gov. Chet Culver was vacationing at the $1 million Florida penthouse of a wealthy Iowa campaign contributor."
Plan would raise taxes $32 million
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Residents and businesses would pay an estimated $32 million more a year in taxes under a legislative proposal that is intended to help provide financial equity among schools in Iowa's sparsely populated areas and its urban centers.
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Proposal targets insurance practice
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"It would be illegal for investors to take life insurance policies out on strangers under a proposal approved Wednesday by the Iowa House."
Former chief operating officer testifies at CIETC trial
From: www.qctimes.com
"DAVENPORT, Iowa - A former executive of a now-defunct job training agency testified Wednesday against three former officials accused of conspiring to pay excessive salaries and bonuses to the program's leaders."
Quad-City lawmakers explain flips on Iowa smoking ban
From: www.qctimes.com
"Three Quad-City legislators who initially backed a public smoking ban ended up voting against it Tuesday."
House approves statewide tax to replace local tax
From: www.qctimes.com
"The House on Wednesday approved a one-cent statewide sales tax increase that would pay for repairs at schools and ease property taxes."
Central Idaho officials trying to lure more teachers
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"KETCHUM, Idaho -- Officials in the resort area of central Idaho are trying to head off a possible teacher shortage they foresee being caused by high home prices that teachers can't afford."
'CI4' -- the mystery figure who helped jail Rezko
From: www.suntimes.com
"Overlooked in the corruption case of political fund-raiser Tony Rezko has been the role of "CI4," an informant who provided details about Rezko's ties to Iraqi-born billionaire Nadhmi Auchi."
Illinois Senate approves sales tax holiday
From: www.stltoday.com
"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois shoppers are one step closer to gaining tax relief for back-to-school sales under a plan that the state Senate passed on Wednesday."
Levine - Gov had Rezko keep score
From: www.suntimes.com
"The key witness in the Tony Rezko corruption trial testified Wednesday that Gov. Blagojevich asked Rezko to keep track of how much business his former campaign chairman was getting from the state."
Bid-rigging plea didn't end ex-Rep.'s lobbying career
From: www.suntimes.com
"He got his start in politics working in the Northwest Side ward organization of Ald. Dick Mell, served in the Illinois House of Representatives and went on to head one of the most influential lobbying firms in the state, Ronan Potts LLC."
Defense hits Levine's memory over meeting with Rezko
From: www.dailyherald.com
"If Antoin "Tony" Rezko wanted a bribe from Mercy Hospital in exchange for letting it build a facility in Crystal Lake, why didn't he direct the chairman of the state hospital board to approve the plan -- no ifs, ands or buts -- at a vote scheduled just two days out, asked an attorney for Rezko Wednesday."
Study -- Reimbursement rate too low for foster parents
From: www.sj-r.com
"It?s been almost eight years since foster families in Illinois have seen a significant increase in what they're paid to care for the children the state places with them."
State Senate OKs back-to-school sales tax break
From: www.suntimes.com
"Illinoisans with kids in schools would get an unexpected state tax break before fall classes begin under a plan that unanimously passed the Senate Wednesday but appears to face long odds in the House."
Plan to double income tax for some clears Illinois House panel
From: www.qctimes.com
"A plan to double the state income tax rate for individuals making more than $250,000 a year narrowly passed a House committee Wednesday."
How is that extra sales tax being used?
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Suburban counties that received sales tax increases as part of a mass transit bailout earlier this year soon may have to detail to lawmakers how the money's being spent."
House OKs annual Cook County property assessments
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Cook County would join the rest of the state in having annual property tax assessments under legislation the Illinois House passed Wednesday."
Amendment to double income tax rate for some advances
From: www.sj-r.com
"A proposed amendment to the state Constitution that would double the income tax rate for people making $250,000 per year or more cleared its first hurdle on Wednesday."
Texas ruling sheds light on strip-club tax
From: www.sj-r.com
"A Texas court's decision to declare unconstitutional a tax on strip-club patrons can serve as a lesson to Illinois lawmakers if they pursue the same kind of surcharge here, a supporter of the idea said Wednesday."
Illinois House rejects one-a-month limit on handguns
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"An effort to bar Illinois residents from buying more than one handgun a month failed Wednesday, the latest setback for an old idea given new attention by a rash of gun deaths involving children. "
Legislative hopeful takes aim at Union Tank
From: www.nwi.com
"Union Tank Car Co.'s plan to shutter its East Chicago plant just a few years after receiving city tax abatements became a campaign issue Wednesday in the race to replace state Sen. Sam Smith, D-East Chicago."
Indiana law focuses on 'sexually explicit' materials
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"SOUTH BEND, Ind.- Planning to open a bookstore in Indiana? Maybe a newsstand? How about a pharmacy? You may be officially labeled a purveyor of "sexually explicit materials." Now, if you'll just sign this registry, the secretary of state will accept your check for $250."
CO2 debate viewed anew
From: cjonline.com
"Members of the Kansas Energy Council stepped into an economic and political minefield Wednesday with talk of a cap-and-trade system for limiting greenhouse gas pollution."
$25 million for projects may boost state budget
From: www.kentucky.com
"Legislative leaders hope to add at least $25 million more for capital projects to the $150 million worth that helped many lawmakers stomach voting for the state's two-year budget bill last week."
Merits of proposed legislation on aquaculture to be debated
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Opponents and proponents of a proposal that could eventually lead to large-scale aquaculture operations in the Gulf of Mexico will have an opportunity today to voice their concerns."
Panel advances plan to handle Citizens Property Insurance Corps? funds
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"A Senate committee approved legislation Wednesday that would create a separate fund to pay off the state insurance company's debt and eliminate a fee included on policyholders' bills."
House gets bill to allow business deal secrecy
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"The House received Senate-passed legislation Wednesday that is aimed at keeping secret financial negotiations in state economic development deals."
Health-care revamp faces Senate criticism
From: www.nola.com
"A far-reaching plan to revamp the health-care safety net in the New Orleans area through a system of insurance vouchers got a chilly reception Wednesday from members of a Senate committee who said any overhaul should be done on a statewide basis."
Bill creating economic group getting attention
From: iberianet.com
"There is concern about a bill that will go before the Louisiana Legislature that would create the Iberia Economic Development Authority."
Patrick outlines spending plan to ease economic slump
From: www.bostonherald.com
"CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Massachusetts will create a $20 million fund to acquire vacant foreclosed properties so they can be turned over to nonprofit housing developers and kept away from real estate speculators, Gov. Deval Patrick said today in a sweeping economic address.
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Gov makes nice with DiMasi at MIT
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Badly in need of a political victory, Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday cozied up to arch-nemesis Sal DiMasi in a key speech intended to soothe concerns about the faltering economy and about his own ability to jump-start a stalled agenda in the State House, political analysts said.
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Economy woes are evident as legislative session ends
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Despite fiscal challenges that limited big-ticket spending on new initiatives, the Maryland General Assembly took action this year to help residents with electricity bills and home foreclosures and staved off a tax on computer services companies that the technology industry said could be damaging.
"
Maryland proposes restrictions on blue crab catch
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Maryland proposed significant cutbacks yesterday in the number of blue crabs that could be caught in the Chesapeake Bay, joining Virginia in a historic effort to stop the iconic species' collapse. "
General Assembly raises taxes on the wealthy
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Wealthier Montgomery County residents will feel a bigger tax bite, but if they are in the tech business, they will also will get a reprieve. "
Maryland plans cut in blue crab harvest
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Maryland will cut its female blue crab harvest up to 40 percent this year to address fears the crabs are reaching dangerously low levels in the Chesapeake Bay."
Success of environmental legislation mixed in tough economic times
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"The 2008 Maryland legislative session kicked off with optimistic rallies and press conferences to support a slew of bills designed to help the state's environment, including addressing climate change and allocating money to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, among other things."
Little joy for Baltimore Co. in 2008 legislative session
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Some years, legislation and projects backed by Baltimore County lawmakers fare especially well in the General Assembly."
Md. plan would cut crab harvest
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Hoping to revive a signature species of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland natural resources officials say they will impose rules to reduce the harvest of female blue crabs by 20 percent to 40 percent -- a cut some watermen say would put them out of business."
State cuts squeeze job program
From: bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine - Shortly after 9 o'clock every weekday morning, Esther West is dropped off at work. She uses her red-and-white walking stick to guide herself across the parking lot and into the entrance lobby of Army National Guard Building 255 near Bangor International Airport."
Bill to aid homeowners OK'd
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"The Maine House and Senate approved a bill Wednesday to protect homeowners facing foreclosure from a predatory lending practice known as "equity stripping.""
Penobscot slots bill sent on way to approval
From: bangornews.com
"The Senate on Wednesday voted to engross LD 701, the bill that would allow the Penobscot Indian Nation to operate slot machines at its Indian Island high-stakes beano facility."
Baldacci touts wood energy use
From: bangornews.com
"ORONO, Maine - Baldacci administration officials said Wednesday that Maine's vast commercial forests contain enough "waste wood" to heat 150,000 homes and small businesses without reducing fiber supplies to existing mills."
$30M to lure firms to Michigan
From: www.detnews.com
"Michigan will dangle another $30 million this summer to tempt cutting-edge companies to locate here and help diversify the state's auto-heavy economy, Gov. Jennifer Granholm announced Wednesday."
Corridor backers plead cause
From: www.twincities.com
"A key advisory panel and the St. Paul City Council passed resolutions urging Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Legislature "not to adjourn from the 2008 legislative session without an appropriation of at least $70 million for the Central Corridor.""
Critics call state's energy proposals unrealistic
From: www.twincities.com
"Recent recommendations from Minnesota's global-warming advisory group are unrealistic and too expensive, a collection of lawmakers and business interests charged Wednesday."
Missouri Senate debates tax incentives for potential Bombardier plant
From: www.newstribune.com
"Although wowed by the economic potential, some senators nonetheless expressed reservations Wednesday about offering hundreds of millions of dollars of state tax credits to entice a Canadian airplane maker to Kansas City.
"
Seller of prearranged funerals agrees to halt sales in Missouri
From: newstribune.com
"Missouri's largest seller of prearranged funeral contracts is suspending sales under an agreement with the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors."
Missouri House requires some troopers get federal immigration training
From: www.newstribune.com
"The House gave preliminary approval Wednesday to legislation cracking down on illegal immigrants - a week after the Senate approved its own version."
Testy times in utility hearing today
From: www.stltoday.com
"A standing-room only crowd enjoyed some testy exchanges in a Special Committee on Utilities hearing today in which lawmakers were discussing HB 2468 sponsored by Rep. Shane Schoeller, R-Willard. The bill is pitched as a common sense solution to a major dilemma facing investor owned power company Aquila, but it's much more than that."
Opponents speak against House bill to allow Aquila plant
From: www.kansascity.com
"Aquila Inc.'s latest effort to avoid tearing down its South Harper power plant by passing new legislation ran into a buzz saw of opposition Wednesday before a House panel."
Bullish on Coast economy at airline summit
From: www.sunherald.com
"BILOXI, Miss. -- The economy might be sluggish elsewhere in the country, but it's robust on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, speakers said at Wednesday's Mississippi Gulf Coast Airline and Tourism Development Summit."
Toy bill out, McCoy calls out 'yo-yos and puppets'
From: www.sunherald.com
"The specter of 2004's heated tort reform debate reappeared Wednesday in the Capitol."
Blackmon -- Legislators must choose between children and China
From: www.cdispatch.com
"A key lawmaker says the Mississippi House will try to override Republican Gov. Haley Barbour's veto of a bill that would've required the state attorney general to keep a list of defective toys, including those with unsafe levels of lead paint."
Montana's economic forecast favorable
From: www.missoulian.com
"HAMILTON, Mont. -- So far, Montana's economy is bucking a national downward trend."
One Montana wolf killed since delisting
From: www.greatfallstribune.com
"Ranchers have killed one wolf in Montana since state "defense of property" rules kicked in statewide March 28, when gray wolves lost federal protection and state Fish, Wildlife & Parks took over management."
Foreclosures forecast to rise
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The number of home foreclosures in Montana is expected to rise this year, but the rate remains lower than in the rest of the country, real estate agents and lenders were told."
Insurer insists Perdue pull campaign ad
From: www.newsobserver.com
"An insurance company that is the subject of a political ad slamming gubernatorial candidate State Treasurer Richard Moore has demanded it be pulled, saying it contains "false, inaccurate and defamatory" claims."
Bill to move Nebraska State Fair advances
From: www.omaha.com
"A plan to move the State Fair to Grand Island and turn the current fairgrounds into a research park moved another step closer to reality Wednesday."
Senators advance bill to move State Fair to Grand Island
From: www.journalstar.com
"The Legislature can't put the Nebraska State Fair issue on a statewide ballot, senators said Wednesday before they gave second-round approval to a plan that will send the fair to Grand Island in 2010 and give fair land in Lincoln to the University of Nebraska for a future research park."
Senators chastise doctors who mark up patients' bills
From: www.journalstar.com
"Senators who have been working with doctors, in particular dermatologists and pathologists, on a bill that would prohibit markups on lab test charges spoke just long enough Wednesday morning to admonish the doctors."
Aide - Lynch neutral on Somersworth debate
From: www.unionleader.com
"SOMERSWORTH, N.H. - State officials are denying a claim by Mayor Michael Micucci that Gov. John Lynch favors Somersworth remaining a city and would lobby voters to keep it that way."
Workers to Senate - No rush on retirement reform
From: www.unionleader.com
"Leaders of unions that represent public workers urged a Senate committee yesterday to slow down the pace of reforming the New Hampshire Retirement System. They argued that changes being made will in some cases take a quarter-century to have an effect, and that it is better to make the right changes than to pass a bill quickly."
Lynch spokesman says Somersworth mayor's statements not so
From: www.fosters.com
"SOMERSWORTH, N.H.- Mayor Mike Micucci's statement Monday that Gov. John Lynch is on their side of the town vs. city debate has been deemed inaccurate, according to Lynch's Press Secretary Colin Manning."
Governor gets briefing on stalled landfill plan
From: www.nj.com
"Gov. Jon Corzine met privately with local and state officials yesterday to discuss the long-troubled EnCap project, telling them his top priority is cleaning up the polluted landfills, according to officials who attended the meeting."
State, firm shake on 10-year deal at spaceport site
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - A Colorado-based aerospace company that successfully launched two commercial payloads at New Mexico's spaceport has signed a 10-year memorandum of understanding to continue using the site. "
Nevada casino win down nearly 4 percent in February
From: hosted.ap.org
"There was no leap in the win for Nevada casinos in February despite an extra Leap Year day in the month and other seemingly positive factors. The clubs won $1.01 billion, down nearly 4 percent compared with the same month a year earlier."
Arrest of cigarette seller is a coup, Brooklyn officials say
From: www.nytimes.com
"Until a few weeks ago, Rafea al-Nablisi, a 40-year-old Jordanian immigrant, was one of the biggest cigarette wholesalers in the city, officials said on Wednesday. "
Legislators back spending rise in state's budget
From: www.nytimes.com
"The State Legislature approved a $122 billion budget on Wednesday, increasing spending by nearly 5 percent despite warnings that the weakening New York economy will leave the state unable to afford the expansion."
Budget built on borrowing, fees
From: www.timesunion.com
"Lawmakers completed a $121.7 billion state budget Wednesday that includes substantial borrowing and that budget critics say is precariously balanced on one-time revenues and more than $1 billion in increased taxes and fees."
`Irate' Mike unloads on pols over tenure
From: www.nypost.com
"Still stinging from his loss on congestion pricing, an "irate" Mayor Bloomberg called various state senators to rip them for agreeing to a deal that put a roadblock in his push to reform teacher tenure."
Fake ciggie stamps get smoked out
From: www.nypost.com
"Authorities seized more than $6 million worth of counterfeit state-tax stamps from a cigarette smuggler - the largest such haul ever in New York state, Brooklyn prosecutors said yesterday.
"
Budget is passed 9 days late
From: www.nypost.com
"State lawmakers yesterday passed a pork-laden $121.7 billion budget that includes $1.5 billion in new taxes and increases spending by 4.9 percent, despite what Gov. Paterson has called a recession.
"
Albany lobbyists enjoy golden year
From: www.timesunion.com
"Albany has been very, very good to the lobbying industry, with a record $171.2 million spent in 2007, up some $20 million from the previous year.
"
New York State lawmakers approve $121.7 billion budget
From: www.newsday.com
"Despite mounting signs of a recession, state lawmakers Wednesday adopted a $121.7-billion budget that boosts spending above the inflation rate, with vast sums going to public schools, health care, colleges and business development.
"
Anti-smoking group takes state to court over funding
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"An anti-smoking group wants to stop the state treasurer from putting $230 million of its funding in a job-creation program controlled by Gov. Ted Strickland and legislative leaders."
Ohio is upgraded by $1 million grant
From: www.ohio.com
"Would more small businesses in Ohio develop innovative products if they had access to expensive computational modeling and simulation equipment and the skills to use it?"
HUD stops Ohio communities from buying, selling foreclosed homes
From: blog.cleveland.com
"WASHINGTON - Federal authorities have stopped Ohio and Michigan communities from buying and renovating hundreds of foreclosed houses, leaving local officials stuck with - and frustrated by - neighborhood eyesores."
Keno idea to get legislative hearing
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland's plan to raise $73 million a year by putting Keno lottery games in bars and other adult venues will go before a legislative rule-making committee this month before it goes up for funding, just as opponents insisted."
Ohio beekeepers see increased supply
From: www.cleveland.com
"Unlike a year ago, Ohio fruit farmers will have a plentiful supply of honeybees to pollinate their orchards this spring."
Payday lending bill will have cap
From: www.cleveland.com
"Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted said Wednesday that he wants lawmakers to act within two weeks on a payday lending bill, most likely one that caps interest rates that lenders charge."
Panel approves measure to study privatizing education lottery
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"A state House committee has approved legislation that would launch a study of whether to privatize the state lottery."
Clinton, Obama aides spar on bill
From: www.registerguard.com
"GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- Sen. Hillary Clinton is trying to use opposition to siting liquid natural gas terminals in Oregon to narrow Sen. Barack Obama's apparent lead in the Democratic presidential primary."
Senate GOP dispute may slow casino license bill
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"An internal dispute among Senate Republicans could delay efforts to reform how casino licenses are awarded."
House puts off a vote on 24-hour gambling
From: www.projo.com
"With critics queued up and ready to pounce, House Democratic leaders at the last minute yesterday pulled from the House calendar a 24-hour gambling bill that critics fear will bring the two state-sanctioned slot parlors one step closer to becoming full-fledged casinos."
Testimony -- Sanford urged sale
From: www.thestate.com
"Gov. Mark Sanford made repeated efforts to have the State Ports Authority sell valuable land at Port Royal in Beaufort County to a favored developer, according to testimony a Ports Authority board member gave to the Senate Transportation Committee on Wednesday."
Troubled economy -- Pay increases fall short for S.C. workers
From: www.thestate.com
"South Carolinians netted pay increases after inflation last fall, but didn?t quite keep up with pay raises elsewhere."
SC Senate committee questions State Ports Authority nominees
From: www.goupstate.com
"A Senate panel is questioning three nominees for a board that oversees the public operations at two South Carolina ports."
Officials -- Gov wanted ports bidder because of experience, offer
From: www.goupstate.com
"The former chairman of the State Ports Authority said Wednesday that Gov. Mark Sanford urged him to negotiate a sale of state-owned land to a developer who had donated money to the governor's political campaigns because he had the best credentials for the project and had offered the highest bid."
South Dakota unveils college internship program
From: argusleader.com
"A program designed to link South Dakota businesses with college students seeking internships was unveiled Wednesday by Gov. Mike Rounds."
Growing towns seek to rein in roadside signs
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Cleveland, Tenn., businessman Larry Crooms said that in his 40 years in the sign business, regulatory codes and ordinances have always been a challenge."
State cuts could hit teacher, higher education pay increases
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"State Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz warned Tennessee's county officials Wednesday that the state's worsening revenue picture could put all or part of Gov. Phil Bredesen's proposed pay increases for teachers and higher education employees on the chopping block."
Texas plants spend the most in nation to control pollution
From: www.star-telegram.com
"Industries in Texas are routinely pounded because they pump out more pollution than almost any other state. But it turns out the state's oil refineries and chemical plants also spend more money than any other state to control that pollution."
TRS will let four firms each invest $1 billion of its money
From: www.statesman.com
"The Teacher Retirement System of Texas is expected to approve a plan today that will give as much as $1 billion each to four Wall Street firms to invest in public markets across the globe."
Lawmaker Vo takes blame for substandard apartments
From: www.chron.com
"Residents in local apartments owned by state Rep. Hubert Vo live in conditions that appear to violate numerous health and building standards, a Houston Chronicle review of the properties has found."
Agency calls for rejection of Galveston Island project
From: www.chron.com
"A permit request for the largest development ever proposed on Galveston Island should be rejected because it fails to fully consider damage to wildlife, wetlands and coastal prairies, according to a recommendation by a state agency."
Exit of college lenders sets off scramble to fill breach
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Nearly 50 student lenders, including some of the industry's biggest names, have stopped issuing federally guaranteed loans in recent weeks because of paralysis in the credit markets, confronting students with higher borrowing costs just as they are starting to apply for financial assistance for the coming school year.
"
GOP told foe that Rep. Mike Morley's $3M 'loan' is off-limits
From: www.sltrib.com
"State Rep. Mike Morley is facing lawsuits in Utah and New York, seeking to recoup $3 million "loaned" to him by a hedge fund that allegedly defrauded millions of dollars from investors."
Lottery changes in mix to solve revenue problems
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"Rep. Michael Obuchowski, D-Rockingham, would like the state lottery to generate more revenue -- and fast."
Senate OKs raw milk bill
From: www.timesargus.com
"An agricultural tradition as old as Vermont itself may soon enjoy a revival."
WA state defends water deal in Kittitas County
From: www.nwpr.org
"The state of Washington is defending a deal it cut with a Central Washington County over drinking water wells. The agreement allows wells to continue to be drilled pending the outcome of a study."
Wis. governor calls special session for Great Lakes compact
From: hosted.ap.org
"MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Jim Doyle on Wednesday called a special legislative session to ratify an interstate treaty designed to prevent parched states from sucking water out of the Great Lakes."
Reports show income gap getting bigger
From: www.madison.com
"It's not news to anyone facing rising food prices, $3.50 gasoline or soaring health care costs, but the gap between the rich and everybody else is growing wider."
Deal reached on Great Lakes Compact
From: www.wrn.com
"After months of discussion and roadblocks in the Assembly, Governor Doyle and Legislative leaders say they're ready to act on the interstate water treaty. State Senator Mark Miller (D-Monona) says it should have bi-partisan support, now that Assembly concerns about the Compact have been addressed."
Restrictions on Minnesota cattle
From: www.wrn.com
"Cattle from Minnesota have new hoops to jump through, as Wisconsin agriculture officials impose tough new restrictions. "
Great Lakes deal announced
From: www.jsonline.com
"Some of the stiffest political barriers to the proposed Great Lakes compact crumbled suddenly Wednesday."
Executive's M.B.A. claims differ from WVU records
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch's explanation of her claim that she earned a graduate business degree from West Virginia University is inconsistent with changes that WVU made to her records in October to show that she earned the degree."
Union OKs contract with W.Va. casino, return to work
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"CHESTER, W.Va. - Some 200 workers at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort in Chester have approved a new contract and are ready to return to work. "
Gov. Manchin - Recession shouldn't hurt West Virginia
From: www.herald-dispatch.com
"HUNTINGTON, W.Va.- West Virginia's economy is healthy enough that it should be able to withstand the brunt of a national recession, Gov. Joe Manchin said Wednesday."
New government report says mines lack safety equipment
From: www.dailymail.com
"Underground coal mines lack stockpiles of breathable air and communications gear for trapped workers, according to a federal report released nearly two years after Congress required the industry to install more safety equipment."
Wyo gas could get new outlets
From: www.trib.com
"The Rockies natural gas industry is being courted by numerous pipeline companies that see a continued need to connect the region's growing supply to markets across the country."
Freudenthal visits China this week
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Gov. Dave Freudenthal said he's not sure what to expect when he and first lady Nancy Freudenthal visit China on a tour starting later this week."
Wyo. sees second year of increased oil production
From: hosted.ap.org
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- For the second straight year, Wyoming oil fields recorded increased production."
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."
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."
Fed plan would shrink states' powers
From: www.stateline.org
"Some state officials see the federal government’s plan to overhaul the country’s financial regulatory systems as an intrusion on their powers to enforce state laws, and state regulators warn that it could carry grave consequences for consumers."
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."
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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