Coalfields turn into battlefields
From: online.wsj.com
"The race for the Democratic nomination hinges on a handful of states where coal is still king. That puts Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in a bind: how to attack global warming without threatening an industry that provides half the U.S.'s electricity and more than 80,000 mining jobs."
Michigan has vacant buildings waiting for the right film role
From: www.nytimes.com
"DETROIT - A film crew may soon find itself in a mothballed Michigan prison, where it is likely to be treated more graciously than most people who spent time there."
Schools get a lesson in lunch line economics
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"New York students will have to settle for pizza without tasty turkey pepperoni topping. In Montgomery County schools, tomato slices were pulled for a few weeks from cafeteria salads in favor of less-expensive carrots or celery. "
Firms are paid to undo deals they arranged
From: www.nj.com
"Last October, New Jersey taxpayers paid the McManimon & Scotland law firm $68,160 to help arrange a $650 million state bond deal. This month, the firm rang up more fees for helping the state back out of that deal after it went bad."
California tax collectors warn animal sellers to pony up
From: www.sacbee.com
"It can confidently be reported that, in terms of trying to balance the state budget, California is going to the dogs. And cats. In its tireless efforts to drum up revenue, the Board of Equalization announced last week it's sending reminder letters to pet sellers that they may be liable for collecting and paying sales taxes on their sales."
A wrapup of legislative activity
From: www.adn.com
"Following is the final status of some of the legislation the Daily News has published stories about. The Legislature adjourned Sunday."
Legislature approves operating budget amidst concerns
From: www.ktuu.com
"Legislators are putting about $5 billion of record state revenues into the state's savings account."
Ark. Student Loan Authority may have no money to lend next academic year
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Created three decades ago to ensure access to education funding for Arkansas students, the Arkansas Student Loan Authority may not issue student loans at all this fall."
AP News Analysis -- McDaniel walks fine line with payday lending crackdown
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Attorney General Dustin McDaniel has become the champion of payday lending opponents, vowing to shut down an industry that they say preys on the poor and traps them in debt."
Lawmakers in business with state; reports lag
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"A monthly publication sold more than $ 60,000 in ads to state agencies in the past two years."
Officials worry that aerial spraying to fight moth in California could harm local commerce
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"SOQUEL, Calif. ? As the state prepares to spray the San Francisco Bay Area with pesticides to fight an invasive moth, local officials are worrying not only about the potential impact on human health, but on local commerce as well.
"
Governor's job quest may have little impact
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has jetted up and down California in recent weeks trumpeting his stimulus plan for the state's ailing economy. An Associated Press review finds the projects are expected to create fewer than half the number of direct jobs that Schwarzenegger has promised."
Survey shows public split on new taxes
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Bay Area residents overwhelmingly believe the state's $8 billion budget deficit is a serious problem, but are divided over whether a tax increase will be needed to close the gap, according to a recent poll."
Measure dies on changing California CPA licensing
From: www.sacbee.com
"A bill to let out-of-state accountants provide many services without notifying the California licensing board has died -- at least for now."
Designer licensing bill touches off fierce duel
From: www.sacbee.com
"An organization of interior designers has chosen California as one of many battlegrounds in its decades-long campaign to achieve state- licensed professional status, but is running into fierce opposition from interior designers who would not meet the proposed licensing standards and thus, they say, be denied some business, and from architects who see an incursion into their design business."
Assemblyman wants California to require 'smart guns'
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gun-stealing thieves beware: Handguns of the future may recognize their owners instantly ? and not fire for anyone else.
A California lawmaker is so sure that current biometric research will produce "smart" guns that he's proposing to require them in coming years."
Big names owe big-time on taxes
From: www.usatoday.com
"Real estate developer Jack Blumenfeld went bankrupt in 1991, leaving millions of dollars in unpaid taxes and loans."
Bill assists struggling homeowners
From: www.denverpost.com
"An extra 90 days would go a long way toward helping bookkeeper Silvia Miranda keep her Thornton home. After a workplace injury last year, Miranda fell two months behind on mortgage payments and now faces foreclosure despite paying her bank $15,000 to make amends, she said Sunday at a news conference announcing legislation. A new bill would allow judges to stop the clock for three months for homeowners like Miranda who have made good-faith attempts to negotiate with lenders and save their homes. "
Public transit buses may carry Hartford students
From: www.courant.com
"Hartford high school students could be riding Connecticut public transit buses to get to school this fall under the provisions of a new school-bus contract being negotiated with local bus companies."
Bill would restrict voting to property owners
From: www.delawareonline.com
"As far as Rocky DeMaio is concerned, there's something fundamentally wrong with people voting to raise his taxes when they don't pay the tax themselves."
Donations at issue in insurance race
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Insurance commissioner candidate Gene Reed Jr. has taken thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from officers of a Pennsylvania company that has received millions doing work for the state insurance department."
Property tax plan may lead to hikes
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Despite promises to avoid raising property taxes that pay for schools, a plan from state House Republicans would hit property owners in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough and 17 other counties with tax increases, according to a Palm Beach Post analysis."
Mediating claims
From: www.miamiherald.com
"After the hurricanes of 2004, Florida created a mediation program to help homeowners resolve claim disputes quickly so residents could begin rebuilding their houses. The free program is open to all Floridians, but many homeowners may not have heard of it."
Citrus tree-cutting lawsuit finally lands in court
From: www.miamiherald.com
"In the first of five class-action lawsuits to go to trial, more than 60,000 Broward County homeowners on Monday will wage a high-stakes showdown against the state of Florida for destroying their orange, lemon, grapefruit and other citrus trees in its aggressive quest to eradicate citrus canker."
6th-grader wins fight for law to help feed the hungry
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"He's only 11, but Jack Davis has accomplished a feat few can match: He's poised to get a Florida law named after him.
The sixth-grader's cause: making it easier for restaurants to donate leftover food to homeless shelters and charities."
Crist makes pitch for new Rays' stadium
From: www.tampabay.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist, as savvy a political analyst as they come, said Friday he can't predict whether voters will approve a new waterfront stadium in St. Petersburg, but he's as enthusiastic as ever."
Are cuts tough, or are they ruthless?
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Republican legislators hope voters will look at last week's debate over budget cuts and see the same kind of fiscal discipline families practice at the kitchen table in tough times. But Democrats are confident voters will look at the billions of dollars in cuts -- eliminating hospice care and organ transplants for poor people, and the first year-over-year K-12 cuts in decades -- and feel ill."
Tax reform or ruin? Panel to vote today
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"When it comes to tax caps, Colorado's story has been a Charles Dickens-like tale of the best and worst of times. Florida supporters of imposing a similar cap on state- and local-government growth here see an economic boom that occurred after Colorado's voters passed what's known as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights in 1992."
Agency that controls Florida growth could lose popular grant program
From: www.tampabay.com
"Secretary Tom Pelham's agency has to be the "police force of growth," he says. "
More than $882,000 spent on state legislators by lobbyists
From: www.macon.com
"Lobbyists spent more than $882,800 wining and dining legislators and buying them gifts and event tickets during this year's session of the Georgia General Assembly."
Georgia lawmakers vote to give insurers a tax break
From: www.macon.com
"Georgia lawmakers couldn't agree on cuts to property or incomes taxes this legislative session. But they did manage to usher through legislation to provide $146 million to insurance companies over five years."
Two Georgia gun dealers settle NYC lawsuit
From: www.ajc.com
"Two Georgia gun dealers have agreed to monitoring in settling the federal lawsuit brought against them in 2006 by New York City. That leaves only Smyrna-based Adventure Outdoors in an unusual case set for trial next month."
Education inflation
From: starbulletin.com
"Private schools in Hawaii are citing rising energy costs among reasons to increase tuition between 5 percent and 10 percent next school year."
Gas prices hit record high
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii's average gasoline price jumped to a record high this week, surpassing a mark set 31 months ago and increasing the possibility the statewide price will break through the $4 level soon."
Powerless at pump
From: starbulletin.com
"Short of urging people to drive less, carpool or take public transportation, there is little the government can do to quickly bring down the cost of gasoline prices, which are now at record highs statewide, Gov. Linda Lingle said."
Lawmakers enjoy treats from PAC
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A few weeks ago, lawmakers and others at the Iowa Capitol were treated to $2,000 worth of free ice cream sundaes, courtesy of the Iowa Hospital Association."
Generous tax credit program draws fire
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa taxpayers funnel nearly $40 million a year to businesses through a tax refund program that some groups call "secret checks" and at least one lawmaker says must end largely because of a lack of public accountability."
Iowa Legislature - Lawmakers begin final push
From: www.qctimes.com
"Legislative Democrats hope to finish the session by Friday, a few days earlier than previously planned. Before that, they need to pass the major components of the 2008-09 budget."
Culver seeks support for expanding bottle bill
From: www.qctimes.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.
"
Legislators navigate raft of health care proposals
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The Iowa Legislature is dealing with several proposals that pertain to government oversight of health care in Iowa:"
Hospitals, regulators in battle over rules
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"In Iowa today, a state license to run a hospital costs $10. The cost of a state license to open a bait shop is three times that amount. The state's $10 hospital license fee has been the same since 1947, when President Harry Truman was in the White House."
Rules eased for fair exhibitors? ID
From: www.sj-r.com
"Responding to the outcry over a new state rule about who may exhibit livestock and horses at Illinois fairs, legislators are considering lifting the mandate. In the meantime, the state Department of Agriculture has decided to ease the rule for now, making it voluntary."
Malpractice insurer to refund $11 million to Illinois doctors
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Illinois doctors will get a refund collectively worth $11 million from the state's largest medical malpractice insurer."
State income tax hike on hold
From: www.chicagobusiness.com
"A fight over whether to raise the state income tax is being postponed until the fall.
"
IDOT wants staff to cut back on truck use
From: www.dailyherald.com
"A snowy winter and early spring, plus high gas prices are leading the Illinois Department of Transportation to cut back on vehicle use."
Rezko trial suggests state pension fund was playground for political insiders
From:
"CHICAGO - Political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko's fraud trial has thrown a sharp spotlight on the $40 billion fund that pays the pensions of thousands of retired downstate and suburban school teachers. "
Illinois governor is in courtroom in spirit
From:
"CHICAGO -- On tapes secretly recorded by the FBI, he is called "the big guy." In testimony to a federal jury, he is simply "the governor." "
Auditor may probe $1M state gave school
From: www.suntimes.com
"The state's top auditor soon may be sicced on Gov. Blagojevich's administration to figure out how a politically connected private school mistakenly got $1 million from the state in one of the governor's biggest, most inexplicable financial miscues."
No sale! State dumps contract with firm to peddle naming rights deals
From: www.suntimes.com
"A highly touted initiative Gov. Blagojevich's office once said could rake in $300 million for the state through corporate sponsorships and naming-rights deals met a quiet death in February after netting the state a paltry $315,000."
Governor candidates eye gas sales tax cap
From: www.indystar.com
"The sales tax on gasoline has been a political football in Indiana since the late Gov. Frank O'Bannon temporarily suspended the tax during his 2000 run for re-election."
Analysis - No simple solution in works
From: cjonline.com
"A strong push to deal with illegal immigration has been blunted, diverted and slowed so much that it could end in little more than a muddled mess."
Sebelius is "pulling out all the stops" to guard veto
From: www.kansascity.com
"If Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius calls and just wants to chat, the conversation typically begins, "Hey, it?s Kathleen." But if she means business, things usually get started with a sterner flourish: "It?s Kathleen Sebelius.""
Use of coal severance tax draws debate
From: www.kentucky.com
"When the state spending bill for education and health programs appeared doomed earlier this month, legislative leaders turned to an old standby to entice support from more lawmakers: projects."
Lawmakers return to finish session's business
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Pension reform, stronger ethics laws, and funding for water projects and roads are among many matters lawmakers may revisit when they return to the Capitol tomorrow for the final two days of the session."
Ride cables not checked as directed
From: www.kentucky.com
"LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A maintenance supervisor for a Louisville amusement park said workers did not follow several of the ride manufacturer's instructions for handling a cable that snapped and severed the feet of a Louisville teenager last summer."
Capitol - time's near up
From: www.kentucky.com
"Two days. That's all the Kentucky General Assembly has left to finish its work, which includes agreeing on a complicated attempt to fix, at least temporarily, the state's overburdened, underfunded employee pension system. Lawmakers also say they still hope to reach a compromise on a sweeping government ethics bill."
Ky. Legislature's bridge funding fix may foil other projects
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The General Assembly's last-minute solution to pay for the Ohio River Bridges Project over the next two years may put other projects at risk."
Bill steers toward car insurance cut
From: www.nola.com
"Vehicles equipped with tracking devices to thwart thieves and carjackers could be in line for a reduction in insurance rates if a bill working its way through the Legislature becomes law."
Modest spending cuts may be put to test
From: www.boston.com
"While they are planning to impose higher taxes to balance the budget, Massachusetts political leaders have so far shied away from making significant spending cuts."
Movie studio backers seek big break
From: www.boston.com
"The developers of a proposed $300 million movie and television production studio on the former South Weymouth Naval Air Base are seeking a tax break from the state that would allow them to save as much as $60 million on construction."
Patrick designates Chicopee business park as a 'growth district'
From: www.bostonherald.com
"CHICOPEE, Mass. - Governor Deval Patrick has designated the Chicopee River Business Park as a "growth district," meaning the state sees it as a prime spot for development."
Budget cutters pursuing $50 million more
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"The budget cutting will continue in Maryland in coming months as state officials search for another $50 million in spending reductions to help make up for the repeal of a never-implemented computer services tax."
Fur flies (and fur bill dies) - a look at the extremes of the General Assembly session
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The 2008 session of Maryland's General Assembly came to a close last week. "
Wind turbines barred on state-owned land
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) announced yesterday morning that he will bar commercial wind turbines from state-owned land, satisfying Western Maryland opponents of the turbines but disappointing supporters of the wind energy industry. "
Slots role could put Franchot to the test
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"A rift has developed over Comptroller Peter Franchot's role in the campaign against legalizing slot machines in Maryland, with some in the anti-gambling coalition unsure whether his high political profile will help or hurt the effort."
No wind turbines on state forest land, Md. governor says
From: www.delawareonline.com
"BITTINGER, Md. -- Gov. Martin O'Malley said Saturday that his administration will not allow commercial wind turbines on state forest land, ending a heated four-month debate."
Utility bills coming due Tuesday
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Cash-strapped Maine residents who have delayed paying their utility bills through the winter might find themselves without electricity beginning Tuesday when their no-payment grace period expires."
Lincoln truckers may join D.C. rally
From: bangornews.com
"LINCOLN, Maine - At least 50 Maine trucks will roll on Washington, D.C., April 28 as part of a national rally to protest record diesel prices that many Mainers say are crushing the state?s forest products and hauling industries."
Mondale, Granholm join hundreds honoring late UAW chief Fraser
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"DETROIT - Gov. Jennifer Granholm and former Vice President Walter Mondale joined hundreds of people for a memorial ceremony for ex-United Auto Workers President Doug Fraser."
Med schools look to head off doctor shortage
From: www.freep.com
"Universities and hospitals across Michigan are working to head off an impending doctor shortage fueled by the nation's aging baby boomer population."
Duluth economic experts say Northland has fared better than much of U.S.
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"The optimists said rosy times have begun -- especially in mining -- on the Iron Range."
Jobs initiative aimed at 1,000 minority workers
From: www.newstribune.com
"ST. LOUIS - Rep. Rodney Hubbard, D-St. Louis, said he hears from constituents nearly every day who complain of a lack of jobs for urban blacks."
State asked to look beyond technical details of trash transfer station
From: www.stltoday.com
"OAKVILLE, Mo. - Opponents of a proposed trash transfer station here have urged state regulators to consider the impact of the facility on public health."
Bill pushes health care 'transparency'
From: www.stltoday.com
"Whether tens of thousands of lower-income Missourians gain access to health insurance could depend on whether their neighbors are given the chance to shop for doctors like they would a new wide-screen television."
Lamar planning for zoning
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Two years ago, the state Legislature and Gov. Haley Barbour granted Lamar County a golden gift: the ability to regulate land use in specific areas as needed rather than having to make a decision on every acre of land at one time."
Student loan bond auctions fail again
From: www.helenair.com
"Nearly $400 million worth of auction bonds failed the past two weeks for auction bonds previously issued by the Montana Higher Education Student Assistance Corp. to finance student loans."
N.D. studying Indiana's 4-level diploma system
From: www.in-forum.com
"The days of a one-size-fits-all sheepskin for North Dakota's high school graduates may be coming to an end as lawmakers and educators study ways to challenge the next generation of students and prepare them to compete in the global marketplace."
Big Stone II foes rally
From: www.in-forum.com
"Opponents of Big Stone II will gather today to make the case that the coal-fired power plant would be a bad deal for shareholders of Otter Tail Corp., which owns a major partner behind the proposed project."
Bakken report draws worldwide interest
From: www.in-forum.com
"A report that as much as 4.3 billion barrels of oil could be recovered from the Bakken shale formation in North Dakota and eastern Montana is drawing worldwide interest, a state official says."
Hudkins reflects on time in Legislature
From: www.journalstar.com
"The Nebraska wine producers wanted some help getting state funds or a check-off system so they could promote the Nebraska products. "
Funding requests up for arts groups, human services agencies, others
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation says funding requests from the state's nonprofits rose 59 percent during its most recent round of grant proposals."
Portsmouth council won't back port bill: Unless certain amendments are made by Senate
From: www.fosters.com
"PORTSMOUTH, N.H. - With statewide opposition mounting against a controversial bill that would change the way the Port of New Hampshire is managed, the City Council voted Monday night to send a letter to the Senate threatening disapproval unless certain amendments are made."
Other states keep an eye on Corzine's uphill trek
From: www.nytimes.com
"TRENTON, N.J. - In the old television commercial, the room would turn quiet and all eyes and ears would shift to the man explaining what E. F. Hutton would do."
N.J. hopes incentives will lure builders
From: www.nj.com
"It's been nearly 20 years since a major new office tower has been built in Newark, but officials hope an all-out marketing push, with incentives that could equal 10 years of free rent, will help reconfigure the city's skyline."
Toll road offers New Jersey a fiscal test drive
From: www.nytimes.com
"HAMMOND, Ind. - The 157-mile-long toll road that slices through northern Indiana and connects Ohio to Illinois is as unremarkable as they come. "
Market slowdown has been beneficial to buyers
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Some Realtors and affordable-housing sellers say a dramatic slowdown in housing sales so far this year resulted from a market correction that can be good news for prospective buyers looking for affordable housing. "
Durango-Denver route moves ahead
From: www.daily-times.com
"DURANGO, Colo. - Regardless of recent financial developments, Frontier Airlines is continuing with its plans to launch intrastate service between Denver and four smaller municipalities, including Durango."
Casinos urge court to speed appeal
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The casino industry has asked the Nevada Supreme Court for speedy handling of its appeal to stop a petition by school teachers to raise the state?s gaming tax."
Mom and pop roughed up in gaming license bid
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"By all accounts, Chet and Karla Cox are successful businesspeople whose hard work earned them a chain of gas station franchises from Chevron, the nation's largest gas retailer. Do-it-yourself people, they held a contractor's license to build their own stations, operated two bar and grills, planned their own marketing campaigns and lined up their own equity partners. Successful at every turn, they decided to take their mom-and-pop business to the next level."
Nevada, and Sun's founding publisher, take stage in capital
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"One place you might not expect to see Las Vegas history prominently on display is in the nation's capital."
Ballot initiatives -- Paying for petitions
From: www.lvrj.com
"Opponents of certain ballot initiatives being circulated say you should think twice. A company that's being paid big money to collect the more than 58,000 required signatures, they say, has a history of shady dealings in other states."
Immigrants boost economy -- but how much?
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Nevada's invisible workers are causing trouble for the state."
A bumper crop of bureaucracy
From: www.nytimes.com
"ESSEX, N.Y. - When Salim B. Lewis and his wife, Barbara, began building three suburban-style homes in 2006 for the workers on their 1,200-acre organic farm here, they didn't realize they were wading into a regulatory brawl with the state that apparently set off an interagency dispute."
Energy plans receive a boost
From: www.timesunion.com
"With two key laws that affect energy and power plants in New York expired for some five years, Gov. David Paterson issued an executive order trying to at least jump-start part of the planning process.
"
Work stoppage for labor panels
From: www.timesunion.com
"A pair of quasi-judicial statewide panels have for more than a year been backlogged on labor complaints because they either don't have enough people to make rulings or they're so small that a single conflict of interest can bring their deliberations to a halt."
No secret Albany's budget process has some upset
From: www.newsday.com
"The fate of congestion pricing and the new state budget were largely decided behind closed doors last week in a fit of secrecy that alarmed both politicians and government reformers -- and left some pining for the relative openness championed by former Gov. Eliot Spitzer."
Strickland vows to veto energy plan
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday vowed to veto a just unveiled Republican energy regulation plan if it reaches his desk."
Compromise may have been reached on energy bill
From: www.cleveland.com
"A weekend flurry of phone calls between some of the state's most powerful political and business figures may have set the stage for compromise on Gov. Ted Strickland's utility and energy bill."
Residents picket while governor defends buyout
From: www.news-star.com
"TULSA, Okla. - Gov. Brad Henry and other elected officials have issued a letter defending the buyout of homes and businesses within the Tar Creek Superfund site against criticism of the way the project has been handled."
Immigration law foes pin hopes on courts
From: www.journalrecord.com
"Legislative efforts to repeal a contentious anti-illegal immigration law never got much support, so opponents are pinning their hopes on getting the courts to stop implementation of provisions affecting businesses."
Should Oklahoma regulate racetracks?
From: newsok.com
"Racetracks like the one where a 12-year-old girl was badly burned recently are largely unregulated operations where most safety decisions are left up to owners."
Chairman derails child support bill targeting contractors
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"The chairman of a House committee has derailed a measure designed to increase child support collections from independent contractors."
Obama -- Flap over remarks distracts from the real issues
From: www.mcall.com
"Barack Obama ended a weekend on the defensive by insisting that he was a ''devout Christian'' whose controversial remarks on the tribulations of small-town America had fallen prey to politics."
Clinton pounces on Obama's comments about state
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A political tempest over Barack Obama's comments about bitter voters in small towns has given rival Hillary Clinton a new opening to court working-class Democrats 10 days before Pennsylvania's primary."
Senator makes push to rewrite state's casino law
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"An Erie state senator is forming a special panel that she hopes will produce consensus among lawmakers of both political parties in the House and Senate to rewrite Pennsylvania's 2004 casino law."
Crossing the border with booze not exactly a high-profile crime
From: www.philly.com
"Take a look at the license plates at the Total Wine & More store just yards south of the Pennsylvania line. Most of the vehicle tags are from the Keystone State. What gives? Each of those customers buying booze in Delaware and carrying it back north is breaking Pennsylvania law."
Faculty members fight high cost of textbooks
From: www.post-gazette.com
"In choosing between two good textbooks for an honors mathematical studies course, Carnegie Mellon University professor Robert Pego employed a bit of economics."
A effort to bottle-up litter
From: www.projo.com
"It?s back. A bottle bill, a divisive issue that legislators battled over for years without ever approving, is once again on the General Assembly?s agenda."
Builders wary of curtailed tax credits
From: www.projo.com
"Since its inception in 2002, the state's historic-tax credit program is credited by developers with reviving Providence's fortunes and injecting life back into moribund areas of the city, from bringing residences back to the downtown to finally opening the Masonic Temple next to the State House."
Bottles bills across the country
From: www.projo.com
"Bottles bills across the country
"
Murfreesboro lawmaker seeks AG opinion on proposed Bible park
From: www.knoxnews.com
"MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - A lawmaker has asked the state attorney general whether it?s appropriate for Rutherford County officials to authorize tax breaks for a proposed Bible theme park."
More exemptions mean less than half of economy taxable
From: www.tennessean.com
"In Tennessee, as in many other states, the taxable portion of the economy has been shrinking as more tax exemptions are created."
Sales tax applies to less and less
From: www.tennessean.com
"When falling trees knock out power to Betty Rule's rural home, she and her husband light the kerosene-powered Aladdin lamps -- one on the piano and one on the upstairs mantel -- that they keep at the ready for blackouts."
Tex. compound was considered a 'holy land'
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"ELDORADO, Texas - The secretive and insular community established near this West Texas town by a radical offshoot of the Mormon Church is considered by the sect's members to be a holy shrine populated by its most fervent adherents and is propped up financially by members of the group living in other states, according to law enforcement officials and former members. "
State environmental agency soon to weigh candidates for top spot
From: www.statesman.com
"The job description for the top spot at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has not been posted yet, but it could read something like this:"
Fewer options open to pay for costs of college
From: www.nytimes.com
"Parents will have to navigate unfamiliar and difficult terrain when it comes time to pay for college this year, with student loan companies in turmoil and banks tightening their standards and raising rates on other types of borrowing.
"
Fast Lane ignorance has toll, study says
From: www.boston.com
"Amy Finkelstein, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is getting ready to publish a paper that demonstrates the consequences of electronic tolling, which has been adopted around the country over the past two decades. Her conclusion: It makes us forget how much we pay, and it makes lawmakers more likely to make us pay more."
Jobless benefits may extend
From: www.detnews.com
"WASHINGTON -- A push is under way in Congress to extend unemployment benefits, with even greater help targeted to Michigan and other states with the highest unemployment rates."
Agency is under pressure to develop disaster housing
From: www.nytimes.com
"GULFPORT, Miss. - After the federal government announced in February that it would no longer use travel trailers to house the victims of future disasters, there was an initial sense of relief along the hurricane-scarred Gulf Coast."
Collapse of chinook season devastates salmon trollers
From: www.oregonlive.com
"CHARLESTON, Ore. -- Last week, following a stunning drop in the numbers of fall chinook projected to return from the ocean to the Sacramento River, the Pacific Fishery Management Council opted for the largest salmon fishing closure ever off the Oregon and California coasts."
Parents weigh day-care options online
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"A new mother, Poli Marinova set out to find the best possible day-care provider for her infant son. She had little trouble finding a list of nearby caregivers, but she discovered there was no easy way to check their track records in Maryland. "
Global warming has a new battleground - coal plants
From: www.latimes.com
"WASHINGTON -- Every time a new coal-fired power plant is proposed anywhere in the United States, a lawyer from the Sierra Club or an allied environmental group is assigned to stop it, by any bureaucratic or legal means necessary."
Delisting could keep wolves from spreading
From: www.trib.com
"SALT LAKE CITY -- Gray wolves face longer odds of getting established in Utah now that federal protection has ended for the northern Rocky Mountains population, a state wildlife official said."
Utah leaders vote to oppose pipeline from Wyoming to Oregon
From: hosted.ap.org
"LOGAN, Utah -- Cache County commissioners are opposing a leg of a 680-mile pipeline that would deliver natural gas from Wyoming to Oregon."
Va., Md. governors to meet, discuss the state of blue crabs
From: www.inrich.com
"WARSAW, Va. - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley will meet in Colonial Beach tomorrow to learn more about the Chesapeake Bay's troubled blue crab population."
Legislators await report on economy
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"The bad news is expected Tuesday afternoon, when the governor and a group of legislators meet to hear an update on the state's economic forecast. "
Keeping it a fair market
From: www.postcrescent.com
"Pushing a shopping cart, the mild-mannered man in the yellow-checked shirt blends in with the customers at the Festival Foods store in Darboy. But take a closer look and you'll see that Bill Robarge is no customer. "
Wisconsin feels turbulence over pulling power from air
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"CHICAGO - Given Wisconsin's reputation as a "green" state, it would seem that a proposal to construct wind farms in Lake Michigan and Lake Superior off the state's shores would easily be approved. "
U.S. says coal mine operator violated labor law
From: wvgazette.com
"SCOTT DEPOT, W.Va. - Nearly 700 people are supposed to get more than $192,000 in back pay from a coal mine operator accused of violating federal labor law."
Club founder wants voluntary senior hunting license
From: www.dailymail.com
"BECKLEY, W.Va. - It may be counterintuitive to expect people to pay for something they already do for free, but that's what Doug Prichard is counting on."
Rancher, wildlife supe -- Someday, wolves won't be big news in Wyo.
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"CODY, Wyo. -- A rancher and a state wildlife manager say they're optimistic about the future of wolves in Wyoming and are looking forward to when they're no longer big news."
'People shouldn't be alarmed'
From: www.trib.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- At least 13 wolves were killed in Wyoming in the first 10 days following their removal from the federal endangered species list. If that pace were to continue, all of the known wolves in the Cowboy State's new wolf predator management area would be dead in fewer than three weeks, and 120 of the canines would be killed in the first three months of state management."
Ozone -- 'A significant concern'
From: www.trib.com
"CHEYENNE -- Gov. Dave Freudenthal says the state must be involved in any independent investigation into the health effects of increased natural gas drilling in southwest Wyoming."
UW School of Energy Resources exceeds expectations
From: www.trib.com
"LARAMIE, Wyo. -- Two years after the state gave an initial $12.5 million to create the new School of Energy Resources at the University of Wyoming, the program seems to be living up to expectations."
States push to get food to needy
From: www.stateline.org
"This year, soaring food and energy prices and lost jobs have led a record number of people to enter the federally funded Food Stamps program — more than in any year since the program began in 1964. But even as the number of applicants spirals, states are reaching out to millions more who may not realize they are eligible or are reluctant to participate."
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: 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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