Rendell says bids nearing on pike lease
From: www.post-gazette.com
"By the end of April, Gov. Ed Rendell will announce the highest bid for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and he hopes the Legislature will vote by mid-June to lease the toll road to a private operator."
California subsidy for NFL stadium is blocked
From: www.latimes.com
"Faced with angry opposition from Los Angeles County supervisors, state lawmakers Wednesday sidelined an effort by the city of Industry to get millions of dollars in tax subsidies that could help lure a National Football League team back to the area.
"
NYC's calories-on-menus law upheld
From: www.usatoday.com
"NEW YORK - New York City health officials won a big victory Wednesday when a federal judge upheld a regulation requiring some chain restaurants to post calories on menus."
Oil execs - a gas line will be built
From: newsminer.com
"A BP executive told a Fairbanks audience Wednesday that his company and ConocoPhillips will prepare to build a natural gas pipeline whether or not Alaska officials issue a construction license to a different company, TransCanada."
Legislators maneuver to revive pay raise bill
From: www.juneauempire.com
"A measure that could give legislators a politically touchy pay raise suddenly passed in the last days of the just-completed legislative session."
Alabama House twice refuses to take up bingo bill
From: www.al.com
"The House of Representatives refused twice Wednesday to take up a gambling bill aimed at allowing video bingo machines at the Birmingham and Mobile dog tracks."
House defeats bill to legalize electronic bingo at tracks
From: hosted.ap.org
"The Alabama House refused Wednesday to consider a bill that would have legalized electronic bingo games at greyhound dog tracks in Mobile and Birmingham."
Oxendine becomes first to announce bid for governor
From: www.macon.com
"Georgia's insurance commissioner said Wednesday he's running for governor in 2010, making him the first to enter what could be a crowded field of Republican heavyweights jockeying to replace Sonny Perdue."
Ark. AG launches 'Street Smart' initiative, Web site
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"A new Web site and initiative launched by the attorney general's office aims to reach more consumers on issues ranging from online safety to protecting seniors."
AG unveils consumer protection Web site; says payday lending suit possible
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"A new Web site will provide consumers with information to protect themselves against all types of dangers, including identity theft, methamphetamine, and payday lending, Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced Wednesday."
Ark AG says some payday lenders may still face suits
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Some payday lenders in the state that said they would shut down under threat of lawsuits are still operating or trying to collect outstanding debts, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Wednesday."
More playing lottery as state's economy slips, NAU poll finds
From: www.azstarnet.com
"As the state's economy slides, more Arizonans are trying their luck on the lottery, according to a poll released Wednesday by Northern Arizona University researchers."
Businesses assail governor for axing property-tax cut
From: www.azcentral.com
"Business leaders vowed a fight Wednesday following Gov. Janet Napolitano's veto of a state property-tax repeal that she called "untimely," "untenable" and "unwise.""
Proposed UC, Cal State budget cuts decried
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to slash higher education funding by about 10% would deny education to tens of thousands of qualified students and have a devastating long-term effect on the state's economy, university and college leaders said Wednesday."
Colombia trade pact dispute spills into Californians' laps
From: www.latimes.com
"WASHINGTON -- A morning breakfast briefing for a delegation of Southern California business and government officials in town to lobby Congress turned nasty this morning with a bitter war of words over the proposed Colombian free trade agreement.
"
Spat between unions seen as threat to election-year power
From: www.sacbee.com
"A deepening divide between two of the nation's largest labor groups ? prompted by a maverick California nurses union ? has labor leaders worried the rift could "devastate" the movement's election-year priorities."
Attorneys -- Sen. Tapia's vote legal
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"The second-ranking Senate Democrat probably should have disclosed that his company had Colorado State Fair contracts before he voted to approve funds to repay fair loans but he likely didn't break any laws, according to a legal opinion issued Wednesday."
Tapia did appear at contract meeting with Fair
From: www.chieftain.com
"Senate President Pro Tem Abel Tapia attended a construction bid meeting with State Fair officials. The Pueblo Democrat says he's doesn't remember it."
Legislators want locks off beer coolers
From: www.courant.com
"State lawmakers are turning their attention to locks on coolers full of beer."
Radio on bus fosters quiet, but not peace
From: www.nytimes.com
"MILFORD, Conn. - As Bus No. 3 rolled away from Harborside Middle School last week, "No Air," a song by the most recent American Idol, Jordin Sparks, blared from the speakers, lulling the 15 students on board into near silence."
Officials say Del. climate plan more ambitious
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Delaware efforts to curb power plant greenhouse gases already aim far higher than President Bush's, state officials said Wednesday."
Senate OKs sweeping property insurance changes
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"The Florida Senate approved a sweeping property insurance bill Wednesday touted as a "homeowners' bill of rights.""
Crist's health plan sails through Senate
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Florida has the third-highest percentage in the nation of residents without health insurance, and on Wednesday, the state Senate unanimously passed Gov. Charlie Crist's plan aimed at dramatically reducing those numbers."
Gov. Crist suggests cutting Florida's gas tax for summer
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"A gallon of gas could get a little bit cheaper if Gov. Charlie Crist goes forward with a proposal to suspend or reduce state gas taxes, but the cut could cost the state tens of millions of dollars when the budget is already tight."
Florida Legislature set to bar dumping of treated sewage into ocean
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"South Florida may soon face a deadline to stop dumping treated sewage into the ocean, and local residents could face higher bills to pay for improved water treatment."
State Senate OKs insurance bill; next step is House
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The Florida Senate passed a massive insurance bill with some consumer protections but no immediate steps to lower insurance rates."
Colombia deal leads to legislative spat
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A routine ceremonial resolution over a free-trade agreement with Colombia exploded into an angry political spat in the state House of Representatives Wednesday after both parties tried to exploit the issue for election-year gain."
Energy bill moves toward vote in Senate
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A sweeping energy bill that seeks to increase renewable energy production and reduce Florida's greenhouse-gas emissions is moving toward a vote in the Senate today with few remaining issues."
Health plan for uninsured still faces hurdles
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"The Florida Senate unanimously approved Gov. Charlie Crist's health insurance proposal Wednesday, but the measure continues to be a hard sell in the state House."
Audit - Superferry drove state actions
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The state may have compromised its environmental policy because of pressure from Hawaii Superferry executives who were worried about financing for the interisland ferry project, the state auditor has concluded."
Superferry exemption was forced, audit finds
From: starbulletin.com
"It was pressure from the Hawaii Superferry that moved the state to allow it to bypass an environmental review, according to an audit to be released today."
Audit: Hawaii gave in to Superferry
From: www.boston.com
"HONOLULU - Hawaii's government caved to pressure from the operator of the new inter-island ferry when it allowed the company to bypass an environmental review, an audit to be released Thursday found."
House cracks down on undocumented workers
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Trying to deal with an influx of illegal immigrants, the Iowa House moved forward Wednesday with a measure meant to reduce the employment of undocumented workers."
Proposal would OK open piles of manure
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Operators of Iowa livestock confinements could stockpile manure adjacent to homes or as close as 400 feet to some Iowa waterways under a proposal that passed an Iowa House committee late Monday."
House approves controversial immigration bill
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Illegal immigrants would be unable to bail themselves out of jail and would also encounter a tougher time finding work in Iowa under a proposal approved Wednesday by the Iowa House.
"
House passes proposal on higher vehicle fees
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa drivers - including pickup owners - will pay $161 million more in vehicle fees under a proposal that passed the House on Wednesday and is headed to the governor's desk."
Ag Secretary reminding Iowans about restrictions on Minnesota cattle
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture is reminding animal producers about on updated restrictions on cattle moving into the state from Minnesota following the discovery of more herds in northern Minnesota with tuberculosis (T-B). State veterinarian, David Schmitt, says Iowa has been free of cattle T-B since 1986, and they want to keep it that way."
Bill to raise vehicle license fees, on the way to Governor
From: www.radioiowa.com
"If you buy a new pickup next year, be prepared to pay a much higher fee for your plates. The Iowa House today joined the Senate in approving legislation that would get rid of the standard $65 license fee for trucks purchased after January 1st, 2009."
House votes for tougher penalties against businesses that hire illegals
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa House has voted to impose tougher penalties on Iowa business owners who knowingly hire an illegal immigrant. The legislation also calls for tougher penalties on those who make or use fake IDs. Representative Elesha Gayman, a Democrat from Davenport, says Iowans want legislators to do something."
Study says Iowa hospitals lead in cost control for chronically ill
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A study by Dartmouth College claims Iowa hospitals lead the nation in terms of controlling costs for chronically ill patients. The report shows Medicare spent, on average, just over $39,000 per patient for end-of-life care in Iowa. That's 30 percent below the national average. Scott McIntyre is a spokesperson for the Iowa Hospital Association."
Idaho Power lowers rate proposal
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho Power customers' rates will not be increasing as much as expected."
Senate rejects smoking ban exemption for casinos
From: www.qctimes.com
"Lawmakers Wednesday again rejected a plan to allow smoking in Illinois casinos."
How voters could decide future of tax
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Just days after the Illinois House rejected a possible tax increase on the state's wealthiest individuals, the Illinois Senate is advancing a similar plan."
Panel approves 'pay to play' measure
From: www.sj-r.com
"The newest proposal to clean up state government by eliminating "pay to play" politics took a step forward Wednesday, when an Illinois Senate committee unanimously approved it."
Senate slams plan to OK smoking at casinos
From: www.sj-r.com
"The Illinois Senate late Wednesday rejected a proposal that would have allowed patrons at any of the state's casinos to smoke and gamble at the same time."
Northfield mayor says state's decision to widen Willow Road violates design rules
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Northfield officials went on the offensive Wednesday, a day after state leaders announced a controversial plan to widen Willow Road to four lanes through the North Shore suburb."
Proposed agriculture cuts prompt angry hearing
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Angry lawmakers, worried state employees and even two young sisters took turns complaining Wednesday about Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to cut money from agriculture programs in response to the state's budget deficit. "
Fundraiser quoted as saying payoff was gov's 'patronage'
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A Virginia-based businessman said Wednesday that a prominent Democratic fundraiser threatened his firm with the loss of $80 million in Illinois pension fund business unless it signed a contract promising to pay $750,000 to a consultant who was a total stranger. "
Rezko-trial witness -- 'I felt like I needed to take a shower'
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Top advisers to Gov. Rod Blagojevich were so aggressive in trying to recruit veteran Democratic fundraiser Joe Cari to raise campaign cash that "I felt like I needed to take a shower," Cari testified Wednesday at the federal corruption trial of Blagojevich insider Antoin "Tony" Rezko."
State Senate panel backs asking voters for graduated income tax
From: newsblogs.chicagotribune.com
"State senators advanced legislation Wednesday to allow Illinois voters to say whether the state should put a graduated income tax instead of the current flat tax."
Clinton ad laments jobs sent to China
From: www.journalgazette.net
"WASHINGTON ? Bush administration inaction sent Hoosier defense industry jobs to China, Hillary Rodham Clinton says in a new TV ad."
Michelle Obama -- 'Elite' label doesn't fit
From: www.indystar.com
"Michelle Obama on Wednesday dismissed notions that her husband is elitist, recalling that his family once lived on food stamps when he was a child."
Clinton ad -- Bush to blame for Indiana plant's closing
From: www.indystar.com
"WASHINGTON -- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's second campaign ad in Indiana blames President Bush for the move to China of an Indiana plant that made magnets for smart bombs."
State's new fiscal forecast pessimistic
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Efforts by the federal government to boost a slowing national economy have created a big headache for Kansas officials in finishing work on the state's next budget."
Special session urged to fix pension plan
From: www.kentucky.com
"Disappointed that this year's General Assembly session ended in chaos early Wednesday morning without overhauling the state's pension systems, Senate President David Williams says Gov. Steve Beshear should consider a special legislative session."
Pension inaction will cost millions
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The General Assembly's failure to pass a public pension reform bill this session will cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars -- on top of the $26.6 billion shortfall that already exists in the retirement systems, officials say."
Many lawmakers concede session accomplished little
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The chaotic finish to this year's General Assembly capped what some lawmakers said yesterday was one of the least-productive sessions in memory."
Curb urged on pay for kin of candidates
From: www.nola.com
"Candidates should not be allowed to use campaign money to pay relatives unless the family members have legitimate businesses that have been in operation for at least a year and performs legitimate campaign services, a House committee decided Wednesday."
State official testifies in Road Home probe
From: www.nola.com
"The executive director of the state agency overseeing the Road Home program recently testified twice before a federal grand jury as prosecutors sought to assemble the first batch of fraud charges against rebuilding grant applicants, according to a source close to the investigation."
House's $28b budget banks on new taxes, program cuts
From: www.boston.com
"House leaders issued a $28 billion budget proposal yesterday that includes new corporate and cigarette taxes and a handful of budget cuts that drew the ire of some social service advocacy groups, who said the budget was being balanced on their backs."
Governor will enact highway reforms with transportation bill
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Gov. Deval Patrick is using a new $3.5 billion transportation bond bill to enact a series of changes in the way the state handles highway projects."
Austerity budget mixes tax hikes, fund cuts
From: www.bostonherald.com
"House lawmakers yesterday filed what they claim is the most austere state spending plan in years, a budget that raises taxes by nearly $400 million and cuts spending on educational assistance, prescription drugs for seniors and programs to boost tourism."
Universal health care to cost Massachusetts more than was budgeted
From: www.nytimes.com
"In its first full year, universal health coverage in Massachusetts will cost the state $153.1 million more than was budgeted, according to a supplemental budget request released Monday by Gov. Deval Patrick."
Credit crisis hits student borrowers
From: www.boston.com
"Anthony Norton, a junior at the University of Massachusetts in Boston, just learned a tough lesson in economics: The credit market crisis is spreading to student loans."
Debate over slots spins on economy
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Both sides in Maryland"s slots debate are going for voters" pocketbooks."
Governors see claw-to-claw
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"COLONIAL BEACH, Va. - Standing on the banks of the Potomac River yesterday, the governors of Maryland and Virginia pledged to work together to save the Chesapeake Bay blue crab population by cutting the harvest of females."
Rhetoric heating in slots battle
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The statewide battle over a November referendum that would legalize slot machine gambling in Maryland heated up yesterday with sniping between Gov. Martin O'Malley, the ballot measure's chief proponent, and Comptroller Peter Franchot, an outspoken opponent."
Officials trade barbs over slots
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Maryland's battle over legalizing slot machine gambling sharply escalated yesterday, with Gov. Martin O'Malley attacking Comptroller Peter Franchot as a hypocrite shortly before Franchot helped kick off a campaign to defeat a November referendum on the issue. "
Baldacci signs off on Dirigo
From: bangornews.com
"Democrats including Gov. John Baldacci celebrated passage of a bill to bolster Maine?s static Dirigo Health insurance program Wednesday, but Republicans - some raising the possibility of a people?s veto - blasted the tax increases contained in it."
Baldacci signs bill for funding Dirigo New taxes on beer, wine, soft drinks are hailed by some, criticized by others
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Gov. John Baldacci said Wednesday he was proud to sign a new law that will provide a stable source of funding for Dirigo Health, which will now be partly supported by taxes on beer, wine and soda."
Minimum wage hike bill sent
From: bangornews.com
"Maine lawmakers have sent to Gov. John Baldacci a bill to increase the state?s minimum wage from the current $7 per hour to $7.50 over a two-year period."
Tribe looks to sever ties with state after slots veto
From: bangornews.com
"The governor's veto of the bill to allow the Penobscot Nation to operate slot machines at its Indian Island high-stakes beano facility and the Legislature's failure to overturn that decision was "the last nail in the coffin" for tribal officials. Penobscot Chief Kirk Francis said Wednesday that he?s ready to dissolve the Penobscots' relationship with the state in order to move forward in the tribe's best interest."
Lawmakers OK plan to promote tourism
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Bills that would make more money available to promote tourism and business passed the state Legislature on Wednesday."
Granholm plans trade trip to Israel, Kuwait
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm plans to leave in two weeks for a trade trip to Israel and Kuwait."
Blue Cross legislation hits another snag
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"Legislation sought by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to change pricing and rate-setting policies for individual health insurance hit another logjam Wednesday."
Michigan House panel considers rewrite of electricity law
From: www.mlive.com
"After more than a year of hearings, a Michigan House panel is poised to approve a rewrite of the state's electricity law."
Great Lakes cleanup called boost for region
From: www.detnews.com
"Detroit will see $3.7 billion to $7 billion in economic gains if efforts are made to further clean up the Great Lakes, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the Brookings Institution, a liberal Washington think tank."
Gov hunts for jobs in Mideast
From: www.detnews.com
"Claiming she has bagged more than 9,000 jobs and $800 million in business investments for Michigan in her last five overseas trade missions, Gov. Jennifer Granholm will head to the Middle East later this month in an attempt to close a few more deals."
Minnesota House bars vote on proposal to entice Delta Air Lines to move headquarters to state
From: www.twincities.com
"The Minnesota House blocked a vote on a plan to entice Delta Air Lines to move its headquarters to Minnesota as it merges with Northwest Airlines."
Study -- Great Lakes restoration would boost Duluth's economy
From: www.twincities.com
"DULUTH, Minn. ? Duluth's economy could get a boost of up to $300 million if the federal government invests in a comprehensive Great Lakes cleanup and restoration effort."
Missouri House OKs bill giving shoppers a tax break
From: www.newstribune.com
"Missouri shoppers would get a tax break under a bill given initial House approval."
Bombardier tax breaks not in Missouri budget
From: www.newstribune.com
"An effort to entice a Canadian airplane maker to Kansas City has taken a hit in the Missouri Senate."
Families - Insurance should cover autism
From: newstribune.com
"They came with very different stories but one message: The state should require that insurance policies also cover the care and treatment of autism."
Bill to create more tax holidays clears hurdle
From: www.stltoday.com
"Missourians would get two more tax holidays encouraging them to shop, under legislation given initial House approval Wednesday. "
Missouri luring Canadian aircraft maker
From: www.stltoday.com
"Gov. Matt Blunt's administration wants the Legislature to give a Canadian aircraft maker the biggest tax incentive the state has ever issued to a business."
Senate rejects $120 million contingency fund for Bombardier deal
From: www.kansascity.com
"The Senate rejected a proposal Wednesday to set aside $120 million to cover the early costs of an incentive package aimed at luring aircraft maker Bombardier to Kansas City."
Utility rate bill approved
From: www.sunherald.com
"A bill giving power companies the ability to raise rates to help pay for new multibillion-dollar power plants before they are built cleared the Legislature on Wednesday and is headed to the governor."
Casino measures take center stage
From: www.sunherald.com
"Lawmakers are trying feverishly to reach a deal on two major casino bills, as anti- and pro-casino forces lobby behind the scenes before Saturday's scheduled end to the 2008 session."
Utility, casino bills go to gov.
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Utility companies eventually could charge customers more to pay for new power plants, public officials would have to abide by stricter ethics laws and casinos could be banned from building in certain counties under bills sent to Gov. Haley Barbour on Wednesday."
House, Senate reject gaming ban
From: hosted.ap.org
"JACKSON, Miss. -- An effort to ban gaming in some Mississippi counties may be dead this session."
Montana student loan group seeks federal backup provision
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The Student Assistance Foundation of Montana has urged Congress to pass an amendment to address a growing problem of availability of student loans nationally because of the current national liquidity and credit crisis in the industry."
Democrats vow to protect N.C. workers
From: www.charlotte.com
"Businesses that fail to protect workers could face tougher penalties if voters choose a Democrat for N.C. labor commissioner this year."
Lawmaker criticizes energy execs
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"FARGO, N.D. - A discussion among electric company executives about environmental standards drew harsh words from a legislator who accused the group of giving up in the debate over greenhouse gas emissions."
Oil pipeline developers want ND route changes
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"BISMARCK, N.D. - State regulators will hold a hearing next month on 49 proposed changes in the North Dakota route of the Keystone oil pipeline, which is intended to bring crude from western Canada to Oklahoma and Illinois."
Furness says he may stay with WSI longer
From: www.in-forum.com
"Bruce Furness, hired as the interim CEO of North Dakota's workers' compensation agency, said his position may extend beyond the end of the year, in an interview Wednesday with WDAY-AM radio."
Minnesota, North Dakota near top livable states
From: www.in-forum.com
"North Dakota and Minnesota are both in the top 10 most livable states in a new set of rankings announced Wednesday. And Minnesota reclaimed the title of healthiest state nine years after it last topped that list."
Grand Island ready to welcome State Fair
From: www.omaha.com
"Grand Island city officials were about as happy Wednesday as a kid at the fair."
Lawmakers give final approval to State Fair move
From: www.journalstar.com
"They've won the state fair sweepstakes, but the celebration in Grand Island won't last long -- not with a 2010 start date for the fair in the city etched into state law."
Some N.J. budget cuts may be eased
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- State parks and the Agriculture Department would stay open. Aid cuts for towns and cities wouldn't be so steep. Lawmakers wouldn't add pet projects into the budget. And government wouldn't close."
Plan to abolish Agriculture Dept. falters
From: www.nj.com
"Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday backed off his unpopular plans to abolish the Department of Agriculture and shutter nine state parks this summer, saying he is considering alternative budget reductions."
Corzine eases plans to cut agriculture and parks
From: www.nytimes.com
"TRENTON, N.J. - Faced with irate municipal officials, besieged state legislators and tractors ringing the State House, Gov. Jon S. Corzine says he is willing to relent on his budget proposals."
Labor law broken during SEIU election, report says
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"A preliminary U.S. Labor Department investigation has found that one of Nevada's largest unions violated federal labor law during its most recent officer election, including the use of union funds and membership rosters for internal political purposes."
Tax decision challenged
From: hosted.ap.org
"Nevada lawmakers are backing the Taxation Department's argument that a recent Supreme Court ruling on tax refunds could have devastating fiscal consequences for the state, which already has a $900 million-plus revenue shortfall."
Official - State targeting polluters
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Citing a legal settlement in Rochester this year, the state Attorney General's top environmental official said Thursday that the agency is aggressively trying to combat air emissions that contribute to global warming."
State funds boost land conservation
From: www.timesunion.com
"A longtime Washington County dairy farm is part of nearly 1,000 acres statewide forever locked away from development under state funding announced Wednesday."
Government awards $195M contract for base construction
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"DAYTON, Ohio - The U.S. government on Wednesday awarded a $195 million contract to build research facilities at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the largest single contract in the $332 million construction program."
Negotiations to resume on energy legislation
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Ohio House Speaker Jon Husted will continue today to negotiate changes to his energy and utility regulation bill, after nearly a week of stormy negotiations that dominated Statehouse politics."
Energy bill's life extended by Senate
From: hosted.ap.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland said Wednesday he's tried several approaches to find a compromise with House Republicans on a bill that would reshape the cost of electric power for consumers and the way power is bought and sold in Ohio."
Funds sought for Okla. universities
From: newsok.com
"Higher education officials pleaded Wednesday for a $2.8 million emergency appropriation to make bond debt payments and head off college budget cuts this summer."
Pay raises for state employees doubtful for most
From: newsok.com
"State leaders agreed Wednesday on a "standstill budget? for state government next year, dooming raises for thousands of Oklahoma state employees and teachers."
DHS workers feeling brunt of state fund trouble
From: newsok.com
"Low pay and growing caseloads are causing more state welfare workers to seek employment elsewhere, a state employees group said Wednesday"
State high court rules against homebuilder
From: www.journalrecord.com
""Good faith" and "good business judgment" are not synonymous terms, justices of the Oklahoma Supreme Court agreed in finding a homebuilder made a bad business decision when he trusted a subcontractor to provide workers? compensation insurance coverage for workers."
Construction death rate in Oregon in 2007 hit 10-year high
From: www.oregonlive.com
"David Lasley died on a mild July evening, crushed in a backhoe pinch point as he removed concrete barriers on Interstate 205."
School tax cut from slots will be $169
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The average homeowner's tax cut from slots won't buy a high-definition TV or a riding lawnmower, but then again, it's doubtful that anyone's going to turn down a tax break of $169 from the state government."
Rendell expects to name turnpike lessee soon
From: www.philly.com
"Gov. Rendell expects to name the top bidder for the Pennsylvania Turnpike by the end of April, and then immediately submit a proposed lease to the legislature for approval."
Rendell says bids nearing on pike lease
From: www.post-gazette.com
"By the end of April, Gov. Ed Rendell will announce the highest bid for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and he hopes the Legislature will vote by mid-June to lease the toll road to a private operator."
Housing prices, sales off
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island's spring housing market is opening with lower prices and slower sales, a report released yesterday shows."
Logjam is dooming water withdrawal bill
From: www.thestate.com
"An impasse between big business and conservation groups has all but killed a plan to protect rivers and drinking water across South Carolina."
Troubled DCS may lose 160 positions
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state agency that coordinates foster care and other services for thousands of troubled kids could face layoffs of up to 160 employees because of a federal funding cut, Gov. Phil Bredesen warned on Wednesday."
Compromise on mining bill crumbles
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"A Bredesen administration bill that would put new restrictions on rock mining stalled Wednesday in the House Government Operations Committee amid industry concerns and Republican opposition."
Proposal aims to restrict credit-card lures on college campuses
From: www.tennessean.com
"State House Speaker Pro Tempore Lois DeBerry says she's not giving up on legislation that would restrict credit card solicitations to students on college campuses."
Democrats accuse Republicans of stalling rock harvesting bill
From: www.tennessean.com
"House Democrats accused GOP colleagues on Wednesday of stalling a bill that would regulate a surface mining practice known as "rock harvesting.""
Perry gets Texas donors to give to Republican Governors Association
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Gov. Rick Perry has tapped big-money Texas donors, some with interests before the state, for contributions to the Republican Governors Association since he became chairman. "
Feds failed salmon on delta water pumping, judge says
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A federal court ruling Wednesday involving California's water supply may lead to extra help for the collapsing salmon population that supports much of Oregon's offshore salmon fishing."
New I-5 bridge is crucial to region's economy, says the Portland Business Alliance
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A new Interstate 5 bridge is essential to the metro area's economic vitality, the Portland Business Alliance said Wednesday, reinforcing its support for the $4.2 billion project."
Lawmaker -- Let elderly defer levies until home is sold
From: www.sltrib.com
"State lawmakers talked property taxes Wednesday in the first of a series of monthly meetings to study ways to overhaul the system without causing schools and other taxing entities to endure cuts."
Record high prices for gas, food and other Utah goods
From: www.sltrib.com
"The cost of filling up on both unleaded gasoline and diesel in Utah and the nation hit another record high Wednesday, further pinching consumers already coping with higher prices for food and other goods."
Environmental groups criticized by committee for blocking projects
From: deseretnews.com
"Rep. Michael Noel, R-Kanab, didn't have high praise Wednesday for environmental groups he said are blocking development of mineral, oil and gas development in Utah."
Foreclosure future grim for Utahns
From: deseretnews.com
"Utah's housing bubble is forecast to burst in a big way, with one in 25 Utah homeowners projected to be in foreclosure in the next two years, according to a report released Wednesday by The Pew Charitable Trusts."
Douglas plans $100M stimulus package
From: www.timesargus.com
"Facing a sagging economy and declining projected state revenues, Gov. James Douglas is expected to unveil by next week a state economic stimulus package worth more than $100 million."
Lawmakers given 'awful choices' for cutting state budget
From: www.timesargus.com
"A list of nearly $50 million in potential cuts to next year's state budget was released at the Statehouse on Wednesday and included possible reductions in everything from scholarship and job training funds to closing some regional libraries, including the one in Berlin."
Ecology to lay off as many as 9
From: www.theolympian.com
"The state Department of Ecology plans to lay off up to nine workers in its 250-person Water Quality Program, prompted in part by declining construction statewide."
State, union wade into negotiations
From: www.theolympian.com
"In a prebargaining pep rally, three dozen state workers exited Pipefitters Hall in Lacey to the cheers of co-workers. Then the other side, Gov. Chris Gregoire's bargaining team, emerged from the building to shouted welcomes."
City could gain in Great Lakes plan
From: www.jsonline.com
"Milwaukee stands to reap billions of dollars in benefits if federal lawmakers ever decide to fund the Great Lakes restoration plan that has been floating around Congress for more than two years, according to an economic study released Wednesday by the Brookings Institution."
Supreme Court hears flood lawsuit arguments
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"Lawsuits seeking damages from timber, mining and land companies for devastating 2001 floods should be revived, lawyers representing hundreds of southern West Virginia residents told the state Supreme Court on Wednesday. "
Groups ask judge to block mining permits
From: hosted.ap.org
"Environmental groups have asked a federal judge to block permits issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for three mountaintop removal mines in West Virginia."
Wyoming governor tours Chinese coal gasification plant
From: hosted.ap.org
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal's ongoing trip to China included a tour of a coal gasification plant in Shanxi Province."
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 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."
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."
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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