Attorney general sues foreclosure firms
From: www.startribune.com
"Attorney General Lori Swanson on Thursday sued six out-of-state foreclosure consulting companies who she claims defrauded Minnesota homeowners out of thousands of dollars."
State to review canceled health insurance policies
From: www.latimes.com
"Thousands of people whose policies were canceled by California health insurers will have a chance to win back their coverage and be reimbursed for outstanding medical bills, the Schwarzenegger administration announced Thursday.
"
New Jersey weighs building another nuclear plant, first since 1973
From: www.nytimes.com
"TRENTON, N.J. - Gov. Jon S. Corzine said on Thursday that New Jersey was considering building a nuclear power plant, the first in the United States since 1973, as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the state."
Senate bill aims to stop a 'rush to retirement'
From: www.unionleader.com
"The New Hampshire Senate yesterday gave teachers nearing retirement an extra year to qualify for a medical benefit."
Bill would mandate insurance discounts
From: www.al.com
"State. Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile, filed a bill in the state Legislature this week that would force insurers to give discounts to homeowners whose houses are toughened against hurricanes."
Probe sought in Alabama prosecution
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee yesterday invited Karl Rove, a onetime White House adviser, to testify about his possible involvement in building a corruption case against former Alabama governor Don Siegelman (D). "
Payday lender must pay $1.3 million fine
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"The state Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a $1.4 million fine levied against the owner of 14 payday lending businesses in Arkansas for operating the check-cashing outlets without a license. "
Senate bill would relax rules on sport fighting
From: www.azcentral.com
"Bloodthirsty spectators may soon see a little more gore at cage fights in Arizona."
State senator drops electronic bingo bill
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Averting a heavyweight political fight, a prominent Senate Democrat has dropped legislation that would have legalized electronic bingo for charities and nonprofit organizations."
Bill toughening anti-spam law in works
From: www.sfgate.com
"A bill to strengthen California's anti-spam law is working its way through the state Legislature and could go into effect as early as next year."
26 to get back health coverage taken away
From: www.sfgate.com
"State regulators ordered on Thursday the immediate reinstatement of 26 health insurance policies for consumers who were wrongly stripped of them, marking the beginning of a process that could lead to restoring coverage to thousands of Californians."
Patients get a victory as state restores insurance for some, orders reviews for thousands
From: www.sacbee.com
"State regulators Thursday set the stage for the reinstatement of thousands of Californians who may have been wrongfully dropped from health care plans over the past four years."
Child care audit alarms L.A.
From: www.latimes.com
"Los Angeles County officials said Thursday that they would begin their own checks of child-care facilities and foster homes after a state audit found 49 instances in which convicted sex offenders appeared to have lived at the same address as such facilities.
"
California suspends day care licenses, linking its action to sex offenders
From: www.nytimes.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - California authorities have suspended the licenses of 10 home day care and foster homes after a state audit found evidence that convicted sex offenders might be residing in them, state officials announced Thursday. "
Colorado gasoline price sets record
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Colorado's average gasoline price broke a record Thursday, signaling a relentless run-up at the pumps in the weeks leading up Memorial Day weekend."
SunGard defends delay in reporting student data loss
From: www.nhregister.com
"The data services company that took nearly a month to inform Connecticut State University System officials of the theft of a laptop computer that contained personal information on more than 3,400 of the system's students said Thursday it reacted as quickly as possible, but needed to do a thorough and accurate job."
2006 tape contradicts Rell on project cost
From: www.theday.com
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell's account of when she learned about rising cost estimates for the state's New Haven rail yard improvements was called into question Thursday."
Democrats uncover new video in rail project dispute
From: www.courant.com
"A newly unearthed video recording shows that Gov. M. Jodi Rell was told in December 2006 that the cost of the proposed New Haven rail maintenance yard project was "approaching $800 million.""
Costs of rail facility dog Rell administration
From: www.courant.com
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Thursday that she didn't know until recently that costs have skyrocketed for a proposed commuter rail maintenance center in New Haven, but Democratic lawmakers say a 2006 video appears to show otherwise."
Parts of state stranded without broadband
From: www.courant.com
"Bob Corrao is among the hundreds of people in rural pockets of the northeast and northwest corners of Connecticut who don't have access to broadband, either by cable or DSL service delivered over phone lines."
Markell offers home loan plan
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Darlene Battle sees about four people a day with the same problem: They can no longer make their mortgage payments. After just a month of meeting clients as the head organizer at Delaware's ACORN headquarters at the Peoples Settlement in Wilmington, she has 50 cases, she said Thursday."
Budget woes doom Florida tax holiday on hurricane supplies
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"A penny-pinching state budget has doomed the sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies, but Florida shoppers will still enjoy a scaled-down back-to-school tax reprieve."
Lawmakers give Florida Forever land-buying program $300 million
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"House leadership has agreed with the Senate to provide $300 million in the upcoming state budget for the Florida Forever land-buying program, according to a House staff member."
Senate panel rejects curb on local control of mining
From: www.miamiherald.com
"It was another rocky road Thursday for two bills attempting to undermine local regulation of the rock-mining industry."
Students' sales-tax holiday is spared
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Florida shoppers will get a weeklong sales-tax break on clothes and some school supplies later this year, but they won't get a similar tax holiday on hurricane supplies for the first time in years."
Crist steps up pressure on lawmakers to approve his health-insurance plan
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist warned lawmakers Thursday that they would pay a political price if they don't accept his health-insurance plan. House Republicans say he'll have to take their industry-backed plan, too."
Florida scraps hurricane-season sales-tax holiday
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"The state's sales-tax holiday for hurricane supplies became another victim of Florida's bad budget year and sour economy Thursday."
Senator wants endowment fund to lease Alligator Alley
From: www.tampabay.com
"Seeking to help spark the state's lagging economy, a powerful senator is proposing the lease of South Florida's Alligator Alley to a state-run endowment fund. "
Georgia to get a share of new Northrop Grumman jobs
From: www.ajc.com
"Defense contractor Northrop Grumman said Thursday that its portion of a controversial contract for a fleet of aerial tankers to be assembled in Mobile, Ala. could also create 4,200 jobs in Georgia."
Auditor scolds hospital agency on billing
From: starbulletin.com
"The agency that runs rural state hospitals and other health facilities does not follow procurement laws and lacks adequate controls on information technology and billing, according to state Auditor Marion Higa."
Hawaii visitor arrivals slump by 14.3%
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The twin failures of Aloha Airlines and ATA Airlines sent passenger arrivals to Hawaii into a tailspin this month."
Unemployed urged to get kids on QUEST
From: starbulletin.com
"Unemployed families are urged to apply for free health coverage for their children through the state's QUEST or Medicaid programs, says Barbara Luksch, Hawaii Covering Kids project director."
8 Dems take free trips on plane to Philippines
From: starbulletin.com
"Eight Democrats who took a free trip to Manila aboard Hawaiian Airlines' inaugural international flight are being criticized by Republican Sen. Gordon Trimble, who says they were shirking their duties at the Capitol."
State approves incentives to help Maquoketa land hydraulic controls plant
From: www.qctimes.com
"MAQUOKETA, Iowa - State economic officials have approved a package of incentives to help Maquoketa land a $15 million hydraulic controls plant that is expected to employ 170.
"
Study -- Allowing same-sex marriage would help Iowa budget
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"A UCLA study says that same-sex marriage, if allowed in Iowa, would be a boon to the state economy."
House OKs study on reducing confinement odors
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"The Iowa House approved a five-year study on ways to reduce odor emissions from livestock confinement operations, but stopped short of finding the nearly $23 million that would be needed to fund it."
Iowa's casino revenue remained mostly flat in 2007
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Gaming revenues at Iowa's casinos and racetracks increased only slightly in 2007, prompting casino officials to look to other sources of revenue."
Dems threaten to kill school sales tax bill
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Senate Democrats are threatening to kill a proposed statewide sales tax for schools unless more Republicans step forward to support it."
House votes for more study of odor from livestock manure
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa House has endorsed the idea of giving Iowa State University $22.8 million to conduct another study of livestock manure odor, but legislative leaders say it's doubtful the money will be forthcoming this year."
Statewide school sales tax bill may not pass this session
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A bill that would send sales tax revenue to Iowa schools based on the number of students in each district is in peril. Local option sales taxes are collected in each of Iowa's 99 counties for school infrastructure."
Racing and Gaming Commission moves ahead with plans for gambling study
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission voted Thursday to move ahead with plans for a study to find out the impact of expanding the number of casinos in the state. Commission chair Kate Cutler of Council Bluffs says she hopes a study will help them decide on whether they should approve any new gambling licenses."
Sales-tax plan may not survive
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A tax plan that advocates say would lead to more modern school facilities statewide could die this session, a key Democratic leader said Thursday."
Union bill's substance concerns Culver
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver said Thursday he has concerns about a collective bargaining bill that go beyond the process by which it was passed in the Legislature."
Manure pollution found to seep into groundwater
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Preliminary results from a livestock manure stockpile study show harmful pollution is seeping into groundwater, even though state officials say none has gotten into drinking systems."
House backs 5-year study of odors from livestock
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Lawmakers approved a controversial, five-year study of livestock odors late Thursday, but a legislative leader says they may not provide any money this year for the $23 million project."
Zell says Trib Co. may sell Cubs, Wrigley together
From: www.chicagobusiness.com
"In an about-face, Tribune Co. CEO Sam Zell said he may end up selling the Cubs and Wrigley Field as a package, despite months of negotiations to split the assets in a bid to maximize his take from the deal."
State Senate looking to guard young health
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Illinois lawmakers cracked down on alcoholic energy drink labeling Thursday, while also advancing a ban on flavored cigarettes and prohibiting trans fat in school lunches."
Illinois tries taking bite out of housing crunch
From: www.qctimes.com
"Caught off-guard by their adjustable rate mortgage, an already-strapped Rock Island couple found themselves struggling to pay bills and make their house payment.
"
Another $10 billion needed for projects, transit leaders warn
From: www.dailyherald.com
"When it comes to money to expand train lines, replace aging buses and make other improvements, Metra, Pace and the CTA are running on fumes, transit leaders warned Thursday."
Blagojevich, legislative leaders: Time to discuss capital bill funding
From: www.sj-r.com
"Talks on a state public works construction program will finally begin focusing on how to pay for it, negotiators said Thursday."
Ill. Senate advances ban on flavored cigarettes
From: www.stltoday.com
"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Senate on Thursday moved to take the flavor out of flavored cigarettes, saying the mint, fruit and candy-flavored smokes are clearly designed to appeal to kids."
Senate OKs local control of 3rd airport
From: www.nwitimes.com
"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A power structure that would eventually provide control over a south suburban airport in unincorporated Will County is in the works after the Illinois Senate signed off Thursday."
RTA warns -- Rough ride ahead
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Only months after lawmakers and the governor struck a deal to avoid fare increases and route cuts, Chicagoland's mass-transit agencies on Thursday again warned of dire consequences if the state fails to come up with money for new buses, trains and expanded services."
Gov not shy in pushing agenda with state money
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich has routinely turned to state employees and taxpayer-funded agencies to rally support for his ideas."
State Senate passes ban on trans fat in school lunches
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Thousands of public school students whose favorite meal is french fries and chicken nuggets would eat something else for lunch under legislation the state Senate passed Thursday to ban trans fat from Illinois schools that participate in the state lunch program."
Coal issue vetoed again
From: cjonline.com
"The timbre of the state's high-stakes coal dispute reverberated Thursday in the Statehouse when Gov. Kathleen Sebelius vetoed another Holcomb power plant bill that didn't meet her definition of meaningful compromise."
Gov. vetoes second coal plant bill
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Governor Kathleen Sebelius has vetoed a second bill allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas."
Second bill on coal plants vetoed
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday vetoed a second bill allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas and accused its supporters of being unwilling to compromise."
Sebelius vetoes bill designed to expand power plant
From: www.kansascity.com
"Another bill designed to resurrect a western Kansas power plant expansion. Another veto by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius."
An up-and-down legislative session
From: www.kentucky.com
"Kentucky taxpayers shelled out $6.3 million for a law-making session this year that delivered more rancor than results."
Legislative notebook: -- House examines increase in electronic video bingo machines
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"The House took aim Thursday at a breed of electronic video bingo machines that closely resemble slot machines, approving a bill that would bar bingo halls that raise money for charities from adding any more of the machines to their operations."
Bonds for car rental center at airport get state's OK
From: www.nola.com
"Those renting cars at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will have to shell out $5 more on their lease agreements to help pay off $140 million in bonds to build a new car rental center, New Orleans officials told the State Bond Commission on Thursday."
Labor fix to take time
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Labor Secretary Tim Barfield told lawmakers Thursday it will take several years to make the work-force training changes that Gov. Bobby Jindal is proposing."
State auctioning surplus property online
From: gazette.net
"As part of a statewide effort to trim expenses, the sale of Maryland's surplus items has jumped to the Internet."
Slots opponents kick off campaign
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"Slot machine parlors would damage the state's economy and quality of life, a coalition of organizations said yesterday."
Governors push to pinch crabbing
From: gazette.net
"Maryland and Virginia officials hope to increase the blue crab population by saving one-third of females from harvest beginning this summer."
Slots foes O'Malley, Franchot spill 'bad blood'
From: gazette.net
"With the ink barely dry from the 2008 legislative session, the gloves came off this week in the campaign to legalize slot machines, pitting Gov. Martin O'Malley against Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot on Wednesday in their most visible confrontation to date."
House starts passing comprehensive energy legislation
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The state House on Thursday began passing a wide-ranging package of energy legislation that eventually would affect the cost of flipping a light switch, washing clothes and charging an iPod in Michigan."
High-risk insurance pool idea returns
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, surprised some members of the Senate Health Policy Committee Wednesday when he tried to introduce a bill that would grant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan what it wants -- creation of a high-risk insurance pool."
Initiatives pushed to educate children of migrant farmworkers
From: blog.mlive.com
"Every summer, Juana Rivera spends her evenings moving through Michigan's migrant camps, trying to lift the long summer shadows that hide their residents in plain sight."
Your electric bill could go higher
From: www.freep.com
"Michigan's two largest electric utilities would regain virtual monopoly status and gradually shift $365 million in energy costs from businesses to residential customers, under legislation passed by the state House on Thursday."
St. Paul residents demand Central Corridor project
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Neighborhood activists in St. Paul are calling on the Legislature and the governor to restore funding for the Central Corridor light rail project."
State to use different fund for miners' study
From: www.in-forum.com
"ST PAUL, Minn. - Iron Range lawmakers and Gov. Tim Pawlenty have reached a compromise to fund a miners' cancer deaths study."
Legislation would make banks find tax cheats
From: www.twincities.com
"Minnesota tax collectors want to enlist banks ? and their electronic records ? in their search for the assets of tax cheats."
State taxes still supporting shuttered St. Paul ethanol plant
From: www.twincities.com
"Gopher State Ethanol went bankrupt four years ago, but the defunct St. Paul operation is in line to get hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in state subsidies funneled to many of Minnesota's older ethanol plants. That option would end this year, however, if language tucked in separate House and Senate bills becomes law. "
Delta, Northwest Airlines CEOs try to calm fears that Minnesota will be big loser in merger
From: www.twincities.com
"Big Delta doesn't necessarily mean big trouble for Minnesota, its chief architects said Thursday."
Health care changes spur access worries
From: www.startribune.com
"Several physicians and Republican legislators said Thursday that bills to create massive changes in Minnesota's health care system could drive small hospitals and clinics out of business and harm patient care."
Deal paves way for Iron Range cancer study
From: www.twincities.com
"Comprehensive research of a rare cancer afflicting Iron Range miners will go forward after the northeastern Minnesota Democrats pushing for it and Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty reached a compromise over the funding."
House endorses sales tax increase for veterans
From: www.stltoday.com
"Over the objections of some anti-tax Republicans, the House today overwhelmingly voted for a proposed constitutional amendment that would increase the state sales tax by one-eighth of a cent. That money would fund programs for veterans."
Goodman's job caught up in Bombardier amendment
From: www.stltoday.com
"Sen. Jack Goodman had planned to start work soon for a large law firm. He has been shutting down his private law practice in Mt. Vernon."
Community college workforce directors meet in Tupelo
From: www.djournal.com
"Workforce directors from Mississippi's two-year colleges are meeting in Tupelo this week to learn how they can help meet economic developers' need for successful industry recruitment. "
Wind vs. Water -- Lawyers say federal appeals court got it wrong
From: www.sunherald.com
"For the first time, the Mississippi Supreme Court is being asked to decide the wind vs. water issue that led to thousands of Hurricane Katrina insurance disputes."
State casino tourism bill dies
From: www.sunherald.com
"Negotiations over a bill that would have given casinos incentives to invest in non-gambling tourism developments foundered Thursday and the bill died."
Deal will let the buffalo roam
From: www.latimes.com
"BOZEMAN, Mont. - Montana and federal officials announced a deal Thursday to let some bison migrate through a private ranch bordering Yellowstone National Park. "
Gift preceded insurance fine
From: www.charlotte.com
"Wayne Goodwin, a top official at the N.C. Department of Insurance and now a candidate for insurance commissioner, received a $1,000 campaign contribution in 2006 from an insurance agent who was under investigation for fraud by the department."
Debate, lawsuit fill a date for Moore
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Tuesday could be pretty busy for Richard Moore. Attorneys for the State Employees Association of North Carolina want to take a deposition from the state treasurer on a public records lawsuit Tuesday."
Easley -- Worker neglect 'horrible'
From: www.charlotte.com
"Gov. Mike Easley on Thursday decried the mistreatment of immigrant workers described in recent Observer stories about the poultry industry, saying he'll make sure N.C. regulators have the resources and authority to combat it."
High-profit natural gas amid oil in N.D. range
From: www.in-forum.com
"Oil is not the only valuable commodity coming out of the increasing number of wells drilled in northwestern North Dakota."
N.D. workers' comp board affirms auditor, exec firings
From: www.in-forum.com
"North Dakota's workers' compensation board has affirmed the dismissals of two former top officials while insisting the firings were not punishment for their discussion of agency problems."
Reusable bag plan approved in NH Legislature
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire's Senate has unanimously approved a resolution promoted by a group of Hanover High School students to encourage residents to use reusable shopping bags instead of paper or plastic."
Senate supports retirement bill affecting teachers
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire's Senate has passed a bill allowing certain teachers to delay retirement for a year and still qualify for a subsidy toward their health insurance when they retire. The bill has already passed the House and now heads to the governor."
State lawmakers aim to cut use of plastic bags
From: www.unionleader.com
"The New Hampshire Senate passed two measures yesterday meant to clean up the environment. By a unanimous vote, the Senate passed a joint House-Senate resolution that calls for grocery stores to move away from plastic bags and toward reusable ones."
No money for oversight unit of school building program
From: www.nj.com
"With lawmakers poised to consider a $2.5 billion infusion of new funds into New Jersey's school construction program, budget cuts have forced the attorney general to ax a special unit designed to keep crooked contractors out of the program."
Governor pledges to fight Gila River diversion
From: www.lcsun-news.com
"SILVER CITY, N.M. - Gov. Bill Richardson said Thursday that he will consider proposing a statutory prohibition on building dams or diversion projects on the Gila River."
Influenced, OSHA bends
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"State safety officials sharply reduced violations and fines against the Orleans for its role in two worker fatalities last year after one of Gov. Jim Gibbons' top political appointees became involved in the investigation, the Sun has learned."
Court rules against 51s spectator hit by foul ball
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"A foul ball will not go down in the books as a financial hit for the Las Vegas 51s thanks to a Nevada Supreme Court ruling that baseball team owners have only a limited duty to protect spectators."
Several Nevada lawmakers want surgery centers accredited
From: hosted.ap.org
"LAS VEGAS -- Several Nevada lawmakers say they want the state to require outpatient surgery centers to be accredited or inspected by an organization other than the state licensing bureau."
'Baseball rule' -- Injured fan strikes out in court
From: www.lvrj.com
"Always keep your eye on the ball has taken on new meaning in Nevada."
Baseball rule adopted
From: hosted.ap.org
"In a 4-3 ruling that went against a Las Vegas woman hit in the face by a foul ball, the state Supreme Court held Thursday that Nevada ballpark owners have a limited responsibility for fans' injuries."
Casino tax opposed
From: hosted.ap.org
"Nevada's casino industry is getting a hand from former U.S. Rep. Barbara Vucanovich and former Assembly Speaker Joe Dini in a fight against an initiative petition being circulated by teachers to raise gambling taxes to generate money for public education."
4 Albany lawyers kicked out of state pension system
From: www.newsday.com
"New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has revoked four lawyers' memberships in the state pension system and canceled service credits for a fifth after determining they were not public employees, a spokeswoman said Thursday."
State takes $1M from snowmobile fund
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"To help balance the 2007-08 budget, the state grabbed $1 million last month from an account funded by snowmobile registration fees to pay for maintaining trails, and snowmobilers want it back."
Port Authority executive director quits
From: www.timesunion.com
"NEW YORK -- The head of the agency that owns the New York metropolitan area's airports, the World Trade Center site and interstate bridges and tunnels quit after Gov. David Paterson indicated he wanted to replace him, a state official said."
Need for payday-loan cap doubted
From: www.dispatch.com
"Calling the dreaded 391 percent payday loan interest rate a "fictitious number," Rep. Christopher Widener said he is pursing a compromise bill that would boost industry regulations without cutting the rate charged to customers."
Witnesses in Stipe trial say lawmakers took bribes
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"MUSKOGEE, Okla. - Three witnesses in the federal trial of a McAlester businessman testified that three former state lawmakers accepted bribes for steering state funds to a gambling-machine maker."
Report shows Sonics owners tops among campaign donors
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"A new campaign report shows the Oklahoma City-based ownership group of the Seattle SuperSonics funded nearly half of the campaign for a sales tax to renovate the Ford Center arena."
Residents picket buyout trust, while governor defends group
From: ap.ardmoreite.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."
Jobs - Basketball team thanks state leaders for tax breaks
From: newsok.com
"The Seattle SuperSonics' Oklahoma-based owners will have a financial package deal from their home state when their request to move the team to Oklahoma City is taken up today during a meeting of NBA owners.
"
OK governor signs SuperSonics tax incentive
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"A tax incentive package designed to help lure the Seattle SuperSonics to Oklahoma City was approved by the Oklahoma House and swiftly signed into law Thursday by Gov. Brad Henry -- one day before NBA team owners are scheduled to vote on the Sonics' relocation request."
Weak dollar, wheat shortage push record Oregon exports
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Two wrongs don't usually make a right, and two negatives don't usually add up to a positive. But two typically unfavorable trends -- a weak dollar and a worldwide shortage of wheat -- have turned into good fortune for Oregonians during uncertain economic times."
Turnpike bids due by end of month
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Bids to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be submitted to the state by the end of April, the first step in a potential multibillion-dollar deal Gov. Ed Rendell says likely will prevent placing tolls on Interstate 80."
Former state Rep. Mike Veon's lobby firm closes
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Former state Rep. Mike Veon, once a Beaver County political powerhouse, has terminated his work as a Harrisburg lobbyist despite a list of prestigious clients."
Preserved farmland acreage expanded to include 4 in Westmoreland
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The Pennsylvania Farmland Preservation Bureau announced Thursday that it has preserved more than 3,500 farms since 1988 -- including 66 in Westmoreland County. State officials added 71 farms -- including four in Westmoreland -- to the list yesterday."
Political horse race draws worldwide wagers
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Armed with an oversized marker and $50 worth of Bingo cards, Lois Fuchs said she loves to gamble. But when it comes to politics, all bets are off."
Casino probe targets campaign finances
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Investigators have subpoenaed the campaign finance records of several state lawmakers who split $45,000 in campaign donations from a controversial Poconos casino owner."
Judge blocks Phila. from enforcing new gun laws
From: www.usatoday.com
"PHILADELPHIA - A judge on Thursday temporarily blocked the city from enforcing five gun-control ordinances pending a challenge from the National Rifle Association."
R.I. jobless rate climbs; 3.100 jobs lost in March
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island last month lost 3,100 payroll jobs, plunging the state?s employment level to its lowest in nearly five years, a government report released today shows."
Bill would allow specialty dog food to be sold in SC
From: www.goupstate.com
"It would be legal to sell a specialty dog food made of imported venison in South Carolina under a bill approved by the House."
Davis warns state that port will drive demand for more roads in Jasper County
From: www.beaufortgazette.com
"BLUFFTON, S.C. -- At a rare Bluffton meeting of the state Transportation Commission on Thursday, members of the group that sets transportation policy for the state were briefed on plans for the bi-state port slated for Jasper County."
Tribal members protest in S. Dakota over planned hog farm
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"WAGNER, S.D. - Yankton Sioux tribal members worried about odor and health risks are protesting the construction of a large hog farm on private land surrounded by tribal land in south-central South Dakota. "
House votes down proposal to allow English-only workplaces
From: www.tennessean.com
"House Republicans failed Thursday in an attempt to attach a proposal to allow employers to require workers to speak English to an unrelated bill about sewage systems."
English-only proposal fails
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Tempers flared in the House on Thursday when Republicans tried to insert a provision that would let businesses require their employees to speak English into a bill dealing with septic tanks."
Tennessee's jobless rate increases in March
From: www.tennessean.com
"NEW YORK - Higher unemployment claims and weak readings from two economic indexes reinforced recession worries Thursday. The Labor Department said Thursday that applications for unemployment benefits rose to 372,000, an increase of 17,000 from the previous week."
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.""
Strip clubs might have to pay disputed fee during appeal
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Strip clubs still might have to pay a special state fee that was struck down as unconstitutional only three weeks ago, and the bills are due Monday. "
Credit crunch now hitting student loans
From: www.sfgate.com
"Washington - --The credit crunch roiling the financial markets is starting to hit college campuses as dozens of lenders - comprising at least 13 percent of the student loan market - have stopped offering federally guaranteed student loans over the last few weeks."
Bill would pay for damage by wolves
From: billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- U.S. Sen. John Barrasso introduced legislation Thursday that would provide federal funding to compensate ranchers for livestock depredation by wolves and grizzly bears in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho."
House passes bill to expand U.S. loans for students
From: www.nytimes.com
"WASHINGTON - Concerned that problems in the credit and mortgage markets could spread to the student loan industry, the House on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would increase the amounts that students can borrow through federal programs and grant wider authority for the Education Department to make financing available should it become more difficult for students and parents to get loans. "
Lawmakers vote to reauthorize Utah air act for five more years
From: www.sltrib.com
"Trying to pick the least objectionable way to keep the federal government out of Utah's clean-air business, members of a legislative committee on Wednesday voted to reauthorize state air quality requirements for five years instead of the usual 10."
Yankee decommissioning fund shrinks, loses $14 million
From: www.timesargus.com
"The fund that will pay for the eventual demolition of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has shrunk by $14 million in the past several months, a casualty of the stock market decline."
Downturn causes hike in foreclosures
From: www.timesargus.com
"BURLINGTON, Vt. ? The nation's economic downturn is reaching Vermont, with a rise in foreclosures."
Justice Department wants court to set aside Vt. ruling on emissions
From: www.timesargus.com
"WASHINGTON - The Bush administration, in support of the auto industry, has urged a federal appeals court to set aside a ruling by a federal judge in Vermont that said states could regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
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Gov. Douglas' stimulus package met with skepticism
From: www.timesargus.com
"Lawmakers said an economic stimulus proposal being developed by the administration of Gov. James Douglas should have come much earlier than the final weeks of the legislative session and with many more details."
March unemployment 5.6%
From: www.wrn.com
"The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development reports that the state's seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate for March was 5.6 percent, down two-tenths of a percentage point from February's 5.8 percent and equal to the rate one year ago."
A new way to find work for W-2
From: www.wrn.com
"The state is launching a new pilot program to help W-2 participants find permanent jobs."
Building in 'clusters'
From: www.trib.com
"DOUGLAS, Wyo. -- Lawmakers are redrafting a bill to give counties another option in allowing small rural housing developments that conserve open space while avoiding cookie-cutter "ranchettes" and limiting sprawl."
Numbers could point to disease spread shift
From: www.trib.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- Some 15 to 20 percent of elk taken by hunters in a couple of Park County herds showed exposure to the brucellosis bacteria, a rate almost on par with those seen on some elk feedgrounds, state wildlife officials say. If the new numbers prove to be accurate, they could mark a shift in the way the disease is being spread in the state."
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."
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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