States look to tobacco tax for budget holes
From: www.nytimes.com
"To keep the state's landmark universal health coverage plan afloat, Massachusetts lawmakers are looking to tap an increasingly popular source of financing for health-related initiatives: tobacco taxes."
Cremation industry awaits tougher controls
From: www.usatoday.com
"The last thing most industries want is increased government regulation. But that's exactly what the Cremation Association of North America is advocating."
Bills press for health mandates; foes predict rise in uninsured
From: www.sacbee.com
"Three months after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "year of health care" ended with a whimper, dashing hopes of universal coverage in California, a series of bills that would increase mandates on insurers and implement market changes are moving through the Legislature."
Maryland joins effort to put local food in school cafeterias
From: www.nytimes.com
"DELMAR, Md. - The strawberries just turning red on one Eastern Shore field here could end up on plates almost anywhere - except on cafeteria trays just down the road."
Michigan tourism ads net visitors, awards, but travel forecast still glum
From: blog.mlive.com
"Images of a man painting a picture, fingers gliding over piano keys, a woman laughing in a blue-tinted nightclub and an angler casting a line into a river flow into each other as a narrator intones: "Let's got to Jacktown, to Fishtown, Ypsi and Kazoo. Let's go to G-rap and the Soo. Let's go to Cereal City, Christmas City, Tulip City, the Capital City and the Motor City.""
Palin urges lawmakers to wait on AGIA for special session
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Gov. Sarah Palin sent a letter to lawmakers the same day she gave birth proposing to let the AGIA process go full-term before they go into the special session she has called."
Hoover fifth-grader seeks Alabama ban on toy-like lighters
From: www.al.com
"If 11-year-old David Brooks seems young to be leading a charge against novelty lighters in Alabama, consider that this is the second year of his campaign."
Gambling bill causing logjam in Alabama Senate
From: www.al.com
"Work in the state Senate has slowed to a crawl for seven straight meeting days, with senators paralyzed by a bill about electronic bingo machines at the VictoryLand dog track in Macon County."
Toughman bouts draw legislative attention
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"The roundhouse punch that caught Jerrid Duncan took with it his memory of the night.
"
Federal legislation needed to reduce copper theft problem, sheriffs say
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Despite laws passed by the Legislature last year to help reduce the number of copper thefts in the state, and new legislation recently enacted in Tennessee, some East Arkansas officials think federal legislation may be the solution to the problem plaguing farmers, utility companies, contractors and business owners."
Registration declines may be tied to immigration law
From: www.azcentral.com
"Mesa and several Phoenix districts had significant enrollment declines after the holiday break in January, which officials blame on several factors, including a new state law that punishes businesses for hiring undocumented workers."
Lack of skilled workers will lead to fiscal crisis, experts say
From: www.latimes.com
"With baby boomers preparing to retire as the best educated and most skilled workforce in U.S. history, a growing chorus of demographers and labor experts is raising concerns that workers in California and the nation lack the critical skills needed to replace them."
Coastal Commission's enforcer walks a beautiful beat
From: www.latimes.com
"Andrew Willis walked for an hour along the rugged Corona del Mar coast, his path punctuated by intimate coves and tide pools."
$115M stem cell research facility planned for San Diego
From: www.sacbee.com
"SAN DIEGO -- A new nonprofit institution plans to build a $115 million stem cell research facility in San Diego that would open by 2010."
California farm groups split over June ballot proposition on eminent domain
From: www.sacbee.com
"When it comes to water, thirsty California farm groups normally fight as one. But it is water that is behind a growing split in the agriculture community over an eminent domain measure on the June 3 ballot. Proposition 98, backed by the California Farm Bureau Federation and an anti-tax group, would prohibit governments from seizing property, including farmland, for private use."
Bills press for health mandates; foes predict rise in uninsured
From: www.sacbee.com
"Three months after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "year of health care" ended with a whimper, dashing hopes of universal coverage in California, a series of bills that would increase mandates on insurers and implement market changes are moving through the Legislature."
Think tank against union payroll dues
From: www.chieftain.com
"When Gov. Bill Ritter decided last year that state government would once again collect the dues of state-employee union members, the conservative Independence Institute started sharpening its petition pencils."
Here comes the sun -- Solar energy measure goes to Senate
From: www.chieftain.com
"Sen. Gail Schwartz hopes to avoid some of the same headaches her House counterpart went through when she debates a measure Monday she hopes will lead to more solar energy plants in the San Luis Valley."
State of Nevada considers charter contract to cut airfare costs
From: hosted.ap.org
"CARSON CITY, Nev. - State officials are trying to find a way to save money on thousands of commercial flights that state workers take annually between both ends of Nevada on official business."
Energy boom pins Colorado between rock, hard place
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Vince Matthews is Colorado's own PowerPoint tourist. He travels the state, graphs and charts in hand, warning about the developing forces eyeing every last drop of oil, molecule of natural gas and pound of metal in the Colorado landscape."
Debate puts statehouse ethics to test
From: www.denverpost.com
"Pretend you're bar-manager-turned-state Rep. Paul Weissmann, and the House is considering a bill to boost the price of restaurant licenses. Do you vote?"
Governors convene at Yale to fight global warming
From: www.courant.com
"NEW HAVEN, Conn. - The moment he strode into Woolsey Hall Friday afternoon, late but just in time for a photo op, Arnold Schwarzenegger changed the climate of Yale's austere gathering of governors and gave the sweltering crowd a boost of energy -- and a lot to think about.
"
Rell sorry for lax rail-project monitoring
From: www.theday.com
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell apologized for the first time Friday for her administration's failure to better monitor the soaring costs of a major rail yard improvement in New Haven."
Advocate for 'most vulnerable' citizens warns budget cuts could be lethal
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Under the spending plans released so far, advocates warn that for thousands of Floridians with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism and other crippling conditions are in danger."
Florida universities big and small compete for funding
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"As state revenues fall, state universities feel the crunch as less money for construction comes in. And when it comes to doling out building dollars, new, smaller institutions must compete with the state's large, long-standing flagship schools and their powerful alumni corps."
Money short for records network
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Four years ago, Florida jumped on the bandwagon to create a nationwide health information network that would allow doctors and hospitals to share the electronic medical records of patients. But state budget restraints over the last two years have slowed development of an electronic system in Florida, leaving regional organizations that are working on their corners of the network largely to fend for themselves."
Donating land to a college can become a windfall
From: www.tampabay.com
"LAKELAND, Fla. - A corporate gift of enough land for a new $200-million University of South Florida campus in Lakeland has been lauded for its public benefits."
Use state reserves, Crist says
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist said Friday that he is urging state lawmakers to reconsider their opposition to skimming state reserves to supplement the state's tapering revenues."
Education faces overhaul in Florida
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Complaining that today's kids may not be learning what they need to know to get a job, the state House unanimously passed Friday an education bill that mandates a top-to-bottom revamping of the education children should get in public schools."
Lawmakers in state House tough it out in 16-hour session
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"After a marathon floor session, bleary-eyed lawmakers slumped off the House floor early Saturday morning amid bitter words from Democratic and Republican leaders."
Legislator's visit on behalf of company raises ethics issue
From: www.ajc.com
"State Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain) visited the Louisiana Legislature last week on behalf of a lending company trying to kill a bill to cap interest rates on payday loans."
Legislators ordered audit of Superferry
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The state auditor has released a report that said the state may have compromised its environmental policy under pressure from Hawaii Superferry executives concerned about financing for the interisland ferry project."
Empty office space a sign Hawaii's economy weakening
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Businesses vacated a big chunk of O'ahu office space in the first three months of the year, marking a third consecutive quarter of rising vacancies."
Governor signs law requiring some health plans to cover HPV shot
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver signed a bill Friday that will require some health insurers to cover a cervical-cancer vaccine, but Culver said he doubts the state will ever require girls to get the shots."
Borrowers falter despite lenient laws
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"In other states, the Boutchee family would have been kicked out of its home within months of its lender foreclosing last August. In Iowa, state law has allowed the family to remain in the home on Des Moines' northeast side for the last nine months."
Iowa part of program to help inmates get back into society
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowa is one of 22 states recently awarded a grant to advance a Prisoner Re-entry Initiative. The two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC) is worth just over $130,000."
Amtrak, DOT say 'yes' to rail service between Q-C, Iowa City
From: www.qctimes.com
"Rail service that would extend a Chicago-to-Quad-Cities line to Iowa City is financially feasible and has community support, according to a study conducted by Amtrak that was released Friday in Iowa City."
Otter leads Mexico trade mission
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter will lead a delegation of more than a dozen Idaho companies to Mexico in an effort to boost trade with the country."
IPUC to investigate Avista rate requests
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"SANDPOINT, Idaho -- The Idaho Public Utilities Commission says it wants to take a look at rate increases requested by a Spokane, Wash.-based utility, so it is suspending the effective date of the rate hikes for up to six months."
Tougher mercury rules sought
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"TWIN FALLS, Idaho -- An Idaho conservation group has petitioned the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to expand regulations on mercury emissions to include the toxic metal's effect in watersheds."
ID growers worry about cold weather losses
From: hosted.ap.org
"NAMPA, Idaho -- A cold front moving into Idaho's Treasure Valley had fruit growers scrambling to prevent losses."
Universal health care a long shot in Illinois
From: www.sj-r.com
"Part of Gov. Rod Blagojevich?s health-care expansion plan may be in limbo because of a legal challenge, but a fellow Democrat?s own proposal for a statewide universal health-insurance system passed an Illinois House committee last week and is headed for public hearings."
Study says riders ready for rail service to Chicago
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"DES MOINES, Iowa - Proposed railroad service between Iowa City and Chicago would draw 187,000 passengers a year but would require about $55 million in set-up costs, according an Amtrak study released Friday. "
Hog farm opponents appeal to state Supreme Court
From: www.sj-r.com
"ROCHESTER, Ill. - Opponents of a hog farm between Rochester and Buckhart have asked the Illinois Supreme Court to consider their case."
2 yrs. later, is Illinois still 'state of shame'?
From: www.suntimes.com
"Is Illinois still a "state of shame," as proclaimed by a 2006 Chicago Sun-Times series that revealed the state ranked among the worst at helping veterans find jobs?"
Troubled waters? Introduction
From: nwi.com
"The greatest natural resource in a four-state area, Lake Michigan's safe keeping has increasingly become the center of concern and controversy."
BP e-mails kept Daniels aware of refinery issues
From: www.indystar.com
"WHITING, Ind. -- Gov. Mitch Daniels' has said he won't meddle in a new air pollution permit for BP's Whiting refinery, but e-mail exchanges indicate the oil giant kept his office informed of arguments supporting the new permit, a report Sunday said."
Mixing business with politics
From: www.kentucky.com
"More than one in five state lawmakers sponsor measures that would directly benefit their outside businesses, investments, employers or industries, a Herald-Leader analysis of public records shows."
Loans for 27,000 students in doubt
From: www.kentucky.com
"Loans for about 27,000 of Kentucky's college students could be in jeopardy if the state's student financial agency can't come up with new money to lend."
Beshear open to special session
From: www.kentucky.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear is leaving open the possibility of calling state lawmakers back to Frankfort soon to overhaul the state's retirement programs."
Beshear considering special session for state pension issue
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear says he would consider calling a special session if lawmakers can agree beforehand on a way to strengthen the state's financially troubled pension system for public employees."
State student-loan program may stop taking applications
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The agency that oversees Kentucky's college-loan program says it's unable to secure money for new loans right now -- meaning thousands of students may have to turn to private lenders to pay for their education."
Kentucky initiatives encourage eco-friendly building
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Vickie and Scott Jackson haven't paid a fortune to stay cool through sweltering summers and warm in frigid winters since they moved into a 4,000-square-foot brick ranch near Barbour Lane two years ago."
Jindal retreads Foster territory on worker training
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Construction companies short of skilled workers, hospitals needing more nurses, businesses complaining they can't fined trained employees."
State to bid on Superdome bonds
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Lawmakers gave final approval Friday to an arrangement designed to spare the Louisiana Superdome and taxpayers from high interest payments."
ICF gets on list for more contracts
From: www.nola.com
"The Virginia company facing a potential fine of as much as $3.3 million related to its running of the Road Home program was recently added to an approved vendor list for other state contracts, but when asked about the decision, the Jindal administration said it would try to reverse the move."
Jindal retreads worker training
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"Construction companies short of skilled workers, hospitals needing more nurses, businesses complaining they can't find trained employees."
Jackpots, N.H. proximity lift Lottery vendor
From: www.boston.com
"Compared with scratch tickets in other neighboring states, the top prizes offered on Massachusetts scratch ticket are bigger, and the odds of winning are often better. That's because the pool of money at stake is bigger in Massachusetts, and the Bay State sends more of its lottery income back to players in prizes, a strategy that lures core players back for more every day."
Maryland on track for nuke reactor
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Maryland is leading a race to build the first U.S. nuclear reactor in more than 30 years as the result of a deal by Gov. Martin O'Malley that would bring millions of dollars in federal tax credits to Constellation Energy."
Groups spar over slots cash for state coffers
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"People on both sides of Maryland's slot machine debate sparred yesterday over how much money the state stands to gain if voters decide to legalize slots in a November referendum."
Farmers can't sell to state's schools
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"DELMAR, Md. - The strawberries just turning red on an Eastern Shore field here could end up on plates almost anywhere - just not on cafeteria trays at a middle school down the road."
Lawmakers enact bills on lighters, lead, lending
From: bangornews.com
"Children's health was high on the agenda during Maine's 2008 legislative session, but the year also saw action to protect homeowners hurt by predatory lenders, victims of human traffickers and people who miss work to care for sick siblings."
Despite progress made, Maine's toxic waste sites still face a lot more work
From: bangornews.com
"They are found in nearly every corner of Maine - hazardous waste sites that threaten the air, water and health of residents."
State may require year off for officials to lobby
From: blog.mlive.com
"A push is underway to end the revolving door for elected officials who want to become paid lobbyists. "
Legislature weighs privatizing hundreds of prison jobs
From: blog.mlive.com
"A proposal to privatize part of the Department of Corrections has cleared the Senate, but is stirring controversy and leading some lawmakers to urge caution."
Witness -- Blues could move reserves to avoid rebates
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The former COO of the Accident Fund Insurance Co. of America told a state Senate health committee last week that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan could manipulate its reserves -- which would help it avoid triggering a state-mandated premium reduction process -- by timing the transfer of reserves to its subsidiaries."
Lottery unleashes Lucky Dog game again
From: www.detnews.com
"The Michigan Lottery is going to the dogs -- again."
Plant plans have environmentalists on fire
From: blog.mlive.com
"Proposals for five new coal-fired power plants have state environmental lobbyists on fire."
Energy bill package put to Senate
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"As state lawmakers wrestle with how much more electricity Michigan will need in the future, many energy advocates also are saying: Use less."
Venture capital is down in state
From: www.freep.com
"Venture capital investment in Michigan companies dropped nearly 6% in the first quarter, a new report shows."
GOP to use gas stations to target their message
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Republicans legislators say their campaign to gain seats in the Minnesota House will target gas stations in the coming weeks."
Law eases suits against insurers
From: www.startribune.com
"Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed a bill making it easier for consumers to sue their home and auto insurance companies over denied claims."
Legislature's bonding bill cruel, kind to north metro
From: www.startribune.com
"The Devil's Triangle in Brooklyn Park will finally receive funding for a massive overhaul, but detailed plans for a regional forensic lab in Anoka County and a Northstar light-rail station in Fridley are stalled after the recent trimming of the state bonding bill."
Proposed MOA tax break riles developers
From: www.twincities.com
"One of the tax breaks the Mall of America is seeking as part of its proposed Phase II expansion has commercial real estate developers and owners crying foul, saying the megamall would receive an unfair advantage over competitors."
Nixon pushing payday-loan measure
From: www.newstribune.com
"KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon on Friday renewed his push to pass a proposal restricting Missouri's payday loan industry, saying the practice must be regulated as the economy worsens."
Missouri loses 10,000 jobs in March
From: newstribune.com
"Missouri shed more than 10,000 jobs last month while the unemployment rate climbed to its highest mark in three years.
"
State begins investigation of auction rate securities
From: newstribune.com
"Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office has begun an investigation into whether consumers were tricked into pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into investments called auction rate securities."
Casinos report record revenue
From: www.sunherald.com
"Coast casinos did something last month few expected by setting a record for the most gross casino revenue they've ever won in March."
Coast bankruptcy numbers down
From: www.sunherald.com
"GULFPORT, Miss. -- The number of bankruptcies nationwide grew considerably last year over 2006 with Mississippi ranking in the top 10, but not on the Coast, where a post-Katrina world exists."
Barbour -- Special session needed
From: www.sunherald.com
"They met for 102 days through Friday, but state lawmakers failed to fix recurring Medicaid shortfalls, tackle the insurance crisis or reach an agreement on Katrina-recovery tourism incentives for casinos."
Work begins on wind farm near Ethridge
From: hosted.ap.org
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- Work on what will be the state's largest wind farm is under way in Glacier and Toole counties."
Easley -- I still have work to do
From: www.news-record.com
"Gov. Mike Easley may have hoped to spend the last nine months of his term on a political valedictory lap, getting a final package of legislation through the General Assembly while talking up economic initiatives and educational plans he holds near and dear."
Easleys visit Italy to push N.C. business
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Gov. Mike Easley has left for a trade mission to Italy, where he'll join state commerce officials to promote North Carolina as a travel destination and burgeoning wine-making region."
Perdue tells liquor industry lobbyist to back off
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue's campaign has sent a "cease and desist" letter to an alcohol industry contributor trying to raise money for her campaign."
Two sides of taxation and fees
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Want to renew the registration on your 2006 Toyota Camry LE in Concord? Be prepared to fork over nearly $250 to the city. And don't close your wallet just yet: The state portion will set you back more than $40. Up in Montpelier, Vt., meanwhile, annual vehicle registration is a decidedly less-expensive endeavor, usually costing about $60."
Gambling gains luster in the face of deficit
From: www.nj.com
"Expanding the lottery. Adding sports betting. Offering video lottery at racetracks. Opening new off-track wagering parlors. Building a new casino at the Meadowlands. It seems that every year, there's a new push to expand legalized gambling in New Jersey."
N.J. joins 8 states in auction-rate inquiry
From: www.nj.com
"The state Attorney General's office is teaming with authorities in eight other states to investigate whether local investors were duped when advisers steered them into investing in the troubled "auction- rate" securities market."
Help pensions, Milgram urged
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- A New Jersey state senator is asking Attorney General Anne Milgram to do something about people building taxpayer-funded retirement benefits by serving on obscure state consumer-affairs boards that meet as seldomly as once a month."
Sierra County sales tax vote critical to state's spaceport
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. - It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know taxes are rarely popular in a community that boasts a lot of retirees. "
Space port tax vote set in New Mexico
From: www.dallasnews.com
"TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. ? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know taxes are rarely popular in a community that boasts a lot of retirees. "
Ballot plans stay alive
From: hosted.ap.org
"Two initiative petitions that would cap revenue for the Las Vegas tourism authority and generate more funds for education or public safety can stay on the ballot, a judge ruled Friday."
Nevada jobless rate up
From: hosted.ap.org
"About 80,500 Nevadans were out of work in March as the state's unemployment rate rose to 5.8 percent - its highest level in nearly six years - according to a report released Friday."
High-end project banks on resilience of rich
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The view from Hong Kong billionaire Henry Cheng?s 3 1/2 acre compound will eventually be jaw dropping, a sight line so expansive that the Red Rock Casino will be visible clear across the city, beyond the Strip buildings poking up like figurines."
Security guards on Strip seek to organize
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Security guards are trying to organize a union on the Strip, and the move has brought a strong response from casino giant MGM Mirage."
State widens pension probe
From: www.timesunion.com
"Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Friday he is subpoenaing all 37 of the state's BOCES organizations for information on whether they registered private lawyers in the state's public pension system."
State sweeps away promises
From: www.timesunion.com
"Hundreds of millions of dollars raised for specific programs were seized by the Paterson administration to balance the last state budget, a practice the governor plans to continue and expand this year. A total of $100 million was "swept" from special accounts dedicated for such things as promoting New York's wine industry, neutering pets or fixing snowmobile trails in the just-closed budget year."
A $500 million makeover for an unparalleled view
From: www.timesunion.com
"NEW YORK -- It's a priceless piece of real estate largely unknown to New York's 8 million inhabitants. From its shoreline, visitors can see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge. Situated in the middle of New York Harbor, just a half mile from lower Manhattan, Governors Island is about to undergo a massive makeover that would turn much of it into lush parkland."
State funds are 'swept' away
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"The cash-strapped state has 'swept' millions of dollars from the funds set aside for specific purposes to pay for regular state expenses like aid to local schools and salaries for lawmakers: a total of $95 million in March, and a scheduled $150 million next year."
Some see this as a bad call
From: www.timesunion.com
"Supporters of New York's fledgling 211 program are about to make some calls of their own asking for help after state funding plunged from $6.3 million last year to $500,000 in the 2008-09 budget, leaving providers of the service wondering whether it can survive."
Port Authority plans a Web site to help offset pollution
From: www.nytimes.com
"The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will announce plans on Monday to become the first tolling agency in the country to set up a Web site where drivers and airline passengers can buy credits to offset the carbon emissions created by the trips they take."
National City's financial results expected to be 'ugly'
From: blog.cleveland.com
"The Cleveland bank is scheduled Tuesday to release its first-quarter financial results. By themselves, those results would be interesting on the heels of the bank's fourth quarter, which Chairman and Chief Executive Peter Raskind at the time called "the most difficult and disappointing in the recent history of this company." It reported a loss of $333 million."
Economy sparks concerns about summer crime
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Officials and academic scholars are concerned that the typical summer spike in crime will be worse this year because of Ohio's tough economic conditions."
State offers municipal bonds direct to Ohioans
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray believes many state residents would be willing to invest in their state's infrastructure, so long as the bonds are safe and worth their while."
Perspective - Ohio energy bill fizzles in House
From: hosted.ap.org
"House Speaker Jon Husted's blueprint for a freer Ohio energy market is voluminous and complex. But the reason it fizzled last week is simple: its effect on electric bills."
Lawmakers push energy efficiency
From: hosted.ap.org
"Amid the debate about the true costs of wind, coal and nuclear power, state lawmakers have agreed on one fact: The cheapest electricity is the energy that Ohioans never use."
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."
Game on! Sonics saying bye-bye to Seattle, but when?
From: www.journalrecord.com
"It's official -- Oklahoma City will become a big-league sports town. It's just a matter of when."
Ethics-law exodus may affect decisions
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"Facing a rampant departure of members unhappy with new ethics reporting rules, planning commissions and other government bodies could end up postponing significant decisions such as zone changes and development issues."
OLCC will allow minors to see concerts at venues that sell alcohol
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon teens got a boost on Friday when the state liquor board agreed to loosen up -- just a little bit -- where young people can go to watch their favorite bands."
Indoor smoking ban still burning
From: www.philly.com
"It would be an understatement to say that progress toward a statewide indoor smoking ban has moved along at a slow burn."
Smoke-free forces may get N.J. boost
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Anti-smoking forces that want Pennsylvania casinos to be smoke-free are on the verge of getting a big lift from an unexpected source -- casinos in Atlantic City."
State program urges readiness for Generation Y workers
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"South Dakota businesses will need to know how to adjust to an influx of millennials in the job market, according to panelists at the South Dakota Governor's Economic Development Conference."
River plans unveiled
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"A ninth year of drought in parts of the Dakotas and Montana will result in less water available for downstream navigation, electrical generation and other Missouri River uses, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials say."
State braces for dry reservoirs
From: argusleader.com
"North Dakota gets preference for reservoir-filling water this summer as Missouri River managers plan for a ninth year of drought in the upper basin."
Tennessee nursing home tort reform on hold
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Nursing home operators will have to wait at least another year for a chance at getting some relief from what they say are out-of-control liability costs."
18 states commit to take action on climate change
From: www2.ljworld.com
"NEW HAVEN, Conn. - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger predicted Friday that an international deadlock over how to deal with global warming will end once President Bush leaves office, while a leading expert warned of dire consequences if urgent action is not taken."
Soaring cost of living spurs pantry, food-stamp demands
From: www.sltrib.com
"On a recent warm morning, Windell Johnson reached into his black suitcase, unfolded his coat and put it on. With a bad back and a patch over one eye, the 60-year-old needed to free up space to pack the kidney beans, eggs, yogurt, bacon and macaroni he had just picked up at a downtown Salt Lake City food pantry."
Virginia strives to lure honeybees
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"SUFFOLK, Va. ? A mysterious ailment has been killing honeybees nationwide, so the General Assembly, Virginia Tech's Cooperative Extension Service and the state Department of Agriculture are on a campaign to bring bees back to Virginia."
State study has Ashland fearing it may lose passenger rail service
From: www.inrich.com
"A state railroad study is raising worries that Ashland might not have passenger train service one day."
Assembly returns to finish business
From: www.roanoke.com
"Virginia lawmakers intend to complete some unfinished business when they return to the Capitol this week to vote on a bond package for college and state building projects and attempt to resolve disputes over judicial vacancies."
Alexandria tax plan targets payday loans
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Alexandria is proposing to impose a steep new tax on payday lenders operating within the city, but the industry is vowing to fight the measure. "
Pollina unveils economic package
From: www.timesargus.com
"Just two days after Gov. James Douglas announced plans for a $100 million stimulus package, his only official challenger in the fall election unveiled his own proposal to rehabilitate Vermont's ailing economy."
Stimulus package derails budget work
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"The Democratic leaders of the Vermont Legislature accused the administration of a "betrayal of trust" Friday, as criticism of secrecy around the governor's economic stimulus package derailed the budget process."
Economic downturn reaches Vermont
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"BURLINGTON, Vt. ? The nation's economic downturn is reaching Vermont, with a rise in foreclosures."
Two Vermont Yankee bills advance in House
From: www.timesargus.com
"Vermont Yankee's team of lobbyists lost two rounds in separate legislative committee rooms Friday."
Lawmakers struggling with milk-hauling issue
From: www.timesargus.com
"Last year the Legislature passed a measure requiring that milk companies -- not dairy farmers -- should pay to truck milk to processing plants. It seemed logical at the time. The hauling costs were especially painful for dairy farmers who were getting the lowest prices for milk in recent memory."
State technical college grad income on the rise
From: www.madison.com
"Incomes of graduates of Wisconsin technical colleges grew substantially over the past five years, according to a survey of those who graduated in the 2001-02 school year."
Lobbyists' plan to help legislative employee gets scrutiny
From: www.madison.com
"When a longtime legislative employee became ill with a rare form of cancer and her medical bills mounted, some friends inside and outside the Capitol decided to hold a fundraiser."
Reforming dental care for Medicaid patients
From: www.wrn.com
"The Wisconsin Dental Association is calling for changes in how the state reimburses its members for providing care to low-income patients."
Expansion of 911 fee sought
From: www.jsonline.com
"Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and two local law enforcement officials want telephone users to help pay for police, firefighters and paramedics through their phone bills."
Dozens of state workers have bigger paychecks than the governor
From: www.jsonline.com
"The governor is the highest-paid state worker, right? Not exactly. It turns out that at least 119 state employees - including dozens of psychiatrists, physicians and state pension investors - grossed more last year than the state's CEO."
Bresch blocks release of full WVU report
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch has told West Virginia University she will not allow full disclosure of an upcoming report by an investigative panel reviewing the award of her M.B.A. degree in October, sources close to the situation said."
Scrutinizing severance taxes
From: www.trib.com
"Two Wyoming advocacy groups are taking a regional approach to mineral severance taxes to determine whether Western states are getting enough value long term for the time when the resources are gone."
Turf wars rage over fake grass
From: www.stateline.org
"State legislators are used to political turf wars. Now, debates in a handful of states really are about turf, pitting those who back the artificial variety against supporters of natural grass for playgrounds and athletic fields. "
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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