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. "
Lawmakers take a new look at privatizing California Lottery
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and some lawmakers are newly interested in a push to privatize the state lottery as one of the least painful possibilities for addressing the state's financial troubles."
Mortgage rescue company will refund customers in settlement
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"A company that offered rescue services to homeowners struggling with their mortgages will refund about $75,000 to 200 Washington consumers under a settlement announced Monday by the state Attorney General's Office."
Palin?s flight before labor falls under scrutiny
From: newsminer.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin's decision to make the eight-hour flight from Dallas to Anchorage has some people wondering about the possible safety hazards of flying while in the late stages of pregnancy."
Pebble Partnership announces $140 million budget
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Pebble Partnership is investing substantial funds into its fight to open the controversial Pebble Mine."
Daniels reminds businesses of May 1 tax, reports deadline
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Arkansas Secretary of State Charlie Daniels is reminding business proprietors that annual reports must be filed and franchise taxes must be paid by May 1."
Legislators approve cage-fighting bill
From: www.azcentral.com
"State lawmakers on Monday gave their final blessing to a bill that would allow promoters to host a more violent brand of cage fighting in Arizona, such as the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship contests seen on Spike TV."
Environmental measures low priority in Arizona Legislature
From: www.azcentral.com
"While the nation and much of the state is caught up in an environmentally friendly green swoon, the green vibes have barely penetrated the walls of the state Legislature."
Schwarzenegger talks trade, governing with Afghan leaders
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is meeting with eight governors from Afghanistan as part of a U.S. State Department exchange program."
Students rally against cuts
From: www.mercurynews.com
"During a student protest Monday, the Legislature's Democratic leaders vowed to halt $1 billion in proposed higher education cuts, setting the stage for a lengthy deadlock over how to solve a massive deficit in the state budget."
California to sign UN compact to help China cut emissions
From: www.boston.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California, which puts out more greenhouse gases than any other state, is promising to share ideas and research to help China cut back on its own emissions, which rival those of the U.S. as the world's largest."
CalPERS toughens standards on corporate governance
From: www.sacbee.com
"The California Public Employees' Retirement System wants companies in its investment portfolio to be environmentally responsible and to have diverse boards of directors.
"
Bill targets bogus job titles used in sales pitches
From: www.sacbee.com
"If you tell senior citizens that you're a big shot, you'd better be one, under legislation passed Monday by the Assembly. The measure, Assembly Bill 2149, is designed to curb the use of specialty titles, such as "senior investment adviser," by sales personnel with little or no special training."
California public schools seek private money just to cover the basics
From: www.latimes.com
"South Orange County families are being urged to donate $400 per student to save the jobs of 266 teachers in the Capistrano Unified School District.
"
Electricity industry wrangles over California's greenhouse gas law
From: www.latimes.com
"But in California, the self-congratulation that followed the 2006 passage of the nation's first comprehensive law to curb emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases is fast turning to acrimony."
Lenders derail plan to let bankruptcy judges modify mortgages
From: www.latimes.com
"Sherrie Floyd says she was able to handle the first reset on the $505,000 mortgage she had taken out to refinance her Vallejo, Calif., home. And the second. "
California sees $4 gasoline up ahead
From: www.latimes.com
"With oil and gasoline touching all-time highs again Monday, raging energy-price fever showed no sign of breaking."
State recovers $500,000 for insurance policyholders
From: www.courant.com
"The state's insurance commissioner says that his department has recovered more than $500,000 in premiums to policyholders in the first three months of the year."
Lawmakers consider a universal 401(k) plan
From: www.theday.com
"Senate Democrats are pushing to establish a first-in-the-nation, state-sponsored 401(k) retirement savings plan for small businesses, despite opposition from Connecticut's insurance and financial services industries."
Budget cuts will be 'painful'
From: www.delawareonline.com
"State revenues are continuing to slide, leaving budget officials and legislators to grapple with a $62.4 million shortfall for the fiscal year that ends June 30."
Sales tax holiday for back-to-school shoppers set for Aug. 2-8
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Shoppers, mark your calendars: Florida's weeklong back-to-school sales tax holiday will be Aug. 2-8 under a legislative compromise nearing final approval."
Senate OKs longer poker hours
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Poker-playing in Florida card rooms would be allowed around the clock on the weekend and 18 hours a day during the week under a measure that has made its way through the state Senate but is at a standstill in the House."
Court rejects (maybe) appeal of Allstate suspension
From: www.miamiherald.com
"An appellate court rejected Allstate's appeal of its suspension and then said the release of a ruling was a clerical error, leaving a stay intact."
Rubio plan cuts property taxes for Florida cities, counties by $6.3 billion
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A special panel of economic advisors calculated Monday that a plan backed by House Speaker Marco Rubio for limiting property taxes would cost cities, counties and other taxing districts about $6.3 billion. That's a lot less than the $8 billion Rubio predicted last November when he threw his support behind a petition campaign for a constitutional amendment that would cap property taxes at 1.35 percent of value."
Orlando train deal would also aid TriRail
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Supporters of a controversial rail deal to allow the state to spend $650 million to buy 61 miles of track from CSX Railroad for an Orlando commuter line are trying to entice South Florida lawmakers to support it by offering long-sought financing to help Tri-Rail."
Business groups sue to block new Florida guns-at-work law
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Business interests filed suit in federal court on Monday seeking to block the guns-at-work law Gov. Charlie Crist signed into law less than a week before."
Cuba travel bill clears state Senate hurdle
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A bill increasing regulation of travel agents selling trips to Cuba passed a committee hearing in the Senate Monday afternoon."
State budget crunch hits incentives for filmmakers
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A successful incentive program offering cash rebates to film and entertainment companies that bring their production business to Florida is likely to hit the cutting room floor this year as lawmakers, facing revenue shortfalls, take an ax to the state budget."
Florida bill targets check-cashing firms
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Check-cashing stores provide valuable services to largely low-income consumers and recent immigrants who can have trouble opening a traditional bank account. Increasingly, though, drug traffickers, dirty contractors and Medicare con artists have found they also offer a valuable off-the-menu convenience -- money laundering."
2 groups sue to overturn guns-at-job law
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Two statewide business groups are challenging the constitutionality of a new law that allows employees and customers to keep firearms locked on a business's property."
GOP challenges appraisers' grip on property tax
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Republicans in the Florida House want to make it easier for property owners to challenge their assessments, reviving an idea they considered and dropped a year ago."
Senate drops Turtle Bay motion
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The state Senate yesterday discarded a resolution backing Gov. Linda Lingle on the state purchase of Turtle Bay Resort because several senators thought it went too far."
State gets up to $7 million for energy research
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The U.S. Department of Energy yesterday announced it will provide up to $7 million over three years to develop new electricity distribution technologies in Hawaii."
Hawaii feels sting of higher airfares
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Rising fuel prices and extra charges for things like a second piece of luggage mean that a $600 to $800 round-trip flight from Honolulu to the West Coast now costs as much as off-season airfare to Europe just a few years ago."
Bill to buy Turtle Bay ready for committee
From: starbulletin.com
"Legislators are expecting to know more tomorrow about how far the Lingle administration will go to save the Turtle Bay area of the North Shore from further development."
Iowa Republicans propose SILO alternative
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Senate Republicans came forward Monday with an alternative to a proposed 1-cent statewide tax for schools."
Iowa House Democrats propose increase in Medicaid reimbursement rate
From: ads.qctimes.com
"House Democrats unveiled a proposal Monday night that would give Iowa health care providers an increase in the rate they are paid to treat Medicaid patients."
Report criticizes Enterprise Zone program
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Iowa's tax incentive program to spur companies to locate in economically challenged areas and create new jobs is deeply flawed, a report released Monday by the non-partisan Iowa Policy Project says.
"
GOP offers school sales tax alternative
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Republicans on Monday proposed changes to a school tax plan, but Democrats said the matter is dead for the session."
Commercial air service worth $1 billion-plus yearly to Iowa economy, study says
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Commercial service airports are an important engine for Iowa's economy, generating 14,209 jobs and $1.3 billion in total annual economic activity, a state consultant's report released Monday shows."
Tax breaks for businesses raked
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A state program that has given hundreds of millions of dollars in tax breaks to Iowa businesses was criticized Monday by a policy group that said the program has not been proven to create jobs or stimulate Iowa's economy.
"
Governor's plan has food stamp education on the fritz
From: ads.qctimes.com
"A state program that helps educate Illinois' poor is one of many state programs on the chopping block, as Gov. Rod Blagojevich considers withholding promised dollars to fill a $750 million hole in the Illinois budget."
Witness calls insiders 'stupid'
From: www.dailyherald.com
"The lawyer who drew up bunk contracts to hide bribes tied to a teachers pension investment board testified Monday that he thought the political insiders making the deal were being sloppy."
Governor's plan to add inmates at Thomson prison has skeptics
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Like many residents of this Carroll County community, Thomson Village President Jerry Hebeler has heard the promises before."
Group wants more lobbying disclosure
From: ads.qctimes.com
"A study released Monday shows that millions in local tax money is used to lobby state government, and the report's authors say groups trying to influence decision makers should have to disclose more about their costs and intentions."
Attorney on stand at Rezko trial recalls corruption on pension board
From: www.sj-r.com
"CHICAGO ? Fighting back tears, a Chicago attorney testified Monday that he heard five years ago how Antoin ?Tony? Rezko and another political fundraiser were going to be allowed to reward Gov. Rod Blagojevich?s campaign donors with business from a state pension fund."
Ex-pension fund attorney tells jurors of 'mistake'
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"His voice choked with emotion, a former lawyer for a state teacher pension fund testified Monday about a 2003 commute to the North Shore during which he was told an unsettling secret involving two of the top friends and fundraisers of Gov. Rod Blagojevich."
Blagojevich turns tables on House Democrats
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday sought to turn the focus for solving the state's problems on the group of individuals who have continually blocked his agenda in Springfield?Democrats in the Illinois House."
New owner -- Tax hike wasn't part of casino deal
From: www.nwi.com
"The new owners of Resorts East Chicago say they weren't warned that a huge property tax hike was in the cards when they acquired the riverboat last year."
Racing authority looks for more funding
From: www.kentucky.com
"Kentucky's horse racing regulators are trying to figure out how to keep paying the bills without asking the state's racetracks to pony up."
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."
Beshear is scaling down Derby parties this year
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Budget cuts to offset a looming $900 million state revenue shortfall are putting a pinch on government-sponsored Kentucky Derby festivities this year."
Loss of $5.5 million may affect consumer protection
From: www.courier-journal.com
"In a move that could affect consumer protection in Kentucky, lawmakers are taking about $5.5 million from the state Public Service Commission -- money that comes from fees customers pay on services such as gas, electricity, water and telephones."
Bill requiring country of origin for seafood in restaurants fails
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Louisiana residents and visitors still must ask in restaurants where their seafood is from to know if they are eating local products."
Chief economist warns of downturns
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Chief state economist Greg Albrecht talked to legislators Monday about possible downturns in state government's financial outlook."
Bill to ID origins of seafood on table rejected by panel
From: www.nola.com
"Restaurants should not have to tell patrons if the seafood being served was caught in Louisiana, in another state or in a foreign nation, the House Commerce Committee decided Monday."
State slates $5m for new Neponset park
From: www.boston.com
"State officials are scheduled to announce today a $5 million effort to build a new park - to be called the Neponset River Esplanade - along the river between Mattapan Square and Hyde Park, more money than the state has spent on any urban park since the Rose Kennedy Greenway over the Central Artery in Boston."
Pols aim to add millions to ?recession budget?
From: www.bostonherald.com
"With a recession looming and a $1-a-pack cigarette tax coming, Beacon Hill lawmakers tucked millions of dollars into pet projects in more than 1,500 amendments hitched onto the House budget."
Limits on bushels, not size, take into account crabbers' concerns
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Maryland is putting forth bushel limits, but no size limit, as it seeks to reduce this year's female crab harvest by a third."
Maine gas buyers tanking
From: bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine - Clark and Deborah Rafford know gas prices are a gamble, so they decided to gamble for gas money on Monday afternoon."
Dirigo taxes upset business community
From: bangornews.com
"While lawmakers are congratulating themselves for a successful legislative session, many in the business community are less enthusiastic about what the lawmakers did-- or did not do."
Wind farms generating energy may boost state's economy, Granholm says
From: www.detnews.com
"They stand like giant white pinwheels on the horizon, 32 of them towering 40 stories over the flat farmland in this tiny township in the Thumb, about 10 miles from the Saginaw Bay."
Mass-transit groups to meet
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Organizers of a $371 million project to build a light-rail line along Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit to the State Fairgrounds were to begin meeting Monday with the backers of a privately funded plan with similar goals."
Michigan Dems pitch sex education, contraception access plan
From: www.mlive.com
"Democratic state lawmakers are introducing legislation they say would cut down on unintended pregnancies and protect women's health through expanded sex education and improved access to birth control."
Rail proposal a 'first step'
From: www.detnews.com
"City leaders have pinned their mass transit hopes on an eight-mile stretch down Woodward Avenue that connects the State Fairgrounds with downtown, calling the $371 million project a "first step" toward the return of light rail to Metro Detroit."
Mich. doctors, nurses, students back health care ballot proposal
From: www.freep.com
"A campaign to put a ballot proposal before voters in November that would make affordable and comprehensive health care coverage a constitutional right in Michigan picked up the endorsement of several health care groups Monday."
House Democrats revive plan for property tax relief
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Democrats in the Minnesota House have unveiled a plan to provide property tax relief to most homeowners."
Will megamall deal usher in one for Vikings?
From: www.startribune.com
"The Mall of America's plan to help finance its second phase could face an important legislative hearing today -- and among the interested observers will be the Minnesota Vikings, who see in the proposal a possible method to build a new football stadium."
The Twin Cities' two zoos had hoped for $41 million in state help this year to fund everything from a visitor center to a roomy new gorilla exhibit. They were disappointed.
From: www.twincities.com
"The Minnesota and Como Park zoos have to figure out a plan for ambitious improvement projects after lawmakers slashed their requests for funding this year."
Minn. Senate gives unanimous vote to cancer probe
From: www.twincities.com
"The Minnesota Senate has given unanimous approval to funding for research on a rare lung cancer that has disproportionately hit Iron Range miners."
Plan would shift property tax burden
From: www.twincities.com
"House Democrats on Monday unveiled a property-tax proposal that shifts a greater burden to people with higher incomes and lower property taxes."
Customers blocked from buying earthquake insurance after quake
From: hosted.ap.org
"ST. LOUIS - Eastern Missouri residents are scrambling to get earthquake insurance after last week's 5.2 magnitude trembler rattled windows and shook houses throughout the area. But they are finding out there's a waiting period for coverage, even as aftershocks continue to shake the ground."
Mo. ethanol mandate is questioned
From: hosted.ap.org
"Though it has been in effect for only four months, some lawmakers want to repeal Missouri's law requiring gas stations sell ethanol-blended fuel."
Mo. House passes big tax breaks for aircraft maker
From: www.stltoday.com
"Ignoring lobbying from a major Republican campaign donor, the House voted overwhelmingly Monday to grant the largest tax break ever in Missouri to a Canadian firm."
Bill that would benefit Bombardier plant advances
From: www.kansascity.com
"The Missouri House gave final approval Monday to legislation enabling tax credits that could be used for the proposed Bombardier Aerospace aircraft assembly plant in Kansas City."
Hood wary of corporate ownership of news groups
From: www.sunherald.com
"Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said at a press luncheon Monday that he's not happy about corporate ownership of news organizations."
Hood general bemoans corporate media
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood said at a press luncheon Monday that he's unhappy about corporate ownership of news organizations in the United States. He said he was not threatening litigation. He simply wanted to express his frustrations."
Katrina suit fraud claim dropped
From: www.sunherald.com
"A federal judge on Monday dismissed claims of fraud in a key Hurricane Katrina lawsuit that accused State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. of using different engineering reports to deny a couple's insurance policy after the storm."
State orders more study of emissions
From: www.greatfallstribune.com
"The Montana Board of Environmental Review on Monday became the first regulatory body in the nation to call for separate measurement and emissions controls for tiny-particle pollution known as PM 2.5, which is emitted at industrial facilities such as coal-fired power plants."
Board wants more analysis of proposed power plant
From: www.helenair.com
"State regulators and the developers of a proposed power plant near Great Falls must consider more ways to control the plant?s air emissions, the Montana Board of Environmental Review said Monday."
Highwood plant has a setback
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"State regulators and the developers of a proposed power plant near Great Falls must consider more ways to control the plant's air emissions, the Montana Board of Environmental Review said Monday."
Governor -- Tribes should tout workers
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer says American Indian reservations can lure businesses and economic development by promoting their pool of available workers."
Wind farm markets expansion
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Operators of the Judith Gap wind power project said Monday that they'll offer electricity from a proposed expansion to other Montana buyers, after being turned down by the state's largest utility."
N.C. poll -- Economy top issue influencing vote
From: www.charlotte.com
"A new poll released Monday found that North Carolina adults believe the economy is the most important issue facing the state, with nearly three-quarters saying it will influence their vote in the race for the White House."
Governor vetoes e-recycling, emergency responder worker's comp
From: www.journalstar.com
"Gov. Dave Heineman threw cold water on several bills Monday that sponsoring senators will have no chance to override."
Guardsmen unite under one roof
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Gone are the days when New Hampshire National Guard officials were scattered among different buildings. With a $15 million, three-year project complete, all guard headquarters now fit beneath one roof in Concord. "
Environmentalists urge N.J. to accept Petty's Island
From: www.philly.com
"New Jersey should stop lollygagging and accept an oil company's years-old offer of Petty's Island, a coalition of environmentalists and other advocates said yesterday."
Departments -- Here's where to cut
From: www.nj.com
"State departments have begun submitting a laundry list of potential new budget cuts totaling nearly $700 million as Gov. Jon Corzine plans for a possible falloff in state revenues and final negotiations with the legislature."
Dems reminded - Don't take Adelson money
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"After four months of staring at the uncomfortable fact that some Democrats felt free to accept campaign contributions from conservative casino mogul Sheldon Adelson's companies, the Culinary Workers Local 226 has issued a reminder that it does not regard Adelson as a friend."
A stricter OSHA seen after Sun series
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Contractors and union officials say the state?s Occupational Safety and Health Administration appears to be getting tougher on construction companies in the wake of a Sun examination of how the agency has investigated construction deaths on the Strip."
Gov orders hiring freeze, eyes 2010 run
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. David Paterson, warning of deteriorating state tax revenues, ordered a "soft freeze" on hiring yesterday and directed state commissioners to come up with "serious, achievable and recurring" budget savings by May 16."
STAR tax rebates may see changes
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Searching for ways to cut state spending, Gov. David Paterson suggested Monday that the 11-year-old STAR school property-tax rebate program might need an overhaul."
Paterson limits state hiring
From: www.timesunion.com
"Gov. David Paterson on Monday prohibited all but essential hiring in a sternly worded directive to state agencies. Paterson said that if his cost-savings targets aren't met, he will impose a hard hiring freeze and other measures on agencies. "
Ohio is the land of milk and money
From: www.ohio.com
"Silence was golden for the Ohio Lottery Commission on Monday as a joint legislative oversight committee found no issue with the agency starting keno games in bars and restaurants as early as July."
Ohio tops Midwest in investment dollars for health care
From: www.cleveland.com
"Ohio snagged the most investment dollars in the Midwest for its health-care startups in the first quarter - $51.8 million."
Ohio adopts new dairy label rule for synthetic hormones
From: hosted.ap.org
"Transfat-free, sugar-free, cage-free. Foods are often labeled to reveal what they are not."
Chairman derails child support bill targeting contractors
From: ap.ardmoreite.com
"The chairman of a House committee has derailed a measure designed to increase child support collections from independent contractors."
Tulsa-area legislators push scholarship bill
From: www.journalrecord.com
"Tulsa-area lawmakers expressed frustration Monday with the administration of Tulsa Public Schools and urged colleagues to support legislation offering tax credits to those who provide tuition assistance for low-income children to attend private schools."
Ex-PLCB chief asked to stop using its trademark
From: www.post-gazette.com
"An attorney representing the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has sent a letter to former PLCB Chairman Jonathan Newman asking him to quit using the agency's "Chairman's Selection" trademark while marketing his private business."
Rounds tells scientists they'll help shape underground lab
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"LEAD, S.D. - Gov. Mike Rounds told a room full of scientists Monday that they will help shape the future of an old Black Hills gold mine's transformation into an underground science laboratory."
Official says state economy OK
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"YANKTON, S.D. - The president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the state's economy is weathering the national downturn."
Coal-fired power plant awaits permits
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"WATERTOWN, S.D. - It's been four years since the coal-fired Big Stone II power plant was proposed for the Big Stone City area, and it's still waiting for the permits it needs so construction can start."
Chattanooga - Airport's boost to economy cited
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport generates more than $166 million in annual economic impact, a first-of-its-kind report says."
Conservative lawmakers plan to target immigration
From: www.star-telegram.com
"Conservative state legislators made it clear Monday that they'll again push for strict state laws to crack down on illegal immigration when lawmakers convene in January."
Texans trying to survive without health insurance
From: www.statesman.com
"Katonya Price, 26, couldn't buy health insurance at work even if she could afford it. As a contract employee at a building supply company, she is not eligible. So she tries to buy some peace of mind by constantly cleaning and dusting her Houston home to control germs and allergens."
Start spreadin' the news ...
From: www.chron.com
"Step aside, New York. Back off, California. Texas, the state known for big hair and big trucks, is now the big dog for big business. The Lone Star State is home to 58 Fortune 500 corporate headquarters. "
Texas passes New York on Fortune 500 list
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Texas is king of the hill when it comes to corporate headquarters. "
Texas lawmakers to discuss regulations for sexually-oriented businesses
From: www.dallasnews.com
"The recent discovery that a 12-year-old girl danced nude for two weeks in a Dallas strip club last year is continuing to stir action from elected officials. "
Conservative Texas legislators take new aim at illegal immigration
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Conservative Texas legislators made it clear Monday that they'll again push for strict state laws to crack down on illegal immigration when lawmakers convene in January."
Texas moves to ease food stamp backlog
From: www.dallasnews.com
"The state, to relieve overworked eligibility screeners, will suspend for the rest of the year interviews its workers usually have to conduct with food stamp recipients every six months, officials said Monday."
Governors ask Pelosi to help get federal aid for fishermen
From: hosted.ap.org
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The governors of California, Oregon and Washington are asking House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for help in securing financial aid for West Coast salmon fishermen and fishing communities."
Gasoline usage heads down
From: www.kansascity.com
"U.S. drivers are doing something they haven't done for nearly two decades -- consume less gasoline. Gas consumption so far this year is down about 0.2 percent compared to last year, according to the Energy Information Administration. "
Changing the current
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Imperial Valley of California is ideal country for solar and wind power. It rains less than three inches a year. Temperatures hit 110 degrees in the summer. The wind blows pretty steadily, too. And it's just east of San Diego. "
Utah honeybee deaths rising
From: deseretnews.com
"Honeybee keepers in the Beehive State are experiencing heavy losses this spring, with bees in entire hives dying -- jeopardizing crops that rely on bees for pollination, from almonds to cotton to strawberries."
Area off-limits to development
From: www.inrich.com
"ROANOKE, Va. - Appalachian Power Co. announced yesterday that it is placing about 5,000 acres at Smith Mountain Lake in a conservation easement that will keep the scenic land pristine forever."
Kaine to visit local funeral home that can double as a lifesaver
From: hamptonroads.com
"When Gov. Timothy M. Kaine visits South Hampton Roads this week, he will make stops to talk transportation, infant mortality and volunteerism - and he'll attend a funeral home ribbon-cutting."
Groups want Wal-Mart permit overturned
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Opponents of a plan to build a 150,000-square-foot Wal-Mart store in St. Albans want a state commission to revoke a permit issued for the project."
Vermont Senate presents spending plan
From: www.timesargus.com
"After a blow-up late last week over an economic stimulus proposal, lawmakers had said they would stop collaborating with Gov. James Douglas on budget cuts and instead proceed with their own version of the state spending plan."
WA tobacco settlement goes to life sciences research
From: www.nwpr.org
"Remember when the states sued the tobacco companies and won nearly $250 billion over 25 years? Much of that money has gone to reduce smoking rates. But now Washington state is using some of the settlement dollars for scientific research."
WVU panel completes report on Bresch degree
From: www.post-gazette.com
"A five-member panel probing whether West Virginia University acted properly in awarding Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch a master's of business administration degree in October delivered its findings yesterday to the person responsible for the university's action, Provost Gerald Lang."
State panel to explore recruitment
From: wvgazette.com
"State lawmakers will look at ways to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters - a move one lobbyist said amounts to extending an olive branch after a tumultuous 2008 session for volunteer fire departments."
Young Democrats urge halt to mountaintop removal mining
From: www.dailymail.com
"The West Virginia Young Democrats have called for an end to new mountaintop removal mining permits, adding to a debate that pits factions of the Democratic coalition against each other in the country's second-largest coal-producing state."
Power line ruling may be delayed until August
From: www.dailymail.com
"State regulators say they need more time to review a proposed settlement before deciding whether to approve a $1.3 billion multistate power line."
Wyoming's elusive fuel
From: www.wyomingnews.com
"Gas stations in Wyoming that carry E-85 are few and far between. And you would have to leave Cheyenne to find one."
Credit crunch hits states' college loans
From: www.stateline.org
"
The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college.
"
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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