23 states face budget gaps in '09
From: www.stateline.org
"
Like a college student fishing for stray quarters in the sofa cushions, states are tightening their belts, dipping into their rainy day funds and hoping revenues will pick up. But the faltering economy already has punched a $26 billion hole in 23 state budgets for 2009 – and it could get worse, according to a new report issued today (April 25).
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Rising property taxes fill gaps, pinch homeowners
From: online.wsj.com
"Faced with revenue shortfalls, local governments across the U.S. are raising property-tax rates, angering homeowners already hit by the housing slump and economic slowdown."
Shortchanging phone cards probed
From: www.usatoday.com
"State and federal officials are cracking down on prepaid calling cards that promise more minutes than they deliver to immigrants, soldiers in Iraq and other frustrated phone-card users."
Crist - Allstate made offer
From: www.tampabay.com
"Hammered by the courts and threatened with a crackdown by Florida's insurance commissioner, Allstate Corp. quietly offered the state millions to let the company off the hook and retract a pending order that would stop the insurance giant from selling new policies in Florida, state officials say."
Utah upbeat about eluding a recession
From: www.deseretnews.com
"While Utah is in relatively good shape, the finances of many states have deteriorated so badly that they appear to be in a recession, regardless of whether that's true for the nation as a whole, a survey of all 50 state fiscal directors concludes."
State's work death rates lead nation
From: www.adn.com
"April 18: A state-chartered helicopter crashes near the Glenn Highway. Four dead."
Study -- Alabama travel up in 2007
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"A new study for the state tourism agency says travel and tourism in Alabama grew by 10 percent in 2007."
Hiring-law changes advance, aim to stop petitions
From: www.azcentral.com
"Changes to the state's employer-sanctions law that could avert a ballot duel are moving toward a pivotal vote in the Legislature."
Campus-upgrade plan gains key supporters
From: www.azcentral.com
"A $1.4 billion construction proposal pushed by Arizona's three state universities as an economic-stimulus plan is gathering support from the governor and business groups, but it remains to be seen whether the plan will get much traction in the state Legislature."
State opens probe into fatal bear attack
From: www.cnn.com
"BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. - State work safety officials opened an investigation Thursday into the death of an exotic-animal trainer who was killed while wrestling a 700-pound grizzly bear for a promotional video, authorities said."
Budget deficit now put at $10 billion
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday the state budget deficit will be "probably more than $10 billion" in the next fiscal year as the state takes in lower than expected revenues in a flagging economy.
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Judge blocks aerial moth spraying in Santa Cruz County
From: www.sacbee.com
"A California judge has dealt a major setback to the state's campaign against an invasive moth, ruling that aerial sprays over Santa Cruz County must be halted until agricultural officials do a full environmental review of their anti-pest program."
State opens inquiry into fatal grizzly bear attack
From: www.sacbee.com
"BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. -- State work safety officials opened an investigation Thursday into the death of an exotic-animal trainer who was killed by a 700-pound grizzly bear while filming a promotional video, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Industrial Relations said.
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Plan to open up CalPERS reflects worry about inadequate saving for retirement
From: www.sacbee.com
"Investing for retirement is the financial equivalent of eating your vegetables: It's good for you, but sometimes downright distasteful. Now a proposal making its way through the California Legislature has people talking about whether the state can make putting aside retirement money more palatable.
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California holds off on crop-spraying plan
From: www.nytimes.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has postponed a plan to spray pesticides over several heavily populated counties this summer to fight the light brown apple moth, an unwelcome emigre that threatens California's critical agriculture industry."
Budget deficit now put at $10 billion
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday the state budget deficit will be "probably more than $10 billion" in the next fiscal year as the state takes in lower than expected revenues in a flagging economy."
Ritter pushes scholar funds
From: www.denverpost.com
"Gov. Bill Ritter on Thursday threw his support behind a ballot initiative that would ask voters to raise taxes on the oil and gas industry and use much of the money to fund an ambitious new college scholarship program."
Ritter gets behind severance tax initiative
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Gov. Bill Ritter on Thursday ended the speculation about what he wants on the November ballot, throwing his weight behind a plan to bump up Colorado's revenues from oil and gas development and provide college scholarships for tens of thousands of undergraduates."
Bill allows package store sales during polling hours
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Legislation that would allow package stores to remain open during polling hours passed the state Senate on Wednesday."
Plastic bags could find unlikely pal in Florida recycling proposals
From: www.tampabay.com
"In case anyone confuses Sarasota with San Francisco, House lawmakers are prepared to act."
U.S. appeals court sends gift-ban case back to supreme court
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Uber-lobbyist Ron Book said on Thursday he was confident that a strict gift ban lawmakers enacted in 2005 will be overturned after a federal appeals court sent the case back to the Florida Supreme Court.
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Face-off nears on commuter rail
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"A wide-ranging transportation package that includes an agreement with CSX Corp. to buy 61 miles of right of way for Central Florida commuter rail is poised for a pivotal vote today in the state House.
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Tax-swap plan will be on Florida ballot
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A powerful citizens panel culminated a year of work on Thursday and put a plan to swap some property taxes for sales taxes on the November ballot, despite weeks of intense back-room lobbying by business groups that wanted to kill it."
Tax reform to be put to vote in Florida
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Floridians will vote in November on swapping an average 25 percent property-tax cut for an increase and possible expansion of the state sales tax.
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Voters will decide yet another school property-tax plan
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida voters will decide in November on a ballot measure that cuts property taxes across the board by an average of 25 percent, or $9.5 billion, while directing state legislators to replace the revenue by raising sales and other taxes.
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25 percent toll hike sought on turnpike
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Drivers who use Florida's Turnpike soon may have to fork over a lot more money in tolls. As part of a massive transportation bill, Florida lawmakers have tucked in a provision that would jack up rates on the turnpike by 25 percent starting July 1. The toll hike would also apply to the Sawgrass Expressway in Broward County.
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Voters will have say on tax cut in November
From: www.tampabay.com
"Florida voters will decide in November whether to cut property taxes by about 25 percent through a dramatic shift in the way schools are funded."
State launches new conservation campaign
From: www.ajc.com
"Georgia's business-friendly Republican governor is going green in a big way."
Lawmakers freeze $22M in welfare funds
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"State House and Senate budget negotiators, concerned about the slowing economy, agreed Wednesday night to restrict the Lingle administration from spending $22 million in federal welfare money next fiscal year."
Turtle Bay land draws buyers
From: starbulletin.com
"Oahu's controversial Turtle Bay Resort is attracting multiple parties interested in acquiring part of the 850-acre North Shore resort, according to a member of an advisory group commissioned by Gov. Linda Lingle."
Once known as CIETC, scarred agency nearly kaput
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The agency formerly known as CIETC is one step closer to being out of business."
Tenuous labor bill to Culver, but fate uncertain
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A controversial labor-backed bill will soon head to the governor's desk and union officials believe that's a sign that Gov. Chet Culver may sign it into law."
Groups meet in Clinton to plan lawsuit against smoking ban
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Clinton Organized Bar and Restaurant Association (COBRA) is holding a meeting tonight to discuss plans to move ahead with a lawsuit over the state's smoking ban. The new law takes effect July 1st and would ban smoking in most public places. COBRA president Jon VanRoekel says it's a statewide effort."
Union-backed bill still in limbo
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Governor Chet Culver's still not saying whether he'll sign or veto a controversial, union-backed bill. But after weeks of private discussions, Culver says there is no counter proposal that would make the bill more palatable to critics that would, in turn, be acceptable to unions."
Iowa Senate gives initial approval to new Fort Madison prison
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa Senate has given initial approval to a quarter of a billion dollar spending plan to build a new maximum security prison, a new state prison for women and more space in halfway houses."
Illegal immigration issues roil Iowa town
From: www.latimes.com
"MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa -- When Monica del Carmen Gonzalez Lopez drove an SUV into the side of a minivan in October, killing a 90-year-old grandmother and injuring three relatives, investigators found that the 23-year-old had already had several brushes with the law."
Idaho officials say seniors targeted with annuity deals
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"State officials are warning senior citizens in Idaho that they are being targeted with annuity deals that may not be right for them."
State improves in disciplining doctors
From: www.sj-r.com
"The latest ranking of states by a consumer watchdog group shows that Illinois is doing a better job of protecting patients from negligent doctors, a spokeswoman for the state agency that disciplines doctors said."
Experts sound alarm about infrastructure
From: www.sj-r.com
"Experts have told a bipartisan panel looking at Illinois' crumbling infrastructure that the state must invest at least $5 billion a year in additional funding just to maintain its roads, bridges, transit systems and airports."
Rezko trial goes Hollywood
From: www.sj-r.com
"CHICAGO - Political fundraiser Antoin"Tony" Rezko's political corruption trial has been so full of surprising twists it might have been dreamed up by a Hollywood producer."
Producer describes Rezko's shakedown
From: www.suntimes.com
"A Chicago businessman-turned Hollywood producer told jurors in Tony Rezko's corruption trial Thursday that a $220 million state deal he had was blocked because he didn't contribute to Gov. Blagojevich's campaign."
Region legislators bucked business more often than not
From: www.nwi.com
"All but four region legislators -- all Republicans -- received failing marks Thursday in an annual report card issued by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce."
Coal plant supporters offer another proposal
From: www.kansascity.com
"Supporters of a western Kansas power project delivered a final offer to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday: smaller coal-burning plants with fewer carbon emissions."
Smaller coal plant deal offered to Sebelius
From: www.kansas.com
"Supporters of a western Kansas power project delivered a final offer to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday: smaller coal-burning plants with fewer carbon emissions."
Stakes raised in coal debate
From: www2.ljworld.com
"The fight over a coal-fired power project in western Kansas on Thursday took on the tone of a high-stakes poker game."
Popular immigration topic missing in Kansas bill
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Like the majority of other states considering immigration legislation this year, Kansas started out with local law enforcement playing a big role."
Sebelius given ultimatum on power plant
From: cjonline.com
"Legislative leaders supporting expansion of a coal-fired power plant near Holcomb in southwest Kansas delivered an ultimatum to the governor Thursday -- agree to our new offer or face a veto override attempt."
Western Kansas rides wave of prosperity
From: www.npr.org
"While bad economic trends sweep most of the nation, there's one place where things are booming: western Kansas."
Senate doesn't confirm GOP official
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Republican-controlled Senate did not confirm the reappointment of a Republican member of the Personnel Board who voted to reinstate a state worker fired during the Fletcher administration merit system scandal."
Kentucky's chief justice stepping down
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Kentucky Chief Justice Joseph E. Lambert, who helped build 70 new courthouses as the state's top judge -- but whose tenure was not without controversy -- announced yesterday that he is retiring and joining the senior judge program."
Vt. governor and treasurer disagree over stimulus package
From: www.timesargus.com
"The two officials most responsible for state finances are deeply divided over the wisdom of a proposed economic stimulus program."
Pols pork it up again
From: www.bostonherald.com
"State lawmakers are responding to warnings of a fiscal meltdown by larding the budget with $1.3 billion in new spending - much of it pork - that would double next year?s deficit and shower money on golf courses, merry-go-rounds and local parades.
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Deval Patrick?s wife on the case
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Gov. Deval Patrick's household could financially benefit from a controversial wage bill he allowed to slip into law - even though he criticized the legislation's potential unfairness to businesses.
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Hey, big spenders
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Despite a looming budget crunch, some state lawmakers are proposing to add $1.3 billion in new spending next year. Here are five lawmakers looking to add the most to the bottom line:
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Ethics panel - Dig contractor gave inspector Sox tickets as rewards
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A Big Dig contractor violated Massachusetts' conflict of interest law when the firm repeatedly gave a state inspector Red Sox tickets as a reward for issuing licenses, the State Ethics Commission alleged yesterday."
Legislative wheels turn out of view
From: www.boston.com
"Community activist Carl Nilsson stood outside the House chamber late one night this month and spoke with any elected representative who would stop. He asked them to vote against a last-minute corporate tax amendment, one that was heavily influenced by lobbyists and business groups."
O'Malley signs bill on power rate relief, nuclear reactor
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley yesterday signed legislation needed to complete a settlement with Constellation Energy Group Inc. that will bring rate relief to electricity customers and clears the way for the first U.S. nuclear reactor to be built in more than 30 years."
Eateries adjust to smoking ban
From: gazette.net
"Few businesses have sought waivers from the statewide smoking ban that went in effect Feb. 1."
Nuclear renaissance moving forward at Calvert Cliffs
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"LUSBY, Md. - Douglas Pardoe has lived here all his life. In a quaint home just off Maryland Route 4, 74-year-old Pardoe has seen plenty of changes in Calvert County during his lifetime -- not the least of which is the twin-reactor nuclear power plant that hums along just a few thousand feet from his home, built on land his family once owned."
Balancing energy needs
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland regulators are considering exemptions for a proposed Calvert County power plant and other generators from a regional auction of carbon credits that is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
O'Malley delays 'alcopops' bill
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley's chief lobbyist broke the news to public health advocates and anti-teen drinking crusaders Wednesday afternoon: The governor would sign a bill the next day ensuring that "alcopops" would continue to be taxed and distributed the same way as beer."
O'Malley inks environment bills
From: gazette.net
"Gov. Martin O'Malley on Thursday signed a collection of about 200 bills, including several aimed at protecting the environment and reducing energy usage."
Braving a switch in utility service
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"It's spring. The wool socks are back in the drawer. The shorts have yet to appear. It's time to sit back, take a deep breath and look at your energy costs, while the thermostat is holding steady and your blood pressure isn't rising in lockstep with your utility bills. "
Baldacci's pocket veto of gaming bill criticized
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"A Pittsfield lawmaker criticized Gov. John Baldacci on Thursday for refusing to sign a gaming bill sent to him at the close of this year's legislative sessions."
8 to share in $2.25M lottery prize
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"While the Maine State Lottery did not draw either of Angelina Bittues' numbers Thursday evening, the Winthrop woman could still claim a piece of $2.25 million."
Costs killing Maine farmers
From: bangornews.com
"LEVANT, Maine - Dairy farmer Brian Call doesn?t have a fancy milking parlor. He hand-carries the portable milking machine to each of his 30 cows, wiping their teats with pages ripped from an old telephone book. "Another way to save money," he comments."
State House approves part of stimulus package
From: www.detnews.com
"House lawmakers have approved bonds for university, community college, harbor, park and airport projects -- including a University of Michigan biology building and a biomedical research building at Wayne State -- as part of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's economic stimulus package."
Critics balk at Blues bill
From: www.detnews.com
"Forcing commercial insurers to share the cost of providing medical coverage for Michigan's most at-risk consumers when the state already has an insurer of last resort would hurt marketplace competition and drive up health care premiums, a coalition of private-sector insurers told a Senate subcommittee Thursday."
Michigan Senate passes tax breaks for Hemlock Semiconductor
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The state Senate on Thursday passed tax breaks potentially worth up to $35 million a year to entice Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. to build a new facility in Michigan."
Attorney General investigating Blues' acquisitions
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Attorney General Michael Cox is looking into whether Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan improperly used its assets to purchase out-of-state insurance companies in violation of state statutes, a spokesman said Thursday."
Hundreds of strikers rally outside American Axle meeting
From: hosted.ap.org
"DETROIT, Mich. - The chief executive of American Axle said Thursday the company's original U.S. facilities simply aren't viable without a more competitive labor agreement with the United Auto Workers union."
Bill allowing chiropractors to work on animals passes House
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"The House has passed an Agriculture Policy bill that allows chiropractors to work on animals if they receive training. The bill also requires a referral from a veterinarian."
$20 raffle tickets for a shot at $1.4M house? State says no
From: www.twincities.com
"The deal had a chance to be sweet. Pay $20 for a raffle ticket to win a house. And not just any house. One worth $1.4 million. In Minnetonka, two blocks from scenic Lake Minnetonka. Your chance came and went Monday, when the Minnesota Gambling Control Board blocked the idea."
House OKs study of miners' cancer
From: www.twincities.com
"A compromise over the funding of a lung health study in Minnesota's Iron Range gained approval from House lawmakers Thursday and is headed to the governor's desk."
Scientist objects to plant
From: www.argusleader.com
"NASA's top climatology expert wants Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty to oppose construction of the Big Stone II power plant near Milbank, saying it would only exacerbate global warming by its carbon dioxide emissions.
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Missouri House rejects bill to cut minimum wages
From: www.kansascity.com
"The Missouri House on Thursday rejected a bill that would have partly undone a 2006 voter-approved increase in the state's minimum wage."
Move to cut wages of tip earners fails
From: www.stltoday.com
"The Missouri House on Thursday rejected an effort to lower the base wage for tipped workers. Those workers are now entitled to half of the state's minimum wage, or $3.32 per hour. The provision would have set that rate to the federal minimum of $2.13."
Missouri house passes teacher-bargaining bill
From: www.stltoday.com
"The Missouri House narrowly approved a bill Thursday that requires school districts to negotiate contracts with teacher "councils" -- an attempt to set up a structure for collective bargaining. "
Senator - limit travel's ties to insurance rates
From: www.columbiamissourian.com
"Senators today endorsed a measure limiting the ability of life insurance companies to deny coverage or to hike rates based on a person's travel plans."
Police at Missouri casinos could start carrying Tasers
From: newstribune.com
"The cops at Missouri casinos could soon start packing Tasers. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the stun guns are needed to quell violent situations that sometimes erupt as gamblers are drinking alcohol and losing money."
Governor candidates find Hispanic issues on their plates
From: www.showmenews.com
"Missouri gubernatorial candidates are finding themselves in the middle of the immigration debate as they yield to calls for tighter immigration laws without alienating the 161,000 Hispanics in the state."
House passes bill affecting Aquila power plant
From: www.kansascity.com
"Legislation that would allow Aquila Inc. to avoid dismantling its South Harper power plant in Cass County easily passed the House on Thursday and was sent to the Senate."
Business leaders look at what's best for Coast
From: www.sunherald.com
"South Mississippi has plenty to make business investors happy, but luring them to the area - and keeping it attractive - are the most important steps, a group of business leaders agreed Thursday."
Sunshine proposal targets loan boards
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Rep. Dan Villa, D-Anaconda, said Thursday that he will sponsor a bill in 2009 to require issuers and administrators of student loan bonds to be subject to the state's open-meetings law and legislative audits."
Examiner criticizes pollution study
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"A state agency fell short in evaluating pollution control technology for a small power plant, a hearing examiner said in findings hailed by a group that challenged Montana's regulation of the facility at Thompson Falls, northwest of Missoula."
Student loan organization lays off 23
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"With the national student loan industry in financial turmoil, the Helena-based Student Assistance Foundation on Thursday issued layoff notices to 23 employees as part of a more aggressive cost-reduction this week."
N.C., S.C. easier on work safety
From: www.charlotte.com
"The Carolinas levied some of the nation's lowest penalties against employers who broke workplace safety laws last year, according to a report released Thursday by the AFL-CIO."
Other states don't ask immigrant status in discrimination cases
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning?s refusal to handle housing discrimination cases in which the person complaining is an illegal immigrant is unusual, perhaps unique."
Cheaters liquor license approved
From: www.omahaworldherald.com
"Monica Miller left the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission meeting Wednesday feeling excited and relieved."
NH housing imbalance called bad for economy
From: www.unionleader.com
"BEDFORD, N.H.- Communities fearful of change are enacting housing restrictions favoring the elderly and putting young workers at a disadvantage, according to a new documentary and book that aims to spark a statewide discussion about housing.
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Rutgers' stadium no field of green
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- Fiscal hawks are worried that Rutgers University has begun expanding its football stadium even though it lacks $30 million needed to complete the job."
NM regulators approve PNM rate hike
From: www.lcsun-news.com
"The state Public Regulation Commission has approved an estimated $33 million rate increase for New Mexico's largest utility."
N.M. unemployment moves up
From: www.lcsun-news.com
"ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - New Mexico's jobless rate has increased, but state labor officials say it's still well below the national average."
Orleans case sparks investigation
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The Nevada attorney general's office has opened an investigation into the state Business and Industry Department's handling of a case involving the deaths of two workers at the Orleans, the Sun has learned."
Gov warns of midyear cuts
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson is considering midyear cuts to the state budget in light of plummeting revenues, he said yesterday. Paterson didn't specify where the cuts would be made, but said belt-tightening is a must."
Fund sued over pension rejections
From: www.timesunion.com
"Seven people working for a Clifton Park nonprofit educational firm attempted to inappropriately get into the New York State Teachers' Retirement System and qualify for public pensions, according to the lawyer for the pension fund."
Hiring planned despite Paterson edict
From: www.timesunion.com
"At the same time Gov. David Paterson is ordering agencies to restrict hiring during tough fiscal times, the state is preparing for targeted recruitment to replace thousands of mid- and upper-management employees expected to retire in the next five years."
Calif. judge refuses to block Allstate rate reduction
From: www.sacbee.com
"SAN FRANCISCO -- A San Francisco judge has refused to block a state-ordered, 15.9 percent reduction in Allstate's auto insurance rates.
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Paterson wants legislature to help trim the budget they approved 2 weeks ago
From: www.nytimes.com
"Likening the state to a consumer awash in credit card debt, Gov. David A. Paterson said Thursday that he wanted to take the rare step of reopening the already approved state budget before the end of the legislative session June 30 to cut spending further."
Ohio fares well in insurance study
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Consumers in California have the best auto insurance coverage and rates, but Ohioans also fared pretty well in a new nationwide study."
Goodyear swings to profit in 1Q, revenue rises
From: hosted.ap.org
"CLEVELAND - Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. swung to a profit in the first quarter by focusing on higher-priced tires and international markets. The results from the biggest U.S.-based tiremaker beat Wall Street expectations and its shares rose nearly 3 percent in premarket trading."
A world of factors sends local rice prices soaring
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The dynamics of the world food economy are playing out in full force in Oregon as real and perceived shortages are driving prices to record highs. Some local stores have started to ration rice sales, and relief agencies fear a new crisis in trying to feed the world's hungry."
Barden rails against 'conspiracy' in casino delays
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Majestic Star Casino owner Don Barden blamed a national credit crunch and a "conspiracy" involving losing bidders for Pittsburgh's slots license for delays in opening his casino on the North Shore."
State casinos still oppose smoking ban
From: www.mcall.com
"What happens in Atlantic City, including a ban on smoking in casinos, may stay there."
Gaming board delays vote on Barden
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Despite a plea by casino builder Don Barden for faster action, the state Gaming Control Board has put off a vote for three weeks on refinancing plans for his North Shore slots parlor."
Pa.'s student-loan agency to cut grants, offer buyouts
From: www.philly.com
"The state's student-loan agency will cut college grants by up to $750 and offer voluntary buyouts to some employees to ease financial woes blamed on strained credit markets, officials said yesterday."
SC House approves bill restoring movie and TV tax incentives
From: www.goupstate.com
"A bill that would restore tax incentives to lure movies and television series back to South Carolina has received key approval in the House."
Sanford visits Greer business, talks budget
From: www.goupstate.com
"Gov. Mark Sanford made stops at two small South Carolina businesses Thursday to express concerns about the state budget. He asked workers to demand that legislators stop "borrowing from Peter to pay Paul.""
Bill that seeks to keep students out of debt passes House
From: www.knoxnews.com
"A proposal that would restrict credit card solicitations to students on college campuses was approved in the House."
Bill changes urged in fight against invasive species
From: www.madison.com
"Madison-based Midwest Environmental Advocates has warned congressional delegations from Wisconsin and Minnesota that this year's Coast Guard Authorization Act is seriously flawed and could limit the ability of states to fight invasive species."
Many states appear to be in a recession
From: www.boston.com
"COLUMBUS, Ohio - The finances of many states have deteriorated so badly that they appear to be in a recession, regardless of whether that's true for the nation as a whole, a survey of all 50 state fiscal directors concludes."
States act to shield gun holders
From: www.usatoday.com
"South Carolina last week became the latest in a growing number of states to make the names of people who have a license to carry a concealed weapon a state secret. "
Unpaid utility bills soar as economy sags
From: www.usatoday.com
"CHICAGO - Hundreds of thousands of utility customers are at risk of disconnections as the sagging economy drives up the number of past-due home heating bills and the amounts owed, utility companies in cold-weather states say."
Cutoffs and pleas for aid rise with heat costs
From: www.nytimes.com
"After struggling with soaring heating costs through the winter, millions of Americans are behind on electric and gas bills, and a record number of families could face energy shut-offs over the next two months, according to state energy officials and utilities around the country. "
Utahns stock up as food prices bite
From: www.sltrib.com
"After hearing about a global run on food, Jackie Adams picked up a 25-pound bag of California-grown rice for herself and three more bags for her children. And while the West Valley City woman was shopping, she also stocked up on a big bag of pinto beans."
Petition faces tight deadline
From: www.sltrib.com
"The Legislature's recent passage of SB53 means that time could quickly run out for a group of Sevier County residents who hope to get a proposed coal-fired power plant petition on the ballot in November."
Artificial turf -- Lead threat sets off alarms
From: www.sltrib.com
"Ron McBride, the athletic director at Logan High, wouldn't have thought twice about the safety of artificial turf a week ago. And when his school changed to a synthetic surface four years ago, he had it tested -- for longevity -- and not anything else."
Donors -- Big firms are generous to incumbents
From: www.deseretnews.com
"If you want a good example of how Utah legislators raise their campaign cash from special-interest groups and lobbyists, look no further than a Salt Lake City Democratic Senate race and a number of GOP legislative contests in Utah County."
Gun seller offering discounts to 'save lives'
From: www.cnn.com
"The owner of a company that sold firearm merchandise to both the Virginia Tech University and Northern Illinois University shooters said he will sell his guns at cost for the next two weeks in hopes that "law-abiding" citizens will buy them to prevent similar tragedies."
Gun supplier's appearance angers many at Va. Tech
From: www.usatoday.com
"An Internet-based weapons dealer who supplied one of the guns used in the massacre at Virginia Tech spoke at the campus Thursday night, provoking a rebuke from campus officials and victims' family members who called his appearance "offensive" and "insensitive.""
Possible layoffs in the road building industry
From: www.wrn.com
"State budget problems could mean delays in road repairs."
Health-care company, state deny personal data was at risk
From: www.madison.com
"The security of a database containing sensitive information about 240,000 senior citizens and disabled people in Wisconsin was never breached or at risk, the chief executive of the company that controls the data said Thursday."
Pharmacist seeks state Supreme Court review
From: www.madison.com
"Pharmacist Neil Noesen is asking the Wisconsin Supreme Court to review an appeals court decision that upheld a disciplinary action against him for refusing to fill or transfer a prescription for oral contraceptives."
ICG says finances improving
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"Despite mounting losses, International Coal Group officials say they're optimistic enough about rising coal prices that they're downplaying the need for a partner to finance a new underground mine scheduled to open next year."
Coal operators agree to limit valley fills
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"Coal operators agreed to limit waste dumping at three mountaintop removal mines to streams that had already been disturbed."
Massey reports 28.5% jump in 1Q profit
From: hosted.ap.org
"Massey Energy Co.'s first-quarter profit jumped 28.5 percent on the strength of soaring prices, the Richmond, Va.-based coal company said Thursday."
WVU students shrug at controversy
From: www.post-gazette.com
"MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The students in the information systems class in the West Virginia University College of Business and Economics yesterday morning were discussing ethics. The topic was straight out of the morning headlines."
Some want tougher action from WVU over degree
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Faculty members, newspapers and education leaders yesterday urged West Virginia University to take stronger measures in response to an investigative panel's finding that the school awarded an M.B.A. degree to Mylan executive Heather Bresch that she did not earn."
WORTH NOTING: Phantom voter stalks Ala. State House
From: www.stateline.org
"An Alabama lawmaker says someone’s been using his voting machine. Florida’s House Speaker locks the doors and turns off Internet access to make legislators pay attention. And Mayberry’s Sheriff Taylor endorses a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in."
Credit crunch hits states' college loans
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 11:55 a.m. EDT, April 23, 2008)
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.
"
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. "
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."
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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