Study warns job losses will strain government health programs
From: www.nytimes.com
"Leading health researchers projected Monday that each percentage-point rise in unemployment during the economic downturn would swell the uninsured by 1.1 million, stoking demand for government health coverage just as states face pressure to cut benefits."
Analysts say R.I. economy in recession
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island stands alone as the only Northeastern state "in recession," according to economists who reported yesterday that the state's economy hasn't been this bad in nearly two decades."
Bill bans incentives to prescribe generics
From: www.denverpost.com
"The advent of $4 generic drugs and concerns about rising health care costs have brought mounting pressure on doctors to prescribe cheaper, off-brand medications."
Anti-Obama ads hit state today
From: www.journalgazette.net
"A pro-Hillary Rodham Clinton campaign group will begin airing ads on TV stations throughout Indiana today that ridicule Barack Obama's economic plan."
Proposed bill on homeowners' side
From: www.charleston.net
"State agencies regulate auctioneers, barbershop stylists and funeral home operators, but they don't watch over the professionals who are in charge of what is often the largest purchase of a person's life."
Getting married for health insurance
From: www.latimes.com
"WASHINGTON -- Some people marry for love, some for companionship, and others for status or money. Now comes another reason to get hitched: health insurance."
Energy agency looking at fuel factors in the Interior
From: newsminer.com
"The Alaska Energy Authority is taking proactive measures to find just how the high cost of energy is affecting the Interior."
Tax hike for natural gas companies opposed
From: www.accessmontgomery.com
"Several business and anti-tax groups gathered Monday outside the State House to urge legislators to reject a tax measure backed by Gov. Bob Riley's administration to raise taxes on companies that drill for natural gas off Alabama's coast."
Area senators call for special session
From: www.al.com
"With a Senate filibuster showing no signs of stopping, some Mobile-area senators are urging a special session to pass bills aimed at insurance relief for Mobile and Baldwin counties."
Sanctions-law revision would bar retroactivity
From: www.azstarnet.com
"State lawmakers gave final approval Monday to changes in the state's 4-month-old employer sanctions law."
Arizona lawmakers approve changes
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"PHOENIX -- The Arizona Legislature approved a proposal Monday aimed at correcting perceived flaws in a state law that prohibits employers from knowingly hiring illegal immigrants. "
Governor signs 45 bills into law
From: www.azcentral.com
"Arizonans may soon see a more-violent brand of cage fighting and the state's abandoned mines could soon be filled with glass, concrete and other materials under legislation signed by Gov. Janet Napolitano on Monday."
Bill pushing for state review of railroad projects moves to full Senate
From: www.azcentral.com
"A bill to require new state reviews of railroad projects is advancing in the Arizona Legislature after surviving a legal review Monday amid questions of whether the state would encroach on the federal government's regulatory authority."
Governor OKs Indian casino near Fresno
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Monday that he has signed a deal to allow a Sierra Nevada Indian tribe to build a casino along a major highway near Fresno that could be worth about $25 million a year to the state."
Bill would provide oversight of S.F. Bay shipping pilots
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A commission that licenses pilots who guide commercial ships through San Francisco Bay would lose some of its independence under a bill moving through the state Legislature."
CalPERS CEO leaving to pursue private opportunities
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"The chief executive officer of the California Public Employees' Retirement System announced Monday that he is stepping down to pursue private-sector opportunities."
Schwarzenegger says Calif. faces $20 billion budget deficit
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"LOS ANGELES -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Monday that California faces a budget gap that could approach $20 billion through June 2009, a dizzying projection that adds further confusion to the depth of California's financial crisis."
State threatens to establish casino security standards
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A year after negotiations opened with much promise, California Indian tribes and the state's gambling commission appear headed for a landmark legal showdown over security standards for the $8 billion casino industry."
State budget '$20 billion out of whack'
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said yesterday that the state budget is "$20 billion out of whack," a startling figure that doubles some previous estimates."
Measure would give food animals space
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Tender veal cutlets. Sizzling pork chops. Savory omelets. For a growing number of Californians, these meals are sparking a moral conundrum: Should they worry about how animals lived before their products hit the plate?"
Bill aiding California homeowners advances with key GOP Senate votes
From: www.sacbee.com
"A handful of Republican senators on Monday helped Democrats pass mortgage crisis legislation that gives more time and notice to troubled homeowners."
Across USA, anxiety over access to patient records
From: www.usatoday.com
"In 2001, Sandee Pingatore was determined to find out why her son, Troy, 29, had died in a California hospital while being treated for a drug overdose just hours after she had been told he was stable. "
'Right to work' makes ballot
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"A "right-to-work" measure that would ban all-union workplaces got the go-ahead Monday to appear on this fall's statewide ballot."
Higher casino bet limit posed
From: www.denverpost.com
"A newly proposed ballot initiative would ask Colorado voters to give authority to the state's gambling towns to increase casino bet limits, add new games and extend operating hours."
Lawmakers debate over whether to re-open budget
From: www.courant.com
"State lawmakers debated Monday whether to adjust the budget plan passed last year, with Republicans suggesting a number of changes, including a summertime gas tax holiday to help motorists."
Rell, Democratcs reject Republicans' budget proposals
From: www.courant.com
"Rejecting the prospect of doing nothing on the state budget this year, legislative Republicans offered an alternative "do something" fiscal plan Monday that would cut the gasoline tax and increase spending for nursing homes and social service agencies."
Higher penalties in works for illegal dumpers
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Illegal dumpers would face tougher penalties, especially in state parks, under legislation slated to go to the General Assembly this spring, Attorney General Beau Biden III said Monday."
Bill passes requiring safer-burning cigarettes
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Legislation that would mandate safer-burning cigarettes designed to reduce home fires will soon land on Gov. Charlie Crist's desk."
Senate kills 'disgusting' gambling bill
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"The state Senate on Monday afternoon shot down a bill sponsored by Sen. Dave Aronberg that would have allowed card rooms to open in storefronts by transferring the license to n off-site location within a 30-mile radius."
Florida House acts to prevent farm-land regulation
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Prompted by the case of landowner Johnny Petrandis II in Leon County, the Florida House on Monday approved a bill that would prevent counties from enforcing regulations on land classified as agricultural."
Florida Senate rejects plan to let Palm Beach Kennel Club add card room
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"The Florida Senate on Monday soundly rejected a plan that would have let Palm Beach Kennel Club open an off-track card room and betting facility to help it better compete against Indian casinos and state-sanctioned slot machines at Broward County's pari-mutuels."
Homes facing foreclosure more than double, with Florida near top
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"LOS ANGELES - The number of U.S. homes heading toward foreclosure more than doubled in the first quarter from a year earlier, as weakening property values and tighter lending left many homeowners powerless to prevent homes from being auctioned to the highest bidder, a research firm said Monday."
State giving $15M to help Space Coast economy adjust after shuttle era
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"In an otherwise grim budget year, the Space Coast landed $15 million from the state to help wean its work force off the soon-to-be-retired shuttle fleet."
Crist pushes gas tax holiday
From: www.tampabay.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist's latest populist pitch to tax-weary constituents: Cut the state gas tax by 10 cents for two weeks this summer."
Ag measure could jeopardize solar bill
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The fate of a bill to require solar water heaters in new homes starting in 2010 has been linked to a separate bill that provides incentives to preserve important agricultural land."
It's unclear how cargo void will be filled
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The shutdown of Hawaii's largest inter island air-cargo carrier has left the state scrambling to fill a huge void."
Hawaii loses 85% of air cargo capability
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii's economy, reeling from the loss of thousands of jobs with the demise of Aloha Airlines' passenger service, the closure of Molokai Ranch and NCL America's decision to pull out two of its ships, now faces the loss of a vital transportation link with the shutdown of Aloha's cargo operations."
Shutdown could stir domino effect
From: starbulletin.com
"Aloha Airlines' unexpected shift to liquidation in its bankruptcy case also could affect another part of the company unrelated to cargo: its 950-employee aviation contract services unit, which handles ground operations for several other airlines that serve Hawaii-mainland routes."
Bidders drop out and funding halts
From: starbulletin.com
"In an abrupt, chaotic ending to Aloha Airlines' nearly 62-year history, the bankrupt carrier pulled the plug on its cargo operations yesterday after two bidders for the profitable unit dropped out and Aloha's lender refused to provide additional funding."
Regulator -- Hospitals influenced bill raising license fees
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"For the first time in 61 years, Iowa lawmakers have approved an increase in the cost of hospitals' state licenses. But in a move criticized by government regulators, the Legislature dictated that all of the money generated by the higher fee must be spent to educate hospital officials."
Illinois ethics package near agreement, over governor's opposition
From: www.stltoday.com
"Illinois lawmakers are close to an agreement to outlaw "pay-to-play" politics -- an agreement that may include an unusual public vow that the Legislature will override any attempt by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to change the bill."
State lawmakers consider allowing bets on horses over the Internet
From: www.dailyherald.com
"A man paces in the dining room at Arlington Park, nursing a beverage while staring at the lineup of horses on the video screen as race time approaches."
'Fitzgerald would be terminated'
From: www.suntimes.com
"As the federal investigation into corruption in state government intensified in 2004, a business associate of Tony Rezko received a grand jury subpoena. But Rezko, a campaign fund-raiser for Gov. Blagojevich, told the associate, Elie Maloof, there was no reason to talk, Maloof testified Monday."
Fairgrounds repairs finished
From: www.sj-r.com
"Electrical work at the Illinois State Fairgrounds is complete, three weeks ahead of schedule. Officials with the state Department of Agriculture and Capital Development Board will hold a news conference this morning to announce completion of the project and reopening of the fairgrounds to the public."
660,000 Illinois jobs lose medical benefits
From: newsblogs.chicagotribune.com
"Year after year, more and more workers are getting the news from their bosses: "Sorry, but we just can't afford to provide health insurance any longer.""
Lawmakers discuss energy, Holcomb plants
From: www.kansas.com
"Several state legislators met with a group of about 50 people Monday evening at Wichita State University for a panel discussion about energy issues in Kansas."
Workplace injuries surging
From: cjonline.com
"Tyrone Korte and Ron Griffith became workplace casualties Sept. 11 when they were struck by a vehicle that entered a highway construction zone south of Lawrence."
Group says N.C. is Lincoln birthplace
From: www.kentucky.com
"HODGENVILLE, Ky. - Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois each lay claim to part of Abraham Lincoln's youth."
Beshear appoints new members of horse racing board
From: www.kentucky.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed five new members to the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority."
Court to review adult club rules
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Kentucky Supreme Court has agreed to review a challenge to Louisville's adult entertainment ordinance."
80 work fatalities in state last year
From: www.boston.com
"Eighty workers died in Massachusetts on the job or from work-related illness last year, the most since 2003, according to a report yesterday urging tougher penalties for putting employees at risk."
Deval muzzles himself
From: www.bostonherald.com
"In the wake of Gov. Deval Patrick?s gambling mecca meltdown, the state?s four racetracks are pushing harder than ever for slot machines. It?s a quick fix for the economy that would pump hundreds of millions into state coffers."
Farm bill may help the bay
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"WASHINGTON - A deal reached by congressional negotiators adds $380 million to the federal farm bill for programs to help clean up the Chesapeake Bay, lawmakers said yesterday."
Cambridge lighthouse replica project clears hurdle
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley has signed legislation granting a wetlands permit for the lighthouse replica planned for Cambridge."
Schools use cash as an incentive to boost attendance and scores
From: www.csmonitor.com
"BALTIMORE - Asia Cole usually finishes the newspaper on the bus before she arrives in front of her computer in the morning. "
LURC plan or else
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"The future of half of Maine is up for discussion at a series of workshops being held from Millinocket to Portland."
Maine incomes outpaced by health insurance costs
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Mainers have seen the cost of health insurance grow faster than their incomes in recent years, although the disparity was less dramatic than for the nation as a whole, according to a study released today."
Study lauds Maine health care solutions
From: bangornews.com
"It?s no news that the cost of health insurance is out of reach for many families, but a new report from a respected national organization adds urgency to the search for a national solution."
Debate continues over Michigan health insurance bills
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"A state Senate panel could begin voting on proposed changes to Michigan's individual health insurance market as early as this week."
Bill would give motorists choice in medical coverage
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Some state lawmakers and community leaders are getting behind legislation to give motorists a choice of medical coverage when buying auto insurance."
Airbus executive visits Kalamazoo to congratulate Parker Hannifin on $2 billion contract
From: www.mlive.com
"PORTAGE, Mich. -- A gaggle of appreciative local and state leaders, including Gov. Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, as well as nearly 100 Parker Aerospace employees, gathered at the Air Zoo this morning for a celebration of airline manufacturing giant Airbus' $1 billion contract with Parker Aerospace's Hydraulic Systems Division."
Top PACs in Michigan raise $21.8 million for 2007-08 cycle
From: www.mlive.com
"Michigan's top 150 political action committees raised nearly $22 million from January 2007 through the end of March 2008."
Bid to stop mine in U.P. gets hearing
From: www.detnews.com
"Opponents of a planned nickel and copper mine in Michigan's Upper Peninsula are trying to overturn a decision by the state Department of Environmental Quality to allow the project."
Drivers could save if insurance limits lowered
From: www.freep.com
"A new, bipartisan -- and in several ways unlikely -- coalition wants to change Michigan's no-fault insurance law to allow drivers to buy less medical coverage and save lots of money."
Republicans plan to make gas taxes a campaign issue
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"The price of gas nationally gas hit a record today according to AAA, and it's close to the record in Minnesota."
California-style emissions law for Minnesota?
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"Truck-loving Minnesota would adopt California's tough, state-imposed vehicle emissions law under a bill advancing in the Legislature."
Making movies in Minnesota -- Clint should be here. Johnny Depp, too.
From: www.twincities.com
"If things had worked out, Clint Eastwood would be strolling down Rice Street right now. Instead, Eastwood will be traipsing around Grand Rapids, Mich., where he decided to shoot "Gran Torino" when it became clear Minnesota couldn't come up with incentives to match Michigan's. "
High drama in the courts -- Bar owners try to skirt state's smoking ban
From: www.minnpost.com
"Dressed in his favorite Renaissance Festival outfit, complete with tights and feathered cap, Mark Benjamin was the very romanticized image of the Bard this winter as he encouraged other "actors" at Barnacles Bar in Mille Lacs, Minn., to light up and act out in a creative attempt to take advantage of the theater exception to the statewide smoking ban in October."
State funds study of mesothelioma in Iron Range miners
From: www.twincities.com
"A bill signed Monday by Gov. Tim Pawlenty will address decades of questions and rumors about the lung-related health problems of Iron Range miners."
Holiday stations nix GOP anti-gas-tax ads at the gas pumps
From: www.twincities.com
"It was a creative political idea: Run anti-Democrat, anti-gas tax ads on the little monitors at gas stations across the Twin Cities. But, despite talking it up for a month, the idea from House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, R-Marshall, can't find a home. "
MU still a good value, president says
From: www.columbiamissourian.com
"UM System President Gary Forsee came from a household where there was an appreciation for higher education, and his family encouraged him to go to college."
Consumer advocates criticize Missouri legislation on prepaid funeral packages
From: www.kansascity.com
"The national Funeral Consumers Alliance on Monday lambasted Missouri's laws governing advance sales of funeral packages as "legalized robbery.""
Backer of effort to get affirmative action ban on ballot speaks in KC
From: www.kansascity.com
"A recent judgment against Kansas City in a race-discrimination case highlights the need to ban government-sponsored affirmative action, backers of the Missouri Civil Rights Initiative said Monday."
Who's watching out for the dead?
From: www.clarionledger.com
"More than three years after former Jackson State University tennis coach Willie Shepard died in a house fire, it pains his widow to go to the cemetery where he is buried."
Mississippi River flood dooms promising year for many farmers
From: www.cdispatch.com
"REDWOOD, Miss. ? Now the waiting begins. The independent farmers who gathered recently at Pig Willie?s barbecue joint for lunch have each experienced the water torture of the Mississippi River?s unhurried rise to its crest. Now, the question is how long till floodwaters will recede and they have a chance to salvage what?s left of what might have been the best season in memory?"
More area gravel-pit operators file suit against DEQ
From: bozemandailychronicle.com
"Several area gravel-pit operators, hoping to obtain permits before Gallatin County commissioners can institute emergency zoning, have filed lawsuits against the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
"
Auditor seeks health insurance boost
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"State Auditor John Morrison wants an $18 million expansion in the state-subsidized health insurance program for small businesses."
Job Service offers direct deposit
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"Job Service North Dakota is giving people who receive unemployment benefits the option of having payments directly deposited into a checking or savings account."
Some DOT employees to move
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"The state Department of Transportation will be moving between 80 and 90 employees to the old Bank of North Dakota building this summer while their headquarters undergoes an asbestos removal project."
Today's technology can tap only 1.4 percent of Bakken's oil
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"MINOT, N.D. -- North Dakota?s own estimate of how much oil can be gotten economically, using current technology, from the Bakken formation in the Williston Basin is slightly above or below 2.1 billion barrels, Lynn Helms reported Monday at a conference here."
N.D. study estimates 167 billion barrels of oil in Bakken
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"The Bakken shale formation in North Dakota holds up to 167 billion barrels of oil but only about 1 percent of it can be recovered using current technology, a new state study says."
Nebraska state auditor challenges Office Depot billings
From: www.omaha.com
"State government has been paying too much for office supplies because of "serious pricing errors and overcharges" by Office Depot, State Auditor Mike Foley said Monday."
Auditor -- State is overcharged for office supplies
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraska has become the latest state to accuse office supply company Office Depot with overcharging state agencies for contracted orders and making serious pricing errors on its monthly billings."
Ethanol output still expanding, but permits grind to halt
From: www.journalstar.com
"Cool, damp weather and slow progress on corn planting produced another surge in corn prices Monday and an even stiffer challenge for Nebraska ethanol plants trying to stay in profitable territory."
RU defends contractor on stadium expansion
From: www.nj.com
"Rutgers University officials said yesterday they are confident that the contractor in charge of the school's football stadium expansion project is well qualified despite the fact it was fired from its role overseeing 23 school construction projects for the state."
Housing authority facing state audit
From: www.lcsun-news.com
"State Auditor Hector Balderas said last week an audit investigation into New Mexico's regional housing authority system is progressing."
Ohio lawmakers seek to raid anti-smoking funds
From: www.npr.org
"Lawmakers in many states have found other uses for a huge 1999 civil settlement with tobacco companies that was initially meant to create anti-smoking programs. Now Ohio lawmakers want to use their share for a stimulus package, sparking a new court battle."
Ohio Capital Fund commits $25 million to 4 venture capital funds that invest in life science, IT firms
From: www.cleveland.com
"The Ohio Capital Fund has committed $25 million to four venture capital funds that invest in young life science and information technology companies, at least half of which must be in Ohio."
Water War
From: www.journalrecord.com
"Bob Jackman considers himself something of a war correspondent -- though he says he is having a tough time convincing some people to listen to his accounts of the battles waged in what he has dubbed Oklahoma's "Water Wars.""
Economy milking cattle ranchers
From: www.journalrecord.com
"Cattle ranchers squeezed by the economy are finding themselves in a conundrum of downsizing they wouldn't have expected a few decades ago, Oklahoma State University beef cow specialist Glen Selk said."
GOP leader derides turnpike 'secrecy'
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"House Republican Leader Sam Smith said Monday he supports Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell's effort to lease the turnpike, but he said "secrecy" surrounding the gathering of bids jeopardizes the plan."
Panel closer to voting on state smoking ban but not there yet
From: www.post-gazette.com
"A House-Senate conference committee claims it's getting closer to adopting a bill that would ban smoking in most Pennsylvania workplaces, but it can't seem to close the deal."
S.C. slow to help in home crunch
From: www.charleston.net
"State lawmakers are pushing a measure that would protect future homebuyers from risky and high-cost mortgages. But their proposal doesn't address the thousands of South Carolina homeowners who are struggling to make monthly payments right now."
Court ruling could open speedway for 2008 season
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"A Monday ruling by a 7th-Circuit Court judge could pave the way for a 2008 auto racing season at Black Hills Speedway."
Critics - TVA bid process was flawed
From: www.tennessean.com
"When TVA wanted to know whether it should finish a nuclear reactor north of Chattanooga, it hired the private company Bechtel to oversee a $20 million study."
Nashville - House approves AT&T cable deal
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"The House voted 93-2 Monday for legislation that would let AT&T begin competing with cable companies to provide television services across Tennessee."
NW states face budget woes on horizon
From: www.nwpr.org
"Legislative budget writers are pessimistic about Washington state's fiscal outlook for next year. That's according a new 50-state survey. Their peers in Oregon and Idaho place themselves in the "concerned" category."
Artificial-turf fears put schools on spot
From: www.philly.com
"The College of New Jersey had a problem. Lead dust had been discovered between the blades of the artificial grass on Lions Field, where football and lacrosse teams had played for 10 years -- and where graduation ceremonies were just weeks away."
Health costs pinch families
From: www.sltrib.com
"Inflation-adjusted family premiums for work-based coverage have jumped an average of 22 percent in Utah from 2001 to 2005, while median income rose just 4.6 percent in roughly the same time frame."
More evidence of economic slump: Utah hotel occupancy dips
From: www.sltrib.com
"As further evidence of a weakening economy, hotel occupancy rates statewide dropped almost 7 percent in March, compared with the same month a year earlier."
Will 'illegal' nuclear waste come to Utah?
From: deseretnews.com
"Backed by new information from a nuclear-watchdog group, the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah demanded answers Monday from EnergySolutions about its plans to accept Class A radioactive waste from Italy and about whether hotter "illegal" waste will somehow slip into Utah."
Foreclosures jump in Utah
From: deseretnews.com
"The foreclosure rate in Utah jumped by nearly 78 percent in the first quarter of this year, compared with the same period last year, according to a report released Monday."
Va. Supreme Court to revisit divisive spam case
From: www.inrich.com
"The Supreme Court of Virginia yesterday agreed to a limited rehearing of its closely divided decision upholding the first felony spam convictions in the country."
10 percent rise seen in bay's grasses
From: www.inrich.com
"The Chesapeake Bay's aquatic grass acreage -- an important indicator of water quality -- grew by 10 percent in 2007 from the previous year."
Panel won't offer advice after gun show study
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Virginia State Crime Commission has agreed to study private sales at gun shows, which are made without background checks. But members have already made clear that they don't plan to do anything about the issue. "
Panel to issue stimulus plan report
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"In a report coming out today, lawmakers will recommend some, but not the entire 15-point economic stimulus package outlined 10 days ago by Gov. Jim Douglas. "
Hopes that the wells won't run dry in Vermont
From: www.csmonitor.com
"With Lake Champlain, snowy peaks, and 40 inches of rain a year, the Green Mountain State isn't exactly parched. But don't tell that to Annette Smith."
Results mixed on ban of some drinks
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"A ban on sales of high-octane booze in certain Seattle neighborhoods has shown mixed and inconclusive results in decreasing public drunkenness -- yet is doomed without reforms to deal with market changes, city officials said Monday.
"
Controversy continues over WA heat stroke rule
From: www.nwpr.org
"It's still chilly outside, but the state of Washington is looking ahead to the dog days of summer. The Department of Labor and Industries will hold public hearings this week on controversial new regulations to protect people who work outside from heat stress."
Tourism gains altitude
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"The state is poised to double its tourism spending, as visitors are pumping more money than ever into Washington's economy."
County work on jail illegal, auditor says
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"King County set out to fix security at its jail five years ago but ended up breaking state law by failing to get competitive bids on a project that has rocketed up to $51.6 million, more than three times the original estimate, according to a new state audit."
WSU considers axing forestry program
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"PULLMAN, Wash. -- Washington is called The Evergreen State, but its only accredited undergraduate program in forestry is in danger of being axed."
State, U.K. may deal on climate
From: www.jsonline.com
"Wisconsin and United Kingdom leaders are considering an agreement that would call for projects to research and share information about approaches to tackle global warming."
Wages not keeping up with health insurance
From: wvgazette.com
"A new national study confirms what many working West Virginians already suspected: Employee wages aren't keeping pace with the higher cost of their health insurance premiums."
Coal price hikes boost electric rates, more increases coming
From: www.dailymail.com
"NEW YORK - Consumers struggling with high gas prices, rising food costs and falling home values have something new to worry about: Sharply rising electricity rates due to a surge in coal prices over the past year."
Maryland airport lobbying for new air service to Charleston
From: www.dailymail.com
"CUMBERLAND, Md. - The Greater Cumberland Regional Airport is being eyed as a possible destination for round trip commuter airline service from Charleston, W.Va."
WVU business school dean quits over M.B.A.; president holds firm
From: www.post-gazette.com
"MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia University President Michael Garrison apologized for "failures" that led to the award of a master's degree that Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch did not earn, but said he would not step down amid a scandal that yesterday triggered the departure of a second top administrator."
Home vacancy rate stays low
From: www.trib.com
"Here's another sign of Wyoming's tight housing market: Census figures released Monday show that the number of vacant homes for sale in the state remains much lower than the regional and national averages."
Legislators prod Congress on Medicaid, Real ID
From: www.stateline.org
"As some states tumble into what they fear is a recession, state lawmakers from across the country are pushing Congress for relief from impending federal rules that would force states to pick up more Medicaid costs and spend billions to make drivers’ licenses more secure."
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).
"
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. "
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."
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
