Many states ring up lower sales tax revenues
From: online.wsj.com
"Weak consumer spending is pushing sales-tax revenue down in many states. "
Value of college tuition is called into question
From: www.usatoday.com
"As college tuitions continue to climb, a study released today fuels concerns about whether the investment in higher education by families and taxpayers translates into better results. "
State targets 'pay to play'
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"With Illinois' previous governor imprisoned for corruption and the current one engulfed by a top fundraiser's influence-peddling trial, lawmakers Wednesday took a tentative step toward barring companies that want state business from showering politicians with campaign cash."
See the world, let special interests pay, Schwarzenegger urges lawmakers
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday encouraged lawmakers -- especially those from small towns -- to do more globe-trotting on the dime of special interests."
Economy in state outpaces US growth
From: www.boston.com
"The Massachusetts economy expanded at a healthy clip in the first three months of the year despite a national economic slowdown, breaking with the recent past when the state suffered longer and deeper recessions than the rest of the United States."
Veco sentencing on hold
From: www.adn.com
"Federal prosecutors aren't ready just yet to recommend sentences for their two witnesses in an ongoing federal corruption probe."
Prosecutors ask to delay VECO execs' sentencing
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Federal prosecutors have asked a judge for another three-month delay in scheduling a sentencing date for Bill Allen and Rick Smith, the former VECO Corp. executives who pled guilty in the public corruption probe."
SEC sues Alabama mayor in muni case
From: online.wsj.com
"Birmingham, Ala.'s, mayor was sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly accepting more than $156,000 from a friend whose investment-banking firm collected fees on municipal-bond offerings and swap agreements while the mayor oversaw the finances of Jefferson County."
Arizona adds more Hispanics than all other groups combined
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Arizona is adding more Hispanics to its population each year than all other groups combined, according to new figures from the U.S. Census Bureau."
Lack of opt-out provision stops bill in Arizona House mandating recess
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Legislation to require 30 minutes of recess each day for students in grades one through six hit a snag Wednesday."
Arizona adds digit to license plates to keep up with growth
From: www.nytimes.com
"As people have rushed to Arizona in the past decade like water to a drain, the state has faced problems familiar to bigger states - crowded schools, urban sprawl and jammed freeways."
Rincon band gets win vs. governor on gaming deal
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A federal court decision in a case involving North County's Rincon Indian band calls into question a practice Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger touted as a way to bring billions of dollars into California's cash-starved coffers.
"
California's farm belt plan to cut air pollution criticized
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"FRESNO, Calif. - Environmentalists say a new plan to clean up the soot-laden air in California's farm belt would fail to adequately regulate agricultural sources of pollution. "
Allstate to follow California's order to cut auto insurance rates
From: www.sacbee.com
"Allstate Corp. said Wednesday that it will honor a state Department of Insurance order by cutting auto insurance rates an average of 15.9 percent for its California policyholders. But the company said it will continue to appeal the ruling.
"
'Little towns' crack assailed
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday it's good for state legislators from "little towns" to globe-trot and see worldly things like "an airport," "a highway that maybe has 10 lanes" or even "a highway on top of a highway."..."
Senate vote on casino smoking ban could come today
From: www.theday.com
"Democratic leaders in the Senate moved a controversial bill to ban smoking in the state's Indian casinos off the foot of the calendar Wednesday night but took no further action late that evening."
State stops energy company's plan to end service
From: www.courant.com
"Nothing unites legislators and Gov. M. Jodi Rell like a threat to turn off heating and cooling at 14 state buildings, including the Supreme Court and a critical health lab."
Senate debates mandatory sick leave at businesses
From: www.courant.com
"The state Senate Wednesday night debated whether Connecticut should become the first state in the country to require employers of 50 or more workers to provide up to 6 1/2 days of paid sick leave a year."
Neighbors speak out about group homes
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Questions surrounding two group homes in the Brandywine Hundred area continued Wednesday night as about 100 residents met with representatives from the state and the companies that own and operate the homes."
State agency again rejects Sussex land plan
From: www.delawareonline.com
"The state has given a second thumbs-down to parts of Sussex County's land-use plan, telling the county to head back to the drawing board on efforts to guide growth."
Energy bill heads to Crist
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The Florida Senate gave final approval to an energy bill Wednesday, bringing new energy-efficient building codes, renewable fuel standards and several other initiatives to reduce greenhouse gases and reduce the state's dependence on foreign oil."
Even in shrinking budget, there's $2.5-million for Rep. Young earmark
From: www.tampabay.com
"Times aren't so bad. Just ask Gov. Charlie Crist or his friend, U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young."
Legislators compromise on 'homeowners' bill of rights'
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"The state House late Wednesday night passed a sweeping property insurance bill that is touted as a "homeowners' bill of rights."
"
Florida House votes to junk 'art in public places' spending
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The Florida House voted emphatically Wednesday to junk a requirement that state agencies spend up to a half-percent of building costs on art, but chances of final passage appear doubtful"
House bill could make it harder for State of Florida retirees to 'double-dip'
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The Florida House voted Wednesday to make it harder for retired state employees to "double-dip" -- returning to work while drawing their pensions -- but the chairman of a Senate committee said he will kill the ban.
"
Tallahassee projects survive state budget cuts
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The ax that lopped more than $4 billion from the state budget cut deeply into health programs for the poor, but scores of local projects, otherwise known as budget turkeys, survived unscathed.
"
Clean-energy bill on its way to Crist
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A bill that encourages the use of renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was approved Wednesday by the Senate and is on its way to Gov. Charlie Crist for his signature.
"
S. Fla. stuck with $3 billion sewage bill
From: www.miamiherald.com
"South Florida counties must eventually stop pumping hundreds of millions of gallons of sewage every day into the ocean, under a bill the Legislature passed Wednesday that also sticks the counties with the $3 billion cost."
House bill would curb double-dipping on state's payroll
From: www.tampabay.com
"State employees who retire would have to wait 12 months before going back to work for the state under a bill approved by the Florida House Wednesday."
Auto insurance may spike if Perdue signs bill
From: www.ajc.com
"About 30 auto insurers will be ready to change their rates in Georgia without state approval if Gov. Sonny Perdue signs a bill passed by the Legislature in March."
Rate increases possible if Perdue signs off bill
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Some consumers could see increases of more than 60 percent on car insurance rates if Gov. Sonny Perdue signs a bill passed during the 2008 legislative session that would allow insurance companies to raise rates without justifying them to regulators, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine warns."
Florida takes issue with plan to keep more water in Georgia
From: www.ajc.com
"Florida told the federal government Wednesday it "strongly opposes" a proposal to store more water in Georgia while limiting flows into Apalachicola Bay, saying to do so would harm oysters and federally protected sturgeon and mussels."
Lingle says there's no need for emergency declaration
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie asked Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday to consider declaring a state of emergency or disaster in the wake of Aloha Airlines suspending air cargo services so the state National Guard could carry cargo among the Islands if necessary."
New bid for Hawaii air cargo company
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The owner of Young Brothers/Hawaiian Tug & Barge has revived its efforts to acquire Aloha Airlines' cargo division."
Hawaiian Air raises its fares and fees
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"On the day a $52.2 million settlement in its dispute with Mesa Air Group was announced, Hawaiian Airlines said it was increasing interisland fares by $5 to $20."
Call up Guard, Abercrombie says
From: starbulletin.com
"Fearing the state is headed for an economic disaster because of the Aloha Airlines cargo shutdown, U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie called on Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday to declare a statewide emergency to call up the National Guard."
Remaining shippers take up airline's slack
From: starbulletin.com
"WAILUKU, Hawaii - Freight-forwarding businesses and the Hawaii Superferry are bridging the gap left by the closing of Aloha Airlines' cargo services, and Pacific Air Cargo will soon be shuttling large amounts of refrigerated perishables."
Hawaiian Air raises interisland ticket rates
From: starbulletin.com
"Forget the interisland airfare war. Prices are going up again. Nearly two years after go! made $39 tickets the low base price, Hawaiian Airlines said yesterday it was increasing interisland fares by $5 to $20 each way, effective today."
The power of a pen -- Gov. Culver visits Muscatine, signs bill to help make Iowa more energy independent
From: www.muscatinejournal.com
"Gov. Chet Culver backed up his words with an SUV and a pen Tuesday when he rolled into Muscatine in his E85 flex-fuel SUV to sign legislation aimed at making Iowa more energy independent."
Iowa Utility Board ruling moves toward increased renewable requirements
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa Utilities Board Wednesday approved the permit for a new Interstate Power and Light Company coal-fired electric plant in Marshalltown -- a ruling that could have an impact on future energy projects."
Iowa Utilities Board approves new electric plant for Marshalltown
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa Utilities Board today approved the request of Alliant Energy to build a new coal-fired electric plant in Marshalltown after nearly three hours of discussion."
Board gives preliminary OK for Marshalltown coal plant
From: www.qctimes.com
"Iowa environmental groups have derided coal-fired energy plants as antiquated, an ecologically harmful relic of the past. On Wednesday they learned one coal plant in central Iowa could be part of their future."
Culver announces creation of wind energy alliance
From: www.qctimes.com
"Gov. Chet Culver announced Wednesday the creation of an alliance to train Iowans for high-paying jobs in the growing wind energy industry."
Out in front
From: www.magicvalley.com
"Idaho, it seems, stands out from its peers. It's estimated 880 confined-animal feeding operations require only the equivalent of nine full-time state inspectors to regulate. The state is the only one to measure ammonia emissions from such facilities. It's also just one of a handful to not specifically allow officials to close problem CAFOs."
E. Idaho tribes plan to build 2 new casinos
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"FORT HALL, Idaho -- The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in southeastern Idaho plan to build two new casinos on the Fort Hall Reservation, officials said."
Capital deal could be months from completion
From: www.rrstar.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich and lawmakers both say they want to approve a new statewide capital construction plan. But that's where the agreement stops."
Ill. lawmakers reach agreement on reforms
From: www.stltoday.com
"With an agreement announced Wednesday, a ban on campaign donations from state contractors could pass the Illinois Legislature within the next two weeks, potentially outlawing a practice that has put millions of dollars in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign coffers."
Blagojevich changes mind on agriculture cuts
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich has apparently dropped his threat to cut funding to state agriculture programs."
Legislators agree on ethics bill
From: www.suntimes.com
"Three years in the making, Illinois legislators finally struck a deal Wednesday on a proposed statewide ethics bill to combat "play-to-play" politics."
Hopeful 'open' to tax cap
From: fwweb.sv.publicus.com
"As fuel prices continue to climb in Fort Wayne and around Indiana, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Schellinger has shifted gears a bit, now indicating he's "open" to capping or suspending the sales tax on gasoline."
Clinton talks about cost of gasoline
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"Oil companies, not the driving public, should pay the federal gasoline tax this summer, Sen. Hillary Clinton said here Wednesday."
Unions step up their political efforts
From: www.indystar.com
"Amid the intense presidential primary battle, some unions are gearing up their activity in Indiana."
Clinton pushes for clean energy
From: www.freep.com
"KOKOMO, Ind. -- It could have been a rally in Dearborn or Detroit or Warren. But Sen. Hillary Clinton was in Kokomo, talking about protecting organized labor, helping the domestic auto industry and transforming the cars of the future into clean fuel machines that would make Henry Ford proud."
Democrats court blue-collar Indiana voters
From: www.nj.com
"INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- It was blue-collar day in Indiana yesterday for both Democratic presidential contenders, as Hillary Clinton tried to get more mileage out of her call for a gas tax break and Barack Obama struggled to redirect the daily narrative of his campaign away from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright."
Kansas legislative showdown shapes up over coal plants
From: www.kansascity.com
"More than six months of wrangling comes to a head today in the Kansas Legislature with a final face-off over two proposed western Kansas power plants."
House to take one more try at coal plants
From: www.kansas.com
"More than six months of wrangling comes to a head today in the Legislature with a final faceoff over two proposed western Kansas power plants."
Power plant struggle resumes
From: www2.ljworld.com
"As the standoff continued Wednesday over the proposed coal-fired power project in southwest Kansas, a new measure emerged that would hit every electric customer in the state."
Coal: Sebelius says no, Senate says yes
From: cjonline.com
"The Senate on Wednesday overrode Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' veto of a bill allowing the expansion of a coal-fired power plant in Holcomb on a day filled with action on the energy issue."
Schools may raise meal prices
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Rising food and fuel costs are forcing Jefferson County Public Schools to consider both raising the price of student meals and raiding its emergency fund for the coming school year, district officials say."
Legislative notebook -- Should Louisiana restaurants have to disclose fat in their food?
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"Restaurants around Louisiana shouldn't have to disclose on their menus when they serve items with artery-clogging trans fats, the House health care committee decided Wednesday."
Senators approve bill to allow regional hurricane deductibles
From: www.nola.com
"Insurance companies would be authorized to establish regional deductibles for homeowners policies for storm and hurricane claims under a bill passed late Wednesday by the Senate."
Southern grace, Yankee spirit
From: www.boston.com
"NEW ORLEANS - The mossy live oaks gracing Tulane University's lush green quads have reclaimed their pre-Katrina glory, their arched boughs now nearly brushing the ground. "
Pols jockey for State House post at steakhouse meeting
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Two top lawmakers jockeying to succeed embattled House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi are keeping daily head counts of their backers and even courting members with expensive steak dinners in cut-throat maneuvering that threatens to undermine debate on the state's $28 billion budget.
"
Patrick to press for clean energy
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick will call on business leaders today to embrace his vision for the state's emerging clean energy industry, both to reduce their own costs and to boost the state's economy, according to administration officials briefed on the speech."
DiMasi business ties questioned
From: www.boston.com
"Just months after House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi killed a bill that was designed to block a controversial liquefied natural gas project from being built on 73 acres in Fall River, the landowner, Jay Cashman, sold the property to the terminal developers and made a $14.2 million profit, according to a Globe review of real estate and legislative records."
BGE rates to go up 7.6 percent in June
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. bills will go up more than expected this summer, almost wiping out the one-time $170 ratepayer rebate negotiated by the General Assembly."
State is grappling with minority pacts
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The state Board of Public Works yesterday wrestled with two claims by aggrieved minority-owned businesses, postponing a $45 million airport shuttle-bus contract and approving a $9 million hospital construction project over the objections of advocates."
Political conventions to fuel local economy Republicans, Democrats both to hold gatherings at Augusta Civic Center
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Local hotels, restaurants and gas stations will see an upswing in business this weekend when Augusta plays host to the first of two major political conventions."
Impact of Portland's personnel cuts unclear
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Less than a week before the final public hearing on Portland's proposed municipal budget, the City Council still doesn't know exactly how much pending layoffs and early retirements will save or cost taxpayers."
Towns awarded service grants
From: bangornews.com
"The state Office of Community Development has awarded five rural Maine communities a total of $175,000 in public service grants that will benefit food banks and services for seniors and disabled individuals in low-income areas."
Great Lakes pollution, health link denied
From: www.detnews.com
"No definitive link can be made between industrial pollution in the Great Lakes region and human health concerns, according to a revised version of a controversial federal study released Wednesday."
State going from bit player to movie star
From: www.detnews.com
"Whether Clint Eastwood shoots his next "Dirty Harry" flick in Michigan or not, many in the state say they're feeling lucky because plenty of movie types have already arrived."
Granholm vetoes funding for 2 business incubators
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm this week vetoed state funding totaling $1 million for two proposed business incubators in Macomb and Washtenaw counties, saying other funds are available for those projects."
CON panel OKs new proton beam rule for hospital collaborative
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The state Certificate of Need Commission approved a new rule Wednesday designed to allow a collaborative of up to nine Michigan hospitals build a $160 million proton beam therapy center to treat certain types of cancers."
Senate committee to meet on Blues bills
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The Senate Health Policy Committee will meet Thursday at 9 a.m. to vote on two controversial bills intended to modify the growing individual health insurance market for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan."
Michigan State Senate Health Policy Committee to discuss health-insurance reform
From: www.mlive.com
"A state Senate committee was to take up the issue of health-insurance reform this morning before an investigation into the state's largest health insurer is complete."
Tax-free Cobo not an option
From: www.detnews.com
"A proposal to create a tax-free zone at Cobo Center is dead because it would hurt brick-and-mortar businesses and possibly violate interstate commerce agreements, officials said Wednesday."
Michigan losing its youngest -- State ages fast as families looking for work leave
From: www.detnews.com
"Michigan had nearly 39,000 fewer children under the age of 5 last year compared with 2000, a startling decline that experts say could have a dramatic effect on the state's schools, retailers and job market for decades to come."
Panel backs proton-beam sharing plan
From: www.freep.com
"Trying to head off an expensive competition for costly new cancer-treatment technology, Michigan's Certificate of Need Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to bring the high-tech, proton-beam, radiation treatment to the state through a shared arrangement by participating hospitals."
Delta exec to appear before Minnesota legislative committee
From: ap.brainerddispatch.com
"It looks like Minnesota lawmakers will get their wish to hear from a Delta Air Lines Inc. executive."
Sellers step back in slow housing market
From: www.twincities.com
"Stephen Cunnien's Maplewood rambler has been on the market since Cunnien left for Iraq with the Minnesota National Guard in August. Nearly 70 people came to look when it was first listed, said Cunnien's father, Doug, who manages the property that's now a rental while his son is overseas. "
Fewer can spare money to buy cars in flat economy
From: www.startribune.com
"In yet another sign of the state's struggling economy, new car and truck sales in Minnesota plummeted 14.5 percent in 2007. That contrasts with a nationwide decline of slightly more than 2 percent and was significantly worse than dealers had projected just several months ago. Perhaps just as ominous: They don't expect sales to get better anytime soon"
Legislators balk at huge tax break
From: www.stltoday.com
"In a stinging defeat for those trying to lure an aircraft plant to Kansas City, a Senate committee rejected a bill Wednesday that would have provided the state's biggest business subsidy ever."
Senate may enact tougher controls on pre-paid funerals
From: www.stltoday.com
"The financial mess at a Clayton company that sold prepaid funeral contracts has prompted legislators to weigh tighter controls on the industry."
Aquila power plant could get break
From: www.kansascity.com
"The mood in the Missouri Senate appears to be shifting in favor of legislation that would allow Aquila Inc. to avoid dismantling the power plant built illegally in Cass County."
Hospitals again call for tobacco tax to boost Medicaid
From: www.clarionledger.com
"The Mississippi Hospital Association is calling on Gov. Haley Barbour to include a tobacco tax in the special session for Medicaid."
Insurance bill to get a new push
From: www.sunherald.com
"Sen. Roger Wicker said Wednesday he and others are trying to mount another charge to get a multiperils insurance coverage plan to a vote in the Senate, where the measure has stalled."
DEQ to grant permits with no analysis after rulings
From: www.greatfallstribune.com
"A series of Helena district court rulings in favor of Gallatin County gravel pit operators will have broad impacts on the state's environmental permitting process, say those opposed to the decisions."
McGrath likely to have say on audits
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Attorney General Mike McGrath is likely to have to decide whether the Legislative Auditor's Office has the legal authority to conduct a performance audit on two Montana student loan entities that maintain they are private agencies."
Perdue camp returns funds
From: www.charlotte.com
"Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue's gubernatorial campaign said Wednesday that it has returned thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from people associated with the alcohol industry."
Opponents start initiative campaign
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Opponents of the Canadian crude oil Keystone pipeline say they may not have stopped the permitting of that line, but they have a plan to ensure no others carrying out-of-state crude oil will ever get anywhere near a lake or aquifer. "
UND economist - Tax rebates may go for gas
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"A UND economist said the economic impact of federal rebate checks on North Dakota could be as much as $350 million, if taxpayers spend the entire amount they get back."
N.D. sage grouse hit record low
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"A record-low number of male sage grouse counted on strutting grounds in North Dakota this spring has prompted state biologists to call for no hunting season for the first time in 45 years. "
Measure to regulate pipelines
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"In the wake of pending approval of the Keystone Pipeline project in eastern North Dakota, two state residents have filed an initiated measure that asks voters to stop similar projects in the future.
"
Forum explores Amtrak's Downeaster funding options
From: www.fosters.com
"DOVER, N.H. - Regional planners, municipal and railroad officials kicked around several ideas Wednesday to help the Downeaster train develop new revenue streams to make up for an anticipated $8 million shortfall in 2009 when the passenger rail line loses its federal subsidy.
"
Pawnshops boom as people struggle to pay bills
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"On her third try, Tammy Shane pawned a diamond ring in Tilton on Monday. First, she brought in a CB radio, but Kevin Hobbs was not interested. He didn't want a chain saw, either. "
Trying to keep Army fort staff
From: www.nj.com
"New Jersey and the U.S. Army are partnering to keep some highly skilled workers in New Jersey after Fort Monmouth closes in 2011, Gov. Jon Corzine said yesterday."
A ticket to a lower gas bill
From: www.nj.com
"As gas prices continue to set records at the pump, more and more commuters are ditching longtime commuting habits and boarding trains and buses to get to work."
Courts are hard-pressed to deal with hard times
From: www.nj.com
"The economic struggles of New Jersey residents are putting a strain on the state's understaffed courts as foreclosure and debt-related cases surge, the court system's director told state lawmakers yesterday."
NJN conversion plan gets static from legislators
From: www.nj.com
"Lawmakers gave a cool reception to New Jersey Network's plan to sever ties with the state by transferring its licenses to a private nonprofit corporation."
Rutherford to Trump -- Pay $1.2M for EnCap
From: www.nj.com
"Rutherford is asking Donald Trump to pay $1.2 million in connection with a long-troubled landfill cleanup project in the Meadowlands."
Affordable housing: Coalition aims to help workers buy SF homes
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Buying a home might turn out to be a little easier for many low- and moderate-income Santa Feans. Representatives of the state of New Mexico, Santa Fe County, the city of Santa Fe and Homewise Inc. committed themselves Wednesday to setting up a $1.2 million Workforce Housing Assistance Fund that would help local workers come up with the money for a down payment. "
Hiring in state bucks trend
From: www.lvrj.com
"Federal, state and local government employers in Nevada have added a modest 300 jobs in the first three months of 2008, bucking a trend seen nationally."
Governor launches anti-waste panel
From: hosted.ap.org
"An effort to reduce government waste was launched Wednesday by Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons - who may have to run state government in the next two-year budget cycle on a spending plan that won't grow beyond the current $6.8 billion budget."
Poor people's advocate may need a little help itself
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Officials for an organization that receives $4.5 million to fight poverty in Southern Nevada heard some startling news last week."
Bills aim to drive down gas costs
From: www.timesunion.com
"New Yorkers probably won't get a break from gas taxes this summer, but lawmakers, including the normally pro-business Senate Republicans, appear to be moving forward on a bill to relax purchasing restrictions on wholesale gas, much to the chagrin of Big Oil."
Lotto gain fueled by lots of pain
From: www.nypost.com
"When all they have left is a dollar and a nightmare, New Yorkers hit hard by the slumping economy are turning to the lottery for salvation. State lottery revenues are up nearly 10 percent from a year ago - $7.5 billion for the fiscal year that ended March 31, records show.
"
$27B short & over a barrel
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson grimly warned yesterday that New York faces an "insurmountable" series of budget gaps totaling an unprecedented $27.5 billion over the next four years."
Paterson proposes changes on special districts
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson proposed legislation Wednesday to eliminate pay and perks for special district commissioners and put town boards in charge of sanitation districts.
"
A warning, and a way out?
From: timesunion.com
"New York state faces a "terrible plight" -- an unprecedented $20 billion in budget gaps over the next three years, Gov. David Paterson warned Wednesday. The governor outlined the looming crisis as he embraced the recommendations of a commission that suggested paring down the thousands of local governments, authorities, special districts and taxing entities in the state as a way to save taxpayers more than $1 billion.
"
State could save $1 billion a year by consolidating services, report says
From: www.nytimes.com
"A state commission is recommending a sweeping consolidation of water services, school districts and other local government agencies across New York, arguing in a report issued on Wednesday that the changes could save taxpayers more than $1 billion a year."
Clean coal facility coming to Cincinnati
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"CINCINNATI - A British company that designs coal-cleaning plants has announced plans to build its first U.S. facility in Cincinnati."
Census predicts job surplus
From: news.enquirer.com
"More graying baby boomers and fewer kids. That's the portrait of Ohio - and, to a somewhat lesser extent, Kentucky - in a set of U.S. Census estimates released today."
Ohio casino backers get money from Minn. firm
From: www.cleveland.com
"Backers of a proposed $600 million casino resort in southwestern Ohio announced Wednesday that they are getting money from a Minnesota company founded by a man who has won $1.5 million in poker tournaments since the early 1990s."
Ohio House OKs 28% cap on payday loans
From: www.cleveland.com
"An Ohio House payday lending debate full of unexpected twists had one more curve to negotiate Wednesday before lawmakers easily passed the measure capping short-term loans at 28 percent annually."
Enid senator questions bonds
From: newsok.com
"An Enid senator has sent a letter to his colleagues warning that a proposed bond issue of up to $500 million for a variety of projects would be a poor financial decision because of the current bond market."
Food, fuel costs drive more in Oklahoma to ask for help
From: newsok.com
"More Oklahomans are seeking help this year because of job losses and higher prices for gasoline and groceries, nonprofit leaders say."
Oregon looks to old country for new tourist money
From: www.nwpr.org
"The weak dollar means it's more affordable for Europeans to visit the United States. Officials in the Northwest want a cut of the tourism pie."
Bill to challenge casinos' locations
From: www.philly.com
"Calling Pennsylvania's gaming law flawed, three Philadelphia legislators will introduce a bill in Harrisburg to find new locations for the city's two proposed casinos."
McCain steps on the gas in Pa. visit
From: www.philly.com
"ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- Sen. John McCain ridiculed Sen. Barack Obama yesterday for failing to endorse proposals put forward by himself and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton to suspend the federal gasoline tax from Memorial Day to Labor Day."
State coffers got surplus boost from April tax collections
From: www.mcall.com
"April's revenue report brought good news for Gov. Ed Rendell and the state Legislature as budget talks approach, but a top state official cautioned that May collections may fall short as a result."
Pike lease draws no bids
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell didn't receive any bids for leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike by his self-imposed deadline of Wednesday, but observers say there is interest from private companies in the multibillion-dollar deal."
Plan to name top bidder for turnpike lease delayed
From: www.post-gazette.com
"A political dogfight over leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private operator will commence in about two weeks."
Brien bill would require e-verification of immigrant status
From: www.pawtuckettimes.com
"At one Woonsocket elementary school last September, Rep. Jon Brien says, 80 children showed up for the first day of school that had never been in the district before, were unknown to school officials and the majority of them needed English as a second language."
Governor 'likely' to veto 24-hr. gambling
From: www.projo.com
"With a 24-hour gambling bill now headed to his desk, Governor Carcieri served notice yesterday that he will "most likely" veto the legislation because he has "serious reservations and concerns" about the "inflated" revenue projections and does not believe the state should force more gambling on communities that do not want it."
S.C. General Assembly OKs crackdown on illegal immigration
From: www.thestate.com
"Daylong negotiations Wednesday gave rise to an all-new Senate proposal to deal with illegal immigration, one Senate president Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said will send a message that South Carolina is not the place to be caught with fraudulent identification."
SC Senate passes heavy fines for hiring illegal immigrants
From: www.goupstate.com
"South Carolina employers could face fines up to $10,000 for each illegal immigrant they hire under legislation the state Senate has passed."
Senate initially OKs immigration bill that would fine employers who hire illegals
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"The state Senate gave preliminary approval Wednesday night to a new immigration reform plan that provides for civil fines of up to $10,000 for businesses that knowingly hire illegal workers."
Senate approves crackdown on illegals
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"The state Senate gave preliminary approval Wednesday night to a new immigration plan that provides for civil fines of up to $10,000 for businesses that knowingly hire illegal workers."
Utility to sell power plants
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
" Black Hills Corp. says it is selling seven power plants that are fueled by natural gas in four states.
"
Rounds rebuts gas tax criticism
From: www.argusleader.com
"Gov. Mike Rounds stood firm Wednesday in the face of criticism over a new reporting form for ethanol blender pumps that he said gives sellers guidance in calculating the tax owed the state.
"
Blackman quarry expansion clears first hurdle
From: www.tennessean.com
"MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Expansion plans for a rock quarry in the Blackman community have cleared the first hurdle."
Bredesen gets bill to end universal carding for beer
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"Tennessee's first-in-the-nation experiment with requiring a picture ID from anyone buying beer at a supermarket or convenience store is on the verge of being dialed back."
Census - Texas adds almost 2 million Hispanics since 2000
From: www.dallasnews.com
"The percentage of Hispanics in Texas and the nation grew again last year, continuing a trend that has endured throughout the decade, new statistics show. "
Student loan measure volleyed back to House; expected to clear quickly
From: www.cqpolitics.com
"The House is expected to clear a bill Thursday that aims to ensure that student loans remain available despite the ongoing credit crunch."
Senate votes to expand some student loans
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Senate unanimously approved legislation yesterday to ensure that tight credit markets don't impede students' ability to obtain college loans. "
Nearly 25 percent of children younger than 5 are Latino, census says
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Hispanics, the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority group, now account for about one in four children younger than 5 in the United States, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released today. "
Feds shelve permit for lake project after Utah drops out
From: www.magicvalley.com
"BEAR LAKE, Utah -- Federal regulators say they're setting aside an application for a hydroelectric project near Bear Lake in Utah."
Feds suspend Bear Lake dam proposal
From: deseretnews.com
"The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Wednesday suspended a controversial proposal to build a hydroelectric power plant in Bear Lake's Hook Canyon."
Kaine to attend economic development announcement in Newport News
From: hamptonroads.com
"Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will be at the Ferguson Center for the Arts this afternoon for an economic development announcement."
Proposed extension to Dulles revived
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Federal transportation officials revived a long-sought Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport yesterday, but they attached daunting conditions, including a demand for a major influx of cash into the Metro system. "
NRC -- Vt. Yankee can't raid decommissioning fund for spent fuel
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"BRATTLEBORO, Vt. -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is telling the owners of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant that they can't dip into the fund set aside for dismantling the reactor to pay for storage of highly radioactive spent fuel. "
NRC, Entergy disagree on funds
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Federal rules prohibit the use of money from the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant's decommissioning fund to pay for storage of spent fuel when the plant shuts down, according to a preliminary statement by federal regulators."
Budget, stimulus package near
From: www.timesargus.com
"As the session's end approaches, legislators and Douglas administration officials are managing to scrape and borrow enough money to protect key projects from annihilation. And by Wednesday evening, agreements on an economic stimulus package and a state budget appeared to be just around the corner."
Definition of a bad idea?
From: www.wrn.com
"When two legislators from opposite sides of the aisle agree something is a bad idea, it may well be. In this case, it's reaction to combining a budget repair bill and ratification of the Great Lakes Compact into a single legislative package."
Wisconsin sees nearly 40 percent rise in Hispanic population
From: www.gazettextra.com
"WASHINGTON - New figures show the Hispanic population in Wisconsin grew about 40 percent since the 2000 census."
Latino numbers rise 4.3% in state
From: www.jsonline.com
"Wisconsin's Hispanic population grew faster last year than the nation's, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today."
DEP proceeds with proposed drinking water rule changes
From: wvgazette.com
"State regulators are moving forward with plans to make it easier for industry to remove important drinking-water protections for West Virginia's rivers and streams."
WVU can't produce phone records for president
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Amid more demands yesterday for the resignation of West Virginia University President Michael Garrison, the search for documents in the case of Heather Bresch's defunct M.B.A. degree took an unusual twist. The university can provide no records of phone calls Mr. Garrison made during the critical five-day period when WVU decided to award the governor's daughter a degree she did not earn."
Parties agree on utility rate hike
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Rocky Mountain Power will be allowed to raise its electrical rates for Wyoming customers starting today, but not by the amount company officials had hoped."
Railroad cries foul on e-mails
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Minnesota opponents of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad coal train expansion have secretly instructed Wyoming landowners how to drag out DM&E's good-faith efforts to acquire land, according to a motion filed by the railroad."
Parents turn to states for autism help
From: www.stateline.org
"(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs.
"
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."
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