$227 million in grants going to build California stem cell labs
From: www.latimes.com
"California's voter-created stem cell institute is expected to award $227 million in grants today to seed a laboratory building spree at a dozen universities and research centers, including USC, UCLA and UC Irvine."
TCEQ helps plants in suit
From: www.chron.com
"Some Houston plant operators are getting help in their fight to block the city's efforts to regulate air pollution from an unlikely but important ally ? the Texas agency responsible for clearing the skies."
Hard times for U.S. giving Texas an economic cushion
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"The nation may be on the verge of recession, but the Texas economy is doing well enough for Comptroller Susan Combs to predict Tuesday that the Legislature will have a $10.7 billion surplus when it convenes in January. "
Oil prices help Texas rake in $10.7 billion surplus
From: www.chron.com
"The nation may be on the verge of a recession, but the Texas economy is doing well enough for Comptroller Susan Combs to predict Tuesday that the Legislature will have a $10.7 billion surplus when it convenes in January."
Legislator wants eased rules on using teen labor
From: www.azstarnet.com
"State lawmakers are weighing whether to let teens perform jobs now considered too hazardous for them under state law as one answer to the complaints of a labor shortage."
O'Malley ad campaign takes on foreclosures
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley gingerly embraced one of the perks of office yesterday that fellow Democrats had accused his Republican predecessor of shamelessly exploiting: the ability to appear in public service ads.
"
Los Angeles limits 'mansionization,' downtown hotel conversions
From: www.latimes.com
"The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday approved new rules to address major byproducts of the gentrification that has swept the city: limiting the size of "mansionization" additions and making it harder for developers to convert low-income housing into luxury lofts."
Candidates differ on casino, gas tax
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"FORT SMITH, Ark. - Sebastian County Democratic Chairman Lee Webb can't remember the last time two members of his party competed in a legislative primary here, especially one that pits a challenger against an incumbent."
State needs more health care professionals, experts say
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Arkansas' dwindling health care work force needs a boost to meet the needs of the state's aging baby boomer population, health care officials told legislators Tuesday."
Coalition pushing tax for roads
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Business and community groups took the first steps Tuesday to persuade Arizonans to raise the taxes on virtually everything they buy to build new roads."
Theaters win round on access
From: www.azstarnet.com
"A federal judge ruled that theater owners can't be forced to install special equipment to help those with hearing and vision disabilities enjoy the movies. But the state has appealed the ruling, which came in a lawsuit by Attorney General Terry Goddard against Scottsdale-based Harkins Theaters. "
Council OKs tougher tailpipe-emissions rules
From: www.azcentral.com
"New cars and trucks sold in Arizona would have to meet stricter, California-style standards for tailpipe emissions by the 2012 model year under a new rule approved Tuesday by an executive oversight panel."
Group seeks to get sales-tax hike for transportation on ballot
From: www.azcentral.com
"Supporters of a transportation-tax package filed language Tuesday for the November election, marking the kickoff of what is likely to be an intensive campaign to collect signatures needed to get the measure before voters."
Bay Area bids for stem cell bonanza
From: www.sfgate.com
"California voters who raised $3 billion for stem cell research in 2004 finally will see their tax dollars at work - not yet in the form of diseases cured, but in the rise of vast laboratories built of concrete, glass and steel.
"
State funding proposal raises hopes for new downtown San Jose courthouse
From: www.mercurynews.com
"A proposal to finance new courthouse construction projects throughout California with $5 billion in revenue bonds has revived hopes for a long-stalled plan to build a family courthouse in downtown San Jose.
"
Differing views on measure to end rent control
From: www.sfgate.com
"Hundreds are expected to descend on San Francisco's Civic Center Plaza today to protest a June ballot measure that would end rent control across the state and, many argue, would push thousands of people from their homes through evictions or rising prices."
Quiet philanthropist Osher donates $70 million to state's community colleges
From: www.sacbee.com
"The quiet philanthropist stood beside the movie-star governor Tuesday to celebrate the Bernard Osher Foundation's unprecedented $70 million donation to California communitcy college students."
Vallejo to become largest city in state to file for bankruptcy
From: www.latimes.com
"Vallejo is set to become the largest California city to declare bankruptcy after leaders voted in favor of the solution to its spiraling budget crisis."
Vallejo to become largest city in state to file for bankruptcy
From: www.latimes.com
"Vallejo is set to become the largest California city to declare bankruptcy after leaders voted in favor of the solution to its spiraling budget crisis."
Senate GOP leader rules out tax hikes to balance budget
From: www.sacbee.com
"Saying the ailing economy is putting enough stress on taxpayers, Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill said Tuesday that Republicans will oppose any tax hikes to bridge California's budget deficit. Cogdill suggested the deficit, which he pegged at $16 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1, could be wiped out through service cuts and tapping into the reserves of voter-approved initiatives intended for early childhood education, mental health services and transportation.
"
EPA unlikely to join state in limiting chemical
From: www.sacbee.com
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency probably won't follow California in ridding drinking water of a rocket fuel chemical that has contaminated supplies in Rancho Cordova and in dozens of other communities around the country, a top agency official said Tuesday.
"
Ritter touts business wins
From: www.denverpost.com
"Gov. Bill Ritter checked off several wins on his business scorecard before members of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. "
Rell looks for savings as deficit looms
From: www.courant.com
"On the eve of the General Assembly session adjournment, the political battle continued at the state Capitol Tuesday over whether to alter the budget that kicks in July 1."
Developer faces charges for permit failure
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A major Wilmington-area developer faces a $5,000 penalty for failing to secure permits to operate two large boilers in a landmark office building at 11th and Market streets."
More than $11.5M awarded to Florida residents in citrus case
From: www.boston.com
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Florida owes more than $11.5 million to thousands of Broward County homeowners whose citrus trees were chopped down during a failed effort to control a harmful disease, a jury ruled."
Ga. Biomass plant eyes Tallahassee
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A Georgia company wants to build Florida's first biomass energy plant ? turning wood chips into electricity ? at a Florida State University industrial park. Before that can happen, the company, Biomass Gas & Electric LLC, needs to answer questions from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
"
Florida universities raise tuition, cap enrollment, freeze jobs
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Florida's universities are raising tuition, laying off employees and limiting enrollment to make it through what has turned out to be one of the toughest budget years in recent history.
"
Cagle -- Let the voters decide on Sunday sales
From: www.ajc.com
"Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a possible Republican candidate for governor in 2010, now says he is willing to let the state Senate vote on Sunday package store sales of liquor."
Governor signs dogfighting bill
From: www.ajc.com
"Five months after Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick was sentenced to prison for his involvement in dog fighting, Gov. Sonny Perdue signed legislation Tuesday stiffening Georgia's dog-fighting laws."
Superferry awaits signal from Kauai
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The Hawaii Superferry, which hasn't sailed to Kaua'i since harbor protesters blocked its arrival in August, intends to resume trips there only if the community signals it wants the service restored, the company's new chief executive said yesterday."
Solar water heat required in new Hawaii homes
From: www.msnbc.msn.com
"HONOLULU - All new homes in Hawaii will be required to have solar water heaters installed starting in 2010 under a law approved by the Legislature."
Lobbyist says more regular citizens should own wind turbines
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A wind turbine entrepreneur says it's time for Iowa to take some of the steps taken in Minnesota in order to position the state as a leader in the wind energy industry. Ed Woolsey of Prole, president of Green Prairie Energy, lobbies legislators on behalf of the Iowa Renewable Energy Association."
Lawmakers tout law that pays nurses more money
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowa House speaker Pat Murphy and other lawmakers paid a visit to University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City Tuesday to highlight legislation passed on the final day of this year's session. The bill earmarks this year's Medicaid provider reimbursement increase to go directly to increasing the wages of registered nurses."
Lawmakers react to proposed casino smoking ban in Sioux City
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The city council in Sioux City is considering an ordinance which would ban smoking at the city's gambling casino. The state law which goes into effect July 1st bans smoking in most pubic places, but would allow it on the gambling floors at casinos."
Culver signs tax bill for schools
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A 1-cent state sales tax will replace local-option sales taxes that every Iowa county collects for school infrastructure, under a bill signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Chet Culver."
Areva picks E. Idaho for $2 billion uranium enrichment plant
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A uranium enrichment plant near Idaho Falls will be one of the largest construction projects in the state's history, and it could create 1,000 jobs for the five years it takes to complete it."
Legislative pay raises again debated in Illinois
From: www.stltoday.com
"Illinois House Republicans tried unsuccessfully to kill a proposed hike in state lawmakers' salaries Tuesday, saying it sends the wrong message to voters in the midst of governmental gridlock in Springfield."
IDOT move could cost $1 million
From: www.sj-r.com
"Relocating the Illinois Department of Transportation?s Division of Traffic Safety to southern Illinois could cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars in moving expenses, according to estimates provided to The State Journal-Register on Tuesday."
Lawmakers brainstorm on construction funds
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"House Democrats sized up a broad menu of ways to pay for a potential multibillion-dollar statewide construction program Tuesday, coming to no conclusions but considering options that include income tax increases, gambling expansion and leasing the lottery."
4 incumbents protect seats in rare challenge
From: www.indystar.com
"Four Republican state senators appeared late Tuesday to have weathered the recent property tax uproar that produced rare opposition for them in their party's primary."
Coal plant bill OK'd by Kansas Senate
From: www.kansascity.com
"The Kansas Senate has passed yet another bill to authorize two coal-fired power plants in western Kansas, even as enthusiasm for the fight dimmed in the legislative session's final hours."
Session nears end with third coal bill
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Call it Coal 3. For the third time in the 2008 legislative session, lawmakers on Tuesday approved a bill that would authorize the construction of two 700-megawatt coal-fired power plants and strip the state of authority to block similar projects."
House speaker alleges improper use of plane trips by governor
From: www2.ljworld.com
"In Kansas politics, the state plane used by the governor can be an asset or a liability. House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, recently accused Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of getting people to vote against the coal-fired power project by flying them to Kansas University basketball games."
Session slowly coming to end
From: cjonline.com
"The Legislature moved closer to a climatic ending of the 2008 session late Tuesday by debating a bill containing a cluster of economic development incentives and consent for construction of a $3.6 billion coal-fired electric plant in southwest Kansas."
Beshear declares National Tourism Week
From: www.kypost.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear declared the week of May 10-18 National Tourism Week in Kentucky, noting the importance of tourism to the state?s economy."
Jindal's key bill on move
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Work-force development -- the key piece of Gov. Bobby Jindal?s legislative package -- sailed through the state Senate Tuesday."
Jindal -- Nation's noticing work
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal, who spent last week making appearances on "The Tonight Show" and in front of the National Press Club in Washington, said America is taking notice of Louisiana."
No tales about tails' origin
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Restaurants would have to be open about the country of origin of crawfish and shrimp they use under a bill that cleared a House panel Tuesday."
Senate bill boosts debt collection exemptions
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Legislation to better protect homes from debt collectors passed a Senate panel Tuesday."
Senate passes bill allowing statewide cable franchises
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Legislation that would allow companies such as AT&T to get a statewide franchise to offer television service cleared the Senate on Tuesday."
Committee crawfishes on imported seafood disclosure
From: www.nola.com
"A weakened bill prohibiting restaurants from misrepresenting that they serve Louisiana shrimp or crawfish when they use the imported variety unanimously cleared the House Commerce Committee Tuesday, the first time in almost a decade a seafood disclosure bill has made it to the full House for debate."
Northeastern Louisiana states case at 'Exposure'
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"More than 400 business and community leaders from throughout northeastern Louisiana packed the Louisiana State Museum here Tuesday for Northern Exposure."
Senate passes $1-a-pack hike on cigarettes
From: www.bostonherald.com
"The state Senate has approved a nearly $500 million tax package, including a dollar-a-pack hike on cigarettes"
Inspector license policies revised
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland State Police have established policies for the revocation of vehicle inspectors' licenses after questions arose over allowing a Prince George's County station to resume operations despite accusations that it had approved vehicles that mechanics had not inspected. "
O'Malley talks about importance of slots referendum
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley said today that if a referendum on slot machine gambling fails in November, "it'll be back to the drawing board with a lot of unpopular choices, and I don't think any of us wants to go there.""
Governor's panel: Use qualities to lure jobs to Maine
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"The Governor's Council on Maine's Quality of Place says it's come up with 10 ways to use Maine's distinctiveness to promote job growth."
Bills seek to help Michigan foster care system
From: www.mlive.com
"Michigan's strained foster care system might get some support from the private sector under a plan soon to be introduced in the state Legislature."
Law targets drunken bar patrons
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"LANSING, Mich. -- When customers get intoxicated at Pomorski's Tavern, Warren Smith wants to keep them safe."
Housing advocates discuss challenges in Duluth market
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"St. Louis County residents pay a higher portion of their paychecks to rent than anywhere else in the state."
Bills advance local projects
From: www.showmenews.com
"The Missouri Senate approved budget items yesterday to build several facilities in Columbia, including an item that reauthorizes millions of dollars for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center."
Higher fees for Missouri motor vehicle and driver records anger insurance companies
From: www.kansascity.com
"A new fee structure for Missouri motor vehicle and driver records has insurance companies enraged and a lawmaker promising action in the waning days of the legislative session."
Manufacturers presenting how-to on new immigration law
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"The Mississippi Manufacturers Association will sponsor a seminar May 21 on a newly enacted state law requiring employers to verify workers' legal status."
Wind insurance vote possible
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Gulf Coast lawmakers are expressing optimism that the Senate will vote this week on an amendment to add wind insurance coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program."
3 states head to court to keep control over wolves
From: www.boston.com
"HELENA, Mont. - Three states are defending their ability to sustain a gray wolf population in the Northern Rockies, asking to be heard in a federal lawsuit that seeks to return the wolves to the endangered species list."
Rating on state bonds raised
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The state of Montana has received its third bond rating upgrade since last year, which means Montana will pay lower interest rates to borrow money when it issues bonds in the future."
Gravel operators get permits
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Three companies that want to establish gravel pits near Belgrade received state permits Tuesday after a court battle."
PSC delays decision on lawsuit
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The Public Service Commission will continue to evaluate the possibility of suing Northwestern Energy over its plans to sell a coal-fired electric generation plant."
Runoff looks likely in race to face Berry
From: www.newsobserver.com
"The race among four Democrats to challenge incumbent Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry appears to be bound for overtime."
Goodwin, Odom will run to replace Long
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Wayne Goodwin, a Rockingham lawyer, won the Democratic nomination for state commissioner of insurance."
No fuel shortages expected
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"Fuel - albeit costly - should be in sufficient supply this summer in North Dakota, industry officials say. Fuel shortages last summer forced North Dakotans to pay among the highest prices in the nation for gasoline and diesel."
State Senate to vote on emissions bill
From: www.unionleader.com
"MANCHESTER, N.H. - Skyrocketing electric bills and lost jobs are potential outcomes of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) bill up for a state Senate vote tomorrow, business leaders say."
Plan to erase revenue shortfall draws fire
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"Owners of grocery, convenience and wine specialty stores urged lawmakers Tuesday to reject proposed increases in the state tax on cigarettes and cutting the discount given to retail wine sellers."
Alliance of towns flexes for bargains
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"A handful of towns to the east of Concord have banded together to land better deals on paving contracts, lawyers fees, employee health insurance, and other goods and services communities use. "
Lawmakers probe costs of overtime
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- Assembly legislators yesterday questioned $83 million in overtime expected to be spent this fiscal year by a key state department, a cost that comes as the state looks to cut costs amid budget woes."
Bill's tighter financial controls would apply to EnCap
From: www.nj.com
"The state would impose stricter financial controls on publicly funded development projects, under a bill introduced this week."
State seeks hefty increase in housing for working class
From: www.nj.com
"The state Council on Affordable Housing yesterday introduced new rules designed to force a hefty increase in the amount of housing built for poor and working-class families."
Bill would clear way for aquarium at Xanadu
From: www.nj.com
"The Meadowlands Xanadu shopping and entertainment complex could include a massive aquarium if state law is changed to allow it, according to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority."
Nevada law would raise state gas tax if federal tax is cut
From: hosted.ap.org
"LAS VEGAS - Motorists in Nevada might not see a savings at the pump if Congress approves a gasoline tax holiday touted by two presidential candidates, a state official said."
Poll - Nevada businesses say no new taxes
From: www.lvrj.com
"Nevada's business owners have hardened their stance against fresh taxes in recent months, a poll shows."
Reno firm pays $80,000 settlement to EPA
From: hosted.ap.org
"RENO, Nev. - A Reno manufacturer has agreed to an $80,000 fine to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its failure to required reports about toxic chemical."
State goes shopping for tourists
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson yesterday relaunched the state's famous I Love New York slogan - with $17 million worth of ? surgery to keep it beating after 31 years
"
State reneges on Geneva food lab
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"The state's agriculture commissioner announced Tuesday that a $40 million state food lab promised earlier to Geneva, Ontario County, is going to the Albany region instead.
"
Tax hike a big reason N.Y. smokers may quit
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Smokers may be fuming that New York's cigarette tax will become the nation's highest starting June 3, but the state health commissioner predicted Tuesday that the increase will prompt more than 100,000 people to quit.
"
New York's pork barrel not equally shared
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"While state lawmakers represent about the same number of residents, what they have to spend in so-called member items, or pork, is widely disparate.
"
NY Senate expected to OK gas tax holiday
From: www.newsday.com
"With gasoline prices nearing $4 a gallon, the Senate planned to pass a bill today that would suspend the state's gasoline taxes for the summer months. But the Republican-backed measure faces opposition in the Assembly and reservations in the governor's office.
"
State pension abuse issue draws legislation
From: www.timesunion.com
"As Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli continue their crackdowns on alleged abuses of the state pension system, lawmakers are starting to take action with proposed legislation."
Farmer pioneers green energy practices in Ohio
From: www.nytimes.com
"BROOKVILLE, Ohio - When he was laid up in the hospital recovering from knee surgery, farmer Ralph Dull picked up a thick notebook dropped off by a friend that detailed how wind generators produce electricity."
Gov. signs bill snuffing anti-smoking foundation
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"The foundation that operated Ohio's anti-smoking programs is gone."
Ohio legislators dismantle tobacco prevention agency
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday pounded the last nail into the coffin of the state's quasigovernment anti-smoking agency that dared to defy lawmakers' plans to take the bulk of its money to help pay for a $1.57 billion economic stimulus package."
Oklahoma families feeling financial pinch
From: newsok.com
"An increasing number of Oklahoma families are already suffering difficult economic times, with poverty rates rising as costs go up for necessities, a report said Tuesday."
Get ready - utility hikes on horizon
From: www.news-star.com
"Shawnee, Okla. - Shawnee residents may have less jingle in their pockets in the near future because of a projected deficit the Shawnee Municipal Authority is expected to face."
State economy is healthy but not for the poor
From: newsok.com
"The state's economy continues to be robust, but low- and middle-income households in the state aren't faring as well because of stagnant wages and rising fuel, food and health care costs, a study released Tuesday shows."
Senator - State unable to regulate credit card companies
From: www.journalrecord.com
"State Sen. Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, wanted to draft legislation to prohibit credit card companies from abusing Oklahomans. But when consulting with Senate staff, he learned that federal law prohibits him from doing so."
Uncertain timber payments mean uncertain Oregon county budgets
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"EUGENE, Ore. -- Lane County started notifying more than 120 workers that they could be laid off or forced into lower-paying jobs by the end of May because of the potential loss of a federal payment program."
Oprah Winfrey will back revised dog law for Pennsylvania
From: www.philly.com
"Talk about a lobbyist with clout. Oprah Winfrey -- the woman with the power to send authors to the top of the New York Times best-seller list and drive down the price of beef -- is planning to appeal to viewers today to back a crackdown on puppy mills in the state."
Bee population research gets $20,000 boost
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Pennsylvania boosted funding Tuesday for research into the causes of the honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder that continues to jeopardize food crops from Keystone State apples to Florida oranges and California almonds."
Health insurance reform plan could aid 284,000
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A health insurance reform plan adopted by the state House and awaiting Senate action could within 10 years cover some 284,000 uninsured Pennsylvanians, while remaining affordable and sustainable, state officials said."
State rules former Carlisle aide can keep $6,175
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A former aide to City Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle can keep six weeks of unemployment pay she collected after she was fired for her part in a kickback scheme that stole $43,000 from taxpayers."
R.I. housing market is plunging, sales, prices fall
From: www.projo.com
"EAST GREENWICH, R.I. ? Susan Marsh knew it was time to let go of her family house on Bunker Hill Lane. So two years ago, the 81-year-old retired college professor began to look around for something smaller. Letting go, it turned out, was easy. The hard part was selling. "
House, Senate override veto of 24-hour gambling
From: www.projo.com
"With Twin River primed and ready to offer overnight gambling starting Friday night, the Democrat-dominated General Assembly yesterday overrode Republican Governor Carcieri?s veto of legislation allowing 24-hour video-gambling at both Twin River in Lincoln and Newport Grand."
SC Senate resuming cigarette tax debate
From: www.goupstate.com
"Tax increase opponents plan to test their strength in the South Carolina Senate as debate resumes on increasing the cigarette tax."
Farmers say state's plan won't solve all problems
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"COLUMBIA, S.C. --- South Carolina farmers say the state's plans to clamp down on illegal immigration will only cause confusion, hurt the economy and will not solve the problem."
House expected to resume debate on illegal immigration
From: www.goupstate.com
"The South Carolina House is expected to resume debate on legislation to slap employers with hefty fines for knowingly hiring illegal workers."
3 questions about raising the state's cigarette tax
From: www.thestate.com
"Senate lawmakers agreed Tuesday to raise the state's lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax. The Senate could finish debate on the proposal today. Three questions that must be settled before it becomes law:"
Senate adopts amendment to raise cigarette tax by 50 cents
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"The Senate on Tuesday adopted an amendment to raise the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack and to allow for automatic future increases tied to medical inflation."
Tax on smokes may benefit uninsured
From: www.charleston.net
"As many as 200,000 uninsured South Carolinians could get health-care coverage if the state Legislature sticks to a plan to increase the cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack."
Second pipeline still tentative
From: www.argusleader.com
"No paperwork has been filed for a proposed "Keystone Phase II" oil pipeline through western South Dakota, a state official says, but representatives from TransCanada Corp. have talked with at least some legislators and have plans to meet with local governments."
Attorney general labels carnival game illegal
From: www.argusleader.com
"So-called "quarter-pushers" - machines that offer prizes or coins to players - rely on chance and not skill, so they're illegal, Attorney General Larry Long says. Long made the assessment in an official opinion requested by Paul Kinsman, secretary of the state Revenue and Regulation Department."
Nashville - State spending goes on as revenue drops
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Growth in state tax revenues appears to be swirling down the drain, but hope springs eternal for many Tennessee lawmakers."
Texas boosting attempts to rout feral pigs
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Texas is increasing efforts to get rid of hundreds of thousands of feral hogs that are mangling the state's pastures, crops and waterways. "
Wal-Mart selects 20 capitols, including Pa.'s, for energy audits
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has announced partnerships with Pennsylvania, 18 other states and Puerto Rico to help them save on energy and electricity costs at their capitols."
Compact may block nuclear waste
From: deseretnews.com
"A federal lawsuit filed Monday by EnergySolutions isn't changing the mind of Utah's representative on the eight-state Northwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management, which may be able to decide Thursday the fate of the company's proposal to import radioactive waste from Italy."
EnergySolutions to conduct limited discovery in appeal
From: deseretnews.com
"The Utah Radiation Control Board in its meeting Friday granted EnergySolutions a chance to conduct limited discovery in an appeal of its operating license by Charles Judd, former president of Envirocare, the predecessor of EnergySolutions."
Payday lenders are generous to Shurtleff
From: deseretnews.com
"Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff seeks a third four-year term this year, and he's looked to some old friends for much of his campaign fundraising -- like payday loan operators who charge an average of 500 percent interest annually."
Dominion seeks fuel-rate rate increase
From: www.inrich.com
"Dominion Virginia Power asked state regulators yesterday to approve a fuel-rate increase that could raise a typical monthly residential bill 18.3 percent."
Across the board, Va. colleges are increasing tuition and fees
From: hamptonroads.com
"To the rising costs of gasoline and food, add higher education in Virginia, especially at two of its bigger and better-known universities."
Dominion Power seeks state's OK to raise rates 18 percent
From: hamptonroads.com
"Gas prices are up. Food prices, too. And now comes electricity. Dominion Virginia Power, the primary electricity provider in Hampton Roads, has asked state regulators to approve a fuel rate increase that would boost the average bill for residential customers by about 18 percent."
Dominion proposes electricity rate hike
From: fredericksburg.com
"It's not just the cost of a gallon of gas that has spiked. Fallout from rising global energy prices will soon hit Virginians' electric bills."
Billboard ban exemption raises concerns
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"For 40 years, it's been the guardian of Vermont's pastoral landscapes, keeping interstates and back roads clear of outdoor advertising. Enacted in 1968, the state's billboard ban has been a sacred cow -- in a state where few hold that distinction."
State worker's union boss stepping down
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"The longtime head of the Vermont State Employees Association is stepping down. "
Exemption to Vermont billboard ban raises concerns
From: www.timesargus.com
"For 40 years, it's been the guardian of Vermont's pastoral landscapes, keeping interstates and back roads clear of outdoor advertising. Enacted in 1968, the state's billboard ban has always been a sacred cow -- in a state where few hold that distinction."
Exemption to 40-year-old billboard ban in Vt. worries some
From: www.nytimes.com
"MONTPELIER, Vt. - For 40 years, it's been the guardian of the state's pastoral landscapes, keeping interstates and back roads clear of outdoor advertising. "
Gregoire pick for pesticide panel questioned
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire is appointing a scientist with ties to the Dow Chemical Co. to a state panel that tracks pesticide exposures. "
Bars win price-fixing round
From: www.jsonline.com
"Madison taverns may have taken the happy out of happy hour, but they can't be sued for it, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled in a decision released Tuesday."
Real estate group nets tax break designed for farmers
From: www.madison.com
"Well-connected real estate developers who just sold land for a new Target store here also scored nearly $100,000 in breaks on their 2007 property taxes -- in part because of a few rows of winter wheat."
Warnings on transportation fund raid
From: www.wrn.com
"Representatives of road building business and labor groups, along with a number of road construction workers, rallied at the Capitol Tuesday to oppose the deployment of a budget gimmick."
UW's Ogg Hall left half-razed after state kills contract with demolition company
From: www.madison.com
"It was scheduled to be obliterated by now, but scruffy UW-Madison dormitory Ogg Hall still stands, frozen in a half-demolished state."
State to propose inspecting all new permanent thrill rides
From: www.madison.com
"The state Department of Commerce will propose requiring all new permanent thrill rides to be inspected before opening to the public, which officials say is consistent with current practice but not mandated under existing regulations."
FAA awards grants to 7 W.Va. airports
From: www.dailymail.com
"Seven West Virginia airports are getting federal funds to upgrade runways and make other improvements."
Wyoming's economy expands, but modestly
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CASPER, Wyo. -- Wyoming's economy is continuing to grow, even if that growth has slowed since 2006, presenters said Tuesday at an economic conference in Casper."
Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
From: www.stateline.org
"Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state."
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
From: www.stateline.org
"An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
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."
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.
"
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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