Health insurance gains detailed
From: www.boston.com
"The number of uninsured adults in Massachusetts fell by almost half last year, says a study released today, while the state's Revenue Department reports that 86,000 people paid a state tax penalty rather than buy insurance."
Gov. Strickland signs payday loan limit
From: www.cleveland.com
"As Gov. Ted Strickland signed a measure capping payday lending rates at 28 percent, Ohio payday lenders explored ways to fight back against the bill they say is a death warrant for the industry. "
California legislators revive plans to expand healthcare insurance
From: www.latimes.com
"The California Legislature is moving to curb some of the health insurance industry's most profitable and contested practices as lawmakers resurrect portions of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's unsuccessful proposal to expand medical coverage."
Freezing gas tax will save drivers up to $80M
From: www.ajc.com
"It may seem like only pennies at the pump, but Gov. Sonny Perdue's decision Monday to stomp the brakes on a gasoline tax hike could collectively save motorists $70 million to $80 million over the next year."
Bloomberg claims victory as Georgia gun dealer withdraws from trial
From: www.nytimes.com
"Saying he could not afford what he feared would be an unfair trial, a Georgia gun dealer accused by New York City of illegally selling handguns that made their way to New York backed out of his federal trial on Monday, the day it was set to begin."
Bid to lease Pa. Turnpike might shrink
From: www.philly.com
"The $12.8 billion bid to operate the Pennsylvania Turnpike will shrink if interest rates rise, the winning bidders said yesterday. And Gov. Rendell said he expects no legislative action on the proposed lease of the turnpike until at least the fall."
Juneau's hydropower plant back on line
From: www.adn.com
"Juneau electricity rate payers are breathing easier -- they're getting power again from the Snettisham hydropower plant."
State's VA nurses choose to stay on job
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"The number of nurses in America will drop by a million in five years, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report."
Survey -- Arizonans less confident on job, business prospects
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Arizonans are likely to continue to spend less, meaning even more dire times for the state budget, a new survey suggests."
Four more measures make fall ballot
From: www.sacbee.com
"Secretary of State Debra Bowen certified four more measures for the fall ballot late Monday: the initiative to ban gay marriage, a measure to increase gang penalties and public safety funding, a measure to relax penalties for nonviolent drug offenses and a measure to require utility companies meet new renewable energy standards.
"
Renewable-energy push puts all eyes on desert
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Speculators have filed applications to develop more than 1 million acres of desert in Southern California with solar, wind and geothermal power plants, setting up a classic clash over land use with environmentalists and off-road enthusiasts."
Rep. Laura Richardson's foreclosure continues a pattern of financial straits
From: www.latimes.com
"When news surfaced that Rep. Laura Richardson had lost her home through foreclosure, the Long Beach Democrat blamed the problem on her year-long rocket-ship rise from city councilwoman to Assembly member to congresswoman and the crumbling real estate market."
Voters cranky as economy sours
From: www.sacbee.com
"As California voters go to the polls today in a low-turnout primary, those who bother to show up aren't likely to be happy.
With a teetering economy and an unpopular war, only 17 percent of voters in a new state Field Poll believe the country is headed in the right direction, the most dour view in 16 years."
Schwarzenegger's lottery proposal not such an easy sell after all
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to borrow against $15 billion in future lottery profits was supposed to be an easy sell, a relatively painless way to help bail the state out of its financial mess. Instead, it is quickly becoming a political liability. "
Split primary's second act set to begin
From: www.latimes.com
"Californians head to the polls Tuesday to choose between two competing ballot measures promising to protect property rights and to decide primary races for the state's 53 congressional seats, all 80 seats in the state Assembly and 20 seats in the state Senate."
Ads selling near site of DNC
From: www.denverpost.com
"The prospect of reaching 50,000 sets of eyes during the Democratic National Convention is heating up an already hot market for Denver billboards, as many national players are looking for sweet spots. "
State - confidential records were lost
From: www.courant.com
"WETHERSFIELD, Conn. - State labor officials say records with confidential information on about 2,100 people have been lost, possibly shredded."
State's taxes on gas, diesel to climb
From: www.courant.com
"Do you think that gasoline and diesel prices have already gone through the roof? Well, hold on to your fuel caps."
Gas prices push Tri-Rail ridership to record high
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Record gasoline prices continue to attract commuters to mass transit as Tri-Rail attracted its highest monthly ridership ever in May, officials announced Monday."
2 courts purge total of 27 jobs
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. ? Statewide budget cuts hit home Monday as circuit court officials announced how they trimmed more than $766,000 in salary costs: Eliminate 16 positions."
FPL seeks OK for large solar plant in Martin, with 2 more in wings
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"SUART, Fla. - Florida Power & Light Co. wants to aim about 180,000 mirrors at the skies above western Martin County, creating the largest solar-power plant outside of California."
Hurricane simulation tests Florida
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Disaster-recovery teams started a hurricane drill in the modernized emergency center Monday with a new watchword to grab the attention of Floridians lulled into complacency by two seasons without a big blow: Survivor."
State examines site of deadly accident
From: starbulletin.com
"A state agency is investigating the death of a construction worker yesterday after a concrete pump slammed into him, marking the fifth in a rash of fatalities on construction sites in Hawaii since October."
State examines site of deadly accident
From: starbulletin.com
"A state agency is investigating the death of a construction worker yesterday after a concrete pump slammed into him, marking the fifth in a rash of fatalities on construction sites in Hawaii since October."
Hawaii hotels feel airline industry pain
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The shutdown of Aloha and ATA airlines as well as the rising cost of fuel combined to push Hawai'i's hotel occupancy rate in April to 69.5 percent -- the lowest percentage for any April since 2003."
Prices of homes steady as sales drop
From: starbulletin.com
"Oahu home prices held steady but took a nearly 30 percent plunge in the number of sales in May, according to statistics released yesterday by the Honolulu Board of Realtors. Only 252 homes were sold last month, compared with 357 in May 2007."
Smoking is allowed away from buildings, draft says
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa smokers will generally be allowed to light up on hiking trails, campsites, lakes, beaches and rivers that are not adjacent to public buildings, according to draft rules released Monday for the new smoking ban."
State releases rules for smoking ban
From: www.radioiowa.com
"State officials have released a set of rules to help business owners and other Iowans better understand the statewide smoking ban, which begins July 1."
Iowa's smoking ban prompts some opponents to seek office
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Iowa's statewide smoking ban has prompted several people to run for the Legislature, seeking to oust Democratic lawmakers who supported the new rules."
Web site details smoking ban rules
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Citizens will be able to report violations of the new public smoking ban to a statewide hotline when the ban takes effect July 1."
State releases rules for upcoming smoking ban
From: www.qctimes.com
"Business owners, get your "no smoking" signs ready _ and your rulers, too."
Local bar and restaurants owners OK with smoking ban
From: www.qctimes.com
"Residents will be able to report violations of the new public smoking ban to a statewide hot line when the ban takes effect July 1."
$4 gas -- It's coming to Idaho
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho's average gasoline price is expected to break the $4-a-gallon barrier this week, siphoning off disposable income that ordinarily would be spent on other goods and services."
Failure of construction program draws fire in Illinois
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Labor leaders and lawmakers are fuming over the demise of a massive statewide construction program.
"
Governor has things to add on ethics
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he is "filled with enthusiasm" about a reform measure sitting on his desk that would prevent state officials from taking campaign cash from most state contractors. But he won't sign it."
State health bill could bring in $51 million a year for Cook County
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Cook County's beleaguered public health system could net up to $51 million more a year in federal funds to pay for treating uninsured patients under a measure approved by the General Assembly."
Rezko jury deadlocked on 1 count
From: www.suntimes.com
"Jurors holding political fund-raiser Tony Rezko's fate in their hands adjourned Monday without a verdict, after sending U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve a note saying, "We cannot decide on one count.""
Cigarette sales dive 17.8% after tax hike
From: www.indystar.com
"What a difference a 44-cents-a-pack cigarette tax increase can make. Since July, when the state started collecting 99.5 cents instead of 55.5 cents on every pack of cigarettes sold, consumption of tobacco products has plummeted 17.8 percent, state health officials said Monday."
Ky. lawmakers meet on pension plan; reach no deal
From: hosted.ap.org
"Kentucky's legislative leaders met Monday on a plan aimed at shoring up the state's financially troubled pension system, but they wrapped up talks without a deal in place."
Beshear restores employment fairness protection
From: www.kypost.com
"Governor Steve Beshear today signed an executive order restoring equal opportunity employment to all state employees and prospective employees. Under the order, no one can be hired or fired based on race, age, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity, ancestry, age, disability, or veteran status."
Ky. governor sets up employee council, labor council
From: hosted.ap.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear signed an executive order Monday setting up an advisory panel for state employees to discuss their job concerns with his administration."
Legislators closer to agreeing on pension bill
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Legislative leaders said after a meeting yesterday that they are closer to agreeing on a pension-reform bill that could be taken up in a special session later this month."
Donaldsonville airport panel gets more time
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Prodded by former Gov. Mike Foster, a House committee voted Monday to give a one-year reprieve to a state panel that has spent 16 years trying to launch an airport near Donaldsonville."
Construction bills advance
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"A House committee Monday approved two competing changes to the way state government funds construction projects, setting up a confrontation between Gov. Bobby Jindal and his closest legislative allies."
Kennedy -- State budget could provide money for Kansas Connector
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"State Treasurer John Kennedy said Monday that he would support the city of Monroe's $2 million request for the Kansas Lane Connector project, though he has no direct authority to secure the money."
Insurance case awaits clarification
From: www.nola.com
"Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell, speaking Monday about his first four months in office, offered few details about his long-term strategy on hurricane-related cases filed by his predecessor."
Panel approves port bill
From: www.nola.com
"A bill to let the Port of New Orleans develop facilities in Plaquemines Parish with the approval of the Parish Council sailed out of a House committee Monday after its sponsor scrapped plans to consolidate port operations in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes into a mega-port authority."
Bills pit Jindal vs. a top ally
From: www.nola.com
"The push to overhaul the state's capital construction process could come down to a battle between Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration and one of his top legislative lieutenants."
Taxpayers tagged for no insurance
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Five percent of Bay State taxpayers don't have health insurance, and more than half of those were hit with a new fine under the state's landmark health care law."
Study finds state gains in insurance
From: www.nytimes.com
"Massachusetts reduced its proportion of uninsured adults by nearly half in the first year of mandatory health coverage and made gains in the share of people receiving routine preventive care, according to the first major study of the 2006 law. "
Currie, his panel named in subpoena
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Federal prosecutors are seeking computer files and documents from state Sen. Ulysses Currie, Prince George's Democrat, and the committee of which he is the chairman, according to a sweeping subpoena made public yesterday."
Cabbies take stand amid high gas prices
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Hailing a cab in Baltimore could get more difficult this summer."
State sues Mirant over fly ash
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Department of the Environment has filed a lawsuit against the Atlanta-based Mirant power company for allegedly allowing polluted water and heavy metals to escape from a fly ash landfill in Southern Maryland."
Md. cabbies hope for PSC action to offset gasoline prices
From: www.delawareonline.com
"BALTIMORE -- Cab drivers in Baltimore are getting squeezed by higher gasoline prices. They could get some relief next month when the Maryland Public Service Commission is scheduled to study a possible increase in the state fuel surcharge on cab fares. However, PSC spokeswoman LaWanda Edwards says any increase would not take effect until September."
Out of state guns used in Md. crimes
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"BALTIMORE -- New federal crime statistics show that nearly half the guns used in crimes in Maryland last year came from other states."
Currie papers sought in probe
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The state Department of Legislative Services received yesterday a wide-ranging grand jury subpoena from federal prosecutors requesting "all documents relating to the office" of Sen. Ulysses Currie, a leading Prince George's County Democrat who is under investigation by the FBI in connection with his previously undisclosed consulting work for a regional grocery chain."
Billions saved if Md. prevails
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland residents could save up to $2 billion in electricity costs if the state prevails in a complaint alleging that power suppliers made windfall profits because of flawed federal regulations, the Public Service Commission said yesterday."
D.C., Md. seek power rate relief
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Electricity customers in Maryland and the District will overpay for power by more than $1.9 billion through mid-2011 as new federal rules intended to stimulate construction of plants instead enrich power companies, officials alleged yesterday. "
State studies options for Millinocket mill
From: bangornews.com
"MILLINOCKET, Maine - State officials are pursuing three options to maintain the Katahdin Paper Co. LLC mill and create an independent energy production facility on the Katahdin Avenue campus, Gov. John Baldacci said Monday."
Smoking ban debate is hot topic
From: www.detnews.com
"Dianne Rose was an active, healthy 61-year-old woman until last September, when she was diagnosed with lung cancer."
Detroit casinos rulesmaker dies at 61
From: www.freep.com
"GRAND LEDGE, Mich. - The first executive director of Michigan's Gaming Control Board and the author of rules governing gambling at Detroit's three casinos has died after suffering an infection due to prostate cancer, the Lansing State Journal reported today."
Report: Planting of corn and soybean crops nearly finished
From: ap.brainerddispatch.com
"ST. PAUL ? Minnesota's corn and soybean crops are nearly planted, but the weekly crop and weather report says development of both crops is behind schedule."
Price of diesel drives truckers to conserve
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"The soaring price of diesel fuel has made for tough times in the trucking industry."
Missouri horse racing could be back on track
From: www.columbiamissourian.com
"The race is on to revive Missouri's stagnant horse racing industry. Just don't head to the finish line quite yet."
Region's jobless rate hits a low
From: www.djournal.com
"Looking for a job? You might just be in luck, at least if you're looking in Northeast Mississippi. For April, the unemployment rate for the region was the lowest since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the state nearly three years ago."
Gravel pit likely to get DEQ permit
From: www.helenair.com
"A permit allowing a proposed 111-acre gravel pit north of East Helena to begin operations likely will be issued before Thursday, when Lewis and Clark County commissioners will consider creating citizen-initiated zoning regulations that may have outlawed it."
Wolves kill 15 sheep near Dillon
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"BOZEMAN, Mont. -- State wildlife officials say wolves have killed 15 domestic buck sheep and injured 14 others on private land in the East Fork of the Blacktail, south of Dillon."
N.D. workers' comp disability, survivor benefits to rise
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"Some North Dakota workers' compensation benefit recipients will see a 5.6 percent increase next month."
Gov. Hoeven doesn't support 65 mph speed limit
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Gov. John Hoeven said he does not support the trucking industry's appeal for a national 65 mph speed limit, saying states should be left with the authority to set their own top highway speeds."
Petition filed to repeal law moving Nebraska State Fair
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraskans may be able to vote on whether to move the state fair from its longtime home in Lincoln to Grand Island."
Group moves to put State Fair issue on ballot
From: www.theindependent.com
"GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Nebraskans may have the chance to vote in November on whether the Nebraska State Fair should move from Lincoln to Grand Island."
Assisted-living facilites in N.J. probed for improper evictions
From: www.philly.com
"Marilou Rochford felt good bringing her elderly mother, Mary "Betty" Merklinger, to the Chapin House assisted-living facility in Rio Grande several years ago. She and her three brothers had checked out several assisted-living centers, but Chapin House gave her the feeling it could be her mother's home."
Commission approves tax amnesty provisions
From: www.lvrj.com
"Emergency regulations spelling out a tax amnesty program that will begin July 1 were adopted unanimously Monday by the Nevada Tax Commission."
Citycenter project - Workers walk off job
From: www.lvrj.com
"The majority of union workers on MGM Mirage's CityCenter project went on strike late Monday after union negotiations with the developer and construction company regarding the construction site's safety broke down."
Gibbons weighs selling tobacco payments to plug budget gaps
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Caught between the prospect of drastic 14 percent statewide budget cuts and his no-new-taxes pledge, Gov. Jim Gibbons is considering tobacco as a solution."
Smokers get another kick in the butt$
From: www.nypost.com
"Take a deep breath - New York state's excise tax on a pack of cigarettes will soar by 83 percent today, pushing prices around the city to as high as $10.25. "
New York's property tax rebates largely unmonitored
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"The state has been paying potentially millions of dollars in school property-tax rebates to homeowners who failed to pay their tax bills, the head of the state counties' association told lawmakers Monday."
Cuomo sues insurance broker over senior citizen policies
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Attorney General Andrew Cuomo sued an insurance broker Monday who allegedly has sold senior citizens insurance for home-health services they didn't need."
New York cigarette tax rises to $2.75, highest in U.S.
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"New York's cigarette tax becomes the highest in the nation with a $1.25 increase that takes effect today."
New York task force recommends schools cap property-tax growth
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"A task force recommended Monday that New York cap the growth of school property taxes at 4 percent a year, tie property taxes to incomes, reduce state mandates on school districts and stop requiring voter approval for some school budgets."
Cap called key to tax relief
From: www.timesunion.com
"A state commission said Monday the surest way to ease New York's property tax burden is to cap at 4 percent the increase school districts can levy each year."
High court to hear tribal land case
From: www.timesunion.com
"SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Oneida Indian Nation will ask a federal appeals court today to overturn a lower court decision that the tribe has no right to take back title to 250,000 acres of disputed land in upstate New York."
2nd plea near in prostitution tied to Spitzer
From: www.nytimes.com
"A graduate of an elite New Jersey prep school is expected to plead guilty on Tuesday to charges related to running the day-to-day operations of a prostitution ring that authorities say was patronized by, among others, Eliot Spitzer, a person briefed on the case said on Monday."
Panel urges 4% tax cap on property in New York
From: www.nytimes.com
"A state commission urged the governor on Monday to cap local property tax increases at 4 percent a year as part of a preliminary proposal aimed at reducing New York's local tax burden, among the highest in the nation."
Pension costs off by $500 million, city finds
From: www.nytimes.com
"An actuary paid by public employee unions and yet relied upon by the State Legislature to determine the cost of proposals affecting New York City's pension system underestimated their ultimate cost by at least $500 million, city documents and other records show."
Governor - State reviewing antitrust implications of DHL-UPS deal
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland said he is asking his top legal advisers to investigate whether DHL's proposal to hire the rival United Parcel Service to fly DHL's U.S. cargo would violate U.S. antitrust laws by reducing competition in the express package delivery market."
Suburban poverty - Economy brings increased need for help
From: blog.cleveland.com
"They were a hardworking Geauga County family trying to make ends meet when their lives were swept up in the foreclosure crisis."
Soaring diesel hurts truckers
From: news.enquirer.com
"Lance Weaver has been a trucker for more than a decade. "It's a pretty good way to make money," said Weaver, 30, an owner-operator for Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging Co. in Northside. "You have your independence, and you've always got a change of scenery.""
Ohio Lottery puts brakes on contract with new gaming company
From: blog.cleveland.com
"The Ohio Lottery has put the brakes on a $170 million contract that would turn the states numbers games over to a new gaming company for the first time in more than 20 years. "
Payday lending bill is signed; interest capped at 28 percent
From: blog.cleveland.com
"As Gov. Ted Strickland signed a measure capping payday lending rates at 28 percent, Ohio payday lenders explored ways to fight back against the bill they say is a death warrant for the industry."
GM plans to close Ohio SUV plant
From: hosted.ap.org
"DAYTON, Ohio - General Motors Corp. said Tuesday that it plans to close its sport utility plant in the Dayton suburb of Moraine because of surging gas prices that are forcing consumers to switch to smaller vehicles. The closing will result in a loss of 2,500 jobs."
Foundation tries to block seizure of Ohio tobacco funds
From: www.toledoblade.com
"A $230 million hole remains in Ohio's just-passed $1.57 billion economic stimulus package, and a Washington-based foundation was in court yesterday fighting to keep the state from plugging it with tobacco prevention funds."
Lunches will cost more in city schools next year
From: newsok.com
"Rising food costs are biting into Oklahoma City Public Schools' finances just as they are striking consumers in grocery stores and restaurants."
Leased Turnpike tolls may feel familiar
From: www.mcall.com
"If the Pennsylvania Turnpike is leased, would motorists pay more or less than if it remained under public control? If history is any indication, tolls will rise at roughly the same rate."
If managers goof up with Turnpike, state can break lease
From: www.mcall.com
"State officials could bail out of a 75-year lease of the Turnpike -- and keep all the up-front money -- if its private managers bungle operations of the highway."
Rendell says vote unlikely on lease of turnpike
From: www.post-gazette.com
"State lawmakers won't consider Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private operator until fall. Mr. Rendell wanted the Legislature to act on the idea by late June."
Capitol protesters urge end to school property taxes
From: www.post-gazette.com
"A raucous crowd of protesters spilled from the main staircase and filled the Capitol rotunda yesterday, with hundreds of mostly older Pennsylvanians chanting for lawmakers to "save our homes, save our homes!" The rally was in support of House Bill 1275, a measure by state Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks, to eliminate school property taxes."
Hispanic group to urge Sanford to veto immigration bill
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"Advocates for Hispanics in South Carolina will ask Gov. Mark Sanford to veto legislation meant to clamp down on illegal immigration."
S.C. Economy -- What we will, won't give up
From: www.thestate.com
"Jannie Morton will take a pass on the prime rib, but no way will she part with her fresh grapes and bananas. It's a decision she'd rather not make, but one she'd find easy if faced with the choice."
Gas prices hobble Middle Tennessee charities
From: www.tennessean.com
"Nonprofit agencies and charities that rely on volunteer drivers to help carry out their work say soaring gas prices are forcing volunteers to scale back or even stop driving."
Tennessee, Georgia senators criticize cap-and-trade proposal
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate on Monday opened debate on a sweeping global warming bill, one opposed by all four Tennessee and Georgia senators."
Moving Ga. border would dry up tourism in 2 towns
From: www.macon.com
"COPPERHILL, Tenn. -- Patrons at Patrick's Pub and Grill drink their beer in Tennessee, but a walk to the restroom in the same building takes them across the state line to a dry county in Georgia. But as Georgia eyes a longshot bid to move its state line north to the Tennessee River in pursuit of water for drought-stricken Atlanta, residents fear this Appalachian tourist town and its bars would be left high and dry - literally. "
One giant step for biodiesel
From: www.chron.com
"The nation's largest biodiesel plant opened Monday at the Houston Ship Channel, expanding Texas' lead as the biggest producer of the alternative fuel and helping chart a course for making it from nonedible sources."
Perry plans to talk up Texas in Paris and Stockholm, his office says
From: www.statesman.com
"Texas Gov. Rick Perry, just back from a trip to Mexico, plans to spend a week on a privately funded jaunt to France and Sweden starting tonight, his office said."
Perry to tout Texas in Europe
From: www.chron.com
"Gov. Rick Perry, who was in Mexico last week, left Monday on a one-week trip to France and Sweden to promote more business opportunities for Texas and observe the anniversary of the D-Day invasion."
South Texas holdouts feeling pressure to agree to border fence
From: www.dallasnews.com
"McALLEN, Texas - A federal bid request to build three hotly contested pieces of the border fence in Cameron County has turned up the pressure on local officials and landowners still holding out. "
Hammered by the housing slump
From: www.twincities.com
"Robert Lindsey was not surprised by new data last week that showed new home sales have fallen more than 40 percent from their peak almost three years ago. He can tell from his company's bank account. "
Taxpayers may face hurricane tab
From: online.wsj.com
"WASHINGTON -- As hurricane season begins, Democrats in Congress want to nationalize a chunk of the insurance business that covers major storm-damage claims."
Travelers turn to public transit
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Soaring gas prices are pushing more Americans to take public transit, with streetcars, trolleys and other light rail experiencing a 10.3 percent increase in ridership for the first quarter of the year, according to a report released yesterday by the American Public Transportation Association. "
Report - Mine collapse lasted seconds, not triggered by quake
From: www.cnn.com
"The Crandall Canyon mine collapse that killed six miners in Utah last summer lasted only seconds and was not caused by an earthquake, a new study says."
Experts, Kaine urge all Virginia residents to use water more wisely
From: www.inrich.com
"Virginians must stop taking water for granted, experts said yesterday."
Kaine to speak at Radford school
From: www.roanoke.com
"Gov. Tim Kaine will hold a town hall-style meeting at Radford University on Wednesday to promote the transportation funding plan he has proposed for a June 23 special session of the General Assembly."
State launches new business loans
From: www.timesargus.com
"The Vermont Economic Development Authority announced Monday that starting next month it would begin releasing low-interest capital loans aimed at small businesses in the state looking to expand during shaky economic times."
High court declines political ads case
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to step into a dispute over a Washington state law that requires political committees to disclose the names of donors behind ads critical of a candidate for elected office."
A quiet death for campaign finance reform
From: www.wrn.com
"With all the focus on budget repairs at the Capitol, Jay Heck with Common Cause in Wisconsin says nobody noticed when a special session on campaign finance reform was ended last month without any action from lawmakers. "
Property taxes jump 3.8%, most in 3 years
From: www.jsonline.com
"The property tax bill on the typical Wisconsin home rose 3.8% last year - the biggest increase in three years, officials said Monday."
WVU faculty wants details on M.B.A. deficiencies
From: www.post-gazette.com
"MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The West Virginia University faculty senate has challenged administrators to elaborate about deficiencies they said affected about 70 degrees awarded through the university's executive M.B.A. program."
Injured man improperly denied benefits by the state in '84, justices say
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The Wyoming Workers' Compensation Division was wrong to deny benefits for a former Wyoming oil rig worker who was disabled in a workplace accident in 1984, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled."
State jobless benefits reserves low
From: www.stateline.org
"
More than a dozen states would be hard-pressed to provide unemployment benefits if the economy tailspins into a full-blown recession and more workers get pink slips.
"
States act to stem foreclosure scams
From: www.stateline.org
"The rise of home foreclosures has spawned an increase in scams that prey on people’s desperation to save their homes. At least 18 states have enacted laws to target such schemes."
States wager on racetrack slots
From: www.stateline.org
"States are betting that adding slots to racetracks will help get them through a faltering economy and dwindling cash reserves"
WORTH NOTING: Partying, politicking and parrying at governors' pads
From: www.stateline.org
"Some governors can’t get away from prying eyes, even in their own mansions. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) is embarrassed when word leaks out of his son’s birthday beer bash on the premises; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) can barely get a GOP sign on his own yard; and Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is fighting to get the keys to his mansion from his soon-to-be ex-wife. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
States scramble to ease pain at the pump
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 3:46 p.m. EDT, May 20, 2008)
As Memorial Day weekend approaches and with gas prices around $4 a gallon, many states are offering motorists at the start of the summer driving season suggestions and some solutions for relief."
N.C. pushes ban on illegal immigrant students
From: www.stateline.org
"While other states struggle with the issue, North Carolina alone is moving ahead with an interpretation of a federal law that the state says bars illegal immigrants from attending community colleges, even if the students pay more than the cost of their education."
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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