Lawmakers debate gas commitments
From: newsminer.com
"State lawmakers on Sunday took up one of the key questions in their consideration of the TransCanada gas pipeline plan: Will the big North Slope producers commit to using the line?"
In-state gas line stays on front burner
From: juneauempire.com
"As state lawmakers continue their review of a plan to build a multibillion dollar natural gas pipeline from the North Slope to a hub in Alberta, Canada, one issue appears never far from their minds."
Lawmakers dissect TC Alaska as Russian company enters fray
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- As state legislators spent Saturday further scrutinizing TransCanada's gasline proposal, another company -- Russian gas monopoly O A O Gazprom -- offered to work with BP and ConocoPhillips on their own project."
Questions flow from gas line proposal
From: www.adn.com
"OK, listen up. Are you baffled by this whole natural gas pipeline thing? Are you wondering why Alaska legislators and Gov. Sarah Palin are stuck in Juneau in June instead of out fishing for salmon? Don't have any idea who TransCanada is, or how "Denali" could be anything but a mountain?"
Gas line hearings about to expand across Alaska
From: www.adn.com
"It's almost time for Alaska lawmakers to pack their bags. On Tuesday, they will close up shop in Juneau and head out of town."
Alabama economy lagged nationwide growth in 2007
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"MOBILE, Ala. - New federal figures show that, like the national economy, Alabama tapped the brakes in 2007, as the state lagged the nationwide growth rate for the second year in a row."
Alabama's cotton crop smallest since early 1980s
From: www.al.com
"Clyde Leavelle grew up raising cotton and has grown it annually on his Tuscaloosa County farm since 1982. Like many Alabama cotton farmers, after two years of drought he switched to soybeans this year."
Verizon purchase means loss of Arkansas corporate citizen
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Verizon Wireless' pending $28.1 billion acquisition of Alltel Corp. marks the end of an era in Arkansas."
Commission urges extension of solar-project subsidy
From: www.azcentral.com
"The Arizona Corporation Commission has sent a letter to the state's congressional delegation, urging them to work for the extension of a key-financing tool that helps offset the cost of solar-energy projects."
State's hiring to stay on hold
From: www.azcentral.com
"Arizona's state government hiring freeze will likely continue through December, Gov. Janet Napolitano is telling her agency directors."
More 'devastating' cuts for Contra Costa
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"The county administrator delivered a grave financial update this week on the governor's revised budget that could further chop services affecting Contra Costa County's most vulnerable communities, along with more jobs."
Marijuana hotbed retreats on medicinal use
From: www.nytimes.com
"UKIAH, Calif. - There is probably no marijuana-friendlier place in the country than here in Mendocino County, where plants can grow more than 15 feet high, medical marijuana clubs adopt stretches of highway, and the sticky, sweet aroma of cannabis fills this city's streets during the autumn harvest."
U.S.-born children feel effects of immigration raids
From: www.latimes.com
"Yesenia Rangel, 12, looked out her window on a Friday morning in February and saw several officers with the letters "ICE" on their sleeves."
Assembly measure is tailored for firm
From: www.latimes.com
"A developer and major campaign contributor who wants to build homes on what is now the Verdugo Hills Golf Course has arranged state legislation that would stymie an effort by the city of Los Angeles to block the project."
Fatherly advice
From: www.sacbee.com
"First lady Maria Shriver is usually the one known for dispensing advice, at least when it comes to publishing books. But Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has offered his own insight on how he raises his kids, including today at a press conference about new laws restricting use of cell phones.
"
Letting gridlock loose on L.A.
From: www.latimes.com
"When Santa Monica officials approved the massive Water Garden office complex, they predicted the project would generate thousands of good jobs and revive a once-tired industrial neighborhood."
UP balks at bullet-train plan
From: www.sacbee.com
"In a potential blow to California's bullet train dreams, a major railroad is refusing to share its right of way on portions of the planned 800-mile line."
Fall election has a host of initiatives
From: www.sacbee.com
"Tired of elections? Get ready for another. California's third of 2008 is coming to a polling place near you. The November state ballot will be filed with hot-button issues: gay marriage, teen abortion, drugs, gangs, renewable energy and animal rights."
Panel to debate pay cuts for California lawmakers, top officeholders
From: www.sacbee.com
"Salaries of California lawmakers and top elected officials should be cut to share the pain of a massive budget deficit, the head of the state's independent salary commission has concluded."
Schwarzenegger plans to borrow from smog, nail salon funds to ease deficit
From: www.sacbee.com
"Nail parlors and smoggy vehicles could get fewer inspections under a little-known borrowing plan proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to advocates opposed to his budget."
Latin leaders look to aid state farms
From: www.sacbee.com
"The president of Honduras and top government figures from El Salvador and Guatemala visited the central San Joaquin Valley on Saturday to learn more about California's farm-labor crisis ? and to offer their help."
Critics say disabled access bill is too broad, too weak
From: www.sacbee.com
"On one side are disabled Californians, who can't believe businesses still deny them access. On the other are angry business owners, who loathe the lawsuits spawned by a doorway too narrow, a toilet too high, a ramp too steep. After years of failed efforts, the Legislature is attempting again to bridge the divide with a proposal to curb lawsuits while improving public access for California's disabled."
Governor's economic adviser helps shape fiscal policy
From: www.sacbee.com
"David Crane, the man behind Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's effort to balance the budget with lottery profits, works in a modest Capitol office with few luxuries beyond a window overlooking the park and an electric teapot. It belies the fact that Crane is wealthy enough to retire on some faraway beach."
Now students take field trips online
From: www.csmonitor.com
"STOCKTON, Calif. - When seventh graders in Stockton took a field trip this week to see elephant seals, they didn't even step outside their school. Instead, with the help of a projector and a video camera, the students teleconferenced with a state park guide on the California coast."
Fort Carson's carbon 'bootprint' traced
From: www.denverpost.com
"At Fort Carson, a new computerized system goes into operation this week to track carbon-dioxide emissions at the base south of Colorado Springs."
Metro-area motorists feeling $4 pinch at the gas pump
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"The long-dreaded - but not unexpected - $4 gallon of gasoline arrived in Denver on Sunday, and resigned motorists were feeling the hurt."
Truck inspections, ticketing down in 2007
From: www.courant.com
"After a runaway dump truck plowed into a line of cars at the base of Avon Mountain in July 2005, Gov. M. Jodi Rell -- stung by reports that truck inspections had declined sharply in the state -- quickly ordered more examiners onto Connecticut highways. The following year, roadside truck inspections leapt 30 percent. But it didn't last."
Florida businesses oppose plan to end property taxes for schools
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Interest groups and politicians are choosing sides for a multimillion-dollar campaign over a November ballot issue that will put billions of dollars in taxes up for grabs.
"
Hawaii gas price sets record at $4.17
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Gasoline prices statewide hit record highs yesterday, with Hawai'i's average price of a gallon of regular reaching $4.17, according to AAA Hawaii."
Water panel inaction angers taro farmers
From: starbulletin.com
"Taro farmers in East Maui say their summer crop is being ruined by a lack of water and the failure of a state commission to maintain stream flows to their patches."
Iowa AG challenges casino plans in Carter Lake
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"The state of Iowa is trying to halt construction of a tribal casino in Carter Lake, claiming the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska does not have authority under federal law to use the land for gambling."
Gaming commission to study new gaming markets
From: www.qctimes.com
"The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission is planning a study that would identify new gaming markets. The commission wants to explore the possibility of issuing future casino licenses."
Idaho agency says unemployment continues to increase
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Idaho Department of Labor says the state's seasonally adjusted level of unemployment hit its highest rate in three years in May."
State fair ticket office now open
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Music fans interested in attending one or more concerts at the Illinois State Fair this summer can now buy tickets at the fairgrounds."
Hospital presses for its sale
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The transfer of St. Francis Hospital to a new ownership group is being put on a fast track to help stem the tide of employees who have been leaving because of uncertainty about the hospital's future, officials said Friday."
After Rezko verdict, ethics bill looms large on governor's desk
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The strongest campaign fundraising restrictions state lawmakers have ever approved are sitting on the desk of a governor who was elected as a reformer but now has federal investigators crawling all over his administration."
Daniels gets coat, praises stadiums
From: www.fortwayne.com
"Across the street from the construction site of the new Harrison Square baseball stadium, Gov. Mitch Daniels spoke of the benefits of sports facilities to communities like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis."
Indiana's illegal gambling crackdown lags rhetoric that gave birth to it
From: www.nwi.com
"An 11-month push to rid Indiana of illegal gambling devices has yielded a mere fraction of the many thousands of illicit poker and slot machines state lawmakers claimed were victimizing Hoosiers when they ordered the crackdown last year."
High gas prices pump up rail line hopes
From: www.nwitimes.com
"Soaring gasoline prices are driving hordes of people to mass transit in many U.S. cities, but people in the region may not be quite as ready to give up their cars."
Legislators offered free ride
From: www.indystar.com
"Only days after cash tolls nearly doubled on the Indiana Toll Road, the private company that manages the road had a money-saving offer for state lawmakers: a free ride. Most legislators said no thanks."
State Fair visitors can light up only in designated areas
From: www.indystar.com
"One year after doing away with trans fats, the Indiana State Fair is taking aim at another health hazard: smoking."
Casino opens today in Shelbyville
From: www.indystar.com
"After receiving the OK late Saturday night from the state Gaming Commission, Indiana Live Casino will officially open its doors to the public today at 10 a.m."
State revenues still beating forecast, but . . .
From: www.indystar.com
"State revenues are slightly ahead of projections with one month to go in the fiscal year, but Indiana suffered its largest shortfall of the year last month."
Charter school's big experiment
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"NEW ORLEANS - The storm that swamped this city three years ago also effectively swept away a public school system with a dismal record and faint prospects of getting better. "
Bill would create land commission
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"LAFAYETTE, La. -- A bill pending in the Legislature would create a new public authority with the goal of guiding the redevelopment of blighted and vacant properties in Lafayette."
TV bill redraws the cable landscape
From: www.nola.com
"Portrayed as either a blessing or curse for consumers, a landmark bill totally rewriting the way cable TV and video services are regulated in Louisiana is close to passage in the state Legislature."
Tourism leaders seeking more money for N.O.
From: www.nola.com
"New Orleans tourism officials asked state legislators for an additional $23 million in the state budget Friday to help cover the cost of convention operations, business recruitment and marketing as the region continues its recovery from Hurricane Katrina."
Fire Marshal wants code changes on sprinklers
From: www.bostonherald.com
"In the wake of yet another massive blaze at an apartment complex, State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan is calling for changes to the state?s building code.
"
More Numbers! Lottery adding 2nd daily draw
From: www.bostonherald.com
"The Massachusetts State Lottery is adding a second daily drawing of the Numbers game in a move that?s projected to generate $7 million annually for cities and towns."
Oyster gardeners aid Bay recovery
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Oysters in the Chesapeake Bay have been all but wiped out, and now the struggling bivalves are increasingly finding themselves held in wire cages tied to home docks."
Former lobbyist planting Maryland's biggest vineyard
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"CLEAR SPRING, Md. - Row after row, vine after vine, a former lobbyist with a taste for fine wine is creating Maryland's largest vineyard in the Appalachian foothills of western Maryland."
Pier project talks advance; details expected in August
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Portland officials now say they'll have a redevelopment deal for the Maine State Pier by August, five months later than initial estimates."
Baldacci sees energy crisis
From: bangornews.com
"Gov. John Baldacci believes Maine is caught in the vise of a national energy price crisis, with gasoline hovering around $4 a gallon."
State makes headway in attempt to save mill
From: bangornews.com
"State officials are continuing to examine the feasibility of several alternative energy options for Millinocket?s Katahdin Paper Co. mill and plan to meet with its corporate owners in the coming weeks, Gov. John Baldacci said Friday."
Truckers coalition widens its scope
From: bangornews.com
"LINCOLN, Maine - A membership drive and a seat on a new governor?s task force tackling the state's energy problems were the biggest topics at the latest Coalition to Lower Fuel Prices meeting Saturday."
Delegation pushes unemployment plan
From: bangornews.com
"State officials estimate as many as 13,000 Mainers would benefit if Congress extends unemployment for an additional 13 weeks. But Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, is charging the extension is being threatened by House Democratic leaders."
U-M tackles drop in lower-income students
From: www.detnews.com
"ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The proportion of University of Michigan students from lower-income families is dropping, and administrators say they're trying to figure out why and what they can do to reverse the trend."
25 miles of paths and trails are being added in Detroit, suburbs
From: www.freep.com
"Michiganders still call Detroit the Motor City, yet their state also is a leader in paths for nonmotorized transit. Michigan is second only to Wisconsin in rail trails, the routes on old rail lines, according to the national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Washington, D.C. Michigan has 1,491 rail-trail miles compared with Wisconsin's 1,552 miles, the group says."
Deer processors did uneven job of keeping lead out
From: www.twincities.com
"When it comes to keeping lead-bullet fragments out of venison, some Minnesota deer processors are doing a better job than others, according to a Minnesota Department of Agriculture study obtained Friday by the Pioneer Press."
Bridge construction draws crowds in Minneapolis
From: www.nytimes.com
"MINNEAPOLIS - On a sunny Saturday, more than 300 people stood in clusters squinting out at the gurgling Mississippi River and the spot where one of the state's most-traveled bridges fell down one evening last August, killing 13 people and injuring many more."
Judge -- Policyholders are casualties
From: www.sunherald.com
"GULFPORT, Miss. -- Policyholders are casualties in a battle that has pitted State Farm and one of its vendors, E.A. Renfroe, against the Scruggs Katrina Group of attorneys, U.S. District Judge L.T. Senter Jr. wrote in an eight-page opinion filed this week."
Fewer drivers buying snacks, drinks with gas
From: www.omaha.com
"With gas almost $4 a gallon, adding a Slushee and candy bar to the convenience store bill might be out of the question."
Court ruling proves helpful for livestock producers
From: www.theindependent.com
"According to Keith Olsen, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau, the ruling will help ensure livestock producers across the state will have a clear legal direction and fair opportunity to appeal denials of county conditional use permits."
Farm Bureau -- Ethanol not to blame for high food prices
From: www.theindependent.com
"GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Rising food costs impacting hundreds of millions of people across the globe are a result of a myriad of complicated issues, said American Farm Bureau Federation trade specialist Chris Garza."
Lynch to decide on NH school funding plan
From: www.fosters.com
"Gov. John Lynch has until midnight to decide whether to let a new school funding system for New Hampshire become law or to veto it."
One court to handle business cases
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Business moves quickly. New Hampshire's court system does not. And the chief justice of the state Supreme Court says that's a problem."
Strong currency finds outlet in N.H.
From: www.cmonitor.com
"The weak dollar is bringing Canadian shoppers to New Hampshire."
State next for plant's approval
From: www.cmonitor.com
"A group of environmentally minded developers inched closer last week to opening a power plant and industrial park on the site of a defunct sawmill in Barnstead"
Affordable housing comes before panel
From: www.nj.com
"The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will take up its own version of a sweeping affordable housing proposal Monday, one that has been amended to make it identical to a plan moving through the Assembly."
Ballot plan appeal filed
From: hosted.ap.org
"Advocates of two proposed ballot petitions to cap revenue for the Las Vegas tourism authority and a third plan to restrict tax-raising ballot questions filed a court appeal Friday to revive the plans rejected by Secretary of State Ross Miller."
Nevada lawmakers urged to register off-road vehicles
From: hosted.ap.org
"ELKO, Nev. -- A coalition of ranchers, sportsmen, conservationists and law enforcement authorities urged a state panel to end Nevada's status as the only Western state without a registration program for off-road vehicles."
DiNapoli to limit donations to his 2010 campaign
From: www.newsday.com
"State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli plans to voluntarily limit donations from individuals to his election campaign, and restrict those of some companies doing business with his office."
Paterson relies on persuasion to move legislation
From: www.newsday.com
"In a break from the style of his recent predecessors, Gov. David A. Paterson is relying on persuasion rather than bullying to spur legislative action as the state confronts huge challenges stemming from the economic slowdown."
Pork or not? Member items getting new scrutiny
From: www.newsday.com
"Let New York's governor warn that tax revenues have "fallen off a cliff" and steep budget deficits lie ahead. Long Island's lawmakers say that's all the more reason for them to use the $25 million in discretionary local grants they are awarding this year, commonly known as member items. Some call it pork"
A plan to revisit past success
From: www.timesunion.com
"THOMPSON. N.Y. -- As work crews smash apart the Concord Hotel -- the biggest of the old, empty Borscht Belt resorts -- developer Louis Cappelli surveys the rubble and sees a new shot at glory for the Catskills."
Good timing for good deal
From: www.timesunion.com
"The widow of former state Sen. Ron Stafford last month bought a home from the elder son of Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno at an apparent premium, at a time when she is seeking legislation that would benefit her company."
Big day at Belmont may be one of the last for the OTB
From: www.nytimes.com
"Once more, the betting parlor in Bensonhurst opened its glass doors for a big horse race. And once more, the bettors - to wager more than they could spend or just enough to have some fun or, for the lucky ones, to make a buck on a horse - filed dutifully inside."
Cigarette buyers dunned
From: news.enquirer.com
"Ohio residents who bought cigarettes over the phone from out-of-state vendors are being fined by the state, racking up about $2.2 million in uncollected cigarette taxes."
Ohio House Democrats look to tweak proposed constitutional amendment
From: www.cleveland.com
"Don't go taking the House Democrats for granted - not when you really need them, at least."
Tic-Tac video games back, but state says they're still illegal
From: www.cleveland.com
"Tic-Tac-Fruit, the video game banned by the state for its cash payouts, is back in Cleveland bars, now paying off in gas cards. But who knows for how long. "
Payday lenders plan appeal to Ohio voters
From: www.dispatch.com
"Ohio's payday-lending industry apparently will not quietly fade away."
Gaming machines' gas-card payout illegal, official says
From: www.dispatch.com
"CLEVELAND -- Tic-Tac-Fruit, a gaming machine banned by the state in a gambling crackdown, is back in Cleveland bars, but this time, winners are taking home gas cards as prizes."
OSU seeks money to study bee woes
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Oregon State University is seeking $250,000 in emergency state funding to find a reason and a solution for the unprecedented die-off of honeybees -- a problem that threatens Oregon food crops worth more than $457 million."
Items discarded from state museums up for sale tomorrow to highest bidders
From: www.post-gazette.com
"As state historical museums cut the fat from their brimming inventories, the public will be able to bid on more than 300 items from Pennsylvania's past."
Pa. court to rule if town can prohibit sludge use
From: www.philly.com
"A court is expected to rule on whether a central Pennsylvania township has the right to prohibit the use of human sewage as fertilizer on agricultural land, a practice that some critics believe could be harmful to people."
Governor appoints panel on immigration
From: www.projo.com
"Governor Carcieri has named 27 people to an advisory panel that will monitor implementation of the executive order on illegal immigration that he issued in March. The panel includes representatives of religious groups, community agencies, government, law enforcement and business."
R.I. labor guru George Nee cut his teeth on grape boycott and caught the union bug
From: www.projo.com
"He is a onetime college dropout, a former bodyguard, a shrewd political strategist and the face of Rhode Island?s labor movement."
Labor's power hangs in balance
From: www.projo.com
"Labor union membership in Rhode Island is at its lowest point in more than a half-century. Powerful Democratic legislators, long rumored to be "in labor's pocket," now support cutting benefits for unionized workers. And a growing chorus of critics -- Governor Carcieri among them -- blames unions, at least in part, for the state's mounting fiscal problems."
Going after problem contractors
From: www.projo.com
"State Rep. Charlene Lima chairs a special legislative commission that aims to tighten up the construction industry in Rhode Island so that unscrupulous contractors don?t give the building industry a bad name."
Labor able to wield political influence far beyond its membership
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island?s labor unions are losing members faster than they can add them."
Session at a glance
From: www.charleston.net
"The Legislature counts illegal-immigration reform and the strengthening of the state's drunken driving laws as this year's successes. Some other highlights:"
Tennessee has highest bankruptcy rate
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Tennessee continues to lead the nation in the share of people going broke, and experts fear the slowing economy will push the number of bankrupt Tennesseans even higher over the next year."
Broke filings highest in Tenn.
From: www.knoxnews.com
"CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Tennessee continues to have the highest personal bankruptcy rate in the nation, and experts are predicting even more filings next year because of the slowing economy."
Democratic platform adopted - without a nay
From: www.statesman.com
"State Rep. Garnet Coleman of Houston watched a moment ago as delegates approved - without a no vote - a revised Texas Democratic Party platform. Coleman, as before, chaired the committee that churned out the 34-page final draft."
Fewer lottery dollars for public schools?
From: www.statesman.com
"Texas lottery officials are monitoring a decline in ticket sales that they say could reduce the amount of money the lottery sends to public schools if the trend continues."
Districts feeling gasoline price pinch
From: www.mysanantonio.com
" In the sprawling East Central Independent School District, rising gas prices are driving director of transportation Lee Iredale into the red. He needs to almost double his fuel budget next year, from $287,000 to $560,000, just to keep up."
Sagging lottery sales may impact public school funding
From: www.chron.com
"Lottery ticket sales in Texas are down, and state officials say the decline could affect the $1 billion the lottery sends annually to public schools."
Salmonella in tomatoes spreads to 16 states
From: www.azstarnet.com
"ALBUQUERQUE - Salmonella food poisoning first linked to uncooked tomatoes has spread to 16 states, federal health officials said Saturday."
States take new tack on illegal immigration
From: www.nytimes.com
"MILTON, Fla. - Three months after the local police inspected more than a dozen businesses searching for illegal immigrants using stolen Social Security numbers, this community in the Florida Panhandle has become more law-abiding, emptier and whiter. Many of the Hispanic immigrants who came in 2004 to help rebuild after Hurricane Ivan have either fled or gone into hiding. "
Wall St. firm told only some about risk
From: www.boston.com
"UBS Financial Services Inc. knew as early as December that a segment of the municipal bond business was in trouble, but the Wall Street firm kept selling the investments to some clients without warning them of the risk, according to documents reviewed by the Globe."
2008 enrollment in U.S. expected to set record
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Public school enrollment across the country will hit a record high this year with just under 50 million students, and the student population is becoming more diverse in large part because of growth in the Latino population, according to a new federal report. "
Rural U.S. takes worst hit as gas tops $4 average
From: www.nytimes.com
"TCHULA, Miss. - Gasoline prices reached a national average of $4 a gallon for the first time over the weekend, adding more strain to motorists across the country."
State wants expanded smog-reduction efforts
From: deseretnews.com
"Utah regulators want to get more aggressive in cutting smog-producing pollutants across the state."
Packing in public - Gun owners tired of hiding their weapons embrace 'open carry'
From: www.latimes.com
"PROVO, Utah - For years, Kevin Jensen carried a pistol everywhere he went, tucked in a shoulder holster beneath his clothes."
Conservation - Virginia's hidden energy resource
From: www.inrich.com
"Energy auditor Steve Wells found a problem even before stepping inside the western Henrico County home."
Virginia Beach sheriff sues state over importing inmates
From: hamptonroads.com
"Sheriff Paul Lanteigne on Tuesday sued the director of the state Department of Corrections, claiming the agency is breaking the law by renting its cells to other states while Virginia inmates remain in area jails at the expense of local taxpayers."
State Police find thousands of truck safety violations
From: hamptonroads.com
"Virginia State Police motor carrier units put 381 trucks out of service during a big inspection this week."
Virginia regulators study fly-ash disposal regulations
From: hosted.ap.org
"CHESAPEAKE, Va. - Virginia regulators are weighing whether to change the state's regulations for disposal of fly ash produced by coal-fired power plants."
20 cent cigarette tax hike hits July 1
From: www.timesargus.com
"When the General Assembly passed a bill to increase the tax on tobacco products in the 2006 session, they instituted a two-step increase ? 60 cents then and 20 cents now."
Cigarette tax set to increase July 1
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Starting July 1, Vermont smokers are going to have to dig deeper into their pockets to light up. The state tax on cigarettes is going to increase from $1.79 a pack to $1.99."
Wisconsin eyes Chicago Olympic bid
From: www.wrn.com
"Wisconsin could be a big winner, if Chicago is picked to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games."
Rash of recalls has officials fearing for children's safety
From: www.jsonline.com
"Trish Briscoe knows about recalls. Last year, Briscoe, 48, of Madison, threw away a recalled Thomas the Tank Engine caboose belonging to her 4-year-old son, Ian. She regularly checks a Web site about recent recalls. And she's made sure she's put Ian in a day care that stays on top of safety issues. "
Revival afoot to preserve farmland
From: www.jsonline.com
"Nearly two years after a state task force issued comprehensive recommendations on how to stem further loss of Wisconsin's dwindling agricultural fields, a new effort is being launched to win approval of legislation needed to preserve farmland."
New food rules could mean trouble for some W.Va. restaurants
From: www.dailymail.com
"New statewide food regulations will take effect starting July 1, and that could spell trouble for some restaurants."
Stock growers eye state animal ID
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Wyoming ranchers could benefit from a state-wide animal identification program, according to assistant state veterinarian Jim Logan."
Wyo housing construction doesn't keep up
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. -- The Wyoming energy boom gave Richard Sherman a new job and a housing headache."
Governor -- Wyoming Range protection bill would have 'negligible' impact
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- If legislation making the Wyoming Range off-limits to new oil and gas leasing becomes law, it would have a "negligible" impact on gas production in the Wyoming Range, Gov. Dave Freudenthal wrote in a letter to Capitol Hill last week. And it would have almost no effect on the nation's overall energy supply, he said."
Sonics would be profitable here, Bennett testifies
From: newsok.com
"Seattle SuperSonics owners told the NBA they expect to lose $60.9 million to $64.9 million during the next two years if forced to stay in Seattle, but believe they can turn an $18.8 million profit if allowed to relocate to Oklahoma City.
"
Scalpers beware: States target ticket sellers
From: www.stateline.org
"The online hijacking of huge blocks of tickets for hot concerts and sporting events for resale at many times face value has raised the ire of consumers and caught the attention of several states that have taken steps to address the problem."
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"
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."
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
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."
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
