Few rules, little oversight in crane industry
From: www.msnbc.msn.com
"NEW YORK - Dan Mooney has no idea what it will take for his construction cranes to pass inspection."
3 net providers will block sites with child sex
From: www.nytimes.com
"Verizon, Sprint and Time Warner Cable have agreed to block access to Internet bulletin boards and Web sites nationwide that disseminate child pornography. "
Palin reverses course on LNG pipeline plan
From: juneauempire.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin began campaigning for office two years ago as a supporter of bringing Alaska's vast natural gas reserves to market as liquefied natural gas exported through Valdez, popularly known as the "All-Alaska" gas pipeline proposal."
Lawmakers continue to fuel up with pipeline information
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Lawmakers spent another day in Juneau going over the TransCanada pipeline license."
Date of special session on energy needs not yet decided
From: www.adn.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin has promised Alaska lawmakers they will be called upon this summer to address the immediate energy needs of Alaskans."
FEMA won't try to recoup millions Federal auditors had said Mobile firm Clearbrook owed $16.4M
From: www.al.com
"WASHINGTON -- In part because a contract did not precisely spell out what a Mobile company was supposed to do, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will not try to recoup $16.4 million in payments that were questioned by federal auditors, according to a top agency manager."
Ala. governor signing tax break for small businesses
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Gov. Bob Riley is signing legislation to provide a tax break to small businesses that provide health insurance to their employees."
Ala. college to get robotics center
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"A robotics research and development complex will be built at Calhoun Community College in Decatur and is expected to train 450 people a year, Gov. Bob Riley announced Monday."
Gas pumps playing fair, state says
From: www2.arkansasonline.com
"As the price of regular gasoline flirts with $4 a gallon in Arkansas and motorists are forced to pinch pennies, getting their money?s worth is more important than ever."
High fuel prices take toll on state road repairs
From: www2.arkansasonline.com
"Four-dollar-a-gallon regular gasoline has some Arkansas cities and counties pinching pennies just like the public, with leaders hoping to stay ahead of potholes and other road problems."
Deadline looming for ballot proposal petitions
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"With less than a month to go, supporters of ballot measures are trying to stay positive about their chances of gathering the tens of thousands of valid voter signatures they need in time to qualify for the November general election ballot."
Schwarzenegger urged to end deadlock over California prison hospitals
From: www.latimes.com
"The overseer of healthcare in California state prisons asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday to circumvent state lawmakers by using an emergency declaration to proceed with a $7-billion plan to build medical beds."
Giant Calif. land partnership files for Chapter 11
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"LOS ANGELES ? A 15,000-acre California real estate partnership that has the nation's largest public employees pension fund as a big investor has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection."
Surge in Northern California political giving
From: www.sfgate.com
"Northern California contributions to presidential candidates have surged so much during the current campaign that if it were a state, the area would rank fourth in the nation."
Voters prefer cuts to taxes, poll says
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Voters would rather cut spending than raise taxes to close the state's giant budget deficit, but they flinch when it comes to deciding which programs to shrink, according to a new poll."
Labor inspectors root out violations along Central Valley back roads
From: www.sacbee.com
"In just two days, labor inspectors had reaped a dubious harvest. At least 10 confirmed or suspected minors harvesting fruit and weeding fields. A crew using short-handled weeding tools banned under state law. Filthy toilets. No place to seek shade. Water jugs but no cups. No safety plans, or training for farmworkers on the perils of heat."
Field Poll - To cut or not to cut
From: www.sacbee.com
"Here's the dilemma facing state politicians as they seek to close this year's budget gap: California voters say they prefer spending cuts to tax increases. But a new Field Poll found they also oppose cuts in 13 service areas the survey tested."
Drug reminder bill raises privacy concerns
From: www.sacbee.com
"Privacy concerns have been raised about a bill moving through the California Legislature that would let pharmacies partner with drug companies to send out letters reminding patients to refill their prescriptions."
Prison czar aims to bypass Legislature on construction
From: www.sacbee.com
"Rejected in the state Senate, California's prison medical czar now wants to build 10,500 correctional health care beds himself on a contract with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, with or without legislative approval."
Same-sex ruling drives wedding business in Calif.
From: www.npr.org
"Virtually as soon as California's Supreme Court announced it would legally recognize same-sex marriages starting June 17, wedding businesses started getting calls from thousands of gays and lesbians planning their nuptials."
Amendment 46 gains an opponent
From: www.denverpost.com
"The Colorado Council of Churches announced its opposition Monday to Amendment 46, a ballot measure aimed at ending preferential treatment by the state based on individuals' or groups' race, sex, color or ethnicity. "
Big divide over plan to lease Roan land
From: www.denverpost.com
"The Bureau of Land Management on Monday announced plans to lease federal land atop the prized Roan Plateau in western Colorado, drawing sharp rebukes from those who want the drilling slowed, while winning praise from more drilling-friendly quarters."
Child-poverty jump in Colo. leads nation
From: www.denverpost.com
"Almost twice as many Colorado children are living in poverty as in 2000, making the state's population of impoverished kids the fastest growing in the nation, according to a Colorado Children's Campaign report to be released today."
Rell, lawmakers seek allowance of cash discounts at more gas stations
From: www.theday.com
"The governor and lawmakers said Monday they'll take action this week to allow more gas station owners to offer cash discounts for gasoline."
Conn.?s electric rates - One of the highest, report says
From: www.theday.com
"Connecticut?s electric-rate increases have been some of the steepest in the country, according to a quarterly economic report issued today, and the process used to inject competition into the market is largely to blame."
Legislators, governor push for cash discounts on gas
From: www.courant.com
"Gasoline prices could drop 10 to 20 cents a gallon if the legislature passes a bill Wednesday that would allow stations to offer cash discounts."
Lawmakers to take up cash discounts bill
From: www.rep-am.com
"Connecticut lawmakers plan to take up a bill this week that would allow gas stations to offer discounts to customers who pay cash, even if their franchise agreements with oil companies prohibit such deals."
DEP approves Southbury water line
From: www.rep-am.com
"SOUTHBURY, Conn. - The state Department of Environmental Protection has approved a plan to install a water line to residents affected by water contamination from a former manufacturing plant on Reservoir Road."
Lawmakers to extend conveyance tax
From: www.rep-am.com
"State lawmakers are meeting Wednesday to rescue what the Connecticut Association of Realtors calls a hidden tax on home sales."
Proposed budget sees more cuts
From: www.delawareonline.com
"The budget-writing Joint Finance Committee pared another $12.2 million Monday from the proposed budget for 2009, cutting funding for everything from Medicaid reimbursements to the Junior Miss Pageant."
Gas prices, budget crunch taking whack out of highway greenery
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"The state's budget ax is about to fell thousands of trees and shrubs on new road projects. "
AFSCME endorses Obama for president
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A union representing thousands of government workers across Florida has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president while declaring its independence in state legislative races."
Public Service Commissioner faces several challengers
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Florida Public Service Commissioner Lisa Edgar could face some strong competition in her bid to remain on the powerful regulatory board."
Crist could veto money for Jackson Memorial Hospital
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist's office has made an ''implied'' threat to Jackson Memorial Hospital: participate in a new healthcare project or risk a $20 million budget veto, according to the Florida House leader and sources familiar with the conversations.
"
EPA won't limit dirty-water transfers to Glades
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Monday that Florida's controversial practice of pumping polluted water from farms and suburbs into the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee is none of the federal government's business."
Tax collections dip 31% despite higher gas costs
From: www.ajc.com
"State tax collections plummeted last month as the economy continued to sputter."
29 other states oppose ruling on ceded lands
From: starbulletin.com
"Twenty-nine states have joined Hawaii in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a recent Hawaii high court decision that freezes transactions involving ceded lands until a settlement can be reached with native Hawaiians."
Lingle keeps lid on Superferry records
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The Lingle administration, citing attorney-client privilege and executive privilege, has declined a request by The Advertiser to publicly release hundreds of e-mails and other documents related to its decision to exempt the Hawaii Superferry project from environmental review."
Substitute teachers' pay raises pondered
From: starbulletin.com
"Meg Gammon jokes she gets "the scraps" when it comes to getting paid by the state Department of Education. A 16-year substitute teacher, she earns $136 for a day in the classroom but depends on her job at Longs Drugs for health benefits. Gammon also works as a parent community networking coordinator at Kalaheo High."
Governor says flooding poses "significant challenge"
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Governor Chet Culver says flooding across the state is presenting a "significant challenge." Thirty-one of Iowa's 99 counties are experiencing flooding."
Food card subsidies for grocers debated
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Lawmakers heard arguments Monday to suspend subsidies to Iowa grocers who accept food stamp debit cards, which some said is a waste of taxpayer money."
Mayor's aide -- Next step in IDOT fight is hearing
From: www.sj-r.com
"Mayor Tim Davlin expects the next step in his strategy to stop more than 100 Illinois Department of Transportation jobs from moving to southern Illinois will not take place until the state's Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability has a hearing in July or August, a spokesman said Monday."
Corruption fighters find Chicago a challenge
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"When former Illinois Gov. George Ryan got snared in a racketeering and fraud investigation several years ago, some thought Chicago might get a break from the corruption that has plagued this city for as long as anyone can remember."
State efforts to buy Wrigley sink
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The state's efforts to purchase Wrigley Field slammed into an ivy-covered wall Monday as talks with owner Tribune Co. reached an impasse, according to former Gov. James Thompson, who has been leading the charge."
Thompson strikes out with Wrigley deal
From: www.suntimes.com
"Former Gov. Jim Thompson struck out Monday in his efforts to have the state buy and renovate Wrigley Field without raising taxes."
Indiana copes with flooding
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"Weary southern Indiana residents tried to reclaim their water-logged homes Monday and Marines sandbagged a levee protecting yet another threatened town while officials waited to see whether a new wave of storms would add to already historic flooding."
Flood insurance claims rising
From: www.indystar.com
"The state's two largest homeowner insurance companies have begun fielding thousands of claims for property damage from the weekend storms."
Red alert for some tomatoes
From: www2.ljworld.com
"McDonald's pulled big red tomatoes from its Big N' Tasty and premium chicken sandwiches."
Lawmakers signal progress on pension
From: www.kentucky.com
"Legislative leaders have reached a tentative agreement on a plan to overhaul the state retirement systems and appear ready for a special law-making session on the issue to begin June 23."
CABL head criticizes disclosure law effect
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"A law approved in Gov. Bobby Jindal?s special ethics session requires too much financial disclosure by largely volunteer, unpaid members of state boards, two business- and civic-oriented groups said Monday."
Measure protects home owners
From: www.nola.com
"Contractors would have to begin work on homes within 45 days after receiving payment or face criminal charges if Gov. Bobby Jindal signs a bill that cleared the House on Monday."
Lawmakers defy Jindal in funding
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Lawmakers went against the Jindal administration Monday by revamping a bill that would change the way the state handles the funding of construction projects."
Notes and quotes from the Louisiana Legislature
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"A disagreement between the House and Senate over how to revamp the state's annual construction budgeting process continued Monday, as a House committee reworked the Senate-approved proposal to make it match the House-backed one."
State law slashes foreclosure rate, for now
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Massachusetts foreclosures have plummeted to a more than two-year low, but experts see the drop as temporary - the result of a new law requiring lenders to wait 90 days before seizing homes."
Patrick hopes to boost strength of "creative economy"
From: www.bostonherald.com
"The Patrick administration wants to give the state?s creative economy a shot in the arm. The administration wants to make sure sectors of the creative economy, from performing arts to digital media, design and architecture, aren't left behind."
Nuke power play
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A University of Massachusetts trustee wants the commonwealth to build and own its own nuclear power plants."
Appeals court hears day care union case
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Court of Special Appeals heard a case yesterday over Gov. Martin O'Malley's decision to allow a union to represent family child care providers during negotiations for state subsidies. "
Md. PSC chief to step down
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Steven B. Larsen, who took over the Maryland Public Service Commission with a mandate to lower utility bills, is leaving the panel before finishing a yearlong quest to reregulate the industry, a source close to the O'Malley administration said yesterday."
More county residents opting for 'staycations'
From: gazette.net
"Despite a bout of thunder and lightning Saturday afternoon, area campers flocked to Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg this past weekend for campfires, s'mores and a taste of a rural adventure without roaming too far from home."
Activists to woo voters with flurry of petitions
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Maine voters will be asked to do more than cast ballots in today's primary election, as activists who are pushing several causes try to collect the signatures they need to force future votes on their issues."
State's plan for new span raises concerns
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"NAPLES, Maine ? Four decades after he traveled between Bridgton and Portland aboard the canal boat Green Lake, Charles Stickney remembered his trip along the waterway in clear detail."
State hits Hannaford on dust
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Excessive dust leaving the demolition site of the former Cony High School has earned Hannaford Bros. a violation notice from the state Department of Environmental Protection."
A chance to work - Project helps at-risk, disabled develop skills, experience
From: www.sctimes.com
"SARTELL, Minn. - When Jon Sargeant looks at cognitively disabled young people, he sees possibilities - and a work force waiting to be tapped. "
Swollen Root River ravages southeastern Minnesota
From: www.twincities.com
"PRESTON, Minn. - The Root River's rise toward Derek Holtegaard's house and into his basement wasn't enough to drive the 26-year-old and his fiancee away for the night. But Holtegaard didn't get any sleep."
Hopeful college graduates launch into shaky economy
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
" For many recent college graduates, job prospects have thinned and landing that entry level job is a chore."
Brucellosis-free status will be lost
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Montana officially will lose its status as a brucellosis-free state in coming weeks after a Paradise Valley heifer tested positive for the disease Monday."
Obama lays out economic plans in Raleigh
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Signaling that North Carolina will be a contested state in the fall election, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama came here Monday to call for new steps to turn around the nation's troubled economy."
Tomatoes trigger salmonella outbreak
From: www.in-forum.com
"A nationwide salmonella outbreak has merchants yanking tomatoes from their shelves while health officials search for more answers."
Group considering grazing on conservation grassland
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"North Dakota's agriculture commissioner says federal conservation grassland in North Dakota should be open to grazing to help ranchers in drought-stricken areas find pasture for their cattle."
Erdman creates State Fair study
From: www.theindependent.com
"GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- An informal working group of state senators, state agency personnel and other parties involved in the process of relocating the Nebraska State Fair will meet in Grand Island on June 16 as part of an interim legislative study."
Businesses in Coos get tax credit
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Economically stressed Coos County has a new incentive to offer businesses willing to create jobs there - a credit against New Hampshire's business taxes. Gov. John Lynch signed a law yesterday that creates a tax credit for companies that expand or open in the northern New Hampshire county"
Senate panel approves affordable housing bill
From: www.nj.com
"Legislation designed to shake up the way affordable housing is provided in New Jersey was approved by a key Senate committee yesterday after amendments that would affect commercial development in 19 New Jersey cities and towns were added."
Wind and solar package gains in the Senate
From: www.nj.com
"A package of bills designed to encourage New Jersey's use of wind and solar energy advanced in the Senate yesterday."
Plan weighed for hospital funding
From: www.nj.com
"State lawmakers said yesterday they may extend by a year $62 million in utility taxes as part of a strategy to restore some state funding towns and hospitals would lose under Gov. Jon Corzine's proposed state budget."
N.J. supermarket liquor license bill advances
From: www.philly.com
"New Jersey lawmakers yesterday advanced long-debated plans to allow beer and wine sales at grocery stores, but the bill's future is uncertain."
Small Nevada colleges say students still have loan options
From: hosted.ap.org
"RENO, Nev. -- Administrators at small colleges in northern Nevada say students still have loan options despite a decision by some of the nation's largest banks to discontinue federally backed loans."
Nevada joins in Colorado dam case
From: hosted.ap.org
"Nevada has joined with six other states in opposing an environmental group that sued on grounds the federal government is mismanaging a key Colorado River dam, threatening already endangered species to benefit power production."
'Comp' case response sought
From: hosted.ap.org
"The Nevada Supreme Court, asked by the state to reconsider its March ruling that favored John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks in a major tax refund case, has called for a response from the Nugget's attorney."
Legislature drags as session winds down
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"This year's state legislative session may go down as the most memorable in New York political history, but don't expect many fireworks as it ends."
Greenhouse gas plan running late
From: www.timesunion.com
"The state may miss the September launch of a 10-state program meant to fight global warming by limiting greenhouse gas emissions from power plants."
Ex-investigator sentenced
From: www.timesunion.com
"A former investigator for the state inspector general's office was sentenced to federal probation Monday for his role in a mortgage fraud scheme that allegedly involved a network of accomplices."
Brownfield tax break criticized
From: www.timesunion.com
"State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis on Monday fired a rhetorical shot at big developers who have reaped hundreds of millions of dollars under a state tax program aimed at cleaning and rebuilding on polluted land."
Fired official seeks agency e-mails
From: www.timesunion.com
"A retired State Police colonel and central figure in a probe of that agency's possible interference in politics is seeking e-mails from the New York Power Authority, which fired him last month."
Parents call for vaccine change
From: www.timesunion.com
"Families who object to mandatory vaccines will gather today on the steps of the state Capitol to support a proposed "philosophical" exemption of the treatment. "It will give parents the ability to choose what vaccinations their children should have," said Lisa Rudley of Westchester County, who believes vaccines made her son autistic."
Plea No. 3 due in call-girl case tied to Spitzer
From: www.nytimes.com
"A 62-year-old former tax specialist who is accused of starting a prostitution ring to pay his late wife's medical bills and ended up unwittingly ensnaring former Gov. Eliot Spitzer is expected to plead guilty this week to money laundering and prostitution charges, his lawyer said yesterday."
Ohio lawmakers reach accords to move Great Lakes Water Compact, Cuyahoga County reform
From: www.cleveland.com
"State lawmakers have resolved a pair of issues important to Northeast Ohio by striking bipartisan deals to pass the Great Lakes Water Compact and to form a panel to study reform of Cuyahoga County government."
Ohio legislators vow to look for roadway repair funds
From: www.toledoblade.com
"HASKINS, Ohio -- Two Ohio legislators said last night they would try to find state money for the repair of roads damaged by the rerouting of traffic around this Wood County village during the months-long closure of State Rt. 64."
Ohio lawmakers to end deadlock on water compact
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Lawmakers have struck a deal expected to take the multistate Great Lakes compact out of Senate dry dock and make Ohio the seventh state to approve it this week."
State construction budget, water pact near
From: www.dispatch.com
"State legislators are poised today to approve a $1.3 billion construction budget and a multistate compact designed to protect Great Lakes water from being siphoned to dry states in the South and West."
Tomato scare is taking a slice out of state menus
From: newsok.com
"A salmonella outbreak linked to some varieties of tomatoes has grocery stores and restaurants pulling tomatoes off shelves and menus."
Supreme Court rules Oregon woman fired properly
From: news.opb.org
"BEND, Ore. -- Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court used an Oregon case to clarify national employment law."
Tainted tomatoes reach Oregon
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A coast-to-coast salmonella outbreak traced to contaminated tomatoes includes at least three cases in Oregon, but state public health officials called the risk "low.""
State lawmakers seek to revive smoking ban
From: www.mcall.com
"Senate Democrats have come up with a way to pass a smoking-ban bill that lets Scranton and Allegheny County have their own anti-smoking laws -- just like Philadelphia does."
Officials want I-80 toll law rescinded
From: www.mcall.com
"Government and business leaders from northen Pennsylvania rallied here Monday to urge state lawmakers to repeal the year-old-law authorizing tolls on Interstate 80, warning of economic disaster if they fail to act."
Protesters rally against proposed I-80 tolls
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Tolling Pennsylvania's portion of Interstate 80 would create an "economic Chernobyl" in areas along the interstate, a Bloomsburg businessman said."
State firms criticize tax climate -- Group pushes to grow economy
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Pennsylvania companies need state government to approve tax reforms to help keep them competitive domestically and globally, a group of local leaders said Monday."
Kilbuck landslide to prompt bill
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The state Department of Environmental Protection would need to approve excavation in geologically sensitive areas, under legislation recommended Monday by a legislative panel in response to the September 2006 Kilbuck landslide."
Fuel costs reducing volunteers at agencies
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Bob Myers has a dilemma. As director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division, he has 12 vehicles ranging from vans to a 48-foot-long semi-trailer that provide support services for disaster relief work. With gasoline prices rising almost daily, he's being battered not only by budget busting fuel costs but also by their fallout on volunteers."
Restricted building urged in slide areas
From: www.post-gazette.com
"A state report on the September 2006 Kilbuck landslide that sunk a $28 million Wal-Mart shopping plaza development recommends new legislation to prevent developers from building in slide-prone areas but sheds little light on specific events that triggered the slide."
King Coal country debates a sacrilege, gas heat
From: www.nytimes.com
"POTTSVILLE, Pa. - Over the last 150 years, Schuylkill County has been famous for a rare hard coal called anthracite that fed the explosive growth of the East Coast during the Industrial Revolution, fostered the rise of the United Mine Workers union and powered many of the factories that supplied troops through both world wars."
Sen. Tassoni never planned career in union, public office
From: www.projo.com
"John J. Tassoni Jr. became a union leader by accident. He simply wanted to work. And when the bank shut down his family?s jewelry business, he took whatever job he could find."
Labor's voice is among loudest
From: www.projo.com
"The power of organized labor is on display in the marble State House hallways most afternoons. While union membership is at its lowest level in 50 years, labor leaders' daily contact with lawmakers is as strong as ever."
Crop report -- Rain hampering planting efforts
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The Agricultural Statistics Service says widespread rain across the state is hampering farmers' planting efforts."
Goetz says non-AT&T bids didn't follow rules
From: www.knoxnews.com
"Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz on Monday cleared the way for AT&T to be awarded a 10-year, $600 million contract to operate a statewide government telecommunications network, despite complaints and questions."
Justices reject 'class of one' argument
From: www.nytimes.com
"WASHINGTON -- Government employees who are singled out for arbitrary, irrational or even vindictive treatment by their supervisors will find no relief in the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection, the Supreme Court ruled on Monday, unless the mistreatment is due to discrimination on the basis of race, sex or another protected category."
Tomato outbreak is reminder to follow food safety tips
From: www.kansas.com
"A salmonella outbreak linked to raw tomatoes serves as a reminder to take extra care with summer fruits and vegetables."
Ironworkers push feds to restore safety law
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The ironworkers union stepped up efforts Monday to persuade the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration to follow California?s -- and, most recently, Nevada?s -- lead and rescind a federal directive interpreting the agency?s standards for safety flooring."
$79 million smoker case not over
From: www.csmonitor.com
"WASHINGTON - The US Supreme Court has agreed once again to take up the case of a smoker's widow in Oregon who was awarded $79.5 million in punitive damages against the tobacco firm Philip Morris. "
Study - number of under-insured adults soaring
From: www.npr.org
"The number of Americans who are considered under-insured is growing. According to a new study, the number of under-insured, working-age adults ballooned by 60 percent during the past four years.
"
Ways to design gas savings into U.S. roads
From: www.npr.org
"There are things that individual drivers can do to improve fuel efficiency, such as driving less aggressively, and at lower speeds. But there are also things that government can do to impose better fuel efficiency, by changing the roadways."
Gas spike troubles meals on wheels
From: www.npr.org
"Steep costs for gas and a sharp increase in food prices have forced Meals on Wheels programs across the country to rethink how they get prepared meals to low-income people who need them.
"
Police taking steps to save gas
From: www.usatoday.com
"WASHINGTON - Rising gas prices are prompting some police departments to curb their cruisers for parts of their daily shifts and walk the beat instead - a change that shrinks coverage areas and increases emergency response times. "
Utahns' tax burden 8th-highest in U.S.
From: deseretnews.com
"Utahns' tax burden, as measured by state taxes and fees paid compared to personal income, increased in 2005-06, a new study shows, with Utahns now carrying the eighth-highest burden among the 50 states."
Utah works a 'gotcha' on 1,500 tax rebates
From: deseretnews.com
"Sometimes, it seems you can't catch a break -- for up to 1,500 Utahns your federal tax refund check may be in the mail, but it's not coming to you."
Prices up, gas soaring -- More Utahns opting for 'stay-cations'
From: www.sltrib.com
"This summer, when it comes to entertainment options, more and more Utahns might be choosing "stay-cations" rather than vacations."
Utah's peculiar booze laws -- End to private clubs coming?
From: www.sltrib.com
"Step by step, with some behind-the-scenes moves and others in plain sight, there is a strong push to make the biggest change in Utah liquor laws in nearly 40 years."
Economic indicators bode ill for Vermont
From: www.timesargus.com
"Vermont's tax revenues declined in most major categories last month, more signs that an economic slowdown has hit the state."
Internet service in state disrupted by outage; fiber optic cable blamed
From: www.timesargus.com
"Many state businesses found their Internet service interrupted by a problem on the lines provided by Level 3 Communications, according to Vermont Chief Information Officer Tom Murray."
Vermont hit with another Internet outage
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Many Vermont businesses spent several hours unable to connect to the Internet Monday after the second major service disruption in less than a month. "
Many varieties of tomatoes disappear from markets, restaurants
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Certain raw tomatoes are disappearing from salsa bars, produce sections, service delis, pizza parlors and even McDonald's restaurants in the Seattle area and across the nation as federal food-safety officials try to stop the spread of an unusual salmonella strain that has sickened people in 16 states, including Washington."
Earmarks help South Sound in surprising ways
From: www.theolympian.com
"More local governments are hiring lobbyists in Washington, D.C., in their efforts to fish more dollars from the river of money Congress provides through its special budget provisos called earmarks."
Obama to speak in Wisconsin Thursday
From: www.madison.com
"Barack Obama is coming to Wisconsin Thursday for a town hall meeting in Kaukauna."
Obama visit to focus on economy
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama plans to return to Iowa on Wednesday as part of the economic policy tour he launched Monday."
Wis. lake's overflow washes away houses, hurts tourism
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"LAKE DELTON, Wis. - Residents will continue clean up efforts Tuesday and officials will start tallying the damage in the aftermath of severe flashing flooding across the state."
Flash floods inundate Wis. town for 2nd time
From: abcnews.go.com
"GAYS MILLS, Wis. - For nearly a year, this tiny southwestern Wisconsin village has struggled to survive after a devastating flood. New rising waters may have sealed its fate."
Bankruptcy filings going up again in W.Va.
From: www.dailymail.com
"Bankrputcy filings are up in West Virginia this year over 2007, which reflects a national trend that has a growing number of credit-strapped consumers getting in over their heads."
Lawsuit, labor talks unrelated, Greenbrier says
From: wvgazette.com
"The former president of The Greenbrier resort had his first day in court Monday, while the famed resort's owner, CSX Corp., said negotiations with employees are not related to the lawsuit."
State's teachers retirement switch costs tricky to figure
From: wvgazette.com
"It could be weeks before the Consolidated Public Retirement Board can determine the state's share of the costs for transferring more than 15,000 teachers and school service personnel into the Teachers' Retirement System, the board's executive director said."
Lawmakers will wrap up teacher pension transfers
From: www.dailymail.com
"A special legislative session expected later this month could help some Teachers' Defined Contribution plan members who tried but failed to join an exodus into West Virginia's other retirement program."
Oversight of cranes defended
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Like most other states, Wyoming doesn't license crane operators and requires no state inspections before cranes operate in the state. But despite recent crane accidents in Wyoming and elsewhere around the country, state and industry officials here say cranes are adequately regulated in Wyoming and operators take safety concerns seriously."
Hangar owner files suit, claims 'false criminal accusations'
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"A fixed-base operator at the Cheyenne airport has filed a federal lawsuit claiming a number of airport officials conspired to deprive the company of state business."
Few rules, little oversight in crane industry
From: www.msnbc.msn.com
"NEW YORK - Dan Mooney has no idea what it will take for his construction cranes to pass inspection."
Study - gay marriage good for economy
From: www.cbsnews.com
"Same-sex weddings could create hundreds of new jobs and pump hundreds of millions of dollars into California's economy, according to a new study released Monday. "
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."
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."
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