Senate reverses course, passes smoking ban
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"State senators from Allegheny County swallowed hard Tuesday and voted in favor of a statewide smoking ban that doesn't allow the county to have a separate ordinance like Philadelphia's."
Pa. smoking ban approved
From: www.philly.com
"After months of debate, the Senate yesterday overwhelming approved a bill to ban smoking in virtually all public places and most work sites throughout Pennsylvania."
Missouri has intercepted nearly $3 million in rebate checks to settle unpaid tax bills
From: www.kansascity.com
"The federal economic stimulus package is also providing a nearly $3 million boost to Missouri's state government."
Health insurance falling short
From: www.csmonitor.com
"NEW YORK - The economic downturn is speeding up the unraveling of America's healthcare system. In what experts call a "startling" development, the number of people who have health insurance but not enough to pay their medical costs has spiked from 16 million in 2003 to 25 million in 2007, according to a new analysis."
Alaska Legislature takes a road trip
From: www.adn.com
"Now that Alaska legislators have wrapped up a week of natural gas pipeline hearings in the state capital, they're heading out on an unusual, likely unprecedented, "road show.""
Agreement reached on pension plan
From: www.kypost.com
"Kentucky lawmakers say they've agreed on a proposal aimed at strengthening the state's financially troubled pension system, and the governor indicated he would call a special session for the plan to be considered. "
Riley signs health care tax break
From: www.al.com
"The cost of health insurance for employees of Lynda Burkett's land surveying business is "humongous" and keeps Burkett from hiring more people, she said. "
Big Dig clash cost $8.3m, audit says
From: www.boston.com
"A dispute between the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the Massachusetts Port Authority over cracks and leaks in Big Dig construction has cost taxpayers $8.3 million, the state auditor reported yesterday."
State lawmakers finish first week of TransCanada review
From: newsminer.com
"State lawmakers finished their first week of hearings on TransCanada?s gas line plan Tuesday with a chaotic day of questions and presentations on pipeline alternatives, financing and legal issues."
Fairbanks mayor supports Palin approach on pipeline
From: juneauempire.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The mayor of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, a board member of the Alaska Gasline Port Authority, is supporting Gov. Sarah Palin's approach to building a natural gas pipeline and her decision to back Canadian pipeline builder TransCanada."
Slow schedule spurs pipeline delay concerns
From: juneauempire.com
"TransCanada Corp.'s pipeline bid for an exclusive natural gas pipeline license may not require the full 60 days allotted, but some legislators are troubled by how long it may take."
Public hearings slated to begin on pipeline licensee
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- State lawmakers are about to take the gas line special session on the road."
Ala. governor signs tax break for small businesses
From: hosted.ap.org
"Craig Bacheler expects to offer health insurance benefits at his information technology business, now that Alabama's governor has signed into law a tax break for small businesses that provide the insurance to their workers."
Internet access panel to meet today
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"During his State of the State address, Gov. Bob Riley vowed to put high-speed Internet in every business and household by 2012. Some members of Alabama's House say they wish he would let them help."
McDaniel gets A-minus for response to foreclosure crisis
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"A community group gave the state attorney generals office a high mark Tuesday in responding to the national home foreclosure crisis. "
Fun-park raids may test state hiring law
From: www.azcentral.com
"Maricopa County sheriff's deputies seized hundreds of employee records from the parent company of three Valley summer-fun spots on Tuesday as part of a sweeping ID-theft investigation that may lead to the first use of a new state law to prosecute employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants."
Office-- State not liable for theme-park bonds
From: www.azcentral.com
"With a controversial authorization bill poised for a final legislative vote, Arizona lawmakers are being assured that the state would not be liable for bonds sold to help finance a rock-and-roll theme park if the project goes belly up."
New law impacts pipeline
From: www.azcentral.com
"A new state law could beef up security for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's sole source of jet fuel, but it's unclear who will pay for any future safety upgrades."
Push for calories on menus gains
From: online.wsj.com
"The California and New York state legislatures are moving toward requiring restaurants to post calorie counts on their menu items, joining a movement that until now has gained traction mostly in cities and counties."
Alternative energy measure is 10th on Nov. ballot
From: www.sacbee.com
"Secretary of State Debra Bowen has certified a 10th measure for the November ballot that would authorize $5 billion in bonds to subsidize the purchase of alternative energy cars and renewable energy research.
"
Controller - Sales tax receipts down
From: www.sacbee.com
"State revenues for the general fund met projections in May, but income from the state's sales tax lagged behind expectations by 3 percent, which should "have everyone concerned," said State Controller John Chiang in his monthly cash flow report Tuesday.
"
Judge's ruling in Rincon case reflects BIA policy, official tells lawmakers
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A federal judge's ruling that California cannot demand more gaming revenue in exchange for allowing San Diego County's Rincon band to expand its casino reflects a long-standing policy of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a federal official testified yesterday."
Conservation may not lower bills
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Amid a newly announced statewide drought, residents are under urgent pressure to save water or risk mandates that would ban them from watering their lawns and washing their cars at will. But as customers reduce their consumption, water districts generate less revenue from water sales."
PG&E asks to increase electricity prices
From: www.sfgate.com
"Gasoline isn't the only fuel whose price is rising. Pacific Gas and Electric Co. wants to raise electricity rates by 6.5 percent to cover the soaring cost of natural gas, which fuels most of California's electric power plants. The utility filed a request for the increase with state regulators on Tuesday."
Tomato scare worries California growers
From: www.mercurynews.com
"The California tomato industry kicked into crisis mode and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration came under attack Tuesday as federal investigators continued hunting for the source of a salmonella outbreak that has sickened about 170 people across the country."
New home starts hammered
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"New home construction in the Denver area is heading toward its biggest slump in almost 20 years."
Polls are poles apart on whether voters want to dump oil-gas tax credit
From: www.denverpost.com
"A proposed ballot initiative to eliminate a tax credit for the oil and gas industry could raise as much as $321 million a year for college scholarships and other programs, according to the approved ballot language for the measure. "
Governor says education best way to fight poverty
From: www.denverpost.com
"Gov. Bill Ritter on Tuesday called conditions for Colorado's 180,000 impoverished children "intolerable" and said his focus on education - preschool to college - is the chief way to get people out of a spiraling life cycle. "
Cost of light rail spikes again
From: www.denverpost.com
"The cost of the light-rail line to Lakewood and Golden has jumped to $707.6 million from $634.7 million just a year ago, RTD officials said Tuesday night. "
Gas prices hit $4.35 a gallon in Conn.
From: www.rep-am.com
"AAA says the average price of regular gas in Connecticut has risen 39 cents a gallon over the past month to hit another record of $4.35, while diesel prices have broken the $5 mark."
State lawmakers to vote on gas, heating oil relief
From: www.courant.com
"Cash-strapped drivers and low-income homeowners should get some help today when the state legislature votes to provide relief for skyrocketing gasoline and home-heating oil prices."
Lawmakers to take up heating oil and gas prices
From: www.rep-am.com
"State lawmakers have added the soaring cost of heating homes to the agenda of Wednesday's special session, which has already been expanded to include bills dealing with gasoline prices."
Schools in state caught in food cost squeeze
From: www.courant.com
"Those sloppy Joes and Tater Tots will soon be costing more: Many cash-pressed schools across the state are raising lunch prices in response to rising food costs."
Connecticut opens its doors this weekend
From: www.rep-am.com
"Being a Connecticut resident can get you into a lot of places Saturday. More than 200 museums, art galleries and other attractions are opening their doors for free or giving out discounts to people who live in Connecticut."
Senate bill curbs eminent domain
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A bill that Wilmington's mayor has said could bring Riverfront development to a "screeching halt" moved one step closer to becoming law Tuesday, when the Senate voted 19-1 to put tighter restrictions on cities' ability to exercise eminent domain."
Against the wind - seeking a property insurance solution
From: www.tampabay.com
"For much of the past year a group of St. Petersburg businesspeople have been promoting a plan that they say could spare Florida and its homeowners from financial ruin if a major hurricane hits."
You're still on the hook for 2004-05 hurricane season
From: www.tampabay.com
"hat sucking sound you hear is a 3-year-old hurricane pulling money out of your wallet."
Crist vows to veto destructive sea-grass bill
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Environmental groups were breathing easier and at least one lawmaker was miffed after Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday that he will veto a bill that critics warn would devastate the sea grasses that are the lifeblood of the marine habitat."
FSU plans for lost revenue
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Florida State University will unveil its strategy to grapple with $32 million in lost state revenue at its Board of Trustees meeting Friday."
Florida homeowners will pay insurance surcharge until 2014
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"The 1 percent charge that Floridians are paying on their property insurance bills to cover the state's share of the 2005 hurricane season was extended for another two years, to 2014, after a vote Tuesday morning by Gov. Charlie Crist and state CFO Alex Sink."
FSU cuts mean fewer students and jobs, less upkeep
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida State University plans to slash enrollment, eliminate jobs, reduce energy costs and clean up the campus less often because the school is getting $32 million less from the state than it requested, officials said Tuesday."
FDA - Florida tomatoes now safe to eat
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Florida-grown tomatoes should be back on supermarket shelves and restaurant hamburgers soon. The Food and Drug Administration concluded Tuesday that Florida tomatoes do not threaten to prolong a salmonella outbreak that began nearly two months ago, said Charles H. Bronson, the state's Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioner."
Georgia tomatoes in the clear, but growers still worried
From: www.ajc.com
"Tomatoes may stay off menus and store shelves for a week or longer as produce buyers, farmers and food safety investigators grapple with a widespread salmonella outbreak."
Perdue staffer questioned in lobbyist Abramoff probe
From: www.ajc.com
"A U.S. House committee report looking at convicted Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff's visits to the White House includes an e-mail from an associate who is now a top aide to Gov. Sonny Perdue, suggesting that a group of cooperative government officials should be rewarded with sporting tickets, "massages, hookers, whatever.""
Bennett receives support on ceded land
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The top attorneys for 29 states are backing the state of Hawaii in its attempt to shoot down a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling barring the state from selling or transferring ceded lands until claims by Native Hawaiians to the 1.2 million acres once owned by the Hawaiian government are settled."
New UH dorm ready for fall semester
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The first new dormitory in more than 30 years is set to open this fall at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, and officials expect the additional 810 beds will allow the university to perform much-needed repairs to existing dorms and possibly even eliminate long waiting lists for housing."
Visitors to Isles have more lodging options
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"A sharp increase in the number of new time-share units helped boost Hawaii's overall inventory of visitor accommodations last year, according to a report released yesterday by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism."
UH backs off renovation of 2 science buildings
From: starbulletin.com
"University of Hawaii at Manoa officials say it's just too expensive to follow the recommendation of consultants to gut and remodel Edmondson and Snyder halls, which house classrooms, offices and lab space."
Timeshares boost visitor housing stock
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii's visitor accommodation units grew by 1.3 percent from 2006 to 73,220 last year, a state report released yesterday shows."
Sponsor sought to save parade
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii's annual celebration of aloha is short on cash."
Idaho chips in another $2 million for CAES
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- An eastern Idaho energy research facility is getting another $2 million from the state, bringing Idaho's contribution to the site to $10.6 million."
Web site petitions court to get list of all Illinois lawyers
From: ads.qctimes.com
"A Web site that lets clients rate the efforts of their lawyers has stalled in its attempt to get a full roster of the 85,000 attorneys in Illinois."
Bill to help spousal caregivers on hold
From: www.sj-r.com
"Kathi Kupferschmid, who tends to the needs of her disabled husband 24 hours a day, had high hopes for a legislative proposal to let full-time spousal caregivers receive the same Medicaid payments as other caregivers."
Lake County makes plans for $29 million in state transportation funding
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Lake County is speeding up highway and intersection improvement projects with millions in new sales tax revenue from the state. "
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."
Dem. memo outlines impeachment for candidates
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich is accusing House Speaker Michael Madigan of playing political games by helping legislative candidates call for impeachment hearings targeting the Democratic governor. "
Madigan memo outlines impeachment for Gov
From: www.suntimes.com
"House Speaker Michael Madigan has sent a 14-page memo to Democratic legislative candidates that outlines "talking points" in favor of launching "impeachment proceedings" against Gov. Blagojevich. The memo, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, refers to corruption under Blagojevich as a "tumor" and notes that "criminal activity in the Blagojevich administration is no longer theoretical -- it is proven.""
House Speaker Michael Madigan's 14-page memo to legislative candidates spells out ways to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"House Speaker Michael Madigan is circulating a memo to legislative candidates spelling out how they can call for impeachment hearings for Gov. Rod Blagojevich - with talking points that compare corruption under the governor to a tumor that must be removed."
Storms taking toll on Indiana crops
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels asked federal agriculture officials to declare 44 Indiana counties as major disaster areas, qualifying farmers for emergency loans, because of storm damage since May 30, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture."
Indiana flooding spreads as crest moves downstream
From: hosted.ap.org
"ELNORA, Ind. -- Berms of white sandbags and concrete barriers held back the White River from swallowing this rural community, leaving residents little choice but to wait and watch, hoping a historic deluge would soon recede."
Stage set for pension reform
From: www.kentucky.com
"After months of on-and-off negotiations, House and Senate leaders finally shook hands Tuesday on a package of changes to Kentucky's public employees' retirement system that are aimed at staving off financial ruin."
Pension plan awaits special session
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Future state workers would have to work longer before retiring -- and contribute more to their retirement -- under a deal the legislature is expected to approve in a special session later this month."
House OKs cable franchise bill
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"After lengthy debate and several failed amendments, House members gave final approval Tuesday to legislation that would enable cable companies to get a statewide franchise."
Legislation would allow under-21 troops to gamble
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"People in the U.S. military younger than 21 should be allowed to gamble in casinos, buy lottery tickets and work at casinos in Louisiana, a state Senate committee decided Tuesday."
Veterans may gamble, panel decides
From: www.nola.com
"Active members of the military or veterans who have been honorably discharged and are at least 18 should be able to gamble in the state, a Senate committee decided by a narrow margin Tuesday."
Bill would allow TV licensing statewide
From: www.nola.com
"A bill that would reshape the regulatory landscape of cable and video subscription television services in St. Tammany Parish and other areas of Louisiana passed the House 94-9 on Tuesday."
Patrick says he would negotiate with tribe over a casino
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he is closely monitoring the Mashpee Wampanoags' plans for an Indian casino in Middleborough and would be prepared to negotiate with the tribe if it formally requests a casino pact with the state."
High court supports Woburn on housing
From: www.boston.com
"In a closely watched affordable-housing case, the state's highest court ruled in Woburn's favor yesterday and restricted a development once proposed at 640 units."
Patrick says he would negotiate with tribe over a casino
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he is closely monitoring the Mashpee Wampanoags' plans for an Indian casino in Middleborough and would be prepared to negotiate with the tribe if it formally requests a casino pact with the state."
Governor, tribe see casino talks
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Next stop in the Bay State gambling debate: High-stakes negotiations between Gov. Deval Patrick and the Mashpee Wampanoags over the tribe?s proposed $1 billion casino."
Audit - Road spat between agencies cost Mass. $8.3 million
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A road construction dispute between two state authorities has cost the state $8.3 million and is still unresolved after 10 years."
Pols push $1 billion biotech bill
From: www.bostonherald.com
"The Legislature's economic development committee put the finishing touches on the $1 billion life sciences bill late yesterday."
Maryland license plates could promote Ocean City
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Members of the Ocean City Town Council are studying a proposal to advertise the resort and possibly make money for the town at the same time, The Daily Times reported."
BRAC workers spurred by weak economy
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"The weak economy has more workers planning to follow their base-realignment jobs from Northern Virginia to Fort George G. Meade to avoid a potentially lengthy job search or expensive commute, officials said yesterday."
New PSC chief plans to stay the course
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland's newly named utility watchdog said yesterday that he will work to change regulations that drive electricity bills higher, continuing the strategy set by his predecessor during the past 15 months."
State expands small-business unit
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley announced yesterday an expansion of the state's small-business division at the Department of Business and Economic Development."
Bond passes, will fund public improvements
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Maine voters on Tuesday approved a $29.7 million bond package to pay for improvements to roads, bridges, dams, landfills and other public facilities."
Voters favor $29M bond issue
From: bangornews.com
"Maine voters Tuesday appeared to have approved a bond issue designed to generate nearly $60 million in state and federal money for transportation and environmental projects."
No forced sale for Greektown Casino
From: www.detnews.com
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board won't force Greektown Casino to put itself up for sale, as long as it cleans up its financial mess and meets new deadlines -- laid out in its Chapter 11 reorganization plan -- to finish construction of its permanent casino-hotel complex."
Cool costs -- Electric rates will hold steady this summer
From: www.detnews.com
"Keeping a home in Metro Detroit cool will cost a little bit more this summer than last, but consumers will hardly notice the increase, especially considering the skyrocketing costs of other household necessities such as gasoline and food."
Mortgage fraud high in Mich., FBI says
From: www.detnews.com
"Michigan ranked among the worst states in the country for mortgage fraud in 2007, with scam artists taking advantage of lax regulations and minimal policing."
Minnesota tomatoes in high demand
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"While some varieties of tomatoes have been taken off of restaurant menus and grocery store shelves, a Minnesota brand is in demand. "
Floodwaters recede in SE Minnesota
From: hosted.ap.org
"Residents cleaned up the debris left from floods as rain-swollen rivers continued to recede in southeastern Minnesota. But the National Weather Service says more rain is in the forecast this week."
State faces high number of delinquent mortgages
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"At 60 years old, Bill Sones is a successful bank president and is chairman of the Mississippi Bankers Association. But he says each of his four married children, ages 27 to 32, owns a more expensive home than he does."
MDES bill heads to governor
From: www.djournal.com
"One of the primary bills Gov. Haley Barbour called the current special session for - re-authorizing the Department of Employment Security - is on its way to his desk."
Owner of brucellosis-positive heifer identified
From: bozemandailychronicle.com
"LIVINGSTON, Mont. -- The state of Montana has identified the owner of the brucellosis-positive heifer in Paradise Valley as Art Burns, of Pray, who runs a small herd of Corriente cattle there."
Montana expanding probe of disease on livestock ranch
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"BILLINGS, Mont. -- Montana livestock officials are expanding their investigation into a brucellosis infection on a Paradise Valley ranch to determine if cows from neighboring herds contracted the disease."
Brucellosis outbreak to cost ranchers millions
From: bozemandailychronicle.com
"LIVINGSTON, Mont. -- Losing the state's brucellosis-free status likely will cost the state's ranchers about $6 million a year in extra expenses, plus an unknown amount in lost sales or lowered prices, according to a Montana State University economist Myles Watts."
Program to examine Guardsmen
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- A Phoenix-based health care provider will work with the Montana National Guard in a new program to check active-duty soldiers and airmen for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, company officials announced Tuesday."
Lawsuit challenges Montana mine
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Another lawsuit seeks to block development of a copper and silver mine beneath the federal Cabinet Mountains Wilderness in northwestern Montana."
Energy leases on Front pulled from auction
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The state land agency has deferred selling a batch of oil and gas leases along Montana's Rocky Mountain Front, after conservation groups and state wildlife officials raised concerns over drilling."
Rancher of infected cow considers slaughtering herd
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The day after brucellosis reappeared in Montana, the infected animal's owner talked with federal officials about slaughtering his herd to prevent the spread of the serious cattle disease."
Rancher unfazed by finding of disease
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Jim Melin's 150 head of cattle were under quarantine Tuesday after his neighbor's cow tested positive for brucellosis on Monday."
Officials wary of Colstrip proposal
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"NorthWestern Energy announced Tuesday that it plans to sell its share of Colstrip-produced electric power to an investment group for $400 million -- or give Montana ratepayers a chance to pay a similar price. The announcement raised eyebrows at the state Public Service Commission, where utility regulators said they'll take a hard look at how the offer could affect the company's 300,000-plus electric ratepayers in Montana."
Cattle industry losses could reach millions
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Montana's cattle industry will take at least a $6 million hit for losing its brucellosis-free status, said insiders, who called damage inevitable after a Paradise Valley heifer tested positive for the disease."
McCrory and Perdue court manufacturers
From: www.charlotte.com
"GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Pat McCrory and Bev Perdue courted North Carolina's manufacturers Tuesday, promising they would do what they could as governor to improve the state's hospitality for business."
Fish landings in NC decline for 5th straight year
From: www2.journalnow.com
"NEW BERN, N.C. -- Tighter regulations, combined with imports and higher fuel prices, are to blame for a fifth straight year of declining fish harvests in North Carolina, commercial fishermen said."
Expert optimistic about N.C. industry
From: www.news-record.com
"GREENSBORO, N.C. ? A new industrial revolution is happening right under our noses, and North Carolina's workers could reap big benefits from the changes."
WSI board reluctantly backs raises
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Workforce Safety and Insurance board members will likely get a slight increase next month in the stipend they receive for attending meetings."
NH resorts celebrate best winter ever
From: www.theunionleader.com
"LINCOLN, N.H. -- New Hampshire ski resort operators gathered in the 90-degree heat yesterday to bask in the warmth of their past season, which broke an all-time record for skier visits."
GOP assails utility tax as Trenton works on budget
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey Republicans yesterday criticized Democratic talk of extending a utility tax, as a top Democrat said an agreement has been reached on cutting benefits for newly hired government workers. The legislators are working to craft a new state budget by July 1."
Bus business collides with rising rates for insurance
From: www.nj.com
"While reforms seem to be taming New Jersey's chronically high auto insurance rates, a new problem has arisen: Owners of buses and other commercial vehicles say their bills have skyrocketed in recent years."
Teachers' association wants ruling on room-tax petition
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"The teachers' union has filed suit in Carson District Court challenging a new secretary of state's regulation their complaint says would unfairly and illegally invalidate thousands of petition signatures."
ACLU decries law against handbilling by wedding chapels
From: www.lvrj.com
"When researching new regulations for wedding chapels, city of Las Vegas attorneys found something they didn't expect: a state law that says chapels can't pass out fliers in front of the Las Vegas Marriage Bureau. The discovery Monday night threw a monkey wrench into an already drawn-out process and set up, potentially, yet another showdown over free speech on Las Vegas' public walkways."
Board of Medical Examiners -- conflicts of interest on agenda
From: www.lvrj.com
"Members of the state's Board of Medical Examiners soon might have to divulge any conflicts of interests they might have while serving their terms."
Seniors now eligible for free fruit, vegetables from markets
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"Nevada has received funding from the USDA Food and Nutrition Program to provide free coupons for low-income Carson City seniors to receive fresh fruits and vegetables at area farmers markets."
Comptroller `raises' a point
From: www.nypost.com
"Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli blamed Wall Street yesterday for his decision to dole out fat raises to his pension-investment team as the state grapples with a looming budget crisis."
Brace for more MTA hikes
From: www.nypost.com
"A commission that is trying to find ways to fund the cash-strapped MTA will look to fare hikes, congestion pricing, and possibly new taxes, officials announced yesterday. Gov. Paterson unveiled the 12 panel members who will try to steer the Metropolitan Transportation Authority away from financial ruin."
Celebrity legislation gets dose of star power
From: www.timesunion.com
"Legendary film icon Sophia Loren has taken on a new role in 2008 -- Albany lobbyist. Loren called up Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno to advocate for "postmortem right of publicity" legislation, commonly dubbed a "Dead Celebrities" bill, according to persons familiar with the conversation."
State backs coal plant
From: www.timesunion.com
"The state is putting $6 million in pursuit of an experimental coal-fired power plant to capture greenhouse gases, drawing fire from environmentalists, who call it a costly boondoggle."
Pharmacists protest state cuts
From: www.timesunion.com
"New York pharmacists say the state's latest cut to their reimbursement may cause closures or force pharmacies to reject Medicaid and EPIC patients. Pharmacists will gather in Albany today to protest the cut, which will take effect on July 1. "
Green-collar jobs growing in Northeast Ohio
From: blog.cleveland.com
"How do you define a "green" job? In its purest sense, a green job is an occupation that wouldn't exist if not for the growing movement to conserve resources and make businesses more environmentally conscious."
Ohio Tomatoes Cleared by U.S. Food and Drug Administration
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added Ohio to a list of states that are not associated with the latest food safety alert for certain types of raw red tomatoes and products containing raw red tomatoes, due to an outbreak of salmonellosis."
State revenue up in May
From: www.news-star.com
"OKLAHOMA CITY -- High energy prices and taxes on oil and natural gas production pushed state revenue up last month, ending a trend in which revenue fell short of prior-year collections four months in a row, state Treasurer Scott Meacham said Tuesday."
Oregon due $100,000 in Medicaid settlement
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon will get more than $100,000 from two companies settling charges that they overbilled the state Medicaid program for drugs."
Oregon holds medical costs for elderly in check
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon hospitals and medical caregivers are being called among the best in the nation at controlling costs and helping people avoid unnecessary hospitalizations."
Slots apparently hurting state lottery sales near casinos
From: www.mcall.com
"Slot machine gambling appears to be hurting lottery ticket sales the most in areas near casinos, although gambling alone cannot be blamed for a slowdown in Pennsylvania Lottery sales statewide, according to a legislative report."
What the law would do
From: www.mcall.com
"Details of a compromise bill to ban smoking in most public places and workplaces in Pennsylvania, approved Tuesday by the state Senate. The bill would take effect 90 days after it's signed by Gov. Ed Rendell."
State smoking ban coming
From: www.mcall.com
"The Pennsylvania Senate has broken a year-long stalemate on a statewide smoking ban, approving a compromise bill Tuesday that would make Pennsylvania the 33rd state to outlaw smoking in many workplaces and public spaces."
Public smoking ban just weeks away
From: www.pennlive.com
"With state Senate passage in hand and Gov. Ed Rendell ready to sign the bill into law, Pennsylvania is only months away from banning indoor smoking in most workplaces and public venues."
How they voted
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Votes on Tuesday as the Senate, on a 41-9 vote, approved a measure to ban smoking in most workplaces and public spaces in Pennsylvania. Voting "yes" were 20 Republicans and all 21 Democrats. Voting "no" were nine Republicans."
Barden to answer gambling board questions
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The developer of the North Shore slots casino has been summoned before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The board wants Don Barden to answer questions today about securing financing for his casino."
Wine kiosks' ID system detailed
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A company proposing wine kiosks in grocery and wholesale discount stores statewide would use technology that verifies identities, checks blood-alcohol levels and tracks consumer purchases to reveal "problem drinkers," according to a management summary presented to the state Liquor Control Board."
Smoking ban passes in Senate reversal
From: www.post-gazette.com
"After the state Senate gave final approval to a statewide smoking ban yesterday, Pittsburgh's Bill Godshall stood in the gallery and started clapping. "I am so pleased -- I've been working on this for 22 years," said the head of SmokeFree Pennsylvania."
Gun arrests, Pa. video go after straw buyers
From: www.philly.com
"Pennsylvania and local law enforcement officials yesterday launched a campaign aimed at making potential straw purchasers think twice before buying a gun for a felon."
Pa. smoking ban approved
From: www.philly.com
"After months of debate, the Senate yesterday overwhelming approved a bill to ban smoking in virtually all public places and most work sites throughout Pennsylvania.
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Senate approves increase to state's minimum wage
From: www.projo.com
"With no discussion and no dissent, the Senate voted yesterday to raise the state's minimum wage by an automatic yearly increase of up to 3 percent, in keeping with inflation rates."
No vote taken on health-insurer bill
From: www.projo.com
"A plan to prohibit municipal contracts from specifying a health-insurance provider got its moment before the House Finance Committee last night, despite objections from union members who said the legislation interferes with collective bargaining."
Thousands in R.I. out of jobless benefits
From: www.projo.com
"Nearly 5,000 jobless people in Rhode Island ran out of unemployment insurance benefits during the first quarter of this year, up 29 percent from a year ago, according to the U.S. Department of Labor."
State fish crews eye new waters for angling potential
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"State Game, Fish & Parks Department fisheries crews are planning to expand their annual fish-stocking operations to include streams, small lakes and stock dams that filled up with water this spring after shriveling through years of drought."
Rising reservoirs balance out high gas prices
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"Spring moisture and rising reservoir levels are balancing out high gas prices, which some say could have discouraged people from camping and boating this summer. "
Rounds tours reservation to see flood damage
From: hosted.ap.org
"Gov. Mike Rounds toured flood-damaged parts of the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation on Monday and met with tribal leaders to see if the state can provide more help."
Farmers hard hit by storm after assessing crop damage
From: www.capjournal.com
"A week and a day since severe storms produced flash flooding in Pierre and hail in the Hughes County, crop insurance adjusters for are looking at impacted fields.
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Jampacked transit systems running on fumes
From: www.msnbc.msn.com
"Transportation experts who have pushed mass transit since the 1970s are getting their wish as soaring gas prices persuade Americans to abandon their cars for buses and trains in record numbers. "
Gov't tries to revive Web porn law called outdated
From: www.nytimes.com
"PHILADELPHIA - Government lawyers tried Tuesday to revive a 1998 law designed to keep online pornography from children, amid questions that it is significantly outdated and blocks too much legal speech while having no effect on content posted from overseas."
N.J., Penna. tomatoes are ruled safe
From: www.philly.com
"New Jersey joined Pennsylvania yesterday on a list of at least 20 states whose tomatoes have been ruled out as the source of a salmonella outbreak that has been linked to 23 hospitalizations."
Study -- Utah had nation's eighth highest tax burden in 2006
From: www.heraldextra.com
"The business-backed Utah Taxpayers Association says Utah had the nation's eighth largest tax burden in 2006.
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Sales-tax revenues could be off $5.3M
From: www.sltrib.com
"Shoppers, get busy. Sales-tax revenues are sputtering this year in Salt Lake County, potentially reducing the state's second-largest government's earnings $5.3 million by year's end."
Health officials discover two more salmonella cases in Utah
From: www.heraldextra.com
"The Utah Department of Health is checking to see if two new possible cases of salmonella are part of a nationwide outbreak linked to bad tomatoes."
Goldman Sachs expanding in Utah
From: www.heraldextra.com
"Goldman Sachs says it will double the number of employees it has in Utah during the next three years. "
Tainted tomatoes outbreak: Salmonella cases hit 167, 3 in Utah
From: www.sltrib.com
"Federal officials hunted Tuesday for the source of a 17-state salmonella outbreak linked to three types of raw tomatoes as supermarkets and restaurants continued yanking those varieties -- despite several states insisting that their tomatoes were safe to eat."
Utah probes salmonella cases
From: deseretnews.com
"The Utah Department of Health is investigating two additional cases of salmonella. Laboratory testing is under way to determine if they are linked to the nationwide outbreak. These individuals have a travel history outside of Utah during the incubation period."
Cellular phone service deal moves to FCC
From: www.timesargus.com
"The two largest cellular phone companies in the state will divest their overlapping service territories under an antitrust settlement announced Tuesday."
Bar owner in contempt of state's smoking ban; Judge gives time to devise smoking area
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"A judge found tavern owner Frank Schnarrs in contempt of court Monday for violating the state's voter-approved ban on smoking in public places."
Old law lets developers use old rules, thwarting Puget Sound protection, critics charge
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"On a forested parcel of land in Burien, above streams, wetlands and steep slopes, a new condo development is being built. When it's done, the Westmark Development Company's Emerald Pointe condos, planned just above Seahurst Park on Puget Sound, will boast as many as 200 units divided among seven buildings on less than 10 acres, plus a recreation facility."
Debate continues over steep-slope logging
From: news.opb.org
"Steep-slope logging is likely to become a top issue in this fall?s campaign for Washington State Lands Commissioner. It became front page news after last winter?s devastating storms in Southwest Washington."
Lake Delton to be dry this year
From: www.jsonline.com
"LAKE DELTON -- As engineers and experts discussed the monumental challenges of fixing a lake that drained through its breached shoreline, one aspect of Lake Delton's immediate future was clear Tuesday: The village's namesake will be dry this summer."
New state food safety laws to take effect July 1
From: www.register-herald.com
"Linda Whaley, food program manager for the West Virginia Bureau of Public Health, wants food establishments in the state to understand that new food safety rules to take effect next month do not mean more places will be shut down."
Bad tomatoes don't hit W.Va.
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"WHEELING, W.Va. -- Not sure if your tomato is of the latest tainted variety? It's better to be safe than sorry and throw it out, a local health official said Monday."
Company must curb CO2 venting
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Exxon Mobil has been ordered by the state to curb carbon dioxide emissions at its Shute Creek natural gas processing facility near LaBarge and redirect the greenhouse gas into pipelines for enhanced oil recovery."
Tax hikes rare among states — so far
From: www.stateline.org
"Most states are holding off raising taxes to patch holes in their 2009 budgets, but if you live in Maryland, Minnesota, Maine and New York, you’re out of luck."
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
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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.
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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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