Stimulus package signed
From: www.dispatch.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland signed a $1.6 billion economic-stimulus package yesterday, using his line-item veto power to buy himself more time to find ways to avoid using $200 million in rainy-day funds to fill out the jobs bill."
Despite budget shortfall, state government is still hiring
From: www.sacbee.com
"Even a sour economy and a budget shortfall can't put a serious crimp on California state government hiring, according to a Sacramento Bee analysis of payroll databases. The reasons are as varied as the government's many missions."
Senate prez slams film-complex credits
From: bostonherald.com
"Senate President Therese Murray yesterday threw cold water on a proposal to award tens of millions in tax credits to a proposed movie production complex in South Weymouth."
SC gov vetoes sprinkler bill tied to deadly blaze
From: www.goupstate.com
"Gov. Mark Sanford was "reckless" to veto a bill that offered tax breaks for installing fire sprinklers, a firefighter representative said Thursday."
Earmark spending makes a comeback
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"More than a year after Congress pledged to curb pork barrel funding known as earmarks, lawmakers are gearing up for another spending binge, directing billions toward organizations and companies in their home districts. "
TransCanada pitched as key to building in-state gas line
From: newsminer.com
"The Alaska Gasline Port Authority?s project manager, Bill Walker, spelled out a new goal for his group to lawmakers Thursday in Fairbanks ? get TransCanada to build the "all-Alaska" gas line."
Ala. shoppers turn out in April
From: www.al.com
"Alabama shoppers hit the stores in April, with the Alabama Department of Revenue reporting sales tax collections up 9.19 percent, the Alabama Retail Association announced Thursday. "
Racing Commission gives nod to 'keno' game
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"The Arkansas Racing Commission on Thursday approved the addition of "keno" to the electronic gambling games that can be run at Southland Gaming and Racing in West Memphis, agreeing that the version of the game involves the use of some skill."
State's new Assembly speaker implores Congress on budget
From: www.mercurynews.com
"WASHINGTON - Karen Bass, the new speaker of the California Assembly, finished a quick visit with Congress on Wednesday, meeting the California delegation and looking for federal help for the state's budget woes."
Bill seeks to turn down sound on TV ads
From: www.sfgate.com
"Fed up with TV ads so loud that they send viewers scrambling to hit mute on their remotes, a Bay Area lawmaker is pushing a new bill that would force federal regulators to ratchet down the volume of commercials."
Drought emergency declared
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Thursday declared a drought emergency in nine Central Valley counties from Sacramento to Kern, ordering state agencies to carry out creative water deliveries to help."
Chilean president addresses Assembly, calls for closer bonds between two nations
From: www.sacbee.com
"Chilean President Michelle Bachelet Jeria urged stronger ties between Chile and the United States in a brief speech Thursday to the California Assembly."
Judge Alex Kozinski calls for probe into his porn postings
From: www.latimes.com
"A federal judge who acknowledged maintaining his own publicly accessible website featuring sexually explicit photos and videos Thursday called for an investigation of his own conduct."
California political watchdog may prohibit city officials from accepting free concert, sports tickets
From: www.latimes.com
"Ahhh, to be a member of the Anaheim City Council, with access to free tickets to baseball games at Angel Stadium, Ducks hockey games at Honda Center and rock concerts at the Grove."
Calif. wildfires destroy homes, force evacuations
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"FELTON, Calif. - Evacuees from a wind-whipped blaze spent the night at a Red Cross shelter, not knowing if theirs was among the 10 homes torched by the blaze. "
Chamber draws battle lines
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce's board voted Thursday to oppose the right-to-work ballot initiative, but its dollars and efforts will instead target this fall's union-backed measures."
Area housing woes helping rental stats
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Record foreclosures in the Denver area have been good for rental homes, driving down the vacancy rate to a seven-year low."
Wildfire jumps river
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"A wildfire burning on Army land in southeastern Colorado jumped a river and moved closer to ranches in the area Thursday as firefighters struggled against hot weather and gusty winds."
Hopes high 8 ranches won't burn
From: www.denverpost.com
"Officials were growing optimistic Thursday that efforts to keep eight ranches from the flames of the 42,000-acre Bridger fire would be successful."
Higher-ed fund spurned
From: www.denverpost.com
"At least 20 powerful Denver metro business and education leaders voted Thursday to oppose Gov. Bill Ritter's proposal to boost severance taxes to pay for college scholarships, saying money from a tax increase should be devoted to colleges' operating funds. "
Special legislative session runs long on sound, fury
From: www.theday.com
"Sheer numbers dictated that the Democratic majority in the legislature would get what they wanted in Wednesday's special session."
Legislature approves cash discounts on gas purchases
From: www.courant.com
"State legislators joined the crush of politicians eager to act on gasoline prices Thursday by permitting cash discounts and repealing a July 1 tax increase."
Lawmakers hope to overide veto
From: www.rep-am.com
"Legislative Democrats say they're optimistic they can override Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto of a minimum wage increase."
State home sales, prices off through April
From: www.rep-am.com
"Sales of single-family homes continued their steady decline in Connecticut in April, with sales falling the most in Litchfield County, according to a company that compiles real estate data."
Summer relief all dried up
From: www.delawareonline.com
"There will be no help this summer from a federally funded program that once gave out millions of dollars a year in cooling assistance to the state's working poor, elderly and disabled."
Possible tax hike tough to swallow
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Drinkers could be seeing double -- alcohol taxes, that is -- if rumored tax hikes are adopted by the Legislature as part of a package of "revenue enhancers" being considered to help fill the state's $217 million budget shortfall."
$8 a gallon? Ridiculous, critics say
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Think gas prices are too high? Try buying a tankful from a car rental company."
Group sues to put projects on ballot
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"A group that wants Florida voters to have final say over big development projects has sued in federal court to get a constitutional amendment on the November ballot."
Counties bordering Apalachicola River say water reduction puts entire region at risk
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Some counties along the Apalachicola River are asking Gov. Charlie Crist to take legal action to block a reduction in water flow from Georgia and Alabama."
FAMU raises tuition, FSU to follow suit
From: www.tallahassee.com
"Students at Florida State and Florida A&M universities will be spending more in tuition. FSU's board of trustees is expected to approve the 6-percent increase today. FAMU's board approved the tuition increase Thursday."
Bring on commuter rail, many at public hearings say
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"MAITLAND, Fla. - Speakers at a public hearing Thursday night praised the idea of bringing commuter rail to the region.
But those who traveled from Polk County to speak hit another theme: The proposed deal between the state and the CSX rail company would hurt Lakeland."
Crist orders agencies to trim 4 percent
From: www.tampabay.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist ordered all state agencies Thursday to reduce spending by 4 percent in the coming fiscal year, just a day after signing an already pared down state budget."
UH to sign off on Navy center
From: starbulletin.com
"University of Hawaii and Navy officials are expected to sign a contract by today to create a controversial Navy research center, according to UH Vice President for Research Jim Gaines."
Deep isle slump forecast
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii residents will need to brace themselves for an even deeper economic downturn than originally expected."
Political debate rises along with gas prices
From: starbulletin.com
"As gasoline prices continue to set record highs - topping $5 a gallon on Lanai - state and federal lawmakers are calling for bipartisan efforts at seeking a solution."
Lawmakers consider ways to give storm help
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Tax breaks, additional state grants, lobbying federal officials for more money and tapping into the state's emergency reserves are all things the Legislature might consider to help Iowans deal with a string of devastating floods and tornados, lawmakers said Thursday."
Governor says challenges will make Iowa stronger
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver stood Thursday in the Blencoe Community Building in western Iowa alongside Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and listed the state's recent troubles: 12 tornado deaths, numerous injuries, 55 counties declared state disaster areas, numerous rivers hitting record flood stage, 38 roads or highways closed including both lanes of Interstate Highway 80, mandatory evacuations in dozens of towns and thousands of homes and businesses damaged."
Report shows security lapses at Illinois Department of Human Services
From: www.qctimes.com
"A major state agency has been accused for the second time in three years of failing to protect sensitive information."
Four unions send critical letter over impeachment memo
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Four labor unions are accusing House Speaker Michael Madigan of creating a distraction for Illinois Democrats with a political memo laying out the case for impeaching Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "
Opponents of proposed 'megadairy' in northwest Illinois promise to fight its construction
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"With construction set to start on what could become the largest dairy farm in Illinois, the owners have promised to include a "methane digester," intended to gobble up most of the pungent smells and pacify neighbors?many of whom remain opposed to the project."
Choosing the right track
From: www.indystar.com
"As gasoline prices climb above $4 a gallon, pressure is building on area planners to develop a public transit system quickly, efficiently and without breaking the bank."
Permit for trash station near Mount Baldy upheld
From: www.nwi.com
"A stalled attempt to build a garbage transfer station near the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore got a boost Thursday from the Indiana Court of Appeals, but the legal battle isn't over."
Will politicians get on board with rail?
From: www.indystar.com
"About six years ago, a group of local elected officials and other leaders rejected a $500 million plan to build a light rail system linking Fishers to Downtown Indianapolis -- in part because they were certain the plan would never draw adequate taxpayer support."
State ready to help with storm insurance claims
From: cjonline.com
"Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger on Thursday said insurance information for recent disaster victims in northern Kansas is available from the Kansas Insurance Department's Consumer Assistance Hotline, (800) 432-2484."
State's retirement investments lagging
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Investment returns from Kentucky's state retirement systems, which are threatened by unfunded liabilities of more than $26 billion, aren't keeping pace with those of some 25 other states, according to a legislative committee report approved yesterday."
Schools trying to cope with busing costs
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Kentucky school districts are searching for ways to combat the rising cost of bus fuel -- including considering four-day school weeks."
Red tide forces closure of Boston Harbor shellfish beds
From: www.boston.com
"Public health officials have closed shellfish beds in Boston Harbor for the first time in 36 years in response to a spreading red tide along the Massachusetts coast."
$1 billion life-sciences bill passes Senate
From: www.boston.com
"The Senate passed a bill authorizing $1 billion in tax breaks and spending on life-sciences programs just in time for Governor Deval Patrick's trip to San Diego next week for a major international biotechnology convention."
High energy costs hit rural Mainers hard
From: bangornews.com
"While everyone in Maine is feeling the pain of higher energy prices on everything from gasoline to electricity, those in rural areas of the state are being squeezed even harder."
House aims at copper thefts
From: www.freep.com
"Scrap metal dealers could no longer pay cash for copper and would have to keep careful records of sales -- including copies of sellers' driver's licenses -- under legislation that sailed through the House on Wednesday in an effort to curb rampant copper thefts."
Senate committee approves energy bills backed by utilities
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"A state Senate committee on Thursday approved energy legislation that, among other things, sets new requirements for use of renewable energy and restricts electricity customers? ability to choose alternate suppliers."
Former Govs. Blanchard, Milliken urge strong water protections
From: blog.mlive.com
"TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Two former governors -- Republican William Milliken and Democrat James Blanchard -- prodded legislators Thursday to prevent large-scale uses of Michigan water that would not be in the public interest."
U details vision for sustainable community
From: www.twincities.com
"Two years after unveiling a grand vision for a "life-enriching" community in Dakota County, University of Minnesota officials Thursday put a little more meat on the dream. "
Ethanol under fire
From: www.twincities.com
"Floodwaters aren't just damaging corn. They're washing away support for corn-based ethanol."
Bridge will reopen Saturday, state says
From: www.twincities.com
"A Mississippi River bridge that was closed abruptly because of rust and corrosion will reopen by Saturday, state transportation officials said. "
State of emergency declared in Freeborn and Mower counties
From: ap.brainerddispatch.com
"Gov. Tim Pawlenty has declared a state of emergency in Freeborn and Mower Counties due to the flooding in southeastern Minnesota."
59th mesothelioma case reported among miners
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"A 59th identified case of mesothelioma, a rare lung cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos, has been confirmed in a group of Iron Range miners."
Missouri men and companies must pay $1.2M for insurance scheme
From: newstribune.com
"The state insurance department has ordered two southwest Missouri men and the companies to which they're connected to pay a total of $1.2 million for a health insurance scheme."
DEQ director 'frustrated' with Helena Sand & Gravel
From: www.helenair.com
"Montana Department of Environmental Quality Director Richard Opper said Helena Sand & Gravel's actions Wednesday have made him lose trust in the company's dealings with his department. The firm may be penalized with an administrative fine for moving forward with work at the site without permission from DEQ."
Panel OKs longer trucks
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Tractor-trailers as long as 53 feet, now restricted to major highways in North Carolina, would be free to travel most state roads under legislation that will go to the floor of the state Senate next week."
Foreclosures statewide rose 23.5% in May over last year
From: www2.journalnow.com
"The number of foreclosure filings reported in North Carolina in May rose 23.5 percent to 3,786 compared with May 2007, Realty?Trac Inc. said in a report scheduled for release today."
Illegal immigrants are good risks, lenders find
From: www.charlotte.com
"When Miguel left Mexico for the Carolinas, he planned on staying for a year. That was five years ago. Now, he has a wife, a 1-year-old son and a mortgage that he got in February without a Social Security number."
Rutgers political football -- handle with care
From: www.nj.com
"Gov. Jon Corzine's effort to help raise $30 million for the Rutgers University football stadium expansion is under way after a six-month setback. Clearing internal conflict-of-interest concerns, the governor and Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) are lending their names to the effort to raise money for the $102 million project."
Workers' insurance changes are underway
From: www.nj.com
"Insurance companies would lose their 90-year monopoly on the panel that helps set workers' compensation insurance premiums, and judges would get broad powers to enforce their relief orders under measures that won unanimous Senate approval Thursday."
Flap behind the scenes at SUNY
From: www.timesunion.com
"As part of what insiders described as a failed power play, former comptroller and gubernatorial candidate H. Carl McCall recently offered his resignation from the State University of New York Board of Trustees. Gov. David Paterson, however, convinced him to stay for now."
Bruno blasts Paterson's proposed school tax cap
From: www.newsday.com
"Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno yesterday publicly nixed Gov. David A. Paterson's proposal to cap at 4 percent yearly increases in school property taxes, saying he wants to cut them, not slow their growth.
"
Closed-door talks continue over OTB
From: www.timesunion.com
"State leaders were apparently close to a deal to keep New York City Off-Track Betting Corp. in operation beyond Sunday's deadline, only to return to more closed-door talks."
Expired, but still on the shelf
From: www.timesunion.com
"Two statewide drug store chains have been selling expired food, medicine and baby formula, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Thursday."
Librarians hope to open pension book
From: www.timesunion.com
"ALTAMONT, N.Y. -- When is a public library not a public library? The answer may have more to do with labor politics and the whims of the Legislature than it does with reference desks or volumes of books."
Seeking free home, ex-legislator will get a prison cell instead
From: www.nytimes.com
"Calling her actions "an outrageous breach of trust," a judge sentenced Diane M. Gordon, a former state assemblywoman from Brooklyn, to two to six years in prison on Thursday for offering to help a developer acquire city land if he would build her a house free."
A question mark looms over 3 expensive projects
From: www.nytimes.com
"More than two years ago, the Bloomberg administration came up with an aggressively creative way to use tax-exempt bonds to finance two of the most expensive stadiums in the world, one for the Yankees in the Bronx and another for the Mets in Queens."
Still no plan to rescue the city's OTB parlors
From: www.nytimes.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson and the State Legislature did not reach an agreement on Thursday on a plan that would rescue New York City?s Off-Track Betting Corporation before Sunday, when Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is scheduled to shut down the city's 60 betting branches."
Strickland vetoes items, signs plan to create 50,000 jobs
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland has signed legislation to enact a $1.57 billion economic stimulus plan that aims to create 50,000 jobs."
Audit of state spending mostly good news
From: www.dispatch.com
"State agencies are doing a better job managing your tax dollars."
Ohio OKs Great Lakes Compact
From: www.detnews.com
"After a two-year holdup, state lawmakers on Tuesday moved to make Ohio the sixth state to approve an agreement aimed at protecting the Great Lakes."
State parks hike camping fees
From: newsok.com
"Camping rates at state parks across Oklahoma are going to increase for the first time since 2001."
Seized-property measure in doubt
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"With fewer than 600 votes separating passage from failure, the state Elections Division has ordered a hand recount of the ballots cast in the May 20 primary for a statewide measure allowing police to retain some proceeds from seized property."
State liquor board approves same-day delivery, with restrictions
From: news.opb.org
"If you are throwing a big party this summer, and you run out of beer or wine halfway through, you won't be able to call the store for a refill."
Oregon PUC memo gives LNG supporters a boost
From: www.oregonlive.com
"State utility regulators have told Gov. Ted Kulongoski that it would be worthwhile to import liquefied natural gas to Oregon, contradicting an earlier report by the state Department of Energy and giving heart to backers of three proposals to build LNG terminals in the region."
Legality of casino deals not settled, court says
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A group opposed to a tribal casino in Florence won a legal round in the Oregon Court of Appeals. A lawsuit seeking to block the casino will go back to the trial judge to decide whether the governor has the legal authority to enter into gaming agreements with tribes given the state constitution's ban on casinos."
OLCC relaxes limits on same-day beer, wine deliveries to homes
From: www.oregonlive.com
"For the first time ever, Oregonians can have grocers make same-day deliveries of unlimited amounts of beer and wine to their homes, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission decided Thursday."
Pennsylvania says keystone tomatoes safe
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said today that Pennsylvania tomatoes were cleared and are not associated with the salmonella outbreak declared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration."
State dog law reform called too strict
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Kennel owners told a House committee Thursday that a proposed overhaul of commercial dog laws in Pennsylvania would go too far."
Criticism renewed over plans to change Pa. dog law
From: www.post-gazette.com
"At a standing room-only hearing yesterday, animal rights activists clashed with dog kennel industry advocates in an emotional debate over a Rendell administration-endorsed rewrite of the state's dog law."
Slots cover most school tax hikes
From: www.pennlive.com
"Most midstate homeowners soon should enjoy at least modest winnings from slot machine gambling, even if they haven't stepped into a casino."
Breeders, others slam plan for tougher dog law
From: www.mcall.com
"A renewed push by Gov. Ed Rendell's administration to make broad changes to Pennsylvania's dog law reignited criticism Thursday from groups who argue the state's effort to crack down on puppy mills is too far-reaching."
Clash over Pa. dog-kennel legislation
From: www.philly.com
"Dog breeders, veterinarians and sportsmen clashed with animal-welfare advocates yesterday over Gov. Rendell's proposals to clean up commercial breeding kennels in Pennsylvania."
11 Pa. contractors are sued, accused of fraud
From: www.philly.com
"Eleven home-improvement contractors across the state, including two in the Philadelphia area, have been sued for allegedly defrauding customers of more than $660,000, which is being sought in restitution, Attorney General Tom Corbett announced yesterday."
DeNaples' hunt for sources 'extraordinary'
From: www.mcall.com
"Lawyers for Mount Airy Casino Resort owner Louis DeNaples have an uphill climb in trying to compel 15 reporters to produce notes and reveal their sources, media law experts said Thursday."
Vision of Easton-NYC train service discussed
From: www.mcall.com
"State and local officials from Pennsylvania and New Jersey met at Lafayette College on Thursday to discuss the possibility of providing train service from Easton to New York City."
Bill to require proof of legal work status still has chance
From: www.projo.com
"Legislation that would require most private employers to use a federal electronic employment-verification program may get a last-minute chance to resolve potential constitutional issues. But the clock is running out, with the General Assembly session expected to end next week."
In "dire" straits, Twin River seeks a new deal with state
From: www.projo.com
"The owners of Twin River are offering the state upward of $500 million up front in return for slicing by more than half the percentage of money the state gets from the slot parlor."
Fire chief to fight sprinkler bill veto
From: www.thestate.com
"Gov. Mark Sanford has vetoed legislation providing tax breaks to home and business owners who install fire sprinklers ? a move Columbia?s fire chief says he plans to fight."
Reps. commit to fight bill's veto
From: www.charleston.net
"Charleston lawmakers vowed Thursday to fight to save a bill designed to get more homes and businesses equipped with fire sprinklers."
Keeping military bases group's goal
From: www.charleston.net
"The state Military Base Task Force met Thursday to discuss efforts to make sure South Carolina stays friendly to the men and women in the armed forces and their families."
6 more states report illnesses from tomatoes
From: www.nytimes.com
"WASHINGTON - The tainted-tomato outbreak has spread to six more states, federal health officials said on Thursday, even as they acknowledged to lawmakers that they had yet to nail down major aspects of a food-safety plan released seven months ago.
"
New legislation planned on bond ratings
From: online.wsj.com
"U.S. House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank (D., Mass.) said he would propose legislation as early as next week to change the way debt of states, cities and other municipalities are rated."
FCC head seeks rules on cell-termination fees
From: online.wsj.com
"WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission said he would like to begin trying to establish national rules this summer to regulate the fees charged by cellphone companies to customers who cancel their contracts early."
U.S. wheat acreage rises - even in New England
From: www.csmonitor.com
"BOSTON - No one would mistake the thin, rocky soil of New England for America's breadbasket. There's been no recorded tally of wheat here since 1946, according to federal records."
State will pay physicians to use records
From: www.inrich.com
"Virginia will participate in a project that provides incentive money to doctors to use electronic health records, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael O. Leavitt announced yesterday in Richmond."
Va. participates in electronic health records project
From: hosted.ap.org
"Virginia is participating in a federal project that provides incentive money for doctors to use electronic health records."
Nonprofit boosts possibilities for energy industry in N.C.
From: hamptonroads.com
"Within the next decade, instead of the oil rigs some envisioned 20 years ago, there could be wind turbines generating energy off the coast of the Outer Banks."
Va. saw less trash flow in from other states in 2007
From: hosted.ap.org
"A new report says the amount of out-of-state trash flowing into Virginia dropped in 2007 by about 2 percent and the amount of in-state garbage declined by 9 percent."
Va. Lottery 'Scratcher' tickets under review
From: hosted.ap.org
"Virginia Lottery officials are checking the millions of tickets on sale in its "Scratcher" games to ensure that every game offered has top prizes available, its top official said Thursday."
Vermont to offer fuel and food assistance
From: www.nytimes.com
"Vermont is creating a task force to help residents combat the high prices of gasoline, home heating oil and food, Gov. Jim Douglas announced on Thursday."
Insurers' rate increases pass new scrutiny
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"State insurance regulators on Thursday regained the power to reject excessive premiums for individual health plans -- but their newfound authority won't stop thousands in Washington from getting socked with double-digit rate increases this summer."
Tribes give big to Gregoire, avoid sharing casino cash
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire is benefiting from more than $650,000 in campaign contributions from Indian tribes that hit the jackpot in 2005 when she killed a gambling compact potentially worth more than $140 million a year to the state. "
Some flooded areas not covered by insurance
From: www.lacrossetribune.com
"Dozens of Wisconsin communities, including the flood-damaged villages of Lake Delton and La Valle, have been dropped from the federal flood insurance program, leaving residents at risk of millions of dollars in losses, state and federal officials said Thursday.
"
State targeting economic stimulus payments for those who owe child support
From: www.dailymail.com
"West Virginia has so far collected $2.69 million in economic stimulus payments from 4,422 people who owe back child support."
Disease resurfaces in Wyo cattle
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- Two cows in Sublette County likely have been infected with brucellosis, state officials said Thursday. The discovery, which comes less than two years since Wyoming's cattle industry was declared "brucellosis-free," raises the possibility that it could lose that status again -- if the disease is found in another cattle herd within two years."
McCain, GOP govs split over disaster fund
From: www.stateline.org
"A congressional proposal to create a national “catastrophe fund” to help states recover from natural disasters has put Republican presidential hopeful John McCain at odds with a handful of GOP governors — including two state chief executives frequently mentioned as possible vice-presidential picks for the U.S. senator from Arizona."
Jobs are at risk if Congress doesn't fix the Highway Fund
From: www.stateline.org
"State budgets and nearly 400,000 jobs are at risk if Congress fails to replenish the Highway Trust Fund, John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials, writes in a commentary for Stateline.org."
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
"
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.
"
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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