Connecticut marshals make millions serving foreclosure papers
From: www.courant.com
"Six state marshals grossed more than $500,000 last year, including four who earned nearly all of their money serving foreclosure notices for Hunt Leibert and Reiner, Reiner."
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Studies examine salaries
From: www.lvrj.com
" Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce study released today found state and local government workers in Nevada earn 28 percent more than workers in the private sector."
Tanker contract ruling won't ground Alabama aerospace industry, officials say
From: www.al.com
"Like a jumbo jet roaring down the runway, Alabama's dream of becoming a global center for aircraft production seemed poised for a perfect takeoff this time last week."
Crist risks green, bipartisan monikers with drilling stance
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Republican Gov. Charlie Crist's newfound openness to offshore drilling, the most significant policy reversal of his 18 months in office, has given Democrats their first opportunity to score political points off the aggressively bipartisan governor."
Can farmers salvage a soaked planting season?
From: www.csmonitor.com
"CHICAGO - When the rains finally stopped and the sun began to dry their rain-soaked fields, the Bowman family and their neighbors wasted little time. "
Economy, gas prices batter Indiana casinos
From: www.indystar.com
"For the first time since riverboat casinos came to Indiana more than a decade ago, gambling revenues are taking a big hit."
State jobless rate highest in 14 years
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Vermont's unemployment rate reached 4.9 percent in May -- the highest it has measured since January 1994, according to Department of Labor data. "
Lawmakers examine funds for fairs, festivals
From: wvgazette.com
"West Virginia officials regularly accept without question information sent them by the more than 300 fairs and festivals funded through the state budget, but some lawmakers want to make certain the state's getting its "bang for the bucks.""
Tourism officials aim close to home
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"As the economic slowdown worsens amid the summer surge in gas prices, some Maryland tourism officials are looking nearby for visitors."
Voters may decide fate of payday loans
From: www.stateline.org
"In Ohio and Arizona, the payday loan industry is trying a different strategy in its battle to survive."
Weak economy squeezing more states
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 1 p.m. EDT, June 19, 2008)
A new survey says states could be facing two years of budget troubles as revenues continue to fall and spending pressures mount.
"
Palin proposes paying each Alaskan $1,200 in energy relief
From: www.juneaublogger.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin today proposed paying each Alaskan $1,200 as well as suspending the state road fuel tax - already the lowest in the nation - to help Alaskans cope with high energy costs."
Riley reveals who paid for inauguration
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Gov. Bob Riley has voluntarily disclosed who funded his second inauguration: a who's who of corporations, lobbyists and law firms that contributed $847,000 to pay for the pageantry and parties."
Alabama's jobless rate at highest point in nearly four years
From: www.al.com
"Alabama's jobless rate in May climbed to 4.7 percent, its highest level since November 2004."
Whatever happened to 2008 ballot proposals -- Some sponsors of issues still working, while others have thrown in towel
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"Benton County and Arkansas voters once faced the prospect of deciding many ballot issues this year. County voters again argued over a proposal to change the county from "wet" to "dry.""
Ark. government, business officials travel to Mexico
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"A group of government and business officials will spend four days in Mexico as part of a trip organized by that nation's Little Rock consulate.
"
Bingo tax revenue far exceeds projections, lawmakers to consider options
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Revenue from a new state tax on charitable bingo games has exceeded projections by $500,000, fiscal officers told legislators Friday."
Air board's ambitious plan to battle warming
From: www.sfgate.com
"California's air board, for years an obscure state agency, will take center stage this week when it unveils a blueprint for the nation's most aggressive fight against global warming that is expected to affect every resident, industry and government agency in the state in the coming decade."
Cooler air, lighter winds aid firefighters
From: www.sfgate.com
"Cooler conditions and lighter winds were helping firefighters Sunday night contain a 3,500-acre blaze in Solano and Napa counties, but the fire was threatening 300 homes and people were being ordered to evacuate."
Fleeing the fire
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"FAIRFIELD, Calif. - Residents were continuing to evacuate areas of Solano County on Sunday afternoon, where a wildfire had burned about 3,500 acres and was threatening hundreds of homes."
Governor to talk about fires
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is scheduled to visit Fairfield this morning for a briefing on the status of statewide firefighting efforts."
Firefighters get upper hand
From: www.mercurynews.com
"State fire officials said early today they hoped to completely contain two blazes that together had burned more than 1,000 acres in Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties over the weekend."
Firefighters battling fire in foothills outside of Fairfield
From: www.sacbee.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - Hundreds of firefighters will be on the line today as they continue to battle a wildfire moving from the Napa County line into the foothills northwest of Fairfield."
Flurry of state fees - new or higher - pushed as budget boost
From: www.sacbee.com
"Californians would pay higher traffic ticket, parking, car registration, property insurance and other fees under dozens of proposals flying around the Capitol."
California firefighters battle hundreds of blazes
From: www.sacbee.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - Cooler weather helped firefighters gain ground on hundreds of wildfires that charred bone-dry terrain across the heart of wine country and remote forests in Northern California."
California invests 'tremendously' in infrastructure
From: www.npr.org
"Dale Bonner, the secretary of California's Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, talks about the state's infrastructure challenges with Host Liane Hansen. "
Firefighters battle wildfires in California, N.M.
From: www.usatoday.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - Cooler weather helped firefighters gain ground on hundreds of wildfires that charred bone-dry terrain across the heart of wine country and remote forests in Northern California.
"
Reservation for 50,000? When?!
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"In only 63 days, the 2008 Democratic National Convention opens in the Pepsi Center."
With more loan defaults, 2 Conn. firms reap millions
From: www.courant.com
"These are busy days in Connecticut's foreclosure courtrooms, and for no one more than the growing stable of lawyers at Hunt Leibert and Reiner, Reiner. A record 18,000 foreclosure suits were filed in Connecticut last year, and two out of every three were brought by lawyers from those two firms."
10,000 gallons of gasoline may have leaked from Cheshire filling station
From: www.rep-am.com
"CHESHIRE, Conn. - As much as 10,000 gallons of gasoline may have leaked from an underground storage tank at the BP gas station at 901 West Main St., state officials said Sunday."
Legislature could override Rell veto on minimum wage
From: www.courant.com
"The Democrat-controlled legislature will consider overriding Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto of an increase in the minimum wage today, but the outcome is uncertain."
Lawmakers to return to Capitol
From: www.rep-am.com
"State lawmakers planned to return to the Capitol on Monday to try and override the governor's veto of a minimum wage increase, but it was uncertain whether they would have the votes.
"
State marshals cash in on lawsuits
From: www.rep-am.com
"The jump in the number of foreclosures in Connecticut has proved to be a financial bonanza for some state marshals."
Bluewater Wind deal appears resolved
From: www.delawareonline.com
"After more than a year of back-and-forth between Bluewater Wind and Delmarva Power over a proposed offshore wind farm, the stage appears set for the final act."
Public Service Commission weighs energy upgrades
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The Public Service Commission today begins weighing Florida Power & Light's request for a new gas powered generating plant in Palm Beach County, a decision that will be watched closely by customers far to the north in Brevard County."
Crist risks green, bipartisan monikers with drilling stance
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Republican Gov. Charlie Crist's newfound openness to offshore drilling, the most significant policy reversal of his 18 months in office, has given Democrats their first opportunity to score political points off the aggressively bipartisan governor."
Fla. has trouble leading South into climate fight
From: www.macon.com
"TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida - which could be among the most vulnerable states should dire global warming predictions of rising seas, shore erosion and monster hurricanes come to pass - is considering capping emissions of greenhouse gases and hoping fellow Southern states to follow suit. It might be a tough sell."
Portability fails to heat housing market
From: www.tampabay.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist stood before hundreds of Realtors in Orlando last summer and predicted fantastic things about the property tax cuts on the January ballot.
"
DNR closes oyster harvest on Ga. coast
From: www.ajc.com
"BRUNSWICK, Ga. ? Oyster harvesting on Georgia's coast is off limits for three months to protect people eating the shellfish from bacteria sometimes found in warm summer waters."
HECO customers will get $19 refund
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The typical Hawaiian Electric Co. customer will receive a $19 refund under a plan finalized by the state Public Utilities Commission yesterday."
Grocers - Farmers market subsidy too costly
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A grocery industry group says a program that allows welfare recipients to shop at Iowa farmers markets with food stamps has cost taxpayers nearly $1 million over three years for less than $60,000 worth of fresh food."
New prescription drug card offered
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A new drug card is being offered to Iowans which developers say could save you money on prescription drugs. Lila Cedotal, the development director for the Iowa Drug Card, says it's free. Cedotal says everyone is eligible for the card regardless of age and income. She says you go to Iowadrugcard.com and enter you name and print off your new card in less than one minute."
Culver taps more leaders to help with fundraising effort
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Gov. Chet Culver is asking a handful of Iowa's top business and civic leaders to help raise money for flood relief efforts."
Will victims abandon Iowa cities?
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- This city's future is riding on people like Stella Wilson, and national experts say there is reason for hope."
Recovery from floods will take 'long time,' billions of dollars
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"WASHINGTON -- As weary Iowans put their lives back together in the wake of this month's record-setting floods, Iowa lawmakers and disaster recovery experts warn that a long and painstaking rebuilding in the state will require a considerable federal investment."
Iowa smokers smolder over ban
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Angry Iowa smokers have plans to turn puffs into protest before a new state law on July 1 banishes the habit from public places."
Food stamp assistance expanded to more flood victims
From: ads.qctimes.com
"The state is expanding its emergency food assistance program to three dozen counties."
Idaho officials, Humane Society spar over horse bill
From: www.idahostatejournal.com
"HAGERMAN, Idaho -- Some in Idaho worry that efforts to ban the slaughter of horses for human consumption will lead to more people letting unwanted horses free, leaving them to die miserable deaths and exacerbating conflicts with ranchers who count on the sparse forage of the West's high desert for their cattle."
ID lawmakers may meet on auditor's report
From: www.theolympian.com
"Idaho lawmakers are closer to scheduling a formal meeting on a state tax auditor's allegations that the Idaho State Tax Commission cut secret deals with big companies that saved them millions."
State's minimum wage to increase by a quarter
From: www.pantagraph.com
"Decatur gas station owner John Phillips said he was glad to find out the state minimum wage would go up by 25 cents in July. But his delight came mostly because he thought it was going up $1."
State looks to enroll 1,000 more children in All Kids
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich helped families fill out applications for the state's All Kids health insurance program at a Chicago hospital Saturday as part of a drive to enroll 1,000 more children in the plan."
Study urges wariness of state gambling revenue
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A major gambling expansion has been touted as the way to pay for a proposed $34 billion construction plan in Illinois, but a new study suggests states may be counting too much on that money."
More than 1,000 rally to keep prison open
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"PONTIAC, Ill. - Despite intermittent pouring rain, more than 1,000 people insisted on showing their support for keeping Pontiac Correctional Center open. "
Illiana Expressway study motoring along
From: www.nwitimes.com
"Research into the beleaguered, decades-old proposal for an Illiana Expressway is shifting gears."
Railroads don't pay crossing citations
From: www.indystar.com
"HAMMOND, Ind. -- Railroad companies have piled up nearly 2,000 unpaid traffic tickets for blocking crossings for half an hour or longer, according to a consortium of northwest Indiana cities."
Beshear quiet, for now, on casinos
From: www.kentucky.com
"Around this time last year, Steve Beshear the candidate began backing off his pitch to allow casino gambling in Kentucky after receiving criticism from his Republican opponents."
State to host Japanese cultural exchange
From: www.kentucky.com
"HARRODSBURG, Ky. - Judy Agee has lived in and visited Japan. But come October, it will seem like Japan is visiting her."
In and out in five days, they say
From: www.kentucky.com
"Two months after wrapping up legislative business with a spectacular midnight collapse of several high-profile bills, lawmakers return to Frankfort on Monday to take another crack at retooling the state pension system."
Falling gas sales could hurt state road projeccts
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Our thirst for gasoline may be drying up a bit. Reflecting a national trend, drivers bought fewer gallons of gas and traveled less on Kentucky roads this spring compared to last spring, according to new data gathered even before gas prices jumped to $4 a gallon."
Lobbyists spent big during Kentucky's 2008 session
From: www.courier-journal.com
"After a bill was filed in this year's General Assembly to improve amusement-ride safety, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom did something it had never done before."
Teachers' unions influence pension reform plans
From: www.courier-journal.com
"In 2004 thousands of teachers showed up at rallies organized by their unions to protest then-Gov. Ernie Fletcher's health care plan -- applying enough pressure to persuade the governor and lawmakers to change course."
Special session for pension bill opens today
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A public pension reform bill is expected to sail through the legislature during the special session that begins today -- but officials say shoring up the state retirement systems can't stop there."
Lawmakers delay dock, airport bills
From: www.nola.com
"Two bills that could have a major economic impact on the New Orleans region were held up Saturday by their chief sponsor as he tried to iron out relatively minor problems with Senate-made changes."
Illegal immigration bills may return in next year's session
From: www.nola.com
"The sponsor of legislation designed to crack down on illegal immigrants and those who help them said Friday his package of bills is dead for this session but he may bring them back next year after meeting with all sides on the hot-button issue."
Meal limits change flavor of Capitol life
From: www.nola.com
"During a debate this year on new spending limits for lobbyists who entertain public officials, Rep. Charmaine Marchand suggested the proposed $50 per person cap would banish such affairs to Taco Bell, untold rungs down the culinary ladder from the fine eateries that have long been a staple of Baton Rouge."
Many bills' fates down to last day
From: www.nola.com
"The Legislature will move into the final hours of the 2008 regular session today with most of its major legislation completed, but with more than 50 bills awaiting a final vote before the 6 p.m. deadline to adjourn -- including one of Gov. Bobby Jindal's signature initiatives to overhaul Louisiana's work force development programs.
"
S&WB changes go down the drain
From: www.nola.com
"Hoping to ride a wave of government reform that followed Hurricane Katrina, a group of New Orleans business leaders this spring lobbied for a state law mandating that the citizen members of the city's Sewerage & Water Board be experts in such fields as engineering and finance."
LRA grants cast net of frustration for fisheries
From: www.nola.com
"Earlier this year, the Louisiana Recovery Authority unveiled a highly anticipated fishing recovery grant program aimed at reviving the backbone of the storm-battered industry: docks, marinas and shipyards."
Numbers game
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland voters listening to the debate over legalizing slot-machine gambling in the state might be feeling a bit of deja vu - from the 2000 presidential race."
Lack of grid capacity sinks biomass power project
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"MILLINOCKET, Maine ? A gridlocked New England power grid in Maine has stalled a Harpswell developer's plan for a $50 million biomass boiler in Millinocket."
FairPoint oversight finds itself scrutinized
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Every week, staffers at the Maine Public Utilities Commission participate in a conference call with a telecom consultant and their counterparts in New Hampshire and Vermont to determine what progress FairPoint Communications is making toward taking full control of the land-line network it bought from Verizon in March."
Indigent defense solutions sought in Maine
From: bangornews.com
"NEWRY, Maine - Judges and lawyers Friday focused on the crisis in funding for lawyers who represent indigent defendants at the Maine State Bar Association's summer meeting at Sunday River."
Mass transit funds proposed
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"A bill starting to move through the Capitol could provide a piece of the puzzle needed to push forward new mass transit in Southeast Michigan and other parts of the state."
Michigan legislators, tribes divided over casinos in state
From: www.freep.com
"WASHINGTON -- A fight over proposed American Indian casinos in Romulus and Port Huron may reach the floor of Congress this week, where two Michigan political heavyweights find themselves on opposite sides of the issue."
Water bottle deposit tough sell in Mich.
From: www.detnews.com
"Michigan's 10-cent deposit on pop cans and beer bottles works so well that its creators want to add water and juice containers to the recycling program passed by voters in 1976."
Few issues to make it on ballot
From: www.detnews.com
"Michigan voters, who once faced a daunting list of potential ballot questions this November, may decide only a handful of issues after all."
Granholm veto will allow multiple centers: Proton-beam groups compete
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"In the wake of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's surprise veto last week of a certificate-of-need rule to require a single multihospital collaborative to build a $160 million proton-beam cancer therapy center, two competing hospital groups -- William Beaumont Hospitals and a consortium led by the University of Michigan Health System -- are moving forward with plans to develop their own centers."
Nonprofits receive reprieve on property tax issue
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Nonprofit groups in Minnesota have gotten a one-year reprieve on the question of whether they might have to pay taxes on the property they own."
In Missouri, flood workers watch, wait and rest
From: www.latimes.com
"CLARKSVILLE, MO. - Twelve hours earlier, Spc. Mike Bruno was frantically hoisting sandbags onto a makeshift levee under the scalding sun, trying to protect this town of old brick storefronts and Victorian houses from the raging Mississippi."
Midwest waits for Mississippi River to reach crest
From: www.usatoday.com
"FOLEY, Mo. - About a dozen volunteers and residents stand ankle deep in mud, hefting sandbags around a tiny spring that threatens the last levee between this small farming community and the swollen Mississippi, which is expected to crest Monday night."
Good news along the river
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"LOUISIANA, Mo. - In Mississippi River towns hit hard by flooding, the faithful gathered for church services Sunday while the word went around that the swollen waterway had apparently started to hit its high point.
"
Call for change ignored, levees remain patchy
From: www.nytimes.com
"CANTON, Mo. - The levees along the Mississippi River offer a patchwork of unpredictable protections. Some are tall and earthen, others aging and sandy, and many along its tributaries uncataloged by federal officials."
Soaring fuel costs pinching shrimpers
From: www.clarionledger.com
"GULFPORT, Miss. ? The blessing of the fleet with flags flying from the trawls and priests or bishops asking for a safe and bountiful season make for pretty pictures."
Dead zone threatens Miss., too
From: www.clarionledger.com
"A big problem in Louisiana may be drifting into Mississippi waters. It's invisible, and Mississippi coastal experts say they may not have the manpower to detect it."
Mexicans gather papers, just in case
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Requests for passports, birth registration and consular identifications by Mexican citizens living in North and South Carolina have skyrocketed in the past six months as families brace for the potential of a sudden departure from this country."
Survey -- N.C. board rooms lack diversity
From: www.news-record.com
"North Carolina's top corporations lag the nation in appointing women and minorities to their governing boards, according to a new survey from UNC-Chapel Hill."
N.C. jobless rate rises to 5.8%, a 4-year high
From: www2.journalnow.com
"North Carolina's unemployment rate reached its highest level in more than four years in May, rising to 5.8 percent, the N.C. Employment Security Commission reported yesterday."
Democrats to vote on labor-commissioner candidate
From: www2.journalnow.com
"The job of North Carolina's commissioner of labor isn't glamorous or particularly well-known."
Brain drain
From: www.in-forum.com
"North Dakota isn't the only state battling to fill jobs and keep its young workers."
North Dakota wallets are fatter
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"North Dakota led the nation in personal income growth during the first three months of the year, a turnaround from the first quarter of 2007 when the state ranked last."
State's produce gets promotion
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"BOTTINEAU, N.D. -- A new group is helping promote fruits and vegetables grown in North Dakota."
State House Dome - Sununu is Republican fundraising star
From: www.theunionleader.com
"Republicans have stumbled out of the gate on campaign finances this year. "
Past causes, future solutions part of flooding discussion
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"New Hampshire dodged the bullet of spring floods this year despite the melting of near-record snowfall, but that doesn't mean the Souhegan River won't overrun its banks in the future -- as it did the previous two years."
Job outlook for region not so bad
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"Numbers don?t always tell the whole truth. Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor revealed that in New Hampshire, wages increased an anemic 3.2 percent in the year leading to September 2007, making us 42nd lowest among the 50 states and District of Columbia."
Campaign finance reports - N.H. Dems raking in the cash
From: www.fosters.com
"Campaign finance reports show Republicans lagging Democrats in House races, Senate races and political action committees."
Union pressure fails, for once, to kill pension bill
From: www.nj.com
"After a decade in which lawmakers repeatedly opened the public purse to boost retirement benefits for the unionized workers who help bankroll many of their campaigns, leaders of the state's major unions found themselves in an unusual position Friday night. "
Corzine - McCain's support for offshore drilling will cost him
From: www.nj.com
"Republican presidential candidate John McCain's proposal to end a federal moratorium on offshore oil and gas drilling is a "mistake" that will derail his chances of winning New Jersey voters this fall, Gov. Jon Corzine said today."
Governor focuses on fiscal health of N.J.
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - As he grapples with one of the country's worst fiscal crises, Gov. Jon S. Corzine crosses New Jersey sounding a bit like a budgetary Grim Reaper, darkly warning audiences of the pain already inflicted and the suffering still to come. "
Gibbons delays special session
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"Members of the Economic Forum told Gov. Jim Gibbons on Friday the state?s shortfall is about $250 million more than expected, raising it to $1.2 billion. The need for staff to have time to review the forum?s actions prompted the governor to delay Monday?s special legislative session until Friday. "
Leaders seek common ground on budget crisis
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"Legislative leadership today are to begin building a mutually agreeable plan to fix Nevada's budget crisis."
Receiving an economic bump
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"A rush of politicians, lobbyists and government staff to a special legislative session this week could give Carson City restaurants and bars a bump in sales.
"
Where Gibbons, Buckley and Raggio stand, as of today
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Upheaval in the capital last Friday as the state?s Economic Forum crunched some more ugly numbers and the governor decided to delay a special session until this Friday."
Making progress on pensions as the session draws to a close
From: www.nytimes.com
"Heading into the last day of the legislative session on Monday, Gov. David A. Paterson and lawmakers are close to agreement on a series of changes aimed at preventing abuses of the state pension system, people involved in the negotiations said. "
State politicians' efforts to raise money consuming more time
From: www.cleveland.com
"You want to make a state lawmaker really uncomfortable? Ring him up and start hammering away with questions about the lifeblood of modern American politics: the wheelbarrows full of money they rake in to climb atop the political heap."
Nuclear energy rebirth sidetracks Ohio
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland's new energy policy calls for Ohio utility companies to develop alternative energy sources, including nuclear power."
Oregon agriculture faces migrant crackdowns
From: www.oregonlive.com
"For decades, seasonal farm labor has been a sure thing, but pending federal and state immigration restrictions could trigger a critical shortage -- later this year or next -- leaving growers scrambling for workers."
Dredging Delaware River to move a step forward
From: hosted.ap.org
"PHILADELPHIA -- A proposal to deepen the Delaware River shipping channel to accommodate larger vessels is about to move a step forward."
Gas prices hit rural areas hard
From: www.pennlive.com
"People used to drive for miles to have graduation photos or family portraits taken in Lorrie Snyder's farm-themed garden in Northumberland County, where flowers make a rusted pickup truck and a hog scalding trough seem like things of beauty."
Hotel tax-break legislation draws ire of House leadership
From: www.projo.com
"A last-minute plan to grant a tax break for a proposed downtown hotel project seemed to have fallen apart yesterday afternoon after legislators realized that the developer was seeking a tax break larger than what had been previously approved."
Assembly wraps up in late session
From: www.projo.com
"State lawmakers wrapped up business for the year last night after a rare Saturday session in which they cracked down on teenage drinking, whizzed through an eleventh-hour hotel tax subsidy and rejected the last surviving immigration bill."
Housing recovery outlook bleak for R.I.
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island?s deteriorating job market is expected to delay its recovery from what a new study describes as the nation?s worst housing downturn in a generation."
Session to deal with vetoes set
From: www.charleston.net
"Twenty vetoes affecting HIV reporting standards, assaults on coaches and tax breaks for buying fire sprinklers and energy-efficient appliances will be on the agenda when the Legislature returns this week."
Exclusive -- Quitting smoking just got tougher
From: www.thestate.com
"State budget cuts and the failure to raise the state cigarette tax means S.C. smokers trying to quit the habit will get no help from the state next year."
SC lottery sales up despite economic slowdown
From: www.goupstate.com
"ROCK HILL, S.C. - South Carolina lottery sales are up 3.7 percent despite high gas prices, rising food costs and unemployment."
Muslim community on the rise in South Dakota
From: www.npr.org
"South Dakota is one of only two states in the country with just one mosque. The Muslim community is growing in Sioux Falls, but members say they feel isolated from their neighbors and from Muslims elsewhere around the country."
New GPS-savvy, solar signs help bus riders connect in real time
From: www.usatoday.com
"As the demand for customer-friendly, real-time information increases, more cities, counties and states are going high tech at the bus stop."
An immigration end run around the next president
From: www.latimes.com
"WASHINGTON - Just last year, an increasingly powerful grass-roots movement celebrated its success in killing an effort to legalize millions of unlawful immigrants. Its influence spread as a procession of presidential candidates proclaimed their support."
Legislative challengers outraise incumbents
From: deseretnews.com
"Conventional wisdom is that incumbent state legislators easily raise more money than challengers, thanks to special interests. That longtime axiom is eroding this year - as one of every four challengers is now actually outraising incumbents."
Power plant is ground zero in battle of energy vs. environment
From: hamptonroads.com
"ST. PAUL, Va. - By any standard, it is the biggest environmental controversy in Virginia today - a $1.8 billion power plant, proposed by the state's largest electric company, in the heart of coal country here in mountainous southwest Virginia."
Legislators urged to find more revenue for transportation projects
From: hamptonroads.com
"A letter endorsed by executives of the state?s largest companies was sent to state legislators urging them to support a road funding plan during next week?s legislative special session."
AG rules hemp bill is legal
From: www.timesargus.com
"A constitutional dispute surrounding the so-called hemp bill has finally been resolved, paving the way for Vermont to become only the second state in the country to allow its farmers to grow the crop."
Unemployment rate is highest since 1994
From: www.timesargus.com
"The state Department of Labor says the unemployment rate for May was 4.9 percent, the highest it's been in 14 years."
Vermont moves up in ranking of states that nurture, promote technology and innovation
From: www.timesargus.com
"SAN FRANCISCO ? Vermont has moved up to 19th in a new ranking of which states are best able to innovate and cash in on technology, a jump of three place from the last survey in 2004."
Raw milk - Should the state ban it? Or drink it up?
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Consumers almost always link arms with government public health agencies banning the sale of food believed to contain dangerous pathogens. But that kumbaya spirit appears to vaporize when the consumable is raw milk."
The money squeeze - Colleges look at curbing student commute
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Katoya Palmer missed a day of class just about every week last spring but not because she was too busy or too lazy."
State lottery pulling scratch game after complaint it could appeal to kids
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Washington's Lottery is removing a scratch game featuring pictures of popular candies after a complaint that it could appeal to children."
Flood damage over $470 million as water slowly recedes
From: www.madison.com
"Floodwaters on rivers in southern Wisconsin are slowly receding from record levels, but damage assessments from the massive flooding continue to rise, now close to the half-billion dollar mark."
State's tart cherry crop nearly a total loss
From: www.madison.com
"There's nothing to cheer about tart cherry production in Wisconsin this year."
For whom the toll bills? For thee
From: www.jsonline.com
"As if Illinois road construction and traffic jams weren?t enough of a hassle, now comes a computer glitch that targets, of course, only Wisconsin drivers."
Lawmakers from state are well-off, data show
From: www.jsonline.com
"As members of Congress debate how to help Americans struggling through a slumping economy, federal records show those lawmakers are largely free of the financial worries that dog many of their constituents."
State to ensure flood standards are up-to-date
From: hosted.ap.org
"State officials are re-evaluating whether infrastructure is being built and maintained to strict enough standards to handle severe weather"
Perry wants program in the hands of DOE
From: www.register-herald.com
"Rising gasoline and home heating costs are squeezing low-income West Virginians in a financial vise, but what is the best way for government to help make their homes energy efficient to cut bills?"
WORTH NOTING: Scout takes a hike from Md. mansion
From: www.stateline.org
"Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley evicts Scout, one of his family’s dogs, from the governor’s mansion. The Colorado Lottery turns to scratch-and-sniff to attract customers. And a Florida prisoner launches a bid for the state House. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
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."
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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