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.
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Lawmakers stress public input on gas line decision
From: newsminer.com
"State lawmakers, after three weeks of tightly packed gas pipeline hearings in Juneau, Fairbanks and Anchorage, will spend the next two weeks at a handful of hearings in smaller communities before returning to Juneau in early July."
Session back in Juneau July 9
From: juneauempire.com
"The Alaska Legislature expects to take up energy relief payments soon after returning to Juneau following the Fourth of July holiday, say legislative leaders."
Palin generates positive energy in Wasilla visit
From: www.adn.com
"WASILLA, Alaska -- A hometown crowd warmly welcomed Gov. Sarah Palin home Tuesday as she pitched her plans for dealing with Alaska's energy problems to the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce."
Exxon Valdez damages slashed to $507.5 million
From: www.adn.com
"WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Supreme Court dashed the hopes of more than 32,000 fishermen and Alaska natives who have been waiting for nearly 20 years to hear whether Exxon Mobil Corp. will have to pay out billions in punitive damages for its role in the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill."
Fewer than half of state agencies in Arkansas offer flextime
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Fewer than half of Arkansas' state agencies, boards and commissions offer flexible work schedules to their employees, though the option has been available since the 1970s, state officials said Tuesday."
Legislature ironing out final budget
From: www.azcentral.com
"State Senate leaders outlined a bipartisan budget plan Tuesday that includes an expansion of the state Lottery, $1 billion in university construction, another $1 billion in borrowing and nearly $400 million in cuts to state agencies. "
Salt water foreseen as vital to Southwest
From: www.azstarnet.com
"PHOENIX - It's 2048 in the Sonoran Desert. Do you know where your water will come from? "
Car exhaust probably sparked Trabing Fire
From: www.sfgate.com
"WATSONVILLE, Calif. - Last week's devastating fire along Highway 1 in Watsonville was sparked by hot exhaust from a vehicle whose driver may not have known what was happening, state fire officials said Tuesday."
Wildfire smoke clouds Bay Area skies
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"Bay Area residents can expect more polluted air, gray skies and spectacular sunsets this week from a series of wildfires that have made the air unhealthy to breath in some places and spurred a regionwide health advisory."
Santa Cruz Mountains residents prepare for next round of fires
From: www.mercurynews.com
" As smoke seeps into little towns deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains, it rattles the nerves and taunts the locals like a witch on a broom."
Lightning sparks more than 800 wildfires in California
From: www.usatoday.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - In less than a day, an electrical storm unleashed nearly 8,000 lightning strikes that set more than 800 wildfires across Northern California -- a rare example of "dry lightning" that brought little or no rain but plenty of sparks to the state's parched forests and grasslands."
Denver to get $50 million for Dem convention
From: www.politicswest.com
"Federal officials have told the city they approved the $50 million in federal funds to offset any security-related costs for hosting the Democratic National Convention, a top aide to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said today. "
UConn trustees approve $46 million deal with Nike
From: www.courant.com
"STORRS, Conn. - The University of Connecticut's board of trustees Tuesday gave its approval to a $46 million contract between the university and Nike Inc. USA in a deal believed to be one of the biggest in the country."
Biggest U.S. sugar cane grower to close
From: www.npr.org
"Domestic sugar producers are reeling from the news that the largest sugar cane grower, U.S. Sugar, is closing. "
Crist sought Everglades deal as U.S. Sugar hit wall
From: www.tampabay.com
"U.S. Sugar Corp. executives were frantic. Environmental groups had sued to stop the company from dumping polluted water in Lake Okeechobee, and a judge agreed it was illegal."
Crist's credentials as 'green governor' are a bit yellowed at 2nd summit
From: www.tampabay.com
"MIAMI - A year ago, Gov. Charlie Crist created headlines by announcing a bold plan to fight global warming pollution at a climate change summit. "
Land buy requires no new money
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"The biggest conservation land deal in Florida history won't require state or federal money or a tax increase for South Florida residents, state officials said."
U.S. Sugar, state of Florida talk land deal
From: floridacapitalnews.com
" WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. ? A $1.75 billion proposed state purchase of U.S. Sugar Corp., its land and assets, was pitched Tuesday as a historic opportunity in the restoration of the Everglades."
300 square miles of Everglades may be restored
From: www.usatoday.com
"WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - A 300-square-mile tract of the Everglades would be returned to its natural state under a plan announced Tuesday as part of an attempt to undo decades of damage by pollution and encroaching development.
"
U.S. Sugar decides to sell farm because of costs, competition
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"U.S. Sugar Corp.'s decision to sell its 300 square miles of cane fields in the Everglades for $1.75 billion to the state is a perplexing business decision to many familiar with the industry."
Water officials - No tax hike needed to buy out U.S. Sugar
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"The largest land conservation deal in state history would breathe new life into Everglades restoration, with South Florida taxpayers picking up the tab."
Conservationists hail deal for U.S. Sugar
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"The largest conservation land deal in Florida's history could provide enough acres to store 325 billion gallons of water, keeping it from being wasted out to sea."
Glades institution since '31 to close up shop
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"CLEWISTON, Fla. ? Accepting the South Florida Water Management District's $1.75 billion buyout offer is the right thing to do for the state, for the environment and for U.S. Sugar Corp., the company's senior vice president said Tuesday."
Lawmaker - I didn't try to shave tax bill on my land
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Early last year when state Rep. Frank Attkisson and his wife were looking at expanding their hobby farm outside St. Cloud, she inquired with the Osceola County Property Appraiser's Office about getting an agricultural tax break."
For Crist, the Everglades purchase a sweet deal
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"A week after reversing his long opposition to offshore oil drilling, Charlie Crist may have repaired his image as Florida's "green governor" Tuesday by shrinking the sugar industry's damaging footprint in the Everglades."
Crist's green plan a work in progress
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist basked in the glow of the international spotlight last year when he convened his first Climate Change Summit in Miami: The governor immediately signed an order requiring the state to adopt California's greenhouse gas emissions regulations for cars and trucks and force power plants to focus on renewable energy."
Telecommuting - Driving down the cost of working
From: www.miamiherald.com
"With gas prices rising, telecommuting is looking more attractive than ever. Even one day a week without a commute can not only keep gas money in your pocket, but also help workers feel less drained."
FPL surcharge angers big firms
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Big business is fighting hard against Florida Power & Light's request to increase customers' monthly bills by at least 16 percent to pay for energy surcharges."
Sugar buyout hailed as Glades `gift'
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Two sides that rarely agree on anything celebrated Tuesday a ''monumental'' but still tentative $1.7 billion buyout that would put the nation's largest sugar grower out of business in six years but fill a gaping hole in Florida's long-stalled Everglades restoration."
Florida's consumer confidence hits a new low
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Walloped by a sinking housing market, growing unemployment and rising prices for gasoline and food, Florida consumers are the gloomiest they've ever felt since researchers started surveying their mood 25 years ago."
Deal could restore the Everglades
From: www.latimes.com
"LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. - It was a strategy so bold no environmentalist or state bureaucrat dared dream it could happen: Buy out Big Sugar's polluted fields, railroad and refinery within the Everglades so the wounded "river of grass" could heal after more than a century of man's industrial intrusions."
Florida to buy U.S. Sugar's land to aid Everglades
From: online.wsj.com
"The state of Florida, stepping up its efforts to restore the Everglades wetlands, offered to purchase 300 square miles of land now used for sugar-cane production for $1.75 billion from U.S. Sugar Corp., effectively moving to shut down the largest grower of the crop in the U.S."
Florida moves to restore wetlands
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"In an ambitious maneuver to help restore the Everglades, the state of Florida has struck a tentative deal to buy U.S. Sugar Corp. for $1.75 billion and turn many of its 187,000 acres of farmland into reservoirs."
Florida buying big sugar tract for Everglades
From: www.nytimes.com
"LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. - The dream of a restored Everglades, with water flowing from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, moved a giant step closer to reality on Tuesday when the nation's largest sugarcane producer agreed to sell all of its assets to the state and go out of business."
Lingle to limit state spending
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Gov. Linda Lingle, in a reflection of the state's softening economy, said yesterday she will impose 4 percent general-fund spending restrictions next fiscal year on all state departments."
Ag secretary -- Ethanol industry pinched by high corn prices
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowa Ag Secretary Bill Northey says some ethanol plants won't be able to keep making the additive if corn prices stay so high. "These kinds of prices are not profitable to produce ethanol at the current ethanol price," Northey says."
Groups spend nearly $195,000 to wine and dine lawmakers
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Well-heeled interest groups, businesses and some government agencies spent nearly $195,000 wining and dining lawmakers and their staffers during this year's legislative session, according to new financial disclosure forms."
State, federal officials warn flood victims of scams
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"State and federal officials are warning flood and tornado victims about scams operated by fraudulent contractors."
Smoking ban near, but rules aren't set
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A legislative leader said it is ridiculous that state health officials have not finalized rules to govern a statewide public smoking ban set to take effect Tuesday."
Flood recovery -- Lawmakers debate dip into emergency reserve
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Debate is kicking into high gear as to whether Iowa should deplete its $620 million in reserves for flood recovery."
Communities plan flood recovery
From: www.usatoday.com
"CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The flood that has muddied or destroyed parts of the Midwest is still making its trek downriver, but already, communities have begun figuring out how to dig out and rebuild."
Hypermiling tactics illegal
From: www.journalnet.com
"POCATELLO, Idaho -- As gas prices continue rising above $4 per gallon, AAA officials say the nation's motorists have started tailgating larger vehicles to reduce drag, flipping their cars into neutral while driving and taken other unsafe steps to improve fuel efficiency."
AG Madigan to sue Countrywide Financial for fraud
From: www.chicagobusiness.com
"Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is suing Countrywide Financial Corp., claiming that the company knowingly put borrowers in mortgages they couldn?t afford leading to thousands of residents losing their homes."
Pontiac prison appears to be spared in new plan
From: www.pantagraph.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich may be rethinking his plan to close Pontiac Correctional Center. "
Busted Budget -- Mounting tax load is a burden to Illinois residents
From: www.daily-journal.com
"Rob't Green sees two things on the horizon: higher taxes in Illinois and a new home for himself in Tennessee."
State's suit to target mortgage lender for unfair practices
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The nation's biggest mortgage lender engaged in "unfair and deceptive" practices to get homeowners to apply for risky mortgages far beyond their means, according to a civil lawsuit Illinois Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan's office plans to file Wednesday."
Illinois plans to sue Countrywide, CEO
From: online.wsj.com
"The Illinois attorney general's office, which began an investigation into the business practices of Countrywide Financial Corp. last fall, says it has found enough evidence of wrongdoing that it plans to file a civil suit against the mortgage lender and its chief executive, Angelo Mozilo."
Audit findings reignite debate over facilities
From: www.stltoday.com
"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Some regional education staff for Adams and Pike counties got day spa treatments worth around $150 each as "performance incentives." Others got $1,500 "mileage bonuses" that had nothing to do with mileage. "
Less than 10 percent strongly feel students get their money's worth
From: www.suntimes.com
"Fewer than one in 10 Illinois residents feels strongly that college is worth the cost, a new survey has found, leading some educators to worry that more families might begin foregoing college if costs continue to rise."
Blagojevich announces $1.5 billion in budget cuts
From: www.stltoday.com
"SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Gov. Rod Blagojevich is threatening to slash services to veterans, train riders and senior citizens as part of his latest budget-balancing maneuver."
AG Madigan to sue Countrywide Financial for fraud
From: www.chicagobusiness.com
"Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is suing Countrywide Financial Corp., claiming that the company knowingly put borrowers in mortgages they couldn't afford leading to thousands of residents losing their homes. "
Hammond wins injury suit
From: www.nwi.com
"A woman who slipped on a pool ladder at the Hammond Fitness Center and injured her foot five years ago had no standing to sue the city, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday."
K-State still in running for biodefense center
From: www.kansascity.com
"TOPEKA- Kansas State University remains in the running as the site for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility after the release of a federal report."
Pension bill passes committee, moves to house
From: www.kypost.com
"A bill aimed at keeping the state pension system solvent passed the House State Government Committee Monday afternoon."
Retirement-bill OK is expected
From: www.kentucky.com
"The state House is expected to give its approval Wednesday morning to a bill aimed at bolstering the state retirement system, which is the subject of this week's special legislative session."
House to vote on pension reform bill
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The House is expected to approve a pension reform bill this morning and send it to the Senate."
State tourism secretary quits over new financial disclosure requirement
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"State Culture, Recreation and Tourism Secretary Dawn Romero Watson says she is quitting the job July 1 because of a new law requiring disclosure of personal finances."
Report -- Group homes open despite violations
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Despite repeated licensing violations, group homes for children in state custody remain open and unpunished, according to a report released Tuesday."
Tourism chief to quit over ethics law
From: www.nola.com
"The head of the state's tourism department will resign Monday rather than comply with the new financial disclosure laws Gov. Bobby Jindal prodded the Legislature to pass at a February special session."
A-maize-ing fuel here
From: bostonherald.com
"Chelsea?s Ted Burke is all juiced up about his plan to tomorrow become New England?s first gas-station owner to sell the corn-based fuel E85."
Patrick rolls out plan to boost teacher salaries
From: www.boston.com
"Saying that teachers are the keys to great schools, Governor Deval Patrick unveiled proposals yesterday in his education plan aimed at boosting teacher quality and keeping teachers in the classroom longer."
Strain on all sides as students put off college selections
From: www.boston.com
"Most years by this time, college-bound students are proudly wearing their school colors, thumbing through course catalogs, and chatting online with potential roommates."
Bill seeks expansion of health benefits
From: www.boston.com
"Consumers would have greater access to mental health care and substance abuse treatment under a proposed law that is drawing heat from business and insurance groups that say the measure is too costly and violates the state's landmark healthcare law."
Strain on all sides as students put off college selections
From: www.boston.com
"Most years by this time, college-bound students are proudly wearing their school colors, thumbing through course catalogs, and chatting online with potential roommates."
State will expand assistance to towns
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"BERLIN, Md. - In the middle of this Eastern Shore town, where residents eat hamburgers at an old-fashioned diner and get their shoes shined at a shop down the street, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced yesterday the expansion of a state program that aims to revitalize small towns and cities."
Maine to hold 2009 EnergyOcean conference
From: bangornews.com
"Maine will be host to an international conference on ocean energy next year, which officials hope will give the state an opportunity to promote itself as a leader in the growing renewable energy industry."
State links some E. coli cases to Kroger beef
From: www.detnews.com
"The Michigan Department of Community Health is drawing some connections in a recent spike in illnesses from E. coli bacteria."
Would InBev staunch the A-B flow to political coffers?
From: www.stltoday.com
"JEFFERSON CITY ? When it comes to politics, Anheuser-Busch is more than the king of beers."
Jackson County considers four-day workweek
From: www.kansascity.com
"With gas prices soaring, Jackson County is considering letting some county employees work four days a week."
A battle to save the last levee
From: www.stltoday.com
"WINFIELD ? A thunderstorm Tuesday interrupted for only an hour the intense effort to save the area's last levee that hasn't been overwhelmed by the flooding Mississippi River.
"
Moonshine stills haven't yet gone way of the past
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Five people in Mississippi have faced minimal jail time and fines within the past year for a misdemeanor crime authorities say costs the state millions in lost liquor tax revenues and threatens public health."
Donnan wins runoff that few bothered to vote in
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Mary Fant Donnan will face her former boss in the race for labor commissioner this fall. In a Democratic primary runoff with record low turnout Tuesday, Donnan roundly defeated former Labor Commissioner John C. Brooks by a 2-to-1 margin."
Insurance penalty added to pickup riders bill
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Drivers who allow children younger than 16 to ride unrestrained in the back of a pickup truck would face hundreds of dollars in increased insurance premiums under a bill revised by a House judiciary committee Tuesday."
Boat bill sponsor is marina owner
From: www.newsobserver.com
"State Sen. Clark Jenkins, the primary sponsor of a bill that would allow wider boats and longer, heavier trucks on North Carolina highways, is an owner of a marina near Nags Head that claims on its Web site to be the fastest-growing new fishing marina in the state."
Lawmakers nix plan to dye raw milk
From: www.charlotte.com
"A plan to make raw milk more palatable ? at least to animals ? earned the backing of a House committee Tuesday, as lawmakers rebuffed a state Board of Agriculture plan that would have required the product to be dyed gray."
Runoff for labor post goes to Donnan
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Mary Fant Donnan, a Winston-Salem woman running to be North Carolina's commissioner of labor, won a runoff election last night to become the Democratic nominee."
Consumer advocate now backs increasing N.D. electric rate
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"A consumer advocate who earlier said Xcel Energy should decrease its North Dakota electric rates instead of increase them has changed course."
Study recommends enhancements to food network
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"One in 12 North Dakotans needs help from the state's network of charitable food providers - 26,000 people a month, 40 percent of which are children, said Marcia Paulson, project coordinator for a new study called Creating a Hunger Free North Dakota."
Poll - Public still unhappy with Corzine
From: www.northjersey.com
"New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine's approval rating has slipped again, according to a new poll released Wednesday.
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Corzine blames his low approval rating on state's fiscal woes
From: www.nj.com
"Gov. Jon Corzine brushed aside a poll released this morning showing his approval rating slipping again among voters, saying their sentiments are tied to the state's financial struggles."
State warns underage drinkers - That liquor store guy may be a cop
From: www.nj.com
"Kelly Mahoney can rattle off the many cases of people obviously under the state drinking age who have tried to buy alcohol in Spirits Unlimited, the Toms River liquor store where she works. "
Loss of state aid spurs warnings of cuts, tax hikes
From: www.nj.com
"All but three of New Jersey's 566 cities and towns will see their state aid shrink under the state's new $32.9 billion budget, leading local officials to warn of property tax hikes, service cutbacks or public employee layoffs. "
Corzine signs law designed to cut workforce
From: www.philly.com
"Calling the $32.9 billion budget legislators approved Monday "historic" for its move to reduce spending, Gov. Corzine yesterday signed into a law a piece of that plan aimed at reducing the state workforce."
Legislators aim for fast-track cuts in special session
From: www.lvrj.com
"Some lawmakers are suggesting cuts of $100 million or more could be implemented quickly by bipartisan agreement in the upcoming special session, leaving other decisions on Nevada's massive budget shortfall for another day."
New York's high court sides with Grasso
From: www.nytimes.com
"New York's highest court on Wednesday affirmed a lower court ruling that dropped four claims against the former chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, Richard A. Grasso, dealing a major setback to the legacy of the former attorney general Eliot Spitzer."
AG 'spoiling' for Rx fight
From: www.nypost.com
"State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said yesterday he will sue CVS and Rite Aid for continuing to sell expired baby formula, milk and children's medicine."
Legislature passes several bills on last day of session
From: www.newsday.com
"On the Legislature's last day of regular-session business, state lawmakers passed a rapid-fire stream of measures to eliminate mandatory overtime for nurses, expand protection for victims of domestic violence, strengthen doctor disciplinary procedures and require stores to recycle plastic shopping bags."
Hailstorm damage may cost Rochester-area growers millions
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"There are no farm animals stranded on barn roofs and no families being evacuated in Wayne County. But the devastation caused by an act of nature last week may put apple growers and other farmers in 22 upstate counties in the same boat as recently flooded farms in Iowa."
State Legislature ends a wild, bizarre session
From: www.buffalonews.com
"Key measures affecting the upstate economy died Tuesday as Gov. David A. Paterson and legislative leaders ended this year's legislative session, one of the more bizarre periods highlighted by the departure of its two biggest power brokers."
Smoking ban exceptions sought
From: news.cincinnati.com
"MIDDLETOWN, Ohio - A group of local lawmakers is pushing a change in the state's smoking ban that would make it legal for smokers to light up on outdoor patios and in family-owned businesses and private clubs."
Gas prices shrink state's tourism market radius
From: journalrecord.com
"With rising gasoline prices expected to drive tourism down, the state Tourism Department is tightening the radius of its marketing efforts, Executive Director Hardy Watkins said."
New agency aims to assist
From: www.tulsaworld.com
"OKLAHOMA CITY ? The chairwoman of the new state agency that was created to regulate abstractors told board members Tuesday that they should encourage the public to report problems. "
Tax increases, more logging proposed to rescue counties
From: www.registerguard.com
"With two-thirds of Oregon county governments, including Lane County, facing financial crises, Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Monday urged residents to accept modest local property tax increases and more logging on federal forests to help stave off deep cuts in county law enforcement and other critical services."
Oregonians' needs rise with prices
From: www.oregonlhttp:
"Skyrocketing food and gas prices forced thousands of Oregonians to seek help from the state or local food banks last month."
House OKs plan to divest from Iran, Sudan
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The state House on Tuesday approved legislation that would prevent Pennsylvania's pension funds from investing in foreign companies doing business in Iran and Sudan."
Gas royalties linked to more state jobs, spending
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- With energy companies rushing to lock up rights to suddenly valuable deposits of natural gas, royalties earned by Pennsylvania landowners will ripple through the broader state economy, according to a Penn State University forecast."
Obama to talk economy at CMU
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Sen. Barack Obama will exchange ideas on economic competitiveness tomorrow at Carnegie Mellon University, the same stage his November rival, Sen. John S. McCain, chose to showcase his economic views earlier this spring."
Midwest flooding may aid Pa., N.J,. farmers
From: www.philly.com
"There's an adage in farming, says New Jersey Assistant Agriculture Secretary Al Murray: "One region of the country has to suffer for another region to make money.""
House OKs bill mandating licensing of massage therapists
From: www.mcall.com
"On Tuesday, the House voted 193-5 to approve a plan by Majority Whip Keith McCall, D-Carbon, that calls for licensing Pennsylvania massage therapists."
Electricity shut-offs soaring in region
From: www.mcall.com
"Joanni Medina lost her job with a candymaker and fell behind on her bills. PPL Corp. cut the power to her Allentown apartment a week ago, and she has been living upstairs with her cousin's family while hammering out a payment plan that will get the lights back on."
State agriculture commissioner says Upstate crops need rain in worst way
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"Upstate agriculture is precariously balanced -- it needs rain badly, said state Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers."
Sanford vetoes revised physician act
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"Gov. Mark Sanford has vetoed a bill passed by the state General Assembly revising the Physician Practice Act, saying it gives insurance companies too much control over treatment patients receive."
Ethics Commission fines 17 groups for filing late
From: tennessean.com
"The Tennessee Ethics Commission voted Tuesday to fine 17 businesses, associations and organizations for failing to file reports on time that show how much they spent on lobbying."
Texas Governor Rick Perry's ethanol stance stirs up backers, foes
From: www.dallasnews.com
"WASHINGTON ? Texas Gov. Rick Perry has touched off a new battle over America's use of corn-based ethanol, dividing the powerful agricultural lobby and forcing regulators to grapple with the fuel's impact on food prices. "
House bill would set aside $235 million for S.A. bases
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"WASHINGTON -- U.S. military installations in Texas would get $1 billion for construction projects -- including $235.7 million for San Antonio bases alone -- in a spending bill passed by the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. "
Failed lawsuit could cost Texas pension fund $1 million
From: www.statesman.com
"The Employees Retirement System of Texas's lawsuit against investment company Putnam LLC, which sought at least $75 million for damages rooted in a 2003 mutual fund industry scandal, has backfired and could cost the state worker pension fund nearly $1 million. "
Capitol stirring again with calls for bigger sales tax
From: www.statesman.com
"A bigger and broader sales tax is being kicked around at the Texas Capitol once again by legislators wanting to scrap the new business tax and further reduce property taxes."
Lawmakers tired of Texas homeowners paying highest insurance rates
From: www.chicagobusiness.com
"Members of a House-Senate committee said Tuesday that they are growing impatient with the fact that Texas homeowners pay the highest insurance rates in the nation year after year."
Midwest levees reportedly working as planned
From: www.npr.org
"The city of New Orleans flooded after Hurricane Katrina, in part because some of the levees protecting the city failed. In recent weeks, there have been reports about levees breaking in Iowa and Missouri. "
Citizens sue after detentions, immigration raids
From: www.usatoday.com
"LOS ANGELES - Nitin Dhopade, the chief financial officer for Micro Solutions Enterprises, was headed toward the accounting department on the afternoon of Feb. 7 to deliver checks he had just signed. "
Rebate checks diverted to pay $2B in debts
From: www.usatoday.com
"About $2 billion in economic stimulus rebate checks are being confiscated to pay overdue bills for child support, students loans and back taxes, the government says. "
Utility rate plan may not cover costs
From: www.inrich.com
"A stinging 18.3 percent, $1.3 billion-a-year increase in electric bills proposed by Dominion Virginia Power probably won't get the utility and its customers caught up with soaring fuel prices."
Transportation deal lacks traction
From: www.inrich.com
"Virginia legislators might be building roads to nowhere. Some would pay for them with tolls; others, with new taxes."
Va. board considers air permit for Dominion plant
From: hosted.ap.org
"ROANOKE, Va. - An emissions permit for Dominion Virginia Power Company's proposed coal-fired power plant is on the agenda as the state Air Pollution Control Board meets in southwest Virginia."
Traffic moves slowly on road funding bills
From: www.roanoke.com
"The General Assembly's special session on transportation moved at a sluggish pace Tuesday, with no signs that a politically divided legislature might reach a compromise on road and transit funding."
Culture shock
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Network executives blame a slumping economy for a protracted pledge drive at Vermont Public Radio. And arts-centered organizations statewide worry consumer unease may erode financial support for cultural causes."
Arts groups worry about tough economy
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Vermont arts groups are starting to worry about the effect the tough economy may soon have on their ability to raise funds. "
Lawmakers -- Catamount Health program is ailing
From: www.timesargus.com
"Lawmakers voiced frustration Tuesday that enrollments for Catamount Health, Vermont's latest insurance product aimed at reducing the number of uninsured, are far below expectations.
"
Home prices in region are up slightly from March
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"The value of a typical Seattle-area home inched up from March to April but was still down from a year earlier, according to a new report."
Learning the hard way - TAs struggle with low pay and uncertain employment
From: www.madison.com
"From semester to semester, Josh Bousquette doesn't know if he'll get a bill for $12,000 or a monthly paycheck in the mail."
W.Va. sets standards for school construction
From: dailymail.com
"The West Virginia School Building Authority has set new standards for school construction but an official says the rules won't diminish the role of architects."
States credit foreign language study
From: www.stateline.org
"Some states are rewarding high school students who study a foreign language outside of the classroom. Connecticut became the latest state to give school credit to students who take private classes and pass a proficiency test."
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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