Utah becomes first state to make big-time shift to 4-day work week
From: www.sltrib.com
"Be prepared to go online if you want a hunting license or need to renew your vehicle registration on a Friday. "
Funding cuts hurt antismoking programs
From: online.wsj.com
"Public-health officials' efforts to reduce teen smoking are running aground amid cutbacks in state funding for antitobacco programs, a federal report suggests."
Anheuser-Busch faces lawsuit, skepticism with offer rejection
From: www.stltoday.com
"August A. Busch IV is a born beer salesman. Beginning today, the chief executive of Anheuser-Busch Cos. will have to make the sales pitch of his life ? convincing investors that his company is better off alone, without becoming a division of Belgian brewer InBev.
"
Hawaii visitor count drops 7.4% in May
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The number of visitors arriving in the Islands fell more than 7 percent in May and visitor spending declined for the first time in more than a year - more fallout from the recent shutdown of two airlines and the exit of two of three cruise ships based in Hawai'i."
County will lead the country in LEED
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Pima County soon will become the first government agency in the country to provide LEED certifications to home builder"
State announces plan for reducing emissions
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"From the kitchen to the gas pump, the energy-using habits of Californians will be tested in the coming years as the state gradually moves away from fossil fuels in a historic bid to curb global warming."
A-B agrees to stop selling caffeinated energy drinks
From: www.stltoday.com
"Anheuser-Busch Cos. has stopped making caffeinated alcoholic beverages in a deal that settles allegations by 11 states that it used misleading advertising to sell the energy drinks and marketed them to underage drinkers."
Governor signs offshore wind legislation
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Gov. Ruth Ann Minner signed legislation today that will enable the completion of the Bluewater Wind/Delmarva Power agreement, announced earlier this week. The signing comes after both chambers of the state Legislature unanimously approved the legislation."
Unusual jump in Illinois unemployment causes worry
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Renee Norris is doing everything she can to find a job, spending the last three months flipping through newspaper ads and turning down a fast-food gig because it just couldn't pay the bills."
Americans have responsibility to help solve the fuel crisis, Schwarzenegger says
From: floridacapitalnews.com
" MIAMI - Given the high price of fuel, "politicians have been proposing all kind of things" from biofuels to offshore oil drilling as solutions, said California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."
Blunt signs repeal of tax cut tied to casino revenue
From: www.stltoday.com
"Gov. Matt Blunt has signed a bill repealing a state law requiring St. Charles to cut property taxes when the city's share of Ameristar Casino admission receipts increases"
Cost of U.S. Sugar deal could reach $3.5 billion over 30 years
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"The $1.75 billion deal for taxpayers to buy out U.S. Sugar Corp. and clear the way for Everglades restoration could come with a long-term price tag that is twice as high."
Senate to vote on pension reform bill
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A public pension reform bill is expected to win final legislative approval in the Senate this morning."
Study-- N.M. economic stimulus checks spe
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"New Mexicans who've received a federal stimulus check likely have spent it already on increased gas costs, according to a new report released by the New Mexico Public Information Research Group"
Chip implants can't be required in Missouri
From: www.kansascity.com
"Gov. Matt Blunt signed a bill Thursday prohibiting companies in Missouri from forcing workers to have microchips implanted in their bodies."
Power rates going up July 1
From: wvgazette.com
"Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power customers are going to see their rates increase Tuesday, but not nearly as much as anticipated."
State workers union backing 4-day workweek
From: journalrecord.com
"After 24 years of working for the state, Melody Turpin would appreciate a little help. Giving state workers the option to work a full week in four days would not cost the state more money, but it would save her a bundle on gasoline"
Ohio trying to expand high-speed Internet access
From: www.toledoblade.com
"JACKSON, Ohio - Greg McKinniss lives on a farm in the rolling hills of Jackson County in Appalachian Ohio, hoping his daughters will soon be able to enlist high-speed Internet for help with school research projects."
Fishermen ask for fuel help
From: juneauempire.com
"Alaska's U.S. senators introduced a bill Thursday that would help commercial fishermen cope with record-high fuel costs."
Regulations to be revised
From: www.juneauempire.com
"The state is revising regulations to help fishermen convert old gas-guzzling diesel boat engines to more efficient ones."
Alternative energy on the horizon for GVEA
From: newsminer.com
"With a little help from the state, Golden Valley Electric Association is looking to cut back on fossil fuels and start making hot water and power from the sun, the wind and the Nenana River current."
Exxon-Alaska relationship tenses up over pipeline
From: online.wsj.com
"Many Alaskans are feeling bitter about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision Wednesday to slash the amount of punitive damages Exxon Mobil Corp. must pay for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. But the relationship between the oil-rich state and the oil-producing giant could get even rockier in coming months."
Dangerous alternative?
From: www.adn.com
"Motorcycles, long the hallmark of dank, smoky hangouts and thick, bearded men with names like Snake, are increasingly being used by a wide variety of commuters looking to save on the skyrocketing cost of gas."
State alerts residents, businesses along evacuation route
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"The Alabama Department of Transportation has sent out fliers to about 8,000 residences and businesses in Montgomery informing them of the potential for heavy traffic along U.S. 31 North and connecting roads if the state finds it necessary to reverse lanes on Interstate 65 for a hurricane evacuation."
Sparks urges restaurants to serve Alabama grown tomatoes
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Alabama Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Ron Sparks is asking restaurants to serve state-grown tomatoes."
Program to protect assets as Arkansans face long-term care decisions
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"A new partnership between private insurance and Medicaid will help middle-income Arkansans protect their assets in their senior years or in times of long-term care decisions, Gov. Mike Beebe announced Thursday."
Religion and schools in lawmakers' spotlight
From: www.azstarnet.com
"A roundup of actions taken Thursday at the Arizona Legislature:"
As floodwaters recede in the Midwest, anger rises
From: www.latimes.com
"NEW HARTFORD, Iowa - After the great floods of 1993 swamped this tiny town in eastern Iowa, Mike Luck begged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help protect it from future disasters.
"
Board outlines plans to whip greenhouse gases
From: www.sfgate.com
"California's air board unveiled the nation's most ambitious plan Thursday to require cleaner cars and fuels, energy-efficient buildings and more electricity from the sun and wind to cut greenhouse gases in the state."
Discouraging driving crucial in warming battle
From: www.sfgate.com
"A sweeping plan to carry out California's landmark law to fight global warming, made public Thursday by the state's air board, addresses a problem that planning groups say has been overlooked in most federal legislation: suburban sprawl."
Overwhelmed firefighters ask governor, lawmakers for help
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"A firefighters' blue-ribbon task force created by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2004 -- and revived last year after devastating blazes -- pleaded with the governor and lawmakers Thursday to "get real" about the growing wildfire threat facing California."
Schwarzenegger splits from Crist on gulf drilling
From: www.tampabay.com
"MIAMI - For a second year, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger flew in for a climate change summit, heaping praise on on Gov. Charlie Crist's work in Florida. Until the subject turned to offshore oil drilling.
"
Orange County Fair Board approves stricter policy on free concert tickets
From: www.latimes.com
"Warned repeatedly by the state to alter its practice of handing out free tickets to some of the summer's hottest concerts, the Orange County Fair Board on Thursday adopted a more conservative policy that will limit each board member to 10 complimentary tickets for each of the concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre. "
Schwarzenegger criticizes McCain's offshore drilling proposal
From: www.latimes.com
"MIAMI - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger made a veiled swipe at Republican presidential hopeful John McCain on Thursday when he said at a climate conference here that anyone suggesting offshore oil drilling could bring down gas prices was "blowing smoke.""
California air regulators take on climate change with new plan
From: www.usatoday.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California air regulators on Thursday released the country's most sweeping global warming plan, outlining ambitious measures for cleaner cars, renewable energy and a cap on major polluters."
Rules would bar freebies for CU docs, med students
From: www.denverpost.com
"A stringent new policy that would prohibit University of Colorado doctors from accepting even a pen from a pharmaceutical representative has some fuming that they're being "overparented" in the way they practice medicine. "
Deal to sell Haven Healthcare collapses
From: www.courant.com
"A deal to sell the bankrupt Haven Healthcare nursing-home chain has abruptly collapsed, leaving state officials scrambling to put together a backup plan to turn over the chain to two or three investment firms that would hire new operators to run the homes."
House OKs tax hikes on slots, alcohol
From: www.delawareonline.com
"The House passed legislation today to increase taxes on slot machines, roll back previous repeals on gross tax receipts, increase the alcohol tax by about 50 percent and increase the cost of an alcohol distribution license."
Offshore wind pact OK'd for Delaware
From: www.delawareonline.com
"NEWARK, Del. -- Delmarva Power signed a landmark offshore wind power deal with Bluewater Wind on Monday, agreeing to buy enough power to light 50,000 homes in Delaware for the next 25 years."
Rattlers rejoice - SACS votes to remove FAMU from probation
From: www.tallahassee.com
"More than 100 students, faculty members and staffers flocked to the front steps of Florida A&M University's Lee Hall on Thursday wearing ear-to-ear smiles. Orange and green balloons surrounded them as party music blared. Everyone waited anxiously to hear the news from FAMU President James Ammons."
Crist announces 'green' aviation effort at climate conference
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"MIAMI - Governor Charlie Crist ended his second Climate Change Summit on Thursday afternoon with the announcement of a green aviation partnership but he provided no details of how the group planned to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut fuel use."
State Web site adds key measure of hospital quality
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida's consumer health site, Florida HealthFinder.gov, has added a new, key measure of hospital quality: readmission rates for dozens of procedures and conditions.
"
FAMU's big relief - Being taken off financial probation
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida A&M University is savoring a return to good graces after more than a year trying to fix nagging problems."
Schwarzenegger lauds, criticizes Crist's climate efforts
From: www.miamiherald.com
"California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the one-time Terminator actor, was in more of a separator mode Thursday in Miami as he joined in the battle against global warming."
Veto hampers UM's plan
From: www.miamiherald.com
"An ambitious attempt by the University of Miami to create a new research hub was dealt a blow by Gov. Charlie Crist, who this week vetoed a bill that would have allowed the university to speed up approval of the project."
Florida law prescribes rules for pharmacy techs
From: www.usatoday.com
"Capping a nearly five-year legislative battle, Florida has joined the safety trend of states requiring pharmacy technicians to meet government registration and training standards."
Solar water heater law enacted by Lingle
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii has become the first state in the country to require the installation of solar water heaters in new single-family homes."
State hospitals in fiscal crisis
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The Hawaii Health Systems Corp., the state's network of public hospitals, is suffering financially, and administrators have told state lawmakers they may soon have to lay off workers or reduce healthcare services."
First-in-nation solar law comes with concerns
From: starbulletin.com
"Gov. Linda Lingle approved a bill yesterday that makes Hawaii the first state to require solar water heaters in new single-family homes starting in 2010."
Lingle signs solar water heater bill into law
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawai'i has become the first state in the country to require the installation of solar water heaters on new single-family homes."
Some bar owners still angry about smoking ban
From: www.radioiowa.com
"As July 1st creeps near, bar owners like Bill Duncan are getting angrier. July 1st is the day the ban on smoking in public places in Iowa goes into effect. Duncan owns the "Two of a Kind" bar in Fort Madison and predicts he'll be out of business soon."
Tax increase puts extra $16 million in city coffers
From: www.rrstar.com
"Rockford is on track to take in at least $16 million in extra tax revenue during the first year of its additional 1-percentage-point sales tax, the city projects."
Poll shows support for Illinois smoking ban
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Anti-smoking advocates pointed to a statewide survey Thursday to declare Illinois? six-month-old ban on public smoking a success."
Hynes -- No budget may lead to no pay
From: www.sj-r.com
"Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes said he sent a letter Thursday to top state officials about payroll problems the state could face if a new budget isn?t approved soon."
Harrisburg to get IDOT jobs
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich is scheduled to announce today that the traffic safety division of the Illinois Department of Transportation will move from Springfield to Harrisburg, in the far southern part of the state."
State's flood victims may find flexibility in loan terms
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich has ordered Illinois bank regulators to encourage lenders to ease loan terms and repayment requirements for families and businesses hurt by flooding in Lake County and 23 other counties."
State scrapes up jobs for kids
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich might be faced with a $2.1 billion budget deficit, but he's found enough money in state coffers to pay for a summer jobs program for an estimated 10,000 youths across Illinois."
Who lied, witnesses - or gov?
From: www.suntimes.com
"Newly unsealed court files in the Tony Rezko corruption case show that federal agents interviewed Gov. Blagojevich "on multiple occasions" and that the governor denied having conversations described in court by two key prosecution witnesses."
Backers turn out for gov's fund-raiser
From: www.suntimes.com
"Tony Rezko? Who's Tony Rezko? About 1,000 people packed the River East Art Center downtown Thursday evening for a political fund-raiser for Gov. Blagojevich. It"
U.S. investigators interviewed Blagojevich on 'multiple occasions,' court document says
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been interviewed multiple times by federal investigators looking into allegations that he and key members of his administration offered contracts and state work in exchange for campaign fundraising help, newly unsealed documents indicate.
"
State joins probe of worker's death
From: www.journalgazette.net
"The Indiana Department of Labor is now investigating an accident that killed a Fort Wayne man in Angola this week."
'Too soon' to predict heating bills
From: www.nwi.com
"Energy analysts gave state regulators a mixed outlook Thursday as to whether natural gas prices will inch downward in time to give gasoline-gouged consumers a break on home heating costs this winter.
"
Legislative patchwork befuddles state panel
From: www.nwi.com
"The legislative labyrinth surrounding Indiana's property tax system proved too difficult Thursday for a state oversight panel to navigate."
Opportunity in energy crisis, state leaders say
From: www.kansas.com
"Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, in separate speeches Thursday, said they want to move past the fight over two coal plants to address Kansas' energy challenge"
Beshears promote Ky. agriculture
From: www.kypost.com
"Kentucky's first lady hosted a farmers market Wednesday in conjunction with making Kentucky Proud the permanent marketing program for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture."
New chief justice will honor Ky. budget
From: www.kentucky.com
"Reversing a decision by his predecessor, the new chief justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court will comply with a legislative budget mandate to spend $13.7 million the next two years on pay raises for deputy court clerks."
Panel to take up air code changes
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"Environmental groups today will argue before the state's Pollution Control and Ecology Commission to change Arkansas' air code to consider carbon dioxide an "air contaminant." Industry officials, who oppose the proposal, say such a designation would lead to new regulations that would burden industries and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality."
Halter submits signatures for lottery amendment
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Lt. Gov. Bill Halter submitted 138,615 signatures Thursday in support of his proposed constitutional amendment to create a state lottery to fund college scholarships."
Jindal inks bill that may reduce insurance
From: www.nola.com
"Legislation that could give consumers a small break on their homeowners insurance premiums if there is enough money left in a $100 million insurance incentive program was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Bobby Jindal."
CEO has Rx for success
From: www.bostonherald.com
"In stark contrast to the deluge of negative economic news, the founder of a Massachusetts pharmaceuticals firm delivered a positive message about the industry to members of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce yesterday."
Track slot machine bill appears dead
From: www.boston.com
"Like the governor's plan before it, a proposal to install slot machines at the state's racetracks appears to have died for this year, a victim of a procedural dispute."
Track slot machine bill appears dead
From: www.boston.com
"Like the governor's plan before it, a proposal to install slot machines at the state's racetracks appears to have died for this year, a victim of a procedural dispute."
Evils of slots decried during campaign stop
From: gazette.net
"Prince George?s County State?s Attorney Glenn F. Ivey and other elected officials raised their voices against legalizing slot machines during a stop in Laurel as part of a statewide anti-slots campaign."
Maryland?s pension money may back biotech companies
From: gazette.net
"If Maryland follows through on a suggestion by Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot to invest some $1 billion in state pension funds in local biotechnology companies and environmentally ??green? technology businesses, it won?t be the first state to do so."
Cuts foreshadow bleaker budget times
From: gazette.net
"The worst of Maryland?s budget problems may be yet to come if the national economy continues to tumble and revenues keep declining."
Montgomery kept out of the sandbox?
From: gazette.net
"Montgomery County Council President Michael J. Knapp says Gov. Martin O'Malley snubbed Montgomery County in recent remarks on the state's investment in biotechnology."
Md., Va. still seeking crab 'disaster'
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"Federal officials still are weighing whether to declare a disaster for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, and senators are turning up the heat."
Court upholds DOT's Sail Inn seizure
From: bangornews.com
"PORTLAND, Maine - The Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday ruled that the Maine Department of Transportation did not exceed its eminent domain powers in the taking of the Sail Inn Restaurant and the land around it."
Suzuki auto show pullout puts spotlight on Cobo expansion
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Wayne County officials say news that Suzuki Motor Corp. is pulling out of the North American International Auto Show sparked political urgency in both Lansing and Detroit on the expansion of Cobo Center today. "
Michigan Senate may act on energy plan
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The Michigan Senate appears ready to attempt a contentious rewrite of the state's electricity law."
House OKs Great Lakes compact; governor's signature next
From: www.detnews.com
"State lawmakers on Thursday wrapped up work on 12 bills regulating large-scale water withdrawals in Michigan and putting the state into a historic interstate and international pact protecting the Great Lakes from water grabs by outsiders."
Border battles -- Canada, U.S. increasingly at odds over pollution issues
From: www.detnews.com
"DTE Energy's power plants along the St. Clair River are generating more than just electricity these days."
Group abandons quest for state universal health care
From: www.freep.com
"The organizers of a campaign to amend the Michigan constitution to require the Legislature to enact some form of universal health care plan have scheduled a news conference near the state Capitol this morning to announce they are abandoning their petition drive for the 2008 election."
Power firm to raise rates
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Residential customers of Entergy Mississippi will see a 28 percent jump in their electric bills for July through September with the addition of a new fee."
BofA leaves N.C. FREE
From: www.charlotte.com
"Some of North Carolina's largest corporations, including three in Charlotte, said Thursday they pulled their support from N.C. FREE, an influential Raleigh-based group at the intersection of business and politics."
Health-care provider also shutting clinic due to finances
From: www.in-forum.com
"Ninety MeritCare employees lost their jobs Thursday and a rural clinic in LaMoure, N.D., will close at the end of the month as North Dakota's largest health-care system strives to improve its bottom line."
Dissolving bodies with lye banned in NH
From: www.fosters.com
"Dissolving bodies with lye as a cremation alternative is no longer legal in New Hampshire."
Governor taking first step toward coverage for all
From: www.northjersey.com
"Governor Corzine has been trying to cut government spending, but there's one program he wouldn't mind throwing money at expanding a state-run health program to include more poor parents and ensure every child has health insurance.
"
Governor is urged to push feds to ease ethanol production
From: www.nj.com
"With food prices soaring in the face of a federal mandate to increase production of corn-based ethanol, food producers and retailers yesterday called on Gov. Jon Corzine to petition the federal government to relax the ethanol requirement.
"
State cracks down on alcohol at building sites
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Gov. Bill Richardson's administration plans to require contractors on state construction projects to randomly test their employees for drug and alcohol use. "
MeritCare expects minimal local impact from work force reduction
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"MeritCare Health System's reduction of its work force by the equivalent of 300 full-time employees will have a minimal local impact on MeritCare's facilities in northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota, according to company officials."
School Board OKs contracts with cost-of-living increases
From: www.lvrj.com
"After Gov. Jim Gibbons announced his support for cost-of-living increases for public school teachers, Clark County School District trustees approved final contracts for teachers and administrators after holding a closed session Thursday."
Prison director hopeful most jobs will be saved if state prison closes
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"?About 171? Nevada State Prison employees will receive layoff notices if the Carson City facility is closed, Director of Corrections Howard Skolnik told lawmakers Thursday."
State takes hit from unpaid markers
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Adding to the state's tax woes: It hasn't been able to collect gaming tax on $166 million in wagers -- the amount bet in Nevada casinos with markers that have not been repaid by the gamblers."
Anti-warming proposals soft on industry
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"A Nevada committee's report about how to combat climate change stands out from its counterparts in other Western states because it does not aggressively target the two industries responsible for the most greenhouse gas emissions."
Workers need help, Central New Yorkers tell state
From: www.syracuse.com
"Onondaga, N.Y. - Nearly two dozen Central New Yorkers offered suggestions this evening to members of Gov. David Paterson's Economic Security Cabinet."
Tumultuous session's end a victory for lawmakers
From: timesunion.com
"As lawmakers earlier this week left for the summer, Gov. David Paterson hailed what he said was "one of the most productive legislative sessions in a generation.""
Post-Spitzer, a new breed of reformer
From: www.nytimes.com
"No one is dusting off those valiant titles once bestowed on Eliot Spitzer, honorifics like "The Enforcer" and "Sheriff of Wall Street." But slowly, even a bit gently, Mr. Spitzer's successor as the attorney general of New York, Andrew M. Cuomo, is shaking up the financial industry."
Strickland's keno support a betrayal, minister says
From: news.cincinnati.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland betrayed fellow Methodists and reneged on a campaign promise not to expand gambling when he lent his support to a new lottery game, a prominent church leader said Thursday."
Cordray pushes for action on deceptive credit card practices
From: blog.cleveland.com
"It's outrageous that credit card companies can lend you money at 10 percent and then suddenly raise that rate to 15, 20 or 30 percent, Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray said today."
Housing sales down from last year, but spring bump encourages Realtors
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Homes sales in Ohio and the region continue to run slower than a year ago, although sales activity has inched up during the spring buying season."
Many ups and downs for state oil, gas stocks
From: journalrecord.com
"Experts said there's plenty of money to be made in state energy stocks — if you have the stomach for it."
Tuition increases OK'd by state regents
From: newsok.com
"State regents for higher education on Thursday approved tuition and fee increases averaging 9.1 percent for Oklahoma undergraduate students at state colleges and universities."
Oregon may hold $25 million intended for pay raises
From: www.gtconnect.com
"Citing fears about the nation's unstable economic situation, legislators on Thursday recommended holding back $25 million that had been earmarked for public employees' salaries and benefits."
Reject turnpike lease, experts say
From: www.philly.com
"Halfway through two days of hearings into the proposed 75-year lease of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, the House Transportation Committee chairman said yesterday that he remains convinced it was a bad idea."
Anheuser-Busch strikes caffeine-free deal with Ohio, 10 other states
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Drinkers who want an alcohol buzz and a caffeine pick-me-up won't be able to swig Tilt or Bud Extra anymore."
Foam company offers R.I. fire plaintiffs $6.3M
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"PROVIDENCE, R.I. ? A company that sold flammable foam blamed for fueling a Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed 100 people has agreed to pay $6.3 million to settle lawsuits from survivors and victims' relatives."
Monster to bring 350 new jobs to S.C.
From: www.goupstate.com
"FLORENCE, S.C. - State officials say employment-services company Monster will open a new customer service facility in Florence, creating 350 new jobs."
1-day-old SC law already faces legal challenge
From: www.goupstate.com
"South Carolina fuel distributors must be allowed to make their own gasoline-ethanol blends under a first-in-the-nation law that supporters say will keep the state's gas prices among the nation's lowest."
Lights out after ruling?
From: www.charleston.net
"The state Supreme Court decision that struck down bobtailing could put a North Charleston company out of business, and the Legislature continued using the practice Wednesday over the objections of two of the state's leading politicians."
Sensitivity? DMV staff gets training
From: www.knoxnews.com
"CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - A report shows Tennessee driver's license offices have failed to deal with complaints about long waits for customers and now the problem is rude employees, including one who repeatedly referred to an American Indian as "chief.""
Wilson's Bible Park memorandum contains no tax revenue estimates
From: tennessean.com
"LEBANON, Tenn. - Developers of a Bible-based theme park could expect the same tax incentives in Wilson County that they'd previously been offered in Rutherford if negotiations surrounding the controversial project stay on track."
Tennessee workers are wary of buyout
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Though state officials hosted a lengthy information session Thursday in Chattanooga on severance packages offered employees this summer, none who attended left with the answer to their most burning question: Will I lose my job if I don?t volunteer to leave?"
Citing need for assessments, U.S. freezes solar energy projects
From: www.nytimes.com
"DENVER - Faced with a surge in the number of proposed solar power plants, the federal government has placed a moratorium on new solar projects on public land until it studies their environmental impact, which is expected to take about two years."
Ag secretary, lawmakers discuss farmers' flood aid
From: www.usatoday.com
"WASHINGTON ? The U.S. Agriculture Secretary says he is concerned that legal hurdles prevented much immediate federal help for Midwestern farmers faced with serious setbacks because of flooding."
War on teen smoking stalled
From: www.boston.com
"WASHINGTON - Efforts to reduce teen smoking have stalled in the past five years as states lose funding for antitobacco efforts and companies use new strategies to recruit customers, US health officials said yesterday."
Many state workers to start 4-day work week
From: www.heraldextra.com
"Gov. Jon Huntsman will order thousands of state employees to stay home on Fridays as part of a four-day week intended to cut energy costs at government buildings. Seven cities in Utah County already use variations of the four-day schedule, which a BYU study has shown increases employee morale and productivity."
Study shows hybrids, bikes, trains on a roll in Utah
From: www.sltrib.com
"You might excuse Ruben Schoenefeld if he drove one of those giant gas-guzzler sport utility vehicles in these days of $4 gasoline. He's a giant himself. "
Governor cuts energy usage
From: www.deseretnews.com
"Beginning in August many state offices will be closed Fridays to cut energy costs, shifting thousands of state workers to a four-day workweek, 10 hours a day."
House rejects Kaine plan
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"A House committee Thursday rejected Gov. Tim Kaine's $1 billion transportation package before the entire General Assembly left the Capitol for a two-week break. "
Ruling no boon for Virginia gun stores
From: www.inrich.com
"Virginia gun stores probably won't benefit much financially from the ruling. Federal law prohibits dealers from selling handguns to out-of-state residents, according to Donna Tate, firearms transaction center manager for the Virginia State Police."
Assembly recesses with road gridlock
From: www.inrich.com
"Waiting for Virginia lawmakers to kill new taxes for roads is like watching a car crash in slow motion."
Heat rises in transportation debate
From: www.roanoke.com
"The General Assembly's special session on transportation appeared headed toward gridlock Thursday as a House of Delegates committee ditched Gov. Tim Kaine's funding plan and advanced a Senate-sponsored tax increase that has little chance of reaching the governor's desk."
Kaine's $1.1 billion tax proposal defeated, two roads bills still on table
From: hamptonroads.com
"Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's proposed $1.1 billion tax increase for transportation was killed Thursday by a Republican-led committee in the House of Delegates."
Gas tax bill moving to full House for vote
From: fredericksburg.com
"A House of Delegates committee yesterday killed Gov. Tim Kaine's transportation plan, choosing instead to advance a Senate bill that raises the gas tax."
Va. House committee kills Kaine road plan
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"RICHMOND, Va. - A proposal by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to raise $1.1 billion a year in taxes and fees for statewide transportation was killed Thursday by a House committee, which advanced a plan to collect money for Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads."
Northwest shows signs of economic woes
From: www.nwpr.org
"Unemployment is up and state revenues are down. That?s the economic reality in the Northwest these days -- as underscored by two fresh developments."
Food stamp need soars; level of help doesn't
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Spiking prices of staple foods have put the pinch on Washington's poorest, who are signing up for food stamps in record numbers but finding the assistance isn't keeping up with rising costs."
Court weighs jurisdiction in wind-farm appeal
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"The state Supreme Court is considering whether it has jurisdiction in Kittitas County's appeal of a wind farm 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg."
Legislation introduced to restore Puget Sound
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"The goal of thrusting the restoration of Puget Sound into the national spotlight is nearing reality with the introduction of legislation by two of Washington's congressional leaders. "
Legislation introduced to restore Puget Sound
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"The goal of thrusting the restoration of Puget Sound into the national spotlight is nearing reality with the introduction of legislation by two of Washington's congressional leaders. "
Food stamp need soars; level of help doesn't
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Spiking prices of staple foods have put the pinch on Washington's poorest, who are signing up for food stamps in record numbers but finding the assistance isn't keeping up with rising costs. "
Digital growth paves cable path to Big Ten Network
From: www.madison.com
"Cable subscribers' increasing embrace of digital services helped lead to a carriage deal between Comcast and the Big Ten Network, and could do the same for Charter Communications and Time Warner, Wisconsin's two dominant cable providers."
Ease restrictions on nuclear power plants, state task force recommends
From: www.madison.com
"Modification of Wisconsin's nuclear plant moratorium was among the controversial recommendations that the Governor's Task Force on Global Warming approved overwhelmingly Thursday, in its quest to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases."
Wisconsin emissions proposal moves to Doyle
From: www.jsonline.com
"A package to reduce Wisconsin?s greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades won overwhelming support Thursday from members of a state global warming task force."
Manchin touts drop in W.Va. food tax to 3 percent
From: theintelligencer.net
"Gov. Joe Manchin heads to a Charleston grocery store to tout the last phased-in drop in West Virginia's food tax. "
Feds- 6 indicted in $15M Ohio mortgage fraud case
From: hosted.ap.org
"DAYTON, Ohio - Federal authorities have indicted six people from Ohio for operating an alleged $15 million home mortgage fraud scheme."
Violent weather taking toll on states
From: www.stateline.org
"A string of deadly tornadoes and damaging floods in 17 states this year has raised questions about public safety, the toll on infrastructure and how to pay for recovery."
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."
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.
"
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."
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."
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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