2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 12:51 p.m. EDT, June 23, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
InBev pushes A-B to talk about a buyout
From: www.stltoday.com
"After a few days of quiet, InBev of Belgium pushed Anheuser-Busch Cos. to sit down and start talking about a takeover proposal."
High gas prices threaten to shut down rural towns
From: www.usatoday.com
"FORKS OF SALMON, Calif. - The price of gas isn't an annoyance here. It's a calamity."
States set rules for importing cattle from Montana
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"BILLINGS, Mont. -- States worried about brucellosis are requiring assurance that cattle brought from Montana, especially those from counties surrounding Yellowstone National Park, do not have the contagious disease."
Future glut of grapes could sour Oregon's wine industry
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon's $1 billion wine industry has enjoyed unprecedented success in recent years, riding a wave of international acclaim for its flagship grape, pinot noir. But one prominent Oregon winemaker is now sounding an alarm."
Rendell to sign mine safety law
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The first comprehensive update to Pennsylvania's mine safety law in nearly half a century is heading to the governor for his signature."
Judge orders Wal-Mart to pay $6.5 Million for labor violations
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"SPRINGDALE, Ark. - A Minnesota judge has ordered Bentonville-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. to pay $6.5 million in back pay to workers who sued the world's largest retailer alleging state labor law violations. "
Conn. housing prices plunge in May
From: www.rep-am.com
"Led by price declines in Fairfield and Litchfield counties, home prices in Connecticut fell more than 10 percent in May compared to the same point last year, the first double-digit percentage drop in 16 years, a research firm said Tuesday."
R.I. high court overturns lead-paint verdict
From: www.projo.com
"The Rhode Island Supreme Court yesterday brought an abrupt end to the state's nine-year campaign to force some of the nation's major corporations to clean up the lead-based paints that the state believes poisoned tens of thousands of Rhode Island children."
Project to create 250 jobs, invest $43M in region
From: www.kypost.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear and Economic Development Cabinet Secretary John Hindman Tuesday announced the location of Rancho Poultry LLC to Marion County."
State sues Countrywide over 'deceptive' home-loan pitches
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is going after maligned mortgage-lender Countrywide Financial Corp. for what he called a pattern of deceptive sales pitches to homeowners."
Destination N.C. -- High gas prices may compel many to spend holiday in their home state
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Record gas prices are taking the gas out of July Fourth travel plans for many in North Carolina and South Carolina, AAA Carolinas said yesterday."
Economic outlook says West Virginia won't suffer as much as other states
From: www.dailymail.com
"Financial analysts are predicting one of the worst budget years in recent memory for state governments, though West Virginia is expected to do slightly better than most."
Alaska lawmakers call for details on Denali pipeline plan
From: newsminer.com
"Two state lawmakers are formally calling on North Slope producers ConocoPhillips and BP to provide more information about their natural gas pipeline project, dubbed Denali."
Lawmakers meet in Barrow for gas line talks
From: www.adn.com
"BARROW, Alaska -- Half the state's lawmakers came to this Arctic community -- some grabbing as many as three flights to reach the nation's northernmost town -- to continue a monthlong and statewide debate on a natural gas pipeline proposal."
Some cruise ships restrict ranger access
From: juneauempire.com
"State environmental monitors on cruise ships have not always had full access to areas they're supposed to inspect, according a mid-season report on the first full year of the Ocean Rangers program."
Jury - Drug firms owe state $114 million
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"A state court jury on Tuesday found two pharmaceutical companies defrauded Alabama in a long-running Medicaid drug pricing scheme and ordered the firms to pay more than $114 million in damages."
PSC to shine light on third-party billing
From: www.al.com
"Sandra White doesn't know the first thing about Enhanced Service Billing Inc., but she was pretty sure she never signed up as a customer."
Group seeks easing of employer sanctions
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Arizona voters will likely get a chance to do what lawmakers and a federal judge have so far refused to do - ease some of the provisions of the state's new employer-sanctions law. "
Mitchell--New GI Bill to aid more vets, boost economy
From: www.azcentral.com
"The new GI Bill that President Bush signed into law Monday will help a wider range of military veterans and boost local economies, its primary House sponsor says."
Appeals court-- State can seize wire transfers
From: www.azstarnet.com
"The Attorney General's Office is legally entitled to seize funds being sent by wire from other states into Mexico, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday."
Judge won't force state, tribe into talks
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A federal judge who earlier said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger negotiated in bad faith with the Rincon Indian band will not force the state into new negotiations with the tribe. For now."
Fiscal year begins with no sign of state budget
From: www.mercurynews.com
"The start of the new fiscal year came and went Tuesday with no state budget, and the likelihood of a prolonged standoff in the Legislature seems to grow by the day."
Senate proposal to reduce cap on federal foreclosure aid could limit help for Californians
From: www.sacbee.com
"WASHINGTON - Californians may be at the epicenter of the nation's foreclosure crisis, but more than half of them live in high-cost areas that could be denied aid under a proposed federal bailout."
Mining firms to pay state $20.5 million for resource damage
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Two mining giants have agreed to pay Colorado $20.5 million to compensate for a legacy of polluted streams, fish kills and contaminated groundwater from decades of hard rock mining around Leadville."
GOP calls for special legislative session on gas prices
From: www.courant.com
"Republican leaders at the state Capitol are calling for another special legislative session to deal with rising gasoline prices."
Quinnipiac poll shows a bleak state snapshot
From: www.courant.com
"Pessimism over the economy is at a five-year high in Connecticut, and voter opinions of Gov. M. Jodi Rell and U.S. Sens. Joseph I. Lieberman and Christopher J. Dodd are at all-time lows."
UD hikes tuition for 2008-09 session
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Citing soaring energy and commodity prices, the University of Delaware on Tuesday announced tuition increases for the 2008-09 school year."
Balanced budget took teamwork
From: www.delawareonline.com
"All the elements necessary to balance the 2009 budget fell into place in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite the Legislature's rejection of $20 million worth of tax increases just hours before the session closed for the year."
Regulators halve FPL fuel charge
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Hearing loud complaints from South Florida schools and the state's large commercial customers, state regulators in a 3-2 vote Tuesday took the unusual step of deciding Florida Power & Light customers should start paying an extra 8 percent of an energy charge increase next month -- half of what the company was seeking."
FP&L, Progress Energy to increase rates
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Florida Power & Light Co. customers will pay the bill for a dramatic increase in fuel costs beginning in August."
FPL gets 19 percent boost, but spread into 2009
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Florida Power & Light Co.'s residential customers will see their monthly bills jump by an average of 8 percent from August through December to cover half of the $746 million in unanticipated fuel costs FPL is facing this year, state regulators decided Tuesday."
Possible flaws in state plan to rescue the Everglades
From: www.nytimes.com
"MIAMI - Florida's proposed purchase of nearly 300 square miles of land for Everglades restoration moved forward this week when water managers who would oversee the property endorsed the state's $1.75 billion offer."
Agencies asked to submit plans for cutting costs
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"As the new state spending year begins, agencies are working on how to trim their budgets while the economy remains stagnant."
Gun limits loosen, DUI penalties get tougher
From: www.onlineathens.com
"Customers now can pack heat while dining in restaurants, riding city buses and strolling in public parks."
Airport gun showdown moves to courts
From: www.ajc.com
"Guns were the issue. But words and federal lawsuits became the weapons of choice Tuesday as Atlanta officials declared Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport a "gun-free zone," and gun advocates immediately retaliated by suing them."
Atlanta airport gun ban is challenged
From: www.latimes.com
"ATLANTA -- The showdown over gun rights spilled into the nation's busiest airport Tuesday after a Georgia legislator announced that he would walk into the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport carrying a handgun."
Airport's ban on guns is disputed in Atlanta
From: www.nytimes.com
"A decision by Georgia legislators to relax the state's gun laws has led to a dispute over whether people can legally carry concealed firearms in the nation's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International."
Bankruptcy filings up 46% over year earlier
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii bankruptcy filings reached their highest monthly total in 32 months as financially strapped consumers sought relief from creditors and collection agencies in June."
Housing primed for 'soft landing'
From: starbulletin.com
"Oahu's residential real estate market, which peaked in 2005, is moving full speed ahead for a landing fueled by the continued drop in consumer confidence in Hawaii and on the mainland."
Microsoft to open $500 million data center in Iowa
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Corporate giant Microsoft plans to open a new data center in central Iowa."
Iowa to appeal initial decision on federal help for flooding
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Iowa Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge says the federal decision to reduce the matching funds Iowa would have to come up with to cover the initial emergency response to this spring's tornadoes and flooding is much appreciated."
Microsoft to build data farm in D.M. area
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Microsoft Corp. said it will build its next data center in the Des Moines area, a project experts say will likely cost about $550 million and employ about 100 high-tech workers."
Reaction to smoking ban mixed
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Tuesday's lunch hour offered many smokers and nonsmokers their first taste of a smoke-free lunch."
Group celebrates ban on smoking
From: www.press-citizen.com
"For Eileen Fisher of Solon, Tuesday was a day she's been waiting 12 years for."
Feds will pay most of Iowa emergency response costs
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"The federal government will pay 90 percent of the emergency response costs from flood and tornadoes incurred by state and local governments this spring, but Iowa officials hope they'll pick up 100 percent of the cost."
Feds will pay 90 percent of flood costs, but Iowa pushes for 100
From: www.qctimes.com
"The federal government will pay 90 percent of the emergency response costs from flood and tornadoes incurred by state and local governments this spring, but Iowa officials hope they'll pick up 100 percent of the cost."
Smoking ban era starts in Iowa
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Iowa bar and restaurant owners and the patrons who frequent those establishments had to adjust to the state's new smoking ban, which took effect Tuesday."
Official -- High gas prices could lead to insurance savings
From: www.spokesmanreview.com
"High gas prices could mean lower insurance rates for drivers who respond by changing their driving habits."
State board OKs Silver Cross Hospital's plan to build anew
From: www.chicagobusiness.com
"State regulators on Tuesday approved a controversial plan by a Joliet hospital to build a replacement facility in a suburb three miles from its current campus."
Glitch in budget bill idles work statewide
From: www.suntimes.com
"Nearly 40 statewide construction projects costing $30.6 million were idled Tuesday by what Gov. Blagojevich's administration called a "devastating" glitch in a budget bill sent to him this week."
Casinos continue legal fight against horse tracks
From: www.stltoday.com
"Four Illinois casinos are asking the state's Supreme Court to reconsider its June ruling that they pay about $76 million to the state's struggling horse racing industry."
Illinois minimum wage rises to $7.75 per hour
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Minimum-wage workers in Illinois are getting a 25 cent hourly boost in pay, to $7.75 per hour. "
Groups -- State lax on sweatshops
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Fred Peterson doesn't mince his words about the state of business at Protexall Inc., one of the last unionized uniform-makers where everything is still made in the U.S.A."
Silver Cross gets panel's OK for new hospital
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Silver Cross Hospital won state permission Tuesday to move from its aging campus in Joliet to a new, $398 million facility in New Lenox despite spirited opposition from local officials who accuse the hospital of abandoning a poor black neighborhood for a wealthier white one."
Gas gambit blurs partisan lines
From: www.nwitimes.com
"With a holiday travel weekend approaching, Democrat Jill Long Thompson reached across the aisle Tuesday in her latest attempt to pressure Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels into suspending the state sales tax on gasoline."
Indiana fireworks sales boosted by Michigan's tougher laws
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"Fire off a rocket that explodes in a shower of stars south of the Indiana-Michigan line and you're apt to get a thrill. Fire one off north of the border and you may get a ticket.
"
Judge throws out new Ind. law on explicit material
From: hosted.ap.org
"A federal judge threw out a new Indiana law requiring bookstores and other retailers to register with the state and pay a $250 fee if they want to sell sexually explicit material."
Challenger urges Daniels to suspend gas tax
From: www.journalgazette.net
"With gasoline prices averaging $4.11 a gallon and the Fourth of July just days away, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Jill Long Thompson urged Gov. Mitch Daniels on Tuesday to suspend the state sales tax on gas until Labor Day."
Pro coal-plant lawmakers appointed to energy panel
From: www2.ljworld.com
"House Speaker Melvin Nefueld, R-Ingalls, on Tuesday appointed four legislators who support the proposed coal-burning power project in southwest Kansas to a new committee that will work on a statewide energy policy."
Wichita-- New airport terminal needed
From: www.kansas.com
"Despite rising fuel prices and cuts to service by financially troubled airlines, Wichita remains in need of a new $150 million terminal building, an aviation expert and city officials say."
Kansas receives less tax money than expected
From: www.kansascity.com
""
Ky. court - renting to undocumented immigrants not illegal
From: www.kypost.com
"A Kentucky landlord was found not guilty for harboring undocumented immigrants Friday. William Jerry Hadden, of Lexington, faced 62 charges for renting apartments at Cross Keys and Woodridge apartments without verifying the immigration status of the future tenants."
Property tax rate drops
From: www.kypost.com
"Kentucky home owners will save a few bucks on their property taxes this year. The Kentucky Department of Revenue has dropped the 2008 State Real Property Tax Rate from 12.4 cents to 12.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. "
State police scale back patrols to save gas
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Expect fewer state troopers driving Kentucky's highways this summer -- and more checkpoints -- courtesy of rising gas prices."
State's credit rating improves
From: www.nola.com
"Louisiana's credit score stepped up a notch Tuesday as the debt-rating firm Standard & Poor's raised the state's general obligation bonds from A to A+, potentially saving the state millions of dollars from better interest rates."
Lawmakers disclose their income sources
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"The chairman of the Louisiana House committee with oversight over gambling laws reported Tuesday receiving $16,000 from video poker interests."
Jindal vetoes 4 measures, including lobbyist bill
From: www.nola.com
"Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal released four veto letters Tuesday, including one that will keep former U.S. Rep. Chris John and another former elected Democratic official from lobbying the Legislature because of family ties to sitting lawmakers."
Some puzzled why their names dropped
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"The only Republican on the state Lottery Corp. board of directors, Sam Caruso was elected chairman for the second straight time in early June."
S&P upgrades Louisiana's debt rating
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Standard & Poor's upgraded the rating on about $4 billion in state government debt by a notch Tuesday."
Fear over the big chill
From: bostonherald.com
"Massachusetts had better be prepared to pump tens of millions of dollars into fuel-assistance programs this winter or people will "literally freeze to death" due to high home-heating oil prices, a key state senator warned yesterday."
State to Whitey: Come and get your $$
From: bostonherald.com
"After more than a decade on the run as one of the FBI's 10 most wanted, ducking from the law at every turn, fugitive mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger finally got some good news: he's $4,000 richer."
Maine utilities look to beef up power grid
From: www.sunjournal.com
"PORTLAND, Maine - Two utilities on Tuesday proposed $1.9 billion worth of electric infrastructure improvements to ensure reliability of the existing power grid as well as to connect northern Maine to the New England power grid for the first time."
Mainers won't see fireworks shortage
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
" A fireworks shortage that might quiet Fourth of July celebrations in communities across the country won't affect Maine festivities, thanks to Steve Marson's trip to China."
A plan for the power grid
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Two top utility officials today will unveil details of a planned $1.9 billion overhaul of Maine's bulk power transmission system."
Power line plan unveiled
From: bangornews.com
"Two utility companies unveiled plans Tuesday for a $1.9 billion overhaul of Maine's electricity transmission lines aimed at bolstering reliability and encouraging large-scale wind power development in Aroostook County."
New Bangor slots facility welcomes public on opening day
From: bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine - The long-awaited opening of Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway Tuesday got off to a brisk start with patrons beginning to arrive about 7:30 a.m., hours before the facility's 10 a.m. official opening."
Maine's rank in technology index drops
From: bangornews.com
"Maine has dropped six places in the national State Technology and Science Index compiled by the Milliken Institute, a complex report dubbed "the gold standard" of such studies by Gov. John Baldacci four years ago."
Bullets vs. binoculars
From: www.boston.com
"NEAR BAXTER STATE PARK, Maine -The hunters discovered the first prey of the evening in a wide pond lined with spruce trees. After creeping down a rocky path, members of the group stood motionless. Then, they took aim."
Rising tuition threatens Michigan education goals
From: www.mlive.com
"A reduction in state aid going to Michigan's public universities has helped spark skyrocketing tuition and threatens to undermine the state's efforts to dramatically boost its number of college graduates."
Dad tries to widen autism suit
From: www.detnews.com
"A Warren father of an autistic child is seeking class-action status for his federal lawsuit that seeks to force Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to cover intensive behavioral therapy."
State urged to do more to combat sweatshops
From: www.freep.com
"Activists opposed to what they regard as oppressive working conditions in garment factories outside the United States called on Michigan elected officials Tuesday to use their purchasing power to improve those conditions."
FBI targets 4 on council
From: www.freep.com
"The federal probe of a controversial sludge disposal contract focuses on at least four Detroit City Council members and is shaping up to be the city's biggest public corruption scandal in decades, sources told the Free Press on Tuesday."
'Promise' energizes hurting Michigan community
From: www.usatoday.com
"KALAMAZOO, Mich. - The night the Kalamazoo Promise was unveiled was pure magic.
"
Flood level falls at foot of the Arch
From: www.stltoday.com
"Finally. Four days after the Mississippi River began its retreat from this spring's flood in northeast Missouri, the water level fell Tuesday at the Arch."
Chamois ferry is still a work in progress
From: www.newstribune.com
"CHAMOIS- It only takes one time of driving the 62 miles between Fulton and Chamois to understand why the Chamois Industrial Development Corporation wants a ferry crossing on Missouri River"
'100-year flood' not an accurate description
From: www.kansascity.com
"A 100-year flood occurs once every 100 years. Right? Wrong, experts say."
Blunt signs bill that makes sweeping changes in Missouri's property-tax system
From: www.kansascity.com
"Gov. Matt Blunt on Tuesday signed into law legislation that makes sweeping changes in Missouri's property-tax system while boosting subsidies for elderly and disabled homeowners."
Snow in July? a mixed blessing in the Rockies
From: www.nytimes.com
"ST. MARY, Mont. - With diesel smoke and white powder flying, heavy equipment operators worked furiously to remove enough snow to open the Going-to-the-Sun road, which connects the two sides of Glacier National Park and is usually open by the first week of June."
PSC OKs rate hike for gas, electricity
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"On a 3-2 vote, the state Public Service Commission on Tuesday gave final approval to a $15 million annual rate increase for NorthWestern Energy's electricity and natural gas customers in Montana."
Environmentalists sue over coal plant
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- Two environmental groups sued the Montana Department of Environmental Quality on Monday, alleging that the state has failed to limit greenhouse gas emissions in an air permit for a proposed coal-fired power plant east of Great Falls."
Easley defends overseas trips by wife at taxpayers' expense
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Gov. Mike Easley defended yesterday overseas cultural exchange trips led by his wife that cost taxpayers $109,000, saying that such visits can reap exponentially larger monetary rewards for the state with art exhibits."
House committee approves bill that extends game ban
From: www2.journalnow.com
"A House committee approved a bill yesterday that would apply North Carolina's new video-poker ban to an online sweepstakes that allows participants to play games resembling slot machines."
Easley backs law to help some N.C. homeowners
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Gov. Mike Easley called on legislators yesterday to make up for the federal government's inaction by approving a bill to help some struggling North Carolina homeowners by giving them more latitude to repay their debt."
N.C. leaders hope to cut foreclosures
From: www.charlotte.com
"State legislators and Gov. Mike Easley said Tuesday they've come up with a plan that could keep as many as 25,000 N.C. homeowners out of foreclosure in the next two years."
N.C. farmers grow sales after outbreak
From: www.charlotte.com
"It's customers such as Erik Will - who turned to local farms to buy his produce after a salmonella outbreak sickened more than 800 people nationwide - that has turned the crisis into a boon for N.C. tomato farmers."
Easley defends travel outlay
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Gov. Mike Easley said Tuesday that high overseas travel bills are unfortunate but necessary if North Carolina wants to attract business, tourists and blockbuster art exhibits."
North Dakota records fastest economic growth in Midwest
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"North Dakota's economy had the highest growth rate in June compared with other Midwest states, according to Creighton University's Business Conditions Index."
Fulton-- Don't rely on gas taxes for future roads needs
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraska's gas tax went up 3 cents Tuesday, and Lincoln Sen. Tony Fulton took the opportunity to call attention to what he called "an unavoidable fact.""
Higher fuel tax now in effect in Nebraska
From: www.omaha.com
"Nebraska, where the state motor fuel tax increased 3 cents a gallon Tuesday, is among 18 states that raised taxes on gasoline and/or diesel fuel July 1, the American Petroleum Institute said."
Tax revenue for state falls short by $69M
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"Sluggish returns from state taxes on business, real estate sales, cigarettes and lottery tickets contributed to state government taking in $69 million less than Gov. John Lynch and the Legislature had hoped for."
Despite gas prices, N.H. expected to be holiday destination
From: www.fosters.com
"DOVER, N.H. -- While national travel predictions for the holiday weekend are grim, some say New Hampshire will continue to be a popular travel destination, despite the tough economic times."
Proposal to raise minimum wage shot down
From: www.app.com
"A workers' advocacy coalition called Tuesday for raising the state's minimum wage from $7.15 an hour to $8.50 an hour, which would make New Jersey's 40,000 bottom-end workers the highest-paid in the nation."
Minimum wage too low, some say
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- A worker advocacy group yesterday called on New Jersey lawmakers to increase the state's minimum wage to $8.50 per hour, then require it to increase annually to keep pace with inflation."
Red tape snarls housing tax break
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"A law intended to give property-tax relief to owners of homes purchased through subsidized affordable-housing programs cleared the state Legislature in March. But, despite an emergency clause that made it effective immediately, the law still hasn't been implemented because the state Department of Taxation and Revenue hasn't yet written the necessary regulations. "
Resort plans conflict with National Guard
From: www.lvrj.com
"It's like building houses at the end of a runway. That's how one Nevada Army National Guard official characterized a developer's plan to build two hotels with casinos on 73 acres adjacent to military training grounds in North Las Vegas."
New laws affect millions in Nevada
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Almost 20 new laws that were approved by the Legislature last year took effect this week."
As managers gird for duty, hope seen in Con Ed talks
From: www.nytimes.com
"For the past eight years, James Byrne has worn a shirt and tie as a shift manager at a Consolidated Edison Emergency Management Control Center. "
Work on tax relief promised
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson and new Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) said yesterday they would work together to craft property tax relief for New Yorkers."
New laws deal with prenatal care, other issues
From: www.news-star.com
"A series of new laws in Oklahoma deal with such diverse subjects as prenatal care and highway maintenance."
Health van delivers vaccinations statewide
From: newsok.com
"One Oklahoma organization is giving families an easier way to have their children immunized."
Oregon gas prices stabilize, but another uptick is expected
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"The price of gasoline took a breather this week in Oregon."
Health advocates rally as Regence hikes insurance rates
From: news.opb.org
"Large rate hikes went into effect Tuesday for individuals and small businesses covered by Oregon's largest health insurance provider."
BlueCross rates soar 26 percent
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A 26 percent rate increase by Oregon's largest health insurer underscores the need to overhaul the state's health system and bring costs under control, health care reform advocates and business leaders said Tuesday."
No action this term on power rate hike
From: www.mcall.com
"State lawmakers hoping to ease the pain of Pennsylvania's expiring electricity rate caps won't act until the fall at the earliest."
Witnesses called at state grand jury secrecy hearing
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Current and former employees of Pennsylvania's gambling regulatory board were among witnesses called to testify Monday at a closed hearing to determine whether a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate violations of grand jury secrecy."
State to underwrite counseling for gamblers
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Gambling addicts could begin receiving state-subsidized counseling for the first time later this month, under new guidelines issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health."
R.I. high court overturns lead-paint verdict
From: www.projo.com
"The Rhode Island Supreme Court yesterday brought an abrupt end to the state's nine-year campaign to force some of the nation's major corporations to clean up the lead-based paints that the state believes poisoned tens of thousands of Rhode Island children."
South Carolina lottery tops expectations by $13m
From: www.goupstate.com
"South Carolina lottery officials say they think the games brought in about $266 million for education this year."
Community-wide Internet service unveiled in Madison
From: www.argusleader.com
"MADISON - People in the Madison area now have access to a growing technology that proponents say could help level the playing field between rural and urban areas by providing better access to the Internet."
Governor names energy director
From: www.argusleader.com
"Gov. Mike Rounds has appointed Hunter Roberts, interim state energy director, to the post of energy policy director. The change will take effect immediately."
Tax breaks for business escape major changes from state committee
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"A state legislative committee has added to the growing debate over local governments' generous use of tax-abatements for businesses -- but decided not to recommend major new state restrictions on their use."
John Ford jury selection is nearly complete
From: www.tennessean.com
"Jury selection is nearly complete in the federal corruption trial for former state Sen. John Ford."
AT&T to invest $400M in Tenn. for statewide cable
From: www.tennessean.com
"AT&T Inc. has announced plans to invest $400 million in Tennessee as part of its effort to offer statewide cable television, Internet and phone services."
Reprieve leads Bredesen to reconsider some layoffs
From: www.tennessean.com
"Gov. Phil Bredesen says he doesn't yet know how a federal reprieve on Medicaid rule changes will affect plans to lay off workers at the state Department of Children's Services."
AT&T plans cable rollout
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Tennessee residents could have a new cable choice within two years after AT&T's filing Tuesday for a statewide franchise, a $400 million investment."
Bredesen hopeful new incentive will help state lure big businesses
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Gov. Phil Bredesen said Tuesday he believes a new business incentive passed this year by the Tennessee General Assembly will help the state attract major new businesses."
Mansion fire cleanup tedious; temporary roof still weeks off
From: www.statesman.com
"Constructing a temporary roof to protect the fire-gutted Texas Governor's Mansion could take another three weeks or more because of the tedious work of shoring up the 152-year-old building, officials said Tuesday."
Cutting emissions will boost economy, GE chairman says
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"JACKSON, Wyo. -- Regulating greenhouse gas emissions will not kill business and will not be devastating to the economy, as some people argue, the head of the world's third largest company said Tuesday. Rather, it will spur innovation and ring in a new era of growth for America, said Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO of General Electric, a $370 billion multinational conglomerate."
Huntsman goal for governors: a national energy policy
From: deseretnews.com
"The Western Governors' Association's new chairman, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., on Tuesday announced the ambitious goal of putting together a proposed national energy policy."
GOP, Big Oil push shale in Utah
From: deseretnews.com
"Republican Sens. Orrin Hatch and Bob Bennett of Utah locked arms with Big Oil and its smaller cousins at the state Capitol on Tuesday to showcase who would develop vast amounts of oil locked in shale and tar sands throughout the state, as petroleum prices reach record highs."
State approves Questar rate hike
From: www.heraldextra.com
"State officials have approved gas rate increases for residential customers of Questar Gas. The rate hikes approved by the Utah Public Service Commission mean customers will have to pay an additional $163 per year.
"
Plan to ease tunnel traffic stirs worry of longtime neighbors
From: hamptonroads.com
"PORTSMOUTH, Va. - Ida Mae Lynch, Evelyn Hughes and Florine Smith did everything right. They moved to Trexler Avenue in North Truxtun as young wives many decades ago, raised children there, paid their bills and took pride in their homes."
Dominion reactor proposal leads pack
From: fredericksburg.com
"Dominion power hopes to have a third nuclear reactor in operation at North Anna Power Station by 2016."
Kaine to announce archaeological discovery at Ferry Farm today
From: fredericksburg.com
"Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will announce an archaeological discovery this afternoon at George Washington's boyhood home at Ferry Farm in Stafford County, The Associated Press reported this morning."
Unemployed Vermonters looking for work to get extended benefits
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Governor Jim Douglas has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor that allows unemployed workers to receive extended benefits while looking for work, Douglas officials said today. "
Corporate labeling increases on UW campus
From: www.madison.com
"It is still more common to see a classroom or sponsored faculty position at UW-Madison named for a person, or not at all. But rooms emblazoned with a brand name are becoming more noticeable on public university campuses, which increasingly rely on private gifts to fund public education."
Western govs hope to sway future energy policy
From: www.nytimes.com
"TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. - Citing a lack of federal leadership, the nation's Western governors want to draft a national energy policy they hope will influence the next presidential administration."
Sour economy limits states' options in '08
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 4 p.m. EDT, July 2, 2008)
For many states, 2008 will be remembered for record numbers of home foreclosures, $4-a-gallon gasoline and the beginning of a slide into new fiscal woes after two years of overflowing coffers.
Stateline.org’s annual state-by-state look at legislative accomplishments, covering 36 states so far, discerns the trends and precedents emerging from state capitals this year."
State workers: Thank God It's Thursday
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 1:45 p.m. EDT, June 30, 2008)
In the face of $4-a-gallon gasoline, Utah is imposing four-day workweeks for most of its state employees in a newly invigorated trend at the state and local level to combat record-high energy costs."
July brings bumper crop of new laws
From: www.stateline.org
"
New state laws that take effect Tuesday will change life for many, as they crack down on California’s cell-phone-chatting drivers, Colorado’s deadbeat parents and New Mexico’s human traffickers, among others.
"
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."
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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