Last-minute deal lets Sonics move to Oklahoma City
From: hosted.ap.org
"SEATTLE -- Clay Bennett finally found a dollar amount that would sever his contentious relationship with the city of Seattle -- $75 million.
"
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."
Ky. considers four-day workweek
From: news.cincinnati.com
"COVINGTON, Ky. -- Gov. Steve Beshear is close to announcing a plan to deal with high gas prices that is likely to include four-day workweeks for some state employees."
State's jobless-aid kitty on skinny side should a recession sweep in
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"At the peak of a recession, Arkansas' unemployment benefits reserves would last less than 18 weeks, according to an advocacy group. The National Employment Law Project rated Arkansas one of 14 states that could become insolvent in that scenario."
Pinched Arizonans vacation closer to home
From: www.azcentral.com
"Every year for the past few years, Ashley Cornils and her fiance have headed out of town over the Fourth of July, cooling off in San Diego, Colorado or Seattle."
To tourists, state looks as golden as ever despite fires, economy
From: www.mercurynews.com
"For a state seemingly on fire and choking on its own fumes, California kicks off its summer season this Fourth of July weekend with its tourism mojo in surprisingly good shape."
Petition challenges Iowa's smoking ban
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Bar and restaurant owners upset with the statewide smoking ban that went into effect Tuesday are taking legal action in an attempt to overturn the law."
Foreclosures beginning to climb here
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"Home mortgage foreclosures are climbing sharply in Pennington County and are on pace to eclipse last year's total by the end of September."
Florida's storm wager - $224-million
From: www.tampabay.com
"To keep insurance rates lower, Florida's elected officials last year voted to shift much of the state's hurricane risk to the government. "
Flooding caused harship for half of 800 Iowa companies surveyed
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"AMES, Iowa -- Hundreds of Iowa companies lost workers, revenue and continue to face challenges to recovery in the aftermath of recent flooding, according to a new survey data from Iowa State University."
State will pay Warren Buffet $224M to assure help in hurricane season
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida will pay Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate $224 million in exchange for a pledge to provide cash if the state is rocked by this year's hurricane season."
Florida Lottery to play ball with Powerball
From: www.miamiherald.com
"In a reversal of its previous stance, the Florida Lottery has decided to offer Powerball to help prop up sagging state revenues while making the Sunshine State the new face of the multistate, mega-jackpot game."
State was warned on securities
From: www.boston.com
"At least five major Wall Street firms warned the Commonwealth in January that a $330 billion slice of the bond market was in distress, e-mails and presentations from those firms show. They were warnings that most individual investors did not receive before the market collapsed on Feb. 13."
Lawsuit challenging Chicago's ban on cell phones while driving is dismissed
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging Chicago's 3-year-old ban on driving while using a cell phone without a hands-free device."
Virginia ranks No. 1 for welfare job entries
From: www.inrich.com
"Virginia helps more welfare recipients get jobs than any other state in the nation."
Offshore drilling in Texas may not be a quick fix
From: www.statesman.com
"WASHINGTON - In the national debate over offshore oil drilling, the Texas coast can be used to illustrate each side of the argument."
State starts a green era
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick signed a landmark energy bill yesterday that does away with long-standing obstacles to building renewable power projects in Massachusetts and making homes and businesses more energy efficient."
Gas prices expected to boost state tourism on July 4th weekend
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"Arkansas tourism is expected to get a boost this Fourth of July weekend thanks to high gas prices."
Chevron hit with air pollution fine
From: www.al.com
"The state wants to fine Chevron Corp. $30,000 for releasing too much air pollution in the Hatter's Pond natural gas field near Creola. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management says that three compressor units in the gas field released higher amounts of volatile organic compounds than allowed under pollution permits."
Napolitano pulls out late wins in Legislature
From: www.azcentral.com
"Just over a week ago, the bulk of Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano's legislative agenda was in doubt. "
Calif. budget deficit turns spotlight on Prop. 13
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"When winemaking giant E&J Gallo bought the Louis M. Martini Winery in 2002, it got a prestigious label, 1,735 acres of some of the best vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties and a sweet tax break. Critics cite that break as a prime example of one of the shortcomings of Proposition 13, the tax-cutting initiative approved by California voters in 1978."
Proposed California budget cuts affecting most vulnerable
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"In the end, Nick Robinson just couldn't afford the Bay Area. And with pending state budget cuts threatening the foster care counselor's programs and salary, he decided to pack his belongings and leave Walnut Creek for Boston."
CalPERS gets part of $895M lawsuit settlement
From: www.sacbee.com
"The California Public Employees Retirement System, the nation's largest pension fund, announced that it and other pension funds have reached an $895 million settlement of a class-action lawsuit against UnitedHealth Group Inc. over stock option backdating."
New fire threatens Goleta as Big Sur blaze worsens
From: www.latimes.com
"GOLETA, Calif. -- Fires raged in both Northern and Southern California on Wednesday, with the stubborn blaze in Big Sur taking a turn for the worse and a new one near Goleta causing widespread power outages and burning within about a mile of neighborhoods."
Fire unexpectedly worsens; Big Sur is ordered to evacuate
From: www.nytimes.com
"BIG SUR, Calif. - Facing a stubborn fire, California officials ordered the evacuation of Big Sur on Wednesday as flames flared on nearby mountaintops and moved steadily toward this coastal retreat."
Mountain liquor store owners mix it up over Sunday booze
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Sunday liquor sales have been prohibited in Colorado for decades, leaving tourists in some resort towns high and dry when they discover they can't stock up after arriving for a week of skiing or other leisure pursuits."
$40 million plan aids research
From: www.denverpost.com
"The state's medical research industry is getting a shot in the arm thanks to a new grant program hatched by the Boettcher Foundation, the Webb- Waring Institute for Biomedical Research and the University of Colorado."
State, feds extend jobless benefits by 13 weeks
From: www.zwire.com
"Those struggling to find work in a shaky economy got some relief Wednesday as Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced she has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor that extends unemployment benefits by 13 weeks for eligible recipients."
State gets $2m federal grant for dislocated workers
From: www.rep-am.com
"The state Department of Labor has been awarded a $2 million federal grant to help workers in declining industries, the state announced Wednesday."
State to spend $224M for hurricane loss fund
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Florida will spend $224 million to shore up the state fund that helps cover insurance company losses from hurricanes, a sign that state officials remain fearful that a huge storm could result in billions in unpaid claims and lead to steep rate hikes for consumers."
Investor to help with Fla. hurricane claims
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"If a catastrophic storm hits Florida this year, investor Warren Buffett will be there to help out. Gov. Charlie Crist and other State Board of Administration trustees agreed Wednesday to pay Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. $224 million on the chance an Andrew-type hurricane would hit the state."
Huge Powerball jackpots coming to Florida in January
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Florida's biggest lottery payoffs might almost seem like chump change now. Powerball - the multi-state lottery game known for its mega-jackpots that can top $300 million - is bouncing into Florida lottery retailers in January, the state announced Wednesday."
Lucky you! Powerball hits Florida
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida's biggest lottery payoffs look like chump change now. Powerball -- the multistate-lottery game known for its megajackpots topping $300 million -- is bouncing into Florida Lottery retailers in January, the state announced Wednesday."
New pension fund director could be familiar face
From: www.tampabay.com
"Florida's search for a new chief investment manager is closing in on a familiar name: Ashbel Williams, who had the job for the first half of the 1990s before leaving for a more lucrative career on Wall Street."
Powerball coming to Florida in January
From: www.tampabay.com
"Powerball and its eye-popping jackpots are coming to Florida in January. The decision, announced Wednesday by Florida Lottery officials, reverses years of opposition to joining the multistate lottery. The reason? The economy."
Georgia bars insurance firm over violations
From: www.nytimes.com
"Regulators in Georgia have barred a California company from doing business in their state, saying it violated rules adopted in 2007 to prevent the sale of misleading or unsuitable life insurance policies to military personnel."
Billionaire wind-farm developer urges Hawaii to declare energy emergency
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The billionaire developer of a planned Lanai wind farm that would supply power to Oahu is urging Gov. Linda Lingle to declare a state of emergency to combat soaring energy prices by fast-tracking big clean-energy projects."
Group sues to halt smoking ban
From: www.wcfcourier.com
"A group of bar and restaurant owners has filed a lawsuit in Polk County District Court seeking to overturn a new statewide smoking ban."
No Iowa sweet corn on 4th
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Sweet corn purists who demand the Iowa-grown variety at their cookouts will be disappointed this Fourth of July weekend."
Hansen -- '08 smoking ban fulfills '75 legislator's wish
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa's no-smoking campaign began at the Savery Hotel more than 30 years ago. That's when Jim Wells, a state senator from Cedar Rapids, stepped onto an elevator and noticed a man holding a baby and a smoldering cigarette."
Idaho senator calls for Tax Commission investigation
From: www.spokesmanreview.com
"BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho's Senate tax chairman is calling on Gov. Butch Otter to launch an independent investigation of allegations raised in a whistle-blower's report charging that the state tax commission cut secret deals to excuse large multistate corporations from paying millions in state taxes."
INL's waste problem has its roots in Cold War practices
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Behind the Cold War's curtain of secrecy, federal scientists and engineers settled for shortsighted, inadequate practices to dispose of the long-lived, deadly nuclear materials produced by reactors and processing plants."
INL deal 14 years in the making
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Kathleen Trever has spent more than the half-life of her career trying to safely get radioactive waste out of the ground in Idaho."
State board OKs transfer of St. Francis
From: www.southtownstar.com
"We are encouraged that approval from the Vatican will come shortly.' The buyer of St. Francis Hospital hopes to close on the deal by the end of the month, now that the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board has approved transferring the Blue Island hospital's certificate of need."
Blagojevich team - Gov.'s critic suggested family, pals for state jobs
From: www.dailyherald.com
"On the same day a suburban lawmaker suggested it's time to officially consider whether Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be impeached, the governor produced a memo showing that lawmaker recommended family and friends for state jobs."
Blagojevich calls legislators back, halts construction work
From: www.stltoday.com
"Despite few signs that the political logjam is loosening, Gov. Rod Blagojevich Wednesday called on lawmakers to return to the Capitol next week for another go-around on the state budget."
U. of C. cuts ties with state lender amid market flux
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Thousands of University of Chicago graduate students will have to scramble for new federal and private loans after the university alerted them Wednesday that it will no longer work with the state's loan agency.
"
Rezko witness Levine sells home for $2 million profit
From: www.suntimes.com
"Stuart Levine -- the crooked political insider whose testimony helped convict Tony Rezko on corruption charges -- has unloaded his Highland Park mansion."
State will use money to help farmers get loans
From: hosted.ap.org
"Indiana will use $50 million in state funds to help farmers get low-interest loans -- money they can use along with federal funds to restore their flood-damaged fields."
Union -- Strike by Toll Road collectors possible
From: hosted.ap.org
"Differences over proposed contract terms between the private operator of the Indiana Toll Road and a union that represents its toll collectors could lead to a strike, a union official said Wednesday."
State won't appeal ruling on adult-materials law
From: www.indystar.com
"Indiana's attorney general will not appeal a ruling that struck down a law requiring retailers to register with the state if they sell sexually explicit material."
Bigger tax refunds lop state budget
From: www2.ljworld.com
"State government's economic woes worsened during the past two months in part because of huge business tax refunds, officials said Wednesday."
State probes fireworks incident
From: news.cincinnati.com
"FAIRFIELD TWP., Ky. -- A man who dashed through flames and exploding fireworks to escape his burning garage could face felony charges for manufacturing fireworks without a license, the fire chief said Wednesday."
Gas prices questioned
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Fill up with gas in Lexington and you'll pay about $3.96 a gallon. Fill up in Cincinnati and it will cost $4.04 -- and $4.08 in Indianapolis."
Study -- 8 airports run risk of cuts
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"NEW ORLEANS - As the airline industry tries to deal with sky-high fuel prices by cutting back on capacity, six Louisiana airports and two in Mississippi are on a list of airports most likely to lose flights, a business travel advocacy group says."
Jindal stops Iberville racino vote with veto
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal on Wednesday vetoed a bid to let voters in Iberville Parish decide whether to build a horse-racing track and slot machine complex in St. Gabriel."
Gambling bills killed by veto
From: www.nola.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal, who campaigned as a gambling opponent, vetoed a trio of bills Wednesday that he said would have expanded gaming in Louisiana."
Jindal signs autism bill
From: www.nola.com
"Legislation requiring health insurance companies in the state to cover treatment for autism in those younger than 17 has been signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal, aides said Wednesday."
Jindal signs autism coverage bill
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"A bill that requires many state businesses to offer health insurance coverage for children with autism was signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Bobby Jindal."
Board plans review on pension advisers
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Board of Public Works agreed yesterday to clarify the appointment process for advisers to the state retirement and pension system after complaints that a nominee who would have been the first African-American in that post was treated poorly."
Currie linked to mall plan
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"State Sen. Ulysses Currie, whose ties to Shoppers Food and Pharmacy are under federal investigation, intervened several times in recent years on behalf of the grocery store chain when it was seeking public financing and other concessions as part of the multimillion-dollar redevelopment of Mondawmin Mall in West Baltimore, according to interviews and records obtained by
The Sun."
Pa. firm might buy possible site in Md.
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Penn National Gaming, a major casino operator, is considering buying a site in Cecil County that could become one of five slots venues in Maryland and might throw its support behind a November referendum on legalizing the machines, a company official said yesterday. "
Maine's peak tourism season begins with holiday weekend
From: www.sunjournal.com
"PORTLAND, Maine - Fair weather is expected for much of the Independence Day weekend as the peak tourist season gets under way in Maine."
Maine plans to stake out N.H. fireworks stores
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"The state fire marshal has a warning for any Mainers who plan to buy fireworks in New Hampshire for Fourth of July celebrations:
"We'll be watching," John Dean said."
Support builds for energy session
From: bangornews.com
"Gov. John Baldacci and legislative leaders say support is building for an energy special session this summer to address what the state can do to help Mainers weather the energy crisis next winter."
Cox sues Blues over funds
From: www.detnews.com
"Attorney General Mike Cox, an outspoken critic in recent months of the way Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan conducts its business, is taking his battle against the state's largest insurer to court. "
$1B boost to area possible if MSU lands nuclear lab
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State University's stake in winning a $550 million federal nuclear science facility is the ability to stay at the cutting edge of rare isotope research in the coming decades."
Suit could threaten Accident Fund project
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"A lawsuit filed Wednesday by the state attorney general could threaten the long-awaited redevelopment of Lansing's Ottawa Power Station, developers and city officials said."
Economy cited in reasons for abortions
From: www.sctimes.com
"Many women who got abortions last year say the worsening economy was one of the reasons for their decision."
State park visits dip but gas prices may help rebound
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Itasca State Park, Minn. - Nearly half-a-million people visit Itasca State Park each year. For about 40 members of the Knutson family, camping near the shore of Lake Itasca is an annual tradition."
He's at the helm of Minnesota law
From: www.sctimes.com
"The headline on Michael Ford's first column as president of the Minnesota State Bar Association will be "Lake Wobegon Conceit.""
Minnesota turning tide on meth, state officials say
From: www.twincities.com
"Methamphetamine has exacted a costly and deadly toll on Minnesota over the past decade, but a new state report shows a 93 percent reduction in reported meth labs and other progress."
McCrory, Perdue spar over lottery
From: www.charlotte.com
"Gubernatorial candidates Bev Perdue and Pat McCrory tussled Wednesday over McCrory's willingness to repeal North Carolina's lottery."
N.C. House passes bil that could delay Monkey Junction annexation
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"It's not quite The Great Ape Escape, but Monkey Junction may remain out of reach for the city of Wilmington for a while longer."
Pipeline project in hands of regulators
From: www.journalstar.com
"The fate of a roughly $100 million natural gas pipeline is in the hands of state regulators."
Dartmouth sells Mt. Washington summit land to state
From: www.theunionleader.com
"THOMPSON AND MESERVES PURCHASE, N.H. -- A wedge of land atop Mount Washington became the property of the state of New Hampshire yesterday afternoon, concluding a 10-year effort between the state and Dartmouth College."
NH unemployment benefits expanded
From: www.fosters.com
"Gov. John Lynch has signed an agreement with the federal government to extend unemployment benefits for New Hampshire residents.
"
Home care agencies struggle with high gas prices
From: www.fosters.com
"High gas prices are making it harder for New Hampshire nurses, therapists and aides to serve chronically ill elderly and disabled patients in their homes."
N.J. residents worried about finances, poll finds
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jerseyans aren't feeling especially festive with the Fourth of July holiday approaching. A new poll finds them increasingly worried about their finances."
State misses environmental deadline
From: www.app.com
"Just shy of the first anniversary of the highly publicized signing of the Global Warming Response Act by Gov. Jon S. Corzine, the state this week missed its first deadline in its effort to curb New Jersey's greenhouse gas emissions."
Corzine dislikes gas tax hike for transit upgrade
From: www.nj.com
"As Gov. Jon Corzine ponders a new long-range transportation improvement plan, he said yesterday that raising the state gas tax "ought to be a very, very last resort.""
Merging banks vow $676 million for affordable homes
From: www.nj.com
"TD Banknorth and Commerce Bank, which are in the process of merging, yesterday committed to providing $676.5 million statewide over the next three years to support affordable housing development and improvements."
18 health care facilities missed New York's deadline
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"All but 18 hospitals and nursing homes that were required to close, merge or downsize following recommendations by a state panel met the June 30 deadline, state Health Commissioner Richard Daines announced Wednesday."
State finds fund misuse at 19 child care centers
From: www.nytimes.com
"The state comptroller, Thomas P. DiNapoli, said on Wednesday that his office had uncovered numerous instances of child care centers in New York City misspending public funds. He said his office had referred 19 child care centers to local prosecutors for possible criminal investigation. "
Energy rebates would cut heat bills
From: www.dispatch.com
"As customers brace for the likelihood of record-high heating costs, Columbia Gas of Ohio is planning to offer incentives early next year for households that take steps to improve energy efficiency."
Jobless Ohioans will get extra aid
From: www.dispatch.com
"Out-of-work Ohioans who exhaust their unemployment benefits will get added relief."
Now that Seattle lawsuit has been settled, the NBA is on its way here to stay
From: newsok.com
"The Seattle NBA basketball team will start moving to Oklahoma City this morning and will play in the Ford Center this fall under terms of a settlement announced Wednesday."
Autism insurance bill expected to become law
From: www.mcall.com
"Parents of autistic children would be able to pay for behavioral therapy and related services with private health insurance starting next year, under legislation that strikes a compromise between the insurance industry and advocates for the disabled."
State official balks over changes for casino
From: www.post-gazette.com
"One Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board member isn't enthralled with Don Barden's plans to delay construction of an outdoor amphitheater and other riverfront amenities at his North Shore casino."
High gas prices keeping many closer to home
From: www.projo.com
"The highways during the July Fourth holiday weekend will be a little less crowded this year."
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe plans casino
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"Officials for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe believe their plans for a casino on the shore of Lake Oahe in central South Dakota will create jobs and generate essential revenue for programs on the financially strapped reservation."
The Fives: Incendiary issues in South Dakota's Indian Country
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"A relatively new issue compared to some of the other's here, the prospects of this often contentious issue are certain to arise again with the recent news that the Cheyenne River tribe plans to become the latest in South Dakota to build a casino."
Smoke drifting into Black Hills again
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"The Black Hills area has been getting a double dose of smoke without the forest fires."
Prosecutors say John Ford defrauded Tennessee
From: www.tennessean.com
"Former state Sen. John Ford defrauded the people of Tennessee by receiving more than $800,000 in consulting fees from two health-care firms while he was a lawmaker pushing legislation that was favorable to them, prosecutors say."
Bredesen to testify Thursday in Ford trial
From: hosted.ap.org
"Gov. Phil Bredesen testifies Thursday in the public corruption trial of former state Sen. John Ford."
Glitches found in state's project to outsource tech jobs
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Big state agencies undercut a major effort to outsource and streamline computer services throughout state government, according to an audit released Wednesday."
Beef recall hits Oregon, Washington
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Just days before the hamburger's starring role in Fourth of July barbecues, a Nebraska slaughterhouse has recalled more than a half-million pounds of beef potentially tainted with E. coli."
States' unemployment funds dwindling
From: www.detnews.com
"The funds states use to pay unemployment benefits are running low, raising fears of higher taxes on businesses and less money to help out-of-work employees during tight economic times."
High Court's campaign finance ruling poses threat to state laws
From: www.cqpolitics.com
"Last week's Supreme Court decision nullifying the "millionaire's amendment'' in federal campaign finance laws means renewed legal challenges to programs in at least eight states and two cities that provide more in public funds to candidates running against privately financed foes."
Governor Kaine uses town halls to dole out money
From: www.inrich.com
"During Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's town hall meetings throughout the state, he took feedback and then he gave back."
Unemployment benefits extended
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Vermont state officials say up to 4,000 residents may be helped by an extension of unemployment benefits announced this week. "
Gubernatorial candidates to debate on environment
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Vermont's three major gubernatorial candidates have agreed to square off for their first debate of the 2008 campaign on July 20, with the environment, energy, food and farming up for discussion."
Gov. extends unemployment benefits
From: www.timesargus.com
"As many as 4,000 Vermonters could be eligible for extended federal unemployment insurance benefits."
Washington wheat will feed hungry North Koreans
From: www.spokesmanreview.com
"North Korea -- named by President Bush as a point in the "Axis of Evil" -- has long been a reclusive nation. Now, ravaged by hunger and poverty, its borders are opening to expanded international aid."
State Fair, Southern States sign contract
From: www.register-herald.com
"FAIRLEA, W.Va. - The State Fair of West Virginia and Southern States Inc. have signed a contract for a five-year facility sponsorship designed to reap benefits for both the annual exposition and the cooperative which has agriculture at its core."
W.Va. highways getting weather, road data network
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"CLARKSBURG, W.Va. -- Over the next five years, West Virginia's four-lane thoroughfares will be converted to information highways to help motorists and highway crews stay ahead of changing weather patterns and road conditions."
PSC opens Verizon investigation
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia's Public Service Commission says it's opening an investigation into a growing chorus of complaints about poor phone service from Verizon."
Kroger recalls ground beef in W.Va.
From: www.dailymail.com
"CINCINNATI -- First it was the tomatoes. Now it's the beef."
Nevada official eyes W.Va. workers' comp transition
From: www.dailymail.com
"The head of the Nevada company that shepherded that state's workers' compensation system from a state-run monopoly to a privately owned company in a competitive market has been keeping an eye on West Virginia's privatization."
Manchin seeks review of $400 million DuPont case
From: www.dailymail.com
"Gov. Joe Manchin wants the West Virginia Supreme Court to clarify whether DuPont has the right to be heard as it appeals $196.2 million in punitive damages, about half the amount a jury awarded in a case involving health threats from a former zinc smelting plant."
Feds consider expansion of uranium mine
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CASPER, Wyo. -- Still dealing with multiple environmental violations at its Smith Ranch-Highland in-situ leach uranium mine, Cameco Resources Inc. has asked federal regulators to expand its permit boundary by 8,700 acres."
2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 12:11 p.m. EDT, July 3, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
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."
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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increase wealth accumulation and retention.
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Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
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Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
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