BUDGET BREAKER- Gaming tax collections sink
From: www.lvrj.com
"At a time when Gov. Jim Gibbons, legislators and everyone else in Nevada would have welcomed good news about the state economy, they got an even more depressing report."
Arkansas lottery would cost border states millions, estimate says
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"CENTERTON, Ark. - Missouri could lose more than $25 million in lottery ticket sales in the first fiscal year after Arkansas implemented a state lottery, according to the latest estimate presented to the Missouri Lottery Commission."
Ala. hopes to attract neighbors on tax holiday
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Alabama hopes to attract Florida and Mississippi shoppers to its third annual sales tax holiday in August."
$9.3 billion water bond proposal goes to lawmakers
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sen. Dianne Feinstein floated a $9.3 billion proposal for new dams and Delta projects Thursday in what amounted to a last-ditch attempt to get lawmakers on board with a water bond package in time for November's elections."
Vets face new battle -- Finding jobs
From: www.philly.com
"After 20 years in the National Guard and a year in Iraq, where he often came under enemy fire, former Army Staff Sgt. Gary Lambert has faced many scary challenges. Now comes another: finding a civilian job in a shaky economy."
Disney's gun stance draws fire
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Although a new and controversial National Rifle Association-backed law sought to give Floridians like her the peace of mind to carry a piece almost anywhere in their cars, Disney World has found what it says is an out tucked in the law."
Payday lenders can try ballot issue
From: www.dispatch.com
"Ohio payday lenders can start collecting signatures for a ballot referendum that, if approved in November, would let them continue charging the same interest rate as they do today."
Gambling expansion is rejected by lawmakers
From: www.stltoday.com
"The Illinois House on Thursday sank Gov. Rod Blagojevich's proposed expansion of casino gambling, possibly taking with it the last hope for funding a massive statewide infrastructure rebuilding plan."
Proposed ban stirs uproar in Fremont
From: www.omaha.com
"A proposed law aimed at banishing illegal immigrants from Fremont, Neb. - believed to be the first such city-sponsored initiative in the state - has sparked an outcry from a state agency that advocates for Latinos."
Casinos make pitch to state
From: www.kansas.com
"The state panel that will choose Sumner County's casino developer grilled two applicants Thursday and at times put them on the defensive. Harrah's Entertainment-Sumner Gaming and Resorts had to explain why it wants to put a casino near Mulvane, where it will benefit Sedgwick County, which voted against casino gambling last year"
Worried NJ's business climate worsening, group calls for help
From: www.app.com
"Saying a significant number of business owners think the state's business environment will deteriorate, a business group's think tank recommended Thursday ways state lawmakers can make New Jersey more hospitable to business."
Retailers push for a tax holiday
From: bostonherald.com
"With the clock ticking toward the end of the legislative session, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts is urging its members to put a full-court press on lawmakers to ensure passage of a fifth annual state sales tax holiday"
Home sales fall 23 percent in May, prices fall 2 percent
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"The number of homes sold in Arkansas in May fell 22.8 percent compared to the same month last year and the average price of homes sold fell 2 percent, the Arkansas Realtors Association reported Thursday."
Barden gives up control of city casino
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Nearly 19 months after winning Pittsburgh's sole slots license on his birthday, Don Barden is giving up control of his North Shore casino as part of a deal to secure a critical piece of financing."
Change in Colorado liquor law could affect sales here
From: www.wyomingnews.com
"CHEYENNE -- Sundays are busy days for liquor stores here. Besides local customers, they're a quick drive for Colorado residents who, until recently, couldn't shop at liquor stores on Sundays. But the Colorado ban on Sunday liquor sales -- for anything other than 3.2 percent alcohol at grocery stores -- has been lifted as of last weekend."
SC drops out of campaign to attract gay tourists
From: www.goupstate.com
"South Carolina's state tourism agency has dropped out of an effort to attract gay tourists."
A-B, InBev talking deal, reports say
From: www.stltoday.com
"Anheuser-Busch Cos. has opened talks to sell itself to the Belgian brewer InBev in a friendly deal, according to news reports."
N.C. hopes Hollywood will give it more business
From: www2.journalnow.com
"North Carolina wants to become more appealing to Hollywood."
Former governors question TransCanada plan
From: www.adn.com
"While the state Legislature is in special session to decide whether to give TransCanada Corp. a license for a gas pipeline, two former governors are arguing doing so would be a big mistake."
Exxon plaintiffs pursue interest
From: www.adn.com
"WASHINGTON -- People owed money from the Exxon Valdez lawsuit have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to make it clear that they should receive interest payments, even though the court cut the punitive damages award last month from $2.5 billion to $507 million."
State's foreclosure rate rises
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Alabama home foreclosures jumped almost 22 percent last month, according to a company that tracks national foreclosure trends, but the state still wasn't as bad as most other places -- ranking No. 40 in foreclosure rates."
Farmers markets begin EBT pilot
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"The Alabama Farmers Market Authority has launched a pilot program to allow food stamp recipients to use their electronic benefit transfer or EBT cards at three produce markets in Alabama."
Farmers get welcome relief from DOT rules
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"It may not take a Philadelphia lawyer to decipher, but a new state law covering exemptions for agricultural vehicles on public roads has confused farmers trying to understand its meaning."
Alabama extends unemployment pay 13 weeks
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Unemployed Alabamians might be eligible for up to 13 more weeks of unemployment compensation."
Forestry Comm. send more firefighters to Texas
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Another group of Alabama wildland firefighters are headed to Texas."
Calif. orders Allstate to cut homeowner rate
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"LOS ANGELES - Allstate Corp. has been ordered to cut its California homeowner insurance rate by more than 25 percent, a move that will save consumers an estimated $255 million a year, the state insurance commissioner announced Thursday."
Thirsty orchards' plight in Central Valley
From: www.sfgate.com
"Being a farmer in drought-prone California always has been a struggle. But 2008 is turning into one for the history books. This year, natural and man-made water shortages will cost the agriculture industry more than $160 million, not to mention the reduced plantings for next year and the ripple effect through banks, farming equipment businesses and consumers who could pay even higher prices for food."
Huge bond plan to revamp state water system
From: www.sfgate.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sen. Dianne Feinstein unveiled a sweeping $9.3 billion bond proposal on Thursday to overhaul California's ailing water infrastructure by expanding water storage, protecting the fragile Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and promoting conservation projects across the state."
Citizenship numbers surge in state
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Long a port of entry for immigrants, California has bolstered its position as a portal to citizenship, and as the center of a national surge in citizenship among Mexican immigrants."
Governor, Feinstein back bond
From: www.sacbee.com
"In a last-ditch effort to place a water bond on the November ballot, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sen. Dianne Feinstein proposed a joint $9.3 billion plan Thursday that they believe addresses environmental and oversight concerns."
State investigating third farmworker fatality in scorching weather
From: www.sacbee.com
"California's Occupational Safety and Health agency is investigating the death Wednesday of a farm laborer in Kern County as another possible heat-related fatality on the job."
Heat, smoke and breezes hamper firefighting efforts in Butte County
From: www.latimes.com
"Exhausted firefighters continued to wage a blaze-by-blaze battle Thursday against the swath of wildfires bedeviling the state, with the biggest showdown looming in Butte County as flames plowed toward several tiny backwoods towns and threatened the town of Paradise."
Home loans for California's Iraq, Afghanistan vets may be headed to ballot
From: www.latimes.com
"California veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq would become eligible for loans to purchase homes and farms through a $900-million bond act that state lawmakers are asking voters to approve in November."
Battling California fires, inmates find a chance at better role
From: www.csmonitor.com
"BIG SUR, Calif. - The fire whirl came spinning up the steep slopes of Big Sur like a dust devil of flame. It headed for the new guy on the fire crew, Billy Gray, who threw on his shroud and bowed his head just in time. "
Fish affect California water supply
From: www.nytimes.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - The federal Fish and Wildlife Service this week underscored the imminent threat of extinction facing the delta smelt, a two-inch-long fish native to the Sacramento River delta, when it announced it was considering whether to declare the fish endangered."
T. Boone Pickens urges wind, natural gas to Colorado gas execs
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"The U.S. could cut oil imports by 38 percent if it generated enough wind power to provide 22 percent of the country's electricity, and use natural gas primarily to fuel cars, Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens said Thursday."
Ritter's state aid for college outlined
From: www.denverpost.com
"State scholarships funded from a proposed hike in taxes on the oil and gas industry would require students to maintain certain grades and would include an income-eligibility cap, state higher-education officials said Thursday."
State population growth stagnant
From: www.zwire.com
"Connecticut's growth from last year was a mere blip, next to nothing, almost a nonevent - but state demographers say we should get used to it."
In state on anti-poverty jaunt, Edwards blasts Rell for minimum wage veto
From: www.zwire.com
"Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards criticized Connecticut's governor on Thursday for vetoing an increase in the state's minimum wage, saying a higher wage is key to combatting poverty."
Mixmaster plan brings mixed reviews
From: www.rep-am.com
"WATERBURY - Plans for a $1.3 billion-plus reconstruction of the Mixmaster highway interchange in the heart of Waterbury could displace businesses and claim prime commercial properties. However, a year-long state study of the project's possible impacts envisions new businesses and high-end apartments flourishing around the improved nexus of Route 8 and Interstate 84."
John Edwards brings anti-poverty campaign to Hartford
From: www.courant.com
"There is no bus, no banner, no trailing press contingent. But John Edwards still is campaigning, five months after ending his run for president. Edwards brought his new anti-poverty campaign Thursday to a Hartford public housing project, where residents say they have struggled for attention at the state Capitol."
Rell wants to include rebates in emissions plan
From: www.courant.com
"Connecticut is just weeks away from implementing a sweeping plan to cut power plant emissions, and most agree that effort will mean higher energy costs to consumers."
Carney to push for wind energy alliances, new jobs
From: www.delawareonline.com
"With Delaware still abuzz over the wind farm that soon will be built offshore, bringing new energy technology to the state and region, Lt. Gov. John Carney Jr. on Thursday released his ideas for building on the project and moving the state toward other renewable energy sources."
Crist defends European trip as effort to help state
From: www.miamiherald.com
"At a cost to taxpayers of $255,000, Gov. Charlie Crist embarks with staff and dozens of corporate executives Saturday on an 11-day European trade mission in the hope of striking business deals to spark Florida's flagging economy."
State of Florida workers get training for emergencies
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"About four-dozen state employees from all over Florida are training in ways to fight fires, deal with hazardous materials, rescue hurricane victims and cope with terror attacks and other emergencies"
DFS announces consolidation of state call centers
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Call-center operations in nine offices that take consumer complaints around the state will consolidate into two as the Florida Department of Financial Services moves to save $1 million a year."
Vog a threat to farmers
From: starbulletin.com
"Some Big Island farmers have seen crops wiped out due to the severe ongoing effects of Kilauea's vog, which is threatening future production and the viability of diversified agriculture in Hawaii."
Culver -- Floods should inspire cities to study preparedness
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver on Thursday called the recent floods a wake-up call that local officials should use to reorder their priorities."
Northey -- Producers favor increase in corn checkoff
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey says corn producers favor paying more into a fund that invests in research, education and promotion efforts."
Worker exploitation reports anger bishops
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Three leading Iowa bishops on Thursday urged Iowa leaders to take action to protect immigrants and other low-wage workers in the wake of more reports that laborers are being exploited by flood cleanup and recovery companies."
Religious leaders say flood workers mistreated, Labor Commissioner says rules followed
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Religious leaders who back immigration reform say immigrant workers were exploited and mistreated during flood cleanup in eastern Iowa. The state's labor commissioner says contractors were held to all the work related rules on the books."
Vision Iowa chair says new program could help flooded communities
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The chairman of the Vision Iowa Board says a new program, approved by the legislature this year, could help a host of flooded communities rebuild."
Census -- Iowa slowly growing
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Iowa's population continues to slowly increase, with suburbs leading the way."
Miller defends TouchPlay settlements
From: www.gazetteonline.com
"Attorney General Tom Miller is defending more than $6 million in payouts to companies claiming to have been harmed by Iowa's ban of TouchPlay video gaming machines."
Braley, Loebsack want low-interest loans for flood-damaged railroads
From: www.qctimes.com
"Two Iowa congressmen are hoping to help railroads whose tracks and bridges were damaged or destroyed in this year's floods."
Idaho group wants tougher contractor requirements
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho residents are not being protected from unscrupulous or incompetent building contractors because the state's requirements for someone to become a contractor are inadequate, the Idaho Association of Building Officials says."
Bulk of Idaho's growth is in the suburbs
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Fewer people moved to Idaho in 2007 and those who did move here opted to live in the suburbs, not urban centers or rural areas."
SIU launches new cancer institute
From: www.thesouthern.com
"One man hugely responsible for the new SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine got the sole standing ovation at a ribbon-cutting celebration Thursday."
Blagojevich pulls funds meant for mandate on seniors
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Another sucker punch from Springfield has transit agencies scratching their heads."
No dice to gambling expansion
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Plans to pay for billions of dollars in road, bridge and school construction with more and bigger casinos were declared "dead" Thursday, falling victim to political infighting and distrust."
Illinois foreclosures still way up
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Significantly more Chicago area households received some type of foreclosure notice this June than last, suggesting the local foreclosure problem stands to get worse before it gets better."
Governor says IDOT move is not a snub to Springfield
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich insists his administration will do everything possible to limit the pain for employees affected by moving more than 100 state jobs from Springfield to southern Illinois. "
Blagojevich says Madigan forced budget cuts
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich says House Democrats may have won another battle in their war over a $34 billion capital construction program, but he's not about to give up."
Ribbon cut at cancer institute; work lies ahead
From: www.sj-r.com
"Robert Mocharnuk and Aziz Khan left their longtime positions at a nationally recognized cancer center in Los Angeles to join Springfield's new SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. "
Madigan not ruling out income tax increase push in spring as budget battle lingers
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Speaker Michael Madigan made it clear Thursday he would oppose a post-election income tax increase this fall, but he didn't entirely quell fears stoked by Gov. Rod Blagojevich that House Democrats were scheming to raise taxes in the near future."
House defeats gambling expansion plan
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich's $34 billion statewide construction program stalled again Thursday when the House rejected the gambling expansion that would have provided the major source of money to pay for it. "
Hemenway, Sebelius to promote Kansas business at British air show
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will lead a delegation, including Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway, to the Farnborough International Air Show in England next week to promote the state's aviation industry and encourage investment in Kansas."
Boyda-Moran bill would halt shortfall in highway funds
From: www.cjonline.com
"Reps. Nancy Boyda and Jerry Moran have introduced a bill to fix the federal highway fund shortage that threatens to delay or cancel four Kansas transportation projects"
State, county officials call for immediate judicial reform, warn of crippling finances
From: www.kentucky.com
"The governor, key lawmakers and an army of officials from cash-strapped counties say wholesale reforms to the state's judicial and penal systems are needed now, before Kentucky is financially crippled."
State revenue grew by 1.1 percent, still below original budget
From: www.courier-journal.com
"State revenue grew by 1.1 percent last fiscal year, slightly higher than the amount projected in January but less than the original budgeted amount."
Leaders promise to address state's workforce needs
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"The legislative cheerleaders at Louisiana Delta Community College on Thursday represented a variety of agencies, from higher education to correctional facilities, but all made it clear they are on the same team."
New laws deal with courts, insurance
From: www.nola.com
"A bill to delay the merger of New Orleans' civil and criminal district courts by five years and one to allow insurance companies to set regional homeowners insurance hurricane deductibles have gotten the green light from Gov. Bobby Jindal, aides said Thursday."
Massachusetts - a $1B budget imbalance
From: bostonherald.com
"Massachusetts could be headed for a "fiscal meltdown" unless state lawmakers and Gov. Deval Patrick slash several hundred million dollars from the proposed 2009 state budget, a prominent state watchdog group warns."
Agency expects more to appeal healthcare fee
From: www.boston.com
"State regulators said yesterday they expect more than a three-fold increase in the number of Massachusetts residents who will appeal penalties in the next year for failing to have state-mandated health insurance."
Drug industry tightens rules on gift-giving
From: www.boston.com
"The trade association for drug companies announced yesterday a tightening of its voluntary code restricting industry gifts to doctors, even as the association has been forcefully lobbying against a tougher ban that is likely to be debated in the Massachusetts House next week."
Taxes could be next frontier for health care
From: gazette.net
"New taxes on tobacco, alcohol and business could be among proposals for further expanding health care during the 2009 General Assembly."
House committee takes a look at the state's invesment
From: gazette.net
"What's summer without a road trip? Members of the House Ways and Means Committee drove in from around the state Tuesday to National Harbor, Prince George's County's new waterfront city near Oxon Hill."
Penn National takes a flier in Cecil
From: gazette.net
"Penn National Gaming placed a bet on a pit in Cecil County. The Pennsylvania company has taken out an option to acquire 36 acres of a former gravel pit owned by Principio Iron Co. on the chance that Maryland voters will pass a referendum to allow slot machines at five locations in the state, including one in Cecil County."
First day's slots wagers hits $5.6M
From: bangornews.com
"The roughly 9,000 people who visited Hollywood Slots Hotel and Raceway's July 1 grand opening in Bangor racked up a total wager of $5.6 million, according to a report presented Thursday by Scott Woods, auditor for the Maine Gambling Control Board, at the board's first meeting since Hollywood Slots moved into its new home."
Michigan expected to divest from Sudan
From: www.mlive.com
"Michigan likely will soon join a growing list of states planning to pull public pension investments from companies that do business with Sudan and other nations accused of government-supported genocide or terrorism."
Highway billboard limits in danger?
From: www.freep.com
"Michigan environmental groups decried Thursday a proposed new set of regulations for highway billboards that they say would reverse limits set in the 1990s to preserve the state's scenic beauty."
Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm tours downtown Flint's renovation effort, calls it 'cool'
From: www.mlive.com
"FLINT, Michigan -- Surrounded by brick walls, glass sliding doors and contemporary art in downtown's newest remodeled building, Kathi Horton told Gov. Jennifer Granholm that she remembered Granholm's words when Rowe Inc. broke ground here."
Three Dems face off in House District 42
From: www.detnews.com
"In the blue-color Democratic strongholds of Roseville and Eastpointe, there's a sense of urgency about lowering taxes, creating jobs and protecting mortgages as the summer days creep toward the Aug. 5 primary."
'I do believe in free trade,' McCain tells plant crowd
From: www.freep.com
"The manufacturing employees in the Wayne County audience Thursday were concerned -- about the loss of jobs, the movement of production overseas and the lack of support from Washington, D.C. in recent years."
Otter Tail rate request trimmed
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"Regulators gave Otter Tail Power Co. its first rate increase in two decades, but trimmed the utility's request in half."
Pawlenty predicts better budget news
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"Gov. Tim Pawlenty says a state economic update scheduled for release tomorrow will provide some relatively good news for Minnesota."
Hundreds turn out for info about nuclear plant
From: www.columbiatribune.com
"Hundreds of people last night packed an auditorium at Westminster College in Fulton for a meeting on AmerenUE's plans to apply for a permit to build a new $6 billion, 1,600-megawatt nuclear reactor unit at its existing plant in Callaway County."
Casinos come up short at fiscal year's end
From: www.kansascity.com
"Area casinos are bringing home lackluster midyear report cards, and the bad news is that things probably are going to worsen in the sluggish economy."
Community colleges are training Mississippi
From: www.sunherald.com
"GULFPORT, Miss. -- Former Secretary of State Eric Clark said now more than ever Mississippi needs its 15 community colleges to prepare residents for the high-paying jobs coming to the state."
Lenders saved state from downturn, panel told
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The housing market in Montana is in much stronger shape than it is nationally because of the state's strong economy and the refusal of most lenders here to issue subprime mortgages, state Revenue Director Dan Bucks said Thursday."
South-central Montana a hot spot for wind
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"A century ago, homesteaders Elbert and Alice Phipps no doubt cursed the relentless winds that raked their wide-open spaces. But today's inhabitants, great-grandson Clarence Phipps and his wife, Lynn, and 8-year-old daughter, Emma, value the nonstop gale."
Bill targets ticket-grab software
From: www.charlotte.com
"When the 7,000 Carolina Panthers tickets available to the general public for each home game sell out fast, team officials can't help but suspect scalpers are using sophisticated computer software to gobble them up."
Budget aims to fix mental care
From: www.newsobserver.com
"State lawmakers want private companies treating the mentally ill to offer more professional services, which they view as central to correcting substantial weaknesses in North Carolina's system of care."
N.C. legislators aim at ticket scams
From: www.charlotte.com
"Billy Martin didn't know he'd been scammed until he tried to get into Bank of America Stadium to watch the Carolina Panthers play the Dallas Cowboys in 2006."
Bill that allows bigger trucks advances, but with safeguards
From: www2.journalnow.com
"A bill to allow larger trucks on North Carolina roads moved forward in the state legislature yesterday, but only after safeguards were added to satisfy concerns from Gov. Mike Easley and highway-safety advocates."
States say privatizing worker's comp works
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"West Virginia and Nevada officials told North Dakota legislators Thursday how they moved workers'' compensation coverage from state-run monopolies to private companies competing in the marketplace."
State's road budget focuses on maintenance
From: www.journalstar.com
"The state's $315 million road-building budget for next construction season focuses heavily on maintaining what's already there, said Department of Roads Director John Craig. "
Gov. Lynch gets up-close look at local manufacturers
From: www.fosters.com
"ROCHESTER, N.H. - Sporting protective eyeglasses, Gov. John Lynch was navigating the factory at Laars Heating Systems when Brad Gauthier called out to him."
Governors call for fuel assistance
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"Governors from across New England, warning that some families may have to choose between food or warmth this winter, called for a sharp boost in federal home heating aid."
Ex-senator Edwards joins push for NJ minimum wage hike
From: www.app.com
"Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards is joining the chorus of those who want to see an increase in New Jersey's minimum wage."
Mob taint suspected in EnCap project
From: www.nj.com
"Federal and state law enforcement officials are investigating potential mob influence in the failed $1 billion EnCap project, according to sources close to the investigation."
CWA finds Katz took advantage
From: www.nj.com
"An internal investigation of state-worker union leader Carla Katz found evidence that she hired a staffer specifically to work on her bid for a higher post and spent more than $71,000 in dues money to send union members to a conference to campaign for her election."
May gaming revenue worst in 10 years, may cause further state budget cuts
From: www.rgj.com
"Nevada gaming revenues plummeted more than 15 percent in May, the steepest monthly drop in at least 10 years and portending a potentially rough summer for Nevada's No. 1 industry and further budget woes for state government."
Get ready for 22% hike: Con Ed
From: www.nypost.com
"Electric bills will soar 22 percent this summer because of rising fuel costs, Con Ed officials predict. Authorities at the utility warn the hike will hit businesses even harder - with a 25 percent increase expected during the dog days of July and August."
Cig-nificant help
From: www.nypost.com
"With taxes sending cigarette prices through the roof, New Yorkers are putting away the lighter - and reaching for the phone. Calls to 311 to help quit smoking tripled the week cigarette prices hit a sky-high $10 a pack at some city stores, according to data released by the city Health Department yesterday."
Cuomo enlists online services to fight child porn
From: www.timesunion.com
"Two of the nation's largest Internet providers have eliminated access to newsgroups that featured child pornography, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Thursday."
Minimum wage increases faster than median wage
From: www.nytimes.com
"In the last few years, the minimum wage in New York State has increased almost 40 percent, while the average pay for hourly workers has risen much more slowly, not even keeping pace with inflation, according to a report released Thursday by the federal Department of Labor."
Liquor permits on the rise
From: news.cincinnati.com
"Despite predictions that the state smoking ban would doom Ohio bars, there are more places to drink now than before in Greater Cincinnati and in the state overall."
Ohio cities considering gasoline surcharge for speeders
From: www.dispatch.com
"MIDDLETOWN, Ohio -- Some cities in southwest Ohio are considering a gasoline surcharge for speeders."
Opinion clarifies state immigrant license law
From: newsok.com
"Attorney General Drew Edmondson said Thursday that American citizens applying for professional or commercial licenses only have to complete an affidavit of U.S. citizenship once, according to Oklahoma's immigration law, unless their status changes."
Grass burning issue reignites in Oregon
From: hosted.ap.org
"EUGENE, Ore. -- The issue of grass burning may reignite soon in Oregon."
FERC puts LNG terminal along Columbia on next week's agenda
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Federal energy regulators will consider and possibly vote Thursday on whether to approve the proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal, located about 20 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River."
Suits against gas drilling get ally
From: www.mcall.com
"The Delaware River's leading water quality watchdog has sounded a warning over natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania, filing a friend-of-the-court brief Tuesday in two closely-watched state Supreme Court cases."
Views differ on proposed 'Blues' merger
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"State lawmakers, doctors and health care industry executives clashed Thursday over whether the proposed merger of Pennsylvania's two largest health insurers will benefit or hurt consumers."
Barden surrenders control of Pittsburgh's casino
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Don Barden announced Thursday he is giving up control of his financially troubled North Shore casino project, which likely won't keep the name Majestic Star."
Lawrence County racetrack-casino may go up in smoke
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The deal to build a Lawrence County racetrack and casino could collapse after the state Gaming Control Board rejected an appeal Thursday by the proposed casino's developer for a temporary license."
State workers taking a hard look at contract proposal
From: www.projo.com
"The votes are starting to roll in on new contracts that would leave most state workers without raises this year and force them to pay more and more each year for their health insurance packages, until they are paying up to 25 percent of the premiums."
'S.C. is so gay'? State says no way
From: www.thestate.com
"South Carolina's top tourism agency has canceled an overseas advertising campaign targeting gay tourists."
SC coastal communities growing rapidly
From: www.goupstate.com
"CHARLESTON, S.C. - The latest Census Bureau figures show that the coast remains one of the fastest-growing areas of South Carolina."
State senator pitches hatchery grounds for new GF&P complex
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"State Sen. Jerry Apa of Lead urged the state Game, Fish & Parks Commission on Thursday to avoid a major land purchase for a proposed regional office complex and outdoor learning center in Rapid City."
Prairie dogs feel pinch
From: www.argusleader.com
"An iconic South Dakota animal, the black-tailed prairie dog, will get another shot at being listed as an endangered species, a notion that has state ranchers concerned about losing tracts of grazing land."
Witness says Ford was hired as consultant
From: www.tennessean.com
"The chief financial officer for the parent company of OmniCare testified in federal court on Thursday that former state Sen. John Ford was paid for consulting work and the executive did not find anything legally wrong with paying a lawmaker."
Judge -- More charges possible in Ford case
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"The judge in John Ford's corruption trial said Thursday that investigations connected to the former state senator's case may still be open and that others could be charged."
Feds require new pesticide measures
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"YAKIMA, Wash. -- Federal regulators will require new measures to protect agricultural workers from five pesticides, including two widely used in the Northwest potato industry, but are allowing continued use of another that is widely banned under international treaty."
McCain says states should control their own water
From: hosted.ap.org
"VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain says Michigan and other Great Lakes states are right to protect their water from dry regions such as his home state of Arizona."
Democrats counter Republicans with a new Alaska-oil plan
From: online.wsj.com
"WASHINGTON -- House Democrats moved Thursday to counter a Republican push for more domestic drilling with a proposal that would increase oil production from areas of Alaska already open to drilling."
Economy takes toll on education funding
From: www.npr.org
"Education budgets are getting hit by higher costs for fuel and food, and by lower tax revenues due to the real estate downturn. School budgets often take a slap when the economy sputters, as it's doing now. But some states are trying to protect schools from lousy economic conditions."
EPA won't act on emissions this year
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The Bush administration has decided not to take any new steps to regulate greenhouse gas emissions before the president leaves office, despite pressure from the Supreme Court and broad accord among senior federal officials that new regulation is appropriate now. "
High cost of driving ignites online classes boom
From: www.nytimes.com
"NEWTOWN, Pa. - First, Ryan Gibbons bought a Hyundai so he would not have to drive his gas-guzzling Chevy Blazer to college classes here. When fuel prices kept rising, he cut expenses again, eliminating two campus visits a week by enrolling in an online version of one of his courses."
Senate committee OKs funds for Utah
From: www.deseretnews.com
"Senate appropriators voted Thursday to put nearly $100 million on track to expand the FrontRunner and Trax train systems for Utah commuters. They also approved more than another $100 million for Utah energy and water projects."
Kaine, Republicans blame each other
From: www.inrich.com
"Wednesday's reconvened special session on transportation featured plenty of legislative drama -- fiery speeches, parliamentary gamesmanship and partisan jousting."
Kaine blasts fruitless special session
From: www.roanoke.com
"Gov. Tim Kaine compared the General Assembly's unproductive special session to a television sitcom Thursday, but he wasn't laughing about a debacle that left Virginia without a fix for its transportation funding woes."
In a stalemate over roads, lawmakers look to 2010
From: hamptonroads.com
"The failure of the General Assembly special session on transportation indicates that no significant state action to relieve traffic congestion will come before 2010."
Light rail extension OK'd, but process could take years
From: hamptonroads.com
"Legislation to extend Norfolk's light rail line near the Oceanfront was one of the few bills the General Assembly passed this week during a largely unsuccessful transportation special session."
Gregoire pleased with Air Force tanker decision
From: www.nwpr.org
"Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire says the Pentagon's decision to re-open bidding on the contract for Air Force refueling tankers is good news for the state, the Boeing Company and the country."
Builders lobby aims its cash at Gregoire
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Is Gov. Chris Gregoire running against Republican Dino Rossi or the state's building industry?"
WA gov says taxes last resort in balancing budget
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire, facing a possible budget deficit of more than $2.5 billion, said Thursday she's ordered state agencies to dig for savings - with higher taxes a last resort in her budgeting plans."
U.S., state may purchase certain flooded homes
From: www.jsonline.com
"The state and federal governments may pitch in to buy hundreds of homes in neighborhoods that are still under water weeks after floods swept through the state, Gov. Jim Doyle said Thursday."
Gas prices pump up state political contests
From: www.greenbaypressgazette.com
"WASHINGTON - Controlling high gas prices promises to be a major issue in the 8th Congressional District race, with voters nationally and in the state naming it a top priority."
Reopening of major tanker bid could impact state
From: www.dailymail.com
"Boeing Co. and Northrop Grumman Corp. will submit new offers for a disputed $35 billion Air Force tanker contract, and the Pentagon will pick a winner by the end of the year. It is a victory for Boeing but could spell bad news for West Virginia if Boeing emerges as the new winner."
Most W.Va. cities decline; high tech helps some
From: www.dailymail.com
"Job creation -- fueled by high tech industries and education -- and younger residents account for the only two large West Virginia cities to see sustained population growth."
Population growth in state follows pattern of energy development
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"GREEN RIVER, Wyo. -- The latest census figures show that southwestern Wyoming is receiving most of the state's population growth."
Two Wyoming herds test negative for brucellosis
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The Wyoming state veterinarian said Thursday that new testing detected no brucellosis cases in two cattle herds that had contact with a neighboring western Wyoming herd infected with the disease."
Mine, state reach settlement
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Cameco Corp. paid a $500,000 penalty to the state this week to settle a long list of environmental violations at its Smith Ranch-Highland in-situ leach uranium mine north of Douglas. It's the largest producing uranium mine in the nation."
Govs celebrate past, look to '09
From: www.stateline.org
"While 70 current and former governors hobnob and reminisce in Philadelphia July 11-14 during the National Governors Association's 100th anniversary celebration, the sitting governors also plan to strategize on how to influence the next president on policies ranging from energy to health care."
WORTH NOTING: Cream pie on gov's 4th of July
From: www.stateline.org
"Vermont’s governor unexpectedly gets pie in the eye. Ohio State University, a runner-up in football and basketball, earns a dubious top ranking in something else. And the National Football League raids the Pennsylvania State Police for talent. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
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."
FEMA change sends states searching for ice
From: www.stateline.org
"
States looking for free ice from FEMA in the aftermath of a hurricane will be out of luck because of the agency's new policy.
"
Squeeze spares some states
From: www.stateline.org
"Not every state is having budget troubles. Alaska, Texas, West Virginia and others are faring better than most because of their booming energy industries. But North Dakota stands out because it has energy and agriculture — and not many people."
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."
States revisit Prohibition-era booze laws
From: www.stateline.org
"Seventy-five years after the repeal of Prohibition, state lawmakers across the country are marking the anniversary by relaxing or eliminating some laws that have restricted alcohol sales since as long ago as the 1930s."
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.
"
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."
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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