State earns S&P's top credit score for 1st time
From: www.indystar.com
"Indiana has earned the highest credit rating from Standard & Poor's for the first time, an achievement that should save the state and its public school systems millions of dollars a year in interest on bonds."
Undocumented worker ruling could rattle Oregon's economy
From: www.oregonlive.com
"As a federal court decision nears that could require employers to verify workers' Social Security numbers, Oregon employers and economists are trying to gauge the possible economic impacts."
Pennsylvania Lottery sales hit record high, but revenues decline
From: www.post-gazette.com
"While total sales of Pennsylvania Lottery tickets hit an all-time high of more than $3 billion in fiscal year 2007-08, net revenues to the state Lottery Fund, which pays for senior citizens programs, continued a modest three-year decline."
Maine credits $56M surplus for '08 on income tax revenue
From: bangornews.com
"Maine ended the 2008 budget year on June 30 with a surplus of $56 million, mostly as the result of income tax revenues above estimates throughout the fiscal year, Finance Commissioner Rebecca Wyke said Monday."
Too few seek Tennessee buyouts
From: www.tennessean.com
"With a deadline looming, not enough state employees are applying for voluntary buyouts, raising the likelihood of layoffs if the state falls short of its goal for trimming its payroll, Gov. Phil Bredesen said Monday.
"
S.C. economy worsens
From: www.thestate.com
"South Carolina's state budget continues to worsen, as high gas, food and other prices put a crimp in consumer spending and sales tax revenues."
Wichita investors bet big on Dodge City
From: www.kansas.com
"Wichita attorney Steve Joseph says he has never put a quarter in a slot machine."
Ark. gov. mulls more time for company's tax break
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Gov. Mike Beebe may ask lawmakers next year to give a windmill-blade maker more time to qualify for a 25-year income tax break, his office said Monday."
Military spending has $4.5B impact in Southern Arizona
From: www.azstarnet.com
"More than 50,000 Southern Arizonans - including 23,000 in the Tucson area - owe their livelihoods to the U.S. military in the post-9/11 world, a new state study says."
Battle brews between beer giant, small makers over free swag
From: www.sacbee.com
"At the Rubicon Brewing Company in Sacramento and St. Stan's brewery in Modesto, small craft beer makers are foaming over a state Capitol power play by Big Bud."
State - Water levels will be lowest in 30 years
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"FRESNO, Calif. - California's second-largest storage reservoir will end this year with the lowest amount of water the state has seen in more than 30 years, Department of Water Resources director Lester Snow said Monday."
Where problem gamblers live
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Problem and pathological gamblers who voluntarily ban themselves from casinos are disproportionately from towns that have casinos, a Daily Herald review of state data finds."
Pro-union initiative petitions finalized
From: origin.denverpost.com
"The coalition pushing a pair of pro-union ballot initiatives said Monday that it will probably file signatures for one of the measures with the secretary of state's office by the end of this week."
Energy costs pinch area amusement parks' bottom line
From: www.courant.com
"BRISTOL, Conn. - In the fiery days of summer, splashing along the Thunder Rapids river raft ride at Lake Compounce is almost guaranteed to make visitors forget about $4.30-a-gallon gas, creeping inflation and the rest of America's economic woes."
State mortgage regulator should quit, Florida's CFO Alex Sink says
From: www.tampabay.com
"Florida's top banking regulator is under fire after a newspaper investigation exposed that thousands of convicted criminals were licensed as mortgage brokers during the state's recent real estate boom."
Culver says Utah's workweek worth a look
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver has weighed the idea of switching state employees to a four-day workweek in order to cut energy costs, as the state of Utah is about to do."
South Bend to cut 200 jobs by 2010
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"The city is cutting more than 200 employees over the next two years and could close parks facilities, because of a loss in property tax revenues from House Enrolled Act 1001."
Immigration's economic implications
From: www.omaha.com
"State and local laws on illegal immigration must be "careful and measured," or they could drive large employers out of rural Nebraska, the chairman of the Legislature's Judiciary Committee said Monday.
"
Lawmaker vows to target personal seat licenses
From: www.app.com
"A New Jersey lawmaker wants to stop New Jersey sports teams from charging fans for the right to buy tickets."
Ohio ranked 4th nationally in biotech strength
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Business Facilities Magazine ranked Ohio fourth in the nation in its 2008 Biotechnology Strength Report, featured in the magazine's current issue."
House set to vote on TransCanada deal
From: www.adn.com
"The Alaska House of Representatives is expected to vote today on whether to award a Canadian company an exclusive state license and $500 million to pursue a natural gas pipeline."
AGIA license moves to Alaska House floor
From: newsminer.com
"The Alaska House of Representatives on Monday came one step closer to a vote on the TransCanada natural gas pipeline proposal."
Mining ballot measure tough to sort out
From: www.adn.com
"The friends and foes of Ballot Measure 4, the proposed state law seeking tougher pollution standards for large, new mines, can't seem to find much to agree on."
House rebuffs TransCanada opponents
From: juneauempire.com
"The state House of Representatives will take a vote today on a natural gas pipeline bill, after more than 40 days of hearings and debate."
State to receive $1.9 million in disaster aid
From: www2.arkansasonline.com
"Arkansas will receive $1.9 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to create 127 temporary jobs to help with cleanup and recovery in connection with this year's tornadoes and flooding."
Military boosting Arizona economy
From: www.azcentral.com
"The U.S. military is an often-overlooked - but powerful - component of Arizona's economy."
Calif. sues food importer over fruit fly danger
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"California is seeking nearly $1.7 million from an import company for allegedly smuggling in fruit that could contain a harmful pest."
Poll - State voters not aware of initiatives on November ballot
From: www.sacbee.com
"A Field Poll says that California voters have a low awareness of five statewide initiatives that will be on the November ballot, but support the measures after hearing more about them."
Q&A - Next Senate leader: State has 'a revenue problem'
From: www.sacbee.com
"Sen. Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, takes over as state Senate leader after the current session ends. The Bee talked with him about the budget and taxes."
Fire evacuees could go home
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Connie Coomes came home to a wildfire. The local resident was traveling in Nebraska on Sunday when her husband, Brett Hooper, told her the home they rent was among the 12 to 15 evacuated as the Oxyoke Fire blazed through more than 100 acres of Pike National Forest in southern Jefferson County. But the news was getting better Monday. "
Republican senator's proposal would ease drilling curbs in wildlife areas
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"State Senate Republicans vowed to try to cut gas prices Monday by easing restrictions on drilling near wildlife and by fighting efforts to slow exploration of the Roan Plateau."
Out of the line of fire - maybe
From: origin.denverpost.com
"PINE JUNCTION, Colo. - When Jon Pelegrin was convinced that the Oxyoke fire was no longer a threat to her home, she unpacked the possessions she had prepared for an evacuation that didn't happen."
Lawyers watch case of business owner charged with manslaughter
From: www.courant.com
"Lawyers are closely watching the case of a swimming pool company president who was charged with second-degree manslaughter Monday in a drowning case, saying it could change the legal landscape for business owners in Connecticut."
Minority businesses get little state work
From: www.delawareonline.com
"William Holley has pretty much given up on the idea of doing business with the First State."
Crabbers feeling the pinch
From: www.delawareonline.com
"From Delaware Memorial Bridge to Bowers Beach, blue crabs are plentiful in the Delaware River and Bay this summer."
Boyd hosts river-system forum
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"CHATTAHOOCHEE, Fla. -Seafood workers and local elected officials along the Apalachicola River on Monday pleaded with federal officials to protect water flowing into Florida from Georgia and Alabama."
Pay-as-you-go express lanes could be headed to Orlando area
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Pay-as-you-go express lanes may be coming to Florida's gridlocked highways if a $278 million transportation experiment works here. It's a big if."
Brokers on the fringe -- Ex-convicts find niche
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Gary Kafka, former body builder with a long rap sheet and violent past, wrote millions of dollars in mortgages in South Florida without ever applying for a state license. Fresh out of prison after serving time for bank fraud, he never went through a criminal background check before selling loans. He never took a competency exam. He never had to."
Unions switch dominant positions
From: starbulletin.com
"There was a time when all you needed to know about Hawaii politics could be found at 451 Atkinson Drive, the home of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union."
Ethical issue clouds UH repairs
From: starbulletin.com
"In a battle over synthetic turf, a contractor has accused a state licensing board member of using his position to cut out competition in million-dollar construction contracts."
Lawmakers Want Tax Breaks For Flood Victims
From: www.kcci.com
"A Democratic state senator wants the state to grant a one-year hiatus in property tax collections to regions hammered by this year's record flooding."
Fuel-siphoning may be surging, so sales of locking caps are soaring
From: www.suntimes.com
"Les Kniskern parked his truck in his Lincoln Square alley space July 11 with the gas tank nearly full."
Walkway collapse sends Horseshoe workers into lake
From: www.nwi.com
"HAMMOND | A pedestrian walkway collapsed at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond just before 8 a.m. Tuesday, sending 16 construction workers into Lake Michigan. "
Illinois-- AT&T agrees to refunds
From: www.stltoday.com
"After overcharging Illinois customers for about a year, AT&T has refunded some $1.5 million and agreed to defer $5 million or more in rate hikes, Attorney General Lisa Madigan announced."
Bridge collapse hurts workers at Hammond casino
From: www.indystar.com
"HAMMOND -- Officials say several construction workers fell into Lake Michigan when a bridge at a floating casino collapsed."
Louisville lawmaker to offer slots bill
From: www.kentucky.com
"Following the failure earlier this year of Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear's push for casinos, Rep. Tom Burch is writing legislation for the 2009 General Assembly that would allow 18,000 slot machines in Kentucky."
Nighbert leaves job as Republican aide
From: www.kentucky.com
"Former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert has left his position as an aide to state Senate Republican leadership for a private-sector job, Senate leaders confirmed Monday."
Tobacco companies ordered to pay up
From: www.nola.com
"Now that higher courts have, for the most part, upheld a 2004 New Orleans jury verdict that the nation's biggest tobacco companies should pay to help thousands of Louisianians kick the smoking habit, the time has come for the companies pay up, a Civil District Court judge decreed Monday."
La. urged to let single agency collect taxes
From: www.nola.com
"Louisiana should abandon its hodge-podge system of sales tax collection and vest the function in a centralized state agency, a move that would make it easier for large corporations to pay what they owe, the president of the state's largest business lobby said Monday."
La. putting up $1.3M for conference
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Louisiana put up $1.3 million to help cover costs for the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual meeting in New Orleans this week, an event attracting more than 6,000 state legislators, government staffers and vendors from across the country."
Summit seen as boon to N.O.
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"About three-fourths of Louisiana's legislators and most of their staffs are in New Orleans this week playing host to the National Conference of State Legislatures."
Is alcohol par for the course?
From: www.boston.com
"Massachusetts bans alcohol from being served directly on the grounds of golf courses, a restriction that has been widely ignored by many courses that offer beverage carts at various holes. Now, state lawmakers want to relax the restriction."
Foreclosure in court
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland's highest court will convene today for a hearing on changes to foreclosure rules that would conform with new legislation that gives homeowners more notification and a longer waiting period before their homes are sold."
Budgets end year in black
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"The state's general fund and highway budget both finished the fiscal year with modest surpluses, but Gov. John Baldacci warned Monday that high energy prices and a sagging economy "could further erode revenues" in the coming year."
Reform group won't talk about PowerPoint presentation
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Questions about a slideshow that made political waves last week were off limits at a Monday-afternoon conference call held by representatives of Reform Michigan Government Now. "
New jobless aid is starting
From: www.freep.com
"Unemployment extension checks begin going out today to Michiganders."
$123M bond for Synagro tentatively OK'd
From: www.detnews.com
"A state agency gave preliminary approval in May to a $123 million private bond issue for Synagro Detroit LLC to build a new sewage sludge incinerator after James Rosendall made a pitch for funding."
Company put I-35W bridge rebuilding in his hands
From: www.twincities.com
"It's not often a lifelong executive in the heavy construction industry is asked for an autograph."
Minnesotans' natural gas bills expected to jump
From: www.in-forum.com
"MINNEAPOLIS - Minnesota consumers could see drastic spikes in their natural gas bills this winter, two energy companies said."
Touting Taylor - House speaker is confident in his abilities
From: www.sunherald.com
"BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. -- U.S. House leaders assured an overflow crowd Monday night that they are behind U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., as he joins a conference committee to push for multiperil insurance coverage for coastal Americans."
Reps. vow wind, flood insurance on the way
From: www.clarionledger.com
"BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. - House Democrats told hundreds of residents here Monday that legislation to provide wind and flood insurance may have to be piecemealed together but assured them it is moving forward."
Agencies, ranchers shift gears as wolves re-listed under ESA
From: www.missoulian.com
"Ed Bangs has changed his phone's voice message - again. After gray wolves in the Northern Rockies were removed from federal protection in March, Bangs added "former" to his job title of wolf recovery coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"
Insurers says say major storm cost billions
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"Insurance companies say a major hurricane could lead them to pass billions of dollars in charges to homeowners across North Carolina because a state-created coastal insurance plan is underfunded."
Horse rescue operations stretched to limit
From: www.journalstar.com
"Kathy Anderson remembers the call she got from a Nebraska woman who needed to reduce the number of horses on her ranch."
Nebraska gets more than $2.6 million in disaster aid
From: www.journalstar.com
"More than $2.6 million in disaster aid has now been approved for Nebraska individuals and business owners who sustained damage during the storms, tornadoes and flooding that hammered the state from May 22 to June 24."
NPPD, private developers team up to add more wind energy
From: www.journalstar.com
"The Nebraska Public Power District plans to add more than 400 megawatts of wind power - roughly equal to a mid-sized coal-fired plant - to its energy portfolio over the coming decade"
Lebanon firm, state settle hazardous waste case
From: www.theunionleader.com
"LEBANON, N.H. -- A Lebanon manufacturing firm has agreed to pay $90,000 in civil penalties to settle a lawsuit with the state that alleged the company illegally dumped hazardous materials at the Lebanon landfill for 15 years."
Israeli leaders welcome Corzine
From: www.nj.com
"TEL AVIV -- The British flags flying overhead made it clear that Prime Minister Gordon Brown was yesterday's guest of honor. The breathless chatter on the streets was about today's arrival of presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Yet in the course of eight hours, nearly every big-name door in Israel opened for Jon Corzine.
"
Rutgers disguises Schiano's bonus
From: www.northjersey.com
"Rutgers University football coach Greg Schiano is getting an additional $250,000 a year, along with unlimited use of jet and helicopter services for university business.
"
Corzine (finally) starts his tour of Israel
From: www.northjersey.com
"Governor Corzine is touring Israel."
Corzine talks about trade in Haifa, Israel
From: www.nj.com
"HAIFA, Israel -- From water pipes to surveillance cameras, Israeli innovators today laid their wares before Gov. Jon Corzine as he pumped them for potential partnerships with New Jersey.
"
Corzine gets down to business on day 3 of Israel trip
From: www.nj.com
"TEL AVIV -- Today Gov. Jon Corzine gets down to business."
NJ Transit sees rise in weekend ridership
From: www.northjersey.com
"NEWARK, N.J. -- More people are using NJ Transit trains and buses to head down the shore this summer.
"
Corzine, in Israel, talks up Jersey, Obama
From: www.app.com
"Gov. Corzine, on a trade mission to Israel, told reporters stateside Monday that he sees good fits between New Jersey and Israeli commerce, then fielded questions concerning presidential politics and the West's standoff with Iran."
An official trip to the Shore
From: www.app.com
"ASBURY PARK, N.J. -- "See how nice our beaches are?" city Commerce Director Thomas Gilmour asked New Jersey's Secretary of State."
Secretary of State vists Asbury Park
From: www.app.com
"New Jersey Secretary of State Nina Wells visists the Asburg Park boardwalk to see its revitalization and promote tourism."
Legislature-- Governor to squeeze in special session
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Lawmakers who head to Santa Fe for the special session starting Aug. 15 have plenty to think about, including health care reform and tax rebates to help with rising gas prices. "
State takes closer look at PNM's wind energy fees
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"New Mexico regulators have ordered an investigation into whether a tariff charged by the state's largest utility for a voluntary renewable-energy program is just and reasonable. "
Governor seeks draft on oil rules
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Governor Bill Richardson Monday directed the state Oil Conservation Division to begin drafting new rules specifically aimed at protecting certain portions of Rio Arriba County."
Building chief returns to CSN post under a cloud
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The College of Southern Nevada's construction chief remains under scrutiny by the state attorney general's office but is back on the job after a year of administrative leave."
Building chief returns to CSN post under a cloud
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The College of Southern Nevada's construction chief remains under scrutiny by the state attorney general's office but is back on the job after a year of administrative leave."
Prison too expensive to replace but too expensive to maintain
From: www.lasvegassun.com
" Guard towers sway in high winds. The water pipes leak. And some toilets can be broken into pieces and fashioned into weapons by inmates."
Plan to restructure local hospitals ends with mixed reviews
From: www.buffalonews.com
"New York State's grand experiment to close, merge and restructure hospitals is over."
Gov warns of Wall St. bonus blow
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson warned yesterday that year-end Wall Street bonuses would likely plummet this year because of the subprime-mortgage crisis and the overall weakening of the state economy, costing fiscally hard-pressed New York state $700 million in revenue."
Paterson backs college loan plan for New York students
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Gov. David Paterson recommended Monday that the state back a higher-education panel's proposal to create a low-interest subsidized loan program for students at public and private schools."
Paterson seeks federal aid for economic downturn
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson called on the federal government yesterday to help New York weather the economic downturn, saying stock-market declines and fewer business deals would translate into about $1.7 billion less in state revenue from bonuses paid to financiers."
Upstate New York's looming natural gas nightmare
From: timesunion.com
"On May 29, top state environmental officials assured state lawmakers that plans to drill for natural gas near the watershed that supplies New York City's drinking water posed little danger. But a joint investigation by ProPublica and New York City public radio station WNYC revealed hundreds of instances of drinking water contamination in states where comparable drilling has been done."
Paterson ready to send out S.O.S.
From: www.timesunion.com
"What's good for New York is good for America, or at least the financial engine that powers the nation: Wall Street. That was the message from Gov. David Paterson on Monday as he suggested he might seek financial help from Washington, D.C., in light of the state's deteriorating finances."
Cuomo warns Comcast over child porn
From: www.timesunion.com
"Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has notified Comcast Corp. that the state will take legal action against the media company if it doesn't agree to eliminate access to child pornography through its Internet service."
Paterson supports college loan plan
From: www.timesunion.com
"Hundreds of thousands of college students would have access to low-cost loans under a proposed state program Gov. David Paterson endorsed on Monday."
State moves against insurance fraud
From: www.timesunion.com
"Thirty-three Capital Region residents have been charged with swindling more than $116,000 in unemployment benefits, officials said Monday. The men and women were nabbed as part of a statewide crackdown targeting alleged cheats who collect unemployment after they obtain new jobs."
Care needed in lending to students
From: www.nytimes.com
"When Gov. Eliot Spitzer appointed a high-level commission in May 2007 to assess the state's public colleges and universities, one of the first items members agreed on was that New York should join some 40 other states to establish a low-cost student loan program."
32 lawmakers urge Juvenile Court judge to resume talks with UAW
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Thirty-two state legislators, including state Sen. Theresa Fedor (D., Toledo) and House Democratic leader Joyce Beatty (D., Columbus), are calling on Lucas County Juvenile Court Judge Denise Cubbon to resume negotiations with the UAW over a bargaining contract for her employees."
Oklahoma has cheapest gas in U.S. again
From: newsok.com
"Oklahoma has the cheapest gas in the nation for the second time in a little less than a month, according to AAA. "
Large-animal vets dwindling in number
From: www.news-star.com
"Ardmore, Okla. -- A shortage of large-animal veterinarians in rural Oklahoma as well as throughout the Midwest has a number of people shaking their heads and searching for answers."
Union group seeks signature inquiry
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"A union-funded watchdog group has asked for a state investigation of signatures it said were forged on petitions intended by conservative activists to help qualify initiatives for the Nov. 4 ballot."
Oregon solar industry approaching solstice
From: www.oregonlive.com
"At least three big solar companies are considering Oregon for manufacturing plants that, along with the unannounced expansion of an existing project, could provide thousands of family-wage jobs."
State to spend $400 million on mine drainage
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The state Department of Environmental Protection has committed to spend almost a third of the $1.4 billion in federal mine funding it expects to receive in the next 15 years on abandoned mine drainage treatment projects."
State Sen. Costa proposes new agency to handle gaming probes
From: www.post-gazette.com
"State Sen. Jay Costa has come up with an idea that he thinks will give Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board investigators more independence from the board.The Forest Hills Democrat wants to create a state Gaming Enforcement Agency, and move two existing divisions of the gaming board under it -- the Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement and the Office of Enforcement Counsel."
Low-speed electric cars on state roads? Not yet
From: www.pennlive.com
"Electric cars with a top speed of 25 miles per hour could help reduce gasoline consumption in Pennsylvania, but they are illegal here due to safety concerns. State Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, R-Montgomery, thinks it's time to change that restriction"
Cost of Education Partnership forensic audit not clear
From: www.projo.com
"An accounting firm is working up an estimate of how much it would cost to conduct a forensic audit of the finances of the Education Partnership, the business-backed advocacy group that went into receivership last month, a lawyer told a judge yesterday."
Tax collections fall $100M short
From: www.charleston.net
"South Carolina's budget is in worse shape than expected as tax collections have fallen $100 million short of projections, prompting the state's economic oversight board on Monday to order lower estimates for the fiscal year that just started."
Group pursues cigarette tax boost
From: www.charleston.net
"The tax on a pack of cigarettes in South Carolina will stay at 7 cents while the national average is set to rise to $1.18 by the end of the year."
Firm seeks wind farm money
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"ABERDEEN, S.D. - Landowners in northeastern South Dakota are being asked to invest in a large wind farm that is designed to spread across three counties."
Child poverty plagues Ziebach County, poorest in the nation
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"Milly Heidlebaugh was dismayed, but not at all surprised, to learn that the isolated rural county on Cheyenne River Indian Reservation where she runs a day care center leads the nation in child poverty."
Too few buyouts could force layoffs, Bredesen warns
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Gov. Phil Bredesen warned Monday his administration may be forced to lay off state workers next year because of the unenthusiastic response so far to the state's $50 million voluntary employee buyout program.
"
VW connection here more than just cars
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Volkswagen may power more job growth in the Chattanooga area and create a higher profile for the city than if Toyota had landed here a year ago, officials say."
Sect leaders could face indictment in West Texas
From: www.chron.com
"Grand jurors will meet this morning in a small West Texas town to consider whether to indict members of the nation's largest polygamist group for their role in arranging underage marriages."
South Texas braces for strengthening Dolly
From: www.chron.com
"Tropical Storm Dolly continued its slow but determined trek toward the Rio Grande Valley early today, threatening to strike the populated area with heavy rains by nightfall and deliver hurricane-strength winds by Wednesday afternoon"
Small companies upset by state plan to single-source office supplies
From: www.statesman.com
"Texas small-business owners are voicing concerns about a state plan to save money on office supplies, saying that it could put some of them out of business."
Salmonella-tainted jalape o found in Texas
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Federal officials investigating a three-month-old salmonella outbreak have isolated the bacteria in a jalape o pepper from a small distribution facility in McAllen, Tex., and yesterday warned consumers nationwide to avoid eating raw jalape os or products that contain them until more is known."
Poll: State workers like 4-day workweek
From: www.sltrib.com
"The majority of state employees are happy with working four 10-hour days, according to a survey released by the Department of Human Resource Management."
Most state workers favor 4-day week
From: deseretnews.com
"State employees are mostly positive about the prospect of the new four-day workweek set to start next month, a Utah Department of Human Resource Management survey released Monday shows."
Mine questions recalled
From: deseretnews.com
"Nearly one year ago, the collapse at the Crandall Canyon Mine near Huntington left people demanding to know what caused it and who, if anyone, might be to blame. A Mine Safety and Health Administration report was expected to shed light on those questions Monday during a mine-safety symposium in Salt Lake City, but the release of that report has been delayed until Thursday.
"
Utah may get new math
From: www.heraldextra.com
"Learn your math, young man! There are people in China starving for your job.
"
Plenty of crabs, but the market doesn't show it
From: hamptonroads.com
"HAMPTON
John Graham has been buying crabs and selling their sweet white meat from a plant on the Hampton waterfront for decades. He officially is retired but on Monday was working and steaming crabs - for free - worried that the family business may not survive."
State-workers union takes break for labor meetings
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Negotiations with state worker unions have gone smoothly so far, but the largest general-government union is taking a two-week break from talks, and tough pay issues are on the table."
Democrats deny inquiry into Gregoire's gambling pacts
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have rejected Republicans' request for an inquiry into the connection between political contributions and tribal gambling compacts negotiated by Gov. Chris Gregoire."
Democrats deny inquiry into Gregoire's gambling pacts
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Democratic leaders in the House and Senate have rejected Republicans' request for an inquiry into the connection between political contributions and tribal gambling compacts negotiated by Gov. Chris Gregoire. Republican leaders requested the inquiry last month after a story in the Seattle P-I raised questions about details of the compacts and tribal campaign contributions to Democrats and Gregoire."
Wisconsin wants car repair shops to be able to test emissions
From: www.jsonline.com
"Wisconsin officials want to allow emissions testing at car repair shops, but the state's longtime vendor for such services says the practice would be illegal and violate consumer-protection laws."
Kagen encourages assistance for tuition
From: www.greenbaypressgazette.com
"The key to paying college tuition is starting to save early. "
New legislation considered to let home buyers sue for fraud
From: www.lacrossetribune.com
"State lawmakers said they plan to introduce legislation next year that would reverse a state Supreme Court decision blocking home buyers from suing sellers for fraud when they lie about the condition of a house"
Manchin -- State becoming tops in motorcycles, ATVs
From: www.register-herald.com
"WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. - Longtime motorcycle enthusiast Gov. Joe Manchin believes West Virginia is becoming one of the premier spots in the nation for leisure motorcycle and ATV riding.
"
Manchin backs Parkersburg in TitleTown bid
From: www.herald-dispatch.com
"Gov. Joe Manchin wants West Virginians to get behind Parkersburg's bid to be known as TitleTown USA."
Unclaimed rebates in W.Va. worth $30 million
From: www.register-herald.com
"Unclaimed stimulus rebate checks number some 50,000 in West Virginia, and by virtue of the lowest amount paid, that translates into a potential $30 million boost to the economy, says a tax preparer."
Massey Energy donates $250K to Marshall
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"Coal giant Massey Energy Co. has donated $250,000 for a Marshall University renovation project."
Massey Energy files suit over e-mails
From: www.dailymail.com
"Massey Energy has sued over a Freedom of Information Act request it filed with the state Supreme Court for Justice Larry Starcher's e-mails."
W.Va. college selling one of its historic buildings
From: www.dailymail.com
"WHEELING, W.Va. -- West Virginia Northern Community College is hoping to sell one of its historic buildings, formerly part of the Hazel-Atlas Glass Co., for $690,000.
"
States worry about dwindling road funds
From: www.stateline.org
"Drivers are buying less gasoline, draining the federal Highway Trust Fund and jeopardizing thousands of major road and transit projects around the country."
NCSL Conference focuses on floods, energy
From: www.stateline.org
"As state lawmakers gather in New Orleans this week for a policy conference, they’ll be reminded often of what can happen if public works are allowed to deteriorate."
Sour economy limits states' options in '08
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 5:38 p.m. EDT, July 17, 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 39 states so far, discerns the trends and precedents emerging from state capitals this year."
2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 2:26 p.m. EDT, July 18, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
States' hottest laws take on new threats
From: www.stateline.org
"The mosaic of laws passed by state legislatures this year reveals a country grappling with threats, from a faltering economy and record-high gasoline prices to global warming and lead-tainted toys from China.
"
States avoid slashing higher ed money
From: www.stateline.org
"Despite a tough economic year, several states are attempting to hold the line on college tuition — or at least not let increases get out of control — by avoiding deep cuts to higher education, an area that states have been quick to slash in past years when funds were low."
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."
States move to regulate senior guardians
From: www.stateline.org
"
As the U.S. population ages and families scatter across the country, the frail elderly increasingly end up relying on court-appointed guardians when they can no longer take care of their personal affairs. California just joined six other states in watching over these professionals charged with protecting society’s most vulnerable adults.
"
Govs turn to fixing infrastructure
From: www.stateline.org
"PHILADELPHIA — Improving the nation’s crumbling bridges, roads and sewage systems is a $1.6 trillion problem that governors intend to explore in the next year."
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."
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."
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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