California adopts stiff pollution rules for ships
From: www.latimes.com
"California regulators adopted the world's toughest pollution rules for oceangoing vessels Thursday, vowing to improve the health of coastal residents and opening a new front in a long battle with the international shipping industry."
Higher-ed commission backs community college plan
From: www.tennessean.com
"The Tennessee Higher Education Commission endorsed a proposal Thursday that would make a community college education free in Tennessee's urban counties."
Researchers say global warming could cost Ohio billions of dollars
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Ohio could lose billions of dollars in the shipping, tourism and recreation industries in coming decades if global warming continues unabated, researchers at the University of Maryland contend."
Ten governors will meet up in West Virginia
From: www.dailymail.com
"The Southern Governor's Association announced that Gov. Joe Manchin will lead its 74th annual meeting Aug. 8-11 at The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs.
"
State criticized for minimum wage lag
From: gazette.net
"As the federal minimum wage this week leapfrogged the $6.15 mark adopted by Maryland lawmakers two years ago, progressive groups and lawmakers are formulating plans to catch up with or surpass other affluent states that have minimum wages of $8 or more, perhaps as soon as next year."
State's part-timers face an abrupt exit next week under governor's plan
From: www.sacbee.com
"For state government retirees, a part-time state job means some extra spending money, enough to take an extra trip or dine out more often. For their younger counterparts, it could be a chance to get enough experience to land a full-time job and launch a career. Both those groups face an abrupt end to their state service next week, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signs an executive order to deal with the state budget impasse - at least for now. "
$1,200 payments won't help all Alaskans equally
From: www.adn.com
"Everyone's electric bills, heating bills and fill-ups at the pump are soaring in cost. Gov. Sarah Palin wants to give Alaskans $1,200 each to help with these high energy bills. Her proposal is before the current special session of the state Legislature."
State program preventing foreclosures
From: www.deseretnews.com
"About 10,000 moderate-income Utahns who purchased homes with the help of the state's first-time buyer assistance program are not only getting through the mortgage foreclosure storm, their default rate has actually dropped by more than half over last year."
Most of Virginia remains in throes of housing slump
From: www.inrich.com
"The housing slump continues in most parts of Virginia, including the Richmond area."
4-day school week a hit in Rich
From: www.deseretnews.com
"Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s idea for a four-day work week is old hat for the Rich School District."
UT regents approve plan to sell oil reserves
From: www.statesman.com
"University of Texas System regents on Thursday approved a plan to sell a portion of the oil and natural gas reserves beneath the system's vast West Texas lands for about $1 billion."
Stimulus checks a boost to child aid
From: www.tennessean.com
"State Department of Human Services Commissioner Gina Lodge says the federal government's economic stimulus package has been a big boost for Tennessee children owed child support payments."
Climate change to threaten Nevada water supplies
From: www.rgj.com
"Climate change could come with profound risk to Nevada's water supplies and at great cost to the state's economy, a new study asserts."
State's housing woes still growing
From: www.detnews.com
"The number of Michigan houses in foreclosure rose again in the second quarter, a sign that the region's housing woes won't be over soon."
Plant news cheered as Ford posts $8.7 billion loss
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Ford Motor Co. executives pledged yesterday to revive the automaker's North American business, converting truck plants to build small cars and bringing new vehicles to its two Louisville factories."
Culver extends disaster proclamations
From: www.wcfcourier.com
"Gov. Chet Culver says he's extending all disaster proclamations until Aug. 22, which means Iowans affected by flooding and severe weather will have more time to get assistance as they clean up and begin to rebuild."
California approves tough clean air rules for ships traveling off state's coast
From: www.mercurynews.com
"California air regulators Thursday approved the nation's toughest rules to reduce harmful emissions from ocean-going ships headed into the state's ports.
"
Energy proposal could cover Interior electricity costs
From: newsminer.com
"A new proposal before state lawmakers would significantly reduce the cost of electricity for residents of Fairbanks, North Pole and other Interior Alaska cities."
Energy rebate bill moves to Finance Committee
From: www.adn.com
"A bill to give each Alaska resident $1,200 as a "resource rebate," or share of the state's extraordinary oil revenue surplus, has cleared its first legislative hurdle."
Palin energy bill proposes replacing lost aviation revenue
From: juneauempire.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin proposed waving state fuel taxes for a year, but she wants to make up lost aviation fuel tax revenue for the state's municipal airports - including tens of thousands of dollars for Juneau International Airport."
New warnings issued about mercury in fish
From: www.al.com
"Southern Alabama remains a bad place for fishermen to eat the largemouth bass they catch, according to the latest round of fish testing sponsored by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management."
ThyssenKrupp lease of Shaw given approval
From: www.al.com
"The Mobile County school board on Thursday unanimously approved a plan to lease Shaw High School to the state for a year to conduct job training for ThyssenKrupp AG while the company's steel mill is under construction."
Beebe praises Wal-Mart for buying locally grown produce
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Gov. Mike Beebe praised Wal-Mart on Thursday for increasing the amount of locally grown produce in its stores."
Colleges hope to jump-start economic development with new program
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Select Arkansas community colleges plan to offer entrepreneurship curriculum beginning this fall with an eye toward fostering economic development, the Arkansas Association of Two-Year Colleges announced Thursday.
"
Arizona backs climate plan
From: www.azcentral.com
"Arizona is joining six Western states and four Canadian provinces with a proposal to limit greenhouse-gas emissions through a cap-and-trade system that would be the largest of its kind in North America."
3 Arizona universities facing budget irony
From: www.azcentral.com
"Officials with Arizona's state university system found themselves in a budget irony on Thursday. They had to cut $50 million from their operating budget for the coming year at the direction of the state Legislature. At the same time, they had to decide how to spend $1 billion the state Legislature has approved in campus-construction projects over the next three years. "
Air board OKs toughest limits on ship exhausts
From: www.sfgate.com
"State air-quality officials approved the toughest-known restriction on ship emissions in the world Thursday, cutting the diesel exhaust that exposes millions of people along the California coast to harmful air pollution.
"
Controller says he won't cut workers' wages
From: www.sfgate.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's bombshell plan to slash the pay of state workers to ease a looming state cash shortage faces a key obstacle: Controller John Chiang."
Thursday's outcry from state workers over pay may be just what governor wanted
From: www.sacbee.com
"State workers chanted Thursday outside the Capitol to assail Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plans to pay 200,000 state employees the federal minimum wage until a budget is signed, providing some of the most compelling budget-related scenes of angry Californians this year. It may have been what the governor wanted all along, even if they shouted his name in disgust.
"
State plans land surveys for possible Delta canal routes
From: www.sacbee.com
"State water officials today are sending letters to about 1,000 property owners in the Delta - a heads up that surveyors may need to access private land to begin planning a canal to ferry fresh water to Southern California."
California orders low-sulfur fuel for ships
From: www.nytimes.com
"California on Thursday ordered the 2,000 big ships calling on its ports every year to switch to low-sulfur fuel whenever they were within 24 miles of the coast, in what state officials said was the world's strictest emissions standards for marine diesels."
Ending tax break wouldn't raise fuel prices, study says
From: www.denverpost.com
"A study released Thursday found that it's unlikely consumers would be affected by putting an end to Colorado's severance tax for oil and gas companies."
Private fund set up to preserve governor's house
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Former Gov. Bill Owens had to beg the legislature for money to fix the Governor's Mansion carriage house in 2004 when the structure was on the verge of being torn down because of neglect."
Union-dues proposal lands on ballot
From: www.denverpost.com
"A proposal to prohibit union dues and fees from being deducted from government workers' paychecks was added Thursday to the November ballot."
State takes issue with Hamden's deal on Farricielli land
From: www.zwire.com
"HAMDEN, Conn. - The Farricielli family has signed an agreement that would lead to the sale of 100 acres off State Street, including the infamous tire pond, but state officials are miffed because they were left out of the loop."
Conn. AG proposes new environment-energy panel
From: www.rep-am.com
"Connecticut's attorney general proposed Thursday that a commission be formed to protect parts of Long Island Sound from development and find the best ways to meet the region's energy needs."
Program hones women's outdoors skills
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Women who want to learn how to shoot, fish, canoe, kayak, hike and swim can still register for a special state program next month."
Self-insured condo fund may forfeit state license
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"State regulators are worried that a new self-insurance fund lacks enough members to spread its risk and say it hasn't submitted all the paperwork needed to keep its license. "
Regulators investigate Tampa-based travel agency
From: www.tampabay.com
"Florida regulators are investigating a Tampa-based travel agency accused of taking money from dozens of travelers from around the country and then not paying for their flights or hotels."
Despite rainy summer, S. Florida still has water shortage
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"After another lawn-soaking, puddle-producing summer storm rolls through, familiar taunts rain down on the top forecaster for the South Florida Water Management District.
"
First Hawaiian profits up 6.2% to $55.1 million
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Despite a sluggish local economy, First Hawaiian Bank enjoyed its best-ever second quarter."
Maui Land & Pineapple laying off 274
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Citing a weak economy and rising fuel costs, Maui Land & Pineapple Co. said it will lay off 274 workers, more than a quarter of its workforce, as part of a reorganization plan."
274 layoffs 'difficult but necessary'
From: starbulletin.com
"Maui Land & Pineapple Co. plans to announce today it will lay off 274 employees to save $11 million in annual operating expenses. The layoffs come in the face of a weak economy and rising costs of energy, the Kahului-based company said."
Grant creates jobs for cleanup
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Todd Siron is employed again, thanks to the 2008 floods and a federal grant that will hire hundreds of unemployed Iowans to restore the state's public buildings and spaces."
Culver lowers estimate of flood-damaged homes
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa has 22,130 homes that have been damaged by floods or tornadoes, according to preliminary estimates clarified by Gov. Chet Culver's staff Thursday."
Demand rises for Idaho Foodbank's free lunches
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"A 35 percent increase in the number of free lunches the Idaho Foodbank has handed out so far through its Picnic in the Park program may be yet another sign of local families' economic struggles."
State seeks civil judgment against Kollintzas
From: www.nwitimes.com
"EAST CHICAGO, Ill. -- Frank Kollintzas, the fugitive former city council president and one of the architects of the infamous sidewalks-for-votes scandal, is facing more legal trouble.
"
Travel firm barred from doing business in Kansas
From: www.kansascity.com
"An out-of-state travel firm that worked out of hotels in Overland Park, Wichita and other places around the country has been prohibited from conducting business in Kansas."
Groob -- Vote on casinos
From: news.cincinnati.com
"COVINGTON, Ky. -- Democrat Kathy Groob, convinced that voters want to decide the casino issue in Kentucky, is making gambling a central part of her state Senate campaign."
Stumbo says House Democratic leaders didn't help Beshear enough
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Rep. Greg Stumbo said yesterday that House leadership under Speaker Jody Richards failed to push hard enough in the regular legislative session for casino legislation and other parts of Gov. Steve Beshear's agenda."
Task force to study future of horse industry
From: www.kentucky.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear created a task force Thursday to study the future of horse racing, charging its members with making recommendations to give Kentucky horse racing on a "more sound financial future.""
Panel weighs energy, environmental needs
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"NEW ORLEANS - America's Energy Coast group, an eclectic mix of environmentalists, state and federal government officials, and oil and gas industry representatives, on Thursday released a new regional initiative to address environmental protection and energy production along the Gulf Coast."
Survey finds many in La. reject evacuation option for hurricane
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Despite the devastation hurricanes Katrina and Rita wrought on Louisiana in 2005, a large number of coastal residents still say they would refuse to evacuate if another hurricane zeroes in on the state, a Harvard University survey shows."
Gulf Coast states tout pact
From: www.nola.com
"A consortium of energy producers, environmental groups and civic leaders unveiled the preliminary outline Thursday for what the members tout as a "four-state accord" designed to sustain the economic and environmental viability of the energy-producing Gulf Coast."
Wave of new Mass. unemployment filings mirrors U.S.
From: bostonherald.com
"The number of people applying for and getting unemployment insurance is soaring in Massachusetts, indicating a further erosion in the state's job market."
No job, no prospects? More flock to biz school
From: bostonherald.com
"The economic downturn has now been academically confirmed: Area business schools are seeing a spike in applications for MBA programs."
Pike shoots down prison labor idea
From: bostonherald.com
"As the Mass Pike digs deep to pay two sign hangers $100,000-plus each annually, New Hampshire locks up inmate labor to drive down the cost of roadway signs on the Granite State's toll road."
Film bill losing its luster in Senate
From: www.boston.com
"Legislation that would give film companies state tax breaks for building sound stages and other facilities in Massachusetts appears destined to flop."
Currie got over $200,000
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"State Sen. Ulysses Currie, whose work for Shoppers Food Warehouse is being investigated by the FBI's public corruption squad, was paid more than $200,000 by the regional grocery chain over five years, according to documents unsealed yesterday."
GOP continues push for Currie's resignation
From: gazette.net
"State Republican Party leaders renewed their call this week for Ulysses Currie to step down as Senate budget chairman as new information about an FBI ethics investigation was unsealed."
Drawing a line item in the sand
From: gazette.net
"An unusual coincidence is helping slots supporters in their quest to win a November referendum."
Grocery firm paid Currie $207,000 over 5 years
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Maryland Sen. Ulysses Currie was paid more than $207,000 over five years by a grocery store chain, income he did not reveal on state financial disclosure forms, according to a court document unsealed by a federal judge yesterday."
Tax-repeal group raises $375,000
From: www.sunjournal.com
"Supporters of an effort to repeal new taxes on beer, wine, soda and other beverages raised 15 times as much money as repeal opponents in the latest financial reporting period."
Man won't be derailed in fight with state
From: bangornews.com
"Dale Henderson has no intention of giving up a fight. For weeks, the prominent eastern Maine landowner has been battling the Maine departments of transportation and conservation on their rail rehabilitation project, part of which runs through his land in Hancock."
Plum Creek delays tree harvest
From: bangornews.com
"Plum Creek Timber Co. officials said they are talking with several potential buyers interested in protecting a rare, 220-acre forest near Elliotsville containing trees older than the state of Maine itself."
Constitutional rewrite faces hurdles
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Thursday she's not ready to oppose a constitutional rewrite backed by some unions and the Michigan Democratic Party, even though it now faces a legal challenge to get on the November ballot."
UM protesters win award for sweatshop sit-in
From: www.missoulian.com
"It's hard for school officials to forget or ignore the Students for Economic and Social Justice at the University of Montana."
State Fair kicks off 77th year
From: www.greatfallstribune.com
"With the smell of meatballs being deep fried on a stick and the sound of rollercoasters clacking - the 77th Montana State Fair is in the air."
Montana to share settlement
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The Texas-based health insurer HealthMarkets Inc. will pay $20 million to 29 states, including Montana, to settle allegations it misled consumers and mishandled claims.
"
State highway patrols struggle with big gas bills
From: hosted.ap.org
"In big, wide-open Montana, a state trooper might have to drive more than 100 miles to answer an emergency call, and routinely puts several hundred miles on the odometer in a day."
State highway patrols struggle with big gas bills
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"HELENA, Mont. - In big, wide-open Montana, a state trooper might have to drive more than 100 miles to answer an emergency call, and routinely puts several hundred miles on the odometer in a day."
N.C.-grown jalapenos safe to eat, official says
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Jalapeno peppers grown in North Carolina are safe for consumers, and a warning from federal officials about their safety hurts local growers, Steve Troxler, the state agriculture commissioner, said this week."
Immigrant laws need federal fix
From: www.omaha.com
"Cities such as Fremont, Neb., that are trying to pass local laws banning illegal immigrants should instead press their federal elected officials to update the country's immigration system, State Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island said Thursday. Aguilar is Nebraska's voice on a bipartisan national immigration task force meeting this week in New Orleans. "
Toss out Nebraska's casino suit, feds argue
From: www.omaha.com
"Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning has no legal ground to stand on as he tries to halt plans for a casino in Carter Lake, Iowa, federal lawyers say in asking a judge to dismiss the case. "
Fremont's immigrant plan would ban hiring, too
From: journalstar.com
"FREMONT, Neb. - A proposed law that would prohibit renting to or harboring illegal immigrants in Fremont, Neb., would now ban hiring as well."
Feds -- N.H. and Vt. mail delivery faster than ever
From: www.fosters.com
"MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Federal postal authorities say they're delivering mail in New Hampshire and Vermont faster than ever."
Buyers told to look at long term
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"Home sales and prices continued on a steep decline in the first half of 2008, both statewide and in Greater Nashua, according to the latest figures from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors."
Teen complains when she can't use N.H. license to cash check
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"NASHUA, N.H. -- It was bad enough that a bank teller once accused her of possessing a fake ID when she tired to cash a check with one of the new state-issued temporary driver's licenses."
Teens feel pinch of costs
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"Within the U.S. population, one group has been the loudest in complaining about the pain in the pump: teenage drivers."
State gets $882,000 in insurance aid
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"New Hampshire is getting $882,000 to help offset the cost of providing health insurance to residents who can't get conventional insurance."
N.H. minimum wage rises with fed increase
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"New Hampshire workers making minimum wage are getting a nickel more an hour.
"
Towns likely to pay more for road salt
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"New Hampshire communities may have to pay more than the state does for road salt this year. "
Poll -- Popularity of Lynch still high
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"Gov. John Lynch continues to enjoy a high job approval rating as he seeks a third term as New Hampshire's chief executive."
Developer regains Highlands approval
From: www.nj.com
"A three-judge panel of a state appeals court yesterday upheld a lower court ruling affirming a developer's approvals to build 104 townhouses in West Milford."
State putting foot down on water yo-yo balls
From: www.nj.com
"Six months after Gov. Jon Corzine signed legislation banning the sale of water yo-yo balls, the state has started to crack down on merchants who continue to sell the toys."
Health insurer commits $255M to settle underpayment lawsuits
From: www.nj.com
"Health Net Inc. has agreed to pay $215 million and make $40 million worth of improvements in its business practices to settle three class-action lawsuits that alleged the health insurer systematically underpaid 2 million customers in several states, including New Jersey."
Corzine's short trip urges long N.J.-Israel bond
From: www.nj.com
"REHOVOT, Israel -- Gov. Jon Corzine's five-day trade mission to Israel wrapped up yesterday with a flurry of tours, meetings and a test-drive so quick he never left the parking lot. The final day's hectic schedule only continued the pace of a trip that had the governor rushing from the holy sites of Jerusalem to the edge of the Gaza border to the buzzing hub of Tel Aviv.
"We weren't coming here on vacation," Corzine said. "You can have these kinds of experiences most anyplace if you work at it. It certainly creates a stir here." "
Local economy remains strong, in contrast to state's
From: www.daily-times.com
"San Juan County continues to keep its independent character, ignoring statewide economic trends and dancing to its own beat."
Nevada's economic woes among nation's worst
From: www.rgj.com
"Nevada's economic woes are among the most severe in the nation, a state-by-state report Thursday shows, and a longtime economist blames soaring energy costs, as well as the housing slump."
Death benefits approved
From: www.lvrj.com
"he Nevada Supreme Court held Thursday that worker compensation benefits can go to families of people who kill themselves if an industrial accident broke down their "rational mental process" and left them suicidal."
Feds catching up with us on saving water - ?nally
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Five years ago, the Southern Nevada Water Authority quit pushing the federal government to create standards for water-efficient homes - and came up with its own instead."
SLA reimbursements probed
From: www.timesunion.com
"The head of enforcement for the State Liquor Authority may have violated state travel reimbursement rules, according to a new report and records."
Ohio will get $54.9M from Noe's rare coins
From: www.toledoblade.com
"With the sell-off of its infamous rare-coin fund nearing its conclusion, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is estimating that the divestment will net as much as $54.9 million."
Ruling may bring ranchers relief
From: newsok.com
"A federal judge in Seattle ruled Thursday that ranchers who had been preparing to use land in a U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation program for haying and grazing can do so for a limited time. The ruling will open up about 200,000 acres of land in Oklahoma to ranchers desperate to feed their cattle."
Businesses want tobacco money protected
From: newsok.com
"Lawmakers were criticized Thursday for diverting money earmarked for a program to help small businesses provide employees with health insurance."
Oregon officials envision solar plant for former Hynix site
From: www.oregonlive.com
"State economic officials are racing to match the Hynix Semiconductor plant, which will wipe out 1,400 jobs in Eugene when it closes, with one of several companies considering solar manufacturing in Oregon."
Panel clears way to raze portion of state hospital
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"The city of Salem's historic landmarks commission Thursday night conditionally approved state plans to demolish more than a dozen Oregon State Hospital buildings, including portions of the J Building, where the 1975 movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" was filmed."
Coalition will seek to revive state air service
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"As the airline industry reels from high fuel prices, Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski said Thursday that a new state coalition would attempt to reverse the trend of airlines cutting service across the state."
Bluhm gives slots panel one week to act
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm told state gambling officials Pittsburgh's stalled North Shore casino project could go into bankruptcy if his takeover plan is not approved by July 30.
"
Senators find Pittsburgh casino is in dire shape
From: www.pennlive.com
"Pennsylvania senators asking questions Thursday about the rescue of a financially troubled Pittsburgh casino project by other investors found the situation more complicated and dire than they originally thought.
"
Evans' calls stressed black casino ownership
From: www.post-gazette.com
"State Gaming Control Board Chairwoman Mary D. Colins said she didn't feel "intimidated or threatened" by a 60-second phone call from state Rep. Dwight Evans, who stressed the importance of continued black ownership in a planned Pittsburgh casino."
A resounding no from unions to Carcieri
From: www.projo.com
"NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Dennis Grilli knew the deal was in trouble 15 minutes after they began counting votes."
State ends contracts with Falcon, TriState
From: www.projo.com
"The Carcieri administration has terminated as of 11:55 p.m. tonight all its contracts with TriState Enterprises and Falcon Maintenance to clean more than four dozen buildings across state government, from the University of Rhode Island campus to motor vehicles registries to the main administration building, at One Capitol Hill."
S.C. official arranged 'so gay' tour
From: www.thestate.com
"A South Carolina tourism official set up a three-day tour of the state to try to win inclusion in a London ad campaign to attract gay tourists."
NAACP stance raises fairness issue
From: www.thestate.com
"The NAACP's call for stepped-up sanctions against South Carolina over the Confederate flag is raising charges of unfairness against the national civil rights organization."
Home sales decline in S.C.
From: www.thestate.com
"A weakening economy, skyrocketing gas prices and a tightening credit market continue to drag down home sales statewide and in Columbia, local industry professionals said Thursday."
NAACP's fairness questioned on Confederate flag issue
From: www.ajc.com
"COLUMBIA, S.C. - The NAACP's call for stepped-up sanctions against South Carolina over the Confederate flag is raising charges of unfairness against the national civil rights organization."
No help with flood damage
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"The Federal Emergency Management Agency has rejected state requests for aid to individuals and businesses whose property was damaged by widespread flooding in early June."
Crops make up for lost time
From: www.argusleader.com
"The soybeans and corn got planted late, the winter wheat harvest is behind schedule and the latest progress report shows a lack of crop maturity from years past - and none of that seems to bother South Dakota farmers."
Jobless rate rises in all Tennessee counties
From: www.tennessean.com
"Unemployment rates in Middle Tennessee continued to climb in June, but the increases from May were less than 1 percentage point in the Nashville area as well as most of the rest of the state, according to figures released Thursday by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development."
Community college rolls benefit from economy
From: www.tennessean.com
"Fall enrollment is up as much as 30 percent at area community colleges over the same period last year, and school administrators say the worsening economy could be the driving force behind the surge."
Nashville -- One of America's least walkable cities
From: www.tennessean.com
"Nashville and Jacksonville, Fla., sit at the bottom of a list that ranks the country's 40 biggest cities by walkability."
Child-support collections way up
From: www.knoxnews.com
"State Department of Human Services Commissioner Gina Lodge says the federal government's economic stimulus package has been a big boost for Tennessee children owed child-support payments."
Bredesen laments not offering 'richer' buyout package
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"In retrospect, Gov. Phil Bredesen says, he probably should have offered a "richer" voluntary buyout package to state employees whose positions he wants to abolish."
Longest current commissioner leaving PUC
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"AUSTIN, Texas -- Julie Caruthers Parsley said Wednesday she will leave the Public Utility Commission Sept. 2."
Valley working to deal with Dolly's wake
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"BROWNSVILLE, Texas -- The tremendous task of cleaning up after Hurricane Dolly was just beginning Friday, with Rio Grande Valley officials worrying now about standing water creating health hazards as well as rescuing people still stranded in flooded outlying areas."
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."
Texas, U.S. gas prices fall with cost of crude oil
From: www.chron.com
"IRVING, Texas -- Gasoline prices in Texas this week reflected the recent drop in the price of crude oil."
Texas' bid for ethanol waiver spurs debate
From: www.npr.org
"The Environmental Protection Agency wants more time to decide whether to grant Texas a waiver from the federal mandate for ethanol in gasoline."
Vet -- Elk likely source of Mont. livestock disease
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"BILLINGS, Mont. -- DNA testing points to elk as the most likely source of a recent livestock disease infection near Yellowstone National Park, according to a federal report."
Western states propose cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gases
From: features.csmonitor.com
"Facing the absence of a national plan for reducing greenhouse gases, a group of Western states and Canadian provinces put their own regional proposal on the table Wednesday. The Western Climate Initiative (WCI), which represents one-fifth of the US economy and most of Canada's, aims to cut the region's greenhouse-gas emissions so that by 2020 emissions will be 15 percent lower than 2005 levels."
Fuel cost now driving up electric bills
From: www.csmonitor.com
"NEW YORK -- Rising energy prices are now squeezing consumers from a different direction: their utility bills. Consumers from California to New York are facing rate increases of as much as 30 percent. Average homeowners' electric bills are now heading towards $70 to $80 a month in some states. And low- and middle-income residents are having trouble paying their bills as evidenced by a large increase in disconnect notices."
Crandall Mine owners, MSHA condemned
From: www.deseretnews.com
"PRICE, Utah - In a long-awaited report released Thursday, the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration proposed a record fine against operators of the Crandall Canyon Mine and detailed 10 violations directly related to the August 2007 collapses that entombed six men and killed three others trying to rescue them."
Lobbyist spending sets a record
From: www.inrich.com
"Payday lenders spent millions of dollars attempting to influence legislation before the General Assembly this year."
Bank leaders meet on fuel loans
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Representatives of 16 of the 21 banks in the state met this week to talk about how to respond to requests for loans from homeowners and fuel dealers in the face of skyrocketing fuel oil costs.
"
Judges question Yankee review
From: www.timesargus.com
"NEWFANE, Vt. - Judges from the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board renewed their questioning of staff from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Entergy Nuclear Thursday on just how effective its computer model was in determining the effects of aging in the plant's piping."
Nonpaying state union members face action
From: www.theolympian.com
"The largest state employee union is suing up to 1,900 of the workers it represents for unpaid dues."
Sound Transit sending voters $17.9 billion rail-and-bus plan
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Sound Transit is putting a $17.9 billion rail and bus plan on the November ballot, in hopes that voters overlook this year's economic slowdown and think long-term."
Multibillion-dollar rail, bus plan is up to voters
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Now the next transit-expansion campaign debate can begin in earnest. Sound Transit board members on Thursday voted to place another expansion measure on November's ballot, a measure now estimated to cost $22.8 billion when the debt is repaid."
Transit tax heads to vote
From: www.thenewstribune.com
"Puget Sound officials decided Thursday to put another multibillion-dollar tax increase on the November ballot in the hope that $4-a-gallon gasoline and standing room only on many buses will prod voters to approve a huge expansion of bus and rail service. "
Stricter criteria for the state's graduates?
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"New rules adopted Thursday by the Washington State Board of Education would strengthen high school graduation requirements by 2016 -- but they may not come to fruition unless the state Legislature provides more money for public schools."
Tribal pacts' legality backed
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire negotiated controversial tribal gambling compacts in full compliance with state and federal law, state Attorney General Rob McKenna told tribal leaders at a recent conference sponsored by the Washington Indian Gaming Association."
Study - State's minimum gas markup law costly
From: www.lacrossetribune.com
"As gas prices have soared, so has the effect of a Depression-era state law that mandates gas stations mark up the price at the pump, a new study by a conservative research group argues."
Wisconsin's boating season hits rough waters in bad economy
From: www.jsonline.com
"It's been unusually quiet this summer on the Chain O' Lakes in Waupaca where, normally, the buzz of boat engines starts shortly after dawn and lasts until dusk."
W.Va's minimum wage higher but covers few
From: www.register-herald.com
"West Virginia's minimum hourly wage is actually 70 cents above the new federal one but it covers few, with most workers largely employed in state government.
"
Minimum wage increase benefits most of W.Va. workers
From: www.dailymail.com
"West Virginians who earn minimum wage have received a pay raise.
"
State's investment portfolio nearly $11B
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Calling it "staggering growth," State Treasurer Joe Meyer announced Thursday that the state's investment portfolio grew by $1.5 billion in book value during the past fiscal year, for a new total of nearly $11 billion."
Report sheds light on commuter rail plan
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"It could cost more than $1 million per mile to upgrade existing rail lines between Casper and Fort Collins, Colo., to support passenger rail service, a new state report shows."
States worry about dwindling road funds
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 12:30 p.m. EDT, July 24, 2008)
Drivers are buying less gasoline, draining the federal Highway Trust Fund and jeopardizing thousands of major road and transit projects around the country."
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."
Social issues crowd state ballots
From: www.stateline.org
"Besides electing a president on Nov. 4, voters in some key battleground states also will face divisive social policy choices, including whether to ban gay marriage in Florida and restrict affirmative action and abortion in Colorado."
WORTH NOTING: R.I. sweeps out cleaning staff
From: www.stateline.org
"The Rhode Island attorney general’s office is duped by a janitor. A South Carolina lawmaker gets defensive over an incriminating photo. And Ohio cracks down on very tiny, but unwanted overnight guests. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
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."
Budget gaps triple for '09
From: www.stateline.org
"
The drumbeat of bad fiscal news from statehouses is intensifying. States collectively faced deficits of $40.3 billion in writing their current budgets — triple the $13 billion shortfall states weathered the previous year, a new report released July 23 shows.
"
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 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."
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.
"
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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