Ariz. sales-tax revenue dips
From: www.azcentral.com
"For 27 years, the state's collection of sales taxes had been a steadily rising number."
Midwest, Plains economies growing slowly, survey says
From: www.omaha.com
"An overall gauge of business conditions inched slightly higher in July, indicating weak economic growth."
Granholm gives details of new state investment program
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm on Thursday unveiled details of a $300 million, two-pronged initiative to invest in Michigan companies."
Tourism, consumer slumps drop tax outlook
From: starbulletin.com
"Just one month into Hawaii's 2009 fiscal year, a slump in tourism and consumer spending has economists predicting about $50 million less in state tax revenues."
Schwarzenegger makes layoffs, orders pay cuts for California state workers
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, expressing frustration with lawmakers' failure to approve a state budget, ordered his administration Thursday to lay off thousands of part-time employees and moved to temporarily slash the pay of most full-time staff."
Beer, liquor can now be sold directly from Utah breweries, distilleries
From: www.sltrib.com
"For the first time since the repeal of Prohibition, people in Utah may buy whiskey, vodka and high-alcohol beer at a local distillery or brewery instead of trekking to a state-controlled liquor outlet for a bottle or six pack.
"
Emotional crisis could follow loss of homes, jobs in Iowa, Culver fears
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Iowa will face a mental health crisis if the enthusiasm and dedication to the state's disaster recovery fades, Gov. Chet Culver told members of the Rebuild Iowa Commission on Thursday."
Employer told to pay illegal immigrant's bills
From: www.omaha.com
"German Andrade for about 15 years lifted, loaded and carried out other physically demanding jobs as an illegal immigrant."
Country club expels man for comments
From: www.azcentral.com
"A member of the Phoenix Country Club, who was trying to broker a solution to the controversy over the private club having separate dining facilities for men and women, said he has been expelled for comments he made to the New York Times."
Fight focuses on affirmative action in Ariz.
From: www.azcentral.com
"A flap between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama this week catapulted an Arizona ballot initiative into the national media spotlight, raising questions about whether affirmative action should be outlawed in McCain's home state and how big a factor race will play in the fall presidential contest."
Recession has arrived in Florida, economists say
From: www.tampabay.com
"Wachovia economists confirmed Thursday what many Floridians already felt in their bones: The state is in a recession.
"
Governor downsizes proposed construction program
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich scaled back his long-stalled statewide construction program Thursday to woo lawmakers who have balked at paying for it with a massive gambling expansion."
Volkswagen hopes to Rev up U.S. sales
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Volkswagen AG with its planned Chattanooga assembly plant is taking full aim at Toyota Motor Corp.
"
Canton, Kan., gets a dose of Stephen Colbert's satire
From: www.kansascity.com
"So how do the folks of a town with a Smiley for mayor and twin water towers labeled "hot" and "cold" react when the joke is on them? "Well," said Canton, Kan., banker and City Council president Tom Kueser, "if it hadn't been us, it would have been Canton, Okla.""
Official spending outpaces revenue
From: www.usatoday.com
"State and local government spending has been rising three times as fast as revenue amid warnings from governors that their finances are nearing crisis stage."
Paterson calls on U.S. help for deficit-ridden states
From: www.newsday.com
"Referring to hardships in the Depression, Gov. David A. Paterson yesterday called for the federal government to help states mired in budget deficits and vowed New York would not exempt education and health care from possible spending cuts."
Olathe-based casino group has support in Dodge City
From: www.kansas.com
"Few residents spoke at a public hearing for a Dodge City casino Thursday, but some who did favored a company bidding against Wichita investors to build and manage the state-owned casino."
City casino dealt out of the game
From: www.suntimes.com
"Gov. Blagojevich and three of the four legislative leaders agreed Thursday to scale back a stalled statewide construction program and ditch one of the most controversial ways to pay for it."
State sues Sunmart over gas pump overcharges
From: www.statesman.com
"A gasoline retailer that overcharged Texas consumers by giving them less fuel than they paid for could be fined millions of dollars under a lawsuit filed Thursday by state Attorney General Greg Abbott."
Lawmakers decry casino 'secrecy'
From: www.postgazette.com
"Claiming a "shroud of secrecy" surrounds the quest by Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm and his group to take over the troubled North Shore casino, two state senators pressed yesterday for the release of detailed information involving ownership stakes, financing and other aspects of the bid."
Christmas tree growers say Mexico is trying to block sales of Oregon trees
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Spare a thought, this warm summer day, for Oregon Christmas-tree growers, who are getting a frigid reception south of the border. Like Santa's elves, the farmers are already sweating the Yuletide season, placing them at loggerheads with Mexico's embryonic Christmas-tree industry."
Senate might abandon $1,200 checks
From: juneauempire.com
"Powerful Alaska senators are looking at eliminating Gov. Sarah Palin's proposed $1,200 "resource rebate" checks, but replacing them with a beefed up heating oil subsidy."
Senate enters final days on gas line decision
From: www.adn.com
"The Alaska Senate is prepared to vote today on whether the state should award TransCanada Corp. a license to pursue a natural gas pipeline project."
Lawmakers look to cut Palin rebate
From: www.adn.com
"he $1,200 "resource rebate" Gov. Sarah Palin proposed for Alaskans hurting from high gasoline and other energy costs could be in jeopardy -- at least in part."
Books, bags, bargains - Tax-free weekend lures shoppers of all kinds
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Today, Alabama retailers are all set to hear the sweet sound of their cash registers ringing up sales."
Group looks at whether Ark. needs Commerce Dept.
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"A state-level commerce department may be needed to coordinate the economic development efforts of three existing agencies, members of a task force studying the state's economy said Thursday."
Governor Beebe says he knew little about lease to gas firm
From: www.thecabin.net
"Gov. Mike Beebe said Thursday that his office was not involved in the negotiations to lease more than 11,500 acres of public wildlife area to a natural gas firm and that he knew little about the deal until weeks before it was approved."
Check sent to Ark. panel for gas lease before vote
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Chesapeake Energy Corp. sent the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission a $1.2 million check to lease drilling rights on part of a public wildlife area more than a month before an overall $29.5 million deal was approved, documents released Thursday show."
Group studying state's economy submits interim report
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"A task force studying ways to improve Arkansas' economic development efforts in the 21st century briefed Gov. Mike Beebe on their efforts Thursday."
State budget stalemate halts funding
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"The state this week began cutting off Medi-Cal payments to nearly 4,700 community clinics, nursing homes, senior day programs, hospitals and other organizations because a $2 billion contingency fund has run out of money."
Governor orders layoffs, heavy pay cuts
From: www.sfgate.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered the layoffs of thousands of state workers Thursday and steep pay cuts for most other state employees to ease California's budget crunch, moves that could mean longer lines at the DMV and delays in processing of workers' compensation claims."
$7-billion L.A. school bond joins November ballot
From: www.latimes.com
"The Los Angeles Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to place a $7-billion bond on the November ballot. It would be the largest local school bond ever -- by far -- and would allow officials to tax property owners for building and repairing schools for the next 10 years.
"
Fewer hours leave DMV worker in pinch
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Cassandra Saucedo's $15.99-an-hour salary as a customer service rep at the Department of Motor Vehicles certainly won't make the difference between solvency and insolvency for the state of California."
California same-sex marriage fight draws big money on both sides
From: www.mercurynews.com
"The California Supreme Court ruling in May legalizing same-sex marriage galvanized people on both sides of the issue, but it appears to have opened supporters' pocketbooks even more."
State cutbacks add to Sacramento area's jobless woes
From: www.sacbee.com
"Already burdened with its worst unemployment in 12 years, the Sacramento area figures to suffer even more following Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision Thursday to lay off 10,300 temporary and part-time employees and cut most full-time workers' salaries to minimum wage."
Schwarzenegger's layoff plan could length lines for state services
From: www.sacbee.com
"Beaches at Lake Natoma and Folsom Lake will go without lifeguards. Drivers could wait longer for licenses at the Department of Motor Vehicles. But state officials said Thursday that they couldn't predict how much state services will suffer now that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has laid off an estimated 10,300 temporary workers."
Calif. budget battke gets heated
From: www.npr.org
"With a $15.2 billion shortfall, California's budget is a month late."
Top California Democrat faces probe at key time
From: online.wsj.com
"The Democratic majority in the California Legislature is counting on a veteran leader, Don Perata, to see the party through a fight with Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger over the state's $15 billion budget deficit. But a federal corruption investigation of Mr. Perata could stymie his efforts to get the job done."
Funding for California ballot initiatives flows in from out of state
From: www.latimes.com
"Large sums from outside the state are pouring into the campaign coffers of several hotly contested initiatives that will appear on California's November ballot, including funding for and against measures that would ban same-sex marriage and require egg ranchers to provide roomier quarters for hens. "
Colorado company rebuilding Minneapolis bridge may get bonus
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Flatiron, the Longmont-based construction company tapped to replace the bridge that collapsed a year ago, will receive up to $27 million in bonuses if, as is expected, it finishes the project more than three months ahead of schedule."
Pollution-credits auction nears
From: www.theday.com
"The nation's first cap-and-trade system for greenhouse gas emissions is now accepting applications from utilities and investors that plan to bid on carbon-dioxide credits that will be sold for the first time in an online auction next month."
Blumenthal sues top 3 credit rating agencies
From: www.zwire.com
"State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal filed suit against the three leading credit rating agencies Wednesday, claiming they intentionally and illegally give lower ratings to municipal bonds, costing taxpayers millions in higher premiums and unnecessary bond insurance."
Del. agencies approve first offshore wind farm in U.S.
From: www.delawareonline.com
"The Delaware Public Service Commission and representatives of three other state agencies have unanimously voted to approve the nation's first offshore wind farm, to be built off the coast of Rehoboth Beach."
Drop in traffic leaves less money for road work
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Mabel Cole dutifully logs the miles she drives and the amount she spends on gasoline."
DSU to educate students about financial aid
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Delaware State University will launch a financial aid education program this fall to help families plan for college and understand the different options available for paying tuition and fees."
Schools seek $65.4 million to keep professors in Fla.
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Florida's universities are asking for $65.4 million to stem the "brain drain" of professors and staff leaving for better-paying jobs in states not suffering the same cuts to higher education budgets."
Florida Atlantic University faces more budget cuts
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"A month after slashing almost $10 million from its budget, Florida Atlantic University is preparing to pull out the ax again."
Presidential candidates give special attention to Florida
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"WASHINGTON - Barack Obama wants to help pull Florida out of its economic doldrums by sending $3 billion in rebate checks and providing an extra dose of housing relief. John McCain plans to stimulate the state's economy by cutting business taxes, declaring a gas-tax holiday and expanding foreign trade."
Oil drilling gains support in Florida
From: www.miamiherald.com
"WASHINGTON --With gas prices hovering near $4 a gallon, a majority of Florida voters now support drilling for oil in protected areas offshore, according to a new poll.
"
Georgia credit freeze law goes into effect Friday
From: www.ajc.com
"Georgians can now give themselves a little extra protection against identity theft by freezing their credit records under a state law that takes effect Friday. But how many folks will actually use it?"
Sales of lottery tickets rise as economy falters
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"One dollar won't buy you a half-gallon of gas or milk, but it will buy you a draw in the Keno! lottery game. Poor economic news in Georgia and South Carolina correlates with an uptick in lottery ticket sales in both states, but lottery officials say entertainment, not hope for relief, is the reason."
Tax holiday not just for back-to-school items
From: www.onlineathens.com
"ALPHARETTA, Ga. - The search for a corset to go beneath her wedding gown brought Michelle Maltin to Lingerie Mart, but the back-to-school sales tax holiday that began in Georgia on Thursday kept her there for more than two hours."
Law intended to freeze out identity thieves
From: www.onlineathens.com
"Starting today, Georgians can more easily leave identity thieves out in the cold."
State's revenue forecast cut in half
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Prompted by Gov. Linda Lingle, the state Council on Revenues yesterday agreed to lower its growth forecast for the fiscal year, a move that may lead to another round of restrictions on state spending."
Rebuild Iowa Commission told of urgency
From: www.gazetteonline.com
"In governmental terms, the Rebuild Iowa Commission is working at a breakneck pace. But it's not fast enough, according to Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, who is leading Iowa's recovery efforts."
Few complaints over smoking ban
From: www.gazetteonline.com
"In restaurants, the seating host's greeting no longer ends with,"Smoking or non?""
Emergency loans approved for railways
From: www.qctimes.com
"AMES, Iowa - The Iowa Railway Finance Authority has approved $4 million in emergency loans to help seven railroads repair track damaged by recent floods."
EPA signs off on Idaho field burning plan
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Environmental Protection Agency has signed off on Idaho's plan for overseeing field burning in northern Idaho, clearing the way for bluegrass farmers to resume the annual ritual as early as September after a one-year hiatus."
State Fair to Illinois -- 'Eat it'
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Weird Al, fried food on a stick and the ubiquitous butter cow. It's time again for the Illinois State Fair."
Governor takes new casinos off budget table
From: www.dailyherald.com
"The unrelenting feud between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael J. Madigan overshadowed the governor's unveiling Thursday of a new, $25 billion plan to improve roads, transit and schools across the state -- without new gambling to fund it."
Blagojevich, Jones face FOIA suits
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Illinois Senate President Emil Jones are violating the state's Freedom of Information Act by refusing to divulge information about pork-barrel spending, according to two lawsuits filed Thursday in Sangamon County."
Springfield, Harrisburg make case for IDOT jobs
From: www.sj-r.com
"Springfield and Harrisburg made their best pitches for the state's traffic safety division Thursday night, but most members of the legislative panel that will help decide its fate made clear they think the capital city is where the employees should be."
Witnesses blast plan to move IDOT division
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Defenders of the capital city attacked Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to move 140 government jobs to southern Illinois in a marathon hearing Thursday that reflected anger over years of slights by the governor. "
Action lags 1 year after Minneapolis bridge tragedy
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"One year after the Minneapolis bridge collapse sent a jarring wake-up call about the nation's crumbling infrastructure, little work is being done to repair bridges and roads amid a funding crisis that threatens more delays and risks to the public, federal and local authorities acknowledge."
Salty letter to union boss latest in Blagojevich-Madigan feud
From: newsblogs.chicagotribune.com
"The cannonballs continue to fly in the political struggle between Gov. Rod Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan, the latest taking the form of a salty letter from Madigan to a powerful Chicago union boss that's being circulated by the governor's camp."
State health insurance rolls swell past 20,000
From: www.nwi.com
"Enrollment in Indiana's cigarette-tax funded health insurance program for the working poor has surpassed 20,000, state officials announced Wednesday."
Lawmakers urge hospital systems to cooperate
From: www.nwitimes.com
"State lawmakers called on hospital officials Thursday to unify if they expect to resolve health care issues facing Northwest Indiana."
State dedicates more than $1 to fuel research
From: www.kypost.com
"Seven Kentucky companies have been awarded more than $1 million for research into renewable and alternative fuels."
Out-of-state gays on the way
From: bostonherald.com
"Gay couples are booking flights to Boston after Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday signed into law a bill repealing a 1913 law that grounded same-sex marriage plans for out-of-state residents."
Scientists report a breakthrough in stem cell production
From: www.boston.com
"Reaching a milestone in stem cell research, scientists at Harvard and Columbia universities reported yesterday that they created the first stem cell lines from a sick person, then coaxed these cells to become nerve cells genetically matched to those that had gone bad in a patient's spinal cord."
Legislature agrees to back Pike finances
From: www.boston.com
"House and Senate lawmakers reached a last-minute compromise at nearly 1:30 this morning to extend a financial lifeline to the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority that is intended to protect the quasi-public agency from financial collapse."
O'Malley calls Md. budget a model of 'responsibility'
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"WASHINGTON - During his third visit to the capital in little more than a week, Gov. Martin O'Malley suggested that his administration's 2008 budget fix - including tax increases that required a special session of the General Assembly - is a national model for what he called the "American value of fiscal responsibility.""
McDonough says he will work on slots language
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Secretary of State John McDonough says he doesn't plan to recuse himself on preparing ballot language for November's referendum on slot machine gambling."
Crafting referendum on slots is tricky business
From: gazette.net
"Barely on the job for two weeks, Secretary of State John P. McDonough already faces what could be his weightiest task as a Cabinet member: writing the language of the November slots referendum."
Maryland residents asked to cut energy use
From: www.npr.org
"More than a dozen states around the country have made lofty promises to cut back on power use to save taxpayers money, reduce stress on energy markets and improve the environment. While the goal is noble, these states face a major stumbling block: public buy-in."
Despite surplus, Maine has troubles ahead
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Maine has finished its fiscal year with a small surplus, proof that the painful process of cutting social services, education funds and other budget lines succeeded in closing what had been a $190 million budget gap. Next time, though, the process may be tougher."
Granholm unveils a $300-million initiative to invest in Michigan companies
From: www.freep.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm unveiled today a new $300 million program that will invest a small fraction of the state's public pension money in promising Michigan companies."
Looming funding woes trouble agency
From: www.stltoday.com
"Before the first MetroLink trains started rolling 15 years ago this week, St. Louis leaders had to overcome public and political skepticism."
ASARCO, state reach $143M cleanup deal
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The state of Montana and ASARCO have agreed on a $143 million deal for environmental cleanup, much of it in a town contaminated by the company's centurylong operation of a lead smelter, state officials said Thursday."
Tax holiday begins with little fanfare
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Early this morning, North Carolina's annual tax holiday kicked off with almost no fanfare."
NC plant cuts most jobs in restructuring
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"A western North Carolina machine parts plant says it will cut about 40 of its 50 jobs as part of a national restructuring plan."
Poultry plant conditions could be key issue in race for labor post
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Mary Fant Donnan, the Democratic nominee for N.C. labor commissioner, strongly criticized Republican incumbent Cherie Berry on Wednesday for Berry's recent decision not to increase safety inspections at poultry plants."
New Minnesota laws restrict teen driving, protect all
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"ST. PAUL - If you are a health care professional looking to make a profit, don't chase an ambulance. If you are a musician, don't claim to be someone you are not"
Years of timber harvests laid to waste by tornado
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"As homeowners continue to assess damage from the tornado that plowed a 50-mile path through the landscape, timberland owners are scrambling to figure out how much they have lost and what can be salvaged.
"
Lawsuit seeks to collect tax from N.J. condos
From: www.philly.com
"WILDWOOD, N.J. -- Cash-strapped New Jersey is losing more than $345 million a year in uncollected sales and occupancy taxes on condominiums that are being rented like motel rooms, according to the Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association."
Hospital in Newark gets sold and saved
From: www.nj.com
"Newark's last remaining Catholic hospital was sold to a national conglomerate yesterday and state officials agreed to loan the new owner $252.5 million by using taxpayer-backed bonds."
EPA approves Desert Rock air permit
From: www.daily-times.com
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an air permit for Desert Rock Power Plant on Thursday, the final day it was mandated to act on the long-delayed permit."
State awards contract for Santa Fe rail stations
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"A $4.4 million contract has been awarded by the state for the construction of commuter rail stations in Santa Fe. "
New Mexico tax-free weekend starts today
From: www.daily-times.com
"Parents getting their children ready for the school year have a break - a tax break - as they purchase all the items students need for the year."
Southern Nevada Water Authority's challenge - prove it won't pump Snake Valley dry
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Since the big hearings on Southern Nevada's plan to take water from eastern Nevada's Great Basin aquifer began, water officials have been able to avoid presenting scientific predictions about how pumping will affect the lifeblood of that region's ranchers, plants and animals."
SIGNATURES SOUGHT - Teachers to pass petitions
From: www.lvrj.com
"Teachers union executives said Thursday that they will begin circulating petitions to increase the room tax rate by 3 percentage points."
Pataki sees museum noting his Albany years
From: www.timesunion.com
"NEW YORK -- Three-term governor and failed presidential hopeful George Pataki has a new project: a museum and learning center honoring his administration."
Raising a call for aid to states
From: www.timesunion.com
"WASHINGTON -- In his first major national speech since taking office four months ago, New York Gov. David Paterson on Thursday implored Congress to send more federal money to states facing budget woes or else risk a "national crisis of bankruptcy.""
Point, click, peruse state workers' pay
From: www.timesunion.com
"If you work for the state and noticed that your Web browser was a bit slow Thursday afternoon, there's probably a good reason: A think tank that frequently criticizes state spending has posted the salaries of all 263,000 state workers online."
Billions in tax deposits uninsured
From: www.dispatch.com
"Your bank account is insured up to $100,000, but you still have a lot at stake in the event of a major failure: hundreds of billions of state and local tax dollars in accounts nationwide that are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp."
FirstEnergy seeks rate increase, but bills could fall next year
From: blog.cleveland.com
"FirstEnergy Corp. wants a rate increase -- its first in 12 years for Cleveland and Toledo customers, 18 years for Akron and Youngstown customers.
"
Duke wants rates up $5
From: news.cincinnati.com
"Average residential customers of Duke Energy in Ohio would see about a $5 increase in their monthly electric bills starting in January under a new rate plan filed Thursday with state regulators to comply with Ohio's new energy law.
"
Much bigger burden
From: www.dispatch.com
"Add something new to the list of things getting more expensive: electricity."
Companies seeking to cut diabetes in Oklahoma
From: newsok.com
"Diabetes cost Oklahomans nearly $2 billion in 2006, including $595 million in lost productivity, business leaders were told during a seminar Thursday on diabetes in the workplace."
In state vets, firms find abilities to fuel success
From: newsok.com
"Veterans went job hunting Thursday, with many interested in the emerging natural gas and wind power industries.
"
Ruling gives solar projects in Oregon big boost
From: www.oregonlive.com
"State utility regulators gave the go-ahead Thursday to dozens of solar-electric projects in a ruling that cleared away legal questions hanging over a popular financing plan."
Senate panel reviews proposed health insurer merger
From: www.mcall.com
"Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter and Wisconsin Sen. Herbert Kohl said Thursday that they're concerned that mergers among health insurers were leading to higher premiums for consumers -- and questioned whether a proposed merger between Pennsylvania's two largest health insurance companies was a good idea."
R.I. governor faces union anger in move to trim budget costs
From: www.timesargus.com
"PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Gov. Don Carcieri issued an executive order Thursday forcing many unionized state workers to pay more for their health insurance, but shied away from more drastic options like layoffs and furlough days in a continuing impasse with organized labor that has threatened the state's ability to come up with a balanced budget."
Committee to start search for next education commissioner
From: www.projo.com
"A group of business leaders, child advocates, community activists and educators will begin work this month to find a new state education commissioner."
Carcieri hikes health-care payments
From: www.projo.com
"The simmering labor dispute between Governor Carcieri and the state's largest employee union erupted yesterday as the governor issued an executive order forcing members of Council 94 and other unions who rejected the contract offer to pay the same health-care co-share increases as those who have agreed to the settlement."
R.I. companies held accountable for tax breaks
From: www.projo.com
"The Rhode Island Department of Revenue is getting ready to name names."
Fed program used to check legal status threatens S.C. immigration law
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"A federal immigration database that is the lynchpin of South Carolina's recently passed immigration law is in congressional trouble."
DOT to check contractors on immigration compliance
From: www.goupstate.com
"The state Transportation Department will begin making sure contractors comply with immigration laws."
Incorrect data washed up in S.C.
From: www.charleston.net
"Never mind. An environmental group - after rating South Carolina's beaches the worst in the Southeast for water quality and Sullivan's Island as the seventh-worst in the state - backed off its report Thursday after being challenged by state regulators."
German politicians to vacation in S.C.
From: www.thestate.com
"S.C. taxpayers will pay $100,000 to bring about 120 German politicians to Myrtle Beach for a vacation."
S.C's high-tourism towns consider suits against online booking companies
From: www.thestate.com
"BLUFFTON, S.C. -- Some towns in Beaufort County and other tourism-dependent communities might not be getting their full share of bed taxes because online booking companies aren't paying the amount they should, according to lawsuits filed in South Carolina and throughout the country."
Oil could hurt pheasant dollars
From: www.argusleader.com
"After a spring and summer with decreased boardings, the Sioux Falls Regional Airport is looking to a strong fall with the annual influx of pheasant hunters flying into Sioux Falls. But there's concern that higher airfares and added fees could discourage hunters this year."
States compensated for drug company's fraud
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Tennessee and Georgia state governments are expecting multimillion-dollar payouts to compensate the states for their inflated payments to a drug company charged with misconduct.
"
VW plant could spur high-speed rail link
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"The speedometer on a Volkswagen stops well short of 300 mph, but Georgia state Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, hopes the $1 billion assembly plant coming to Chattanooga boosts the prospect for a train that can hit that speed.
"
State ranks in top tier of bridge structures
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"As the anniversary of last year's Interstate 35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis nears, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen and transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely are touting some of the Volunteer State's "best" ratings for bridge repair and maintenance.
"
State employees' chief calls for early retirement offers
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"A top Tennessee State Employees Association official said Wednesday that Gov. Phil Bredesen could get enough workers to leave state employment rolls voluntarily if he would make offers to people at or near retirement age.
"
Nissan offering buyouts to Tennessee employees
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Nissan North America Inc. said today it will offer buyouts to about 6,000 employees at the company's two Tennessee plants and eliminate a night shift at one plant because rising fuel prices and the economic downturn have slowed sales of trucks and sport utility vehicles.
"
One in four deficient high-use bridges here
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Five of Tennessee's 20 high-traffic, structurally deficient bridges are in Chattanooga, and four of them are downtown, according to an Associated Press analysis of recently released bridge inspection reports in the National Bridge Inventory.
"
Moving freight line for commuter rail could cost up to $2.4 billion
From: www.statesman.com
"Building a 145-mile-long freight rail bypass around Austin and San Antonio at a cost of $2.4 billion, making commuter rail possible between the cities, would generate about $1.4 billion in public benefits over 20 years, a study to be released today says."
Texas Gov. Rick Perry makes second appeal for federal Dolly aid
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Gov. Rick Perry made another request Thursday for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance for Texans affected by Hurricane Dolly. "
Budget woes plague states
From: www.thestate.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is laying off as many as 22,000 state employees. New York's governor is raising the possibility of selling - or more accurately, leasing - the Brooklyn Bridge. Nevada is burning through its rainy-day fund like a gambler on a losing streak. And Maryland is pinning its hopes on slot machines."
Urgency has buckled since Minneapolis bridge collapse
From: www.latimes.com
"CHICAGO - A year after the collapse of Minneapolis' Interstate 35W bridge, which killed 13 people and injured more than 100, the drive to improve the safety of the nation's bridges has faded amid waning public interest to fund such projects in a souring economy."
Back-to-school tax holiday held in Va.
From: hosted.ap.org
"Virginians can save money this weekend thanks to the state's back-to-school tax holiday."
Democrats defend tribal compacts
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Democrats in the state House and Senate joined forces Thursday to defend Gov. Chris Gregoire's controversial decision to allow a big expansion of tribal gambling while abandoning a provision that would have provided hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue for the state."
No Doyle impropriety in nuclear power plant sale
From: www.jsonline.com
"State investigators interviewed more than two dozen people and reviewed thousands of pages of documents but found no evidence that Gov. Jim Doyle had improperly influenced decisions on the sale of a nuclear power plant, newly released records show."
State debates video slots future
From: www.wvgazette.com
"Even though they won't have to act until 2010, legislators Tuesday were already discussing possible changes in the state's limited video lottery law, when the 10-year licenses for video slot machines must be bid again."
W.Va. blasts MSHA mine refuge plans
From: www.wvgazette.com
"The Manchin administration may sue the federal government if rescue chambers West Virginia coal operators have already installed in the state's underground mines are not grandfathered in under a new nationwide safety rule."
AEP wants bigger federal role in power line siting
From: www.wvgazette.com
"As state officials finalize their decision on one major power line proposal, American Electric Power is lobbying Congress to give the federal government more control over the siting of such projects."
Widow wins death benefits
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The widow of a man paralyzed by a workplace injury who later died of pneumonia is entitled to workers' compensation death benefits, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled in an opinion issued Thursday."
Mental injury bill moves forward
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Legislation aimed at extending coverage of on-the-job mental injuries under Wyoming's workers' compensation program will move forward in a legislative committee."
WORTH NOTING: Doc's orders: No fist bumps for Easley
From: www.stateline.org
"North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) is told to knock off his knuckle knocking with presidential candidates. A woman shells out $200,000 to run ads against her ex-husband, who’s running for Missouri attorney general. And Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) gets blocked from a capital city bar for not having identification. In case you missed those stories this week, Worth Noting fills you in."
Louisiana touts its offshore oil drilling
From: www.stateline.org
"
NEW ORLEANS — While states on the east and west coast debate whether to drill for offshore oil and natural gas, Louisiana and three other Gulf Coast states hold up their offshore drilling operations as proof that they can produce oil and gas without hurting the environment.
"
Great Lakes states protect their water
From: www.stateline.org
"Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes."
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."
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."
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."
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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