Four-day workweek begins -- Many state offices to be closed on Friday
From: www.sltrib.com
"Starting this week, many state offices will be closed Fridays, meaning Utahns will have to run those errands another day. It's all part of an energy-saving plan initiated by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr."
State fairs pitch thrift in a pricey travel year
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Organizers of the Illinois State Fair say the theme of this year's 11-day event is family tradition. But it might as well be affordability. "
Ohio Lottery's new online Keno game starts today
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Keno, the online lottery game that allows players to gamble every four minutes, debuts today in bars, bowling alleys, restaurants, private clubs and other locations across the state."
Power line fight not over
From: www.wvgazette.com
"The fight over a $1.1 billion transmission line across northern West Virginia is far from over, despite a wholehearted endorsement of the line from the state Public Service Commission."
Economy top concern of state's voters
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"New Hampshire voters' concerns about the war in Iraq are being increasingly eclipsed by their worries about the troubled economy, a recent University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll shows."
Pension boost OK'd for state workers
From: www.boston.com
"Massachusetts lawmakers, moving quickly and without debate in the final hours of the legislative session, approved a pension increase for state workers that could cost more than $3 billion over the next 20 years, sparking criticism from"
State fair promises fair price
From: www.suntimes.com
"Organizers of the Illinois State Fair say the theme of this year's 11-day event is family tradition. But it might as well be affordability."
Ark. lottery means losses for neighboring states
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"If Arkansas voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment allowing a state lottery, the most affected could be those in neighboring states."
Kansas companies put out of business by high fuel costs
From: www.kansas.com
"After more than 40 years in the business, Mike Ross closed his Salina trucking company on July 1. Tony Gaston cut his Hutchinson fleet from 50 to 26 trucks. Now he is looking at laying off some office staff. Mike Fritch of Burrton went from three trucks to one. Even then, he says, it's touch and go."
Region adds jobs as state, U.S. lose
From: www.dispatch.com
"National employment statistics released yesterday provide fresh evidence of a deepening downturn."
'So Gay' ad surprised state tourism leaders
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"When an ad campaign appeared in the London Underground promoting South Carolina as a "So Gay" destination for gay and lesbian tourists, the spokesman for the state's tourism agency shared his unease with a colleague."
Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino: A high-stakes future
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"After spending more than two hours meandering halls loaded with Native American artwork , rooms full of custom furniture, a spa, a casino and three restaurants at the soon-to-open Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino, Pojoaque Gov. George Rivera stops. For a moment, he is lost amid the swank of the hotel's fifth floor. "
Idaho jobless rate climbs again
From: news.opb.org
"Idaho has had the hottest job market in the Northwest, but for the first time in more than three years the unemployment rate there has climbed above four percent."
Supervisor says he erred about Veco labor costs
From: www.adn.com
"A former Veco employee backed away from an assertion in an interview published in Sunday's Daily News that some labor costs for the 2000 renovation of Sen. Ted Stevens' home in Girdwood were borne by an oil company."
Legislature looks at energy checks
From: juneauempire.com
"A bill sharing the state's energy wealth with residents moved slowly in legislative negotiations Sunday, and was expected to be taken up by the Senate today."
Workers say VECO hatched remodel plan
From: juneauempire.com
"ANCHORAGE - The idea to double the size of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens' home in Girdwood by jacking it up and adding a new first floor was hatched by VECO employees over drinks at the Alyeska Prince Hotel, according to two of the participants."
Report - Health service shorted Alaska Natives
From: www.adn.com
"About $6 million worth of equipment, including tractor-trailers, has vanished somewhere between the Indian Health Service and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, the result of "gross mismanagement" of the federal agency charged with providing health services to Natives."
Lawsuit claims deal bad for state workers
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"The Alabama State Employees Association, a leading lobbying group at the capital, receives more than one-third of its budget - about $1 million annually - from a company that the group has recommended state workers to use for retirement investments."
Alabama judges rank high in pay
From: www.al.com
"In a state where the average resident earns one of the lowest paychecks in America, Alabama appeals court judges are among the most highly paid in the U.S."
Backer says lottery a jackpot for state
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"John Bailey, an owner of apartment complexes who nearly single-handedly has funded the push for a state lottery in Arkansas, says he "certainly hopes" he and his business will benefit by its passage."
Doing more with less -- State of economy takes toll on volunteer fire departments
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"The safety of most of rural Washington County rests on the goodwill, and shoulders, of a few good men. But smalltown and rural fire chiefs are emphasizing the few when it comes to the number of volunteers their departments see at emergency calls, especially during the day."
Layoffs add to frustration at some local DMV offices
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Long waits at some Department of Motor Vehicles offices - more than two hours in Poway - were one result yesterday of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's order to lay off 10,000 temporary and part-time state workers."
Workers union files suit to block Schwarzenegger's layoff order
From: www.latimes.com
"A workers union sued the state Friday in an effort to reverse more than 10,000 layoffs ordered by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, as criticism of the decision mounted and Californians began to feel the effect on government services."
Ad Watch - Radio spot opposes using gas taxes to balance budget
From: www.sacbee.com
"Transportation, local government, labor and business advocates launched a radio campaign July 23 to fight rumors of a possible transportation raid to help balance this year's budget."
Bill proposes fees on more plastic containers to encourage California recycling
From: www.sacbee.com
"Consumers would pay a redemption fee on a broader range of plastic containers, from ketchup bottles to peanut butter jars, under a bill pending at the Capitol."
State agencies spare many from Schwarzenegger ax
From: www.sacbee.com
"State agencies spared thousands of temporary and part-time workers from layoffs and California's prison medical czar on Friday sought to exempt nearly the entire corrections department from a minimum-wage pay cut, raising doubts about how much cash the state will save under Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's executive order."
Local officials also weigh new tax hikes
From: www.sacbee.com
"As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislators confront a projected $15.2 billion budget deficit and weigh whether to impose new taxes to close it, local governments throughout California are contemplating a wide array of new taxes to close their shortfalls or expand local services and facilities."
Environmental groups undecided on high-speed rail plan
From: www.sacbee.com
"California bullet-train enthusiasts risk losing support from key environmental groups because of a dispute over the train's route. Unless resolved soon, the conflict could pose problems for a high-speed rail bond measure on the November ballot."
California budget impasses enters eighth week after deadline
From: online.wsj.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California enters its eighth week after a budget deadline with no deal in sight between Republican and Democratic lawmakers on a spending plan, a delay that brings the nation's most populous state closer to having to slash services deeper and borrow at premium rates."
State considering laws modifying individual health insurance policies
From: www.latimes.com
"Seeking to salvage two years of efforts to completely remake California's health insurance system, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic legislators are nearing deals intended to rein in costly, meager medical insurance policies sold directly to individuals."
Crowded ballot - Initiative inflation could set record
From: www.denverpost.com
"Colorado voters could face the largest November ballot in state history if citizen initiative campaigners who've promised to turn in valid petitions by today's deadline come through."
Tiny Working Families Party a coalition pushing labor agenda
From: www.courant.com
"A change in state law last year eased the rules for cross-endorsements, setting up the Working Families Party as potential kingmaker in close races, such as Democrat Jim Himes' challenge of U.S. Rep. Chris Shays, R-4th District."
Tax-holiday savings lure consumers to Georgia stores
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"THOMASVILLE, Ga. - Parents know this time of year means back-to-school shopping, but Floridians won't be getting the sales-tax breaks of recent years.
"
Rival claims of tax-swap backers and foes baffle Florida home builders group
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Home builders demanded answers Saturday to questions about a proposed constitutional tax amendment that voters will decide on the Nov. 4 ballot."
Battle over Confederate flag hits highways
From: www.csmonitor.com
"TAMPA, Fla. - Chip Witte doesn't consider himself a Rebel. He doesn't hang Dixie battle flags in his living room, nor does he wear one on the back of his leather jacket."
Tax credit program helps open private school doors
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Not satisfied with your child's public school? It's getting easier to afford a private school education. The push is on to persuade Georgia businesses and residents to direct part of their state taxes to nonprofit organizations that will fund private school scholarships."
Hawaii's private schools feel pinch of economic downturn
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Private schools across the state are being forced to reach deep into their waiting lists or offer more financial aid as Island families feel the pinch of the state's slowing economy."
Profs call arbitration preferable to pickets
From: starbulletin.com
"The University of Hawaii faculty union is proposing in contract negotiations to give away its right to strike for a form of binding arbitration, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly Executive Director J.N. Musto told the Board of Regents last week."
Judge rules Iowa law protects nude dancing club
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Nude dancing remains an art in Iowa. A Fremont County judge ruled Friday in favor of a nude dancing club owner charged with violating Iowa's indecent exposure law."
Officials tout Iowa State Fair as affordable 'staycation'
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"After spring and summer storms and flooding battered the state, Iowans ready for a celebration can find fun at this year's Iowa State Fair."
Court reviews Iowa's smoking ban
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Iowa's smoking ban unconstitutionally burdens business owners and has forced some Iowa bars out of business, said plaintiffs seeking a temporary halt to the ban during a hearing in Polk County District Court Friday."
Broken hand ruling raises concerns
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Iowa employers are raising concerns about a state administrative judge's decision to award worker's compensation and medical benefits to a part-time United Parcel Service employee who broke his hand when he lost his temper and hit a trailer."
Iowans' tippling boosts state coffers
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowans are drinking more beer, wine and liquor, and are bolstering the state's treasury in the process."
Floods may put housing out of reach for some
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa faces a major long-term housing dilemma that stretches far beyond the immediate shelter needs for flood and tornado victims. The wider-reaching problem is a lack of affordable housing and, for people like Patricia Jordan, the consequences could mean homelessness."
Iowa State Fair kicks off Thursday
From: ads.qctimes.com
"After storms and flooding battered the state, Iowans ready for a celebration can find fun at this year's Iowa State Fair.
"
Does the Illinois Lottery pay for education? Well, sort of ...
From: www.dailyherald.com
"So the governor's talking about leasing out the lottery to pay for new roads, and many of you may be thinking: I thought the lottery paid for education. Time to debunk one of the longest running myths in state government."
Commission leaning toward not moving IDOT division
From: www.sj-r.com
"State lawmakers have the next move in the political chess game over the fate of the Illinois Department of Transportation's traffic safety division."
How many jobs would capital construction plan create?
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes the same point just about everywhere he goes these days: A new capital construction program for Illinois will create hundreds of thousands of new jobs, providing a much-needed injection into a slumping economy."
Mayor Richard Daley swats at several of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's proposals
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"If the governor was hoping Mayor Richard Daley would support his smaller, gambling-free version of a statewide construction program, he may want to think again.
"
Cuts put state parks on a troubled trail
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"HANNA CITY, Ill. - Kami Fletcher yanked on the doorknob of the one-room schoolhouse, but it wouldn't budge."
What do Cook County, city of Chicago and Illinois state employees get paid?
From: www.suntimes.com
"Search job and salary information for 145,000 Illinois state, Cook County and city of Chicago employees. "
Tax legislation puts pressure on local officials
From: www.nwitimes.com
"The property tax overhaul state lawmakers announced from on high this spring has begun to roll downhill, and region officials are less than thrilled with the new responsibilities headed their way."
Director scratching lottery's hard luck
From: www.journalgazette.net
"When Kathryn Densborn took over the Hoosier Lottery in December 2006, she inherited a staff short on bodies and morale and at least two challenges against her predecessor for wrongful termination."
Daniels to talk taxpayer protection
From: www.indystar.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels plans to announce a major portion of his re-election platform on Tuesday."
Pardoned union rep appointed
From: www.courier-journal.com
"A man charged with breaking campaign finance laws a decade ago but pardoned before trial has been appointed to Gov. Steve Beshear's administration."
Beshear appears tough on road contract costs
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Beshear administration is being more aggressive than its predecessor at holding the cost of highway contracts below official estimates, a Courier-Journal analysis indicates."
Appeals court reinstates charge against Odom
From: www.nola.com
"More than a year after a trial judge threw out the remaining public corruption charges against then-Agriculture Commissioner Bob Odom, the Louisiana 1st Circuit Court of Appeal has given the state's case a faint lifeline."
A grim forecast for heating costs
From: www.boston.com
"Massachusetts residents who heat their homes with natural gas or oil could end up paying nearly $1 billion more this year than they did in 2007, about a 30 percent increase, according to a University of Massachusetts report set to be released today."
Lawmakers hit the trail -- but this summer, not for a campaign
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Many Howard County members of the General Assembly are using their summers for professional travel, going as near as Washington and as far as Kazakhstan."
Md., Va. students may be asked to walk to school
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"WASHINGTON - School officials in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs may start asking more students to walk to school to help hold down costs after a dramatic increase in fuel costs for school buses."
Memories of special session linger as O'Malley advocates 'politics of posterity'
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Memories of Special Session Linger as O'Malley Advocates 'Politics of Posterity'
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By John Wagner
Sunday, August 3, 2008; Page C05
At first blush, last year's special legislative session in Maryland might seem a curious couple of weeks for Gov. Martin O'Malley to voluntarily revisit. Multiple taxes were increased, and whatever the benefit to the state's finances, it came at a considerable loss to the governor's popularity. "
Mainers go solar, snap up systems that make heat as the sun shines
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Skyrocketing oil prices are sending more Mainers in search of solar-powered heat and hot-water systems."
Baldacci nominates 4 directors for Dirigo
From: bangornews.com
"Gov. John E. Baldacci has announced his nomination of four new members to the board of directors of the Dirigo Health Agency. The nominations must be reviewed by the members of the Legislature's Insurance and Financial Services Committee and confirmed by the Senate. A confirmation session of the Senate has been scheduled for Aug. 20."
Housing help on local, regional, state levels
From: bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine - Shawn Yardley is bracing for a busy winter. The director of Bangor Health and Community Services expects an influx of people needing help with housing at the top of their list."
Rain, economy plague state fair
From: bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine - The Bangor State Fair closed with a bang Sunday as heavy thunderstorms and rain chased away crowds for the last day of the annual summer event. In fact, the rain that plagued the fair during stretches of its 10-day run may have helped cause a drop in attendance this summer."
CMP, MPS eye upgrades across Maine
From: bangornews.com
"PORTLAND, Maine - Two of Maine's largest power-distribution companies, Central Maine Power and Maine Public Service, are proposing major upgrades aimed at preventing blackouts, bringing as a side benefit thousands of construction jobs."
Maine island loses mail delivery tradition
From: www.usatoday.com
"SUTTON ISLAND, Maine - The U.S. Postal Service has ended a decades-old tradition in which mail was delivered to this small offshore island by a private ferry service and left in a specially marked trash can on the dock for recipients to pick up."
State scrambles to fund roads
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"A long-targeted piece in a patchwork of solutions to fund Michigan roads has dropped into the Legislature."
Tough tasks for Michigan's environmental regulator
From: www.freep.com
"Government regulators are never in the running for congeniality awards. That may especially be true for the man charged with overseeing permits for new power plants, mines and large-scale livestock operations in Michigan."
Obama to speak about energy plan in Lansing
From: www.detnews.com
"Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is expected to pitch his emergency energy rebate plan at 11 a.m. today to hundreds of voters packed into the Lansing Center. The Illinois senator wants to slap a windfall profits tax on big oil companies to fund gas cost relief amounting to $500 for individuals and $1,000 for married couples."
Great Lakes rising again; levels close to normal
From: www.freep.com
"After a parched summer last year that left docks stranded and boat propellers scraping sandy shallows, the Great Lakes are blissfully -- and surprisingly -- full again this year."
Obama to talk energy, economy in Lansing stop this morning
From: www.freep.com
"Barack Obama is returning to Michigan to talk about energy and the economy."
Lawmakers aim to raise land revenue for schools
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"ST. PAUL - Minnesota lawmakers want to know how to get more money out of the 2.5 million acres of land set aside 150 years ago to support the state's schools."
Lawmakers aim to raise land revenue for schools
From: www.twincities.com
"Minnesota lawmakers want to know how to get more money out of the 2.5 million acres of land set aside 150 years ago to support the state's schools."
State shuts down video poker again
From: www.news-record.com
"Gov. Mike Easley wasn't expecting a bill dealing with what opponents called the second coming of video poker to hit his desk this summer."
Sun Power -- Solar-energy industry, no longer in its infancy, is expanding across North Carolina
From: www2.journalnow.com
"FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. -- Surrounded by a cornfield and trees is one of the state's newer power plants. There are no telltale signs of a power plant -- no long lines of railroad cars filled with coal, no cooling towers releasing steam clouds, no smokestacks or big transformers."
Law will ban slot screens
From: www2.journalnow.com
"In a dimly lit room on Acadia Avenue, people with an itch for gambling play games that look a lot like video slot machines. The games can be found at several similar "parlors" in Winston-Salem, and at bars, convenience stores and storefront stations throughout North Carolina. Not for long, though. Last week, Gov. Mike Easley signed a new law that will ban the games starting later this year."
N.D. POLITICS NOTEBOOK - Dems spend some green to go green
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Thanks to the city of Fargo's landfill, North Dakota Democrats are going green at the Democratic National Convention."
Lyons, Neb., devoted to alternative energy
From: www.omaha.com
"The inside of the Nebraska Screw Press building is cavernous, dark and damp. The ceiling is crisscrossed with metal support beams, rusted and brown."
Many pick train over plane, automobile
From: www.omaha.com
"Thirty minutes before the scheduled boarding time of Amtrak's California Zephyr, no one waited in the small train station at 1003 S. Ninth St."
NH gubernatorial candidates consider 4-day work week
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire's gubernatorial candidates would consider authorizing a four-day work week and telecommuting for state workers to save energy costs."
Bill supporting residential turbines in NH passes
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire recently passed legislation to support residential turbines. The law sets a noise limit for the systems and prevents towns and municipalities from holding turbines to the same height standards as other buildings."
Bill supporting residential turbines in NH passes
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire recently passed legislation to support residential turbines. The law sets a noise limit for the systems and prevents towns and municipalities from holding turbines to the same height standards as other buildings."
N.H. officials tour tornado damage
From: www.fosters.com
"DEERFIELD, N.H. -- Federal and state officials returned to the site where a Deerfield woman was killed in a tornado that battered 11 towns more than a week ago."
Ex-Enterasys head lashes out at Benson
From: www.fosters.com
"The former chief financial officer of Enterasys has asked a federal court to overturn his fraud conviction -- and has accused former New Hampshire Gov. Craig Benson and U.S. Attorney Tom Colantuono of wrongdoing in the process."
Tornado cleanup help is on the way
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"Post-tornado clean up is daunting, but property owners can get some professional advice next week at a series of meetings organized by UNH Cooperative Extension and the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands."
New Hampshire ski areas going green
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"New Hampshire ski areas are going green this winter to save money and the environment."
State knew of abuses, did almost nothing
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"State officials have said for more than a year that they were unaware of complaints from foreign physicians that their bosses - most of them prominent immigrant doctors in Las Vegas - were getting rich by exploiting a program designed to help communities lacking medical providers."
The state of finances
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson may have gotten lawmakers' attention last week with a historic call to reopen the state budget less than four months after its adoption, but whether they will acquiesce to the $1.2 billion in recommended cuts is far from certain. All 212 legislators face re-election in the fall and are loath to anger voters by slashing money for education, health care, building projects and other popular programs during the Aug. 19 special session."
Ex-NYers ripping off Medicaid millions
From: www.nypost.com
"New York is wasting tens of millions of dollars annually by paying the medical expenses of thousands of former residents who have long since moved out of state, an explosive new audit has found."
Machines ringing up profits
From: www.timesunion.com
"Increased use of video lottery terminals managed to offset a stagnant market for traditional games to bring in a record $2.6 billion to the New York Lottery this past fiscal year, which ended March 31."
A bitter reunion at Love Canal, 30 years later
From: www.timesunion.com
"NIAGARA FALLS. N.Y. -- The agency formed to revitalize the toxic Love Canal neighborhood wrapped up its work Friday. Soon, state health officials will finish a long-term study of former residents. But the toxic waste crisis that gave rise to the federal Superfund program never really ends for those who lived through it, even 30 years later."
SUNY cuts add up to pain
From: www.timesunion.com
"Two officials working within the State University of New York system say the Paterson administration is seeking $95 million to $100 million in cuts to operations to help pare this year's state budget."
Experts see Albany ills as problem, not crisis
From: www.nytimes.com
""The budget I am presenting today," Gov. Hugh L. Carey said in a speech in 1976, "demands that every state agency" must "alter those practices that have brought the public sector of this state to its greatest crisis since the Great Depression.""
Ohio State Fair takes green approach to waste
From: www.herald-dispatch.com
"COLUMBUS, Ohio - Butter cows and other wondrous sculptures carved from the dairy products will get more use after they're done being displayed at the Ohio State Fair."
Ohio gambles on Keno to fill budget deficit
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores are scheduled to start a statewide lottery game today that officials hoped would offset projected budget deficits."
Keno starts today at 700 sites
From: news.cincinnati.com
"Keno, Ohio's newest lottery game, debuts today at more than 700 bars, restaurants, horse tracks, fraternal clubs and other businesses licensed to serve alcohol. The online game is expected to net an estimated $73 million in profits for state government in the first year."
Immigration system in tatters
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Ohio is more than 1,000 miles from where illegal immigrants cross daily into this country on its southern border, but to get a temperature of the national debate over the deeply polarizing issue of immigration, look no further than Butler County."
Costs make recycling glass bottles a tough sell
From: www.dispatch.com
"What's a beer bottle worth after someone drinks the brew?"
State to remember oilman as pioneer
From: newsok.com
"Community leaders are mourning the passing of a pioneering oil and natural gas exploration leader who co-founded a business that today is Oklahoma's largest publicly traded company."
Federal bill may increase Oregon housing supply
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"Oregon home buyers and renters will have an expanded supply of housing as a result of federal legislation signed by President Bush last week."
Senator fires off charges in utility rate battle
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The first signs of a brewing political storm struck Friday when a state senator accused a utility commissioner of lying about what will happen as electricity rate caps expire during the next 18 months."
High asphalt prices delay paving projects
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"State highway officials are delaying some paving projects due to the rising cost of asphalt, steel and other materials."
With wind farms, concerns about 'slaughter' of bats, birds
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Some Pennsylvanians are wary of wind power."
Growing pains ahead as state develops wind power
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Pennsylvania's mountain ridges are on track to teem with industrial wind turbines -- enough that, if placed on the 359-mile Pennsylvania Turnpike, they would stretch seven per mile."
ACLU warns courts against using E-Verify
From: www.projo.com
"Civil libertarians yesterday warned the state judiciary that it would be condoning a crime if it encouraged the two companies which clean the state's courthouses to screen current workers through the new federal E-Verify database."
Governor holds off on co-pay directive
From: www.pawtuckettimes.com
"The Carcieri administration has agreed not to implement the executive order announced Thursday that would impose health insurance changes on unions that had rejected them."
State's sales tax holiday bright spot in economy
From: www.news-record.com
"On a weekend dedicated to whipping out the credit card, a shaky economy nonetheless loomed in the back of many shoppers' minds."
Carolinians urged -- 'Eat Local for a Day'
From: www.charleston.net
"State Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers wants residents to take a day this week and eat only South Carolina grown products."
Rounds eyes new way to pay teachers
From: www.argusleader.com
"South Dakota schools might hire teachers for hard-to-fill positions such as math or science by paying them more than others on staff, Gov. Mike Rounds says."
Volunteer State low on volunteers
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"The Volunteer State apparently is in need of more volunteers, according to a study that ranks Chattanooga 38th among midsize cities in the nation and Tennessee 39th among states for participation in community service."
State says layoffs could occur in January
From: www.tennessean.com
"Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz says state employees could be laid off in January if the state doesn't get enough people to accept a buyout package."
Lawsuit brings into the open TVA's role as polluter
From: www.tennessean.com
"There's nothing like a trial to get a look at a large agency and its records that otherwise can be difficult to see."
State buyouts may not be enough
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state may need to cut more jobs than expected if interest in the employee buyout program continues to lag and the economy doesn't rebound, Finance Commissioner Dave Goetz warned Friday."
Senate OKs compact on Great Lakes use
From: www.freep.com
"WASHINGTON -- By unanimous consent, the U.S. Senate today approved a compact between the Great Lakes states -- including Michigan -- which would put into place rules to block any major diversion of water from the Great Lakes."
Senators clash over ballast water bill
From: www.freep.com
"WASHINGTON - Tiny foreign mussels assault drinking water sources in California and Nevada. A deadly fish virus spreads swiftly through the Great Lakes and beyond. Japanese shore crabs make a home for themselves in Long Island Sound, more than 6,000 miles away."
Foreclosure rescue scams multiply
From: www.usatoday.com
"States and the federal government are using new laws and lawsuits to fend off a wave of scams in which con artists prey on homeowners facing foreclosure."
Utah hit with 9% increase at stores
From: www.deseretnews.com
"The price of the Deseret News' grocery basket jumped a whopping 9 percent in the past month. If you think that's rough, just wait until you get the bill for school lunch."
Tax holiday provides some help for back-to-school shoppers
From: fredericksburg.com
"With an attitude that every little bit helps, local shoppers took advantage of the tax-free weekend to buy back-to-school supplies."
Utility unveils plans for 'smart power' devices
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"RUTLAND, Vt. - Vermont's largest utility and the state Department of Public Service unveiled plans Friday to introduce new technology in hopes of using electricity more efficiently and responding better to power failures."
CVPS has plans for high-tech meters
From: www.timesargus.com
"The state's largest utility is embarking on an ambitious $40 million project to empower its customers by allowing them to control their own energy usage and ultimately what they pay for electricity."
Washington State Lottery unveils new Match 4 game
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"The Washington State Lottery has launched a new game -- Match 4 -- with daily top prizes of $10,000 for anybody picking all four winning numbers."
More trade missions on Doyle's wish list
From: www.jsonline.com
"Gov. Jim Doyle wants to see the world, and he wants the world to see Wisconsin."
Dominion plans new gas pipeline
From: www.wvgazette.com
"Officials with Dominion Transmission are planning a new billion-dollar pipeline project to channel natural gas through West Virginia to Pennsylvania and other Eastern markets."
Coal-to-gasoline technology not new in Marshall County
From: www.dailymail.com
"Plans for a $800 million coal-to-gasoline plant announced in Marshall County have generated plenty of excitement about new jobs and groundbreaking technology."
DEP seeks money to reclaim 9 abandoned mine lands
From: www.dailymail.com
"MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The state Department of Environmental Protection is looking for federal money to reclaim nine abandoned mine sites in Monongalia County. "
Parties reach gas plant accord
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The director of the Office of State Lands and Investments is recommending -- subject to a list of stipulations and conditions -- that the state issue a special lease on school trust land in Sublette County for a natural gas processing and carbon sequestration plant."
Watch your (official) language
From: www.stateline.org
"Missouri, a key presidential swing state and home to one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races, will test what some see as voters’ attitudes toward immigrants with a ballot measure to make English the only language of state government."
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."
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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