Buzz grows over state tax holidays
From: www.csmonitor.com
"Tax-free days cost states money but can prod lagging American spending."
Business closings in Conn. hit 8-year high
From: www.rep-am.com
"Business closings Connecticut have hit an eight-year high, while new company startups have dropped to an eight-year low, the secretary of the state's office reported Tuesday."
Nebraska farmland values at record levels
From: www.theindependent.com
"Like fuel and food, farm real estate values are at record highs, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture."
Pension fund chief has bonus after loss
From: www.boston.com
"Despite presiding over a $1 billion loss last year, the executive director of the state's pension fund will receive a $64,000 bonus on top of his $322,000 annual salary because the fund outperformed the market indexes and many other major state pension funds."
Governor calls two-day special session
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich is bringing legislators back next week for another round in their ongoing fight, with the Illinois State Fair as the backdrop this time."
ID fuel tax revenue slips for 1st time in 6 years
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"For the first time in six years, Idaho fuel tax revenue has declined as drivers faced with $4 per gallon gasoline shunned their cars and as fuel distributors blended tax-exempt ethanol to meet federal mandates."
Double whammy whacks economy in Iowa
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The lingering national economic downturn is starting to drag down Iowa's economy, experts say."
Zoo levy passes with ease
From: www.detnews.com
"A majority of Metro Detroit voters on Tuesday approved the tax to help fund the Detroit Zoo, a show of overwhelming support that will guarantee the cash-strapped institution about $15 million in public funding each year for the next decade."
From Chama to California, small-town tourist haunts struggle with gas prices, economy
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"The summer tourist season in this tiny mountain town is well under way, and the quiet recreational vehicle park nestled under towering cottonwoods ought to be full. "
Slots revenue in state bucking the odds
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Economic woes, soaring gasoline prices, smoking bans and other factors have put the national casino industry in a rare downturn in 2008, but you wouldn't know it from operators' experiences in Pennsylvania."
State close to approving desalination plant
From: www.sfgate.com
"Los Angeles -- Amid a prolonged statewide drought, California officials are considering whether to give final approval to a company that wants to turn salt-drenched seawater into 50 million gallons of drinking water a day."
Bill would charge fees at ports for cleaner air
From: www.sfgate.com
"Cargo shipping companies that send goods through ports in Oakland, Long Beach and Los Angeles would be charged new fees to fund efforts to reduce pollution under a bill approved Tuesday by the state Senate and sent to the governor."
Real estate bust cost to Florida: $153B
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The bursting of the Florida real-estate bubble now has a price tag: $153 billion. That's the loss in market value of all Florida properties, from houses to businesses, between 2007 and 2008"
Rural America outgrows label
From: www.usatoday.com
"In New Hampshire's northernmost county, the wood pulp extracted from the rich forests to produce paper has long been the lifeblood of the local economy."
State's oil boom areas see gambling increase
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Gambling revenue taxes in Montana's oil boom counties catapulted by double digits last year, state information shows, while gambling elsewhere in the state actually dipped a bit before recovering this spring."
About 2,000 state workers apply for Tenn. buyouts
From: www.tennessean.com
"About 2,000 state employees have applied for voluntary buyout packages under a plan to reduce Tennessee's state work force by 5 percent.
"
80,000 state stimulus checks unclaimed
From: newsok.com
"TULSA, Okla. -- For thousands of Oklahomans, the check is still not in the mail.
"
Golf gives $4.2 billion boost to state economy
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- To watch the 90th PGA Championship unfold at Oakland Hills Country Club, it should come as no surprise that golf is a big game in Michigan.
"
Natives urge state to ease energy crisis
From: www.adn.com
"Prominent Alaska Natives met with state political leaders Tuesday in Anchorage to discuss what should be done to fix rural Alaska's energy crisis."
Alaska House approves $1,200 energy subsidy
From: www.adn.com
"The Alaska House of Representatives late Tuesday passed a nearly $1 billion spending bill that includes funding for a potential $1,200 "resource rebate" for Alaskans plus preparations toward a natural gas pipeline."
Price of fuel for Alabama Power rising
From: www.al.com
"The three members of the state Public Service Commission signaled Tuesday that rising costs of fuel burned at power plants likely will lead to higher electric costs for the 1.4 million customers of Alabama Power Co."
Alabama to be named 'State of the Year' for economic progress
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Gov. Bob Riley will visit expanding industries in Huntsville, Birmingham and Montgomery on Wednesday, August 6 to announce Alabama has been named "State of the Year" for its economic development performance in 2007.
"
Alabama Power rates may go up
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Customers of Alabama Power Co. might see their rates go up as customers of some other Southeastern utilities have seen due to rising costs for coal and natural gas."
Proposed deal lets state hold onto $2 million
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"Under a proposed settlement, Arkansas would keep $2 million it withheld from a German software company from which former Gov. Mike Huckabee's administration purchased a computerized accounting system."
Most in primaries balk at tax for transportation
From: www.azstarnet.com
"A majority of Southern Arizona legislative candidates in the Sept. 2 primary are opposed to a 1-cent sales tax increase to pay for new roads and public transit."
Calif. officials warn against Malaysian candy
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"California health officials have issued a warning about a brand of candy from Malaysia, saying it contains lead levels the state considers unsafe."
Concord woman spurs law to save pets
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"After reading about pets abandoned with foreclosed homes, Sheri Kuticka pushed for a new law making it easier to rescue the animals."
State budget stalemate continues
From: www.sfgate.com
"The prospects for quick resolution to the state's impasse grew dimmer Tuesday, a day after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed a solution to the mess, when Democratic legislators were warned to cancel plans to attend the party convention at the end of the month."
State controller faces challenge
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office Tuesday took the first step toward a legal showdown with the state controller over his vow to block state workers' salaries from being slashed during the state's budget stalemate."
Higher taxes - too much all at once?
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Local officials trying to sell voters on new bond and tax measures in a down economy were already worried about a November ballot crowded with competing measures."
Schwarzenegger's proposed sales tax hike finds few fans
From: www.sacbee.com
"Higher sales tax in California? Chuck Alvey wouldn't mind. Alvey runs the Economic Development Authority of western Nevada, which recruits businesses to the Reno area, and he's glad to talk about Nevada's low-tax climate. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposal to tack an extra penny on California's sales tax could offer him another selling point."
Schwarzenegger's trip from tax cuts to tax hike
From: www.sacbee.com
"Five years ago this month, Arnold Schwarzenegger met with the press for the first time as a candidate for governor. Emerging from a conference with a group of economic advisers at a hotel near the Los Angeles airport, Schwarzenegger declared his opposition to raising taxes to help balance the state budget."
Budget standoff - Day 37
From: www.sacbee.com
"A day after word of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's sales tax increase proposal spread through the Capitol, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata said budget talks were at an impasse."
Schwarzenegger formally asks California controller to cut pay
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration on Tuesday asked state Controller John Chiang to temporarily cut the pay of roughly 180,000 state employees while exempting about 50,000 workers in a patchwork of departments."
In California, retro-tech complicates budget woes
From: www.nytimes.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - Faced with a $15 billion budget shortfall and a testy State Legislature, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is dealing with a host of critics, including pro-tax Democrats, tax-averse Republicans and a public increasingly displeased with him. "
Schwarzenegger's pay-cut order exempts many California workers
From: www.latimes.com
"A large share of the state workforce will be exempt from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's order to pay government employees the federal minimum wage until a state budget is enacted, but others -- doctors, lawyers and engineers -- will get nothing, according to documents provided by the administration Tuesday."
Gay rights issue raised in debate over state contract ballot initiative
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"A proposed ballot initiative dealing with government contracting might accomplish an elusive goal of gay rights activists: putting domestic partnerships in Colorado's constitution."
Ritter plugs Obama's energy plan
From: www.denverpost.com
"Gov. Bill Ritter signed on to Barack Obama's energy plan Tuesday, saying the Illinois senator's policies would promote energy independence and economic security."
Connecticut businesses falling victim to recession
From: www.theday.com
"Connecticut businesses are folding at a quickening pace, according to figures released Tuesday, and one of the state's leading economists said the numbers solidify his opinion that the state is in a recession."
Connecticut business closings hit 8-year high
From: www.zwire.com
"More Connecticut businesses shut their doors during the second quarter of this year than any period since 2000, according to figures released Tuesday by Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz."
Crist aide had barred support for a tax hike
From: www.tampabay.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist's newfound support for a property tax cut on the November ballot clashes with a pledge his office made to constituents just six months ago."
Tough times could force Crist to tap reserve funds
From: www.tampabay.com
"Florida's continuing economic woes could soon prompt Gov. Charlie Crist to dip into either the state's post-hurricane recovery fund or its health care endowment to pay for state operations this year. "
Crist supports swapping school property tax for increased sales tax
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday that he will support the property tax cut proposed in Amendment 5, but wasn't able to convince some business executives."
Citizens Insurance wind-only policyholders may have to re-apply
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"State-run Citizens Property Insurance has begun notifying more than 350,000 residential policyholders with wind-only coverage that they must re-apply for insurance."
Crist - Tax swap will help the economy
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday the proposed "tax-swap" constitutional amendment would help Florida snap out of its economic slump by putting more money in the pockets of homeowners and small businesses."
Isle campuses see enrollment surge
From: starbulletin.com
"The slowing economy appears to be a factor in surging enrollment at several University of Hawaii campuses, officials said."
Culver discusses college program
From: www.muscatinejournal.com
"In a city where industry is vital to economic development, a cooperative community college helps provide a strong pool of skilled workers."
Probe -- Teens worked illegally at Agriprocessors
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The Agriprocessors meat-processing plant in Postville could be hit with up to $1 million in fines as a result of alleged violations of child-labor laws."
State claims kosher plant violated child labor laws
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"State labor officials said Tuesday they found 57 cases of "egregious" child labor violations at the Agriprocessors meatpacking plant in Postville after a months-long investigation."
Other states' needs spark fears of aid cut
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa -- Damage caused in the country during this year's hurricane season could jeopardize Iowa's federal flood recovery allocations, several area leaders said Tuesday."
Governor calls legislators back
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday called on lawmakers to return to the Capitol next week to deal with education funding and a statewide public works program."
Iowa likely to benefit from fully-opened Thomson prison
From: www.qctimes.com
"Closing the Pontiac Correctional Center and fully opening the mostly unused lockup in Thomson could give a boost to the state's economy. The State of Iowa, that is."
Local officials, politicians assail CN rail study
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Illinois congressmen, community leaders, regional planners and local transit officials on Tuesday blasted a federal study designed to show the environmental impacts of Canadian National's proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Co."
Money for overpasses is lacking if Canadian National Railway buys rail line, state and federal officials say
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"If the Canadian National Railway is allowed to buy a suburban rail line, money wouldn't be available to build overpasses at railroad crossings likely to be blocked by increased freight traffic, state and federal officials said Tuesday.
"
Blagojevich calls for special session
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants lawmakers back at work in Springfield to consider a newly slimmed-down version of his statewide construction program that has stalled because of feuding and disagreements. "
Iowa might benefit from closing of Pontiac Prison
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Illinois officials are beginning to express concern that the closing of Pontiac Prison and its replacement in Thomson would give a boost to Iowa's economy. "
Gov puts schools, lawmaker pay hikes front and center
From: www.suntimes.com
"Gov. Blagojevich announced plans Tuesday to herd Illinois lawmakers back into special session next week to consider a pared-down state construction program and increased funding for schools."
Crowd gathers for Obama-Bayh in Elkhart
From: www.indystar.com
"ELKHART, Ind. -- About 2,000 people in this county, hard hit by job losses in the struggling RV manufacturing industry, jammed a town hall meeting here this morning to hear Sen. Barack Obama explain his economic and energy plans."
Indiana to get $10M as first batch of flood aid
From: www.indystar.com
"Indiana will immediately receive $10 million in disaster assistance funding from the federal government for the state's long-term recovery efforts from severe storms and flooding."
Get carried away
From: www.indystar.com
"There are lots of choices for music at the Grandstand this year, including Jessica Simpson, Carrie Underwood (with Keith Anderson), Daughtry (with Virgin Millionaires), the Backstreet Boys, Corbin Bleu and Sugarland (with Joe Nichols)."
Beshear makes town-hall stop in Shepherdsville
From: www.kypost.com
"SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. - Continuing his tour of town hall-style meetings, Gov. Steve Beshear heard from residents in Shepherdsville on Tuesday night. Topics ranged from gas prices and public transportation to casino gambling and cigarette taxes. "
Beshear talks with Bullitt residents
From: www.courier-journal.com
"At a town-hall style meeting in Shepherdsville last night, Gov. Steve Beshear discussed high gas prices, public transportation and casino gambling with residents as part of his "Beshear About Kentucky" tour."
Order allows low-speed electric cars on Ky. roads
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The phrase "slow lane" is about to take on a new meaning on some Kentucky roads."
No golden getaway, says Pike ex-boss
From: www.boston.com
"Matthew J. Amorello, the former Massachusetts Turnpike Authority chairman accused of ethics violations, delivered an impassioned defense yesterday of his actions in the days before his resignation from the transportation agency."
Patrick calls 18-month legislative session productive
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick hailed a series of clean energy initiatives and economic investments yesterday as he deemed the 18-month legislative session "one of the most productive in a long, long time.""
State to increase ethanol pumps
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Gov. Martin O'Malley, whose administration has become increasingly focused on energy policy, announced plans yesterday to build ethanol pump stations around Maryland so the state's 1,200 flex-fuel vehicles can more easily fill up with the renewable fuel."
Not serving stakes - 6 big races dropped
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Further diminishing an already struggling industry, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association plans to discontinue the financing of six stakes races this fall, virtually eliminating some of the state's most prestigious races, The Sun has learned."
Racing subsidies could leave Md.
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"A November slots referendum designed to keep millions in gambling dollars from going to nearby states would, if approved, likely end up sending millions in tax revenue to out-of-state racehorse owners, according to a new analysis by a taxpayer advocacy group."
3 counties support Detroit Zoo tax
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Voters in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties on Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a 0.1-mill tax to support the Detroit Zoo, which will add about $10 a year for the next decade to the property taxes on a home with a taxable value of $100,000. Taxable value is half or less of a home's market value."
Voters show their love for Detroit Zoo
From: www.freep.com
"A tax to fund the Detroit Zoo has passed overwhelmingly in all three counties, providing a stable funding source for the next 10 years to one of Metro Detroit's top attractions."
Pawlenty criticizes Obama on energy policy
From: www.twincities.com
"On the eve of Barack Obama's fundraising stop in Minneapolis today, Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty criticized the Democratic presidential candidate for failing to understand the severity of the nation's energy crisis and only recently proposing relief for soaring gasoline prices."
'No state is more united'
From: www.clarionledger.com
"FLORA, Miss. - Mississippi's enthusiasm could give it an edge in securing a $450 million Homeland Security laboratory, officials say."
Governor asks Stimson to clean up Bonner site
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Tuesday that Stimson Lumber Co. needs to clean up contamination at the company's mill site in Bonner now that the mill is closed."
Feds' immigration status checks improving
From: www.omaha.com
"Federal officials are close to improving the system that allows employers to electronically check the legal status of workers, a top immigration official said here Tuesday."
PSNH emission scrubber price rises
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A planned emissions control system at Public Service of New Hampshire's power plant in Bow will cost nearly twice as much as previously estimated."
Lawmakers plan housing law changes
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"A panel studying Nevada's foreclosure crisis wants the 2009 Legislature to enact housing-related laws ranging from fines for illegal real estate practices to new protections for renters.
"
State sent decried pair new J-1 docs
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"State officials not only ignored complaints that Las Vegas employers were abusing a government program involving foreign physicians, but allowed them to further exploit it, according to documents obtained by the Sun."
State to probe Medicaid waste
From: www.nypost.com
"The state's Medicaid inspector general, citing a report in The Post, yesterday vowed a far-reaching probe to recover tens of millions of dollars the state may have wasted on medical expenses for former New Yorkers."
Gov's `high noon' at budget gap
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson yesterday compared himself to the courageous sheriff in "High Noon," the Western classic in which an entire town runs for cover as their lone protector faces a gang of ruthless killers."
Golisano's reform effort dogged by his ties to Pigeon
From: www.buffalonews.com
"In three elections as the Independence Party candidate for governor, B. Thomas Golisano tried and failed to implement his plans to downsize New York's government and taxes. Now, as his billion-dollar fortune fuels a new and different reform effort, he is encountering rough sledding again."
NYC demands drilling ban
From: www.timesunion.com
"New York City officials have demanded a ban on natural gas drilling near its Catskills reservoirs because they fear the drilling could contaminate the city's drinking water. "
Loans from Assembly speaker aid firm that finances trial lawyers
From: www.nytimes.com
"Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, the most powerful defender of trial lawyers in the Legislature, has lent at least $50,000 of his own money to a company that helps finance small law firms that specialize in personal injury lawsuits. "
Four cities from Ohio on list of fast-dying
From: www.dispatch.com
"Here's one top 10 list Ohio probably would rather not be on: Forbes magazine says four of America's fastest-dying cities are in the Buckeye State.
"
State test doesn't find killer fish virus
From: www.dispatch.com
"State and federal wildlife officials have taken hundreds of fish samples from streams across Ohio but have yet to find the killer fish virus they are chasing.
"
'Green' programs pushing landfill into the red
From: www.dispatch.com
"The cost of dumping trash in central Ohio will go up $2 a ton next year, while landfill officials consider new ways to pay for operations.
"
Medicaid patients lose out
From: www.dispatch.com
"Thousands of Medicaid patients might be forced to go to one Franklin County hospital system if contract disputes with two others aren't resolved.
"
Death drugs cause uproar in Oregon
From: abcnews.go.com
"The news from Barbara Wagner's doctor was bad, but the rejection letter from her insurance company was crushing."
Wyden asks feds to slow LNG decision
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., this week asked federal energy regulators to delay any "rash" decision on a proposed liquefied natural gas terminal on the Columbia River."
Seattle venture capital firm puts money on Oregon
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A Seattle venture capital firm wants to make a splash with its new Portland office, funding at least two Oregon companies each year and providing an infusion of money to heat up the state's lukewarm startup scene."
Register online for alternative-energy fund
From: www.philly.com
"Homeowners and businesses seeking new ways to produce and conserve energy can register online for updates on the state's new $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund."
Rendell lets news slip on arena groundbreaking
From: www.post-gazette.com
"During an appearance in Pittsburgh yesterday, Gov. Ed Rendell proved to be a one-man news operation."
Opinion sealed in DeNaples case
From: www.philly.com
"A county judge under orders from Pennsylvania's Supreme Court to recommend whether a special prosecutor should be appointed to investigate alleged leaks in a grand jury probe of a casino owner has filed an opinion in the case, but it remained under seal yesterday."
Investors snatching up multifamily houses
From: www.projo.com
"Prices of double- and triple-decker houses in Rhode Island are taking a beating, their rate of decline nearly four times that of single-family houses, as investors move to cash in on the nation's worst real estate crisis since the Great Depression."
SCE&G seeks higher rates for energy costs
From: www.thestate.com
"South Carolina Electric & Gas Co. is asking for a midyear rate increase to cover the rising costs of coal and natural gas."
Council refuses to show donors for incorporation
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"COLUMBIA, S.C. --- The Lower Savannah Council of Governments has refused to disclose a full list of donors supporting an incorporation effort in Aiken County after two Freedom of Information Act requests made by state Sen. Greg Ryberg, R-Aiken."
Hyperion review sought
From: www.argusleader.com
"The state Senate minority leader is calling for more independence in the permit process for the proposed Hyperion Energy Center in Union County."
Drilling shows aquifer lies beneath refinery site
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"ELK POINT, S.D. - A state geologist says he's not worried by an aquifer that underlies all or most of the site for a planned $10 billion crude oil refinery."
State layoffs seem inevitable
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state's employee buyout program ended on Tuesday short of the number that officials had hoped for, but Gov. Phil Bredesen said he was pleased nonetheless with the effort to avoid widespread layoffs and cut the state payroll.
"
Board studies options for Tenn. fairgrounds
From: www.tennessean.com
"The Tennessee State Fairgrounds has plenty of space for an annual event and a small auto racing venue, but some developers see more inventive possibilities for the 117-acre site south of downtown.
"
Tennessee offices will help Volkswagen build plant
From: www.tennessean.com
"Two companies whose Tennessee operations are based in Brentwood have been selected by Volkswagen to help it design and build its new Chattanooga auto assembly plant, the automaker said Tuesday.
"
State confirms 1st case of horse encephalitis
From: www.tennessean.com
"Tennessee's first confirmed case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a disease that is often deadly to horses, was reported last week in Carroll County, the state confirmed Tuesday.
"
State services still available on Fridays
From: www.deseretnews.com
"State services still available on Fridays."
Offices adjust hours as 4-day week begins
From: www.deseretnews.com
"State Department of Commerce employees were treated to pastries Tuesday morning -- and the opportunity to tell Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. what they thought of the new four-day workweek that had begun a day earlier.
"
Offices adjust hours as 4-day week begins
From: www.deseretnews.com
"State Department of Commerce employees were treated to pastries Tuesday morning -- and the opportunity to tell Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. what they thought of the new four-day workweek that had begun a day earlier.
"
Va. tuition, fees rise to average 7.3 percent
From: www.inrich.com
"About three-fourths of Virginia undergraduate students will not benefit from the General Assembly's effort to hold down college expenses, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia reported yesterday."
Vermont economist Arthur Woolf proposes electric heat to help with fuel crisis
From: www.timesargus.com
"Vermont economist Arthur Woolf has an idea to help with the looming heating cost crisis, but the proposal borders on the heretical in a state that has devoted so much to electrical efficiency."
Douglas hits highway weight limits
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"LEBANON, N.H. - Gov. Jim Douglas is continuing to express frustration over weight limits on Vermont's interstates, where truckers want to travel now that they're barred from a bridge across the Connecticut River. "
State fair reinstates live poultry exhibit
From: www.wvgazette.com
"FAIRLEA, W.Va. -- The West Virginia State Fair's live poultry exhibit is returning after a one-year hiatus prompted by concerns about avian flu.
"
BLM leases are in 'core' sage grouse areas
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The state's plan to protect sage grouse and its habitat in Wyoming includes a map of "core" areas where energy developers, agriculture and other users may face special stipulations from state agencies."
Wildlife, energy advocates reach accord about sage grouse
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Landowners and wildlife conservationists gave up large swaths of habitat they considered important to sage grouse, particularly in the Powder River Basin. Energy developers, some reluctantly, agreed to a stipulation that they must demonstrate activity will result in no loss of sage grouse or sage grouse habitat in "core areas.""
States adopt bold anti-poverty measures
From: www.stateline.org
"At least 15 states have declared war on poverty, launching broad, high-profile campaigns aimed at rooting out the causes of poverty and alleviating its effects on children"
2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"
 |
(Updated 11:15 a.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
Anti-tax activists again watch Colorado
From: www.stateline.org
"
Colorado voters may get to decide this November whether to ditch for good their strictest-in-the-nation state spending cap that returned extra revenue to taxpayers, while voters in Massachusetts will consider killing the state income tax."
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.
"
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."
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
