State slides deeper into fiscal hole
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Monday brought more bad news for the state budget, this time in the form of gaming numbers. Including gaming and all other sources of tax revenue, the state has collected about $6.75 million less to date than the Economic Forum projected it would when the five business leaders huddled in June."
Paterson lists $1 billion in cutbacks
From: www.buffalonews.com
"Virtually every agency and program that relies on state funding - hospitals, nursing homes, cities like Buffalo, police departments, community colleges, economic development efforts, gang violence prevention - are on the chopping block in $1 billion in possible state spending cuts unveiled Monday by Gov. David A. Paterson."
Patrick rejects pension increase
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick last week quietly vetoed a pension increase for retired teachers and state workers that would have boosted benefits by $120 per year, a major stand for a governor to take against unions that helped elect him."
Baldacci to propose income tax cut
From: bangornews.com
"Gov. John Baldacci said Monday he would propose lowering Maine's personal income taxes in the January session of the Maine Legislature, but how much depends on the state budget now being developed."
Study - Numbers of working poor increases
From: www.usatoday.com
"The number of low-income workers living in poor neighborhoods rose in 34 of 58 metro areas, mostly in the Northeast and Midwest, a study released Tuesday finds.
"
Oregon's jobless rate jumps to 6%
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The trickle of job losses that began in February showed no sign of abating in July as Oregon lost 3,600 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis and saw its unemployment rate jump a half-percentage point to 6 percent."
Weimar involved in Alaska's corruption
From: www.adn.com
"Bill Weimar, who made his fortune off private halfway houses in Alaska, pleaded guilty Monday to two federal felonies in U.S. District Court in Anchorage."
Tennessee accepts 1,500 buyout offers
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state's buyout program ended Monday with slightly more than 1,500 state workers expected to start leaving the state payroll by week's end, cutting more than $47 million from the payroll but still leaving the administration $16 million short of its target savings."
In California, foreclosure's next wave?
From: www.csmonitor.com
"MERCED, Calif. - California's Central Valley already sits at the center of the housing crisis, but high prices and contracting incomes are now compounding the foreclosure problem."
State Farm proposes homeowner rate hikes
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"State Farm Florida wants to raise Florida homeowner property insurance rates by an average 47 percent statewide."
Wachovia, Missouri regulators try to hammer out deal on auction-rate securities
From: www.stltoday.com
"Wachovia Securities and Missouri regulators are trying reach a deal that would allow investors to get access to billions of dollars in frozen investments."
'Perfect storm' - More families are on the street
From: www.startribune.com
"The number of homeless families seeking help from Hennepin County is up dramatically over last year, alarming human services officials and forcing the county to use a downtown hotel as an overflow family shelter."
New study is critical of merging taxing jurisdictions
From: www.newsday.com
"Eliot Spitzer had it backward: Cutting down the number of governments drives taxes up, not down. So argues a new study by the state Association of Towns in a countercharge to the former governor's bold effort to merge some of the state's 4,270 taxing jurisdictions, which he called "too many, too expensive and too burdensome.""
Steelers, developer ask state to help subsidize amphitheater
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The Steelers and a Columbus, Ohio, developer are seeking a $4 million public subsidy to help with the construction of a $12 million entertainment complex on the North Shore that was the subject of a controversial land deal last week."
Ohioans for Financial Freedom's 'Farmer' ad sows half-truths on payday loans
From: www.cleveland.com
"Campaign advertising review. "
Errors in pay anger state employees
From: www.newsobserver.com
"The state nicknamed its new payroll system BEACON. But instead of providing light, BEACON is leading employees to financial shipwrecks."
Tiny towns may be smaller than ever
From: www.journalstar.com
"MAXWELL - Basic supplies have been in short supply here since Story's Hardware closed more than 20 years ago. Even something as basic as a haircut requires a 16-mile trip to North Platte."
Comptroller says no money for politician pay hikes
From: newsblogs.chicagotribune.com
"Comptroller Dan Hynes sent a message Monday that state lawmakers should not yet go shopping for fatter wallets.
"
'English-only' suit poised for trial
From: www.kansascity.com
"A lawsuit filed by three Hispanic families against the Catholic Diocese of Wichita challenging a policy that requires students to speak only English while at school goes to trial in federal court today."
More Mainers using food stamps to get by
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Keven Gillette shopped the supermarket aisles Monday with a calculator in hand. He had budgeted $60 for this trip to Paul's Food Center on Portland's Congress Street, more than a third of his monthly food stamp benefit of $160."
Are Alaskans gouged for gas? Legislators, Palin want to know
From: www.adn.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin and two state lawmakers have called upon the attorney general to investigate the continuing high price of gasoline in Alaska."
Preliminary findings on turning bridges into scales to be reported today
From: www.al.com
"A new system for weighing vehicles that is being tested in Alabama could help troopers catch overweight trucks and make the roads safer for drivers, according to researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham."
Thousands of Arkansans fail to claim stimulus checks
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Thousands of Arkansans eligible for economic stimulus payments totaling more than $21 million have not applied for them, according to U.S. Rep. Marion Berry, D-Gillett."
Disqualification puts transit ballot measure in doubt
From: www.azcentral.com
"Arizona's Secretary of State's Office on Monday tossed out a $42.6 billion transportation initiative aimed at the November ballot, but backers of the measure say they will fight to put it before voters."
Calif. lawmakers support jet ban in Santa Monica
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"California lawmakers are supporting Santa Monica's attempt to ban corporate jets from the city's airport - including the one used by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."
Bill strengthening high-speed rail bond delayed
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"The state Assembly on Monday delayed a vote on a bill that would add more accountability to the high-speed rail measure on California's November ballot, avoiding a showdown with the governor."
Governor sues official to enforce pay cuts
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration filed a lawsuit yesterday to force state Controller John Chiang to cut the pay of 175,000 state workers, a move to save cash until a delayed state budget is passed."
Experts - State must plan for demographic shift
From: www.sfgate.com
"It's high time California's policymakers look past their annual dickering over the state budget and start planning for the major, long-range demographic changes facing the Golden State, according to an economic think tank in Sacramento."
Governor sues to force state pay cuts
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger filed suit Monday to force the slashing of state salaries each time legislators bust their annual budget deadline - a move he hopes will transform a debilitating political dynamic."
While budget waits, California legislators collect campaign donations
From: www.sacbee.com
"As California faces a looming cash crunch, state lawmakers are making sure one treasury won't run dry - their campaign accounts. With a state budget agreement now 43 days late, lawmakers have scheduled more than 80 fundraisers this month."
Lawmakers apparently miss deadline to change rail bond measure
From: www.sacbee.com
"With a veto threat looming, lawmakers on Monday missed a deadline to replace November's $9.9 billion high-speed rail bond ballot measure with an updated version. Or did they? Rail supporters believe the clock hasn't run out yet."
Calif. may be first to ban chemical in baby items
From: www.usatoday.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Responding to growing consumer anxiety, California lawmakers are considering enacting what could be the first statewide restrictions on a chemical found in plastic baby bottles and infant formula cans."
State Senate backs jet ban at Santa Monica Airport
From: www.latimes.com
"State legislators on Monday approved an advisory resolution encouraging the Federal Aviation Administration to honor Santa Monica's ban on the fastest jets that use the city's airport."
Investigation of spending by care workers' union is sought
From: www.latimes.com
"Advocates for low-wage caregivers called on authorities Monday to investigate the spending practices of a Los Angeles union and a related charity that have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to firms owned by the wife and mother-in-law of the labor organization's leader."
Schwarzenegger sues state controller over pay-cut order
From: www.latimes.com
"The Schwarzenegger administration Monday sued state Controller John Chiang in an effort to force him to comply with the governor's order that the pay of most state workers be dropped to the federal minimum wage until a state budget is enacted.
"
Legislators slam governor on prison job cuts
From: www.sacbee.com
"A bipartisan group of state senators rebuked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday for laying off 1,645 corrections employees last month and not protecting 66,000 permanent workers from wage cuts, calling the moves "a glaring, hazardous threat to public safety." "
Protests will delay state's take from Roan auction
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Colorado won't be able to pocket any money from Thursday's lease auction of 55,186 acres atop the Roan Plateau until the 15,000 protests filed by state agencies and other groups are resolved, the federal government said."
Xcel plans green switch
From: www.denverpost.com
"Xcel Energy announced an ambitious efficiency plan Monday that could significantly reduce Colorado's power consumption - but add millions of dollars to consumers' bills."
Post sues over Ritter's phone records
From: www.denverpost.com
"The Denver Post sued Gov. Bill Ritter on Monday following the governor's refusal to turn over 19 months of cellular phone records that contain the numbers for people Ritter has discussed state business with since taking office in 2007.
"
Crist lauds plan for commercial launches
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"COCOA BEACH, Fla. - Gov. Charlie Crist called a plan to beef up an abandoned launchpad for commercial use "historic" and said Monday that he was as confident as ever about the future of Florida's Space Coast."
Regulator now seeks reform of mortgage industry
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Under severe criticism for allowing bank robbers and racketeers to sell loans in Florida, the state's top mortgage industry regulator is calling for sweeping emergency changes to bar people convicted of financial crimes from peddling loans and running mortgage businesses."
Judge rules - No guns in airport
From: www.ajc.com
"People with firearms licenses still can't take guns into non-secure areas of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, a federal judge ruled Monday."
Hawaii gas prices down, but barely
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"While gasoline prices on the Mainland have dropped nearly 30 cents in the past month, Honolulu's prices have fallen less than 3 cents."
Study says Iowa has health care provider shortage
From: www.wcfcourier.com
"The state Department of Public Health says a new study shows there is a shortage of health care providers in Iowa."
Bigger payday delayed? Lawmakers salary bump might not happen ... yet
From: www.dailyherald.com
"As lawmakers ponder giving themselves pay raises, the state official who writes the checks said he won't increase them unless legislators also come up with the money."
State lawmakers may vote on pay raise
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"With lawmakers returning to Springfield this week, Illinois Senate President Emil Jones said on Monday that he is considering placing a controversial pay raise for legislators up for a vote."
Quinn leads pay raise picket at gov's speech
From: www.suntimes.com
"The debate about whether Illinois lawmakers and judges deserve 12 percent pay raises went up a notch on Monday, with Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn picketing a speech by his boss, Gov. Blagojevich, so he could rally support against the pay hikes."
Legislative hopeful pitches mortgage fixes
From: www.nwitimes.com
"Democrat Myron Sutton announced plans to seek greater protection against mortgage foreclosure Monday as part of his bid for Indiana House District 15."
K-State confident it can earn bid for biolab
From: cjonline.com
"Evidence politics may be infecting evaluation of sites for a $450 million national biodefense laboratory didn't alarm advocates of a plan to build the research facility on Kansas State University's campus."
Internet cartoon pays off for Kansas candidate
From: www.npr.org
"Democratic strategists in Kansas told first-time political candidate Sean Tevis earlier this summer that he would need at least $26,000 to have a shot at beating a Republican incumbent. "
Beshear officials cooperating in probe
From: www.kentucky.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear said Monday that his administration has been cooperating with federal authorities investigating allegations of road contract bid-rigging and that investigators interviewed him "in the last month.""
Business group calls for state-funded tuition assistance program
From: www.kentucky.com
"The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has proposed a new way to help Kentucky students pay for college, aimed at simplifying and reducing a large and complicated burden."
Beshear fields money questions
From: www.kentucky.com
"OWENSBORO, Ky. - Money, whether it is coming into state coffers, flowing into a gas tank or being paid for health insurance premiums, was at the center of the discussion headed by Gov. Steve Beshear on Monday night at Apollo High School."
Ky. chamber proposes new plan to pay tuition
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is proposing a new way to help Kentucky students pay for college."
Officials scrap contract to issue grants
From: www.nola.com
"In another failed start for a recovery program that has languished for two years, Louisiana officials decided Monday to scrap a contract for doling out home-raising grants after they concluded two top bidders had conflicts of interest."
Energy relief pushed
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Hoping to provide relief from soaring electric bills, state utility regulators are expected today to approve an unprecedented order while the governor searches for state money to help out consumers."
Majority see race, income split in N.O.
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"NEW ORLEANS - If there is truth to the old saying that "a house divided" cannot stand, then the reconstruction of New Orleans may be hobbled by racial and social disparities, a new poll shows."
Drought takes toll on La. crops; rain may be too late for Miss. corn
From: www.clarionledger.com
"NEW ORLEANS, La. -- More than a third of Louisiana's vegetable crop is in poor or very poor condition, with soil moisture in short supply in half the state."
State Parole Board riding on Easy Street
From: bostonherald.com
"State Parole Board members - who can earn up to $120,000 a year - are given both take-home cars and state-paid credit cards to gas up their free rides as part of a pricey perk fiscal watchdogs fear could exhaust taxpayers."
Businesses rip healthcare proposal
From: www.boston.com
"Businesses are balking at a proposed state regulation that, a leading retail group says, will force small companies to spend thousand of dollars more in health insurance for their workers, and could lead many employers to drop coverage altogether."
State's first hydrogen refueling facility powers up
From: www.boston.com
"Working the pump at a service station isn't the type of job most people would describe as a dream come true."
Family doctors called scarce
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"When his colleague departed in December, family doctor Charles Bennett thought he would soon find a new partner for his private practice in Lusby. But he has had no luck for the past eight months."
Leopold wants new land-use ombudsman
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"Citing stricter state penalties for violating Maryland's Critical Area laws, County Executive John R. Leopold last week said he plans to create the first county government ombudsman to oversee the zoning, planning and permit process."
Panel - credit union showed bias in hiring
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"The Maine Human Rights Commission voted Monday to find reasonable grounds that a Lewiston woman was subject to illegal discrimination when a credit union refused to consider her for a teller's job because of her disability."
Stem cell study battle heats up
From: www.detnews.com
"Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment to allow Michigan scientists to derive embryonic stem cells from human embryos for medical research kick-started their campaign to defeat it, saying Monday it would open the door to human cloning."
Minnesota lawmaker who cast road bill vote feels duped
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"A state House member who was part of the so-called "Override Six" on a landmark road finance bill fears a promised highway upgrade in his southwestern Minnesota district won't materialize"
Restraining order against mortuary extended
From: www.columbiatribune.com
"Warren Funeral Chapel will remain closed for at least two more weeks."
Economic trends plague wood products industry
From: www.helenair.com
"MISSOULA, Mont. -- A University of Montana researcher says weakness in the U.S. housing industry and an uncertain timber supply are plaguing Montana's wood products industry, with potential repercussions for years to come."
Officials turn out for ethanol announcement
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"BUTTE, Mont. -- A little research plant here got a lot of attention Monday. Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the state's congressional delegation all were on hand to herald the AE Biofuels Inc. ethanol plant as the start of something very big."
N.C. renews bid to cut air pollution
From: www.newsobserver.com
"North Carolina wants federal air regulators to require power plants to cut pollution that is wafting into the state and is renewing a legal bid to force 13 states to curb pollution."
Feds say proposed biohazard lab in NC had wide support
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"A federal agency rated a North Carolina site last year as an excellent place for a proposed biohazard lab because of local support, but that was before local governments and a congressman voiced strong opposition."
NC, Sierra Club join forces on air pollution case
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"North Carolina has joined with the Sierra Club in court to get a decision quickly that could force 13 states to curb air pollution that wafts into the state."
NC's new payroll system causes problems
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"North Carolina government employees are complaining about the state's new payroll system, saying it's short-changing many of them."
Rainfall slows harvest
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Monday's slow, steady rain put a damper on an area harvest that's already running late, and the wet weather will continue later this week, according to the National Weather Service office in Grand Forks."
New additions to N.H. historic register
From: www.fosters.com
"Two properties and three historic districts have been added to the New Hampshire State Register of Historic Places."
N.H. funds mull Sudan divestment
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire has ordered its two public pension systems to shed any investments that support Sudan's campaign of genocide and rape in Darfur, but pension officials say the order may be unconstitutional."
Bush okays disaster aid for state
From: www.cmonitor.com
"President Bush yesterday issued a disaster declaration for the tornado that tore through eastern New Hampshire July 24, but denied a request for individual assistance in tornado relief, according to Gov. John Lynch's office. "
Gibbons, budget director say another special session unlikely
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"Neither Gov. Jim Gibbons nor his budget director believe another special legislative session will be needed to keep the state financially solvent."
TAX FOUNDATION NUMBERS - Study - Nevada's tax burden low
From: www.lvrj.com
"Forget get all that talk about taxes in Nevada being higher than the Himalayas. A new study shows Silver State residents actually have the second lowest state and local tax burden in the nation."
Out of your comfort zone
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"On the hottest days in the Las Vegas Valley, Nevada Power turns down the air conditioning in 36,000 homes and businesses for hours at a time - and the utility wants to control many more."
Gov's chopping spree
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson raised the stakes in his looming fiscal showdown with the Legislature yesterday, calling on lawmakers to slash health-care spending, cut aid to New York City, and forgo their own pet projects."
Paterson proposes $1B in cuts, including $6.4M in Rochester
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Some spending cuts to balance the state budget may hit very close to home. On Monday, Gov. David Paterson gave the Legislature a $1 billion menu of budget cuts, including more than $500 million in health care reductions and $250 million to local governments and agencies, for lawmakers to consider when they return to the Capitol next week."
Paterson suggests $2.6 billion in spending cuts
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson yesterday suggested lawmakers consider $2.6 billion in spending cuts over the next two years when they begin Aug. 19 to tackle the state's ballooning budget deficits caused by the recession."
Rural residents oppose burn ban
From: www.timesunion.com
"A state Department of Environmental Conservation proposal to ban open burning of trash and brush statewide is sparking protests in some rural corners."
Climate change pact moves ahead
From: www.timesunion.com
"Environmentalists applauded and industry lobbyists fretted as the state moved ahead Monday with plans to fight climate change, starting with greenhouse gases coming from electric power plants."
Task ahead - $1B in cuts
From: www.timesunion.com
"A half-billion dollar cut to Medicaid, $100 million less in pork barrel spending and a $250 million reduction in aid to localities are among the options that Gov. David Paterson wants lawmakers to consider to avert a budget crisis next year."
Paterson seeks cuts of $1 billion
From: www.nytimes.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson presented a plan on Monday to trim $1 billion from the state's budget this year by cutting spending on Medicaid assistance, higher education and pork-barrel projects."
Jefferson Twp. schools in fiscal distress
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"State Auditor Mary Taylor on Monday declared that the Jefferson Twp. Local School District is in fiscal emergency."
$860,000 hybrid vehicle one of Cleveland's public transit's revivals
From: www.toledoblade.com
" Emmett Fryer maneuvers the futuristic rapid transit vehicle around a corner of Cleveland's Public Square."
OU hiring freeze may save jobs
From: newsok.com
"NORMAN, Okla. - Citing "economic uncertainty," University of Oklahoma President David Boren on Monday announced an immediate hiring freeze on all OU campuses."
Oregon State University and a British company court international students -- and controversy
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon State University has joined forces with a British headhunting outfit to try to lure students from around the world to Corvallis -- along with the $18,864 a year in tuition they each bring."
Ombudsman for claims on Measure 49 resigns
From: www.oregonlive.com
"An ombudsman hired to mediate property development claims under Measure 49 has taken another job after less than two months."
Rendell planning meeting on casino sites for Aug. 21
From: www.philly.com
"Gov. Rendell plans to convene a meeting in Philadelphia on Aug. 21 to discuss the city's two proposed casino sites with local legislators, casino operators and Mayor Nutter."
Reviews for state's film tax credit aren't good
From: www.projo.com
"The movie stars keep coming. Richard Gere, Meryl Streep and Katherine Heigl are among the big names already drawn to Rhode Island, attracted not by the Ocean State's beaches or culture, but by a tax credit program that allows studios to save millions of dollars by making movies in Little Rhody."
C officials expected to warn of dropping revenues
From: www.goupstate.com
"South Carolina budget chiefs are expected to warn that a worsening economy will create budget gaps."
A natural solution
From: www.capjournal.com
"Sen. John Thune believes South Dakota's energy future could lie in the fusion of two resources the state has in abundance: water and wind."
Wolves discussed in Pierre
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"State Game, Fish and Parks officials said Monday that they have no intention of protecting wolves found in the state if the animals are removed from federal protections."
Agency criticized for land policies
From: www.argusleader.com
"Access to hunting land remains a point of contention between some rural landowners and South Dakota's Game, Fish and Parks."
Tennessee hands out 3,000 raises
From: www.tennessean.com
"In early May, Gov. Phil Bredesen announced that the state would have to cut its payroll by more than 2,000 employees and $64 million because of the gloomy economy and falling revenues. Three weeks later, Bruce Androphy got a raise."
Raccoon BBQ set scene for Hayes, Naifeh friendship
From: www.knoxnews.com
"Isaac Hayes may have declined to eat the barbecued raccoon at Tennessee House Speaker Jimmy Naifeh's annual gathering, but that didn't stop an unlikely friendship between the late soul legend and the powerful Democratic lawmaker."
Schwarzenegger sues California controller over pay cuts
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration sued Democratic state Controller John Chiang on Monday in an effort to cut pay for about 180,000 state employees by the end of August, moving the salary battle from the political arena to the courtroom."
More states shred bills for awful medical errors
From: www.msnbc.msn.com
"Hospitals in nearly half the states in the nation now say they won't bill patients for the worst kind of medical mistakes, including operating on the wrong body part or the wrong person, or giving someone the wrong blood. "
Investigators - Banned health care providers not being reported
From: www.usatoday.com
"WASHINGTON - In violation of federal law, states routinely fail to notify federal authorities when they've kicked health care providers out of their Medicaid programs for incompetence, fraud and other reasons, government investigators have found."
Assisted living firm rejects Medicaid, evicts elderly
From: www.npr.org
"A nationwide chain of assisted living facilities promised elderly residents that if money ran out, they could pay for services with Medicaid. "
Early birds at State Fair enjoy golf cart, corn dog
From: www.register-herald.com
"A great start to the day. That's how to describe an early morning outing at the State Fair."
PSC sets winter heating conference
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CASPER, Wyo. -- The Wyoming Public Service Commission and Wyoming gas and electric providers will host a conference in Casper on Aug. 20 to help residents prepare for high heating costs that are expected this winter."
Candidates differ on smoking ban, fuel tax
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Becket Hinckley, a senior assistant district attorney in Cheyenne, wants more stringent laws for people convicted of driving while under the influence."
Frustrated govs rip fed road policy
From: www.stateline.org
"
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Fixing congested roads and deteriorating bridges is becoming more difficult for states as their economies tighten and prices for building supplies skyrocket, but five Northeastern governors blame federal policies for hampering states’ infrastructure improvement efforts, too.
"
WORTH NOTING: Michigan billed for woman's gas
From: www.stateline.org
"
A woman wants Michigan to pay for gas wasted in stalled traffic. A Nebraska judge considers whether the Almighty can be sued. And a Democrat-sponsored Web site claims Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is the worst of the worst. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
"
States curb carbon as blueprint for feds
From: www.stateline.org
"An effort by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) to focus Southern governors on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their states is the latest example of state-led policies that could be used as models for future federal action."
Three states reconsider affirmative action
From: www.stateline.org
"
In a year when voters could elect the country’s first African-American president, three states also will decide on a controversial ballot measure that would end the use of affirmative action in college admissions and government contracting."
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."
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."
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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