States push laws to require paid sick days
From: hosted.ap.org
"HARTFORD, Conn. -- For school bus driver Jamille Aine, a cold is more than an inconvenience. His employer does not offer paid sick days, so if he can't shake the bug, he may not be able to pay his bills."
US Sugar buyout - sweet deal for the Everglades?
From: www.csmonitor.com
"MIAMI - Banged out in secret meetings, a $1.75 billion taxpayer-funded plan to buy 187,000 acres of US Sugar's cane fields in the Lake Okeechobee basin marks one of the largest conservation buyouts of a major industry in the US, promising to break a major chokehold on the slowly dying Everglades."
Immigrant 'sanctuary city' idea under scrutiny
From: www.statesman.com
"Signaling a revival of the illegal immigration debate in the 2009 legislative session, two Republican state lawmakers have asked Attorney General Greg Abbott to weigh in on a thorny subject: "sanctuary cities.""
Neither side can agree on what Ballot Measure 4 says or will do
From: www.adn.com
"The war over Ballot Measure 4 has been reduced to slogans."
Coalition speaks out vs. Arpaio
From: www.azcentral.com
"Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio came under another round of withering attacks Tuesday during a packed community forum in Phoenix where critics accused him of wasting taxpayer dollars on racially motivated immigration sweeps at the expense of investigating serious crimes."
Strickland's positions risk upsetting business and labor
From: www.cleveland.com
"While Gov. Ted Strickland went to bat for businesses in a last-ditch effort to keep a labor-sponsored sick-days initiative off the ballot, administration officials acknowledged Tuesday they're working on another initiative sure to upset those same businesses: changes in wage rules on construction projects. "
Water wars could be near an end; state experts say Alabama may be a winner in deal
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Alabama, Florida and Geor gia have been waging a water war for 18 years, but a cease-fire may be in sight."
Dems OK millionaire tax
From: www.nypost.com
"Assembly Democrats yesterday passed the "millionaire's tax" to raise billions in new revenues, but the GOP-controlled Senate shelved the measure. "
Church, tribes reach compromise on bingo
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"The Catholic Church and California's Indian gaming tribes have struck a compromise that would permit a major expansion of conventional bingo while outlawing electronic versions played on machines that look and act a lot like slots. Amendments outlining the agreement were inserted into a bill yesterday with lawmakers scrambling to wrap up business before adjourning for the year at the end of the month."
Special session ends on 'modest' note
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Lawmakers packed up Tuesday and went home after a special session that several grumbled was a waste of time and money. "
Rell, GOP legislators unveil energy aid proposal
From: www.courant.com
"With the state surplus now expected to be at least $70 million, families earning as much as $94,000 per year could be eligible for one-time energy assistance under a plan unveiled Tuesday by Gov. M. Jodi Rell and Republican legislators."
Pickens seeks to help Nebraska increase wind power
From: www.omaha.com
"When Texas oilman-turned-wind power advocate T. Boone Pickens brings his alternative energy campaign to Lincoln today, he'll find a state that's long on wind but short on utilizing it."
Tax credits boost $68-million project in Dearborn
From: www.freep.com
"The $68-million Dearborn Town Center project scheduled to begin construction Nov. 1 got a boost Tuesday when the Michigan Economic Growth Authority approved a $9.6-million brownfield tax credit for developer REDICO Holdings LLC of Southfield, and a $14.2-million state and local tax capture."
Special session for flood doubtful
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A special legislative session to help Iowans deal with flood damage is becoming less likely as time passes, several lawmakers observing flood and tornado damage said Tuesday in Cedar Falls."
Slots foes ask board to reject wording
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Slots opponents formally asked the State Board of Elections yesterday to reject the wording of a ballot question that will be put to voters in November on whether to authorize slot machines at five locations."
Pittsburg losing largest private employer
From: www.kansascity.com
"The city of Pittsburg will lose 600 jobs when its largest private employer, wheel manufacturer Superior Industries International Inc., closes its southeast Kansas plant by the end of the year."
In farm country's boom, hints of a bubble
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"BLAIR, Neb. -- The trucks rumble down the main drag of this farm town all day long, the ones heading east brimming with grains of No. 2 Yellow Corn, the ones going west filled with Sweet Bran, a cattle feed that looks like breakfast cereal and smells like warm beer."
State consumers to get tax break on energy-saving appliances
From: www.dailymail.com
"West Virginia consumers will get a tax break the first week in September when they purchase energy-savings appliances."
Second-largest cranberry harvest forecast for 2008
From: www.lacrossetribune.com
"The nation and Wisconsin are expected to have their second-largest cranberry harvests ever this fall, the National Agricultural Statistics Service said Tuesday."
Tribal gambling in Oklahoma grows in 2007
From: newsok.com
"With almost $2.5 billion, Oklahoma ranked third in tribal gambling revenue last year, behind California and Connecticut, according to a national study."
Attendance jumps 20% at Illinois State Fair
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Illinois State Fair attendance rose 20 percent over last year."
Two longtime Alaska politicians face ouster
From: www.latimes.com
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- The motorcade that blew through the chilly morning recently turned more than a few heads in a city that's seen it all: a dozen full-throated Harley-Davidsons ridden by guys covered with black leather and tattoos, and an elderly U.S. senator bringing up the rear."
Former two-year college Chancellor Roy Johnson testifies that he arranged a job for Rep. Sue Schmitz at Paul Hubbert's request
From: www.al.com
"DECATUR, Ala. - Former two-year college Chancellor Roy Johnson testified Tuesday that he directed the president of the Central Alabama Community College to find a job for Rep. Sue Schmitz, D-Toney, as a favor to a powerful lobbyist and political ally."
Former SEC boss joins Alabama probe
From: www.al.com
"Harvey Pitt, former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, was appointed Tuesday as a deputy attorney general for Alabama, enabling him to assist the state in its investigation of a controversial investment tactic known as naked short selling."
California - Green cars too quiet
From: www.cnn.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Electric and hybrid vehicles may be better for the environment, but the California Legislature says they're bad for the blind.
"
State Senate sends bills on guns, traffic and bandit taxis to Schwarzenegger
From: www.latimes.com
"State lawmakers took action on various scourges of Southern California life Tuesday, including gun violence, traffic congestion and bandit taxicabs.
"
Schwarzenegger's push to hike sales tax riles GOP
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken on an unlikely role as one of the Capitol's most steadfast champions of a tax hike, spurning his fellow Republicans' uncharacteristic effort to borrow their way out of budget trouble."
Board approves law that holds parents accountable for kids' graffiti
From: www.latimes.com
"Seeking to hit graffiti vandals and their parents in the pocketbook, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a measure that would allow authorities to hold taggers -- and their parents -- liable for civil damages. "
Researchers produce blood in lab from stem cells
From: www.latimes.com
"Scientists said Tuesday that they had devised a way to grow large quantities of blood in the lab using human embryonic stem cells, potentially making blood drives a thing of the past."
Bill would make hybrids heard on streets
From: www.sfgate.com
"Electric and hybrid vehicles may be good for the environment, but a California lawmaker says they're bad news for the blind."
Indian tribes, charities reach deal on bingo fundraisers
From: www.sacbee.com
"California's politically powerful Indian casino tribes and the state's major charities have worked out a "win-win" deal that would allow the charities to expand their bingo operations while preserving the tribes' constitutional monopoly on slot machines."
Convention cash hits target
From: www.denverpost.com
"After struggling for more than a year and a half, and missing its June deadline by $11 million, the committee responsible for raising $40.6 million in private cash that finances the convention has met its goal."
Heating assistance on the agenda
From: www.theday.com
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell and state legislators plan to provide millions in home-heating assistance to lower- and middle-income families this week, when the legislature convenes in special session."
Rell, Dems endorse winter fuel aid plan
From: www.zwire.com
"A plan for distribution of the state surplus to assist low- and middle-income residents with fuel costs this winter has been agreed to by Gov. M. Jodi Rell and the Democratic leadership."
Tainted debris remains at site
From: www.zwire.com
"The state Department of Public Health has confirmed that a pile of construction debris still outside 1175 State St. contains asbestos, but investigators believe the material does not pose a danger to the neighborhood."
Fay moves up coast, warnings extended
From: blogs.tampabay.com
"Fay just won't go away. Tropical storm warnings have been issued or extended for parts of northern Florida and Georgia as the storm continues its slow course up the northeast coast of Florida. "
Isle tech jobs grew faster than rest
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Job growth in Hawaii's high-tech industry grew at a faster rate than in the overall economy, according to the preliminary report by a local trade group."
Renewable energy goals face questions
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"A state goal of obtaining 70 percent of energy from renewable resources may be too ambitious, with most scenarios studied by consultants showing Hawaii falling short of reaching that mark by the year 2030."
Public hearings set for input on smoking ban rules
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Iowa Department of Public Health is set to begin a series of public hearings Wednesday on the state's new smoking ban that went into effect on July 1st."
Culver -- special session may not be necessary
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Governor Chet Culver says it may not be necessary for state legislators to meet in special session this fall to respond to this spring's massive flooding."
Culver says Iowa disasters 10th worst in U.S.
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said Tuesday that Iowa is recovering from what could be the 10th worst natural disaster in U.S. history after floods and storms rocked the state throughout the summer."
Environment panel flips state's OK on 2 hog lots
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A citizen panel Tuesday overturned state regulators in what its members called a "landmark" decision to deny permits for two large Dallas County hog confinements."
Iowa loses bid to extend deadline for Clean Air Act compliance in Muscatine, Scott counties
From: www.muscatinejournal.com
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today denied a request for an extension to improve air quality in Muscatine and Scott counties."
Culver calls for more needs-based scholarships
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Iowa Gov. Chet Culver said Tuesday the state must take a more balanced approach in handing out college scholarships based on financial need as well as merit."
Regulators deny permits
From: www.qctimes.com
"WINDSOR HEIGHTS, Iowa - State environmental regulators denied permits which would have allowed construction of two giant Dallas County hog production facilities designed to house nearly 15,000 animals at full production."
State drafts rules for gas station fuel tanks
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Underground fuel tanks in populous Ada and Canyon counties should be required to have devices that prevent the release of ozone-forming gases, the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has proposed."
Senate rejects tax plan for injured vets
From: ads.qctimes.com
"The Illinois Senate rejected a plan Tuesday that would have exempted some injured veterans from paying property taxes amid concerns the plan wasn't put together legally."
Blackhawk Hotel renovation wins state historic tax credits
From: www.qctimes.com
"Davenport was the big winner in a lottery held to determine which renovation projects statewide will receive state historic tax credits from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs."
Blackhawk Hotel renovation wins state historic tax credits
From: www.qctimes.com
"Davenport was the big winner in a lottery held to determine which renovation projects statewide will receive state historic tax credits from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs."
Illinois agencies hope for the best
From: www.qctimes.com
"Rozanne Robinson hopes to make a fresh start with the support of several Illinois Quad-City social service agencies."
Senate backs health insurance expansion
From: www.sj-r.com
"The Illinois Senate on Tuesday backed Gov. Rod Blagojevich's proposal to expand health insurance availability for young adults and veterans but rejected his plan to give a new property tax break to wounded veterans"
Illinois commission expects earful on prison plan
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"PONTIAC, Ill. - A state commission considering a plan to close a central Illinois prison expects to hear from dozens of people at a public hearing."
Health coverage boon for young adults
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Young adults could stay on their parents' health insurance until they turn 26 under a new law pushed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich and approved Tuesday by the Illinois Senate."
Obama, Durbin seek to keep fighter wing in Springfield
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"WASHINGTON - U.S. Sens. Barack Obama and Dick Durbin are pushing for a new flying mission for the Air Force's fighter wing in Springfield to ensure that it remains in the capital of their home state."
Lake, Porter counties miss federal air pollution mark
From: www.nwi.com
"Lake and Porter are among 19 Indiana counties not meeting tougher federal standards for soot, an air pollutant that can aggravate asthma and other lung ailments."
EPA -- 19 Indiana counties don't meet new soot standard
From: hosted.ap.org
"Federal officials intend to declare 19 Indiana counties - 14 more than the state had suggested - in violation of a new standard for tiny soot particles that can cause respiratory distress in children and the elderly."
Protesters call for Shell to pay La. $362 million
From: www.nola.com
"Carrying signs in a driving rainstorm demanding that Shell Oil Co. "fix the coast you broke," about 25 environmental activists on Tuesday attempted to deliver a bill for $362 million to the corporation's New Orleans headquarters."
Sky-high electric bills spark pleas for help
From: www.nola.com
"Faced with a $355.89 electric bill she can't afford, 73-year-old Antoinette Wenzel of Kenner called Entergy Louisiana LLC last week to register for help in the state's newly declared energy emergency."
DiMasi: No dice on casinos
From: bostonherald.com
"Times may be tough, but House Speaker Sal DiMasi (D-North End) yesterday signaled that he is not about to drop his anti-casino stand."
Utilities to push energy efficiency
From: bostonherald.com
"The state's major utility providers have promised to increase their budgets for energy-efficient programs by 34 percent."
MBTA rescinds 9% raises for top earners
From: www.boston.com
"After a public rebuke from the Patrick administration, MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas agreed yesterday to rescind a 9 percent pay raise for executive employees that had been criticized as excessive for an agency struggling to pay its bills."
Bernard Cohen derails pay raises amid call from transport big
From: bostonherald.com
"Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen yesterday demanded that MBTA officials rescind a 9 percent pay raise approved last week for 273 managers, getting rapid results as MBTA General Manager Daniel Grabauskas quickly agreed to halt the raises."
Patrick is expected to visit Israel
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval L. Patrick, who traveled to China last year for his first foreign trade mission, is headed to Israel for his second international excursion, according to several people familiar with the plans."
Work on dorm goes on despite AG ruling
From: www.boston.com
"Construction of a 400-student housing development contracted by the University of Massachusetts at Lowell is continuing despite a recent ruling by the state attorney general's office that the university violated public bidding laws in awarding the $20 million project."
439,000 more get health coverage
From: www.boston.com
"Nearly three-quarters of previously uninsured Massachusetts residents now have medical coverage under the state's landmark campaign to extend health insurance to virtually all Bay Staters, according to a report released yesterday by Governor Deval Patrick's administration."
Ballot wording links slots to education
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"Slot machine opponents railed against the ballot language unveiled yesterday for the upcoming statewide vote to legalize slot machines, claiming the wording implicitly praises gambling and leaves out who will profit from the proposed change."
Nominees endorsed; final votes are today
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"A former House Republican leader was virtually assured of membership on the newly expanded board that oversees the state's five-year-old Dirigo health insurance program on Tuesday as he won a solid committee endorsement for Senate confirmation."
The reasons energy costs are high in Maine
From: bangornews.com
"According to Richard Davies, head of the Maine Public Advocate office, there are three reasons energy prices in Maine are higher than in other regions of the country, even though they are lower than those in other New England states."
Rising energy costs challenge remote Monhegan, Matinicus
From: bangornews.com
"Of all the residential power users in the state of Maine, the ones that pay the highest rates may be the ones that live farthest from land."
What are Kilpatrick's woes costing city, state?
From: www.freep.com
"It is a major initiative that everyone agrees needs to happen -- expansion of Cobo Center to ensure the continued viability of the North American International Auto Show."
Stem-cell, state reform get enough signatures
From: www.freep.com
"Backers of ballot proposals to lift Michigan's restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research and to overhaul state government collected enough signatures to put the issues before voters on Nov. 4, officials said Tuesday."
Bargain fun at the State Fair
From: www.sctimes.com
"The Minnesota State Fair, which kicks off a 12-day run Thursday in Falcon Heights, did not raise ticket prices for admission, shows or rides this year. The fair also sent a letter to vendors suggesting creative pricing such as family packs, buy-one-get-one-free offers and sample-size portions."
St. Paul hopes GOP convention wows guests
From: www.usatoday.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. - The last time the Twin Cities hosted a major political party's nominating convention, delegates from the 44 states arrived at Minneapolis' Exposition Building in horse-drawn buggies and street cars, and "Flour City" was derided by some Easterners as a frontier town."
Tax changes?
From: www.clarionledger.com
"A tax commission established by Gov. Haley Barbour voted Tuesday to recommend hiking the tobacco tax to 50 cents, a move that most likely assures such an increase is in Mississippi's near future."
Tax study group recommends 50-cent tobacco tax increase
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"The leader of a tax study commission says the group is only "working around the edges" as it prepares to recommend changes in how Mississippi collects revenue."
Decker-area coal mine seeks expansion into grouse area
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"A proposal to expand the Spring Creek Coal Co.'s mine in south-central Montana by almost 500 acres would cut into a section of important sage grouse habitat."
Official touts drilling buffer zone
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The director of Montana's land agency said Tuesday that a quarter-mile buffer will be required of companies drilling on 16 oil and gas leases for sale along the Yellowstone River and other central Montana waterways."
NC governor candidates debate issues on television
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"North Carolina's two major-party candidates for governor continued to spar over plans to open the coast to oil and natural gas drilling Tuesday night during the first live televised debate of the general election."
Perdue, McCrory make pitch to lead state
From: www.charlotteobserver.com
"DURHAM, N.C. -- The Republican and Democratic candidates for governor didn't even make it halfway through their first televised debate Tuesday before they verbally dueled over who wants to drill for oil off North Carolina's coast."
In Raleigh, Obama amplifies attacks
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama sharpened his message Tuesday night in Raleigh, seeking to tie the nation's troubled economy around the neck of his Republican opponent, John McCain."
N.D. public judges WSI board plan
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Workforce Safety and Insurance's board recently asked North Dakotans how it should govern WSI and got back praise, condemnation and suggestions for improvements, including a three-page letter from the North Dakota Medical Association."
Toll hike keeps NH's revenue up
From: www.theunionleader.com
"MANCHESTER - Traffic on New Hampshire toll roads is down, but turnpike revenue is looking up due to last year's toll increases."
Corzine disclosure a failure?
From: www.philly.com
"TRENTON, N.J. -- Gov. Corzine's disclosure last week that a close friend is a partner in the investment group that threw a billion-dollar lifeline to the Xanadu sports and entertainment complex may have backfired."
DEP bans harvests of shellfish in part of Delaware Bay
From: www.nj.com
"The state Department of Environmental Protection yesterday banned harvesting of shellfish in a third of the Delaware Bay indefinitely following reports of two people sickened after eating New Jersey oysters."
Rutgers internal audit raised alarm on sports
From: www.nj.com
"Months before revelations of hidden deals and no-bid contracts sparked two investigations, Rutgers University auditors were warning that no one was watching the money flooding into the school's athletic department."
Welfare officials drop toughest rule changes
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"The state Welfare Division, worried about how rapidly Nevada is running through its shrinking state and federal funds, adopted rule changes Tuesday designed to slow things down."
Tax amnesty plan beats expectations
From: www.lvrj.com
"A tax amnesty program implemented by Gov. Jim Gibbons has brought in $6.6 million since July 1, exceeding the $4 million amount anticipated by the Legislature with several weeks remaining for businesses to participate."
Energy summit targets costs
From: www.lvrj.com
"Clean energy will reduce greenhouse gases, protect the environment, create jobs and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. But the federal government needs to lead the way."
Reno mayor launches campaign to save UNR marching band
From: www.rgj.com
"The University of Nevada, Reno's marching band will play on if the community will help raise money to save it, Reno Mayor Bob Cashell said Tuesday."
Green can fatten Nevadans' wallets too
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The green in "green energy economy" is money as much as environmentalism."
NY Legislature, Paterson agree to budget cuts
From: www.syracuse.com
"New York's Legislature and Gov. David Paterson agreed late Tuesday on a plan to cut state spending by nearly $2 billion over the next two fiscal years to trim looming deficits."
NY Assembly, Senate divided on property tax relief
From: www.syracuse.com
"New York's Assembly on Tuesday passed its "circuit breaker" proposal meant to provide property tax relief to many homeowners statewide, but the legislators remained divided on the tax cap plan supported by the Senate and Gov. David Paterson."
Paterson, legislative leaders agree to $500M cuts
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson and legislative leaders reached agreement last night on about $500 million in cuts to this year's budget with less pain to hospitals, local governments and social services than originally prescribed by the governor."
Albany makes a deal for $400M budget cut
From: www.nypost.com
"The State Assembly early today passed a measure to cut the current budget by more than $400 million to stave off ballooning deficits."
State lawmakers agree to cut $411 million from budget
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"State lawmakers agreed Tuesday to more than $400 million in cuts to the state budget as a way to stem the state's growing fiscal problems. But they failed to find a solution to the state's high property taxes."
Schools facing space crunch
From: timesunion.com
"The University at Albany rooms are known as "VIP Suites," but don't picture Eli Manning soaking in a hot tub after practice."
Bloomberg offers windmill power plan
From: www.nytimes.com
"In a plan that would drastically remake New York City's skyline and shores, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is seeking to put wind turbines on the city's bridges and skyscrapers and in its waters as part of a wide-ranging push to develop renewable energy. "
Paterson - Not since the great depression
From: timesunion.com
"The state's looming fiscal crisis may turn out be the worst since the Great Depression, Gov. David Paterson suggested during an interview on Talk-1300 radio."
Day of state cuts falls short
From: timesunion.com
"When it comes to trimming government spending in New York, one very long day wasn't quite enough to get the job done."
Legislators are negotiating to cut budget by $1 billion
From: www.nytimes.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson persuaded lawmakers to cut spending by $1 billion over the next year and a half, as legislators took the rare step Tuesday of returning to the capital in the late summer to re-open a budget they passed in April. "
Business group tallies sick-leave plan's costs
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Ohio's weakening economy could shed 75,000 more jobs and employers could end up paying $1.7 billion more a year if voters choose to mandate up to seven paid days of sick leave for most workers on Nov. 4, a business-backed study predicted yesterday."
State grant sought to clear old Gowdy Field landfill
From: www.dispatch.com
"Franklin County will apply for a $3 million state grant to clean up an old landfill to allow further development around the Time Warner Cable offices off Olentangy River Road. "
LNG terminal foes seek state investigation of a 'push poll'
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Opponents of proposed liquefied natural gas terminals and pipelines in Clatsop County have asked Oregon's secretary of state to investigate what they believe are "illegal push polls" urging voters to vote in favor of the projects in an upcoming election."
Oregon looks into spill at Smith's plant
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Milky wastewater from Smith Frozen Foods, the company owned by U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, has again reached a creek next to the eastern Oregon plant, a scenario that has cost Smith political points in the past."
New PUC chairman to focus on higher costs, conservation
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Gov. Ed Rendell says that one of James Cawley's big jobs as the new Public Utility Commission chairman will be to cushion residential and business electricity users from the upcoming "sticker shock" of higher electric costs."
Financing OK puts casino back on track
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The North Shore casino is back from the brink."
Rendell names two to key Pa. government posts
From: www.philly.com
"In a move designed to advance his clean-energy and conservation agenda, Gov. Rendell yesterday named one of the state's leading environmental advocates and a former utility lawyer to key governmental posts."
Where would state, town get money for Station settlements
From: www.projo.com
"No one is quite sure how financially strapped West Warwick and the equally suffering State of Rhode Island would finance their tentative $10-million settlements with the victims of the Station nightclub fire, but all say future approvals are necessary before any money is released."
SC Senate's film script: fix or cut incentives
From: www.goupstate.com
"A Senate committee will decide if South Carolina needs to rethink tax breaks for movie makers that state leaders say don't return much to taxpayers."
S.C. tobacco crop hits new automated market
From: www.thestate.com
"LAKE CITY, S.C. - In his nearly 70 years, Harry Easler estimates he has witnessed more changes than have occurred in any other tobacco-growing generation."
Abolish Texas home dispute agency, state group urges
From: www.chron.com
"An agency created to resolve disputes between homeowners and builders is "fundamentally flawed" and should be abolished, the Sunset Advisory Commission staff said Tuesday."
Transportation chief urges local oversight for funds
From: www.chron.com
"U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters was in Houston on Tuesday to pitch an administration that she said would send more federal dollars to fast-growing metropolitan areas and give local government more say in how to spend them."
Texas agency urges end of construction commission
From: www.dallasnews.com
"A powerful state agency recommended Tuesday that the Legislature abolish the 5-year-old Texas Residential Construction Commission, which was supposed to protect consumers but has been criticized since its inception as a boon for homebuilders. "
Bush Administration rule on pollution struck down
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"A federal appeals court yesterday struck down a Bush administration rule that prevented states and local governments from imposing stricter monitoring of pollution generated by power plants, factories and oil refineries than required by the federal government. "
U.S. appeals court overturns EPA's pollution rule
From: online.wsj.com
"WASHINGTON -- In a blow to oil refiners, chemical makers and other polluting industries, a federal appeals court threw out a rule that prevented states from implementing tougher pollution-monitoring requirements."
Drug makers' push leads to cancer vaccines' fast rise
From: www.nytimes.com
"In two years, cervical cancer has gone from obscure killer confined mostly to poor nations to the West's disease of the moment. "
Governors say auctioning of flight slots won't end delays
From: www.nj.com
"Auctioning flight slots at the region's major airports will mean higher ticket prices and less service for passengers, but won't improve delays, Gov. Jon Corzine and New York Gov. David Paterson said yesterday."
Educators urge lower drinking age to cut bingeing
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Scores of college presidents, including the head of Maryland's public university system and the president of Johns Hopkins University, have an unexpected request for legislators: Please, lower the drinking age."
Lack of insurance, high medical costs put more in a bind
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Americans are struggling to pay medical bills and are accumulating medical debt at an increasing rate, according to a survey released today. "
Break on cost of textbooks unlikely before last bell, 2010
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"The rising cost of college textbooks has driven Congress and nearly three dozen states -- including Maryland and Virginia -- to attempt to curtail prices and controversial publishing practices through legislation. But as the fall semester begins, students are unlikely to see much relief. "
Court rejects E.P.A. limits on emissions rules
From: www.nytimes.com
"A federal appeals court on Tuesday threw out an Environmental Protection Agency rule limiting the ability of states to require monitoring of industrial emissions."
School cafeterias struggling to keep food on the table
From: www.usatoday.com
"Rising costs for fuel, food and labor are forcing school cafeterias nationwide to raise prices, cut jobs and, in some cases, dip into "rainy day" funds to put food on trays, according to congressional testimony to be delivered today."
More families requesting free or reduced lunch
From: www.usatoday.com
"The troubled economy may be prompting more families to turn to federal school nutrition programs that aid poor children, a survey suggests."
Governments' building projects shore up economy
From: www.usatoday.com
"Construction spending by federal, state and local governments has reached record levels, lifting the economy and employing some blue-collar workers despite a collapse in home building."
Questar's error may be costly to Utahns
From: www.sltrib.com
"Utah natural gas consumers could end up paying more than $600,000 to rectify problems Questar Gas Co. caused when it improperly set the electronic transmitters on gas meters installed at 517 of its customers' homes and businesses."
VPIRG -- 12,000 urge closing of Vt. Yankee
From: www.timesargus.com
"The Vermont Public Interest Research Group announced Tuesday that 12,000 state residents signed onto its campaign opposing the relicensing of Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant."
UWM seeks another $10 million to boost research
From: www.jsonline.com
"The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee plans to ask the state this week to devote $10 million more in taxpayer funding and fees to fuel Chancellor Carlos Santiago's $300 million effort to transform the university into a top research institution and economic development catalyst."
W.Va. could be world leader in energy, governor says
From: www.register-herald.com
"West Virginia has the opportunity to become a worldwide leader in energy production and technology, according to Gov. Joe Manchin."
Appliance tax holiday starts Sept. 1
From: wvgazette.com
"For one week, starting Sept. 1, West Virginia consumers won't have to pay sales tax on appliances with the Energy Star label, Gov. Joe Manchin and other public officials announced Tuesday."
2008 state elections: What's at stake?
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 4:20 p.m. EDT, Aug. 20, 2008)
The historic battle for the White House may be grabbing most of the headlines, but plenty of state races and major ballot measures also could be nail-biters this November — and the results could have national implications.
Stateline.org today is launching a new 2008 interactive guide to help voters keep track of the 11 gubernatorial, 11 attorneys general and seven secretary of state races and some 130 statewide ballot measures.
"
Measures could bring youth to state races
From: www.stateline.org
"
Lawmakers in Colorado and Hawaii aim to ramp up political participation by younger candidates with November ballot measures to lower the qualifying age for some state offices."
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.
"
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.
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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."
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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