Report -- Reforms lacked controls
From: www.newsobserver.com
"The state Department of Health and Human Services wasn't prepared for changes that came with handing most public mental health treatment over to private businesses, a legislative analyst said Wednesday."
A simple truth: Amish numbers growing fast
From: www.azstarnet.com
"LANCASTER, Pa. - The Amish are expanding their presence in states far beyond Pennsylvania Dutch country as they search for affordable farmland to accommodate a population that has nearly doubled in the past 16 years, a new study found."
Officials defer to state on cell phone ban
From: www.stltoday.com
"Facing both scorn and praise over a proposed city ban on cell phone use by drivers, Town and Country's police chief, mayor and aldermanic president say they will push for statewide action instead."
Barack Obama's common-wealth - Bay State tops in per-capita donations
From: bostonherald.com
""Yes We Can" . . . give Barack Obama a bunch of dough."
Tri-State racetrack given OK to offer poker
From: www.dailymail.com
"NITRO, W.Va. -- The cards are finally being dealt at Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center, the last of three West Virginia tracks to implement voter-approved table games."
Alaska tribe drops gambling appeal, but outcome still unclear
From: www.tulsaworld.com
"An Alaska tribe withdrew its official appeal Wednesday on an Indian gambling matter that some had warned eventually could have a devastating economic impact in Oklahoma. "
Court asked to put initiatives on ballot
From: www.lvrj.com
"The will of thousands of voters who would like the chance to provide more money to education and other public needs should be honored by placing a pair of initiative petitions on the November ballot, the Nevada Supreme Court was told Wednesday."
Five school districts consider lawsuit in investment downturn
From: www.jsonline.com
"Five Wisconsin school districts could face combined losses of tens of millions of dollars in a complex investment scheme to help fund employee retirement benefits, according to investigators hired by the districts."
Casino firms learn soon if they hit the jackpot
From: cjonline.com
"The year-long process of receiving and vetting proposals for Kansas' four new casinos is about to conclude as the Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board will vote Friday on winning applications for the southwest zone around Dodge City and the south-central zone near Mulvane."
Cost of home heat to spike; utilities warn consumers to caulk, insulate now
From: www.kansas.com
"Your wallet is about to take another hit."
Post-Katrina, Miss. regains people but lacks housing
From: www.usatoday.com
"NEW ORLEANS - Mississippi's battered coast has regained most of its population and is getting a boost from tourism but still lacks affordable housing for its poorest residents, according to two new studies."
Sick-leave law likely to be on ballot
From: news.cincinnati.com
"Negotiations to keep a paid sick-leave proposal off the ballot fell through Wednesday, meaning it's almost certain to appear before Ohio voters on Nov. 4."
Report -- Vt. has 2nd lowest fertility rate in U.S.
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Vermont, already one of the oldest states in the country, has the second-lowest fertility rate in the nation, according to a report released earlier this week by the U.S. Census Bureau. And the low birthrate, state officials say, could accelerate a demographic shift that threatens to shrink Vermont's workforce."
Weak economy spurs growth for community colleges
From: hosted.ap.org
"Two-year community colleges are seeing record enrollment as families squeezed by tough economic times steer high school graduates away from more expensive four-year universities."
Utah's outlook is called 'recessionary'
From: deseretnews.com
"Utah's economic outlook is grim, and relief may not be on its way any time soon, economists at a conference hosted by the Utah Association of Appraisers said Wednesday."
States push laws requiring paid sick days
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"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."
Texas' share-the-wealth school finance law
From: www.dallasnews.com
"When a school district's property wealth per student exceeds a certain amount, it is required to share some of its property tax revenue with less-wealthy districts. "
Gov. Schwarzenegger tries to force budget
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Eager to break a two-month impasse over the budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today unveiled what he called a compromise spending plan and implored legislators to look past their partisan differences in the interest of the state.
"
Stock market decline saps retiree system
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"The Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System's investments dipped in value by about $350 million last fiscal year as its domestic and foreign stock investments declined, an investment consultant said Wednesday."
Palin promises Alaskans will start receiving dividends by Sept. 12
From: newsminer.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin says the first round of Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend checks will be deposited Sept. 12."
Coloradans divided over impact of immigration on state
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Immigration remains a polarizing issue, with Coloradans split over whether it helps or hurts the state, a new poll finds."
Despite Alaska's challenges, new farmers take root
From: www.csmonitor.com
"POINT MACKENZIE, Alaska - After years of mounting losses, a venerable Alaska agricultural institution was formally dismantled this spring. At the bankrupt Matanuska Maid Dairy, a business that dates back to the 1930s, everything from delivery trucks to cardboard boxes has been auctioned off."
More farm deaths in heat despite Calif. crackdown
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"RAISIN CITY, Calif.- California, the nation's leader in heat-related deaths among farmworkers, sought to turn that trend around three years ago with a new law aimed at ensuring people toiling in sweltering fields had such basics as a water break and an umbrella for shade. Since the law was adopted, however, 11 farmworkers have died in possible heat stroke deaths, eight of them confirmed."
The State Worker - CalPERS, engineers reach a deal
From: www.sacbee.com
"Want to get attention? Threaten a lawsuit. The California Public Employees' Retirement System last week barely avoided one after a last-minute compromise with the state engineers union over a new and controversial investment policy."
Hearing date means California workers get full pay for August
From: www.sacbee.com
"California workers targeted by a gubernatorial order to cut their pay to federal minimum wage have dodged that bullet - at least for August. A Sacramento Superior Court judge Wednesday set a hearing to decide the pay dispute for Sept. 12, too late to affect this month's payroll."
Legislature takes aim at urban sprawl and global warming
From: www.latimes.com
"Will Californians drive less to reduce global warming? Maybe not on our own -- but state officials are ready to nudge us.
"
August revise?
From: www.sacbee.com
"After proposing a budget in January and issuing the standard "May Revise" after tax returns were counted this spring, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday made yet another budget proposal. He hopes lawmakers will embrace it to end the 52-day standoff over the spending plan. Here are key points."
State Senate passes bill aimed at thieves of metal fixtures
From: www.sacbee.com
"Republican Assemblyman Tom Berryhill of Modesto and Democratic Sen. Ron Calderon of Montebello have crafted legislation designed to put the screws on metal thieves and shady recyclers."
Governor recycles sales-tax hike budget
From: www.sfgate.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, calling the Legislature's failure to agree on a budget deal shameful, made public on Wednesday his latest spending proposal, which includes a temporary, one-cent increase in the sales tax, additional cuts and spending limits intended to bank revenue in boom years.
"
Hoping farmworker film reaps goodwill
From: www.latimes.com
"To get the movie-star governor's attention on a pet issue -- the plight of California farmworkers -- Fabian Nu ez made a movie.
"
Xcel ditching 2 coal plants, going to solar
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"State regulators gave the go-ahead to Xcel Energy's plans for a green makeover: shutting down two coal-fired power plants in the state and building one of the world's largest utility-scale solar power plants."
Drillers face tighter safety, water rules
From: www.denverpost.com
"The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Wednesday adopted new rules tightening safety and drinking water protections at drilling sites."
Panel wants Rell health plan put on hold
From: www.theday.com
"A state panel delivered a rebuke to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's signature health care policy Wednesday, formally asking the governor to freeze admissions to the new Charter Oak Health Plan and delay sweeping changes to the state's health program for poor families."
Panel calls for freeze of Charter Oak enrollment
From: www.zwire.com
"The Medicaid Managed Care Council unanimously recommended Wednesday that the state freeze enrollment in the fledgling Charter Oak insurance plan and keep Husky insurance as presently constituted until the end of the fiscal year."
Blumenthal asks feds to investigate Aramark
From: www.zwire.com
"Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has asked that the U.S. Department of Agriculture look into Aramark Corp. finances, saying documents obtained during his investigation into the food service company have raised sufficient concern to make the federal government aware."
Army may reconsider previously rejected Middletown sites
From: www.courant.com
"MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - The U.S. Army is again searching for a site to build a regional training facility, which means locations previously believed off the table may be reconsidered."
Markell lays out plans for energy efficiency
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Delaware treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Jack Markell on Wednesday said his administration would launch a continuing drive to put energy efficiency and clean power at the center of Delaware's economy."
Many South Florida owners taking losses to sell homes
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"South Florida is seeing a big jump in the number of homeowners who are selling their properties for less than they paid, highlighting the magnitude of the region's historic housing slump."
Crist heads to Brevard to monitor flooding recovery
From: www.tallahassee.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist will visit Brevard County today to monitor recovery operations from major flooding he described as "catastrophic," in the wake of Tropical Storm Fay."
Crist looks to reserves, tobacco settlement to fund part of deficit
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist said Tuesday he plans to tap reserves to cover part of a predicted $1.47 billion state budget deficit, but not the entire shortfall."
Florida watches for Fay's next move
From: www.cnn.com
"PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Tropical Storm Fay has barely moved in the last few hours, hovering off the east coast of Florida dumping more rain on the soaked state, the National Hurricane Center said."
Haridopolos fights government spending, takes government salaries
From: www.tampabay.com
"State Sen. Mike Haridopolos has crisscrossed Florida this summer, warning voters of the evils of a proposed tax swap that could be on the Nov. 4 ballot."
Donations for McCain and Crist bundled far from Florida
From: www.tampabay.com
"Ibrahim A. Marabeh has never been to Florida and has "absolutely" no interest in Florida politics."
Local officials decry grant freeze
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Gov. Sonny Perdue's statement that he'd like to see the homeowner tax grant program scrapped has local officials in a panic and some state lawmakers calling for a special legislative session."
High occupancy for timeshares
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Timeshare properties statewide averaged occupancy of 88.6 percent during the second quarter, or nearly 20 percentage points above the average hotel occupancy for the period, according to a report released yesterday by the American Resort Development Association's Hawaii chapter."
New homeless shelter opens
From: starbulletin.com
"More than 200 people attended the dedication ceremony yesterday for Kahikolu Ohana O Waianae, a new emergency, transitional and affordable rental project located behind Waianae Intermediate School."
Iowa lawmakers not eager to take up hog confinement rules
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"State legislators don't seem eager to wade back into the hot-button issue of regulating giant livestock production centers despite pleas from environmental officials for help."
Public hearings on smoking ban begin
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Bar owners and citizens are having their say about the new state rules for enforcing Iowa's statewide smoking ban which went into effect July 1st. The Iowa Department of Public Health is holding public hearings around the state this week over the Iowa Communications Network."
Otter orders changes at Idaho State Tax Commission
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter on Wednesday ordered the Idaho State Tax Commission to clarify settlements of out-of-state corporate tax protests and to report such deals to the Legislature after a recently completed review concluded the agency's existing system creates the perception that commissioners are acting without justification."
Prison supporters pack Pontiac school for closure hearing
From: www.pantagraph.com
"PONTIAC, Ill. -- Local officials wanted a large turnout for Wednesday night's much-anticipated public hearing about the closing of the Pontiac Correctional Center. Well, they got it. About 2,000 people flooded the Pontiac Township High School auditorium, the lobby area outside the auditorium and even the adjacent gymnasium"
Vacancy -- Downtown Springfield getting that empty feeling
From: www.sj-r.com
"Doubts about state government as an employer in Springfield now appear to have extended to state government as office tenant."
Ill. sweeps lending companies for law compliance
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Officials say a state task force has conducted a sweep of more than 200 mortgage companies to make sure they're complying with a new law designed to combat predatory lending.
"
Fuel costs exhaust budgets of schools, parents
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"All those crowded, frantic hours Maria Castaneda spent on the bus back and forth to school in suburban Chicago are still fresh in her mind."
Chicago Urban League sues state over school funding
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The Chicago Urban League sued the state Wednesday, asserting Illinois' education funding system is unconstitutional and violates the state's Civil Rights Act by discriminating against black and Hispanic children."
Oh, to be young and insured
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Sitting at a Deerfield sandwich shop Wednesday, a group of friends, all recent college graduates, discussed a worry many in their demographic share: no health insurance."
Long Thompson vows privatization review
From: www.nwi.com
"Arguing the state took a bath on the Indiana Toll Road lease, Democrat Jill Long Thompson proclaimed Wednesday that if elected governor, she would appoint a citizen panel to review the "privatization madness" of incumbent Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels."
Feds credit state on welfare aid
From: www.journalgazette.net
"The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, along with private contractors handling the eligibility process, have improved the time it takes to process food stamp applications, according to a new letter from the federal government released Wednesday."
State to fund training for displaced RV workers
From: hosted.ap.org
"ELKHART, Ind. -- The state will make $3 million in federal training funds available to recreational vehicle industry workers who lost their jobs because of layoffs caused by the struggling economy and high gasoline prices."
Roob -- proposed rule would cost some food stamps
From: hosted.ap.org
"The state human services agency is considering further changes in the way it processes food stamps that likely would cost some clients their benefits, agency chief Mitch Roob said Wednesday after lawmakers questioned him about the proposal."
Long Thompson calls for review of privatization efforts
From: www.indystar.com
"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson called Wednesday for a bipartisan review of privatization projects initiated under the administration of Gov. Mitch Daniels, saying some of the deals don't appear to be serving Hoosiers well and actually may be adding to taxpayers' burden."
State's nature tourism plans to include survey
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo's adventure tourism plans include a survey of state nature preserves and wildlife management areas for potential trail alignments."
Gov. Jindal won't renew anti-discrimination order
From: hosted.ap.org
"An anti-discrimination order put in place by former Gov. Kathleen Blanco four years ago won't be renewed by Gov. Bobby Jindal when it expires Friday."
Agriculture chief seeks probe of fertilizer costs
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain called on Louisiana's congressional delegation and federal officials to investigate the rising costs of phosphate fertilizer."
Jindal to let gay bias order die
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Calling the executive order unnecessary, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday he would not reissue a ban on discriminating against gays and lesbians in the workplace."
Bid to ban trans fat statewide gets a boost
From:
"All of Massachusetts may soon become a trans fat-free zone."
State to take over building of T station
From: www.boston.com
"State transportation leaders, frustrated by delays in the massive NorthPoint development, are taking over the building of a new MBTA station on the Cambridge property - a move necessary to ensure an on-time start to the $550 million extension of the Green Line."
Medical system board shake-up
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"After months of acrimony and personality clashes at the University of Maryland Medical System, the board chairman and nine other directors resigned yesterday, and the remaining members installed new leadership at the health care powerhouse that oversees hospitals in Baltimore and around the state."
State OKs 2 waterfront plans
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Board of Public Works approved two waterfront development proposals yesterday over the objections of environmental activists in Talbot and St. Mary's counties, though Gov. Martin O'Malley issued sharp rebukes to state officials for their handling of community relations. "
Governor withdraws pesticides nominee
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Gov. John Baldacci on Wednesday withdrew his nomination of an organic blueberry grower to the Board of Pesticides Control after intense lobbying against her by groups that represent conventional farmers."
Focus on union voting method
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Legislation that would allow organizers to unionize workplaces without secret-ballot elections has the potential to significantly shift the balance of power in the workplace, a fact being highlighted in Maine this summer by television ads and other marketing initiatives."
Gambling board lifts gaming expansion hiatus
From: bangornews.com
"Noting that everyone was ignoring it anyway, the Maine Gambling Control Board has opted not to extend its request for an intermission before any more casino-style gambling venues are authorized."
Wet summer weather boosts Maine's wild blueberry crop
From: bangornews.com
"ELLSWORTH, Maine - The stretch of wet weather this summer may have put a damper on a few vacation plans, but it has boosted the prospects for the state's wild blueberry crop."
Blunt wants churches organized
From: www.stltoday.com
"St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Florissant is the kind of place Gov. Matt Blunt has in mind as a government partner in the event of a disaster."
Missouri fire rules rejected over smoke detectors
From: newstribune.com
"Health officials are planning to draft new fire rules for Missouri's long-term care facilities that likely won't mandate smoke detectors in every room"
2008 election forecast - Missouri - the "quintessential battleground"
From: www.cqpolitics.com
"En route to clinching their nominations, John McCain and Barack Obama both scored narrow but key victories in Missouri's presidential primaries on Feb. 5. The two now seem headed for a close race in Missouri this fall - and will pay multiple trips to a state that, in its demographic makeup and political history, is a quintessential battleground."
NWE boosts heating programs
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The state's largest electric and natural-gas utility is giving $500,000 to programs helping poor customers deal with high energy bills, and the chairman of the state Public Service Commission is calling on energy producers to do the same."
NH's Strafford, Merrimack counties to receive tornado aid
From: www.fosters.com
"A spokesman for New Hampshire Governor John Lynch says federal officials have approved disaster aid for two additional counties affected by last month's tornado."
Advanced degrees to face scrutiny
From: www.nj.com
"The Corzine administration and legislative leaders said they plan to crack down on school administrators and teachers who gain advanced degrees through apparent "diploma mills," winning them taxpayer-funded raises and other payments."
State council holds back aid for South Jersey arts groups
From: www.nj.com
"It's the latest skirmish in the 12-year battle between arts groups in North and South Jersey. Faced with significant funding cuts, the state Council on the Arts last month approved a 12 percent cut to this year's grants, which top $18.8 million."
Harvesters fear DEP ban on shellfish will do harm
From: www.nj.com
"In an industry struggling to survive in New Jersey, the suspension of shellfish harvesting has nervous oystermen questioning their future and wondering if reams of regulations imposed over the years have done any good."
Latest cuts a mere nick, Dave warns
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson warned state lawmakers yesterday that their just-approved $430 million in spending cuts will be small potatoes compared to the massive reductions needed to balance next year's budget."
Paterson, legislators - More budget cuts may be needed
From: www.newsday.com
"Even as they congratulated themselves on cutting $427 million from this year's budget, Gov. David A. Paterson and legislative leaders acknowledged yesterday that more reductions would be needed if state revenue continues to dive because of the recession."
Legislature passes $427M budget cut
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"The state Legislature on Wednesday approved $427 million in cuts to the current state budget to help cover funding gaps due to the economic downturn."
Cuts share $427M of pain
From: www.timesunion.com
"Hundreds of programs are sharing the pain of $427 million in cuts from the present state budget as Gov. David Paterson and legislative leaders Wednesday congratulated themselves on the effort."
Ex-BOCES lawyer's pension reduced
From: www.timesunion.com
"State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli cut the pension of a lawyer who had been an outside contractor for Capital Region BOCES but was mistakenly listed as an employee, his office said Wednesday."
Paterson says he's no pushover, but the attack ads still bother him
From: www.nytimes.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson has been jolted awake recently by the sound of his name blaring from his clock radio."
Tax credits proposed for college graduates who stay in Ohio
From: www.cleveland.com
"The youngest members of the Ohio legislature have proposed a tax credit they hope will reverse the trend of college-educated young people fleeing the Buckeye State for jobs elsewhere. "
Strickland fails to negotiate deal on sick-leave proposal
From: www.cleveland.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland's effort to negotiate a compromise to keep a controversial sick-leave proposal off the November ballot ended Wednesday without a deal. "
No deal on sick-days issue
From: www.dispatchpolitics.com
"It looks like voters will make the call this fall on the sick-days issue. "
GOP balks at wage proposal
From: www.dispatchpolitics.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland says he wants to clarify when union-scale prevailing wage must be paid on privately funded construction projects -- but one person's "clarification" is another's "unnecessary expansion." "
LNG delays could trim global supply
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Delays in liquefied natural gas ventures led by Exxon Mobil Corp. and Chevron Corp. may pare global supplies by 100 million metric tons -- more than the annual demand of South Korea and Japan, the world's biggest importers."
Turnpike offers big incentive to finish Mon-Fay
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is offering what amounts to "buy one, get one free," but it's not a deal for everyone."
Rural swath of big state tests Obama
From: www.nytimes.com
"RACCOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Wander up a gravel road and ask George Timko about Barack Obama and John McCain and he wrinkles his nose. Neither of those guys strikes him as a prize."
Despite soft market, pricey condos are selling
From: www.projo.com
"While many are feeling the pinch of high oil prices and the credit crunch, the rich do not seem to be pinching pennies, at least as far as the high-end condominium market in Rhode Island is concerned."
Wheat crop producing record-high yields
From: www.capjournal.com
"A year with less winter wheat planted than other years will likely be the year of record bushel yields."
Merits of lion hunting license debated
From: www.argusleader.com
"A mountain lion hunting license for landowners is simply a "predator tax," a West River legislator says."
Legal OK sought to target illegal migrants
From: www.chron.com
"Some Texas lawmakers could launch a new effort to crack down on illegal immigrants by punishing businesses that employ them or cities that give them sanctuary, if the ideas get the legal go-ahead from Attorney General Greg Abbott."
School financing
From: www.dallasnews.com
"A record number of school districts - many of them in North Texas - are expected to be named share-the-wealth districts in the coming school year, dealing a blow to efforts by legislative leaders to scale back the state's "Robin Hood" funding law."
Researchers question wide use of HPV vaccines
From: www.nytimes.com
"Two vaccines against cervical cancer are being widely used without sufficient evidence about whether they are worth their high cost or even whether they will effectively stop women from getting the disease, two articles in this week's New England Journal of Medicine conclude. "
Virginia's prison farms feed inmates
From: www.inrich.com
"Tractors drone in the distance as inmates advance in a slow, dusty line bending and picking squash under the August sun."
Va. facility halts out-of-state trash
From: hosted.ap.org
"A solid waste authority in Hampton Roads is saying no more to out-of-state garbage."
Barack Obama courts middle-class Virginians with tax strategy
From: www.latimes.com
"MARTINSVILLE, VA. -- Many textile, tobacco and furniture jobs -- and their middle-class wages -- have vanished from southern Virginia, leaving this small city with an unemployment rate that is double the nation's."
Obama courts southside Virginia
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"MARTINSVILLE, Va. - Sen. Barack Obama lamented the loss of U.S. jobs Wednesday as he campaigned in a region of southern Virginia that in recent elections has spurned Democratic presidential candidates. "
Study recommends medium-sized power projects
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"Vermont should consider building a series of medium-sized power generation projects rather than one major facility, and renewable energy projects will likely play a large role in the state's future energy mix, according to a new study by the four largest electrical utilities."
Survey offers look at growing indigenous community
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"A new farmworker survey suggests that nearly a quarter of such laborers in Western Washington are indigenous Mexicans or Central Americans."
Union-funded PAC goes after Rossi
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"A new bully has emerged in Washington politics and with more than $2.4 million in spending power from unions and other Democratic allies, it is giving Republican Dino Rossi a drubbing."
Republicans hint at more money to Rossi's campaign
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Tuesday's primary election settled little about who is most likely to win the governor's race in November, but it did make it clear that Washington will be in the national spotlight."
Wis. lawmakers try but can't block mercury rules
From: hosted.ap.org
"Republican lawmakers took a symbolic stand Wednesday against a plan to reduce utilities' mercury emissions, voting to demand revisions amid businesses' concerns the rules will drive up electric bills."
Taking share of the credit
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"WHEELING, W.Va. - West Virginia Chief Deputy Attorney General Frances Hughes did not speak during a hearing Wednesday in Wheeling concerning an $11.6 million settlement her office negotiated with Visa and MasterCard - but she had plenty to say when it was over."
Tri-State OK'd for table games
From: wvgazette.com
"State lottery officials officially gave Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center the thumbs-up to run casino-style table games on Wednesday."
NRC chairman touts Wyoming uranium mine
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"ROLLING HILLS, Wyo. -- At Cameco Inc.'s Smith Ranch-Highland in-situ leach uranium mine, a typical barrel holds about 883 pounds of "yellowcake," which is 83 percent U308, the foundation of nuclear fuel that has sparked a mining rush in Wyoming."
Rancher gets more time to make slaughter decision
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- A Wyoming rancher has been given at least another month to decide if he'll comply with a federal request to slaughter his brucellosis-infected cattle herd, a state official said Wednesday."
Energy cost increases in Wyo will be long-term
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Gas prices are going to be high -- maybe as much as 70 percent higher than last year -- according to the Wyoming Public Service Commission."
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.
"
Power rates spike in some states
From: www.stateline.org
"Consumers already grappling with high food, gasoline and heating oil prices in many states now face another financial burden: skyrocketing electricity bills."
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.
"
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."
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.
