Gustav draws attention to Fla. generator law
From: www.stateline.org
"Power outages caused by Hurricane Gustav have shut down gas stations throughout Louisiana this week, but Florida officials are hoping a little-known state law can help them avoid the same complication the next time a major storm reaches their shores — which could be this weekend."
Bloggers pan Palin's first major statement on economy
From: thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com
"Did Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska know what she was talking about when she made her first major statement on domestic economic policy?"
Record contradicts Palin's 'bridge' claims
From: online.wsj.com
"The Bridge to Nowhere argument isn't going much of anywhere. Despite significant evidence to the contrary, the McCain campaign continues to assert that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin told the federal government "thanks but no thanks" to the now-famous bridge to an island in her home state."
State approves permit for Bayou La Batre sewage plant
From: www.al.com
"State environmental regulators have issued a permit for a proposed sewage-treatment plant in Bayou La Batre, allowing the controversial project to move forward."
1 of 12 highway projects on hold
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"Uncertainty over federal funding resulted in the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department deciding Monday to withdraw one project from a list of 12 scheduled for a bid opening today."
Exploration firms to give update on economics of Fayetteville Shale
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Natural gas companies will provide an update on the production and economic significance of the Fayetteville Shale drilling operations at the University of Central Arkansas next month, the university announced Monday."
State lowers estimate on stalled roads
From: www.azstarnet.com
"The Arizona Department of Transportation says six highway projects totaling $158 million are on hold pending a fix of a federal funding shortfall."
$10 billion bond for high-speed rail sought
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"The idea of building a high-speed rail network in California has been debated, studied, ridiculed, celebrated and studied again for more than a decade. State voters will decide the issue Nov. 4. "
GOP budget rejected; impasse continues
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Partisan gridlock over the state budget continued to grip the Legislature Monday as the Senate rejected a Republican spending plan that called for cutting services and borrowing from future lottery proceeds to close a gaping $15.2 billion deficit."
Calling it 'inhumane,' Democrats defeat GOP state budget plan
From: www.sacbee.com
"Calling it "inhumane," Democrats defeated a Republican state budget proposal that would have made deeper cuts in health and human services and borrowed against future lottery revenue.
"
Proposed delay on drilling could die
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is expected to debate a staff report this week that encourages the commission to drop a controversial 90-day drilling moratorium contained in the original draft rules."
Info on ending tax credits for oil, gas firms disputed
From: www.denverpost.com
"Nine former state lawmakers challenged Gov. Bill Ritter on Monday about information used in a campaign calling for an end to tax credits for the oil and gas industry."
Rules tough on tailpipes
From: www.denverpost.com
"The Regional Air Quality Council on Monday approved ozone-pollution controls to meet federal health standards -- and immediately began discussing how to bolster the plan."
Rell orders budget cuts to plug $145.7 million shortfall
From: www.rep-am.com
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell is preparing a second round of budget cuts to help close an estimated $145.7 million shortfall. Rell advised the General Assembly's leadership Monday that she will be ordering more spending cuts in the coming weeks."
Delaware leads race to build offshore wind farm
From: www.msnbc.msn.com
"WASHINGTON - Visitors to Rehoboth Beach, Del., soon may be greeted by more than sand dunes, seagulls and beach umbrellas. If offshore wind advocates have their way, scores of 140-foot blades will be spinning in the ocean breeze nearly a dozen miles away, barely visible to the sunbathers."
Ryder Cup's economic impact is open to debate
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Finding a hotel room or a restaurant table could be tricky during next week's Ryder Cup, but gauging exactly how much money the event will bring to Louisville's economy might be even tougher."
DelDOT lacking overtime records
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Nearly half of overtime pay records at the Delaware Department of Transportation lacked proper documentation last year, according to a review of three state agencies with records of paying the most overtime."
Hurricane Ike's winds reach Havana, Key West
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Hurricane-force winds swept into Havana on Tuesday as Hurricane Ike rolled toward the western provinces after killing four people across the island nation."
Georgia's unlicensed moving companies can be big risk for consumers
From: www.ajc.com
"A new state audit says Georgia's Public Service Commission does a poor job licensing in-state moving companies and doesn't enforce safeguards designed to protect customers from getting ripped off."
For the Georgia schools chief, geography and history pay off
From: www.nytimes.com
"The Georgia state school superintendent, Kathy Cox, won $1 million last Friday on the Fox game show "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" and said Monday that "the primary beneficiary of the money" would be two state schools for the deaf and one for the blind."
Hawaii bankruptcies up 50%
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Bankruptcy filings in August soared to their highest increase this year as cash-strapped consumers reached a breaking point in Hawai'i's slowing economy."
State evicting airport-area firms
From: starbulletin.com
"KAHULUI, Hawaii - Ted Sniffen said he does not know where he will find another location for his trucking business, after receiving an eviction notice from the state to vacate the property by Dec. 31."
Des Moines woman uncertain visit from House Speaker will speed up disaster recovery
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A Des Moines woman who was flooded out of her home says all the talk about disaster aid is fine, but many Iowans need action. Janet Green told House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Monday that the people who have been flooded out in her neighborhood at getting to the end of their rope when it comes to waiting for disaster aid."
Mike Pace to cut Powerball ties
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Mike Pace, the smooth-talking host of more than 2,000 televised lottery drawings, has decided to bid farewell to millions of Powerball players who have watched him for years in hopes of striking it rich."
Survey shows one third of employers have hiring plans
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Nearly one-third of the Iowa employers questioned in a new Manpower survey say they plan to increase the size of their workforce before the end of the year. Manpower spokesperson Mike Lynch says the employment outlook survey covers businesses in the state's 11 major metropolitan areas."
TouchPlay deals eliminate need for big trial, state says
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"A major trial over the shutdown of the Iowa Lottery's ill-fated TouchPlay game has been scrapped in the wake of scores of legal settlements obtained by the Iowa attorney general's office."
Agriprocessors to fight citations of safety issues
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The Agriprocessors meat-processing plant in Postville is challenging the state's recent decision to cite the company for 31 alleged violations of workplace safety regulations."
Pelosi pledges action on storm aid for Iowa
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"PARKERSBURG, Iowa -- Congressional leaders will try to cut through the red tape that has delayed millions of dollars in flood and tornado recovery aid to Iowa, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi vowed Monday."
Speaker Pelosi promises help to Iowa storm victims
From: www.qctimes.com
"U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi promised during a trip to Iowa on Monday that Congress would quickly approve more disaster assistance to help the state recover from tornadoes and flooding."
Liquor license changes cause snags in n. Idaho
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- Idaho lawmakers changed the state's liquor license rules last year to try to keep recipients from holding the licenses indefinitely. But some would-be northern Idaho businesses say the move has backfired -- while there's now less of a wait to get one of the limited number of licenses, there's not enough time to get a bar up and running before they are revoked."
Job training program to debut in Salmon
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"SALMON, Idaho -- A new program aimed at bolstering the job skills of young workers in rural Idaho will get its first test in the central Idaho mountain town of Salmon. The program, called Rural Idaho Outreach Partners, evolved from the partnership of private industry, the Idaho Department of Labor, and educators."
Woodfield is called state's top tourist destination, but it's no exact science
From: www.dailyherald.com
"It's become a source of pride in Schaumburg to point to Woodfield Shopping Center as the most visited tourist destination in Illinois."
Provena to take taxation case to Supreme Court
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"An Urbana hospital confirmed this morning said it will take its case to the Illinois Supreme Court after a state appeals court last month put the nonprofit facility's tax exemption in jeopardy."
Good-government groups urge override of vetoes
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Eight good-government groups are urging lawmakers in an open letter to reject changes Governor Rod Blagojevich made to two campaign finance-reform bills. "
Union leader joins McPier's board
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A trade union leader is taking a seat on the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, the agency that owns and operates McCormick Place and Navy Pier."
CTA sees fare hike in future
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A CTA fare hike is looking more likely next year as the transit agency, hit hard by free rides for senior citizens and rising fuel costs, announced $40 million in internal cuts to balance this year's budget."
State panel -- Indiana must produce more college grads
From: www.nwi.com
"More Hoosiers are going to college, but too few are finishing."
State tax revenue exceeds estimate
From: www2.ljworld.com
"The state collected 3 percent more in tax revenues in August than expected."
Possible budget cuts weighed
From: cjonline.com
"Hiring freezes and equipment purchase delays are on the menu of possible cuts at state universities as their deadline for turning in reduced budgets looms next week."
FEMA--Supplies restocked
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"FEMA underestimated the demand for food, water, ice and tarps from Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Gustav, an agency spokesman said at a Monday news conference."
Jindal takes full command in crisis
From: www.nola.com
"At 2 a.m. Aug. 31, with Hurricane Gustav a day away from landfall, Gov. Bobby Jindal called a meeting of the state's high-level emergency command group to face another crisis in the massive evacuation of southern Louisiana."
Tourism infrastructure fared well in Gustav
From: www.nola.com
"New Orleans' tourist attractions and facilities suffered no significant damage from Hurricane Gustav and the city did not lose or get notice of cancellations for conventions, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu said Monday."
Recovery official gets praise
From: www.nola.com
"BATON ROUGE -- Gov. Bobby Jindal's man in New Orleans during Hurricane Gustav emerged Monday from a week in the bunker with Mayor Ray Nagin to report that the two at times had disagreements and frankly spoken words, but overall the management of the crisis by the mayor and city staff was highly professional and well-coordinated with the state."
Storm long past, darkness and heat still cling to Baton Rouge
From: www.nytimes.com
"BATON ROUGE, La. — The fearsome heat of a South Louisiana summer, unmediated by air-conditioning, reduces the strong to a primal struggle and sends the weak to the hospital."
FEMA urges registration
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Louisiana residents affected by Hurricane Gustav can meet face-to-face with federal, state and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives at the following seven disaster recovery centers."
State slow to raise preschool access
From: www.boston.com
"The state's two-year effort to create universal access to preschool has so far provided more than 100 programs with new classroom materials, computers, or teacher bonuses but has done little to expand access, according to a report being released today."
Slots plan losing support
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"A new poll Monday shows support for legalizing slot machines in Maryland continued to shrink - one day before state budget officials plan to release numbers showing growing budget problems that lawmakers had hoped to fix with slots revenue. "
State energy agency failed to seek loan repayments
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The state energy department did not seek repayment of some energy-conservation loans to community groups, or attempt to assess whether the loans resulted in savings, according to a legislative audit released yesterday."
State raises limit on debt
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Maryland officials voted for the first time in two decades yesterday to increase the amount the state can borrow for schools, roads and other projects, even as some fiscal leaders urged restraint in the face of a weakening economy and a possible $1 billion budget shortfall."
County leaders favor taxes over slot machines at rally
From: gazette.net
"ROCKVILLE, Md. — Taxes, including an increased liquor tax and a progressive income tax, would make better revenue alternatives for state and county coffers than slot machine gambling, a group of Montgomery County leaders said during a press conference Monday."
Fishing limits to be tightened
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Maine's commercial fishermen expect yet another round of painful limits on their catches in the wake of a new scientific status report on New England's fish populations."
Maine's job landscape changing
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"An aging population and the growth of Internet commerce will change the mix of jobs in Maine during the next several years, according to a new state report."
State OKs extension of deal between MDOT, SEMCOG for commuter rail demonstration
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The State Administrative Board, which approves contracts for state agencies, last week approved the addition of $100,694 and one year to a deal between the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments to develop a demonstration of a commuter rail line linking Detroit and Ann Arbo"
Obama -- McCain 'mustn't be talking to people in Michigan'
From: www.freep.com
"Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told two Michigan audiences Monday that his Republican rival, John McCain, is trying to reinvent himself as an agent of government change despite his U.S. Senate record of supporting President George W. Bush and policies that squeeze the middle class."
Cockrel sets sights on Cobo expansion
From: www.freep.com
"Incoming Detroit Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. on Monday made the expansion of Cobo Center his first major announcement when he named the head of Detroit's economic development arm to run negotiations in the long-stalled project."
Hunting, fishing fees footed bill for big DNR event
From: www.startribune.com
"Minnesota hunters and anglers paid a big share of the bill for an international game warden conference that earned a profit for a state employees union and now is under scrutiny by state investigators."
Database aims to foil meth 'smurfers'
From: www.kansascity.com
"Just two years after the country saw a drastic drop in the seizure of methamphetamine labs, the numbers are inching back up in pockets across the country."
Renewable energy question put on Missouri's November ballot
From: www.kansascity.com
"A renewable energy question will be on the November ballot in Missouri after all."
Plenty of talk but little agreement on energy alternatives
From: www.kansascity.com
"The promise of weaning America off imported oil — and the difficulty of actually doing it — were on full display here Monday."
Barbour - Medicaid woes over
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Gov. Haley Barbour on Monday said Medicaid's current budget woes are solved because of an unexpected federal reimbursement, but the battle over a long-term way to pay for the health-care program isn't finished."
Economist -- Economy to continue slowing
From: bozemandailychronicle.com
"The Montana economy will continue to weaken during the rest of 2008 and into mid-2009, but neither the state nor the nation will experience job losses like those of the recession of 2001, an economist told people attending a free seminar Monday in Bozeman."
State Chamber of Commerce legislative forum tackles road funding issues
From: www.theindependent.com
"This year, the Legislature passed a bill changing the state's gas tax structure to provide additional funds for the state's cash-strapped Department of Roads."
Latino leaders forming advocacy group
From: www.journalstar.com
"More than a dozen Latino professionals primarily based in Omaha are mobilizing a group to address issues affecting or involving Latinos statewide."
NH officials take stock of flood damage
From: www.unionleader.com
"State emergency management officials said they will take the first step needed to seek federal disaster relief by asking the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a preliminary assessment of damage last weekend's storm caused in Manchester and other communities."
Despite tight economy, New Jersey presses on with school projects
From: www.nytimes.com
"PATERSON, N.J. — Here in one of New Jersey's poorest cities, School No. 3 is so short on space that speech and music lessons are given in a converted coatroom and the "library" has been pared down to just one shelf of books. Nearly half the 430 elementary students eat lunch at their desks because there is no room in the cafeteria. "
Corzine signs controversial building permit bill
From: www.app.com
"Cheers and boos arose Monday when word emerged that Gov. Jon S. Corzine had -- over the weekend -- signed into law a measure that extends current, and reinvigorates lapsed, building permits by up to four years."
Corzine signs bill to spark construction
From: www.nj.com
"Gov. Jon Corzine signed legislation over the weekend to spark commercial and housing construction once the economy improves, his office said today."
State government retiree's health care program in financial straits
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"A program that provides health care coverage to about 42,000 governmental retirees and their dependents is projected to become insolvent by 2020, but its financial condition has improved, lawmakers were told Monday. "
BALLOT QUESTION 5 - Challenge to tax initiative argued
From: www.lvrj.com
"VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. -- Petitions seeking a constitutional amendment to cap property taxes might have contained some minor procedural errors but substantially complied with state requirements, a judge was told Monday."
'Trust us,' ad said before bank failed
From: www.lvrj.com
"The day before federal and state regulators seized Silver State Bank of Henderson, its outside advertising firm placed an advertisement suggesting it was sound and secure."
Cuomo warns of student loan deceit
From: www.buffalonews.com
"The cost of college loans is steep enough without tacking on unnecessary — and even deceptive — interest charges, State Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo told students Monday at West Seneca East High School."
Free health care comes at a price
From: www.dispatch.com
"The patients began lining up long before the free health clinic near the Ohio State University campus opened. For some, it was the first trip to a doctor. For many, it was the only way to get routine medical care because they are poor, uninsured and living illegally in central Ohio."
Tougher Oklahoma law adds risk to health-care decisions
From: www.dispatch.com
"TULSA, Okla. -- Hysteria spread among Oklahoma's Latinos as soon as the governor signed a tough immigration law. "
LNG company wants to restart permit process
From: news.opb.org
"The company that wants to build a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Columbia River has asked to re-start its process to obtain the needed clean water permits. Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality has authority over the permits."
Oregon economic indicators look bleak for July
From: news.opb.org
"Oregon continues to lose jobs with more than 11,000 non-agricultural jobs lost in the last five months."
Lawmakers want to let county have stricter smoking rules
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Two days before a statewide smoking ban is set to kick in, two state lawmakers are already trying to change it. State Reps. Chelsa Wagner, D-Beechview, and Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, want to tighten the Clean Indoor Air Act so that Allegheny County can craft its own stricter smoke-free laws, they said at a news conference yesterday."
State ended last budget year in red
From: www.projo.com
"For the first time in modern accounting history, the State of Rhode Island ended a budget year in the red because of overspending.
"
State Supreme Court - Breaking smoking ban not a crime
From: www.goupstate.com
"The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled today that Sullivans Island can ban smoking inside public places but can't jail people who disobey.
"
Noriega, Cornyn disagree on illegal-immigrant issue
From: www.chron.com
"Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noriega said Monday he would not support any effort to require the federal government to reimburse the states for the cost of educating the children of undocumented immigrant"
Survey - Public transit pressures could hurt riders
From: www.usatoday.com
"Cash-strapped public transit systems are cutting services and raising fares even as more Americans ditch their gas-guzzling cars for trains and buses, a survey of transit agencies out Tuesday finds. "
States running out of money in jobless funds
From: www.usatoday.com
"The sharp rise in joblessness is draining unemployment insurance trust funds in many hard-hit states, setting the stage for a federal bailout to keep the funds solvent. "
Four things you need to know about the 'bridge to nowhere'
From: www.cqpolitics.com
"One of the most arcane elements of the lawmaking process has burst into presidential politics as the two campaigns wrangle over earmarks – the narrowly-targeted spending and tax breaks lawmakers include in legislation, usually to help local constituencies foot the bill for projects."
I-95 coalition urges doubling highway spending
From: www.philly.com
"To reduce congestion and greenhouse gases, Eastern states should plan to double highway spending and drastically increase the use of mass transit and rail, an interstate coalition said yesterday."
U.S. highway fund needs $8 billion bailout this month
From: www.bloomberg.com
"A U.S. trust fund that finances highway construction needs $8 billion from Congress by the end of next week to cover a shortfall as a drop in driving shrinks fuel-tax receipts, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said."
Lunch-tray exit irks some students
From: www.npr.org
"Across the country, schools are eliminating lunch trays to cut down on water use and for health reasons."
Vermont mortgage delinquencies rise again
From: www.timesargus.com
"While Vermont's mortgage delinquencies and foreclosures continue to trail the rest of the nation, the number of homeowners in the state falling behind on their monthly payments rose a half-percent in the second quarter to 3.92 percent, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association."
Justices decline to hear case on blue jeans ban
From: www.dailymail.com
"The state Supreme Court has refused to hear a challenge to a Department of Health and Human Resources policy prohibiting state hospital employees from wearing blue jeans to work."
WVU games to be replayed locally
From: www.dailymail.com
"Suddenlink is giving its customers a second chance to see West Virginia University football games this season. "
Home values vary widely across state
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CASPER, Wyo. -- A recent survey found that median home values dropped in 11 Wyoming counties while increasing in 12 counties during fiscal year 2008."
Wyo investigates another brucellosis herd
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"State and federal livestock officials have launched an investigation into the possibility of a second Wyoming cow testing positive for brucellosis, jeopardizing the state's disease-free status even as the rancher at the center of the first outbreak decides to slaughter his herd."
McCain vs. Obama: The difference for states
From: www.stateline.org
"
In the 2008 presidential race, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain offer competing ideas on a host of issues that will have repercussions throughout state government, right down to the local driver’s license bureau. See a rundown of the presidential candidates' positions so far on issues of direct interest to states."
Bush, McCain view state issues similarly
From: www.stateline.org
"
Democrats charge that a John McCain presidency would mean “four more years” of President Bush’s policies. A close look at both men’s records shows, on issues important to states, the Republicans are not far apart.
"
What would an Obama win mean for states?
From: www.stateline.org
"DENVER — If elected president, Democrat Barack Obama promises closer ties with states and an infusion of federal dollars that could lessen points of tension between Washington, D.C., and statehouses on issues from health care to energy."
Alaska gov 1st woman in No. 2 GOP slot
From: www.stateline.org
"
 |
Alaska Gov.
Sarah Palin (R) |
Sarah Palin, the first woman to serve in Alaska’s top post, is now the first female to be chosen as a vice-presidential running mate in the Republican Party.
"
Census - Uninsured down, poverty up
From: www.stateline.org
"The U.S. Census Bureau annual report on poverty shows modest gains in median income in 2007 and a decrease in the number of people who lack health insurance. But the number of Americans living below the poverty line rose to 37.3 million, despite six years of economic growth. Experts predict the picture will be worse this time next year."
Summertime blues hit states
From: www.stateline.org
"A slump in travel has hurt states that depend on tourism, and the summer season of 2008 could be one of the worst of the decade."
Renewable energy fuels Colorado governor
From: www.stateline.org
"
Few governors have championed renewable energy as aggressively as Colorado Democrat Bill Ritter. So far, voters seem to appreciate his efforts."
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.
"
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."
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
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."
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