Palin asks Schwarzenegger to veto new port fees
From: www.sfgate.com
"Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican candidate for vice president, has urged Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto a fee on cargo containers going through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach aimed at raising money to cut pollution.
"
Foreclosures up 39% in Va.
From: www.inrich.com
"The number of households having trouble paying mortgages continues to mount, according to data to be released this morning by an online researcher of foreclosed property."
Washington to give tax break for hybrid cars
From: www.theolympian.com
"SEATTLE -- A tax break that takes effect in January in Washington will give a sales tax exemption to buyers of hybrid and alternative fuel cars that get at least 40 miles per gallon."
Survey finds Vermont CEOs not hopeful on economy
From: www.timesargus.com
"The mood of those who run some of the state's largest companies has grown more pessimistic about the state of the Vermont economy, according to a survey released Thursday by the Vermont Business Roundtable."
Gov. Kaine signs deal with Israel
From: www.inrich.com
"Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine signed an agreement with Israel on Thursday to cooperate with the Middle Eastern nation on water, technology and energy projects. "
BMW's economic impact doubles
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"BMW Manufacturing Co.'s economic impact in the state soared in the past six years, even before its recently announced $750 million investment to expand the Upstate plant, according to a University of South Carolina study."
Oklahoma OK's OG&E's recovery proposal
From: newsok.com
"The state Corporation Commission on Thursday adopted two measures aimed at boosting delivery of electricity produced by Oklahoma wind farms."
ND racing industry rifts loom
From: www.in-forum.com
"A legislative committee that proposed eliminating the state Racing Commission won't be forwarding such a bill to the 2009 Legislature."
Minorities lag in Iowa's economy
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Minorities have become a force in Iowa's economy but lag behind whites in several measures - from landing jobs to starting their own businesses to securing home mortgages, an Iowa State University study shows."
Florida sketches 3 possibilities for U.S. Sugar deal
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Water managers on Thursday unveiled the first sketchy plans for using sugar fields to restore the Everglades.
"
Fox -- Get over Michigan's job losses
From: www.detnews.com
"Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico, isn't a shy man. He calls President Bush the "cockiest" politician he's ever met; he talks glowingly of John McCain and less so of Barack Obama. And he has a message for Michigan factory workers who have lost their jobs. Get over it. "
Anti-slots rally spreads message of helping the poor
From: gazette.net
"Anti-slots petitioners rallied Wednesday to urge Prince George's County voters to reject allowing slot machines in Maryland, telling attendees that slots prey on the poor and could eventually result in gambling sites in the county."
Alaskans prepare to receive, spend largest PFD on record
From: newsminer.com
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Normally, Trish Stipe would be bracing for a difficult winter, but not this year. Added up, members of Stipe's household of six are poised to receive $19,614."
Palin 'governed from the center,' went after big oil
From: www.usatoday.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Weeks after taking office as Alaska's governor in December 2006, Sarah Palin vetoed a bill that sought to ban benefits for the same-sex partners of state workers. It was unconstitutional, she said."
A say of life for Alaskans on ice skates
From: www.nytimes.com
"WASILLA, Alaska — Like many parents here in the communities near Anchorage, Sarah Palin raised her older children in hockey rinks."
Case against Schmitz could impact other legislators
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"A lot could be riding on a decision to retry state Rep. Sue Schmitz on federal fraud charges. If Schmitz, a former classroom teacher, is retried and convicted, prosecutors might target other legislators who have been employed by the two-year college system.
"
Alabama's top university lobbyists draw 6 figures
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Lobbyists for some Alabama universities draw six-figure salaries that exceed what the governor and his Cabinet make, and one got a 50 percent raise despite belt-tightening in higher education.
"
Auditors - Bishop State showing progress
From: www.al.com
"Bishop State Community College has addressed nearly half the problems that examiners identified in its business and financial offices and is moving in the right direction, auditors said Thursday.
"
USA board approves $654M budget
From: www.al.com
"University of South Alabama President Gordon Moulton on Thursday blamed cuts in state funding and mandated increases in employee benefits costs for a budget that does not include employee raises and projects deficit spending in the coming fiscal year.
"
Roads flood in Alabama as Ike churns
From: www.al.com
"Swells from a distant Hurricane Ike combined with high tides Thursday to swamp coastal roadways in the Mobile area. Ike continued moving toward a Texas landfall likely late tonight into Saturday.
"
Lawsuit on litter awaits a ruling
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"Lawyers for Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson and Arkansas poultry companies discussed settlement options with U. S. District Judge Claire Eagan in a lawsuit over chicken litter pollution but have not reached an agreement."
State colleges can ban illegals, McDaniel says
From: www.nwanews.com
"A legislator said Thursday that he hopes higher education officials will take it upon themselves to ban illegal aliens as students even though the attorney general says the law does not require them to."
Palin asks Schwarzenegger to veto fees aimed at cutting pollution at California ports
From: www.latimes.com
"Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Republican candidate for vice president, has urged Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto a fee on cargo containers going through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, setting off a wave of criticism from California environmentalists.
"
Poll - Voters more supportive of taxes than cuts
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"According to a new Field Poll, California voters are more supportive of budget-balancing plans proposed by Democrats and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger than of one offered by Republican lawmakers. "
Most Calif. House Republicans for drilling
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"WASHINGTON – Seventeen of California's 19 House Republicans have signed a letter supporting drilling off the state's coast. "
New fee added to retail business licenses
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Retailers in Delaware will soon have to pay an additional $15 for their business licenses. The Division of Revenue is assessing the fee to fund the state Attorney General's Retail Crime Unit."
Food vendor will cut ties with state prison system
From: www.tampabay.com
"Food service vendor Aramark soon will cut ties with Florida prisons, bringing to an end another privatization venture begun when Jeb Bush was governor."
Crist reappoints incumbent Edgar to PSC
From: www.tampabay.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist reappointed Lisa Polak Edgar to the Florida Public Service Commission on Wednesday, his third appointment to the five-member panel that regulates utilities. "
Seminole gaming pact now in Legislature's hands
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The Florida Supreme Court voted 6-1 late Thursday to deny a request by Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe for another shot at arguing the case that threw out the state's multimillion-dollar gambling compact over slot machines."
Everglades restoration may shift past mill and ethanol plant for jobs
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Restoring the missing link between Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades could mean re-engineering the River of Grass to bypass a sugar mill and a new U.S. Sugar ethanol plant, water managers revealed Thursday.
"
Property tax rules baffle Florida homeowners
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Thousands of Florida homeowners are confused over the state's property tax rules, which has some assessed values going up even while market values are dropping.
"
Crist optimistic after Florida budget gets $672 million patch
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Despite the transfer of $672 million to patch the state budget, which left nearly $800 million still needed to balance state spending with projected revenues, Gov. Charlie Crist Thursday expressed optimism and confidence in Florida's fiscal outlook.
"
Water limits ease for precious few: farms, nurseries and golf courses
From: www.miamiherald.com
"State-imposed water restrictions will be lifted for farms, nurseries and golf courses -- but South Florida homeowners shouldn't expect any changes.
"
Police step up security for tourism conference
From: www.albanyherald.com
"Following some of the state's top tourism officials around, one can't help but notice that wherever they go, the men and women in blue aren't far behind."
Perdue to address tourism conference in Albany
From: www.macon.com
"Gov. Sonny Perdue is set to visit the 2008 Governor's Tourism Conference in Albany. Perdue will address the conference at noon on Friday.
"
Atlanta water use down 20 percent from August 2007
From: www.ajc.com
"Water use in the city of Atlanta and south Fulton County was down more than 20 percent last month compared with August 2007, according to city data."
Georgia tops at seizing economic stimulus checks
From: www.ajc.com
"More federal economic stimulus checks have been intercepted to pay back taxes in Georgia than in any other state."
State foreclosures jump 132 percent in 12 months
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii's foreclosure rate more than doubled for the second consecutive month as the effect of job losses and rising costs took its toll on island households"
Legislators grimly assessing budget
From: starbulletin.com
"Legislative leaders call the state's looming budget deficit "a crisis," saying it makes it nearly impossible to consider pay raises for public employees next year. "
Sources say Culver against special session
From: www.qctimes.com
"Gov. Chet Culver has virtually ruled out the possibility of calling the Legislature into special session to craft a flood relief package and instead will use his own authority to divert at least $20 million to disaster recovery, The Associated Press has learned."
Culver lays out flood relief spending
From: www.qctimes.com
"The bulk of an $85 million federal flood relief package allocated to Iowa will go for a variety of housing assistance programs, ranging from buying ruined homes to helping victims stay current with mortgage payments, Gov. Chet Culver said Thursday."
Idaho has hopes for land sale to Forest Service
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho is hoping the proposed sale of three state-owned backcountry ranches to the U.S. Forest Service will kickstart a $50 million "Land Legacy Trust" announced by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter last year, aimed at protecting ranches, timberland and wildlife habitat."
Idaho foreclosure rates taper in August
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"BOISE, Idaho -- The number of Idaho homes in some stage of the foreclosure process appears to be tapering off."
Winter's coming -- so are high heat bills
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Homeowners already pinched by high food and gas prices are increasingly anxious about staying warm this winter, with what could be record high costs for heating oil and gas on the way. State assistance offices and community organizations in Idaho and other states are seeing more homeowners and renters seeking help with heating bills for the first time."
Senate leader won't oppose Ill. park closings
From: ads.qctimes.com
"A key ally of Gov. Rod Blagojevich isn't planning to stop the governor from closing two dozen state parks and historic sites."
Ax still falling on state jobs, parks, historic sites
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Hundreds of state layoffs and the closing of two dozen state historic sites and parks will proceed as planned in the comings weeks as Illinois lawmakers appear unable to agree on how to prevent them."
Senate's return delayed
From: www.sj-r.com
"The Illinois Senate won't return to Springfield until Nov. 12, delaying action on a lottery lease, an ethics bill and the reversal of budget cuts that will result in layoffs and closing some state parks and historic sites."
Bill on hospital-care discounts may be scuttled by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's amendatory veto
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Illinoisans without health insurance were poised to get substantial price breaks on hospital care under groundbreaking legislation passed this spring. But now, that deal could be falling apart. The cause: a recent amendatory veto by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "
Ill. Senate not returning to work on long agenda
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"State senators aren't coming back to work until November to consider a long list of high-profile issues, including a statewide construction program and deep budget cuts, a Senate aide said Thursday. "
Illinois ethics bill fate uncertain
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The fate of high-profile ethics legislation is up in the air now that Senate President Emil Jones is waiting until after the Nov. 4 election to call senators back to Springfield, prompting charges he wants to kill the reforms."
State sues buying club, claims prizes deceptive
From: www.journalgazette.net
"The Indiana attorney general has sued a Fort Wayne business for alleged violations of the state's deceptive consumer practices laws."
Ripley joining state Chamber
From: www.journalgazette.net
"Rep. Mike Ripley, R-Monroe, will shift from being a legislator to lobbyist for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 5, the day his current term officially ends."
State lawmaker will become lobbyist
From: www.indystar.com
"Republican state Rep. Mike Ripley of Monroe is the latest legislator turned lobbyist."
Purdue, IU among schools with record enrollments
From: hosted.ap.org
"Purdue and Indiana universities both have record enrollments topping 40,000 students on their main campuses, and other schools - both state-supported and private - also are reporting enrollment gains possibly driven by the state's struggling economy."
Plan progresses to build Estill coal-burning plant
From: www.kentucky.com
"An often-delayed proposal to build a 110-megawatt coal-fired generating plant in Estill County is moving forward, the project manager said Thursday."
Gustav swells unemployment
From: www.nola.com
"More than 25,000 workers who have become unemployed since Hurricane Gustav have filed for unemployment benefits, 10 times more than the average weekly rate, state labor officials said Thursday."
AG blasts utilities
From: bostonherald.com
"Attorney General Martha Coakley says she wants to stop utility companies from using this winter's impending home heating crisis as an excuse to take advantage of rate payers."
T board OK's delay in paying back wages
From: www.boston.com
"In a further sign that the MBTA's financial problems have reached a critical stage, the transit agency's board of directors voted yesterday to delay paying $43 million in back wages to its labor unions."
Highest Md. court to hear suit on slots referendum
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Court of Appeals will hear arguments Monday in a lawsuit protesting the ballot language for November's slot-machine referendum, the high court said yesterday."
Md. gets tough on chicken farmers
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Maryland regulators today will announce the tightest-ever controls on what Eastern Shore poultry farmers do with their birds' waste, officials said yesterday, adopting a tougher stance toward state agricultural interests in a bid to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. "
State sees good foliage season
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Maine's fall foliage season began this week with the first foliage report from the state Department of Conservation."
Lower hopes for deer season
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"The state's leading deer biologist expects hunters to meet with frustration this fall.
"
Foreclosures won't hinder voters
From: www.detnews.com
"One political blog accuses him of hatching "the most evil plan in modern Republican history." Other activists say he's trying to steal votes and disenfranchise African-American voters. But James Carabelli, chairman of the Macomb County Republican Party, said Thursday it was all a fabrication -- that he never told a reporter the GOP plans to use poll challengers to block residents with foreclosed homes from voting in November. "
Granholm pushes for energy mandate to interest Japanese firms
From: www.freep.com
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm is preparing to leave Monday for a five-day trade mission to Japan, amid concerns that lawmakers haven't yet finished a deal that would require Michigan's electric utilities to shift at least 10% of their power to such renewable energy sources as windmills by 2015."
GOP won't use foreclosure list to block voters
From: www.freep.com
"Michigan Republicans will send thousands of challengers to polling places on Election Day, but party officials said they won't be using foreclosed home lists to contest voters."
USDA: Record-high yield expected for South Dakota corn crop
From: www.argusleader.com
"South Dakota's corn crop as of Sept. 1 is forecast at 135 bushels per acre statewide, a record high yield, the state office of USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service says."
Rural resistance slows corn ethanol's dazzling growth
From: www.minnpost.com
"A broadening concern over corn ethanol's effect on food prices and environmental damage has seen excitement over the biofuel wither like a cornfield in September, with cancellation of at least two large plants proposed in Minnesota being the latest sign. "
State sells oil and gas leases
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Energy companies bought leases on almost 122,000 acres of state-owned land for $10.9 million at an oil and gas auction. More than half the leases were in Sweet Grass and Park counties, with most of those bought by Pacer Energy LLC."
Summit takes look at local-option tax
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"For a local-option tax to win legislative approval, it must reduce local property taxes, share revenues with surrounding areas and be marketed as a tax targeted at tourists, panelists said Thursday."
N.D. gasoline sales down throughout summer
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"MINOT, N.D. -- State Tax Department figures show North Dakota drivers have been buying less gasoline this summer than last summer. But service station managers see more demand for diesel fuel due to oil field activity."
Council OKs fair plan with Fonner
From: www.theindependent.com
"After a full day of negotiations, it took barely a half-hour for the Grand Island City Council to greenlight plans for the future State Fair site."
Judge sets hearing next week on dumping in Meadowlands
From: www.nj.com
"The Meadowlands Commission must wait another week for a decision about whether dumping will be allowed to resume at a 785-acre site in Bergen County, a federal bankruptcy judge ruled yesterday."
Benefits board makes budget cuts
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"State employees will see the share they pay for benefits increase under budget cuts approved this week by the Public Employee Benefits Program board."
NUCLEAR WASTE - Anti-Yucca effort won't change
From: www.lvrj.com
"Should Nevada Nuclear Projects Agency chief Bob Loux step down in the wake of questions about pay raises swirling around his long-held post, former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan said Thursday the state's sights will remain on defeating federal plans to bury nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain."
Scientists question comparing nuclear waste storage costs
From: www.lvrj.com
"WASHINGTON -- Government analysts are undertaking a study to compare the costs of building a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain against the costs of leaving the waste at power plants, where it is now stored."
Panel clears governor in ethics case
From: www.lvrj.com
"Gov. Jim Gibbons requested but did not receive an apology from a state Democratic Party leader moments after an Ethics Commission panel on Thursday found there was insufficient evidence that he broke laws in securing a lower property tax bill on land he owns in Elko County."
Nevada ethics panel clears Gibbons
From: www.rgj.com
"A Nevada Ethics Commission panel concluded Thursday that there's no evidence to support a claim by a state Democratic Party official that Republican Gov. Jim Gibbons pressured a county assessor to get an unwarranted property tax break."
UNLV chief says hire worth price; regent disagrees
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"A new face at UNLV this month is a familiar face to President David Ashley. Nancy Tanaka, an administrator who reported to Ashley when he was executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of California at Merced, will join UNLV as Ashley's associate president and chief of staff Monday. Her yearly salary of about $175,000 is a bit of an eyepopper at a time when state colleges and universities are laying off employees and offering buyouts."
Governor cleared of ethics violations
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"A panel of the state Ethics Commission has cleared Gov. Jim Gibbons of allegations he used his position to get a tax break on property he purchased in Elko County."
No yes-no votes this year, but oh the drama
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"VIRGINIA CITY, Nev. — It was an appropriately surreal ending to what was supposed to be the year of the ballot initiative in Virginia City's courthouse this week."
Bigs vow an `ethic" cleaning
From: www.nypost.com
"The leaders of the Legislature, reeling from the corruption indictment of Queens Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio, called yesterday for an overhaul of New York's notoriously porous ethics laws, including those addressing outside income.
"
Official brushes off fraud charge
From: timesunion.com
"Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio on Thursday called his problems with the FBI "stupid," but government reform activists see the criminal complaint against the Queens Democrat as a way to promote stiffer ethics laws."
Charges against Queens assemblyman amplifies calls for ethics reform
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"In the wake of charges by a federal prosecutor that a Queens assemblyman solicited $500,000 in bribes from people trying to influence state government, reform groups Thursday renewed their calls for tougher state ethics laws.
"
NYRA ready for its rebirth
From: timesunion.com
"The state expects to take possession of deeds to Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct racetracks today, a momentous turn in the often stormy relationship with the New York Racing Association."
New state regulations on scrap metal sales now in effect
From: www.cleveland.com
"Some Ohio scrap yard owners contend that paperwork required by new state regulations could be more of a back breaker than the metal they heft each day.
"
Jobless calls create Oklahoma jobs
From: newsok.com
"The Oklahoma Employment Security Commission has about 750 employees, which Jon Brock said is about 100 fewer than the number 12 years ago when he became executive director.
"
Oregon restaurants sign state safety agreement
From: hosted.ap.org
"PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon restaurant owners have signed an agreement with the state to improve worker safety."
Revision plan could reduce kicker
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"Individual and business taxpayers might get smaller rebates in good times, but the state's general reserve fund would get bigger to cope with bad times, under a proposal that may go to the 2009 Legislature."
Rendell urged to release aid to help poor with heating bills
From: www.mcall.com
"Pennsylvania utility industry officials and consumer groups on Thursday urged Gov. Ed Rendell to release $10 million in state money as soon as possible to supplement federal home heating assistance for the poor this winter."
Help line gets 1 report on smoking
From: www.pennlive.com
"On the first day of the indoor smoking ban, only one possible violation was reported to the state Department of Health among the 122 calls that came in to its Clean Air Act help line."
PUC tries to heighten competition in natural gas market
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The state Public Utility Commission on Thursday said it's initiating a plan to try to spur competition in the natural gas market, including creating an Office of Competitive Market Oversight."
State natural gas heating cost to rise 18 percent, PUC says
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Residential natural gas customers will pay an average of nearly 18 percent more to heat their homes this winter compared to last year."
Tennessee agencies brace for next cuts
From: www.tennessean.com
"The Bredesen administration has told department heads to make plans for cutting 3 percent from their budgets next year, anticipating that state revenues will continue to sag amid a sluggish national economy.
"
Ike is rolling in, Texans are rolling out
From: www.latimes.com
"FREEPORT, Texas -- Thousands of residents of Texas' vulnerable Gulf Coast clogged highways headed inland Thursday, heeding mandatory evacuation orders as Hurricane Ike churned through warm waters and took aim at southeastern Texas."
Former Texas Lottery employee investigated for storing personal information at home
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Authorities are investigating a former employee of the Texas Lottery Commission who illegally had the personal information of some employees, lottery winners and retailers stored on a home computer. "
Worries rise in Texas as Ike looms in the Gulf
From: www.usatoday.com
"GALVESTON, Texas — Some are hunkering down, some heading out and all holding their breath as Hurricane Ike churns toward a weekend landfall on Texas' Gulf Coast. "
Panel OKs federal pay for wolf kills
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"WASHINGTON -- Legislation to compensate livestock owners whose animals are killed by wolves is a step closer to passage."
Dems push worker relief
From: www.detnews.com
"WASHINGTON -- House Democrats introduced legislation Thursday to extend unemployment benefits by seven weeks for all states, and on top of that 13 extra weeks for hard-hit states like Michigan with unemployment rates of at least 6 percent."
Bill would quicken AML payments
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"WASHINGTON -- A Senate committee has approved legislation that would allow states to collect abandoned mine land money with no strings attached. The legislation, passed Thursday, would require the federal government to pay the dollars directly instead of through grants that the states must seek."
States will confer on disease strategy
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"State veterinarians from Wyoming, Montana and Idaho plan to meet next week in Denver to discuss brucellosis and their concerns over federal rules for handling the livestock disease."
U.S. Senate approves $8 billion Highway Fund bailout
From: www.bloomberg.com
"The U.S. Senate approved an $8 billion bailout of a U.S. trust fund that finances highway construction, which is due to run out of money this month. "
Report - Schools offering fewer soft drinks
From: www.usatoday.com
"WASHINGTON — Sugary soft drinks accounted for less than a quarter of the beverages sold in schools last year, demonstrating that a voluntary transition toward healthier drinks is working, the beverage industry said Wednesday."
Pollina or Symington? Unions struggle with choice
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -- Here's the dilemma for the typical labor union: Independent Anthony Pollina is also running for governor. As an activist, Pollina has joined picket lines, spoken at labor rallies and organized workers. Gaye Symington is the Democratic candidate for governor. Labor unions are to Democrats as peanut butter is to jelly."
Lender bailout adds stability, Realtors say
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Realtors and bankers throughout the region applauded the federal government's decision to seize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, saying the intervention provides necessary stability to the nation's wobbly housing market. Although Vermont's real estate sector has fared better than that in most states, the move has a direct effect on thousands of mortgages here, said Diane Smith, executive director of the Vermont Mortgage Bankers Association."
Court ruling gives Frankie's a breather
From: www.theolympian.com
"A divided state Supreme Court upheld Washington's voter-approved ban on smoking in public areas and places of employment, saying Thursday that the ban extends to private clubs such as American Legion Post 149 in Bremerton."
4-day work week seen as '21st century' schedule
From: www.theolympian.com
"Switching to four, 10-hour workdays is likely to change state government culture more than it will save taxpayers money, at least in the test run Gov. Chris Gregoire ordered this week."
Court -- No smoking in private clubs
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"A sharply divided state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Washington's smoking ban applies to private clubs that have employees."
Washington State Ferry survey looks at who's onboard
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Less than one-third of all riders on state ferries are commuters, and all riders are generally older and richer than the average state resident."
Private clubs aren't exempt from state's smoking ban
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"A sharply divided state Supreme Court ruled Thursday that Washington's smoking ban applies to private clubs that have employees."
Buyers of low-fuel cars get a sales tax exemption
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"A new sales tax exemption that encourages Washington car shoppers to choose hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles will save them an estimated $18.6 million over the next two years."
State moving 110 DNR workers to South Charleston
From: www.dailymail.com
"The state has purchased a South Charleston office building for $3.3 million and will move 110 Division of Natural Resources employees there while Building 3 at the Capitol is renovated, Department of Administration spokeswoman Diane Holley said.
"
Freudenthal backs Anticline plan
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- Once a vocal critic, Gov. Dave Freudenthal now backs a new federal plan for managing oil and gas development on western Wyoming's Pinedale Anticline, state officials said."
UW plans major announcements today
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"LARAMIE, Wyo. -- The University of Wyoming will unveil plans today for construction of a $20 million School of Energy Resources building just north of campus."
State upgrades fish hatchery
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"STORY, Wyo. -- Wyoming's oldest operating fish hatchery is getting an upgrade that should be complete in about a year, a change that could result in more of a prized trout species appearing in the state's alpine waters."
Buchanan -- Boost status of education
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"LARAMIE, Wyo. -- The University of Wyoming should seize on Wyoming's economic boom to increase the importance of education and expand educational opportunities for residents throughout the state, President Tom Buchanan said during Thursday's fall convocation."
WORTH NOTING: Schweitzer's tongue in cheek causes trouble
From: www.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer gets grief for remarks he says were made in jest. Vermont officials are fed up with people voting for Bart Simpson. And an Iowa state trooper talks to his car. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
Teachers lured from struggling states
From: www.stateline.org
"One state's misfortune is another's opportunity, as out-of-state recruiters hire teachers away from states with large budget gaps."
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."
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."
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.
"
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
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(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.
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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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