Jobless claims surge as hurricanes hit count
From: www.reuters.com
"WASHINGTON - The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for jobless benefits jumped 32,000 last week, with all of the increase due to the impact of hurricanes Ike and Gustav, the Labor Department said on Thursday.
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Hawaii mired in uncertainty as economy sputters
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Stop me if you've heard this before, but there likely will be more bad economic news for Hawai'i in the next couple days."
Decision about casino ballot issue to be decided Thursday
From: blog.cleveland.com
"A hearing officer appointed by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to make recommendations on whether a constitutional amendment asking voters to approve a casino in Ohio should appear on the Nov. 4 ballot ended Wednesday night's meeting without a decision."
Lehman fallout hurts Ariz. governments
From: www.azcentral.com
"Dozens of Arizona communities, counties, school districts and other government entities could lose nearly $40 million combined as a result of the collapse of Wall Street investment bank Lehman Brothers, according to state records released this week."
Are Lottery ads too cute?
From: www.pennlive.com
"When customers arrived at the Quick Check in Swatara Twp. for bread, milk or Pennsylvania Lottery tickets Wednesday, they found five people dressed as giant fingers dancing at the front door. There they were, in pinkish costumes, with big, cartoonish eyes and smiles on their big, round tips."
Charitable gambling needs more oversight, state auditor says
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The state should strengthen its oversight of charitable gaming, Auditor Crit Luallen said in a report yesterday."
PERS managers say they're sitting tight on investment mix
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Managers of the $57 billion Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund aren't changing their investment mix as the stock market gyrates on news out of Washington."
Despite financial headlines, 'business as usual' at state banks
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraska bankers are trying to reassure the public that their institutions are not only safe places to put money, but also willing to take a chance on borrowers even as constricted credit markets terrorize their Wall Street cousins."
D.C. fines Jersey lottery operator $1.4 million in ticket scam
From: www.nj.com
"GTECH Corp., the longtime operator of New Jersey's lottery, was fined $1.4 million by the District of Columbia this month over charges that its subcontractors or a partner firm hacked into the district's lottery system and printed winning tickets for themselves two years ago."
Wild swings in stock market shake state pension funds
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Like all investors, the Montana Board of Investments is feeling the volatility of the stock market, but its director isn't saying yet how bad the paper losses have been in state pension funds this month."
Community banks react to rapid industry changes
From: www.qctimes.com
"As Congress and the Bush administration spar over the proposed $700 billion bailout of troubled financial firms, small town bankers are making sure they're not forgotten."
Restaurant's name now on legislature's plate
From: www.kansascity.com
"The dispute over a Smithville restaurant that calls itself a drugstore appears to be headed to the Missouri legislature, not the courts."
Slots debate puts Senate president on the defense
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"Annapolis resident Gerald Loren demanded Wednesday that Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. explain how slots would benefit Marylanders when out-of-state companies would pocket a substantial portion of the revenue for themselves."
$2 billion-plus budget gap spells deep cuts for Virginia
From: hamptonroads.com
"Confronted by a weakening state economy, Virginia officials are bracing for drastic government spending cuts in the current two-year state budget that could approach $3 billion."
Nearly 200 jobs could get the ax
From: www.sltrib.com
"Here's a taste of exactly what the $272 million shortfall confronting state legislators could translate into: "
Alaska mint creates McCain-Palin coin
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska-- The Alaska Mint unveiled the McCain-Palin commemorative medallion Wednesday."
Parnell talks energy with Iceland's leader
From: www.adn.com
"Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell is doing his own bit of foreign relations."
Palin probe takes new track
From: online.wsj.com
"An official probe into allegations that Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin abused the powers of her office has broken into two tracks, complicating an issue that has become central to the presidential election."
Riley meets with top Hong Kong official
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Governor Bob Riley met with Hong Kong's highest ranking official in the United States on Wednesday to promote stronger economic ties.
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Bingo operators urge Ark. lawmakers to drop tax
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Several lawmakers pledged Wednesday to try to repeal a tax on charitable bingo games that nonprofit groups say cut into money that would go toward helping others.
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Lawmakers say bingo tax unfair, repeal likely
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Before bingo operators uttered an opposing word against it, members of a legislative committee concluded Wednesday that a state tax on charitable bingo games is unfair and should be repealed altogether.
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Fee increases slip into state budget
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"The no-new-taxes budget signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week includes at least two new fees the average Californian will pay. "
Budget cuts hit redevelopment agencies
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"Contra Costa and Alameda counties will lose almost $35 million in redevelopment funds after the state budget diverted — or stole depending on who you ask — local property tax revenue to fill California coffers."
The State Worker - Retirement is elusive for some seniors
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gene Pixley has spent decades analyzing soil and tracking land and water use for the state of California. He's also 76 years old and can't afford to quit."
Texting while driving banned
From: www.sacbee.com
"Keep those typing fingers on the steering wheel, California. Drivers will be banned from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle starting Jan. 1 under a bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."
T. Boone Pickens backs Proposition 10, from which he would profit
From: www.latimes.com
"Perhaps you've seen oilman T. Boone Pickens on television advertising the "Pickens Plan" for alternative energy, urging Americans to wean themselves from foreign fuel by adopting natural gas and wind power."
Money tight as business pursues labor ballot deal
From: www.denverpost.com
"Business leaders are scrambling to raise $6 million to finance a deal with organized labor that would remove four union-backed measures from the November statewide ballot, according to people familiar with the situation."
Coloradans react to bailout
From: www.denverpost.com
"The U.S. Treasury and Wall Street want to sell the nation something big, and close the deal quickly, with no questions asked. Coloradans want to see the fine print first."
Local officials rebuff DOT transit projects
From: www.nhregister.com
"Regional municipal officials said "Thanks, but no thanks" Wednesday to two state transportation projects that local leaders said are not essential, given the sluggish economy."
Democrats, Rell spar over growing state budget deficit
From: www.courant.com
"With Democrats saying that a Republican-sponsored forum on the state's financial condition today is unnecessary, the two sides clashed sharply Wednesday over how to resolve the state's growing budget deficit."
UConn president declines performance bonus
From: www.courant.com
"STORRS, Conn. — - Would you give up a $100,000 job performance bonus? UConn President Michael Hogan did."
State in first U.S. auction of carbon allowances
From: www.courant.com
"This morning at 9 a.m., Laurence DeWittplans to sit down at his computer in Albany and start bidding for the right to emit a thousand or more tons of carbon dioxide. DeWitt, an environmental consultant, will be joined by many others — including the companies that produce most of the Northeast's electricity from fossil fuels."
Minner's approval rating falls to new low
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Approval ratings for Gov. Ruth Ann Minner fell for the second year in a row, according to a poll conducted over the weekend by Fairleigh Dickinson University, with just 38 percent of those surveyed saying they approve of the job she's doing."
Ross cites old lawsuit to take jab at Markell
From: www.delawareonline.com
"State Republican Party Chairman Tom Ross put on his "bad cop" hat Wednesday to tell Delaware voters that Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jack Markell's business record includes allegations that he and other Nextel executives were involved in a "pump and dump" scheme to fraudulently inflate the value of corporate stock just before they sold shares they owned."
Lawmakers object to developing parkland
From: www.delawareonline.com
"BELLEVUE, Del. -- Legislators on both sides of the aisle are up in arms over what they say is a state offer to use part of Bellevue State Park as a site for a potential branch of Fox Chase Cancer Center."
Perdue seeks investment in state on Europe trip
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue is traveling to Europe for a weeklong economic development trip, even as he's asking state agencies to cut back on travel amid the state's budget crunch."
$31.5M in spending cuts proposed for Hawaii schools
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The state Department of Education proposed $31.5 million in budget cuts yesterday that would eliminate resource teachers, support staff and tutoring positions as well as reducing funding for athletics, but leave school-level programs largely untouched."
Proposed DOE cuts unnerve officials
From: www.starbulletin.com
"As many as 110 employees of the Hawaii Department of Education could be laid off under a proposed $31.5 million budget cut that falls way short of the $70 million Gov. Linda Lingle is considering pulling from the public education system."
Democrats outline 2009 priorities
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The priorities next year among Democrats in the Iowa House will include penalizing executives who exploit children and immigrants, working to lower property taxes and promoting renewable energy."
Federal aid may take months to reach Iowa
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Congress moved forward Wednesday with almost $23 billion in federal aid for disaster recovery, but it may be well after the first of the year before Iowa officials are even informed about the total amount of money coming to the state, officials said. After that, it could take months more before the money actually trickles down into the pockets of Iowa families and business owners distressed by this year's floods and tornadoes."
Report examines challenges to young workers
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A new report released today highlights the unique challenges facing newcomers to Iowa's workforce. Beth Pearson of the Iowa Policy Project co-authored the report titled "Young Workers and the Iowa Economy.""
Iowa Dems go 'green' in legislative agenda
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Iowa Democrats aim to expand environmentally friendly green jobs and crack down on employers who exploit children or illegal immigrants during the next legislative session, Democratic leaders said Wednesday."
Democrats offer economic incentives
From: www.qctimes.com
"Legislative Democrats on Wednesday released a package of economic incentives targeted at working families that they pledge to put in place if voters keep them in control at the Statehouse."
Ameren gets approval to raise utility rates
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Many Ameren customers soon will have to pay more for the delivery of natural gas and electricity to their homes."
Ameren rate-hike decision criticized
From: www.sj-r.com
"Minutes after the Illinois Commerce Commission unanimously approved an overall $162 million rate hike for the Ameren Illinois utilities on Wednesday, critics of the decision were talking about fighting it in court."
Ill. regulators approve $162M Ameren rate increase
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"State regulators on Wednesday approved a $162 million annual rate increase for Ameren Illinois natural gas and electric customers, money the company said will fund infrastructure improvements throughout its coverage area. "
Restored budget cuts need Blagojevich OK
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The House and Senate, which have played legislative ping pong for two years, became doubles partners this week and served $230 million in restored budget cuts to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "
Illinois legislature overrides Blagojevich on hospital discounts
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A groundbreaking bill extending hospital discounts to people without health insurance has become law after the legislature overturned Gov. Rod Blagojevich's amendatory veto."
Study -- Illinois has 230,000 dropouts
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"High school dropouts are committing "economic suicide" compared with those who stick it out, and will contribute $221,000 less in tax money to society, according to a new analysis released Wednesday."
Gov. Rod Blagojevich seeks disaster-area declaration for flooding
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"As residents in the Chicago area continued to clean flood-damaged homes and businesses, Gov. Rod Blagojevich asked President George W. Bush on Wednesday to designate seven Illinois counties as major disaster areas, which could bring federal assistance."
Obama grant being probed
From: www.suntimes.com
"A $100,000 state grant for a botanic garden in Englewood that then-state Sen. Barack Obama awarded in 2001 to a group headed by a onetime campaign volunteer is now under investigation by the Illinois attorney general amid new questions, prompted by Chicago Sun-Times reports, about whether the money might have been misspent."
Lawmakers in Illinois make ethics top priority
From: www.nytimes.com
"CHICAGO — In this state with a history of corruption at the highest levels of government and little history of meaningful reform, lawmakers and the governor have embarked on a sudden, surprising scurry to enact ethics legislation this week. "
Kentucky among few states not increasing pre-K funds
From: www.kentucky.com
"Kentucky is one of a minority of states that failed to increase funding for pre-kindergarten programs last year, according to a new report released Wednesday by a non-profit."
Charity gaming oversight is urged
From: www.kentucky.com
"The state should increase oversight of the $489 million charitable gaming industry by doing more audits and tracking volunteers, according to a report released Wednesday by State Auditor Crit Luallen."
Director of LRC gets 47 percent pay raise
From: www.kentucky.com
"After slashing spending on education and social services earlier this year, legislative leaders voted 11-5 Wednesday to give their administrative director a 47 percent pay increase."
LRC director gets 47% pay raise
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Legislative leaders voted yesterday to give the director of their administrative and research staff a 47 percent pay raise."
Jobless claims from storms hit 60,000
From: www.nola.com
"More than 60,500 workers who say they have been left jobless by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike have filed for unemployment benefits as October deadlines loom for applying for the aid, state officials said Wednesday.
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State facing budget woes as local aid payment due
From: www.boston.com
"State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill said yesterday that the state must take dramatic steps - borrowing at a higher interest rate than usual and tapping the state's rainy day fund for $310 million - to make sure it has enough cash to make local aid payments due next week to cities and towns."
Franchot will "accept consequences" if slots win
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"State Comptroller Peter Franchot, the most visible opponent to the November slots referendum, has clashed with fellow Democrats, slammed pro-slots interest groups, and, above all, raised his profile. He sat down Wednesday with Capital News Service in his office to discuss the ailing economy, his political ambitions and the ballot item, which would bring up to 15,000 slot machines to the state."
Dirigo Health claimed savings off by 66 percent
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"It looks like financing for Maine's program to promote affordable health care will remain limited, perhaps just enough to keep it steady – and stuck."
Community colleges in line for budget increase
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Maine Community College System trustees approved a state budget request Wednesday that would increase spending by 4.5 percent in each of the next two academic years."
State OKs plan for Plum Creek
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"State regulators on Wednesday endorsed Plum Creek's historic development plan for nearly 1,000 house lots, two large resorts and hundreds of thousands of acres of land conservation in the Moosehead Lake region."
Baldacci to staff - cut budget requests
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Gov. John Baldacci told state department heads Wednesday to look for ways to cut their budgets by 10 percent in light of budget requests that are $654 million more than the state can afford."
Lawmakers act to protect Healthy Maine fund
From: www.bangornews.com
"The Fund for a Healthy Maine will come under closer legislative scrutiny if recommendations approved Wednesday by a panel of Maine lawmakers are adopted."
LURC endorses Plum Creek plan
From: www.bangornews.com
"State regulators on Wednesday endorsed Plum Creek's historic development plan for nearly 1,000 house lots, two large resorts and hundreds of thousands of acres of land conservation in the Moosehead Lake region."
Stem cell study challenged
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"LANSING, Mich. — Under the sterile glow of fluorescent lights, a class of Michigan State University students examined the findings of a recent study on the benefits of in-state embryonic stem cell research published by Michigan Prospect, a public policy group in Lansing."
Stalemate remains over smoking ban
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"LANSING, Mich. — Michigan lawmakers still can't decide whether a proposed workplace smoking ban should have exemptions for certain businesses."
State begins alternative-energy grants
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"An Ann Arbor technology startup company is among three companies to receive the first round of grants under a new state program to spur alternative-energy technology development."
Mayor, state leaders confer
From: www.detnews.com
"Kenneth Cockrel Jr., in his first visit to the state capital as mayor of Detroit, drew positive reviews Wednesday and said he felt "a lot of love" for his city."
$3.6B state road deal will spare highway jobs
From: www.detnews.com
"Lawmakers struck agreement on the $3.6 billion state transportation budget Wednesday that allows the study of a second bridge across the Detroit River to proceed and averts a threatened shutdown of state highway projects."
Poll -- Crisis boosts Obama in Mich.
From: www.detnews.com
"The Wall Street financial crisis has deepened Michigan voters' economic anxieties, a factor that appears to have boosted Democrat Barack Obama in the presidential race here, according to the latest Detroit News-WXYZ Action News Poll."
1 in 4 Michigan voters -- U.S. in depression
From: www.freep.com
"As Congress wrangles over an expensive Wall Street bailout, 76% of likely Michigan voters say the U.S. economy already is in either a recession or a depression -- including one in four who say the nation is in a depression."
Granholm praises Cockrel's actions
From: www.freep.com
"When Detroit Mayor Ken Cockrel Jr. met Wednesday with state legislators and Gov. Jennifer Granholm, the discussions moved from building a working relationship between Lansing and Detroit to more concrete topics, such as the need for an expanded Cobo Hall, a new bridge to Canada and plans for an aerotropolis."
2nd Detroit-Canada bridge is back on track
From: www.freep.com
"A possible suspension of Michigan road construction projects by the end of this week was averted Wednesday at the state Capitol with an agreement on a transportation budget that allows planning for a new bridge over the Detroit River to continue."
Pawlenty taps team for economic advice
From: www.startribune.com
"Governor Tim Pawlenty is asking two cabinet members for advice on instability in the financial markets."
Work begins to trim health care costs in Minnesota
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"The group responsible for keeping health care reform on track holds its first meeting tomorrow. The Health Care Reform Review Council was created by the Legislature last session. "
Jobless claims pushed to 7-year high
From: hosted.ap.org
"New claims for unemployment benefits jumped last week to their highest level in seven years due to the impact of a slowing economy and Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, the Labor Department reported Thursday."
Pension fund losses won't be known until October
From: www.missoulian.com
"Like all investors, the Montana Board of Investments is feeling the volatility of the stock market, but its director isn't saying yet how bad the paper losses have been in state pensions' funds this month."
PSC candidates debate wind power, utility deregulation
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Aside from agreeing that Montanans deserve affordable energy, local candidates for the state Public Service Commission disagreed about everything else during a Billings debate Wednesday."
State to review heli-skiing
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"KALISPELL, Mont. -- Two companies propose to bring helicopter skiing to state lands in the Whitefish Mountain Range."
Seniors miss out on federal financial help
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Thousands of senior citizens in Montana have not taken advantage of two economic opportunities available through the federal government."
Credit crisis hobbles Wake, Durham counties
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Wake and Durham leaders say the national financial crisis is making it nearly impossible to borrow from banks to pay for schools and other projects."
Warming may mean N.C. losses
From: www.newsobserver.com
"North Carolina stands to lose billions of dollars from declines in coastal real estate values, tourism, crops and clean water if climate change is not stemmed, a new economic report released Wednesday suggests."
Schneider proposes bill on conflicts of interest
From: www.in-forum.com
"The Democratic candidate for North Dakota insurance commissioner wants to ban the commissioner from working in the insurance industry within one year of voluntarily leaving the elected office to avoid conflicts of interest"
Lawmakers question the cost of tobacco measure
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"North Dakota lawmakers questioned whether a ballot measure meant to discourage smoking would force them to pony up at least $18.6 million every two years to pay for new anti-tobacco initiatives."
Corzine unveils ethics proposals
From: www.app.com
"Nearly three years after entering office pledging "to end the toxic mix of politics, money and public business," Gov. Jon S. Corzine Wednesday signed four executive orders and announced a legislative initiative aimed at curbing money's influence over government and other ethics reforms."
Corzine -- NJ won't reopen budget
From: www.app.com
"New Jersey will not follow New York City in reopening its budget to make additional spending cuts in response to the Wall Street turmoil, Gov. Jon S. Corzine indicated Wednesday."
N.J. Assembly plans vote on economy-boosting package
From: www.nj.com
"The New Jersey Assembly today is expected to vote on a package of bills to help the state's economy as national leaders grapple with the Wall Street financial meltdown."
Corzine urges support for bailout package
From: www.nj.com
"Gov. Jon Corzine this morning urged support of the $700 billion bailout package now being considered by Congress."
Corzine introduces ethics overhaul measures
From: www.philly.com
"Saying "the public has had it" with corruption, Gov. Corzine proposed a sweeping ethics package yesterday that would close significant loopholes in the state's campaign-finance laws and limit the flow of political donations throughout the state."
Jury to decide lawsuit against BPU officials
From: www.nj.com
"Testimony concluded yesterday in a lawsuit against top state Board of Public Utilities officials by a whistle-blower who claims he was ostracized and stripped of job duties in retaliation for complaining of mismanagement and cronyism in a solar energy subsidy program."
Judge chided for seeking job from lawyers in trial
From: www.nj.com
"Judges must be diligent to make sure there is no appearance of impropriety when they are looking for a new job while still on the bench, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled yesterday in a unanimous decision."
Corzine acts to lift ethics in campaigns
From: www.nj.com
"With fanfare and the lofty promise of a new era in New Jersey politics, Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday announced a series of ethics and campaign finance reforms he said would rebuild the public's trust by cutting the influence of money in politics."
Public Works Board approves $622 million construction/maintenance plan
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"The Public Works Board on Tuesday approved a revised construction and maintenance program for the coming biennium that includes the new Hotel Administration building at UNLV."
State board OKs hotel college building at UNLV
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Plans for a $50 million hotel college at UNLV have cleared a major hurdle. The state Public Works Board agreed today to include the Harrah's Hotel College in its $622 million building program for the next two years."
State tells FedOSHA to back off
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Nevada OSHA, responding to criticism from the federal government, has denied any wrongdoing in its handling of the Orleans investigation that followed the deaths of two workers. The agency said it would not immediately comply with the federal government's request to consider changing some of its policies."
State woes may tax city - Mike
From: www.nypost.com
"Taxpayers here will feel the fallout of the "very tough economic times" facing Albany and that could include higher state taxes, Mayor Bloomberg warned yesterday."
Wall Street whizzes look to head West
From: www.nypost.com
"With the economy going south, Wall Street's whiz kids are heading west. California's corporate recruiters are being inundated with r sum s from finance executives looking for jobs in the still-booming tech industry. "
UB's president pressures the state for greater autonomy
From: www.buffalonews.com
"If the state can't provide the funding to make the University at Buffalo a pre-eminent public research university, John B. Simpson has a message for Albany: "They need to get out of the way and let us do it ourselves." "
Ethics Commission reprimands ex-auditor McMahan
From: newsok.com
"The state Ethics Commission today publicly reprimanded former state Auditor and Inspector Jeff McMahan, who was convicted earlier this year by a federal jury of accepting illegal campaign money through a bribery scheme."
Kulongoski halts pay increases for 60 executives
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Gov. Ted Kulongoski rescinded a scheduled 3.2 percent pay raise for Oregon's executive directors on Wednesday, citing "recent economic events.""
Timber payments stripped from bill
From: www.oregonlive.com
"WASHINGTON -- A federal program crucial to the financial health of rural communities in Oregon and beyond died Wednesday in the House less than a day after the Senate overwhelmingly endorsed a four-year extension of the county timber payment program."
Jobs decline in state
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The number of nonfarm jobs in Pennsylvania dropped by 5,900 to 5,801,300 in August, the state said Wednesday."
Law firms target of bid to end 'cronyism'
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"State payments to outside law firms, long a source of pinstripe patronage for Republican and Democratic governors, would be competitively bid under legislation introduced Wednesday."
Games of chance are no longer a safe bet for R.I.
From: www.projo.com
"NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. — When Muhammed Javed first bought the North Providence Food Mart on Mineral Spring Avenue 3 years ago, he says, the Keno terminal at his grocery was so busy he had to restrict customers to no more than one hour at a time.
"
S.D. roads could see $130M shortfall
From: www.argusleader.com
"Rising construction costs and declining gas tax revenues could mean a $130 million yearly shortfall in the money needed to maintain roads and bridges and handle new projects in South Dakota, according to state Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist."
Tennessee's cost to borrow has doubled
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state of Tennessee's short-term borrowing costs have more than doubled in the past week amid global financial turmoil, making some government officials worry about the long-term impact on state and local projects."
GOP senators host fundraiser for Kurita
From: www.tennessean.com
"Seven top Republicans in the state Senate are hosting a fundraiser for the write-in campaign of a Democratic incumbent whose narrow primary victory was stripped by party officials."
Tons of ice dumped at Seguin air field
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"Thousands of pallets of ice, originally dispatched for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ike, melted in the sun Wednesday on a runway at Randolph Auxiliary Air Field here, with more trucks lining up to unload more ice."
Big insurers don't have to get permission to raise homeowner rates, legislative panel says
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Big Texas insurers chalked up a victory Wednesday, when a legislative committee narrowly rejected a proposal to require that they get prior approval from the state before increasing homeowner rates for their customers. "
Residents return to Galveston
From: www.nytimes.com
"GALVESTON, Texas — As Nadine Hernandez rode across the causeway to this battered island on Wednesday morning, she began to cry at the sight of Hurricane Ike's destruction — the boats scattered here and there, the downed palm trees, the damaged homes."
Cleanup spurs labor need
From: www.chron.com
"All across Southeast Texas, roofs need repair, debris must be discarded and towns hope to rebuild."
Shale, offshore drill bans to end
From: www.denverpost.com
"WASHINGTON -- A congressional moratorium blocking commercial oil- shale development expires Monday, and the Bush administration is moving quickly to script how future exploration will occur. The Bureau of Land Management plans to issue final regulations by year's end that will set out factors including what royalty rate companies will pay to lease federal land in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming."
Palin pushes McCain as market reformer
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, in her third interview since joining the Republican presidential ticket, licked her finger and stuck it in the air, saying that Sen. Barack Obama might wait and "see what way the political wind's blowing" on the Wall Street rescue package. "
Post-Ike gas shortage may take weeks to end
From: www.csmonitor.com
"ATLANTA - The effects of hurricane Ike largely emptied two critical gasoline pipelines that feed much of the South, leading to widespread panic-buying, shuttered pumps, and even some fistfights as motorists vied for precious drops of gas from Anniston, Ala., to Asheville, N.C.
"
As homes are lost, fears that votes will be, too
From: www.nytimes.com
"More than a million people have lost their homes through foreclosure in the last two years, and many of them are still registered to vote at the address of the home they lost. "
House ends ban on oil shale, offshore drilling
From: deseretnews.com
"WASHINGTON — The House, responding to growing public demand for more domestic energy, voted Wednesday to end a quarter-century ban on oil and natural gas drilling off the Pacific and Atlantic coasts — and a more recent ban on developing oil shale in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado."
Complaint against state GOP being investigated
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"The state Public Disclosure Commission will consider whether it should prevent the state Republican Party from using certain accounts to pay for activities that promote specific candidates."
Business group to host Gregoire-Rossi debate
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire and Republican challenger Dino Rossi are scheduled to appear Thursday in Blaine for a debate before the state's business community."
Legislators want study on cost of BadgerCare
From: www.madison.com
"Two Republican lawmakers Wednesday demanded inquiries into why an expansion of a state health program that wasn't supposed to affect taxpayers could end up costing the state a projected $16 million this year."
Senate puts tax relief, clean coal in just passed measure
From: www.register-herald.com
"As clean coal technology remains an issue in this year's presidential battle, Sen. Jay Rockefeller is applauding the Senate for passing a measure that extends the alternative fuels credit another three years."
Three states weigh calls for new charters
From: www.stateline.org
"
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Voters in Connecticut, Hawaii and Illinois will decide this year whether to convene constitutional conventions that could alter the framework of their state governments. Proponents hope the conventions would bring about much-needed changes; opponents worry the results would be unworkable."
U.S. lawmakers fault states for AIG collapse
From: www.stateline.org
"
Four members of Congress say the bailout of insurance giant American International Group Inc. points up a need for federal – not just state – regulation of insurers. But state officials protest that they had nothing to do with the crash of AIG.
"
Health care reform goes to voters
From: www.stateline.org
"
As presidential contenders John McCain and Barack Obama push their national agendas to help cover more uninsured Americans, voters in three states will get, for the first time, the chance to make dramatic changes to their own states’ health care systems when they go to the polls Nov. 4."
States prepare for home heating crisis
From: www.stateline.org
"
With home energy costs rising and the economy pushing more people into poverty, states are bracing for a widespread public health emergency this winter. Communities are preparing shelters for those unable to pay their heating bills, and Congress is considering nearly doubling the annual federal aid for low-income home energy assistance.
"
Okla. speaker stresses wind, gas energy
From: www.stateline.org
"
 |
Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge (R) |
National security – but not necessarily global warming – dictates that the country must diversify its energy sources, said Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge (R) during an interview with
Stateline.org last week."
States work to avert nurse shortage
From: www.stateline.org
"A perfect storm of retiring baby boomers, an aging nurse population and too few nursing instructors is setting up a health-care crisis. One report estimates that by 2020, there will be a staggering shortage of nurses — possibly more than 1 million vacancies."
Wall St. ills worsen state fiscal headaches
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 4:30 p.m. EDT, Sept. 19, 2008)
The turmoil on Wall Street is setting off warning bells in state capitols. The immediate casualty is the loss of millions of dollars in the value of states’ pension funds and other investments, but a bigger fear of state officials is a prolonged financial crisis that further reduces already shrinking tax revenue."
Poverty gap among states widens
From: www.stateline.org
"Even as the economy pushes more people into poverty, revenue-strapped states can be expected to further cut spending on social welfare programs, particularly in poor states where people need it most, a new report predicts."
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."
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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