Schwarzenegger to U.S. - State may need $7-billion loan
From: www.latimes.com
"California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, alarmed by the ongoing national financial crisis, warned Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson on Thursday that the state might need an emergency loan of as much as $7 billion from the federal government within weeks."
Constitution prohibits casinos, AG says
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Thursday his office will fully defend Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's proposed amendment to create a state lottery to fund college scholarships, though he disagrees with lottery supporters who say the state constitution does not ban casinos."
Battle lines form in Missouri parks fight against factory farms
From: www.kansascity.com
"Last month, a Missouri court banned a factory farm from being built near Arrow Rock, citing the need to protect state parks and historic sites from odors and pollution."
Gas shortages ease up in Southeast
From: www.usatoday.com
"ATLANTA — The Southeast heads into the weekend facing less severe gas shortages than a week ago, although the Energy Department expects scarce supplies to linger for a week or two."
State senator questions cost of pension fund's new legal counsel
From: www.statesman.com
"The Teacher Retirement System's new outside law firm will be paid $750 an hour, one of the highest legal fees ever approved by the Texas attorney general and a much higher rate than what many other large public pension funds pay."
State outlaws fish pedicures
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"There's something fishy about letting fish give a pedicure. That's what the state says."
Slots advocates begin TV advertising campaign
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Pro-slots television ads will begin airing today on Baltimore stations, marking another escalation in a hotly contested gambling referendum on the ballot this November."
Oregon's bond market suffers effects of crisis
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Wall Street meltdown has made its way to Main Street in Oregon -- or, in Portland's case, Naito Parkway. State and local governments are putting bond sales on hold as they wait to see whether a congressional bailout might calm the markets."
Unemployment checks lag
From: www.newsobserver.com
"The record number of people unemployed in North Carolina has clogged a system used to process benefits, delaying payment for some workers."
Experts say recession risk in Iowa is growing
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa's economy is weakening and faces a growing risk of recession, economists say."
Ohio minimum wage to rise in '09 to $7.30
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Ohio's minimum wage is to increase Jan. 1 to $7.30 an hour for nontipped employees and to $3.65 an hour for tipped employees. The minimums now are $7 an hour and $3.50 an hour, respectively.
"
Manchin eyeing lawsuit vs. Wall St. firms, execs
From: www.herald-dispatch.com
"West Virginia could end up suing investment firms at the center of the national financial crisis, and perhaps some of their former executives.
"
Bush told how economic woes affecting R.I.
From: www.projo.com
"WASHINGTON — When he sat down yesterday with President Bush to describe how the Wall Street crisis is hitting ordinary Americans, Al Lubrano talked about the plant in Lincoln where he makes highly specialized components for electronic devices."
2 hotels face lawsuits for raising rates
From: www.chron.com
"Tired and stressed from evacuating her Bridge City home in advance of Hurricane Ike, Diane Purgahn couldn't believe it when the hotel clerk told her she would have to pay more than double the advertised price for a room."
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.
"
Financial chaos threatens to besiege universities
From: www.boston.com
"Amid a deepening financial crisis that has sapped college endowments, college and university officials are grappling with the growing fear that the Wall Street turmoil could cast a shadow over nearly all their operations."
GOP asks about pension funds in Lehman Brothers
From: www.app.com
"The state pension system's $115 million loss in Lehman Brothers stock this summer came under renewed fire Thursday from a Republican state senator, who called on Gov. Jon S. Corzine to provide a full accounting of the failed investment before Nov. 1."
Employer contribution to stay steady with likely unemployment rise
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Nevada's high jobless rate is expected to climb even higher next year but businesses won't have to contribute more to pay benefits to the unemployed workers."
New groups oppose casino measure on ballot
From: www.stltoday.com
"Both those who are critical of gambling and those who support expanding it in Missouri said Thursday that they have formed political committees to oppose a casino measure that's on the November ballot."
Penn State fund assets frozen
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Penn State University is among about 1,000 colleges and private schools whose access to an investment fund has been frozen amid a credit crunch."
Legislative panel gets earful on state's horse-racing future
From: www.journalstar.com
"Two horses grazing contentedly in knee-high grass formed a peaceful scene just east of Fonner Park on Thursday."
High-pressure BP gas line blows at Prudhoe Bay field
From: www.adn.com
"BP and state officials are investigating a series of mishaps at the Prudhoe Bay oil field this week, including the dramatic rupture of a high-pressure natural gas pipeline."
McCain touts Western senator values
From: www.denverpost.com
""I've never been any good at threatening people," the Arizona presidential hopeful said in a Denver Post editorial board meeting Thursday. He said he talked fellow Arizonan Rep. John Shadegg into changing his vote to a yes. "Usually I like for things to stand on their own merit. In this case, I'm calling them.""
Democrats complain about Schwarzenegger's high veto rate
From: www.mercurynews.com
"For a governor who has a reputation for siding with Democratic lawmakers at the expense of his own Republican party, Arnold Schwarzenegger demonstrated a strong streak of independence this week. When the period to accept or reject legislation closed Tuesday night, Schwarzenegger had vetoed a larger share of bills in a single year — a 35 percent rejection rate — than any governor in the past four decades."
Errors by state workers cost California $201,000, audit finds
From: www.sacbee.com
"Twenty state workers from nine different departments and agencies were involved in improper on-the-job activities that cost taxpayers $201,000 – only some of which is now being recovered, the State Auditor said in a report Thursday."
Schwarzenegger slaps down workers' comp bills
From: www.latimes.com
"California's employers got a big boost from a powerful ally, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, when it came to killing bills this year that sought to boost benefits and make other changes in the state's program for injured workers.
"
Executives pledge funds as unions drop Colorado initiatives
From: online.wsj.com
"DENVER -- In an alliance born in part of fear, corporate executives across Colorado pledged to contribute at least $3 million to help organized labor defeat ballot measures that many in the business community might normally support."
State Scales Back Education Reforms
From: www.courant.com
"With a $300 million state deficit looming, the State Board of Education on Thursday approved a costly but scaled-back proposal to remake Connecticut high schools, arguing that tough economic times make it even more important to change the way students are educated."
Will state foot the $10,800 bill to remove boat from beach?
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Beachgoers hoping to be rid of the abandoned boat behind Galt Ocean Mile will have to wait a little bit longer — at least until someone figures out who's going to pay for removal of the largest pieces of wreckage."
Crist frees up bonds for home financing
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Gov. Charlie Crist signed an executive order Thursday freeing up $571 million in state-backed home financing in a bid to entice developers and reluctant buyers to get the state's struggling housing market going again."
Florida's dilemma - Can offshore drilling and tourism coexist?
From: www.usatoday.com
"DESTIN, Fla. — As tourism industry leaders from the Florida Keys to the Panhandle met Thursday for a summit on offshore drilling, David Mattiford cleaned his fishing charter boat on the Destin Docks nearby and explained why he would welcome the oil companies."
More cuts might be needed
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Cuts to state government might go even deeper, and a sluggish housing market might limit local school districts' ability to pick up the slack, an economist with the University of Georgia said Thursday."
House District 60 candidates define plans on loans, high-tech jobs
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The Democratic and Republican candidates for Iowa House District 60 have a similar vision for the future of Iowa, but they differ on how to get there."
Republicans call for poll on special session
From: www.gazetteonline.com
"A group of GOP state representatives Thursday called on House leaders to poll their 100 members to see if support exists to convene a special legislative session to deal with flood relief."
PUC seeks to lower energy costs
From: www.magicvalley.com
"The Idaho Public Utilities Commission is directing state energy utilities to participate in workshops this month aimed at making energy more affordable in the state."
Some Idaho businesses see credit tightening
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Some Idaho businesses say they're seeing their credit tighten and blame uncertainty in the financial markets stemming from bad mortgage debt."
Money woes will force group home to close
From: www.dailyherald.com
"HIGHLAND, Ill. -- The head of a non-profit operator of group homes for developmentally disabled adults says cuts in the Illinois Department of Human Services budget will force the closing of a group home in Highland."
Comptroller -- State falling further behind in bills
From: www.sj-r.com
"Illinois finished the first three months of its budget year with a mountain of unpaid bills and record delays in payments, Comptroller Dan Hynes says in a new report. Worse, the report said, with the state's economy still faltering, the backlog of bills and payment delays "will experience an even greater increase by the end of the calendar year and beyond.""
RTA chairman calls area transit problems 'manageable.'
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The problems confronting Chicago-area mass transit are completely "manageable," the chief of the Regional Transportation Authority told city aldermen Thursday in a surprisingly upbeat assessment."
Democrats fear GOP will turn away foreclosed voters
From: www.indystar.com
"Kim Stewart wasn't going to let the foreclosure of her family's residence prevent her from voting."
Indiana House Republicans announce 2009 agenda
From: hosted.ap.org
"Indiana House Republicans announced a 2009 agenda Thursday that includes making property tax caps permanent, tax incentives for businesses that invest in alternative energy sources and a new college scholarship program."
In latest filing, EPA raps 2005 work at BP Whiting Refinery
From: www.nwi.com
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday accused BP of beginning a $3.8 billion expansion at its Whiting Refinery three years before acquiring a necessary permit."
BP faces more heat from feds
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"BP is facing new questions about its Whiting refinery from federal environmental regulators, who accused the company Thursday of starting a project to process heavy Canadian oil three years before it obtained the necessary permit."
As FDIC chief, Kansan has key role in rescue
From: www.kansas.com
"Hundreds of people desperate to withdraw money lined up outside the branches of IndyMac Bancorp after the California bank was seized in July by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp."
Lottery proves good bet for education
From: www.courier-journal.com
"If it wasn't for a state scholarship and grant money awarded to him three years ago, Chad Capurro said he would still be living with his parents and working at a restaurant with no plans of attending college."
Senate panel opposes raising Citizens rates
From: www.nola.com
"A Senate panel urged Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon on Thursday to reject any rate increase for the state-run insurer of last resort, the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp., as a way to help hurricane victims get back on their feet."
Rating cut increases chance of toll hikes
From: www.boston.com
"Another day brought another piece of dismal financial news for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. One of the authority's two rating agencies downgraded its credit rating yesterday, putting its bonds just a notch above junk status and increasing the likelihood that a significant toll increase is coming soon."
Lawmakers, governor to slice own budgets
From: www.boston.com
"Top lawmakers pledged to snip 10 percent from the budget for the Legislature yesterday while Governor Deval Patrick vowed to trim his office budget by 7 percent, politically significant but relatively small gestures that served as a harbinger of far greater cuts."
Gov. aiming to ax Pike to trim ailing budget
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Gov. Deval Patrick wants to make "hundreds of millions of dollars" in spending cuts, ax the Mass. Turnpike Authority, cut jobs and services and is mulling pension reform and government consolidation in the future, according to a sweeping financial crisis plan unveiled yesterday."
Lawmakers, governor to slice own budgets
From: www.boston.com
"Top lawmakers pledged to snip 10 percent from the budget for the Legislature yesterday while Governor Deval Patrick vowed to trim his office budget by 7 percent, politically significant but relatively small gestures that served as a harbinger of far greater cuts."
National upheaval, local shudders
From: www.boston.com
"Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said the city has been waiting a long time to repair sidewalks and tear down abandoned buildings in his financially beleaguered city. Now residents will have to wait a little longer."
State looks at ways to train, retain more teachers
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Each year, more Maryland teachers retire or leave the classroom than emerge from the state's schools of education."
Working conditions, salaries contribute to teacher shortage
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"Unsatisfactory working conditions and insufficient salaries top the reasons for Maryland's teacher shortage, said a report presented to the University System of Maryland Committee on Education Policy Thursday."
Slots or not, progressives prepare for cuts
From: gazette.net
"Unions and environmental groups that have fared well under the O'Malley administration are going on the defensive as a state that is accustomed to moving forward on budget priorities prepares to take a step back."
Franchot - turn pension funds green
From: gazette.net
"State Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot wants to expand the state's environmentally friendly initiatives by using $1 billion of the state pension fund to invest in Maryland-based life sciences and green technology companies."
Survey raises wood-heating concerns
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Nearly half of Maine households plan to burn wood to help stay warm this winter, but many will be using outdated, less-efficient stoves or heating buildings that aren't insulated to modern standards, according to initial findings of a new statewide survey on energy use."
Maine investors look for help
From: www.bangornews.com
"PORTLAND, Maine - Organizations that provide financial education are seeing an increased demand for services as the nation remains bound in financial distress. "
New York probes Mass. wind-power developer
From: www.bangornews.com
"LINCOLN, Maine — As First Wind of Massachusetts finishes building a wind farm on Stetson Mountain and prepares applications for another on Rollins Mountain, New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo continues probing allegations that the company dealt improperly with public officials in upstate New York."
EMMC gets state OK for new facility
From: www.bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine — The state has approved Eastern Maine Medical Center's application to spend $250 million on a major expansion of its inpatient care facility, hospital officials announced Thursday."
Some state schools have funds frozen by Commonfund
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"At least 25 Michigan private and public colleges and universities have investments tied up in funds with limited access through the Wilton, Conn.-based Commonfund, its managers said Thursday."
Michigan no longer land of promise for Iraqi refugees
From: www.detnews.com
"Michigan's economy is so bad that State Department is sending fewer Iraqi refugees to the area because of concerns that their future would not be bright."
State Senate passes bill to kill surcharge on Michigan Business Tax
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The Michigan Senate on Thursday took a step toward killing the nearly 22 percent surcharge on the Michigan Business Tax."
McCain pullout will slow spending on TV political advertising
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"One immediate effect of Republican Sen. John McCain's reported decision to shift his presidential campaign efforts out of Michigan and into more competitive states such as Ohio and Florida is the loss of advertising dollars at local television stations."
Senate speeds surcharge's exit
From: www.detnews.com
"The Senate passed bills Thursday to accelerate the phase-out of a surcharge on Michigan's main business tax, and provide tax relief to an estimated 50,000 Michigan companies. "
Deer bait ban piles up money problems
From: www.freep.com
"Farmers and vendors who provide deer bait are facing a major financial hit this hunting season because of a ban on using bait to hunt."
Group -- State leads in jobs lost to unfair trade
From: www.freep.com
"Michigan led the nation in the percentage of jobs lost to unfair trade policies during 2007, a Washington, D.C., think tank said Thursday."
McCain abandons his efforts to win Michigan
From: www.nytimes.com
"DENVER — Senator John McCain is giving up on his efforts to win the state of Michigan, his campaign said Thursday, in the latest sign that the faltering economy has reshaped the presidential race and cost Mr. McCain support in crucial states."
Cotton acreage to plummet 50 percent in Miss.
From: www.cdispatch.com
"Cotton acreage in Mississippi is projected to plummet almost 50 percent from last year to a record-low level and agricultural experts say farmers will continue to turn away from the crop until market prices significantly improve."
Chamber tries for local-option sales tax
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The Billings Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau plans to blitz the 2009 Legislature with bus loads of supporters who will try to convince lawmakers to allow local communities to enact a voter-approved local-option sales tax."
Dem leader praises Rehberg, Tester on resisting bailout
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"State Democratic Party Chairman Dennis McDonald said Thursday he was "proud" of Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg and Democrat Sen. Jon Tester for voting against a bailout package for the nation's financial industry that has now grown to more than $800 billion."
UNMC dental faculty-- Cheating goes unpunished
From: www.journalstar.com
"Allegations of widespread cheating at NU's College of Dentistry have ushered in stricter policies on student conduct, pitted faculty against their dean and triggered a state investigation."
7 children in safe haven case now in Lincoln
From: www.journalstar.com
"Seven of nine children from an Omaha family who were dropped off by their father last week at an Omaha hospital are settling in with a relative in Lincoln."
Doane College money in frozen money fund
From: www.journalstar.com
"Doane College is apparently the only educational institution in Nebraska that had money in a money fund that has been terminated, has limited its clients' access to their money and is being liquidated."
Governor asks leaders for ways to save cash
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"Gov. John Lynch is asking for help from state workers as well as from their bosses in closing a looming $100 million budget gap.
"
Strong breeze ahead -- N.J. considers boosting wind farm program
From: www.nj.com
"With two neighboring states having recently approved massive offshore wind farm projects, the Corzine administration is considering expanding New Jersey's future reliance on wind power as a clean source of energy."
Bad times put the brakes on illegal N.J. immigrants
From: www.nj.com
"Hard economic times across the U.S. may be driving undocumented immigrants south, according to two studies released yesterday by the Pew Hispanic Center."
Proposed water deal still needs state's approval
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"New Mexico's Interstate Stream Commission would have to scrutinize a proposal by five farmers to ship water 145 miles via pipeline from Fort Sumner to the city of Santa Fe. "
Q&A-- State officials offer answers on pensions, investments
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Don't know your 401k from the balance sheet at the PERA? That's OK. Even the best Wall Street experts are feeling a little rattled this week after the turmoil on Wall Street. "
State fights Desert Rock
From: www.daily-times.com
"The state of New Mexico filed a brief with the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Appeals Board appealing the air permit granted July 31 to Desert Rock Power Plant."
Nevada's jobless rate will increase
From: www.lvrj.com
"Unemployment in Nevada will jump to an average monthly rate of 8.6 percent next year and remain at that rate in 2010, state economists told the Employment Security Council on Thursday."
New York state to educate consumers on pill disposal
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"New York state will create public education campaigns on the proper disposal of unwanted consumer medicine under legislation signed into law last week by Gov. David Paterson."
WTC rebuilding mired in delays
From: www.timesunion.com
"NEW YORK - Ground zero's owners delayed a multibillion-dollar transit hub Thursday and pledged to open a nearly complete Sept. 11 memorial by the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center."
Willoughby gets $1.9 million sewer loan from EPA
From: blog.cleveland.com
"WILLOUGHBY, Ohio -- The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will provide a $1.9 million low-interest loan to Willoughby for sewer improvements in exchange for the city's agreement to purchase wetlands in Summit County.
"
How serious are the Inner Belt Bridge's problems? Span's future in question
From: blog.cleveland.com
"The nearly 50-year-old Inner Belt Bridge, one of Ohio's major transportation links, is deteriorating beyond anyone's expectations. "
Proposal would end free parking for Ohio Democrats
From: www.ohio.com
"A proposed city rule will free up parking spaces near the Ohio Democratic Party headquarters that the party had paid for to reserve for its own use.
"
LNG companies in dustup on site
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Houston-based NorthernStar Natural Gas Inc., facing hurdles in its proposal to develop a liquefied natural gas terminal on the Columbia River, is hoping to throw a roadblock or two in front of a competitor."
A farmer's view on the 'Big Look'
From: www.oregonlive.com
"THE DALLES, Ore. -- At town hall meetings across the state, Oregonians are saying they're worried that growth is changing the state and threatening their way of life."
Plan would expand bottle bill, double the nickel deposit
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon's nickel deposit for bottles and cans hasn't increased since the nation-leading bottle bill took effect 36 years ago, but it would double by 2011 under a new proposal by the chairman of the state's bottle bill task force."
State to revoke kennel license
From: www.mcall.com
"State Agriculture Department officials will revoke the license of a Lehigh County kennel owner and investigate why dog wardens gave his business a clean bill of health weeks before humane inspectors found it filthy and overcrowded with dirty, diseased and dead animals."
R.I. employers bemoan high taxes
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island's heavy tax burden is making it difficult for toy-industry giant Hasbro Inc. of Pawtucket to recruit workers from other states, company chairman Alfred J. Verrecchia said yesterday."
Sundlun urges leadership in face of economic crisis
From: www.projo.com
"The former governor who in 1991 confronted the state's worst banking crisis has some straightforward advice for members of the U.S. House of Representatives — show some leadership."
Official urges passage of financial bailout bill
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"Congress needs to pass the $700 billion financial industry bailout measure to help tackle economic problems that soon will start to hurt average South Dakotans, state Investment Officer Matt Clark said Thursday."
'I want to keep things flowing,' Bredesen says of records access
From: www.tennessean.com
"Gov. Phil Bredesen said he wants to reserve judgment on new guidelines for when labor costs can be charged for records searches.
"
New database allows quick verification of auto insurance
From: www.chron.com
"Law enforcement officers can instantly verify whether a motorist has the required liability insurance through a new state database."
Uninsured Texas drivers warned of expanded verification program
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Texas' one in four drivers without insurance were put on notice Thursday that it will now be more difficult to avoid detection – and a ticket."
Texas Coalition for a Competitive Workforce calls for tougher school standards
From: www.dallasnews.com
"A coalition of business and research groups announced Thursday that it will push for more emphasis on career and college readiness in public schools, including tougher performance standards for schools."
The politics of spunk
From: www.latimes.com
"WASHINGTON -- She winked. She wrinkled her nose. She gave a "shout-out" to a third-grade class. Never before have American voters met a national politician quite like Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who in her debate debut Thursday night mixed colloquialisms and the manner of a PTA mom while talking about such deadly serious topics as nuclear weapons.
"
Palin and Biden spar in VP debate but neither deals a knockout
From: www.latimes.com
"ST. LOUIS -- Focused sharply on the middle class, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden fought over taxes, military strategy and which party could better rebuild America in a vice presidential debate Thursday that served as the nation's first extended look at the little-known Alaska governor who vaulted weeks ago onto the Republican ticket."
Biden, Palin trade jabs on economy, war, energy
From: www.npr.org
"The vice presidential candidates dueled in a highly anticipated, fast-paced and wide-ranging matchup Thursday night. In the end, both candidates met or exceeded expectations."
Nine states, Canadian province sue EPA over pollution
From: www.bloomberg.com
"Nine states including New York, Illinois and Michigan joined the Canadian province of Manitoba in suing the Environmental Protection Agency for allegedly diluting U.S. Clean Water Act protections of waterways and drinking water. "
Biden, Palin clash on taxes, Iraq in sharp-edged debate
From: online.wsj.com
"ST. LOUIS -- A confident, folksy Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin attacked the Democratic presidential ticket Thursday over tax hikes and partisanship, holding her own against her vice-presidential rival, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden."
Elections complaint filed against Rep. Mascaro
From: deseretnews.com
"State Rep. Steve Mascaro, R-West Jordan, says he is sorry that a 500-copy mailer went out to some of his absentee voters without the "paid for by the Steve Mascaro campaign" on it."
Homeless animal rehab moves to state wildlife offices
From: www.heraldextra.com
"Hoping to save Utah Valley's only animal rehabilitation center, state officials are taking the center under their wing, so to speak.
"
Toxic chemicals from landfills seep into creek near Oyster
From: hamptonroads.com
"OYSTER, Va. - There is little visible evidence that two neighboring landfills near this Eastern Shore harbor town are leaking toxic materials into a local creek."
More road projects on chopping block in Va.
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Just months after slashing $1.1 billion in road and transit projects from the state's six-year transportation spending plan, Virginia officials say the state's fiscal situation is so bad that they will have to hold a special meeting to cut even more projects. "
Douglas, Symington trade barbs over state budget
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"KILLINGTON, Vt. — In a gubernatorial campaign marked by its candidates' differences, Gov. James Douglas and Democratic House Speaker Gaye Symington shared one common viewpoint Thursday: Each thinks the other is responsible for the state's budgetary woes."
Small, but strong
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"With its wood counters and old-style metal bars over the teller booths, the First National Bank of Orwell looks like the sort of place that could have been robbed by the James Gang."
Gubernatorial candidates sound off on the economy at debate in Barre
From: www.timesargus.com
"BARRE, Vt. — The candidates for governor faced questions about their ability to protect the state's economy at a critical time for the nation during a debate Thursday night."
Rossi pledges customer service in Tacoma visit
From: www.thenewstribune.com
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi brought his message of customer service to a Tacoma business audience Thursday, telling members of the Rotary Club of Tacoma that he wants to make Washington more friendly for entrepreneurs."
State hotline turning up money-saving tips
From: www.madison.com
"A complaint to a state hotline complaining about a state contract uncovered another problem, a legislative audit released today found: A state contract did not provide for any damages to be paid to the state by a company that accidentally revealed taxpayers' Social Security numbers."
Paper industry in peril
From: www.wrn.com
"Governor Jim Doyle described to the International Trade Commission what he calls unfair trading practices in the paper industry. "
WHEDA suspends lending
From: www.jsonline.com
"Wisconsin's affordable-housing agency has temporarily stopped issuing mortgages for single-family homes because it's having trouble raising the money needed to make the loans — a situation it said is a direct result of the national financial system crisis."
Audit disputes state's policy
From: www.jsonline.com
"An audit released Thursday said the state was wrong when it determined it could save money by outsourcing printing work and that the state could actually save up to $616,500 by hiring 35 state workers instead."
Anti-smoking grants target WVa gay community
From: www.herald-dispatch.com
"Bluefield State College and Covenant House have each received $50,000 state grants for programs aimed at reducing smoking in the gay community.
"
Panel rejects arguments against building of Gillette coal-fired plant
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"GILLETTE, Wyo. -- The state Environmental Quality Council has rejected some arguments by environmental groups against a $1.34 billion coal-fired power plant under construction near Gillette."
Wyoming banks said to be sound
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Wyoming banking officials said Thursday that banks in the state remain financially sound despite the nation's economic turmoil. It's a message they've been sharing with an increasing number of customers worried about protecting their money during uncertain times."
UW expert -- Economy holds its breath, waits
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"If you imagine the economy as a living organism, then a University of Wyoming expert says credit is its oxygen supply. And at the moment, Robert Godby, chairman of the University of Wyoming Department of Economics and Finance, thinks the U.S. economy is being forced to hold its breath."
EQC pares pollution permit appeal
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The Environmental Quality Council has stripped several items from an administrative appeal of allowable pollution emissions from Dry Fork Station, a 385 megawatt coal-fired power plant now under construction north of Gillette."
State workers face bleak budget picture
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 11:40 a.m. EST, Oct. 3, 2008)
The economic downturn has hit states hard, and among those feeling the effects are state employees, whose salaries are being frozen, who are retiring before they wanted to, who are being asked to take furloughs, or unpaid days off, and who, in an estimated 7,000 cases, have been laid off."
WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book
From: www.stateline.org
"
Idaho’s first lady publishes “Ida Visits the Capitol.” Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
"
At high court, states' authority in question
From: www.stateline.org
"The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday (Oct. 6) begins a new term that so far lacks the controversy of last term’s politically explosive cases on gun control, the death penalty and voter-identification laws, but that still is grabbing the attention of states."
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."
States act to cushion Wall Street meltdown
From: www.stateline.org
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Cascading economic problems flowing from the crisis on Wall Street are forcing states to urgently redraw their financial blueprints for the rest of this year and next to cushion the impact of the credit squeeze, staggering paper losses for millions of ordinary Americans and soaring energy prices."
Several AG contests still tight
From: www.stateline.org
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As their campaigns wind down to the wire candidates for attorney general in 11 states vie for attention in the flurry of higher-profile contests for president, Congress and governor. “Out There” once more rates how vulnerable the parties in control are."
Medicaid rolls, spending up in bleak economy
From: www.stateline.org
"After two years of flat Medicaid enrollment — the same two years which also saw the smallest spending increases for the federal-state health insurance program for the poor — the failing economy has led to a dramatic growth both in enrollment and spending, according to a new report."
States prepare for home heating crisis
From: www.stateline.org
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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.
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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."
Okla. speaker stresses wind, gas energy
From: www.stateline.org
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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."
Renewable energy fuels Colorado governor
From: www.stateline.org
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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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