Mass. may seek a US loan as credit markets dry up
From: www.boston.com
"State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill this week approached the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston about lending Massachusetts money under the same extraordinary terms the government is giving banks and Wall Street firms during this financial crisis."
Fiscal crisis is hitting some states hard
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"NEW YORK - The U.S. financial crisis is hampering the ability of many state and local governments to borrow cash for short-term expenses and is threatening to delay long-term road, school and airport projects, including some in the Washington area. "
New Jersey offers a preview of possible economic woes to come
From: www.nytimes.com
"WHIPPANY, N.J. — After several tumultuous weeks on Wall Street, New York City seems increasingly likely to fall into recession, many economists and analysts say. To get a sense of what that might look like, one need only cross the Hudson River."
New report says hotels lost $156M
From: www.starbulletin.com
"Hawaii hotels, reeling from the economic slump that has crippled the state's tourism industry, suffered a $156 million decline in year-over-year revenue from April through August, according to an industry report released today from Hospitality Advisors LLC."
Texas lottery sales take a tumble
From: www.chron.com
"Texas lottery revenues are slumping, but experts say the sluggish economy isn't to blame."
U-of-I economist says Iowa faring better than other states
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The director of the University of Iowa's Institute for Economic Research says while unemployment's on the rise in Iowa, the job picture is better here than it is elsewhere."
Illinois, like others, hit by financial meltdown
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The financial turmoil on Wall Street is costing Illinois money. State finance officials predict less money will come in because of a drop in interest income and some pension investments have taken a hit because they were tied up in failed or troubled Wall Street firms. "
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.
"
Michigan battles with Ohio over jobs
From: www.freep.com
"Scott Melton is tempted to move his business to Ohio, even though he doesn't want to leave Michigan."
Credit woes cast pall on bonds
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The nation's credit crisis could jeopardize plans to issue $183 million in bonds for state government construction projects, state Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald said Friday."
Baldacci forecasts bleak economic outlook
From: www.bangornews.com
"Even before the national financial crisis, things were looking bleak in Maine because of the slowing housing market, job losses and record-high oil prices, Gov. John Baldacci said in his weekly radio address Saturday."
Gregoire, Rossi far apart on minimum wage
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Few lines distinguish the two major party candidates for governor as starkly as Washington's low-water mark for hourly pay, the state minimum wage."
Poll shows support for Ohio casino proposal
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"A poll finds that by a 9-point margin, Ohio voters are willing to bet on a southwest Ohio casino that proponents say will create at least 5,000 jobs.
"
Wine lovers abuzz over ruling allowing direct out-of-state buys
From: www.freep.com
"Barring a successful state appeal, Michigan wine lovers will be able to avoid the middle men and buy straight from out-of-state retailers now that a federal judge has struck down alcohol regulations as unconstitutional."
O'Malley eyes 'horrible' cuts
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"The next round of state budget cuts will likely be more stinging to Maryland residents, prompting Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, to refer to an upcoming spending-cuts meeting as a "parade of horrible." "
Company looks to ship sausage out of state
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"After building up a solid base of regular customers in the last dozen years, Lunde's Dakota Sausage Kitchen is looking to ship its products beyond North Dakota. The company hopes the new federal farm law will help, with a provision that allows the interstate transportation of state-inspected meat and poultry"
Economist's tax-hike crusade stems from losing his father
From: newstribune.com
"Tom Kruckemeyer - economist for the Missouri Budget Project and a Jefferson City resident - concedes the likelihood is small that Missouri Legislature will embrace a tobacco tax increase, but that hasn't kept him from advocating it to almost anyone who will listen."
Missouri raises minimum wage
From: www.stltoday.com
"Missouri workers earning minimum wage will make an extra 40 cents per hour in 2009."
Palin's tax return missing travel reimbursements
From: www.npr.org
"Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin didn't report thousands of dollars in state travel reimbursements that she collected while living at home last year, according to her tax return for 2007."
Palin's assets are worth up to $2.1 million
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and her husband, Todd, have assets worth up to $2.1 million, and they paid $24,738 in 2007 income taxes on total income of $166,495, which came from her salary as governor of Alaska and money he earned as an oil worker, fisherman and snowmachine racer, documents released by her campaign yesterday show"
Remote and struggling, but still a bit of America
From: www.nytimes.com
"AKIACHAK, Alaska - The bush plane glides over the tundra in autumn, descending slowly into the green and orange with avian grace. Soon its wheels kiss a spit of an airstrip in a western Alaska place where senators and governors rarely visit, a Yup'ik Eskimo village called Akiachak."
Fob James, Riley on opposing sides on Amendment One
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Former Gov. Fob James, who started Alabama's $3.4 billion trust fund with revenue from offshore natural gas leases, plans to vote against Amendment One in the election Nov. 4 because he feels it breaks a commitment to protect the public's savings."
Alabama feels aftershocks of financial crisis
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Alabama is taking a hit from the nation's financial crisis, which has lowered the value of state pension fund, reduced earnings in a plan to send students to college and eaten up more than $100 million of a state budget that pays for prisons, state troopers and Medicaid."
UAB students ride the market
From: www.al.com
"Laura Bordelon is probably watching the current economic situation more closely than most of her fellow students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Bordelon is the chief investment officer for the Green and Gold Fund, a $400,000 investment portfolio managed entirely by students from UAB's business school. "
AAA: Alabama average $3.66 for regular
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"With oil prices in a downward spiral, the cost of gasoline in Alabama is a bit cheaper on Monday - two cents less than Sunday's prices."
The debate over video bingo continues in Alabama
From: www.al.com
"Prichard's proposed move for electronic bingo, if approved, would mean an expansion of a form of gambling that has spread to various parts of Alabama despite state laws banning the betting of money on games of chance. "
Amendment One aims for budget stability
From: www.al.com
"Voters choosing a president on Nov. 4 will also decide how Alabama will cover future budget shortfalls. Amendment One, if passed, would restructure a rainy day fund for the state's $6.3 billion school budget and create one for the $2 billion General Fund, which pays for most non-education programs in the state. "
Beebe to ADEQ -- Ignore pressure on coal plant permit
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Gov. Mike Beebe said Friday he has told the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality not to bow to outside pressure in deciding whether to grant an air quality permit for a proposed coal-fired power plant in Southwest Arkansas.
"
State's funds for rail study in doubt
From: www.azcentral.com
"The federal government recently announced it is giving $1 million to Arizona to launch a study of proposed new passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson, but whether the state can come up with a matching $1 million is a question mark."
Food producers ask Napolitano to take feds to task on ethanol
From: www.azcapitoltimes.com
"Federal renewable fuel standards are pouring a quarter of all U.S. corn into gas tanks at an annual cost of $150 million for Arizona's ranchers, and representatives of the state's cattle, dairy, egg and pork industries say the problem is only going to get worse."
Napolitano backs climate initiative provision in Honeywell settlement
From: www.azcapitoltimes.com
"A group of South Phoenix lawmakers hoping to change part of an environmental-damage settlement between the state and Honeywell may not find a receptive ear if they take their concerns to the Governor's Office."
Two energy initiatives in California under fire
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"SAN FRANCISCO – Californians will vote on two ballot initiatives this fall that at first glance would seem shoo-ins for approval in a state long associated with environmental activism. "
State may tap feds for loan
From: www.sacbee.com
"California is continuing to jockey for a multibillion-dollar emergency federal loan despite Friday's congressional approval of a rescue plan for the nation's troubled credit market."
Ad Watch - Attack paints smoky picture of Prop. 7 foes
From: www.sacbee.com
"In the first television ad of the campaign, energy guru S. David Freeman attacks Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and Southern California Edison for bankrolling the effort to defeat Proposition 7, the November ballot measure that would require half the state's electricity to come from windmills, solar panels and other oil-free sources."
State's crazy tax system needs an overhaul
From: www.sacbee.com
"A sandwich shop in downtown Sacramento has been offering some footlong "subs" for a bargain price of $5, but when a customer orders one of the hot items on the list, the counter person quickly warns the patron that the cost will be $5.39 because of sales tax."
California hopes Washington brings credit relief
From: online.wsj.com
"California hoped passage of the $700 billion rescue plan Friday would avert financial disaster for the most populous U.S. state, which a day earlier had called for a possible emergency federal loan. Its precarious financial position is an example of how the credit crunch has spread to states and municipalities."
Political parties woo 'Walmart women' in Colorado
From: cbs4denver.com
""Seventeen percent of the entire American electorate is women who shop at Wal-mart at least once a week," said Lori Weigel, political pollster for Public Opinion Strategies. Those Wal-mart women are still undecided in this election. "
Second Look: State's Homeless Shelters Brace For More Funding Cuts
From: www.courant.com
"Brian Baker is worried. As assistant director of a Hartford homeless shelter that has reached capacity, he and his staff have turned away nearly 2,000 people this year. He helps the poorest of the poor, including poverty-stricken families whose children attend school during the day and sleep in the shelter at night."
Minner in Europe for trade mission
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Less than three months from the end of her tenure, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner left the country unannounced Saturday on an economy-boosting mission to Europe."
Quincy gas station reaches settlement for price gouging
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"After reviewing thousands of complaints of gasoline-price gouging, Attorney General Bill McCollum reached a settlement Friday with a Quincy station accused of overcharging customers $1,500."
State may seek $112 million more from insurers
From: www.ajc.com
"Georgia's top health agency plans to charge health insurers millions of dollars in extra fees to help pay for the state's Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids programs."
Hawaii real estate seen as stable
From: www.starbulletin.com
"The turmoil in Congress over the proposed rescue of the financial industry continues, as do the mounting real estate losses in some communities on the mainland, but for now both are still far removed from Hawaii's real estate market, local experts said last night during a round-table discussion."
Charter schools object to DOE plan to cut $1.9M for coordinators
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Charter school administrators are criticizing a budget-cut proposal by the state Department of Education that would slash about $1.9 million for student services coordinators."
Crippling cuts await isle charter schools
From: www.starbulletin.com
"Hawaii's 31 charter schools, which already get less money per student than public schools, are facing even tighter budget restrictions next year, cuts that some principals call potentially "devastating.""
State says revenue is ahead of projections
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa's revenue collections are slightly ahead of projections despite a national economic downturn, officials told the state's Council of Economic Advisors on Friday. There are indications, however, that Iowa's economy is weakening. Unemployment, for example, has increased."
State economy is ahead of projections
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Strong farm prices and renewable fuels have Iowa's economy ahead of projections."
State announces flood buy out deadline
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"State officials say nearly three dozen Iowa communities vying for about $200 million in federal aid to buy out homes in flood-prone areas have until early next year to make formal applications."
Northey looks to farming future
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Like any farmer, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey is eager to put the pains _ and the rains _ of 2008 behind him."
Computer techs must report child porn
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Computer technicians must report to law enforcement any customers whose computers contain child pornography under a new law that drew fire Friday from opponents who warned innocent people will end up under investigation."
Did Rezko pay for Blagojevich's house rehab?
From: www.suntimes.com
"Federal investigators are zeroing in on whether Tony Rezko paid for all or part of a $90,000 rehab of Gov. Blagojevich's Northwest Side bungalow as the corruption probe of the state's first family accelerates.
"
Will Daniels' re-election chances turn on time change?
From: www.indystar.com
"Two days before voters go to the polls to pick Indiana's next governor, they'll have to turn back their clocks an hour as daylight saving time comes to an end for the year. For Gov. Mitch Daniels, who pushed the controversial time change through the legislature during his first year in office, the timing couldn't be worse."
Lawmakers want answers on gas pricing
From: www.indystar.com
"State lawmakers want some answers about gasoline prices. A commission made up of Indiana House and Senate members plans to hold a hearing at the Statehouse Wednesday to examine gasoline pricing policies in Indiana."
Local government reforms get short shrift this election season
From: www.nwitimes.com
"In an election season dominated by dour economic news, state candidates haven't made much noise about local government reform proposals that would put thousands of their political brethren out of a job."
Nonprofit agencies may feel the pinch
From: cjonline.com
"Nonprofit organizations need to be prepared for possible losses in donations because of stock market declines related to the financial crisis, a nonprofit leader said."
Road project ran past Nighbert property
From: www.kentucky.com
"During his tenure as transportation secretary, Bill Nighbert oversaw nearly $2 billion in road and bridge improvements — including a $7 million reconstruction of an I-75 interchange in Whitley County where Nighbert owns property."
Friends stand by ex-transportation secretary Nighbert, who is accused of bribery
From: www.courier-journal.com
"WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. -- Bill Nighbert's sprawling country home sits atop a hill that overlooks the town of Williamsburg."
La. bids about $240 million in debt for Dome
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"State officials agreed Friday to once again bid on nearly $240 million in debt for the Louisiana Superdome because of the shaky financial market."
Grid, not Gustav, blamed for outages
From: www.nola.com
"After spending days in the dark, public officials, their advisers and utility operators across the state are questioning whether the biggest power failure in the state's history was caused not so much by Hurricane Gustav's wind but by the condition of Entergy Corp.'s grid."
Ike leaves oil spills, displaced alligators
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"WASHINGTON — Hurricane Ike's winds and massive waves destroyed oil platforms, tossed storage tanks and punctured pipelines. The environmental damage only now is becoming apparent: At least a half million gallons of crude oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico and the marshes, bayous and bays of Louisiana and Texas, according to an analysis of federal data by The Associated Press."
State will bide its time with Superdome debt
From: www.nola.com
"The state agreed Friday to hold on to $226 million in Superdome debt for up to 14 months while it waits for the nation's turbulent financial markets to calm down."
Scratch-off tickets turn into a $764m pot of gold
From: www.boston.com
"The numbers from the first quarter of this fiscal year are dire: State revenues missed the mark by $143 million. Sales tax figures plummeted $24 million from a year ago because people are buying less. The yo-yoing Dow Jones industrial average took a nose dive. But lottery ticket sales? Those jumped by $14.5 million in Massachusetts the last three months."
Friends gained as DiMasi's star rose
From: www.boston.com
"Lobbyists Richard W. McDonough, John J. McGlynn Jr., and John E. Murphy Jr. have vaulted into the top ranks of the Beacon Hill influence trade since Salvatore F. DiMasi won the House leadership job in 2004, doubling and even tripling their client billings, according to public records. "
In rough economy, more seniors turn to food stamps
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Bay State senior citizens are signing up for food stamps in record numbers and relying more on food pantries as advocates sound the alarm over the painful toll the economic crisis is taking on elders."
State House may be open to making Pike history
From: www.bostonherald.com
"It took a financial crisis to do what a human tragedy could not. In a twist of fate, State House leaders this week said they were open to merging the functions of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority with the rest of state government just two days after the family of Milena Del Valle reached a $28 million settlement with those - including the Turnpike Authority - blamed when she was killed in a Big Dig tunnel ceiling collapse."
Massachusetts may seek federal loans to pay bills
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Massachusetts Treasurer Tim Cahill has asked the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury if the state can take out a short-term federal loan in an emergency if credit markets remain frozen and the state can't pay its bills."
Ireland junket junked, sort of
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A planned taxpayer-funded junket to Ireland was scrapped this week by Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, who cited the state's budget crisis."
Schools scramble to help students with no place to live
From: www.boston.com
"With the numbers of homeless across the state on the rise, local school officials are scrambling to provide services and absorb costs for an expected surge in homeless students."
Acquitted man seeks recompense from state
From: www.boston.com
"In some ways, it has been a good year for Robert Aldrich, a Dorchester man who Suffolk County prosecutors allege has spent much of his adult life breaking into people's homes across Greater Boston and making off with purses, laptops, and jewelry."
Costly ER still draws many now insured
From: www.boston.com
"Thousands of newly insured Massachusetts residents are relying on emergency rooms for routine medical care, an expensive habit that drives up healthcare costs and thwarts a major goal of the state's first-in-the-nation health insurance law."
Maryland homeless, transitional shelters notice donation drop
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
"Several Maryland homeless and transitional shelters are worried as they've seen their donations drop in the wake of the nation's worsening economic climate."
State officials welcome 'your money bus' tour
From: www.journalism.umd.edu
" BALTIMORE - Passersby received free financial advice at the Inner Harbor from members of the "Your Money Bus" tour Friday, while state officials and financial experts decried the country's financial crisis during a related news conference."
Ehrlich defends slots opposition
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"BALTIMORE — Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich is defending his opposition to November's slots referendum, despite his record of supporting slots when he was governor."
Md. slots would have to fight for Md. dollars
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"CHARLES TOWN, W. Va. -- One of the biggest pitches for bringing slots to Maryland amounts to declaring a trade war on its neighbors: Let's keep gambling money inside our state borders. "
PUC considers $2 million fine for gas utility
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"The Maine Public Utilities Commission is considering fining Northern Utilities $2 million for possible violations of safety regulations in nine incidents during the past two years, including house explosions in Portland and South Portland and gas leaks in Saco and Cape Elizabeth."
Maine cases kick off new high court term
From: www.bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine — When the U.S. Supreme Court begins its new term Monday, the first two appeals the nine justices will hear oral arguments about are cases from Maine."
Maine sport fishermen upset at commercial boats
From: www.bangornews.com
"SACO, Maine — Sport fishermen in southern Maine are upset at commercial fishing boats that have been coming close to shore in search of schools of menhaden."
Tour promotes Maine's solar potential
From: www.bangornews.com
"BUCKSPORT, Maine — The first thing you notice as you drive along the dirt road to the Williams Pond Lodge is that there are no utility lines along the narrow scenic road."
Supreme Court to decide if Maine smokers can sue
From: www.csmonitor.com
"WASHINGTON - The tobacco company Altria Group is asking the US Supreme Court to short-circuit a class action lawsuit by angry smokers who say they were misled into believing that "low tar" and "light" cigarettes are a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes. "
MBT add-on -- Gone by 2012?
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"It's been no small outcry in the business community that pushed Republican and Democratic state senators last week to take a swipe at a $722 million unpopular element of Michigan's business tax."
Task force seeks to lift restrictions on farm markets
From: blog.mlive.com
"Efforts are underway to give farm markets shelter under the state's Right-to-Farm Act."
Parties at odds over tax surcharge rollback
From: blog.mlive.com
"The Republican-led Senate is at odds with the Democratic-led House and governor's office on shortening the lifespan of a surcharge to the Michigan Business Tax."
Reality impedes Great Lakes wind power potential
From: blog.mlive.com
"In the village of Elkton in the tip of the Thumb, the hum of 32 turbines in Michigan's first commercial wind farm fills the air."
More inroads for contractors at cash-strapped schools
From: blog.mlive.com
"For decades, Deputy Superintendent Ken Siver has faced the same budgetary challenges common to school districts across Michigan."
Low tuition, in-demand classes have enrollment soaring at 2-year schools
From: www.freep.com
"Their pasts were different, their plans for the future divergent. But many students last week at Macomb Community College's South Campus in Warren -- some drilling each other in study groups, others shooting pool -- arrived there for a strikingly similar reason: cost."
State leaders await Minn. budget news
From: www.twincities.com
"Minnesota leaders will get an update Friday on the state of the state treasury.
A quarterly report is expected to show whether months of instability in the U.S. economy have affected the government's revenues. "
Local governments feeling pain from economy
From: www.stltoday.com
"It isn't just Wall Street and Main Street reeling from the national economic crisis. City Hall is feeling it, too."
Energy initiative in Missouri enjoys powerful support
From: www.kansascity.com
"Proposition C, the renewable energy initiative on Missouri's November ballot, appears to have lots of support and little organized opposition."
Auditor-- TDDs lack oversight
From: www.columbiatribune.com
""
Funds scarce for schools
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"With the economic climate shifting and state budget constraints tightening, Mississippi's community colleges are relying more on grant money for starting programs and enhancing existing ones. Mississippi legislators began meeting last month to decide how to divvy up state funds in another tight budget year."
Market tumble costs State Fund about $26M
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. - The Montana State Fund lost about $26 million in late September when the stock market plummeted, a fund spokesman says."
Auditor's race a contrast of philosophies
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Montana voters probably don't get too excited about who's running for state auditor, or even know what the office does. (Hint: the auditor is also the insurance commissioner.)"
Governor works nation to lure new businesses here
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"SOUTH OF ROUNDUP, Mont. - Four hundred feet underground and three miles horizontally into Signal Peak Energy's coal mine, a top executive summons miners to meet Gov. Brian Schweitzer."
Democrat challenges Troxler for Ag oversight
From: www.news-record.com
"Nearly four years since a malfunctioning voting machine threw the election into doubt and even longer since scandal rocked the department, many voters may have forgotten there's such a thing as an elected commissioner of agriculture."
Experts weigh likelihood of N.C. oil drilling
From: www.newsobserver.com
"Forty-five miles off Cape Hatteras, Chevron USA said a decade ago, lay a colossal gamble that sounds sweet today. The oil company reckoned only a 7 percent chance of striking oil or gas more than 11,000 feet under the sea floor. The potential reserves, however, could become the largest found since Alaska's Prudhoe Bay, the biggest oilfield in North America."
NEBFARMPAC endorses Obama for president
From: www.theindependent.com
"NEBFARMPAC, the Nebraska Farmers Union Political Action Committee, has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president. NEBFARMPAC endorsed Obama in the spring primary, and now in the fall general election. "
NH, Vt. differ on rules for heating aid
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"As they grapple with an upsurge in applications for home heating fuel assistance this season, social service workers in New Hampshire and Vermont say they're relying more than ever on federal heating aid.
"
No parking -- a self-defeating train station
From: www.northjersey.com
"Five years after construction of the $600 million Secaucus Junction rail station, three years after a $250 million "exit to nowhere" was opened and a year after NJ Transit spent $25 million to buy 18 nearby acres for development, arguably the biggest white elephant in the Meadowlands remains no closer to providing the one key to its success: commuter parking."
Assembly considers economic agenda
From: www.northjersey.com
"The New Jersey Assembly is focusing on how the national economic crisis is affecting Garden State residents and businesses."
Report looks to streamline process for adding housing
From: www.nj.com
"A task force that includes housing advocates, developers and government officials is calling on the Corzine administration to devise a plan to house thousands of homeless people within a decade, and to "eliminate conflicts" among state agencies in housing and land-use policy."
Jersey wind farm plan hailed as cutting edge
From: www.nj.com
"A joint venture of the state's largest public utility and a wind energy developer was chosen yesterday to build New Jersey's first offshore wind farm -- with some towering turbines 16 miles off the coast of Atlantic County. "
A push to let casino workers run in A.C
From: www.philly.com
"ATLANTIC CITY - To safeguard against corruption in local government, one of the regulations that state lawmakers adopted in 1977 barred casino workers from holding local elected office. Now some state legislators say they are ready to allow casino workers to run for mayor and City Council in Atlantic City. "
N.J. lawmakers spent millions in funds on pet causes
From: www.philly.com
"In political circles they called it the MAC account. It was an inside reference to the man who oversaw the program, former Treasurer John McCormac, and to the goal of the fund - to act like an ATM by dispensing tax money to lawmakers so they could boost favored projects."
Think New Mexico to push legislation limiting enrollment in new public schools
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Building smaller schools will help lower New Mexico's dropout rate and raise academic achievement, according to a Santa Fe-based think tank."
Bailout no quick fix for valley
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Wall Street's financial woes have played havoc with all sectors of the Las Vegas development community, from housing to office and retail.
"
Lawmakers look to public for ideas
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Two powerful Democratic lawmakers are gathering ideas from the public on how to fix the state budget."
Sales tax revenue increases in counties across New York State
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"Counties across New York have averaged solid growth in sales tax revenue this year, but the growth appears to be slowing as the economy continues to worsen, state records show."
What about the rest of New York?
From: www.timesunion.com
"So, where's your bailout? Wall Street is in line for up to $700 billion in a government rescue. The same can't be said for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers who may have to choose between heat and food this winter, middle-class home owners paying the nation's highest property taxes, and the women and children dependent on a welfare grant that hasn't increased since 1990."
Paterson moves to help Democrats in state Senate
From: www.nytimes.com
"While playing down his role in this year's election in public, Gov. David A. Paterson has been quietly leading an effort to raise more than $2 million to help fellow Democrats win control of the State Senate, according to people familiar with his plans."
Ohio Lt. Gov. Fisher to talk at plan forum
From: www.toledoblade.com
"Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher will speak tomorrow at the 2008 Planning and Development Forum in the McMaster Family Center at Main Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, 325 North Michigan St. downtown."
An 'average guy' is challenging two-term state representative
From: www.newsok.com
"A two-term representative will face a first-time candidate for the state House District 97 seat."
State treasurer blames failure on politics
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"State Treasurer Randall Edwards said he called Oregon members of Congress urging them to vote for the legislation that failed in a House vote Monday. He blamed its failure on "too much politics right now.""
Oregon organizations worry about bond sales
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"Even with congressional approval Friday of a financial rescue plan, it may be a while before a virtually nonexistent market for state and local government bonds is revived. Or things could settle down sooner."
Subprime mortgage defaults rise in Salem
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"The consequences of the housing boom and subprime mortgage meltdown in the past several years is having substantial effects on Oregon's economy."
Oregon Measure 63 could loosen home fix-it permits
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Of the five initiatives Bill Sizemore qualified for November's ballot, Measure 63 is his favorite. "I refer to it as 'Sizemore's blow for freedom,'" he said of the initiative, which would allow up to $35,000 worth of home improvements without a building permit. Measure 63's opponents couldn't disagree more. "
Major issues unresolved in Pa. Senate's last three days
From: www.post-gazette.com
"If you're a Pennsylvanian without health insurance who wants state officials to reach a compromise to make it available, things are still iffy as the Legislature returns to work today."
Pa. lawmakers may act on power rates this week
From: www.philly.com
"Pennsylvania lawmakers are heading into the end of their two-year session with a number of prominent items still on the table."
Red Cross trains Hasbro workers to operate emergency shelter
From: www.projo.com
"PAWTUCKET, R.I. –– Toymaker giant Hasbro now has something other than board games and toys to offer families staying in Red Cross shelters –– it has a team of employees trained to actually run an emergency shelter."
Caprio proposes state takeover of ailing Twin River
From: www.projo.com
"If the owners of the state's largest slot parlor are unable to pull themselves out of their financial hole and "the price is right," General Treasurer Frank Caprio says: "A purchase of Twin River is something the state should seriously consider.""
State's largest universities stick with bank-based student loans
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"CLEMSON, S.C. -- Clemson University is enrolled in a federal direct-lending program that guarantees loans to qualified students, but even as hundreds of colleges join the program amid a banking crisis, Clemson continues to use a bank-based system."
S.D. banks try to reassure
From: www.argusleader.com
"As Wall Street suffered a meltdown last week and Congress grappled with a $700 billion plan to rescue America's ailing financial institutions, many Sioux Falls bankers decided to take a proactive approach to put customers at ease."
S.D. energy stakes rise
From: www.argusleader.com
"Biofuels, wind, coal, solar technology and the prospect of the first new oil refinery to be built in the United States in more than 30 years have led many to believe South Dakota is on the cusp of an energy revolution."
McAllen files rare open records suit against Abbott
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"The City of McAllen has taken the rare step of suing Texas' attorney general to keep details of attempts to woo an automobile plant secret in a case that questions the media's role as information provider during delicate economic development negotiations."
Bush signs Great Lakes compact
From: www.jsonline.com
"President Bush signed the Great Lakes compact into law Friday morning, culminating a decadelong push to pass sweeping protections for the world's largest freshwater system."
Bank of America in settlement worth over $8 billion
From: online.wsj.com
"In a sweeping deal that could be worth more than $8.6 billion, Bank of America Corp. has agreed to settle claims brought by state attorneys general regarding certain risky loans originated by Countrywide Financial Corp."
Lieutenant governors make economic trip to China
From: www.madison.com
"The lieutenant governors of five states, including Wisconsin, are in China this week on a mission to bring jobs and economic development to the U.S."
$700 billion net isn't big enough to catch every bank, experts say
From: www.denverpost.com
"SAN FRANCISCO — Here's a safe bet for uncertain times: A lot of banks won't survive the next year of upheaval despite the U.S. government's $700 billion plan to restore order to the financial industry. "
Congress' boost to Amtrak fueled by high gas prices, too much traffic
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Highway congestion, high fuel prices, dependence on foreign oil, pollution and global warming are creating perfect conditions for reforming stagnant transportation policies."
Bank of America unit to modify loans to help keep people in their homes
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Facing a lawsuit over deceptive mortgage practices, Bank of America Corp. is agreeing to pay more than $8 billion to modify hundreds of thousands of loans to keep people from losing their homes."
Consumer issues top Supreme Court's docket
From: www.npr.org
"This is the first Monday in October, and by tradition that also means it is the opening day for a new Supreme Court term. With the election on everyone's mind, the court, so far at least, has steered clear of most of the hot-button social issues."
Food Stamp participation increases as economy lags
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Almost a million more people participated in the federal government's food stamp program for the needy between April and July, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program. "
Bailout provides more mental health coverage
From: www.nytimes.com
"WASHINGTON — More than one-third of all Americans will soon receive better insurance coverage for mental health treatments because of a new law that, for the first time, requires equal coverage of mental and physical illnesses."
Budget cuts hurt the disabled and their families
From: www.sltrib.com
"Marnie Beacham and her 9-year-old daughter, Madeleine, of Tooele, practice flash cards after breakfast. The Department of Human Services will lose about $11 million in funding from the recent legislative special session's revised budget. "
State Fair wraps up its run in Henrico
From: www.inrich.com
"Visitors to the State Fair of Virginia said goodbye yesterday to the place that has hosted the event since 1946."
Kaine has high approval ratings
From: www.roanoke.com
"A majority of Virginia voters approve of Gov. Tim Kaine's job performance despite looming state budget problems and a legislative stalemate over transportation funding, according to a new poll conducted for The Roanoke Times."
Ten baby animals born recently at the Virginia Zoo
From: hamptonroads.com
"One is furry. Two are leathery. Three have shells. And four are scaly. Yet they're all babies. There's a baby boomlet at the Virginia Zoo."
Some state workers balk at direct deposit
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Toni May has a system. Her husband's paycheck goes directly into the checking account. She takes hers to the bank, cashes it and divides up what she needs for various expenses. "It works for me," she said."
Initiative would require more training for caregivers
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"The scenario is not difficult to imagine: someone who is elderly or disabled being harmed by a caregiver, whether intentionally or not."
Light-rail foes focus on worst-case figures
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Foes of Sound Transit's Proposition 1 are using a campaign strategy well-suited to a time of economic turmoil: They're portraying the measure as a blockbuster, $107 billion tax grab."
Gregoire, Rossi far apart on minimum wage
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Few lines distinguish the two major party candidates for governor as starkly as Washington's low-water mark for hourly pay, the state minimum wage."
Wall Street chaos hasn't reached state pensions
From: www.jsonline.com
"Retired Wisconsin state employees don't have to worry about the tumult on Wall Street for at least the next six months."
Great Lakes Compact is law
From: www.wrn.com
"President George W. Bush signs the Great Lakes Compact into law. "
Strict mercury rules likely to take effect
From: www.jsonline.com
"It looks all but certain Wisconsin will get its toughest mercury rules yet, promising a cleaner environment - and bigger electric bills."
Dems raise more money in legislative races
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"Democrats running for West Virginia's Legislature have more than three times as much campaign cash on hand as their Republican opponents heading into the final weeks of the general election season.
"
Wyo has business friendly tax system
From: www.trib.com
"Wyoming has the nation's best business-friendly tax system, according to rankings released by a foundation that tracks fiscal policy."
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
"
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
"
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
"
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.
"
Three states weigh calls for new charters
From: www.stateline.org
"
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
"
 |
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."
Renewable energy fuels Colorado governor
From: www.stateline.org
"
Few governors have championed renewable energy as aggressively as Colorado Democrat Bill Ritter. So far, voters seem to appreciate his efforts."
2008 state elections: What's at stake?
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 4:20 p.m. EDT, Aug. 20, 2008)
The historic battle for the White House may be grabbing most of the headlines, but plenty of state races and major ballot measures also could be nail-biters this November — and the results could have national implications.
Stateline.org today is launching a new 2008 interactive guide to help voters keep track of the 11 gubernatorial, 11 attorneys general and seven secretary of state races and some 130 statewide ballot measures.
"
2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 11:15 a.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 11:15 a.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
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