Tax revenue down in at least 44 states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: Tax collections declined in the third quarter in the 44 states for which early data are available, according to a report released today (Nov. 23). Even North Dakota -- which has weathered the recession better than most states -- is feeling the effects.
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US: Solar energy industry brings a ray of hope to the Rust Belt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In years past, Sunbelt governors recruited Midwestern businesses to set up shop in their states, dangling tax breaks and the lure of a union-free workforce.
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AK: Climate policy isn't realistic goal at UAF, chancellor says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- A climate neutral policy is not realistic for the Fairbanks campus, according to University of Alaska Fairbanks administrators.
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AK: Compensation case sets mental injury rule
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A former prison guard at the Anchorage Jail who was threatened by a convicted murderer intoxicated on hair spray and armed with a sharpened pencil deserves workers' compensation for mental injury, the Alaska Supreme Court has ruled.
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AL: Country Crossing casino set to open near Dothan, as governor wages battle on gambling halls across Alabama
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DOTHAN, Ala. -- It may be the biggest gamble in Alabama -- an $87 million casino and country music destination rising out of the Wiregrass, even as Gov. Bob Riley continues a campaign to shut down gambling halls statewide.
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AL: Furloughs possible for Alabama's state workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley and some key law?makers say the Legislature must consider giving state agency heads the power to order furloughs for state employees as a way, other than firing people, to bal?ance budgets in tough times.
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AL: 130 Alabama high schools score poorly on reading, stumble on bedrock of education
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Birmingham News analysis of the 2008-09 Ala?bama High School Gradua?tion Exam shows that 130 public high schools either failed reading or were clas?sified as "borderline" fail?ing, based on 11th-graders' performance on the Ala?bama High School Gradua?tion Exam. The analysis involved 367 high schools, all of the state's public high schools that are not spe?cialized in some way.
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AL: Ties still bitter between Riley, Johnson
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley might have pardoned a turkey on Friday, the 60th year the state's CEO has participated in the annual tradition, but it does not appear he and his staff are forgiving former ally and Cabinet member Bill Johnson.
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AL: Alabama Arise says decade marked by lost potential for workers in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An advocacy group's annual report says 2009 caps a decade of lost potential for Alabama workers.
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AL: Retiree's state job raises 'double dip' questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former state Finance Director Jim Main brought a state employee out of retirement in 2007 to work as a contract employee making nearly $60,000 a year while continuing to draw her state pension of more than $30,000 a year. Gov. Bob Riley has campaigned vigorously against the practice called "double dipping," commonly defined as receiving two incomes from the same source, such as a government job and a government pension.
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AL: Tim James is choice of Madison County Republican Men's Club
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Greenville businessman Tim James, the son of former Gov. Fob James, got the most votes for governor Saturday in a straw poll of the Madison County Republican Men's Club.
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AL: The Power of Pork -- Madison County commissioners pass out discretionary funds totaling $5 million in three years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Over the last three years, the members of the Madison County Commission, each acting on their own, passed out checks totaling more than $5 million.
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AR: State has work to do to secure more public school stimulus money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Obama administration has raised the bar for states applying for the next round of stimulus money for schools, and Arkansas education officials say they are rising to the challenge.
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AR: Highway funding panel works toward July 1 deadline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Word last week that funding recommendations may be ready by January suggested progress from the state panel charged with finding new ways to pay for improving Arkansas highways. In reality, the work is just beginning, says the chairman of the Arkansas Blue Ribbon Committee on Highway Finance.
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AR: Trying to find money for school defibrillators, lawmaker says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cutting the $1 million slated for school defibrillators from the state budget has apparently left an unfunded mandate, a state lawmaker said Friday.
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AR: Report sees potential for rural Ark in renewable energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report suggests renewable energy could transform rural Arkansas. Conversion to renewable energy — geothermal, biomass and, yes, even wind power — would create thousands of jobs and be an economic boost to struggling communities in rural areas of the state, according to the report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, released in support of clean energy legislation before Congress.
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AZ: Insurer didn't tell Ariz. about security breach
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Terry Goddard wants a Connecticut-based insurance company to tell Arizona policyholders whether their personal, medical or financial information was lost or stolen in a security breach six months ago.
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CA: Another California crisis -- Unemployment fund facing $7.4 billion deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Already grappling with one multibillion-dollar budget deficit, cash-strapped California now is facing a crisis in its unemployment insurance fund — source of the tens of millions paid each week to jobless residents.
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CA: Brown stances define issues, make waves
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the undeclared Democratic front-runner in the governor's race, Jerry Brown keeps a low profile and stays mum on divisive issues, saying he'll talk more if and when he actually runs. As California's attorney general, however, the 71-year-old former governor is winning headlines nationwide for protecting taxpayers from unscrupulous banks and green-lighting deep salary cuts for legislators.
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CA: State Fund shops for 600 new cars
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Compensation Insurance Fund, the workers' compensation insurer, is shopping for 600 new hybrid vehicles for its automobile fleet – an expense that could top $14 million. The fund is contemplating the major purchase at the same time it's hitting its own customers with a 5 percent increase in premiums in January, blaming that recently announced boost on "medical inflation."
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CA: California gains jobs, but unemployment still rises to 12.5%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California employers added workers to their payrolls in October for the first time in more than a year, but the state's unemployment rate ticked higher as more job seekers entered the labor pool amid hopes that companies are finally hiring again.
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CO: State withholds tax revenue from Castle Pines North over late audit report
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Castle Pines North is barred from receiving property-tax revenues until it turns in its annual audit, which is already six weeks overdue, the state auditor has ruled.
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CO: Gov. Ritter derides Republicans' contract with Colorado
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As top Republicans began lining up behind gubernatorial hopeful Scott McInnis, Democratic Gov. Bill Ritter derided his opponent's adoption of a new conservative agenda that debuts today and defended his own record on economic issues.
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CO: State commission unlikely to set Xcel expense policy at Dec. meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Consumer advocates who want the Colorado Public Utilities Commission to establish a firm policy cracking down on Xcel Energy charging ratepayers for lavish board retreats and travel and entertainment expenses likely won't get their wish anytime soon, according to a commission spokesman.
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CT: Bringing Pfizer to New London came at a heavy cost to taxpayers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"But some say company's brief presence better than nothing.
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CT: State's unemployment rate jumps to 8.8 percent; National rate at 10.2 percent - highest rate since 1983
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the unemployment rate constantly increases, it becomes more and more of a political issue as the candidates head into the 2010 election.
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DE: Delaware's chemical complex crumbling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In 1957, the venerable Oil & Gas Journal trade magazine heralded the opening of the Delaware City Refinery with gushing 32-page coverage that it admitted was "studded with superlatives ...'biggest,' 'first,' 'huge.' "
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DE: Delaware plans education changes to win federal grant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Delaware officials are preparing to overhaul the way the state turns around failing schools and evaluates teachers in an effort to win a potential $75 million federal education grant.
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FL: Drilling in the Gulf would impact military operations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Eglin Air Force Base, an economic engine in Northwest Florida and home to key national security missions, lays claim to 123,000 square miles of water range and 134,000 square miles of airspace over water.
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FL: Money speaks and the energy industry has contributed a lot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Money makes things happen in this capital city. Consider Florida Energy Associates LLC, the entity behind the current push for drilling in Florida waters.
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FL: Florida jobless rate at 11.2 percent in October
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida's unemployment rate rose a bit in October to 11.2 percent, with slightly more than 1 million workers without a job.
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FL: Temp labor may be bridge to recovery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Florida's jobless rate ticked up to 11.2 percent last month. But employers are starting to hire more temps nationally, so they may start hiring more permanent workers in the months ahead.
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FL: Paterson says to put people first
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As another week passed without a deal to address New York's $3.2 billion deficit, Gov. David Paterson on Sunday told lawmakers they should put the people first, not powerful special interests.
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FL: Study finds link between bacteria, red tide blooms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TAMPA, Fla. - Researchers have found a link between bacteria and the algae that causes the red tide outbreaks that leave beachgoers wheezing and shorelines strewn with dead fish.
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FL: Fates of SunRail, South Florida's Tri-Rail run on parallel tracks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Even though Tri-Rail's ridership is near record levels, it still needs $40 million to $50 million annually to cover operating costs.
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FL: Florida coalition targets pending federal pollution rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Business organizations and other influential interests say new rules to protect Florida's waterways and beaches wouldn't be worth the cost.
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GA: Booking religious tours in bad faith
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Cobb County company that books religious tours abroad for people seeking healing has come under fire after state officials said the company repeatedly canceled trips and failed to deliver on promised refunds.
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GA: Glenn Richardson -- Private, public stress form a 'perfect storm'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amid his grief, Georgia House Speaker Glenn Richardson summoned a moment of clarity. Three of his closest friends — fellow leaders in the intertwining business and political classes of suburban Paulding County — had died in a plane crash, but Richardson found words to express a collective sorrow.
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GA: GA construction jobs decline 18 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia continued to shed construction jobs in October, according new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government employment figures.
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GA: Booking religious tours in bad faith
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Cobb County company that books religious tours abroad for people seeking healing has come under fire after state officials said the company repeatedly canceled trips and failed to deliver on promised refunds."
GA: Bank's woes beyond money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It was a golden opportunity: right cast, right time, right place. WestSide Bank in Hiram opened in mid-2006 at the crest of a building boom in a county whose population had tripled over 15 years. It was an idea hatched by two visionary outdoorsmen with a knack for making money
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HI: Troubled bridges over island waters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More of Hawaii's bridges are in need of modernization than bridges in most other states, according to an annual survey of state and county bridges by Better Roads magazine.
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HI: Labor agreements to be redrawn
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Linda Lingle has won agreement from state legislative leaders to go back into session next month to restore $50 million to pay public school teachers and stop next year's Furlough Fridays.
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HI: Hawaii Legislature agrees to session on school furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Moving toward consensus, state House and Senate leaders told Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday that state lawmakers are willing to return in special session and tap the rainy day fund to reduce teacher furloughs.
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HI: Hawaii counties see budget crunch ahead
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Leaders of Hawai'i's Neighbor Island counties say they'll manage to get through the fiscal year without budget deficits, but next year could bring employee furloughs and property tax increases.
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IA: Iowa Poll -- 4 in 10 cite slippage in personal finances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The largest share of Iowans, though - 45 percent of those polled - feel their finances are about the same as they were in 2005, when Iowa's unemployment rate ran just over 4 percent, Hurricane Katrina pushed fuel costs to new highs, and low interest rates drove a housing boom.
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IA: Iowa's jobless rate, job total rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The jobless rate was 6.7 percent last month, up from a revised 6.6 percent in September.
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IA: Criminal charges rare in cases like Atalissa
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Henry's Turkey Service is accused of more than 9,000 violations of state and federal laws in the alleged exploitation of mentally retarded workers in Iowa, but no criminal charges have been filed against the company.
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ID: ID writing application for federal grant program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOISE, Idaho — Idaho hopes to win $75 million or more in competitive federal grants for public schools, money that officials say could be the state's only opportunity to boost funding for education in the next few years.
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ID: Dist. 25 legislators hear Blaine County concerns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAILEY, Idaho — A few times a year, the representatives for District 25, which encompasses Camas, Lincoln, Gooding and Blaine counties, meet with their constituents to talk shop.
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IL: Jobless uneasy with benefits' end looming
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCKFORD, Ill. -- If Congress can't extend benefits, 3 million could lose unemployment assistance by March.
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IN: South Bend pushing bid for high-speed train line
From: feeds.stateline.org
"But InDOT favors route through Fort Wayne.
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IN: State's jobless rate ticks up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's unemployment rate inched up to 9.8 percent in October, reversing small declines recorded in the previous three months, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development said Friday morning.
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IN: Rising unemployment taxes could hinder hiring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The surging jobless rate is imposing another cost. It's forcing higher state taxes on companies to pay for unemployment insurance claims.
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IN: Falling property prices fuel new wave of bank woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The second and third quarters were brutal for Indiana banks.
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IN: Is biomass the fuel of the future?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Advocates say that burning plant materials to generate power is green and can save big bucks.
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IN: Indiana lures wind energy startup, 260 jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana has lured a green startup from California that says it has the technology to capture wind energy in urban settings.
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KS: Analyst -- Tax cuts rob many to pay few
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At a forum last week, Bradley Borden, an associate professor at Washburn University School of Law, delivered a low-key, 16-page lecture that is bound to provide talking points for those fighting against further cuts to the state budget.
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KS: Legislative education committee lobs pre-emptive strike against more budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state committee on Friday sought to put the brakes on further cuts to education.
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KS: Statehouse Live -- Committee seeks to stop education cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative committee on Friday recommended the state not seek federal permission to cut education funding below 2006 budgetary levels.
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KY: Ky. distillers seek simpler sampling law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky's bourbon distillers are seeking a change in state law to promote more sampling of their whiskey. The change would make it easier for distillers to set up sampling booths at conventions, conferences, liquor stores, restaurants and special events, said Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers' Association.
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KY: 10 Ky. nursing homes among worst in country
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ten nursing homes in Kentucky, including one in Lexington, are among the most poorly performing in the United States, according to a report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office.
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KY: Stimulus jumpstarts JCPS construction projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jefferson County Public Schools will use approximately $26 million from its general fund and the remaining $26 million from stimulus in the form of qualified school construction bonds to pay for the projects, said Mike Mulheirn, executive director of facilities and transportation for JCPS.
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KY: Swine flu clinic -- A record-breaker?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It was a massive, unprecedented vaccination effort targeting the world's first pandemic flu in decades. And now, organizers of Louisville's two-day swine flu clinic earlier this month near Papa John's Cardinal Stadium are gleaning lessons to share with the nation and bolster their own preparations for disaster.
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LA: DOTD proposes turning 5,000 miles of state highways over to local governments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS -- Department of Transportation and Development officials today said the state has too many highways to maintain and proposed turning over about 5,000 miles of roadway to parish and local governments with appropriate financing to maintain them.
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LA: State's worker makeup shifts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of better-paid, politically appointed, fire-at-will state government employees has climbed dramatically in recent years, according to the Louisiana Department of State Civil Service.
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LA: State contracts database now searchable online
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 18,000 current state contracts are now available for public inspection through a new online database unveiled today by Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration.
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MA: Convention center looks to expand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State and city leaders today will unveil a blueprint for dramatically expanding the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, part of an effort to make the city one of the nation's premier meeting destinations and spur private investment on the South Boston Waterfront, two officials briefed on the matter said.
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MA: Scrap metal thefts prompt legislation regulating dealers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOURNE, Maine— Sgt. Richard Silvestro saw one too many commuters stranded after a long day at the office, their catalytic converters ripped from beneath their cars in the Sagamore bus lot.
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MD: St. Mary's River reported failing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Water clarity and oxygen levels in the St. Mary's River in Southern Maryland are at failing levels, a condition activists and scientists attribute mainly to development.
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MD: Maryland Public Service Commission approves 50-megawatt wind farm in Garrett County
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, Md. -- An Annapolis company's bid to build perhaps the first commercial wind farm in Maryland won approval Thursday, though state regulators stressed that they were barred by law from reviewing safety and environmental concerns raised by neighboring residents.
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MD: Md. agrees to 50-year lease of state portion of Baltimore port
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Friday an agreement to give the nation's largest port operator control of the state-owned portion of the Port of Baltimore for the next 50 years in exchange for the company's promise to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to expand and maintain the facility.
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ME: New state cuts hit education, social services hardest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BANGOR, Maine -- Gov. John Baldacci ordered more than $63 million in midyear budget cuts Friday in a curtailment order that heavily targets state funding for education and social services programs.
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ME: Legislators fear more red ink in store for Maine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even with state revenues now forecast to come in nearly $400 million lower than previously expected, members of the Legislature's Appropriations Committee fear the shortfall could get worse yet.
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ME: New Medicaid billing system inspires doubts among some
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two local providers who accept Medicaid say they are nervous about a new state billing system in light of significant and lasting problems they've had with changes implemented five years ago.
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ME: Homeless in Bangor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BANGOR, Maine -- Overflowing shelters, spilling out into the street, under bridges or in the woods, their numbers are growing.
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MI: Retailers face chilly holiday season
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with the prospect of a $4 billion drop in consumer spending this holiday season, retailers in Michigan and across the country are offering Black Friday promotions before Thanksgiving and touting inexpensive gifts to lure more shoppers.
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MN: Minn./Wis. reciprocity -- Will workers be torn between two tax bills?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- With a reciprocity deal with Wisconsin about to expire, some cross-border workers may have to file in both states.
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MN: Backed by House, 6 patients sue Pawlenty, state officials
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty sliced the program's $5.3 million appropriation as part of a $2.7 billion emergency budget reduction in June. The nutrition cuts prompted a lawsuit that offers a glimpse into a program that serves some of the state's poorest residents.
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MO: Northeast fire board meeting ends with arrests
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BEVERLY HILLS, Mo. — Tempers flared and a fracas erupted after an emergency meeting of the Northeast fire district board on Sunday at which the board voted to pay its controversial attorneys and fire chief severance packages totaling more than $780,000.
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MO: Jay Nixon, Steve Ehlmann talk about bipartisanship on economy, hoops
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While speaking about bipartisan efforts to boost the state and local economy at a luncheon Friday in St. Charles County, Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon and Republican County Executive Steve Ehlmann recalled an across-party-lines effort they took part in two decades ago in Jefferson City.
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MO: MU's salary situation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some University of Missouri faculty members and employees this year received pay raises despite budget woes that kept most salaries flat.
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MS: Analysis -- Barbour's budget sure to spark activism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In releasing his budget proposal last week, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour might've tapped into his own version of economic stimulus.
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MS: Miss. charities struggle amid need
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the first time in its history, the Mississippi Food Network won't be able to buy turkeys and distribute them to thousands of needy Mississippians at Thanksgiving.
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MS: Dream home to make way for interstate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HERNANDO, Miss. — They built their dream house on 21 acres.
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MT: Montana plans system to track state vehicles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HELENA — State officials say they will implement a $65,000 software system to track state vehicles after a recent audit failed to determine how many vehicles the state owns.
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NC: Ready for carbon footprint contests?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Want to share an electric mower with your neighbor? Plant more shade trees? Install a drinking fountain or bench at the corner bus stop to make public transit a little more appealing?
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NC: Benefit Appeal -- People denied unemployment payments fight for them because of tough job market
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Jason Smith was fired from his job as a graphic designer earlier this year, he did what some might consider unusual: He filed for unemployment benefits. And when the Employment Security Commission denied his claim, Smith did something almost unheard of a few years ago. He hired a lawyer to take on his former boss for his weekly $371 benefits check.
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NC: Some say lower tuition at UNC hinders hiring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - UNC students will continue paying far less for their educations than they would at most of the university's competitors under a tuition plan approved last week. That, some say, is a problem.
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NC: Lawsuit alleges fraud in housing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The deal Joshua Lang had been offered on a home in Snow Camp looked like an opportunity to start fresh in a new house with his soon-to-be second wife and a second child on the way.
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ND: 5 North Dakotans join Farm Service Agency board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota's Senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad and Rep. Earl Pomeroy announced the appointments on Friday.
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ND: 5 North Dakotans join Farm Service Agency board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota's Senators Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad and Rep. Earl Pomeroy announced the appointments on Friday."
ND: Making waves in new technology
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Bismarck-based firm claims to have "game-changing" technology that makes it economically feasible to cover sparsely populated areas of 12 states in the Midwest and West.
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ND: Another new oil formation in N.D.?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A crude-bearing cache known as the Birdbear, beneath North Dakota's already booming oil patch, can be tapped using new technology that would expand horizontal drilling to parts of the state that have never seen it, geologists believe.
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ND: Oil refining study to kick off in January
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DICKINSON, N.D. -- A $450,000 study on whether the state needs an additional oil refinery is scheduled to begin in January, and officials say an additional refinery could boost oil income throughout the state.
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NE: State auditor among first to count on furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Auditor Mike Foley already has started using employee furloughs as one way to live with recent budget cuts.
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NE: New elk statutes affect landowner permits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Panhandle landowners who want their land included in elk hunting zones next year will need to examiner new Nebraska statutes.
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NH: State seeks bankruptcy for troubled Meredith financial firms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials went to federal court yesterday to force into bankruptcy two troubled Meredith financial firms.
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NH: NH unveils new Web site to report labor violations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The New Hampshire Labor Department has a new Web site for the public to report possible labor violations.
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NH: Queasy reaction to sick-day bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Moving company owner Michael Stamm thinks if New Hampshire wants to mandate paid sick days for his business, the state should pay for them, not him.
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NJ: Corzine signs nearly two dozen bills into law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Corzine signed nearly two dozen bills into law Friday, including measures that restrict the marketing of credit cards at colleges, allow the state to invest cash and pension funds with New Jersey banks, and create personal finance courses for high school students.
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NM: Richardson administration proposes overhauling low-income health insurance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson's administration is proposing to overhaul Medicaid, the government's low-income health insurance program, to cope with a projected budget shortfall of $300 million next year, the Associated Press is reporting.
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NM: Maybe those "CO2 is Green" ads worked
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico State Sen. Kent Cravens announced earlier this week that he is running for lieutenant governor.
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NM: Richardson decries White Peak swap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson on Friday weighed in on the controversial land swap proposal involving White Peak, a popular hunting spot in Northeastern New Mexico, calling the idea "a behind-the-scenes deal."
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NV: Unemployment drops for first time in a year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The percentage of Nevadans out of work went down in October for the first time since February 2008.
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NV: 10,000 Nevadans daily to get pro-Harry Reid robo-call
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The progressive group that ran TV ads critical of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's leadership as it pushed him to include the public option in the health care bill now says it has the leader's back as he potentially comes under pressure to change the bill as the health debate begins in the Senate.??
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NV: Nevada construction employment takes dive in recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In September, the construction industry, because of job losses, accounted for the smallest share of Nevada's workforce it has claimed since 1993.
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NV: Despite economy, swank of lawmaker's fundraisers not in recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The tough economy hasn't prevented at least one elected official from throwing elaborate fundraisers.
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NY: Nearly half of Albany's pols have 2nd jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- No wonder Albany's a mess. Nearly half of the state's legislators are part-time politicos, preoccupied with second jobs ranging from lawyering to teaching to acting.
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NY: State bond rating in peril
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson renewed his warning Friday that a failure to achieve real, recurring savings in the deficit-reduction package currently being hammered out by state leaders could have a pernicious effect on New York's bond rating.
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NY: Paterson says to put people first
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As another week passed without a deal to address New York's $3.2 billion deficit, Gov. David Paterson on Sunday told lawmakers they should put the people first, not powerful special interests."
NY: Suburban food pantries struggle with record demand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Mary Ellen McDowell has gotten accustomed to seeing crowds of people arrive during the holidays at Webster Community Chest, a food cupboard for area residents in need. However, this year is unlike any she's experienced in the past decade, with a record number coming in for help.
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NY: Hard voyage from campus to real world
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Career development experts are rallying alumni, networking experts and even parents to help students find work.
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NY: State saves $3.1M in energy program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Turning off lights, turning down the heat and buying with an eye toward energy efficiency is saving New York more than $3.1 million so far this fiscal year.
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OH: Ohio sues rating firms for losses in funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Already facing a spate of private lawsuits, the legal troubles of the country's largest credit rating agencies deepened on Friday when the attorney general of Ohio sued Moody's Investors Service, Standard & Poor's and Fitch, claiming that they had cost state retirement and pension funds some $457 million by approving high-risk Wall Street securities that went bust in the financial collapse.
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OH: Ohio sues big credit rating units over losses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio Friday became the second state to go after the big-three credit-rating agencies for allegedly "aiding and abetting'' Wall Street in convincing investors that shaky mortgage-backed securities were safe.
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OH: Who will protect, help the elderly?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Advocates for the county agencies across Ohio have not yet compiled the number of caseworkers who were handed pink slips in the wake of state budget cuts adopted in July.
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OH: Mentally ill are losing some of their last refuges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHILLICOTHE, Ohio -- The Ohio office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Ohio issued a news release last week pleading with state lawmakers not to make further cuts in funding for the mentally ill as they try to plug an $851.5 million budget hole.
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OH: State budget cuts devastating the most vulnerable Ohioans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"COOLVILLE, Ohio -- Things in Ohio have gotten much worse for many people in the four months since passage of a state budget that whacked tens of millions of dollars from safety-net programs
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OK: Picher stimulus funds on hold
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PICHER Okla. — More than $135,000 in federal stimulus money originally meant for this dying town's housing authority remains held up as the authority explores what it could do with the money.
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OR: Oregon tax votes foster competing claims of fairness
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mike Roach makes a decent living selling clothes. Bess Wills doesn't do too badly selling cars. Both believe strongly in the role small business plays in the local economy, and both consider themselves die-hard public school supporters. Yet they stand at opposite poles of Oregon's upcoming tax election.
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OR: Oregon state workers on furlough day after Thanksgiving
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Friday is furlough day for 26,500 state workers.
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PA: Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling creates need for wastewater treatment facilities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The boom in drilling for natural gas across northern Pennsylvania has created a potential flood of business for wastewater treatment plants.
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PA: State rep promises bill to block Pittsburgh's tuition tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An effort to block Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's proposed 1 percent tuition tax has begun in Harrisburg.
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PA: Pa. residents sue gas driller for contamination, health concerns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania residents whose streams and fields have been damaged by toxic spills and whose drinking water has allegedly been contaminated by drilling for natural gas are suing the Houston-based energy company that drilled the wells. A worker at the company is among the 15 families bringing suit.
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RI: R.I. emergency food programs see a one-year 30-percent surge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In Rhode Island, where the unemployment rate is among the worst in the nation, the number of people who go to bed hungry is at a 10-year high, according to a new report from the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
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RI: R.I. banks shun stimulus loans to small businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most Rhode Island banks have refused to participate in the federal stimulus package's only new loan program for small businesses, denying interest-free cash to struggling businesses that make up the bulk of the Ocean State's economy.
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RI: R.I. businesses to pay higher jobless taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CRANSTON, R.I. — Nearly all Rhode Island employers will have to pay more in state unemployment tax next year to help boost the fund that distributes benefits to people who are out of work.
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RI: R.I. education commissioner unveils sweeping reform plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State education officials have unveiled an ambitious plan to increase student proficiency, revamp failing schools, improve teacher quality and shrink gaps between low-income and middle-income students, even as the state struggles to dedicate enough resources to public education.
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SC: Drivers may have to pay for quickest ride on SC interstate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When traffic backs up on interstates around Greenville, it's more than just a headache for Jimmy Heatherly
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SC: 'Superload' move suspended for a week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Greenville will have to wait another week for a "superload" bigger than a jumbo jet to pass through on its way to a Duke Energy power plant in North Carolina.
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SC: Hundreds gather for celebration
From: feeds.stateline.org
"YONGE'S ISLAND, S.C. -- More than 300 people gathered Sunday under the great oaks of Willtown Bluff Plantation to celebrate the start of a movement to save a swath of the Lowcountry from encroaching development.
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SC: Stimulus math a boon for the GOP
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Buzz was amused at how creative Republicans were last week in jumping on the Obama administration's inability to count stimulus jobs and its ability to create congressional districts in South Carolina and across the nation that do not exist.
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SD: 'Clunkers' keeps guzzlers on road
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An analysis of government data by the Argus Leader shows that in South Dakota, the program might have served as a gift from taxpayers to car buyers and dealerships.
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TN: Grocery store wine sales may come up again soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A key legislative proponent of allowing Tennessee grocery stores to sell wine says he may push the bill again in 2010 rather than waiting until 2011 if he sees sufficient public demand for change.
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TN: Feds ban foreign sale of Kentucky Lake paddlefish
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An audit released this week says the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Commission has been too lax in its protection of the state's paddlefish and sturgeon, resulting in the federal government stepping in.
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TN: Bredesen's TN budget options are grim
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Now the difficult decisions begin. State officials have suggested releasing nonviolent felons and closing group homes for children. They've called for increases in tuition at state universities and caps on benefits within the state's medical insurance system.
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TX: Security firms see border boom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Security training companies in Texas and elsewhere, bolstered by an alarming increase in kidnappings and violence in Mexico, are finding a new niche in clientele: Americans and Mexicans living, visiting and working across the border.
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TX: State fund wrestling with unexpected spike in health care costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State workers and retirees could be shouldering more financial responsibility for their health care next year becausean unexpected spike in costs has opened a hole in the budget that is projected to reach $148 million.
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TX: UTIMCO approves $3.4 million in bonuses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The board of the University of Texas Investment Management Co. unanimously approved $3.4 million in bonuses for employees Friday despite a $4.4 billion decline in the higher education endowments they oversee.
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TX: Dallas area may be first to see state's new plan to fund toll roads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers might have left the Capitol earlier this year without getting much done when it comes to transportation. But they were clear on one point: They wanted the Texas Department of Transportation out of the business of building privately financed toll roads.
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US: Ventures a drain on states, localities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Government-owned businesses that generate revenue for states and cities have taken a sharp turn downward and now are draining money from many struggling governments, a USA TODAY analysis found.
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US: Senators push to restore federal highway funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Senators from both parties are pushing to free up billions of dollars for federal highway projects, as Congress looks to infrastructure investment to combat double-digit unemployment.
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US: States hit by drop in tax collections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tax collections tumbled 11% across 44 states in the third quarter, according to a report that suggests government revenue will remain depressed long after the economy has recovered from recession.
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US: New consensus sees stimulus package as worthy step
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Now that unemployment has topped 10 percent, some liberal-leaning economists see confirmation of their warnings that the $787 billion stimulus package President Obama signed into law last February was way too small. The economy needs a second big infusion, they say.
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UT: It's OK to tax strip clubs, Utah court says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Utah Supreme Court upheld a state tax on nude strip clubs, but ruled that it shouldn't apply to escort services because the state's definition of an escort is too vague, possibly subjecting companions for the elderly and tour guides to the tax.
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UT: $27 million transfer for state Route 193 approved
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEARFIELD, Utah — The Utah State Transportation Commission has approved a $27 million funding transfer to the state Route 193 extension project in Clearfield.
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VA: Officials seek ways to deal with budget shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public schools may not look the same next fall, two months after Virginia begins a new budget year.
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VA: Va. jobless rate falls to 6.3 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia's job market improved last month as the number of Virginians out of work declined. The Virginia Employment Commission also noted weekly declines in the number of laid-off people making their first claims for unemployment benefits compared with last year.
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VA: Health care survey says cost to workers will rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- The cost of local workers' health care will rise an average of 7.1 percent next year, according to a survey released last week by the Mercer consulting firm. That will amount to an average of $8,348 per employee, which is what both the employer and employee will pay for health coverage.
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VA: Lack of backup foils Va.'s new IT system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In just five weeks this fall, the Virginia DMV suffered 12 computer system outages, putting individual offices out of business for a total of more than 100 hours. One outage lasted 29 hours, another 17.
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VA: State schools tilt toward nonresidents over locals for the money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This was a particularly tough year for Virginians seeking entry to William and Mary and several other prestigious public universities because of machinations in the admissions cycle that favored applicants from outside the state.
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VT: Vermont schools told to tighten belts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vermont Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca is calling for more frugal school budgeting and a renewed look at school-district consolidation as the state faces what he calls the perfect storm of budget woes.
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VT: Feds target 5 Vermont farms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Five Vermont dairy farmers are being asked to provide records proving their workers are legal, federal immigration officials said Friday.
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VT: Medicaid changes could cost Vermont
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The federal government would boost Medicaid payments to states under a Senate proposal to expand the program as part of health care reform. The expansion would burden Vermont taxpayers more than taxpayers in other states.
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WA: Talk turns to tax hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As news of the state budget shortfall landed with a $2.6 billion thud Thursday, some Democrats were willing to talk right away about tax increases.
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WI: Wisconsin 4th in filings from mass layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin ranked fourth in initial unemployment claims filed from mass layoffs and plant closings last month, the Labor Department reported Friday.
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WV: Special session ends with tweaks to gas tax, energy policy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia's Legislature has ended its special session, with tweaks to the gas tax and state energy policy among the final bills to pass. Party-line debates and votes marked Friday's approval of both those measures in the House.
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WV: Unemployment drops in most W.Va. counties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unemployment rates are down in most West Virginia counties. Figures released Friday by Workforce West Virginia show unemployment declined in 44 counties in October.
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WY: Wyo schools seek to meet expectations after funding influx
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For many years, education in Wyoming has enjoyed generous support from mineral tax revenues.
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WY: Demand for public assistance tied to job losses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With Wyoming's unemployment rate topping the 7 percent mark, workers in Department of Family Services field offices in Wyoming are seeing more and more people lining up for food stamps and other public help.
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WY: Gov. Freudenthal, State renew objections to Yellowstone plan, ask Court for relief
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Dave Freudenthal and the State of Wyoming are challenging a snowmobile-related rule the U.S. National Park Service has adopted for Yellowstone National Park this winter.
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Weekly wrap: Forecasting revenue is a lot like predicting the weather these days
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana is mulling changes to how it estimates monthly revenues, while several states are considering mergers and consolidations of government agencies, universities, school districts and more to save money.
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Economy to sway 2010 gov races
From: feeds.stateline.org
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The tax hikes that so many states levied to plug holes in their recession-ravaged budgets this year could endanger a few incumbent governors’ careers in 2010 when 37 gubernatorial contests are at stake.
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Budget insiders see worse ahead in Calif., Mich.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two of the states hit hardest by the Great Recession–California and Michigan–are bracing for an even tougher time making ends meet next year, putting big spending cuts or outright elimination of some services on the table, top budget officials from both states said Friday (Nov. 13).
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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