State budgets lean on property sales, leases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some states, struggling to balance their budgets, are selling or leasing public property, including state office buildings, prisons and major toll ways. While a quick way to raise revenue, this strategy is attacked by some as a short-term fix that postpones making more difficult decisions. 
"
AZ: Arizona economy may be worse than Michigan's
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even after years of mind-numbing hits to its construction industry, it's a jolt to realize Arizona has lost a larger percentage of jobs in this recession than Michigan, even as that state's auto-based economy continued to melt down.
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AK: Palin revisits Florida town that welcomed her in 2008
From: feeds.stateline.org
"THE VILLAGES, Fla. -- Sarah Palin, who says the 2012 presidential election isn't on her radar, took her "Going Rogue" book tour to the biggest of the battleground states Tuesday, including a stop in the retirement community where tens of thousands of people gave her star treatment in the 2008 presidential election.
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AK: United Fishermen of Alaska address subsistence review
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Subsistence was the gorilla, or whale, if you will, in the room at the fall meeting of an organization representing more than 35 commercial fishing organizations throughout Alaska waters.
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AK: A founder of Alaska tourism, Brad Phillips dies in Seattle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Brad Phillips, a founding father of Southcentral Alaska's tourism industry, died Monday in Seattle.
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AL: Penalties for timber theft could increase in Alabama
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alabama Forestry Commission is considering strengthening timber theft regulations, but the state trade group representing the forest products industry says only the Legislature can enact the proposed changes.
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AL: Save Alabama PACT holds second meeting in Huntsville
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Save Alabama PACT, holding its second ever meeting in Huntsville, called Monday night for immediate action to head off a looming statewide crisis.
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AR: Beebe names special justice to coal plant case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mike Beebe today named Danyelle Walker of Little Rock as a special justice of the state Supreme Court to hear a case involving construction of a controversial coal-fired power plant in Southwest Arkansas.
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AZ: Poll -- 2010 economy better, Arizonans say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most Arizonans think the economy will get better next year, according to a Cronkite/Eight Poll released Tuesday.
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AZ: Expert -- Holiday indicates travel recovery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some 683,000 people statewide will hit the road for the holiday, according to AAA Arizona
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AZ: Arizona job market hardest hit by recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No state has lost a higher proportion of jobs in this recession than Arizona, says a new study by the Economic Policy Institute.
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CA: CalPERS probes oversight of two outside hedge fund advisors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California's huge public employee pension fund, under scrutiny after suffering billions of dollars in investment losses, is now investigating its own oversight of hedge fund deals.
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CA: State watchdog -- Use 'common sense' on stimulus new-job reports
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state watchdog for federal stimulus dollars said Tuesday that state agencies should use "common sense" when describing how many new jobs the money has created.
"
CA: California Democratic Party chief says SEIU has threatened to cut off funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California Democratic Party Chairman John Burton says one of the state's most politically powerful unions has threatened to cut off funding for the party over his support for a group that has broken away from the labor organization.
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CA: State proposes trading program to cut emissions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California officials on Tuesday issued the nation's first blueprint for a broad-based cap-and-trade plan, an innovative and controversial effort to use market forces to control global warming.
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CA: California takes step to limit emissions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — California has taken a major step toward creating a broad-based trading system to limit emissions of pollutants blamed for harmful climate change.
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CO: Colorado promoting free breakfasts for kids
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DENVER—Most kids in Colorado who could be getting free breakfasts and summer lunches aren't getting the meals, and state officials are working to change that.
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CO: Dan Maes determined to continue running against 'that monster' McInnis
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the wake of the flashy state GOP unity celebration this week in which former U.S. Congressman Scott McInnis eliminated major opposition in his race for governor, Dan Maes says he is determined to stay in the race.
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CT: Rell plan would cut budget by $337M
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In an attempt to halt the 2010 budget's slide into deficit, Gov. M. Jodi Rell released a $337 million package of proposed budget cuts Tuesday afternoon, slashing funding to programs for the poor and sick, local governments and state agencies.
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CT: Lack of tax revenue nixes proposed sales tax cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When a scheduled Jan. 1 sales tax cut, from 6.0 percent to 5.5 percent, was passed by the legislature in September, its approval was contingent on tax revenues staying within 1 percent of projections.
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DE: Delaware State warns budget makes financial aid more difficult
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Delaware State University administrators are requesting a zero-growth operating budget for fiscal 2011, but warned state officials Tuesday that the school cannot continue to serve an increasingly needy student population while in permanent survival mode.
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DE: Warm the Heart to help heat homes throughout Delaware
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Warm the Heart is going statewide to include Kent and Sussex county residents in a program that has provided more than 50 free furnaces and fixed up untold numbers of old, inefficient heating units in New Castle County over the last four years.
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DE: Delaware: Collapsed bridge gets $800,000 replacement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A 32-year-old bridge that collapsed last week in the aftermath of a powerful nor'easter will get an $800,000 concrete replacement.
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FL: Consumers feel less confident
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Two more potholes in the road to economic recovery appeared Tuesday as Florida's consumer confidence slipped and the U.S. gross domestic product in the last quarter was revised downward.
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FL: Potential investors in Rothstein scheme had to put up at least $1 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Million Dollar Club. Investors who wanted to get into Fort Lauderdale businessman George Levin's hedge fund, which was buying legal settlements from attorney Scott Rothstein, had to put up a minimum of $1 million.
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FL: Budget practice facing the fire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Miami skirted financial integrity rules -- enacted in the wake of City Hall's 1990s-era financial meltdown -- by using ``inaccurate and misleading'' budgetary practices as it scrambled to fill budget holes, the city's internal auditor has concluded.
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GA: Ga. joins national crackdown on loan modification fraud
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia bank regulators have joined federal authorities and officials from 19 other states in a crackdown of alleged mortgage modification and foreclosure relief schemes, officials said Tuesday.
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GA: Police prepare for deadly holiday on the roads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Georgia State Patrol is predicting 3,570 traffic crashes with 1,398 injuries and 16 deaths this holiday period.
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GA: Georgia panel says state can't meet federal deadline to limit Lake Lanier water withdrawals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There are plenty of ways that Georgia can quench metro Atlanta's thirst if the city is cut off from its main reservoir. But most options are costly and, according to a Georgia water task force, none would provide enough water for the city to meet a federal judge's 2012 deadline.
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HI: Harbor officials eye fee increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State harbors officials plan to increase user fees statewide to finance $618 million in repairs and improvement at harbors on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
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HI: Hawaii visitors expected to be below 7 million again this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 5.5 million tour-ists visited Hawai'i in the first 10 months of the year, putting the state on track for an annual visitor count of about 6.5 million.
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HI: Legislators cancel party plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hawaii's recession and sputtering economy have claimed another victim: the state Legislature's opening day celebration featuring lavish parties, floral and musical presentations, and guest lists that choked both chambers.
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IA: Cities push to make bar owners more liable
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nine of the biggest cities in Iowa will make a renewed push next year for a law to hold bar owners more responsible for crimes that happen in parking lots or other nearby premises.
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IL: McKenna pledges to contol spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Gubernatorial candidate Andy McKenna says Illinois voters are most concerned about out-of-control state spending and the lack of job growth.
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IL: Giannoulias pitches bailout plan, talks about family bank
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a former loan officer who still has a small financial interest in his family's community bank, unveiled a plan today that would require large "Wall Street" banks to make immediate contributions to an emergency fund that would be used to bail out banks in the future.
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IL: Holiday shoppers warned of hazardous toys
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois PIRG Director Brian Imus said the vast majority of toys tested were found to be safe.
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KS: Kansas ranks 24th in nation when it comes to health
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When it comes to health, Kansas is improving in some areas and declining in others.
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KS: KDOT's 5-county transportation study comes to a halt after Gov. Parkinson slashes highway budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Budget cuts are putting the brakes on a regional study to map out the long-term transportation needs of Douglas and four nearby counties in northeast Kansas.
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KS: More cuts to Kansas state budget may be on the way, even after recent $259 million reductions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials said Tuesday that more budget cuts may be on the horizon when the Legislature starts its 2010 session in January.
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KS: State rejects Wichita group's proposal for southeast Kansas casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The application process for a casino in southeast Kansas will remain open after the Kansas Lottery rejected a proposal from a Wichita-based investment group Tuesday.
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KY: H1N1 is still widespread in Kentucky
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The current wave of H1N1 influenza in Kentucky appears to have reached its peak and, while that is good news, the flu is still widespread and well above the normal level of activity that is typically seen this time of year, Kentucky public health officials said Monday.
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KY: Beshear to head South Growth Policies Board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear will be the newest chairman of the Southern Growth Policies Board, a think tank that has been led in the past by such notable politicians as Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.
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KY: Ky. announces new mobile pharmacy unit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky officials say a new mobile pharmacy unit has been acquired to provide services during disasters and emergencies.
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KY: ACLU claims bar association violated lawyer's rights
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The ACLU of Kentucky has challenged a lawyer disciplinary rule under which an attorney was warned about "publicly implying" that the state Legislative Ethics Commission mishandled an ethics complaint against Senate President David Williams in 2007.
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KY: Plans announced for school H1N1 vaccinations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisville health department officials on Tuesday announced specific plans for the "monumental undertaking" of vaccinating thousands of students at more than 170 public, parochial and private schools against swine flu.
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LA: More corrections cuts sought by lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators on a state budget subcommittee pushed corrections system officials Tuesday to look for more ways to trim expenses as they expect more funding cuts.
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LA: State loses ground in number of jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisiana employment in October of 1.911 million fell 44,000 jobs short of a year ago, according to Louisiana Workforce Commission data released late Tuesday.
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LA: Streamlining lawmakers get per diem
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Six legislators participating in Commission on Streamlining Government efforts have received $17,000 in compensation while their private sector counterparts haven't collected a dime.
"
LA: New Orleans area gains 2,200 jobs in October
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS, La. -- The New Orleans area gained 2,200 jobs in October, buoyed by the addition of more than 1,000 jobs at local colleges and universities, according to data released Friday by the Louisiana Workforce Commission.
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MA: Law OK's betting on simulcast dog races
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Dog tracks in Revere and Raynham may offer wagering on races that are simulcast from other tracks under legislation signed yesterday by Governor Deval Patrick.
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MA: Foes cry fowl on House over holiday break
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Slacker state lawmakers -- already under fire for quitting work before they fully patched the budget deficit or passed education reform -- have given themselves a four-day Thanksgiving weekend for the first time in nearly a decade.
"
MA: Jobless, home stats give mixed signals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A pair of reports released yesterday offered a snapshot of the region's economic situation. And while there were hints of good news in the numbers, it may be too soon to conclude that the economy is rebounding.
"
MA: No help for Sandwich erosion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SANDWICH, Mass. — To the victor goes the spoils. Unfortunately, Sandwich beaches are on a losing streak.
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MA: Shelters scramble to find safe cribs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HYANNIS, Mass. — The biggest safety recall of cribs in US history has left family shelters and some parents on the Cape and Islands scrambling to find beds for their infants and toddlers.
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MD: O'Malley -- Public funds shouldn't be used to buy out Friedgen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, mD. -- Gov. Martin O'Malley waded into a brewing controversy over football coach Ralph Friedgen's contract at the University of Maryland, saying that public money shouldn't be used to buy out his contract if that's what officials in College Park decide to do.
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ME: State to net $3.4M more from Hollywood Slots than expected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amid all of the talk last week about spending cuts and a revenue shortfall nearing $400 million, there were only a few tidbits of good news concerning state finances.
"
MI: Jackson, Michigan's Consumers Energy offering buyout packages to all 8,000 employees; targets reduction of 250 union workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jackson-based Consumers Energy is offering buyout packages to nearly all of its 8,000 employees and is targeting a reduction of 250 union employees due to a slow economy and a cooler-than-normal summer that drove down sales.
"
MI: Stimulus boosted Michigan food-assistance spending by $178M, report finds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal stimulus funds helped increase spending on food-assistance programs in Michigan by more than $178 million between April and August, a new report finds.
"
MI: GM returns $140M in federal aid provided for parts suppliers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"General Motors has returned $140 million of the $290 million it received from the government to support is parts suppliers.
"
MI: Zug Island won't get $45 million DOE grant for NextWind project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Detroit's Zug Island has been passed over to be the home for a next-generation wind turbine drivetrain testing facility funded with a $45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.
"
MI: 550 Lansing city workers to get nine days of furlough time
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The budget cuts reflect the challenges facing many communities due to deep cuts in state revenue sharing and declines in property tax and income tax revenue in a depressed state economy.
"
MI: 730 from Tennessee plant seek transfer to Delta site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DELTA TWP., Mich. -- General Motors Co. has received roughly 730 requests from employees who want to transfer from an idled plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., to the Lansing Delta Township assembly plant.
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MI: State lawmaker calls for tax hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Washtenaw County legislator and Democratic candidate for governor unveiled her plan to turnaround Michigan today – a $6.5 billion a year tax hike.
"
MI: Edison in test of backup power
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Detroit Edison and advanced battery maker A123 Systems will use $5 million from the U.S. Energy Department to see whether used-up batteries from the cars of the future can store emergency power for the electrical grid.
"
MN: Charities trimming turkey dinners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- In a sign of economic stress among nonprofits, some food shelves and other helping agencies have cut back on Thanksgiving meals this year, and some likely will change their Christmas services as well.
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MN: Pawlenty's lawyer defends cuts to nutrition program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The Minnesota House mischaracterized the economic factors Gov. Tim Pawlenty used to justify cutting funds for a nutrition program for the elderly, blind and disabled, according to a letter filed in court Tuesday by his lawyer.
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MN: Anoka County closes jail, cuts costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Despite a record level of human service caseloads, Anoka County has reduced its budget by $400,000 since September by closing its medium security prison and transferring inmates to Sherburne County, the county's head of finances said Tuesday.
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MN: Strapped St. Paul charter school to close midyear
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of Minnesota's oldest charter schools will close at the end of the calendar year.
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MN: Perk to push Minnesota state parks use: gift cards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minnesota shoppers just got another gift option — one set up to help the state parks system.
"
MO: Missouri to distribute $75M from failed insurer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri officials plan to distribute $75 million in payments from the failed General American Life Insurance Co.
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MO: Cap-and-trade bad for MU, Forsee says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Missouri is opposing federal legislation that would put caps on its greenhouse gas emissions because those limits would cost millions, UM System President Gary Forsee said in a letter to federal lawmakers.
"
MO: Proposed plan would pay a year of property taxes for homebuyers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jay Nixon and state Treasurer Clint Zweifel are proposing another incentive that encourages people to buy a home: the payment of the first year of property taxes for income-eligible people who buy a new or existing home after Jan. 1.
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MO: Missouri athletics returning $1.5 million annual subsidy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Growing profits from college athletics could mean more money for the rest of the University of Missouri's cash-strapped Columbia campus.
"
MS: December vote likely on Tupelo liquor bid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TUPELO, Miss. –- The Mississippi Tax Commission likely will vote on Tupelo's request for Sunday liquor and wine sales in mid-December.
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MS: 2 plead guilty in cig case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two businessmen pleaded guilty Tuesday to their involvement in a cigarette distribution scheme to defraud the federal government and several states, including Mississippi, out of more than $20 million in taxes and fees.
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MS: Miss. health officials urge H1N1 shots
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public health officials have expanded the priority groups to receive the swine flu injectable vaccine.
"
MS: MSU prof leads $880K research project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Mississippi State University associate professor will lead an $880,000 research project to increase the number of talented mathematics and science teachers in the state.
"
MS: Pearl securities firm ordered to shut down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Pearl securities firm accused of using misleading and omitting information while selling securities will have to shut down following an order issued by the Secretary of State's Office.
"
MT: 9 wolves to be killed in Big Hole Valley
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DILLON, Mont. — State wildlife officials have ordered nine wolves to be killed after repeated attacks on cattle in the Big Hole Valley.
"
MT: Gov. seeks Superfund designation for smelter site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer has asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to designate the Anaconda Mineral Co. smelter and refinery site in Black Eagle as a federal Superfund environmental cleanup site.
"
MT: Israeli consul general says nation's technology skills could benefit Montana farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana's a landlocked mountain state. Israel is desert on a seacoast.
"
NC: Probe problems may doom state appointees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bev Perdue says her staff is exploring a policy that would give the boot to appointees under indictment.
"
NC: Payback time for public schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public school leaders across the state, and especially in the Triangle, are recalculating their budgets to figure out how many millions they owe charter schools to comply with a state court ruling.
"
NC: Tenenbaum pledges action against dangerous products
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Inez Tenenbaum, the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, promised swift action to get dangerous products off the market, after acknowledging Tuesday it didn't move quickly enough on a recall of cribs linked to four deaths.
"
NC: Blue Cross under scrutiny for 'robocalls'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State legislators and attorneys are scrutinizing Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina for its attempt to influence the national health-care debate through direct mail and possibly illegal automated phone calls.
"
NC: Loans available to businesses hurt by rock slide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal officials are offering low-interest loans to help western North Carolina businesses cover expenses after a rock slide closed part of Interstate 40.
"
NC: Cowell raises I-485 questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Treasurer Janet Cowell has raised a possible roadblock to plans to speed completion of Interstate 485 in northern Mecklenburg County.
"
NC: Campuses to employees: Take personal day at holidays
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the last week of the year, employees at the Triangle's public universities will have to take vacation or other leave time for at least one day that their university will be closed.
"
NC: Two boards won't answer to ethics panel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The agency that polices ethics in state government has decided not to watch two advisory boards and is considering removing at least one more from its oversight.
"
ND: State auditors to review denied workers' comp claims
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State auditors will take a fresh look at denied workers' compensation claims in North Dakota and also will study the laws defining eligibility for certain benefits.
"
ND: Hoeven touts state's young workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Hoeven told a Grand Forks an organization of young professionals Tuesday that groups such as theirs throughout North Dakota are helping to make it more attractive to the young workers needed by the state's economy.
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ND: Canadians, business travelers help ND tourism grow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FARGO -- North Dakota is outpacing the nation in tourism growth, thanks in part to business travelers and Canadian shoppers, state officials said Monday.
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NE: Harvest still lagging as volatility factors in future markets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Good weather is allowing farmers to make hay in harvesting their crops. But as farmers remain focused on this year's harvest, a Wells Fargo agricultural economist is telling them that next year's biggest concern will be the cost of inputs.
"
NE: LIBA expected to endorse arena
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Lincoln Independent Business Association appears poised to get behind the proposed new arena.
"
NE: Auditor -- Bad management cause of Lancaster Manor's money problems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lancaster Manor lost more than $2 million in the past two years because of bad management, state Auditor Mike Foley said Tuesday.
"
NH: State park system -- Show us the money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new 10-year improvement proposal for the state's parks says they are badly under-funded, and recommends legislative action to get more money into the system.
"
NH: Companies lose control over assets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal bankruptcy judge has granted the state's request to have a trustee seize control of the assets of two Meredith financial companies that shut down without notice two weeks ago, leaving dozens of investors in the lurch.
"
NJ: Corzine and Christie clash over more aid for food banks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the recession draining the budgets of soup kitchens and food pantries around the state, Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday said he is working on an emergency proposal to dig up more state funds for organizations that help feed the hungry.
"
NJ: Prison bill now closer to vote in Assembly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation aimed at lowering the number of people returning to prison is under consideration in the state Assembly.
"
NJ: Advocates -- Upping federal gas tax key to stable mass transit funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Drivers may have to pay more at the pump so train riders can have an easier commute into New York City — as well as improved highways and repaired bridges. But they likely won't have New Jersey to blame for raising taxes on gasoline.
"
NM: NM wins federal 'smart grid' money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two projects in New Mexico won federal 'smart grid' stimulus money today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced.
"
NM: Measures put teeth behind audits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Auditor Hector Balderas is behind two bills that would boost penalties for those who lie about or avoid state audits.
"
NV: FDIC report -- Nevada banks still struggling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Banks with Nevada charters continued to bleed red ink in the third quarter as the economy limped along, according to data released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. on Tuesday.
"
NV: Judge to rule whether Lt. Gov. Krolicki case continues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, accused by prosecutors of improperly managing a multi-billion dollar college savings program while he served as state treasurer, was in Clark County District Court on Tuesday as a judge is set to rule on dismissal of the case.
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NV: Mortgage fraud crackdown planned
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State and federal officials are joining forces to combat rampant mortgage relief scams, federal and state officials announced Tuesday.
"
NV: Teachers do a 180 for sake of grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state teachers union has done an about-face and is working with legislators to change a state law that prevents test scores from being used to evaluate teacher performance.
"
NY: Central New York lawmakers doubt Gov. David Paterson will need special power
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday asked the Legislature to provide him emergency power to close a $3.2 billion deficit in the face of inaction by the lawmakers.
"
NY: Gov. Paterson says if Legislature doesn't make cuts, he'll do it himself
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After repeated calls by lawmakers to send them budget-cutting legislation, Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday introduced a 400-page deficit reduction bill, as well as a constitutionally controversial request to cut the budget himself.
"
NY: County moves to save jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In what may be an early Christmas gift to county workers, lawmakers are proposing that most of those targeted for layoffs in the 2010 budget have their jobs restored, including 74 at the nursing home.
"
OH: Unemployment rates increased slightly in most Northeast Ohio counties in October
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Unemployment rates were relatively stable in most of Northeast Ohio in October, but Lorain County saw a large increase, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services reported Tuesday.
"
OH: AEP gets stimulus grant for $150 million 'smart-grid' project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 110,000 central Ohio customers of American Electric Power soon will have advanced-technology meters, giving them the ability to track when they use the most power and thus reduce their electricity bills.
"
OH: Bill would help seniors avoid nursing homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As more Ohio seniors join waiting lists for home-care services in the wake of state budget cuts, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers wants to expand a program that allows more older Ohioans to avoid costly nursing homes.
"
OH: Seasonal jobs scarce, figures suggest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Central Ohio's unemployment rate in October stood at 8.4 percent, a slight increase from 8.2 percent the previous month but still better than the state or national numbers, according to figures released yesterday.
"
OR: Kulongoski, Gregoire to meet for clean energy forum
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Kulongoski will join Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire next month for a regional forum in Seattle on the economics of renewable energy.
"
PA: Tuition tax revives General Assembly push to assess nonprofits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's attempt to levy a 1 percent "fair share" tax on the tuition for city college students sparked a renewed proposal in the General Assembly to tax property owned by large nonprofit organizations.
"
PA: State gets $18.6 million in stimulus funds for Early Head Start
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania is getting $18.6 million in federal economic stimulus money for Early Head Start programs, enabling nearly 1,600 more children to be served.
"
PA: Liquor Control Board's Eagles sweepstakes sparks outcry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A $820,000 advertising campaign for the state Liquor Control Board that piggybacks on the Philadelphia Eagles is a "colossal waste" of public money, a legislator said Tuesday.
"
RI: R.I. public college presidents, non-union workers to take pay cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The presidents of the state's three public colleges and about 300 non-union employees of Rhode Island's higher education system will take a 2-percent pay cut for the next six months, in response to Governor Carcieri's call for all state departments to reduce expenses.
"
RI: Plan to house R.I. homeless criticized
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state plan to house the homeless this winter is woefully inadequate and could lead to deaths when the weather gets colder, advocates said Tuesday.
"
RI: R.I. Senate panel opens hearing on Twin River
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In 2004, the promoters of the proposed West Warwick casino offered the state a $100-million up-front payment for an exclusive license to operate Rhode Island's first 24-hour casino, with blackjack, roulette and other draws that were unavailable at that time.
"
SC: Proposed Duke rate increase criticized
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Twenty-seven people on Tuesday pleaded for the Public Service Commission of South Carolina to shoot down Duke Energy's first requested general rate hike in nearly 20 years.
"
SC: Sawyer to close next week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ben Sawyer Bridge connecting Mount Pleasant and Sullivan's Island is scheduled to close for up to 10 days starting Dec. 4 so a new swing span can be installed, the state Department of Transportation said Tuesday.
"
SC: Tenenbaum pledges action against dangerous products
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Inez Tenenbaum, the head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, promised swift action to get dangerous products off the market, after acknowledging Tuesday it didn't move quickly enough on a recall of cribs linked to four deaths."
TN: Bredesen asks disaster aid for crops
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After a soggy September that left hay uncut and soybeans and tomatoes rotting in the fields, Gov. Phil Bredesen is asking for a disaster declaration for agriculture in 16 Tennessee counties.
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TN: Corker -- New Polk highway is state concern
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BENTON, Tenn. -- A massive highway project that could lessen the impact of rock slides for residents of Polk County, Tenn., is a state and local matter first, though federal funds will pay for most of the work.
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TX: School districts still feeling the squeeze
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To gauge the impact of the economic slump hitting Texas, look no further than the dilemma facing the Houston-area school districts of Conroe and Cypress-Fairbanks.
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TX: Man in lottery dispute seeks answers in court
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawyers for a man who authorities say had his $1 million lottery ticket stolen by a convenience store clerk petitioned a Travis County court on Tuesday to require Texas Lottery officials and others to answer questions under oath about the incident, a move aimed at gathering facts for a potential lawsuit.
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TX: Grand jury declines to indict TABC agents in shooting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Travis County grand jury declined Tuesday to indict three Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents involved in the August shooting of a man who later died from his injuries.
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US: Economy limping back to strength
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The unemployment rate will remain elevated for years to come, according to a forecast released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve that addresses for the first time economic conditions at the time of the next presidential election.
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UT: Former state legislators support ethics initiative
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Without the oversight of an independent ethics commission, former state Sen. Karen Shepherd sees the Utah Legislature as a fox guarding a henhouse — "a serious conflict of interest."
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UT: Former Governor backs ethics initiative
From: feeds.stateline.org
"So far, 35 former Utah lawmakers -- Republican and Democrat -- have endorsed the ethics reform initiative that has now come under heavy fire from many sitting legislators and GOP politicos.
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VA: Columbia Gas bills will be 12% lower this winter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This winter's natural gas bills will be 12 percent lower for Columbia Gas of Virginia's customers than a year ago, the company said yesterday.
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VA: Chesapeake seeks to study joining light-rail line
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- The City Council is curious about light rail and whether it could connect to Chesapeake. So on Tuesday, the council voted 8-0 to pursue a federally funded study on the possibility of extending light-rail service to the city.
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VA: About 22% of mortgages in region are 'underwater'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- More than 71,500 homeowners in Hampton Roads owed more on their mortgages than the homes were worth at the end of September, according to a report released Tuesday.
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VA: Va. agency declines to throw out application for 3-state power line
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia officials cleared the way Tuesday for continuing consideration of an application to build a 275-mile high-voltage power line.
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VA: Another run possible for McAuliffe?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Terry McAuliffe, the millionaire businessman who ran unsuccessfully for Virginia governor this year, is negotiating with investors and a U.S. automaker to lure a factory to southern Virginia -- raising speculation that the ambitious Democrat is not done with state politics.
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VT: State -- Rail plan for granite on track
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BARRE TOWN, Vt. – A plan to ramp up rail service in central Vermont to serve the business needs of a local granite company is coming like, well, a freight train, and all the mayoral invective that can be hurled back and forth between Barre and Montpelier isn't going to derail it.
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VT: Vermont weatherization program investigated
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two state employees have been on paid leave since Nov. 11 while state officials conduct an internal investigation into the administration of the Vermont Weatherization Assistance Program.
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WA: Wash. 2-year colleges report record enrollment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SEATTLE — Autumn enrollment is expected to top 146,000 full-time equivalent students at Washington's public two-year colleges, a nearly 10 percent increase over fall 2008. Historically, college enrollment increases during an economic downturn and decreases as jobs become more plentiful.
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WA: Washington considers new irrigation water rights
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KENNEWICK, Wash. -- The Washington Ecology Department is trying to find a way to allow farmers who conserve water to use part of it to irrigate new land.
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WA: Washington considers new irrigation water rights
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KENNEWICK, Wash. -- The Washington Ecology Department is trying to find a way to allow farmers who conserve water to use part of it to irrigate new land."
WA: Will red ink sink state raspberry commission? Probably not
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with a $2.6 billion operating budget deficit heading into next year's legislative session, Gov. Chris Gregoire basically says that almost no program is completely safe.
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WI: Utility company planning layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Wisconsin utility says layoffs and furloughs are in the future as it deals with a decline in power usage -- primarily in the commercial sector.
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WI: State reports 3 percent drop in contracts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state spent 3 percent less on contractual services in the fiscal year that ended on June 30.
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WI: WP&L rate increase scaled back
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin Power & Light Co. customers will pay 6.4% more for electricity in 2010, after the state Public Service Commission voted Tuesday to pare back the Madison utility's request for an 11% price increase.
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WI: State awarded $10.7 million energy grant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Waukesha Electric Systems on Tuesday was awarded $10.7 million from the federal stimulus package for a "smart grid" demonstration grant.
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WI: One in four state banks lost money in the third quarter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin banks endured their toughest quarter since the recession began, with one in four losing money in the third quarter.
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WV: Judge sides with environmental groups in coal case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated federal environmental laws by failing to give the public enough of a say before issuing permits for mountaintop removal coal mines in West Virginia, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.
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WV: Judge sides with environmental groups in coal case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers violated federal environmental laws by failing to give the public enough of a say before issuing permits for mountaintop removal coal mines in West Virginia, a federal judge ruled Tuesday."
WV: Online hunting licenses surge in W.Va.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia Treasurer John Perdue says the purchase of hunting licenses online is growing in popularity.
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WV: Spouse's finances fair game under proposed ethics law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public officials and candidates would have to disclose their spouses' financial interests, along with other new disclosures, under a bill the state Ethics Commission will submit to the Legislature in January.
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WY: Economy creates high call volume at Casper unemployment office
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wyoming Department of Employment, Unemployment Insurance Division, is feeling the effects of the national economic recession with an unprecedented number of calls and subsequent longer wait times.
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WY: LCCC trustees yet to decide position on state sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Trustees at Northwest College in Powell want the state to collect a sales tax to help Wyoming's community colleges.
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WY: Company seeks $3M state grant for corporate campus near Big Horn Avenue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CODY, Wy. — Representatives from Eleutian Technology on Tuesday detailed their plan to relocate their corporate headquarters from Ten Sleep to a former farm property along Big Horn Avenue in Cody, to be developed with a $3 million state grant.
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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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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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