'Jock tax' boosts revenue in Pa., N.J.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: Philadelphia football fans may jeer when the New York Giants come to town, but city and state budget officials are likely to cheer. That's because Philadelphia and Pennsylvania -- as well as neighboring New Jersey -- tax the income of visiting athletes.
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US: Job cuts loom as stimulus fades
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Highway-construction companies around the country, having completed the mostly small projects paid for by the federal economic-stimulus package, are starting to see their business run aground, an ominous sign for the nation's weak employment picture.
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AK: All Alaskans now eligible for swine flu vaccine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As of today, the state will allow anyone who wants swine flu vaccine to get it.
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AK: Seafood group pushes sustainable labeling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To boost Alaska seafood market prices and expand the Alaska brand in Europe, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is in discussions with a trade group that certifies and labels sustainable seafood.
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AL: Capitol Christmas tree delivered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Christmas tree that will take center stage at the state's annual tree lighting ceremony arrived at the state Capitol on Monday.
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AL: Alabama PSC considering rate cuts for 3 utilities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Customers of Alabama Power Co., Alabama Gas and Mobile Gas could see their rates going down in the next few weeks.
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AL: Casinos to open despite court ruling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An electronic bingo casino is planning to reopen and a new one is getting ready for its first customers as attorneys wage a legal battle over the popular machines.
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AR: Sponsors sought for Civil War historical markers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission is inviting groups and organizations around the state to sponsor historical markers telling how the Civil War affected their area.
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AZ: Brewer -- 'Desperate need' for income
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Issuing some of her strongest words to date on what she views as a needed tax increase, Gov. Jan Brewer on Monday said "there's absolutely no possible way we can balance Arizona's budget unless we have additional revenue."
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AZ: As recession lingers, Arizona food banks long on business, short on donations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With Arizona still in the recession's grip, many food banks are seeing increased demand coupled with donations that aren't keeping up.
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AZ: October marks 15th straight month of revenue declines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State tax collections continued their downward slide in October, with revenues for the month coming in more than $140 million below forecast and the state slipping deeper into a sea of red ink.
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AZ: Brewer may consider allowing payday loans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jan Brewer said Monday she's willing to consider legislation to let the payday loan industry remain in business despite a public vote to the contrary.
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CA: Marijuana sales boost Northern California county
From: feeds.stateline.org
"These are boom times for the marijuana trade, especially in Northern California's Humboldt County. Humboldt pot is sold throughout the country, including some of the many medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles.
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CA: FPPC fines CalPERS official Valdes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Veteran CalPERS board member Charles Valdes has agreed to pay a $12,500 fine for violating campaign finance laws after accepting contributions from pension fund placement operatives that exceeded legal limits, the state's political watchdog said Monday.
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CA: FPPC may clamp down on gifts to public officials' families
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Free tickets to ball games, spa visits or other treats for California officials' spouses or children should be reported and counted toward annual gift limits, according to a new recommendation by staff at the California Fair Political Practices Commission.
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CA: CalPERS board member should be fined, watchdog agency says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A longtime board member at the California Public Employees' Retirement System, Charles Valdes, should be fined $12,500 for receiving five campaign contributions in excess of state limits, the state's political watchdog agency recommended Monday.
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CA: Schwarzenegger's business manager blames tax lien on communication, mail glitches
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The tax lien the Internal Revenue Service lodged against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in May resulted from a glitch involving payroll forms for his household employees and a series of certified letters that were returned to sender, according to his business manager.
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CO: Medical pot advocates roll out poll showing support
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Medical marijuana advocates released a poll Monday they said shows overwhelming support — by a 2-to-1 margin — for licensing and regulating cannabis dispensaries popping up across Colorado.
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CO: Water cleanup bill in delicate dance with mining law reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just outside of Central City in Colorado's Gilpin County, the historic Perigo gold mine drains metal-laden water at an average of 70 gallons per minute into a small perennial stream known as Gamble Gulch.
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CT: State charges CVS with selling expired goods
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Richard Blumenthal charged Monday in a lawsuit that CVS Pharmacy Inc. has been selling expired food, beverages and over-the-counter medicines at some of its Connecticut stores, including three in the region.
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CT: Former CuraGen exec joins Connecticut Innovations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut Innovations, the quasi-public state agency that invests in young local technology companies, on Monday appointed a former CuraGen Corp. executive to its investment team.
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CT: State's unemployment insurance fund runs out of cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's unemployment insurance fund became insolvent on Oct. 13, and Connecticut expects to borrow $900 million from the federal government to keep paying checks to a growing number of out-of-work residents.
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DE: Wilmington gets $1 million to help people keep homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WILMINGTON, Del. — The city government has $1 million in federal stimulus money to help people with housing payments.
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DE: Federal stimulus funds flow into UD, fueling research project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four-year-old Carlita Kaliher isn't just stacking blocks and tugging a toy train around a playroom on the University of Delaware campus.
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DE: School district merger would save millions, auditor says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Consolidating Delaware's 19 school districts could save the state $50 million a year, a new report suggests, though critics say the needed salary adjustments would outweigh much of the savings.
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DE: New look proposed for DNREC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Citing budget pressures and changing times, Delaware's top environmental officer proposed a radical restructuring of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control.
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FL: Glades cities grow more dependent, could face dissolution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Residents of the struggling cities around Lake Okeechobee are charged some of the highest tax rates in Palm Beach County, yet there are fewer and fewer municipal services that the three cities provide.
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FL: Florida regulators try again for energy conservation goals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Public Service Commission is taking another stab at setting energy conservation goals for Florida's major electric utilities.
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FL: Snowbirds a welcome flock to South Florida businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Many Bostonians who winter in Fort Lauderdale like to dine at Kelly's Landing, where the briny New England fare — the seafood chowder and Ipswich clams — comes without the bitter New England cold.
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FL: Legislature calls special session on SunRail to begin Thursday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida's hunt for a $2.5 billion federal windfall for high-speed rail lurched ahead with Monday's official call for a special legislative session to begin Thursday.
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FL: Rail-transit labor issue big factor for session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Millions more dollars for commuter rail. A new agency to oversee a bullet train. An agreement to spare taxpayers from some major lawsuits.
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FL: Rothstein expected to be arrested, charged Tuesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Scott Rothstein, the flashy Fort Lauderdale attorney who authorities say ran a $1 billion investment scam while acting like a philanthropic tycoon, is expected to be arrested Tuesday on a federal racketeering charge, sources familiar with the case said.
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GA: Jackson asks banks to stop foreclosures during holidays
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Rev. Jesse Jackson asked Georgia banks on Monday evening to boycott Tuesday's home foreclosure auction.
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HI: Waikiki ends lean year on up note
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A difficult year for tourism is ending on a high note thanks to two large back-to-back conventions and the Honolulu Marathon, but the good news is being tempered by the lack of big-attendance events in the first half of 2010.
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HI: Furloughs further blasted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top aide to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said Hawaii is the only state to furlough teachers and cut instructional days as a budget-cutting move.
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HI: Education is wrong place to seek cuts, official warns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WAIMANALO, Hawaii — A federal education official who's in the Islands to learn about the challenges and successes in Hawai'i schools yesterday said the state needs to do more to eliminate furlough days and keep children in the classrooms.
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IA: Farmers struggle to dry wet corn during 'painfully slow harvest'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa Gov. Chet Culver extended the suspension of driving limits for propane truck drivers by 15 days, and he extended an exemption to the harvest truck weight limit by 30 days.
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IA: Union's vote saves 561 state jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just over 100 state workers will be laid off — instead of nearly 800 — primarily because two of Iowa's three public employee unions have agreed to take five unpaid days off.
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ID: Gov. Otter's call for for ideas to streamline government nets about 217 ideas online
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Butch Otter's summons for ideas to streamline government has produced 217 online submissions since his efficiency.idaho.gov Web site went live Nov. 13.
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ID: Idaho raises the bar on climate change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality set a national precedent Monday when it issued a permit requiring the proposed Power County plant to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 58 percent of what a comparable facility now emits.
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ID: Health districts under scrutiny? Legislators point to possible cuts to the state's health services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"People walking through the doors of South Central Public Health District facilities can do so in a variety of places.
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IL: State boosts Rockford broadband plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCKFORD, Ill. -- The Greater Rockford Fiber Optic System, seeking $71 million application for federal stimulus funds, has been deemed one of 18 "highly recommended" projects in Illinois by state officials.
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IL: Undercover teams find most places obey liquor laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Undercover teams visiting Illinois liquor stores, restaurants and bars last month found most refused to sell alcohol to underage customers. But 14 businesses were cited for violating liquor control laws.
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IL: Illinois revenue from Internet sales steadily increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois is cashing in as people do more of their shopping online, but the receipts coming from individual Internet shoppers still represent only a small part of what the state collects in sales taxes.
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IN: Indiana charities hope for more holiday donations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana charities are hoping donations will pick up this holiday season to meet the skyrocketing demand for help during the slumping economy.
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KS: Push to privatize is on the table
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The purveyors of privatization are knocking on the Legislature's door with promises of cheaper and more efficient operations.
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KS: November revenues in Kansas slightly ahead of estimates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas officials say the state collected about $3 million more in tax revenues than expected in November.
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KS: As school funding takes another budget hit, KNEA calls for more responsible tax policy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The upcoming fight over whether to cut more from the state budget or raise taxes to make up for lost revenue will inevitably focus on public school funding.
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KY: Special interests give Democrat big fundraising lead in Kentucky Senate race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Contributions from the horse industry and highway contractors have helped Democrat Jodie Haydon build a huge fundraising lead over Republican Jimmy Higdon in next week's special election for the state Senate — a race some see as a referendum on expanded gambling.
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KY: Commerce Lexington adopts pro-coal position after trip
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Commerce Lexington has changed its official policy statement to be much more pro-coal after a two-day trip to Eastern Kentucky.
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KY: Racing agency hires betting monitor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has hired a supervisor of pari-mutuel wagering to address betting integrity.
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LA: Madoff loss hits pension fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Municipal Employees Retirement System of Louisiana lost at least $5 million to confessed swindler Bernard L. Madoff, officials say in a civil suit filed in Baton Rouge federal court against several financial and accounting firms.
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LA: State's farmers eligible for federal help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly all of Louisiana has received a federal disaster designation that will allow farmers to receive aid for losses from drought and excessive rains, the federal agriculture department declared Monday.
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LA: Attorney general -- Angola must get bids on rodeo
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Louisiana State Penitentiary must seek competitive bids or proposals to award a contract for livestock and other services for the annual Angola Rodeo performances, according to a recent state attorney general's opinion.
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MA: $68m in solar rebates goes fast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A $68 million state fund to provide sizable rebates to homeowners and business owners who install solar panels was expected to last three or four years. But the program -- offering homeowners rebates that averaged more than $13,000 -- proved so popular that the $68 million was tapped out in October, just 22 months after the program began.
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MA: No State House stampede to take no-pay furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Less than half of state lawmakers - back on Beacon Hill yesterday after an extended holiday break - said they'll take an unpaid week off meant to save taxpayers more than $600,000.
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MA: Hospital sues for state funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HYANNIS, Mass. — Cape Cod Hospital plans to sue the state to help make up for $17 million hospital officials say they've lost over the past three years by caring for poor people.
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MD: Revived 'green city' in Charles County may also create 1,000 jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley on Monday praised a Charles County developer's plan for a "green city" as a "model of a 21st-century city" that will create nearly 1,000 jobs in the short term.
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MD: O'Malley undecided whether to continue taxing millionaires
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Awash in financial decisions as the budget picture worsens, Gov. Martin O'Malley is so far noncommittal about whether to try to extend a controversial income tax on high earners beyond 2010.
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MD: Garrett, Charles to get wind, solar power plants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, Md. -- Maryland's fledgling campaign to develop renewable power got a twin boost Monday, as Constellation Energy said it would take over construction of a 70-megawatt wind farm in Garrett County and another company unveiled plans for the state's largest solar array in Charles County.
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ME: Maine raises unemployment tax by $54 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine employers will see a $54 million increase in the taxes they pay to fund the unemployment insurance system starting in January. It's an increase business groups say could cost jobs.
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ME: Maine unemployment fund called solvent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman says Maine is one of only a few states likely to emerge from the recession with a solvent unemployment trust fund.
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ME: Bangor protesters urge trade reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BANGOR, Maine — In 1999, tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Seattle to protest economic globalization. The event shut down a ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization, but more important, helped launch a crusade advocating for fair trade practices.
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ME: Maine regulators to investigate power costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine regulators will investigate why some businesses who have conserved electricity are seeing higher bills for the transmission and distribution of power.
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MI: Invasive carp scaling barriers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As news spreads across the country that the carp might have breached an electric barrier built to keep them out of the Great Lakes, fishermen and natural resource officials are getting antsy that local waterways could be at risk.
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MI: Bare-bones car policies proposed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state-required, bare-bones, $600 auto insurance policy for low-income drivers is a key element in a plan from state House Democrats to force insurance companies to reduce Michigan auto insurance rates.
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MN: Big school districts lose big as students leave
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- At a time when state funding is precarious, Minnesota's largest school districts are losing thousands of students and millions of dollars to one of the state's most noteworthy innovations -- open enrollment.
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MN: Legislators scour for spare dollars for bonding projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- State building projects that haven't gotten off the ground could be cancelled to help pay for new, more urgent projects as part of the effort to draft a bonding proposal for the 2010 session of the Legislature.
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MN: Minnesota House DFLers line up jobs bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minnesota House Democrats plan to push a hefty public works funding bill through the Legislature early next year to put people back to work as soon as the 2010 construction season begins.
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MO: Mo. wins grant to map broadband Internet coverage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri has won a $1.9 million federal grant to help expand high-speed Internet service in rural areas.
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MO: Former Mo. public official faces casino ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Missouri gambling regulators are set to decide this week whether to ban a former Buchanan County public administrator from the state's casinos.
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MO: Missouri lawmaker says FBI asking about sales tax bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The FBI has been asking questions about why Missouri House leaders blocked legislation earlier this year affecting millions of dollars worth of sales taxes charged by cities.
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MS: Performance-based state budget proposed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A committee charged with finding efficiencies in state government has recommended Mississippi's budgeting process be based on agency performance.
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MS: No mailout of Mississippi income tax forms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state will stop the mailing income tax forms to taxpayers. The state Tax Commission said Monday forms and instructions will be available on its Web site beginning Jan. 11, at its district offices and at public libraries statewide.
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MS: Plan to merge black colleges meets with ire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Haley Barbour's proposal to merge Mississippi's three public historically black universities is sparking debate over its racial undertones and raising questions over the state's funding of those colleges.
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MT: "Community owned" wind company plans 500 megawatts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Minnesota company has partnered with a Montana developer to pursue more than 500 megawatts of community-owned wind power in central Montana.
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MT: New Montana Capitol ornaments unveiled
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The new Montana Capitol ornaments were unveiled Monday, just as former first lady Betty Babcock announced she is retiring from group responsible for the building's restoration.
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NC: N.C. borrowing billions for jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina's high unemployment rate has stuck the state with $1.4 billion in debt - money that officials don't know how they'll pay back.
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NC: Documents -- Treasurer was skeptical of I-485 plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The office of N.C. Treasurer Janet Cowell appears to have been less enthusiastic about a new financing plan to finish I-485 in Charlotte than state transportation officials characterized last week.
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NC: UNCG students can now major in entrepreneurship
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREENSBORO, N.C. — English professor Terry Kennedy hopes his experience as the owner of a small press and the experiences of other businessmen like him will help his students enrolled in UNCG's new entrepreneurship degree program avoid some of the pitfalls common to new business owners.
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NC: Grant set for science center
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Employees' Credit Union announced Monday that its charitable foundation will give $4 million toward the construction of an environmental science center in downtown Raleigh.
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NE: Governor and first lady to host holiday open house
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Dave Heineman and First Lady Sally Ganem invite Nebraskans to join them Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. for an open house to celebrate the holiday season.
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NE: Late harvest 78 percent complete
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If the harvest moon looks a bit bigger than usual to Nebraska farmers, it might be because it's Dec. 1 and they already feel as though they've traveled halfway to the moon to get the corn crop out of the field.
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NH: Many in network find way back to jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SALEM, N.H. – State officials are taking note of a local networking group for unemployed professionals boasting an impressive success rate with helping New Hampshire job seekers find work.
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NH: DMV unveils online resources
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ten minutes. That's all it should now take for many New Hampshire drivers to renew their driver's licenses.
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NH: State -- Precision employees still owed $300,000
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former employees of Precision Technology, the Pembroke company that closed without notice three months ago leaving nearly 130 people without jobs, are still owed about $300,000 in unpaid wages and benefits, state officials say.
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NH: Political library lets staff go
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The New Hampshire Political Library has laid off its paid staff due to financial difficulties but will continue to operate, though board members are still figuring out what its priorities will be.
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NH: Now you know about lost tax refunds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Is your tax refund lost in the mail? The Internal Revenue Service is trying to locate New Hampshire taxpayers owed more than a total of $283,000 in refunds. Checks are due people in all 10 counties, with an average refund of $911.
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NJ: N.J. may outlaw raids on state benefit funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TRENTON, N.J. -- Taxes paid by New Jersey businesses to fund unemployment, disability, and family leave could no longer be diverted to other programs if voters approve a prohibition on such raids.
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NJ: North Jersey corporate costs fifth highest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Corporate executives looking to cut costs in the wake of the recession are more likely than ever to flee or avoid New Jersey, according to Princeton firm that specializes in helping companies relocate.
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NJ: Economy cuts off liquor license boom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There was a time not long ago when a license to sell liquor could fetch a township as much as $1 million.
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NJ: N.J. budget gap forces state to withhold $20.7M in aid payments to towns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To help close an unexpected budget gap, the state plans to withhold $20.7 million in aid payments to municipalities, a move that could force cuts in service or higher property taxes, according to three legislative sources briefed on the move.
"
NM: Court may rule on whether medical marijuana can be bought on black market
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Taos resident Tumi Madappa appeals an order by the Second Judicial District in Albuquerque, New Mexico may soon have case law addressing whether or not medical marijuana patients may purchase their marijuana on the black market if there aren't enough licensed producers providing access to the drug.
"
NM: Senators revive investment oversight bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Undaunted by Gov. Bill Richardson's veto early this year of a bill that would have weakened the governor's control of the State Investment Council, a legislative oversight committee on Monday unanimously recommended a similar bill for the January legislative session.
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NV: State's community colleges trying to avoid sacrificing quality for quantity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the three tiers of Nevada's system of higher education, the role of the community college has been constant: There will always be room for new students.
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NV: Nevada led nation in bankruptcy filings in '09
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada led the nation in bankruptcy filings during the last fiscal year, according to a new report from the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
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NV: Gibbons -- Jobless benefits at risk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons accused legislators Monday of putting jobless benefits for 120,000 Nevadans in jeopardy and pledged to issue an emergency declaration to fix the problem.
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NV: Gibbons -- Lawmakers show callous disregard for unemployed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons on Monday accused lawmakers of callous disregard for Nevadans on unemployment for failing to approve regulations implementing unemployment insurance taxes paid by businesses.
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NY: State offers cheaper H1N1 medication
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- New York state and more than 1,200 pharmacies are providing antiviral medication for H1N1 flu for $5 or less, instead of $100, for people who are uninsured or underinsured, officials announced Monday.
"
NY: Food prices good news for wallets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- At least the recession has been good for something. One sizable household expense — the weekly grocery bill — is on average lower than it was in 2008.
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NY: Deficit deal, or no deal?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's budget deficit impasse has reached either a breakthrough or the beginning of a new stage of combat.
"
OH: $1B ballot proposal unveiled for Third Frontier
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland and House Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, want to put a $1 billion, five-year bond proposal on the May 2010 primary ballot to renew and expand the Third Frontier high-tech program.
"
OH: FirstEnergy Corp. gets 15 more days to resolve light bulb program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The legal department at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio late Monday granted the extension to allow the company to make the bulb program part of a larger energy efficiency program.
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OH: GOP -- Budget offer met with 'hissy fit'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland can either cut a deal with Ohio Senate Republicans to fill an $851 million budget hole in December or risk having to slash public education funding in a year when he is running for re-election, two leading Senate Republicans said Monday.
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OH: Ohio awards $13 million for for wind and solar projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Ohio is plowing more than $13 million in federal stimulus money into 25 wind and solar power projects across the state, including 10 in Northeast Ohio.
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OH: Bad sign for central Ohio economy -- Construction contracts plummet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The dollar value of contracts for future construction in central Ohio tumbled 69 percent year-over-year in October to $127.5 million, led by a 77 percent decline in commercial contracts, McGraw-Hill said.
"
OK: Oklahoma Supreme Court rejects stimulus case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Supreme Court has refused to take up a lawsuit claiming Oklahoma used the wrong process to accept and spend federal stimulus funds, the attorney who filed the case said Monday.
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OK: $20M Oklahoma jury award cap is sufficient, study says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oklahoma jurors awarded about $18.7 million in noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases in the past four years, an informal study of court cases shows.
"
OR: Lawmakers release spending-cut options
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Potential spending cuts, which lawmakers released late Monday, could reduce aid to public schools and universities, result in less help for families and seniors, close three Salem-area prisons and trigger layoffs of state troopers and court workers.
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OR: Oregon regulators propose new water pollution permit for Oregon Steel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed new wastewater permit for Evraz Oregon Steel includes new requirements for monitoring toxic pollution from the Portland Harbor manufacturer but does not require more wastewater cleanup.
"
OR: Dungeness crab outlook -- Plentiful
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHARLESTON, Ore. -- Crab this season exceeded the minimum requirements used by the state to ensure the shellfish are meaty enough for consumption.
"
OR: Tax campaigns fight over advertising
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Both sides of the tax fight headed to the Oregon ballot have now launched their advertising assaults -- and, with perhaps the exception of a Christmas truce, they may not let up until the Jan. 26 election.
"
PA: With Pa. boost, solar-cell plant set for Navy Yard
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a promise of $49 million in inducements from Gov. Rendell, a Greek solar-cell maker says it will break ground next year on a sprawling manufacturing facility in Philadelphia's Navy Yard.
"
PA: Phila., Pa., N.J. tax visiting athletes' salaries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To local fans they might be the "Damn Yankees," but to Harrisburg and City Hall, the Phillies couldn't have hosted better guests than the likes of Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, and Mark Teixeira.
"
PA: Pittsburgh pushes tax on college students
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PITTSBURGH -- Facing big unfunded pension liabilities for city workers, Pittsburgh is proposing what appears to be a one-of-a-kind 1% tuition tax on local university and college students, who claim the tax is illegal and unfair.
"
PA: Pastor plans run for lieutenant governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Philadelphia pastor and businessman Joe Watkins, a nationally known Republican commentator, said Monday he will seek the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor in 2010.
"
PA: 1st Bonusgate trial delayed a day
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The start of the "Bonusgate" trial of ex-state Rep. Sean Ramaley has been delayed a day by the illness of one of the lawyers involved in the case.
"
PA: Glitch fouls processing of jobless claims
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Department of Labor and Industry's online system for people to file claims for jobless benefits wasn't working yesterday due to a computer glitch, but it will be back up and running today, officials said.
"
PA: Lawmakers could expand gambling at state resorts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With major tourism sites such as a Valley Forge hotel, the Nemacolin Woodlands resort and now a hotel near Gettysburg thinking about adding slot machines, state legislators may increase the number of "resort hotel" slots licenses from the current two to as many as four or five to accommodate the demand.
"
RI: Insurance aid for jobless to expire Tuesday: Thousands in R.I. will begin to lose subsidy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Beginning Tuesday, the first of thousands of unemployed Rhode Islanders will exhaust a federal stimulus subsidy that has helped them afford temporary health insurance.
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RI: Carcieri weighs big changes in R.I. tax code
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Carcieri administration is considering a plan that would dramatically alter the way that businesses and individuals in Rhode Island are taxed.
"
RI: R.I. House begins economic forum this morning
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just two days before President Barack Obama is set to hold a White House forum on job creation, the Rhode Island House of Representatives will convene its own economic summit, starting this morning.
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SC: Greer looks for ways to deal with shrinking revenue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREER, S.C. — With new construction declining even worse than last year and state aid to cities expected to suffer more cuts, Greer is assessing its finances and will consider by January whether mid-year budget cuts in services will be required.
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SC: 'All the right ingredients'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREENVILLE, S.C. -- North Charleston landed a $98 million wind turbine test lab because of strong state support, good port facilities and Clemson University's "forward-looking" management plans, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Monday.
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SD: S.D. soybean, sunflower harvests wrapping up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- The harvest of soybeans, sorghum and sunflowers is wrapping up in South Dakota after another week of mild weather.
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SD: USD research benefits from 2009 stimulus funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"VERMILLION, S.D. -- The University of South Dakota says 21 projects at the school got more than $3 million from the economic stimulus act.
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TN: Nashville developer hasn't paid workers since January
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Nashville development company that helped spark a downtown condominium boom and once planned to build the tallest skyscraper in the Southeast has not paid its employees since January, according to Williamson County Chancery Court documents.
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TN: Officials announce $250M Nashville medical mart
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Dallas-based company has struck a long-term deal to move into and expand the Nashville Convention Center to house a medical trade center showcasing health care gadgets and products, city and state officials announced today.
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TX: Almost $1 billion less in state's rainy day fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texas' piggy bank will be almost $1 billion lighter than expected, according to a report released last week by Texas Comptroller Susan Combs.
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US: Obama's job summit challenge -- creating jobs on a budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama is slogging through difficult terrain by holding a so-called "jobs summit" this week. More than 15 million Americans are looking for work, a record number in more than six decades of Labor Department tracking. But government efforts to create jobs will cost money at a time when federal budget is soaring into its own record territory.
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UT: Ethics debate roils at forum
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former state Rep. Lou Shurtliff told a small crowd at Weber State University that many "protective" votes -- aimed at avoiding reprisal from politicos on both sides of the aisle -- were cast during last year's ethics hearings.
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UT: Utah could use health care reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the health care reform debate began Monday in the U.S. Senate, a look at the Utah numbers revealed a dismal picture for a state that prides itself on self-sufficiency, prudence and family values.
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VA: Economist -- Deficits, protectionism are key threats to economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. economy is recovering from the recession, but massive federal budget deficits are unsustainable and could lead to inflation, an agricultural economist said at a Virginia Farm Bureau Federation meeting.
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VA: Va.'s job growth outlook ranks high
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- Virginia will experience average annual employment growth of 1.7 percent through 2015, according to a report released Monday by an economic forecasting group.
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VA: Va. prepaid tuition prices rising about 4 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It will cost parents about 4 percent more than it did last year to prepay a year of tuition and fees at a four-year state university.
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VA: Va. targets funeral homes' standards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Virginia board that oversees the state's funeral services industry has proposed significant changes to regulations that govern the handling of human remains, months after whistleblowers accused their employer of inappropriate practices at a Northern Virginia facility.
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VA: Smokers take their last legal puffs in Va. restaurants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It was a gentlemen's protest: Scores of cigar-smokers filed into an upscale steakhouse in Reston on Monday night to light up their stogies over cocktails and beef Wellington and lament that the smoking police had finally come to, of all places, Virginia.
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VT: Mental health faces $20M cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Douglas administration is considering a nearly $20 million cut to mental health services in its next budget, a reduction that advocates say could result in up to 3,000 people across the state losing services.
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VT: Debt companies to pay refunds, $370,000 to Vermont
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two companies that offered to settle consumer debt must refund their customers and pay Vermont more than $370,000, Vermont Attorney General William Sorrell said in a statement.
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VT: Vermont businesses look for CyberMonday boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vermont businesses are looking for a boost and many were taking advantage of the micro-blogging site Twitter to lure people to spend money at their Web sites.
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WA: Washington state employers looking at 7.6% jump in workers comp rates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Washington employers will see their workers compensation insurance rates jump next year by an average 7.6 percent, state officials said today.
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WA: Analyst predicts massive Google growth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Google's slew of new online advertising techniques, including integrated movie trailers and price-comparison ads, has spurred one analyst to raise his Google stock-price target by $40.
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WI: Area industrial economy showed growth in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The pace of manufacturing has quickened in Wisconsin and Illinois, among other states, offering hope for an economic recovery in 2010.
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WV: Workman -- Massey employed 'extensive pattern of fraudulent conduct'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia State Supreme Court Justice Margaret Workman cited Massey Energy's "extensive pattern of fraudulent conduct" in a strongly worded dissent released Monday in a case that reached the U.S. Supreme Court earlier this year.
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WV: WVa agency to offer tips on seeking arts grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Artists and arts organizations can get tips on how to apply for grants during a series of free workshops planned across West Virginia.
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WV: Eateries may soon be posting calories
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chain restaurants across the country may soon have to post the number of calories in their food right along with its price.
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WV: Health-reform foes plan AARP card-burning events
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginians upset with AARP's support of health-care legislation plan to protest the seniors group this weekend at "Burn your AARP Card" events around the state.
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WV: Holiday weekend traffic shows hopeful signs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Traffic on the West Virginia Turnpike over the long holiday weekend increased by more than 5 percent over the same period last year.
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WY: Wyo receives settlement in securities cases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wyoming Secretary of State Max Maxfield recently signed a final Consent Order that required Merrill Lynch to pay a $266,255 fine to the State of Wyoming.
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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. 
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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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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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