OR: Kulongoski changes course, supports phase-out of wind energy tax credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Kulongoski bowed to mounting criticism Wednesday and said he's ready to pare Oregon's tax subsidies for green energy projects -- especially wind power -- after vetoing a similar plan earlier this year.
"
AL: Mercedes' incentives could approach $100 million for C-Class move
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama and local governments offered incentives valued as much as $100 million to bring production of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan to the German automaker's factory in Vance.
"
AK: Out-of-state fishermen expected to receive $70 million refund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Out-of-state fishermen will be refunded nearly $70 million in state money for commercial fishing license fees the Alaska Supreme Court says were unconstitutionally high.
"
AK: State puts brakes on new legislative office plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Consideration of a new legislative office building in downtown Anchorage is on hold after resistance from Gov. Sean Parnell, who controls the state land that lawmakers are interested in.
"
AL: Tuscaloosa gives $100M incentive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Local governments will pay out $1 million a year for 10 years as an economic incentive grant to Mercedes Benz U.S. International beginning in 2013.
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AL: Revenues for Alabama education, general funds falls in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tax collections for the state Education Trust Fund still are falling, but not as fast as they dropped last year, reports released Tuesday by the state finance department show.
"
AL: Analysts believe Northrop is bluffing over tanker deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Is it a bluff? That's the $40 billion question that echoed Wednesday from Washington state to Washington, D.C. — and from Alabama to Wall Street — on news that Northrop Grumman Corp. may opt out of the U.S. Air Force tanker competition.
"
AL: 124-year-old Middle Bay Lighthouse to stay put
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alabama Historical Commission voted Wednesday against moving Middle Bay Lighthouse to Battleship Park.
"
AL: Local leaders decry new cuts in homeowners insurance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Local leaders said Wednesday that they were stunned by additional cuts in coastal insurance, warning it puts the area further from a functioning, competitive market.
"
AL: Insurers cutting Gulf Coast wind coverage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MOBILE, Ala. -- Allstate Corp. and Alfa Mutual plan to drop wind coverage on an esti?mated 14,000 homeowner policies in Alabama's two coastal counties over the next 18 months, the latest blow to property owners seeking insurance in an area vulnerable to hurri?canes.
"
AL: James -- State must be prepared for BRAC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Tim James said one of his first actions if elected governor next year would be to form a committee to prepare for the next round of military base realignments and closings in 2015.
"
AR: State revenues down in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenues fell $16.2 million short of projections last month, the state fiscal office reported today.
"
AR: Lawmakers hear arguments for repealing or limiting lottery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal for an interim study on repealing the state lottery did not win adoption today, but a state senator urged lawmakers either to abolish the lottery or at least place new restrictions on the program.
"
AZ: Secretary of State -- Accurate Census count important to funding rural projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LAVEEN, Ariz. -- Adequate federal funding for broadband Internet, water systems, law enforcement and other areas vital to rural Arizona depends on residents participating fully in the upcoming U.S. census, Secretary of State Ken Bennett said Dec. 1.
"
AZ: Brewer -- 'No problem' on backers' payday loan work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A critic says Gov. Jan Brewer's credibility is being undermined. But the governor says it's not inappropriate that some of her political associates are doing work for the payday loan industry that could result in legislation reaching her desk.
"
AZ: Grocery workers to vote on contract
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 25,000 Fry's and Safeway grocery workers in Arizona are being asked to approve a new three-year contract that was hashed out at the eleventh hour last month to avert a pending strike.
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AZ: Arizona's economy may take years to recover
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's economy may take four more years to fully rebound, an Arizona State University economist said Wednesday.
"
AZ: State exhausts $700 million loan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's cash-flow problems are so dire that it took less than two weeks for the government to tap the entire $700 million loan it had borrowed to help with short-term needs.
"
CA: New model outlines climate change peril
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In 2100, Fisherman's Wharf would become Fisherman's Bay, the baseball diamond at AT&T Park would flood and two major Bay Area airports would better serve seaplanes under a climate change model unveiled Wednesday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Google.
"
CA: Water managers push for 2010 bond
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MISSION VALLEY, Calif. — Conventional wisdom says there's no worse time than a recession to sell voters on a nearly $11.2 billion bond.
"
CA: Suspend diesel rule, critics urge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Air Resources Board is under mounting pressure from within its own ranks to suspend a regulation that forces diesel truck owners to gradually replace older rigs that spew toxic soot.
"
CA: State leaders explore job creation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California labor leaders gathered in Sacramento on Wednesday to outline a vision for how the state can rebuild its crumbling infrastructure and create jobs for the future.
"
CA: Tax reform group wants to pluck 'low-hanging fruit'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California could cover its annual budget deficits by plucking "low-hanging fruit" of tax changes that would increase state revenues by $21.1 billion a year, the California Tax Reform Association declared today.
"
CA: No telling how holiday 'strike' went in California
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The closest any California public employee union has come to a strike went down last month. It's not apparent that much came of it.
"
CA: Whitman spot is big on ideas, short on specifics
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman has a new radio ad touting her tenure as CEO of online auction firm eBay.
"
CA: UC Merced fundraiser to move into private sector
From: feeds.stateline.org
"John Garamendi Jr., vice chancellor for university relations at UC Merced, announced Tuesday evening that he would resign from the post to start his own business.
"
CA: Assemblyman changes mind, asks governor to stop sale of O.C. Fairgrounds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Orange County assemblyman has joined other local politicians who have changed their minds about selling the Orange County Fairgrounds to help balance the state budget.
"
CO: CU officials worried that low state funding may imperil med school's accreditation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State funding for the University of Colorado's medical school is so low that college officials are concerned the institution could lose its accreditation, CU president Bruce Benson told lawmakers Wednesday.
"
CO: Searching and failing to find maternity coverage in Colorado
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In advance of a bill in the state legislature that would require Colorado's insurance companies to cover maternity, The Colorado Independent searched for non-employer-based maternity health insurance.
"
CO: Colorado AG wants $100M axed from Xcel rate increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Colorado attorney general's office is recommending cutting more than $100 million from a proposed Xcel Energy rate increase of $136 million, according to documents filed with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission last week.
"
CT: A plea from manufacturing -- Executives seek legislators' attention
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CROMWELL, Conn. -- About 75 manufacturing executives brainstormed Wednesday about how they can convince legislators in Hartford of this motto: "We can't be pro-jobs and anti-business."
"
CT: Insurance switch may help to fill budget gap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NAUGATUCK, Conn. -- The Board of Education has begun its campaign to persuade all school employees to buy into a new health insurance plan that it says will save almost $900,000 this year.
"
DE: Library auctions N.C. Wyeth illustrations for $1.83 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- The Wilmington Library sold five of its 14 N.C. Wyeth illustrations today at a sale of American paintings at Christie's in Manhattan.
"
FL: Homeowner rights and hot dog sellers are talk of court
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — If you are the owner of beachfront property and the state comes along and widens the beach, do you own the new land or does the state?
"
FL: Plunging property values will cause school funding shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida's real-estate market is crumbling so badly that the taxable property value for schools statewide will tumble 9.5 percent next year, state economists said Wednesday.
"
FL: Florida economic recovery lagging
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- The national economy is perking up, even as Florida and the Southeast continue to struggle with a weak job market, depressed lending and a gloomy commercial real estate sector, the government said Wednesday.
"
FL: Special session could secure cash for Tri-Rail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida legislators will gather Thursday in Tallahassee for a special session designed, in part, to secure much-need funds for South Florida's financially strapped commuter train, Tri-Rail.
"
FL: National study -- Coral Springs safest in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Coral Springs is the safest city in Florida, according to "City Crime Rankings 2009-2010 -- Crime in Metropolitan America," a new report put together by criminologists based on 2008 data.
"
FL: Lawmakers debate Tri-Rail funding subsidy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- The Tri-Rail station east of Miami International Airport is a symbol of the beleaguered commuter rail's potential bright future -- if state officials meeting in Tallahassee this week give it a guaranteed subsidy.
"
FL: Senator keeps up fight to halt transit proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Twice in two years, proposed commuter rail in Central Florida died despite backing from powerful political and business leaders. Both times, Lakeland Republican Sen. Paula Dockery engineered the train wreck.
"
GA: State retreats from Resaca Battlefield project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gordon County commissioners voted Tuesday to lead the charge to complete work at the Resaca Battlefield after the state department overseeing the project made a retreat.
"
GA: Ga. Music Hall of Fame staying put in Macon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The financially struggling Georgia Music Hall of Fame will stay in Macon at least through the end of the state's fiscal year in June.
"
GA: H1N1 vaccine demand high, supply limited
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Georgia Division of Public Health has taken a look at opening up vaccine distribution to everyone, but doesn't yet have an adequate amount and will continue to focus it on the priority groups, spokeswoman Ravae Graham said.
"
GA: Vogtle prepayment dispute needs new judge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A lawsuit challenging prepayment of construction-finance costs for two reactors at Plant Vogtle stalled Wednesday when the judge removed himself from the case.
"
GA: Firm's work is blasted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Savannah River Site's main contractor, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, was admonished by the Energy Department on Wednesday for poor management and unacceptable delays in its mission to dispose of 4,200 cubic meters of transuranic nuclear waste by September 2012.
"
HI: Hawaii vies for Chinese tourists
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hawaii is competing with California, Nevada — particularly Las Vegas — and other U.S. tourist destinations for a vast and largely untapped new market segment: Chinese travelers.
"
HI: Resignation intensifies worries about elections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The resignation of Chief Election Officer Kevin Cronin is renewing concerns about whether there is enough money, manpower and time to plan successful elections next year.
"
HI: Lingle frees $36.9M for the first major terminal concourse expansion in 15 years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is moving forward on its first major concourse expansion in 15 years as it seeks to bolster tourism and position Honolulu Airport as a world-class destination.
"
IA: Business leaders seek lower property taxes, investments in rail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A statewide alliance of business leaders is asking state lawmakers to scrutinize state government spending, lower commercial and industrial property taxes and invest in Iowa's rail system.
"
IA: Iowa economy index halts losing streak
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After 18 months of declines, an index state leaders use to track Iowa's economy has inched its way into positive territory, a report Wednesday showed.
"
IA: Chamber Alliance -- Allow county-based tax decisions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All of Iowa's 99 counties would be able to decide how they tax businesses and residents, under a proposal from group representing Iowa chambers.
"
IA: Tax credit review timeline extended
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A review of Iowa's tax credits has been extended by a week to give departments more time to conduct a comprehensive analysis, Gov. Chet Culver announced today.
"
IA: Culver seeks budgeting change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chet Culver called Wednesday for changes to the budgeting process he argued could help avert crises like this year's sharper-than-expected revenue downturn, even as he defended the deep spending cut he ordered in October.
"
ID: Expert tells Idaho lawmakers -- Back away from the federal transportation trough
From: feeds.stateline.org
""The federal transportation program is in disarray and dysfunctional," Tom Warne, former director of the Utah Department of Transportation, told the governor's transportation task force on Wednesday.
"
IL: State solicits office space
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Department of Central Management Services — which handles space needs for state agencies — is asking landlords to make their best offers on nearly 350,000 square feet to be used by four agencies: the departments of Insurance, Public Health, Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Financial and Professional Regulation.
"
IL: Slots at tracks downplayed by Senate leader
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The president of the Illinois Senate cast doubts Wednesday on thousands of slot machines sprouting up at Arlington Park and other horse tracks.
"
IL: Toxic effort to halt Asian carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois' Department of Natural Resources launched chemical war tonight against the invasive Asian carp in a 6-mile stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Romeoville, an aggressive response to fears that carp are pushing their way north toward Lake Michigan and could devastate the Great Lakes' $7 billion commercial fishing industry.
"
IL: Quinn 'premature' in involving treasurer office in attack on Hynes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn's efforts to go on the attack against Democratic primary rival Dan Hynes hit a snag Wednesday after he overstated Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias' support for a plan to borrow millions to help plug the state's massive budget gap.
"
IN: State's e-waste collectors, recyclers face deadline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The clock is ticking for Indiana's electronic waste collectors and recyclers to enroll in a new program intended to reduce the amount of electronic waste that ends up in the state's landfills.
"
KS: KU officials say budget cuts could affect degree programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Still awaiting their most recent round of budget cuts, Kansas University administrators told an audience Wednesday to continue to expect difficult cuts in the future.
"
KS: State benefit fund sapped
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massive job losses are threatening the state's ability to pay unemployment benefits, which is expected to lead to higher taxes on employers, benefit cuts for workers and possibly borrowing money from the federal government.
"
KY: UK to change but save preservation program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Kentucky's historic preservation program is undergoing the type of face lift its graduates might conduct on old buildings.
"
KY: Peters says he alone fired Mills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters said Wednesday that it was his decision alone to fire state mine permits director Ron Mills last month.
"
LA: Regents OK slashing 107 school programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 100 academic programs will be eliminated at the state's community and technical colleges as well as at universities affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
"
LA: Report -- Food stamp rolls have grown in La.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More Louisiana families are receiving food stamps now than in the past 20 years, a trend mirroring national reports that more people are in need of the federal assistance because of job loss.
"
LA: FDIC seeks to reduce number of 'unbanked'; in Louisiana, 9 percent have no accounts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Nearly 9 percent of Louisiana households do not have a checking or savings account, according to a report released Wednesday by banking regulators.
"
LA: Chinese drywall reports being compiled by Louisiana Recovery Authority
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS, LA. -- The Louisiana Recovery Authority is urging Louisiana homeowners with defective drywall from China to call a hotline next week to report problems, thus giving the state ammunition to push for federal assistance, the group's executive director told a special Senate Insurance Committee meeting in Mandeville Wednesday night.
"
MA: Wal-Mart will pay $40m to workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, has agreed to pay $40 million to as many as 87,500 current and former employees in Massachusetts, the largest wage-and-hour class-action settlement in the state's history.
"
MA: Fed -- More of region's employers look to hire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Federal Reserve actually used the words "beginning to hire" in a somewhat upbeat report about Boston-area employers and the state's economy.
"
MA: Poll -- Majority of Cape residents support wind farm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CAPE COD, Mass. -- The authors of a 2005 survey on the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm have released results from a new poll that shows a shift of local attitudes in favor of the project.
"
MA: Convention plan illegal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center's ambitious plan to double its size faces at least one major hurdle -- It's illegal.
"
MA: Gov. Patrick -- Utility to pursue Cape Wind power deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has announced that National Grid will pursue a long term deal with Cape Wind to purchase power from its proposed 130 turbine wind farm.
"
MD: City told to gird for more budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, Md. -- Baltimore must carve $130 million from its already stripped-down spending plan to account for plummeting revenue and mushrooming pension costs next year, according to projections released Tuesday afternoon.
"
MD: Maryland Historical Society cuts operating hours, staff
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, Md. -- A $670,000 budget shortfall due to the dismal economic climate has prompted the Maryland Historical Society to cut hours at its Baltimore museum and library and to eliminate several staff positions, according to the president of its trustee board.
"
MD: Miller, Busch give hints of General Assembly session at Annapolis chat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state won't cut teachers to help deal with a $1.5 billion budget deficit next year, but school administrators and public relations employees may need to go, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller said Tuesday.
"
MD: Stricter slots zoning sought
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Anne Arundel County lawmaker wants further zoning limitations for any slot-machine facility in the state in a reaction to a controversial proposed site at Arundel Mills mall in Hanover.
"
ME: Community colleges face layoff threat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CALAIS, Maine — After 20 years of steady enrollment growth, the Maine Community College System is faced with budget cuts that likely will result in reductions in administration, faculty and staff at the state's seven community colleges and could force the colleges to reduce the number of students it serves.
"
MI: Senate to vote on battery tax credit for German company to build Muskegon Township battery plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"uskegon's leadership put on a full-court press at a Michigan Senate committee meeting Wednesday to plead for passage of a special state tax credit that could lead to the biggest economic development project in recent history.
"
MI: Exodus makes Mich. recession worse
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan's massive population exodus is a symptom of the state's nearly decade-long economic malaise, but it's also making our "one-state recession" worse, according to a study released Tuesday by Michigan State University researchers.
"
MI: USDA grant to benefit Mich. produce farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A project that will add millions of dollars to the local economy, expand marketing opportunities for local farmers and give urban dwellers easier access to fresh food recently got a boost from a $40,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"
MI: States' wish list of transit projects totals $70B
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan and other states have compiled a big wish list of 9,500 transportation projects totaling nearly $70 billion, saying the work would sustain or create hundreds of thousands of jobs while fixing crumbling infrastructure nationwide.
"
MN: Push for Vikings stadium continues despite deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A gloomy state budget forecast isn't deterring those who want a new Vikings stadium.
"
MN: State budget deficit projected at $1.2 billion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minnesota faces a $1.2 billion budget deficit that could mushroom to an eye-popping $5.4 billion over the next three years, according to a state budget forecast released Wednesday.
"
MN: Minnesota remains awash in red ink, state budget forecast says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minnesota faces a $1.2 billion deficit over the next 18 months that Gov. Tim Pawlenty characterizes as "significant but solvable."
"
MN: Guilty -- Tom Petters faces 30 to life in $3.5 billion scam
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Almost 14 months to the day after his arrest for running the largest fraud scheme in Minnesota history, a jury found Tom Petters guilty Wednesday on all 20 counts against him.
"
MO: Mo. corrections agency awards re-entry contracts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Missouri Department of Corrections has awarded $3 million in contracts to groups that help former prisoners re-enter communities.
"
MO: Mo. to distribute $11M in energy grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The competition is open for Missouri cities and counties to snag a share of $11 million in grants for energy efficiency projects.
"
MO: Missouri attorney general is asked to send back contribution from hog-farm owner
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Missouri environmental group wants Attorney General Chris Koster to return a $2,500 campaign donation from a company that owns several major hog farms in the state.
"
MS: FDIC -- Over 16 percent in Miss. can't access banks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal banking regulators say 16.4 percent of Mississippi households — 184,000 households — don't have a bank account or access to banking services.
"
MS: Miss. governor set to announce more budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour is set to announce a second round of state budget cuts, only five months into the fiscal year.
"
MT: Judge hears arguments in Great Falls power lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A District Court judge heard arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by Electric City Power over a Public Service Commission ruling that followed the partial re-regulation of power service in the state.
"
MT: State Auditor Lindeen hires Democratic senator as adviser
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. Christine Kaufmann, D-Helena, began work this week as a policy adviser to state Auditor Monica Lindeen and will help the office implement the anticipated passage of federal health care reform over the next 13 months.
"
MT: Montana gives preliminary OK to bison plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Seventy-four bison from Yellowstone National Park would go to billionaire Ted Turner's private ranch under a plan given preliminary approval Wednesday by the head of Montana's wildlife agency.
"
NC: Tony Rand accused of insider trading
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The former president of a publicly traded Raleigh company is accusing state Sen. Tony Rand of sharing insider information with other North Carolina politicians.
"
NC: New fund will invest in state businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Treasurer Janet Cowell is starting a $250 million equity fund to invest in North Carolina companies with two goals in mind: make money for the state pension fund and create jobs in North Carolina.
"
NC: N.C. lottery spends millions on advertising
From: feeds.stateline.org
"You've seen them and heard them. The cheesy game show character. The singing chorus. The ubiquitous billboards touting a big, life-changing jackpot. No one can escape the state lottery's advertising efforts. And with good reason: In the last fiscal year, the lottery spent $10.9 million on advertising.
"
NC: Water agency wants judge disqualified
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Piedmont Triad Regional Water Authority wants to disqualify the judge who ruled against it in a legal battle with owners of seven hydroelectric plants on the Deep River, citing an alleged conflict of interest involving the husband of U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan.
"
NE: Nebraska attorney general lauds merger agreement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OMAHA, Neb. -- A deal between the Justice Department and a medical-waste company seeking to buy a smaller rival will ensure the industry remains competitive and costs stay low in Nebraska, the state's attorney general said Wednesday.
"
NE: Internet shoppers might owe Nebraska sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Holiday shoppers making purchases over the Internet are reminded that they might owe a Nebraska "consumer's use" tax.
"
NE: Nebraska remains top irrigator in the country
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska took the lead in total irrigated acres from California in the 2007 agricultural census.
"
NE: Report -- Student debt growing problem
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates carried an average debt of nearly $19,000. The average dropped to $17,174 when only federal borrowing, not other private sources of loans, was included.
"
NE: Lawmakers to discuss Whiteclay and alcohol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska lawmakers plan to hold another hearing on alcohol-related problems around Whiteclay where four stores sell about 4 million cans of beer annually.
"
NH: N.H. foreclosures continue to rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A record number of New Hampshire homeowners fell behind on their mortgages in recent months, according to figures from the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority.
"
NH: Gambling study lacks answers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A draft of an interim report by the state Gaming Study Commission raises more questions than provides answers.
"
NH: November revenue above predictions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"According to the Department of Administrative Services, the state took in $90.4 million in November, $6.6 million above the Legislature's predictions.
"
NJ: N.J. hospitals report terrible year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey hospitals recorded their worst financial performance of the decade last year, a new report said.
"
NJ: N.J. Supreme Court hears arguments on the privacy of personal e-mails on work computers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The use of personal e-mail accounts at work may be acceptable to many companies, but that doesn't mean the bosses aren't looking -- even when the conversations are between an employee and her lawyer.
"
NJ: Statehouse debate -- Spend wisely or not at all
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With New Jersey facing a $1 billion hole in the current budget and Gov.-elect Chris Christie demanding lawmakers "stop spending" during the current lame-duck session, top Democrats who control both houses of the Legislature are waging a behind-the-scenes standoff over exactly what the state can afford.
"
NJ: With $34B in debt, Christie says he'll rethink borrowing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov.-elect Chris Christie said yesterday he will re-evaluate all planned borrowing for the coming year now that a state report says New Jersey owes nearly $34 billion and counting.
"
NM: Stimulus funds come to aid of water projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Next year, Santa Feans will benefit from federal stimulus funds every time they use water.
"
NM: Governor's office -- 59 political appointees to lose jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 60 of Gov. Bill Richardson's political appointees will lose their jobs next month, the governor's office announced today.
"
NM: Martinez -- I'll make the tough –- and ethical –- decisions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In 2005, Do a Ana County was heading for a public-safety crisis. Callers to 911 suffered through long delays.
"
NM: Dozens of exempt state jobs end Jan. 8
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 60 state employees will be out of work starting Jan. 8 under a plan to reduce the number of political appointees.
"
NV: Nevada faces January deadline to secure $175 million in education funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada has until mid-January to become eligible to compete for millions of dollars in new federal education grants, but the hurdles are greater than just repealing a law the prevents tests scores from being used in teacher evaluations, a state education official said Wednesday.
"
NV: Nevada Gaming board recommends sale of Carson Valley Inn to Michael Pegram
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Nevada Gaming Control Board on Wednesday recommended approval of Michael Pegram's application to buy the Carson Valley Inn in Minden.
"
NV: Neighbors say planned I-515 project already impacting property values
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Nevada Department of Transportation is developing plans to widen Interstate 515 and make other improvements to the freeway that connects Las Vegas and Henderson.
"
NV: NV Energy increases wind energy rebates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RENO, Nev. — NV Energy has increased incentives to encourage development of residential and business wind energy projects.
"
NY: Legislature passes measures on budget and pensions, but critics see only half steps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers took baby steps toward bringing spending restraint and more-rigorous government oversight to the capital on Wednesday by closing most of a $3.2 billion state budget deficit, scaling back pension benefits for new government employees and overhauling the public authority system.
"
NY: An energy answer in the shale below?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The first time Chesapeake Energy tried to buy mineral rights from Diana Whitmore, a 74-year-old retired real estate broker in southern New York, it offered her $125 for every acre of land plus a 12 percent royalty on whatever natural gas it extracts.
"
NY: Deficit gets $2.7B trim
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After a summer of preliminary debate, five weeks of increasingly testy negotiations and a final skirmish over procedure, the Legislature on Wednesday approved a plan to cut $2.7 billion from this year's $3.2 billion deficit.
"
NY: Lakes Ontario, Erie eyed for wind turbines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Some Canadians claim that on clear days, they can see the now-defunct Russell Station in Greece from the province of Ontario. Soon they may be seeing a series of lake-based wind turbines in the water along the coasts of Rochester and Wayne County.
"
OH: New state aviation council takes flight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Heavyweights in Ohio's aviation world met yesterday to begin the work of attracting more companies in that industry to the state that gave the Wright brothers their start.
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OH: Bouncing back from a recession starts with the right attitude, Northeast Ohio panelists say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND - Pulling Northeast Ohio out of the recession starts with fighting the negativity among some of the people who live here.
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OH: Hedge your bets on revenue from casino, Pittsburgh mayor advises Clevelanders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- A mayor whose city hosts one of the country's newest casinos has this advice for Cleveland's gambling prospects: Keep a lid on the expectations.
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OH: AmTrust's bankruptcy filing may be a lesson learned from WaMu
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When AmTrust Financial Corp. filed for bankruptcy protection this week, it may have been trying to avoid what happened to Washington Mutual last year.
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OH: Online shoppers either don't know or care about tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Commercial painter Antje Zwink buys supplies for her business online because many out-of-state distributors don't charge her tax.
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OH: Still not near a deal on state budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Negotiations to fill an $851 million state budget shortfall have bogged down over a disagreement between Senate Republicans and Democrats about whether reforming public-construction laws should be included in the budget fix.
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OK: State agency for Medicaid to weigh cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's Medicaid agency is considering increasing co-payments, decreasing services and reducing payments to doctors, nursing facilities and hospitals in response to declining state revenues.
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OR: Early snowpack is a question mark for Oregon's farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The snowpack in Oregon's mountains this winter may fall below normal, which is a concern for the state's farmers.
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OR: Oregon's recession may have ended in August, but not for job seekers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The recession in Oregon may have ended as far back as August, but job seekers still face difficulties and the economy remains fragile as stimulus effects fade.
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OR: Governor urges action on Columbia River Crossing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Using a tugboat as his pulpit, Gov. Ted Kulongoski urged regional leaders to press forward with a multi-billion dollar project to replace the Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River.
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OR: Oregon ski resort sees rebound from recession gloom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Matthew Drake has been connected with Mt. Hood Meadows since the ski hill's opening day in 1968, when his father, the founder, charged his then-eight-year-old son with raising the alarm when the first cars pulled into the parking lot.
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OR: Ore. governor pushes for I-5 bridge replacement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND -- Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski is urging regional leaders to press on with a multibillion-dollar project to replace the Interstate 5 bridge across the Columbia River.
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PA: Lawmakers call for revoking Foxwoods license
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Impatient with the stalled Foxwoods casino project, four Pennsylvania lawmakers yesterday called on state gaming regulators to revoke Foxwoods' license and award it to new investors to develop Philadelphia's second slots parlor.
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PA: Revenue shortfall threatens state budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's too early to panic, but a second straight difficult budget year could be shaping up for Gov. Ed Rendell and the state Legislature.
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PA: Bonusgate trial likely to begin tomorrow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Opening arguments in the first trial in the so-called "Bonusgate'' scandal will probably not start until tomorrow morning because jury selection is taking longer than expected.
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PA: Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission seeks proposals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission on Wednesday sought proposals from professional firms, including outside lawyers, who want turnpike work.
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PA: Pennsylvania 'Ghost job' trial may last week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The criminal trial of former state Rep. Sean Ramaley, accused of holding a "ghost job" at taxpayers' expense while campaigning for the House in 2004, will last up to a week, a judge said Wednesday.
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PA: Proposed regulations restricting wood-fired boilers angers owners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is considering stringent regulations for outdoor wood-fired boilers, devices some praise as great money savers but others say can be an irritating health hazard.
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RI: R.I. House Speaker Murphy urges 'cheerleading' to promote state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Speaker William J. Murphy fielded tough questions Wednesday from small-business leaders demanding to know how the state plans to recruit new companies, what it is doing to promote government efficiencies and whether lawmakers intend to pass "a legitimately balanced budget within the next five years."
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RI: State to help low-income students complete college in 3 years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At an event designed to highlight several education initiatives — including a pilot program that enables low-income students to take college courses while still in high school — Governor Carcieri and political and educational leaders gathered at Rhode Island College for a bill-signing ceremony Wednesday.
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SC: Officials call for comment on interchange project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SANTEE, S.C. -- The South Carolina Department of Transportation wants to know what the public thinks about plans for modifying an interchange along one of the state's busiest highways.
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SC: Businessman plans independent run for SC governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A businessman who has sought political office only once says he plans to make an independent run for governor of South Carolina.
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SC: Welcome to Boomtown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Boeing and tourists are expected to lift the Charleston economy out of the nationwide recession next year and perhaps skyrocket the Lowcountry into the top 10 growing economies in the United States, a University of South Carolina economist said Wednesday.
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SC: Fiscal forecast -- Mostly cloudy, chance of jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The recession is over, but South Carolina's economic problems will remain into next year, the state's top university economists said Wednesday.
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SD: State official -- Delay-plagued Aberdeen beef plant will be built
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state official who spent three days with investors and potential investors in the oft-delayed Northern Beef Packers plant says the Aberdeen plant will be built.
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SD: South Dakotans have more faith in economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Greg Heiberger was laid off in July from his customer service job with the Sioux Corp., a manufacturing firm in Beresford, he figured he'd find a similar position.
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TN: Starved horses get attention of lawmaker
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Janis Sontany of Nashville moved down the stalls one by one at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds on Tuesday, looking over 82 boney, near-starved horses and two mules.
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TX: 5 of state's newspapers partner up for election polling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 2.3 million Texas readers will have political and issues polling available to them for the 2010 elections because of an unprecedented partnership among the state's five largest newspapers, the editors announced Wednesday.
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US: Administration targets jobs puzzle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Bail out the states. Hire an army of caulkers and street sweepers. Pay companies to expand their work force. Build new dams and bridges. Boost exports. Slash payroll taxes.
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US: Ford Foundation to assist public benefit programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ford Foundation committed $80 million on Wednesday to strengthen public programs and policies aimed at helping the unemployed and low-wage workers.
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US: Repaid bailout money may go to jobless benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Under pressure from Democrats in Congress, the Obama administration has begun talks with lawmakers about tapping unspent money from the government's financial bailout program to help offset additional spending to create jobs and aid the long-term unemployed.
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US: As Obama opens jobs summit, he faces limited options for growth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Creating jobs is a political and economic imperative for President Obama, who is holding a high-profile jobs summit Thursday that aides hope will demonstrate his concern for the plight of everyday Americans.
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US: States act to curb 'double dipping'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"States pummeled by the recession and heavy job losses are moving to bar government employees from "double dipping" — the practice of collecting a pension and a paycheck at the same time.
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US: Stimulus is boon for D.C. area contractors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As struggling communities throughout the country wait for more help from the $787 billion stimulus package, one region is already basking in its largess: the government-contractor nexus that is metropolitan Washington.
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US: State officials say federal toxic chemical laws too weak
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Environmental officials in Maine and a dozen other states issued a statement Wednesday saying federal laws to protect the public from toxic chemicals are too weak and states instead are leading the way.
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UT: Utah sticks with four-day workweek
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One state motor vehicle office will go back to a five-day workweek to improve customer service, although most employees will continue working four days a week, Gov. Gary Herbert announced Wednesday.
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VA: Computer chief -- State gets its money's worth from Northrop Grumman
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's computer chief is telling skeptical lawmakers that Virginia is getting its money's worth by switching to a privately run information-technology system.
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VA: Gov. proposal offers state's coverage to more adults
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his final weeks in office, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is working to extend health care access to more Virginians by permitting "other qualified adults" to participate in the state employee health plan.
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VA: Jobless rate for region dips to 6.5% in Oct.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- Hampton Roads' jobless rate dropped in October as students returned to school and retail workers were hired for the holidays, the Virginia Employment Commission announced Wednesday.
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VA: Farmers say new bay laws too costly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia farmers say stricter regulations contained in proposed federal rules to protect the Chesapeake Bay could run them out of business.
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VT: Road salt plentiful but pricey
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When it snows this winter, local communities say they're ready with hefty supplies of road salt, but they're paying more than ever for it.
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VT: Hearing to address Vermont retirement changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tonight, a commission looking into how to restructure the pension and retiree health benefit plans for state workers and teachers will collect comments about proposals intended to put the retirement programs on surer financial footing.
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WI: Wis. court upholds $203M verdict for SC Johnson
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An appeals court has upheld a $203.8 million verdict for consumer products giant S.C. Johnson & Son Inc. to compensate for losses suffered in a trucking kickback scheme.
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WI: Wisconsinites more satisfied than in spring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new poll shows that Wisconsin residents are more satisfied with the way things are going in the state than they were in the spring.
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WI: Fewer Wisconsin residents lack bank accounts than national average
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The largest survey ever of how many families in the U.S. have bank accounts revealed both good news and bad news for Wisconsin.
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WI: Michigan governor wants Chicago canal locks closed to stop Asian carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even as hundreds of fishery workers begin to poison the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in a desperate attempt to keep Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm hopes to open a new front in the fight.
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WV: Manchin praises local project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WHEELING, W.Va. -- West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin credits the local Project BEST group with teaching him a key lesson in how to govern.
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WV: Disaster loans available for 3 W.Va. counties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Small businesses and small agricultural cooperatives affected by a fungi outbreak in three Eastern Panhandle counties are eligible for federal disaster loans.
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WV: Budget officials to meet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials are weighing a host of options to balance West Virginia's budget this year and next, including mid-year budget cuts, the elimination of programs, increased use of federal stimulus money and putting a hand into the state's surpluses.
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WV: Kennedy to attend W.Va. mountaintop mining rally
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Robert Kennedy Jr. is coming to Charleston to call for an end to mountaintop removal mining on Coal River Mountain.
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WV: PEIA board vote on new benefits plan delayed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When the Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board meets Thursday afternoon, board members apparently will not vote on a controversial 2010-11 benefits plan, as originally planned.
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WV: Harman Mining asks high court to reconsider Massey decision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hugh M. Caperton, owner of Harman Mining Co. and Sovereign Coal Sales, wants the state Supreme Court to reconsider its Nov. 12 decision that dismissed the August 2002 Boone County jury verdict he won against Massey Energy.
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WY: Lawsuit challenges liquor liability law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A head-on collision that killed a Ten Sleep couple last year is prompting a new legal challenge to a state law that protects bar owners from being held responsible for the actions of intoxicated patrons.
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Weekly wrap: Taxpayers in 29 states hit with hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report shows 29 states raised taxes or fees this year, generating an estimated $23.9 billion. Meanwhile, projections released this week show Arizona and Iowa headed on very different paths to economic recovery. And the upcoming Republican primary for Texas governor could be seen as a gift for the Democratic Party.
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After furloughs, states mull permanent cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
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The protracted fiscal crisis is forcing states to shrink their bureaucracies to match revenues. Some are seizing the opportunity to make government more efficient.
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Tax revenue down in at least 44 states
From: feeds.stateline.org
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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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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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