Highway money on states' radar
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: States are hoping that a job-creating initiative to be outlined by President Obama on Tuesday (Dec. 8) will include billions of dollars for "ready-to-go" infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, recession-worn Michigan may be ineligible for $475 million in federal highway money because it cannot find $84 million in matching state funds.
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US: Timber law becomes vast entitlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RESERVE, N.M. — A federal program that began as a safety net for Pacific Northwest logging communities hard-hit by battles over the spotted owl in the 1990s has morphed into a sprawling entitlement -- one that ships vast amounts of money to states with little or no historic connection to timber, an analysis by The Associated Press shows.
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AK: Fisheries board -- Bay protection warranted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alaska Board of Fisheries decided Saturday to send a letter to state legislators asking them to consider more regulatory protection for salmon in the Bristol Bay river drainages downstream of the proposed Pebble mine.
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AK: Weyhrauch case goes to Supreme Court
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- A case with roots in the Alaska political corruption investigation has worked its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which this week will take a look at it and another case in which an anti-corruption statute is now in question.
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AK: Lawmakers ask Parnell to review Alaska oil tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fifteen state representatives have asked Gov. Sean Parnell to take another look at a 2007 increase in Alaska's oil tax.
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AL: Unemployed? Hang up and call again later
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama's unemployment hot line automatically hangs up on a quarter of all callers because the crush of calls is overwhelming the 178 operators, state data show.
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AL: Bingo machine operators change mechanisms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama's largest gambling venues are reconfiguring their bingo machines to meet standards recently set by the state Supreme Court, but the changes don't go far enough, according to Gov. Bob Riley's office, and more raids could result.
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AL: State could lose millions in tobacco money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama will have to prove it is upholding its end of the national tobacco settlement, but if lawyers cannot do so, the state may lose hundreds of millions of dollars that support vital social services.
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AL: Alabama to switch deferred compensation retirement plan providers amid concerns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is switching the provider for its $380 million deferred compensation retirement plan after 30 years with the same company following concerns with the previous provider and its relationship with the Alabama State Employees Association.
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AL: Callers swamp Alabama jobless hotline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama's unemployment hotline hangs up on a quarter of all callers because the crush of calls is overwhelming the 178 operators, according to state data.
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AL: Alabama Education Association delegates back taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Delegates at the Alabama Education Asso?ciation's annual delegate as?sembly endorsed raising taxes on gambling, soft drinks, ciga?rettes and corporations to raise revenue for public schools and colleges, AEA officials said Sat?urday.
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AL: Navy reveals cost of LCS contract awarded seven months ago
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- A second littoral combat ship to be built at Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile will cost at least $547.7 million, according to figures released this morning.
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AL: Two senators say move ahead on tanker, even if Northrop drops out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Air Force should move forward with its plan to buy new refueling tankers with or without Northrop Grumman Corp. as a bidder on the potential $40 billion contract, a pair of U.S. senators said Thursday.
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AL: Riley backs off no-bid contract policy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley is backing off an October announcement by his administration that it would no longer approve contracts that weren't bid.
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AL: I-20 blasting in St. Clair County scheduled tonight, but none planned during weekend
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama transportation officials say blasting for the widening of Interstate 20 in St. Clair County is scheduled tonight between 7:30 and 9, but there will be no blasting or planned traffic delays on the interstate this weekend.
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AL: New electronic bingo machines displayed at Fairfield City Hall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proponents of electronic bingo in Fairfield today displayed new machines they say will comply with guidelines handed down by the Alabama Supreme Court.
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AR: Ark Nuclear 1 marks 35 years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansas Nuclear One began operating 35 years ago, a start that changed the way Arkansas gets its electricity.
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AR: Bridge opening set for summer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Drivers can expect to use a new Mississippi River crossing in southeast Arkansas for the first time in nearly 70 years by summer.
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AR: New year, new laws -- 'Fire-safe' cigarettes among those to take effect Jan. 1
From: feeds.stateline.org
"From smoking cigarettes to playing cops and robbers, Arkansans will have to operate under a new set of rules come New Year's Day.
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AR: Obama declares 37 Arkansas counties federal disaster areas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama has declared 37 Arkansas counties federal disaster areas because of damage from severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that began Oct. 29, Gov. Mike Beebe's office announced today.
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AR: Arkansas home sales up in October
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home sales in Arkansas improved in October from the same month a year ago for just the third time in 45 months, according to a report today from the Arkansas Realtors Association.
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AZ: Bankrupt Bashas' declares truce
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bitter four-year fight between Arizona grocery chain Bashas' Inc. and a grocery union will end under an agreement hammered out in U.S. bankruptcy court.
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AZ: With AZ budget outlook grim, analysts map out the options
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials are warning that the state budget shortfall, already at $1.6 billion, could get worse.
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AZ: State GOP taps economic expert for help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Republicans have contracted with noted economic and real-estate expert Elliott Pollack to produce a set of recommendations on turning around the state economy and growing jobs in Arizona.
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AZ: Railroad pauses Arizona expansion projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several construction projects to increase Union Pacific's freight-moving capacity on the railroad's main line across southern Arizona and New Mexico are being temporarily sidetracked by the recession.
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AZ: AG gets injunction against payday lender
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Arizona Attorney General's Office filed suit Friday against a major payday lender, accusing the firm of collection practices designed to defraud hundreds of borrowers - especially those living in rural areas.
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AZ: Arizona, feds target home loan schemes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's top prosecutor is partnering with federal regulators to stop more loan-modification scams aimed at struggling homeowners.
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AZ: Supreme Court won't hear water fund sweep challenge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the moment, the state Legislature can count out one of the many lawsuits it faces, as the Arizona Supreme Court will not hear a challenge to the sweeping of millions of dollars from a fund used to carry out a multi-state water-rights agreement.
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AZ: Pension funds rethink strategies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The plans that fund the retirements of state and municipal workers continue to struggle in an uncertain economy and could take years to fully recover.
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AZ: Rivals attack Brewer's payday lending stand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Current and potential political foes of Gov. Jan Brewer are blasting efforts to keep the payday loan industry alive.
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CA: Wind turbines popping up in Pittsburg backyards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PITTSBURG, Calif. — It's a "win-wind" situation for Paul Reinders.
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CA: Funding challenges still loom for California's landmark water compromise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When lawmakers celebrated the end of California's water squabbles last month, they left unanswered an issue certain to bedevil their hard-fought compromise: money.
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CA: Central Valley water cutbacks a hot topic in election year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON – The Central Valley drought is a dangerous opportunity for California politicians.
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CA: Schwarzenneger, Shriver help Web site TMZ pile up the hits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"People reading newspapers in Australia and England last week learned that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had troubles with the Internal Revenue Service.
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CA: PG&E moves to add energy from wind, space
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two developments Thursday will help Pacific Gas and Electric Co. deliver energy from the atmosphere and, possibly, near-Earth orbit.
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CA: California high-speed rail route through Pacheco Pass could be adjusted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Plans to bring bullet trains into the Bay Area over Pacheco Pass and through San Jose will be opened up for more study to comply with a court ruling.
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CA: Another California ex-lawmaker becomes lobbyist
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former Democratic state Sen. Mike Machado has registered as a lobbyist for Sacramento Advocates.
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CO: Tancredo proposes law that would require immigration-status checks of new hires
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo wants every Colorado business to verify that new hires are U.S. citizens, a proposal that prompted cries of racism from critics.
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CO: Two tax-slashing measures make Colorado ballot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The secretary of state on Friday approved two measures for the 2010 ballot that would slash at least $1 billion annually in state taxes and roll back property taxes statewide.
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CO: Senate candidate Romanoff vows to shun corporate PAC donations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Citing public concern about the influence of special interest money in Congress, U.S. Senate hopeful Andrew Romanoff has vowed to shun contributions from corporation-backed political action committees.
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CO: Make health reform a faith issue, Boston pastor tells Coloradans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Boston pastor who helped pass health care reform in Massachusetts encouraged Colorado activists Thursday to win over the state's conservative-leaning clergy with the "moral argument" that everyone deserves health care.
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CO: State attorneys argue that political-contribution limits can be constitutional
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A law making it harder for unions and government contractors to give political contributions should be clarified, not struck down, state attorneys told the Colorado Supreme Court on Thursday while defending Amendment 54.
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CO: Praising McInnis, FOX's Cavuto riles Colo Tea Parties, gives Maes a boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Who says the GOP gubernatorial primary is over?
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CT: Republicans have counteroffer for Rell budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative Republicans proposed an alternative to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's deficit-cutting package Friday, restoring aid for towns and cities while slashing other state spending to close the current-year deficit.
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CT: State considers shifting charter-school tuition costs to local school systems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Board of Education is considering four proposals that would overhaul the law governing charter schools, including one that would shift the cost of tuition to local school systems.
"
CT: Legislators vow to defend school funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMDEN, Conn. -- State legislators are going to have to renew their efforts to maintain funding for the Wintergreen Interdistrict Magnet School.
"
CT: Panel looks for ways to cut aid to municipalities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A 14-member panel of legislators, mayors and state leaders convened Thursday, tasked with identifying $84 million worth of mid-year cuts in state aid to municipalities proposed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell.
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CT: Housing market shows slight improvements
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hartford's housing market, which averted some of the steepest declines of other regions, is showing signs of improvement but the pace of sales in October did not improve nearly as much as in the state as a whole, a new report shows.
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CT: Municipal leaders on panel disagree on how to reduce Connecticut's budget deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After concurring that the state's priority is to close its projected budget gap of nearly $550 million, a panel of town and city leaders Thursday immediately disagreed about whether the best strategy to accomplish that is through spending cuts, mandate relief or new taxes.
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DE: Delaware government -- Social Security disability denials stir up questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Every year, more than 1,000 people tell their stories of ailments, impairments and shortened careers to a Social Security judge in Dover, hoping to win their claim for disability benefits.
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DE: Delaware casinos -- Learning from a gambling state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEIRTON, W.V. -- As Delaware begins implementing table games and possibly adding new casinos, it has looked for guidance to West Virginia, where gambling similarly expanded beyond slot machines just two years ago.
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DE: Ocean View turns troubles over to public
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OCEAN VIEW, Del. -- Hard-pressed to solve a $560,000 budget deficit over the next five years, Ocean View is turning to its residents for suggestions.
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DE: Joblessness plagues Delaware economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One year into his search for a job, New Castle resident Terrance Dendy says state and federal governments need to do something -- anything -- to get people back to work.
"
DE: Delaware now requires in-store recycling bins
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Betty Ronston finally got tired of those plastic grocery bags that have a way of piling up in storage drawers or kitchen closets.
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FL: Gun control -- Thanksgiving Day massacre in Jupiter points out holes in system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In retrospect, the warning signs seemed to be in plain sight -- the chronic depression, the death threats to his sister, the frequent refusals to take medication.
"
FL: Tax windfall -- $651 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Here's a switch for state economists accustomed to falling revenues -- Florida is collecting more in taxes than they had previously forecast.
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FL: Florida's public schools battle funding cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ORLANDO, Fla. — Just a few years ago, Camelot Elementary was overrun with students. Portable classrooms took up the basketball court and baseball diamonds, and 1,320 children were being educated on a campus built for 740. Today? 700 students, and all those portables are gone.
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FL: Fla. House set to vote on rail bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Florida House is set to vote on a bill that would clear the way for the proposed SunRail commuter system in central Florida.
"
FL: Senators continue to squabble over rail plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A special session on major rail projects in Central and South Florida continued to sputter Friday -- the result of election-year politics, personality conflicts and over-arching concerns about the legislation's cost and liability.
"
FL: Feds -- Scott Rothstein showered officers with `gratuities'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- A decade before Scott Rothstein befriended Gov. Charlie Crist and others in high places, he had cozied up to local cops.
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FL: Mortgage rates hit rock bottom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Mortgage interest rates have dropped to an all-time low, which experts say could cheer the depressed South Florida housing market.
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FL: FAMU mulls furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Florida A&M University's chief financial officer completed her overview Thursday of the university's budget outlook for the next four years, a silence filled the ballroom where the trustees' meeting was being held.
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FL: Class sizes grow amid state's fiscal woe
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ORLANDO, Fla. -- Class sizes in Florida's public schools crept upward this year for the first time since 2002, a reversal fueled by Florida's worsening budget crisis.
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FL: SunRail vexes foes of federal stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The special session launched Thursday to back commuter rail has put Republican lawmakers and Gov. Charlie Crist in something of a political fix as they defend their rush to pull down $3 billion in federal stimulus funding for rail projects.
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FL: Hedge funds sank $775 millions into Rothstein scheme
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Wealthy Fort Lauderdale investor George Levin and his Banyon hedge funds sank $775 million into Scott Rothstein's legal-settlement deals -- accounting for most of the money sucked into the lawyer's massive Ponzi scheme, court records show.
"
FL: Boss -- FPL's image has suffered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida Power & Light chief Armando Olivera said Thursday that he was embarrassed to learn earlier this year that his top officials sent personal Blackberry messages and socialized with staff at the Public Service Commission, tarnishing the company's image as it awaits a ruling on its $1.3 billion rate increase request.
"
FL: Rail plan on shaky ground
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A special lawmaking session on passenger rail projects opened Thursday with a Republican senator abandoning his support and critics firing off objections that could foreshadow more political trouble ahead.
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FL: Tamiami Trail bridge will be milestone for Everglades restoration
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When completed in 1928, the Tamiami Trail was hailed as an engineering milestone, a narrow stretch of blacktop that took 13 years and 2.6 million sticks of dynamite to carve out of forbidding swamp.
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GA: Millions for summer work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia's Labor Department says it spent $19.7 million of the federal stimulus funds it has received this year on a program that created 2,601 jobs.
"
GA: Jekyll Island overhaul to get underway
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — Jekyll Island's makeover is getting underway. Gov. Sonny Perdue will be among those on hand Monday for a groundbreaking on Great Dunes Park.
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GA: Richardson's fall highlights gift-giving from lobbyists
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Richardson's spectacular fall from power, culminating Thursday in his resignation from the speaker's post and his House seat, highlights anew the culture of coziness between lobbyists and lawmakers in the Georgia Capitol.
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GA: Incoming speaker said he'll work to change image at the Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Incoming House Speaker Mark Burkhalter said this morning that he will instill in fellow lawmakers that "forever the state Capitol is a different place" after the highly publicized scandal that led to the resignation of outgoing speaker Glenn Richardson.
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GA: Gordon a county divided over property taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CALHOUN, Ga. -- As Gordon County leaders prepare to send the county tax digest for state approval, some residents challenge that new property values aren't accurate.
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GA: Richardson out, Burkhalter will be speaker
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Speaker Glenn Richardson announced Thursday that he will resign Jan. 1, nearly a month after trying to kill himself and four days after his ex-wife told the world he had cheated on her with a lobbyist.
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GA: 32% of Georgia residents lack access to banking
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly a third of Georgians have no, or limited access, to banking services, according to a survey by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the U.S. Census Bureau.
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GA: Oxendine to Ga. insurers -- Keep covering mammograms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is warning health insurance companies in Georgia to continue covering mammogram screenings for breast cancer.
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GA: Burkhalter champions tax cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Mark Burkhalter, who will take over as speaker of the Georgia House in January, is the kind of legislator who has seldom seen a tax cut he doesn't like.
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HI: Gun registrations in Hawaii on record pace
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hawai'i residents have registered guns at a record pace for each of the past four years, and appear headed for a new high again this year, preliminary figures show.
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HI: Kid-care aid cut delay urged
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. John Mizuno wants the state Department of Human Services to delay carrying out proposed changes in state child-care subsidies until May 2011.
"
IA: Lawmaker -- No agreement between Dems, union
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JOHNSTON, Iowa -- Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy insists no "quid pro quo" exists between Democratic lawmakers and labor unions that agreed to concessions in order to balance the state budget.
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IA: Could Iowans really be OK with higher taxes?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An architect of the last major state budget reform says Iowans may consent to higher taxes if first there is an independent plan to make real, money-saving structural changes to government.
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IA: Governments in Iowa now $11.6 billion in debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's total government debt has grown by almost $3 billion in the past five years and is expected to take another jump in the current fiscal year, partly because of Gov. Chet Culver's $830 million I-JOBS program.
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IA: Union urges state to find savings by cutting supervisors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's largest government employee union wants state government to cut 365 of its nearly 2,000 supervisory positions, but opponents say that could erode efficiency and dismantle oversight.
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IA: UI gets $2.25M health grant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Iowa will be a training ground for a new generation of women's reproductive health researchers through a new grant that took effect this fall.
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IA: Ternus -- Iowa's financial woes hit court system disproportionately
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Marsha Ternus said Thursday the state's financial problems are taking "a disproportionate toll" on Iowa's court system.
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IA: Geoffroy says ISU may have to downsize
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa State University President Greg Geoffroy says ISU will probably be required to eliminate some of its departments and programs to meet its long-term budget goals.
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IA: GOP leader -- Culver cuts will raise property taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Republican Leader Kraig Paulsen, Hiawatha, charged Gov. Chet Culver's cut in aid to schools will result in a property tax increase possibly greater than a half billion dollars.
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IA: Iowa state employees -- Layoffs, cuts predicted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Iowa Legislature won't tamper with health care benefits for state workers in the 2010 session, but lawmakers say they intend to cut spending in all departments.
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IA: Cash infusion sought for IPERS
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's largest public employees' pension fund has rebounded sharply with the stock market's upturn, but officials still want to increase contributions from taxpayers and government employees to shore up the fund's finances.
"
IA: Lawmakers say mental institutions may close
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A tight budget may force closure of a state facility for the mentally ill or for the mentally retarded, but only if residents would be well cared for in other settings, two state lawmakers said Thursday.
"
ID: Grants help Idaho charter schools expand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation is awarding the money to selected schools that plan or have completed expansions.
"
ID: 2 Idaho state parks could close
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TWIN FALLS, Idaho — The Park and Recreation Board has approved a contingency plan that includes closing Thousand Springs State Park in southern Idaho and the Yankee Fork State Park in central Idaho if more state budget cuts are issued next month.
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ID: Attorney General Lawrence Wasden -- Schools lose out on cheap lakeside leases in Idaho
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho's highest elected officials have shirked their duty as trustees of $252 million in resort real estate, shorting schools and other endowment funds tens of millions of dollars, says Attorney General Lawrence Wasden.
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ID: Idaho Power looks at alternate Ore. line route
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PENDLETON, Ore. — A utility in Idaho may route a transmission line through south-central Oregon rather than along the Interstate 84 corridor.
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ID: Counties, state study regional jails in Idaho
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A regional jail is not an immediate solution to the inmate-crowding crunch in Canyon County, where two jail-bond elections in three years have failed to draw the needed two-thirds majority from voters.
"
IL: 100,000 Census jobs open in Illinois
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials at the U.S. Census Bureau's office in Chicago have some good news for people looking for work: They're hiring.
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IL: State posts 20th bank failure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Regulators shut down Aurora-based Benchmark Bank on Friday night, making it the 20th Illinois bank to fail in 2009.
"
IL: IDOT prepares for trucks to go 65 mph
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The most significant change in Illinois speed-limit law in more than three decades will require fewer signs, not more. About 500 fewer.
"
IL: Is state's minimum wage too high? Yes, some Republicans say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cutting Illinois' minimum wage is increasingly becoming a key proposal by Republican candidates for governor as they push ideas to help the state's economy.
"
IL: Borrowing trouble -- Hynes, Quinn clash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Comptroller Dan Hynes sent Gov. Quinn a letter Friday explaining why he was refusing to sign off on $500 million in short-term borrowing to pay the state's bills.
"
IL: EIU warns of student data security breach
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
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IL: Speaker Madigan -- Even income tax hike won't solve state money woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With both major Democratic governor candidates pitching major income tax increases, Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan says even a tax hike won't solve all of Illinois' budget problems.
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IL: Hynes to Quinn -- No way on borrowing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Comptroller Dan Hynes said today that he won't sign off on Democratic primary rival Gov. Pat Quinn's plan to borrow $500 million to help pay down the state's backlog of unpaid bills.
"
IL: Manufacturing won't solve next decade's job woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the downstate industrial town of Pekin, the job losses have come so relentlessly over the past year that more cuts seemed all but inevitable. Then along came an Alabama railroad-wheel manufacturer, run by a one-time Pekin resident, announcing a plan two weeks ago to break ground for a new factory.
"
IL: States cast for way to stop carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROMEOVILLE, Ill. -- A decades-long battle to stop the northern migration of a voracious, invasive fish that can leap eight feet out of the water and batter boaters with enough force to break bones has come down to a six-mile stretch of muddy brown water here.
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IL: CME signs up Wall Street heavy hitters for swaps clearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CME Group Inc., the world's largest derivatives exchange, said on Thursday it plans to launch a clearing house for the $26 trillion credit default swap market by Dec. 15 and has signed eight of the largest credit derivative dealers to the service.
"
IL: SIUC -- No layoffs yet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CARBONDALE, Ill. -- While SIU President Glenn Poshard has said layoffs and furloughs would be a last resort, the employees who could be first on the chopping block, should it come to that, are those without union representation.
"
IL: State uses eBay to sell items left in safe deposit boxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Every year, banks turn over dozens of unclaimed safe deposit boxes to the Illinois State Treasurer's Office.
"
IL: State shuts down Sammy's Sports Bar until back taxes get paid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A popular downtown sports bar is closed, at least temporarily, after state revenue officials say they took the unusual step of ordering the business shut down until back sales and employee-withholding taxes are paid.
"
IL: Community colleges could lose half of state funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a troubled economy where rising unemployment is forcing throngs of jobseekers to return to school, community colleges offer a beacon of hope as a low-cost educational alternative.
"
IL: Suburban homeless population grows; shelter crunch worsens
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's a lagging economic indicator of the harshest kind. Even as the recession begins to wane, a growing suburban homeless population may be facing a long, cold winter, with little or no room at local emergency shelters.
"
IL: I-PASS users face extra charge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the second time in two years, it's I-PASS versus i-Zoom. Starting Jan. 1, motorists who use Illinois Tollway I-PASS transponders on the Indiana Toll Road will be paying a little more -- 3 cents per toll -- for the privilege.
"
IN: State has cash for new air, heat units
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state has joined the federal government and others in rewarding those who purchase energy-efficient furnaces, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems or a geothermal heat pump.
"
IN: Four topics likely to dominate the 2010 legislative session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"How do you ask state lawmakers to abandon old ways and make major changes in an election year? Getting the issue vetted and resistance identified early doesn't hurt.
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IN: Daniels targets Indiana colleges for $150 million in cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's public colleges and universities will face a $150 million funding reduction, Gov. Mitch Daniels said Friday morning as he unveiled a new series of spending cuts intended to help Indiana cope with sagging tax collections.
"
IN: Census to fill thousands of part-time jobs in Indiana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Census Bureau says it will recruit about 45,000 people across Indiana to work as census takers for the 2010 Census.
"
IN: Universities will share state's revenue burden
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's public universities will lose $150 million -- or 6 percent of their funding -- because of slumping state revenues, Gov. Mitch Daniels announced Friday.
"
IN: State government staffing falls by 1,500
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of full-time state employees has dropped from 35,255 to 30,454, about a 14 percent reduction.
"
IN: Keeping the monsters away
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Asian carp already dominate North America's largest river basins and now threaten to alter the ecosystem of the world's largest freshwater supply and its $7 billion-a-year fishing industry.
"
IN: Vote on property tax cap Tuesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Indiana Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee plans to vote Tuesday on bills to cap property taxes and delay unemployment insurance tax increases.
"
IN: Agreement may close door on Indianapolis homebuilder
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hansen & Horn's 32-year history of building homes could come to an end under an agreement to allow a court-appointed receiver to take control of the company.
"
IN: Daniels to update revenue picture
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels plans to give an update on the state's financial picture by announcing how much Indiana state government got in tax collections in November.
"
KS: Statehouse Live -- Health officials institute cuts; Proposed Westar rate settlement announced
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State health officials Friday approved budget cuts that they said will result in layoffs, delays in receiving Medicaid coverage and jeopardize tens of millions of dollars in federal funds.
"
KS: State health officials make budget cuts, announce layoffs, payment delays
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State health officials Friday approved budget cuts that they said will result in layoffs, delays in receiving Medicaid coverage and jeopardize tens of millions of dollars in federal funds.
"
KS: Taking aim at exemptions -- Recession may make tax breaks a target
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When a plumber is needed at Watkins Community Museum of History, the bill doesn't include sales tax.
"
KS: Democratic candidate for Kansas governor was part of multimillion-dollar lawsuit that alleged securities fraud
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thomas Wiggans, who recently returned to Kansas and is running as a Democrat for governor, was part of a $12.75 million settlement in a lawsuit that alleged securities fraud against the company he led.
"
KS: Kansas in education competition for up to $175 million in federal funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Kansas hacks away at public school funding, it is also in a fierce competition with other states for a slice of a $4.35 billion federal grant called "Race to the Top."
"
KS: Citing budget cuts, state suspends hotel safety and sanitation inspections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State safety and sanitation inspections of hotels, motels and other overnight lodging operations will be suspended because of budget cuts, officials reported Thursday.
"
KS: Kansas governor hopeful's firm settled fraud lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas Democrats' presumed nominee for governor was a defendant in a federal lawsuit alleging he and his former pharmaceutical company misled investors, a case recently settled for almost $12.8 million.
"
KY: E-mail raises questions in firing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Alliance Coal executive wrote an e-mail to his colleagues Nov. 13 to announce the firing of the state director of mine permits — just minutes after the firing happened.
"
KY: Copenhagen climate talks might have local impact
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With Kentucky and Indiana among the nation's top greenhouse gas polluters, the stakes will be high this week when delegates from 193 nations resume energy and climate change talks in Copenhagen.
"
KY: Official sought to help coal interests
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The second-ranking official of the state Energy and Environment Cabinet recommended late last year that "the coal interests" be accommodated by reinstating a mine permit policy that had been rescinded as illegal.
"
KY: Report -- Vendors selling less tobacco to minors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state survey shows that Kentucky vendors are complying in record numbers with a state law barring tobacco sales to minors.
"
KY: Slumping thoroughbred industry major factor in lower ag receipts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An estimated 31 percent drop in revenues from horse sales and stud fees this year knocked Kentucky's horse industry from a 10-year reign atop the state's farm economy.
"
LA: Civil Service panel meets on pay plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Civil Service Commission is preparing for an overflow crowd at a Tuesday public hearing to discuss a proposal that affects the future pay of about 61,000 rank-and-file Louisiana government employees.
"
LA: Accidental release of toxic chemicals, polluted water by local plants cited in report
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Frequent accidents at 10 of the state's biggest refineries resulted in the release of millions of pounds of toxic chemicals into the air and millions of gallons of polluted water into state water courses between 2005 and 2008, according to a report to be released this morning by the Louisiana Bucket Brigade.
"
LA: Jindal eyes privatizing workers' health plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Jindal administration is considering the privatization of more of the state's employee health-insurance program operations.
"
MA: Vineyard resists winds of change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Blazing a trail for renewable energy, Gov. Deval Patrick is alienating Martha's Vineyard's liberal rich and famous by pushing a plan to lease state waters for 166 450-foot-high wind turbines between the pristine vacation spots of Gay Head cliffs and Cuttyhunk Island.
"
MA: Food pantries can't keep up with demand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CAPE COD, Mass. -- Food pantries that were flooded with new clients last year say demand just keeps growing as the recession keeps up, unemployment benefits run out and work hours dwindle.
"
MA: Dem seeks to boost gas tax by 12 cents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Cambridge lawmaker wants to hike the state gas tax by 12 cents a gallon to bail out the cash-strapped MBTA.
"
MA: State warns on oversight of The Ride funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The MBTA program that provides bus and van service to disabled people did not keep close enough track of the payments it made to transportation contractors for gasoline, the state auditor's office said yesterday.
"
MD: Dixon's effect on city's rep? That jury's still out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, Md. -- Not long ago, Baltimore's tourism bureau invited public relations guru Richard Laermer to town for a pep talk.
"
MD: The recession's job roller coaster
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Audrey Hedgepesth was in the shampoo aisle at CVS when she got the phone call that changed her life. She had been hired as a Bladensburg police officer, the caller said, a position created by federal stimulus money. "I started dancing in the middle of the aisle," recalled a grinning Hedgepesth, 23.
"
MD: Environmental groups to ask U.S. to crack down on state enforcements
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, Md. -- Environmental groups plan to ask the federal government to crack down on state environmental regulators, accusing them of going easy on water pollution discharged from businesses, sewage plants, farms and developments.
"
MD: O'Malley plans to limit oyster harvest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE, Md. -- To praise from environmentalists and complaints from watermen, Gov. Martin O'Malley outlined plans Thursday to restore the Chesapeake Bay's depleted oysters by prohibiting commercial harvests in large portions of the bay while leasing other areas for aquaculture.
"
MD: O'Malley proposes expanded oyster sanctuary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland plans to dramatically increase the area of the Chesapeake Bay that is closed to oyster harvests, Gov. Martin O'Malley said Thursday, offering an expanded foothold to an iconic species that has dropped to 1 percent of its peak population.
"
MD: Ethics concerns cloud council slots vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The odds for a casino in Anne Arundel County just got longer.
"
MD: Franchot touts tax break for military spouses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland's comptroller is calling attention to a tax break that could be available to military spouses.
"
MD: Relief sought for utility ratepayers O'Malley, doubtful of chances for re-regulation, looks for options
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley is skeptical he can get the General Assembly to allow some re-regulation of the utility industry when the legislature meets for the 2010 session.
"
ME: Governor, GOP agree -- No tax hike to fix budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Baldacci says more state budget cuts are coming in the months ahead, but he'll try minimize the impact on education, health care, public safety and job creation.
"
ME: Baldacci to hold Maine jobs summit in Jan.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Baldacci will convene a state jobs summit next month to hear from the business community and others on ways the state can encourage job growth in Maine.
"
ME: Roads funding at a dead end
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Roads and bridges in Maine won't get the repairs they need due to a lack of funding -- a problem that is not expected to get better any time soon, state and national transportation officials said Thursday.
"
ME: Maine floats changes to special education standards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BANGOR, Maine — The state Department of Education has introduced a set of proposed rule changes designed to bring Maine's special education guidelines in line with federal standards, ensure more statewide uniformity and perhaps save money in the process.
"
ME: Unified vision eludes energy corridor panel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tensions between Maine and Canada over proposed LNG facilities in Passamaquoddy Bay once again have spilled over into efforts to develop regulations for potentially lucrative lease agreements between the state and energy companies.
"
MI: Michigan transportation agency seeks comment on 5-year plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Michigan Department of Transportation's five-year plan for St. Clair County includes 11 bridge replacements, a host of work as part of the $553 million Blue Water Bridge Plaza expansion and various resurfacing projects.
"
MI: Analysis -- Many federal education reforms don't fit Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan lawmakers are in such a frenzy to qualify for up to $400 million in one-time money for schools from President Barack Obama's Race to the Top program that they're rushing through complex changes to the state's education structure in a matter of weeks.
"
MI: Highway funds in jeopardy -- State may not be able to match federal money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Next year, Michigan may have to walk away from $475 million in federal highway funds because it lacks $84 million for a state match.
"
MI: Preparing for cannabis, a growth industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The business of medical marijuana is rapidly evolving in Michigan, with Royal Oak preparing to pass the state's first zoning law to cluster professional growers and the opening in Southfield of a trade school teaching plant cultivation.
"
MI: Hundreds of Mich. road projects slashed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Construction projects on Interstates 96, 94, 75 and other Metro Detroit commuter routes are among hundreds to be cut or delayed by the state as the sour economy empties the fund for repairs.
"
MI: Smoking debate rises from ashes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senate Republicans will take another stab at prohibiting smoking in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars. But whether to exempt Detroit's casinos remains a key question.
"
MI: First-timers cram homeless shelters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of people who say they are homeless for the first time is increasing in metro Detroit, spurred by unemployment and foreclosures, experts say.
"
MI: Michigan had highest drop as first-time unemployment claims fall for second week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan had the nation's largest decrease in initial claims for unemployment benefits as state officials cited fewer layoffs in the automotive industry, the U.S. Labor Department said Thursday.
"
MI: Southwest Michigan fishermen fear Asian carp could decimate industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. -- Local fishermen are waiting intently to learn whether Asian carp, which could wreak havoc on the fishing industry, have migrated to the Great Lakes.
"
MI: Senate approves tax credit for proposed Muskegon Township battery plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich. -- The Michigan Senate Thursday overwhelmingly passed a special $100 million tax credit, leaving final action for next week that would pave the way for a 745-job battery plant in Muskegon Township.
"
MI: In D.C., Granholm pushes for help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- With President Barack Obama's jobs forum set for this afternoon, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is in the nation's capital, pushing legislation that will provide more funding for infrastructure projects, write new tax policies to promote reuse of shuttered factories and create avenues for small businesses to get access to loans.
"
MI: Secretary of State to merge more outlets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Secretary of State Office will merge offices throughout the state after more people have turned to the Internet for the department's services.
"
MI: Stakes are high for some in carp fight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Benton Harbor charter boat captain Russ Clark has taken clients on the St. Joseph River to chase steelhead and salmon for roughly a quarter century. Business has been good. He'd like it to continue.
"
MI: Archer draws aim on carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hunting guide takes clients bowfishing for the leaping species.
"
MN: Everything has a price in cost-conscious cities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Each year, cities review their permit and license fees to see if they should be increased. State law limits such fees to the cost of offering the service, so cities can't legally raise what they charge just to help with tight budgets.
"
MN: Disaster loans for crop damage available in 7 Minnesota counties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government is offering low-interest loans to small businesses in western Minnesota, much of North Dakota and two other states to cover losses related to weather-related crop damage.
"
MN: $1.2 billion state deficit? No problem, say Vikings stadium proponents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A few dozen hardy fans braved the first serious winter chill of the season Thursday to rally on the steps of the state Capitol for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium.
"
MN: Hard time not likely to be easy on Petters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Where will Tom Petters live out his days behind bars? Sentry will decide.
"
MO: Missouri inmates transcribe books for the blind
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Somewhere in Missouri, a first-grader is learning to read, a grandma is searching for a yummy recipe and a middle-aged person is reviewing human resource policies of his new employer.
"
MO: 3 Mo. parks closed for special deer hunting season
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Missouri state parks will be closed this coming weekend for a special deer hunting season. A third park will close for one weekend in January for the same purpose.
"
MO: Mo. lawmakers hearing public testimony on budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri lawmakers begin laying the groundwork this week for what's expected to be a difficult budget process.
"
MO: Memo contradicts Forsee's cap-and-trade argument
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University of Missouri System President Gary Forsee's recent letter to lawmakers opposing cap-and-trade legislation sparked both criticism and praise and drew national attention, but at the end of the day, the letter was based on inaccurate assumptions, according to a congressman's memo.
"
MO: Gov. Jay Nixon joins with members of both parties to push for autism insurance bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a rare display of bipartisanship on the eve of an election year, a group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers joined Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday to ramp up pressure on the Legislature to pass an autism insurance bill next year.
"
MS: Region sees a flurry of alcohol activity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TUPELO, Miss. –- Since August, three major Northeast Mississippi cities have legalized Sunday liquor sales with another set to tackle beer sales next month.
"
MS: Officials proceed with inmate center
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ABERDEEN, Miss. –- One of three major projects voted on by the Monroe County Board of Supervisors, an inmate work center for state inmates, will move forward as planned, in spite of state budget cuts.
"
MS: As budget woes continue, stimulus funds fade
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As legislators and Gov. Haley Barbour prepare to pass a budget during the 2010 legislative session, federal stimulus funds will be running out.
"
MS: Jobless face lost benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Government subsidies for health insurance premiums are ending this week for many jobless Mississippians, making it virtually impossible for them to afford such insurance.
"
MS: Deer season takes an urgent turn
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A hard frost coated any exposed ground one recent morning when Bobby Rakestraw was hunting in Holly Springs National Forest.
"
MS: Groundbreaking for $10M Jefferson Davis library
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bertram Hayes-Davis says the $10.5 million project to rebuild the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library and Museum is another opportunity to show his great, great grandfather's legacy shouldn't be limited to a fight to preserve slavery.
"
MS: Barbour trims budget more
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Haley Barbour made another round of painful cuts in state spending on Thursday, this time trimming $54.3 million from the state's $6 billion budget for the 2010 fiscal year, on top of the $170 million in cuts he made in September.
"
MS: Entergy Miss. closer to upgrade at Port Gibson nuclear plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi soon could become home to the largest single-unit nuclear power plant in the nation.
"
MS: FEMA -- USM owed $2.5M
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Federal Emergency Management Agency has sided with the University of Southern Mississippi's claim that it is owed $2.5 million in Hurricane Katrina damages.
"
MT: Feds could rule on Montana lawmakers taking state jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal law and rules barring many government employees from running for office could make it difficult for the growing group of legislators getting new state jobs to seek re-election.
"
MT: Schweitzer to address critics at Montana Stockgrowers Association convention
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer has accepted an invitation to deliver the keynote speech at the Montana Stockgrowers Association convention.
"
MT: Property tax appeals quadruple in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana officials say they are swamped with property appraisal appeals that could keep them busy for months.
"
MT: Recession recovery will take time, speakers tell Montana taxpayers group
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's going to take a while for Montana's economy to recover from the recession and even when it turns around, the growth rate will be slow, speakers told the Montana Taxpayers Association's annual meeting Thursday.
"
MT: Bad census info hurt Montana, official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana lost a potential $43.2 million in federal money because more than 14,000 people weren't counted in the 2000 census, a state official told the Montana Taxpayers Association on Thursday.
"
MT: State FWP to Molloy -- Wolves are recovered, should be delisted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks claims wolves are recovered sufficiently to be delisted from the federal Endangered Species Act.
"
NC: Dell balks at tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials are at odds with Dell Inc. over whether Dell must repay millions of dollars in tax credits that it received as part of a massive incentives deal.
"
NC: State spent thousands on LEA gear
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At least four state agencies bought expensive high-tech surveillance gear from a private security firm tied to Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand.
"
NC: Bridge inspectors' jobs deep in creepy-crawlies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SHELBY, N.C. -- They fight deep undergrowth, rocky terrain, blazing hot summer afternoons and mind-numbing winter mornings, owls, bats, bees, snakes, spiders, skunks and dirt. And they do it all in the name of keeping Cleveland and surrounding counties' bridges safe.
"
NC: NC Chamber of Commerce talks taxes with state staffers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The North Carolina Chamber on Monday brings together business leaders and policy makers in Charlotte to discuss what tax changes are needed to create jobs and strengthen the state's economy.
"
NC: Loggers' money cut 41 ways
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RESERVE, N.M. -- A federal program that began as a safety net for Pacific Northwest logging communities hard-hit by battles over the spotted owl in the 1990s has morphed into a sprawling entitlement - one that ships vast amounts of money to states with little or no historic connection to timber, an analysis by The Associated Press shows.
"
NC: N.C. clears way for alcohol on floor of Cherokee casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state attorney's opinion appears to clear the way for Harrah's Cherokee Casino to serve alcohol to players on the casino floor.
"
NC: Tony Rand faces sharp questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Tony Rand was re-elected to the Law Enforcement Associates board Thursday during an annual shareholders meeting where he was asked pointed questions about the solvency of the company and how itplans to handle accusations of misconduct made by LEA's former president.
"
NC: Verizon, DMV settle dispute
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Division of Motor Vehicles has settled a dispute with Verizon Business over hundreds of unused emissions inspection computers that were bought but never delivered.
"
ND: Jobless insurance steady
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota's unemployment insurance rate will stay the same for a majority of businesses in 2010, even though benefit payments more than doubled this year, a Job Service North Dakota administrator said.
"
ND: Mixing oil, water -- 'Historic' step to strategically plan ahead
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This year's water allocation at three depots in Killdeer was used up months early, a situation that will get worse as oil development intensifies in Dunn County and elsewhere in the oil patch.
"
NE: State hikes unemployment tax to replenish fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska businesses will be hit with a sharp increase in their tax bills next year to replenish the state's unemployment fund after a year in which payments from the fund more than doubled to $190 million.
"
NE: State senators address ag issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Food production with less water, promotion of renewable energy, and rural and urban cooperation.
Those were some of the themes that state Senators Tom Carlson, Holdrege; Annette Dubas, Fullerton; Mike Gloor, Grand Island; Norm Wallman, Cortland; and Ken Haar, Malcolm, sounded when they addressed members of the 96th annual convention of the Nebraska Farmers Union on Saturday morning.
"
NE: Crackdown on misclassified workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By deeming workers independent contractors rather than employees, a company can avoid paying as much as 30 percent in labor costs.
"
NE: Lost cause or not, Fair Vote Nebraska pressing forward
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than a year ago, one-time Lincoln mayoral candidate Yant and several other co-plaintiffs filed a lawsuit to keep the fair where it is until the public has its say at the ballot box.
"
NE: Neb. towns get storm repair help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four Nebraska communities will receive $187,000 to help them evaluate and repair damage caused by storms in May and June of 2008.
"
NH: NH foreclosures hit record level
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New figures from the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority say a record number of state homeowners fell behind on their mortgages in recent months.
"
NH: FairPoint asks for a hold on rebates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FairPoint Communications has filed a court motion asking that it not be forced to give Maine customers rebates because of its poor service as the company works through bankruptcy.
"
NH: Firms were Ponzi fronts, lawyer says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Lakes Region investment companies that closed abruptly last month were fronts for a massive Ponzi scheme that may have cost investors as much as $100 million, a lawyer for the trustee overseeing the companies' bankruptcy told a federal judge yesterday.
"
NJ: New Jersey swap for unsold bonds costs $22,000 a day
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey taxpayers are being saddled with a bill of about $657,000 a month from Bank of Montreal for an interest-rate swap approved by state officials and linked to bonds that were never sold.
"
NJ: Report says sports gambling is problem throughout N.J. high schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sports-gambling experts said this illegal activity is present in every high school in New Jersey, according to a report on NorthJersey.com.
"
NJ: NJ looks to expand services for people with autism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey Assembly members are poised to vote on legislation that would provide more assistance for people with autism.
"
NJ: High-end North Jersey retailers report improving holiday sales
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's beginning to look like a merrier Christmas for North Jersey's luxury retailers this year.
"
NJ: N.J. borrowing grew by 700 percent over past two decades
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey taxpayers are awash in debt thanks to the spending habits of Trenton politicians — and voters themselves — who have driven up state borrowing by nearly 700 percent over the last two decades.
"
NJ: Port Authority of NY, NJ to cut 150 jobs in 2010
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK — The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's 2010 preliminary budget calls for 150 job cuts and investing $3.1 billion on capital projects including the World Trade Center.
"
NJ: Proposed N.J. bill would use trust funds to fix potholes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fixing potholes that pop tires on New Jersey's busy highways shouldn't be covered by the state's dwindling operating expenses, lawmakers said Thursday
"
NJ: N.J. AG recommends banning doctors from accepting medical company freebies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tighter controls on potential conflicts of interest between doctors, drug companies and medical-device manufacturers were recommended in a report Thursday by New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram.
"
NM: Turner blasts REAL ID Act
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial hopeful Doug Turner blasted the REAL ID Act which could force New Mexicans to use a passport for domestic travel after the new year if the state is not granted an extension.
"
NM: How did the state miss problems with Optum?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before handing over its sprawling behavioral health system to Optum Health this July, the state wanted to know whether the company would be able to process the thousands of invoices and claims submitted every month.
"
NM: Investment council can't locate subpoena, questionnaire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Investment Council (SIC) says it can't locate a subpoena and questionnaire that were missing from a group of public records released last month related to ongoing federal probes into the nationwide investment scandal.
"
NM: State issuing tax refunds to Indian veterans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An estimated 7,000 American Indian military veterans who served between the years of 1977 and 2007 might be eligible for refunds because their state income taxes were improperly withheld during that 30-year period, state Veterans Services Secretary John Garcia said Friday.
"
NM: State seeks input on revamp of Medicaid program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the state looks for ways to streamline Medicaid costs, it will hold several public meetings around the state to gather input on new concepts for the program.
"
NM: State revenues projected to drop $53 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico's revenue outlook is getting worse as the economy sputters, aggravating the state's budget problems.
"
NV: Mountains of garbage -- Southern Nevada landfill is nation's largest
From: feeds.stateline.org
""The dump" conjures images of broken couches, mounds of garbage, flies, rats, smells so strong they radiate visibly into the air.
"
NV: Liberal group begins push to tax mining in Nevada
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Nevada liberal advocacy group is mounting a drive to get voters to back a ballot measure to collect more taxes from gold mining.
"
NV: Poll -- Goodman, Sandoval neck and neck for governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LAS VEGAS -- Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman is neck and neck with former U.S. District Judge Brian Sandoval in a hypothetical general election matchup for governor, according to a statewide poll.
"
NV: Nevada Dems aim to build on 2008 momentum, give Horsford help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As a rough political season approaches, Nevada Democrats long for the days of 2008.
"
NV: Gibbons opposes health care reform bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Saying Sen. Harry Reid's health care reform bill would cost Nevadans more than a half billion dollars, Gov. Jim Gibbons Thursday urged the rest of Nevada's congressional delegation to vote against it.
"
NV: Governor's office asks for impact of additional cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons has asked his agencies to spell out what they would do to cut another 1.4 or 3 percent from their budgets.
"
NV: AG says any Station Casinos trustee must be licensed by gaming regulators
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto and gaming regulators are intervening in the Station Casinos Inc. bankruptcy case, demanding that if a trustee is appointed that the trustee be licensed by state casino regulators.
"
NV: Nevada expands high-risk group for vaccine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State health officials are expanding the high-risk group to receive priority for the swine flu vaccine.
"
NV: Chronic offenses may close facility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State health authorities are revoking the license of Chancellor Gardens of the Lakes after a third investigation in two months revealed that residents were still not receiving proper medications.
"
NY: A year of turmoil winding up at Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the annals of New York state politics, 2009 will go down as an extraordinary year for the Legislature.
"
NY: Environmentalists -- Revise gas drilling review? Nope – repeal it!
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There's nearly a month left in a public comment period for an environmental review of natural gas drilling in New York, but environmentalists have gone beyond requesting changes to the document -- they're asking that it be repealed all together.
"
NY: Rural dental care expands reach with stimulus funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- More than $1 million in federal stimulus funds is being spent locally to expand health care in underserved areas and improve facilities.
"
NY: For nonprofits, telemarketers often take most from fund drives
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For many nonprofit groups, fundraising drives are a major component in keeping them in business. Many turn to telemarketers for help.
"
NY: Hevesi linked to pay-to-play as Broidy admits guilt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California money manager Elliott Broidy on Thursday admitted to making nearly $1 million in gifts to benefit four former top officials in the office that oversees New York state's pension fund, including onetime state comptroller Alan Hevesi, according to people familiar with the matter.
"
NY: Pension plan cuts costs, helps unions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York's new public worker pension plan is being described as both landmark reform that will save taxpayers billions and the latest gift to powerful state employee unions.
"
NY: L.A. venture capitalist pleads guilty
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Los Angeles venture capitalist and philanthropist Elliott Broidy pleaded guilty Thursday to charges that he paid $1 million in gifts to New York public pension officials to win $250 million in investment capital for his private equity fund.
"
NY: Court bars taking land for Columbia campus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A New York appeals court ruled Thursday that the state could not use eminent domain on behalf of Columbia University to obtain parts of a 17-acre site in Upper Manhattan, setting back plans for a satellite campus at a time of discord over government power to acquire property.
"
NY: Struggle looms if funds withheld
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson's plan to close the remaining state budget gap by withholding local aid funds could land him in court facing off against plaintiffs, including the Legislature.
"
NY: Mass. health advocates fight alcohol tax question
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public health and addiction treatment advocates are vowing to fight a proposed ballot question that would roll back the state's new sales tax on alcohol sold in stores.
"
OH: $60 million from unclaimed lawsuit funds could go to Ohio charities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Gov. Ted Strickland signed the budget last July, the Children's Hunger Alliance lost the $3.8 million from the state that it had been using to help make sure youngsters across Ohio get the nutritious food they need to stay healthy.
"
OH: AmTrust Bank fails, bought by New York bank
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- AmTrust Bank, which opened with one office on Valentine's Day 120 years ago and grew to one of the nation's 100 largest banks, was seized by federal regulators Friday and bought by New York Community Bank of Westbury, N.Y.
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OH: Ohio's children's hospitals fear losing federal money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ohio's children's hospitals, along with others across the nation, fear they will lose up to $876.6 million in federal funding over the next decade if Congress doesn't alter proposed health-care legislation.
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OH: AmTrust Bank purchase could increase lending, competition in Cleveland market
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the last two years, AmTrust Bank has been like a zombie. The size of the Cleveland bank's deposits and assets shrank nearly in half, and the bank was under the gun from regulators to improve.
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OH: Ohio ranks 11th best place to start small businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Starting a business is easier in Ohio than in 39 other states, according to a new study that ranks the Buckeye State 11th in terms of the friendliness of the environment for entrepreneurship.
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OH: Strickland alleges China dumping steel in U.S.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland told the U.S. International Trade Commission last week that it is time to impose penalties on Chinese companies that he said are dumping too-cheap steel tubing on American markets.
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OH: Strickland takes message on the road
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WICKLIFFE, Ohio -- The governor has visited 39 businesses in 35 counties since April 30 to promote education as an economic driver. Critics say he's using the trips to mask his failings heading into a re-election bid.
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OH: Midwestern entrepreneurs don't see recovery soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite reports that the recession has ended, 44 percent of Midwestern entrepreneurs say they do not expect the recession to end for them until the fourth quarter of 2010 or sometime in 2011, according to a survey conducted by Huntington Bank.
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OH: BGSU trustees approve buyout program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOWLING GREEN, Ohio -- The Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees on Thursday unanimously approved a buyout-style program that will save the university at least $5 million.
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OH: Local plant poised to get $20M grant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A $20 million federal grant toward development of a $25 million biorefinery near the University of Toledo's Health Science Campus in South Toledo will be announced during a news conference this morning.
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OH: Ohio stimulus plan gives rebates on new appliances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio will use $11 million federal stimulus money to provide rebates to people who buy energy efficient appliances for their homes.
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OH: Cincinnati wants first Ohio casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Casino developer Dan Gilbert has said he's considering a 300,000-square-foot casino, with two or three stories, on which he hopes to break ground in November.
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OH: Consumers might not like changes FirstEnergy is planning
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Consumers' electric rates could be adjusted annually -- or almost immediately in the case of storms and fuel price increases --in a scenario that FirstEnergy Corp. presented to analysts Thursday.
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OH: AmTrust Financial attorneys talk about possibility of selling bank
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Attorneys for AmTrust Financial Corp. talked candidly Thursday about planning for the day that the struggling bank is sold.
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OH: All-day kindergarten in doubt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cash-strapped school districts might get out of a new state requirement to offer all-day kindergarten.
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OK: Unclaimed property search can be effortless, for a fee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For people who may have unclaimed property, there may be help available to find it — for a fee.
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OK: Refinery cleanup continues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CUSHING, Okla. — It took a letter-writing campaign by a group of eighth-graders to get the attention of the EPA in the late 1990s to help remove the towering, rusty remains of an abandoned refinery that marked their town.
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OK: Gov. Brad Henry focuses on budget, not end of term
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brad Henry says he is uncertain what he will do when he leaves office in 13 months, saying he is putting all his energy in leading the state, with the budget crisis as his top priority.
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OK: Health agency reduces services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Oklahoma State Department of Health has reduced nurses at county health departments, cut dental services and cut back on jail inspections, a House panel was told Thursday.
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OK: Rep. Randy Terrill pushes plan to defer state employees' pay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House member is pushing a plan that would allow state employees to voluntarily defer their pay rather than take unpaid furlough days.
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OK: H1N1 releases hold on Oklahoma
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No swine flu deaths were reported last week to Oklahoma health officials, who said the state has moved from widespread to regional influenza activity.
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OK: Loan scammers hide behind 405 area code
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bad credit? No credit? Offers abound to help individuals get loans or credit cards, even with less-than-perfect credit history.
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OK: Regents approve new OU nursing degree
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EDMOND, Okla. — State Regents for Higher Education on Thursday gave approval for a new doctor of nursing practice degree at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
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OR: I-5 bridge project council says cost-cutting plans need another look
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Columbia River Crossing's next leap forward will have to wait until at least January, after policymakers decided on Friday to look more closely at cost-cutting changes on the megaproject to replace the Interstate Bridge.
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OR: OHSU delays parking lot, scraps affordable housing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amid a financial crunch, Oregon Health & Science University is close to a deal with the city of Portland to again delay construction of a big parking garage in the South Waterfront District.
south.jpg
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OR: Scaled-back plan for I-5 bridge replacement gets airing Friday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Don't expect a "no" vote when key government officials -- including the mayors of Portland and Vancouver -- assess the tweaked Columbia River Crossing project.
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OR: Idaho utility may route line through south-central Oregon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PENDLETON, Ore. -- A utility in Idaho may route a transmission line through south-central Oregon rather than along the Interstate 84 corridor.
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PA: Ramaley lawyer vilifies key witness in Bonusgate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A key prosecution witness claims ex-Beaver County Democrat Sean Ramaley made many political fundraising calls on state time while running for office in July 2004, but Mr. Ramaley's defense attorney attacked the witness's credibility, calling him "a perjurer, a thief and an obstructor of justice."
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PA: Legislature prodded to pay up on projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Rendell administration says the state could become a deadbeat, unable to make payments of millions of dollars owed for completed construction work, if the Legislature doesn't act quickly.
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PA: Electricity costs to increase sharply when state rate caps expire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the household electric bills of many Pennsylvanians expected to skyrocket by 2011, legislators last year were talking about forcing electric utilities to eat part of the cost.
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PA: Legislative corruption scandal could undermine job at hand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An ongoing investigation of corruption in the state Legislature could become a distraction when lawmakers return to consider business, including a bill to legalize table games at casinos, some lawmakers said Friday.
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PA: Bill aims to teach school employees about child abuse
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Under Pennsylvania law, anyone who regularly comes into contact with children — including teachers, clergy, day care workers, doctors and nurses — is required to report suspected cases of child abuse to authorities.
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PA: Pa. auditor urges end to interest-rate swaps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner urged the Delaware River Port Authority yesterday to ban the use of exotic financial instruments known as "interest-rate swaps."
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PA: Pennsylvania revenue chief may testify in legislative corruption investigation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A member of Gov. Ed Rendell's Cabinet received a letter from prosecutors inviting him to testify before the grand jury investigating possible legislative corruption, the governor said Thursday.
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PA: Arguments to begin ex-lawmaker's trial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Opening arguments are scheduled to begin today in the trial of former Rep. Sean Ramaley, where two seasoned trial lawyers from McCandless will argue against each other before a jury of six men and six women.
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PA: House leadership invited to testify to grand jury
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A statewide grand jury has invited the state House majority leader, the man he displaced in that job and the state secretary of revenue to appear before the panel, a move that has presaged charges against others who received such letters in an ongoing corruption probe.
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RI: Senate panel hears gripes on municipal mandates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cities and towns are entitled to seek reimbursements for the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars it costs each year to comply with the unfunded state mandates they complain so often about.
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RI: R.I. lawmakers hear tax-break proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A business professor at the University of Rhode Island wants legislators to adopt a package of tax breaks and other incentives for small businesses as a way to spark economic development and create jobs.
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RI: Seize the breeze -- Carcieri urges speed in development of offshore wind projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOSTON –– Governor Carcieri is urging an acceleration in the development of the nation's offshore wind resources.
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SC: Barker marks decade with Clemson
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the university's leader and its 14th president, he's increased the academic profile of the student body; boosted the school's ranking in U.S. News and World Report; increased alumni and other giving; launched the International Center for Automotive Research in Greenville; and dramatically improved the school's reputation nationwide.
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SC: SC considers road like Virginia's Colonial Parkway
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Planners in South Carolina are considering building a road similar to Virginia's Colonial Parkway to link a mainland city to the growing sea islands to the southwest.
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SC: Tradition trumps Sanfords' marriage woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In her first public appearance in the capital city since her husband, Gov. Mark Sanford, admitted to an affair with an Argentine woman, the first lady greeted a steady stream of South Carolinians who had come to check out the mansion's wreaths, Christmas trees and lights.
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SC: Mercedes move may boost Upstate auto suppliers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Upstate automotive parts manufacturers heard some good news from Germany, but this time it didn't come from Munich, the home of BMW.
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SC: App outreach
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The College of Charleston has launched what the school said is the nation's first interactive, self-guided university tour application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.
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SD: Grant gives energy-saving weatherization to low-income families
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A $25 million grant through the federal stimulus program will provide a surge in energy-saving home weatherization for lower-income people throughout South Dakota in the next two years.
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SD: Funds helped create new businesses in small reservation towns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The $876,000 award to the Lakota Funds in Kyle through the federal stimulus program is being credited with saving or creating 25 jobs.
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SD: Stimulus funding technology upgrades at Black Hills Power
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Black Hills Power is planning a heady investment in the future with the help of $5.6 million in federal stimulus money for installation of more efficient "smart-grid" technology to customers in South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana.
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SD: State falls short on job creation goals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than nine months into President Barack Obama's $787 billion stimulus program, South Dakota is well below projections in a key measurement of success: jobs.
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SD: Work-related deaths rise in SD
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New federal data show that 30 people died in work accidents in South Dakota last year, up from 22 deaths in 2007 but down from 37 in 2006 and 31 in 2005.
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SD: Prairie bird's plight could affect farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A prairie song bird resembling a lanky sparrow is in the early stages of being considered a threatened or endangered species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. If the Sprague's pipit is given that protection, it might affect the conversion of grasslands to row crops.
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SD: S.D. car-deer collisions evidence of robust herd
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rob Welsch gets $35 for every mangled deer carcass he finds on Interstate 29 from North Sioux City to Sioux Falls. "My numbers are up drastically," Welsch said.
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SD: Schools might not receive increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Once thought to be protected by federal stimulus rules, South Dakota's per-pupil formula for K-12 education funding could be targeted for spending cuts this session as lawmakers look to make up an anticipated $174 million budget deficit.
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SD: Budget plan cuts, caps S.D. spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Scott Heidepriem unveiled his budget proposals Thursday, calling for a cap on state spending and across-the-board cuts to every department and agency of state government.
"
TN: Daunting threat to save timber
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The hemlock woolly adelgid has spread into Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia and foresters fear the worst: the possible loss of some of the Cumberland Plateau region's most graceful evergreen trees, eastern and Canadian hemlocks.
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TN: Money still pours to lobby on state issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Southeast Tennessee businesses and groups spent as much as $1.48 million over the last year lobbying lawmakers and executive branch officials on issues ranging from health care to natural gas charges, figures show.
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TN: Tennessee filings to erase arrest records rise with unemployment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Through November, nearly 26,700 people had criminal records wiped away by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, according to state records.
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TN: Bill Sansom may remain on TVA board for another term
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Barack Obama has nominated Bill Sansom to another term on the Tennessee Valley Authority board.
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TN: Tougher TN smoking ban may be on the way
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two years after the General Assembly passed a bill to ban smoking from most workplaces, including restaurants, supporters say the law is working and should be extended to include places such as over-21 venues that are now exempt.
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TN: Tennessee State Fair may be revived if groups have their way
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Metro won't host the Tennessee State Fair again, but two other interested parties might.
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TN: GOP rivals for TN governor spar over disclosing personal finances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Of the four GOP candidates, only two fully disclosed their detailed personal finances, as requested by the News Sentinel and the state's three other largest newspapers.
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TN: TN opens health plan for adults to sickest children
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amid controversy about the state's decision to cut off enrollment for a health insurance plan for low-income children, Tennessee expanded another program Thursday to give the sickest children an alternative.
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TN: Tennessee Channel starts Saturday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public television stations from across Tennessee, including local WTCI-TV 45, will begin airing local shows statewide.
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TN: Appliance stimulus slowly heating up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Homeowners in Tennessee and Georgia wanting to buy new, energy-efficient appliances will get some help from Uncle Sam next year.
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TX: Gilbert out of the guv race, endorses Shami
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Houston Mayor Bill White entered the race for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Tyler-area rancher Hank Gilbert dropped out and endorsed businessman Farouk Shami.
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TX: Plan for roads includes tolls, private operators
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Metropolitan Planning Organization is slated to vote today on a long-term transportation plan that includes more than a dozen toll projects expected to cost almost $4.35 billion.
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TX: Mitchell moving Aggies to center of cosmos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Today's dedication of two new physics buildings at Texas A&M University represents something of a renaissance for physics in Texas.
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TX: Medical school is ultimate goal, UT System official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A plan to expand medical education and research in Austin through a partnership involving the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and the Seton Family of Hospitals is an important step toward establishing a medical school, a senior UT System official said Thursday.
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TX: The doctor is in ... eventually
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State health officials are considering lifting a requirement that Texas emergency rooms have a physician on-site at all times — as long as a doctor can get there within 30 minutes.
"
US: States vie for $69B in infrastructure funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State transportation officials across the nation are clamoring for $69 billion in infrastructure projects in the jobs bill that President Obama will outline Tuesday, underscoring criticism that his first stimulus gave short shrift to job-creating highway and transit construction.
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US: Jobs report is strongest since the start of the recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The nation's employers not only have stopped eliminating large numbers of jobs, but appear to be on the verge of rebuilding the American work force, devastated by the recession.
"
UT: Utah's ambulance monopoly chases off competition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On a clear but crisp November morning, the temperature was rising inside the cramped Salt Lake City hub of Southwest Ambulance.
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UT: Deep down, Utahns want health care reform bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Take partisan politics out of the congressional health care reform debate and most Utahns support the basic elements of Democratic bills moving in the House and Senate, a new poll shows.
"
UT: AG's office appeals dismissal of case against teen who paid man to induce a miscarriage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Uintah County Attorney's Office and Utah Attorney General's Office have appealed a judge's decision to throw out the case against a teenager charged with hiring a man to beat her up so she would miscarry her unborn child.
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UT: TRAX turns 10 -- UTA move to rail line seems to have grown on residents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Barbara Toomer never dodges a fight with the Utah Transit Authority when fares and access to the disabled are at stake.
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UT: State senator proposes opening freeway express lanes in off-hours
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It makes little sense for Utah to restrict access to its freeway express lanes in times other than the morning and evening jams that they were designed to bypass, one lawmaker believes.
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VA: Conference to focus on energy, environment in Va.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The global debate over energy and the environment holds enticing opportunities for Virginia, but also formidable challenges.
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VA: Budget battle in Portsmouth could leave courthouse security in the air
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTSMOUTH, Va. -- Deputies will continue to secure courtrooms, but Sheriff Bill Watson says that as of next year his deputies won't staff the walk-through metal detectors at city courthouse entrances.
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VA: Va. uranium mining study could start this winter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A study of the safety of uranium mining in Virginia should start this winter and be finished in two years, legislators say.
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VA: McDonnell adds five to administration's team
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell, at least temporarily, will keep the state's top financial official in his new administration, hoping for some continuity as he manages in difficult economic times.
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VA: Va., Md. governors ask U.S. for $365 million to help in cleaning Chesapeake Bay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The governors of Virginia and Maryland are asking the federal government for $365 million next year to restore the Chesapeake Bay.
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VA: Road priorities 2.0: Officials want to tweak computer rankings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Area transportation leaders want to overhaul a new computer ranking system designed to help elected officials prioritize spending on road, bridge and tunnel improvements.
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VA: Virginia will probe Salahis' Polo Cup
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on Thursday began a formal investigation into the America's Polo Cup, the business entity run by Michaele and Tareq Salahi that the couple says raises funds for their charitable organization, as a host of other problems became apparent for the couple.
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VT: Vermont Democats huddle in Montpelier
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democratic House Speaker Shap Smith urged Democratic House members to rise to the budgeting challenges facing them in the upcoming legislative session -- no matter how tough the decisions may seem.
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VT: Brattleboro church to sell Tiffany window
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Strapped for cash because of declining donations, attendance and collection-plate revenues, church leaders voted recently to seek bids and sell the 9-foot tall, 33-inch wide window, using the proceeds to sustain the church and a wintertime homeless shelter it runs in its fellowship room.
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VT: Vermont AG to release report on fundraisers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Attorney General William Sorrell will issue a report today about charitable campaigns conducted by paid fundraisers, following a three-year study.
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VT: Plans to cut retirement fund decried
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MONTPELIER, Vt. — A commission trying to find acceptable ways to save costs in the state's public employees' retirement systems asked to hear from Vermonters about the issue Thursday evening. Did they ever!
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VT: Council wary of Burlington Telecom loan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mayor Bob Kiss called a special City Council meeting Thursday to persuade councilors to move ahead on negotiations with Minneapolis-based investment firm Piper Jaffray for a $61.6 million dollar loan for Burlington Telecom.
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VT: Vermont, union negotiate pay cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some 7,000 state workers will see a 3 percent pay cut next year if union members approve a contract agreement reached Thursday between the Douglas administration and the Vermont State Employees Association.
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WA: Hanford pulls down big stimulus dollars
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RICHLAND, Wash. -- It was ground zero for nuclear bomb production, then it became the nation's biggest atomic waste headache. Now the old Hanford nuclear reservation boasts a new distinction: It is the single biggest recipient of federal stimulus contracts.
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WA: Wallace will seek to end sales-tax exemption
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Deb Wallace will reintroduce her bill to eliminate the sales tax exemption for out-of-state residents when the 2010 Legislature convenes in January.
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WA: E. Washington gears up for census
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KENNEWICK, Wash. -- About 1,700 temporary jobs have become available in Eastern Washington, thanks to the U.S. Census Bureau.
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WA: Gregoire, Dems say tax package will be in budget fix
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire and Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate on Thursday said they plan to propose a tax package next year to help close a $2.6 billion budget shortfall.
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WA: Bail-bond agents gamble on unknown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHEHALIS, Wash. — There's a sign in the window at the Jail Sucks Bail Bonds office that says "Open 24 hours," but the door is locked and the lights are out.
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WA: Gregoire "can't live" with certain budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In an interview with TVW airing Thursday, Gov. Chris Gregoire says she "can't live" with the level of cuts that would be necessary to deal with a $2.6 billion budget deficit.
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WA: Pridemore, Zarelli split on proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire's announcement Thursday that she will propose new taxes to help close a yawning $2.6 billion state budget deficit drew quiet agreement and sharp criticism from two Clark County lawmakers who sit on the budget-writing Senate Ways and Means Committee.
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WA: Gregoire will propose tax hike to help bridge $2.6 billion budget deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire will definitely propose a tax package to avoid the deepest cuts in state spending needed to fill a $2.6 billion state budget deficit. The only remaining questions: Whom to tax, and how much to raise.
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WA: 17 state boards get axed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire killed 17 boards and commissions by executive order Thursday and called on state lawmakers to get rid of 78 other boards and transfer dozens of small agencies into larger ones.
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WI: State puts unclaimed property up for auction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Get ready, treasure hunters: an online auction starting today might be just the bling for you. It's the latest and last sale of unclaimed property to be conducted this year, and state Treasurer Dawn Marie Sass said a lot of jewelry is on the block, including some one-of-a-kind items.
"
WI: Decision soon on closing lock to stop Asian carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A decision could come within days on whether to temporarily close a vital Chicago area shipping waterway in an increasingly desperate bid to stop the invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes, an Obama administration adviser said Friday.
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WI: Wisconsin sleeps on IRA conversion break
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Milwaukee money manager Michael Sadoff began drafting a letter to clients in October about a potentially lucrative retirement account conversion they might consider. A check with the accountant upstairs quickly ended the effort.
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WI: Rate watch -- 3.5% hike approved for Madison electric utility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Customers of Madison Gas & Electric Co. would see electricity rates rise 3.5% in 2010, which amounts to $2.25 for a typical residential customer, under a rate plan approved Thursday.
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WI: Asian carp found in Chicago canal during poisoning
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LOCKPORT, Ill. -- Fish are floating in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal in one of the nation's largest ever river poisoning operations - and at least one of those fish is a confirmed Asian carp.
"
WV: Coal industry diplomatic following Byrd criticism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The coal industry is responding with diplomacy to U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd's attack on mountaintop-removal mining.
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WV: Road Fund fix eludes lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia's Legislature hopes to get a few new ideas this week as it revisits a problem that has vexed the Mountain State for much of this decade: Funding for its sprawling road system.
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WV: PEIA's premium proposals rile unions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The latest outrage surfaced last week, when the Public Employees Insurance Agency floated a proposal to cap premiums for public employees making $50,000 or more, and making up the difference with a "redistribution" of those costs onto employees at the lower income levels.
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WV: Insurance subsidies run out for jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Since Judy Meadows' husband lost his job this summer, she has still been able to manage the health-care bills. When April comes, that will be much harder.
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WV: Pension-relief bill signed into law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A long-discussed measure to help West Virginia cities shouldered with skyrocketing police and firefighter pension costs was signed into law Thursday by Gov. Joe Manchin.
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WV: Byrd says coal industry must change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd says the American coal industry must change, as it has changed before, and that it's time to "speak the truth" and "have an open and honest dialogue about coal's future in West Virginia."
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WY: Wyoming veterans can get special license plates next year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wyoming will have specialty license plates and embossed plates available for armed forces veterans next year.
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WY: "Big Step" in progress toward Cheyenne supercomputer project, says Wyo Business Council
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors approved a $20 million contract to help build the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center (NWSC) during its Dec. 2 meeting in Cheyenne.
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WY: Stimulus unemployment benefit exempt from income calculation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A $25-a-week unemployment benefit issued as part of the economic stimulus act no longer is counted as income for those applying for the state's food stamp program, according to the Wyoming Department of Family Services.
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WY: Decision on increasing community college tuition will come Monday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state panel is set to decide Monday whether to raise tuition at Wyoming's community colleges or accept the governor's proposal to hold the line.
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WY: Contractors push for more state road money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wyoming Contractors Association suggested Thursday that the state should dip into its cash reserves to fix the state's deteriorating roads
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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
"
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
"
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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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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