Weekly wrap: States, locals have spent a quarter of stimulus funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new federal report shows states and localities spent a quarter of their federal stimulus dollars. A budget-cutting to release prisoners in Oregon questioned. And credit-rating agencies draw harsh criticism from states but may escape new federal regulations.
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Economist Mark Zandi: On stimulus, jobs, state finances, inflation and the year ahead
From: feeds.stateline.org
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A leading economist agrees with President Obama's plea for additional money to help financially strapped state governments.
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AK: Alaska oil income called stable after a year of ups and downs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Prices for Alaska's main money source -- oil -- have stabilized after a volatile year, and a state official on Thursday predicted a smaller drop in revenues than expected.
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AK: AGIA critics may pick up fight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaska's effort to build a natural gas pipeline under 2007's Alaska Gasline Inducement Act is either finally making progress after years of delay, or a costly disaster which will cause further holdups, depending upon the commentator.
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AK: Palin book-signing at Elmendorf closed to general public
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The final stops on former Gov. Sarah Palin's nationwide book tour will be Sunday at Air Force bases in Alaska, at a pair of events that will be closed to the general public. They are Palin's first and only scheduled book signings in her home state.
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AL: Alabama schools spend savings to stay open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama's public schools spent nearly $222 million more than they received in revenues in the last fiscal year, which required raiding their savings accounts and borrowing money to keep doors open and teachers paid during the recession.
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AL: No 'pork' here, college chiefs say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most Alabama university chiefs say their schools were not the hiding place for "pass-through pork," the state funds routed by legislators to special projects that Gov. Bob Riley wants to keep away from campus budgets.
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AL: Madison officials learn school stimulus loan has interest rate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MADISON, Ala. -- The Madison City Council and Madison School Board learned this week there is no "free lunch."
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AL: GOP candidate believes Gov. Bob Riley got casino money for 2002 campaign
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Robert Bentley, R-Tuscaloosa, believes Gov. Bob Riley received money from Mississippi Indian casino interests in his first run for governor, The TimesDaily reports.
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AL: N. Ala. mine site due for environmental cleanup
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PHOENIX -- Environmental settlements with copper miner Asarco LLC will pay for cleanup at more than 80 polluted sites in 19 states, including an Alabama site, U.S. Justice Department officials said Thursday.
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AL: Riley's critics seeing red over wager for Florida oranges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For Alabama's anti-gambling governor, Florida oranges appear to have become hot potatoes.
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AR: Former ATRS attorney appears before lawmakers; no questions asked
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A month after threatening a former state teacher pension fund attorney with a subpoena, members of a legislative committee had no questions for her when she finally appeared before the panel Thursday.
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AZ: Asarco paying $1.8B to clean up more than 80 sites
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PHOENIX -- Environmental cleanups at more than 80 sites in 19 states will move forward with hundreds of millions of dollars in new funding under settlements with the sale of bankrupt copper miner Asarco LLC, the U.S. Justice Department announced Thursday.
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AZ: Senate president strips Gould of committee chairmanship
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate's
most steadfast foe of a sales-tax increase was punished Thursday as President Bob Burns terminated the committee which Sen. Ron Gould has headed for the last year.
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AZ: Panel backs only some reforms on private-school tuition law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A panel of lawmakers on Thursday rejected some of the toughest recommendations for increased oversight of Arizona's private-school scholarship program but did propose new controls in an effort to curtail abuses in the tax-credit law.
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AZ: Foreclosures lead market
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosures continued to dominate the housing resale market in November despite continued evidence that they are declining, according to the latest monthly report from Arizona State University.
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AZ: Asarco exits bankruptcy, will pay U.S. $1.79 billion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Asarco LLC, one of the country's largest copper miners, emerged from bankruptcy a reorganized company this week after four years of environmental lawsuits, failed sale attempts and a contentious bidding war between two prospective buyers.
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AZ: ADOA says new state financing on track
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state says it's on track to obtain new financing that Treasurer Dean Martin says Arizona needs to avoid having to issue IOUs for state paychecks and other payments in February.
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AZ: Lottery big part of state's financial plans, but first voters must vote to keep it
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While other contributors to state revenues have dropped off severely of late, the Arizona Lottery has been a growing source of tens of millions of dollars per year since its inception in 1980.
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CA: California gets $4 million in back wages for Mercury Cos. workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California labor regulators have settled a lawsuit with a bankrupt title insurance company, recovering $4.29 million in back wages for 633 employees who were laid off in 2008.
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CA: CalPERS, CalSTRS see long-term credit ratings lowered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hurt by big investment losses, California's two biggest state-run pension funds lost top long-term credit ratings from Moody's Investors Service on the insurance they sell to municipal governments to make it easier for them to sell bonds.
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CO: Gov. Ritter, Democratic lawmakers unveil job-training proposals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Ritter and Democratic lawmakers on Thursday unveiled a package of job-training proposals they said would help get more Coloradans back to work.
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CO: Rep. Judd to go after business subsidies, 'wipe out' enterprise zones
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Count on a Denver Democrat to say the thing no lawmaker in Taxpayer Bill of Rights Colorado wants to say.
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CO: Gas executives bullish on next boom; Penry still pedaling doom, gloom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Continuing to ignore global economic conditions precipitated in part by eight years of Republican economic policies, state Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, R-Grand Junction, is still blaming the Ritter administration for a natural gas bust that industry executives say is about to turn around.
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CO: 97.5% of Colorado households have broadband availability
From: feeds.stateline.org
"High-speed Internet service is available to 97.5 percent of Colorado households, but access in rural communities falls far below that mark, according to a new state-commissioned report.
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CT: Seaside back on market as potential plug for budget gap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Seaside Regional Center in Waterford is officially back on the market, leading a list of Connecticut real estate that Gov. M. Jodi Rell's administration will try to sell to raise revenue.
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CT: Rell to sell 32-acre Long Island Sound property with spectacular views; more than 60 other properties for sale
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Prompted by the state's fiscal crisis, Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell is selling off state property - ranging from the Seaside Regional Center with spectacular waterfront views to nearly 60 slivers of land of less than one acre each.
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CT: GMAC Mortgage closes in West Hartford, laying off 84 workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GMAC Financial Services will close its mortgage processing center in West Hartford, laying off 84 employees at the end of March 2010.
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CT: CSU'S Board Of Trustees to increase tuition, fees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Students commuting to Connecticut's four smaller state universities — Central, Eastern, Southern and Western — will pay an average of 6.3 percent more in tuition and fees next year, the system's board of trustees decided Thursday. Residential students will pay an average of 5.6 percent more.
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DE: Delaware libraries link catalogs using central Web site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most of Delaware's libraries are linking their catalogs into a database that now totals a million items and will top 2 million when the unification project is finished.
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DE: Downstate casinos cry foul as their profits plummet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Operators of two of Delaware's three casinos blame the state's increased share of gambling revenue for their current economic troubles.
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DE: Getting food to Delaware's hungry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials said Thursday they are collaborating with nonprofit organizations to improve access to food stamps for the growing number of Delawareans who need help from the federally funded program.
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DE: N.D. regulators balk at wind tower locations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota regulators, leery of a wind developer's request to locate six turbines less than a quarter-mile from rural homes, have scheduled a hearing for arguments about why they should grant it.
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FL: Seminole casino revenues jumped 19 percent in 2008
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Despite a tanking economy, the Seminole tribe has turned Florida into the nation's fastest-growing Indian gambling empire, registering a 19 percent increase in 2008 revenues.
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GA: Water supply panel eyeing Lake Burton
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A controversial plan to pipe water from northeast Georgia's Lake Burton into the Chattahoochee River is being considered by a task force searching for new sources of water for metro Atlanta.
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GA: AARP gets Georgia input on health reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AARP Georgia held a "tele-town hall" Thursday with thousands of its members on health care reform but the most questions had to do with Medicare and prescription drug prices.
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HI: Hawaii Legislature cancels its traditional opening-day partying
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mary Oshiro, state House Majority Leader Blake Oshiro's mother, usually recruits aunties, cousins and neighbors to bake homemade desserts for Opening Day of the state Legislature each January.
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HI: No general H1N1 vaccination yet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 14 states or cities such as Denver and Boulder, Colo., have extended H1N1 influenza (swine flu) vaccinations from priority groups to the general public, but Hawaii is not ready for that yet, says state Health Director Chiyome Fukino.
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HI: Hawaii gains 1,412 jobs from stimulus, mostly in government
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Of an estimated 15,000 jobs in Hawai'i expected to be created or saved through federal stimulus money in the next few years, just over 1,400 direct local jobs can be tied to the funds so far.
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IA: Regents approve $100 mid-year tuition surcharge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some University of Iowa students were a little miffed upon learning they will pay $100 extra this spring, while others considered it a modest fee.
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IA: All eyes at UI on revenue estimate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Today's state revenue estimate could have implications for further shedding of the work force at the University of Iowa.
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IA: Iowa legislative panel backs gov't efficiency plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House-Senate panel recommended Thursday that the Legislature tighten controls over tax credits and consolidate computer and purchasing operations to save money.
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IA: Efficiency measures could tighten, cut Iowa agencies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some state advisory panels could get axed or merged and state agencies would consolidate purchasing, information systems and functions under a package of efficiency measures approved Thursday.
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IA: Regents add $100 tuition surcharge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AMES, Ia. -- State budget cuts will hit students at Iowa's public universities in their checkbooks next semester.
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IA: Lawmaker panel adds cost-cutting suggestions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two teams - 10 state lawmakers and 12 private consultants - investigated how Iowa state government can save money.
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ID: Idaho's homeless have a new place to go when it's cold
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One-year-old Aiden-Reece Frost takes a nap while his father, Ben Frost, reads a magazine at Downtown Boise's new Pioneer Community Center's day shelter for homeless families.
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ID: Energy funds to pay for gas generator, Hailey energy study
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A landfill and an area city are among the beneficiaries of $1.5 million in federal stimulus grants awarded this week by the Idaho Office of Energy Resources.
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ID: Asarco will pay $436 million to clean up CdA pollution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Asarco Inc. will pay $436 million to cleanup decades of mining waste in the Coeur d'Alene Basin, officials from the U.S. Department of Justice announced Thursday.
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IL: Some UI faculty favor a class disruption to send message
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some University of Illinois faculty say furloughs should come on days when students are in class, to send state officials a message.
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IL: Furloughs once again possibility at UI in spring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. -- Furloughs at the University of Illinois will be "back on the table" during the spring semester unless the state of Illinois steps up in a big way, UI officials said this week.
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IL: Social service agencies call on Ill. to pay bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Social service organizations that serve the elderly said Thursday that dozens of agencies could close, hundreds of workers could lose jobs and thousands of seniors could be forced into nursing homes in coming months if the state doesn't make good on millions in unpaid bills.
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IL: Ryan focuses on spending cuts, but open to tax hikes post recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan wins his bid for governor, the Elmhurst Republican says he will focus on cutting spending, but be open minded to tax hikes once the recession clears.
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IL: State No. 7 nationwide with foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"IRVINE, Calif. -- Illinois rated No. 7 nationwide with 16,422 total filings, a decrease of about 18 percent from the previous month, but an increase of 108 percent from November 2008.
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IL: Chicago Board Options Exchange plans IPO by June
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Chicago Board Options Exchange said Thursday that it plans to seek approval to change from a member-owned organization to a publicly traded stock company.
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IN: Indiana regulators order greater conservation push
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's electric utilities are being told they need to push conservation programs, with the goal of annual statewide energy savings of 2 percent within a decade.
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IN: Jobless claims rise unexpectedly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of newly laid-off workers seeking jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, after falling for five straight weeks.
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IN: Cuts raise concerns for child programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
""Where are all of these kids going to go?" asks Laurie Nafziger, CEO of the Elkhart-based Oaklawn. She and other agency leaders must make painful choices.
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IN: Compromise may be key to schools' survival
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Financially pressed Catholic institutions may become charter schools under plan.
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IN: $1M grant to start IUPUI public health school
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Eli Lilly and Co. Foundation has given Indiana University $1 million to start a school of public health at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
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IN: WellPoint thrives as public plan takes a dive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Shares of the Indianapolis-based health insurance giant surged to a 52-week high Thursday as the prospects for a new government-run "public option" health plan faded amid intense Senate debate.
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KS: Room and board rates among other actions regents will take at December meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas Board of Regents will take final action on a proposed 2.65 percent increase in room and board at Kansas University.
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KY: New industry In Ky. could create 10,000 jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An executive task force formed by Gov. Steve Beshear has forwarded to the governor its recommendations for advancing the discussion on the development of a biomass and biofuels industry in Kentucky.
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KY: New call center to open in northern Kentucky
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear says a call center will open in the northern Kentucky city of Newport, creating about 100 jobs.
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KY: H1N1 flu slowing in Kentucky
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Swine flu remains widespread in Kentucky, but the number of cases is declining and the pace of flu-related deaths has slowed, state health officials said Thursday.
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KY: Ky., Ind. appliance rebate plans approved
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentuckians and Hoosiers replacing their appliances with energy-efficient models next year will be able to claim hundreds of dollars in federal rebates under plans recently approved by the U.S. Department of Energy.
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LA: Group predicts growth in 2010
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisiana's entry into the recession came late — about three months after the national recession began in December 2008 — and its exit may come a little late too.
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LA: State gives nod to tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Board of Commerce and Industry granted more than 130 tax breaks to Louisiana businesses Thursday, with the state treasury foregoing roughly $150 million in taxes in exchange for capital investment and job creation.
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LA: Jindal's reply on pay plan stumps some
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some Civil Service Commission members said Thursday they don't understand Gov. Bobby Jindal's objection to a new state employee pay plan that ties pay raises to job ratings.
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MA: Former state official fined $3,000 for her role in Cognos scandal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Ethics Commission took action yesterday for the first time in the Cognos scandal, fining a former state official who admitted using her position to benefit from the software company.
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MA: Coast Guard won't fight oil barge rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CAPE COD,Mass. -- The Coast Guard has dropped — at least for now — a planned court challenge to the state law designed to protect Buzzards Bay from oil barge spills.
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MA: School boss rips pols on ed bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hamstrung Hub school chief Carol R. Johnson has slammed the brakes on plans to overhaul 14 failing schools, and she's blaming slacker House lawmakers for shelving a key education bill before bolting off on their vacation.
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MA: Tim Cahill, Deval Patrick snipe over Lottery projections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A war of words - and numbers - broke out in the governor's race yesterday as Gov. Deval Patrick accused rival Tim Cahill of making "excuses" about the Lottery's performance even as the state treasurer touted a better-than-expected financial forecast.
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MD: More area homes change hands — but at lower prices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- November isn't normally a popular month for home sales, but buyers - especially first-timers anxious that an $8,000 incentive might slip through their fingers - made an exception this year.
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MD: No food stamps blamed on Md.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Maryland judge ruled Thursday that the state government is failing to provide food stamps and other public benefits as promptly as federal and state law requires.
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MD: Backers of slots parlor in city ask more time
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- Developers angling to build a casino in downtown Baltimore assured the state slots commission Thursday that the project is still on track, even though they have yet to pay $19.5 million in required licensing fees or reveal their mystery investor.
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MD: City judge rules against state in food stamp processing lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- A Baltimore Circuit Court judge ruled Thursday that the state has failed to deliver food stamps and medical benefits in a timely manner to thousands of Marylanders, and he ordered a corrective action plan to be filed by late January.
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MD: Grasmick calls for teacher changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- Maryland state schools Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick made bold proposals Thursday to alter teacher compensation, tenure and evaluations - changes she said are needed to reform education and position the state to be competitive in applying for $250 million in federal stimulus money.
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MD: Some Maryland towns struggle with pre-recession debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Six municipalities across Maryland had budget deficits going into fiscal 2009 that are by and large still being paid off, according to an audit report presented by Robert Garman of the Office of Legislative Audits.
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ME: Dirigo Health not able to pay back $25M loan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative budget committee heard a whisper of good news on Thursday about the state's financial situation.
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ME: UMFK debuts 3-year bachelor's degree for training teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT KENT, Maine — In a first step toward responding to the University of Maine System chancellor's challenge to find ways to shore up enrollments and deal with financial straits systemwide, University of Maine at Fort Kent officials on Wednesday announced plans for a three-year bachelor's degree in education beginning next fall.
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MI: Michigan workplaces -- including bars and restaurants -- will go smokefree in May
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The air in Michigan's bars and restaurants will clear May 1 once Gov. Jennifer Granholm signs into law the state's first ban on indoor smoking in practically all public workplaces.
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MI: Granholm holds off on Michigan education funding cut, GOP charges governor with scaremongering, schools still planning cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Local educators say they'll likely proceed with plans to make millions of dollars in cuts to staff and programs, even though Gov. Jennifer Granholm is holding off on a $127 per-student cut from state aid to school districts.
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MI: New Michigan smoking ban in workplaces, restaurants and bars gets mixed reaction from business owners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- With his fingers curled around a Marlboro Light and a gin and tonic in the other hand, Randy Dawe mused on the unfairness of a state smoking ban approved Thursday by the state Legislature.
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MI: Gov. Granholm gives budget cut reprieve to Michigan schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan school districts will get a partial reprieve from massive budget cuts with Gov. Jennifer Granholm's announcement Thursday that she is "pausing" for at least a month a $127 per pupil reduction in school aid she ordered in the fall.
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MI: Big Boy to lay off 88, close subsidiary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Big Boy Restaurants International will lay off 88 workers and close its ready-to-eat-meals subsidiary in Warren after the federal government ordered a recall of its products because of fears of Listeria contamination.
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MI: Treasury official -- Report shows homeowners need quicker help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Michigan continues to be a leader in terms of the number of modifications made under the president's Making Home Affordable plan, with nearly 25,000 so far.
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MI: Cherry -- Bottler fee could revive scholarships
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lt. Gov. John Cherry on Thursday proposed using Michigan's water supply to fund education. Businesses that make a profit by selling Michigan's water should pay a fee of 10 cents per bottle, Cherry said.
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MI: Public smoking ban heads to Granholm's desk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House has sent to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for signing a bill to ban smoking in bars, restaurants and all other workplaces, but allow smoking on the gaming floors of Detroit's three casinos.
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MI: Granholm rescinds cut to school aid in December
From: feeds.stateline.org
"School districts will get good news from the state: a $127 per pupil cut in state aid won't occur. At least for December.
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MI: Schools to get reprieve from state cutbacks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Thursday she won't start imposing a $127-per-pupil spending cut this month, giving school districts a holiday gift that could carry over into January.
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MI: Smoking ban gets Senate approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Michigan Legislature passed a long-delayed smoking ban Thursday, with exceptions for three Detroit casinos that have to compete with tribal casinos not affected by the ban.
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MN: Railroad says lives weren't worth $6 million each
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- Did an Anoka County court overestimate the value of four young people's lives lost in a 2003 car-train crash when a jury awarded the surviving families $6 million apiece?
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MN: Democrats offer plan to save GAMC health care program for Minnesota's poor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democratic lawmakers said Thursday that they hope to save Minnesota's General Assistance Medical Care program, continuing coverage for about 35,000 low-income adults after state funding runs out in March.
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MO: Mo. poised to create $1,250 tax rebate for many 2010 homebuyers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If you want to buy a house, the state of Missouri wants to give you $1,250.
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MO: Missouri Rep. Rochelle Walton Gray writes legislation that would help her father
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The daughter of attorney Elbert Walton Jr. is wading into the bitter battle over the Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District, pushing two bills in the Missouri Legislature that cut at issues her father is fighting over.
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MO: State AG sues Columbia developer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Columbia developer whose unfinished residential subdivision north of Columbia was repossessed this summer has been sued by state Attorney General Chris Koster for alleged violations of the state's clean water law.
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MS: Swine flu shots opened for all
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State health officials have lifted restrictions on who can get swine flu shots at county health departments.
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MT: Trust lands generate $85.3M for Montana schools in fiscal year 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana school trust lands generated $85.3 million for public education and school facilities during Fiscal Year 2009.
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MT: Backlog strikes kids' health plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two months into the state's new, expanded children's health insurance program, only a net 740 kids have been added, as health officials try to erase a backlog in processing applications.
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NC: Rand says he knows little of LEA
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As he strode through the North Raleigh headquarters of Law Enforcement Associates Inc. on Thursday, Tony Rand didn't act much like the chairman of a publicly traded company.
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NC: Conti upbeat about prospects for I-485 financing proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Secretary of Transportation Gene Conti said his agency has not communicated well on the new financing plan for the I-485 loop around Charlotte.
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NC: Hagan backed fraud software
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Six years ago, Kay Hagan, then a state senator, supported an idea about using software to catch fraudulent Medicaid claims.
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NC: Benefits extension may aid thousands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 78,000 jobless people in the state who have exhausted their unemployment benefits are about to receive letters urging them to apply for the latest round of extended benefits approved by Congress.
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ND: Best-paid workers live in Williston
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WILLISTON, N.D. -- Job Service North Dakota says the best-paid workers in the state live in Williston.
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ND: Meeting looks at options for water for the oil patch
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State, local and water officials, along with oil industry representatives met on Thursday to get ahead of the curve and start talking about where all that water's going to come from.
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NE: Pumpkin Creek case closed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The lawsuit over the little western Nebraska stream that became a big State Supreme Court case is over.
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NE: Norfolk 'dodged a bullet'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NORFOLK, Neb. – A propane-fueled fire that prompted evacuation of thousands of residents ended safely today when firefighters entered the danger zone to shut off gas valves.
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NE: Long-standing Panhandle water dispute settled
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BRIDGEPORT, Neb. -- A Bridgeport-area ranch and some landowners have settled a long-standing feud over rights to water in Nebraska's Panhandle, an attorney representing the ranch said Thursday.
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NE: Nebraska to get funds from environmental bankruptcy settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At least seven Superfund sites in EPA Region 7, including five in Missouri and one each in Kansas and Nebraska, will receive a total of $282 million, plus interest, to pay for environmental cleanup and restoration work as a result of a legal settlement in the largest environmental bankruptcy case in U.S. history.
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NH: Nonprofits eager for federal boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mary Ellen Jackson is thrilled that New Hampshire nonprofit organizations could get an influx of volunteers.
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NH: New LLC tax looms over businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Business owners throughout the state are worried they will be hurt by a new tax on interest and dividends from limited liability corporations.
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NJ: Senate approves bill to require chain restaurants to post calorie information
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate approved a bill Thursday would require restaurant owners with 20 or more locations nationally to post calorie information for food and beverages on all indoor and drive-through menu boards, or face fines.
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NJ: AG -- Low wages leading to high levels of attrition among state's lawyers, prosecutors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawyers and prosecutors fed up with low pay are leaving the Department of Law and Public Safety in droves, damaging the state's ability to prosecute crimes and defend itself against lawsuits, the attorney general said Thursday.
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NJ: Hudson trail should have state overseer, Bergen official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EDGEWATER, N.J. — The Hudson River Walkway should become the responsibility of a new state agency, instead of private landowners, a Bergen County planning official said Wednesday evening at a walkway "visioning" session.
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NM: School board accepts funds for elementary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Santa Fe school board voted Thursday to accept Gov. Bill Richardson's offer of $100,000 in federal stimulus funds for Alvord Elementary School in the 2009-10 school year.
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NM: AG can't fully account for costs of nonprofit lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Gary King's office can't say how much taxpayer money has been spent on litigation with two nonprofits, even as King appeals a judge's ruling against his attempt to force the nonprofits to register as political action committees.
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NV: Statewide gaming win continues decline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Visitor numbers in Las Vegas increased for the second straight month, but that wasn't reflected in the revenues produced by casinos on the Strip and statewide. Nevada fell to its lowest single-month gaming revenue total in almost six years.
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NV: Brothel wants to add men to lineup, awaits state approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Shady Lady Ranch, near Beatty, bills itself as a brothel for the working man.
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NV: Nevada casinos winnings report down for 22nd month
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada gambling regulators say casinos in the state won about $800 million from gamblers in October, down almost 11.6 percent compared with the same month in 2008.
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NV: Money getting scarcer in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of bankruptcy filings in Nevada continued to grow in October as more individuals and businesses sought relief from creditors because of the economic downturn.
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NY: New York ditches license plate plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson said Thursday that the state will not require all drivers to purchase new license plates for $25 starting April 1.
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NY: Tier V praised as saving billions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new Tier V pension plan for public employees became a reality Thursday as Gov. David Paterson, accompanied by a slew of lawmakers, signed legislation to reduce the cost of the state's massive retirement system.
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OH: Rep. Mallory -- Bring boxing to casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The newly approved Broadway Commons casino would be a golden venue for a Las-Vegas-style boxing arena and Cincinnati's world-class fighters, according to state Rep. Dale Mallory.
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OH: Summa looking beyond the suburbs; next partnership could be with NASA in space
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Summa's Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapeutics, along with biomedical engineering students at the University of Akron, are working to create new products for NASA.
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OH: Three Northeast Ohio projects, including ASM headquarters and dome, win state tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- An overhaul of the eye-catching ASM International headquarters in Geauga County, a renovation project in PlayhouseSquare and a makeover of a movie theater in Oberlin received some coveted financial aid on Thursday.
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OH: Natural gas prices are expected to remain low through the winter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Winter's icy fingers may have your furnace working overtime today, but they probably won't do any real damage to your overall heating budget.
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OH: Copenhagen Climate Conference draws mixture of fear and hope for Ohio contingent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of Ohio corn farmers have a keen interest in the local effect -- for good or bad -- of any global agreements that might come out of climate talks in Copenhagen, Denmark.
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OH: Bailout money being repaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the Obama administration moves to extend the financial-bailout program for another year and focus it on aid for small business, central Ohio banks are seeking to repay the money that they accepted late last year.
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OH: Tax credit to transform historic buildings into Downtown hotel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The newest boutique hotel Downtown will be built by rehabilitating and combining two historic buildings and using a $4.6 million state historic tax credit.
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OK: Report -- Higher taxes on tobacco, more access to healthy food needed in Oklahoma
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report released Thursday on making the state healthier recommends increasing taxes on tobacco, improving access to healthy food choices and encouraging the building of more sidewalks and bike trails.
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OK: Cherokees purchase Blue Ribbon Downs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Blue Ribbon Downs, the state's first parimutuel race track and first racino in the state had been shuttered by the Choctaw Nation in November at the end of its fall live racing meet, after the track experienced severe financial problems.
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OR: Budget error shortchanges college aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon's college students will get smaller financial aid checks this spring and next year unless the Legislature steps in with additional funding.
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OR: Idaho's Nez Perce ship coho eggs to Oregon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"American Indians from northcentral Idaho are shipping 700,000 bright orange Clearwater River coho salmon eggs to a national hatchery in neighboring Oregon as part of efforts to rebuild endangered spawning runs.
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OR: State extends health care to 20,000 kids
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An additional 20,000 children have health insurance and access to health care under Oregon's initiative to insure virtually all children, Gov. Ted Kulongoski announced today.
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OR: Oregon aid to college students shrinks because of overwhelming demand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 38,500 Oregon college students will get less than promised in state grants this school year because demand far exceeded the program's budget for the second consecutive year.
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PA: No vote on table games or college funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Democrats yesterday pulled the plug on the day's planned debate over long-awaited legislation to authorize table games, ending a fractious week of backdoor wrangling and leaving empty-handed several universities still awaiting their annual state funding.
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PA: Chaotic state House adjourns; no action on table games
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state House ended its business abruptly and chaotically today, with Republicans blasting the ruling Democrats for going home before voting on the state's long-delayed annual appropriations for four state-related universities.
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PA: Midyear tuition increase predicted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican lawmakers predicted Thursday that an almost six-month delay in approving state money for state-related universities could prompt Temple, Pitt, Penn State and Lincoln universities to enact midyear tuition increases.
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PA: Immunity out -- DeWeese lawyer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former House Speaker Bill DeWeese met three times with agents and lawyers of the Attorney General's Office and won't seek immunity from prosecution in an ongoing public corruption investigation, his attorney said Thursday.
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PA: Baker Knoll kin's goal in picture
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The frieze in the lieutenant governors suite -- lined with the portraits of each occupant of the office in the state Capitol since the 135-year-old position was created -- has room for just one more.
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PA: Ramaley acquitted in corruption trial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the first of the criminal trials growing out of a three-year corruption investigation, a jury acquitted former state Rep. Sean Ramaley on six counts accusing him of being a ghost employee on the state payroll.
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RI: R.I. schools breakfast program numbers fall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CENTRAL FALLS. R.I. — The number of low-income students eating free or low-cost breakfasts is increasing in the United States — but not in Rhode Island, which is unfortunate, antipoverty advocates said Thursday.
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RI: The race is on for rapid transit money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A $127.6-million proposal to remake public transit in the Providence metropolitan area is 10-percent funded, but how to finance the project's centerpiece — an electric streetcar system that may one day run from Warwick to Pawtucket — remains an important challenge, Mayor David N. Cicilline said at an event formally announcing the plan on Thursday.
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RI: R.I. unemployed can certify online for jobless benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CRANSTON, R.I. — The state Department of Labor and Training has launched an online tool that will let thousands of out-of-work Rhode Islanders avoid jammed phone lines when certifying that they remain available to work and are actively seeking work — a key requirement to help ensure that they continue to receive weekly benefits.
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RI: New R.I. economic-development director determined to make a difference
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Speaking out for the first time Thursday, Rhode Island's new economic development chief defended her $250,000 salary, urging skeptics to give her a chance.
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SC: Power costs will drop for industry and rise for residents under new Duke rate deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Upstate residents likely wouldn't be facing as steep of an increase in their power bills if South Carolina officials had used a different method of allocating costs as part of their analysis of Duke Energy's request to raise prices.
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SC: Governor aims to mend ties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A day after facing a political firing squad and coming out standing, Gov. Mark Sanford said Thursday that he will try to get along better with legislators but that he has no plans to back down from issues that often made him their adversary.
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SC: Global warming threat to S.C. trout
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All of the trout native to South Carolina's mountain streams will disappear if climate change increases air temperatures by 7 to 8 degrees, according to information presented at a global warming forum Thursday in Columbia.
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SC: How USC spent $27.8 million in stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 39 percent of the federal stimulus money the University of South Carolina system received - just under $11 million - was directed to what the school calls "quality of life" areas, such as building upgrades and renovations, according to an overview provided by university officials Thursday.
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SC: DHEC rejects controversial Kiawah Island project; developer vows to fight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's environmental protection board turned down a plan Thursday that could make a narrow spit at Kiawah Island easier to develop for upscale resort homes.
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SD: Ed funds cut not done deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Dakota's public schools wouldn't receive an increase in per-pupil funding under the budget recommendations made by Gov. Mike Rounds for next year.
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TN: County records 2 more deaths from H1N1
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two more people have died from the H1N1 influenza virus in Hamilton County, bringing the county's death toll to five, officials said.
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TN: Winds flatten state Christmas tree
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kenny Crowson, facilities supervisor at the state Capitol, said dozens of residents have called with offers of replacement trees.
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TN: Stimulus keeps Music City Star in service
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Facing a $1.5 million budget gap, the Music City Star commuter rail filled its funding void by diverting federal stimulus funds last month that had been set aside to build a permanent passenger station in Lebanon.
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TX: More than one million caught
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As many as 1.2 million motorists are nabbed by red-light cameras across Texas each year, according to the latest data collected by state transportation officials.
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TX: Teacher groups wary of CVS contract with state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A coalition of teachers, labor unions and independent pharmacists is telling the state's teacher retirement system that hiring a proposed pharmacy benefits manager could result in higher drug costs for retirees and give one store chain an advantage in the Texas market.
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US: In energy innovation, everything new is old again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ariz. -- As light filled the sky on a recent morning here, a handful of giant mirrored dishes were being prepared to track the sun and ultimately feed solar-generated electricity into the Phoenix area.
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US: The climate conundrum over nuclear energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nuclear power poses a major conundrum. Nobody's thrilled about nuclear waste, people fear potential accidents, and proliferation of nuclear weapons is downright scary. On the other hand, nuclear plants generate lots of power and no carbon dioxide.
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US: New jobless claims rise more than expected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The number of newly laid-off workers seeking jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, after falling for five straight weeks.
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US: Foreclosure relief program is stuck in first
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The government's foreclosure relief program is sputtering, according to government data released Thursday showing that the pace of help being offered to struggling homeowners slowed last month and many borrowers are at risk of losing the aid they have already received.
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US: Joblessness plan revamps rules on bank bailouts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Obama administration plans to channel money from the government's massive financial bailout program to small businesses as part of an effort to limit the political and economic damage of high unemployment.
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UT: Gov. Herbert's budget oozes optimism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just call Gov. Gary Herbert an optimist. His first state budget, set to be released Friday morning, will paint a rosier picture of the state's budget woes than the up to $1 billion revenue loss predicted by some lawmakers.
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UT: State considers $1 peak-hour toll for I-15 express lanes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cruising past Interstate 15 traffic in the express lanes may cost motorists driving alone about a quarter per ride during light traffic and climb with traffic by 25-cent increments before peaking at $1 when the regular lanes are really bogged down, state traffic engineers recommended Thursday.
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UT: UTA pulling plug on most of its weekend service
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After New Year's weekend, don't rely on TRAX to get you back home or to your car if you stay out after midnight.
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UT: Depleted uranium is on its way here
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Trainloads of depleted uranium will soon be on the move, rolling over the objections of critics on their way to a Utah burial site.
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VA: State's energy outlook discussed at Virginia Chamber conference
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia will need every energy source it can get its hands on to meet its future power needs, business and government officials said yesterday at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce's 2009 Conference on Economic Leadership.
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VA: Foreclosure activity dropped 15 percent last month
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- Foreclosure filings in Hampton Roads fell in November but remained above year-ago levels as lenders continued to repossess and auction off homes, a report to be released today found.
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VA: U.Va. conference looking at governing in a time of debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. -- It may pull us out of recession, slam us into depression, stimulate the economy or choke off recovery, but it's sure to keep us talking until it has been paid off.
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VA: McDonnell fills two more cabinet posts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell announced two more Cabinet appointments Thursday and clarified the role his lieutenant governor will play in efforts to boost Virginia's economy.
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VT: Nursing homes facing squeeze
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Shortfalls in Medicaid funding could severely impact the elderly Vermonters whose nursing-home care is funded by the program, according to a national study released Thursday. And unless the projected deficit is filled by the state and federal governments, local advocates say, seniors could see painful cuts in health-care services.
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VT: Leahy lands windfall for Lake Champlain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One brief line in a $447 billion spending bill approved Thursday by the U.S. House is expected to deliver a boatload of money for Lake Champlain.
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VT: Douglas talks budget, Vermont Yankee for 2010 session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Douglas sketched out priorities for the upcoming legislative session Thursday, warning that the state budget will be tougher than ever and that he'll push for a vote on Vermont Yankee's future this year.
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VT: Retail sales down 7.2% in Vermont
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The holiday season is also the shopping season, and retailers rely on December to hoist revenues that may languish in other parts of the year.
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WA: Task force to consider possible CWU program cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- By mid-February, an academic task force at Central Washington University will recommend which programs should be deleted or consolidated, according to a news release.
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WA: Report -- Wash. foreclosures up 15% over last year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosures in Washington were up 15.45 percent in November over the same period last year, according to a report from RealtyTrac, with one in every 835 homes receiving a foreclosure notice. The change was better than the national increase of 18.35 percent.
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WA: Mexican company reacquires Asarco
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON – A Mexican company formally regained control of Asarco on Thursday, as a court-approved bankruptcy plan took effect providing $188 million to Washington state for environmental damages from its Ruston smelter and other operations.
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WI: Medical fund transfer case sent to Supreme Court
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state appeals court has sent a case over the legality of a $200 million medical malpractice fund transfer to the Wisconsin Supreme Court to decide.
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WI: Oshkosh Corp. receives $175M order from military
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The defense arm of Oshkosh Corp. has received another military contract, this one calling for the vehicle manufacturer to provide 400 military trucks in a deal worth $175 million.
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WV: W.Va. may let Consol discharge into Dunkard Creek
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection may soon let Consol Energy resume pumping mine water into Dunkard Creek, a practice that stopped after a September fish kill.
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WV: State preps for emergency heating assistance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Department of Health and Human Resources says it's going to start accepting applications for emergency heating assistance next month.
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WV: PSC approves lower purchased gas rates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Public Service Commission says it has cut the purchased gas rates for 11 of West Virginia's 16 providers.
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WV: Thousands still without power following windstorm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 9,000 customers in Southern West Virginia were still without power the day after high winds ripped through the state, tearing down trees and power lines in turn.
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WV: New area codes stocked, but not yet needed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Telephone carriers throughout the state are in the beginning stages of assigning the new 681 area code to customers, but there is no official estimate on how many numbers have been assigned.
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WY: Wyoming nursing education loan program has $2.6 million shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state program that provides loans to nursing students and funding for nursing faculty salaries is in need of a $2.6 million appropriation from the 2010 Wyoming Legislature.
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WY: Wyoming state employees could be asked to contribute to their retirement again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of the two bills the Joint Interim Appropriations Committee will consider next month would require state employees to pay half of the increase to their retirement contribution, much as private business employees have always done.
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WY: Wyo pushes for more gas storage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rocky Mountain states continue to expand natural gas production, which has spawned several efforts to increase natural gas storage capacity here to hedge against volatile pricing.
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WY: Land Board OKs gas pipeline financing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wyoming's top statewide elected officials on Thursday gave the Treasurer's Office authority to negotiate a $300 million state investment in a natural-gas pipeline that would cut across several states.
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State budgets: $28 billion short this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
TODAY'S TAKE: Thirty-six states face budget shortfalls totaling $28 billion in the fiscal year that began just five months ago, according to a new 50-state report. The assessment predicts another $56 billion in shortfalls across 35 states next fiscal year and $69 billion in shortfalls across 23 states the year after that.
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Weekly wrap: Taxpayers in 29 states hit with hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report shows 29 states raised taxes or fees this year, generating an estimated $23.9 billion. Meanwhile, projections released this week show Arizona and Iowa headed on very different paths to economic recovery. And the upcoming Republican primary for Texas governor could be seen as a gift for the Democratic Party.
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After furloughs, states mull permanent cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
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The protracted fiscal crisis is forcing states to shrink their bureaucracies to match revenues. Some are seizing the opportunity to make government more efficient.
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From: feeds.stateline.org
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