Weekly wrap: Governors offering dire spending plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On the eve of state legislative sessions, chief executives are proposing grim budgets; Las Vegas gets encouraging economic news.
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US: States scramble to close new budget gaps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The patches used by states on their ailing budgets just months ago are now failing.
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AK: Spend more to attract other doctors, says Alaska commission
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ANCHORAGE - A state commission concluded Alaska needs to invest more money to train new doctors and lure other doctors to the state to ease a shortage of primary care physicians.
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AK: Wanted dead or alive -- Christmas tree frogs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pacific chorus frogs have shown up in the Anchorage area, hitchhiking their way in on imported Christmas trees, and state wildlife officials want them turned in -- dead or alive.
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AL: Alabama personal income remains flat in third quarter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Personal income was flat in Alabama during the third quarter of 2009 compared with the second quarter of the year, with the health care industry seeing the only notable positive growth at .13 percent, according to data released today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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AL: Results of 2010 census crucial for Alabama cities, towns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With billions of federal dollars and political power at stake, state and local officials are gearing up to get out the count for the 2010 census -- and with good reason. Alabamians have been known to come up short when it comes to participating in the census.
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AL: State wants to dismiss no-bid contract suit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorneys for the state and a computer consulting company argued Thursday that the lawsuit against their clients should be dismissed because a legislative panel does not have the authority to contest the multimillion-dollar deal after it was signed.
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AR: FERC OKs Fayetteville Express Pipeline permit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal regulators gave final approval today for construction of the Fayetteville Express Pipeline in Arkansas.
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AR: Senate health care bill criticized by right, left
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican legislators and labor unions both heaped criticism on the U.S. Senate health care bill here today.
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AZ: Three-day session costs $8,000 more than planned
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The special legislative session to find ways to balance the budget will cost about $8,000 more than planned.
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AZ: Crow to ASU grads -- Stay positive during trying times
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The thousands of Arizona State University of students who graduated at Thursday's commencement ceremony were congratulated on their accomplishment, and asked to use their education to help the nation overcome its financial crisis.
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AZ: Benefits law nets illegal immigrant suspects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Only weeks after a new state law went into effect, the Department of Economic Security has provided federal authorities with nearly 800 names of people who tried to obtain public benefits but are believed to be illegal immigrants.
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AZ: Growth to spur new revenue, First Solar says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"First Solar Inc. said it expects a significant jump in revenue next year as it ramps up for a major capacity expansion in 2010 and early 2011.
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AZ: Housing recovery may take long time
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Valley home prices have recovered at roughly the same pace since April, but Arizona State University professor Karl Guntermann sees that nice, straight trend line as more like a tightrope than a solid foundation.
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AZ: First firm punished under Ariz. hiring law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Waterworld, a water park formerly in northeast Phoenix, was the first Arizona company to have its business license
suspended for 10 days as the law prescribes for first-time offenders, Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas announced Thursday.
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AZ: Budget cuts could hobble state parks system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proposed budget cuts to state parks could shut down the entire system by July 1, the agency's director told lawmakers Thursday.
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AZ: Senate panel OKs 7.5% cut to state agencies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers moved Thursday to make further budget cuts over the objection of foes who said it will endanger senior citizens, leave roads unplowed, make the border less safe and result in the closure of all state parks.
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CA: Deal completed to preserve Sonoma coast, forest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Sonoma County conservation group completed the long-sought purchase of 5,630 acres of coastal grasslands and redwood forest Thursday, permanently opening to the public a stunning landscape teeming with wildlife.
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CA: Sacramento judge throws out lobbyists' campaign financing lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A lobbyist group's lawsuit to kill a ballot measure that wants the influence industry to pay for an experiment in public campaign financing has been kicked out of Sacramento Superior Court.
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CA: State and local growth slows to a trickle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Shedding jobs that once reliably attracted new residents, California grew at a slower pace this year than all but two other years since 1900, according to state Department of Finance figures released Thursday.
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CA: Napa defends its wine train against Senate critics
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Townsfolk in Napa say Sen. John McCain of Arizona has uncorked sour information about their wine town in a new report on alleged waste of federal stimulus dollars.
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CA: California home sales, prices improve in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California home prices and sales showed steady improvement during the typically slow month of November, fresh data released Thursday showed, with the San Francisco area outpacing Southern California.
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CA: California's population grows by less than 1%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California's population grew less than 1% in the last year, the slowest growth rate in more than a decade and a vivid indicator of the continued toll that the deep recession has taken on the state.
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CO: CDOT will let FREX sell 9 buses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Colorado Department of Transportation agreed Thursday to allow Colorado Springs-based Front Range Express to sell up to nine of its 19 buses to avoid deep cuts in service.
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CO: State Rep. Levy plans bill to clean up electric co-op elections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Boulder lawmaker says she'll introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session aimed at cleaning up questionable campaign practices in rural electric association board elections.
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CT: State gets say on proposed transit cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York's transit agency may be implementing drastic cuts, but they won't affect Connecticut's train riders without state officials' say-so.
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CT: Study -- Sunday alcohol sales would net state $8M
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut could collect an additional $8 million in taxes on beer, wine and liquor if it lifts its ban on Sunday sales, according to a new legislative study.
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CT: Dairy farmers getting help as milk prices plunge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Like most of the 152 dairy farms in Connecticut, Tiffany Farm in Lyme has struggled this year to absorb a sustained drop in milk prices.
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CT: Stamford Harbor gets stimulus funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A massive, $3 billion, 80-acre redevelopment on Stamford Harbor will benefit from a federal economic stimulus program intended to lower construction financing costs and boost the economy in areas hard hit by unemployment.
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CT: AG seeks other states in rate rollback fight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Richard Blumenthal continued to hammer away at credit card interest rate increases Thursday, urging attorneys general in other states to join his call for an immediate rollback in rates to what they were as of Jan. 1, 2009.
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CT: Jobless rate falls even as jobs decline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut's unemployment rate took one of its sharpest drops of recent years in November, from 8.8 percent to 8.2 percent, a report released Thursday shows.
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CT: Denial of stimulus funds for Acela won't affect Springfield-New Haven initiative, advocates say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal officials won't approve using high-speed rail stimulus money to improve the Acela system, but that decision doesn't damage the Springfield-to-New Haven line's separate chance for funding, several rail advocates said Thursday.
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CT: State residents urged to fill out Census forms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- You've probably heard of it, or even seen it before — the questionnaire asking quasi-personal information, such as your name, age, ethnicity and address.
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CT: Issue of sunday alcohol sales rises again in Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Sunday beer run — in Connecticut? Not yet, but on Thursday a key legislative committee reopened the debate over allowing package stores and supermarkets to sell alcohol on the first day of the week.
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DE: Delaware presses for a sludge solution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State regulators called for tighter restrictions Thursday on a troubled wastewater-sludge recycling company in Wilmington, and reported that a huge stockpile off East 12th Street contains unacceptably high levels of arsenic.
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FL: Crist proposes cutting corporate-income tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist told The Sun Sentinel on Thursday that he is crafting a plan to slash Florida's corporate income tax, which generates $1.7 billion annually.
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FL: Crist says he had no reason to suspect alleged swindler Rothstein of anything illegal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his most detailed comments yet about $1.2 billion Ponzi scheme suspect Scott Rothstein, Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday he had heard the rumors swirling about the mysterious source of Rothstein's sudden wealth but saw no reason to investigate him or refuse his big political contributions.
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FL: Vasilinda -- Deal 'fair and square'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda and her television-newsman husband Thursday said renewal of a $3.7 million Florida Lottery contract with his company was "fair and square."
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GA: Ga. to use federal loans to pay unemployment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia must use $70 million in federal loans to sustain the state's dwindling unemployment insurance trust fund or it will be without money by next week to pay benefits to more than 260,000 unemployed state workers, state labor officials say.
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GA: GA to spend $42 million on fiber optic loop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia will use $42 million in local, state, federal and private funding to create a 260-mile fiber optic loop for broadband access through eight North Georgia counties, Vice President Joe Biden and Gov. Sonny Perdue announced Thursday in Dawsonville, Ga.
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GA: Georgians' incomes rise while jobs evaporate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At first it makes sense: people who draw paychecks lost ground in Georgia during the third quarter, according to a federal report issued Thursday.
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HI: Hawaii revenue drop expected to add another $40M to deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Council on Revenues trimmed the state's revenue forecast yesterday, but the reduction was less than state lawmakers feared, and economists spoke optimistically about the state moving out of the recession.
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HI: Hawaii economy may start to see slow upturn within a few months
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The latest economic forecast says Hawai'i could see some recovery starting early next year, though it will be weak and not shared by all sectors.
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HI: Council sees drop in revenue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's budget deficit grew by about $40 million as the Council on Revenues reduced its revenue forecast by one percentage point, predicting tax money for the 2010 fiscal year to come in about 2.5 percent lower than a year ago.
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IA: Official -- UIHC turns financial corner
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University of Iowa Health Care officials say the hospital has "turned the corner" after months of financial woes, and they are prepared to move forward with work on a new outpatient clinic in Coralville.
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IA: Cut services could mean homelessness, jail for some
From: feeds.stateline.org
"People could end up homeless or in jail if a state program proceeds with a plan to cut services to 1,200 Iowans, program directors said Wednesday.
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IA: Legislators, Culver back tax credit review
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The furor over tax credits used to lure the movie industry to the state has made it certain the Legislature will overhaul those incentive packages when it convenes in January, according to lawmakers and Gov. Chet Culver.
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IA: Rebuild Iowa panel urges disaster aid policy changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of a Rebuild Iowa panel said Thursday they hope lawmakers deal with proactive policy changes next session that will head off or mitigate damage from future weather-related disasters.
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IA: Lawmaker -- Iowa school districts should cut reserves
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa House Speaker Pat Murphy said Thursday local school districts ought to pare their reserves to a level even with the state's before raising property taxes.
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IA: Iowa may see fewer school districts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mounting budget and educational programming pressures may force some school districts to consider sharing or merging with other districts in the near future, legislative leaders say.
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IA: Culver, union weigh 10-hour, four-day workweek
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chet Culver and leaders of a state employees union are discussing the possibility of some departments of state government operating on a 10-hour, four-day workweek to save money.
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IA: State officials set deadline for film projects seeking tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials will give production companies until Monday to say whether they will move forward with their film projects and are still intending to seek tax credits from the state.
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IA: IDED halts tax credits for new film projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa economic development leaders agreed today to stop providing state tax credits for new film projects in Iowa for the remainder of the fiscal year.
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IA: Iowa's personal income holds steady in 3Q
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A government estimate of Iowans annual personal income increased $50 million during the third quarter to $112.4 billion, according to a report Thursday from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
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IA: Michael Tramontina breaks silence -- Defends tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former Iowa Department of Economic Development Director Mike Tramontina today broke his three-month public silence since his abrupt resignation to defend Iowa's tax credit policies.
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ID: Transportation Department finishes road projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Transportation Department says the first two highway projects financed with federal stimulus money have been finished.
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ID: Keith Allred aims for the middle in campaign for Idaho's governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TWIN FALLS, Idaho - Keith Allred said he would be a governor "who puts the interests of all Idahoans ahead of the interests of the powerful and connected."
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IL: Judge rules in favor of dairy's construction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GALENA, Ill. -- A judge has ruled against a group trying to stop construction of a large dairy in the northwestern Illinois community of Nora.
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IL: Illinois Supreme Court delays ruling on med-mal caps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois Supreme Court decided not to issue its ruling Thursday on the constitutionality of a state law that limits jury awards in medical malpractice cases.
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IL: Illinois' unemployment rates dips to 10.9 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHICAGO -- Illinois' unemployment rate dropped ever-so-slightly in November to 10.9 percent. But state officials don't see it as a reason to rejoice just yet.
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IL: State to get $9M bonus for children in Medicaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHICAGO -- Illinois is getting a $9.1 million bonus from the federal government for enrolling more uninsured children in Medicaid.
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IL: Supreme Court delays ruling on malpractice damage caps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois Supreme Court today did not rule as expected on whether the state's four-year-old medical malpractice reform survives.
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IL: Illinois tollway extends contract of troubled customer-service firm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The company that has handled complaints about toll violations from Illinois tollway drivers for the last three years received a contract extension Thursday, despite a public outcry over delayed fine notices and busy customer phone lines.
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IN: Board -- Cut 3% from school budgets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Board of Education is recommending every Indiana school corporation downsize its budget by 3 percent to come up with the $300 million Gov. Mitch Daniels ordered cut from kindergarten through 12th grade education to balance the state's budget.
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IN: Schools told how to slash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Board of Education decided Thursday to send a list of suggested cost-saving measures to school districts in January, with a teacher salary freeze likely high on the list.
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IN: Report -- 2 of 5 Hoosier workers to leave jobs by 2030
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite the economic recession and its devastating impact on older Americans' retirement plans and savings, Hoosier businesses depending on these folks in their workforces face a challenge soon.
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IN: Schools brace for drastic cutbacks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana school districts must take painful and dramatic measures to help fill a state budget hole, possibly including a salary freeze for school employees, the State Board of Education said Thursday.
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KS: Kansas unemployment rate shows slight improvement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state unemployment rate fell slightly, to 6.2 percent in November, the fourth straight month of decline, officials said Thursday.
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KS: Rep. Gene Suellentrop sworn in to Kansas House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wichita restaurant owner Gene Suellentrop is officially the state representative for the 105st District.
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KS: Governor -- Education won't be cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson said Thursday he will not approve any more cuts to public schools or higher education and that he is considering a tax increase to bridge the next revenue shortfall.
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KY: Auditor's report blisters League of Cities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With little oversight from its executive board, the top staff of the Kentucky League of Cities lavished itself with excessive salaries and retirement bonuses in recent years, state Auditor Crit Luallen reported Thursday.
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KY: Audit done, KLC parties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Thursday, a devastating state audit detailed a culture of excessive and wasteful spending at the Kentucky League of Cities. On Friday, the group is holding its annual Christmas party at the Mansion at Griffin Gate, complete with a reception, dancing and karaoke.
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KY: Audit says board member has conflict
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kentucky League of Cities audit said Arthur Byrn, the chairman of the league's insurance services board, has a conflict of interest because he sells KLC's workers' compensation insurance.
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KY: Radcliff passes smoking ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RADCLIFF, Ky. — The central Kentucky city of Radcliff has joined a growing number of other cities around the state that have approved smoking bans.
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KY: Ky. unemployment rate dips to 10.6%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky's unemployment rate dipped to 10.6 percent in November, down from a revised 11.3 percent in October but still up from 7.2 percent in November 2008, the state reported Thursday.
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LA: La. No. 1 in personal income drop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By percentage, Louisiana's personal income fell more than any other state in the third quarter, a federal agency reported Thursday.
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LA: Louisiana budget deficit estimated at $197 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Economic hard times are reducing tax revenue available to the state government's general fund, causing a forecasting panel today to reduce the state budget outlook by nearly $200 million for both the current and next fiscal years.
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LA: Lawmakers irked governor didn't get OK on plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several state lawmakers Thursday criticized Gov. Bobby Jindal's plan to accelerate work on a dozen highway projects by reshuffling $120 million.
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LA: State agencies face more cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Economic hard times are reducing tax revenue available to the state government's general fund, prompting a forecasting panel Thursday to reduce the state budget outlook by nearly $200 million for the current and next fiscal years.
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MA: In dog racing's final days, bettors and workers on edge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RAYNHAM, Mass. -- Raynham-Taunton Greyhound Park has been on the decline since it set a world record for collecting $240 million in dog racing revenue in one year, back in 1989.
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MA: The toll of the times
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WALPOLE, Mass. -- An ever-shrinking pot of dollars screams for attention in municipal ledgers across the region, but the real measure of tough times comes in quieter, more subtle ways. Walpole paints the picture for scores of suburbs like it.
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MA: Cahill's legal costs soaring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill and his lottery director have racked up $393,000 in publicly funded legal costs over the last seven months and are on track to spend another $500,000 as they use two elite law firms to defend themselves in a lawsuit accusing them of rigging contracts in exchange for campaign donations.
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MA: Bay State jobless rate falls to 8.8%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massachusetts received more good news yesterday that the economy is stabilizing.
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MA: State pays for private lawyers to defend treasurer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Treasurer and gubernatorial candidate Tim Cahill and his lottery director have spent nearly $400,000 of public money on private lawyers to defend themselves against contract rigging allegations, and could end up spending hundreds of thousands more.
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MD: Md. employers brace for higher unemployment insurances costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Employers might grumble about state unemployment insurance taxes whenever they do their books, but the fees make headlines only when there's a problem -- and there is a serious one in Maryland, business owners say.
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MD: Md. throws out bid for Baltimore slots casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bid to build Maryland's second-largest slots casino was killed Thursday by a state panel whose members said they were deeply frustrated by the developer's repeated delays in securing financing and providing other plans for the facility envisioned for downtown Baltimore.
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MD: O'Malley proposes unemployment insurance relief for businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- Gov. Martin O'Malley has announced a proposal to address big increases in unemployment insurance rates for Maryland small businesses. Part of the plan, which will require legislation, would provide $83 million in rate relief for Maryland employers.
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MD: City slots parlor rejected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- Maryland's slots commission rejected Thursday a bid to build a casino in downtown Baltimore, a decision that will delay much-needed revenue for the state and hamper city efforts to cut property taxes.
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MD: Slots supporter named to Arundel council after lengthy debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- The Anne Arundel County Council voted unanimously late Thursday night to appoint a small-business owner and slots supporter to the council after hours of debate and divided votes.
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MD: O'Malley wants to use federal dollars for unemployment fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- Gov. Martin O'Malley said Thursday that he wants to bring Maryland's unemployment eligibility calculations into line with a national standard, a move that would enable the state to tap $126.8 million in federal money but would also cost employers more.
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MD: Revenue decline slowing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland's revenue slide is slowing down, prompting state officials to hope the recession is finally easing.
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MD: Middlebrooks may rejoin slots debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The calculus of the looming vote on a casino at Arundel Mills mall may change yet again as Councilman Ed Middlebrooks reconsiders whether to vote.
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MD: Schools have no money to hire new teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Class sizes in county public schools will increase again next year as school officials face rising enrollment but can't afford to hire any new teachers.
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ME: State's toxics effort weighed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine's plan to be one of the first states to track and regulate toxic chemicals in toys and other children's products drew praise and criticism at a public hearing Thursday.
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ME: Dairy producers in Maine in line for $1.5M in aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine's struggling dairy farmers are in line for $1.5 million in federal aid with the passage Thursday of the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment program, or DELAP.
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ME: Building an information highway
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ORONO, Maine — U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced Thursday that a Maine-based public-private consortium will receive $25.4 million in federal stimulus money to install 1,100 miles of fiber-optic Internet cable in rural Maine.
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MI: 4,300 state employees to take furlough days
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 4,300 state employees are slated for five unpaid furlough days over the next nine months after their union, the Michigan State Employees Association, and the administration of Gov. Jennifer Granholm failed to negotiate alternative concessions.
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MI: Standish and state officials continue to look at options for Standish prison
From: feeds.stateline.org
"STANDISH, Mich. -- Officials here are left to pin their hopes on Pennsylvania prisoners to reopen the Standish Maximum Correctional Facility after Tuesday's announcement that Guantanamo Bay detainees are heading to Illinois.
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MI: Michigan launches culinary tourism effort
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eat up! Michigan is launching an effort to promote culinary tourism and encourage local offerings on restaurant menus.
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MI: Michigan earns $3.5 million federal bonus for enrolling uninsured children
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan was awarded $3.7 million Thursday from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for enrolling an additional 56,000 uninsured children into its Medicaid and children's health insurance program.
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MI: State workers get 5 furlough days in '10
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Roughly 4,300 state workers will have to take five furlough days starting in January as part of $50 million in employee concessions included in the 2010 fiscal year budget.
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MI: House bill may let Michigan use fed road funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A vote in Congress could keep Michigan from losing millions in federal road repair money, but builders said Thursday it's a short-term fix to a funding problem.
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MI: Granholm to OK smoking ban today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm will sign Michigan's smoking ban into law Friday at a Lansing brew pub.
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MI: State workers to get furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm ordered Thursday about 4,300 state employees to take five unpaid furlough days over the next nine months after failing to extract concessions aimed at cutting $3.5 million in costs.
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MI: Chrysler chief's plans for the future
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Less sizzle, more steak. That's the emerging picture of the new Chrysler under the leadership of Fiat and Chrysler Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne.
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MI: Legislature approves tax credits for vehicle battery technology
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature approved $78 million in tax credits Thursday evening for Ford Motor Co. to develop battery packs for future hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which the company said will create 1,000 new jobs in Michigan.
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MI: Energy firm shows Michigan can be a hotbed for enterprise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the long winter that saw venerable General Motors and Chrysler sliding toward bankruptcy, a fledgling company called Accio Energy was running ahead of schedule with a plan to harness the wind with a new product that's similar in some ways to a solar panel.
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MI: Obama auto team irons out plans for the future of Chrysler, GM
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sergio Marchionne was one guy who impressed the Obama auto task force -- but the panel wasn't going to negotiate with the Fiat chief executive over Chrysler's fate without having some leverage.
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MI: Michigan to furlough 4,300 workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last summer, Daniel Matthies had to closely watch his spending as he took six unpaid furlough days along with 37,000 state employees. Thursday, the auto mechanic, who works for the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, learned he'll be pinching pennies again.
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MN: State's economic trend looks positive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minnesota's economy is starting to add jobs again. The state gained 2,000 jobs in November, according to figures released Thursday that also contained a revision of October's results that showed twice as many jobs were created that month as originally thought.
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MN: Layoffs abate as recovery emerges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minnesota employers have stopped the layoffs. They're increasing hours and adding jobs as they face a slowly recovering economy.
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MO: Mo. housing agency considers property tax break
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Missouri housing agency is considering a $15 million plan to pay property taxes for those who buy a house next year.
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MO: 5 percent of Mo. jobs tied to 'green' economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri economic development officials say nearly 5 percent of the state's work force has ties to so-called "green" jobs.
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MO: Missouri's yoga enthusiasts go to the mat over sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ST. LOUIS -- The students streamed into the Marbles Yoga studio -- shoulders rolling and minds calming -- as they prepared to spend an hour with their instructor inside the sun-dappled room. For many students, the class is as much about the spirit as it is about exercise.
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MS: Barbour slams health reform bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour joined Senate Republicans on Thursday in blasting Democrats' plan to overhaul the nation's health care system.
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MS: Personal income drops slightly in Mississippi
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi posted a 0.2 percent drop in personal income during the third quarter of 2009.
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MT: State Supreme Court rules in favor of Great Falls Clinic, against seven doctors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. - The Montana Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the Great Falls Clinic in a case in which seven doctors alleged a noncompete clause in the clinic's contract is illegal.
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MT: Montana, Wyoming transmission lines draw wind developers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BILLINGS, Mont. — A Canadian energy company proposing a pair of major transmission projects in Montana and Wyoming says it is getting strong interest from wind developers interested in hooking up to the power lines.
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MT: Slow economic growth forecast for 2010; Missoula will soon be largest city in Montana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"We are inching our way out of the recession, and in 2010 Missoula will see slow economic growth.
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NC: Easley aide takes the Fifth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top aide to former Gov. Mike Easley who helped gather campaign donations from politically connected businessmen declined Thursday to testify before the State Board of Elections, citing his Fifth Amendment right to not incriminate himself.
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NC: Rand did no wrong, report to LEA finds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report released Thursday by Law Enforcement Associates found no evidence of wrongdoing by company Chairman Tony Rand, who has been accused by two former board members of hatching an insider trading scheme and other potential crimes.
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NC: N.C. tax revenue matches weak economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina continues to collect less tax money than lawmakers expected when they crafted this year's budget.
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NC: State permit official put on leave
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state environmental official has been placed on administrative leave while officials conduct an investigation of his involvement in the Cannonsgate development where former Gov. Mike Easley bought a lot.
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NC: State verifies it paid twice on wetlands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources squandered nearly $700,000 this year buying environmental restoration from a Maryland company that had already been paid for the same work by another state agency nine years earlier, according to a state legislative review released Thursday.
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ND: Supreme Court denies Tibert in Minto feud
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The North Dakota Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of a district court judgment against a Minto, N.D., family in a long-running and bitter feud between them and the family that owns the local grain elevator.
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ND: NDSU president hopes to lift hiring freeze by February
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota State University's interim president told the Board of Higher Education he hoped to lift a campus hiring freeze by early February, while a board member said he was annoyed he wasn't briefed about the move beforehand.
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ND: Board of Higher Ed member questions NDSU bookstore
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A downtown North Dakota State University bookstore raised concern Thursday with a member of the state Board of Higher Education.
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ND: NDSU bookstore draws higher ed board member's ire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota State University's opening of a bookstore in downtown Fargo drew the ire Thursday of a member of the state Board of Higher Education, who said it was unfair competition with private business.
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ND: State funds rural home building
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state will try to encourage new home construction in rural towns by bridging the gap between construction costs and property values.
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NE: Jobless benefits call center deluged with calls
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A tidal wave has hit a state call center that processes unemployment claims, and state workers are struggling to keep their head above water.
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NE: Court rejects learning comm. case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The chance for a quick resolution of a lawsuit challenging the learning community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties has disappeared.
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NE: Changes needed for wind projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska needs more changes in state law if it truly wants to put out the welcome mat for large-scale wind-energy developments, a state panel was told Thursday.
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NJ: Appeal for more afordable housing delivered by 'Mary and Joseph'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mary and Joseph came to Trenton yesterday, but there was no room at the Statehouse.
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NJ: U.S. Sen. Menendez says transportation remarks from N.J. Gov.-elect show 'lack of understanding'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor-elect Chris Christie showed a "lack of understanding" when he criticized New Jersey's congressional delegation for failing to get enough federal money for transportation projects, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez said Thursday.
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NJ: Roadblock in effort to fluoridate N.J. water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TRENTON, N.J. -- An effort by New Jersey lawmakers to require the fluoridation of public drinking water throughout the state has run into a formidable foe: the troubled economy.
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NM: Richardson targets ads featuring politicians in ethics reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Politicians appearing in public-service announcements urging New Mexicans to be safe, stay healthy, get out and vote, or not to drink and drive would be a thing of the past if the Legislature next year passes a bill proposed Thursday by Gov. Bill Richardson as part of an ethics package.
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NM: Capitol garage costs set
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The public will pay $1 an hour or $8 maximum to park in the new garage west of the state Capitol, under an agreement by the Legislative Council reached Thursday.
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NM: State budget crisis -- Task force keeps focus on adding grocery tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A task force appointed by the governor to look at various proposals to raise taxes to help ease the state's budget crisis wrapped up its work Thursday.
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NM: State authority nears first big renewables deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A 100-megawatt wind farm near Willard, N.M., could become the first beneficiary of the state's push into the world of renewable energy.
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NV: Nevada economy: Unemployment drops in month
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Don't open the champagne bottles yet.
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NV: Rory Reid calls for stronger ethics laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rory Reid, the front-running Democratic candidate for governor, called Thursday for stronger ethics laws and changes designed to make government more transparent and accountable to Nevadans.
"
NV: Jobless rate declines as workers leave, stop seeking work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unemployment in Nevada fell in November for the second month in a row, to 12.3 percent.
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NV: Nevada foreclosure filings take another dive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosure filings plummeted in November in Nevada, but analysts are not sure if this marks a trend.
"
NY: Jobless rate falls to 10%, but 400,000 in New York City still seek work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York City's unemployment rate dropped to 10 percent in November, as professional services like law and accounting firms hired more workers after many months of cutting jobs, the State Labor Department said Thursday.
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NY: Jobs still disappearing in Central New York
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The recession maintained a strong grip on the Syracuse area in November.
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NY: Rochester-area jobs outlook brightens
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Rochester area's unemployment rate dropped a bit in November, to 7.6 percent, and the improvement also showed up statewide.
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NY: Region's employment scene stabilizing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The unemployment rate in the Buffalo Niagara region slipped to 8 percent in November as the pace of job losses slowed, the state Labor Department said today.
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NY: Good feelings not the rule in Empire State
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The top five happiest citizens lived -- in order of happiness -- in Louisiana, Hawaii, Florida, Tennessee and Arizona. At the other end of the scale, last in happiness -- is New York state.
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NY: $40 million flows to N.Y. dairy farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that it has come up with a distribution plan for dairy aid to the nation's struggling farmers, favoring smaller farms such as those in New York.
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NY: Suit filed over delayed school district payments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A coalition of education groups on Wednesday filed suit against Gov. David Paterson in an attempt to stop the payment delays the governor has imposed on school districts as a result of the state's cash-flow crunch.
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NY: Deep freeze stretches shelters to the chairs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With an overnight low of 8 degrees Thursday, after all the beds and mats spread across the floor were filled with homeless men, late arrivals ended up in a place of last resort: a straight-backed chair borrowed from the chapel.
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NY: Liquor rules reform urged
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The final report on the state's regulation of liquor sales contains recommendations for dragging the 75-year-old Alcoholic Beverage Control Law into the modern era while reforming the troubled agency tasked with enforcing it.
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OH: Ohio tax cut delay means less for taxpayers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohioans will pay more in 2009 taxes than expected because a budget compromise that cleared the Legislature on Thursday night delays the last in a series of tax cuts begun four years ago.
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OH: Personal income in Ohio grows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Personal income in Ohio grew 0.5 percent in the third quarter compared to the preceding quarter, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Thursday, Dec. 17.
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OH: State lawmakers reach deal to patch budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"tate lawmakers on Thursday, Dec. 17, agreed on a deal to patch an $851 million hole in the budget and avert massive cuts to 600 school districts serving 1.8 million students.
"
OH: Equity firm to acquire Cedar Fair for $2.4B
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amusement and water park operator Cedar Fair LP, in a surprise move that sent roller coaster-type shudders through the industry, said yesterday a New York City private equity firm will buy it.
"
OH: Deal reached to patch hole in Ohio schools budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers and Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday broke a long-awaited deal to patch an $851 million hole in the state's education budget by delaying for two years the final 4.2 percent installment of a total 21 percent cut set in motion in 2005.
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OH: Ohio reaches deal on $850M budget gap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio lawmakers have reached a deal to resolve an impasse over a budget deficit by combining Gov. Ted Strickland's tax cut delay with a pilot project for new construction rules.
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OH: Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and others agree to work together for uninsured
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The region's largest health systems and free clinics officially formed a partnership Thursday to work together to help Cuyahoga County's uninsured gain access to preventive, primary care medicine.
"
OH: Ohio chain sold to private investor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TOLEDO, Ohio -- The amusement park industry's bumpy ride this year took another twist as Ohio-based Cedar Fair said it has reached a deal to be acquired by a private equity firm.
"
OH: Bill gives nursing training a boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Ohio wants to head off a future nursing shortage, the Ohio Senate's lone nurse says, the state needs to deal with its shortage of nursing instructors.
"
OH: State budget leaves local senators conflicted
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Franklin County's two Republican senators found themselves on opposite sides of the budget-fix bill.
"
OH: Budget deal sealed after late-night debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Schools, libraries and other social services will not face further cuts, but many Ohioans will either pay more or get back less when they file their income taxes next year under a contentious plan to fix the $851 million budget shortfall.
"
OH: Pilot project may save OSU $100 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The temporary change to Ohio's 132-year-old construction law that is included in the state budget is expected to save Ohio State University about $100 million on its medical-center expansion.
"
OK: Oklahoma company gets grant to provide broadband
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — A telephone company in southeastern Oklahoma is among the first recipients of federal stimulus grants to provide high-speed Internet service in areas that have little or no access.
"
OK: AG opinion -- Cabin rentals ought to be supervised
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BROKEN BOW, Okla. — An opinion from Attorney General Drew Edmondson effectively shuts down companies that rent cabins to tourists — unless they're supervised by a licensed real estate broker.
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OR: LNG plans win key vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"COOS BAY, Ore. -- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday approved plans for a liquefied natural gas terminal and a 234-mile pipeline to ferry the resource to the California border.
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OR: FERC approves LNG terminal, governor to appeal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal regulators approved construction of a liquefied natural gas terminal on Coos Bay on Thursday, and the governor and conservationists said they would try to reverse the decision and were ready to go to federal court if necessary.
"
OR: Ore. AG -- dealers must pay out clunker scrap value
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon's attorney general says the popular Cash for Clunkers program required that car dealers pass along the scrap value of old cars to the customers who traded them in.
"
OR: 'Clunkers' refunds fall short, state says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An initial investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice has revealed that many consumers have not received full refunds for vehicles traded in under the federal "Cash for Clunkers" program.
"
OR: Yes, it's raining like crazy now, but Oregon's dry summers mean farmers have to irrigate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite the state's soggy reputation, a national farm and ranch survey shows that Oregon is one of the top users of irrigation water for agricultural production.
"
OR: State will help finance Novellus' Tualatin expansion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon announced a $400,000 grant today to help Novellus Systems consolidate production at its Tualatin factory.
"
OR: Closure of Oregon City-West Linn bridge delayed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Plans to close the Arch Bridge connecting Oregon City and West Linn for renovation have been delayed for nine months to a year.
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OR: Another sign of recession? More people caught cheating to get Oregon benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An analysis of state data by The Oregonian shows that cheating and lying to get unemployment insurance and Medicaid have jumped dramatically since Oregon dived into deep recession last year.
"
OR: Oregon objects to federal OK of Coos Bay gas terminal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The multibillion-dollar horse race to bring more natural gas to the Northwest and California tightened Thursday as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 3-1 to approve a controversial terminal in Coos Bay and its associated pipeline to import liquefied natural gas.
"
OR: Oregon tech manufacturing fades amid recession, offshoring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Carry Olayos had little notion of semiconductors, and no idea how to make one, when she was finishing up community college 12 years ago. But enticed by the promise of flexible hours and steady work, she took a job making computer chips in a Gresham factory.
"
PA: Governor releases state money for Pitt, Penn State
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ed Rendell on Thursday said he would release state money for Pitt, Penn State, Lincoln and Temple universities, which critics claim Rendell and Democratic legislators held hostage in a political dispute for two months.
"
PA: Rendell threat -- 1,000 layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Table games or 1,000 layoffs.
"
PA: House Democrats name Dermody to replace embattled DeWeese
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the state House reeling from an ongoing corruption investigation, the Democratic Caucus on Thursday turned to a veteran prosecutor to fill the No. 3 leadership post, giving Allegheny County more bargaining power on legislation and budgets.
"
PA: Without table games, Pa. layoffs loom again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Rendell said yesterday that he would be forced to lay off at least 1,000 government workers if the General Assembly failed by Jan. 8 to resolve its impasse over authorizing table games.
"
RI: Union vows to fight Carcieri's deficit plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The leaders of the largest state employees union are denouncing Governor Carcieri's deficit-elimination plan as the "wrong idea at the wrong time.''
"
RI: R.I. jobless rate dips to 12.7 percent, but 1,300 jobs lost in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State leaders have long warned that an economic recovery in Rhode Island will not follow a straight trajectory. The latest jobs report, released Friday, seems to bear that out.
"
RI: Carcieri to Assembly -- 'Stop pandering, posturing'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Carcieri went on the offensive this afternoon, lashing out at state Senate leaders for suggesting his budget plans would cause local tax increases.
"
SC: Economic index points up, but hiring hurting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report on unemployment claims and a forecast of U.S. economic activity have pointed to an economy that is healing slowly but without the job growth needed for a vigorous recovery.
"
SC: S.C. road system is among most cost effective, group says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Carolina has one of the most cost-effective road systems in the country according to the Reason Foundation, a libertarian-leaning California-based think tank
"
SD: SD budget would be balanced with one-time money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The gap in South Dakota's current state budget can be fixed by taking $15.8 million from several funds that hold excess money, the governor's budget director said.
"
SD: AAA -- SD holiday travel to rise 15 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The organization says that more than 253,000 South Dakotans will take to the highways and travel 50 miles or more from home over the 12-day holiday period.
"
TN: Cleveland, Lakesite to get roadscape funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced Thursday that it was allotting grant funds for roadscape projects to 12 cities, including Cleveland and Lakesite.
"
TN: TVA touts ash cleanup progress
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KINGSTON, Tenn. — Almost a year after the Kingston ash spill dumped 5.4 million cubic yards of wet coal ash onto Tennessee land and rivers, TVA officials on Thursday touted their progress toward cleaning it up.
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TN: Year after TVA ash spill, neighbors feel trapped, fed up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KINGSTON, Tenn. — The ash spill at a TVA coal-burning plant that bolstered clean energy advocates' arguments against coal has — almost a year later — lost much of the haphazard look of a calamity.
"
TN: State revenue estimates put off
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Funding Board on Thursday delayed setting revenue projections used by the governor and lawmakers to prepare Tennessee's annual spending plan.
"
TX: State sued over long wait for food stamp applicants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legal aid lawyers sued the state Thursday for ignoring deadlines in its own food-stamp rules, saying Texas still hasn't gotten serious about ending delays that block needy people from getting help.
"
TX: Gramm signs letter against stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Former Sen. Phil Gramm headlines a group of 18 Texas economists who signed a letter released Thursday by House Republican Leader John Boehner opposing another economic stimulus package.
"
TX: Keep on trucking
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texas has the worst rates of cargo and heavy equipment theft — thieves rolling away with anything from semi-trailer trucks full of electronics to a backhoe on a flatbed — in the country. It also has the worst track record of recovering stolen heavy equipment
"
US: Lawmakers' tough choice -- curb the deficit or create new jobs?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama invited more than 100 guests to his recent summit on job creation – from Nobel Prize economists to clean-energy entrepreneurs. But one "guest" showed up uninvited, in a manner of speaking: the Ghost of Deficits Future.
"
US: Biden to unveil broadband expansion projects to boost jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the late 1920s, the Republicans crowed about how their policies had put a "chicken in every pot." The White House this week is dispatching Vice President Biden to southern Appalachia – the historic backdrop for economic hardship – to update that slogan to "a broadband connection in every home."
"
UT: Uranium train keeps chugging closer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The train carrying depleted uranium to Utah isn't turning back and Gov. Gary Herbert, determined to stop the radioactive cargo, isn't giving up.
"
UT: Unemployment rate in Utah dipped a bit in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah's unemployment rate improved slightly in November, although its nonfarm wage and salaried job count continued to decline, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
"
VA: Va. Tax amnesty tally hits $103M - and counting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON ROADS, Va. -- Virginia has collected $103 million in delinquent taxes so far from a recently completed amnesty program, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Thursday.
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VA: 'Painful cuts' part of Kaine's Virginia budget proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On the eve of his budget presentation to the General Assembly's key money committees, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said his proposal to plug a multi billion-dollar state revenue hole will include spending cuts, new revenue sources and more layoffs of state workers.
"
VA: Delegates will give up some perks to save Va. some money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House of Delegates members will have to give up coffee and manpower, under cost-cutting measures taken by Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford.
"
VA: Kaine to propose reduction in state pension contribution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia would reduce the amount of money it contributes to the retirement plans of state employees under a new two year-budget proposal that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will unveil Friday.
"
VA: Virginia seeks to extend IT contract deadline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is proposing pushing a deadline for junking its contract with Northrop Grumman from December to July, perhaps buying time for the new governor to save Virginia's troubled switch to a privately run information-technology system.
"
VA: Wet fields keeping some Va. growers at bay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EMPORIA, Va. -- Recent rains are keeping cotton and soybean growers out of their fields in Virginia.
"
VA: Rail officials say bill is on the wrong track
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- A bill filed by Del. Mark Cole last week could cost the Virginia Railway Express more than $30 million in federal funding.
"
VA: Virginia governor to raise taxes, cut core services' funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) will unveil a two-year budget Friday that will include tax increases and deep cuts to core services, including education and health care, according to sources familiar with the plan.
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VT: Report -- Schools have room to share services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One group of school districts saved $17 million in seven years by sharing bids on food, goods and maintenance.
"
WI: Ex-GM workers asked to repay benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JANESVILLE, Wis. -- Several hundred laid off General Motors employees in the Janesville area have been asked to repay overpayments in Supplemental Unemployment Benefits they received earlier this year.
"
WI: Wis. health official: $600 million cuts on track
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is on track to cut more than $600 million from Medicaid, but even with those reductions, high demand from the poor for insurance benefits could result in up to a $150 million shortfall, the secretary of Wisconsin's Department of Health Services said Thursday.
"
WI: State microbe bill advances, Harley stalls
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal to name Harley-Davidson as the official Wisconsin motorcycle has stalled in the state Legislature.
"
WI: State sends unemployment checks to nearly 11,000 whose benefits expired
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State of Wisconsin early Thursday morning sent unemployment checks to 10,956 people whose benefits had run out, according to an official with the Department of Workforce Development.
"
WI: State jobless rate dipped in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin's unemployment rate improved in November, dropping to 8.2%, the state Department of Workforce Development reported Thursday.
"
WI: State lawmakers skeptical of Medicaid cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers cast some skepticism Thursday on a plan to cut more than $600 million from safety-net programs that provide health care for elderly, disabled and low-income people.
"
WV: W.Va. revs up online access to vital records
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Internet users everywhere can now view Hank Williams' death certificate, Gov. Joe Manchin's marriage certificate or great-grandpa's birth certificate through an upgraded online database of more than 5.7 million vital records in West Virginia, officials said Thursday.
"
WV: State agency repays vendors in auditor scam
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Settlements totaling $1.5 million have been paid by the state Board of Risk and Insurance Management to pay two corporations that were victims of an international scheme to redirect payments to dummy companies.
"
WY: Wyo builders support Governor's budget cuts to school construction budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CASPER, Wy. – Even though Gov. Dave Freudenthal cut the budget for school construction as he did for most other state programs, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wyoming says it is supporting the governor's $266 million budget request for school construction and major maintenance for the 2011-12 biennium.
"
WY: 'Absolutely no justification for it'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., and six other GOP senators sent a letter to President Barack Obama this week criticizing what they claim is a "decision to review all state-issued coal permits."
"
Nightmare scenarios haunt states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One question keeps coming up as governors and legislators grapple with a seemingly never-ending stream of gloomy budget news that keeps getting worse: How bad can it get? The answer, according to experts and a look through history, is probably that it could get worse than it has been in a generation — maybe even a lifetime — but not catastrophic.
"
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.
"
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.
"
Economist Mark Zandi: On stimulus, jobs, state finances, inflation and the year ahead
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
A leading economist agrees with President Obama's plea for additional money to help financially strapped state governments.
"
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.
"
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.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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