Republican AGs expand health care attacks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: A growing number of Republican state attorneys general are threatening to block health reform backed by congressional Democrats, with Florida’s Bill McCollum becoming the latest.
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VA: McDonnell wants offshore drilling in 2011
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia is poised to become the first state on the Eastern Seaboard to receive permission to tap potential offshore energy reserves and its incoming governor wants to take advantage of that pole position.
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AK: Parnell names new in-state gas pipeline coordinator
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Sean Parnell has chosen a state geologist to take over the job of in-state gas pipeline coordinator, a position that was vacated last month.
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AK: Former lawmaker sentenced in Fairbanks drug case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- Former Alaska state Rep. Nick Stepovich was sentenced Tuesday to 352 hours of community service after his conviction for felony cocaine possession and tampering with evidence.
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AK: Parnell adds spring AMHS ferry runs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KODIAK, Alaska - Gov. Sean Parnell has ordered the Alaska Marine Highway System to schedule more ferry runs between Homer and Dutch Harbor.
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AL: Sparks stays in Alabama governor's race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ron Sparks will not abandon his candidacy for Alabama governor to run for a North Alabama Congressional seat.
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AL: PACT will not pay full tuition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The board of Alabama's financially troubled prepaid college tuition program approved a survival plan Tuesday that would end the tradition of paying all tuition costs at public universities in the state.
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AR: UAMS receives $2 million gift
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences announced today that the Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute has received a $2 million gift from the estate of a former advisory board member.
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AR: Lincoln -- Health care will be issue through election
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln said today she expects health care reform to remain a hot topic through the 2010 election cycle, but she believes as Arkansans learn more about the reform bill she voted for last week, they will see it is good for Arkansas.
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AZ: Rebate program to launch in March will help consumers save water, energy, money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona consumers in the market for a new washing machine, dishwasher or water heater might want to hold off until March.
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AZ: Suits tied to state take toll on coffers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorneys' fees are the latest element in the state budget crisis to take a toll on state coffers. During the past two years, groups ranging from chiropractors to farmers have filed 18 lawsuits, disputing budget-related decisions made by the Legislature.
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AZ: In down economy, Arizona has fewer births
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's anti-illegal-immigration laws and the poor economy have had a chilling effect on the number of babies born in the state.
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AZ: Cities rescue state's parks facing closure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With budget cuts threatening more closures in the state-parks system, cities and towns around the state are stepping forward with offers to help.
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CA: S.F.'s vanishing sea lions baffles experts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hundreds of sea lions that have rested, scuffled and provided hours of blubbery, barking entertainment for two decades at San Francisco's Pier 39 have disappeared - and biologists have no idea why.
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CA: Scientists begin testing mussels in San Francisco Bay for pollutants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SAN FRANCISCO — California scientists hope studying 180 black mussels pried from algae-covered rocks in San Francisco Bay will provide clues into how many drugs and chemicals are polluting waters across the nation.
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CA: Jennifer Aniston, other celebrities make presence felt in Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wasn't the only Hollywood celebrity shaping legislation in the state Capitol this past year. Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rodriguez and Sean Penn were among the A-listers who took on starring roles in crafting or promoting new laws.
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CA: Term limits initiative gets boost from SoCal stadium backer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The developer of a proposed National Football League stadium in the City of Industry has pumped $300,000 into a campaign fund for a proposed ballot measure to change state term limits.
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CA: Tracing device triggers backlash from gun industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California regulators have approved far fewer semi-automatic pistols for sale in the wake of a state law that required new safety devices in 2006 and 2007.
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CO: Colorado Rep. Kathleen Curry changes from Democrat to unaffiliated
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Kathleen Curry has changed her voter registration from Democrat to unaffiliated, a move that will require the Gunnison lawmaker to relinquish her positions as speaker pro tem and chairwoman of the House agriculture committee.
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CO: Report of 'secret' immigration detention centers raises rights concerns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Detention and Removal website, the federal agency has only one center for detention in Colorado, a privately owned facility located in Aurora.
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CO: Efforts already underway in Colorado to blunt federal health care reforms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Coloradans will likely be asked in November to blunt the impact of federal health-insurance reform with a state constitutional amendment that would attempt to undo some of what Congress is trying to pass.
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CO: Disabled Coloradans sue state over Medicaid cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of disabled Coloradans who say their Medicaid benefits were cut without warning is suing the state, claiming the reductions strapped their budgets for in-home health care just before the holidays.
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CO: Homeless coalition considering cuts in health care
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with the loss of $3.4 million in state funding, the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is considering cuts to programs, including elimination of a mobile clinic that has provided care to more than 2,200 people this year.
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CT: State money propels Metro Center project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- An infusion of state money will keep construction of the town's third railroad station on track.
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CT: Rell's "power grab"
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A coalition of unions representing 50,000 state employees is slamming Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto yesterday of the legislature's budget deficit bills.
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CT: DEP, UConn launch website to help shape land-use decisions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When America emerges from the recession, two big issues that Connecticut and other relatively congested Northeast states will face are the pace and quality of development.
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CT: Many state dairy farmers receive federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Many of the state's dairy farmers received a federal assistance payment within the past week, and some think the allocations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with recent state aid, bode well for an industry in distress.
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CT: Top 10' No. 2 -- CT troops in Iraq & Afghanistan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan haven't permeated Main Street as deeply, but the separation, camaraderie and loss common to all wars have marked thousands of Connecticut service members, their families and friends.
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DE: Delaware economy still seeing negatives
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the 34th consecutive month, Delaware has registered a negative reading in an index designed to predict the growth of the state's economy.
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DE: Del. working on NFL postseason betting system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There's just one week remaining in the National Football League's regular season, but Delaware Lottery officials say they're working on a postseason betting system.
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DE: Motorists' bane is businesses' boon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the past four months, motorists traveling through Delaware on I-95 have had to find new places to stop for gas, grab a coffee or use the restroom because of the closing of the Delaware Service Plaza.
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FL: Florida Republican may file suit over health bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"VERO BEACH, Fla. — Florida's attorney general questioned the constitutionality of the federal health care bill on Tuesday, calling on states to study whether to file suit to kill a provision requiring that individuals buy health insurance or pay a fine.
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FL: Child-abuse deaths soar in Florida
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 200 children were fatally abused in Florida in 2008, a roughly 20 percent increase over 2007. Unemployment rates and drug use also increased in the state — a factor in many of the deaths, according to a preliminary report.
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FL: Insurance mandate legality questioned
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum directed his staff Tuesday to investigate the legality of requiring people to buy health insurance or face a penalty, a provision included in the federal healthcare reform bills before Congress.
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FL: Facility for drug-addicted moms scraping for funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. — There's a three-month waiting list at the Susan B. Anthony center, a program that allows drug addicted mothers to get treatment while living with their children instead of putting them in foster care and going to prison.
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FL: Jackson Health System's cash pot falls to dangerous levels
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Even after plans to reduce staff and close units, Jackson Health System is getting dangerously close to its bare minimum for cash-on-hand -- a key indication of financial health.
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GA: Decade of growth swells North Georgia
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jobs in the floorcovering industry swelled the population of Northwest Georgia in the early part of the decade. Then the bottom fell out.
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GA: Georgia to help doctors get e-medical records
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the Obama administration continues to encourage medical providers to adopt new health information technology, the state of Georgia is launching a program that would jump-start Medicaid physicians' use of paperless health records.
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GA: Ga. may expand areas where guns can be carried
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia lawmakers could consider vast changes to the state's firearm laws, including a push to allow gunowners with permits to carry their concealed weapons at a range of new areas, from churches to school zones to college campuses
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HI: Kaloko payouts to be revealed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LIHU'E, Hawaii — The state will soon reveal its share of a reported $25 million payment to the victims of the 2006 Kaloko Dam collapse.
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HI: Arbitrator's decision may affect UH pay cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Whether the University of Hawaii can cut faculty pay beginning Friday will likely depend on the legal interpretation of four sentences.
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HI: Hawaii BOE chief not giving up on plan to end furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Linda Lingle's aides are expected to meet with education officials this morning to discuss ending teacher furloughs, but the teachers union will not be at the table.
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HI: Hawaii fireworks sales still hot in recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Those who measure the cause and effect of the most dismal economy in Hawai'i since the Great Depression can ponder the meaning of the following trend change this New Year's Eve: In the midst of lost wages, high unemployment and too few inspectors to count banana-hopping rats in Chinatown, folks in Honolulu have suddenly been ignited by the idea of purchasing fireworks permits.
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HI: Officials hope Obama's visit boosts isle tourism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tourism officials hope images of a president celebrating a warm Christmas in Hawaii will remind mainlanders that a sunny getaway awaits them if they'd just hop on a plane and leave the frigid temperatures and mounds of snow behind.
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IA: Ignition interlock maker critical of Iowa drunk driving laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of a company that makes devices which prevent drivers who are drunk from starting their vehicles says other states have jumped ahead of Iowa when it comes to making sure habitual drunken drivers cannot drive.
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IA: Legislative proposal targets charity spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of Iowa charities would be required to disclose how much of the money they raise actually benefits their cause under legislation being drafted this year by Iowa's attorney general.
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ID: Idaho Power plan to sell facilities gets hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOISE, Idaho — The state's largest utility wants to sell $44,000 in electrical distribution facilities to the Raft River Rural Electric Cooperative, a Cassia County-based operation with customers in Idaho, Nevada and Utah.
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ID: Idaho population growth drops to 12th nationally
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho's population growth slowed considerably in late 2008 and early 2009, but Idaho still ranks as the 12th fastest-growing state in the nation.
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IL: Ill. to rely on US mortgage database
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois is embracing a licensing database that officials say will help ensure the competency of mortgage loan professionals.
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IN: Road's end complicates lives, business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When he bought a new home in Griffith earlier this year, a house near Cline Avenue was a top priority for Steve Felton.
The commute to his job at BP's Whiting refinery used to take about 15 minutes on the bridge, but that same commute grew to 45 minutes after state officials closed the thoroughfare in November.
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IN: Public protest on Cline won't matter to state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A consulting company discovered 300 new cracks in the now-closed 1.25-mile stretch of Cline Avenue bridge during the last inspection.
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IN: Scientist fears catastrophe if carp reach lake
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Notre Dame scientist David Lodge, who has studied invasive species at the university's Center for Aquatic Conservation for 25 years, says to not respond to problems caused by Asian carp "is like playing Russian roulette with the ecosystems of the Great Lakes.
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KS: Kansas inmates dig in to help shovel snow in Topeka
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Inmates from the Kansas and Shawnee County corrections departments are getting some time outdoors shoveling snow from driveways and walks at Topeka homes.
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KS: Nixon proposals laws to protect Lake of the Ozarks and other bodies of water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jay Nixon proposed sweeping changes Tuesday to water quality laws in an attempt to stem the flow of billions of gallons of sewage into Missouri waterways.
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KY: Kentucky Power asks for rate hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky Power Co. is asking the state Public Service Commission to approve a rate increase of nearly 35 percent.
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KY: Former state Rep. Denver Butler remembered as family man with 'common sense approach to politics'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most people knew Denver Butler as a fixture in state and city politics over the last three decades.
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KY: Budget outlook far worse than most expect, Beshear says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear warned Tuesday that the state's budget outlook is even worse than expected — with projected revenues falling at least $1.4 billion short of meeting obligations during the 2010-12 period.
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KY: Downard wants refund from League of Cities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisville Metro Council member Kelly Downard says the Kentucky League of Cities owes Jefferson County taxpayers a refund after an audit found lavish spending on salaries and retirement bonuses for top staff, along with conflicts of interest and unethical conduct.
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KY: Law firm for potential Powerball winner contacts Ky. Lottery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A law firm contacted Kentucky Lottery officials Tuesday claiming to represent the person or persons who hold the $128.6 million Powerball ticket that was sold in Georgetown.
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LA: State agencies submit plans to trim $248 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State agencies are contemplating layoffs, hiring freezes and Medicaid program cuts as they scramble to trim $248 million from their budgets.
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LA: Former state official gets insurance post
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has tapped former Secretary of State Al Ater to serve as his chief deputy commissioner, where he will help manage the department's external affairs, such as working with the Legislature.
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LA: Retirees' benefits coming, official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana will deposit the January benefit payments Friday, system spokeswoman Lisa Honore said Tuesday in a release.
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MA: House bill gives superintendents more power to fire teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Massachusetts House of Representatives appears poised to consider an overhaul of the state's most troubled schools next week, as members take up a bill that could represent a major setback for teachers unions.
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MA: Patrick, DeLeo divided on track slot machines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With Beacon Hill set to revisit the issue of expanding gambling next year, Governor Deval Patrick and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo are at odds over a central element: whether Massachusetts should join a dozen other states in allowing slot machines at racetracks.
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MA: Robert DeLeo plans slots gamble
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's four ailing racetracks could hit the jackpot with slot machines as early as May under long-awaited gaming legislation House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo plans to file in February.
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MA: Home buyer program finding few takers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BREWSTER, Mass. — A program that offers $20,000 to prospective Brewster home buyers to reduce the cost of their purchase has not caught on after two years.
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MD: States must meet bay cleanup goals, U.S. warns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Obama administration warned Tuesday that Maryland and other states that drain into the Chesapeake Bay face federal sanctions, including roadblocks to growth, if they fail to meet new cleanup goals - though federal officials said they're counting on not having to wield the rod.
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MD: More Maryland renters caught amid foreclosure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- Marjorie Benedum and her husband, Mel Harris, knew their landlord was facing foreclosure but were reassured when he said they could keep renting the Southwest Baltimore house after his family lost it.
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ME: People's veto of tax legislation ready for statewide vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Voters in June will decide whether to repeal a state tax-reform law.
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MI: Consumers Energy may close Muskegon's B.C. Cobb coal-fired plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Consumers Energy's B.C. Cobb power plant — Michigan's oldest operating coal-fired plant and one of Muskegon's biggest property taxpayers — is one of several facilities being considered for closure, a Consumers Energy official said Tuesday.
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MI: Report -- GMAC to get another $3.5 billion dollars in federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- GMAC Financial Services is expected to receive $3.5 billion more in federal aid to further stabilize the automotive lender, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
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MI: DEQ issues air permit to Consumers Energy for new $2 billion coal-fired plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a somewhat unexpected move, the state Department of Environmental Quality issued Consumers Energy an air permit Tuesday, a necessary next step to building a $2 billion coal-fired plant near Bay City.
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MI: Detroit busiest U.S. land border crossing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Detroit continues to be the busiest land border gateway for goods transported across the border via highways, railroads and pipelines in 2008.
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MI: Most Michigan stocks likely to end '09 with gains
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the year winds to a close, investors in Michigan-based companies will hope that 2009 is a sign of things to come: Despite starting the year in recession and riding through one of stock market's biggest crashes in March, shares in the majority of large, publicly traded firms headquartered in the state head toward New Year's Eve showing gains.
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MI: State grants permit for coal power plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The move to approve the 830-megawatt plant in Hampton Township had Consumers Energy rejoicing, but environmentalists lambasting the decision.
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MN: Twin Cities home sales figures give little solace
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The fragile housing recovery in Minneapolis-St. Paul held on by its fingernails in October, as prices rose slightly, the widely watched Case-Shiller report on home prices said Tuesday.
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MN: Minn. to auction leases for minerals exploration
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state of Minnesota is preparing to auction off leases for metallic minerals exploration and mining rights.
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MO: Nixon proposals laws to protect Lake of the Ozarks and other bodies of water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jay Nixon proposed sweeping changes Tuesday to water quality laws in an attempt to stem the flow of billions of gallons of sewage into Missouri waterways."
MO: Still aims to rid housing panel of politicians
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Mary Still plans to file a bill this week that would remove statewide elected officials from the Missouri Housing Development Commission.
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MO: Nixon to propose Mo. political ethics rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Another Missouri official is urging reforms in the state's political ethics rules.
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MS: AG -- No law allows non-bank deposits by power associations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley wants Mississippi electric power associations held more accountable for their investments and cash reserves.
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MS: Jobs could be on line for state employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The jobs of teachers, troopers and numerous other state workers could be on the line as lawmakers head to session next month to craft a budget.
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MS: $3M grant to help rebuild decimated coastal reefs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BILOXI, Miss. — When the former menhaden fishing vessel the Great Wicomico settled to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico last month 13 miles south of Horn Island, it became part of an effort to rebuild Mississippi's artificial reefs devastated during Hurricane Katrina.
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MS: Developers get land needed to build new casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"D'IBERVILLE, Miss. -- Developers now have the parcels they need to go before the Mississippi Gaming Commission and ask for part of the Old Town area of D'Iberville to be declared a legal casino site.
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MT: Gov. Schweitzer objects to use of stimulus money for Bozeman tennis courts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal stimulus money to be spent on new tennis courts in Bozeman is drawing the ire of Montana's governor.
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MT: Bozeman spending on tennis criticized
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal stimulus money to be spent on new tennis courts in Bozeman drew the ire of Montana's governor Tuesday — and sparked a brouhaha between the Democrat and Republicans over who is to blame.
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MT: Demand for energy assistance up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Demand for energy assistance has jumped across Montana this winter, with the biggest increase in demand coming from the Bozeman and Billings areas.
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MT: State agency calls wolf hunt a success
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMILTON, Mont. — There weren't any biological red flags raised during Montana's first fair-chase wolf hunt earlier this year.
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NC: Smoking or non? Soon, it's all non
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Starting Saturday, Albert Brown will be forced to alter a cigarette habit he picked up at 9 years old.
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ND: Bridging the gap?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Grand Forks County and the Grand Forks-East Grand Forks Metropolitan Planning Organization want to clear a path to construction of an interchange at Interstate 29 and Merrifield Road. So, they plan to send a formal request to Bismarck to see exactly where the North Dakota Department of Transportation stands on the issue.
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ND: Red River flooding solution is a problem to some
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FARGO, N.D. — Although the Red River's swollen waters have long tormented this city and the region straddling North Dakota and Minnesota, the severity of flooding last spring galvanized leaders here to come up with a solution in a $1 billion water diversion project. But as memories of the floods of 2009 — the images of farmhouses surrounded by miles of water — begin to fade, there are signs that the consensus may be tested.
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NE: Could more Nebraska budget cuts be on the way?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A little more than a month after slashing the state budget more than anytime in recent memory, many Nebraska lawmakers say the Legislature may not be done cutting.
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NE: Beleaguered Nelson to air TV ad tonight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As a fresh poll measured the political cost of Sen. Ben Nelson's health reform vote, he prepared Tuesday to take his case directly to Nebraskans during Wednesday night's Holiday Bowl game.
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NE: Neb. water projects get fed help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SHELBY, Neb. — An east-central Nebraska community will share in nearly $117 million in federal stimulus money distributed for rural water projects.
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NE: New life in rural areas?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Look south from Interstate 80 in Nebraska's Panhandle and you will see a nearly endless string of wind turbines on the horizon. But none of the nearly 340 bright-white towers is in Nebraska; they're all across the border on the scrubby, high plains of Colorado.
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NE: Unemployed get Web sign-up option
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Labor Department has updated its Web site so some people can apply online for extra unemployment benefits.
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NH: UNH ends up with small budget surplus for '09
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire is relying more on students to balance its budget and the school's finances are shaping up to be better than expected, according to a letter issued by budget officials earlier this month.
"
NJ: A push to tighten the rules on who gets a state pension
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A New Jersey lawmaker is planning to introduce legislation that would bar nongovernment workers from enrolling in the state's taxpayer-funded pension system.
"
NJ: Camden clinic accused of phony Medicaid billings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Camden methadone clinic faces penalties of up to $11.6 million for improperly billing Medicaid, the state and federal health-care program for the needy, New Jersey officials said yesterday.
"
NJ: Eco-groups criticize delay of DEP rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey's leading environmental groups yesterday condemned fast-moving legislation that would further postpone an already delayed water quality management plan that will tightly regulate sewer extensions and restrict development throughout the state.
"
NJ: Republicans call for state investigation of Bergen County loan program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republicans called Tuesday for the incoming state attorney general to investigate a Bergen County Improvement Authority loan program in the aftermath of a Record report that found some towns had acquired hundreds of thousands of dollars of unnecessary debt.
"
NJ: Winds cause damage, power outages in North Jersey
From: feeds.stateline.org
"High Winds gusted up to 45 mph and wreaked havoc all over North Jersey on Tuesday, knocking out power, felling trees and slowing the morning commute, authorities said.
"
NM: Ex-insurance regulator's convictions upheld
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal appeals court has upheld Joe Ruiz's corruption convictions, and the former state insurance regulator will remain in jail through at least 2011.
"
NM: Project looks to lure state offices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Espa ola businessman Richard Cook's proposed Pavilion business park between N.M. 599 and the Santa Fe Municipal Airport aims to compete with Las Soleras as the future site of new state office buildings on Santa Fe's sprawling southwest side.
"
NV: Rookies will be big factor in 2011 Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rookie lawmakers will play a big role in the 2011 Legislature as lawmakers tackle a potential $2.4 billion budget shortfall and reapportion 63 legislative districts.
"
NV: Last minute deal halts governor's divorce trial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After 18 months of insults and accusations, the divorce trial of Gov. Jim Gibbons and his wife Dawn was just 30 minutes away Monday when the couple and their lawyers disappeared behind the closed doors of Judge Frances Doherty's chambers.
"
NV: Report -- Vegas housing market shows no 'glimmer of hope'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Las Vegas-area home prices continued to fall through October and among big U.S. cities, Las Vegas "remains the one market that has not seen a glimmer of hope so far this year."
"
NV: Renewable projects in Nevada get BLM guarantee for fast-tracking
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Bureau of Land Management has guaranteed fast tracked decisions on 24 renewable energy projects and seven transmission lines across the West, including several projects in Nevada.
"
NY: DiNapoli -- State is 'down to petty cash'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's latest "Cash Watch" bulletin suggests the state will deplete its cash resources to an "all-time low" after tomorrow's scheduled $1.3 billion Medicaid payment and $2.2 billion in STAR and school aid payments.
"
NY: New York Thruway tolls to rise 5 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tolls on the state Thruway will increase 5 percent on Sunday, the last of a series of toll increases in recent years on the 641-mile system.
"
NY: Audit to test Cuomo bureau
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has launched an audit of a branch of Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office -- the Civil Recoveries Bureau, a division assigned to recover money owed to state agencies through litigation.
"
NY: Split over gas drill rules continues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A coalition of business groups and a union representing state environmental workers added their voices to the debate Tuesday over proposed natural gas drilling in the state, with one urging Gov. David Paterson to push ahead and the other urging him to slow down.
"
OH: Utilities must pay for gas line repairs, court rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ohio Supreme Court on Tuesday, Dec. 29, unanimously upheld a state regulatory decision to give natural gas utilities the exclusive authority to repair or replace defective, customer-owned service lines that run from the street to the customer's gas meter.
"
OH: Measure to reduce lawmakers' pay yanked from state budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers made headlines this fall when they floated the idea of cutting their own pay by 5 percent as a gesture that they're sharing in the pain of the state budget mess.
"
OH: Ohio gets an extra $1 billion, maybe more, in federal stimulus money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- When the federal stimulus program was announced last year, Ohio figured it would get around $8.2 billion. But the state already has surpassed that by $1 billion and could get another billion before the program ends.
"
OH: New investment boss at pension system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio's largest pension fund has turned to the private sector for a person to manage its investments during a shaky economy.
"
OH: Columbia Gas wins line-repair case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Columbia Gas of Ohio has both the exclusive right and the responsibility to maintain the parts of its service lines that extend onto customers' properties, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled yesterday.
"
OK: State -- Judge wrong to deny tribe poultry-suit role
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DENVER — Oklahoma officials contend that a federal judge in Tulsa ignored damaging consequences of denying the Cherokee Nation's request to join the state's lawsuit against the poultry industry.
"
OK: Roads mostly clear after second round of snowfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a second round of snow showing little impact on Tulsa's streets, the city could finally thaw out this week as temperatures climb above freezing for several days.
"
OK: Lawmakers want a sales-tax holiday for gun buyers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Democratic state lawmakers want a sales-tax holiday on the purchase of guns.
"
OR: Deadline to donate for 2009 Oregon Cultural Trust tax credit is Thursday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For Oregon cultural organizations, the year's end means more than just turning the calendar page. Thursday, Dec. 31, is also the deadline for contributions that qualify for the Oregon Cultural Trust tax credit.
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OR: Walmart, others make money on Oregon's energy tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Oregon started handing out jumbo tax subsidies for renewable energy projects two years ago, one of the biggest beneficiaries was also one of the world's richest corporations -- Walmart.
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PA: Turnpike tolls will rise on Sunday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will rise by 3 percent on Sunday, the second in a series of annual increases that are intended to help fund highways and transit systems statewide.
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PA: State House Democratic leader urged to step down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Democratic legislator who's running for Congress thinks that Rep. Todd Eachus should leave his post as House Democratic leader.
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PA: Scranton mayor calls governor's race wide open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty might be not be well-known outside Northeastern Pennsylvania, but he says that won't hold him back from running a strong campaign against Democratic rivals in the 2010 primary race for governor.
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PA: Casino group denies it acts as a lobbyist
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A casino trade association headed by a former state Supreme Court chief justice rebutted a lawmaker's criticism by saying that it doesn't have to register under Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure law because its activities don't meet the legal definition of lobbying.
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PA: Sister's use of Orie office for election denied
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Supreme Court Justice-elect Joan Orie Melvin's campaign headquarters effectively was 121 State St. in Harrisburg, the office of longtime former state Senate aide Mike Long, top Republicans said Tuesday.
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RI: Block Island utility seeks hike for research costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hoping to raise enough money to cover the costs of participating in the hearings to build large wind turbines near Block Island, the Block Island Power Company has asked the state Public Utilities Commission to add a penny per kilowatt hour to its summer rates.
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RI: Unclaimed bail money headed to state coffers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Many have done their time and paid their fines, but for whatever reasons the former suspects neglected to claim bail money they posted when they first appeared in court.
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SC: Union concerns prompt DeMint to block Obama's choice for air security chief
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats on Tuesday attacked U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint for holding up President Obama's choice to lead the Transportation Security Administration, but the Greenville Republican said nominee Erroll Southers plans to unionize the agency responsible for airport security.
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SC: Bauer consultant charged with DUI
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Larry Marchant, a political consultant to Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer and one of Columbia's most influential State House lobbyists, was arrested last week and charged with driving under the influence and speeding.
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SD: Wind energy leaders promote benefits of national standard
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a strong national renewable energy standard in place, South Dakota could see its wind potential whip up jobs and help the nation's economy get rolling again, a group of South Dakotans said Tuesday.
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TN: Tennessee legislators may delay workers' compensation law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers will debate whether to suspend a workers' compensation law that has divided the construction industry at a special session on education that is expected to start Jan. 12.
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TN: Federal deficits, state cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The government spending pattern of the past several years -- federal deficits and spending growth as states slash budgets -- is likely to be the course for 2010 and beyond, officials and experts predict.
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TX: Hutchison lays out transportation plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison on Tuesday offered a sweeping plan to overhaul transportation planning in Texas if she is elected governor, but she stopped short of saying how she would pay for it.
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TX: Hutchison lambastes TxDOT
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison vowed Tuesday to "clean up" the Texas Department of Transportation, reduce traffic congestion and start building a high-speed rail network connecting Dallas, Houston and San Antonio if she is elected Texas governor.
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TX: Hutchison unveils transportation strategy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Private toll roads would continue to play a big role in Texas should U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison succeed in gaining the governor's mansion in 2010, the candidate said Tuesday in Dallas.
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TX: Drought wanes as new year dawns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Once upon a time, it seemed as if rain would never again fall on Central Texas.
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TX: State, local candidates push to increase campaign war chests before year's end
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Time is of the essence as local and statewide campaigns make a final year-end push for donations and candidates hope for big numbers to tout next month.
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US: EPA threatens states for failing to clean up Chesapeake Bay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, hoping that a get-tough approach can turn around the failing effort to save the Chesapeake Bay, outlined Tuesday ideas for punishing states that don't do their part.
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US: States ratchet up the lures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This summer Kenneth Siegel, chief administrative officer of hotelier Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., received an unexpected phone call in his White Plains, N.Y., office. It was Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell calling Mr. Siegel to urge Starwood to relocate the company's headquarters, and the 800 largely executive-level jobs, to Connecticut.
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US: State, local tax revenues decline 7%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State and local tax revenues fell 7% in the third quarter of 2009 from a year ago, the Census Bureau said in a report underscoring how the economic downturn is stressing government collections.
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US: Blue state govs. rip Senate health bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The governors of the nation's two largest Democratic states are leveling sharp criticism at the Senate health care bill, claiming that it would leave their already financially strapped states even deeper in the hole.
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UT: Deadline looms for college saving tax deduction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah taxpayers have until 5 p.m. Thursday to make tax-deductible contributions to valuable college savings plans.
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UT: Utah lawmaker -- Scrap limit on some liquor licenses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Republican state lawmaker says he wants to eliminate the state's quota system for granting liquor licenses to restaurants.
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UT: Discuss water rights behind closed doors?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When city councils or county commissions meet to discuss selling water rights, they ought to be able to do so in private.
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UT: Lawmaker upset at effort to drop N. Utah judgeship
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A northern Utah legislator is unhappy with an effort to eliminate a judgeship in his area and tap those savings to create a new bench position in southern Utah.
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VA: EPA details consequences for bay cleanup failure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BALTIMORE -- The Environmental Protection Agency said Tuesday that the Chesapeake Bay watershed states and Washington, D.C., could face stiffer pollution reduction requirements and other consequences for not meeting bay restoration goals.
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VA: U.S. won't fund carbon-capture project at Wise facility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ST. PAUL, Va. -- Dominion Virginia Power hasn't decided whether it will build a carbon capture and storage project at its new generating plant under construction in Wise County since it failed to win to secure federal economic stimulus money for the effort.
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VA: Motion seeks to withdraw Va. power line request
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utilities proposing a multistate power line filed a request Tuesday to withdraw their application to build the 31-mile northern Virginia portion of the line, stating their own energy forecasts show the line is not immediately needed.
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VA: Suffolk offers tax break for property owners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SUFFOLK, Va. -- The city is again offering real estate tax relief for property owners who are disabled or at least 65 years old.
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VA: Application to run massive power line through Va. withdrawn
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The backers of a proposed electricity-transmission line from West Virginia to Maryland have asked to withdraw their application to run parts of it through Virginia, citing a study that shows its power will not be needed as soon as they had predicted.
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VT: Vt. teachers' union rips retirement panel's work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MONTPELIER, Vt.—Vermont's major teachers' union is trying to get out in front of a report to be issued soon on public retirement systems, saying it fears it might propose changes that would harm pensions for teachers, state and municipal workers.
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WA: State Hispanic panel offers to help with KDNA problems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"YAKIMA, Wash. -- The state's Commission on Hispanic Affairs has stepped into the Radio KDNA fray, citing fears that the financial viability of the nation's first Spanish-language public broadcaster is in jeopardy.
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WA: State A.G. -- Get government hands off private property
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Attorney General Rob McKenna wants state lawmakers to prohibit cities and towns from taking private properties for economic development.
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WI: Wesleyan University to receive $2 million state reimbursement for cleanup at former long lane site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- The reimbursement is part of an agreement between the state and Wesleyan, which bought the state-owned property in 2000.
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WI: Wis. DOT warns commercial drivers of 2010 changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Beginning Jan. 1, drivers can face a two-year disqualification if the state Division of Motor Vehicles learns the driver has failed to appear to contest a citation, pay a judgment or comply with court penalties.
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WI: AirTran to establish second hub in Milwaukee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Westbound travelers flying out of Akron-Canton Airport on its principal airline, AirTran Airways, could have smoother connections beginning in April.
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WI: State rep from West Bend wants state to set Madison's snow policy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Glenn Grothman wasn't the only commuter angry about the slick Madison streets after this month's monster snowstorm, but as a Republican senator from West Bend, he's one of the few who can try to do something about it.
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WI: Wisconsin Supreme Court rules against dog sitter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled against a homeowner who allowed an acquaintance with two dogs to move in. One of the dogs bit a woman and the court said in the unanimous opinion that the homeowner can be held legally responsible for the injuries, even though she was not the dog's owner.
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WI: Property taxes up 4.2%, report says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report estimates that property taxes in Wisconsin are going up more than 4% this year.
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WI: Natural gas rescues utility bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Under a rate plan approved by state regulators this month, electric bills for We Energies residential customers will rise 7% on Friday, and by another 5% in 2011.
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WI: Faulty installation, upkeep blamed in Devil's Head ski lift accident
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faulty installation and maintenance of equipment was to blame for a Dec. 17 incident at Devil's Head Resort in which a ski lift suddenly reversed direction, injuring 14 people, the state Department of Commerce reported Tuesday.
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WI: 2 other Devil's Head ski lifts need repairs, inspector says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After a ski lift malfunction injured 14 skiers and snowboarders at Devil's Head Ski Resort in Merrimac, a state inspector found two more ski lifts at the facility that require replacement of devices that would prevent a similar accident.
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WV: 13 W.Va. water systems to share $48 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The city of Fairmont is among 13 West Virginia communities to share more than $48 million in federal stimulus funds to improve public drinking water.
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WV: Stimulus to offset midyear W.Va. budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin is banking on West Virginia's share of federal stimulus money to offset most of the 3.4 percent budget cut he's ordered for all executive branch departments, administration officials said Tuesday.
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WV: Judge Chambers allows Fola Coal to keep mining
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 500 workers at two Clay County coal mines will keep their jobs for another year. A federal judge this week agreed to allow CONSOL Energy Inc. to continue mining, despite a major flaw in the company's Clean Water Act permit.
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WY: Child abuse prevention group will close
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Wyoming nonprofit aimed at preventing child abuse will close Thursday after losing a $95,000 grant, roughly half of the organization's entire budget.
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WY: More receive property tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the economy slumping, more people are taking advantage of expanded opportunities for property tax breaks in Wyoming.
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WY: Wind farms take center stage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wind energy development in Wyoming garnered unprecedented attention this year as the state wrestled with regulation, taxation and environmental protection issues.
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WY: Tax-financing bill may not help downtown development
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The revenue-challenged Downtown Development Authority directors do not anticipate that a proposed law allowing borrowing against future taxes will aid its efforts to revitalize Cheyenne's core.
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Iowa governor touts 4-day workweek
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY’S TAKE: Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) is touting Utah’s first-in-the-nation move to a four-day workweek for most executive-branch state workers, and he is pushing the proposal as a way to cut costs in his own state. Hawaii and Washington State have also tried the idea.
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Govs ready speeches as fiscal woes persist
From: feeds.stateline.org
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As governors prepare their 2010 state of the state addresses, at least 36 of them are still struggling to close budget deficits for the current fiscal year, while worrying about new gaps looming in their 2011 spending plans.
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State budget gaps linger at year's end
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Over the past few months, state legislators around the country have been confronted with unfinished fiscal business tugging at them like a bad dream. Mid-year budget gaps have opened in dozens of states, brought on, in part, by overly hopeful revenue projections.
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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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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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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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