CA: Schwarzenegger to propose spending $500 million for worker training
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today will lay out plans to spend $500 million on worker training in an effort to create 100,000 jobs, along with other measures to stimulate the economy, as a centerpiece of his policy agenda for his final year in office.
"
KY: Old issues return with legislators
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky's yearly law-making session began at noon Tuesday with a spotlight on three issues that will likely dominate much of the 60-workday gathering: expanded gambling, budget woes and domestic violence.
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AK: Kookesh attorney says state outside its jurisdiction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Albert Kookesh and the three codefendants charged with illegal subsistence fishing near Angoon in July filed a court motion last week to have the case dismissed on grounds that the State of Alaska acted outside its jurisdiction.
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AK: Alaska student loan default rate rises to 8.3 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- The rate of Alaskans defaulting on student loans rose to 8.3 percent in fiscal year 2007, 12th-highest in the nation, according to a U.S. Department of Education report.
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AK: Legislators want to put PFD in constitution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democratic legislators Hollis French and Harry Crawford want to guarantee Permanent Fund dividend checks in the state constitution, saying if the dividend isn't protected the Legislature will eventually use the money to pay for state spending.
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AL: Byrne endorsed by Alabama Retail Association
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LEEDS, Ala. — Republican candidate for governor Bradley Byrne has picked up support from another major business group.
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AL: Byrne's agenda -- Add jobs, no new taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Bradley Byrne is starting his new year by promising "New Jobs for a New Alabama" and pledging no new taxes on Alabamians.
"
AL: Amount of occupational tax refunds for Jefferson County workers remains uncertain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The final tally for how much workers and businesses will receive in refunds from a Jefferson County occupational tax and business license fee may be months away, the judge and lawyers in the case said today.
"
AL: Bill Johnson's wife resigns from governor's staff
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kathy Johnson, wife of Republican candidate for governor Bill Johnson, said today that she resigned from Gov. Bob Riley's staff. She has been director of the Alabama Broadband Initiative since May 2008.
"
AR: Panel recommends new taxes to fund roads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state panel today endorsed imposing a new excise tax on wholesale motor fuel and indexing increases in gas and diesel taxes to fund state highway improvements.
"
AR: $3.3 million to provide ice storm assistance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will receive $3.3 million in aid for the cleanup and repair of damage from the ice storm of January 2009.
"
AR: Bowen joins state Supreme Court
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One more chapter has been added to William H. Bowen's public life. Bowen, 86, was sworn in today as an associate justice on the Arkansas Supreme Court.
"
AR: December revenue below forecast, more cuts likely
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenues fell $20.9 million short of projections last month, making another round of budget cuts likely, the state's fiscal officer said today.
"
AZ: Governor wants more nuclear plants in Arizona
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Gov. Jan Brewer says Arizona's economic future may hinge on making the state a hub for renewable- and nuclear-energy development that can both power the state and drive job creation.
"
AZ: Mesa Air submits filing for Chapter 11
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mesa Air Group tried everything it could to avoid bankruptcy the past two years, following a series of high-profile setbacks and stumbles, but it ran out of options this week.
"
AZ: Snowfall uplifts Arizona Snowbowl
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. -- Visitors to Arizona Snowbowl spend about $15.8 million in Flagstaff in a good season, and sledders and snowman builders like Shane bring an additional economic benefit that is helping some businesses weather the recession.
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AZ: State GOP lawmakers propose sweeping tax cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona House Republicans on Tuesday proposed a sweeping package of tax cuts aimed at helping businesses, with Speaker Kirk Adams saying the incentives are needed to spur economic development and add high-paying jobs in the state.
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AZ: Mesa Air Group files for bankruptcy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in New York Tuesday, citing economic weakness in the airline industry as the primary reason.
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AZ: House Republicans unveil plan to create jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona House Republicans Tuesday unveiled a legislative proposal aimed at attracting and retaining more base industry employers - manufacturing, research and development, and mining - through job creation and training programs, increased incentives and tax relief for large and small businesses
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AZ: Brewer wants more nuclear power in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jan Brewer wants more nuclear plants in Arizona and more uranium mining in the state to fuel them.
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CA: Confusion about marijuana sales traced to California law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Prosecutors in Los Angeles insist that collectives cannot sell medical marijuana at their stores and can provide it only to members who actively cultivate it together. Dispensary operators, on the other hand, argue that it is absurd to expect them to run Soviet-style collective farms and to rule out cash payments for pot.
"
CA: Los Angeles officials consider a ballot measure to scale back pensions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alarmed over the spiraling cost of retirement benefits, Los Angeles' top budget officials have begun laying the groundwork for a June 8 city ballot measure that would dramatically scale back the pension benefits given to newly hired city employees.
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CA: Another defeat for California lawmaker's alcohol fee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A South Bay lawmaker's plan to chase every alcoholic drink served in California with a 10-cent fee was officially put on ice Tuesday, failing for the second time in a year to win support from his colleagues.
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CA: Governor to outline jobs plan in speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will announce a job creation package and renew calls for reform to the state's budget process and tax structure during his final State of the State speech today.
"
CA: Natural Resources Agency chief Chrisman steps down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mike Chrisman said Tuesday he is leaving his job as Natural Resources Agency secretary in February for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
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CA: Poizner urges freezing state hiring, borrowing, spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Poizner said Tuesday the state should bridge an estimated $20.7 billion budget deficit in part by freezing government hiring, borrowing and spending.
"
CO: Rep. Curry's independence costs her two posts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Kathleen Curry on Tuesday lost her positions as the No. 2 leader in the House and as agriculture chairwoman a week after jumping ship on Democrats and becoming an independent.
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CO: Senate, House leaders close to deal on shoring up PERA
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The top Democrat and top Republican in the state Senate say they have reached a deal on legislation that would shore up Colorado's public employees pension fund, although negotiations are ongoing.
"
CO: Measures aim to boost art economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers and Gov. Bill Ritter are hoping artists can help the economy recover, with the aid of three bills to boost the arts community.
"
CO: Complaint -- Anti-tax campaign broke rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Opponents of three anti-tax ballot initiatives have charged that the petition campaigns violated state law by not registering with the secretary of state.
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CT: $30 million in town road fund grants still tied up as Connecticut's efforts to reduce deficit continue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Towns and cities will have to wait longer to get state aid for road repaving and bridge repairs.
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DE: Report calls for two new casinos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Building two new casinos would be "most advantageous" for Delaware's revenue picture, but would siphon money from the state's three established racinos, a study commissioned by the state says.
"
FL: Crist signs cold weather emergency order
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Florida's governor has signed an emergency order to deal with the cold weather threatening the state's agricultural industry.
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FL: New utility reg chairwoman says big changes not likely
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public Service Commission Chairwoman Nancy Argenziano began her first day as head of the utility regulatory panel by suggesting that her colleagues conduct themselves like judges.
"
GA: KSU -- Georgia PMI gains in December
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Manufacturing activity in Georgia was on the rise in December due to gains in employment and finished inventory, according to the Econometric Center at Kennesaw State University's Coles College of Business.
"
GA: Handel rips 'sex, lies and lobbyists' at Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial hopeful Karen Handel on Tuesday said the culture of "sex, lies and lobbyists" at the Gold Dome has to end, but said the men running against her can't clean it up because they "created the mess."
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GA: Alabama, Georgia and Florida ask for water wars negotiations to stay confidential
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia, Alabama and Florida have asked a judge to keep their negotiations in the long-running regional legal fight over water rights confidential.
"
HI: Lingle's plan pushes financial woes onto future officials, legislator says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Linda Lingle's budget plan for the upcoming legislative session amounts to passing the buck and relying on future administrations to solve the state's financial woes, a key state lawmaker said.
"
HI: H1N1 vaccinations will open up to everyone in Hawaii next week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hawai'i health officials will lift their restrictions on H1N1 vaccine injections sometime next week and are urging people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated against the swine flu in the next several days before everyone else becomes eligible.
"
HI: Across-the-board cuts in Hawaii budget criticized at hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several state lawmakers and a leading economist yesterday questioned why the Lingle administration mostly used across-the-board spending cuts to contain the state's budget deficit, arguing that it led to misguided decisions such as furloughs for public school teachers on classroom days.
"
IA: Miller -- "pretty clear sailing" for Iowa Caucuses in '12
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller says Iowa's Caucuses fared well with a Democratic Party commission which debated how to arrange the calendar of events in the next presidential election.
"
IA: New Web site to facilitate Iowa boarding home registry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials unveiled a new Web site Tuesday where Iowa boarding home operators will soon be allowed to register, a new requirement passed by lawmakers last year.
"
IA: Do tax credits help or hurt Iowans?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tax credits meant to encourage the creation of jobs in Iowa will be under a microscope this year as lawmakers work to weed out those they find that have been ineffective.
"
IA: Miller discussing 2012 caucus plan today, keeping Iowa first
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's leadoff role in the presidential nominating sequence appears secure, according to the recommendations in a Democratic National Committee report Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller plans to discuss today.
"
IA: Iowa payday-loan industry faces proposed new restrictions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Iowa lawmakers will make another attempt to rein in the payday-loan industry, a cash advance system they say can drive consumers far deeper into debt.
"
IA: Boarding-house registry called valuable to Iowa
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's attempt to register all boarding houses could be the first step in an effort to police an industry that is completely unregulated, a task force was told Tuesday.
"
ID: Drumming up dam funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BURLEY, Idaho — Minidoka Irrigation District and Burley Irrigation District voters will decide if they want to finance their portions of the $48 million Minidoka Dam spillway replacement with bonds, or if they'd rather have their districts pay as they go.
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ID: Shifting soil -- Legislators yet to finalize soil-commission suggestions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho legislators examining the State Soil Commission aren't quite ready to make any recommendations to their peers.
"
ID: AARP criticizes Gov. Otter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho Gov. Butch Otter is putting the interests and profits of insurance and drug companies before the needs of Idaho families, businesses and retirees, the director of Idaho's AARP says.
"
IL: Illinois fights back over carp lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The fight to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes could soon turn into a testy legal tussle between a coalition of Great Lakes states and Illinois - and its favorite son, President Barack Obama.
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IL: Relief not expected soon for universities suffering from Illinois budget woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois universities are in for a long wait when it comes to sorting out the state's financial woes.
"
IL: Furloughs will save $17 million of $436 million shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An unprecedented University of Illinois furlough program, announced Tuesday, will save only about $17 million, despite a $436 million shortfall from the state.
"
IL: Jobless rates drop in much of Midwest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Signs of life among U.S. manufacturers helped lower unemployment rates in much of the industrial Midwest, a Labor Department report Tuesday showed. Still, jobs are likely to remain scarce in the next few months nationwide.
"
IL: Furloughs, hiring freeze in store for all U of I campuses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most University of Illinois employees — including more than 460 at the University of Illinois Springfield — face furlough days this spring as part of the university system's response to a growing appropriations shortfall.
"
IL: State Capitol Q&A -- Arbitration could lead to deal in state layoff lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn's efforts to eliminate hundreds of state worker jobs remain tied up in court.
"
IL: U. of I. schools' furloughs expected to save $17 mil.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In an unprecedented action, more than 11,000 employees at the University of Illinois will be required to take between four and ten unpaid furlough days.
"
IL: Quinn, Hynes dispute who's more to blame for state cash flow problems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn today said the state's backlog of unpaid bills --- including money owed to the University of Illinois --- would ease after the state borrows $3.5 billion in the coming days.
"
IL: Illinois launches rental housing site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A free, bilingual Web site, ILHousingsearch.org, was launched by the state Tuesday to help residents find rental housing.
"
IL: Illinois agencies question science behind Asian carp fears
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Defendants in a lawsuit attempting to force Illinois to close two Chicago-area navigational locks to prevent the spread of Asian carp into Lake Michigan say hysteria over questionable DNA research is whipping Upper Midwest states into a frenzy that could devastate Illinois' shipping industry.
"
IL: University of Illinois orders furloughs, other cost-cutting measures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is so far behind in payments to the University of Illinois that faculty and administrators will be required to take up to 10 unpaid days by mid-June, an unprecedented move for the state's flagship university system.
"
IN: Long-term home care for aging advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that could make it easier for aging Hoosiers to receive long-term care in their homes won bipartisan support Tuesday from Indiana lawmakers, including Rep. Charlie Brown of Gary.
"
IN: Constitutional tax cap bill rolling through state Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A popular bill to install Indiana's property tax caps in the constitution is steamrolling through the Republican-led state Senate, and even local lawmakers who find the measure premature believe there's little they can do to intervene.
"
IN: Daniels -- Cline closure must be resolved fast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels visited the shuttered Cline Avenue bridge Tuesday and identified it as a problem the state needs to solve rapidly.
"
IN: State high court may change lawyer ad rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Supreme Court is considering changing Indiana's rules governing advertising by attorneys.
"
IN: General Assembly gets down to work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After exchanging all the requisite pleasantries on their first day back at the Statehouse, Indiana lawmakers are primed for a sprint toward what could be a hyperpartisan conclusion to this year's 10-week legislative session.
"
IN: Lawmakers begin work on an agreeable note
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republicans and Democrats agreed on plenty Tuesday as this year's legislative session commenced: the need to restrain spending, control property taxes, grow jobs and reform government.
"
IN: 11 Indiana projects get $324,000 in U.S. humanities grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Projects to safeguard photographs from the Nuremberg trials and study the Bible in American life are among 11 in Indiana getting a combined $324,000 in federal grants.
"
KS: Kansas budget situation leads to late payments to schools, cuts to senior services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas budget on Tuesday continued on a downward spiral with a delayed payment to school districts and cuts in senior services, even while the state expanded a health program for children.
"
KS: Two state senators plan to introduce a bipartisan bill this afternoon to balance state budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Kansas state senators have come up with a bipartisan initiative to balance the state budget.
"
KS: Cuts for elderly -- more seniors to nursing homes, $1.37 million in federal funds lost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cuts in state services for the aging could force hundreds of elderly Kansans out of their homes and into nursing institutions, officials said today.
"
KY: Kentucky legislators plan projects despite $1 billion shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite a looming $1 billion shortfall, House and Senate leaders said the state budget that legislators will try to pass in the new session of the General Assembly should include money for schools, roads and sewer projects — even if it means racking up more debt.
"
KY: Ky. food prices down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Food prices in Kentucky fell 5.6 percent last year, according to a Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation survey released Tuesday.
"
KY: Prosecutor suggests Lawson paying legal bills of Nighbert, witnesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The prosecutor in the highway contract bribery case says he believes road contractor Leonard Lawson is paying the legal bills for co-defendant Bill Nighbert and several witnesses in the case.
"
KY: Second charge at adult entertainment venue found on KLC card
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state audit of the Kentucky League of Cities turned up a second charge at an adult entertainment venue on the credit card of the League's insurance chief, but a League internal review was unable to determine whether the charge was inappropriate.
"
KY: Stumbo set to refile video lottery bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Speaker Greg Stumbo said Tuesday he will refile the video lottery terminal bill that passed the House during the summer special session, but he doesn't expect the bill to advance.
"
LA: LSU, colleges tackle cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LSU, Southern University and other colleges are preparing to cut academic programs in the coming months in anticipation of a fourth consecutive round of budget cuts this summer.
"
LA: La. agencies announce budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Prisons are replacing guards with security cameras and cutting down on hot meals for inmates, the state's economic development arm is giving out fewer grants and the wildlife and fisheries department is paring back its aquatic weed control program.
"
MA: Tribe -- Governor won't enter talks over Middleboro casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Angry that the governor has refused to meet with them, the Mashpee Wampanoags are threatening to build a casino in Middleboro and not share any revenue with the state.
"
MA: Park Service's ruling not Sound, says gov
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Deval Patrick's administration may ask the National Park Service to rescind its ruling that Nantucket Sound can be considered a national historic site, a designation some fear could delay the controversial Cape Wind project and hamper other coastal activities.
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MA: Martha Coakley mum on National Grid donations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Outraged Bay Staters are calling on Massachusetts' attorney general to probe links between a utility's big rate-hike approval and subsequent donations by company executives to Gov. Deval Patrick's re-election campaign.
"
MA: Sheriff to politicians -- Make inmates pay daily 'rent'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's high court handcuffed a New Bedford sheriff's bid to charge jailbirds $5-a-day rent, but the lawman is calling on Beacon Hill lawmakers to pass a stalled bill that would send the court ruling to the gallows.
"
MA: Baker's funding shatters records
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In one of the most aggressive political fund-raising pushes in recent memory, Republican gubernatorial hopeful Charles D. Baker has amassed a $1.85 million war chest over roughly five months of campaigning, tapping into a broad range of supporters and establishing himself as a major threat to Governor Deval Patrick's reelection bid.
"
MD: Board to take up slot machine monitoring contract
From: feeds.stateline.org
"he Board of Public Works is scheduled to take up a contract valued at more than $21 million to create a monitoring system for Maryland's slot machine program.
"
MI: Automakers hopeful for 2010 as brutal year ends
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DETROIT -- Automakers in the U.S. ended their worst year in almost three decades with hints of a recovery in December.
"
MI: Region's lawmakers want to open budget talks to public
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mid-Michigan lawmakers are teaming up to put the state budget process under a microscope.
"
MI: Ford roars amid strong December auto sales
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The worst year in decades for the auto industry ended on a surprisingly positive note in December with sales increasing 15.1% — suggesting that the long-awaited rebound for the industry might really take hold in 2010.
"
MI: GM to start battery pack production in Brownstown Township
From: feeds.stateline.org
"General Motors announced today that it will begin battery pack production at its new Brownstown Township factory on Thursday.
"
MN: Pawlenty may be more aggressive with cuts to schools this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State leaders are focusing on education today as Gov. Pawlenty heads to New Orleans to chair a meeting of the Education Commission of the States and in St. Paul, a Minnesota House committee will hold a hearing to discuss a plan to secure more federal funds for schools.
"
MO: Missouri lawmakers convening 2010 session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri lawmakers are back at the Capitol for their 2010 session that will focus on budget woes, ethics reforms and economic development.
"
MO: Legislative session set to go
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Steve Hobbs gave a long whistle yesterday when he heard that Missouri's budget experts had predicted the state would collect $7.223 billion during the upcoming fiscal year.
"
MO: Adoption need rises with seizure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the last of 28 dogs seized by the Missouri Department of Agriculture was unloaded yesterday at the shelter of the Central Missouri Humane Society, interim Director Alan Allert breathed a sigh of relief.
"
MS: 2 bills to bolster jobs head to Barbour for OK
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers made it their first order of business to pass two significant pieces of legislation aimed at keeping Mississippians trained to work and employed.
"
MS: Miss. lawmakers launch session amid tight budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi lawmakers have started their 2010 session, and they say their biggest challenge will be stretching a tight state budget.
"
MS: Miss. lawmakers seek to rescue work training funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi legislators have made a change in the state's unemployment trust fund so community colleges can continue receiving millions of dollars for work force training.
"
MT: Montana gas and oil regulatory actions on the rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last week, ProPublica rolled out a database tracking natural gas drilling and regulation in each of the 32 drilling states in the country, focusing on the 22 that supplied the most complete data.
"
MT: Montana high court says deputies can sue sheriff
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. — The Montana Supreme Court has ruled that four current and former Cascade County sheriff's deputies who say they suffered political discrimination can make their case at trial, while five can pursue a separate wage claim.
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MT: Schweitzer ask agencies to find budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With state tax collections falling far behind projections, Gov. Brian Schweitzer on Tuesday ordered state executive branch agencies to submit plans detailing how they would cut their general-fund budgets by 5 percent, if necessary.
"
MT: 14 at governor's budget office receive raises despite pay freeze
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fourteen employees in the governor's budget office recently received pay raises ranging from 2 percent to 19 percent, despite a two-year pay freeze imposed on many state workers by the 2009 Legislature at Gov. Brian Schweitzer's urging.
"
MT: State suspends physician's license
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana has suspended the license of a Virginia physician who used to work at Glendive Medical Center.
"
NC: N.C. to be testing site for energy efficiency
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The National Governors Association hopes that North Carolina will become a laboratory for finding the best ways to make state buildings more efficient.
"
NC: Officials want people to get H1N1 shots
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The push is on to vaccinate nearly everyone in North Carolina against the H1N1 flu virus.
"
NC: Dispute effort yields a tax bonanza
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina tax collectors brought in a Christmas bonus of $427 million for the state in December. That's how much the Department of Revenue recouped through a program aimed at settling tax disputes with corporations and businesses.
"
NC: $9,000 meal doesn't go down well with ALE
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Alcohol Law Enforcement agents say the Mecklenburg County ABC Board and the liquor company Diageo broke state alcohol laws during a November dinner for the board at which Diageo paid the $9,000 tab.
"
ND: North Dakota day care grants meeting growing need for child care services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AMESTOWN, N.D. -- The 96 day care grants recently awarded by the North Dakota Department of Commerce are just one way child providers can help meet a growing demand for services in the state, officials said.
"
ND: Federal dollars to North Dakota up 8% in 2008
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The amount of federal money flowing to North Dakota jumped 8 percent in 2008 and is expected to increase "dramatically" as the state's baby boomers begin tapping into Social Security, according to the State Data Center.
"
NE: Legislative session begins Wednesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. LeRoy Louden, a rancher from northwestern Nebraska with seven years experience in making laws, knows what to expect when senators meet for just 60 days in what is called the short session: Not much.
"
NH: 2009 saw state bankruptcy filings surge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MANCHESTER, N.H. – 2009 was a big year for bankruptcy filings in New Hampshire, trailing only 2005 when there was a rush to beat a new federal bankruptcy law taking effect.
"
NJ: Legislators move toward ending Camden takeover
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Dana L. Redd was ceremonially sworn in as Camden's mayor yesterday before an overflow crowd at Rutgers-Camden, her Democratic allies in the state Legislature were moving to end the state takeover of the impoverished city.
"
NJ: New Jersey governor's brother -- asset and a risk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If he weren't the younger brother of New Jersey's newly elected governor, Todd J. Christie might be seen as just another freewheeling, risk-taking, deep-pocketed Wall Street trader.
"
NJ: $1.1M deal struck to save endangered turtle's habitat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than half of a Sussex County marshland known as Armstrong Bog, one of New Jersey's last remaining habitats for the endangered bog turtle, has been preserved under a $1.1 million deal announced yesterday by government and private organizations.
"
NJ: Legislation poised to make N.J. spending more transparent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey taxpayers could better track how state government spends their money now that legislators are pushing financial transparency measures, a cause activists have been pressing for years.
"
NM: Senator pushes to post state budget online
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With all the extra attention sure to be paid to next fiscal year's budget, one state senator says there's no better time to put New Mexico's checkbook online for all to see.
"
NM: Budget proposals from Richardson, legislators both predict pain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson on Tuesday released his budget recommendations for next year, two weeks prior to the start of what many expect to be a bruising 30-day legislative session focused on solving New Mexico's budget crisis.
"
NM: Richardson releases budget recommendations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson has released budget recommendations that oppose tax increases on business and call for a three percent cut in spending across state government.
"
NM: Governor's budget fix boosts taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson on Tuesday proposed a $200-million tax increase — which he called temporary — to shore up state finances and balance next year's budget.
"
NV: Male prostitution is Nevada's newest legal profession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TONOPAH, Nev. -- Brothel owner Bobbi Davis got the go-ahead Tuesday to hire what her website cheekily calls "a few good men." Her Shady Lady Ranch is searching for "service-oriented" guys willing to become Nevada's first legal male sex workers.
"
NV: Indicators slumping as gaming struggles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Double-digit declines in gross gaming revenue and taxable sales dragged the Southern Nevada Index of Leading Economic Indicators down to 125.54 in December, the Center for Business and Economic Research reported Tuesday.
"
NV: State records suggest UMC had pattern of refusing care
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The high-profile case of a pregnant woman who was refused treatment at the University Medical Center emergency room in November is just the latest in a handful of cases over the past five years in which the public hospital has refused to treat patients, according to records of state investigations obtained by the Sun.
"
NY: Paterson's State of State address to call for sweeping reforms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his State of the State address today, Gov. David Paterson will propose sweeping ethics and campaign-finance reforms, ranging from public financing of campaigns, term limits for state elected officials and a new ethics oversight panel.
"
NY: Paterson pushes for ethics reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"During his State of the State address today, Gov. David Paterson should expect subdued reaction from lawmakers as he demands an ethics reform law that would force them to disclose their outside incomes, end their reliance on deep-pocketed contributors, and give up their seats after six terms.
"
NY: Gov. David Paterson insists ethics reform must come before fixing state finances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With New York facing its most severe cash crunch ever, Gov. David Paterson will shift gears and use his "State of the State" address today to introduce a sweeping ethics reform bill. Paterson hopes it will help shine a light on Albany's "shadow government" — and boost his chances for re-election.
"
NY: New York says retirees' checks lost in mail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As many as 60,000 state retirement checks were lost in the mail in recent days, with some starting to appear Tuesday at local post offices across upstate, the state Comptroller's Office said.
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NY: Paterson's State of State address to call for sweeping reforms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his State of the State address today, Gov. David Paterson will propose sweeping ethics and campaign-finance reforms, ranging from public financing of campaigns, term limits for state elected officials and a new ethics oversight panel.
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NY: Paterson's ethics proposal would clip Comptroller
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of Gov. David Paterson's senior staff this morning discussed a comprehensive ethics reform proposal that includes getting rid of the sole trusteeship of the common retirement system and creating a five-member board of trustees.
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NY: DiNapoli says state's cash on hand at 'historically low level'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The clock is now ticking down to March 31, at which time the state will have to cough up at least $577 million to fill the negative cash balance remaining at the end of December.
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NY: Speaking out for a living wage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Advocates for the poor and working poor rallied Tuesday for a $10 minimum wage, jobs for welfare recipients and better ethics in state government.
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NY: Deadbeat polluters squeeze state for $85M
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a time when the state is searching for cash everywhere, the comptroller's office has written off more than $85 million owed to New York for cleaning up petroleum spills when the polluters refuse to pay or cannot be found.
"
OH: President Obama's upcoming Lorain County visit puts spotlight on Ohio's economy, jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama will come to Lorain County on Jan. 22, a year and two days after his inauguration, for an economic tour certain to highlight the challenges that face the state and nation.
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OH: Longaberger basket company to cut 100 jobs, lay off 125 others
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEWARK, Ohio -- The Longaberger basket company is laying off 125 manufacturing workers at the end of the week and outsourcing its packing and shipping services to another firm, which will eliminate another 100 jobs.
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OH: New film tax credit draws Denzel Washington, movie crews to Ohio
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Ohio city of 7,000 on the West Virginia border is one of the first places in the state to reap benefits from Ohio's new film tax credit.
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OH: State suspends insurer over open-enrollment law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state has suspended Chesapeake Life Insurance Co. for failing to file premium rates and forms for coverage as required by Ohio's new open-enrollment law, state officials said.
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OH: Ohio on top of trends
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio, it seems, is finally the paragon of style -- at least when it comes to food. Locally grown and locally made foods top the list of hot trends in eating out in 2010, according to the National Restaurant Association.
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OH: Questions overflow at Hilltop casino meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio's 2009 debate over gambling reignited last night on the West Side, where the pros and cons now are attached to the possibility of a $250 million casino development on W. Broad Street near I-270.
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OH: Tax credit draws film crews, jobs to Ohio
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four movie projects will contribute roughly $25 million in economic activity to the state, the result of tax credits signed into law last summer, state officials said yesterday.
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OK: Construction at OU continues on campus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NORMAN, Okla. —Five construction or major renovation projects at the University of Oklahoma are expected to be completed this year, not including two engineering buildings that were finished in 2009.
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OK: Poultry trial witness points to cattle waste
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A veterinary toxicologist testified Tuesday in federal court in Tulsa that some 233,000 tons of dry manure are deposited by cattle in the Illinois River watershed basin per year.
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OK: State Capitol gets wind turbines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The installation of two wind turbines began Tuesday at the state Capitol complex. One is on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion. The other is near a Department of Human Services building.
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OR: Agencies will help breeders comply with puppy mill law in Oregon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a new ban on puppy mills taking effect at the start of the year, the Oregon Humane Society has joined an animal rights group in offering assistance to breeders who have too many dogs.
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OR: Gas prices on the rise in Oregon and U.S.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The national average for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline went up 6 cents today to $2.67 and the average in Oregon rose 3 cents to $2.74, according to the AAA.
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OR: U.S. seeks to boost protection for leatherback sea turtles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal regulators are proposing to designate 70,600 square miles of ocean off the West Coast as "critical habitat" for endangered Pacific leatherback sea turtles, a move that would put the United States at the forefront of protecting the world's largest marine turtle.
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PA: Table-games bill set for final passage in House today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate last night approved long-awaited legislation legalizing table games at slots parlors, clearing the way for final passage in the House today.
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PA: Pennsylvania Senate OKs table games bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate Tuesday night approved legislation legalizing table games at casinos, which was sold as a way to balance the budget but criticized by opponents as shortchanging property tax relief.
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PA: Workers begin exodus from Pittsburgh's state building
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For years, Pittsburghers have visited 300 Liberty Avenue Downtown to get birth and death certificates, to take civil service exams, to renew driver's licenses and to avail themselves of a host of other services offered by the state.
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PA: Ex-Orie intern -- 'I knew I had to do something'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 26-year-old intern who triggered a criminal probe into State Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, says she overlooked political work inside the office until she learned a fellow intern was being used to do campaign research.
"
PA: Computer school's closing imperils tuition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When ComputerTraining.edu, a for-profit school, ceased operations last week, students locked out of its four Pennsylvania campuses feared they might lose most, if not all, of the tuition they paid up front.
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PA: Fewer families to get more heating aid from Pennsylvania LIHEAP
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cash grants to help low-income families pay winter heating bills will increase this year though fewer people likely will be helped because eligibility requirements were stiffened.
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PA: Veon bid to delay trial fails
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Dauphin County judge Tuesday denied a request by ex-House Democratic Whip Mike Veon and three others to delay their Jan. 19 trial on corruption charges.
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PA: Bad economy hasn't helped Pennsylvania Lottery sales
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvanians stung by the bad economy aren't turning more to the lottery to solve their financial problems.
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RI: RI gets $3.7 million for green jobs training
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than $3.7 million in federal stimulus funding is coming to Rhode Island to train 1,600 people for jobs in energy efficient construction and renewable power industries.
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RI: R.I. lawmakers override governor's vetoes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On their first day back at work, Rhode Island lawmakers overrode Governor Carcieri's vetoes of bills to grant funeral decision-making rights to same-sex couples, strip the governor of his power to fill U.S. Senate vacancies, institute a new $7 recreational saltwater fishing license -- and many more.
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SC: Graham -- Censure by few isn't a rebuke
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Tuesday dismissed his censure by the Lexington County Republican Party as the "misplaced priorities" of narrow interests within the larger Republican Party - not a rebuke of him.
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TN: Ramsey premature in request on health care, Bredesen says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey formally requested a legal opinion Tuesday from Attorney General Bob Cooper on whether there are any grounds to block a health care reform bill passed by the U.S. Senate from becoming law. Cooper and Gov. Phil Bredesen both subsequently issued statements saying Ramsey, a Republican candidate for governor, is premature in his request since the legislation has not become law.
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TN: Ramsey asks Cooper for legal opinion on health care reform deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey formally asked Tennessee's attorney general on Tuesday to investigate the legality of a deal hammered out by U.S. Senate Democrats in order to pass health care reform legislation.
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TN: TN says Colombian cigarette maker owes $300,000
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tennessee's attorney general has filed suit against a South American cigarette maker, claiming the company failed to make legally required payments.
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TX: No country for health care, part 3 -- The shrinking rural ranks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Politically speaking, it's no time to be an advocate for rural health care.
"
TX: IBM, state reach initial deal on data center contract
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The turnaround of the troubled $863 million data center contract between Texas and IBM Corp. has cleared its first major hurdle.
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TX: Preservationists object to Governor's Mansion renovation plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Historic preservationists told Gov. Rick Perry on Tuesday that they object to a renovation plan for the fire-ravaged Governor's Mansion because a proposed new building on the property would be an "unsightly appendage" causing visitors to gasp in disapproval.
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TX: White's trip to the Valley pays in endorsements
From: feeds.stateline.org
"McALLEN, Texas — Power brokers in one of the state's most Democratic regions Tuesday pledged to throw their weight behind Bill White's bid for Texas governor.
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TX: Perry -- Experts will decide fate of mansion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even as their staff members continued working to obtain approval of a two-story addition to the Governor's Mansion, members of the state board responsible for the landmark house distanced themselves Tuesday from any decision on the increasingly controversial project.
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TX: Still seeking sustenance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is working to get poor Texans food stamps quicker, but it's not fast enough for many familes, and too many children are getting their only hot meal at school, according to Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid.
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TX: But we were friends!
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In politics, friendship, apparently, only lasts through one political cycle. Just ask Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Many organizations that previously supported both her and Gov. Rick Perry have put their weight behind Perry's re-election bid instead of her challenge.
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US: Salazar to toughen U.S. drilling rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is expected to announce Wednesday that his agency will require oil and natural-gas companies to clear more regulatory hurdles before they are allowed to drill on federal lands.
"
US: Conflicting housing, factory data show fragility of economic recovery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The rebound in manufacturing showed further signs of promise for the economy in the coming year, according to government data released Tuesday, even as housing, another key driver of the country's nascent recovery, offered new cause for worry.
"
US: Recession fuels shift from private to public schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When the family budget started feeling the recession's pinch last year, Angela Allyn and her photographer husband, Matt Dinnerstein, pulled their three kids out of Chicago-area private schools and enrolled them in Evanston, Ill., public schools.
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US: Slowing pace of home sales raises fears of new retreat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of houses placed under contract fell sharply in November in the first drop in nearly a year, figures released Tuesday show. It was the clearest sign yet that predictions of another downturn in real estate may become a reality.
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US: New year but no relief for strapped states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Wednesday, governors in California, Kentucky and New York kick off the season of addresses to state lawmakers as at least 36 states struggle to close budget shortfalls and also begin confronting the next fiscal year's woes.
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UT: Utah lawmakers dig in on federal health reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Calling national health reform "onerous" and an infringement on states' rights, Utah lawmaker Carl Wimmer is carrying a bill that would make it illegal for state agencies to implement any part of a new federal law without reporting to the Legislature first.
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UT: Schools face accreditation issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eight Utah public and private schools face accreditation woes, according to a report the State Board of Education plans to discuss Thursday.
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UT: Initiative supporters 'on track' for deadline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Backers of a legislative-ethics citizen initiative say they are on track to gather 95,000 signatures of Utah voters by the April 15 deadline.
"
UT: State slated to pay $33M to settle Navajo suit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah is slated to pay $33 million in a proposed settlement of a long-standing lawsuit over management of an oil-royalty trust fund intended for Navajos in San Juan County.
"
VA: Sledd defends keeping corporate board seats
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell's designee for secretary of commerce and trade says he doesn't see why serving on several corporate boards while working to attract business to the state would be a problem.
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VA: No link between dispute and Northrop Grumman relocation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Northrop Grumman can't use its pricey IT contract dispute with the state as a weapon in negotiations as it looks to relocate its corporate headquarters to the Washington region, Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell says.
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VA: McDonnell to scale back on Va. inauguration festivities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia Gov.-elect Robert F. McDonnell will scale back his inaugural festivities and weave community service events into the proceedings in a nod to the state's deep economic recession, he announced Tuesday.
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VA: McDonnell to let Va. Cabinet heads serve on corporate boards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia's incoming governor, Robert F. McDonnell, said Tuesday that he will allow all his Cabinet secretaries to serve on corporate boards, an unusual practice that is banned by the federal government and some states.
"
VT: Vermont utility to raise rates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RUTLAND, Vermont -- Customers of Vermont's largest electric utility are going to see their bills go up this month.
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VT: Error caught; Vermont income in decline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Remember the upbeat, pre-Christmas report that median family income in Vermont rose slightly in 2008, despite the recession? Well, never mind.
"
VT: Lawmakers hoping for bipartisanship at Statehouse
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After partisan rancor capped last year's legislative session, lawmakers returned to the Statehouse Tuesday singing the common song of bipartisanship.
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VT: Plan would save state $38M
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In an unusual occurrence for the first day of a lawmaking session, legislative and administration leaders on Tuesday unveiled a plan to reorganize state government and save a badly needed $38 million.
"
WA: Judge issues partial ruling on cigarette tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"YAKIMA, Wash. -- A federal judge has rejected several arguments made by the Yakama Nation as the tribe seeks to block Washington state from taxing cigarette sales at tribal smoke shops.
"
WA: State plans Hardel Plywood cleanup
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A major push to clean up contaminated soil and groundwater at the old Hardel Plywood plant site on West Bay Drive should kick off early this spring, state Department of Ecology officials said Tuesday.
"
WI: Wisconsin Energy Institute plans move ahead
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mortenson Construction Co. has been awarded a bid as construction manager for the $100 million Wisconsin Energy Institute, a new facility for renewable energy research at UW-Madison.
"
WI: Feds oppose closing locks to stop Asian carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Obama administration Tuesday opposed Michigan and other states that want to close shipping locks near Chicago to prevent ravenous Asian carp from invading the Great Lakes.
"
WI: Iowa wind farm is generating power for WPS
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin Public Service Corp. said Tuesday it has finished construction of its Crane Creek wind farm, a project in north central Iowa that began generating electricity in late December.
"
WI: Oshkosh wins $290 million order from Army
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fueled by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Oshkosh Corp. has received an order worth more than $290 million for roughly 725 trucks used to haul ammunition and other heavy cargo.
"
WV: W.Va. takes third straight net migration loss
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the third consecutive year, more people moved out of West Virginia than into it, according to an Atlas Van Lines migration study.
"
WV: Alleged blackjack cheater sues Lottery, State Police
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a lawsuit filed Tuesday, Thuhuong Nguyen alleges that she was wrongfully arrested and detained on Aug. 22 while she was lawfully gambling at a table where Derek Maple was the dealer.
"
WV: State chamber recommends lower taxes, judicial system reforms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce unveiled its recommendations for the upcoming legislative session Tuesday, calling on lawmakers to cut business taxes and reform the state's judicial system.
"
WV: W.Va. homebuilders oppose health reform provision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia homebuilders are fuming about a last-minute change to the U.S. Senate's version of the health-care reform bill, saying the provision would force construction contractors to lay off workers or possibly shut down.
"
WY: State veterans service officer conducts outreach
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A representative of the Wyoming Veterans Commission will conduct community outreach meetings in Wyoming cities throughout the month of January.
"
WY: Wyo Wildlife Trust fund benefits from Two-shot Goose Hunt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RIVERTON, Wy. –- The Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust program was a major beneficiary of the annual Goshen County 2 Shot Goose Hunt, held every year in December, with a $2,500 grant presented to the board at their regular meeting in Wheatland.
"
WY: USDA Secretary Vilsack Approves Two Wyoming Disaster Declarations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Dave Freudenthal has thanked U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack for approving two disaster declaration requests the Governor made last October.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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