WA: State faces nothing but bad choices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last year was bad. This year is worse. The future won't be much better. That, in a nutshell, describes the state budget mess lawmakers face when the Legislature convenes its 60-day session Monday. (Also see: WA: $2.6 billion gap in state budget prompts Dems to look at taxes )
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AZ: AZ running out of accounting gimmicks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Across-the-board, Arizona's elected leaders agree making the state's disintegrating budget whole again won't be easy, and however they do it will be painful. (Also see: AZ: Brewer to again push for tax hike in speech )
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AK: Alaska's minimum wage for low-paid workers rises to $7.75
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of Alaska's lowest-paid workers are receiving a boost in their paychecks in the first couple weeks of this year.
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AL: Raid sets stage for bingo battle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The attempted raid of a new bingo hall near Dothan by Gov. Bob Riley's anti-gambling task force last week sets the stage for a battle over bingo in the 2010 legislative session beginning Tuesday.
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AL: Thorny issues to vex Alabama Legislature's regular session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alabama Legislature opens Tuesday to a slate of thorny issues, ranging from sobering budget outlooks to debates over gambling, ethics and taxes.
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AL: Survey finds growing support among Alabama lawmakers for electronic bingo
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Associated Press survey of Alabama legislators shows support has grown during the last year for a proposal that would keep Alabama's electronic bingo casinos open and levy taxes on them.
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AL: What does a championship mean to the University of Alabama?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University officials have long seen sports victories as a treasure trove of applications and alumni donations.
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AR: Interchange work advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Almost daily, Carolina Castellanos avoids traffic as she walks through each busy construction site at the congested interchange of Interstates 630 and 430 in Little Rock.
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AR: Beebe concerned about lottery's impact on state revenues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mike Beebe said Friday his office is trying to determine whether the new state lottery has been a drain on state revenues.
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AR: Drug makers settle antitrust suit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansas will receive about $330,000 from a settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against the makers of the drug TriCor, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today.
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AR: Lawmaker -- Many to blame for 'double-dipping'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state legislator who called for an investigation of county officials who draw a paycheck and a pension for the same job said Friday there is plenty of blame to go around for the practice known as double-dipping.
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AZ: A dozen Motor Vehicle Division branches OK'd for closures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government has cleared the Arizona Department of Transportation to begin shuttering Motor Vehicle Division branches. Closures are expected to begin as soon as next month.
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AZ: Ariz. Republicans prod Dems for budget offerings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Top Republican legislative leaders said they're encouraging minority Democrats to offer ideas to help steer Arizona out of its budget mess.
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AZ: Pieces of AZ up for 'sale' this week as cash-flow crisis nears
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Got $5,000 to invest? And perhaps the tougher question, are you willing to bet on Arizona's future? You'll get a chance this week.
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AZ: In Valley, 80 mil square ft. of business space is vacant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Valley's real estate boom-and-bust cycle left an almost unimaginable 80 million square feet of excess office, retail and industrial space on the rental market at the close of 2009 - the rough equivalent of 1,600 football fields.
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AZ: Business tax for jobless benefits to rise by 50%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The ripple effects of job losses in Arizona continue: Unemployment-insurance taxes paid by Arizona businesses will rise an average of 50 percent in 2010, which could further stall hiring.
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AZ: Brewer to again push for tax hike in speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ten months ago, Gov. Jan Brewer asked state lawmakers to approve her plan to balance the budget, including a temporary tax hike.
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CA: Senate cuts committee membership
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate is embracing the age-old resolution to slim down in the New Year. In terms of committee sizes, at least.
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CA: Environmental groups try to block parts of California's green building code
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Environmental groups are mounting a last-ditch effort to derail key elements of the state's first-in-the-nation green building code -- a major initiative of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration.
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CA: Schwarzenegger says health bill adds billion in California costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a national television interview that aired Sunday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said California's congressional members "are not representing us really well" as he pushed for higher federal reimbursements to help reduce the state's structural budget deficit.
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CA: Cutting deeper into the same battered programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a budget bleeding red, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger soberly announced that the state would have to slice painfully into services for children and the elderly, transportation and healthcare, social services and criminal justice.
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CA: Six years later, California's priority is still jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There was a sobering symmetry between the first State of the State speech offered by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the one he recited last week.
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CA: CalPERS to disclose details about intermediaries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California's giant public pension fund, racked by criticism for the way it has managed a $205-billion portfolio, is preparing to disclose new details about the financial middlemen who play a little-understood and lucrative role in pension investing.
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CO: Budget cuts to be central focus when Colo. legislative session opens Wednesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers face a staggering budget crisis when they return to the Capitol on Wednesday for a legislative session in which political battles will set the stage for the high-stakes election in November.
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CO: Hickenlooper gets advice on gubernatorial opening, as does Romanoff
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper got an earful about labor issues Friday when he called a retired Pueblo lobbyist to talk about the governor's race.
"
CO: New national medical-pot bill to restrict providers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The fight to regulate the rapidly growing number of medical-marijuana dispensaries took a drastic swing toward shutting down the hundreds of Colorado storefronts after state Sen. Chris Romer announced Sunday that a pending pot bill would reflect the wishes of law enforcement groups.
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CO: Colo. classrooms see a trend of young teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A surge of retiring baby-boomer teachers is pushing a younger and less experienced workforce into classrooms nationwide.
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CO: In Colorado, craving reform of health care and Congress
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Donny Seyfer, the manager of an auto repair shop here, had high hopes when President Obama and Congress tackled health care as their top priority early last year.
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CT: Conn. veto session planned, no vote expected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut legislators are scheduled to return to the Capitol on Monday to address Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto of two deficit-cutting bills the Democrats passed last month.
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CT: State service plazas to get upgrades
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MILFORD, Conn. -- Truck driver Conrad Ouellette remembers how happy he was when Connecticut's rest stops replaced their Howard Johnson's outlets with McDonald's, where he could snag a quick chocolate shake while hauling construction debris.
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CT: State tries to sell cells
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LITCHFIELD, Conn. -- Psst. Want to buy an old jail? Apparently so. At least 50 people showed up Friday for a rare tour of the Litchfield Jail, a historic landmark that the state is putting on the auction block.
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CT: Rell relies on stimulus, while some Republican candidates run against it
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Senate candidate Linda McMahon's ubiquitous TV spots criticizing the federal economic stimulus program were intended to jumpstart an argument against Sen. Chris Dodd, the embattled Democrat who helped pass the $787 billion spending plan.
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DE: Delaware lawmakers return, once again facing tough choices with budget shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators will begin a new election-year session Tuesday amid talk of job eliminations, radical cuts in state programs and suggestions for higher state employee contributions to health or pension fund costs.
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DE: Valero refinery likely to be torn down in Delaware City
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The landmark Delaware City Refinery will likely go to salvage crews and cutting torches in several months, a company official indicated, barring a long-shot sale to another refiner.
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FL: Freeze threatens Florida's tropical fish
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LAKELAND, Fla. — Frosted oranges, strawberries encased in ice: the images of Florida's freezes are familiar, sad and earthy. But just past the crop rows here in the state's agricultural core, there swims another sizable industry that has suffered more than any other because of this year's unusually long cold snap — tropical fish.
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FL: FPL faces key vote on rate increase of up to 30 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After spending 10 months and $5 million on a public-relations campaign, Florida Power & Light's push to win a $1.3 billion increase in electric rates comes down to a single vote on Wednesday.
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FL: Several reasons why Broward County is awash in corruption
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT LAUDERDALE -- Last year, when an ambitious Fort Lauderdale lawyer named Scott Rothstein decided to hire someone to develop political strategies for businesses seeking government contracts, he turned to none other than Ken Jenne, the disgraced former sheriff who had just been released from jail.
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FL: Duval, St. Johns fear census undercount
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Officials say Duval and St. Johns counties lost millions in federal funding for new roads, disaster relief, public transportation, housing and other projects and services because about 35 percent of the residents in each county didn't take part in the 2000 Census.
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FL: Slot machines at Miami airport aren't dead yet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- Miami-Dade County is refusing to back down from its bid to install slot machines at Miami International Airport, with the matter now apparently headed to court.
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FL: Winter weather still has a grip on South Florida
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI -- The Arctic blast that has left much of Florida fraught with frost and frustration is expected to move on this week, but not before shattering its share of records.
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GA: State's new plan for transportation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mass transit or roads? Taxes, tickets or tolls? There is a new guide for the transportation choices the state is about to make, and a draft of it is under review at the state Capitol now. The short answer so far: Georgia needs a bit of everything, and a lot more money.
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GA: Ga. biomass power plant on hold
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia Power Co. is delaying the planned conversion of a coal-fired power plant to biomass due to uncertainty over a new federal regulation that could affect the project, the Atlanta-based utility announced Friday.
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GA: Peach State tax revenue down 5.8%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia's revenue from various taxes fell 5.8 percent in December 2009, the Georgia Department of Revenue reported Friday.
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GA: Lawmakers hope supper ends 'wild' time before session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sunday night was about barbecue, reconnecting with friends and about candidates making a splash. At the Capitol on Monday, lawmakers want to begin to move forward.
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GA: A look at the first week of the session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Here's a look at what's happening as the 2010 session of the General Assembly starts this week:
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HI: Schatz enters crowded race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Brian Schatz, a former chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i, announced yesterday that he will run for lieutenant governor, promising to bring change to a state government that he said is broken.
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HI: Aiona's gubernatorial campaign stresses 'balance'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the message in his Republican campaign for governor is balance.
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IA: Iowa panel recommends elimination of eight tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A panel formed by Gov. Chet Culver to study the state's tax credit programs is calling for the elimination of eight credits, including the film tax credits that have been the subject of investigations, as well as caps on credits and other reforms.
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IA: Gronstal places low odds on gambling proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The leader of Democrats in the Iowa Senate doesn't put good odds on the idea of allowing gambling machines in Iowa bars and taverns.
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IA: Dipping into Road Use Tax Fund for Patrol operations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of the most contentious issues facing lawmakers this year is Governor Culver's proposal to use gas tax money to finance the operations of the Iowa State Highway Patrol. Cities, counties and contractors are opposed to the move.
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IA: Report says end state tax credit for movies, add new limits on business tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Culver's top managers are recommending changes in state tax credits, including an end to the tax credit for movie and TV productions.
"
IA: Alcohol sales down during the holidays
From: feeds.stateline.org
"owans are buying cheaper brands of booze, and that led to much lower revenues for the state controlled liquor market during the recent holiday period. Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division Administrator, Lynn Walding, says the economy and the weather have had an impact on revenue the last three months.
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IA: The hottest jobs in Iowa and nationwide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a recession, a "hot job" might be a contradiction in terms. But some companies and employment specialists say Iowans just starting out — or workers forced to reinvent their careers — have solid options.
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IA: Culver stands to gain from shortened legislative session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This session of the Iowa Legislature could be a political blessing in disguise for Gov. Chet Culver, Statehouse observers say.
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IA: Leaders pledge no tax hikes, but Iowans can still expect to pay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even as state lawmakers vow not to raise taxes, the severity of Iowa government's budget crisis has them angling for fresh cash from federal taxpayers and new fees on Iowans.
"
IA: Delinquency on rise among Iowa taxpayers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Taxpayers didn't pay $313 million in corporate, individual, sales, withholding and other taxes that they owed during the last budget year. That's up about 14 percent over the previous year, a new report shows.
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ID: 2010 Idaho Legislative session starts today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate and House plan to convene at noon at the newly reopened and renovated Statehouse, an hour before Gov. Butch Otter delivers his annual State of the State speech in House chambers, outlining his priorities, including promised additional budget cuts, for the current year and extending into fiscal 2011, which starts in July.
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ID: More federal dollars heading to Idaho?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the 2009 legislative session, a last-minute federal stimulus bill passed by Congress sent $1.24 billion Idaho's way.
"
IL: Yellow Pages Find whatever you're looking for with Totally Local Yellow Pages Search provided by Premier Guide Featured Business By TIM LANDIS (tim.landis@sj-r.com) THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER Posted Jan 10, 2010 @ 11:30 PM With both the national and state unemployment rates in the double digits, tax officials are hearing one question more often than usual as the filing season nears. Are unemployment benefits taxable? The short answer is yes. Advocacy groups say there are a variety of tax-preparation assistance programs and deductions that can help, but that even those whose primary income has been from unemployment benefits must plan. "It's always busy, but we expect there is going to be a real need this year," said Joanne Catarelli, a program assistant with the Center for Economic Progress office in Springfield. The Chicago-based organization, which also has an office in Decatur, provides free tax preparation assistance for low-income families. Last year 33,000 families sought assistance and received refunds totaling $52 million. The group projects 35,000 families will seek help this year. More than 1,100 filers sought the first-come, first-served free help at the Springfield center last year, and more than 1,500 sought assistance at the Decatur facility. As part of the federal economic stimulus bill, the first $2,400 of unemployment benefits is excluded from taxes, said Michael Devine, a spokesman for the Internal Revenue Office in St. Louis. Despite the provision, the agency also urges unemployment recipients to have taxes withheld from their benefits, either by requesting it from the state or by filling out a voluntary withholding form from the IRS. Spouses receiving unemployment may each exclude the first $2,400. State's rules Illinois Department of Revenue spokeswoman Sue Hofer said unemployment benefits excluded from federal taxes also are excluded by the state. "We follow the federal guidelines," Hofer said. According to state statistics, weekly benefits averaged $330 in 2009, or about 6.8 percent more than in 2008. The maximum weekly benefit for a family with dependent children is approximately $530. Hofer said the surge in unemployment also was among the reasons the department acted to ban refund-anticipation loans from payday, title and short-term installment loan businesses this year. "They were offering these high-interest loans under other business services, and we decided not to renew that (authorization)," Hofer said. A 2009 study by the Consumer Federation of America and the National Law Center found interest rates on anticipation loans ranged from 40 percent on a $10,000 loan to 200 percent on $200. Nearly 130 installment loan companies were authorized to offer refund-anticipation loans in Illinois before the ban took effect. The ban does not apply to regular tax-preparation services. Withholding is key Even if a recipient winds up owing no taxes, Catarelli said it is important to request withholding as soon benefits are received. Otherwise, a substantial tax bill can come due at a time when it can be least afforded. "We always suggest that they request withholding. That way they are covered," Catarelli said. Families who earned less than $50,000 in 2009 and individuals who earned less than $25,000 are eligible for the free assistance, based on center guidelines. The program begins this year on Jan. 23 and continues through the April 15 filing deadline. Additional information, including a site schedule, is available at www.economicprogress.org, or by calling (888) 827-8511 or (312) 701-1326 for the hearing impaired. Current unemployment compared to 2008 (latest month available) * National (December): 10 percent; 7.4 percent. * State (November): 10.9 percent; 6.9 percent. * Springfield area (November) 8.2 percent; 6.1 percent. Source: Illinois Department of Employment Security Tim Landis can be reached at 788-1536. Copyright 2010 The State Journal-Register. Some rights reserved Loading commenting interface... Comments (1) Thank you for the abuse report. We will review the report and take appropriate action. Loading comments... Proudly Illinoisan 3 hours ago Report Abuse Report Abuse You must be logged in to report abuse. Clawbacks, anyone? Login or register to post a comment: Login Username: Password: Forgot password Register Email: First Name: Last Name: I agree to the terms of use I am over 13 years of age NOTE: Your inbox must accept emails from "no-reply@gatehousemedia.com" Tools Print Comment ShareThis
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With both the national and state unemployment rates in the double digits, tax officials are hearing one question more often than usual as the filing season nears. Are unemployment benefits taxable?
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IL: UI open to furloughs for civil service workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. -- The University of Illinois is willing to consider unpaid furloughs for several thousand civil service workers to prevent layoffs, interim President Stanley Ikenberry said.
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IL: Tri-State Tollway rebuilding project finally finished
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The North and Central Tri-State Tollway rebuilding and widening project, including the entire stretch of tollway through Lake County to the Wisconsin state line, has been completed.
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IL: Quinn says tax hikes may come right after primary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn says his Democratic primary campaign is a referendum on raising taxes to solve the state's budget crisis.
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IL: Illinois' statewide budget crunch hits home, threatening crucial services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Little did Angie Hunter know when she caught Gov. Pat Quinn explaining the state budget deal on the news last year that there would be a home-equity loan in her future.
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IL: UIC Medical Center puts expansion plans on hold
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Caught in the state's financial crisis, the University of Illinois Medical Center is mothballing plans to expand its campus on the Near West Side, a spokeswoman said Sunday.
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IL: ComEd looks to future, tests smart meters in area homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The future is now -- in about a third of the 131,000 homes in the Chicago metropolitan area ComEd has slated for its smart-meter pilot program.
"
IL: Ad rips Giannoulias over Bright Start funds failure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sixty-five thousand Illinois families lost money when one of the Bright Start College Savings funds tanked, so it was probably inevitable one of them would wind up on a television commercial for a rival of state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate.
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IL: College savings losses debated in U.S. Senate race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democratic U.S. Senate candidate David Hoffman unveiled a new TV ad today that will run in the Chicago market, featuring an Oak Park woman who says she lost thousands of dollars in her sons' college savings fund due to problems in the state treasurer's office run by Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias.
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IL: Illinois budget woes -- State's unpaid bills hit a record $5 billion, and the cries of pain are getting louder
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Inmates getting out a month early. University professors facing 10 unpaid days off. Drug addicts not getting treatment.
This is what state government looks like after leaders spent much of the last decade refusing to make the tough choices of a major tax increase or deep spending cuts.
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IN: Silver lining seen in Cline Avenue closure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EAST CHICAGO, Ind. -- State legislators say the replacement of the Cline Avenue extension is their top priority -- and a blessing in disguise.
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IN: Casino blames layoffs, tax loss on Cline shutdown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EAST CHICAGO, Ind. -- Officials from a local casino revealed Saturday how a closed Cline Avenue extension has hurt. But they also said area casinos remain accessible and open for business.
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IN: Gary's failure doesn't help Indiana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gary government took another beating in Indianapolis last week. Not from downstate politicians, but its own residents.
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IN: IDEM employees question hire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MERRILLVILLE, Ind. -- Indiana's most recent budget forecast is $1.88 billion below the budgeted amount for 2010-2011. Now the ax is hitting the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
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IN: Warrick development running into opposition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, didn't win many friends in Southwestern Indiana last week when he argued against allowing a proposed Warrick County tourism development to capture sales tax generated there to pay for the construction of an educational center called Village Earth.
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IN: Casino exec says bridge closure costs jobs, state taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EAST CHICAGO, Ind. -- Officials say closing a key Lake County bridge serving casinos, a steel mill and other businesses is costing the state tax revenues amid other financial losses.
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IN: Owe Indiana money? Beware
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In these lean times, state officials are using everything except tax increases to get money in the door -- even shame.
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IN: US pumping $187M into fuel efficiency research
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration will announce today funding for nine projects designed to significantly increase fuel efficiency in heavy trucks and passenger vehicles, with more than half the money coming from the $787 billion stimulus package.
"
KS: Parkinson to unveil legislative priorities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Gov. Mark Parkinson delivers his first State of the State Address at 7 p.m. today, ordinary Kansans and government officials will be waiting to hear how he proposes to offset significant reductions in state revenues.
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KS: Parkinson to deliver State of the State address today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson unveils his plan to fix the Kansas budget and delivers his State of the State address today as the 2010 legislative session begins.
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KS: Tough session awaits -- Lawmakers must get budget in balance without harming state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An old adage, "you don't eat your seed corn," is getting used a lot around the Capitol these days.
"
KS: Death penalty, texting while driving among key issues this session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While the main business of the Legislature will be writing a budget for the next fiscal year, there are still many other issues that will be debated.
"
KS: Vote on puppy mill act is sought
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hoping to end abuse at puppy mills, a group of animal welfare organizations is working to put a ballot initiative before Missouri voters this year.
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KY: Discusson focuses on costly problem of Kentucky's dropouts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"People need to begin thinking of dropping out of high school as more than just a tragedy that can doom a person to a life of low-paying jobs and as a huge monetary drag on government services that will cost taxpayers for years to come.
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KY: Thousands of jobs could be created in renewable-fuels industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky has the potential to develop thousands of jobs in the renewable-fuels industry, but it will take a lot of work and investment to achieve that, according to a state task force.
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KY: KACo balancing politics and oversight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The hiring of the next executive director at the Kentucky Association of Counties has forced board members to try to balance a desire to improve their oversight with old-school politics.
"
MA: Politicians in heat of moment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Bay State's congressional leaders, governor and heating assistance groups are calling on President Obama to immediately release millions more dollars in aid as thousands of Hub families run out of money to warm their homes.
"
MA: Department of Transportation gets flak over flacks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A much-trumpeted consolidation of Bay State transit offices - aimed at cutting jobs and costs - is being flacked by an astonishing 11 taxpayer-funded spin doctors - one more than when the agencies merged in the fall.
"
MD: Budget woes top agenda
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Democratic- controlled General Assembly will begin the 90-day legislative session Wednesday with one eye on the battered budget and the other on this fall's election.
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MD: Economy, job creation will dominate 2010 General Assembly session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's another year with another General Assembly session, another deficit to solve, and this time the added bonus of a coming election.
"
MD: Jockey Club gets help on referendum petition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of the groups organizing a petition drive with the ultimate aim of preventing slots at an Anne Arundel County mall is paying a private firm to help gather the 19,000 signatures required for a ballot referendum.
"
MD: Ehrlich urges Marylanders to protest O'Malley policies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. on Saturday urged Marylanders to join a conservative, free-market group in protesting what the organization calls " Gov. Martin O'Malley's fiscal mismanagement" during a march Wednesday in Annapolis, the opening day of this year's General Assembly session.
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MD: Downturn forces hard political choices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If everything were to go according to plan, community college students would be designing solar panels.
"
MD: Legislators come to town bearing gifts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 2010 session of the Maryland General Assembly kicks off this week, bringing a much-needed shot in the arm for some local businesses, as well as the usual hassles, like parking, for the rest of us.
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ME: Furlough days for schools considered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A handful of Maine school districts are considering local furlough days as they look to cut costs in a year of shrinking budgets.
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ME: Officials target Maine's bridges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State transportation officials say maintenance to Maine bridges will cost taxpayers and tollpayers an estimated $1.4 billion over the next 10 years.
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ME: Baldacci touts energy assistance grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Baldacci says federal energy-efficiency grants of nearly $9 million will help create more than 950 jobs in the state.
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ME: UMaine System trustees to review cost-cutting plan today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BANGOR, Maine — A plan to save nearly $43 million within the University of Maine System will be reviewed at a board of trustees meeting in Bangor on Monday.
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ME: Legislators grapple with dairy payouts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators debated the payments to the state's unique Dairy Stabilization Program for nearly the entire day Friday.
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ME: Fewer big rigs on state roads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FREEPORT, Maine — Heavy trucks used to creep through town, rumbling past shoppers and the well-known L.L. Bean store because big rigs weren't allowed on Interstate 295 a quarter-mile away.
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MI: Detroit entrepreneurs opt to look up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DETROIT — Despite the recession — and in some cases because of it — small businesses are budding around Detroit in one of the more surprising twists of the downturn.
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MI: West Michigan builders wonder whether federal requirement to provide workers health insurance will help or hinder them
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home builders and other construction companies would not get a key exemption from a mandate to provide health coverage if a late-night addition to the Senate's health care reform bill takes effect.
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MI: U.S. Supreme Court could overturn landmark Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- A 20-year-old letter from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia hanging on Michigan Court of Appeals Richard Bandstra's office wall might soon become prophetic.
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MI: Electric vehicles will lead economic resurgence and it all starts at the Detroit auto show
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DETROIT -- Consider this year's Detroit auto show as the kickoff party for the resurrection of the domestic auto industry.
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MI: Michigan credit unions enjoying growth in members despite weak economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan credit unions are gaining members and boosting lending despite the rocky economy.
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MI: 12 Mich. firms win $242M in fed tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Michigan businesses won $242 million in tax credits as part of a White House effort to create 17,000 green manufacturing technology jobs through a $2.3 billion tax credit.
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MI: Michigan hosts race to make 100 mpg car
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Michigan's economy, and its self-image, could get a big boost from a $10 million competition this summer to build a super fuel-efficient car.
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MI: Price tag for state mandates $2.2B
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Complying with state requirements on everything from student tests to electronic fingerprinting of criminals cost local schools and governments more than $2.2 billion in 2009, according to a Commission on Legislative Mandates.
"
MI: Carmaker's auto show mission -- Rekindle the romance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The curtain rises this morning on a radically altered global automotive industry -- and Detroit auto show.
"
MN: Banks at risk in Minnesota from housing crisis
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS -- Warren Smith, chief financial officer of 1st American State Bank of Minnesota in Hancock, Minn., sounded exasperated as he rattled off a long list of loans for commercial real estate projects that threaten to sink his bank.
"
MN: Unallotment appeal put on legal fast track
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MINNEAPOLIS -- A Ramsey County judge signed an order Friday that clears the way for an appeal in the legal challenge of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's recent solo budget-cutting.
"
MN: Presession sit-down yields no fights, fixes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Facing a $1.2 billion deficit with more red ink predicted in the future, the powers-that-be at the State Capitol said Friday that they know Minnesotans don't want to see them fight, but rather they want legislators to solve the problem.
"
MN: Wisconsin seeing payback after joining forces with Minnesota to save taxpayer dollars
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's pennies on adult diapers and dimes on prisoners' "Taco Tuesdays." By looking for tiny, not-so-sexy savings in state bureaucracies, a partnership between Wisconsin and Minnesota is on track to find more than $11 million in savings for taxpayers in this state over the next three years, officials said.
"
MO: Policing the Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Stacey Newman was sworn in last week as the newest member of the Missouri House, she took an oath that she would not knowingly receive money or anything of value in return for her performance in office, other than a legislator's compensation provided by law.
"
MO: Bond issue for schools on agenda
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Columbia Board of Education could approve of one of the largest bond packages in the history of Missouri schools tomorrow night.
"
MO: University of Missouri considers whether to offer domestic partner benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Missouri is collecting stories from its faculty and staff that illustrate how not providing domestic partner benefits affects hiring.
"
MO: State lawmakers weren't on KC mayor's agenda
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last week's weather forced Mayor Mark Funkhouser to cancel a visit to the Capitol, but area lawmakers were left out in the cold even before Wednesday's snowfall.
"
MO: Vote on puppy mill act is sought
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hoping to end abuse at puppy mills, a group of animal welfare organizations is working to put a ballot initiative before Missouri voters this year."
MS: Clarksdale lawmaker seeks tax on sugary drinks to fight obesity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rep. John Mayo, a Clarksdale Democrat, is pursuing legislation that would tax sugar-laden soft drinks in an effort to finance programs aimed at cutting obesity in Mississippi, the nation's fattest state.
"
MS: Legislature, Governor agree something has to be done, but not how
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When it comes to the state's budget problems, key legislators and Gov. Haley Barbour agree on at least one thing – something needs to be done quickly about the shortfall in revenue.
"
MS: Barbour envisions South Mississippi as a major hub
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GULFPORT, Miss. — Gov. Haley Barbour supports creating a large transportation hub at Palmer's Crossing to handle increased container traffic from a $1 billion expansion of the Port of Gulfport.
"
MS: Relief may be on way for Miss. businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the state's business community struggling through a lengthy recession, legislative leaders are crafting potential relief.
"
MT: Governor orders proposals for budget cuts from state directors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer ordered executive branch directors Friday to outline by Jan. 29 how they would cut their general fund budgets by 5 percent - if necessary - because of declining state tax collections.
"
MT: Helena treatment center faces loss of funding this summer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The clients at Montana House day treatment are taught to be hopeful and explore all options in hard times and that's just what the staff is doing as it's facing the loss of state funding this summer.
"
MT: Schools seek federal money for research
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MISSOULA, Mont. — Colleges and universities in Montana are asking for about $71 million in federal money from congressional earmarks.
"
NC: N.C. slipping as destination?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In recent years, North Carolina owed much of its prosperity to newcomers who pulled up stakes elsewhere and gambled on opportunities here.
"
NC: Some hookah bars are simply ignoring state's new no-smoking law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Now that North Carolina's no-smoking law has taken effect, most bars and restaurants across the state have thrown away their ashtrays and herded smokers to outdoor patios. But a few bars are openly flouting the new law, allowing people to puff away indoors as much as ever.
"
NC: Corn on the way to state's first ethanol plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RAEFORD, N.C. -- The state's first ethanol plant is expected to receive its initial shipment of corn Feb. 1, the company says.
"
NC: Maker of sobriety test sues state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A company that manufactures machines used to test the sobriety of convicted drunk drivers before they start their cars has filed a lawsuit saying it was unfairly shut out of doing business in North Carolina.
"
NC: Tightening the reins on ABC boards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Today's state leaders, from Gov. Bev Perdue to top legislators, say that what's needed now is tighter control over who is selling booze.
"
ND: Oil pipeline leak reported in NE North Dakota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEMBINA, N.D. - An oil pipeline leak spilled about 126,000 gallons of crude in Pembina County in North Dakota's northeastern corner.
"
ND: New noxious weed threatens North Dakota wildlife, livestock
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Booming oil activity in western North Dakota in recent years has boosted the state's economy. But it might be to blame for the introduction of an invasive weed that can poison livestock and wildlife.
"
NE: Teams to begin assessment of Nebraska storm damage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Emergency management officials are set to begin to determine if recent winter storms that hit Nebraska put the state in a position to receive federal help.
"
NE: Will off-track betting help races?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This year, Nebraska's horse racing industry is switching steeds.
"
NE: Boilermaker ban plan stirs debate in Neb.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska's liquor cops want to wipe a 70-year-old ban against mixing booze and beer off the books, saying the original intent of the law that makes drinks like boilermakers illegal disappeared long ago.
"
NH: LLC tax opponents question timing, constitutionality
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PLYMOUTH, N.H. – Critics of a new tax on limited liability companies and partnerships believe applying it for all of 2009 flies in the face of the state Constitution.
"
NH: Salem officials vow border toll fight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SALEM, N.H. – Local officials vow to fight new tolls on Interstate 93 along the border, which they say would be a disaster for the town and New Hampshire.
"
NJ: Gay rights group pledges to withhold financial support
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey's most influential gay civil-rights group pledged Friday to withhold financial support from Democratic lawmakers who did not vote for the same-sex marriage bill.
"
NJ: Garden State Equality pledges to withhold donations after gay marriage vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey's most influential gay civil-rights group pledged Friday to withhold financial support from Democratic lawmakers who did not vote for the same-sex marriage bill.
"
NJ: N.J. job training programs reduce risk of relapse, ex-inmate says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arthur Townes robbed people to feed his drug habit and landed in prison as a result. While incarcerated, he received counseling and job training that helped him turn his life around.
"
NM: 2010 Legislature -- Governor backs deal for dealerships
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the face of thousands of car dealerships closing across the country, Gov. Bill Richardson on Friday announced his support for a bill to help the state's car dealers.
"
NM: Environmentalists debate whether natural gas is safer for the environment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico is a top producer of natural gas and some environmentalists see the fuel as a more environmentally friendly energy choice than coal.
"
NM: AAA New Mexico -- Pump prices on the rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pump prices in New Mexico spiked 7 cents in the first week of 2010, and went up 9 cents nationally, according to the AAA New Mexico Weekend Gas Watch.
"
NM: Richardson backs bill to protect local auto dealers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson is throwing his support behind a bill that will be introduced in the state Legislature to protect franchised car dealers in the state.
"
NM: Wind tower factory headed to Santa Teresa
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texas-based Johnson Plate and Tower will build a wind tower manufacturing facility in the border town of Santa Teresa, creating 150 jobs.
"
NV: Superintendent -- Gibbons' cuts raise serious concerns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada's school administrators met Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas, and the center of discussions was Gov. Jim Gibbons' proposed cuts to public school budgets.
"
NV: Chancellor -- Cuts to budget may affect federal funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University system Chancellor Dan Klaich says any disproportionate cuts to his state funding could cost hundreds of millions in federal funding.
"
NV: Special session may require help of state Supreme Court
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Budgets are usually handled by the executive and legislative branches. But the now-inevitable special session to deal with the state shortfall might require the involvement of the third branch of government.
"
NV: Recession-stung governments target public employee unions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Gov. Jim Gibbons suggested eliminating collective bargaining rights as part of an ambitious education reform proposal last week, he launched the latest attack on a group that's shaping up to be this year's political target: public employee unions.
"
NY: Pols to loosen the cap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers will pass a bill to boost the state's looming cap on charter schools "within a week and in time for the deadline" to compete for up to $700 million in federal aid, a senior legislative official told The Post yesterday.
"
NY: Summary of the New York state of the state address
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson (D), facing what could be a difficult primary campaign this year, proposed a plan Jan. 6 that he said would fix New York’s shattered finances, rejuvenate its slumping economy and restore trust in government through a series of major ethics reforms.
"
OH: Ohio lawmakers face deadline in getting key goals on May 4 ballot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio legislators will need a quick jolt of bipartisan cooperation when they return this week if they want to meet key goals, including putting a renewal of the Third Frontier economic development program before voters.
"
OH: Two Ohio lawmakers push for six-month freeze on foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Ohio lawmakers are gearing up for round two of their push for a six-month freeze on home foreclosures, taking their case to the Senate for the first time since the Ohio House passed the bill in May.
"
OH: Looking at Northeast Ohio's transportation logistics could help drive region's economy, development leaders tell City Club
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Business and elected officials in this region and beyond should collaborate to drive more economic impact from our ports and highways, business-development leaders say.
"
OH: Ohio companies to get $82 million in tax credits for advanced energy projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Nearly a dozen companies in Ohio will receive $82 million in tax credits to expand or build advanced energy manufacturing projects -- and maybe create jobs
"
OH: Cedar Fair's swift tumble, pending sale irk investors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The thrill is gone for many investors in Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. who watched the company's share price free-fall over the past year as the company's finances became increasingly shaky.
"
OH: Where casino will be wooed not a sure bet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Suddenly, Penn National Gaming Inc. is finding itself courted in Columbus. The company criticized in some circles as an out-of-state interloper seeking to change the nature of the Arena District now has other neighborhoods competing for its attention.
"
OH: Clean energy tax credits won by Ohio companies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the second time in a week, millions of federal stimulus dollars are headed for Ohio as part of the Obama administration's attempt to create jobs through a "clean energy" economy.
"
OH: Gas wells' leftovers may wash into Ohio
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A boom in natural-gas drilling in Pennsylvania could bring millions of barrels of salty toxic waste into Ohio.
"
OH: Battelle's labs share in stimulus bonanza
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Battelle is managing nearly $500 million in federal stimulus contracts at the national labs it operates.
"
OK: Arguments set today in Osage land case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DENVER — Oral arguments are set for Monday in a federal case that pits the Osage Nation against non-Indians in Osage County and against the state of Oklahoma.
"
OK: Bill would impound uninsured vehicles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rep. Steve Martin of Bartlesville says his bill takes advantage of a new instant-verification system.
"
OK: Tribal suit decision expected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A case involving allegations of misspent tribal gaming money — including suspicious cash withdrawals and out-of-state trips, among other things — likely will be decided in tribal court as early as February, those involved with the case say.
"
OR: Oregon's governor dispatches aide to boost flagging I-5 bridge project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Kulongoski's deputy legislative director will leave his post to try to help advance the Columbia River Crossing, the controversial, $4 billion plan to replace the Interstate Bridge.
"
OR: Oregon universities brace for possible cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon public universities would for the first time in at least three decades turn away qualified Oregon students if two initiatives fail this month and force them to make cuts, university officials said today.
"
OR: Wash. bank regulators shutter Horizon Financial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Horizon Financial Corp., the holding company for Bellingham, Wash.-based Horizon Bank, was shutdown today by the state of Washington's Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.
"
OR: Tax debate on Oregon Measures 66, 67 heats up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Things got pointed and personal Friday during a debate on the tax increase measures Oregon voters will decide over the coming weeks.
"
OR: Oregon says to wait to send your tax return. Really?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Here's a twist: Oregon state government is in no hurry to get your income tax return. Not even if there's a check tucked inside.
"
OR: Three Oregon clean energy projects land $87 million in federal tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Three clean-tech companies with Oregon operations, or plans for one, captured $87 million in tax credits Friday as the White House announced $2.3 billion in credits to help create jobs.
"
OR: What will happen if Measures 66 and 67 fail in Oregon?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Oregon voters reject proposed tax increases this month, it won't spell doomsday for schools and social services to the degree that some pro-tax advocates suggest.
"
OR: Jobs bill in Congress could bring more roads, transit money to Oregon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An effort by Congress to boost the economy with government spending could provide a jolt to Oregon's transportation system on par with last year's economic stimulus package.
"
PA: Program trains unemployed for green jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Raymond Manuel has just two more checks coming, then next month his unemployment runs out. The situation led Manuel, 37, a married father of three who was bundled in a puffy tan coat, to sit in the first chair of the front row in the gymnasium of the Dixon House on a recent afternoon for an orientation on a green-jobs training program.
"
PA: Pennsylvania's chemical industry is fading
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the city's Bridesburg section, neighbors park cars in a surplus employee lot at the once-huge Rohm & Haas Co. plant, which employed 2,000 workers at one time. Later this year, the final two dozen workers will lose their jobs there when Dow Chemical Co. closes the plant for good.
"
PA: Pittsburgh-based veterans' job program loses state funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pittsburgh-based Veterans Leadership Program and a sister program in Philadelphia have been hit by the same budget cuts that closed five state-run veterans outreach centers.
"
PA: Corbett won't ease campaign efforts after Gerlach's withdrawal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Attorney General Tom Corbett said Friday he'll spend less money but still campaign strongly for the Republican nomination, with U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach's withdrawal from the governor's race.
"
PA: Millions of government workers skirt raise freeze
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Didn't get a raise this year?
"
PA: Corbett wins central Pennsylvania GOP straw poll
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tom Corbett breezed to victory in the first regional Republican caucus for governor Saturday, while across town four Democratic candidates from urban areas made a pitch for support from the agricultural community.
"
PA: Pa. gubernatorial candidates make pitches
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 2010 campaign for governor had its unofficial kickoff here yesterday, as four of the five Democratic candidates spoke to members of an agricultural and rural industry group, while the two remaining Republicans spoke to state committee members from the central part of the state.
"
PA: Labor slow to back candidate for Pa. governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four months before the May primary, organized labor, one of the core constituencies of the Democratic Party and a key source of money and logistical support for its candidates, has yet to coalesce behind a contender for governor.
"
PA: Programs for gambling addicts take shape as table games hit state casinos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials still trying to assess and address the level of compulsive gambling in Pennsylvania are expecting new challenges from the addition of table games, but counting on a cash infusion to help counter increased problems.
"
RI: More federal funds for R.I. comes with a catch
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CRANSTON, R.I. — Rhode Island has a chance to obtain a cash infusion of up to $23.5 million from the federal government to boost the unemployment trust fund, which pays benefits to out-of-work Rhode Islanders.
"
RI: State looking to hire 28 temps despite hiring freeze
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The governor's hiring freeze is starting to melt.
"
SC: Jobs, balanced budget top priorities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nothing will be more paramount in the legislative session that starts Tuesday than finding ways to balance the budget and put residents back to work.
"
SC: Boeing would pay 4 percent tax rate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Boeing Co. released some information Friday about the tax breaks it expects to receive from Charleston County in an effort to ease concerns that details of the deal will remain secret at least until after next week's vote.
"
SC: Who's in charge?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Television cameras focused on two men standing in the state Senate chambers as they prepared to announce the biggest economic investment in South Carolina's history.
"
SC: State revenues down in December
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenues for December were down 3.1 percent compared with the previous December according to data released Friday by Comptroller Richard Eckstrom.
"
SD: Legislators hope to cut governor's budget plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The South Dakota Legislature will try to make substantial cuts in Gov. Mike Rounds' proposed budget to get a head start on handling the more severe budget gap the state is expected to face a year from now, legislative leaders said.
"
SD: Experts warn corn growers of volatile year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Agriculture finance experts at the South Dakota Corn Growers Association's annual meeting Saturday predicted a volatile year in agriculture in large measure because the U.S. economic recovery is not built on sustainable growth.
"
SD: State budget, millions in the hole, has legislators digging for answers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As lawmakers descend on Pierre for the start of the legislative session this week, many are thinking about one thing: the state's budget mess.
"
SD: Legislator -- Restrict investing that might help Iran
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rep. Dan Lederman, R-Dakota Dunes, wants South Dakota to sell $68 million of stock it owns in five energy companies building pipelines and other petroleum projects in Iran.
"
SD: Legislature 2010 -- It's all about the money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This year's legislative session comes down to one issue: The budget. "There's a lot of talk about how to balance the budget and how to set us up for success into the future," said Sen. Bob Gray, R-Pierre.
"
TN: Health report on ash spill disputed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A UT disaster researcher with expertise in environmental health issues said he has "serious questions about the integrity" of a recent state and federal health assessment of the Kingston, Tenn., ash spill and its aftermath.
"
TN: Bredesen program would create 200 UT faculty positions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Phil Bredesen this morning announced an initiative to establish a "world-class graduate energy sciences and engineering program" at the University of Tennessee that would create 200 UT faculty positions staffed by researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
"
TX: Quality of air in shale field gets attention
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State environmental officials are taking a closer look at air quality issues in the Barnett Shale natural gas field in North Texas, creating a rapid response plan for complaints and planning a report on extensive air monitoring later this month.
"
TX: No dollar left behind
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Almost-candidates and former officer-holders have wide latitude in how they can unload their campaign cash. The same rules apply to lawmakers who leave office and to abortive hopefuls.
"
US: Washington area officials eye deep cuts to fill budget gaps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The stimulus is mostly spent. The rainy-day funds have been dipped into. Most of the accounting gimmicks have been used. After two years of doing whatever they could to balance their budgets, state and local lawmakers confront a grim reality: They're likely to make deep and painful cuts to a host of cherished services.
"
US: States want delay on emission rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A growing number of state regulators are urging the Obama administration to slow the rollout of proposed federal rules curbing industrial greenhouse-gas emissions, saying the administration's approach could overwhelm them with paperwork, delay construction projects and undercut their own efforts to fight climate change.
"
US: Number of long-term unemployed hits highest rate since 1948
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Friday, in the December unemployment report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said the number of people out of work for 27 weeks or more hit 6.1 million Americans, or 40 percent of all 15.3 million jobless. This is the most since 1948, when the data was first recorded, according to the Department of Labor.
"
US: Analysis shows government stimulus has had little effect on local unemployment rates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Ten months into President Barack Obama's first economic stimulus plan, a surge in spending on roads and bridges has had no effect on local unemployment and only barely helped the beleaguered construction industry, an Associated Press analysis has found.
"
US: Courts roll back limits on election spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Even before a landmark Supreme Court ruling on campaign finance law expected within days, a series of other court decisions is reshaping the political battlefield by freeing corporations, unions and other interest groups from many of the restrictions on their advertising about issues and candidates.
"
US: U.S. job losses in December dim hopes for quick upswing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The nation lost 85,000 jobs from the economy in December, the Labor Department reported Friday, as hopes for a vigorous recovery ran headlong into the prospect that paychecks could remain painfully scarce into next year.
"
US: Recession spurs interest in graduate, law schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It took longer than some experts expected, but the recession and the resulting shortage of good jobs have spurred a jump in applications to law schools and a growing interest in graduate programs.
"
UT: Bill aims to help borrowers break cycle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At his own insurance agency, Rep. Jim Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, got a first-hand look at the tactics some payday lenders use to attempt to collect debts at a borrower's workplace.
"
UT: Panel cuts new deal for jobless seniors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A panel charged with protecting Utah's rapidly sinking unemployment trust fund has been forced to retool its fragile deal for boosting jobless benefits to some senior citizens.
"
UT: Food-stamp use soars in Utah
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of people using food stamps in Utah continues to rise.
"
VA: Focus is 'budget, budget, budget'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ask any state legislator what the dominant issue will be for the 2010 session beginning Wednesday, and the answer is likely to be the same -- the budget.
"
VA: Appraising Kaine -- A term marked by tragedy, economic woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Whether he's delivering good or bad news, or talking about the highs and lows of his term, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is fond of citing the outside praise Virginia's received for its governance and business climate.
"
VA: Will Feds help pay storm bills?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State and local government agencies are tallying the costs of responding to the Dec. 18 snowstorm in the hope that they might get some help from the federal government.
"
VT: Use of food stamps soars in Vermont
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vermonters using food stamps have increased nearly 80 percent over the last four years, and about 1 in 8 state residents now relies on this federally funded program.
"
VT: Vermont teacher pensions in peril
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just a few generations back, the prospects for elderly teachers were so bleak they relied on charity — such as the Ruggles Foundation home for retired teachers, which opened on Prospect Street in Burlington in 1932 and charged $9 a week for room and board.
"
VT: Maine, Vermont hail truck-weight exemption
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FREEPORT, Maine -- Heavy trucks used to creep through town, rumbling past shoppers and the well-known L.L. Bean store because big rigs weren't allowed on Interstate 295 a quarter-mile away.
"
WA: Local legislators see possible silver lining
From: feeds.stateline.org
"YAKIMA, Wash. -- Yakima Valley legislators see opportunity in the state's budget deficit, viewing it as a potential catalyst for systemic change in state government.
"
WA: Lawmakers outline goals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The three state lawmakers representing Olympia and the 22nd district have modest goals for the 2010 legislative session, including movement on a measure limiting development on the city's isthmus.
"
WA: Legislature has long to-do list
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 60-day legislative session that gets under way Monday will involve much more than the much-discussed fight over tax increases to help fill state government's $2.6 billion budget hole.
"
WA: Budget crisis Act II
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators return to Olympia this week facing a budget problem much worse than what they had expected when they wrapped up their most recent budget almost nine months ago.
"
WA: Rep. to Seattle -- Get moving, or we'll take viaduct $ away
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Republican state representative from Ferndale has a message for Seattle: Get moving on replacements for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and 520 bridge, because the billions of state dollars allocated to those projects could just as easily be spent elsewhere.
"
WA: Wash. lawmakers set to tackle projected deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Washington state lawmakers are feeling deficit deja vu. A $2.6 billion deficit awaits them as they return to the state Capitol on Monday to convene a 60-day session, and it's the second straight year they've had to face making cuts to state programs.
"
WI: Wisconsin, Minnesota join forces to pinch pennies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By looking for tiny, not-so-sexy savings in state bureaucracies, a partnership between Wisconsin and Minnesota is on track to find more than $11 million in savings for taxpayers in this state over the next three years, officials say.
"
WI: Forum to examine downturn in Wis. agriculture
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The effect of the recession on Wisconsin's agriculture community will be examined at a forum open to the public in Madison on Jan. 20.
"
WI: State awards $800,000 to help develop former Tower site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is awarding the City of Milwaukee Redevelopment Authority an $800,000 grant to assist in the redevelopment of the former Tower Automotive site in Milwaukee, the Department of Commerce announced Friday.
"
WI: Search is on for new credit union executive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Regulators are hopeful Prime Financial Credit Union, which was seized by the state more than 10 months ago, can be turned over to members again - with a new chief executive and board - sometime in the first half of this year.
"
WI: UW System could face eminent domain restrictions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of lawmakers is trying to limit the University of Wisconsin System's ability to condemn property, just as the system is wielding that power to shut down a popular Madison bar for a music building.
"
WV: State construction projects to top $60 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Administration expects to spend $60.6 million this year on construction, including the renovation of Building 3 at the Capitol Complex and the construction of a new state office building in Logan.
"
WV: W.Va. upgrades Capitol Complex
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Administration plans to award $44.5 million worth of contracts this year to upgrade the Capitol Complex.
"
WV: Drug makers settle antitrust suit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansas will receive about $330,000 from a settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against the makers of the drug TriCor, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today."
WV: Drug makers settle antitrust suit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansas will receive about $330,000 from a settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against the makers of the drug TriCor, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced today."
WV: Investment losses add to W.Va. budget woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Already grappling with recession-weakened revenues, West Virginia's state government now must find an additional $145 million to shore up its pension funds, Manchin administration officials said Friday.
"
WV: Manchin eyes cigarette tax for health reform costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin believes a cigarette tax increase could help West Virginia pay for what may be a considerable price tag from federal health-care legislation.
"
WV: Manchin eyes cigarette tax for health reform costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin believes a cigarette tax increase could help West Virginia pay for what may be a considerable price tag from federal health-care legislation."
WV: Manchin vilifies accuser threatening lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin on Friday blasted a Wheeling-based mental-health provider that plans to sue him for alleged political retaliation, calling the company's claims a "ridiculous" attempt to divert attention from its own problems.
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WY: Lawmaker looks to others to carry legal aid bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Cheyenne lawmaker won't introduce a bill to create a statewide legal aid program because it may conflict with Wyoming law preventing revenue-raising legislation from originating in the Senate.
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WY: Gov race takes shape
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 2010 election campaigns will begin later this month as two more Republicans announce their intentions to run for governor.
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WY: Wyo tourism fares "better than average" in 2009, director says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Tourism Director Diane Shober told the legislature's Joint Interim Appropriations Committee the state had a "fairly decent year for tourism in 2009. She later joked that "flat is the new up," meaning changed expectations from travel after the near economic collapse of late 2008 made staying even with the previous year a laudable goal.
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WY: Wyo census data to determine funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CASPER, Wy. -- The mailman's bag will be a little heavier in the month of March as the United States Census Bureau begins sending out its 10-questions mailer to the citizens of the Wyoming.
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Report: States behind on traffic safety laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: A new report shows a number of states lack even basic traffic safety laws, such as ones requiring seat belt use.
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Weekly wrap: Officials hope to dodge pay backlash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Top officials in several states took steps to show the public that they, too, are making do with less take-home pay. Meanwhile, state revenues decline for a fourth straight quarter, Oklahoma erects wind turbines among the oil derricks on its capitol grounds and Illinois halts all state lobbyist registration.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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