2010 speeches are bleak for most governors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With nearly three-quarters of their seats up for election this year, the nation’s governors are setting the stage for 2010 by warning that the economic downturn is far from over in the states, where tax collections are weak, unemployment is surging and the likeliest outcomes will be unpopular tax hikes and sharp budget cuts.
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US: Justices, 5-4, reject corporate spending limit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Overruling two important precedents about the First Amendment rights of corporations, a bitterly divided Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the government may not ban political spending by corporations in candidate elections. (Also see: US: Lobbyists get potent weapon in campaign finance ruling and US: Supreme Court's campaign finance ruling could bring flood of ads)
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AK: State political leaders react to finance ruling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday allowing unlimited political campaign spending by corporations and labor unions is expected to affect state and local races and could mean immense amounts of money pouring into this year's race for governor, said key Alaska Republicans and Democrats, who had very different takes on whether the decision is good or bad.
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AK: Parnell points finger at Washington
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Sean Parnell took aim at the federal government in his first State of the State address Wednesday night, saying federal actions - on endangered species protections, issues of land access, health care - "often seem at war with Alaskan interests."
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AK: Parnell highlights Juneau in support of resource development
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Sean Parnell listed developing Alaska's resources, specifically mentioning those in Juneau, as one of his priorities, even if that development has to happen over federal government objections.
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AL: Alabama bill aims to help brewpubs through deregulation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The beer advocacy group that brought higher-alcohol craft beers to Alabama is now looking to release breweries and brewpubs from red tape and what it considers outdated laws that stymie the industry in the state.
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AL: Alabama gubernatorial candidates weigh in on $1B road plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama's Democratic candidates for governor are supportive and the Republican candidates mostly opposed to a proposal that would start a record $1 billion highway building program when the new governor takes office.
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AL: No action yet on bill to enable charter schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley has made passing legislation enabling charter schools one of his top priorities during his final year in office. But getting any charter school bill through the state Legislature could be like pushing a boulder up a mountain.
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AL: Beer advocacy group takes aim at brewery restrictions in Alabama
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A beer advocacy group that helped bring higher-alcohol craft brews to Alabama is looking to loosen restrictions on breweries and brewpubs.
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AL: Baxley -- PACT plan 'guarantee' removed from literature in 1995
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lucy Baxley said she removed all guarantees from promotional literature and contracts for Alabama's prepaid college tuition plan in 1995 when she was state treasurer because there was no legal obligation in state law.
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AL: House votes to give subpoena power to state Ethics Commission
From: feeds.stateline.org
""Recently, we have had so much corruption in the state of Alabama. We need every tool we can get to fight corruption," bill sponsor Rep. Alvin Holmes, D-Montgomery, said.
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AL: Senate committee approves BRAC bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that would allow Huntsville to form a special tax increment finance district for a 470-acre, $1 billion office park at Redstone Arsenal got a big boost Thursday.
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AL: House OKs subpoena power for ethics panel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alabama House passed a bill Thursday that would allow the state Ethics Commission to subpoena witnesses or records when investigating suspected ethics violations by public officials.
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AR: Lag in seasonal hires produces record unemployment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A slack off in holiday hiring produced record Arkansas unemployment in December, labor statistics released today showed.
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AR: Ethics panel dismisses complaint against Oaklawn
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Ethics Commission dismissed a complaint Friday over political contributions made by the Oaklawn Jockey Club.
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AR: Poll -- Arkansans think economy headed wrong way
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most Arkansans are skeptical of where the economy is heading and disapprove of steps President Obama has taken to try and turn things around, according to a new poll.
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AR: Poll -- Arkansans oppose health care legislation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansans oppose health care reform legislation being considered in Congress and are not pleased that the state's two U.S. senators voted for it, results of a new poll show.
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AR: Housing market improving
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home sales in Arkansas improved in December from the same month a year ago, according to a report today from the Arkansas Realtors Association.
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AR: Arkansas Children's Hospital makes list of best places to work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the third time, Fortune magazine has named Arkansas Children's Hospital one of the 100 best companies to work for in the U.S.
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AZ: AZ grocery chain could get out of bankruptcy soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona grocery chain Bashas' Inc. could emerge from bankruptcy in April if a judge approves its reorganization plan.
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AZ: Planned cuts to schools stir fears
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Child and education advocates are worried about Gov. Jan Brewer's new round of proposed cuts to Arizona's education budget, including axing state financial support for all-day kindergarten.
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AZ: Key to recovery -- Curbing foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before renewing efforts to build a new economic model, Arizona needs to first fix the battered foundation of its devastated growth-reliant housing economy.
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AZ: Lawmakers to debate job-creation bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A package of bills intended to boost job creation through tax cuts, cash rebates and other incentives will be debated at the Legislature today.
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AZ: Teachers challenging state's raid of funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two teachers are challenging a maneuver by lawmakers to balance the state budget by taking money they say legally can go only to supporting public schools.
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AZ: No plans to halt casino despite Brewer's plea
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Saying the Tohono O'odham Nation is entitled to do what it is doing, tribal Chairman Ned Norris Jr. told Gov. Jan Brewer on Friday it has no intent of killing its plans for a new casino in Glendale.
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AZ: Arizona's jobless rate climbed to 9.1% in Dec.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although Arizona's unemployment rate climbed back to 9.1 percent in December, some indicators show that the job market continues to improve.
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AZ: Bashas' offers bankruptcy exit plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A preliminary Chapter 11 reorganization plan developed by Arizona grocer Bashas' Inc. would pay off substantially all of the business' approximately $300 million in debts in regular installments.
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AZ: Group -- Plug-in, hybrid cars key to clean air
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Electric and hybrid vehicles, along with renewable energy sources developed by utilities, can help clear Arizona's air, leaders of an environmental group said Thursday.
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AZ: Ariz. cash situation good for now, treasurer says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Treasurer Dean Martin says there's reason to be optimistic that Arizona won't have a cash crunch through the rest of the half-over fiscal year.
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AZ: House panel passes bill curbing day labor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Day laborers and those who hire them would face criminal charges if they disrupt traffic under a bill approved by a House committee this morning.
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AZ: Planned office park could employ 9,000
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Plans are afoot to transform the 152-acre former Motorola site on Chandler's Price Road technology corridor into a large office park called Continuum, capable of employing up to 9,000 people, according to some estimates.
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AZ: Arizona unemployment exceeds 9 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's jobless rate jumped two-tenths of a point last month, to 9.1 percent, as small gains in private sector employment were more than wiped out by losses in education.
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AZ: Cubs keep spring home in Arizona
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Much to the delight of their longtime fans, the Cubs will retain their spring home in Arizona, under a tentative agreement reached for a state-of-the-art $84-million facility in East Mesa.
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CA: Meg Whitman turns the page on campaign trail Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/25/MNRK1BMUN9.DTL&tsp=1#ixzz0dd6NlKg8
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Meg Whitman, the billionaire former eBay CEO who has plunged an astonishing $39 million of her own money into her 2010 GOP run for California governor, has some advice for America in her new book: "Be frugal."
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CA: Field Poll -- 59% say California's condition has worsened on Schwarzenegger's watch
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The movie-star governor, who took office in 2003 on a promise to "clean house" in Sacramento, remains mired at a personal-low 27 percent approval rating, according to a Field Poll released today.
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CA: Schwarzenegger's budget plan puts unions in the cross-hairs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has put organized labor squarely in his cross-hairs in 2010, opening a fight that will largely determine the shape of his final year in office.
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CA: California home prices rise in December
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California home prices ticked up 1.1% in December from the previous month, continuing a slow but steady improvement for the state's housing market, according to data released Thursday.
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CA: Whitman pours in cash, Poizner pours on criticism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than four months before California Republicans choose their next gubernatorial nominee, Meg Whitman has apparently broken the state's unofficial record for self-contributions.
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CA: S.F. judge rejects scientists' suit challenging furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The union representing state government scientists is weighing its options after a judge on Thursday rejected its contention that some state worker furloughs are illegal.
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CO: Resolution for study of tax system passed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers on Friday passed a resolution calling for a comprehensive study of the state's tax system, something that hasn't been done in more than 50 years.
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CO: Business groups oppose Ritter's targeting of tax credits, exemptions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four leading business groups Friday came out against significant portions of Gov. Bill Ritter's proposal to target tax exemptions and credits.
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CO: Senate bill aims to clarify doctor-patient relationship concerning medical marijuana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A medical-marijuana bill months in the making could see more changes Wednesday when state lawmakers for the first time take up the complicated task of regulating the quickly growing industry, according to the bill sponsor.
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CO: Medical-marijuana users on uncertain ground in workplaces
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last year, Dorian Beth Wenzel, a Manitou Springs writer and arthritis sufferer, penned a letter to a local newspaper that disclosed her status as a medical-marijuana patient.
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CO: Romanoff attacks Supreme Court ruling as blow to people power
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Speaking on the steps of the U.S. Federal Appeals Court building here Thursday, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Andrew Romanoff blasted the Supreme Court's ruling earlier in the day that set aside campaign finance laws limiting corporate spending in the elections process.
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CO: Colorado GOP to sue to lift campaign money limits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado Republicans will sue to overturn voter-approved state limits on some campaign contributions after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday that tossed out restrictions on corporate involvement in federal races.
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CO: Gov. Bill Ritter wants to move up elimination of several tax breaks to balance budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Ritter wants to hasten the removal of several tax breaks to help balance the state budget in the current fiscal year.
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CO: State proposal to have gun buyers pay for background checks hits snag
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Ritter's proposal to make gun buyers pay for their own criminal background checks hit a snag Thursday when Republicans on the Joint Budget Committee refused to support it.
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CO: Using blight incentives for ag land questioned
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cities and developers are misusing a tax incentive designed to spur the restoration of blighted urban areas, diverting hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue from schools and counties, critics claim.
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CT: Legislators have no good news for towns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TORRINGTON, Conn. -- Northwestern municipalities can expect little from Hartford in this upcoming legislative session beyond more cuts to reduce the state deficit.
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CT: Battle looming over water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut is blessed with water. For such a small state, it is home to 2,000 lakes and reservoirs and 5,800 miles of streams.
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CT: Connecticut's jobless rate hits 8.9 percent in December
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut's unemployment rate hit its highest point yet in the recession in December, spiking to 8.9 percent, according to a state report released Thursday.
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CT: Stimulus funds slated for appliance rebates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced Thursday that rebates of $50 to $100 for buying Energy Star appliances and $500 for Energy Star central air systems will be available under a $3.4 million stimulus program beginning Monday.
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CT: Route 11, I-95 projects appear on state DOT's 'unfundable' list
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Transportation on Thursday released a list of priorities that conceded what many had long suspected: It is impossible to pay for the Route 11 extension, the widening of Interstate 95 and the replacement of the Mohegan-Pequot Bridge.
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CT: State gets $250,000 in vonage settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut taxpayers stand to get nearly $250,000 from a $3 million, multi-state settlement with Vonage, the Internet-based telephone provider, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Thursday.
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CT: State picks Bushnell to run Rentschler, hoping to boost stadium use beyond football
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, a local icon of the performing arts, has been chosen by the state as the preferred bidder to manage Rentschler Field in East Hartford, home to University of Connecticut football.
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CT: Group tries to bring back licensed practical nurse program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two state legislators said Thursday they've formed a bipartisan group to find a way to reinstate a licensed practical nurse adult education program that Gov. M. Jodi Rell suspended to help close the budget deficit.
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DE: State House approves table games
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Table games were approved by the state House on Thursday evening, sending the slightly amended legislation to the Senate for final approval.
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DE: Developer revives casino proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Armed with a market analysis that says the development of a casino on Wilmington's Seventh Street Peninsula would add significant tax dollars to the state's coffers, gaming developers are pushing forward with a roughly $200 million casino project for the site.
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DE: Markell aims to cut costs, create jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a State of the State address that Democrats and Republicans alike said was long on vision but short on details, Gov. Jack Markell on Thursday proposed giving newly hired state employees less-generous benefits than current ones.
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FL: Crist pushes to restore funding for Florida Forever
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NAPLES, Fla. — With mangrove-shaded waterways as a backdrop and plenty of bright sun overhead, Gov. Charlie Crist used the opening of new visitor facilities at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Preserve on Friday to announce his push for new environmental funding in next year's state budget.
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FL: Jobless rate inches higher statewide but drops slightly in Leon County
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Friday, the Agency for Workforce Innovation reported that the December unemployment rate hit 11.8 percent with nearly 1.1 million workers out of a job. The Legislature's chief economist expects the rate to hit 12 percent this spring, the highest ever recorded.
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FL: Amtrak threatens to stop Central Florida service
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A game of chicken between Amtrak and the state could jeopardize one of Gov. Charlie Crist's legacies -- Central Florida commuter rail.
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FL: Charlie Crist unveils environmental budget short on cash and new ideas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist proposed a $2.1 billion environmental-protection budget Friday that's a reflection of the dire financial times -- Bare bones and lacking new initiatives.
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FL: Scott Rothstein leaves a lasting legacy of ruin
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Scott Rothstein will have his day of reckoning Wednesday, when he pleads guilty to the biggest investment racket in South Florida history.
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FL: Crist to unveil spending plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist heads to Naples today to begin unveiling his 2010-11 spending plan in media-bite-sized chunks.
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FL: Crist says he'll delay unemployment comp tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist said Thursday that he'll delay an increase in the state's unemployment compensation tax until lawmakers can reduce it.
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FL: County leaders drop plan for slots at airport
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With legal costs mounting and state lawmakers frowning, Miami-Dade County commissioners on Thursday decided that their long-shot bid to install airport slot machines was no longer a gamble worth taking.
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GA: Perdue wants to tap lottery funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Sonny Perdue wants to divert $34 million in lottery money to pay for scholarships and grants now funded by taxpayers, a move that would deepen the financial hole for HOPE and other programs funded by the games.
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GA: Georgia-SC panel gets update on port progress
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHARLESTON, S.C. — A joint Georgia-South Carolina agency building a new shipping port on the Savannah River is getting an update on the progress of the $500 million project
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GA: Sexiness, lobbying don't mix this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just last year, the marble hallway, lined with polished-oak benches, was peopled by bevies of attractive young female lobbyists decked out in high heels and form-fitting outfits. But that was before Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) resigned after his ex-wife accused him of carrying on an affair with a female lobbyist.
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GA: DOT board opens road project pipeline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Transportation Board agreed Thursday to loosen up funding of highway projects that has slowed significantly since the state changed its budgetary practices nearly two years ago following a critical audit.
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GA: 'Bed tax' eyed to plug Georgia Medicaid hole
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proposed fees on hospitals and managed care providers could raise $345 million to bolster Georgia's Medicaid program, but it also could suck money from some hospitals, lawmakers learned Thursday.
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GA: Interstate insurance sales considered by legislators
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal to allow Georgia residents to buy individual insurance plans across state lines could give residents cheaper options for coverage, but consumer protections would be a necessary component, said a North Georgia insurance agent.
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GA: Court allows Georgia to appeal water ruling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia may appeal a momentous ruling that declared metro Atlanta cannot tap into Lake Lanier to supply most of its water needs, the federal appeals court in Atlanta has decided.
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HI: Legislator offers rewrite to restore furlough days
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A lawmaker says he has an idea to restore some Furlough Fridays beginning this week.
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HI: Hawaii renters getting a break
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After riding out the housing boom, when rents skyrocketed, Hawai'i renters are finally seeing things turn in their favor.
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HI: Lingle to focus on Hawaii's recovery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Linda Lingle gives her final State of the State speech today, one of her last chances to try to shape public policy before her time as Hawai'i's chief executive fades into history.
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HI: West Shoreway project gets a boost from Ohio lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A long-awaited $60 million road project designed to transform the fast lanes of the West Shoreway into a tree-lined boulevard got a key assist from state lawmakers last week.
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HI: Campaign law change could color race for Congress
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A U.S. Supreme Court decision yesterday opened a new path for corporations and unions to influence federal elections in Hawaii.
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HI: Hawaii school bus service being cut back as costs soar
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public school bus routes, which were cut back in November, will be reduced further next school year and the fare may climb to $1 from 75 cents.
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HI: GOP seeks to mandate 180 school days a year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mandating a minimum number of instructional days for public school students would take furloughs off the table in contract negotiations and get students back in school, Republican House members contend.
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IA: Two Culver proposals in jeopardy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top Democrat in the Iowa House says one of Governor Culver's key education recommendations is not going to pass.
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IA: Tax issue worth millions to Iowans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jobless Iowans, disaster victims, teachers and others will have money on the line when Gov. Chet Culver and state lawmakers wrestle with a taxing issue in the coming weeks.
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IA: Culver to submit spending priorities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers will get a look at Gov. Chet Culver's proposed spending blueprint this week as they hunker down to craft the budget.
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IA: Iowa House leader sees $25M gambling expansion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JOHNSTON, Iowa -- House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy predicted Friday that the Legislature will approve a roughly $25 million expansion of the state's gambling industry as part of a "limited" debate on gambling this year.
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IA: Advocates -- Iowa could cash in on poker boom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa poker aficionados look at the plan to allow the state's 17 casinos to host large-scale poker tournaments, and they see a few things.
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IA: Iowans needing help removing trees are warned about scams
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CARROLL, Iowa -- Concerns were raised Friday over whether some tree removal companies were taking advantage of the city's most vulnerable residents.
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IA: Retirement plan could cut care Iowans receive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"So many front-line human services workers are eligible for a proposed state retirement incentive that their departure could leave a gaping hole in Iowa's system of care for vulnerable Iowans, according to a top state official.
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IA: Lawmakers to consider bill to allow poker-style tourneys
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa casinos would be able to host large-scale poker tournaments under a proposal to broaden gambling options and bring in more tax revenue.
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IA: Iowa sees 'staggering' job losses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's unemployment rate fell slightly to 6.6 percent in December, but the state also logged the highest monthly decline in jobs in nearly two decades.
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IA: Iowa ties Race to Top to core curriculum plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Education officials want to use a nearly $213 million share of the school-reform grant to carry the Iowa Core Curriculum through a state budget crunch, officials say.
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IA: Party leaders pledge to rally behind Culver, retain power
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Democratic faithful turned out in light numbers Saturday but promised a vigorous fight to retain control of state and national offices.
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IA: State 'double dipping' on the rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 6,500 Iowa government employees who draw retirement benefits partially paid by taxpayers have returned to government work in each of the past two years, according to records obtained by The Des Moines Register.
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IA: Mega Millions game comes to Iowa
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Iowa Lottery will begin selling tickets Sunday for Mega Millions, a multi-state jackpot game now offered in 12 states, including Illinois.
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IA: Wisconsin unemployment increases in December
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unemployment in Wisconsin increased to 8.3 percent in December. The rate reported Thursday by the state Department of Workforce Development is 2.5 percentage points higher than a year ago and 0.4 percentage points above November.
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IA: UI nets $9.5M in settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Iowa has settled a patent infringement lawsuit with Abbott Laboratories for $9.5 million.
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IA: Governor testifies in Washington on job grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's governor testified about job growth and preservation before a U.S. Senate panel in Washington D.C. this morning.
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IA: State receives nearly $5 million in emergency heating assistance funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government is sending the state program that provides money to help low-income Iowans pay their heating bills 4.8 million dollars in emergency funds.
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IA: Culver looks to D.C. for help in reducing budget burden
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Iowa Gov. Chet Culver is looking for more help from the federal government to patch up education and health care spending.
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IA: Iowa Senate approves retirement incentives
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State employees willing to retire by May 28 could get up to $25,000 in incentive pay, up to five years of health insurance and cash for their unused vacation time.
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IA: Bill ties patient help to trial enrollment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowans with cancer would not have to pay out-of-pocket for treatment when they enroll in a clinical trial, under a bill likely to win approval Monday in the Iowa House.
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IA: New Mexico's script on film industry could help Iowa
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's no surprise that New Mexico, like every other state, is looking to save and make a few bucks. But would you believe one of the few bright spots in the state's economy has become its film industry?
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ID: Ranchers are not happy about new rules that open state land to leases for conservation and recreation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Idaho Land Board sought to end a decade-old battle over grazing endowment lands in 2009 by approving rules to make it possible for conservationists and sporting groups to bid for state land leases long exclusive to cattle and sheep raisers.
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ID: Dan Popkey -- Part-time legislators get full-time benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho's legislators have it both ways.
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ID: CAT Fund calamity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The numbers are grim.
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ID: H&W starts furlough days, sees huge increase in food stamp demands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Employees of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will be taking four hours of unpaid time off every other Friday starting today, which also means four fewer hours for the public to apply for food stamps.
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ID: State squeezes $1 million for aquifer plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter wants to use $1 million in federal stimulus funding for the Comprehensive Aquifer Management Plan.
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IL: Quinn aims to finalize Thomson sale this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn said his goal is to have Thomson prison sold to the federal government this year. "Let's get it done," Quinn said Saturday while speaking at the Martin Luther King Center in Rock Island.
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IL: State Health Department warns consumers of salmonella contamination
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois Department of Public Health officials are warning consumers about Salmonella after the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced Daniele International Inc. is recalling approximately 1,240,000 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) varieties of Italian sausage products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.
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IL: Some UI faculty plan to take same days off
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. -- Some University of Illinois faculty in Urbana plan to take the same unpaid days off to send a message to state politicians – that budget cuts hurt.
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IL: Experts at UI offer new snapshot of C-U economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. -- Local governments plan for natural disasters such as tornadoes and floods, and they planned for anticipated events such as Y2K. But back during a meeting in late 2008, local officials wondered, what are we doing to plan for changes in the economy?
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IL: Morton company to benefit from ag lab funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- About $14 million of a designated $40.1 million in Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding set aside for the ag lab was awarded this week to Core Construction in Morton to renovate the center wing of the lab, said David Kelly, legislative affairs advisor for the Agriculture Research Service in Washington, D.C.
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IL: House Dist. 59 candidates voice opinions on gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Slots, roulette, poker, blackjack. When the dice is rolling and the wheels are spinning, the money is flowing and the state of Illinois would like to get its hands on more of those dollars.
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IL: 25th Senate hopefuls differ on gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sean Michels says he could possibly support letting Chicago have a casino, under certain circumstances. His opponent, incumbent state Sen. Chris Lauzen, voted "no" in 2007 and again in 2009, on bills that would have allowed that.
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IL: Study puts state budget hole at $12.8 billion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state budget review conducted by a Chicago economic think tank pegs the Illinois deficit at $12.8 billion.
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IL: Democrats focus on jobs; GOP: What took so long?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with double-digit unemployment and upcoming elections, Democratic lawmakers have begun turning their focus to creating jobs in Illinois, bristling at criticism from Republicans wondering where the ruling party has been on that subject the last few years.
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IL: State's unemployment rate goes up to 11.1%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2009 went up by two-tenths of a percentage point from November and is now at 11.1 percent, according to figures released Friday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
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IL: Shakman's new target -- State government
From: feeds.stateline.org
"He's the man responsible for one of the most important weapons used against illegal hiring in government -- the Shakman decree. Now, Michael Shakman, the clout-busting lawyer who has crusaded against patronage hiring in Chicago and Cook County, has a new target -- the State of Illinois.
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IL: McPier seeks approval of debt-restructuring plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When the officials who run McCormick Place sold the public on various expansions of the massive convention center, the pitch for years was that most of the debt burden would fall on the shoulders of tourists and business travelers who visit Chicago, not on the average state and local taxpayer.
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IL: Budget, not Blagojevich, dominates governor's race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHICAGO -- When the former governor is ousted from office after being arrested on federal corruption charges, voters might expect the next election to be all about ethics reform.
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IL: Quinn, Hynes in Democratic dead heat for governor primary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Democratic governor primary is a toss-up between Gov. Pat Quinn and Comptroller Dan Hynes as controversy over an inmate early release program and an imploding state budget cut into the governor's once-sizable advantage, a Tribune/WGN-TV poll has found.
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IL: Social services coalition to discuss state's reimbursement backlog
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NORMAL, Ill. -- How to respond to the state's backlog in reimbursing human services agencies for their programs for people in need will be among topics when a statewide coalition of social service providers meets Tuesday.
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IL: IDOT gives information about upcoming projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. -- Several people from Champaign County came out on an icy afternoon to hear what state officials had to say about area highway projects, particularly plans for widening Interstate 74 from Champaign to Mahomet.
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IL: State's financial woes take center stage at GOP gubernatorial debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Seven Republican candidates for governor offered varying strategies for helping rebuild the state's economy and restoring confidence in state government in a 90-minute debate Wednesday at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign.
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IL: Some UI faculty welcome option to take a pay cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. -- Some faculty leaders welcomed a clarification of the University of Illinois' furlough policy Wednesday, saying the unpaid days off amounted to a pay cut anyway.
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IL: UI official outlines areas for cuts at trustees' meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHICAGO -- The University of Illinois is looking at plans to cut its budget in three key areas, including a 10 percent cut in information technology.
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IL: NDK must disclose possible pollutants from blast by Jan. 30
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BELVIDERE, Ill. -- NDK Crystal officials must disclose by Jan. 30 which chemicals may have polluted the water, soil and air after a Dec. 7 explosion at the Belvidere plant.
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IL: Quinn reminds area to take advantage of free tax service
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MARION, Ill. -- Gov. Pat Quinn stopped in Marion on Thursday to encourage eligible citizens to take full advantage of the tax code by using a free tax preparation and e-filing services.
"
IL: Libraries demand due funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BENTON, Ill. -- A successful e-mail campaign apparently jogged some overdue funding loose for the state's regional library systems, but some worry the money is too little, too late.
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IL: Cullerton -- State may be forced to lift taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Increasing the age at which new state employees would collect a state pension is one way Illinois could begin to reign in its deficit and its massive pension debt, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton said Thursday.
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IL: Quinn signs legislation to help Keystone
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BARTONVILLE, Ill. -- A bill signed by Gov. Pat Quinn on Thursday means more than a tax break for a Bartonville company - it translates to keeping jobs and boosting morale.
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IL: Opponents push against proposed utility rate hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Advocates asked state regulators Thursday to reject Ameren's requests to increase what they charge customers for delivering electricity and natural gas.
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IL: Dist. 21 hopefuls express views on big issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Candidates in the Republican primary race for Kane County Board District 21 shared their views on issues including economic development, video gambling and open space during a candidate forum Thursday in Carpentersville.
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IL: U of I trustees vote for changes in purchases and contracts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University of Illinois trustees will have less direct oversight of university purchases and contracts after voting this afternoon to raise the dollar amounts at which their approval is needed.
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IL: Next U of I tuition hike could be 9 percent or 'double that'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University of Illinois interim President Stanley Ikenberry cautioned today that the next tuition increase would be at least 9 percent, but also "could go double that" in light of the state's bleak financial picture.
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IL: RTA's unpaid bills in $250 million range
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chicago area transit agencies have racked up $250 million in unpaid bills because of the state's fiscal crisis, Regional Transportation Authority officials said Thursday.
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IL: State lawmakers get carp update
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Now that Asian carp DNA has been found in Lake Michigan, the most important questions are whether the invasive species can establish a population in the Great Lakes and what to do if it does.
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IN: 'Shovel-ready' projects could get second look, NIRPC officials say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTAGE, Ind. -- Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commissioners left breathless by the speed of the approval process for projects funded with federal stimulus dollars last year got a wake-up call at their Thursday meeting.
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IN: Barden rejects casino deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The owner of Gary's two existing casinos said a proposed $50 million fee to move his business inland is "counterproductive," and a deal to instead let him give up a gaming license is "grossly unfair."
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IN: State vows to work with NWI Cline coalition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The region's leaders are rallying around solutions for a remade Cline Avenue extension. And the state welcomes a new coalition of business and political leaders while working on short-term traffic issues.
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IN: Battery maker's plan electrifies state officials
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials' vision of Indiana becoming the hub of a blossoming electric-vehicle industry inched closer to reality Thursday when EnerDel, a rapidly growing lithium battery maker, announced plans to expand.
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IN: Senate, House panels approve `net metering' bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill aimed at utility customers who install renewable power sources such as wind turbines is seriously flawed and would hurt Indiana's renewable energy movement, clean energy advocates told a state Senate committee Thursday.
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IN: Education bill raises $49 million question
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's top Republican leaders may need to brush up on their own reading skills if they want to save a bill designed to improve third-grade readers.
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IN: Federal judge temporarily blocks payment cuts by DCS
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foster and adoptive parents in Indiana have won a round in the fight to keep their monthly subsidy payments from being slashed -- cuts their ACLU lawyer said would be "devastating."
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IN: Purdue slicing employee benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Everyone has to sacrifice. That was the message Purdue University President France C rdova told a packed Fowler Hall Thursday as she and other officials identified cuts in employee benefits, retirement contributions and information technological services to meet a $67 million deficit for the West Lafayette campus.
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IN: Casinos back away from dry-land plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A majority of Indiana gambling operators would rather state lawmakers do nothing than approve legislation that would allow land-based casinos -- a proposal aimed at shoring up the state's industry against out-of-state competitors.
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KS: Prairie burning forces Kansas lawmakers to find a balancing act
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Burning the range on the Flint Hills is a time-honored tradition for ranchers, who say the spring fires revitalize pastures and protect the prairie.
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KS: Baldwin City resident files for House seat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Baldwin City resident TerriLois Gregory has filed as a candidate for 10th District seat in the Kansas House of Representatives.
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KS: Kan. AG responds to school funding lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas attorney general asked the state Supreme Court on Thursday to reject an attempt by school districts to reopen litigation over state funding.
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KS: Proponents of tax increase urge legislative committee to approve Parkinson's plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's budget crisis will have significant impact on the very young and the very old, unless lawmakers approve an increase in the sales tax, according to testimony before the House Tax Committee on Thursday.
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KS: Campaign finance ruling could affect Kansas races
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that eases campaign finance restrictions on corporations and labor unions could influence the Senate primary between Republican congressmen Jerry Moran and Todd Tiahrt.
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KS: Proposals designed to expand gambling in Kansas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Supporters of expanded gambling in Kansas hoped Thursday that the promise of new revenues for the state would overcome legislators' reluctance to tinker with an existing law allowing casinos and slot machines at racetracks.
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KS: Plan may not stop furloughs in Kansas courts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas courts may still close extra days and furlough workers with the additional dollars promised by a proposal that legislators are considering, a judicial branch spokesman said Thursday.
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KY: Ruling will affect Kentucky contribution law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing corporations and unions to spend money to support or oppose political candidates will invalidate state law in Kentucky, but not in Indiana.
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KY: Supreme Court -- No private money in General Fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the governor and state legislators can't transfer money to the General Fund from accounts where public and private dollars are commingled.
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KY: Beshear takes the stand in bid-rigging trial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear took the witness stand for 90 minutes Thursday in the bid-rigging trial of road contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert.
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KY: Senate turns down Williams' measure on expanded gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate voted along party lines Thursday in defeating Senate President David Williams' measure that would require a constitutional amendment before gambling could be expanded in the state.
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LA: Livingston sales tax drops
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LIVINGSTON, La. — A weak second half of 2009 wiped out the year's strong start in Livingston Parish and left sales tax revenue collections below those of 2008, records show.
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LA: Next stop Miami
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW ORLEANS — The sentence has only been uttered in jest. The thought has seldom been considered more than a fantasy. Until now. The New Orleans Saints are going to the Super Bowl.
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LA: Gov. Bobby Jindal pressed to take greenhouse gases more seriously
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a letter filled with citations of peer-reviewed scientific studies, 32 scientists -- including many working on the state's coastal restoration efforts -- told Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal that there's a direct link between the rising sea levels eroding the state's coastline and greenhouse gases produced by the state's industries.
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MA: Upbeat Patrick vows no cuts in school funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Deval Patrick, confronting a restive electorate battered by the economy, pledged last night to protect cities and towns from cuts in school aid in next year's budget and to try to harness the voter anger that propelled Republican Scott Brown into the US Senate this week.
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MA: Bay State unemployment rate kicks back up to 9.4%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massachusetts workers can't seem to catch a break. While some economists think the recession is technically over, the jobs picture in Massachusetts continues to worsen, with the unemployment rate jumping to 9.4 percent last month from a revised 8.7 percent in November, according to new data.
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MA: Vague governor tries to rally voters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with depressing economic news as he stepped to the podium for his annual State of the Commonwealth speech, Gov. Deval Patrick offered no specific fixes, urging citizens instead to "Be angry - but channel it in a positive direction."
"
MA: Patrick -- Channel your anger
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Deval Patrick, delivering his state of the state address just two days after the surprise election of Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate, urged voters to channel their anger in a positive direction.
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MA: President Obama sends $16M to state for heat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hard-pressed Bay State residents struggling to pay heating bills are getting a boost in fuel assistance with an additional $16 million in federal aid released this week by President Obama.
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MD: State commission asks Md. legislators to consider Las Vegas-style table games
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even before Maryland opens its first slots parlor, a state commission is suggesting that lawmakers consider allowing Las Vegas-style table games at some point.
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MD: Maryland Hispanic population booms since 2000
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON - The Maryland Hispanic population has increased by at least 65 percent since the 2000 Census, contributing to increasing ethnic diversity nationally, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau report.
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MD: Md. slots panel favors table games
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of Maryland's slots panel, worried that neighboring states are enhancing their casinos, recommended Friday that lawmakers allow table games like blackjack and poker at the five slots locations voters have approved.
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MD: Census brings bright spot to Maryland's gloomy jobs picture
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hermine Duebsie needs this job. She holds her application and I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form in hand and waits for a proctor from the U.S. Census Bureau to administer a basic skills test.
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MD: Slots panel urges lawmakers to keep eye on casinos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A panel recommended Friday that lawmakers keep an eye on the competitive effect full-blown casinos in other states have on Maryland's fledgling slot machine facilities.
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MD: O'Malley puts 'economic recovery' ahead of tax increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) said Thursday that Maryland should not consider tax increases or other drastic measures to correct a long-term budget imbalance until the state reaches "a point of economic recovery" -- a condition that economic analysts say won't be reached until at least 2012.
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MD: Obama to speak at GOP retreat in Baltimore
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Barack Obama will visit Baltimore next Friday - his first trip to the city since taking office - when he addresses a House Republican retreat at an Inner Harbor hotel.
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ME: New idea for a sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rep. Terry Hayes thinks she might just have an innovative idea to help ease budget cuts facing programs that serve the mentally ill, mentally retarded and the elderly. A voluntary sales tax.
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ME: PUC probing higher bills for lower electricity use
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Public Utilities Commission is investigating a quirky problem for some commercial electricity customers -- Their utility bills grow when they reduce consumption.
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ME: The blah, blah campaign and Scott Brown for president
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Sen.-elect Scott Brown's political upset in Massachusetts earlier this week catapulted the former state legislator into the national spotlight. A Bangor company is hoping — and betting — that Brown's meteoric rise won't stop at the U.S. Senate.
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ME: Institute plans to make ammonia for fuel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Rockland-based nonprofit involved in Maine's efforts to develop deepwater wind turbines also sees "green energy" potential in a compound that many people likely associate with cleaning products.
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ME: Baldacci -- Maine can recover
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Calling the present a time of "great turmoil" but also "incredible opportunity," Gov. John Baldacci said Thursday that Maine can emerge from the recession by focusing on its energy and natural resources industries while continuing to streamline government.
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ME: Many find speech hits proper notes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most lawmakers and observers accepted Gov. John Baldacci's final State of the State speech as toned appropriately for the uncertainty of the times.
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ME: Maine set 'to blaze new trail'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine will have a solid economic future based on wind power and woodlands, and will come out of the recession stronger despite a still-struggling economy, Gov. John Baldacci said Thursday.
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ME: Millions spent for ads in Maine on health care
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND, Maine — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent more than $2.5 million on TV advertising in Maine in 2009 in opposition to federal health care legislation, an advocacy group says, while a leading health care reform coalition has spent less than one-third that amount.
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ME: Report -- Fisheries penalties unfair
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A nationwide review of how the nation's fisheries are policed has found that Northeast fishermen were given double the fines of other regions, and it urges reforms to make the penalty process appear "less arbitrary and unfair."
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MI: $25M stimulus grant to demolish foreclosed homes in nearly vacant neighborhoods, remodel homes in neighborhoods 'on the edge'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FLINT, Mich. -- It's more money than Flint has ever had access to for neighborhood stabilization, and the question is: How will it be spent and who will watch it?
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MI: Tourism leaders fear state cuts for marketing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST MICHIGAN, Mich. -- Tourism, long one of the bright spots in Muskegon's struggling economy, could suffer a blow if lawmakers scale back funding for Pure Michigan, the state's advertising campaign, local tourism officials say.
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MI: Michigan jobless flock to seasonal work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan workers of all ages and experience levels are vying for temporary summer jobs that traditionally have been sought by college students and foreign workers.
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MI: Asian carp threat to Great Lakes -- Feds urged to spell out their plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All 17 Michigan members of Congress joined together today to call for a Feb. 5 deadline for federal agencies to deliver a comprehensive plan to them on how to keep Asian carp from taking over the Great Lakes.
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MI: Michigan Dems pressure court to close Ill. waterways From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100123/METRO/1230335/1409/METRO#ixzz0dco55fUl
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pressure is mounting on the U.S. Supreme Court to revisit its decision not to order the immediate closure of the Illinois waterways that might carry the invasive Asian carp into Lake Michigan.
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MI: Rev. Jackson pushes for foreclosure remedy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DETROIT -- With Michigan facing one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country, the Rev. Jesse Jackson stood along with about 25 clergymen, elected officials and victims Sunday calling for law changes so people can modify loans.
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MI: Legislators take on public employees' pay and benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No longer running for governor, Lt. Gov. John Cherry says he doesn't know what he'll do when he's out of office next Jan. 1.
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MI: Comerica to cut 300 jobs in first half of '10
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Comerica will eliminate 300 full-time jobs, or 3% of its workforce, in this year's first half, the bank said Thursday.
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MN: The Net has a few holes in Minnesota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jim Martinson had no idea he'd beamed into a time warp after he bought a house about 20 miles east of St. Cloud. A technology consultant, he planned to run a home business and stay in touch online with friends in the Twin Cities. Much to his dismay, his house sits in a slice of Minnesota with no high-speed Internet service, just dial-up.
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MN: Unions in Minnesota lose members in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The portion of workers who are members of unions dropped to 15.1 percent last year in Minnesota, down from 16.1 percent in 2008, according to data released Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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MN: Newly installed wind turbines idled by Minnesota's winter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last year, about a dozen Minnesota communities dreamed of clean, green energy: spinning windmills powering hundreds of homes. Now, months after the deadline, the windmills stand largely immobile, and communities are still waiting for the power to flow.
"
MO: New Mo. program pushes hiring veterans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Lt. Col. Alan Rohlfing left active duty for the Missouri National Guard last summer, he had to look for a day job.
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MO: Missouri's governor, lieutenant governor strike opposite tones
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, the State of the State address was about "we." For Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, it was about "he."
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MO: Missouri pension system to stop giving bonuses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Staffers at Missouri's main government pension system will no longer get bonuses.
"
MO: State workers, MU programs hit in governor's budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although Gov. Jay Nixon asked the legislature last night to approve measures to create more private-sector jobs, he delivered an austere budget that would eliminate 544 additional state positions.
"
MO: Nixon makes pitch for jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Gov. Jay Nixon delivered his second State of the State address last night, members of the Republican-controlled General Assembly gave him standing ovations when he called for more jobs, a balanced budget without a tax increase, tougher drunken driving laws and ethics reform.
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MO: Missouri budget shortfall could prompt school cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri's public schools may be forced to freeze salaries, expand classes, cut extracurricular activities or seek local tax increases to cope with a funding shortfall, education advocates warned Thursday.
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MO: Former Missouri House speaker appears to be included in federal probe
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal investigation into alleged "pay for play" activities appears to include former Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton's handling of a 2005 bill that aimed to crack down on the adult entertainment industry.
"
MS: Access to medicine spurs action
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Manufacturing methamphetamine apparently has become easier, but two incidents in the region last week have state agencies pressing efforts to make pseudoephedrine a prescription-only drug in Mississippi.
"
MS: Environmental woes heard
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 100 people attended the meeting, which allowed residents from across the state to ask questions and voice their concerns on environmental issues.
"
MS: Health care debate splits Miss. groups
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When it comes to health care reform, Dr. Ed Hill of Tupelo, says: Not now, later. But JoAnn Lamphere, director of AARP's state government relations, says: If not now, maybe never
"
MS: Interests of schools, sportsmen collide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of hunters who lease public land in rural Madison County say the state's aggressive new timber policy is threatening the long-term viability of the natural habitat and Mississippi's pristine rural landscape.
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MS: College system braces for hit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi's university system is bracing for nearly 400 layoffs, more than 500 discontinued courses and the shuttering of at least 35 degree programs over the next three years.
"
MS: Harbor support packs DMR hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. — Supporters of a municipal harbor planned at the foot of Main Street crammed into the Bay St. Louis Conference Center on Thursday to voice their opinions and hear what Department of Marine Resource officials had to say.
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MS: Mississippi universities say job losses on horizon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi's universities have presented their plans to cope with any additional budget cuts this year, and hundreds of jobs could be on the chopping block.
"
MT: Governor axes computer system to save money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Thursday that his administration has scrapped the planned purchase of a new $18 million computer software system for the state Labor Department.
"
MT: Senators, reps to receive training
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two legislative committees are sponsoring a training day March 3 so lawmakers can learn about declining state tax collections and their implications on the general-fund budget.
"
MT: State still holding Little Shell tribe money awaiting financial answers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials say they will continue to withhold almost $900,000 in grants and stimulus funds from Montana's Little Shell Indians after the tribe's president failed to answer concerns over its accounting practices.
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MT: Feds seek dismissal of gun control lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government is asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit seeking to exempt guns made in Montana from national gun control.
"
MT: U.S. Supreme Court ruling puts Montana campaign finance law in jeopardy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana's nearly century-old ban on corporate donations to political candidates appears vulnerable to being challenged and overturned after a major U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday, attorneys said.
"
NC: Not again! New rockslide messes up closed section of I-40 in N.C.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina Department of Transportation officials say a new rockslide in the closed section of Interstate 40 brought down 50 dump-truck loads worth of rock.
"
NC: Ears trained on a silent Ruffin Poole
From: feeds.stateline.org
"What might Ruffin Poole know? The investigation surrounding former Gov. Mike Easley advanced this week with the lengthy federal indictment of Poole, a longtime senior aide to Easley who now faces 51 corruption charges.
"
NC: 51 charges for former Easley aide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ruffin Poole, a longtime senior aide to former Gov. Mike Easley, corrupted his office by taking trips, liquor, money and other gifts from people he helped with state government action, a federal grand jury charged Thursday.
"
NC: More ABC meal receipts are in
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A marketing director for the Diageo liquor company - which hosted a lavish dinner for the Mecklenburg County ABC Board - turned in receipts Thursday showing he paid for about two dozen other meals last year involving ABC boards across North Carolina.
"
NC: Supreme Court's 'seismic' decision on campaign contributions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of a North Carolina non-profit organization that aims to educate voters about elections and the election process says a U.S. Supreme Court decision this morning will have a seismic effect on Tar Heel politics
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NC: Ruling likely to transform N.C. elections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down limits on corporate and union spending to influence campaigns could dramatically alter the landscape of elections in North Carolina, political observers and lawmakers said Thursday.
"
ND: N.D. delegation -- Amtrak promises to keep trains running through GF, Devils Lake
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amtrak officials promised Thursday that the Empire Builder passenger train route through North Dakota would not be shifted away from the Grand Forks-Devils Lake-Rugby leg, as rumor had it in recent weeks.
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ND: North Dakota warns of telephone scam
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm warned consumers today that phone scammers are calling Medicare beneficiaries in North Dakota about Part D penalties.
"
ND: State looks to open water pipeline tap at Dodge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Water Commission plans to install a tap off the main supply line on the Southwest Water Pipeline that goes through Dodge. But before it does, it wants commitments from oil companies and those have been slow to come.
"
NE: Omaha mayor, senator disagree over sales tax bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle clearly wasn't happy with a bill introduced last week by Omaha Sen. Tom White.
The bill (LB952) would repeal what White calls a sales tax on the infrastructure fees Omahans must pay for replacement of sewers and water and gas lines.
"
NE: State officials want court to enforce smoking ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials have asked a court to step in and force a thrice-cited Broken Bow bar owner to comply with a statewide smoking ban.
"
NE: California casts shadow on ethanol market
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska officials are worried that California has reworked its fuel standards in a way that will virtually eliminate the largest state market for ethanol in the nation.
"
NE: Holdrege lawmaker introduces drinking liability law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill before Nebraska lawmakers would make liquor-license holders liable for serving alcohol to a drunk person who hurts himself or others.
"
NE: Bill would tax some 60 services in Nebraska services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraskans would pay sales tax on a new array of services, under a bill introduced in the state Legislature.
"
NE: Nebraska groundwater irrigation subject of 3 new bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More checks on irrigators could be imposed in Nebraska to help preserve the state's groundwater supplies.
"
NE: Bill seeks savings through legislative furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska legislative employees could be subject to unpaid furloughs as a way to save money under a new proposal.
"
NE: State lifts probation for Lancaster Manor Rehabilitation Center
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lancaster Manor Rehabilitation Center -- the nursing home formerly known as Lancaster Manor -- is no longer on probation.
"
NH: Concord, NH, to open shelter for homeless families
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CONCORD, N.H. — The Concord Housing Authority is planning to open an emergency shelter for homeless families once enough volunteers are trained to staff the operation around the clock.
"
NH: State of the State -- Lynch addresses unemployment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jobs, health care and education top the priorities Gov. John Lynch laid out yesterday in his State of the State speech.
"
NH: Borrowed money to pay jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Hampshire will soon have to start borrowing money to pay its unemployment claims, the first time the state has had to seek help covering its checks to jobless workers.
"
NH: Lynch -- Create jobs; keep taxes low
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With approximately 50,000 unemployed in New Hampshire, Gov. John Lynch used his annual State of the State address to talk about getting people back to work.
"
NJ: Christie team calls for reduction in power or elimination of Highlands Council, a water-protection agency
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report by Gov. Chris Christie's transition team says the Highlands Council, a water-protection agency for the North Jersey region, should either be reduced in power in local zoning issues or be eliminated, calling it a disaster, a report on NorthJersey.com said.
"
NJ: Christie team supports PSE&G power line project through Northwest Jersey
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report by Gov. Chris Christie's transition team backs a major Public Service Electric & Gas Co. power line project through Northwest Jersey, according to a report in The Daily Record.
"
NJ: Christie sits out annual Chamber of Commerce train ride, snubs influential lobbying groups
From: feeds.stateline.org
"He's too busy. There's too much to do. And time's short.
"
NJ: N.J. Senate President Steve Sweeney is other top dog in Trenton
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the few months since his election, we have watched Republican Chris Christie establish himself as the alpha male in Trenton, a fighter who is ready to knock down anyone standing in his way.
"
NJ: N.J. Assembly poised to hold budget meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey lawmakers are getting an early start on battling the state's ongoing budget woes.
"
NJ: N.J. Legislature got $1 million to help make payroll
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just days before leaving office, the Corzine administration transferred $1 million to the state Legislature to help it make its payroll.
"
NJ: N.J. businesses, consumers wait for fed's ruling on Ticketmaster - Live Nation merger
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's been almost a year since Ticketmaster mishandled the sale of Bruce Springsteen concerts tickets, creating a fire storm of anger from consumers and leading federal and state investigators to examine its business practices.
"
NJ: Christie names Lee Solomon to head utilities board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Christie yesterday picked Lee Solomon, a state Superior Court judge in Camden County, to serve as president of the Board of Public Utilities.
"
NJ: New Jersey regulations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey state and local political campaigns won't be affected by the U.S. Supreme Court fund-raising ruling, officials said Thursday.
"
NJ: Political fundraising is down for N.J. campaign committees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Political fundraising by New Jersey's six largest committees has declined in the past four years, according to reports released today by the Election Law Enforcement Commission.
"
NJ: N.J. Highlands Council stresses environmental preservation to Gov. Chris Christie
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Highlands Council wants to engage in constructive dialogue with new Gov. Chris Christie on how to best preserve the environmentally sensitive North Jersey region while also protecting the interests of its land owners, officials said today.
"
NJ: Gov. Chris Christie, former Gov. Jon Corzine dispute about N.J. budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lingering animosity between New Jersey's former and current governors reached a boiling point today, as a dispute over the health of the state budget threatened long-term consequences.
"
NJ: N.J. officials call investment audit flawed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State investment officials said today it would be irresponsible and expensive to build an in-house staff to invest in emerging markets, despite protests from state union workers and an audit that says the state could save $5 million by doing so.
"
NJ: N.J. Comptroller plans crackdown on public employee sick-time abuse
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey's comptroller said his office will increase its scrutiny of sick time usage by public employees to make sure those days are not being used for personal business.
"
NJ: N.J.'s Christie vows to slash board, commission pension troughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie on Thursday promised to eliminate a number of New Jersey boards and commissions where political appointees are then able to pad their public pensions, in some cases mostly for attending monthly meetings.
"
NJ: Poll -- NJ voters support merit pay for teachers, oppose expansion of charter schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new poll finds New Jersey voters support merit pay for teachers but oppose expansion of charter schools.
"
NM: Hunters divided on Whites Peak swap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rancher Alan Lackey and the New Mexico Wildlife Federation fought side by side to save the Valle Vidal in the Carson National Forest from oil and gas drilling.
"
NM: Analysis, 2010 Legislature -- Tough decisions could be costly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a year of angry voters, the New Mexico Legislature must make politically painful decisions that could reverberate throughout the upcoming campaign season.
"
NM: Gov. Johnson -- GOP victory in Massachusetts not a mandate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson, a libertarian-leaning Republican, told a New Hampshire paper that the victory by a Republican in the Massachusetts special election is not a mandate for Republicans. "I just see (voters having) a real disgust with those in office," Johnson told the New Hampshire Union-Leader.
"
NM: Governor sets sights on clean energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson has painted a target on New Mexico's coal-fired power plants, saying they provide a major source of electricity for homes and businesses in the state but pump far too much pollution into the air.
"
NM: Whistle-blower tells Senate panel he's being 'stonewalled'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A man who is at the center of an ongoing whistle-blower lawsuit involving millions of dollars in lost state investments told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday that the state is spending millions of dollars to cover up what he called "bribery and kickbacks."
"
NM: State Legislature -- Plenty of tax-hike proposals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite the fact that Gov. Bill Richardson and conservative Democrats who control the state Senate are opposed to increasing taxes, a band of lawmakers Thursday are proposing various tax hikes.
"
NM: Richardson administration is stonewalling us, whistleblower says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico state lawmakers wanted to know Thursday why thousands of documents requested by a whistleblower haven't been turned over by two agencies he says engaged in corrupt investment practices.
"
NV: S. Nevada officials frustrated over stimulus snub
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Clark County officials are wondering where the federal help is for southern Nevada's soaring number of foreclosures.
"
NV: Nevada getting $6M grant for 'green' job training
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials say Nevada has been awarded $6 million in federal stimulus funds to teach workers skills for emerging efficiency and renewable energy jobs.
"
NV: State budget comes up $800 million short
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Economic Forum has completed its revenue outlook, setting the table for the governor and Legislature to attempt to cut more than $800 million from the state's current budget.
"
NV: Why last place isn't the last step down for this state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada, as we have known it the past quarter-century, is over.
"
NV: Attending to UMC's woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rory Reid and Jim Rogers are hoping the state's struggling medical school can help transform Clark County's failing public hospital into a world-class teaching hospital akin to what can be found at Johns Hopkins University.
"
NV: After all the promises, will taxpayers be stuck with the monorail's bills?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Since the inception of the Las Vegas Monorail, Nevadans have been repeatedly reassured that they will not wind up on the hook for its bills.
"
NY: Sizing up Wall Street sheriffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York's next attorney general won't be elected until November, but some of the likeliest contenders are taking a surprisingly conciliatory tone toward Wall Street, blaming its messes more on a broken system than a culture of greed.
"
NY: A rerun on givebacks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Among the centerpieces of Gov. David Paterson's $134 billion budget proposal is a plan to save $252 million by getting the state's two major unions, the Public Employees Federation and Civil Service Employees Association, to pass up a 4 percent pay hike their members are scheduled to get this spring.
"
NY: New York state health commissioner is sweet on soda tax prospects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Syracuse, N.Y. -- Gov. Paterson's first attempt last year to slap a tax on sugary sodas and other soft drinks fizzled out.
"
NY: Paterson -- Put curbs on drug marketing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The days of pharmaceutical sales reps giving doctors everything from pens and mugs to expenses-paid meals to persuade them to prescribe higher- cost drugs would be over under a New York proposal fought by the industry.
"
NY: City's jobless rate rises to 10.6%, exceeding nation's
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The unemployment rate in New York City jumped in December to 10.6 percent, its highest level in nearly 17 years, as hotels, museums and builders eliminated jobs and hiring remained weak in most other businesses, the State Labor Department said Thursday.
"
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: Still looking for a job? You are not alone and outlook looks grim for at least a year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- With another month of double-digit unemployment, long-term job seekers ask the same question:
What recovery?
"
OH: Black caucus, payday lender team up for workshop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CheckSmart, the Dublin-based payday lender that is among those fighting a House bill that would force short-term lenders to adhere to a 28-percent interest rate, continues to team up with the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus to offer financial education workshops.
"
OH: 1.5 million Ohioans are living in poverty
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The economic tsunami has left its mark on Ohio. The annual State of Poverty in Ohio report -- unveiled four days before Gov. Ted Strickland's State of the State speech on Tuesday -- is packed with sobering statistics.
"
OH: Schools reroute aid for disabled
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio school districts are spending money meant for disabled students to stabilize their shaky budgets, and the state has made it easier for them to do so.
"
OH: Attorney general's office goes after the swindlers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Johne Nichols, a 73-year-old retiree who lives in the Linden area, is used to garden-variety rip-offs such as paste that's supposed to cover up paint scratches but doesn't and wrinkle cream that doesn't perform as advertised.
"
OH: Demon Drop -- When will Ohio's plunge end?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland says the Ohio economy has taken "a sucker punch." John Kasich, his Republican challenger this year, says it is in "a death spiral."
"
OH: More Ohioans confident about finding a job
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ohio Employee Confidence Index increased 0.9 points to 49.1 in December, according to a report released Friday.
"
OH: Assessing Obama's promises of jobs in a hub of manufacturing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ELYRIA, OHIO -- The last time Barack Obama came to this struggling blue-collar city was during the 2008 presidential primary campaign, when he told workers at the National Gypsum drywall factory that if elected he would pursue a "job-creation agenda."
"
OH: Year-end results give Ohio's biggest banks reason to be hopeful
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- After two years of chaos and fear in the banking industry, executives at the three largest banks operating in Ohio finally have real reasons to breathe a little easier.
"
OH: A clunker year -- Despite a handful of bright spots here and there, auto dealers in central Ohio suffered along with the rest of the economy in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Imagine running a marathon on a sprained ankle. That's how 2009 felt for local car dealers. Just about every step hurt.
"
OH: Casino issue keeps moving
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Looking a lot like a Senate committee did the day before, a House committee voted unanimously yesterday to let Ohio voters decide whether to shift the location of a casino in Columbus from the Arena District to the West Side.
"
OH: Two admit to roles in tax-fraud scheme
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An accountant and a real-estate agent pleaded guilty yesterday to their roles in a tax-evasion scheme that involved fraudulent loans and kickbacks to central Ohio home buyers.
"
OK: Oklahoma lawmakers get less from lobbyists
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lobbyists have cut in half gifts and meals given to legislators in 2009 compared with the previous year, records with the state Ethics Commission show.
"
OK: City workers may face ban on texting while driving
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tulsa City Councilor G.T. Bynum called Gov. Brad Henry's executive order banning state employees from texting while driving "great news" and wants Mayor Dewey Bartlett to consider a similar order for city employees.
"
OK: Oklahoma abstracts raise questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new federal rule is prompting many Oklahoma abstracting companies to change the way they calculate fees — more than doubling the cost to some customers while reducing the abstracting bills of others.
"
OK: Reform pledged for Oklahoma grant funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oklahoma's Race to the Top application pledges an overhaul for students in curriculum and standardized tests while teachers will see a new evaluation system to weed out ineffective teachers and reward highly effective teachers.
"
OK: Governor Brad Henry sets driving, texting ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State employees driving on state business will be prohibited from texting while behind the wheel.
"
OK: Poteau displays 10 Commandments at bank; residents want to place marker at courthouse Read more: http://newsok.com/poteau-display-win-not-set-in-stone/article/3433591?custom_click=lead_story_title#ixzz0dIJP6wIC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"POTEAU, Okla. — The more than 200 residents who came out for the unveiling of the Ten Commandments monument at a local bank applauded when organizers said it was only the first of many to come.
"
OR: Treasury makes $100 million available to lend to banks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Treasury has made more than $100 million available from its short-term fund to banks that do business in Oregon.
"
OR: Legislators to host meetings after vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Residents of South and West Salem will have an old way and a new way to voice their opinions about what lawmakers should do in the aftermath of Measures 66 and 67, which voters will decide Tuesday. Both are town hall meetings.
"
OR: Claims that surplus money is available in state budgets reveal complexity of laws and finances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An obscure report prepared annually on Oregon's finances suddenly is drawing attention from Republican lawmakers, some of whom say it makes their case that billions are available to spend from surplus accounts and that the tax increases on Tuesday's ballot are unnecessary.
"
OR: PERS hike would hit budgets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Measures 66 and 67 may now have the spotlight as Oregon voters decide the fate of the two tax hikes, but another event later this week could be of greater consequence to the budgets of public sector employers throughout the state.
"
OR: Controversial political ads in The Oregonian cost $44,700
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The controversial front-page wraparound ads in The Oregonian bought by opponents of Measures 66 and 67 cost $44,700 and were paid for by the Northwest Grocery Association, according to state elections records that become public this morning.
"
OR: Regulators seize Columbia River Bank
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State and federal regulators took control of Columbia River Bank Friday afternoon, making it the fourth, and by far the largest, bank in Oregon to fail since the economic downturn.
"
OR: Oregon university presidents take pay cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon public university leaders and presidents have agreed to share some of the pain from the recession and budget cuts by voluntarily accepting smaller paychecks this year, bucking a national trend of pay raises for college executives.
"
OR: Salami recalled in salmonella outbreak in Oregon, Washington and U.S.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Salami sold at Costco, Walmart and elsewhere is being recalled in a nationwide salmonella outbreak that touches Oregon.
"
OR: Oregon gas terminals' futures hang on global supplies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Five years after energy developers started sniffing around Oregon as a likely spot to build an import terminal for liquefied natural gas, the air has come flooding out of the gas market like a whoopee cushion, making such proposals sound economically reckless.
"
OR: Oregon's rich getting richer and all others falling behind, wage study shows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new analysis of state wages shows that the gulf between Oregon's wealthy and everyone else continues to widen.
"
OR: Oregon tax vote shows states' plight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND, Ore. — Voters in this state will consider two new tax-increase measures on Tuesday, the culmination of a battle that has unfolded in the state against the backdrop of low state revenue and high unemployment.
"
OR: Tax increase for the rich is at issue in Oregon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — Few places have felt the twin challenges presented by Oregon's broken state budget and its knotted tax system the way this old farm town has.
"
OR: Kulongoski goes all Facebook on us
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Kulongoski has joined the ranks of social networkers and set up his own Facebook page -- timed to coincide with today's announcement of Facebook building a data center in Prineville.
"
OR: Secretary of State Brown predicts turnout in low 60s for tax measures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown is estimating between 62 percent and 64 percent for statewide voter turnout in Tuesday's tax election.
"
OR: Facebook picks Prineville for its first data center
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Count Facebook among Prineville's friends. The social media powerhouse confirmed Thursday that it has picked the economically depressed Central Oregon town for Facebook's first company-owned data center, drawn to the region by reliable and affordable power, a favorable climate and tax breaks.
"
OR: Business coalition -- Keep I-5 Columbia River bridge project on schedule
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two days after four elected leaders of Portland and Vancouver announced their opposition to a plan for a new Interstate 5 Columbia River bridge, a business-backed coalition today pushed for the project to go forward.
"
OR: OHSU state funding audit positive, but others disagree
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State auditors on Thursday delivered a fairly glowing report on the Legislature's 2001 decision to invest $200 million in Oregon Health & Science University's expansion.
"
OR: Oregon election turnout key to close Measure 66, 67 races
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With just a handful of days to go, Oregon's hotly contested tax election has shifted from a war of words to a highly sophisticated race to get voters to hand in their ballots.
"
PA: Corruption rampant in Pennsylvania coal country
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- After a six-year run in the NFL, Greg Skrepenak came home to Pennsylvania and parlayed his name recognition and hometown popularity into a seat on the Luzerne County Board of Commissioners.
"
PA: Peduto pushes for Pennsylvania cities to unite
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The political equivalent of 120 messages in bottles left Pittsburgh Council Finance Chair William Peduto's office last week.
"
PA: Health alarm raised about two state-operated veterans homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After Pennsylvania health inspectors visited the 514-bed Hollidaysburg Veterans Home in February, they were clearly alarmed.
"
PA: Pennsylvania contests for governor, U.S. Senate heating up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As January melts away, Pennsylvania's election contests for governor and U.S. Senate are heating up.
"
PA: Lawmaker lends support to Pittsburgh's teacher performance pay plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Pittsburgh Public Schools is successful with moving 2,800 teachers to a performance-based pay scale, the model -- unprecedented in Pennsylvania -- could spread to other districts, the chair of the Senate education committee said Friday.
"
PA: Veon jury picked; trial to start Feb. 1
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jury selection wrapped up today, opening the doors for testimony to begin Feb. 1 in the government corruption case known as Bonusgate.
"
PA: Pa. jobless rate reaches 8.9 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania continued to lose jobs in December as the unemployment rate edged closer to the national rate, according to the state employment report that could, at best, be seen as better than it could have been.
"
PA: GOP governor candidate backs natural gas royalties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Samuel E. Rohrer, a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor, told a Beaver County audience last night that he would use royalty payments from the state's natural gas deposits to help fund his promise to abolish school property taxes.
"
PA: Pa. slots bring in more cash than Atlantic City
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania casinos are now drawing more revenue from slot machines than casinos in Atlantic City, N.J.
"
PA: Candidate's exit a boost for Onorato
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Millionaire businessman Tom Knox will abandon his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor and endorse Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato as early as this morning.
"
PA: Veon said he's fit and ready to fight Bonusgate charges against him
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former state Rep. Mike Veon said yesterday that he's ready to fight the corruption charges against him at trial next month.
"
PA: Knox meets with Onorato, may be ending run for governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrat Tom Knox, the wealthy Philadelphia businessman who cast himself as a government reformer, is likely to drop out of the governor's race, sources close to Knox said Thursday.
"
PA: Pa. jobless rate up, jobs at most scarce in decade
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report says jobs in Pennsylvania were harder to find in December than they have been in more than a decade.
"
RI: R.I. bill would stop LNG tankers from traveling under Mount Hope Bridge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rhode Island's best weapon in the battle against LNG, opponents say, may be a bridge.
"
RI: Environmental group's goal -- 10,000 electric cars in R.I. by 2015
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A newly formed nonprofit environmental-advocacy group announced its intent Thursday to make Rhode Island a regional leader in adopting new all-electric vehicle technology.
"
RI: R.I.'s long-term jobless faced with retooling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WARWICK, R.I. — Mary Walker, a banker with 28 years of experience, knows what it's like to be laid off. Twice.
"
RI: R.I. jobless rate edges up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After two straight months of decline, Rhode Island's unemployment rate edged up slightly in December to 12.9 percent, confirming warnings that the state's road to recovery will be uneven.
"
SC: Changes to tattoo law under consideration
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Men and women returning home from war have come to Charleston's Blu Gorilla Tattoo looking for body art, but owner Tim Dennis said he's had to turn some of them away because state law deems them too young to make the choice on their own.
"
SC: Stabilization funds dry up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SUMMERVILLE, S.C. -- For state and local housing officials, this is a bittersweet time. As they watch the emerging successes of the program's first round, they learned this month that South Carolina won't get a dime more, at least for now.
"
SC: Governor candidate Barrett to present jobs plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Gresham Barrett will unveil a jobs plan in stops across the state Monday, including West Columbia, and Tuesday.
"
SC: Sanford wealth tied to family land
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The only real property listed in just his name in the Lowcountry is a mobile home used for storage.
"
SC: Businesses speak out -- Don't put governor in charge of DHEC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Influential business groups have joined with developers, electric utilities and others against a major revamp of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
"
SC: Soaring rates adding to strain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The modest King Street office charged with distributing money to residents who need help paying their bills nearly doubled its phone lines and hired another receptionist -- yet clients still hear a busy tone.
"
SC: Gov. Sanford makes visit to Capitol Hill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ben Fox, Sanford's communications director, said the governor and officials from the state Department of Commerce took the state plane up North to meet with an economic development prospect.
"
SD: Senate panel approves fix for SD Retirement System
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state Senate committee endorsed a plan Thursday to limit annual increases in retirement benefits to improve the South Dakota Retirement System's financial condition after two years of investment losses.
"
SD: Alcohol law changes brewing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Beer and liquor sales would be legal on Christmas Day, Memorial Day and Sundays in South Dakota under one of nearly a twelve-pack of alcohol law reforms being considered this year by the Legislature.
"
SD: Senate panel endorses SDRS reforms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cost of living adjustments would be reduced and the practice of retire-rehire would become more difficult for members of the South Dakota Retirement System under a package of changes that passed their first test Thursday in the Legislature.
"
SD: SD tourism celebrated at annual dinner
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mike Rounds and tourism officials exchanged congratulations at a banquet Thursday night in celebration of the state's visitor industry.
"
TN: South's jobless seek work in TN
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Think the labor market here is bad? Some residents of states with even higher unemployment, like North Carolina and Florida, are moving to Tennessee in hopes of having better luck finding jobs.
"
TN: Higher education funding overhaul goes to Bredesen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers on Thursday night sent Gov. Phil Bredesen legislation that rewrites Tennessee's higher education funding formula to lift substandard graduation rates at the state's public colleges and universities.
"
TN: Guidebook gives tips to nonprofits in TN
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Tennessee Attorney General's Office, the Department of State and the Center for Nonprofit Management collaborated to produce the guide.
"
TN: TN lands third solar industry venture
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Phil Bredesen's administration has struck a deal with a startup company to build a factory that will make components for the solar industry, an investment that could eventually reach $200 million and employ as many as 250 people.
"
TN: TN campaigns may soon feel impact of Supreme Court ruling allowing corporate ads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A U.S. Supreme Court ruling Thursday allowing corporations to spend money in political campaigns could have an immediate impact in Tennessee, including this year's governor's race.
"
TX: Business leaders take sides in GOP education board contest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A pivotal Republican primary for the State Board of Education has drawn an unusual amount of interest and money from some prominent business leaders.
"
TX: Shami's career helping set his political style
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A love of hairstyling might not seem the surest road to big-business success, any more than being born on the West Bank might seem a likely start to running for Texas governor.
"
TX: Hundreds of millions spent on Texas transportation projects that have little to do with traffic
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Star-Telegram reviewed 515 state projects awarded funds under the federal transportation enhancement program during the past 18 years and found projects large and small that had little to do with mobility.
"
TX: Who's got what
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Statewide races might raise the most cash, but candidates for Texas House seats are stacking up some serious ammo.
"
TX: The spigot turns on
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The ruling will change campaign finance in Texas, where corporations and unions face similar restrictions to those in federal law.
"
US: Powerball, Mega Millions lotteries joining forces
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No more choosing between the two jackpots, no more crossing state lines to buy the hope of millions: Starting Jan. 31, lottery players will be able to buy both Powerball and Mega Millions tickets throughout the Washington region under an agreement between the two games.
"
US: Campaign finance ruling leaves Democrats with few options
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Frustrated Democrats began laying plans Friday to chip away at a landmark Supreme Court decision unleashing corporate expenditures in political campaigns, but the ruling's broad sweep will make it difficult to stem a tidal wave of new spending in this year's pivotal midterm elections.
"
US: Most U.S. union members are working for the government, new data shows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the first time in American history, a majority of union members are government workers rather than private-sector employees, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on Friday.
"
US: 24 states' laws open to attack after campaign finance ruling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In Wisconsin, conservative and pro-business groups said Friday that they were considering a lawsuit to block a proposed law that would ban corporate spending during political campaigns. In Kentucky and Colorado, lawmakers looked for provisions in their state constitutions that may need to be rewritten.
"
US: State employment data show frustrated job-seekers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Frustrated by the harshest job market in the country, 31,000 unemployed Michigan residents stopped looking for work last month. So did thousands in Oregon, Massachusetts and West Virginia. (Also see: OH: Assessing Obama's promises of jobs in a hub of manufacturing)
"
US: Senators try to thwart EPA efforts to curb emissions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bipartisan group of senators introduced legislation Thursday to block the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, a move that could undercut one of the Obama administration's top domestic priorities.
"
US: Court ruling on campaign spending could pay off for GOP
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court's decision Thursday to wipe out most campaign spending limits, coming on top of the Massachusetts Senate race upset, could prove to be a major blow to Democrats and a boost to Republicans in the November midterm elections.
"
US: Supreme Court's campaign finance ruling could bring flood of ads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Viewers in media markets nationwide are already well familiar with being bombarded with ads either supporting or criticizing candidates for Congress and the White House in the months before an election. But that could be nothing compared with what today's landmark Supreme Court campaign-finance decision appears to invite, experts say.
"
US: Initial jobless filings rise unexpectedly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The number of new claims for unemployment benefits unexpectedly rose last week and regional manufacturing activity slipped in January, hinting at some slowing in the economic recovery.
"
US: Conference of mayors stresses need for new round of stimulus money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Saying that last year's $787 billion economic stimulus plan has failed to ease urban unemployment, the nation's mayors are asking the federal government for a second wave of stimulus money.
"
US: Treasury weighs fixes to a program to fend off foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Obama administration plans next week to revamp its $75 billion program aimed at sparing homeowners from foreclosure, streamlining the documents required of borrowers seeking lowered payments, according to financial industry executives and others who have met in recent days with Treasury officials.
"
US: Lobbyists get potent weapon in campaign finance ruling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has handed a new weapon to lobbyists. If you vote wrong, a lobbyist can now tell any elected official that my company, labor union or interest group will spend unlimited sums explicitly advertising against your re-election.
"
UT: Utah families sign children up for CHIP
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Daniel Aguilar, father of three, gave an audible sigh of relief Saturday after filling out the application to get his children something they've never had — medical insurance.
"
UT: Whom to watch in the 2010 Utah Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While all members of GOP leadership are influential through their positions, the Senate president has extra powers, including overseeing the flow of the bills on the Senate floor, especially in the session's final days.
"
UT: Utah budget is '800-pound gorilla'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Every legislative session is important, but the 2010 Legislature could be ground-breaking on a number of fronts.
"
UT: World comes to Sundance, he promotes Utah to world
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PARK CITY, Utah -- John Corser is at the Sundance Film Festival this week promoting not a film but the state of Utah.
"
UT: Bill would curb junk food in schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOUNTIFUL, Utah -- Lunch at Bountiful Junior High looks like lunch at most schools except for one thing: the vending machines.
"
UT: Bill would curb junk food in schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOUNTIFUL, Utah -- Lunch at Bountiful Junior High looks like lunch at most schools except for one thing: the vending machines."
UT: Lawmakers, lobbyists urged to use caution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While the state shouldn't regulate socializing between lawmakers and lobbyists, Gov. Gary Herbert said both groups should watch what they do.
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UT: Herbert speaks on budget, Killpack
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Gary Herbert said Thursday that lawmakers are already looking at budget cuts that are "too Draconian" as they ready for the start of the 2010 Legislature.
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UT: Advocates for poor say don't restore food tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The line at Hildegarde's Pantry starts forming at 7 a.m., says Elizabeth Hunter, a deacon at St. Mark's Cathedral.
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UT: Another try at promoting domestic violence education
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the second year, a Utah legislator will sponsor a resolution urging schools and the state's child welfare system to provide domestic violence education and prevention programs.
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VA: Bills seek to abolish VITA oversight panel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To drive home just how pricey the project has become, the Senate measure to overhaul Virginia's IT bureaucracy has been assigned the number 236 -- as in $2.36 billion.
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VA: Coalition vows to create offshore wind industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Judging by the early success the newly created Virginia Offshore Wind Coalition has had in attracting support from private industry and the political world, it's clear just about everyone wants to stake a claim in the rush to develop a multibillion-dollar wind-generated energy industry off the Atlantic coast.
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VA: Consensus on gas royalties possible
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Behind closed doors, Southwest Virginia legislators, state energy officials and natural gas industry lobbyists appear to be reaching a consensus that state law must be changed to release from state custody $25 million in natural gas royalties to the rightful owners.
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VA: McDonnell to unveil plans to cut Virginia budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob McDonnell has been picked to deliver the Republican response to President Barack Obama's upcoming State of the Union address, a strong indication he is an ascendant figure in the national GOP.
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VA: New-home sales, building tumble to 25-year lows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New-home construction and sales in Hampton Roads last year fell to their lowest point in more than two decades despite a tax credit for first-time home-buyers and record low interest rates, according to a report released today.
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VT: Vermont jobless fund running out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's unemployment fund, which is paying out $4 million each week to jobless Vermonters, is expected to be out of cash early next month.
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VT: Vermont slighted on assistance for poor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Chittenden County advocate for Vermont's poor is angry Vermont will receive just $1.77 million from the $490 million pot of heating assistance funding released this week by the federal government.
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VT: Nuclear plant relicensing decision should go ahead, Douglas says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Douglas said he continues to view the Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant as an important part of the state's economy and thinks the Legislature should act on the plant's license extension this session.
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WA: State furloughs pass Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate voted Friday to require state agencies to place workers on mandatory furloughs one day a month or offer alternative plans saving $69 million.
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WA: State employees -- Despite downturn, survey finds more satisfaction than in 2007
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State workers' wages are frozen, their health care benefits cost more out of pocket and their workloads are up in agencies slimmed down by layoffs.
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WA: Builders' lobby sponsors workers' comp initiative
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A politically active construction-industry group wants voters to decide whether Washington's workers' compensation system should face private competition, a move bitterly opposed by organized labor and top Democratic lawmakers.
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WA: U.S. Supreme Court decision unlikely to affect state races
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court decision to lift the ban on corporations dipping into their treasuries to purchase political ads won't much affect state races in Washington.
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WA: Panel backs Tacoma Narrows Bridge toll increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tolls on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge would be upped to $3.25 for drivers with transponders and $5 for those who pay cash under a recommendation made Thursday on a 4-3 vote of the Washington State Transportation Commission.
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WA: Job creation bills reflect parties' dueling stances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jobs were the talk of the Legislature earlier this week, but Democrats and Republicans again differed on the best strategies for getting people back to work.
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WA: Furlough vote readied
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A move to shut down state agencies one day a month and give state workers furloughs to save money is on its way to an expected quick passage in the state Senate as soon as today.
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WA: Bill would allow reduction of state minimum wage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill introduced in the state Legislature last week would allow the reduction of Washington's minimum wage.
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WA: Billion dollar headache -- Looming pension liability worries state officials
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's current operating budget deficit is $2.6 billion, a situation that has state lawmakers scrambling to find program cuts and tax increases to balance the ledger.
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WI: Thousands in county missing out on lottery tax credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If you're writing out a check this week for the first installment of your local property taxes, due Sunday, beware that you might be paying more than you owe.
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WI: Utility dividend restored, a decade later
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ten years after it cut its shareholder dividend by 49% to help it finance its power plant construction program, Wisconsin Energy Corp. has brought its dividend back to the level shareholders received in 1999.
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WI: DNR allows major expansion for dairy operation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State regulators approved plans to allow Rosendale Dairy to expand the dairy farm to 8,000 cows, making it the largest dairy operation in Wisconsin.
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WI: Doyle's child-care rating plan gets broad support
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Community leaders, child advocates and state lawmakers spoke out Friday in support of Gov. Jim Doyle's plan to rate child-care centers in Wisconsin and link their performance to state subsidy payments.
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WI: Oak Creek coal plant ready to roll
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OAK CREEK, Wisc. -- We Energies will flip on the switch this week at what might be Wisconsin's last great coal-burning power plant, a $2.3 billion colossus capable of generating enough electricity to power 1 million homes - power that even state regulators concede isn't needed now.
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WI: Wis. Senate passes job growth bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The measure would expand tax credits for angel and venture capital investment, boost grant money for business expansion and startups and increase partnerships between businesses and the University of Wisconsin.
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WI: Wis. Senate passes license waiver for home canners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Current Wisconsin law requires facilities where food is canned, frozen or bottled for sale to obtain a license and be inspected.
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WI: Doyle unveils new health insurance plan for adults
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new state health insurance program for nearly 21,000 poor, childless adults currently on a waiting list for coverage could be up and running in April, Gov. Jim Doyle announced Thursday.
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WI: Wis. Senate passes bill to keep contracts in US
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate has passed a bill that would require most Wisconsin state government contract work to be performed in the United States.
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WI: Senate passes bill to expand investment tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate passed a bill Thursday to expand angel investment tax credits and improve links between businesses and university research.
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WI: Candidates for governor agree on jobs' importance as campaign issue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEWAUKEE, Wisc. -- The three major candidates for governor tried to define the differences among themselves Thursday, but they agreed on one thing: Jobs and the economy will be the top issue in this year's election.
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WI: Day-care providers to be paid based on quality under Doyle plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All child-care providers who receive money from the state's taxpayer-financed Wisconsin Shares program would be ranked according to the quality of care they offer, with better-quality centers receiving more funding, under a plan to be announced Friday by Gov. Jim Doyle.
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WV: Union defends black lung changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The United Mine Workers of America has defended Sen. Robert Byrd's proposed changes in the federal black lung benefits program as a "noble attempt to right decades of wrongs."
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WV: Delegate -- Public financing program needed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An experiment in public financing of election campaigns in the 2012 race for two seats on the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals is even more needed now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled corporations can spend as much as they want in election of federal office holders, according to one member of the House of Delegates.
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WV: Young professionals lobby lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Young professionals from all over the state invaded West Virginia's Capitol Thursday looking to pave a path for leaders of the next generation.
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WY: Wyoming state tourism office warns of promotion using similar name
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wyoming Division of Travel and Tourism, WTT, the state's official tourism office, says there is a promotion being touted across the state using a name similar to it's Tourism Board, the board which advises the state office.
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WY: Wyoming Business Council board changes funding grant rules, makes awards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"During its Jan. 21 call-in meeting, the Wyoming Business Council Board of Directors approved rule changes to the Business Ready Community and Community Facilities Grant and Loan Programs, $125,000 in long term care planning funding to Platte County, Riverton, Teton County and $295,533 in Community Development Block Grant funding to Laramie.
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WY: Wyo groups react to U.S. Supreme Court campaign finance decision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Groups on both ends of the political spectrum in Wyoming are reacting to a U.S. Supreme Court decision, which lifts restrictions for corporations to donate to candidates for congressional office.
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WY: Campaign finance ruling hits home
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a ruling that could reshape how elections in Wyoming and the nation are run, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday overturned government bans on independent political spending by corporations and labor unions.
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WY: Education panel looks for places to cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature's Joint Education Committee spent the past few months reviewing state programs and how they are funded in hope of finding places to trim the budget yet continue to fund successful programs.
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Election year may bolster roads bill in Alabama
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers whose seats are up for election this year are carrying on a political tradition by considering a proposal to spend $1 billion on roads and bridges.
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Health care reform's costs rankle states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Democrats in Congress work feverishly to meld separate House and Senate health care bills into a single blueprint for a historic overhaul of America’s health care system, state leaders are bracing against the potential costs to states that they say could devastate already battered budgets.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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