Oregon tax vote poses fresh test for Dems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A week after Massachusetts voters delivered a stunning blow to Democrats’ legislative agenda in Washington, D.C., Oregonians on Tuesday (Jan. 26) will decide the fate of Democratic-led efforts to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy in the state by $727 million.
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State campaign finance laws in crosshairs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY’S TAKE: The full effect of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last week to allow limitless corporate spending in candidate elections remains to be seen. But already, 24 states’ campaign finance laws seem likely to be nullified because of the controversial ruling.
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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. (Also see: CA: Schwarzenegger's budget plan puts unions in the cross-hairs )
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AK: Fish board to look at king salmon crisis on Yukon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- Problems with Yukon River king salmon will be the big issue this week when the Alaska Board of Fisheries meets in Fairbanks.
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AK: ExxonMobil wants more predictability in Alaska policies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The president of ExxonMobil Production Co. said Friday that Alaska is in an "enviable position" to provide natural gas to the state, the Lower 48 and Canada.
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AK: Groups seek citizen oversight of trans-Alaska pipeline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Environmentalists, fishermen and others in the Copper River region are spearheading a new effort to boost citizen monitoring of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline.
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AK: With Palin absent, 'bridge to nowhere' supporters remain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With former Gov. Sarah Palin no longer on the state's scene, Ketchikan is hoping the Gravina Access Project that she disparaged as a "bridge to nowhere" may get new life.
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AL: Jackson County officials help Barron tout his $1 billion road and bridge bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SCOTTSBORO, Ala. -- Local government officials joined Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, here this afternoon in touting his bill to build and repair roads and bridges with $1 billion from the Alabama Trust Fund.
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AL: New head of Alabama antigambling task force says Milton McGregor went too far
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The new commander of Gov. Bob Riley's antigambling task force says an Alabama casino owner may have been obstructing justice when he hired a detective to trail the last task force head.
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AL: Alabama Gov. Bob Riley promotes "Jumpstarting Jobs" plan in Huntsville
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Gov. Bob Riley stopped in Huntsville today to promote his three-prong "Jumpstarting Jobs" plan, saying though government may not be able to create jobs, "government can at least create an environment" for businesses to grow and prosper.
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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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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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AZ: 'Move Over' law could cover more
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature is considering a bill that would include tow- truck drivers among those protected by the so-called "Move Over" law.
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AZ: Bill to keep payday loans may be dead
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Efforts by the payday-loan industry to remain in Arizona after June 30 were dealt a serious - and potentially fatal - setback Monday when a key Democratic lawmaker said he won't support what the lenders want.
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AZ: Ruling to alter how OV does business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although an Arizona Supreme Court ruling issued Monday should not affect existing sales-tax revenue-sharing agreements, it will change how Oro Valley treats new subsidy pacts, the town attorney said.
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AZ: Car auctions bring in $122.6 mil despite storms, recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Umbrellas and tornado warnings aside, the cry of "sold, sold, sold!" rang out hundreds of times this past weekend as the Valley's three largest car auctions finished with $122.6 million in sales, up 8 percent from a year ago.
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AZ: Mesa OKs Cubs deal, awaits word from team
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A unanimous Mesa City Council threw the first pitch Monday night in a game designed to keep the Chicago Cubs in town for spring training.
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AZ: Aid delivered to areas hit hard by storm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Government agencies scrambled Monday to get aid to people hammered by a winter storm that buried northern Arizona in snow and flooded small communities elsewhere in the state.
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AZ: Fiesta Bowl fails to release info in campaign-contribution probe
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state elections director Monday said she would begin "independently pursing leads" into claims that current and former Fiesta Bowl employees made illegal campaign contributions.
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AZ: House committee approves bill to cut taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that would cut tax rates and expand incentives to attract jobs to Arizona cleared its first hurdle Monday amid a debate over how the tax cuts would affect Arizona's massive budget deficits.
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AZ: Environmental group-- Plug-in cars key to cleaning Arizona's air
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles can help clear Arizona's air, and the benefits will increase with more on the road and with utilities developing renewable energy sources, leaders of an environmental group said Jan. 21.
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AZ: State water official -- Desalination an expensive but necessary prospect for AZ
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Desalinating ocean water is an expensive prospect but something Arizona must look toward in addressing population growth and increasingly dry weather brought on by climate change, a state official told lawmakers Jan. 21.
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AZ: GOP jobs bill sails through committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House panel today forwarded a measure to the floor aimed at spurring job growth through incentives to large corporations and tax cuts, where it is scheduled to be debated by the entire body.
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AZ: House panel OKs business tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Calling it the ultimate solution to the state's economic woes, members of a House panel approved an extensive package of tax breaks for business on Monday.
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AZ: Mesa OKs spring training deal with Cubs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An agreement that would help keep the Chicago Cubs' spring training home in Arizona cleared a hurdle Monday, winning approval from city officials in the Phoenix suburb of Mesa.
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AZ: Council's OK clears hurdle for Cubs to stay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mesa is awaiting word at any hour that the Chicago Cubs will call Arizona their winter home for 25 more years.
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AZ: High court ruling limits factors for subsidies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cities can't provide subsidies of public funds for private projects on the basis that they will eventually produce more sales tax dollars, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday.
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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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CA: Five in pension board case have charges dismissed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A unanimous state Supreme Court dismissed criminal charges against five former members of the San Diego retirement board yesterday, but concluded that the case against a sixth member, former firefighters union leader Ronald Saathoff, could go forward.
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CA: Bill would require death reports from ski areas Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/26/BACA1BNB6I.DTL&type=newsbayarea#ixzz0ditDHWcn
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California ski resorts would have to publish reports on how many people are injured or killed on the slopes, increase safety measures, and force minors and employees to wear helmets, under a new bill.
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CA: Housing bust keeps consuming California jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California employers cut more workers in December, capping a dismal year in which the state lost more than half a million jobs.
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CA: Firms, trade group held fund GOP legislators' retreat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Republican state legislators decided last month that they needed to escape Sacramento and kick back in a more relaxed environment to hash out issues, they headed for a luxury beach resort in Santa Barbara.
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CA: Meg Whitman turns the page on campaign trail
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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CO: Proposal for cuts to state pension fund to be heard today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal that calls on current and future government workers to make sacrifices to save their pensions is up for a hearing today.
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CO: Colorado public schools enrollment up nearly 2 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado's public school enrollment jumped nearly 2 percent for the second year in a row, according to the state Department of Education.
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CO: Millions of dollars amassed in Colorado campaign donations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State candidates, stealth political groups and special-interest political committees in Colorado have amassed millions of dollars in campaign donations to kick off the 2010 elections.
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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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CT: Nestle Waters moving to Stamford
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nestle Waters North America plans to move its headquarters from 777 W. Putnam Ave. in Greenwich, where it has operated since 1979, to a commercial building owned by Oracle USA at 900 Long Ridge Road, Stamford.
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CT: State labor commissioner, Waterbury native dead at 65
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WATERBURY, Conn. -- Commissioner Patricia H. Mayfield was in the lobby of the state Department of Labor's offices in Wethersfield one day when she overheard a woman asking questions at the front desk.
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CT: State entices nestle to keep HQ in Connecticut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State economic development officials will help Nestle Waters North America Inc. keep its headquarters in Fairfield County, saving 475 jobs and creating 25 more in the next three years.
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CT: Patricia H. Mayfield, commissioner of State Department Of Labor, dies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Patricia H. Mayfield of Waterbury, commissioner of the state Department of Labor, died at her home early Monday. Mayfield, 65, was slated to retire Feb. 1 and had been on leave for weeks before she died, state officials said.
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CT: Lawsuit filed in fatal bus crash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A lawsuit filed Monday in Superior Court blames a Jan. 9 fatal school bus accident on the negligence and carelessness of the company that owns the bus and the two drivers involved in the crash.
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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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DE: NCCo defends sale of horses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Three empty trailers pulled into Carousel Farms, New Castle County's equestrian park, earlier this month and left with nine horses the county sold to the owners of two Maryland farms. One horse went for $500, another for $150. The other seven went for a buck apiece.
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DE: More than half of lawmakers get $600 each from DelPark
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's three casinos last year proved their prowess as a lobbying force in the Legislature, when they beat back proposals to increase the number of casinos and allow sports betting at new locations.
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FL: Citizens adds employees as number of policies drops
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Citizens Property Insurance Corp., the state-run insurer of last resort, has trimmed more than 26 percent of its customers since late 2007. But the number of employees has grown by 17 percent.
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FL: Crist -- More money for schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday proposed a $500 million increase in education spending for 2010-11 that largely depends on a Seminole gambling deal already rejected by a key legislative committee.
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FL: Crist seeking budget hike for public schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite a still-rocky economy, Gov. Charlie Crist said Monday he'll push for an increase in Florida's education budget.
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FL: Lawmakers push for full casinos in Florida resorts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ellyn Bogdanoff has given up. Once one of the most ardent opponents of gambling expansion in the Florida House, the Fort Lauderdale legislator is now ready to open the doors to full-fledged casinos because, she says, Florida ``is losing the battle'' to the Seminole Tribe.
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FL: Crist signs 2nd extension of Fla. freeze order
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist has signed a second extension of an executive order raising weight and size limits for trucks that transport Florida citrus and other crops affected by freezing weather.
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FL: Home sales up as prices stabilize
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Existing home sales jumped 45 percent in Miami-Dade and 24 percent in Broward in December, compared to the same month of 2008, according to housing data released Monday by Florida Realtors, the industry's association.
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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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GA: Revenue dept. in gov candidates' crosshairs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Candidates for governor, both Democrats and Republicans, found common ground on Monday: Changes are needed at the state Department of Revenue.
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GA: DNR urges Oxendine to take hunting course
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Department of Natural Resources investigators gave Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine "verbal guidance" that he needs to complete a hunter education course, according to a DNR report.
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GA: Lawmakers try to avoid hospital tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State legislators are looking for a way to avoid approving Gov. Sonny Perdue's proposal to tax hospitals to prop up the state's public health-care budget.
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GA: As bank crisis grows, examiners' jobs stay empty
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite Georgia being the epicenter of the nation's banking crisis, Gov. Sonny Perdue's proposed state budget would not fund unfilled bank regulator positions that insiders say are desperately needed as the state's banking woes worsen.
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GA: Property tax legislation in works, Cagle says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Local governments could see legislation later this week aimed at correcting inequities in the state's property tax system, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said Monday.
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GA: Supreme Court may have limited impact in Georgia -- for now
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgians could see more advertising in congressional elections after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last week that the federal government can't ban political spending by corporations or unions.
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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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HI: Planned cuts could risk health of Micronesians
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed cut in the state government's medical assistance to Micronesians could mean some of them will die as a result, the state was told yesterday during a public hearing.
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HI: Familiar notes resound in Lingle's final speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After seven years at the helm, Gov. Linda Lingle is still trying to steer a twitchy economy to safety, rebuild an education system that its supporters say is just fine and pump some life into a tourism industry that continues to need government help.
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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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IA: Legislators develop compromise plan on puppy mills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators from the Iowa House and Senate say they've developed a compromise plan that will crack-down on so-called "puppy mills."
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IA: Republicans renew criticism of I-JOBS
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republicans are criticizing Democratic Governor Chet Culver's "I-JOBS" initiative, specifically the money reserved for flood and disaster recovery projects.
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IA: Kemin CEO warns cutting credit would cut jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The C.E.O. of a Des Moines-based company that has manufacturing plants in seven other countries says if legislators choose to curtail the state's tax credit for research activities, the state will lose jobs.
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IA: Blizzard conditions lead to several crashes, highway closings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Multiple crashes and whiteout conditions have forced authorities to close a number of roadways across the western half of Iowa. That includes Interstate 35 from north of Ames to near Mason City.
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IA: Iowa gets $6.6 million to expand broadband
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. Tom Harkin says about $6.6 million in federal funding is headed for Iowa to establish broadband internet access to businesses and residents in rural communities.
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IA: Iowa lawmakers consider dog breeder measure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Dog breeders in Iowa would see increased fees and tougher regulations under a measure unveiled Monday by supporters who called for cracking down on so-called puppy mills that often abuse animals.
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IA: Culver plans Thursday stop in Sioux City to discuss Morrell closing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa Gov. Chet Culver announced meetings this week in three Iowa communities that have announced major plant closings.
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IA: Culver confident state can become more efficient
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chet Culver said Monday he is confident state government can achieve at least $300 million in savings by June 2011 through efficiencies and streamlining efforts implemented by executive order and legislative action.
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IA: Vaudt critical of Culver's cost-savings plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Auditor David Vaudt is taking issue with Gov. Chet Culver's plans to reduce the cost of state government, saying he merely shifts costs in one case and raises state revenue in another.
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IA: Iowa gov candidates unwilling to tighten fuel quality standards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One Iowa candidate for governor in 2010 said Monday he would support mandated use of blended biodiesel fuel but there were no takers to require vehicles to use 10 percent blended ethanol gasoline.
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IA: Stimulus powered wind industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Construction of wind farms surged in Iowa and nationwide in 2009 after Congress included new financial incentives for the industry in the economic stimulus bill.
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IA: Industry -- Make all gas in Iowa contain ethanol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thirty-one states use a higher percentage of ethanol than Iowa, and producers of the fuel plan to ask the Legislature to pass a bill requiring that all motor gasoline sold carry at least 10 percent ethanol.
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IA: Culver predicts cuts saving an additional $200 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers will adopt cost-cutting recommendations that will save the state an additional $200 million, a confident Gov. Chet Culver said Monday at a news conference.
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IA: Highway lobby argues against cash diversion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Groups lobbying for four-lane highway expansion projects plan to visit the Iowa Capitol on Wednesday to oppose Gov. Chet Culver's proposal to use road construction money to pay for the depleted Iowa State Patrol.
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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.
"
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.
"
ID: Idaho company snags stimulus cash for fishery work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government has awarded more than $4.5 million in stimulus money to an Idaho company hired to oversee engineering and construction projects at fish hatcheries in Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado.
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ID: Nonprofit encourages Idahoans to support public TV
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of donors who support Idaho Public Television are mounting a campaign to try to save the network's state funding.
"
ID: More Idahoans on food stamps than ever
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A record number of Idahoans are receiving food stamps, a sign that the state's economy still struggles.
"
ID: Too controversial to change Critics push ways to improve the ESA, but politics block major reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Westerners who gripe about the Endangered Species Act often have very clear ideas about how they'd change it.
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ID: Idaho grazing debate sparks ESA rancor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The endangered species debate in Idaho has long been complicated by another longstanding issue — public-lands grazing.
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ID: AG's office accuses Jerome woman of swindling immigrants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JEROME, Idaho — She promised immigrants better lives for their families, preyed on their vulnerabilities and ultimately bilked them out of thousands of dollars.
"
ID: Barker -- PGE, Idaho Power will close coal plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Portland General Electric's surprise decision to shut down its Boardman coal-fired electricity generation plant means that Idaho Power will be reducing its coal baseload sooner than expected.
"
ID: Idaho Power Co. in forefront of energy conservation effort
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four decades ago, when Sid Erwin began his career as an inspector at Idaho Power Co., a string of new hydroelectric plants was pumping out power faster than locals could buy it.
"
ID: Idaho driver's licenses to get makeover
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Don't worry, drivers.
"
IL: Comptroller's office responsible for pre-need funeral trust oversight, regulators say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation say the comptroller's office, not their agency, is responsible for regulating pre-need funeral trust funds in Illinois.
"
IL: Small towns concerned about high-speed rail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some small communities along the proposed high-speed rail line between Chicago and St. Louis are worried that, while Springfield's concerns about the plan are being addressed, their worries about public safety, traffic and quality of life aren't receiving enough attention.
"
IL: New property tax law hits Cook Co. homeowners up front
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Get ready to dig a little deeper, Cook County homeowners. Under a new state law, you'll be forced to pay slightly more of your property tax bill up front so county agencies, municipalities, school districts and other local governments can improve their bottom lines.
"
IL: Employment rate for teens plunge in Illinois
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There is a depression in the teen and young adult labor market in Illinois, part of a national trend, according to a new report.
"
IL: Ford plant adding 1,200 jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chicago's job market will increase by 1,200 workers when the Ford Motor Co. begins production of a new version of the Ford Explorer SUV at the Ford factory on Torrence Avenue later this year.
"
IL: Des Plaines planners approve huge casino complex
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Des Plaines plan commission Monday night gave its blessing to preliminary site plans for the city's new casino and creating a special zoning district for the project.
"
IL: Need a job? Try the Census Bureau
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the midst of rising unemployment, at least one employer is preparing for a hiring binge: the U.S. Census Bureau.
"
IL: Privatize Illinois' tollways? Voters say no
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Politicians who hope to gain traction with voters by urging that the Illinois Tollway be leased to a private company might want to rethink their strategy.
"
IL: Chicago would fail standards for smog-forming gases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chicago is the only U.S. metro area that would fail to meet a tougher standard for smog-forming nitrogen oxides proposed Monday by the Obama administration.
"
IL: McPier executives rush to grab early retirements
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bevy of highly placed and highly paid executives are heading for the exits at the agency that owns and operates McCormick Place, with eight of the 20 top-paid employees taking early retirements.
"
IL: Area home sales create market optimism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a major departure from national trends, Chicago-area home sales surged 33 percent last month, prompting optimism that 2010 may be the year in which the local housing market makes a small comeback.
"
IL: Illinois teen employment at new low
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Decline puts jobless youths at risk of falling further behind economically for years to come, says new report.
"
IL: Ford moving Explorer production to Chicago
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chicago is about to experience a dent in the job-loss category: Ford Motor Co. officials said Monday that the company is shifting production of the next-generation Explorer SUV from Louisville to its Torrence Avenue assembly plant by year's end.
"
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.
"
IL: The Madigan rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Speaker Michael Madigan says he follows a personal code of conduct to avoid conflicts of interest. Even so, some clients of his private law firm have benefited from his public actions.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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?
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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).
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
IN: Judge hears RDA arguments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RENSSELAER, Ind. -- Attorneys for the Porter County Council argued on Monday that Porter County has the authority to withdraw from the Regional Development Authority.
"
IN: Majestic loss claims draw state questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An investigator for the Indiana Gaming Commission is asking questions about Majestic Star Casino's claim that it lost money when the Cline Avenue bridge closed.
"
IN: Construction industry recovery remains slow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Economic indicators tell us the worst recession since the Great Depression is over. But for Northwest Indiana's construction trade, the light at the end of the tunnel is a barely visible pinpoint.
"
IN: Daniels puts brakes on private Warrick TIF
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's nothing personal, but no way. That's what Gov. Mitch Daniels essentially said about Village Earth, the educational attraction developers want to build in rural northern Warrick County.
"
IN: Indiana colleges continue with high enrollments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BLOOMINGTON, Ind. --Indiana's colleges have continued to have strong enrollment figures even as they face millions of dollars in state funding cuts because of the recession.
"
IN: Indiana's jobless rate hit 9.9% in December
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's unemployment rate inched closer to the national one, hitting 9.9 percent in December. That's 0.3 of a percentage point higher than November.
"
IN: Indiana conservative on appliance rebates, too
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In many states, consumers will receive cash rebates for buying energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers or washing machines. Not here.
"
IN: Guard backs off on approval of projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EDINBURGH, Ind. -- The Indiana National Guard has pulled back on a legislative proposal that would have given military officials a say in the approval of residential and business development near two major combat training sites.
"
IN: Bill would require checks on new workers' eligibility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State agencies, local governments and their contractors are the focus of proposed legislation to prevent immigrants who cannot verify their legal status from working -- directly or indirectly -- on the taxpayer dime.
"
KS: Former Kansas deputy AG questions ethics complaint
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A former deputy Kansas attorney general is challenging an ethics complaint filed against him over investigations of abortion providers.
"
KS: Parkinson wants KBA to be more than NBAF
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson urged the Kansas Bioscience Authority to not let the $450 million National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility define its success.
"
KS: Lawmaker wants to make sure schools don't use state tax money to sue Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the threat of a school funding lawsuit hanging over them, legislators on Monday considered a nonbinding resolution that tells school districts not to use tax monies to sue the Legislature, and tells courts they don't have the right to tell legislators how much to spend.
"
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.
"
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.
"
KY: Democrats in Senate pass on 'bill of rights'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A constitutional amendment that touches on an array of hot-button issues pushed by conservatives failed in the state Senate on Monday after Democrats took a pass on the bill.
"
KY: High-tech small businesses receive grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear Monday announced that nine Kentucky high-tech companies will share nearly $2.2 million in state funds as part of a Kentucky initiative to attract and support technology-based small businesses.
"
KY: Patient-protection bill passes House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to protect patients during disputes like last year's Anthem-Norton standoff was passed unanimously Monday by the House and now heads to the Senate.
"
KY: Witness -- Checks to Nighbert a mistake
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Paychecks to former state Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert from a company co-owned by road contractor Leonard Lawson were sent by mistake, a witness testified Monday in U.S. District Court in Lexington.
"
KY: Farmer quits tax-overhaul work group
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Republican House member who has pushed for an overhaul of the state's tax code said Monday that he will no longer work with a group that is examining the issue in the House.
"
KY: Gambling bills dead for session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative leaders declared dead on Friday any bills to allow expanded gambling and said it would be "difficult" to approve a tax code overhaul, fueling uncertainty about how lawmakers will approach the $1.5 billion two-year budget deficit.
"
KY: Sales tax seen as way to balance Ky. budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Applying Kentucky's sales tax to most services would generate $1 billion in revenue over the next two years — nearly enough to eliminate the state's budget shortfall, according to Legislative Research Commission estimates.
"
KY: Bid-rigging jury hears Senate president
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Senate President David Williams, R-Burkesville, testified Friday at the bid-rigging trial of road contractor Leonard Lawson and former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert.
"
KY: Nighbert job link to Lawson cited
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Road contractor Leonard Lawson provided the startup money for a utility management company that gave former Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert a consulting job in early 2008, the company's top official testified Friday.
"
KY: Rule it a bad week for the governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When prosecutors in the Leonard Lawson bid-rigging trial informed U.S. District Judge Karl Forester that Gov. Steve Beshear would be able to get to Lexington Thursday to testify, the wise old judge remarked that Beshear is probably looking for reasons to get out of Frankfort these days.
"
LA: Navy blames weld problems on Katrina aftermath
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Navy officials expressed confidence Monday in Northrop Grumman's shipbuilding operations and is blaming recent problems with thousands of deficient welds and lubricating contamination on employee displacement after Hurricane Katrina.
"
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.
"
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.
"
MA: Lower costs, more work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The weak economy is producing an unexpected windfall for Massachusetts officials spending hundreds of millions in federal stimulus money fixing the state's transportation system: low prices for construction work.
"
MA: Patrick sees utility savings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Deval Patrick yesterday unveiled a plan to cut the state's energy costs by consolidating utility bills for public agencies and facilities throughout Massachusetts and buying power in bulk at a cheaper price.
"
MA: Patrick targets pension loopholes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Deval Patrick is taking another whack at a pension overhaul in Massachusetts with new legislation designed to prevent sweetheart retirement deals and cut the overall cost of the state's public pension system.
"
MA: Brokers fear end of Fed aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massachusetts real estate brokers are nervous about plans to phase out massive government housing programs in coming months. The Federal Reserve is expected to end its huge purchases of mortgage securities by the end of March, while popular and expensive housing tax credits are due to expire at the end of April.
"
MA: Governor Patrick to justices -- Pay up for pensions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Deval Patrick will force the seven state Supreme Judicial Court justices to pay up for their pensions under comprehensive reform legislation he plans to file today, the Herald has learned.
"
MA: Deval Patrick -- Towns, state should buy energy in bulk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Deval Patrick thinks the state and municipal governments can save tens of millions of dollars a year by buying electricity, natural gas and heating oil together using bulk purchases.
"
MA: A lost decade for Bay State jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massachusetts marked a sobering milestone last month: For the first time since World War II, the state ended a decade with fewer jobs than it had at the beginning.
"
MD: Pr. George's leader wants to curb county's fast-food eateries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Travel along a two-block stretch of Central Avenue in Prince George's County, and you'll find a staggering 11 fast-food restaurants.
"
MD: Unemployment change leads O'Malley's agenda
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley released his 2010 legislative agenda Monday, saying he will focus on creating jobs, promoting renewable energy, strengthening education and improving public safety. But the first measure that the Maryland General Assembly will consider is the Democratic governor's emergency bill to change the state's unemployment insurance system.
"
MD: Recession taking its toll on county
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More children are eating free or reduced-price meals at county schools, more families are using food stamps or applying for energy assistance, and more county residents are homeless in recent months than before the recession began.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
ME: State economic forecast slightly better
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine's economy is in a little better shape than the Consensus Economic Forecasting Commission thought last fall, and that likely will lead to a small increase in projected state revenues over the remainder of the two-year state budget, members said Monday.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
MI: Michigan schools to get free help in reducing energy bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Energy Works Michigan, a program of the nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor and The Ecology Center, is administering a state-funded Michigan Renewable Schools Program.
"
MI: Ford to announce 1,200 Chicago jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the first time in years, Ford Motor Co. could be adding new assembly jobs. But not in Michigan.
"
MI: Clayson hired by Business Leaders for Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Business Leaders for Michigan today announced it has hired Matthew Clayson, formerly of ePrize, as director of its Detroit Creative Corridor Center.
"
MI: State preschool programs save $1B a year in crime, education costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State preschool programs over the past 25 years are saving the state $1 billion this year in crime and education costs, with increased productivity, according to a new study announced by state school superintendent Mike Flanagan and early childhood development advocates.
"
MI: Group helps explain hidden tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Low- and moderate-income families lose hundreds, sometimes thousands, of dollars each year in their tax returns as a result of "hidden" tax breaks — something the Michigan League for Human Services hopes to change.
"
MI: Cox wants to join White House carp summit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox and the attorneys general from four other states sent a letter today to the White House asking that they get a seat at the table at an upcoming summit on Asian carp.
"
MI: Impact of Asian carp on the Great Lakes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Asian carp establish a breeding population, they could hurt the Great Lakes by outcompeting other species, as has happened on rivers in the South, where some stretches of river are mostly Asian carp.
"
MI: Michigan Dems pressure court to close Ill. waterways
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.
"
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?
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
MN: St. Paul Saints, like Vikings, are looking for a new home
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Minnesota professional sports teams need new homes.
"
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.
"
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.
"
MO: Governor's budget based on speculation, brighter outlook
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A number of ships have to come in for Gov. Jay Nixon if his proposed budget for the next fiscal year is going to work.
"
MO: Missouri legislators ponder changes to fund for injured workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A financially troubled fund for injured Missouri workers has state lawmakers trying to figure out what to do next.
"
MO: Missouri Senate leaders commit to full school funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican leaders in the Misssouri Senate say they're committed to giving the state's public schools the full amount of money called for under the state's school financing formula.
"
MO: GOP legislators who asked about campaign donation were rebuffed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri Republican lawmakers who questioned a 2005 political donation believed to be a subject of a federal investigation said they were rebuffed and ostracized by the then House speaker and the chamber's top lawyer.
"
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.
"
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."
"
MS: Q-and-A with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour on open government
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Here's a quick interview with Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour about openness in government:
"
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.
"
MT: Campus prepares for cuts in budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana State University Billings Chancellor Ron Sexton has seen the state's University System reconfigure budgets midstream before, but not often.
"
MT: Helena attorney -- Supreme Court decision could lead to unlimited corporate campaign spending in Montana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana's ban on corporate political contributions is still in place following a U.S. Supreme Court decision on the issue - but perhaps not for long, the state attorney said.
"
MT: Group looks to bring property 'takings' measure to Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group has decided not to pursue a constitutional "takings" ballot measure after all, but instead will bring it up at the Montana Legislature.
"
MT: Montana attorney general warns consumers about debt settlement companies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Christmas 2008 was the year Sally and her husband gave their three children nothing.
"
NC: Governor's offshore drilling panel meets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A second panel assembled by North Carolina state government is examining the possibilities of tapping into oil and natural gas reserves off the coast.
"
NC: Developer tied to Easley leaves another board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lanny Wilson, the Wilmington developer and lawyer who resigned last week from the State Board of Transportation, notified the N.C. Turnpike Authority on Monday that he also had given up his seat on that board.
"
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.
"
ND: FEMA stresses renewal of flood insurance policies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Flood insurance turned out to be a smart buy for Doug Madsen last year. His policy covered the $3,100 in water seepage damage to his rural Harwood, N.D., home caused by the swollen Sheyenne River flowing through his backyard.
"
ND: Storm leaves thousands without power
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A barrage of rain, ice, sleet, snow and wind across the Dakotas and parts of Minnesota left thousands without power, some for up to five days.
"
ND: Labor study launches in N.D.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials have launched a labor study in North Dakota to gather information on available workers in various parts of the state.
"
ND: ND coal-fired power plant to open in late 2010 near Jamestown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Developers say North Dakota's first coal-fired power plant in a quarter century will be operating late this year at the Spiritwood Industrial Park near Jamestown.
"
ND: Rural business, university in ND trademark dispute
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A rural businesswoman who sells a sturdy camera that's used for monitoring farm machinery and livestock says the University of North Dakota is attempting to filch her company's AgCam trademark for use with its own camera.
"
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.
"
NH: Rainy day fund drained for budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's rainy day fund will be left with less money than any other time in recent memory, after the state Fiscal Committee voted to take money from the fund to balance the 2008-2009 budget.
"
NH: Small business owners in N.H. fret about tax expansion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CONCORD, N.H. -- In New Hampshire, which prides itself as a good place to do business, with no sales, income, or capital gains tax, small business owners are reeling over a last-minute, confusing addition last year to the state budget -- an expansion of a tax that could affect their earnings, and possibly, their future.
"
NH: Schools get technology boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Classrooms in five local towns will be flush with laptops, digital cameras and interactive whiteboards soon after getting a technology boost from recently announced stimulus money.
"
NH: Report -- Prison reform saves cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Hampshire could save millions of dollars if it were to radically alter how it handles freed inmates returned to prison, often for technical infractions, according to a national group delivering its findings to legislators today.
"
NJ: NJ budget officer -- $1 billion-plus shortfall is likely
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TRENTON, N.J. -- A budget officer from New Jersey's nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services said yesterday that it's "not . . . unreasonable" to assume the state would be more than $1 billion in the red when the fiscal year ends June 30.
"
NJ: Christie names community affairs chief
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Christie yesterday named a former prosecutor to head the state Department of Community Affairs, and a Sussex County freeholder to head the state Department of Labor.
"
NJ: Gov. Chris Christie warns N.J. companies of tax hike to cover unemployment fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says he'll let a tax hike on businesses take effect if the federal government doesn't help the state replenish the unemployment fund.
"
NJ: Gov. Christie transition report recommends tougher N.J. rules for teacher tenure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey should make it more difficult for public school teachers to earn tenure, eliminate some school budget votes and provide a "robust" slate of school choice options for parents, according to the education transition committee report advising new Gov. Chris Christie.
"
NJ: Gov. Christie's projected $1.3B N.J. budget shortfall is reasonable, analyst says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After a week of Gov. Chris Christie and former Gov. Jon Corzine sniping over the health of New Jersey's budget, a nonpartisan legislative office today said Christie's $1.3 billion projected revenue shortfall is reasonable.
"
NJ: N.J. Senate to take up pension reforms dropped by Corzine administration
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate will take up part of a pension reform package abandoned during the Corzine administration that would cut benefits for future state hires, Senate President Stephen Sweeney said Monday.
"
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.
"
NM: Agency -- Hike tax to save fund for jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Businesses could pay $20 million in higher taxes under a proposal by Gov. Bill Richardson's administration to shore up the program that provides unemployment benefits to jobless New Mexicans.
"
NM: $5.7 million for SIC review may spark Senate fight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons, who also sits on the State Investment Council, on Monday defended the SIC's request for millions of dollars in additional legal fees to a San Francisco law firm conducting an internal review of documents related to federal investigations of state investment practices.
"
NM: Medical Marijuana patients oppose taxing the drug
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Medical marijuana patients need to have a voice in discussions about how medical marijuana laws and policies are crafted, according to Paul Culkin, a 30- year-old military veteran who recently organized a patients' organization.
"
NM: AG warns law firms of scam
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The New Mexico Attorney General's Office is warning the state's law firms to be on guard for a scam that targets them.
"
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.
"
NV: With state cuts, how long can teacher salaries be spared?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two years of steep budget cuts have left the salaries of Clark County School District teachers untouched. But the latest numbers from Carson City might bring that to an end.
"
NV: Gibbons to address state on budget crisis Feb. 8
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons will address Nevadans on Feb. 8 in a special "state of the state" speech to outline his plans to deal with the state budget crisis and to set a special session of the Legislature.
"
NV: Gibbons to plot budget course
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons will deliver a special State of the State address Feb. 8 to discuss the economy and propose steps to cover an estimated $1 billion shortfall in the taxes that fund state government.
"
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.
"
NY: Mike -- Gov budget is city nightmare
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Facing the possible loss of $1.3 billion in state aid, Mayor Bloomberg yesterday played the doomsday card -- warning that if the money isn't restored, he'd have to make sweeping cuts and layoffs that would impact everything from the size of the police force to the number of garbage pickups.
"
NY: $5.4B complexes go back to lenders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- Like many homeowners who owe more than their properties are worth, the heavy hitters behind the most expensive real estate deal in U.S. history are giving up the two massive apartment complexes they bought during the housing boom.
"
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: 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: Governor to focus on jobs for Ohioans in State of the State speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Against the backdrop of high unemployment and his own slipping political popularity, Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland today, Jan. 26, will use his fourth State of the State address to talk about creating jobs.
"
OH: Pitney Bowes leaving Miamisburg by year's end, official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMISBURG, Ohio -- Seventy-five workers will lose their jobs when Pitney Bowes, a maker of mailing products, postage meters and related systems, closes its Miamisburg operations by the end of the year, a company spokesman said Monday evening, Jan. 25.
"
OH: Strickland's goal -- Inspire Ohioans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In what may be the most important speech of his political career, Gov. Ted Strickland will strive today to inspire Ohioans in the face of rising unemployment and dismal economic news.
"
OH: Strickland's promises -- How he did
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his first State of the State speech, Ted Strickland laid out an ambitious agenda, one that attempted to reverse 16 years of Republican rule.
"
OH: Gov. Ted Strickland's State of the State address might sound like a campaign speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland's crucial State of the State address Tuesday doesn't figure to be your typical policy-heavy message Ohioans are used to from this annual speech. Instead, it might be more like a plea to voters.
"
OH: State approves tax breaks for company expansions in Northeast Ohio
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Five Northeast Ohio companies would commit to hundreds of new and retained jobs under tax break deals approved Monday by state officials.
"
OH: Venture capital flow to 21-county Ohio region became a trickle in 2009, report says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- One of the region's most positive economic trends in recent years -- a healthy flow of venture capital -- took a sharp downturn in 2009, the region's annual venture report shows.
"
OH: Ohio Turnpike Commission reverses itself on higher tolls for bicycles or luggage on roof
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BEREA, Ohio - Vehicles with non-permanent items on the roof, such as bicycles and luggage carriers, no longer will be charged a higher toll on the Ohio Turnpike.
"
OH: Dems launch KasichCuts Web site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ohio Democratic Party has launched a new Web site to show "the disastrous impact" on Ohio communities it claims would be caused if Republican John Kasich is elected governor and pursues his "reckless tax scheme."
"
OH: Cordray -- Companies have the ticket to merge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray and his counterparts from other states today announced that they've OK'd the merger of the country's two largest ticket vendors, after obtaining concessions.
"
OH: State tax credits pegged to jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eight companies plan to create more than 400 jobs combined after getting tax credits for expansion projects in central Ohio, the state Department of Development said yesterday. Together, the local projects represent nearly $12 million in private investment.
"
OH: Timeline shrinking to land on budget fix
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A year from now, state leaders will be dealing with a proposed 2012-13 budget that, on paper, is $4 billion to $9 billion in the red because of the poor economy and use of one-time money in the current budget.
"
OH: Ohio CPAs make budget recommendations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants put together a budget task force last year that came up with recommendations to help address long-term state budget issues.
"
OH: Area home sales rise as U.S. deals plunge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home sales rose in central Ohio but plummeted nationally in December, offering a turbulent end to a turbulent decade in housing.
"
OH: Governor expected to focus on jobs in State of the State address
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland hasn't said what policy initiatives he may unveil today during his fourth State of the State speech, but some of the major proposals rolled out in past speeches still are being implemented.
"
OH: State's liquor sales hit record high in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"People might not have bought houses or autos last year because of the recession, but they didn't skimp on the booze. Ohioans again tipped the bottle at a record level, as liquor sales reached $734.8 million.
"
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.
"
OK: Poll finds economy, jobs top concerns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The most recent edition of the Oklahoma Poll found concern about the economy and unemployment at levels unprecedented in the survey's 17-year history.
"
OK: Harder times loom at schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If the state's economy remains in a slump, funding for schools could get worse in the next two years, financial officials with area school districts said.
"
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.
"
OR: Ballots due today for Measures 66, 67
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's too late to mail ballots in today's election for Measures 66 and 67. Ballots must be in the hands of elections officials by 8 p.m. today. Postmarks do not count.
"
OR: West Coast Bancorp posts $51.8M Q4 loss
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although problem loans are down, West Coast Bancorp reported hefty fourth-quarter and annual losses today.
"
OR: EPA focus on freeway pollution could mean more air monitors for Portland
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal regulators are tightening air standards for nitrous oxides, an ingredient in smog, which could force Oregon to install more air monitors along Portland freeways and other potential hot spots.
"
OR: Religious leaders endorse Measures 66 and 67
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some Catholic parish bulletins in recent weeks published portions of a newsletter by the Archdiocese of Portand's Office of Peace and Justice/Respect Life, endorsing a yes vote on Measures 66 and 67.
"
OR: State senator wants clarification on $3 billion "fund balances"
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state senator has asked Secretary of State Kate Brown for clarification on a state financial report that mentions more than $4 billion in state agency "ending fund balances."
"
OR: Last-minute voters could decide tax Measures 66, 6
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After a bruising campaign and weeks of voting by mail, today's big tax election may be decided by an onslaught of last-minute voters such as Courtenay Morton and Neil McManaway, two Portlanders who were among a steady stream of voters dropping off ballots Monday at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
"
OR: In anti-tax Oregon, voters consider tapping the rich
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND, Ore. -- Oregon officials know all about anti-tax fervor.
"
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.
"
PA: Aramark gets a grilling over Capitol cafeteria problems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"They scrubbed. They sanitized. They apologized. They trapped mice by the dozens. And still it wasn't enough.
"
PA: Pennsylvania mortgage relief wins fans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the Obama administration stumbling to modify large numbers of troubled mortgages, a little-known Pennsylvania program designed to assist struggling homeowners has been attracting increasing attention.
"
PA: Gubernatorial candidate Rohrer reiterates regret for pay votes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Rep. Sam Rohrer's votes for a 2001 pension boost and the 2005 legislative pay raise don't disqualify him from consideration in the governor's race, several "Tea Party" and conservative activists said yesterday.
"
PA: Republican group urges switch to part-time legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"McKay Sailer would like to see Pennsylvania return to a part-time legislature, because she thinks "most people are going there (to the Capitol) now to get rich."
"
PA: Lawmakers schedule hearing on casino trade association
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A joint state House-Senate committee hearing will be looking into the activities of a casino trade association headed by a former Pennsylvania Supreme Court chief justice.
"
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.
"
RI: Health insurers seek to increase rates for businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly seven months after withdrawing rate-hike requests that were rebuffed by the state health insurance commissioner, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and UnitedHealthCare of New England are again seeking to increase rates for businesses that offer coverage to employees.
"
RI: Carcieri will concentrate on job creation in his address
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his eighth and final State of the State Address, Governor Carcieri is expected to unveil a new plan to help the economy turn itself around and gain back some of the jobs that have been lost.
"
RI: State advisory board considers new tax on R.I. workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CRANSTON, R.I. — A state advisory board is considering a new tax on workers to help bail out the beleaguered state trust fund that pays benefits to the unemployed.
"
RI: Drug arrest could set precedent in R.I. medical marijuana law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Orlando Martino has been in and out of jail a half-dozen times in the last 15 years, mostly for drug possession; once for selling illegal drugs to an undercover police officer, and another time, for resisting arrest after the police chased him and wrestled him to the ground. His last conviction sent him to jail for most of 2008.
"
RI: Council OKs fine for disregarding foreclosure law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The City Council has approved a $2,000 fine for banks or lenders that fail to follow the city's new foreclosure ordinance, which requires that lenders attempt to renegotiate mortgages with homeowners before filing a deed of foreclosure with the city.
"
SC: Audit due on agency that seems 'out of control'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers will receive an inside look today at the agency that provides unemployment checks and its alleged mismanagement during South Carolina's deep recession.
"
SC: Looming employment report 'pretty scathing'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An overhaul of the state Employment Security Commission is expected to gain new urgency today, as a detailed audit of the unemployment benefit and job placement agency is released.
"
SC: No agreement yet on property tax bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Real estate agents and local government officials were unable to settle their differences Monday on a bill changing the way property is valued for tax purposes when it is sold.
"
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.
"
SD: Democrats adopt conservative message
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In October, as Gov. Mike Rounds toured the state warning of dire shortfalls to the state budget, Democrats met in Gary to hash out an agenda for the upcoming legislative session.
"
SD: Wage freeze worries S.D. universities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Dakota public university presidents worried about the poor economy's effect on their budgets say salary issues are among their top concerns.
"
SD: Voters might decide the future of state's School for the Deaf
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers led by Sen.. Al Novstrup want to clear the legal path for possible closure of the state School for the Deaf.
"
SD: Rounds pulls veto threat on budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When past legislatures have passed budgets exceeding Gov. Mike Rounds' proposals, he has worked with them. This year, he said he's not going to be so accommodating.
"
TN: Conservation group pushes green agenda as legislative session opens
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Banning mountaintop removal for coal mining, restoring funding for land acquisitions and improving air quality are among the top priorities of the Tennessee Conservation Voters for this legislative session.
"
TN: Budget likely to dominate TN legislative session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Campaign finance, school vouchers and guns could be among the hot-button issues that the state legislature debates this year, but as Tennessee continues to deal with a budget crisis, spending is likely to be lawmakers' biggest priority of all.
"
TN: Piedmont Gas loses bid to change rate structure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Piedmont Natural Gas lost its bid Monday for a plan that would allow the utility to raise rates for residents when less gas is used, after Tennessee Regulatory Authority directors said the proposal as presented was unfair to customers.
"
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.
"
TX: Feds find dubious home tax credit claims from Texas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal inspectors scouring tax returns that contain a credit for first-time homebuyers have found something curious about claims from Texas.
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TX: Twenty who gave plenty
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If you've been paying attention to Texas politics, you know that candidates collected millions in campaign cash during the last six months of 2009, and that the men and women at the top of the ballot — the ones running for governor — are at the highest point on the political food chain.
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TX: The remedy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One Democrat who isn't crying over spilt milk is U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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US: Welfare rolls up in '09; more enroll in assistance programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Welfare rolls rose in 2009 for the first time in 15 years, but the 5% increase was dwarfed by spikes in the number of people receiving food stamps and unemployment insurance.
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US: States weigh judicial recusals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More states are responding to a longstanding concern that elected judges risk the appearance of bias when they hear cases involving their campaign contributors. But recent examples from Wisconsin and Nevada show that some states are reluctant to force judges to disqualify themselves from cases solely because they have received large contributions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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UT: Most say opt out of health reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If a federal health reform bill passes, a majority of Utahns say the state should have the choice to opt out, no matter what the consequences, a new Salt Lake Tribune poll shows.
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UT: Guv, Legislature in step
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Gary Herbert goes into his first lawmaking session enjoying perhaps the best relationship with the Legislature of any governor since Norm Bangerter.
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UT: Alliance pushes states' rights agenda
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vowing to fight federal encroachment on states' rights, a coalition of conservative Utah lawmakers and activists is seeking to set the tone for the 2010 Legislature.
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UT: Legislation targets ticket scalpers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Braving a chilly January night, they stood on street corners calling, "tickets, tickets."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
VA: Industry execs diagnose health care bills' effectiveness
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The nation's health care system needs reform, say local health care executives, even though last week's election of Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate threw a wrench in Democrats' plans.
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VA: Virginia governor proposes budget cuts and no tax increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell recommended Monday postponing equipment purchases, keeping vacant positions open, spending money from a tax amnesty program and reducing the state's contribution to the retirement plan to pay for his new spending proposals.
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VA: Bill stating that no one can be forced to buy health insurance advanced
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Senate Republicans fired their first shot against a federal health care overhaul Monday, getting a key committee's support for legislation declaring that Virginia residents cannot be forced to buy health insurance.
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VA: Ahead of McDonnell's big tax cuts, smaller ones
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Gov. Bob McDonnell has kept concealed particulars of his plans to cut state spending, the ideas he announced Monday evening to subsidize his economic development initiatives provide hints about his overall budget-balancing approach.
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VA: Proposed fees challenge Va. governor, a foe of raising taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RICHMOND, Va. -- Republican Gov. Robert F. McDonnell was as clear as he could be in his first address to a joint session of Virginia's General Assembly on Monday night: He will reject any proposal to raise taxes on Virginians while they suffer through an economic recession.
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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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VT: Tritium leaks a problem at many plants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Paul Gunter remembers the day in July 1976 when he and fellow opponents of the Seabrook, N.H., nuclear plant knocked on the door of a home in Hinsdale, N.H., across the Connecticut River from the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in Vernon.
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VT: Termination of grants spreads impact of Vermont budget crisis
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Since July, 30 Vermonters have received assistance paying for 1,070 rides to their life-saving dialysis treatment.
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WA: Closing Larch prison will reduce firefighters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LONGVIEW, Wash. -- Gov. Chris Gregoire plans to close three minimum-security prisons - including Larch Mountain Correctional Facility in Yacolt near Vancouver - and make other changes as part of a statewide plan to save money.
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WA: House OKs bill against BPA
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to ban the use of an industrial chemical found in food and beverage containers used by children sailed through the House on Monday on a 95-1 vote. w
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WA: Isthmus dispute returns to House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Olympia's isthmus-development dispute returns to the Legislature on Thursday — to the House Local Government Committee that killed an isthmus height-limit measure last year.
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WA: Quick! Spend $70 million in stimulus funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a deadline less than two months away, the state Department of Transportation has about $70 million in leftover stimulus money due to savings from a down construction market.
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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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WI: Doyle to give State of the State address amid slow economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Doyle will give his eighth and final State of the State speech Tuesday evening amid high unemployment and strained state finances.
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WI: Lawmaker questions higher-than-expected costs for renewable energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A lawmaker wants more scrutiny of state deals to pay more for electricity from renewable sources than from fossil fuels.
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WI: Oshkosh lands order for battle-damage repair kits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oshkosh Corp. has received new orders valued at more than $325 million for military vehicle spare parts and battle-damage repair kits.
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WI: States' attorneys general request presence at Obama carp summit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The political heat is cranking up on President Barack Obama to take more dramatic steps to block the advance of Asian carp into the Great Lakes.
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WI: DAs feel state budget cuts, worry about possible layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Crime might be down, but anxiety is definitely up among Wisconsin's prosecutors. In light of the state's budget crunch, an unspecified number of assistant district attorneys face layoffs.
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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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WV: Jobless fund lowest in years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia's unemployment fund is at its lowest level in years, despite controversial action by the Legislature last spring to create more revenue for the account.
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WV: Manchin promises review of coal critics' complaints
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin on Monday promised to review citizen complaints about lax enforcement of strip-mining regulations and urged the coal industry and its critics to discuss their differences without resorting to violence and intimidation.
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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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WY: Bill targets state employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the first time in many years, state employees would pay a share of their retirement system costs under a bill set in motion Monday by the Joint Appropriations Committee.
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WY: Wyoming government revenue forecast down slightly in latest report
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, or CREG, Wyoming's revenue forecasting group, has issued it's latest forecast prior to the 2010 legislative session, which shows revenue projections down very slightly–$1.9 million–from the previous forecast.
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WY: Former U.S. Attorney Mead launches gubernatorial campaign
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amidst M&Ms candy printed with his name, stacks of sandwiches, fruit and vegetables and coffee, former U.S. Attorney for Wyoming Matt Mead became the 2nd announced candidate for Governor of Wyoming.
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WY: 'We can live with that'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State fiscal experts Friday made only slight changes in Wyoming's government revenue picture, revising October estimates downward by $1.9 million from lagging sales and use taxes.
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WY: Wyo coal sustains U.S. economy, UW study says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new study by a University of Wyoming economist boasts, "The Powder River Basin contains the largest reserve of low cost hydrocarbons on the planet."
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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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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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Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
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and planning with investments and insurance choices.
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