Ore. voters approve $727 million tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY’S TAKE: For the first time since 1930, Oregon voters approved a general tax increase on Tuesday (Jan. 26), signing off on a plan to raise $727 million by targeting corporations and the wealthy.
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MD: Legislators act to limit corporate political spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland lawmakers are rushing to develop a package of proposals in response to the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down bans on corporate political spending - a ruling the state Senate president called "offensive" and "devastating to democracy."
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US: Order your copy of "State of the States 2010"
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pew Center on the States is taking orders for "State of the States 2010". The 30-page publication takes a nonpartisan, analytical look at how the recession is changing state government and impacting the 2010 elections for state office.
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AK: Young -- Gas tax freeze undercuts federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal by Gov. Sean Parnell to suspend Alaska's motor fuels tax may undermine federal transportation funding, U.S. Rep. Don Young said Tuesday.
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AK: State population grows largely due to military and dependents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's population growth accelerated slightly last year, according to new estimates.
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AK: Nome road could cost as much as $2.7 billion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new state-funded study says a 500-mile road to Nome championed by Gov. Sean Parnell could cost nearly $3 billion to build.
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AK: Measure proposes tapping fund for gas line
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two top state Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Chenault, are suggesting that Alaska Permanent Fund earnings might be used to subsidize an in-state natural gas pipeline
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AK: State predicts long life for oil pipeline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top state official is saying that the trans-Alaska oil pipeline will continue to carry oil at capacities far below what proponents of oil tax cuts have been claiming.
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AL: Governor rejects block on furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama's Republican gov ernor has set up a showdown with the Democrat-controlled Legislature over whether to al low state employees to be fur loughed or leave layoffs as the only choice for state agencies dealing with budget cuts.
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AL: Alabama Chief Justice warns of layoffs under Riley budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb blasted Gov. Bob Riley's General Fund budget plan Tuesday, saying it would lead to the layoff of between 500 to 600 court personnel statewide.
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AL: Senate could end debate on roads bill Thursday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A powerful state senator said he and his Democratic colleagues will consider shutting off debate Thursday on a bill that would use $1 billion over 10 years to improve roads and bridges.
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AR: Ark. 2009 crop losses near $400M
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Agriculture officials say Arkansas farmers sustained nearly $400 million in crop losses for the 2009 growing season.
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AR: Senate panel endorses fundraising during fiscal session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate Rules Committee endorsed a proposal today to allow senators to keep raising money through the upcoming fiscal session.
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AR: Avoid refund anticipation loans, lawmaker urges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the arrival of tax season, a state lawmaker is urging Arkansans not to accept offers of cash "advances" on their tax refunds.
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AZ: UA to merge art programs as cost-saving measure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Citing state budget cuts, the University of Arizona will combine its media arts program with its theatre arts program.
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AZ: Cities ask state to heed example
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cities and towns have learned to live within their means during these tough economic times, and now it's time for the state to do the same.
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AZ: Lawmakers say tax hike will have to go to voters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative leaders say they can't deliver on Gov. Jan Brewer's call to enact a temporary sales tax
on their own, pushing the controversial issue back to a statewide election, possibly this spring.
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AZ: Lawmakers given list of budget options
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Billion-dollar problems call for billion-dollar solutions, and the Arizona Legislature's staff on Tuesday offered up budget alternatives totaling more than $8 billion over two years - more than double the amount of money needed to close the state's deficits.a
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AZ: Ariz. lawmakers eye tax hike for non-Arizonans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senate President Bob Burns says the idea is to allow non-residents only a standard deduction proportional to the amount of income earned in Arizona compared with their total income.
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AZ: Lawmakers want control of federal money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate panel has approved a bill that would allow the Legislature to decide how to spend federal money that is controlled by the Governor's Office.
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AZ: Cubs to announce they're staying in Mesa
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mesa officials will gather at the state Capitol Wednesday morning to announce the Chicago Cubs are staying in Arizona.
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AZ: Lawmakers fight for 'Grand Canyon State' label
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers took the first steps Tuesday to officially declaring Arizona "The Grand Canyon State" — quick, before Nevada claims it.
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AZ: Apache Junction weighs annexation of Lost Dutchman Park
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Apache Junction officials are so worried about economic fallout from the planned closure of Lost Dutchman State Park that they are considering annexing the iconic landmark.
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AZ: Lost Dutchman State Park prepares to close
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For Tom Fisher, Lost Dutchman State Park's planned closure is the end of an era. The park manager, a ranger for nearly three decades, speaks of the park that is slated to close by summer more as a visitor might.
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CA: Gubernatorial hopeful Meg Whitman releases her first book
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For a day at least, Meg Whitman the gubernatorial candidate and former eBay chief became Meg Whitman the author.
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CA: California gift-limits bill sidetracked before Assembly vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation to crack down on concert tickets, meal tabs, greens fees, Sacramento Kings tickets and other gifts to California lawmakers has been killed before reaching the Assembly floor.
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CO: Committee passes pension fix
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After nearly six hours of testimony and debate, the Senate Finance Committee voted 5-2 tonight to pass a bill designed to rescue the state's ailing pension fund.
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CO: Douglas Bruce tied to 3 anti-tax initiatives
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Anti-tax advocate Douglas Bruce has sought to distance himself from three statewide initiatives that could limit the ability of local and state governments to raise taxes or borrow money.
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CO: Off-road-vehicle fees spent generously amid Colorado budget crisis
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A State Parks subcommittee that in 2009 gave grant applicants hundreds of thousands of dollars more than they asked for has come under scrutiny as environmental groups, hunters and law enforcement agencies seek a share of annual off-road vehicle sticker fees.
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CO: GOP state senators make symbolic stand against two Ritter appointees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Senate Republicans overwhelmingly voted Tuesday against two department directors, who were confirmed, because of their environmental stances.
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CO: Industries, lobbyists sour on proposals to curb Colo. tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As lawmakers consider eliminating a host of tax breaks for corporations, a key business group in Colorado has floated an idea that has raised eyebrows at the Capitol: Removing the sales-tax exemption on groceries.
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CT: Gateway project 'on budget, on time,' state official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Ceremonial ground was broken Tuesday for the new Gateway Community College in the downtown spot where Macy's and Edw. Malley Co. department stores once stood, and officials gave an impressive summary of what the new facility will bring: a 50 percent increase in capacity, top energy efficiency standards, construction jobs and more consumers for area businesses.
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CT: R. Nelson "Oz'' Griebel announcing run for governor on Thursday; Simsbury Republican enters crowded field
From: feeds.stateline.org
"R. Nelson "Oz'' Griebel, one of the top business leaders in the Greater Hartford region, will announce Thursday that he is running for governor.
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CT: Foxwoods, UAW agree on contract for table-game dealers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of table-game dealers at Foxwoods Resort Casino reached their first labor contract with the Indian tribe that owns the casino on Tuesday, positioning them to become the largest group of union-represented dealers at any U.S. casino.
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CT: New Britain legislators hear calls to cut spending, protect programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- The city's legislative delegation got a taste Tuesday of what the next General Assembly session may bring: demands for spending cuts alongside demands to protect programs.
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CT: Ca$h for Clunker$ return$
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Monday, the state launched the CT Recovery Appliance Rebate Program, designed to encourage customers to replace their old appliances with more energy-efficient models.
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DE: Markell takes hybrid for a spin
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Developers of an "extreme" hybrid electric car system took Gov. Jack Markell for a spin around Dover on Tuesday, part of a cross-country tour aimed at winning Washington state-based AFS Trinity a place at the heart of an electric car revolution.
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DE: Markell calms angry crowd of jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A rally of out-of-work union members quickly turned tense Tuesday when protesters threw shoes on the steps of Legislative Hall, refused orders to leave the front of the building and began chanting loudly, prompting Capitol Police to call for assistance from city and state police.
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FL: Obama aims to ax moon mission
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ORLANDO, Fla. -- NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon are dead. So are the rockets being designed to take them there — that is, if President Barack Obama gets his way.
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FL: Crist proposing tax cut for Fla. corporations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist wants to give Florida corporations a $57 million tax cut although the state is facing a potential budget deficit of up to $3.2 billion.
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FL: Florida's consumer confidence index hits 2-year high
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida's consumers started out the New Year unexpectedly optimistic about the economy, with the state consumer confidence index rising to its highest level in more than two years.
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FL: Crist may seek new talks on Fla. Indian gaming
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist may try to renegotiate a deal with the Seminole Indians to expand gambling at the tribe's Florida casinos.
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FL: Scott Rothstein to plead guilty Wednesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Scott Rothstein, the Fort Lauderdale attorney charged with running South Florida's largest investment scam, is scheduled to plead guilty in federal court Wednesday.
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FL: FPL pressed to explain project-suspension statement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Did Florida Power & Light mislead state regulators when it announced Jan. 13 that it would be forced to suspend projects because it didn't win a 30 percent rate increase?
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GA: Perdue's plan to sell environment loans draws fire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Sonny Perdue wants to sell part of an environmental loan fund on Wall Street to plug a hole in the state budget, but critics say it will threaten local governments' ability to finance water and sewer improvements at a time when the funding is badly needed.
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GA: GOP to push job tax cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia Republicans will push a forward a tax cut package aimed at creating jobs in the state, where unemployment is at 10.3 percent.
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GA: Job growth leads legislators' to-do list
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Knowing the carpet industry may not improve significantly for years, Dalton needs to find some new kinds of jobs, a state representative said Tuesday.
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GA: Horse racing bill in General Assembly hopper
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation introduced into the Georgia House of Representatives Tuesday could lead to the legalization of horse racing and pari-mutuel betting.
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GA: State board OKs water, sewer loans sell-off
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority's board of directors Tuesday overwhelmingly authorized the sale of all or part of a loan fund that supports water and sewer projects across the state.
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GA: Are teachers getting snowed by the snow days?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Is it fair if the snow/flood days turn out to be furlough days in Gwinnett or anywhere else?
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GA: Economist to lawmakers -- Rethink those child labor laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon listened to a parade of experts assessing Georgia's economy and the likelihood of recovery.
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GA: Burkhalter issued about 30 appointments in 11 days as speaker
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his 11 days as speaker of the Georgia House, Mark Burkhalter made dozens of political appointments -- including ones that put a former Atlanta Falcons quarterback on a committee regulating athletes' agents and a Fulton County tax attorney on the State Ethics Commission.
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HI: State postpones Makapuu road closures this week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Transportation will postpone nighttime closures of Kalanianaole Highway between the Ka Iwi Scenic Lookout and Makapuu Beach Park Wednesday through Friday to allow for project inspections.
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HI: GOP kicking off national strategy session in Isles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Republican National Committee opens its winter meeting today in Honolulu, a four-day strategy session that GOP activists from the across the country hope will position the party to make gains in the mid-term elections in November.
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HI: Hannemann contends Lingle opposes rail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the latest verbal salvo over the city's planned transit system, Mayor Mufi Hannemann said yesterday he believes Gov. Linda Lingle opposes a rail system despite her insistence to the contrary.
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HI: National GOP aids island hopefuls
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Republican National Committee hosted an "Island Summit" for local GOP members and potential candidates yesterday but barred the news media from the meeting and a luncheon speech by Gov. Linda Lingle.
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IA: UI grad schools fear elimination after proposals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"University of Iowa President Sally Mason today will review task forces' recommendations about the direction of UI, including the possible closure of 12 or more graduate programs, several UI faculty members said.
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IA: Liberals push range of issues at Iowa Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Conservatives often complain the Democrats who hold majorities in both chambers of the Iowa Legislature ignore their ideas. It turns out some liberals feel the same way.
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IA: Iowa law would keep rock imposters off the bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Iowa lawmaker wants bogus knock-off musical groups posing as authentic, old-time rockers to knock if off.
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IA: State parks should remain open, officials say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials anticipate they will keep state parks open this year despite steep cuts in funding, although they say visitors might notice a longer time between mowing and the cleaning of facilities.
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IA: DART board approves tax rates, but splits on what routes to cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority commissioners approved maximum tax rates Tuesday that make the elimination of some bus service in Des Moines and surrounding areas almost inevitable.
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IA: Iowa short on cash for health goals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative leaders are touting a plan to make health care easier for poor and moderate-income Iowans to find, but they acknowledged Tuesday the meatiest parts of the plan couldn't take effect without increased federal money.
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ID: Idaho may delay larger grocery credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Do Idaho residents want an extra $10 next year, or should the state suspend increasing a credit to offset the 6 percent sales tax on food to shore up public education, prisons and public TV?
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ID: Grassroots fundraising may become bigger portion of schoolfunding picture
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BUHL, Idaho — With February just around the corner it's time again for the Popplewell Elementary School Math-a-thon in Buhl.
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ID: Small local school districts not on board with Otter's budget loan option
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter recently suggested an unusual idea for struggling school districts — allowing them to borrow from the state to compensate for budget holdbacks this year, and then paying the money back from next year's appropriations.
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IL: Human service agencies near breaking point
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NORMAL, Ill. -- Human service agencies in Illinois are nearing the breaking point and state legislators need to respond.
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IL: Illinois universities to issue budget plea
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. – University presidents across Illinois plan to send a common plea to state legislators in coming days: work with us to fix the state's budget crisis, and stick to a payment plan.
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IL: Brady promises balanced budget in 1st year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Bill Brady is promising to balance the state budget in his first year in office if he's elected Illinois governor.
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IL: Ill. groups land emergency preparedness grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 80 communities in Illinois are getting a slice of $440,000 to improve emergency preparedness. The grant money from the Illinois Terrorism Task Force will go to 82 Citizen Corps Councils throughout the state.
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IL: State, union reach deal to avoid mass layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state and its largest employee union have agreed to a plan that will avoid massive layoffs in exchange for reduced pay hikes and a voluntary furlough program.
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IL: Audit -- Conflict of interest present in tollway deals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An obscure Illinois tollway audit in 2008 warned about conflict of interest involving engineering contracts, sloppy record-keeping and insufficient checks and balances in the midst of the agency's $6.3 billion road widening and rebuilding program.
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IL: 23 percent of suburban office space vacant, expert says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hard times for office landlords have given rise to predictions that some buildings will become "zombies." It's the term for buildings plagued by empty space, yet the owners are prevented by lenders from accepting leases at reduced rates.
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IL: Ford drives jobs boost for Southland
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Ford says it will nee d 1,200 people to build the new Explorer in Chicago this fall, don't be in a rush just yet to fill out your job application. Furloughed Ford workers around the country - about 600 of them - have dibs on those jobs.
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IL: Quinn, Daley laud Ford jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn today credited the 1,200 new jobs at a Ford assembly plant in Chicago to an automotive tax credit program he signed into law late last year.
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IL: Illinois legislators to host meeting on carp in D.C.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Judy Biggert will host a meeting of House and Senate leaders from around the Great Lakes on Wednesday morning at the U.S. Capitol to work together on finding ways to keep Asian carp from invading Lake Michigan.
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IL: Quinn reaches deal to avoid state unionized worker layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn's office has reached a deal with the largest state employee union that prevents layoffs of up to 2,000 state workers in return for a temporary pay freeze.
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IL: Licensed professionals may be disciplined due to sex offenses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 300 licensed professionals in Illinois have been targeted for possible disciplinary action after a state regulatory agency discovered they had been convicted of a sex offense.
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IL: Nursing home raids net 8 arrests
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the second time in five weeks, authorities on Tuesday swept two Chicago-area nursing homes for residents with outstanding arrest warrants, this time identifying 20 people wanted on charges ranging from assault to domestic battery to indecent exposure.
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IL: Deerfield moving ahead with ComEd outages lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Following a partial court victory, Deerfield officials are moving ahead with their lawsuit seeking damages from Commonwealth Edison Co. for what they say are chronic outages.
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IN: Whiting eyes RDA funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Whiting Mayor Joe Stahura asked the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority for a $19.45 million grant Tuesday to help fund its lakeshore redevelopment, the largest public project in the city's history.
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IN: Gary's bid for inland casino fails Senate vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gary's plans for a land-based casino were dashed Tuesday night when the Senate's appropriations committee erased language from a bill that would let riverboat casinos move ashore.
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IN: Indiana agency begins hybrid welfare plan rollout
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration rolled out its pilot "hybrid" system for processing welfare applications in a swath of 10 Southwestern Indiana counties on Tuesday.
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IN: Lawmakers OK bill regulating radioactive material
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Indiana Senate has passed legislation that would boost the state's regulations for radioactive materials being shipped within the state.
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IN: Hoosier innovations vie for the big time
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Like a spark, the notion of developing a way to eliminate those pesky paper receipts was born in a brainstorming session among Purdue University students and professors.
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IN: 2 Indiana plants are dealt a blow as Toyota halts sales of 8 models
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Toyota suspended U.S. sales of some of its most popular vehicles -- including the best-selling car in America, the Camry -- to fix sticking gas pedals that could make the cars accelerate without warning.
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KS: Could Mork and Mickey Mouse save the Kansas Democrats?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Who needs Wiggans, Parkinson or Gates? Kansas Democrats now have two - count 'em - two candidates for governor.
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KS: Parkinson's call for a higher Kansas sales tax could come to end today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson's call for a higher sales tax could come to an end today.
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KS: e Parkinson goes on offensive in promoting his plan for targeted tax increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson on Tuesday went on the offensive, urging health and social service advocates to enlist people to lobby the Legislature for a tax increase.
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KS: Statehouse Live -- Parkinson urges tax increase; 2 JoCo Republicans propose liquor hike; business unhappy with tax talk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the face of a wall of opposition from business interests, Gov. Mark Parkinson said that legislators should not fear voting for a tax increase to balance the budget.
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KS: Governor rejects recommendation to close Kansas Neurological Institute
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson says he will not accept the Closure and Realignment Commission's recommendation to close the Kansas Neurological Institute.
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KY: Bribery charges dismissed in bid-rigging case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The government's bid-rigging case against road contractor Leonard Lawson and former state Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert partially collapsed Tuesday when the judge dismissed two bribery counts and suggested other charges might fall as well.
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KY: Bill would expand oversight of self-insurance groups
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to increase state oversight of self-insurance groups run by organizations such as the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Association of Counties was approved unanimously by a legislative committee Tuesday.
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KY: Stumbo asks for budget fixes that don't raise taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Speaker Greg Stumbo has asked budget experts to come up with five different proposals to rectify one of the largest budget shortfalls in Kentucky history, including the option of raiding schools' rainy day funds.
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KY: Legislative races draw 232 candidates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 230 Kentuckians have signed up to run for the state legislature, many of them motivated by heated debate over expanded gambling in recent months.
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KY: Texting-while-driving ban moves
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that bans all drivers from text messaging while behind the wheel and outlaws any cell phone use by drivers under the age of 18 cleared its first legislative hurdle on Tuesday.
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MA: City violates pension law a third time, panel finds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Menino administration approved a lucrative consulting job for a retired State Police detective who was already earning a sizable public pension, a move that a city watchdog agency says violated state law.
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MA: Patrick seeks new curbs in state pensions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Deval Patrick proposed new limits yesterday on pension payouts for state employees, seeking to cast himself as a reformer as he heads into what is expected to be an intense reelection campaign.
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MA: State's home sales have first yearly rise since '04
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sales of single-family homes in Massachusetts rose 3 percent in 2009, marking the first year-over-year increase since 2004 and offering more evidence that the state's housing market may be climbing back from its steep fall.
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MA: DirectTV fights Massachusetts tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DirecTV is challenging a new 5-percent sales tax on satellite television service in Massachusetts.
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MD: 2 bills would legalize medical marijuana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hoping to make Maryland the 15th state in the nation to legalize medical marijuana, legislators introduced a pair of bills Tuesday in the General Assembly that would let doctors approve access to marijuana for their patients and sanction dispensaries, and even pharmacies, to distribute the drug.
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MD: State budget analyst warns stimulus funds uncertain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top Maryland budget analyst advised lawmakers on Monday that $389 million in new stimulus money assumed in the state budget may not materialize, and he counseled them on ways to make up for the money if it isn't approved.
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MI: Michigan's Race to the Top competition begins now, 40 states sign on to compete
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After the final tally, Michigan will compete against 40 of the 50 states for the federal Race to the Top grant competition.
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MI: Michigan's tourism Website is most popular in nation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Good news: Michigan is topping a list that doesn't have to do with job loss or outmigration.
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MI: Michigan gas tax hike proposed to secure federal highway aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan's per-gallon gas tax would jump from 19 cents to 23 cents this year, and then to 27 cents in 2013, under a measure that seeks to avoid the loss of more than $2 billion in federal highway aid for state and local roads over the next five years.
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MI: President makes mark on Mich.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- As President Barack Obama heads into his second year in the Oval Office, Michigan finds it realized some benefits in his first year, most notably the bailout of the auto industry, which saved thousands of jobs and the state's premier industry.
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MI: Michigan's foray into wind energy is faltering as orders for turbines lag
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Data released Tuesday by the American Wind Energy Association show that Michigan's efforts to diversify into wind energy face some significant headwinds.
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MI: Spending freeze may be tough call
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While federal lawmakers wondered how much a proposed spending freeze would really help the projected $1.35-trillion federal deficit, in Michigan, local agencies and officials began worrying about the potential loss of dollars.
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MI: Lawmakers propose higher gas taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two state lawmakers are proposing higher taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel to raise money to repair Michigan's roads.
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MO: DNR short of funds; fees set to expire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Dinged by criticism over the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' decision to delay the release of water quality results at Lake of the Ozarks this summer, Gov. Jay Nixon announced sweeping new initiatives aimed at cleaning up the state's rivers, lakes and streams.
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MO: Drug-test measures abound
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Support is growing in the General Assembly to deny welfare payments to people who test positive for using illegal drugs.
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MO: Higher-ed chief suggests ways to save money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri's higher-education community is facing unprecedented funding shortfalls that have leaders suggesting drastic measures.
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MO: Nixon's school funding plan draws criticism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There is no provision in state law for Gov. Jay Nixon's plan to partially finance the system of direct payments to public schools, Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields said yesterday.
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MO: Legislator speaks out on 'pay to play'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Republican member of the state House testified Tuesday that "pay to play" exists in the state legislature.
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MS: Meth war may draft doctors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Haley Barbour and Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant said Tuesday they support legislation requiring cold sufferers to obtain physicians' prescriptions before buying products like Claritin-D and Sudafed that contain pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in the illegal drug methamphetamine.
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MS: House OKs $100M budget restoration
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Dozens of school superintendents watched from the balcony as House lawmakers passed a measure Tuesday that would restore $100 million to the state budget - a big chunk of it earmarked for K-12 education.
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MT: Regents to look at university system budget cuts Thursday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Montana Board of Regents will consider a list of general budget reductions during a conference-call meeting Thursday.
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MT: Lindeen, ex-employee reach settlement over illegal politicking charges against governor's brother
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Auditor Monica Lindeen has reached a settlement with an ex-employee who left her office in 2009 after accusing Deputy Auditor Walter Schweitzer, the governor's brother, of illegally soliciting political donations from fellow employees in a state building.
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MT: 2 more lawsuits challenge property tax appraisals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two more lawsuits have been filed recently that challenge the Montana Revenue Department's latest statewide reappraisal of property and the resulting property taxes.
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NC: Local legislators push for economy-boosting laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Job creation and economic development remains the top priority for state legislators from the Golden Strip as they hope to attract more businesses like Boeing and BMW that could shape the future of the state.
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NC: Law aims at big rig texters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State law already prohibits texting for all drivers in North Carolina, but the new federal texting ban for commercial drivers carries stiffer punishment.
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NC: Perdue pressed to halt cement plant permit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Environmental lawyers who want a full review of a proposed New Hanover County cement plant have asked Gov. Bev Perdue to put a hold on an air emissions permit the state is considering.
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ND: Rise of ethanol affects prairie birds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report says government incentives for corn-based ethanol are motivating farmers to convert grasslands to cornfields, resulting in declining grassland bird populations in the Prairie Pothole Region, including Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
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ND: EGF wants more money for state campground
From: feeds.stateline.org
"East Grand Forks will get more money from the state for maintaining the Red River State Recreation Area this year. But Mayor Lynn Stauss said the city deserves even more.
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ND: NDSU expected to lift hiring freeze
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Dick Hanson said Tuesday he expects to lift a partial hiring freeze at North Dakota State University on Feb. 4.
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ND: Area schools worry more cuts to come
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Area school leaders who will see their state aid payments delayed this spring said they should be able to weather the three-month dry spel
"
NE: Minitrucks could be allowed on all but high-speed Nebraska highways
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minitrucks -- now banned from state and local roads -- would be treated almost like regular pickups under a bill that gained first-round passage Tuesday.
"
NE: Governor wants Republican River strategy in place
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Larry the Cable Guy and his good ol' boy slogan got at least passing attention in Lincoln on Tuesday as a way to resolve the dispute between Kansas and Nebraska over the Republican River.
"
NE: Medicaid change could affect more than illegals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A number of legal citizens in Nebraska could lose prenatal Medicaid coverage alongside 1,000 illegal immigrants because of a federal rule clarification.
"
NE: Private funds boosted NU pay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unlike many of their peers, the leaders of the University of Nebraska system and its Lincoln campus collected double-digit increases in their total compensation in the 2008-09 school year.
"
NH: Obama to speak in Nashua on Tuesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama will travel to Nashua on Tuesday, Democratic Party spokesman Derek Richer confirmed last night. The visit will come one day after Obama presents his federal budget.
"
NH: Senator -- Payday loan cap has loophole
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A year ago, the state Legislature outlawed payday and title loans in order to protect consumers from paying exorbitant interest rates. But that hasn't stopped some lenders from offering other types of short-term loans at equally high interest rates.
"
NJ: Boycotting N.J. Chamber of Commerce's "Walk to Washington" -- Gov. Chris Christie plays the party pooper
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Having already declared he's ready to rumble with the state employee and teacher unions, Gov. Chris Christie is sticking a thumb in the eye of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce by snubbing its big event of the year.
"
NJ: Jury selection contentious in N.J. corruption trial of Jersey City official
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorneys are wrangling over the jury for the first trial to arise from New Jersey's largest-ever corruption bust.
"
NJ: Meadowlands' mission a top issue facing N.J. Gov. Christie
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie didn't have much time to celebrate his inauguration last week, given the daunting list of state issues he faced — including a constellation of problems at the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
"
NJ: N.J. school referendums will decide on $293.7M in construction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Residents in nine New Jersey school districts will vote on $293.7 million in construction projects for schools, a report in the New Jersey School Boards Association website said.
"
NJ: N.J. will be short nearly 3,000 doctors in next decade without changes, report says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey will be short nearly 3,000 doctors by 2020 if the state does not take preventive measures, a task force said today.
"
NJ: N.J. Gov. Christie supports continuation of Sec. of Agriculture Douglas Fisher in post
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Christie today said he supports Douglas Fisher continuing as Agriculture secretary.
"
NJ: N.J. Association of Counties faces audit after questions about expenses, salaries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A taxpayer-funded private lobbying group will hire an auditor after members questioned expenses, including the executive director's $205,000 salary, a luxury car lease and oversight of a non-profit foundation.
"
NM: Domestic partnership measure turns allies into opponents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The battle in the Legislature over a bill to establish domestic-partner rights pits social advocates and lobbyists who normally are allied on a variety of issues against each other.
"
NM: 'Enough is enough' -- Bill would halt attorney payments in decades-old lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Rod Adair is sponsoring legislation that would cease payments to lawyers in a 23-year-old lawsuit against the state and earmark that money to help those with developmental disabilities.
"
NM: Lawmakers propose axing capital projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of capital-improvement projects, from school playgrounds to water-system upgrades, would be scrapped under a proposal by a group of Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
"
NM: New Mexico film incentives survive, again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Terminator couldn't have done a better job of killing off a state House bill that would have repealed lucrative tax incentives for the movie business.
"
NM: Rescuing Rail Runner's weekend schedule
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Weekend service on the Rail Runner Express train might be saved after all.
"
NV: Report gives Nevada poor marks for transparency on stimulus spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada received poor grades for its disclosure of federal stimulus spending in a report today from Good Jobs First, a research center in Washington, D.C.
"
NV: Report gives Nevada poor marks for transparency on stimulus spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada received poor grades for its disclosure of federal stimulus spending in a report today from Good Jobs First, a research center in Washington, D.C."
NV: Gibbons, lawmakers search for common ground on budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons and legislative leaders met for about two hours Tuesday on the state's budget shortfall, with both sides describing a productive round of talks but offering no details about how they will solve the state's latest budget gap.
"
NV: What the Gibbons-Ozmen relationship tells us about Nevada politics
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The long, sweet, cozy story of the Gibbons and Ozmen families, where campaign cash and government contracts have been the currency of friendship, has so many "only in Nevada" answers.
"
NV: Oops! Illegal bucks for Montandon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial hopeful Mike Montandon accepted a $10,000 donation from a foreign company last year, a violation of federal campaign finance law.
"
NV: Lawmakers, Gibbons work together
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Meeting held to discuss state's $900 million budget shortfall
"
NV: Nevada economy -- Taxable sales dip in November
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada's budget woes grew Tuesday with the release of new sales numbers in the state.
"
NV: $900 million shortfall -- Jobs on line for state, schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada's budget outlook is so bleak that lawmakers doubt whether state government can remain afloat without drastic cuts to everything from prisons to schools to state parks and services for the poor and elderly.
"
NY: Tribal casinos owe $55M for State Police work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Craig Johnson revealed that $55 million in security fees are owed to the State Police for services at the four upstate casinos operated by Native American tribes upstate.
"
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: Strickland tries to stay positive in State of State address
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There are some golden needles in Ohio's haystack of gloomy economic news, and Gov. Ted Strickland did his best to find all of them in his fourth State of the State speech Tuesday, Jan. 26.
"
OH: Strickland puts jobs at top of his agenda
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bucking the greatest economic slowdown since the Great Depression, Gov. Ted Strickland used his election year State of the State speech to cast himself as the champion who will put Ohioans back to work and make the state a global energy powerhouse.
"
OH: Governor pledges to create Ohio jobs; 'We'll play to win,' Strickland says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland vowed yesterday to "fight" for Ohio, arguing that his policies in bad times will set the stage for the state's comeback when a national economic recovery takes hold.
"
OH: Gov. Ted Strickland says he's shedding Ohio's rust belt image and the state is on road to reinvention
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his fourth State of the State speech, Gov. Ted Strickland argued Ohio is shedding its rust belt image thanks to his leadership and investments he has made in new industries, such as wind and solar energy development, producing thousands of new jobs.
"
OH: Gov. Ted Strickland banking on green energy jobs to save Ohio's economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland vowed Tuesday to "move heaven and earth" to right Ohio's economy from the blow dealt by the Wall Street meltdown that has crippled the state's finances and stomped out job development.
"
OH: Mental-health advocates upset Strickland's speech omitted them
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even though a new survey shows that nearly two of three Ohioans have a family member or friend affected by mental illness or substance abuse, behavioral care was completely absent from Gov. Ted Strickland's State of the State speech yesterday.
"
OH: Governor sees 'green' future; will voters?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four years ago, Ted Strickland summed up his message in just two words: Turnaround Ohio.
"
OH: Strickland offers optimism in State of State address
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Repeating the phrase "I believe in Ohio" 27 times, Gov. Ted Strickland used his State of the State address yesterday to offer an optimistic view of the state's economic future forged with new "green" jobs.
"
OH: Treasurer rips Kasich goal of tax phase-out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lucas County Treasurer Wade Kapszukiewicz joined a Democratic chorus yesterday attacking Republican gubernatorial candidate John Kasich's goal of phasing out the state's income tax.
"
OH: House-Senate fight brews over Third Frontier
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers have just eight days to reach a compromise on asking voters to renew an economic development program that created 48,000 new jobs in Ohio since its inception in 2002.
"
OH: Gov. unveils P&G partnership, announces $40M energy investment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland on Tuesday unveiled a series of initiatives to boost the state's economy, including a partnership between public universities and Procter & Gamble to bring research ideas to the marketplace.
"
OH: Strickland promises jobs for Ohio
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ted Strickland promised to "move heaven and earth to create jobs in Ohio" Tuesday during his fourth State of the State speech that kicked off his campaign for re-election
"
OH: The Ohio Supreme Court rules you must keep paying those high monthly gas utility service charges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The high monthly service charges that natural gas customers now pay are not unreasonable or against the law, the state's top court ruled Tuesday.
"
OH: Court hands utilities a win
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ohio Supreme Court today said two natural-gas utilities were within their rights to increase the flat rate that they charge customers to cover their distribution costs.
"
OH: Strickland's State of the State proposals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The governor, in his State of the State speech yesterday, proposed to do the following in these broad categories.
"
OH: Senate trims Third Frontier
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senate Republicans want to cut almost in half a proposed extension of a program focused on developing high-tech jobs, despite objections from Democrats who say it doesn't go far enough.
"
OH: Hearing on legality of gambling devices delayed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite efforts to unplug them, dozens of gambling machines will continue to operate in a Columbus restaurant for at least another month.
"
OH: Jobless rate rises in all but 4 Ohio counties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unemployment rose in 84 of Ohio's 88 counties last month, as Ohio lost 16,700 jobs.
"
OK: Oklahoma's online tag renewals are stuck in neutral
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oklahoma tag agents are flexing their political muscle to delay the state Tax Commission from implementing an online program that would allow vehicle owners to renew their tags on the commission's Web site.
"
OR: Will Americans raise taxes to curb deficits? Oregon a test case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A vote in Oregon Tuesday will resonate far beyond the Cascade Mountains as a gauge of whether Americans will support tax hikes to keep budget-strapped governments afloat.
"
OR: Reaction -- Volunteers who backed the taxes bubble over with joy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The champagne corks were popping by 8:25 p.m. Tuesday, surprising even the most hopeful Lane County volunteers in the Vote Yes for Oregon campaign.
"
OR: Voter tests free speech law's limits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Corvallis man wore his political heart on his sleeve - or rather, his shirt - at a Benton County polling site on Election Day and Monday in support of his civil rights.
"
OR: State aims to make Sunwest CEO pay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state has barred the owner of a collapsed chain of assisted living centers from having any role in Oregon's financial industry.
"
OR: Some area business leaders disappointed with outcome
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the state tax Measures 66 and 67 passed Tuesday night, many business owners in the Mid-Valley wrestled with disappointment and frustration.
"
OR: Grassroots effort pays off for supporters of measures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Conversation carried the day, supporters of Measures 66 and 67 said Tuesday night as they watched both tax measures pass by strong margins.
"
OR: Oregon voters pass tax increasing measures by big margin
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon voters bucked decades of anti-tax and anti-Salem sentiment Tuesday, raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy to prevent further erosion of public schools and other state services.
"
OR: Congress and State of the Union will be all about jobs, Oregon members say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Numbers tell the story: 209,576 unemployed Oregonians in December and 15 million more nationwide; U.S. median household income tumbling to $50,303 from $52,163 since the recession began in 2007, while public apprehension and insecurity about the economy continue to rise.
"
OR: Voters pass Measures 66 and 67, approve tax increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon voters, in a modern-day first, said yes Tuesday to two income-tax increases that lawmakers passed last year to balance the budget but business groups petitioned for a statewide vote.
"
PA: Orie denies call for audit is reaction to investigation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, is calling for an audit of two juvenile detention facilities owned by local businessman Gregory Zappala.
"
RI: R.I. still in fight against proposed LNG terminal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When a federal appeals court rejected efforts by the state's coastal agency last fall to review plans for a liquefied natural gas terminal in Mount Hope Bay, some thought the state has lost its only chance to stop the terminal. But that is not so.
"
RI: Budget troubles promote consolidation plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The contract is ready. It's just a matter of fine-tuning the system to make sure any glitches have been fixed.
"
SC: Property tax talks heat up again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Negotiations are continuing this week between South Carolina real estate agents, who are pushing for new tax breaks for those who buy property in the state, and associations representing local governments and school districts that are concerned about revenue losses during a time of budget cuts.
"
SC: Audit adds to S.C. jobs agency woes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An audit of the state unemployment system found agency management did not do enough to warn lawmakers that S.C.'s jobless benefits fund was running out of money. And S.C. workers fired for misconduct over a three-year period collected $171 million - or 10 percent of the total jobless benefits paid during that time.
"
SC: Democrats propose expanding TRAC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Democrats said they will introduce a bill today that extends the date the Taxation Realignment Commission report is due until January 2011, and expand the scope of the Commission's study to include all taxes impmposd in the state and all existing exemptions.
"
SD: SD school aid cost will rise with student increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Dakota's budget problem worsened Tuesday when the state Education Department reported state aid to schools could rise by an extra $3.7 million next year because enrollment in school districts turned out to be higher than expected.
"
SD: South Dakota adds 126 MW of wind capacity in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new wind power industry report says South Dakota added 126 megawatts of wind capacity in 2009, bringing the state up to 313 megawatts.s
"
SD: Signs of a small trend -- Even truck territory of S.D. sees shift to fuel-efficient cars
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Each January, the Detroit Auto Show leaves images of fanciful machines revving in our heads - space-age cars, electric vehicles and creations that are fully conceptual.
"
SD: Senate votes to scale back COLAs for SD retirees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State senators decided Tuesday government and school district retirees should receive smaller cost-of-living adjustments in times when the South Dakota Retirement System's investments are faring poorly
"
TN: Lawmaker's bill would make I-69 work a crime
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An East Tennessee lawmaker has filed a bill to make it a criminal act for the state to contract for any work on any portion of Interstate 69 or any other highway project designed to link Canada, the United States and Mexico.
"
TN: TDOT chief -- 43 percent of road projects complete
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Transportation Commissioner Gerald Nicely said Tuesday that federal stimulus money for road and bridge projects is being used efficiently and that Tennessee could soon receive an additional $500 million or more.
"
TN: TN voters agree economy is the No. 1 issue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Obama prepares to deliver his first State of the Union address, the economy still weighs heavy on the minds of voters, stamping their perceptions of his first year in office more profoundly than even the months-long debate over health care and the long-running wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"
TX: Where's the stimulus?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texas ranks poorly among the states when it comes to letting taxpayers know how it's using federal stimulus dollars, according to a report released today by several nonprofit public interest groups.
"
TX: Charter churn
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At some charter schools in Texas, it's the teachers who can't wait to clear out at the end of the school year.
"
TX: Showdown between senator and Texas environmental agency on Wednesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A showdown between state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality continues on Wednesday when the Third Court of Appeals takes up an open records matter the two sides have tussled over.
"
TX: Perry leads West Texas in financing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Rick Perry's ability to raise more than twice as much among Midlanders than Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is indicative of the support he'll see at the polls March 2 among Texas' most conservative voters, professors said.
"
TX: Perry changes enterprise fund contracts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Rick Perry's office revealed Tuesday that it changed 11 Texas Enterprise Fund contracts with companies receiving taxpayer-funded grants for creating jobs, making the deals more favorable for the firms.
"
US: Obama to tout jobs push
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama intends to use Wednesday's State of the Union address to put a new focus on his jobs agenda as he tries to regain the confidence of a disheartened electorate.
"
US: Former justice O'Connor sees ill in election finance ruling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON— Justice Sandra Day O'Connor did not sound happy on Tuesday about the Supreme Court's big campaign finance decision last week. It repudiated a major part of a ruling Justice O'Connor helped write before her retirement from the court in 2006, and it complicated her recent efforts to do away with judicial elections.
"
US: Advocates of climate bill scale down their goals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — As they watch President Obama's ambitious health care plan crumble, the advocates of a comprehensive bill to combat global warming are turning their sights to a more modest package of climate and energy measures that they believe has a better chance of clearing Congress this year.
"
UT: State of the State address -- Gov. Gary Herbert sees 'hopeful' economic future
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his first State of the State address, Gov. Gary Herbert told Utahns Tuesday the economy is getting better but the tough times aren't over yet.
"
UT: Herbert challenges D.C. on health care
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Gary Herbert challenged the federal government to let Utah set its own course for health care reform and encouraged Utah legislators to pass meaningful ethics laws this session.
"
UT: House backs new limits on payday lenders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to further regulate the payday-loan industry cleared the House on Tuesday in a 65-8 vote.
"
UT: Utah out of all types of liquor licenses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah has run out of restaurant and bar liquor licenses after years of rationing, and an influential state senator says that lawmakers are unlikely to free up more permits despite the unprecedented situation.
"
VA: Powerball, Mega Millions to be sold in Va. and N.C.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lottery players in Virginia and North Carolina will have more opportunities to play with the introduction of Powerball in Virginia and Mega Millions in North Carolina.
"
VA: Outgoing HRT chief speaks out on Facebook
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Michael Townes entered his last week as head of Hampton Roads Transit, he lashed out on Facebook about dishonorable politicians, scapegoating and racism surrounding his forced departure from the agency.
"
VT: Champlain ferry service to resume at site of demolished bridge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CROWN POINT, N.Y. — A new Lake Champlain ferry linking Vermont and New York is set to start service near the site of a demolished bridge.
"
VT: Delegation ask NRC for assurances on Vermont Yankee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission told Vermont's congressional delegation Tuesday the agency is devoting more resources to concerns at Vermont Yankee and expects to find the source of a tritium leak there within the next several weeks, according to the lawmakers.
"
WA: Puget Sound Partnership plans light session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state agency charged with restoring the health of Puget Sound by 2020 is keeping its head down this legislative session.
"
WA: Legislature -- Democrats propose strategy to spur hiring, retrain workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Plan: Business tax credit Senate Democrats proposed legislation Tuesday that would offer a business-occupation tax credit to small businesses that create jobs. The plan also would retrain up to 6,000 workers for high-demand fields such as nursing.
"
WI: Doyle -- 'I will do everything I can to help our businesses create jobs'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Looking back across two terms in office and a year of brutal unemployment, Gov. Jim Doyle said his final year would be focused on putting state residents back to work.
"
WI: Doyle defends record on taxes, focuses on jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Doyle, in his final year as governor, used his last State of the State speech Tuesday to talk about sending people back to work and to defend his record on taxes.
"
WI: Republicans say Doyle hypocritical in speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republicans called Gov. Jim Doyle a hypocrite for touting job creation and lowering taxes in his final State of the State speech at a time when the state has lost 163,000 jobs.
"
WI: Republicans say Doyle hypocritical in speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republicans called Gov. Jim Doyle a hypocrite for touting job creation and lowering taxes in his final State of the State speech at a time when the state has lost 163,000 jobs."
WI: Doyle defends record on taxes, focuses on jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Doyle, in his final year as governor, used his last State of the State speech Tuesday to talk about sending people back to work and to defend his record on taxes."
WI: More states require 'green' cleaning products
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More states are requiring schools and government buildings to use environmentally friendly cleaning products, raising debate about their costs and benefits.
"
WI: State fines Illinois insurer being sued by Guaranty Bank
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Guaranty Bank says an order by Wisconsin's insurance regulator supports its claim that an Illinois insurer sold mortgage guarantee insurance to the bank illegally - an alleged violation that Guaranty argues entitles it to relief from huge premiums.
"
WI: Organizers seek $100 million to start Wisconsin venture fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of business and government leaders from Milwaukee and Madison plans to raise a $100 million, Wisconsin-based venture capital fund, one of its members said Tuesday.
"
WI: Social Development Commission lands W-2 contract
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Social Development Commission will receive a new $16.9 million contract from the state to take over the application process for all Wisconsin Works clients in Milwaukee County, state officials said Tuesday.
"
WI: Doyle puts priority on jobs, transit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Doyle pledged Tuesday to focus on jobs in his last months of office and warned of pending budget cuts.
"
WI: Officials show support for Common Ground's fight against foreclosure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As part of a campaign aimed at getting banks to do more about vacant and foreclosed homes, state Rep. Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) said Tuesday that he has introduced a bill that would prohibit state agencies from contracting with financial institutions that own 100 or more foreclosed residential properties in the state.
"
WI: State Senate OKs BPA ban in baby bottles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bisphenol A would be banned from baby bottles and sipping cups for children age 3 and younger under a bill the state Senate unanimously passed Tuesday.
"
WI: Natural Resources Board approves rules on public access to land
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Natural Resources Board approved controversial rules Tuesday that will govern public access on tens of thousands of acres purchased with state dollars over the next decade.
"
WV: Manchin slams cap-trade, seeks 'coal is king' vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A day after meeting with environmentalists concerned about surface mining, Gov. Joe Manchin asked the Legislature to approve a symbolic resolution affirming that coal is still king in West Virginia.
"
WV: State DOT ignoring safety concerns, Putnam commissioner says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WINFIELD, W.Va. -- The state Department of Transportation is not addressing or properly evaluating complaints from Putnam County citizens in a timely fashion, County Commissioner Joe Haynes alleged Tuesday.
"
WV: Lobbyists outnumber legislators
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 380 people have registered to lobby West Virginia's Legislature this year, nearly three times the number of House of Delegates and state Senate members.
"
WV: Medical Association, AARP urge changes to Medicare payment formula
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia doctors and senior citizens are urging U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd to help change what they call a flawed system of paying physicians who treat Medicare and military patients.
"
WV: Mason County funeral home can't account for pre-paid funds, attorney general alleges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Darrell McGraw's office has filed a complaint against a Mason County funeral home, alleging irregularities in the business' handling of money collected from customers who have pre-paid for funeral services.
"
WY: 'We're sharing ideas'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JACKSON, Wy. -- Transmission developers with plans to send Wyoming wind power to western states hungry for renewable energy are trying to figure out how to connect scattered wind farms with proposed export power lines.
"
WY: One-cent sales tax measures dot Wyoming ballots
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kemmerer City Administrator Mike Archibald has a little advice for any community considering adding a one-cent optional sales tax to the ballot.
"
WY: Wyo budget committee targets state agency travel spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The legislature's Joint Interim Appropriations Committee has begun it's final review of state agency budgets, called the "markup" phase, and began today by targeting out of state travel by agencies, beginning with the state Department of Education.
"
WY: Jobless rate hits 7.5 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After dipping in November, Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose again in December to 7.5 percent.
"
Oregon voters firmly approve raising taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon voters delivered historic approval Tuesday for a pair of tax increases after a campaign that assured Oregonians they could protect schools and other programs by requiring wealthy individuals and big corporations to pay more.
"
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.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
"
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
