AK: Palin PAC reports $1.4M raised in 2nd half of 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report filed with the Federal Elections Commission shows Sarah Palin's political action committee raised about $1.4 million in the second half of 2009, most of it following her resignation as Alaska's governor.
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AK: Lawmakers spar over adding districts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A push to increase the size of the Legislature so rural Alaska doesn't lose representation after this year's census is proving contentious, with a price tag running in the millions.
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AK: Gun bill seen as states' rights issue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaska lawmakers are fighting federal gun regulations with a proposed law of their own: the Alaska Firearms Freedom Act.
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AK: State to skip raises for top leaders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Sean Parnell and other top state officers won't be getting pay raises next year.
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AL: Alabama House committee delays PACT vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Alabama House committee has delayed votes for one week on four bills aimed at insuring that contracts with Alabama's struggling prepaid college tuition program are honored.
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AL: Gov. Bob Riley to meet with President Obama to discuss energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley is headed to Washington for meetings with President Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.
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AL: 2nd casino, this one in White Hall, closes its doors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Alabama casinos closed their doors temporarily, prompting Gov. Bob Riley to question if they are making changes in their machines in hopes of avoiding legal problems.
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AL: Gaming fight is about jobs, Macon County residents say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TUSKEGEE, Ala. -- People here do not think the fight is about gambling or about Gov. Bob Riley or about Milton McGregor.
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AL: Senator calls for statewide vote on bingo
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A powerful state senator today called for a statewide vote to settle the controversy over bingo. "It needs to be settled once and for all," Sen. Lowell Barron, D-Fyffe, said at a news conference.
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AL: Alabama Gov. Bob Riley says he's right to press anti-bingo campaign
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama Gov. Bob Riley said Tuesday he has no doubts about his efforts to shut down the thousands of electronic bingo machines operating around the state.
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AR: January revenues exceed forecast, Beebe cautious
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenues slightly exceeded projects in January, when the Beebe administration revised the yearly forecast and cut the state budget by $106 million, the state fiscal office reported today.
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AZ: 81% more seek food than they did in '05
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of people seeking emergency food sources in Southern Arizona has soared in the past five years.
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AZ: Business leaders urge focus on trade
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite the current economic turmoil in Arizona, business leaders said Tuesday the state should stay focused on developing international relationships to take advantage of a global rebound when it takes shape.
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AZ: SRP lends customers new device to measure energy usage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Salt River Project officials think they can help people use less energy, or at least satisfy their curiosity, by showing how much their appliances cost to run.
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AZ: House panel targets casino plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Arizona House committee has approved a bill that could help Glendale prevent an American Indian tribe from building a casino near the city.
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AZ: Election on tax hike part of package Senate OKs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate mustered bipartisan support Tuesday to pass a package of bills, most notably including an election on a temporary sales-tax increase, to ease the state deficit.
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AZ: Pact halts homebuilding near Luke
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Construction of single-family homes near Luke Air Force Base shouldn't happen under a settlement reached Tuesday among state and county officials.
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AZ: Senate votes to put sales tax on ballot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With bipartisan support, the state Senate voted Tuesday to ask voters for a three-year hike in the state sales tax.
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CA: California considers dramatically expanding the number of black bears hunters can kill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Watch out, Smokey. Keep your head down, Yogi.
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CA: Suit seeks to halt new low carbon fuel rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The oil and trucking industry sued to block California's new carbon fuel regulations Tuesday, saying the rules will raise costs but do little to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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CA: Delays could cost California $93 million in federal grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California is on the verge of losing $93 million in federal money earmarked for home weatherization grants, according a report released on Tuesday.
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CA: Investors in California bonds have keen interest in Obama budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Investors in the huge California municipal bond market have a lot riding on proposed tax changes in President Obama's budget. The administration's call to restore higher tax brackets for the nation's top income-earners could fuel more investor demand for tax-free bonds.
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CA: Industries sue to void California's low-carbon fuel regulations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Trade associations for the oil, chemical and trucking industries filed suit in federal court in Fresno on Tuesday to void California's first-in-the-nation low-carbon fuel initiative.
"
CO: Colorado House OKs eliminating some tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House passed a package of bills Monday to eliminate select tax breaks for businesses, but a handful of Democrats — several facing tough re-election fights — broke ranks and voted against repealing some of the exemptions and credits.
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CO: Panel in no rush to enact lawmaker's gold idea
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's easy to see the gold on the outside of the Colorado Capitol, but if one lawmaker had his way, the state would be hoarding millions of dollars of bling inside the building.
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CO: Grand Junction lawmaker accused of double-dipping
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. Steve King asked the state to reimburse him for mileage, gas and a meal at a pancake house last year, even though records suggest his campaign account already was footing the bill for those expenses.
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CO: Colorado, New Mexico oil and gas lobby groups tread rocky political road
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Colorado Oil and Gas Association (COGA) President Tisha Conoly Schuller need look no farther away than New Mexico for an example of what can happen to the head of a state's powerful industry lobby if they stray too far from the party line.
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CT: Rell outlines 2011 state budget plan today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell's 2011 budget proposal will include new initiatives to pay down state debt, conserve future budget surpluses and rein in borrowing, her staff said Tuesday afternoon on the eve of the Republican governor's final budget address to the legislature.
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CT: Feds OK $45M for central Connecticut busway
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bus corridor linking New Britain and Hartford is getting $45 million in federal funds, a boost to a project that has been in and out of favor with the federal government for years.
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CT: CBIA, Gaffney Bennett top big-money lobbying list
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the 2010 General Assembly session is ready to open Wednesday, the The Office of State Ethics has issued a new "State of Lobbying" report showing that lobbyists spent nearly $38.6 million in Connecticut during 2009.
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CT: State Democrats -- Focus on innovation, entrepreneurship to create jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Connecticut wants to create more jobs and improve the economy, Democratic lawmakers say, it needs to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship, decide what investments to make, and educate a workforce for in-demand jobs.
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CT: Rell to propose credit consortium for state's smaller businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a State of the State address that will focus on jobs and balancing the budget, Gov. M. Jodi Rell today is expected to propose a $500 million " Connecticut Credit Consortium" that would provide loans to small and medium-sized businesses.
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DE: Delaware fire squads see dip in revenue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Insurance Commission's budget is one that normally doesn't cause any angst among legislators: The department is self-funded from taxes and fees assessed on insurance companies based in Delaware.
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DE: NRG deal promises cleaner air, bays
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Delaware regulators and NRG Energy have struck a deal that would shut down three of four generating units at the Indian River Power Plant by 2013, cutting toxic air pollution from one of the state's largest industrial polluters and vastly reducing the plant's impact on area waterways.
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FL: Florida Supreme Court to hear case over U.S. Sugar land deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even before its justices rule, the Florida Supreme Court has erected a potential legal hurdle to Gov. Charlie Crist's $536 million land deal with the U.S. Sugar Corp.
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FL: Jackson Health System's losses `really, really bad'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The governing board of Jackson Health System erupted in anger Tuesday when executives said the public hospital system last year lost four times as much as originally thought -- and this year's expected loss is more than double earlier projections.
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FL: Bill protects against lawsuits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If a child rides in a race car or climbs a rock wall, a parent is typically expected to sign a company's liability waiver acknowledging the risks.vBut in Florida the document is meaningless after a 2008 state Supreme Court ruling voided a parent's authority to waive liability. The far-reaching decision hit theme parks and adventure attractions hard.
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GA: Oxendine -- Overseas trips, GOP congressman, ex-UGA football coach, "popping up" in criminal probe
From: feeds.stateline.org
"John Oxendine calls it one of the largest fraud investigations the Department of Insurance has ever conducted--- and now, he says several prominent Georgians are connected to the company at the center of the criminal probe.
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GA: Ga. wants refund from Yucca Mtn. project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the federal government abandoning plans to bury America's nuclear waste beneath the Nevada desert, the Georgia Public Service Commission sees no reason electric customers should keep paying for it.
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HI: U.S. budget includes rail funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Federal Transit Administration has included funding for the Honolulu rail system in President Barack Obama's fiscal 2011 budget, in anticipation of the rail plan's clearing environmental review.
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IA: UI's drop in contributions smaller than most
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Charitable contributions to the University of Iowa dropped 5.5 percent last year, less than half the average 12 percent decrease nationwide in donations to colleges and universities.
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IA: Will regents rescind surcharge?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Iowa state Board of Regents might propose rescinding a $100 spring tuition surcharge when it meets in Ames this week, a board member said Tuesday.
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IA: Luster Heights Correction Facility may get a reprieve from closing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There's been a possible reprieve for a prison camp that sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.
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IA: Iowa bishops urge lawmakers to leave tax credit alone
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cutting and capping a tax credit for donations to private school tuition funds would be penny-wise and pound-foolish, Catholic bishops told Iowa legislators Tuesday.
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IA: Study -- Family planning helps state save money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A private agency promoting birth control released a study Tuesday showing that the government saves money in the short and long runs if it helps women avoid unintended pregnancies.
"
IA: Consider labor agreements, Culver to tell state agencies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chet Culver will sign an executive order today that requires state departments and agencies to consider using project labor agreements on large-scale construction projects.
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IA: Early-retirement incentive plan for state workers passes House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As many as 2,261 state employees could receive taxpayer incentives of up to $25,000 to retire early under a proposal approved by the Iowa House Tuesday.
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IA: Political tint seen in bills providing benefits to veterans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa lawmakers are wrestling with a growing number of legislative initiatives to help military veterans, a development some say has turned into a political tug of war for the votes of the state's 250,000 veterans.
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IA: Unpaid fines hard to collect
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa could have a huge pot of potential revenue to help weather one of its worst budget crunches - a record $518 million in unpaid court fines that grows by the month.
"
ID: DEQ faces water data collection challenges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just a couple of years ago, about 20 college students throughout Idaho would help the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality gather data from bodies of water every summer.
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ID: Idaho F&G director says wolf hunts going very well
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Department of Fish and Game says the first legal wolf hunt in the lower 48 states in years was a major 2009 milestone.
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ID: Dan Popkey -- Idaho Tea Party pursued by Republicans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When the Idaho Tea Party movement began a year ago, three people were present, protesting federal bailouts at Boise's Capitol Park.
"
IL: UI's Urbana employees told of separation program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"URBANA, Ill. -- In a campuswide e-mail sent out late Tuesday afternoon, Elyne Cole, UI associate provost for human resources, told all academic professional employees and all civil service employees in Urbana that they may be eligible for up to $75,000 in separation pay.
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IN: IUSB delegation visits Indiana Statehouse
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Students, employees and supporters of Indiana University South Bend could have complained about state budget cuts Tuesday during their annual visit to the Statehouse.
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IN: Group working to keep Ernie Pyle historic site open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DANA, Ind. -- Members of a western Indiana group are trying to find a way to keep open a state historic site that includes the boyhood home of World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle.
"
IN: State Senate endorses meth bill, sends it to House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill aimed at making sure Indiana's methamphetamine laws target people who try to buy cold medicines to make meth is now before the Indiana House.
"
IN: Study, food pantries agree -- More Hoosiers are hungry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Demand is so strong at Helping Hand food pantry that founder Tim Hahn has had to trim services.
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IN: Attempts to improve care at Northlake fail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The visitor parking lot in front of the Northlake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Merrillville was buzzing Tuesday, one day after the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) ordered the troubled nursing home to close.
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IN: Two versions of Sheena's law heading to Indiana Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation named in memory of Bristol resident Sheena Kiska, who was murdered at her apartment in March 2008, passed the state House of Representatives twice late Tuesday evening.
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IN: Purdue unveils new energy conservation plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Purdue University officials have unveiled a new energy conservation plan that aims to save the school as much as $2 million a year.
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IN: Riecken amendment would take the bite out of oversight bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators would not have the power to force the cancellation of private contracts, but would still get to take a long look at how effectively Indiana's human services agency is administering benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps if an amendment state Rep. Gail Riecken, D-Evansville, plans to offer later today is adopted.
"
IN: Property taxes get state's approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance online County Tax Bill Calculator became functional Tuesday, when the department certified Vanderburgh County's 2010 final tax rates in the budget order that gives local government units authority to spend property tax dollars.
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IN: Gifts to colleges, endowments plummet in Indiana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Charitable contributions to Indiana University dropped by more than one-third last year, knocking IU out of the ranks of the 20 schools receiving the most gifts, according to a national survey being released today.
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IN: Cuts could worsen state's doctor shortage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Facing a $7 million budget cut, the Indiana University School of Medicine plans to reduce the number of new students next year -- a move that will save money but could reduce the number of physicians when the state is already facing a shortage.
"
KS: Republicans introduce amendment to exempt Kansans from federal mandate to have health insurance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of Republican lawmakers on Tuesday introduced a proposed constitutional amendment that members said was aimed at blocking any federal requirement that Kansans buy health insurance.
"
KS: Casino developer opposes changing gambling laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Developers of a casino in Kansas City have asked legislators not to change the rules governing gambling in Kansas to benefit a potential competitor to the detriment of their $386 million project.
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KS: Kansas House endorses proposal to level 911 fees for all phones
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas House has tentatively approved a measure that would set a level fee for all telephone users to finance enhanced emergency services.
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KY: $14M plus spent to lobby Kentucky legislators
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report shows that more than $14 million was spent on lobbying Kentucky lawmakers in 2009, with the largest part paid to compensate the lobbyists.
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KY: No more road-bid charges are likely
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The prosecutor in the federal highway contract bid-rigging case is recommending the dismissal of charges against the lone remaining defendant, Brian Billings.
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KY: House leaders struggle to fill budget gap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two weeks after junking the governor's plan to use revenue from expanded gambling to fill a huge budget gap, House leaders are still searching for alternative solutions.
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KY: Bluegrass gambling poll shows Kentucky support grows for slot machines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly six of every 10 Kentucky voters say they favor legalizing slot machines at the state's race tracks, according to the latest Couri er-Journal/WHAS11 Bluegrass Poll.
"
LA: La. still oil, gas dependent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite decades of effort to diversify its economy, Louisiana remains heavily dependent on oil and gas revenue and is unlikely to recover from the recession before other states, according to a Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City economist.
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LA: State strategy for cutting education full of blanks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of the Senate Finance Committee voiced frustration Tuesday with the lack of specifics that Higher Education Commissioner Sally Clausen presented them on possible budget cuts to colleges and universities when the legislative session starts in eight weeks.
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LA: Attorney general issues opinion on release of records to public
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public officials can decide whether a document contains proprietary information before releasing it to a public records request, but must inform the company that provided the information before doing so to allow for legal appeal, according to an opinion released this week by Attorney General Buddy Caldwell's office.
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MA: Salazar visits Cape, puts off wind farm ruling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar didn't tip his hand on Cape Wind yesterday during a Bay State visit, but he pushed back the deadline to make a decision on the nation's first offshore wind farm until April.
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MA: Uproar as LNG tankers head for Boston Harbor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Coast Guard will allow tankers from Yemen carrying liquefied natural gas to begin rolling into Boston Harbor later this month despite elected officials' fears about the highly flammable cargo originating from a suspected al-Qaeda stronghold.
"
MD: In State of the State speech, Md. Gov. O'Malley focuses on jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) on Tuesday urged the General Assembly to focus on job creation during its 90-day session, calling on lawmakers to pass a tax credit for hiring unemployed people, expand a loan program for small businesses, and invest in new schools and other construction projects.
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MD: O'Malley's speech sets a hopeful tone
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley promoted his administration's accomplishments and plans to foster jobs and protect homeownership amid a struggling economy, addressing Maryland lawmakers as a group Tuesday for the final time before they all face re-election this fall.
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MD: Baltimore's green building law still in limbo
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Baltimore's green building law, considered one of the most sweeping in the nation, lingers in a legal limbo of sorts more than seven months after it supposedly took effect.
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ME: First Wind eyes Bowers Mountain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CARROLL PLANTATION, Maine — First Wind of Massachusetts is collecting data on Bowers Mountain wind conditions as a first step toward possibly erecting an industrial wind-to-energy site near the 1,127-foot summit, company officials said Tuesday.
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ME: Baldacci off to D.C. to discuss energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Baldacci will be among 11 governors meeting with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden at the White House today to discuss a broad range of energy issues.
"
MI: Police beefing up patrol for tonight's State of State speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"So far, it appears the pitchforks and torches will be left at home. But a higher-than-normal number of protesters - anti-tax and special interest groups among them - will converge on the Capitol tonight during Gov. Jennifer Granholm's State of the State address to show displeasure over the state's fiscal crisis.
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MI: Governor to further push reform plan in State of the State speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In her eighth and final State of the State address, Gov. Jennifer Granholm is poised to go out with a bang.
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MI: Michigan governor's State of State will be 'all about jobs'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jennifer Granholm delivers her eighth and final State of the State address tonight with a heavy focus on the two issues she sees as most important to propping up the foundering state in her last 10 months in office: jobs and education.
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MI: Michigan House votes to cut health benefits for some lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state House today voted to eliminate lifetime, state-paid health benefits for future lawmakers – but not themselves – who retire after at least 6 years and reach age 55.
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MI: Donations to MSU down, but only by 4 perfect
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Charitable contributions to Michigan State University dropped last year, but not as much as the nationwide decline in giving to colleges and universities.
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MN: More good news on Twin Cities new-home front
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A day after a report showed monthly residential building permits increased 49 percent in January over year-ago figures, a new report shows further signs of life in new home construction.
"
MO: Gov. Jay Nixon cuts state budget again as revenues continue to sink
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To keep this year's Missouri state budget in the black, Gov. Jay Nixon announced Tuesday that he was cutting an additional $73.8 million from various programs and construction projects.
"
MO: Federal grand jury investigating pay to play allegations in Missouri state government
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal grand jury is investigating whether former Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton or those close to him accepted money from the adult entertainment industry in exchange for weakening a bill that would have regulated it.
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MO: Autism insurance bill stalls in Missouri Legislature amid worries over cost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A push to require insurers to cover autism treatment stalled in the Senate on Tuesday amid questions about the public cost of including children on the state health plan and Medicaid.
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MO: Decline in revenue means more state cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Missouri budget office announced additional cuts in state spending Tuesday in the face of precipitous declines in state income that exceeded the pace of budget shortfalls announced just last month.
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MO: Missouri senator sees link between killed bill, donation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government's "pay-to-play" investigation of the Missouri General Assembly gained momentum Tuesday with the grand jury testimony of a prominent senator from the Kansas City area.
"
MS: Mississippi meth bill enlists prescriptions for battle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Mississippi Senate sent Gov. Haley Barbour legislation Tuesday that would make the state the second in the nation to require a prescription to buy products such as Sudafed that contain pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient found in the illegal drug methamphetamine.
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MS: Heath care professionals see benefits to stiffening law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although it might not be popular with some of their patients, Lee County health professionals say they support the measure to make pseudoephedrine available by prescription only.
"
MT: State environment, land management agencies expect to weather cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's two environment and land management agencies will likely be able to weather a budget-cutting storm, state officials said Tuesday.
"
MT: State public defender offices faces $990K cut in addition to current shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Already facing an $800,000 budget hole, the state agency that guarantees lawyers for poor people accused of crimes could be looking at cutting close to another million dollars from its books.
"
MT: State gets break on TIFs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Revenue Department expects to save more than $1 million in general-fund money by not having to make payments to some tax increment financing districts that are expiring over the next two years.
"
NC: State -- Duke must test water near ash ponds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Duke Energy must test groundwater around ash ponds at its coal-fired power plants, state officials say, as scrutiny of the waste grows.
"
NC: ABC tightens ethics rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Stung by a public uproar that cost the jobs of its chairman and CEO, Mecklenburg County's ABC board Tuesday adopted tough new ethics rules that block members from accepting everything from meals to key chains.
"
NC: Lawmakers to consider tax stamps for cigarettes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Wednesday, an N.C. House committee on revenue laws will take up a proposal to reinstate the cigarette tax stamp, which hasn't been used in the state for 17 years.
"
NC: Anti-torture group questions aviation companies' role
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In particular it called on Gov. Bev Perdue and the state's congressional delegation to begin investigations into Aero Contractors and Centurion Aviation of Johnston County for their role in the transfer of terror suspects abroad.
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NC: River's mercury level may bar cement plant permit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The river near a proposed cement plant in New Hanover County can't tolerate any more mercury pollution, state officials say, a judgment that could block the controversial factory from opening.
"
NC: Wake dogs get a fair shake
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina health officials are proposing a rule change that would let pets come to the table at outdoor restaurants as long as they don't go inside or do anything else that might contaminate people's food.
"
ND: Apple Creek flood outlook "dire"
From: feeds.stateline.org
"National Weather Service hydrologist Allen Schlag said forecast models are showing about a 90 percent chance that Apple Creek will reach major flood stage of 17 feet.
"
ND: Drilling for oil under Lake Sakakawea
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the best crude oil two miles underground, what's on top doesn't interfere much, even massive Lake Sakakawea.
"
ND: New Border Patrol station nears completion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By the end of the month, the big new building for the U.S. Border Patrol's Grand Forks station will be completed.
"
ND: North Dakota insurance recovery tops $7 million in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than $7 million was recovered or saved for North Dakota residents in 2009, a report released by state Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm shows.
"
ND: Tough choices for North Dakota hungry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When her husband was hurt in a firefighting accident in 2005, stay-at-home mom Kirsten Olson struggled to scrape by as she cared for her spouse and three children in their Washburn, N.D., home.
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ND: Residents weigh in on diversion plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fargo and Moorhead may need flood protection from major Red River floods, but rural residents told Army Corps of Engineers officials Tuesday they don't want to face more water because of it.
"
ND: Geib leaves North Dakota Trade Office
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Susan Geib has resigned as executive director of the North Dakota Trade Office, effective March 31.
"
ND: North Dakota campaign to raise census awareness
From: feeds.stateline.org
"nserts in utility bill mailings. Table tents for gatherings of oilfield workers. Bookmarks. State Fair fliers. Stickers for elementary students. These are among the avenues being used by the state of North Dakota's $100,000 promotional campaign for the 2010 census.
"
NE: Helmet law repeal still stuck
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Another day, another version of a bill to repeal Nebraska's motorcycle helmet law.
"
NE: Bill advances to require cell phone locating information
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tim Gay of Papillion, would require a wireless carrier to provide the best available cell phone location information to law enforcement in an emergency.
"
NE: Bill would speed construction, keep lanes open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Construction goes on and on, keeping customers away and making business owners "livid or bankrupt or both," said Omaha Sen. Scott Lautenbaugh.
"
NH: In N.H., Obama's all business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama yesterday used a town hall event in Nashua to propose a new $30 billion small-business lending fund. "Jobs will be our No. 1 focus in 2010," Obama said. "And we're going to start where most new jobs do - with small businesses."
"
NH: Obama says closed-door meetings on health care were a mistake
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Barack Obama admitted today that his closed-door meetings on health care with Democratic congressional leaders should have been televised on C-SPAN and he said he would keep his campaign promise for more open negotations the next time around.
"
NH: State to cut child-care aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state plans to reduce child-care aid for 4,760 families in a move officials say will eliminate a $9.5 million shortfall projected for the subsidy program this year.
"
NJ: N.J. corruption trial informant says more than a dozen politicians refused his bribes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Solomon Dwek, the informant at the heart of New Jersey's largest-ever FBI sting, testified today that more than a dozen politicians refused to accept bribes from him during more than two years of working undercover.
"
NJ: N.J. residents take concerns, solutions to lawmakers at town hall Statehouse hearings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A favorite pastime among cranky New Jerseyans is grumbling about state government: it's too expensive, it's too corrupt, nobody listens.
"
NJ: Christie panel to seek fixes for sports, casino industries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie will form a commission Wednesday to find solutions for the state's ailing sports and entertainment industries, according to a high-ranking source in the Christie administration.
"
NJ: NJ governor Chris Christie vetoes Deleware River and Bay Authority's budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is using his veto pen to check spending by the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
"
NM: Domestic partnerships bill passes first hurdle, but could meet its fate in Finance Committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Supporters of a bill to establish domestic partnerships in New Mexico won a battle in the state Senate Tuesday, but they might have lost the war.
"
NM: PRC says chief of staff can run for office
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Public Regulation Commission approved a resolution Tuesday that allows Chief of Staff Daniel Mayfield to continue working for the state while he campaigns for a seat on the Santa Fe County Commission.
"
NM: Denish corrects public records violation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The office of Lt. Gov. Diane Denish says it inadvertently violated the state's Inspection of Public Records Act late last year when it failed to forward two requests from Republican gubernatorial candidate Allen Weh to another agency that maintained some of the records that were sought.
"
NM: No action yet on campaign ethics bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the ticking of the clock on the New Mexico Legislature's 30-day session growing louder every day, no legislative committee so far has acted on an ethics bill designed to prohibit political campaign contributions by lobbyists and contractors.
"
NM: No more money to help DWI offenders pay for interlocks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The fund that helps low-income New Mexicans convicted of DWI stay sober on the road has dried up.
"
NM: N.M. Supreme Court halts White Peak land swap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The New Mexico Supreme Court on Tuesday granted an emergency petition by the state Attorney General's Office to temporarily halt ongoing swaps of state trust land for private land around White Peak in northwestern New Mexico while the high court considers legal arguments.
"
NM: Payday lenders flout new laws across the country
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON– As states from New Mexico to Illinois passed payday loan reform laws over the past few years, the movement to curb customer-gouging short-term high-interest loans seemed to be gaining steam and growing teeth.
"
NV: "You don't blow a bunch of cash in Vegas..." -- Obama remark reopens wound
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Add people saving for college to the list of folks President Barack Obama says shouldn't spend money in Las Vegas.
"
NV: 300 state workers may face layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons said Tuesday that the state budget's $880 million shortfall may require layoffs of up to 300 state workers.
"
NV: Stimulus propped up Nevada's '09 budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenues were up more than $500 million in fiscal 2009, but only because of the stimulus money Nevada received.
"
NV: Gibbons -- School districts should brace for 10 percent cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"School districts should prepare for a budget cut of about 10 percent, Gov. Jim Gibbons told reporters today after meeting with school superintendents here.
"
NV: Gibbons -- School districts should brace for 10 percent cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"School districts should prepare for a budget cut of about 10 percent, Gov. Jim Gibbons told reporters today after meeting with school superintendents here."
NY: After aqueduct deal, governor and pastor talk politics
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Three days after awarding a lucrative state contract to a company connected to the Rev. Floyd H. Flake, one of New York's most influential black pastors, Gov. David A. Paterson summoned Mr. Flake to his Harlem office Monday morning and sounded him out about his political support.
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NY: Bettor wait a minute
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos yesterday moved to halt the award of a contract to build a slot-machine casino at Aqueduct race track -- suggesting Gov. Paterson's selection of a Queens-based business consortium reeked of favoritism and election-year politics.
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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.
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OH: PNC repays its $7.6 billion government bailout loan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- PNC Financial Services Group is off the hook for the money it borrowed from the government to help it buy National City Corp.
"
OH: Towing bill lacks enforcer, cities say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that aims to regulate towing companies would keep oversight with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, leaving cities to wonder who is going to keep an eye on rogue operators.
"
OH: State tax booklets should be there soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The last of the state income-tax books that normally arrive the first week of January should reach their destinations by early next week.
"
OH: Recession takes toll on donations to colleges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The sluggish economy has led to the steepest drop in donations to U.S. colleges and universities since 1969, according to a national survey released today.
"
OH: Number of people seeking emergency food help surges in central Ohio
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of people who received emergency food through the Mid-Ohio Foodbank last year was 28 percent higher than in 2005, the last time a study was done; many said they had to choose between buying groceries and paying their mortgage.
"
OK: Court -- Oklahoma cannot enforce some HB1804 provisions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DENVER -- An appeals court ruled Tuesday that Oklahoma cannot enforce two employment provisions in House Bill 1804, the state's immigration control law, but allowed a third employment part of the law to be enforced.
"
OK: EPA takes four streams off impaired-water list
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four Oklahoma streams have been taken off the Environmental Protection Agency's impaired-water list thanks to the conservation practices of farmers, ranchers and landowners, officials announced Tuesday at the state Capitol.
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OR: Senate set to vote on health insurance bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Oregon Senate is expected to vote later this week on a bill increasing access to affordable health insurance for employees of small businesses.
"
OR: Senate committee considers ban on plastic bags
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although the bill's chances are uncertain during a one-month session, lawmakers are giving serious thought to making Oregon the first state to ban single-use plastic bags at checkout counters.
"
OR: Sales tax proposal returns to radar
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A sales tax proposal is back at the Oregon Legislature — but even though it's unlikely to advance this session, lawmakers say they are intrigued because its proceeds would pay for health coverage for every Oregonian.
"
OR: Oregon Senate president says he's open to plastic bag ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senate President Peter Courtney now says he's open to the statewide ban on plastic bags proposed in Senate Bill 1009.
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OR: Oregon Health Plan adds 2,000 previously uninsured people in lottery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 2,000 Oregonians were picked to get medical insurance coverage under the Oregon Health Plan in a lottery held Monday.
"
OR: Oregon lawmakers look at ways to help small businesses through state loan fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Small businesses that are having trouble getting private financing to expand or buy new equipment may soon find it easier to borrow from the state.
"
OR: Oregon halts, fines Portland home foreclosure business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services issued a cease-and-desist order and assessed $250,000 in fines against Anthony "Tony" Schwartz and two businesses he controlled for selling interests in foreclosed homes he seized in a complex foreclosure-rescue operation.
"
OR: Umpqua Bank raising capital to pay off TARP
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Umpqua Bank wants out of the federal government's TARP program. The largest bank based in Oregon announced Tuesday it intends to raise $215 million in new capital from investors.
"
PA: Sprague quizzed at Harrisburg hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For more than two hours yesterday, two dozen legislators grilled veteran Philadelphia lawyer Richard A. Sprague, wanting to know just what his group -- the Pennsylvania Casino Association -- was up to.
"
PA: Witness testifies Veon authorized bonuses for campaign work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Prosecutors' star witness testified Tuesday that former state Rep. Mike Veon authorized illegal bonuses that are at the center of a high-profile government corruption case.
"
PA: Casino association tells state gaming panel it isn't lobbying
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pennsylvania Casino Association is merely a trade group for three casinos in the state and hasn't made any extensive efforts to influence or lobby the Legislature, a Philadelphia lawyer who founded the group in 2007 said Tuesday.
"
PA: 'Red flags' about Luzerne County judge ignored, investigator says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board ignored "red flags" about a judge who took millions of dollars in kickbacks to place juveniles in for-profit detention centers, according to an investigator probing the "kids-for-cash" scandal in Luzerne County.
"
PA: 'Red flags' about Luzerne County judge ignored, investigator says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board ignored "red flags" about a judge who took millions of dollars in kickbacks to place juveniles in for-profit detention centers, according to an investigator probing the "kids-for-cash" scandal in Luzerne County."
PA: Pay fiasco fueled bonuses, aide says of Veon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former top House Democratic staffer Michael Manzo testified Tuesday that the aborted legislative pay raise of 2005 was a key factor in boosting the cost of a secret taxpayer-funded bonus program to help incumbents win re-election.
"
RI: Demand for food stamps greater than ever
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More Rhode Islanders than ever are relying on food stamps, pantries and soup kitchens for food, straining state and private resources, say two new reports.
"
RI: Carcieri budget proposal -- cutting and compensating
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his final-year effort to "set the stage for a prosperous future," Governor Carcieri on Tuesday proposed new tax breaks for business and deep cuts for cities and towns, while relying on $95 million in federal aid yet to be approved by Congress to fill state government's latest gaping budget hole.
"
RI: Carcieri offers tax credit to create 5,000 new jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pledging to create 5,000 new jobs and help business owners pinched by the recession, Governor Carcieri introduced a targeted small-business tax credit as part of his budget proposal Tuesday.
"
RI: Carcieri expands jobless benefits to get federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Carcieri on Tuesday proposed a limited expansion of the state's unemployment insurance program so that the state's beleaguered unemployment trust fund may obtain a cash infusion of more than $23 million from the federal government.
"
SC: Ruling victory for wetlands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After two decades of losing battles against the development of freshwater wetlands along the coast, conservationists won a war this week.
"
SC: 'Great day' for proposed S.C. mall project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed $400 million high-end shopping mall in Jasper County got a key boost from the Senate on Tuesday, clearing two major committee hurdles en route to what may still be a muddled future on the Senate floor.
"
SD: Ice storm toll -- Millions in damages, no power for hundreds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Dakota utilities are tallying up multiple millions in damages as they scramble to restore electricity and water to homes still without service since the January ice storm.
"
SD: Economy dents giving to colleges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Donations to many colleges and universities in South Dakota and across the nation fell sharply last year, another casualty of the slumping economy, according to a report released today.
"
SD: Drinking-age legislation in first round
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rep. Tim Rounds remains convinced his bill to allow 19- and 20-year-olds to drink is the right thing to do. And despite doubts among his peers in the Legislature, Rounds said many of them agree with him.
"
SD: State set to finish $2M GFP building
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite some set-backs due to weather, the $2 million Game, Fish and Parks construction project on state highway 1806 looks to be ready by spring.
"
SD: Pierre likes bill to add to sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The city commission gave its support to proposed state legislation allowing for an additional penny of sales tax Tuesday.
"
TN: Republican leaders balk at tax increases to save employee jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Phil Bredesen's proposal to raise $21.3 million by increasing sales taxes on cable television bills and subjecting cable boxes to use taxes is getting static from Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey and other GOP legislative leaders.
"
TN: Tennessee considers reducing unemployment pay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With Tennessee's jobless rate persistently in double digits, the idea of cutting weekly benefits has emerged as one way to keep the state's unemployment compensation fund in the black.
"
TN: Bredesen's proposal for raising revenue worries lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some Tennessee lawmakers say they're concerned about how their constituents will react to a state revenue proposal that includes taxing cable TV and hiking driver's license fees for the first time in more than 20 years.
"
TX: Burned orange
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a cultural Mecca like Austin, it's hardly a surprise that the proposed closing of the renowned Cactus Caf on the University of Texas at Austin campus — an icon to many locals, but a bar catering largely to non-students in the view of some cost-cutting administrators — would cause an uproar.
"
TX: Hunger study finds 1 in 8 residents aided by Tarrant Area Food Bank in early 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More Tarrant County-area families struggled to put food on the table as the economic downturn took hold in North Texas last year, according to a hunger study released Tuesday.
"
TX: In Texas, resistance over stricter U.S. smog limits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HOUSTON — Environmentalists squared off against business groups and Texas state officials on Thursday at a hearing on the Obama administration's proposal to tighten standards for smog-producing pollutants, a change that could improve the health of millions but would impose burdensome costs on industry and local governments.
"
US: Trial lawyers contribute, shareholder suits follow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Norfolk County, Mass., has only a small pension fund, but it is a big player in court.
"
UT: Bill to prohibit paid union leave clears committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that would prohibit school districts from paying the salaries of teachers who leave the classroom to engage in union activities cleared its first legislative hurdle Tuesday.
"
UT: State takes a stand against federal government, but will it stand?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fueled by a deep resentment of the federal government and Tea Party fervor, lawmakers advanced a pair of bills Tuesday aimed at enabling Utah to opt out of national health-reform efforts and federal firearms laws.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Gay rights legislation truce may be in trouble
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A truce on gay rights legislation this session may be in trouble.
"
VA: Va. Senate Democrats consider more cuts to health, education
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With Gov. Bob McDonnell and fellow Republicans resisting new taxes, Democratic budget-writers in the Senate are reluctantly considering an option they hoped to avoid: slashing even more from education and health.
"
VA: Va. Senate passes bill to halt insurance drops for Chinese drywall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to prevent home insurers from canceling policies or raising rates on homeowners because their properties were built with Chinese-made drywall passed the Virginia Senate on Monday.
"
VA: Capitol bustles with budget deliberations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Republicans gathered behind closed doors for a longer-than-usual caucus meeting to discuss the state budget Tuesday morning as a 138-page report from a fiscally conservative advocacy group recommending deep spending cuts circulated on Capitol Square.
"
VA: Study -- Local Foodbank aiding more homeless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A higher percentage of the people being served by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia is homeless and a smaller proportion is elderly than four years ago, according to a study released Tuesday.
"
WA: Gregoire calls for review of adult family homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered the Department of Social and Health Services to review its oversight of the adult-family-home industry, including each case of mistreatment detailed this week in a Seattle Times investigation.
"
WA: WSU chancellor resigns from leadership role on new I-5 bridge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"VANCOUVER, Wash. -- Hal Dengerink, chancellor of Washington State University Vancouver, has resigned as the Washington co-chair of the group overseeing an effort to build a replacement Interstate 5 bridge.
"
WA: Legislation to close Yakima Valley School hearing is today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers will hear testimony today in Olympia on a bill that would shut down the Yakima Valley School for the developmentally disabled in Selah by 2014.
"
WA: Gregoire urged to reconsider Larch closure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators from Southwest Washington met with Gov. Chris Gregoire on Monday and asked her to reconsider her decision to close Larch Corrections Center. The governor made no promises, but did agree to consider lawmakers' concerns, said Rep. Deb Wallace, D-Vancouver.
"
WA: State pins hopes on feds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire said Monday that she is confident enough of receiving extra federal money for Medicaid that she will add $435 million to her budget on the revenue side, reducing the amount of additional funding she will request from the Legislature this month.
"
WA: Sierra Club -- 520 bridge should be built 'for the future'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Sierra Club has one particularly ambitious transportation goal in Olympia this session: Getting the powers that be to re-think how they'll replace the 520 Bridge.
"
WA: 520 -- Seattle lawmakers voted for plan they now object to
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Three prominent Seattle lawmakers on Monday presented an alternative to the state's preferred six auto-lane option for replacing the 520 bridge.
"
WA: Angry taxpayer proposes 'radical' changes to state seal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Orting man, apparently upset over the state's taxes, has proposed some major changes to the Washington state seal.
"
WA: Gregoire calls for review of adult family homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire has ordered the Department of Social and Health Services to review its oversight of the adult-family-home industry, including each case of mistreatment detailed this week in a Seattle Times investigation."
WI: Oak Creek plant begins producing electricity, We Energies forecasts growth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin Energy Corp. hit a pair of milestones Tuesday when it reported record 2009 profit and began operation of its first new coal-fired power plant in 25 years.
"
WI: Port Edwards plant conversion ends mercury emissions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Port Edwards industrial plant - the largest single source of mercury pollution in Wisconsin - has removed the hazardous chemical from the plant and converted to a new technology.
"
WV: Blackhawk Saloon owner optimistic he'll get liquor license back
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The owner of the Blackhawk Saloon in Charleston has temporarily lost his liquor license after almost two years of skirting the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department's indoor smoking ban.
"
WV: DMV wants to raise fees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Joe Miller wants state lawmakers to approve nearly $61 million a year in fee increases to help fund a cash-strapped state Road Fund, and to update driver fees that haven't changed for nearly 30 years.
"
WY: Wyo state senator goes to bat for Rock Springs residents over subsidence problems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCK SPRINGS, Wy. – Residents in what's called the "Tree Street" neighborhood here are facing a classic "Catch 22? situation–they say their houses have been damaged by the Wyoming Abandoned Mine Lands division's attempts in 2007 to fix subsidence problems created by old underground mines.
"
WY: State stimulus Web site gets poor marks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bipartisan policy center has given the Wyoming stimulus accountability Web site a low grade, while the Governor's office defends the effort as effective, but not flashy.
"
WY: Opinion mixed on roundabouts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Roundabouts draw a crowd.
"
WY: Worker safety gets help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Both employer and employee advocates are commending Gov. Dave Freudenthal for setting aside $406,000 to hire a health and safety scientist as part of an ongoing effort to address Wyoming's poor workplace safety record.
"
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.
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
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