NV: Gaming Recession -- Gaming revenues fall by biggest percentage ever
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It could have been a whole lot worse.
"
US: IRS, states eye independent worker misclassification
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Internal Revenue Service and 37 states are cracking down on companies that try to trim payroll costs by illegally classifying workers as independent contractors, rather than as full employees, The Associated Press has learned.
"
Governors talk energy with Obama
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: President Obama on Wednesday (Feb. 3) told a group of 11 governors — including those from coal-friendly states — that the United States must move aggressively toward a clean energy economy.
"
Amid recall, four governors defend Toyota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY’S TAKE: The governors of Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Mississippi — all states that are home to Toyota plants —on Wednesday (Feb. 10) defended the Japanese automaker amid its worldwide recall of millions of cars.
"
AK: Lawmakers mull how to keep donations honest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The chairman of a state House committee says a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing unlimited spending in political campaigns by corporations and unions makes a mess of Alaska campaign law, and he wants the governor, not lawmakers, to take the lead on repairs.
"
AK: Construction spending is expected to decline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaska's key construction industry is expecting less spending again this year, continuing a gradual decline that began before the national recession started.
"
AK: Alaska agency wants Medicaid budget change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska - The Department of Health and Social Services is asking the Legislature to approve a bookkeeping change to try to resolve budgeting problems with a Medicaid reimbursement program.
"
AK: Oil industry's ad campaign centers on new hires
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The oil industry's "Faces of ACES" advertising campaign is seeking to win oil tax reductions with assertions the law forced widespread layoffs, but the stories behind those faces say differently.
"
AL: Legislature asks Obama to rethink Constellation cancellation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alabama House and Senate adopted a joint resolution Thursday urging President Barack Obama to reverse his decision on the Constellation project.
"
AL: Ala. Senate may debate bingo bill Tuesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The much-anticipated fight over a bill that would allow the state to sanction, tax and regulate electronic bingo is expected to be debated on the Senate floor Tuesday.
"
AL: Black caucus to ask Attorney General Troy King to stop the shutdown of electronic bingo casinos around the state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The leader of the Legislative Black Caucus, Rep. John Rogers of Birmingham, said he plans in the next few days to formally ask Alabama Attorney General Troy King to intervene and stop the shutdown of electronic bingo casinos around the state.
"
AL: Senate OKs bill to fund PACT
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate and House are on track to provide $236 million to shore up Alabama's financially troubled prepaid college tuition plan, but there is no agreement yet on whether to cap tuition increases for the plan's 45,000 participants.
"
AR: Environmental groups sue over SWEPCO plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TEXARKANA, Ark. — Another lawsuit has been filed in hopes of stopping construction of a planned coal-fired power plant in south Arkansas.
"
AR: Arkansas PSC to study Entergy opt-out agreement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Arkansas Public Service Commission issued a "show cause order" today asking Entergy Arkansas to provide documentation of its effort to opt out of its system agreement with its parent company, Entergy Corp.
"
AZ: Brewer questions fuel-efficiency rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona motorists looking for new cars in 2012 may escape being forced by state regulations to purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles.
"
AZ: House OKs measure to exempt state-made guns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state House voted Thursday to let Arizonans buy guns without the government knowing -- but only if the weapons are manufactured in this state.
"
AZ: ASU -- Market is still driven by foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosures remained a dominant force in the Phoenix area's housing market in January, as foreclosures and resales of foreclosure homes accounted for two-thirds of existing-home transactions during the month, according to an Arizona State University report.
"
AZ: SRP hosts meeting on rate-hike plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Salt River Project officials spent three hours at a public meeting Thursday explaining the details of a pending rate hike that would add about $6 to the average monthly bill.
"
AZ: SRP strikes deal over Prescott area water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A fight over the rights to a huge pool of groundwater in Yavapai County ended Thursday with a truce between a Phoenix water provider trying to guard existing supplies and two communities desperate to secure future resources.
"
AZ: Special session ends; clears way for tax vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Legislature ended its special session on the budget Thursday still $700 million in the red, but with the certainty that a sales-tax election will be held this spring.
"
CA: Anthem's parent company defends health insurance rate hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The parent of beleaguered Anthem Blue Cross offered a spirited defense Thursday of large premium increases for customers with individual health insurance policies in California, but critics -- including the Obama administration -- voiced skepticism.
"
CA: Critics -- State can't handle greenhouse gas mandates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Seizing on job fears, critics of California's landmark law to curb greenhouse gas emissions plan to launch an initiative campaign that would force regulators to retreat until the economy rebounds significantly.
"
CA: Feinstein seeks to ease curbs on water delivery to farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. Dianne Feinstein has drawn up legislation that for the next two years would loosen Endangered Species Act restrictions on pumping water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to increase irrigation deliveries to San Joaquin Valley growers.
"
CO: Colorado resort towns wrestle with collecting taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Elizabeth Smith first listed her three-bedroom Crested Butte home on VRBO.com in 2000, she was one of five Crested Butte homeowners on the website offering private nightly rentals directly to vacationers.
"
CO: Republicans say gubernatorial candidate Hickenlooper flip-flopping on climate change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrat John Hickenlooper insists his positions on global warming haven't changed since he entered the governor's race, but several Republicans say the Denver mayor seems cooler to the idea now that he has to run statewide.
"
CO: Gov. Ritter, Democratic lawmakers present health care reform package
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Ritter and legislative Democrats announced what some termed a "creative" package of proposals Thursday to improve health care in a tough economy — from forcing insurers to cover mammograms to forgiving college debt for nurses.
"
CO: Colorado may scrap tuition limit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are working on legislation that could give public universities the right to hike their tuition without state approval.
"
CT: Foreclosure filings down 8.5 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosure filings in Connecticut fell 8.5 percent in January, compared with the previous month. Filings in 33 other states also dropped in the same period, according to a new report released Thursday.
"
CT: Future of Middletown plant remains unclear
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The fate of a 620-megawatt Middletown power plant project, which was rapidly nearing completion when five workers died in an explosion Sunday, is now uncertain.
"
CT: Mega Millions game slow starter in area
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cynthia Moore of Waterbury is going to have a lot more free time on her days off now that the Connecticut State Lottery has joined 34 other states to offer its players Mega Millions, the nation's biggest jackpot game.
"
CT: Regulators won't block layoffs at two gas companies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State utility regulators confirmed Thursday that they will not prevent two Connecticut gas companies from laying off about 65 workers.
"
CT: Developer pulls out of Powder Ridge deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIDDLEFIELD, Conn. -- The would-be developer of the former Powder Ridge ski area has decided not to buy the storied, but dilapidated property, citing Connecticut's high energy costs and taxes.
"
CT: Connecticut Supreme Court hears arguments in state police union drive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Captains and lieutenants are in the middle of the Connecticut State Police command structure, collectively overseeing more than 1,000 sergeants and troopers. But does that make them managers?
"
CT: No safety officials present during gas purge at Middletown blast site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No local or state fire-safety official was present at the purging of the natural-gas pipeline that preceded Sunday's deadly blast at the Kleen Energy power plant in Middletown. And they didn't have to be.
"
FL: Florida sees decline in illegal immigrants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida was the only state to see a net loss of undocumented immigrants from 2000 to 2009, the federal government says in a new report.
"
FL: Justices adopt Fla. foreclosure mediation rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lenders will be required to pick up the tab for investigating and verifying ownership and then try mediation before foreclosing Florida home mortgages under new rules approved Thursday by the Florida Supreme Court.
"
FL: Bank of America forecloses on house that couple had paid cash for
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SPRING HILL, Fla. — Charlie and Maria Cardoso are among the millions of Americans who have experienced the misery and embarrassment that come with home foreclosure.
"
FL: New Progress Energy bills leave some customers more confused
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oops, they did it again. Progress Energy left customers with a bit more confusion over a recent billing error.
"
FL: Freeze a big blow to local farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"January's extended freeze devastated local farmers, new estimates show.
"
FL: Bankruptcy lawyers -- Rothstein partners made ``fraudulent'' transactions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two senior law partners of convicted Ponzi schemer Scott Rothstein received $18 million in ``purported loans'' from his Fort Lauderdale firm -- and then almost immediately paid out most of the money to the firm, Rothstein or others, according to allegations in new bankruptcy court filings.
"
GA: Georgia kicks off appliance rebate program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Prepaid Visa cards for inefficient appliances doesn't roll off the tongue like cash for clunkers, but retailers hope the stimulus-funded program will have a similar boost for sales.
"
GA: Perdue signs banking bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the first bill this session to get Gov. Sonny Perdue's signature, HB 926 became law and will help locally chartered banks
"
HI: Bigger Pill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's health insurance market is about to be reduced to four providers.
"
HI: State tax collections down 5.4%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State general fund tax collections for the first seven months of the fiscal year decreased by 5.4 percent compared with the same period last year, but the decline wasn't as severe as the drop in revenues reported in the first half of the year.
"
IA: Workers misclassified, probe finds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 120 Iowa companies failed to count about 900 workers as employees, sometimes in an attempt to shirk paying worker unemployment insurance, health and retirement benefits, the state said.
"
IA: Most Iowans say they back film tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Criminal probe or no, a strong majority of Iowans - 61 percent - think using state tax breaks to keep film cameras rolling in the state is a good thing, The Des Moines Register's latest Iowa Poll shows.
"
ID: Idaho courts want to slap offenders with $25 fee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Those in the Idaho courts system's crosshairs could soon begin paying a $25 emergency surcharge for every infraction and criminal conviction, to help judges continue meting out justice amid a revenue crunch.
"
ID: Idaho legislative measures may affect your outdoor recreation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Bill 486 would allow mountain bikers and trail advocates to purchase a specialty vehicle plate to support trails in Idaho.
"
ID: Final Idaho revenue forecast to be set today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"How the Idaho Legislature got to this point in the budget-setting process starting at the end of the 2009 session:
"
ID: Idaho colleges aim high with tuition increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The early signs are that Idaho students could be digging deeper than ever to pay for college education as they deal with a weak economy.
"
IL: Illinois will get more specialty crop money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois will get $209,000 more in federal block grant funds next year to improve competitiveness of specialty crops.
"
IL: Cat spending billions to meet Tier 4 emission standards by 2011
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Caterpillar Inc. is in the midst of what it calls "the most aggressive and expensive product development initiative" in its history and it will be ready to meet the next tier of federal emission control regulations, the company said Thursday.
"
IL: New Lincoln penny design unveiled in Springfield
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Amid schoolchildren clamoring for free pennies, alongside a drummer and bugler dressed in Civil War uniforms (Union, naturally), among government officials praising the Great Emancipator were people like Jeffery Boggs of Springfield.
"
IL: Illinois home sales up 35% in 4Q, still down for year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois home sales were strong during the final three months of 2009 but stability seems to elude the local market, the Illinois Association of Realtors said Thursday.
"
IL: Illinois businessman buying control of St. Louis Rams
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Illinois businessman who owns a $2 billion auto-parts company and has a soft spot for St. Louis is buying control of that city's professional football team.
"
IN: WellPoint pressured to justify rate hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pressure is mounting on Indianapolis-based WellPoint to better justify to federal and state officials the reasons it is increasing health insurance premiums by up to 39 percent on some individual policies in Indiana and California.
"
KS: Senate approves resolution critical of federal government intrusion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas Senate on Thursday approved a measure that supporters said is meant to the tell the federal government to stop intruding on states' rights.
"
KS: Senate approves ban on novelty lighters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would ban so-called novelty cigarette lighters.
"
KS: Senate approves ban on novelty lighters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would ban so-called novelty cigarette lighters."
KS: Kansas bill would bar insurance coverage of most elective abortions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas insurance providers would be prohibited from covering elective abortions — unless you want to pay extra — under legislation pending in the Legislature.
"
KS: Repeal of tax breaks before committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of Goodwill Industries of Kansas brought the state's tax problems into sharp focus on Thursday.
"
KS: Kansas Supreme Court to rule on school case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Justices of the Kansas Supreme Court will announce Friday whether they have agreed to reopen a landmark school finance lawsuit the justices dismissed in 2006.
"
KY: EKU's private hotel project clears state hurdle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Leaders at Eastern Kentucky University are looking for a private developer to build a $40 million hotel adjacent to its performing arts center.
"
KY: Coal trucks may block roads under proposed law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several lawmakers from Kentucky's coalfields are pushing a bill that would give heavy coal and road-equipment trucks the legal right to block public roadways for up to 60 minutes as they unload cargo.
"
KY: Beshear asks House to reconsider slots plan, says federal bailout iffy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear sent a letter to state House members Thursday that asks them to revisit his proposal to allow video lottery terminals at Kentucky racetracks.
"
LA: Lawmakers hire recovery adviser
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature has hired a hurricane recovery program specialist to help lawmakers ensure that $3.5 billion in remaining federal disaster aid is spent on the right things.
"
LA: Higher rate for Citizens backed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon said Thursday that his office has signed off on a 4.57 percent average rate increase for commercial policyholders insured by the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
"
MD: FirstEnergy buying rival Allegheny Energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FirstEnergy said Thursday that it is buying Allegheny Energy, which serves Western Maryland, in a $4.7 billion stock deal that will bring together two neighboring rivals to form one of the biggest power companies in the country.
"
MD: Maryland's disaster declarations starting to pile up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"COLLEGE PARK, Md. - As Maryland gets pounded again with double-digit snowfalls, state officials are still waiting for a federal response to a disaster declaration request submitted by Gov. Martin O'Malley more than three weeks ago.
"
MD: Finally a break
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By 7 a.m. yesterday the winter of 2009-2010 set the record as the snowiest in post-Colonial history. Then even more snow fell on top of the 2-foot-deep remnants of last weekend's storm.
"
ME: Millinocket backs boiler plan but seeks conditions Council wants Brookfield to restart mill, restore jobs lost in 2008
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MILLINOCKET, Maine — The town supports a biomass boiler that Brookfield Asset Management wants to build, but only if Brookfield restarts the town mill and restores jobs lost when the mill closed in 2008.
"
ME: Panel gives OK to lottery expansion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative committee is recommending that Maine allow the bingolike video game called keno and join the multistate Mega Millions lottery as a way to generate additional revenue during the recession.
"
MI: Feds pass on surest solution to Asian carp advance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- With marauding Asian carp on the Great Lakes' doorstep, the federal government has crafted a $78.5 million battle plan that offers no assurance of thwarting an invasion and doesn't use the most promising weapon available to fight it off.
"
MI: Business owners say change will harm them
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two of Michigan's leading business groups expressed strong opposition Thursday to the governor's proposal to extend the sales tax to most of the state's service businesses, vowing to fight the plan in Lansing.
"
MN: State of State -- Farewell, with a few surprises
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Tim Pawlenty began his long goodbye to Minnesota on Thursday and asked for a few parting gifts.
"
MN: Pawlenty -- Reduce taxes, create jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the most important question before Minnesota is: "How do we best grow good, private-sector jobs?" His answer, delivered in his eighth and final State of the State address Thursday, was the same one he has offered many times before: cut taxes on job providers.
"
MN: Lawmaker's proposal -- Sell Metrodome to Vikes for $1
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rep. Paul Kohls, a conservative Republican from Victoria, has introduced a bill to help the Vikings out of the team's stadium bind. But it isn't the kind of help the team is looking for.
"
MN: Hecker pleads not guilty to fraud charges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Denny Hecker's defense strategy: blame Chrysler Financial. That's the picture Hecker's lawyer painted during a news conference Thursday after Hecker pleaded not guilty to federal criminal charges that potentially could put the former auto mogul in prison for the rest of his life.
"
MO: Mo. high court breaks ground on juror standards and employee protection
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A claim that a juror made anti-Semitic remarks while considering a wrongful-termination case led the Missouri Supreme Court this week to penetrate the sanctity of the deliberation room.
"
MO: Holidays to close offices in county
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State and county offices will be closed tomorrow and Monday for observations of Lincoln's and Washington's birthdays.
"
MO: Mo. regulators seek input on AmerenUE rate case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A series of hearings on AmerenUE's request for an increase in electric rates has drawn more than 2,000 people over the past six weeks.
"
MT: Census bus in Helena today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A U.S. Census tour bus will make a road stop at the Capitol in Helena today for a rally encouraging Montanans to participate in the census April 1.
"
MT: Billings citizens petition state utility regulators on street light charges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several Billings citizens say NorthWestern Energy is overcharging for streetlights and have petitioned the state Public Service Commission to stop the price gouging.
"
MT: Governor hails $450K savings by state Department of Livestock
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer says the Department of Livestock is coming under budget with implementation of its brucellosis plan.
"
MT: State might be open to lowering minimum bid for Otter Creek coal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Land Board might consider lowering the minimum bid for 570 million tons of state-owned coal in southeastern Montana's Otter Creek Valley, after getting no bids by a deadline this week, state lands officials said Thursday.
"
MT: WP Commission won't ban lead shot; opening day of big-game season moved from Sunday to Saturday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By a slim one-vote margin, Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission shot down an effort Thursday to ban lead shot ammunition for upland game bird hunting on a series of state-owned hunting lands.
"
NC: Rand kept inmate medical costs high
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A former legislative leader's under-the-radar maneuver undid a law to cut millions of dollars from the soaring cost of medical care for inmates days after it passed.
"
NC: Perdue salutes NASCAR from passenger seat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bev Perdue did not crash the car. Now, in fairness to former Gov. Mike Easley, who did crash his car, Perdue wasn't driving.
"
NE: Around the Rotunda -- Wineries could end up on Nebraska road signs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. Kent Rogert of Tekamah would like the Legislature to enable the state to post signs along Nebraska roads that show travelers there's a winery close by.
"
NE: NU regents likely to approve Lincoln arena agreement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is likely to approve an agreement in March to create a joint public agency with the city of Lincoln over the proposed Haymarket arena.
"
NH: Environmentalists urge pesticide study
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Environmentalists are pushing lawmakers to form a committee to study the effects of pesticides on children, but lawn care businesses object to the study, saying it would lead to a ban on chemicals important to their work.
"
NH: In N.H., budget cuts, layoffs unavoidable, governor says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CONCORD, N.H. - Governor John Lynch plans to cut $140 million from New Hampshire's state budget over the next 17 months and sees layoffs as unavoidable.
"
NJ: Dems blast NJ Gov. Chris Christie for keeping budget plans secret until speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The honeymoon is officially over.
"
NJ: N.J. utilities board unanimously approves $750M power line project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Board of Public Utilities has unanimously approved the $750 million Susquehanna-Roseland power line project that will cut through North Jersey with a goal of providing a reliable power supply to the region.
"
NJ: N.J. environmental groups accuse Gov. Christie of 'raiding' funds for clean air, water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State environmental groups today accused Gov. Chris Christie of attacking the environment by "raiding" the state's Clean Energy Fund, the Highlands Council budget and other coffers dedicated to clean air and water protections.
"
NJ: Christie balances budget with cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Christie, in the first major budget decisions of his term, asserted broad executive powers yesterday to cut aid to public schools, health-care programs, public transportation, and a wide array of other areas, saying the steps were the beginning of his promised fiscal reform.
"
NJ: Democrats critical of Christie's budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats reacted immediately and harshly to Gov. Christie's budget speech yesterday, arguing that the budget changes he presented will harm the state's middle class and that he appears to have abandoned already any plans for bipartisanship.
"
NJ: Shore beaches escaped major erosion damage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HARVEY CEDARS, N.J. - Welcome to LBI, the state's new exclusive winter resort.
"
NM: Bill delays agency mergers to 2011
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While legislators have been slow to act on governor's task force proposals to consolidate state agencies, the House of Representatives on Thursday unanimously passed a measure to set up another task force to make specific recommendations for next year's Legislature.
"
NM: Ex-state worker faces new tax fraud charges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It'll be d j vu all over again today when Gayle McIntyre appears before state District Judge Michael Vigil.
"
NM: Senate Finance Committee swaps two tax increases for GRT on food
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It took less than half an hour Thursday for the Senate Finance Committee to pass its version of New Mexico's nearly $5.3 billion dollar budget.
"
NM: Bernalillo's $14 million arsenic treatment system not working, tests show
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Stephen Jerge resigned as Bernalillo's Town manager last April, after reporters discovered his $45,000 in questionable purchases and cash advances charged to a town credit card.
"
NY: Timing of gift raises doubts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson received $25,000 in campaign contributions from a large liquor-industry distributor shortly before he announced his plan to allow the sale of wine in grocery stores.
"
NY: Rebates set to put old fridges on ice
From: feeds.stateline.org
"COLONIE, N.Y. -- Shoppers could be racing the clock this weekend to take advantage of the state's rebate programs for energy-efficient appliances.
"
OH: Leaders of Third Frontier campaign selected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two former national political leaders from Ohio have been tapped to lead the campaign for a renewal of the the state's Third Frontier program on the May 4 ballot.
"
OH: Ohio OKs Verizon-Frontier local telephone service deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio regulators on Thursday, Feb. 11, approved Frontier Communications Corp.'s acquisition of Verizon Communications Inc.'s local wireline telephone operations.
"
OH: Foreclosure filings surge 51.7 percent in January
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DAYTON, Ohio -- Foreclosure filings, which had been waning locally, surged by 51.7 percent in January in the four-county Dayton metro area, according to a report released Thursday, Feb. 11.
"
OH: Schmidt -- loan guarantee to Areva, not USEC; DOE -- not true
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A spokeswoman for the Department of Energy is denying a claim by Rep. Jean Schmidt that the Obama administration is about to announce that a $2 billion federal loan guarantee to help build a uranium enrichment plant is going to Areva, a French company building a plant in Idaho -- not USEC's Piketon, Ohio project.
"
OH: Powerball lottery likely coming to Ohio in April
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- No more drives to Indiana to buy Powerball tickets. No more asking your brother in Wheeling or cousin in Pittsburgh to pick up your tickets for the giant Powerball jackpots.
"
OH: Median home prices in Cleveland, Akron metro areas on the rebound
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Northeast Ohio house prices rebounded last year, marking a sharp improvement from the doldrums of late 2008.
"
OH: Lake Erie wind turbine backers ready to study wildlife impact, court manufacturer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- A Cuyahoga County task force striving to erect wind turbines in Lake Erie is looking for bats, birds and a turbine manufacturer.
"
OH: FirstEnergy could soon be the largest electric utility in the nation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FirstEnergy Corp could soon be the largest electric utility in the nation, with more than 6 million customers and annual sales of more than $16 billion.
"
OR: Oregon Senate committee endorses ban on BPA in baby bottles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A divided Oregon Senate committee today endorsed banning a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical from baby bottles and sippy cups after removing a provision that would have also banned the chemical from the lining inside infant formula containers.
"
OR: Oregon senator supports Klamath Basin agreement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An agreement to share water among fish and farms in the Klamath Basin today won its first explicit endorsement from Oregon's congressional delegation
"
OR: Oregon state senator drops attempt to ban plastic checkout bags
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Oregon state senator today abandoned his bid to ban plastic bags at checkout counters throughout the state, but said the proposal initiated "a much-needed discussion."
"
PA: FirstEnergy to pay $4.7 billion for Allegheny Energy if states OK
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FirstEnergy Corp. said Thursday it agreed to pay $4.7 billion to acquire Greensburg-based Allegheny Energy Inc.
"
PA: Veon's former aide says staff looked for reimbursement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The onetime chief of staff to former House Democratic Whip Mike Veon testified yesterday that state employees looked for minor legislative duties back in the home district so they could get reimbursed for expenses while campaigning there.
"
PA: Budget cuts to close Presque Isle beaches
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proposed state budget cuts are taking a bite out of one of Erie County's leading tourist attractions.
"
PA: Veon aide -- Taxpayers bankrolled political travel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Taxpayers often paid for former Democratic Whip Mike Veon's Harrisburg staffers to travel to Beaver County to do campaign work on the pretext they were engaged in legislative duties, Veon's ex-chief of staff told a Dauphin County jury Thursday.
"
SC: Measure to boost S.C. real estate dies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The South Carolina Senate agrees the state's property tax laws are flawed. But disagreement on how to fix them Thursday scuttled what many considered a needed remedy to exorbitant taxes that buyers of commercial real estate are subject to at a time when the state is struggling through a recession.
"
SC: Cruise traffic getting revamp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Following a November nightmare of traffic backlogs, staff from the State Ports Authority, the Charleston Police Department and City Hall huddled to find a strategy for the 2010 cruise season -- with its record number of ship calls -- which starts Monday.
"
SD: Delta Airlines to expand service in ND
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Starting in May, Delta Airlines will be resuming daily flights from Bismarck to Salt Lake City and adding a second daily flight in June.
"
TN: Republican rivals batter Bill Haslam's Pilot income
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rival Republican gubernatorial candidates on Thursday ramped up their attacks on fundraising leader Bill Haslam in the aftermath of the Knoxville mayor's announcement he is launching a statewide television advertising campaign.
"
TX: Texas lottery officials examine possible conflict
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texas lottery officials said Thursday that they found no evidence of improper bid information sharing between a consultant company and the lottery's main vendor, GTECH Corp., but they said say they cannot rule it out.
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US: Cold-weather states lose federal heating aid to South, when formula adds joblessness
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND, Maine -- The recent cold snap in the Deep South has sucked federal emergency home heating dollars away from traditional cold-weather states, causing heating aid to dry up faster than usual in many northern states.
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UT: Foreclosure mystery -- Why can't conservative Utahns afford their mortgage?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah missed the big property run-ups in California and elsewhere, but it's No. 5 in foreclosures, according to a new RealtyTrac study.
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UT: Utah recognized for best debt management
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah state government can add "best in the nation for debt management" to the list of accolades it has received in recent years in recognition of its penchant for conservative fiscal policy.
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UT: Committee OKs $26 million cut to public safety departments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The potential of 215 prisoners out on the streets early, fewer detention beds for youth offenders and 24 fewer highway troopers got a step closer to becoming reality Thursday as a legislative budget panel reluctantly approved a $26 million cut to public safety programs.
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UT: LGBT community split on legislative moratorium
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of Utah's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community agreed at a forum Thursday night that they share a common goal of equality, but disagree on the methods for getting there.
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UT: House OKs roadblocks to federal health reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Utah House on Thursday passed a bill telling Congress that it's not in control of health care here.
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VA: Bills dealing with Chinese dry wall voted down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House committee Thursday voted down two bills dealing with insurance coverage of Chinese drywall.
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VA: Va. Senate measure prohibits selling of port
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The outright sale of any Virginia port would be prohibited under a bill passed by the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday.
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VA: Virginia budget still a mystery in assembly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a week and a half, members of the legislative money committees will gather at the General Assembly building on a Sunday afternoon to present their own versions of the two-year state budget to rooms full of lobbyists and reporters.
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VT: N.Y. regulators recommend against Entergy spinoff
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vermont Yankee owner Entergy Corp. was dealt a setback Thursday in New York state that could affect its future in Vermont.
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VT: Controversy brewing over Lake Champlain Bridge labor deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Associated General Contractors of Vermont has written federal highway officials urging against approval of a "project labor agreement" that would govern wages, benefits and working conditions for the Lake Champlain Bridge reconstruction.
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VT: House votes for 7-fold increase in Vermont Yankee's discharge fee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House voted Thursday to increase more than seven-fold the amount Vermont Yankee pays to discharge water into the Connecticut River.
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VT: State opposes Burlington Telecom's borrowing request
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Department of Public Service urged regulators Thursday to deny Burlington Telecom's request to be allowed to pay a big bill due next week with money borrowed from the city of Burlington's cash pool.
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WA: Safeco donating $3.5 million art collection to consortium of museums
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Their names are among the biggest in Northwest art: Jacob Lawrence, Fay Jones, Dale Chihuly. Now, several of their works, along with hundreds of pieces by other Northwest artists that have been part of Safeco's private collection for years, will become permanently accessible for public exhibits.
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WA: For Washington state, Olympics-related business mostly a no-show
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BLAINE, Wash. -- At Paso del Norte, one of this border community's most popular eateries, owner Miguel Ramos will have three extra staffers — a cook and two waiters — working during the first week of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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WA: Foreclosure-prevention programs get $900,000 from state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosure-prevention programs will receive nearly $900,000 to help them address the growing crisis in Washington, state Attorney General Rob McKenna said Thursday.
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WI: State Medicaid to get $41,233 settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wisconsin Medicaid program will get $41,223.56 as its share of a multi-state $3.9 million settlement with Otsuka American Pharmaceutical, which was accused of illegally marketing a drug for unapproved uses.
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WI: Job growth in Wisconsin projected later this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new economic forecast predicts Wisconsin will begin adding jobs this spring but employment won't reach pre-recession levels until the end of 2012.
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WI: Wis. agency will resume lending to home buyers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin's affordable housing agency says it will resume lending to first-time home buyers after suspending loans for 17 months.
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WI: Existing home sales stable, prices slip in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Boosted by a fourth-quarter rally, sales of existing homes in Wisconsin last year slightly topped totals in 2008, but the median sale price fell.
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WI: Bigger savings in store on winter heating bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home heatings costs for We Energies customers are projected to fall 20% this winter from 2008-'09, resulting in savings of about $169 for a typical home customer of the state's biggest utility.
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WI: WHEDA to begin lending again March 1
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin's affordable housing agency, which stopped making mortgage loans 17 months ago when the financial crisis left it unable to sell its mortgage bonds, plans to return to the market March 1 with a new loan product.
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WV: 'Real' fireworks could become legal under proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"So-called "real" fireworks could become legal in West Virginia this year, under a bill making its way through the Legislature. State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday that he believes legalizing firecrackers, bottle rockets and other fireworks prohibited under current state law would actually improve safety.
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WY: Gun bill gains backing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal that would allow people in Wyoming to carry concealed weapons without permits passed an initial legislative hurdle on Thursday.
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WY: Senior senator pushes health care proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A veteran Wyoming state senator for the third time is pushing a bill he says would offer health insurance to people who couldn't afford it on the open market and also serve as an example to the rest of the nation of how to tackle rising health care costs.
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WY: Legal services bill clears house committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to create a statewide system of legal services for low-income people got the go-ahead from the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
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Weekly wrap: In gloomy times, Alaska bounces back
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oil price increases fuel Alaska's $2.2 billion budget surplus; Delaware sees at least five more years of slow revenue growth; and President Obama calls on Congress to continue a popular municipal bond program.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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