MN: Pawlenty's critics decry use of federal funds as hypocrisy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Tim Pawlenty found himself pummeled by criticism at home and nationally Tuesday, with Democrats labeling him a hypocrite for bashing President Obama's stimulus bill while using a hoped-for extension of a small portion of the program to balance the state's budget.
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MS: Stimulus jobs on state's bill in Mississippi
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi is one of 21 states using stimulus money to pay the salaries of private employers' new hires.
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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.
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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.
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AK: Samuels' gubernatorial bid banking on business boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An aggressive fundraising push aided by heavy hitters in Alaska business has Republican gubernatorial hopeful Ralph Samuels with more campaign cash in the bank than his incumbent primary rival, Gov. Sean Parnell.
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AK: Senate Finance committee studies oil taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As lawmakers debate whether to give big tax breaks to Big Oil this year, a key question concerns whether tax increases passed in 2007 are hurting the industry that fuels Alaska state government, and if so, what to do about it.
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AK: Lawmaker proposes tax holiday on new oil
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state would give companies a 10-year tax break on new oil under the latest proposal aimed at encouraging development in Alaska.
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AK: State files opposition against Kookesh motion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is opposing a motion to dismiss charges against Sen. Albert Kookesh and three codefendants accused of illegal subsistence fishing near Angoon in July.
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AK: Tour vendors dispute booth prices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tourism booths along the waterfront have become premium pieces of real estate for the vendors who hawk their Alaskan tours and transportation during the summer cruise season.
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AK: Legislature weighs dividends for the dead
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaskans who look forward to their Permanent Fund Dividends may soon be able to qualify even after they're dead.
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AL: Ala. Supreme Court blocks Country Crossing hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DOTHAN, Ala. — The Alabama Supreme Court has blocked a hearing Thursday in Dothan, where a judge was going to consider legal issues surrounding the closed Country Crossing casino.
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AL: Gov. Bob Riley says House panel holding up jobs bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley says an Alabama House committee is holding up three bills which the governor said would help get Alabama residents off of the unemployment rolls.
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AL: Troy King is not intervening yet in gambling investigations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama Attorney General Troy King said in a press conference today he will not intervene in the investigations being pursued by Gov. Bob Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling at this time.
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AL: Alabama Senate delaying electronic bingo bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proponents of electronic bingo casinos are playing a game of 21 in the Senate and losing so far.
Senate proponents had announced last week that they would bring up electronic bingo legislation for debate on Tuesday, and they predicted they would get the necessary support for passage, which is 21 of the 35 senators.
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AL: AG King to discuss gambling task force "activities"
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama Attorney General Troy King will discuss the "activities of the governor's gambling task force" during a news conference scheduled for noon today.
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AZ: House panel passes stadium finance bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite opposition from Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, an Arizona legislative committee approved a bill Wednesday that is designed to finance a new Chicago Cubs spring-training stadium in Mesa.
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AZ: Orange Coalition, Gray seek restrictions on eminent domain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of Arizonans who call themselves the "Orange Coalition" are behind three measures that would bolster individual property rights and secure state control of water within its borders.
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AZ: Senate panel OKs bill to restrict 'balloon loans'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate panel has approved a bill to protect home buyers from loans that could come back to hurt them.
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AZ: Ariz. lawmakers back off grab of traveler's checks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At the behest of one of its biggest private employers, Arizona is backing away from a budget-balancing move that lets the state seize and spend money from traveler's checks that remain uncashed for three years.
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CA: Governor, local officials tout stimulus' impact
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On the one-year anniversary of President Obama's $787 billion stimulus bill, officials around California touted the jobs created, construction projects aided and programs saved by the $25 billion thus far awarded to the state - and the additional $30 billion expected to flow here over the life of the act.
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CA: CalPERS to extend contract of financial firm accused of fraud
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CalPERS plans to extend a management contract with financial services giant State Street Corp., the same firm accused in a lawsuit of defrauding CalPERS and CalSTRS.
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CA: Democrats' budget plan advances in Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate Budget Committee on Tuesday approved rollbacks of two corporate tax breaks as part of a complex gas-tax swap to help close the state's $19.9 billion deficit.
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CO: Tax, budget plan sent to Ritter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers sent a package of bills to Gov. Bill Ritter on Tuesday that would allow taxes to be collected on candy, soda, software, online sales and other items.
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CO: Colorado casinos hoping to lose less at blackjack
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The house usually wins. Now it wants to shell out less when it loses.
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CT: Countrywide sends consumers checks for "abusive and unfair" practices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Countrywide Financial Corp. has mailed checks for more than $3,000 to hundreds of Connecticut residents who lost or could lose their homes as a result of the company's "abusive and unfair" home loan practices, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Monday.
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CT: Blumenthal proposes commission to review condo owners' complaints
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Condominium owners who can't resolve disputes with leaders of their associations would have another recourse under a proposal introduced Tuesday by the state's attorney general.
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CT: Team set to investigate power plant explosion in Middletown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- A half-dozen state agencies have been assembled to investigate the deadly Feb. 7 blast at the Kleen Energy power plant, but none had overall inspection or oversight responsibility at the $1 billion Middletown facility.
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DE: DelDOT tallies price tag for snow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The back-to-back snowstorms that virtually paralyzed Delaware will cost the state Department of Transportation about $8 million to $9 million in cleanup expenses, DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks said Tuesday.
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FL: Blood-bank chief's pay raised to $605,000 -- then 42 jobs cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The top executive of Metro Orlando's main blood bank received a 13 percent — $71,000 — increase in her pay package to more than $605,000 in 2009, less than two months before deciding to lay off 42 employees.
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FL: Florida work-at-home, job schemes targeted in crackdown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Federal Trade Commission on Wednesday announced a crackdown on job-placement and work-at-home schemes, including two in Florida, alleging the operations are making false promises to the unemployed.
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FL: Appeal made for stimulus draw down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats and labor leaders renewed a call Wednesday for the Legislature to draw down $444 million in federal stimulus dollars to expand unemployment compensation benefits to laid off workers.
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FL: Whole Child urges Crist -- Keep Cherry Center open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Parents remain angry, hurt and disappointed about the Department of Education's decision to close the Gwen Cherry Child Development Center.
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FL: $7.7 billion in stimulus spent in Florida so far
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The White House says about half of $14.9 billion in stimulus available to Florida has been spent in the past year.
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FL: Florida lawmakers hurry to delay unemployment tax increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that would delay an unemployment compensation tax increase for two years is on a fast track to early passage in the Florida Legislature.
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FL: Environmental report could spur debate on plastic-bag ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A much-anticipated report from state environmental regulators may spur Florida lawmakers to consider a ban on plastic retail bags.
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FL: Daytona International Speedway begins investigation of pothole
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- A lone security guard sat on an orange and black vehicle in front of the pothole that held hostage the 52nd running of the Daytona 500.
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FL: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch will be test of commercial space business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Sometime next month, if all goes well, a 154-foot-tall white rocket will rise from a launchpad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in a crucial test of the ambitions of upstart space company SpaceX —- and of President Barack Obama's new policy for NASA.
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FL: Bill to reform PSC ethics earns quick endorsement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to raise ethical standards at the Public Service Commission sailed through the Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday, clearing the way for Senate floor debate as early as the first week of the 2010 session next month.
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GA: Atlanta loses streetcar grant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Atlanta's bid for federal funding for a streetcar line along Peachtree Street failed to make a list of transit projects announced by the Obama administration Wednesday.
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GA: Bill would mean higher phone rates to continue in metro Atlanta
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Metro Atlanta consumers who use land-line telephones would likely continue to pay higher rates than their rural neighbors under a complicated telecom bill moving through the General Assembly.
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GA: Property owners were overcharged
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report to be released today concludes that property owners in the five core metro Atlanta counties overpaid their property taxes by an average of $244 in 2009.
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GA: Hospital reps hammer proposed 'bed tax'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hospital officials turned out in force at the state Capitol on Wednesday to oppose Gov. Sonny Perdue's proposed hospital tax, saying they preferred a tobacco tax to fill a massive Medicaid shortfall.
"
GA: Judge hears Morris bankruptcy plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Georgia-based newspaper owner Morris Publishing is due back in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where a judge will consider the company's plan to emerge from Chapter 11 protection by slashing $288.5 million from its debt.
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GA: State Senate fast-tracks telecom reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A compromise aimed at ending a war waged within Georgia's telecommunications industry over reform legislation has sailed through the state Senate with the 2010 session just a month old.
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GA: Senate creates economic development council
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill Tuesday afternoon that would create an economic development council of state lawmakers to evaluate all state-funded activities that support Georgia's economic development strategy.
"
HI: Hannemann's coyness over candidacy riles Abercrombie
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann says he is not yet an official candidate for governor, he is in the middle of a campaign swing through the state.
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HI: Fix the problem a roof at a time
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The homeless situation can seem overwhelming to the point where some observers just throw up their hands.
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HI: State to delay paying for health coverage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State payments totaling about $90 million a month to five insurance plans providing health coverage for low-income residents will be delayed in May and June, and possibly April, says state Human Services Director Lillian Koller.
"
HI: Hawaii teacher furloughs remain as school year starts running out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With 11 instructional days already lost to teacher furloughs and just six remaining, time has all but run out on potential furlough solutions this school year, though education officials, the governor's office and the teachers union say they are not giving up.
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IA: Whirlpool seeks $6.5M loan from Iowa leaders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Whirlpool Corp. will seek a $6.5 million forgivable loan from Iowa economic development leaders today to upgrade its Amana refrigerator plant over the next two years, state records show.
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IA: Democrat budget axes more than Culver's
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats unveiled their state budget targets Wednesday, showing $261 million more in cuts than proposed by Gov. Chet Culver in key segments of the budget.
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IA: Speakers disagree on merits of labor bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A controversial labor proposal would either trash the state's right-to-work law and wreck its economy or offer "reasonable reimbursements" to unions for work that has previously gone unpaid, those on opposing sides of the bill said Wednesday night.
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IA: Statewide home sales down in January
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The average sale price of a home in Iowa last month was just over $132,500. Iowa Association of Realtors President Carey Jensen says the average sale price figure has remained fairly low for the past year – primarily because of an influx of real estate owned (REO) or bank-owned foreclosure listings into the market.
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IA: Beef producers worry about snow, economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cattle prices have risen modestly in the last month and feed costs are down. With some luck, the U.S. economy will improve enough this year to enable Americans to splurge occasionally on a steak dinner.
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IA: Keokuk pollution fine set at $1 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Roquette America Inc. has agreed to pay a $1 million fine for air-quality infractions at its Keokuk corn-processing plant, tying the biggest air-pollution penalty in Iowa history.
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IA: Dozens sign up to speak at hearing on 'fair share'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa lawmakers today will conduct a public hearing on a controversial labor bill that would allow unions representing executive branch employees to charge nonunion workers fees for services.
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ID: Otter backs expansion of income tax credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is backing an expansion of an existing income tax credit that would give a bigger break to residents who donate to some same state agencies, the governor's budget chief told the Times-News on Tuesday.
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ID: Gov. Butch Otter's budget hit balky agencies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In September, Gov. Butch Otter asked state agencies receiving general fund money to look for possible reductions to help with the state's budget shortfall.
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ID: 2011 could bring Idaho a tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho legislators have all but ruled out tax increases during the 2010 session despite severe budget cuts, including possibly the first-ever cut to public education spending.
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ID: While mudslides bury California and the East gets record snow, Idaho suffers through a dry winter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Washington, D.C., was all but shut down by some 3 feet of snow this month.
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ID: Proposal aims scholarships at early graduates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho high school students who graduate early would be eligible for new scholarships to Idaho's public colleges and universities, under a legislative proposal heard Monday in the House Education Committee.
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ID: F&G to get tough on wolves
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Idaho Department of Fish and Game is taking a more aggressive approach to wolves killing domestic livestock, as a federal judge continues to weigh returning the predators to the endangered species list.
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IL: Health insurer Humana plans to cut 1,400 jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Health insurer Humana says it will eliminate about 1,400 jobs as it pushes to save money and adjust to a smaller enrollment. It is not ruling out some cuts in Illinois, where it has 650 workers, a spokesman said.
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IL: Quinn signs bill to oust McPier board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn this afternoon signed legislation that will oust the board that oversees the operation of McCormick Place, the nation's largest convention center.
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IL: Biologists intensify hunt for Asian carp near lake
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fisheries biologists launched the next phase in the hunt for Asian carp on Wednesday, using nets and electric current to corral fish in warm-water discharges along the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
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IL: Proposed fees on farmers to benefit state ag department
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House panel voted to raise fees dealing with pesticides, livestock and other areas in order to get $2 million for the state's ailing agriculture budget.
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IL: Coal industry poised for rebound
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MOUNT VERNON, Ill. -- With four coal mines under construction and another seven with permits to build pending, the Illinois coal industry is poised for a rebound.
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IL: Schock -- Don't ignore importance of healthy rivers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Odds are good that the Illinois River will flood this spring - but about the same as usual. Odds are better that the Mississippi River will flood - and higher than usual.
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IL: Cat says resolve on clean air hasn't wavered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Caterpillar Inc.'s decision to withdraw from a clean air coalition does not signal any change in the company's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the company said Tuesday.
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IL: Simon makes $10B offer for General Growth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Simon Property Group Inc., the nation's largest mall operator, offered to buy Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc. out of Chapter 11 for more than $10 billion in a deal that would give shareholders -- typically left empty handed in bankruptcy reorganization -- $9 a share.
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IN: Whirlpool union plans its biggest rally yet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Since August, members of Local 808 of the International Union of Electrical Workers have staged rallies and leaflet drops to protest Whirlpool's decision to end production at its Evansville plant.
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IN: Lawmakers to question WellPoint
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In California, regulators asked for -- and received -- an agreement from Indianapolis-based health insurance giant WellPoint to delay hefty premium increases on its individual health insurance plans.
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IN: No. 1 mall developer Simon offers $10B for biggest rival
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Simon Property Group made its long-rumored grab for bankrupt rival General Growth Properties on Tuesday, revealing a $10 billion mostly cash offer that could be hard for anyone to top.
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KS: Kansas House votes to increase insurance costs for abortions, Viagra, then sends bill back to committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas House on Wednesday voted to increase the cost of health insurance for elective abortions, smoking-related disease and Viagra.
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KS: State committee considering applying sales tax to residential utility bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Kansas House committee has been asked to reject a plan to impose the state's sales tax on residential utility bills.
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KS: State's fiscal woes cause worry among Kansans with disabilities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Terry Walter is diabetic and uses a wheelchair. A stroke left the 59-year-old Topeka man occasionally confused and sometimes forgetful.
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LA: Rowdy, colorful tradition lives on
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BASILE, La. — The Courir de Mardi Gras Basile is a thing of tradition and a sight to behold.
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MA: Official to grid -- Curb Wind costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's environmental and energy chief is warning Cape Wind Associates and National Grid to keep electricity rates as low as possible for consumers if the controversial wind farm off Cape Cod is ever built.
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MA: Tim Cahill flouts Robert DeLeo over criticism of Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Treasurer Timothy Cahill challenged Beacon Hill solons yesterday to pass across-the-board tax cuts even as House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo warned gubernatorial candidates about targeting the Legislature as a campaign tactic.
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MA: Teens to march on Mass. Statehouse in jobs push
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Teenagers from across the state are planning to march on Beacon Hill to push for youth jobs funding in the upcoming state budget.
"
MA: City reaps benefit of federal job bucks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The city is generating the equivalent of 1,276 full-time jobs over four years with its $309 million slice of federal stimulus cash, but just over half of the haul is for the private sector, while a portion of the rest will rescue nearly 300 cops and teachers.
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MA: When stints on payroll hurt the jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After nearly a year without work, Gary LaPlante was happy to take a three-week construction job. What he didn't know was that the job would cost him more than two-thirds of his benefits when he went back on unemployment.
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MA: Robert DeLeo -- Film tax credit plays role in job growth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massachusetts House Speaker Robert DeLeo said it may not be the right time to edit the film-industry tax credit.
"
MD: Pushing nuclear power
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Barack Obama visited suburban Maryland on Tuesday to make a pitch for a new generation of nuclear power and announce loan guarantees for the first new U.S. nuclear plant in decades.
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MD: Foreclosure changes urged
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings urged Maryland lawmakers Tuesday to adopt a proposal that would require mortgage companies to prove they tried to modify a borrower's loan before filing for foreclosure. The measure would also force companies into court mediation with homeowners who believe they have been wrongly denied relief.
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MD: Baltimore real estate asking-price reductions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Real estate search engine Trulia, which tracks how many homes listed for sale have had at least one price reduction, said this morning that Baltimore continues to have a high share. Higher, in fact, than all but four other big cities. Thirty-one percent of listings in Baltimore are on the market for less than their original asking price.
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MD: The road to recovery hits some big snags
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the day dawns for those contemplating a commute into Baltimore, there's good news: It should be better than Tuesday's slow crawl. The bad news? Maybe not by much.
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ME: Maine lawmakers to vote on Oxford casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maine election officials say they've validated enough voters' signatures to authorize a referendum on a casino in Oxford County.
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ME: Health insurance pinch driven home to Collins
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PITTSFIELD, Maine — Despite the deadlock in Congress regarding health care reform, the administration at C.M. Almy in Pittsfield is hopeful that relief is coming soon. Michael Fendler, the company vice president who oversees about 75 employees in the manufacture of ceremonial church equipment and vestments for clergy, told U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday that health care reform would relieve pressure on his company and its efforts to retain its highly skilled work force.
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ME: Health care think tank touts business database
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Maine Heritage Policy Center's chief economist this week launched a 12-part series on business trends in Maine by introducing a database that he said is the equivalent of a business sector census.
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ME: Maine residents push back against wind power farms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As wind power expands in Maine, the industry is feeling a gust of push back from those who worry about the turbines' noise and impact on scenery and about whether too many towers are going up too fast.
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ME: Maine officials laud federal stimulus money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One year ago, President Barack Obama signed the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Since then, federal stimulus has had a drastic effect on the health of the Maine economy, according to officials and observers.
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ME: Lawmakers eye tobacco tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public health advocates and some Maine lawmakers are supporting a proposed $1 state tax increase on a pack of cigarettes.
"
ME: Maine Native Seth Wescott Wins Gold In Snowboardcross
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- American Seth Wescott defended his Olympic title Monday, overtaking Canada's Mike Robertson to win the gold medal in the wild sport of men's snowboard cross. Wescott, of Carrabassett Valley, Maine, struggled in qualifying and was seeded 17th out of the 32 riders, but he emerged with his second gold medal — and America's second of the Winter Olympics.
"
ME: Gaming tables gain support
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Penobscot County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to sign on to a letter addressed to a legislative committee from the Bangor City Council expressing support for allowing Hollywood Slots to add gaming tables at its Main Street facility.
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ME: Bill would change bottle law enforcement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers will consider emergency legislation this session to crack down on companies not complying with Maine's bottle deposit law, a move that could generate millions of dollars for the state treasury.
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MI: MDOT study -- Detroit, Windsor need another border crossing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Michigan Department of Transportation today released the results of a traffic information study that reaffirmed the need for an additional border crossing in the Detroit/Windsor area "despite the current economic downturn."
"
MI: Mine under fire over environmental law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With work beginning as early as this spring on the first new mine in Michigan in a half-century, critics are saying the state has failed to implement laws passed in 2004 to guarantee the safety of the environment in favor of bringing in new jobs.
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MI: New housing starts on rise in SE Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New housing starts in southeastern Michigan showed signs of life in January with the highest number of building permits issued since September, according to data released Wednesday by Housing Consultants Inc.
"
MI: Both sides push in carp debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ypsilanti may be a long way from the Great Lakes, but about 200 people concerned about the possible spread of Asian carp into Lake Michigan showed up to tell federal officials what to do about the fish at a meeting Wednesday.
"
MI: U.S. needs to value manufacturing base, then rebuild it, Bill Ford says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bill Ford Jr., executive chairman of the Ford Motor Co., told a luncheon crowd of more than 400 at Laurel Manor & Banquet Hall in Livonia that a healthy manufacturing base is vital to the strength of metro Detroit and the U.S. economy.
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MI: Lansing area strong despite tough times
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mid-Michigan may be combating double-digit unemployment. We might be languishing in a years-long foreclosure crisis. And perhaps we don't have the best weather in the world.
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MN: Counties fume over governor's proposed cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Commissioners in Ramsey and Washington counties reacted with anger Tuesday to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal to deny them millions of dollars that pay for state-mandated programs.
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MN: Arts supporters see end-run in governor's budget-cutting plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arts advocates charge that Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposal to zero out legislative funding for the State Arts Board is a nonstarter. The governor's budget would eliminate the agency's allocation by 2013.
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MN: Recession slows big plans for downtown Bloomington
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Grand plans to create a "new downtown" for Bloomington in the area near Southtown shopping center have slowed to a crawl in the face of economic recession.
"
MO: Split of scholarship pot discussed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Students from big public universities and small private colleges sat elbow-to-elbow on the floor of a jammed Senate hearing room Wednesday, deeply divided over a state scholarship program that treats them differently.
"
MO: Social services to feel House budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The budget ax fell hard on Missouri's social services yesterday as House lawmakers began the long and painful process of crafting a state spending plan amid slumping tax revenues.
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MO: Senate panel hears pleas on scholarship bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public and private higher education institutions are scrambling for dwindling state resources, mainly money for scholarships for needy students.
"
MO: Head of Missouri Department of Natural Resources faces tough questions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Mark Templeton tangled with two groups of senators on Wednesday, fielding a barrage of questions about his budget and his leadership.
"
MO: Mo. senators debate lower minimum wage for teens
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri lawmakers are considering lowering the state's minimum wage - but only for teenagers.
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MO: Mo. treasurer announces low-interest loans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Treasurer Clint Zweifel (ZWY'-ful) has announced more than $36 million in low-interest loans to small businesses in northeast Missouri.
"
MO: Democrats put Missouri's Kit Bond in 'Hypocrisy Hall of Fame' for stance on stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The $787 billion stimulus bill may have been signed into law a year ago today, but the political fistfight over its effectiveness isn't over.
"
MO: Desire to keep Ford's Claycomo plant drives Missouri House to support new tax incentives
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In an attempt to stave off competition from other job-hungry states, the Missouri House on Tuesday endorsed new tax breaks Tuesday that would reward manufacturers for making factory improvements.
"
MO: Tentative cuts made in Missouri's social services budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Missouri House committee slashed nearly $60 million from social-service programs in next year's budget, including funding for health clinics, child care subsidies and assistance to victims of domestic violence.
"
MO: Benefits at issue in survey
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Employees across the four-campus University of Missouri System are being asked what they value most about their salary and benefits packages.
"
MO: Ashland joins list of schools seeking cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Southern Boone County school district could slash almost $400,000 from its budget in the next few weeks, another example of Missouri schools cutting back because of shortfalls in local and state revenue.
"
MO: Toy maker gets praise from Nixon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Columbia cabinetmaker Chris Heston was in the middle of a father-son bonding experience when he hit on an idea for a new business.
"
MS: Possibility of revenue loss may derail bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GULFPORT, Miss. — Mississippi lawmakers are considering a two-day sales tax exemption for guns and ammunition in honor of "Second Amendment Weekend" which would come just before fall hunting seasons.
"
MT: Student loan default rate 1 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program is reporting a preliminary default rate of 1 percent in fiscal year 2008 for the early months of student loan repayment.
"
MT: Otter Creek coal debate prompts passion, outbursts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"From high school students to labor organizers to one man who essentially told Gov. Brian Schweitzer to shut up, the hot-button issue of Otter Creek coal drew a packed and passionate crowd to the Capitol on Tuesday morning.
"
MT: Schweitzer says state spending cuts will bring $90M surplus by end of budget cycle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Tuesday the state's cloudy future financial picture will brighten through a combination of proposed and already-announced spending cuts and extra money from the federal government.
"
MT: Land Board lowers minimum Otter Creek coal bid to 15 cents a ton
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Land Board Tuesday voted 3-2 to lower the minimum bid for the right to develop 570 million tons of state-owned coal in southeastern Montana's Otter Creek Valley, dropping the upfront payment from 25 cents per ton to 15 cents a ton.
"
NC: Perdue favors the home teams
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bev Perdue today signed an executive order that gives businesses based in North Carolina a home field advantage when they bid on state contracts.
"
ND: ND company to expand pipeline system, storage site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Bismarck company is planning a more than $100 million expansion of its natural gas storage facility near Baker, Mont., just over the North Dakota border.
"
ND: N.D. exports decline 21 percent in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota exports fell more than 21 percent in 2009 from the previous year, similar to the nationwide drop of 18 percent.
"
ND: Socialist Bank of North Dakota may be model for other states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It has no automatic tellers or drive-up windows, doesn't issue credit cards, and tends only a few thousand checking and savings accounts.
"
ND: F-M leaders -- Diversion necessary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fargo-Moorhead officials expressed a willingness to seek flood control that does not inundate downstream communities, but stressed that the metro area must have protection from a 500-year flood for the good of the entire region.
"
NE: More food stamps at Nebraska farmers' markets?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cash and checks may not be the only payment methods accepted at farmers' markets in Nebraska.
"
NH: Funding denied for NH-Maine bridge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTSMOUTH, N.H.—Maine and New Hampshire say their application for a $70 million stimulus grant to repair a bridge connecting the two states has been denied.
"
NH: NH gov to testify on jobs initiative
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Lynch is testifying in support of a bill that would help start his "New Hampshire Working" jobs initiative.
"
NH: Bill proposes rolling back LLC tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that rolls back what is known as the "LLC tax" and reforms tax laws on business owners' compensation could cost the state $84 million, state tax officials said yesterday.
"
NH: January home prices rebound over '09
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's housing market has gotten off to a good start in 2010. New figures from the New Hampshire Association of Realtors show that home sales last month were up nearly 17 percent over January 2009. The median sales price in January 2010 was also up, by 7.5 percent over the same month last year. That's the first month-over-month price increase in more than two years, according to the association.
"
NJ: Christie needs Legislature's help with budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Christie said yesterday that he would need the Legislature's approval to finalize his budget fixes, a change from indications that he had closed the state's $2.2 billion budget gap using executive power alone.
"
NJ: Christie's cost-cutting in Burlington City was too late
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Christie grabbed headlines and burnished his image as a tough-talking cost-cutter last month when he vetoed $1.3 million for a Burlington City High School project that was $17 million over budget.
"
NJ: Blind 13 year old tells N.J. Assembly panel about impact of Gov. Chris Christie's budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A blind 13-year-old boy today told an Assembly panel that without state funding he may not be able to attend the local school where he is thriving, but instead would have to go to a special school that could cost more.
"
NJ: N.J. residents, environmentalists urge National Park Service to reject proposed $750M power line
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Opponents of a major North Jersey-Pennsylvania power line project jammed into a public hearing in Jefferson tonight to urge the National Park Service to reject a plan that calls for huge new electric towers to cross over federal parkland.
"
NJ: N.J. panel ponders state pension changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four bills that would reduce New Jersey's future obligation to its underfunded pension system are scheduled for a public hearing today.
"
NJ: N.J. has most public schools serving few poor students, report says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey has the nation's highest percentage of public schools with very few poor students, according to a report in The New York Times.
"
NJ: NJ Transit riders likely to see fare increases, service cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Train and bus riders in New Jersey will likely face significant fare increases and deep service cuts by May, NJ Transit's top official said Wednesday.
"
NJ: Christie asks schools to prepare for 15 percent reduction in aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"School districts should expect 15 percent less cash from the state next year and consider "everything they can" to save money, New Jersey's acting education commissioner said Wednesday.
"
NJ: Doherty could be dropping out of governor's race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It looks as if Democrat Chris Doherty might be getting out of the governor's race.
"
NJ: NJ Transit union leader warns of fare hikes of up to 30 percent, service cuts, employee furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bombshell letter from a NJ Transit union head to members warns of fare hikes of up to 30 percent, cuts in service and possible employee furloughs.
"
NJ: N.J. affordable after-school centers are threatened by Gov. Christie's budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"VERNON, N.J. -- When Caroline Hicks of Vernon was looking for affordable after-school care for her two daughters, she was thrilled to find a program at her local elementary schools.
"
NJ: With an eye on snow budgets, North Jersey towns keeping fingers crossed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials across North Jersey were keeping one eye on the calendar and another on their depleted snow budgets Tuesday after the latest storm dumped more snow than anticipated.
"
NJ: Budget panel holding hearing today on NJ aid cuts to schools, colleges and hospitals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey Democrats who say Republican Gov. Chris Christie should not make midyear budget cuts without legislative approval have scheduled a public hearing.
"
NM: Special counsel for investments sought
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Under a measure unanimously approved Tuesday by the New Mexico Senate, the state would create a special office to try to recover investments lost by state retirement funds in recent years.
"
NM: Board greenlights Santa Fe Studios
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Board of Finance on Tuesday approved restructuring of a Santa Fe County land sale that gives Santa Fe Studios the right to start building.
"
NM: House votes to ban contributions from lobbyists, contractors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After two days of turmoil, over four hours of heated debate and lots of procedural wrangling, the House on Tuesday passed a major piece of ethic legislation.
"
NM: No surprise -- Guv prefers House Speaker's SIC reform bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson came out in favor of one of two State Investment Council reform bills Tuesday, saying he prefers House Speaker Ben Lujan's version.
"
NM: Pension amounts to be made public if guv signs bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that would require the Educational Retirement Board to publicly disclose the pension amounts for each of its 30,000 members passed the Senate Tuesday night and will now go to the governor for his signature.
"
NM: Advocates -- Ethics commission bill would discourage complaints
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A person filing an ethics complaint and then going public would face much harsher penalties than a public official found to have violated the public trust under a State Ethics Commission proposal the Senate Finance Committee passed Tuesday.
"
NM: B2B CFO expands into New Mexico
From: feeds.stateline.org
"B2B CFO, the nation's largest CFO consulting firm providing services to small and mid-size companies, has entered New Mexico and named Ed Murphy as partner.
"
NV: Governor's plan -- Layoffs, pay cuts, tax loophole closures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons' proposal to close the state's $887 million budget shortfall brought a quick response from lawmakers, who attacked the plan for its additional cuts to education.
"
NV: Unraveling the lies Nevada's leaders have told us
From: feeds.stateline.org
""Whereas Nevada is now facing the worst economic crisis in the State's history..."
"
NV: Unraveling the lies Nevada's leaders have told us
From: feeds.stateline.org
""Whereas Nevada is now facing the worst economic crisis in the State's history...""
NV: Would closing state parks to save money do more harm than good?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Nevada Legislature is thinking of closing state parks as it considers how to patch an estimated $900 million budget gap, a move that would save a few million dollars while killing the economies of rural towns and stunting tourism efforts across the state, opponents of the idea say.
"
NV: Special session politics might be at play in 'Race to the Top' approach
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although qualifying Nevada for the "Race to the Top" education initiative doesn't appear on the governor's preliminary agenda for next week's special session, a spokesman for Jim Gibbons said Tuesday that making Nevada eligible for as much as $175 million in federal education funding remains a priority.
"
NV: Survey finds Nevadans in a sad state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new study has found Nevadans are in a sad state — literally.
"
NV: Politicians face no-win situation as they tackle state budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Imagine a game in which there are no winners. Scrabble without vowels. All chutes, no ladders.
"
NV: State budget crisis -- Gibbons calls for special session, releases budget-cut plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons brought to the table two ideas for generating $80 million in new revenue when he called on Tuesday a Feb. 23 special session of the Legislature to deal with an $887 million shortfall.
"
NY: Brooks opposes state's plan to take over market authority
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks on Wednesday opposed the governor's proposal to dissolve the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority and seize its $12 million surplus for budget relief, calling the move a "money grab" that could threaten 1,600 jobs at the popular Henrietta market of the same name.
"
NY: U.S. stimulus funds fueled Rochester-area innovations, projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On the first anniversary of passage of the stimulus act to counter the nation's economic crisis, one beneficiary was looking to payoffs even further down the road.
"
NY: Wilson Has Plans For Pension Fund, State Spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican state comptroller candidate Harry Wilson wants to keep the scandal-plagued state pension fund under a sole trusteeship but would add an investment oversight board and change it to a defined contribution program, like a 401k plan.
"
NY: Conflicts on PCBs' removal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. -- General Electric Co. and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offered different lessons Wednesday on the first year of PCB Hudson River dredging -- starting with how much PCBs were removed.
"
NY: New York may hold back tax refunds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If New Yorkers aren't already paying enough taxes, here's another one: The cash-strapped state is considering a delay next month in state income-tax refunds.
"
NY: Sugary drink tax shakes up reactions in Rochester-area soda aisles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A tax on sugary drinks is far from certain, but Shana Feissner of Chili already is ready to dig deeper into her pocket.
"
NY: Espada bill would freeze stablized rents in NYC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate bill being introduced would freeze the rent for low- and moderate-income households in rent-subsidized apartments in New York City.
"
NY: Shedding light on racino bidding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson attempted to dispel some of the bad odor surrounding the recent selection of Aqueduct Entertainment Group as the winner in the Aqueduct VLT competition by releasing hundreds of pages of documents submitted by the final five bidders.
"
OH: American Greetings' talks with Brooklyn under wraps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BROOKLYN, Ohio -- A day after offering ideas to American Greetings Corp. officials on ways to keep the greeting card-maker in Brooklyn, Mayor Richard Balbier said he hopes to hear back from the company in a month.
"
OH: Ohio foreclosure filings at record high in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of new foreclosure cases filed in Ohio county courts in 2009 set a record, data from the state Supreme Court show.
"
OH: Strickland gets bill pushing use of bio-products
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio's manufacturing base may have eroded over the past few decades, but the state's farms still grow a lot of agricultural products -- and state lawmakers say its time to turn more of those products into jobs.
"
OH: Public pension systems reeling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. pension systems are slipping farther and farther behind in their ability to pay for the retirements and health care of their members, a national advocacy group warned yesterday, but Ohio's five public pensions are in better shape than most.
"
OH: Companies accused of duping job-seekers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several companies, including one in Ohio, accused of scamming job-seekers face legal action as part of a state and federal crackdown.
"
OH: American Greetings in talks with Brooklyn over proposed move
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BROOKLYN, Ohio -- Brooklyn city officials met quietly with American Greetings Corp. executives on Tuesday to talk about how to keep the company from leaving Brooklyn.
"
OH: Customers sue FirstEnergy Corp. over increase in rates for electric heating
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FirstEnergy Corp. not only broke the budgets of 100,000 customers, it broke a contract when it suddenly raised rates for people who heat with electricity, a lawsuit claims.
"
OH: Geauga and Medina are among the top 10 healthiest counties in Ohio, report says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chances are you'll find the healthiest people in places where residents are more educated, where fresh produce is available, where people have access to more physicians and quality hospitals, and where the air is less polluted.
"
OK: Bill adds school supplies to annual Oklahoma sales tax holiday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senators debated the merits of tax cuts and the impact on the state's revenues Tuesday during a Senate panel. The committee approved a measure to exempt school supplies from sales taxes during the state's sales tax holiday, and did away with a tax credit for clean-burning cars.
"
OK: Tulsa lawmaker targets millions in tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. Tom Adelson said Tuesday that the state could save $259 million by eliminating some tax credits and exemptions.
"
OR: Oregon Insurance Divisions makes health insurer rate filings public
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon health insurers can no longer keep information secret when they file rate increase requests with the state, the Oregon Insurance Division announced today.
"
OR: PGE asks Oregon for 7.4 percent electrical rate increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Portland General Electric on Tuesday asked Oregon utility regulators to add $125 million in costs to its rate base in January 2011, a request that would result in an overall electricity rate increase of 7.4 percent for its 818,000 customers.
"
OR: PGE's conversion to digital meters causes controversy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The dials and slowly spinning wheels of mechanical electric meters are becoming history for Portland General Electric Co. customers.
"
PA: Bonusgate testimony continues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eric Webb created a detailed spreadsheet to track his colleagues' involvement in campaigns, but says he initially didn't know the data would be translated into five-figure bonuses for himself and other House Democratic staffers who did political work.
"
PA: United Steelworkers endorse Onorato
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The United Steelworkers endorsed Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato for governor on Wednesday.
"
PA: Arbitration in tobacco case may cost Pa. $290 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania could lose up to $290 million depending on the outcome of arbitration between the state and tobacco companies, Attorney General Tom Corbett told a Senate panel Wednesday.
"
PA: Budgets feeling winter's wrath
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Any more snowstorms in Pennsylvania could force PennDOT and local governments to cut spending in other areas to foot the cleanup bill, officials said Wednesday.
"
PA: Rendell sets election to fill Murtha seat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A day after the funeral for U.S. Rep. John Murtha, Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday set the date for a special election to fill the late congressman's seat to coincide with the May 18 primary.
"
PA: Audit wants Pa. to tweak 'sound' deer management program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pennsylvania Game Commission should share deer population estimates that have been kept from the public and change some elements of its deer management plan, but the plan is essentially sound, according to an independent audit.
"
PA: Staffers tried covering up bonuses to thwart probe, witness says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More evidence came to light Tuesday about attempts by the House Democratic caucus to cover up a scheme to use tax dollars to distribute bonuses as rewards for work on political campaigns.
"
PA: Senator wants to relax beer-selling laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the sound of Revolutionary War fifes and drums echoed through Capitol hallways Tuesday, supermarkets and convenience stores launched a new attempt at one of the most difficult legislative feats -- liberalizing Pennsylvania's beer-selling laws.
"
RI: Stimulus funds starting to make inroads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WARWICK, R.I. — For all the talk about the year-old stimulus bill, Johnston Mayor John M. Polisena has two words: 400 jobs.
"
SC: House approves big changes at ESC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House has approved a bill making sweeping changes to the the Employment Security Commission, including giving the governor more authority over the agency and removing the current three-member commission overseeing the agency.
"
SC: Bill would extend building permits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers can't do much to fix the credit crunch, but some are trying to remove the barriers that might further stall development projects once the financing freeze thaws.
"
SD: South Dakota billboards escape tax proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Outdoor billboards will remain exempt from the state's property tax after opponents argued to lawmakers Tuesday that taxing them would drive up the cost to businesses at a time they can least afford it.
"
SD: Winter worries shift to flooding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eastern South Dakota is entering a critical time when abundant snowpack and quick thawing could cause flooding issues, state and local officials say.
"
SD: Senate panel tables payday loan bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state Senate committee tabled a bill Tuesday that would curtail the amount of interest payday lending businesses in South Dakota could charge.
"
TX: Texas challenges EPA's global warming findings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texas on Tuesday became the first state to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's finding that gases blamed for global warming threaten public health. Gov. Rick Perry and other Texas officials said the federal finding is based on flawed science and would harm the state's economy.
"
TX: Day care danger
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Texas Tribune review of licensed child care centers found that at least 135 subsidized facilities had their licenses revoked or denied by the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) between 2008 and 2009 and had their funding immediately suspended.
"
US: One year later, results of stimulus mixed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On the anniversary of President Obama's $787 billion stimulus, three stories show how the funds affected a physician assistant, a youth outreach program and a wind turbine plant. In addition, an examination of its impact and public opinion reveals mixed results on both fronts.
"
US: White House to issue progress report on anniversary of economic stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The White House is releasing its first annual report on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on Wednesday, summarizing its progress on the first anniversary of President Obama's signing of the massive, politically contentious economic stimulus package.
"
UT: Gun groups mobilize efforts to avoid possible veto
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gun rights activists are turning up the heat on Gov. Gary Herbert, fearing the governor is on the verge of vetoing a bill to exempt Utah-made guns from federal firearms laws.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Public safety may catch a break on retirement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill creating a new, less costly state pension system will be amended to allow public safety employees to continue retiring at full benefits before other government workers.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Medicaid advocates speaking up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A mom who said her son would have literally never been put back together without Medicaid called on lawmakers Wednesday not to impose pending cuts in the state/federal insurance plan.
"
UT: Utah No. 3 in Internet use in U.S. for 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In 1993, Pete Ashdown started the XMission Internet provider company in Utah, figuring a few fellow computer geeks must need it like he did.
"
UT: Stimulus brought 18K Utah jobs, $1.9B for projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The White House said Wednesday that the 1-year-old federal stimulus law created or saved 18,000 jobs in Utah and made available $1.9 billion for projects ranging from renovating highways to replacing the Dinosaur National Monument visitor center and removing uranium tailings near Moab.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Funds sought to aid drug addiction recovery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If the state really wants to counter the growing use of prescription drugs, it should promote programs that help people recover as eagerly as legislators approve bills to send people caught using them illegally to jail.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Plan may put Snowbird in Sandy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Skiers in search of "The Greatest Snow on Earth" might be seeking that fine product of Utah's vaunted "lake effect" in a familiar place with an unlikely new address: Snowbird in Sandy.
"
UT: Senate panel OKs bill converting cars to natural gas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate committee on Tuesday advanced a bill that would make it easier and cheaper for Utahns to convert their cars to compressed natural gas.
"
UT: State-based health reform wins House approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State health reform got a boost Tuesday with House passage of a fix-it bill to improve the Utah Health Exchange, an online tool for purchasing health insurance.
"
UT: Utah state revenues continue to slide, but appear to be leveling out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The good news in the state budget Tuesday is that the bad news isn't as bad as it once was.
"
VT: Sanders to announce funds for Vt. biomass project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders will outline plans for federal funding of a biomass energy project. The Vermont independent, who chairs a U.S. Senate subcommittee on green jobs, will announce the funding plan for a wood pellet boiler project at Vermont Technical College in Randolph Center on Thursday.
"
VT: State Public Service Board refuses BT's request to use city money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vermont's Public Service Board late Tuesday afternoon denied Burlington permission to use city money for a $386,000 interest payment due today on Burlington Telecom's commercial debt.
"
WA: Senate OKs Honeyford's wildfire fighting bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"YAKIMA, Wash. -- A bill created after the landmark Silver Dollar Cafe burned down last fall has moved through the state Senate.
"
WA: Deadline sinks isthmus bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill slapping a 35-foot height limit on the isthmus between Budd Inlet and Capitol inlet died Tuesday in the Legislature, but a measure helping Lacey and its fire district sort out annexation-related debt remains alive.
"
WI: Wisconsin gets positive marks for pension funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The report released Thursday found that nationally there was a $1 trillion gap between the money states and localities had put aside to pay employees' retirement benefits and how much they would actually cost.
"
WI: M&I drops suits against Arizona appraisers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"M&I Bank has abruptly ended an unusual and aggressive move to recoup some of its massive Arizona loan losses, saying that seven lawsuits filed against Arizona real estate appraisers last month are being dropped.
"
WI: No carp found in Chicago canal on day 1 of search
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The first morning of a two-week fishing expedition on the Chicago canal system yielded no Asian carp.
"
WI: Wis. Senate passes honey regulations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The measure would prohibit labeling a product as Wisconsin certified honey unless it was produced in the state and meets test standards developed by state agriculture officials.
"
WI: Report -- Wisconsin 2nd in nation in organic farms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin leads the U.S. in the sale of organically produced cranberries and beef cows and is second in the number of organic farms, according to a federal summary released Tuesday.
"
WI: Senate backs Roth IRA bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsinites of all income levels could convert traditional individual retirement accounts to a Roth IRA without penalty under a bill the state Senate unanimously approved Tuesday.
"
WI: State Assembly passes payday lending measure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Assembly approved a bill to clamp down on payday lenders Tuesday, just as Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) disclosed he had stopped dating a payday loan lobbyist after taking criticism for the relationship.
"
WI: Reopening GM plant still a longshot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JANESVILLE, Wisc. -- Despite recent comments by GM North American President Mark Reuss, industry observers say talk of reopening a plant in Janesville or Spring Hill, Tenn., is wildly premature.
"
WV: Beer tax increase discussed in House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Beer drinkers in West Virginia could pay 3 cents more per bottle or can under a House of Delegates proposal that seeks to raise money for substance-abuse programs.
"
WV: State to receive broadband stimulus funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke is expected to announce a today that West Virginia will receive economic stimulus money to expand high-speed Internet broadband across the state.
"
WV: Manchin optimistic about tech park
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin said the state could trim the annual outlay for upkeep of the South Charleston Technical Park from the $10 million The Dow Chemical Co. currently pays to $1.8 million to $1.9 million, and he's focusing on how to get the cost down to break-even.
"
WV: Racial divide persists in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Blacks living in West Virginia have substantially higher poverty rates, earn considerably lower salaries, are less likely to own a home and yet are equally as educated as whites in the state, according to a report released this week.
"
WY: Governor acknowledges heavy lobbying on Wyo wind tax bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his weekly news conference, Gov. Dave Freudenthal noted "there are pretty substantial economic groups pushing back" on the wind tax bill that cleared a House committee Feb. 16.
"
WY: Wind tax passes first test
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed tax on wind energy cleared another legislative hurdle Tuesday afternoon, though not before several Wyoming House members urged more time to study how best to tax the state's growing wind industry.
"
WY: School construction budget gets another look
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee is expected to take another look at its school capital construction recommendations today.
"
Court complicates campaign finance rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Citizens United case threatens to dismantle campaign finance laws in 24 states, including century-old Montana laws voters approved when the state was essentially owned by mining companies.
"
More power in the statehouse?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
 |
Congressman J. Gresham Barrett of South Carolina says he decided to run for governor the moment President Obama signed the massive federal stimulus package into law last year. “It is time the states reassert their sovereignty,” says Barrett, a four-term conservative Republican. “That’s an effort I will gladly champion as governor.” He is giving up his congressional seat even though he doesn’t exactly have a clear path to the statehouse — Barrett faces a crowded field of Republicans hoping to succeed Republican Governor Mark Sanford, who is term-limited from running again. There are a surprising number of Gresham Barretts roaming the halls of Congress this year. Nine members hope to leave Washington and take over one of the 37 governorships up for grabs.
"
States renege on local aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with massive deficits, state lawmakers are holding onto payments owed to municipal governments and using the money to balance state books. By holding money back, state officials are forcing their local counterparts to make even more difficult decisions about program cuts and tax increases. That has opened up a new gulf between the two levels of government and sparked lawsuits accusing state governments of improperly withholding money.
"
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.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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