US: Va., Md. governors pledge to create jobs but lack money and power to do so
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even before President Obama acknowledged Wednesday that the stimulus has not done enough to create jobs and called for new federal measures, governors across the country had launched their own initiatives to increase employment.
"
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: Study sought for air carrier support for AVO
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska - An Alaska legislator has asked state transportation officials to look into whether air carriers and freight companies can help support the Alaska Volcano Observatory.
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AK: State's Red Dog mine faces uncertainty on permit appeal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Environmental groups and Northwest Arctic village residents are contesting a key federal permit needed for the state's largest mine to continue operating.
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AK: State must tell development story, Murkowski says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski says he holds no grudges against Sarah Palin for pushing him out of public office.
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AK: Legislators balk at merit scholarships
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new College Board report on who's taking advanced placement classes in Alaska is raising questions about where most of the financial benefit for Gov. Sean Parnell's new scholarship plan would land.
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AL: Alabama Senate plans to address bingo legislation next week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state senator with two Indian casinos in his district said the tribe wins no matter how the battle over electronic bingo turns out in the Alabama Legislature.
"
AL: Air Force could release new air tanker bidding guidelines next week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Air Force said Thursday it could release bidding guidelines for its aerial refueling tanker contract as early as next week and is ready to move forward with or without Northrop Grumman Corp. as a competitor for the potential $40 billion deal.
"
AL: King won't take over governor's gambling task force
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Troy King said he has the authority to take over the work of Gov. Bob Riley's Task Force on Illegal Gambling, but he instead made recommendations Wednesday to the task force on how to achieve its goals without using force, threats, limited state resources or putting people in danger.
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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.
"
AR: State to buy old Dillard's building for state library
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Joint Budget Committee today endorsed a proposal that would allow the state to move forward with the $18.5 million purchase of the old Dillard's building where the new State Library recently relocated.
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AR: Some lawmakers oppose new language in lottery bill; panel advances spending plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate resolution allowing lawmakers to consider a bill setting the amounts of lottery-funded scholarships during the fiscal session passed in the House today, despite opposition from some members who objected to the inclusion of new language in the bill regarding grade inflation
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AZ: Phoenix contractor had air quality violations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State authorities say a Phoenix contractor will pay $80,000 under a consent judgment for air quality violations.
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AZ: Political insider -- Diamondbacks strike out on tax plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Diamondbacks' first swing for a countywide sales-tax increase to support spring training is a strike. At least at the state Capitol.
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AZ: Panel OKs lower pay for young workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Saying younger workers need jobs, a House panel voted Wednesday to allow Arizona companies to pay them less. A lot less.
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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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CA: Workers' comp insurer Zenith to be sold to Toronto firm Fairfax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California's second-largest workers' compensation insurance company, Zenith National Insurance Co. of Woodland Hills, has agreed to be acquired by its biggest shareholder for nearly $1.3 billion in cash.
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CA: Senate approves 'Amazon tax' as part of budget plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As part of a stopgap budget solution, the state Senate on Thursday passed a bill requiring Amazon.com and other online retailers to charge sales taxes on purchases in California, generating an additional $107 million annually.
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CA: SK Foods magnate Salyer indicted on racketeering charges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California agribusiness magnate Frederick Scott Salyer was charged Thursday with running his company as a massive racketeering enterprise that routinely bribed food company executives, rigged bids and slapped false labels on old and moldy tomato products that families nationwide consumed.
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CA: Mark Leno bill would require radiation labels for cell phones
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Mark Leno said he's one of an estimated 4 billion cellular phone users worldwide – and loves it.
But because of emerging international health studies, Leno said Thursday, he has introduced a bill that would require all cell phones sold in California to include information about their radiation emissions on sales boxes, instructional materials and model displays in stores.
"
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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CO: Ritter outlines steps to close $203M deficit next year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A prison boot camp program in Buena Vista would close and a scholarship fund would be tapped to help close a roughly $200 million shortfall in the state budget for the fiscal year that begins in July.
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CO: Study -- Strong job growth in geographic clusters of Colo. businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new study into geographic clusters of Colorado companies turned up healthy job- growth trends — particularly in the aerospace, telecommunications and financial-services industries — that often surpassed or rivaled other states.
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CO: Fiscal hawk Schultheis -- Cut preschools, pay lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado Springs self-described fiscal hawk Sen. Dave Schultheis voted yesterday not to cut lawmaker pay.
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CO: Prison boot camp to close as Ritter pares more to meet budget goals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A prison boot-camp program in Buena Vista would close and a scholarship fund would be tapped to help balance an estimated $203.3 million shortfall remaining in the state budget for the fiscal year that begins in July.
"
CO: Feds' $10 million grant far short of CDOT request for U.S. 36
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado's highway managers asked for as much as $200 million in Recovery Act funds to widen U.S. 36 between Denver and Boulder, but they landed only a fraction of the sum.
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CO: Colorado House gives initial OK to huge cuts to balance budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state House on Wednesday gave initial approval to cutting $474.5 million in spending and transferring $104.8 million in one-time money to help balance the budget in the current fiscal year that ends in June.
"
CT: California quake will have Connecticut impact
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Haiti's recovery from its Jan. 12 earthquake is a reminder that a slumbering disaster is waiting to erupt in California.
And while Los Angeles is on the opposite end of the country, a major earthquake would cause financial ripples felt all the way in New England, even if the actual tremor didn't wiggle a blade of grass in Connecticut.
"
CT: West Hartford -- Elmwood merchants worried about loss of business during bridge construction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST HARTFORD, Conn. -- Elmwood business owners fear losing customers next year if traffic is snarled during work on a $60 million flyover bridge planned for Flatbush Avenue, a main road that has an average of 20,000 vehicles a day.
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CT: Connecticut ranks 5th-worst in U.S. in funding state employee pensions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut ranks as the fifth-worst state in the nation in funding pensions for its state employees, and the problem is growing worse, according to a national study to be released today.
"
DE: Delaware government to cut energy use
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jack Markell ordered a multi-year effort to slash state government energy use and landfilling of waste on Wednesday, saying the changes would set an example and conserve resources while benefiting taxpayers and the economy.
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DE: Don't cut bus money, JFC told
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proposed cuts to state transportation funding will squeeze school district budgets while burdening private-school parents and potentially forcing bus contractors out of business, according to testimony Wednesday before a key state budget committee.
"
FL: At Charlie Crist's space summit, Florida space backers told to get with Obama's program, let go of the past
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A statewide space symposium convened by Gov. Charlie Crist in Orlando on Thursday heard repeatedly from industry executives, academics and experts that Florida had to adapt to a new U.S. national space policy that favored commercial rocket companies or give up its ambitions to be a world-class launch center.
"
FL: Florida Highway Patrol hiring while others slash budgets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Great Recession hit law enforcement hard. Police budgets were slashed; hiring of officers curtailed. But one law-enforcement agency isn't handcuffed by tough economic times.
"
FL: Small businesses say they're bearing the brunt of recovery cost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TAMPA, Fla. — Each of the 10 small business owners surrounding Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink had a beef with the state's plan to help them emerge from the Great Recession.
"
FL: Condo bargain hunters baffled
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new online foreclosure auction system started with a mission of quickly moving a chunk of foreclosed properties while opening up the bidding process to regular folks. A little more than a month later, some of the newcomers who bought property online say they were misled by the site and ended up spending thousands of dollars on condo liens and properties laden with hefty mortgages.
"
FL: EPA gets earful from those opposed to proposed water regulations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Citrus growers, cattle ranchers, sugar farmers and utility operators told federal environmental regulators Thursday that they are all for keeping rivers and lakes clean, but they don't want to go broke doing it.
"
FL: Livid nurses want grand jury for Jackson
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Facing the possibility of widespread layoffs, the Jackson Health System nurses union came out swinging -- demanding a grand jury investigation into ``gross mismanagement that has caused the public hospital to teeter on financial ruin and that is putting patients at risk.''
"
FL: Concerns spark bills to regulate tattoo parlors and ban children from tanning booths
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Doctors and lawmakers worried about skin cancer in the Sunshine State are taking another shot at controversial legislation that would ban children under 16 from tanning booths. And in another skin battle, legislators are proposing to require tattoo artists and parlors be licensed for the first time, so the state can get tougher on amateur "scratchers" with no training in preventing infections.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
GA: Hotel-motel tax survives key committee vote
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A measure to raise Macon and Bibb County's hotel-motel tax by a penny easily passed a key committee Thursday morning at the state Capitol.
"
GA: Legislative notebook--State massage parlor rules to get more lawyering
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Cecil Staton's push to target shady massage parlors with a new state law will get a heavy dose of lawyering in a legislative subcommittee, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee decided Thursday. Senate Bill 364 would increase penalties for those who violate state massage therapy regulations, making the third violation a felony.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
HI: $24.5M in stimulus funds will help rebuild Pier 29
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government is pumping $24.5 million in stimulus funds into reconstructing Honolulu's Pier 29 as the state is modernizing its harbors, state Transportation Director Brennon Morioka says.
"
HI: Hawaii excise tax would go up under bill advancing in House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hesitant about the political and economic consequences of raising the state's general excise tax, state House lawmakers are walking through several potential alternatives, including another increase in income taxes and eliminating tax breaks for investors and nonprofits.
"
HI: Hawaii legislators consider hike in income tax, cut in tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state House is considering a measure that would temporarily increase general excise and use taxes by a percentage point, to 5 percent, in an effort to narrow the state's $1.2 billion budget deficit.
"
HI: University of Hawaii athletics deficit may hit $10.1 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Hawai'i athletic department's financial condition "continues to be very fragile" as it stares at the likelihood of a record $10.1 million accumulated net deficit at the end of the current fiscal year, a Board of Regents committee was told yesterday.
"
HI: Mental health services reined in
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A slew of cutbacks to state-funded mental health services, including tightening eligibility for new clients to exclude those with PTSD, borderline personality disorder and some forms of major depression, is meant to rein in "unsustainable" growth over the past decade, Health Department officials said yesterday at a briefing on the state of mental health services in the Islands.
"
HI: Real property taxes may rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Leaders from the state's four counties yesterday warned that real property taxes likely would have to be increased if the state makes a grab for transient accommodations tax revenues — and maybe even if it doesn't.
"
IA: Iowa bi-partisan working group focuses on job creation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative Republicans are questioning the sincerity of Democrats' job-creation efforts in light of the lack of results and the addition of more burdens they've placed on small businesses.
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IA: Iowa House takes up online sports gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowans could legally play online poker against their neighbors and bet on sports events under a proposal by Iowa House members.
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IA: Five Iowa businesses receive grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Iowa Economic Development Board on Thursday approved grants that help will small companies increase their business.
"
IA: State gives Amana plant $6.5 million for expansion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Whirlpool Corp. said Thursday it will shift production of icemakers from a closing Indiana factory to its Amana refrigerator plant later this year, creating 60 jobs in Iowa.
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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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
ID: Idaho lawmakers won't intervene in pension hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House panel killed a measure aimed at stopping a pension payout increase for Idaho government retirees.
"
ID: ID Senate committee OKs health care freedom bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho lawmakers have taken another step against proposed federal health care legislation.
"
ID: House panel rejects mobile home notice proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House lawmakers rejected a plan to require mobile-home park owners give their tenant associations 30-day notice when they decide to sell, saying such a mandate would intrude on private-property rights.
"
ID: Cash-strapped Idaho unlikely to release inmates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative leaders insist Idaho shouldn't follow the lead of states including Oregon and California that are releasing inmates from prison early to accommodate budget cuts.
"
ID: Gov. Butch Otter says he lost control of his message to agencies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Butch Otter said Wednesday that he had no intention of removing general-fund financial support from several commissions, councils and Idaho Public Television, but he proposed that in his budget to motivate them to shoulder their share of state budget cuts.
"
ID: Gov. Butch Otter prepares for talk of tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It won't happen this year, but 2011 could bring discussion of a state tax increase to pay for schools and other state programs. Gov. Butch Otter said Wednesday that he wants to be ready.
"
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.
"
ID: Legislator proposes lifting charter cap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. John Goedde wants to have a bill ready, just in case.
"
IL: Mortgage issues No.1 among Illinois AG complaints
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois Attorney General's office is out with its annual list of the top 10 consumer complaints and in what is likely to be no surprise to affected homeowners, mortgage complaints ranked No. 1 in 2009.
"
IL: Good results for Ameren might shrink size of rate proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ST. LOUIS -- Ameren Corp.'s fourth-quarter earnings powered up by 39 percent in year-end results announced Thursday that also saw full-year earnings from its Illinois utilities surge 150 percent as rate increases kicked in.
"
IL: Bost -- Wine bill bottled up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed law to help the Illinois wine industry stalled Thursday because of concerns the cash-strapped state could lose money if it was approved.
"
IL: Resolution would reduce chemical drift
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Dave Koehler introduced a resolution Thursday to minimize or eliminate agriculture chemical drift in Illinois.
"
IL: Study -- Cost of closing Chicago locks exaggerated
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A study commissioned by Michigan's attorney general projects that shipping and cargo transportation costs will increase by $70 million a year but otherwise the Chicago region will see a modest impact if navigational locks are closed to keep out Asian carp.
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IL: Trade shows balk at McPier legislation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some of Chicago's most valuable trade show customers voiced strong opposition this week to key aspects of legislation aimed at making McCormick Place more competitive with lower-cost rival cities.
"
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.
"
IN: Cat recalling laid off workers at Indiana plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Caterpillar Inc. is recalling about 100 workers to jobs at its Large Engine Center in Lafayette, Ind.
"
IN: Gary casino bill won't die quietly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new proposal to build an inland casino in Gary was offered by the city's leaders to a House committee Wednesday, but no vote was taken to write the idea back into a General Assembly gambling bill.
"
IN: Simon Property Group urges rival to heed $10B buyout offer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Simon Property Group Inc., on Wednesday urged rival mall operator General Growth Properties Inc. not to delay talks over Simon's $10 billion takeover offer, stressing it's not open-ended.
"
IN: Panel hot about premium hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers grilled the Indiana president of WellPoint's Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield on Wednesday about the company's rising premiums as it disclosed that average rates for the 107,000 individual policyholders in Indiana are rising 21 percent this year.
"
IN: House panel amends, OKs tax delay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Indiana House panel on Wednesday voted to delay by a year new business tax rates intended to bolster the state's bankrupt unemployment insurance fund.
"
KS: Lawmakers nationally taking a look at legislation to regulate K2
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There may be nothing like the real thing, but some industrious marijuana users have seized on an obscure but easily accessible substance that mimics the drug's effects on the brain — creating a popular trade in legal dope that has stymied law enforcement authorities.
"
KS: Statehouse Live -- Senate OKs historic renovation tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas lawmakers continue to vote for more tax credits.
"
KS: Legislators conclude they need more information before they can make changes to tax credit system in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two audits released Wednesday provided new details about the Kansas system for providing tax credits and exemptions to various groups and programs.
"
KS: Tom Holland makes it official, announces candidacy for Kansas governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Touting his experience as a businessman and legislator, state Sen. Tom Holland on Wednesday kicked off his underdog campaign for governor.
"
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.
"
KY: Ky. railroad, broadband projects announced on stimulus anniversary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. — A $17.5 million federal grant announced Wednesday will create 100 jobs and rehabilitate short line railroads owned by R.J. Corman Railroad Group in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia.
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KY: Panel backs horse rescue standards board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A board to recommend voluntary standards for horse rescue and retirement shelters, and suggest ways for the state to deal with abandoned horses, would be created under a bill that unanimously passed the House Agriculture and Small Business Committee Wednesday.
"
KY: Passport costs more than regular Medicaid, official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Passport Health Plan, often praised for its efficiency as Kentucky's only Medicaid managed care venture, costs the state far more per person than the state's regular Medicaid program, a key state official contends.
"
MA: House nixes automatic increases for problem gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House on Thursday soundly rejected a proposal to increase automatically the amount of funds the state receives from Hollywood Slots for gambling addiction.
"
MA: State plans aid for cannery workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GOULDSBORO, Maine — A state Rapid Response Team could be on-site as early as next week to begin the process of assisting workers who will be idled when the Bumble Bee Foods cannery closes in two months.
"
MA: Scott Brown says stimulus 'didn't create one new job'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A major theme in Republican complaints about the $862 billion stimulus program is that it didn't deliver enough jobs. Republican Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts took that view to an extreme, claiming that it didn't create any new jobs.
"
MA: Logan lags in flier survey
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Logan International Airport has plunged to nearly the bottom of customer satisfaction ratings among 20 of North America's medium-size airports, faring better than only New York's La Guardia Airport, according to a study released yesterday by J.D. Power and Associates.
"
MA: Tribe member challenges sun rite in letter to Salazar
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The already twisted Nantucket Sound wind farm saga just got a bit stranger: A Wampanoag tribal member says it is "fabricated cosmology'' that his tribe performs sun ceremonies that need an unobstructed view of the Sound - as the tribe has claimed in a campaign to halt the energy project off Cape Cod.
"
MA: State gets $132.7m boost from US
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government gave Massachusetts an unanticipated $132.7 million boost yesterday, which will help significantly in closing any budget gaps during the remaining four months of the fiscal year and could put the state on better financial footing heading into next year.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
MD: Audit criticizes payments to UMB administrator
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A high-ranking administrator at the University of Maryland, Baltimore received $410,000 in "questionable compensation payments" between 2007 and 2009, according to a state audit released Thursday.
"
MD: Md. keeps top bond rating
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All three major rating houses gave Maryland a fiscal stamp of approval Thursday, affirming the state's AAA bond rating. "We have made the difficult decisions to protect our State's long-term financial health," said Gov. Martin O'Malley in an e-mailed statement pointing to the high rating.
"
MD: O'Malley -- 20,000 jobs in Maryland saved or created by U.S. stimulus act
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley says nearly 20,000 jobs have been created or saved in Maryland because of the federal stimulus act.
"
ME: Rate hikes used as health reform leverage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Obama administration is hoping that attempts to sharply increase medical insurance premiums in Maine and several other states could revive efforts to overhaul the nation's health care system.
"
ME: Bill would index Maine's minimum wage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Restaurant workers, low-income advocates and religious organizations appealed to lawmakers Thursday to index Maine's minimum wage to cost-of-living increases, saying it would protect low-income workers from having their pay further eroded by inflation.
"
ME: USDA state director -- Recovery Act aids County
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EAGLE LAKE, Maine — While there are critics who say President Barack Obama's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has been too costly and has not delivered on the promise of job creation, Virginia Manuel is not one of them.
"
ME: House nixes automatic increases for problem gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House on Thursday soundly rejected a proposal to increase automatically the amount of funds the state receives from Hollywood Slots for gambling addiction."
ME: State plans aid for cannery workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GOULDSBORO, Maine — A state Rapid Response Team could be on-site as early as next week to begin the process of assisting workers who will be idled when the Bumble Bee Foods cannery closes in two months."
ME: Employers say loss of rail would carry consequences
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Representatives from several of northern Maine's largest employers warned Thursday that the loss of Aroostook County's only railroad would cause ripple effects throughout the state's manufacturing and industrial sector.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
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.
"
MI: Plan would put state fair back in business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Could the Michigan State Fair rise again? Some supporters hope so, with the help of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority.
"
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.
"
MN: Minnesota campaign law faces test
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Is Minnesota's law that keeps corporations from contributing to political campaigns unconstitutional? Officials at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce believe a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling says it is.
"
MN: A year later, Minnesota has spent half of its $5 billion in stimulus cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On the one-year anniversary of the federal stimulus law, Minnesota counted its blessings and racked up money for another big project Wednesday. The languishing Union Depot in St. Paul became the latest beneficiary of federal largesse, receiving $35 million.
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MN: Pleading in person for homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Doug Hayes has spent months in loan modification purgatory without a resolution. So he figured it was worth the hourlong drive from Big Lake to St. Paul on Wednesday to try to save the only home his son and daughter have ever known.
"
MN: Judge slaps $83 million judgment on Denny Hecker
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JDenny Hecker is on the hook for $83 million of his debt to Chrysler Financial because he lied to the court and intentionally failed to comply with requests for documents, a U.S. bankruptcy judge ruled Wednesday.
"
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.
"
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.
"
MS: Realty couple gets new trial over penalties
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OXFORD, Miss. – An Oxford real estate couple will get a new hearing about penalties imposed by the North Central Mississippi Board of Realtors.
"
MS: Mississippi proposal to tax soft drinks fizzles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that would add a 24-cent tax on 12-ounce, sugar-laden soft drinks appeared dead Wednesday, but not before the measure received a lengthy hearing about how strongly sugar contributes to Mississippi's distinction as the nation's most obese state.
"
MS: House committee OKs furniture tax breaks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House leaders say they hope a new proposal to provide tax breaks for the ailing furniture industry, much of which is concentrated in Northeast Mississippi, will be acceptable to Gov. Haley Barbour.
"
MT: State pension system rated high before meltdown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although buffeted by later investment losses, Montana's state-administered pension funds were rated as solid performers as of mid-2008 by a national study released Wednesday by the Pew Center on the States.
"
MT: Proposed budget cuts online
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The proposed state government spending cuts recommended by the governor's budget director are available online.
"
MT: Former Gov. Racicot joins Plum Creek Timber Co. board of directors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot has taken a seat on the Plum Creek Timber Co.'s board of directors.
"
NC: Liquor company fined $6,000 for Mecklenburg dinner violation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state ABC Commission today fined the liquor company Diageo $6,000 for paying for a lavish dinner in November for the Mecklenburg ABC board chairman and a group of staff members.
"
NC: Private ABC stores in future?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's two highest-ranking legislative leaders on Thursday ordered a newly-formed panel to examine ways to reform the state Alcoholic Beverage Control system, including the possibility of privately run liquor stores.
"
NC: Bowles confident he can run universities, help fix debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"UNC system President Erskine Bowles has no fear that he can, oh, juggle the leadership of one of the nation's top public universities while simultaneously righting the foundering ship of our country's troubled financial situation.
"
NC: Air tanker bid battle felt in N.C.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina is shaping up as a battleground in one of the bitterest military contracting showdowns in decades.
"
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.
"
NE: Nebraska lawmakers nix horse-gambling proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal to expand horse race wagering and use the profits to help save the state's horse racing industry and build a new Lincoln track is dead for the year.
"
NE: Bill seeks to make instream flow protection easier
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Old battle lines surfaced Thursday over a bill that would make it easier to protect fish, wildlife and recreation on Nebraska's rivers.
"
NE: Whiteclay bill likely to get debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senators are likely to debate legislation that would provide money to help with alcohol problems of people who buy their booze at Whiteclay.
"
NE: Grants seek to fire up alternative gas in Nebraska
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before compressed natural gas can power more vehicles in Nebraska, the industry needs greater supply and demand.
"
NE: Proposed ag cuts play poorly in Nebraska, despite deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Congressman Jeff Fortenberry joined in an enthusiastic celebration of workplace interventions that help reduce body mass index at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln on Wednesday.
"
NH: Recall of Daniele products expanded
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The recall of salami products from the Burrillville-based Daniele Inc. has expanded to include 115,000 pounds of "Hot Salame Panino" products, now also linked to a nationwide outbreak of salmonella.
"
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.
"
NJ: 8 execs at N.J. authorities make more than governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new state audit indicates that employees of New Jersey's numerous state authorities enjoy better compensation than other state government workers.
"
NJ: Christie promises business tax cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Speaking to a group of South Jersey business owners, Gov. Christie promised yesterday to do away with a 4 percent tax surcharge on corporations and keep it off the books for as long as he is governor.
"
NJ: N.J. Senate committee approves Andrew Eristoff as treasurer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate committee today confirmed Andrew Eristoff as the state's treasurer after a four-hour hearing that included questioning about Gov. Chris Christie's recent budget cuts.
"
NJ: NJ Transit director says fare hikes would come with job cuts to reduce costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A day after confirming NJ Transit passengers will face a sizable fare hike and service reductions, the agency's executive director said today management jobs also will be cut.
"
NJ: N.J. Assembly committee considers budget for Traumatic Brain Injury Fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with the prospect of 1,300 disabled people losing treatment and services, an Assembly committee today discussed how to stretch or raise more money for the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund.
"
NJ: N.J. Gov. Christie praises resignation of sewerage commission head
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie praised the resignation of the well-paid head of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners Thursday, saying high-salary public workers should not "be immune" to his cost-cutting iniatives.
"
NJ: Report -- N.J. gives options to low-income drivers with suspended licenses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey is among several states that give drivers – particularly the low-income – options for getting back a drivers license that was suspended as the result of a non-driving offense, a federal report has found.
"
NJ: N.J. Senate panel holds beach smoking ban bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that would ban smoking at beaches, amusement parks and racetracks in New Jersey is on hold.
"
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.
"
NM: House panel derails Richardson veto override
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday saved Gov. Bill Richardson the embarrassment of a veto override.
"
NM: Measure aims to put more light on government
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It would be easier for the public to find information about state government, its finances, laws and many of its employees under a bill passed by the House late Wednesday.
"
NM: House passes bill to fund projects around NM
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to authorize $40 million for projects around the state cleared the House early Thursday morning.
"
NM: House and Senate still far apart on budget; deadline looms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With less than 24 hours to go in the legislative session, a budget deal remains out of reach for House and Senate leaders.
"
NV: Legislators get creative in face of budget crunch
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unable to quickly locate sure sources of funds to reduce an estimated $887 million revenue shortfall, Nevada legislators opened the floodgates Thursday to new and unusual ideas that could generate more revenue.
"
NV: Gibbons launches certificate program for teacher salaries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons today announced details of his Education Gift Certificate program that he unveiled earlier this month in this State of the State address.
"
NV: Trade group proposes raising driver's license, vehicle fees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A construction association has proposed raising $50 million a year through higher charges for driver's licenses, teenage driver's licenses and vehicle titles, and increasing vehicle registration fees to create a fund for construction projects.
"
NV: Are mining, gaming really ready to pay more?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the governor and lawmakers go hunting for revenue, mining and gaming have once again emerged as targets.
"
NV: Obama to announce new foreclosure rescue program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Washington — President Barack Obama will announce today during his visit to Las Vegas a new foreclosure rescue program, pumping $1.5 billion into Nevada and other hard-hit states to help housing agencies rework mortgages and save homes.
"
NV: Proposed cuts could kill Millennium Scholarship
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons' proposed cuts to the Millennium Scholarship program would put it in the red, unable to pay all of its costs, as early as 2013.
"
NV: Legislators -- Businesses must help cut deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democratic legislative leaders want businesses to pay voluntarily hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and fees to cover part of the state's $887 million revenue shortfall and reduce a planned $200 million cut to public education.
"
NY: Price of $timulation -- 500G per new NY job
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- New York has gotten 43,000 jobs since President Obama signed the stimulus law one year ago -- at a price of more than $500,000 per job, federal and state records reveal.
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NY: Mad that your state tax refunds could be late? Gov. Paterson says to blame lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. David Paterson is turning up the heat on the Legislature, saying lawmakers will be to blame if he delays some income tax refunds for three months.
"
NY: Aqueduct probers won't find anything, guv boasts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Paterson this morning brushed off swirling reports about the widening probe into the Aqueduct "racino" decision and predicted the feds would come up empty-handed.
"
NY: Buffalo among 'most miserable' U.S. cities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hooray for Rochester! Because at least we're not one of the nation's most miserable cities, like our Erie County neighbor. Buffalo is ranked eighth in a new compilation of "America's 20 Most Miserable Cities" as done by Forbes.com.
"
NY: GM begins rebirth with engine plant in Tonawanda
From: feeds.stateline.org
"General Motors, on its deathbed just a year ago, announced a half-billion-dollar investment in its U.S. facilities Thursday, with almost all of the money going to its engine plant in the Town of Tonawanda.
"
NY: Espada's bill on rent limits draws criticism from tenant groups
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pedro Espada Jr., the State Senate majority leader, introduced a housing bill on Wednesday that he described as a major lifeline to New Yorkers with lower incomes, and that a tenants' group denounced as a "Trojan horse."
"
NY: Farmers, activists push for immigration reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SODUS, N.Y. — Phil Wagner grows apples, sweet cherries and peaches on his 157-acre Wayne County spread. The retired Army colonel has worked 12 years as a fruit farmer. And none of it would happen without the immigrant labor, mostly Hispanic, who pick that fruit for $9 to $15 an hour, he said.
"
NY: N.Y. tops in pension funding but skimps on retiree health
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York had the best-funded state pension plan in the nation in 2008 but failed to set aside any money to cover future health benefits for retirees, a new report says.
"
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.
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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.
"
OH: Dan Gilbert talks about Cleveland casino plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Casino developer and Cavs' majority owner Dan Gilbert says he won't make a decision on opening a temporary casino in Cleveland until he's settled on a casino operator -- something he expects to do within 30 to 60 days.
"
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.
"
OK: Closing arguments for Oklahoma's poultry pollution lawsuit today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Closing arguments in the state of Oklahoma's poultry pollution lawsuit are being held today in Tulsa Federal Court.
"
OK: Puppy-mill bill progresses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate Appropriations Committee voted Wednesday to pass a measure to regulate puppy mills.
"
OK: Oklahoma workers' comp bill advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Measures to tighten guidelines of the state's workers' compensation system to make it more efficient and to bring costs under control passed a House committee Wednesday. But the reforms won't include disbanding the workers' compensation court system, the House author of the legislation said.
"
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.
"
OR: Chinook angling to be focused west of I-5
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OREGON CITY, Ore. -- Washington and Oregon adopted on Thursday a complicated package of 2010 spring chinook salmon angling rules for the lower Columbia River with only limited fishing upstream of Interstate 5.
"
PA: Pa. candidates for governor asked about ex-inmate programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It was the fifth time that the candidates for Pennsylvania governor had met in a debate. Repeatedly, they had been asked about improving public education, creating jobs, reforming Harrisburg.
"
PA: Plan would let students graduate early
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania is among eight states that will pilot a plan that could result in some students earning a high school diploma and entering college at the end of 10th grade.
"
PA: Ex-staffer says Dems ran campaign 'assembly line'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative employees ran a campaign envelope-stuffing effort like an assembly line, a witness testified Thursday, shedding more light on the details of a wide-ranging effort that prosecutors say subsidized political work with taxpayer resources.
"
PA: Hurdles remain for table games in Pa.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Casino officials say they will be ready to start offering table games by the Fourth of July weekend despite still needing to make space and hire and train hundreds of dealers.
"
PA: Former Veon Aide -- Room 626 politicking secret
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A former aide to ex-Rep. Mike Veon testified Thursday that he spent about 80 percent of his time in a taxpayer-funded job raising campaign money.
"
PA: State given $130 million to expand high speed Internet access
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A pair of projects that will expand broadband Internet access in 39 Pennsylvania counties, including 22 that have little if any high-speed service, will receive $130 million in federal stimulus funds, officials said Thursday.
"
PA: Early graduations move ahead for Pennsylvania students
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some high-achieving Pennsylvania high school students will be able to graduate two years early as soon as spring 2013.
"
PA: Democratic Scranton mayor exits governor's race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Citing sluggish fundraising and an opportunity to run for a state Senate seat in his district, Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty on Wednesday dropped his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor.
"
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.
"
RI: Quonset awarded $22 million for projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — The Quonset Business Park has been awarded $22.3 million in federal stimulus funds to improve piers, roads and rails and to install a crane in preparation for offshore wind development, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Wednesday.
"
RI: R.I. could be back in the race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Will the America's Cup return to Newport? And could there be an economic gold mine in the race for that silver trophy?
"
SC: Quit? Fired? No jobless benefits, under plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate took a big step Thursday toward hammering out an agreement to overhaul the state's troubled Employment Security Commission, settling a dispute over the conditions under which discharged workers covered by unemployment insurance may be denied benefits claims.
"
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.
"
SD: SD panel backs restricting investments in Iran
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Plans to restrict state investment in companies that do business in Iran and other nations that support terrorism got a boost Wednesday in the South Dakota Legislature.
"
SD: S.D. panel deadlocks on tribal gambling measure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The South Dakota Legislature should have a say in approving any state agreement with an Indian tribe that allows expansion of gambling in a tribal casino, Senate Republican Leader Dave Knudson of Sioux Falls said Wednesday.
"
TN: Wamp says Haslam has dozens of conflicts through Pilot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To hear Republican gubernatorial hopeful Zach Wamp tell it, GOP rival Bill Haslam has more than one conflict of interest stemming from the Haslam family's Pilot Travel Centers, the national chain headquartered in Knoxville.
"
TN: TN State Fair has 3 prospective operators who show interest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At least three groups have expressed interest in running the Tennessee State Fair this year, offering to step into the void being left by Metro government.
"
TX: Two-year Texas drought ends
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The drought that blistered Texas for the last two years has ended, thanks to El Nino rain patterns, the National Weather Service says.
"
TX: Trading places
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texas, that famous bastion of conservatism, has quietly become a leading exporter to communist Cuba — second only to Lousiana among the fifty states.
"
TX: Data app: Day care danger
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 120 federally subsidized day care centers had their licenses denied or revoked by the state for violations of regulations and minimum standards in the last two years, according to a Texas Tribune analysis.
"
US: Congress investigates controversial drilling technique
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Concerns about potential drinking-water contamination are prompting Congress to investigate hydraulic fracturing, a controversial drilling technique that has helped boost U.S. natural-gas production.
"
US: Obama to unveil additional homeowner aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LAS VEGAS — President Barack Obama is expected to announce plans Friday to provide an additional $1.5 billion to a state-assistance program for homeowners worst hit by the downturn in U.S. housing values.
"
US: Both parties oppose unlimited corporate spending on elections, poll finds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats and Republicans don't seem to agree on much these days, but a new Washington Post-ABC News poll shows they come together on at least one issue: their opposition to letting corporations and unions spend as much as they want to help candidates win elections.
"
US: Obama and Republicans clash over stimulus bill, one year later
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — President Obama defended his year-old economic stimulus package on Wednesday, as Republicans and Democrats took to the Internet and the airwaves to wage a furious partisan battle over whether the bill was a monumental waste of taxpayer money or had rescued the economy from catastrophe.
"
US: White House crafts jobs bill, a year into stimulus effort
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The giant economic stimulus package enacted a year ago has helped stabilize the economy but has not made much of a dent in the nation's vast unemployment.
"
UT: Utah college enrollment at historic levels
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Few students know the ropes of higher education better than Joseph Watkins.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Disclosure of public salaries to be studied
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative proposal seeking to bury information about most public employees' salaries under a veil of anonymity will now be studied by lawmakers this summer.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Madsen backs off honoring Browning on King holiday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ogden gunmaker John Browning won't share a state holiday with civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Politics come into play with Demos' tax-hike bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It must be an election year.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Pension changes pass first hurdle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A package of bills reshaping the state retirement system in light of a $6.5 billion shortfall passed its first hurdle in the Senate on Thursday, but not before some of the most intense debate this session.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Task force to study 12th grade
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, wants to ax the 12th grade to save a buck, state education leaders say keep the senior year but make it better.
"
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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VA: Governor seeks cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob McDonnell announced proposals yesterday to cut $2.3 billion from the state budget, in part by shaving another $730 million off schools funding and $316 million from public health services.
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VA: McDonnell's cuts -- Answer to crisis or framework for future?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In announcing his approach to spending cuts, Gov. Bob McDonnell wrote that he is committed to streamlining government services while meeting "the demands of our most vulnerable citizens."
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VA: Lawmakers divided on furlough proposal for state workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers are divided over Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposal to save state jobs by forcing those who have them to take 10 days of unpaid vacation over the next two years.
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VT: Vermont could face lawsuit over Yankee shutdown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A looming legislative vote that could call for the shutdown of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant in 2012 has raised the possibility that a federal court might be asked to block a shutdown.
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VT: City officials discuss fate of Burlington Telecom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"What's to be done? That was the topic Wednesday in a 9 a.m. meeting of city officials in the mayor's office at City Hall. They met the morning after the Vermont Public Service Board denied the city's request that Burlington Telecom be allowed to use city money to pay the $386,000 interest payment due Wednesday on its commercial debt to Citi Leasing.
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VT: Vermonters go for halfpipe gold today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"VANCOUVER, British Columbia — They share a home area code and hard-won membership in the exclusive club of Olympic snowboarding gold medalists, but Kelly Clark and Hannah Teter dance to different beats.
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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.
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WI: Humana's job cuts include Green Bay employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Health insurer Humana says 120 positions in the Green Bay area will be among the 2,500 it's cutting nationwide to adjust to declining enrollment.
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WI: Wis. regulators plan blanket megafarm permits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Right now, anyone who wants to start a farm with more than 1,000 of what the Department of Natural Resources calls animal units, the equivalent of about 700 dairy cows, must obtain an individual permit from the agency.
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WI: Appeals Court hears arguments on Larson Acres
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state appeals court will issue a written decision on whether a state livestock siting board overstepped its authority in overturning restrictions on a conditional-use permit issued by the town of Magnolia.
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WI: Rural broadband service coming to libraries, schools - but not homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"High-speed Internet access could be coming to rural Wisconsin schools and libraries soon, but it could be years before the service is available to businesses and homes in some areas - if it's ever available.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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WV: W.Va. to receive $130 million for Internet access
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WHEELING, W.Va. -- West Virginia is getting more than $130 million from the federal government to improve broadbrand Internet access.
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WV: Bees hurt by mountaintop removal coal mining
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mountaintop mining has obliterated flowering trees and plants that honeybees need for food in the central Appalachians, and some Kentucky lawmakers are asking coal companies to plant pollen-producing vegetation when they finish digging.
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WV: Manchin promises an open park meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin is promising that a meeting he has called for next week to lay out the state's plan for taking over a portion of the South Charleston Technology Park will be open to the media.
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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.
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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.
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WY: Nation's first wind tax passes first Wyo House test
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After lengthy debate centered mainly around whether to delay imposition of a tax on wind generation, rather than whether to tax it in the first place, the state house passed the bill containing a $1 per megawatt hour tax on wind generation in Wyoming.
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WY: Wyo legislature dares feds over gun rights
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative committee has voted to draw a proverbial line in the sand over the issue of Wyoming residents' gun rights and dared the federal government to cross it.
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WY: Wyo's in running for data center
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The city of Cheyenne is one of three finalists for a $750-million-plus computer data center that would be the largest in the Rocky Mountain region, said Cheyenne LEADS President Randy Bruns.
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WY: DEQ releases water results tonight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Environmental Quality will release testing results from two Casper chemical contamination sites tonight.
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States tackling public employee retirement benefits in 2010
From: feeds.stateline.org
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Since legislatures convened last month, at least 16 states are weighing changes to their worker pension plans. Employees, retirees and unions say they will contest some of the proposals.
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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.
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More power in the statehouse?
From: feeds.stateline.org
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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.
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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.
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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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