AK: Senator -- Report everything or raise $15 limit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Alaska Republican says the debate over lobbyist disclosures for treating legislators to meals misses the meat of his ethics reform push.
"
AK: Investors bid on 48,000 acres in Beaufort Sea lease sale
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Alaska received oil and gas lease bids for 48,000 acres in near shore waters of the Beaufort Sea on Wednesday in a sale that was criticized for offering drilling rights in sensitive marine waters.
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AK: Permanent fund looks back on profitable year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alaska Permanent Fund had a stellar 2009, earning 18.76 percent for the year, its managers were told Wednesday.
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AK: Game committee approves antlerless moose hunt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PALMER -- The popular state permit drawing hunt for antlerless moose in Mat-Su will continue this year, despite objections by nearly half the members of the Mat-Su Fish and Game Advisory Committee.
"
AL: Federal audit says Alabama stimulus funds not being spent fast enough
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Alabama has completed only 7 percent of the work promised with $71.8 million in federal economic stimulus funds to make the homes of lower-income people in the state more energy efficient, according to a new, critical federal audit of the 1-year-old program.
"
AL: Chickasaw opens bingo hall; Governor's task force raids within hours
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHICKASAW, Ala. -- Just hours after opening, the Chickasaw electronic bingo operation was shut down Thursday night by members of the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling.
"
AZ: Bank CEO -- New wave of failures is possible
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a couple of years, Americans will look back on the tough economy with a sigh of relief. But, in the meantime, they'd better make sure their bank deposits are protected.
"
AZ: Albertsons' bid for Bashas' may wind up in judge's hands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bankruptcy Judge James Marlar ultimately could be the one who decides whether the Bashas' supermarket chain emerges from bankruptcy under the control of the Basha family or is sold to competitor Albertsons LLC.
"
AZ: House energy measure dies following industry opposition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Business and green-energy firms Thursday cheered the sudden death of a bill that they warned would have darkened Arizona's prospects for attracting alternative-energy firms.
"
CA: California to put Reagan office building up for sale
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two dozen state office buildings across California officially go on sale Friday as the cash-strapped state seeks to raise more than $2 billion to pay off some of its long-term debt.
"
CA: California subpoenas big health insurers' financial records
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The California state attorney general's office said Thursday that it had subpoenaed financial records of California's seven largest health insurance companies as part of an investigation into whether they illegally raised customer premiums and denied payment of legitimate claims.
"
CA: Most Cal House members back immigration reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California's Democrat-dominated congressional delegation is markedly more inclined to support immigration reform than Congress as a whole, a scorecard developed by the pro-reform Immigrants' List political action committee indicates.
"
CA: Water package for parched San Joaquin Valley set to be unveiled
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON – The Obama administration is expected today to unveil an ambitious-sounding package of irrigation deliveries, water transfers, farm loan guarantees and other programs targeting the parched San Joaquin Valley.
"
CO: Colorado senator wants tax on medical marijuana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state senator said Thursday he wants to ask voters to impose a special tax on medical marijuana.
"
CO: Bill would scrap limits on tuition increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state budget crisis leaves lawmakers with little choice but to let some state colleges and universities increase tuition without legislative approval, Gov. Bill Ritter said Thursday, reversing his position on the issue.
"
CO: Convenience-store beer bill dies in Colorado Legislature; grocery-store liquor bill ahead
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Colorado legislative committee killed a bill to let convenience stores sell full-strength beer Wednesday in a move opponents of the bill said was about saving small business, and proponents said was about liquor stores keeping a sales monopoly on the product.
"
CO: Ritter shares out budget pain, lifts business tax exemptions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Ritter signed nine pieces of controversial legislation into law Wednesday that suspended or eliminated tax breaks for businesses.
"
CT: Filmmakers fight plan to alter Connecticut tax credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Moviemakers are coming to Connecticut, though Sen. Gary LeBeau says the state can keep them coming and save money at the same time by adjusting its film tax-break program.
"
CT: Stop & Shop says latest offer worth $3,500 more per worker
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Stop & Shop is offering a pay and benefits increase worth $3,500 per employee, according to a memo to employees obtained Thursday by The Courant.
"
CT: Agency urges moratorium on power-plant gas line purges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIDDLETOWN, Conn. -- Federal authorities investigating the Kleen Energy plant explosion are calling on similar plants or any industry that conducts high-pressure natural gas purges to stop them until safer regulations can be put in place.
"
DE: Last bits of Delaware Chrysler plant go to highest bidders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEWARK, del. -- A passel of auctioneers and a roomful of bidders were settled in for the long haul Thursday, as the University of Delaware auctioned nearly 1,000 lots of machinery, tools and other equipment from the closed Newark Chrysler assembly plant.
"
DE: Chicken-house collapses pile up for Delmarva farmers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Delmarva's broiler industry was already scratching through a tough winter when this month's storms dumped crushing loads of snow on poultry houses across the region, turning some into giant, cold Panini presses. Building collapses produced hundreds of thousands of prematurely frozen chickens in Delaware and Maryland.
"
FL: With hands tied, Florida struggles to carve new jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Spurred by state unemployment soon expected to top 12 percent and a political agenda keen on kick-starting a long-stalled economy, Florida lawmakers insist job creation is a priority in this legislative session. If only it were that easy.
"
FL: Doors closing for poor, uninsured who need psychiatric help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"He is 27, unemployed, uninsured and suffering from insomnia, mood swings and what seems to be post-traumatic stress disorder. But because the state has not increased its funding in the past decade for the programs that might help him, he can't get a psychiatric evaluation or medication.
"
FL: Legislature tries again to tackle insurance mess
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's a puzzle the Legislature can't seem to solve. How can the state government make homeowner's insurance affordable while keeping the insurance companies profitable and able to cover claims if a major hurricane hits? Because if the companies can't pay, the state could be on the hook for billions.
"
FL: SeaWorld Orlando's attack killer whale Tilikum is valuable, dangerous
From: feeds.stateline.org
"What to do with a 12,000-pound killer whale that is famous for being the world's most potent captive orca stud and infamous for the deaths of three people?
"
FL: Audit slams Jackson over money mess
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A much-anticipated audit of Jackson Health System released Thursday criticized management for a ``significant deficiency'' in its financial practices because it didn't identify highly overstated revenue estimates ``in a timely manner.''
"
GA: Anti-nuke group takes aim at Obama's visit to Georgia
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In honor of President Barack Obama's visit to Georgia next week, the environmental group Friends of the Earth launched two TV ads in Atlanta and Columbia, S.C., protesting $55 billion in loan guarantees for nuclear plants.
"
HI: Hawaii discards proposals for island gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers in Hawaii have decided not to allow gambling on the state's sunny isles.
"
HI: Hawaii flights to grow by 6% more seats
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Airlines plan to boost the number of passenger seats to Hawai'i by nearly 6 percent this spring, providing further evidence that the recovery in tourism is gaining traction.
"
HI: Welfare job cut proposal draws concern
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The jobs of 232 state workers would be eliminated under a cost-cutting proposal that advocates for the poor worry would reduce access to food stamps, cash assistance and medical benefits.
"
IA: Senate OKs bill to assist Iowa auto dealers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa car retailers battling to regain franchises lost in last year's purge by Chrysler and General Motors could see their standing improve slightly, thanks to a bill approved by the Iowa Senate.
"
IA: Deere recalls workers to Dubuque, Davenport plants plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Deere & Co. is recalling 117 workers at its plants in Dubuque and Davenport as market conditions in its construction and forestry divisions improve, a spokesman said Thursday.
"
ID: Some educators get raises in Idaho
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some legislators aren't happy with how many Idaho school districts have spent some of their money this school year: boosting teachers' and administrators' pay as private sector and state worker paychecks shrank.
"
ID: Budget deal would freeze teacher pay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Negotiators agreed to ask the Legislature's budget committee to approve more than a dozen changes to state appropriations to help schools cope with shrunken budgets next school year.
"
ID: Some educators get raises in Idaho
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some legislators aren't happy with how many Idaho school districts have spent some of their money this school year: boosting teachers' and administrators' pay as private sector and state worker paychecks shrank."
ID: Aquifer funding plan may be put off a year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that would allow the Idaho Water Resource Board to collect fees for projects benefitting the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer might not be introduced this year after it ran into legal concerns.
"
ID: House passes long-term debt amendment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House approved on Thursday a proposed constitutional amendment that would clear the way for municipal power companies to take on long-term debt to purchase electricity without voter approval.
"
ID: Board backs plan to keep state parks open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JEROME, Idaho — The board governing Idaho's 30 state parks backed a budget plan Thursday morning that will keep all of them open at least one more year, including Thousand Springs State Park near Hagerman.
"
IL: Blue Cross parent to discuss premium increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The parent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois has been summoned with other health insurance giants to Washington next week to discuss premium increases with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
"
IL: Jobless to lose benefits soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCKFORD, Ill. -- About 14,800 Illinoisans' unemployment benefits will lapse every week without congressional action, according to a new analysis by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
"
IL: 'Flat is the new up' for central Illinois economic climate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Sun shining off the snow Thursday morning at the WeaverRidge clubhouse, site of a forum on the area's economic climate, symbolized the current state of affairs in central Illinois, said one of the speakers.
"
IL: Judge -- Regulators went too far in funeral directors settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Cook County judge has ruled that state regulators overstepped their authority last spring when they extracted $18 million from Merrill Lynch to settle allegations that the financial giant violated state law in its dealings with the Illinois Funeral Directors Association.
"
IL: Tougher rules for cabbies nearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois House voted unanimously Thursday to toughen requirements for taxi drivers despite objections from Chicago and one of its largest cab companies.
"
IN: House says nix business tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Indiana House of Representatives backpedaled Wednesday on a year-old plan to increase the taxes businesses pay for unemployment insurance.
"
IN: Union files charges over letter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Claiming that Whirlpool has threatened employees who plan to participate in an Evansville rally, a local union has filed a labor charge against the company.
"
IN: Hummer's end leaves Indiana workers in limbo
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unless a last-minute buyer shows up, it's likely the General Motors Hummer brand will become a thing of the past.
"
KS: Kansas' statewide smoking ban exempts some areas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Here's where you could and couldn't smoke under the smoking ban the Kansas House sent to the governor on Thursday. The governor pushed for the ban and is expected to sign it.
"
KS: Kansas House set to debate next week a bill to narrow sales tax exemptions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Kansas House committee expects to debate a bill next week to eliminate exemptions to the state's sales tax.
"
KS: Small school district leaders plead with legislators not to force consolidation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials from some of the smallest school districts in Kansas said Thursday that legislators have already held out "sticks and carrots" to encourage consolidation.
"
KS: Kansas House panel hears states' rights measure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Kansas House committee has heard testimony on a states' rights resolution that supporters say is intended to preserve individual liberties.
"
KS: Legislation OK'd to snuff smoking at Kansas restaurants, bars, workplaces
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Get ready to say goodbye to smoking sections. Kansas is kicking the habit by becoming the latest state to outlaw smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces.
"
KY: House backs bill on horse health issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill creating a board that could study horse health issues and recommend standards of care received unanimous approval Thursday from the House.
"
KY: Coal-to-gas company wants utilities required to buy its electricity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Louisville company that's planning to build a coal-to-natural gas manufacturing plant in western Kentucky wants a state law that would require utilities to buy electricity from facilities like theirs.
"
LA: Coastal projects all lacking cash, expert declares
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The wide variety of coastal restoration projects now planned for Louisiana look good on paper, but are missing the most important component: money. That's the message a financial planner brought to an Army Corps of Engineers town hall meeting on restoration plans Thursday night in Gretna.
"
LA: New Orleans-Baton Rouge passenger rail would have positive effect, study concludes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed passenger rail link between New Orleans and Baton Rouge that has been opposed by Gov. Bobby Jindal would provide positive economic and social benefits to justify the public subsidy needed for its operations, according to an independent evaluation commissioned by the Southern High-Speed Rail Commission and the Louisiana transportation department.
"
MA: Fate of offshore wind farm in government's hands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A decision on the fate of what would be the first offshore wind farm in the United States is expected from the federal government in the next several weeks.
"
MD: Senate passes BPA ban in bottles, cups for small children
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to ban the chemical bisphenol-A from baby bottles and infants' cups passed its final hurdle in the General Assembly on Thursday.
"
MD: Ignition locks are debated
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Advocates for a crackdown on drunken driving squared off against the alcoholic beverage industry Thursday over an O'Malley administration-supported bill that would require court-determined drunken drivers to install devices that would prevent their cars from being started if they have been drinking alcohol.
"
MD: 'Bureaucracy gone wild,' Della calls pension staff trips abroad
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Baltimore state senator critcized the state's retirement agency Thursday for spending $173,000 on travel in the past year, calling it a "bureaucracy gone wild" because it sent staff members on 61 trips last year to such far-flung destinations as Hong Kong, Paris, Tokyo, Zurich, Athens, Frankfurt and Toronto.
"
MD: Former UM law dean is asked to refund $60,000
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State university system officials have asked the former dean of the University of Maryland School of Law to return $60,000 in unauthorized compensation and have referred questionable payments totaling $410,000, which were revealed by a state legislative audit, to the attorney general's office for review.
"
MD: Sailing Hall of Fame clears state board
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state board yesterday approved the National Sailing Hall of Fame & Museum, which will be built with private funds on state land at City Dock in Annapolis.
"
ME: Maine passes credit protection bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Maine House has given final approval to a bill to protect consumers from unauthorized credit card charges.
"
ME: Canadian workers in Maine at issue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Landowners and logging contractors from northern Maine packed a public hearing Thursday to testify against a pair of controversial bills arising from long-standing tensions over the use of Canadian workers in the Maine woods.
"
MI: Assembly passes big-box retailer drug bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Big-box retailers would be able to offer more prescription drugs for $4 a month, under a bill the Assembly passed Thursday.
"
MI: Scientists seeking methods to control Asian carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Scientists are stepping up the quest for new poisons and other tools that could prevent Asian carp from gaining a foothold in the Great Lakes, Obama administration officials told a congressional panel Thursday.
"
MI: Governor wants Senate to extend jobless benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of Michigan residents will begin losing their unemployment benefits next month if the U.S. Senate doesn't extend them by Sunday, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Thursday.
"
MI: Ex-Michigan governors find common ground
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The crowd in Livonia probably came to Laurel Manor for the same reason that they visit the Michigan International Speedway.
"
MN: Weatherization funds go unspent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON - Millions of stimulus dollars to weatherize Minnesota homes remained largely unspent at the end of 2009, leaving the state far from its projected goals for 2012, federal investigators reported this week.
"
MO: Outlook worsens for state budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's revenue picture, already troubled, is getting bleaker.
"
MO: Missouri lawmakers OK bills speeding insurance payments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri lawmakers advanced two bills Thursday aimed at speeding insurance payments to hospitals and health care providers.
"
MO: Missouri lawmakers move to close loophole on big boat purchases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A longstanding sales tax exemption for yacht buyers would disappear under any of three bills introduced Wednesday in Jefferson City.
"
MS: Yes they CanCan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Mississippi Gaming Commission gave site approval for the CanCan Casino in D'Iberville at its meeting Thursday in Jackson.
"
MS: Economy is next civil rights front, longtime activist Andrew Young says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Andrew Young, an activist who worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., says America's civil rights fight must move to an economic front.
"
MS: Governor honors Miss. artists
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 2010 Governor's Awards for Excellence in the Arts at Galloway Memorial United Methodist Church celebrated the arts in every capacity - for its role in education and economic development as well as cultural heritage and beauty.
"
MT: Otter Creek coal prices much lower than Wyoming coal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana is preparing to lease its Otter Creek coal to mine developers for an upfront payment of 15 cents a ton — while recent coal leases in Wyoming have gone for six times that amount.
"
MT: Montana AG announces settlement with pharmaceutical company over off-label marketing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock says his office has settled a lawsuit with a major pharmaceutical company and will use most of the proceeds to pay for mental health services and programs in the state.
"
NC: Distress over economy rules N.C. voters' mood
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SANFORD, N.C. -- As the midterm election campaign begins, North Carolina voters have deep anxiety about a weak economy, a loss of jobs, and whether life will be better for their children, according to a News & Observer/ABC11 Eyewitness News poll.
"
ND: Oil industry booms -- in North Dakota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KILLDEER, N.D. — A massive oil reserve buried two miles underground has put North Dakota at the center of a revolution in the U.S. oil industry, a shift that has radically altered the fortunes of this remote area.
"
NE: Nebraska lawmakers give homeowners associations power
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraskans who belong to homeowners associations soon will likely have another reason to pay dues. Lawmakers on Thursday gave final-round approval (LB736) to a bill that would allow associations to file financial liens on homes for unpaid association dues and fines.
"
NH: Left out of LLC-repeal loop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The heads of the House and Senate budget writing committees have not been included in talks among key Democratic lawmakers to repeal the controversial limited liability companies (LLC) tax.
"
NH: Wind-swept blaze destroys landmark hotel, five buildings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON, N.H. – A massive wind-swept fire destroyed a block of five buildings on Ocean Boulevard last night, including the Surf Hotel and Happy Hampton Arcade. Nearly 100 firefighters from 35 fire departments battled the 6-alarm blaze that broke out just after midnight. The fire came at the height of last night's fierce nor'easter that battered the region with wind gusts to 70 mph.
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NH: NH hotel fire fanned by strong wind destroys block
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HAMPTON, N.H. -- A fire that started in an unoccupied oceanfront hotel was fanned by winds of near hurricane force and spread to adjacent buildings, engulfing and destroying an entire block of businesses, firefighters said. No injuries were reported. The glow from the flames could be seen from miles away, a witness said.
"
NJ: N.J. Assembly approves bill allowing development rights in protected Highlands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Assembly approved legislation today that would allow municipalities throughout the state to accept development rights from towns in the protected Highlands region.
"
NJ: N.J. ban on 'diploma mills' for school administrators, teachers passes Assembly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that cracks down on the use of "diploma mills" by school administrators and teachers who receive advanced degrees to increase their salaries won Assembly approval today.
"
NJ: State pension fund gap grows to $46 billion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey's pension system is underfunded by nearly $46 billion, a more than 30 percent increase in a year, and as a result the state's annual bill has grown to $3 billion, according to a new analysis released Thursday by the state Treasury department.
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NJ: N.J. Assembly unveils pension reform bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Assembly leaders Thursday introduced their versions of pension bills passed by the Senate earlier this week -- and said they would add three more proposals to the mix.
"
NJ: N.J. Gov. Christie looking to cut jobless benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie is seeking to reduce unemployment benefits to ease a looming payroll tax hike on state businesses, a proposal Democratic lawmakers are calling "a total nonstarter" and "immoral."
"
NM: Bill allows nuke-worker program to tap federal funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Money for a state advocacy program to help workers exposed to nuclear radiation will come from a federal compensation fund under a bill overwhelmingly approved by New Mexico legislators.
"
NM: House GOP -- 'We're not in on the budget talks'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There are a lot of closed doors at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe, and presumably behind some of them leaders are talking about how to solve the state's budget crisis.
"
NM: New law aims to rein in health care
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico's health insurance companies will be required to put 85 percent of every premium dollar toward health care services, instead of to administrative costs and profits, under a bill passed by the state Legislature.
"
NV: Special session -- GOP presents plan with compromises and revenues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Republican minority rolled out a budget plan Thursday evening that includes not only compromises on cuts but potential revenue increases as well.
"
NV: Governor meets with legislators, differences on cuts remain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons met with Republican leadership this afternoon in what he described as a "cordial" meeting even though disagreements remain about some budget cuts.
"
NV: Senate OKs bill on electronic child support filing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By a 21-0 vote, the Senate approved a bill to get more major employers to electronically transfer to the state the child support payments withheld from their workers.
"
NV: Nevadans will feel impact of four-day government workweek
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most of Nevada's government will soon transition to a four-day workweek. But the reasons for it go beyond filling the state's $887 million deficit.
"
NV: Senate OKs sweeping funds from reserve accounts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By a 17-3 vote, the Senate approved sweeping $197 million from reserve accounts in such programs as university scholarships and problem gambling.
"
NV: GOP unveils state budget plan, admits much copied from Democrats
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The third day of the Nevada Legislature's special session closed with the leading gaming association failing to come to a consensus on paying more in fees.
"
NV: Budget crunch a campaign snare
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Being broke is never fun, as Nevada's governor and the men who would replace him can attest.
"
NY: $1.4B in play for pay delay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Budget Director Robert Megna said Gov. David Paterson plans to delay $1.4 billion in March payments, adding that the move is necessary to keep the cash-strapped state from going broke as the end of its fiscal year approaches.
"
NY: Time runs out for jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For an estimated 400 jobless Capital Region residents, things could get even worse Sunday. That's when their unemployment benefits will expire if Congress does not act to extend the payments, acting state Labor Commissioner Colleen Gardner warned Thursday.
"
OH: Roadblocks exist to pension-fund fire sale
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If City Hall ends up trying to sell as much as a half billion dollars in assets to bolster Cincinnati's troubled retirement system, the Greater Cincinnati Water Works is unlikely to be one of the items put on the block. State law, moreover, would complicate the sale of any city asset for that purpose, city officials said Thursday.
"
OH: Judge approves bid procedure for Chrysler's Twinsburg plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TWINSBURG, Ohio -- The Bankruptcy Court judge overseeing Chrysler's case gave the company permission Thursday to go ahead with its planned auction of its Twinsburg stamping plant.
"
OH: Feds defend Ohio's exclusion from foreclosure relief program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rep. Dennis Kucinich and other members of Congress from Ohio on Thursday called the Obama administration on the carpet for excluding Ohio from a new $1.5 billion program to fight mortgage foreclosures.
"
OH: Northeast Ohio business development group falls short of goals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the second straight year, the regional agency charged with attracting new businesses fell short of its goal for new payroll.
"
OH: Ohio has no idea how to pay U.S. back for jobless benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It has been more than a year since Ohio depleted its unemployment-compensation fund, and with the fund's debt surpassing $2 billion and growing, a fix is nowhere in sight.
"
PA: Region's cost to dig out after record snowfall tops $14 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Allegheny County, its towns, schools and hospitals spent more than $9 million for emergency work as storms dumped more than two feet of snow on the region.
"
PA: Witness -- Veon OK'd political work on state tab
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bob Caton said he often campaigned on state time and was directed to do so by his former boss Mike Veon, then the No. 2 Democrat in the state House.
"
PA: State investigates group homes operator
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Laurel Highlands Foundation Inc., a nonprofit based in North Versailles that operates group homes and provides services for the mentally disabled, is under county and state scrutiny after allegations surfaced of possible embezzlement.
"
PA: Rendell stumps for tax plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ed Rendell, trying to gather support for a series of proposed tax code changes, told an East End audience on Thursday that Pennsylvania would need the extra revenue from expanded sales, tobacco and natural gas taxes to forestall an economic "tsunami" in 2012.
"
RI: Legislature extends building permits for new houses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To help builders and developers in Rhode Island survive the recession, the state and many communities are extending the duration of thousands of permits required for new houses until June 2011 at no extra charge to applicants.
"
RI: Contaminated pepper from New York cited in R.I. food maker's recall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A New York spice distributor is recalling 25-pound boxes of crushed red pepper linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak.
"
RI: R.I. losing out on millions in taxes from online sales
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A key factor in the dispute triggered by Rhode Island's Amazon law is the state's sales tax, a major source of revenue that helps pay for a variety of services and programs.
"
RI: Small businessman says R.I. 'Amazon law' hurts him
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BRISTOL, R.I. — Hal Landen's Web site used to carry an advertisement for B&H Foto of New York, which sells cameras and related items.
"
SC: Mall's $100 million tax break fast-tracked
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The proposed development of a high-end shopping mall in Jasper County gained priority status in the Senate Thursday, garnering a coveted slot in the lineup for debate.
"
SC: Panel puts off vote on bills for tax relief on 2nd home
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some South Carolina senators want to give struggling homeowners property tax relief if they can't sell their homes or must move for a new job.
"
TX: Homebuilder Bob Perry gives $25k to House GOP candidate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Houston homebuilder Bob Perry and his wife Doylene on Tuesday sent an 11th-hour, $25,000 contribution to a Republican candidate for the Texas House who once served as executive director of the state agency that hears homeowner complaints against builders.
"
US: Despite outcry, Anthem Blue Cross to go ahead with big rate hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SAN FRANCISCO -- Anthem Blue Cross, the health insurer that plans to boost rates by as much as 39 percent in California this year, has become a lightning rod in the national debate over healthcare reform.
"
UT: Utah exports buck trend, hold steady
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah companies exported more than $10.3 billion in 2009, equal to that of 2008, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. And that's at a time when exports saw double-digit decreases nationally.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Buttars pitches plan to save Jordan schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Jordan School District continues to struggle with a $30 million deficit, one lawmaker says he has the answer to its money woes.
"
UT: Foreign-gift disclosure bill advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that would broaden disclosure to the Board of Regents of foreign donations to Utah's colleges and universities advanced in the Senate Thursday on a vote that seesawed back and forth before settling at 22-2.
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UT: Cost of message bills concerns Herbert
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Gary Herbert expressed doubts Thursday about the constitutionality of a bill to exempt Utah-made guns from federal firearms laws and also voiced his concern about the potential costs of the flood of "message bills" before the Legislature.
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UT: Governor rebuts EnergySolutions' claim that waste will end up in Utah
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EnergySolutions Inc. assured its investors Thursday that trainloads of depleted uranium from a government cleanup in South Carolina will end up in Utah as originally planned -- but the assertion was quickly contradicted by Gov. Gary Herbert's office.
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VA: Capitol auction draws bidders worldwide; Morrissey buys Wilder desk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Del. Joseph D. Morrissey, D-Henrico, is the proud new owner of a mahogany desk used by then-Lt. Gov. L. Douglas Wilder, a $2,185 purchase that took place Wednesday during a spirited auction of castoff furnishings and lighting from Virginia's Capitol.
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VA: Virginia House shoots down pleas to 'save' arts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even as hundreds of arts supporters wearing "Save the Arts" stickers descended on the Capitol, the House of Delegates passed a version of the state budget on Thursday that would eliminate the state arts commission.
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VA: Va. House, Senate OK competing budget plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House and Senate approved versions of a two-year state budget Thursday that carve money out of core government services to address a $4.2 billion shortfall.
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VA: Aid available for cities damaged by nor'easter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday granted more than $1 million to help Virginia localities replace and repair infrastructure damaged in November's nor'easter.
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VA: Proposals seek OK for wind farms off Beach coast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two green-energy companies have asked the federal government to approve permits for wind farms off the coast of Virginia Beach, the first applications to develop offshore wind power in Virginia.
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VA: Va. pitches $75 million plan for train to Richmond
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the prospect of high-speed rail at least six years off, state officials want to spend $75 million on an intermediate step that they say could become reality in half that time: a conventional passenger train from Norfolk to Richmond.
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VT: State considers labeling Hydro-Quebec power 'renewable'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A day after the Senate voted not to support Vermont Yankee's operation after 2012, a House committee turned its attention to Vermont's other largest electric supplier.
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VT: Costs, plant age remain obstacles to nuclear renaissance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The renaissance of nuclear power in the United State appears inevitable. It just might not happen as smoothly as the Obama administration and others hope.
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WI: Bill for cheaper Roth IRA conversions unanimously approved by Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State residents of all income levels will be able to convert traditional individual retirement accounts to Roth IRAs without penalties under a bill the Assembly passed unanimously Thursday.
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WI: Wis. Assembly adopts business tax credit plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The measure creates a state supplement to the federal New Markets Tax Credit Program, which provides credits to businesses in low-income areas. The bill caps the annual total credit amount at $10 million.
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WV: DMV seeks electronic insurance verification
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Division of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Joe Miller is pushing legislation that would speed the process that verifies whether motorists are insured.
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WV: Proponents -- Power bill could help reopen Century Aluminum
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that would allow major industrial operations in the state to negotiate discount rates for electricity could be a boon to attracting business to the state -- and possibly could help reopen Century Aluminum's plant in Ravenswood, proponents said Thursday.
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WV: Manchin seeks $750,000, 3-year Alliance tech park pledge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Joe Manchin wants the Charleston Area Alliance to put its money where its mouth is. On Thursday, Manchin asked the economic development group to contribute $250,000 a year for three years -- a total of $750,000 -- for the South Charleston Technology Park.
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WV: Time running out for calorie-counting bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The contentious calorie-counting bill that grabbed headlines during the 2009 legislative session appears to be off the menu once again at the state Capitol.
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WV: Toyota's troubles worry factory town
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BUFFALO, W.Va. — Workers at Toyota Motor Corp.'s sprawling operations here have a message for Congress as it digs into the auto maker's safety record: any actions against the Japanese company will be felt here, too.
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WV: Mollohan urges EPA to speed up mine permits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia Rep. Alan Mollohan says the Environmental Protection Agency has to speed up reviewing surface coal mining permits.
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WV: CONSOL could face suit over Dunkard Creek pollution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia environmentalists plan to sue CONSOL Energy to try to stop ongoing water pollution violations that have already been blamed for a massive fish kill that left Dunkard Creek in Monongalia County lifeless.
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WY: Transparency in real estate prices bill voted down in House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After lengthy debate, the Wyoming House of Representatives killed a bill yesterday that would have made statements of consideration on residential properties public record.
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WY: Wyo Senate committee ignores bad press on bill, passes to full Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that will save local economic development entities across Wyoming thousands of dollars each year in taxes passed the Senate Revenue committee today, in spite of recent bad press noted by a committee member and the fact that the same bill died in the same committee last year.
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WY: Budget differences limited
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House and Senate finished work on the $2.8 billion state budget Thursday, leaving differences over school capital construction financing and help for cities and counties to be determined.
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Dow projects expected to create 2,500 Michigan jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIDLAND, Mich. -- The state has awarded Dow Chemical Co. incentives for three alternative energy projects to develop wind, solar and alternative battery power. Based in Midland, the projects total more than $1 billion and will create 2,500 direct jobs.
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Spinning the stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
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Economists credit the federal stimulus package for helping bring an end to the recession. Most governors say the money prevented more drastic spending cuts and tax increases in their states. But a few Republican governors who took the money contend the stimulus was a mistake.
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The not-so-fast track for high-speed rail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The last time intercity passenger trains served Madison, Wisconsin’s capital city, students at the University of Wisconsin campus there were protesting the Vietnam War. The trains stopped running when Amtrak took over passenger service around the country in 1971. But last month, the federal government announced it would give the state $810 million in stimulus money to return passenger trains to Wisconsin’s second-biggest city for the first time in more than four decades.
The $8 billion in federal stimulus money billed as “high-speed rail” funding that will pay for the Wisconsin improvements is going to 31 states to improve service on trains of all speeds. But as even the straightforward case of Wisconsin shows, the path for states to actually build high-speed rail promises to be long, costly and, in some cases, politically contentious.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
