AK: Lawmakers tone down effort to overturn polar bear listing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal listing of polar bears as a threatened species so outraged Alaska lawmakers, they considered spending more than a million dollars for a public relations effort to reverse the decision.
"
AK: Senator proposes separation in state oil, gas taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaska's system of taxing oil and gas production together has the potential to "blow up our entire fiscal regime," costing the state perhaps billions of dollars a year in revenue once gas starts to flow through a major pipeline, a state lawmaker said Friday.
"
AK: Legislative retirement overhaul stalls
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Teachers and other public employees in Alaska will remain responsible for planning for their own retirements, as hopes for returning state employees to a traditional pension plan appears bottled up in the Legislature.
"
AL: Montgomery could get no money in bingo bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that would allow the people to vote on whether to legalize electronic bingo in certain areas of the state could be a gold mine for counties that don't have local constitutional amendments allowing gambling, and a huge bust for Montgomery.
"
AL: Gambling group slams state Sen. Ben Brooks of Mobile
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A pro-gambling group is taking political aim at state Sen. Ben Brooks, R-Mobile, charging that his opposition to a gambling amendment in the Legislature is hypocritical and could stifle a major economic opportunity for Mobile County.
"
AZ: Home values continue to slide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New figures from the Federal Housing Finance Agency show the price of an average home in the state dropped another 1.5 percent between the third and fourth quarters of 2009. That brings the year-over-year difference to 12.7 percent.
"
AZ: Federal tourism push to help Arizona
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The bipartisan Travel Promotion Act, given final approval by the U.S. Senate this week and expected to be signed by the president, funds increased efforts to promote U.S. travel destinations to tourists from other nations.
"
AZ: Arizonans' top gripe -- Issues with creditors, collectors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 23,000 Arizonans lodged consumer complaints with the Federal Trade Commission in 2009, and issues with creditors and debt collectors ranked as the top issue.
"
AZ: State wants to sell northeast Phoenix parcel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Arizona State Land Department will try to sell a northeast Phoenix parcel for the first time in almost two years.
"
CA: Schwarzenegger's no-tax-hike pledge turns on definition of a tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger threatened last week to veto a bill that would reduce a corporate tax break, calling it a tax increase. He says requiring Amazon.com to collect tax dollars already owed is a new tax burden. But he believes a new surcharge on property insurance is a "fee" that Californians ought to pay.
"
CA: Power plants criticize proposal to block use of seawater for cooling machinery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Environmentalists say the intake pipes destroy too much sea life; utility advocates say that the impact is minimal and that banning the practice would cost too much, jeopardize the reliability of the electricity grid and slow the state's transition to clean energy.
"
CA: A stink in Central California over converting cow manure to electricity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"STANISLAUS COUNTY, Calif. -- State air quality control regulators say these "dairy digester" systems can generate pollution themselves and, unless the devices are overhauled, are refusing to issue permits for them. The standoff underscores how conflicting regulatory mandates are making it hard for California to meet its green-energy goals.
"
CA: Calpers confronts cuts to return rate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Calpers is considering whether to reduce the projected rate of return used by the giant pension fund to make investment decisions. A cut could force cash-strapped governments in California to pay millions more each year to cover their employee pension obligations.
"
CA: California Assembly Speaker-elect Perez has ties to deep pockets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Supporters of incoming Assembly Speaker John Perez say his rapid climb from rank-and-file lawmaker to one of the most powerful offices in the state is due to his intellectual prowess and unwavering commitment to the working poor. But Perez, a Democrat who was chosen as speaker in December and will be sworn in Monday, has something that left-leaning former labor leaders and freshman lawmakers usually lack: a financial pipeline to billionaire developers and white-shoe investors who rank among the most politically active power brokers in the state.
"
CO: Kent Lambert gets mixed reviews on state budget panel
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Depending on whom you ask, Rep. Kent Lambert is either putting state spending under a microscope or he's got a bad case of budgetary myopia.
"
CO: Coloradans join U.S. Chamber's bid to sink union-organizing bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 20 Colorado businessmen and women are in Washington this week trying to head off attempts to revive legislation that would ease union organizing.
"
CO: Two new bills in Colorado House aim to prevent repeat of hepatitis-C incident
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kristen Parker's 30-year sentence for exposing nearly 6,000 people to hepatitis C wasn't enough closure for one infected patient — Lauren Lollini.
"
CO: Realtors -- January home resales drop 5.2% in West, but less than nationwide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Existing-home sales in Colorado and other western states dropped 5.2 percent in January from the previous month, less than the 7.2 percent decline nationwide, the National Association of Realtors reported Friday.
"
CT: Stop & Shop, unions continue contract talks on Tuesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The United Food and Commercial Workers union and Stop & Shop supermarkets will meet Tuesday morning in Providence to consider a company proposal for a new labor contract, both sides said Sunday.
"
DE: Car inspection bill faces fight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation to set up a pilot program in which new-car dealers could perform state vehicle inspections passed the House virtually unnoticed last month, but the stage is set for a battle when the measure moves to the Senate.
"
FL: In Florida, support for offshore drilling depends on where you live
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When it comes to drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico, it's as if there are two Floridas.
"
FL: Struggle to find money has never been tougher
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the third straight year, the Legislature will confront some painful choices as it writes the state budget, and those decisions are likely to be felt by every man, woman and child in Florida.
"
FL: 2010 legislative session to take on big business issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jump-starting the Florida economy and creating new jobs are the two big areas where business owners want action during this year's legislative session. But lawmakers' ability to pass measures that bring about substantial changes will be limited by the state's nearly $3 billion budget deficit.
"
FL: As costs rise, lawmakers eye HMOs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This is the year of big talk about healthcare. And potentially bigger profits for HMOs. As Medicaid swells in cost and number of recipients, some Republican legislative leaders are increasingly interested in putting more of the program's patients into HMOs, giving the private companies more control over the state-federal program for the poor.
"
FL: Gambling issue back on table for Florida Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Seminole Tribe of Florida will be at the center of the debate when lawmakers return to the issue of gambling this year.
"
FL: City expects big money from lawmakers' return
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two million bucks a week. That's how much money is expected to be pumped into the local economy as legislators, their staff members, lobbyists, lawyers and advocates pour into town for the legislative session, which kicks off Tuesday.
"
FL: Legislators aim to tighten communication rules at PSC
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the cavernous hearing room where the Public Service Commission regulates the state's utility companies, the new chairwoman has added a piece of decor: ropes. Two beige ropes, attached to pedestals, now keep lawyers, lobbyists and consumers from approaching the dais during breaks in meetings where the five commissioners sit in judgment over the state's electric, water, sewer and phone companies.
"
FL: Crist finds an urgency in his final months
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In 1994, when a young Charlie Crist was seeking re-election as a state senator from the Tampa Bay area, he ran on the "four E's" — the economy, education, ethics and the environment. Here we are 16 years later, and Gov. Crist is highlighting the same four points entering Tuesday's opening of the 2010 legislative session.
"
FL: Amid tight budget, Tampa Bay legislators keep goals focused
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Call it sausage lite. There is a lot less pork — money earmarked for local projects — expected to make its way to the Tampa Bay area this year as state lawmakers prepare to wrestle with a $3.2 billion budget shortfall.
"
FL: Amid scandal after scandal, Florida Legislature considers ethics reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the first time since the blistering indictment of former House Speaker Ray Sansom and the legislative process as a whole, the buzzword in this town is ``transparency.''
"
FL: Florida's colleges, universities likely to see budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jobs, jobs, jobs. Knowledge-based economy. High-tech research. The 2010 legislative session promises to be full of buzzwords and election-season hype -- much of it centered around the mantra that elevating Florida's economy beyond orange groves and theme parks will take a committed investment in Florida's community colleges and universities.
"
HI: Checking Hawaii's stimulus deals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal stimulus money is paying for ocean-themed nights at schools and to investigate the feasibility of installing a 150-foot tall wind turbine at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl.
"
HI: Some scientists defend tsunami warnings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The warning was ominous, its predictions dire: Oceanographers issued a bulletin telling Hawaii and other Pacific islands that a killer wave was heading their way with terrifying force and that "urgent action should be taken to protect lives and property."
"
HI: Bill diverts tobacco funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No money would be allocated for smoking prevention activities from the Hawaii tobacco settlement special fund under a bill moving in the state House to deal with the state budget crisis.
"
HI: Hawaii businesses felt tsunami
From: feeds.stateline.org
"From tour companies to the local grocery store, the Hawai'i tsunami scare represented either a boon or a bust.
"
HI: Hawaii might halt junior kindergarten
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers are considering a measure that would eliminate junior kindergarten in Hawai'i public schools and move up the date children are eligible to enter kindergarten, changes that would require thousands of late-born 5-year-olds to wait an additional year before they can start school.
"
IA: Tentative agreement reached on nuclear energy bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bipartisan group of legislators has reached tentative agreement on a bill that would encourage the production of nuclear energy in Iowa.
"
IA: Former manager -- Iowa film office was overwhelmed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa Gov. Chet Culver and state officials have remained tight-lipped about what might have gone wrong inside Iowa's economic development department and film office as the state's film tax credit scandal grows.
"
IA: Farm employment up, but pay rates fall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"READLYN, Iowa -- A farm labor survey released last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture says on-farm employment in the two states - called the Corn Belt II region by the USDA - reached 23,000 in January, up 3,000 compared to a year earlier. The figure bucked the national trend.
"
IA: Film tax credits may cost less
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state may wind up spending less on tax incentives for moviemakers than anticipated, because the film fiasco has scared away projects, film advocates say.
"
ID: Grants to fund solar projects at Idaho schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state plans to distribute nearly $3 million in competitive federal grants to Idaho public schools for the construction of solar-panel systems.
"
ID: Lawmakers question salary report
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report of school district salary raises is raising more questions than answers among lawmakers.
"
ID: Health and Welfare announces additional closures until June
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare will close its offices every other Friday from this Friday until at least June 11.
"
ID: Idaho lawmakers to weigh school cuts today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Teachers are bracing for pay cuts, Democrats are fixing for a fight, and some conservatives on the Legislature's joint budget committee are looking at cutting even more.
"
ID: Dan Popkey -- Idaho's governor admits he'd like some compassion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A question from a friend outside the pack of media jackals prompted a remarkably unguarded response from Gov. Butch Otter last week.
"
IL: General Growth reaches deal with Brookfield
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Shopping mall operator General Growth Properties Inc. says it has reached a deal with Canadian property manager Brookfield Asset Management Inc. that will enable General Growth to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
"
IL: Peerless Industries consolidating Ill. operations after closing China plant, will add jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHICAGO -- Peerless Industries, a maker of audiovisual mounting services, plans to stay in Illinois and add at least 85 new jobs to its 405-person work force over the next three years.
"
IL: A.G. Madigan provides Toyota recall details
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Lisa Madigan has received written assurance from Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. that the company will make special accommodations for customers who feel unsafe operating a vehicle that the company has identified in recent recalls.
"
IL: Trade in old appliances and earn rebates under federal stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If you're thinking about buying a new energy-efficient appliance, furnace or water heater, you may want to move quickly to take advantage of new rebates available in Iowa and Illinois through programs paid for with federal stimulus money.
"
IL: As Senate campaign heats up, Giannoulias family races to avoid collapse of its bank
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The clock is ticking, and the real estate deals gone south are piling up, at Broadway Bank, the lending institution owned by the family of U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias.
"
KS: Kansas House advances bill to expand tax breaks for businesses bringing new jobs to Kansas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed expansion of a tax break for businesses bringing workers to Kansas advanced Friday in the Legislature, despite concerns that the cash-strapped state can't afford it and would be attracting lower-wage jobs.
"
KS: Facing criticism over proposal to drug test Kansans receiving state assistance, legislator proposes testing lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House Republican responded to criticism of her bill requiring random drug testing of Kansans on state assistance by proposing an amendment mandating the 165 members of the Legislature undergo the same type of screening.
"
KS: Kansas reports tax revenue shortfall for February of $71 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson backed away Friday from his opposition to additional cuts in the state's current budget after a report showed tax collections this month were $71 million short of expectations.
"
KS: Legislation being put together to increase state and employee contributions into KPERS
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State taxpayers and public employees would have to pay more into the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System under legislation announced Friday.
"
KS: Capitol briefing -- News from the Kansas Statehouse
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The demand for health care workers continues, according to the recently released 2009 Kansas Job Vacancy Survey.
"
KS: Tax increase on Kansas liquor would help disabled, mentally ill programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansans would pay a few more cents for every beer or glass of wine to support programs for the disabled and mentally ill under legislation reviewed Friday by state lawmakers.
"
KY: House passes bill to tax wagering from home
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to tax bets that Kentuckians place on horse racing from home passed the House overwhelmingly Friday and advances to the Senate.
"
KY: Prison food bill stalls in committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that would cancel a private company's nearly $12 million annual contract to serve food at Kentucky's prisons is stalled in the House budget committee. Budget Chairman Rick Rand, D-Bedford, said last week that he is waiting for more information about whether the state is getting its money's worth from food service giant Aramark and hasn't decided whether to hold a hearing on the bill.
"
MA: Gambling lobbying dollars flooding into Mass.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The clash over casino gambling in Massachusetts is drawing a torrent of lobbying dollars to Beacon Hill.
"
MA: Runaway health costs are rocking municipal budgets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A six-month review by the Globe found that municipal health plans, which cover employees, retirees, and elected officials, provide benefit levels largely unheard of in the private sector. Copays are much lower. Some communities do not force retirees onto Medicare at age 65. Many citizens on elected boards - some after serving as few as six years - receive coverage for life, too.
"
MA: Unions safeguard health benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mayors, city and town leaders, and state officials, including Gover nor Deval Patrick, have launched repeated efforts to rein in the expense of providing health care to municipal workers, retirees, and elected officials.
"
MD: Md. farmers can burn collapsed chicken houses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 40 Eastern Shore chicken houses collapsed under the weight of the recent snows, and now the Maryland Department of the Environment is giving farmers the option to burn the wood debris instead of hauling it to the landfill.
"
MD: Don't bet on table games quite yet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite struggles to get Maryland's 15,000 allotted slot machines up and running, some legislators are looking to pass a constitutional amendment that would add table games such as poker, blackjack and craps to state-licensed casinos.
"
ME: Lion's share of lawmakers' work remains
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eight weeks down, six -- or seven -- to go. Maine lawmakers are more than halfway through their session, and a slew of big decisions are ahead of them.
"
ME: 100,000 still lack power in Northeast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 200,000 homes and businesses across the Northeast were still without power Sunday as restoration efforts continued days after a slow-moving storm battered the region with heavy snow, rain and high winds.
"
ME: State tackles worker misclassification
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Governor's Task Force on Employee Misclassification has concluded that the state is losing tax revenue as the result of workers being misclassified as independent contractors and that some employers are paying more in unemployment taxes because of misclassification.
"
MI: Plaza project waits for federal decision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The cost is clear: $583 million. But the funding for the Blue Water Bridge Plaza expansion still is being pieced together.
"
MI: Report -- Michigan health care jobs grew to more than 900,000 from 2006 to 2008
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Health care employed more than 900,000 people in Michigan as of 2008, generating more than 120,000 jobs in two years and becoming an even larger economic force, according to a new report issued today.
"
MN: Brighter forecast -- Minnesota sputtering back to life
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Leaders at the Capitol who must wrestle down a massive budget deficit are cautiously optimistic that Minnesota has started to pull itself from the death grip that clamped down on the nation's economy.
"
MN: MN House expected to try to override Pawlenty veto
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Minnesota House is poised to try to override Gov. Tim Pawlenty's veto of a bill to preserve an expiring state health care plan for the poor.
"
MN: As the turbine blades turn ...
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When 11 wind turbines stood idle about a month ago, some in the Minnesota wind industry worried that the machines were generating something other than power -- bad publicity.
"
MN: 'Complete Streets' bill being considered in Legislature would pave Minnesota's roads with flexibility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For decades, planners have designed Minnesota's roads to move cars and trucks as efficiently and quickly as possible. But bicyclists, pedestrians and other road users would start getting a bit more standing if a bill moving through the Minnesota Legislature becomes law.
"
MN: State's pensions need a boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the late 1990s and early 2000s, retired Minnesota public employees lived like the rest of us with a stake in the stock market: high on the hog.
"
MO: Politician to publisher
From: feeds.stateline.org
"High in the state Capitol dome, 180 feet from the ground floor, the name "Pulitzer" is enshrined in stained glass along with the names of 11 other famous Missourians.
"
MO: Laffoon gets nod for CORE
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The 12-county Mid-Missouri economic development organization Missouri CORE has hired a new executive director who has experience in the public and private sectors, most recently as the owner of his own site selection business.
"
MO: Levee and drainage group focuses ire northward
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Measures to protect Missouri's current use of the Missouri River for navigation and to strengthen flood controls received a unified show of support yesterday from federal and state officials on both sides of the political aisle.
"
MO: Not much overlap in Missouri GOP, tea party meetings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- Several hundred Republicans gathered Saturday at a suburban convention center with a newfound optimism for big election victories this fall.
"
MO: Disagreements on campaign contribution limits threaten legislation in Missouri
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proposed legislation concerning ethical behavior for lawmakers has cruised through the Missouri House and Senate with unusual speed this year, but progress may be fleeting.
"
MO: State audit of KC school district starts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri Auditor Susan Montee announced Sunday that her office has officially begun its audit of the Kansas City School District.
"
MS: USM to dedicate Lott Center Friday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HATTIESBURG, Miss. — The University of Southern Mississippi on Friday dedicates its new Trent Lott National Center for Excellence in Economic Development and Entrepreneurship.
"
MS: Analysis -- Job creation bills pending at Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the recession's effect still lingering in Mississippi, legislators are taking a hard look at job creation proposals as the 2010 session heads into its final month.
"
MT: UM vice presidents detail planned spending cutbacks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A rebound in spring enrollment boosted tuition revenue enough to relieve some of the financial strain on the University of Montana as administrators find ways to reduce the budget because of dwindling state funds.
"
MT: Column -- Ballot initiative proposals pile up, but most won't make it
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Just like legislators introducing dozens of bills, other Montanans aren't shy about throwing in their ideas for ballot measures.
"
MT: State defends price of Otter Creek coal leases
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: Ewer performs his own music
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After leaving his office in the Capitol, state Budget Director David Ewer has a special way to escape the stresses that accompany his job managing Montana's deteriorating finances.
"
MT: Permits to float the Smith River in the mail
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Permits to float on the Smith River in central Montana should be arriving in the mail soon.
"
NC: Dateline Hollywood -- Perdue to sing N.C. praises
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bev Perdue is headed to Hollywood next month to sell the state's new tax credit to filmmakers.
"
NC: Rand tape not damaging
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Tony Rand sat down at lunch in August to discuss his plans to fire the chief executive of a Raleigh surveillance equipment firm, the powerful politician had no idea the employee across the table was wired.
"
ND: Controversial North Dakota compost business gets permit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Montana man believes he has found the perfect place to compost oil sludge with cow manure and other organic waste: North Dakota.
"
NE: Nebraska looking for health care providers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is looking for health care providers to give family planning and reproductive health services to low-income people.
"
NJ: N.J. Sen. Codey -- Trainers need concussion courses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Athletic trainers would have to complete continuing-education courses in concussion and brain injury every two years as part of their state license renewal, according to legislation proposed by state Sen. Richard Codey, D-Essex.
"
NJ: Poll shows N.J. remains split over gas tax, toll increase for transportation fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than seven in 10 New Jerseyans interviewed for a Monmouth University poll were concerned the state's transportation trust fund is set to run out of money next year, but they were split over whether to raise transportation user fees — such as tolls or a gas tax — to replenish the fund.
"
NJ: N.J. colleges spend $14.5M lobbying federal government over past decade
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — A nonprofit watchdog group reported that 14 N.J. tax-supported colleges and universities have spent about $14.5 million over the past 10 years lobbying the federal government, according to the Asbury Park Press.
"
NJ: UMDNJ seeks to generate $100M through added revenue, cost-cutting measures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEWARK, N.J. — The state's medical university is seeking a transfusion.
"
NJ: NJ bicyclists form statewide union
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It took several fatalities, too many injuries and a long-overdue spurt of unity, but bicycle enthusiasts from Sussex to Cape May finally got together Saturday to address conditions that contribute to the deaths of 15 cyclists and 152 pedestrians each year.
"
NJ: N.J. measure targets tainted jewelry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation spurred by concerns about potentially toxic materials in jewelry — especially items bought for children — has cleared another hurdle in New Jersey.
"
NJ: Hundreds of regulatory bodies under scrutiny by N.J. Gov. Christie
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie has set his sights on the hundreds of regulatory boards whose jurisdiction is scattered throughout the state.
"
NJ: Lawmakers move to stop raids on N.J. pension funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey lawmakers want to reverse years of raids on state pension funds by requiring the state to pay its share.
"
NM: Domenici to report raising more than $200K
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Pete Domenici Jr. expects to report having raised more than $200,000 when his campaign releases its first list of financial contributors on Monday.
"
NM: Guv signs Whistleblower Protection Act, other bills in Las Cruces
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson was in Las Cruces Saturday to sign into law the Whistleblower Protection Act, funding for the Las Cruces downtown tax increment development district and colonias, and a spaceport-related bill.
"
NM: Governor's pollution bills fall short
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Richardson's 30-day legislative session didn't go exactly as planned.
"
NM: Measure aims to nix higher tax for solar energy users
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of the bills awaiting Gov. Bill Richardson's signature would protect homeowners who install solar energy systems from seeing their property tax bills rise.
"
NM: Legislative leaders strike a budget deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative leaders have struck a tentative budget deal, and just in time.
"
NM: NMSU's Couture hits ground running in tough budget times
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico State University President Barbara Couture is still on her honeymoon.
"
NV: Special session of the Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Like an Olympic downhill ski run, the 26th special session of the Nevada Legislature had lots of twists and turns, ups and downs and hidden traps.
"
NV: Lawmakers say deal struck, hope to finish tonight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative leaders say a deal has been struck resolving the final issues needed to settle the state budget and that they hope to finish tonight.
"
NV: Bill to let counties have 4-day work weeks advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada counties could now have the option of keeping their offices open four days a week instead of five.
"
NV: Education cuts could mean bigger class sizes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Nevada legislators and Gov. Jim Gibbons' neared a budget deal Sunday night to close the state's budget hole, the president of the state's teachers union was saying 6.9 percent in cuts to school districts won't mean layoffs for Clark County teachers, but will likely result in more students per classroom.
"
NV: Lawmakers agree on budget plan; road projects added
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons has extended the special session and added onto the proclamation a proposal to raise $430 million for road projects that would create jobs.
"
NV: Session setting the tone for 2011
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the Nevada Legislature settled on a painful prescription of cuts and fees to solve the state's budget crisis, lawmakers were not so subtly laying the foundation for the great tax debate of 2011, when the state will be staring into a much deeper abyss.
"
NY: New Yorkers' drilling comments are in ... now what?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When New York State's environmental agency came out with a draft environmental review of drilling in the Marcellus Shale in September, it set off a flurry of action for environmentalists, industry advocates and the general public.
"
NY: Can Paterson still govern?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Free from the strains of campaigning for election, Gov. David Paterson can shift his focus to the state budget he insisted has to be built around sound fiscal principles. But will the Legislature allow him to govern for the next month, let alone the remaining 306 days of the unexpired term he assumed from Gov. Eliot Spitzer?
"
NY: Nearly 200K without power after Northeast storm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND, Maine -- Nearly 200,000 homes and businesses were still without power Monday as restoration efforts continued days after a slow-moving storm battered the Northeast with heavy snow, rain and high winds.
"
NY: 307 days left in term
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By abandoning his campaign Friday, Gov. David Paterson has ended a political problem that would have dogged him for months.
"
OH: Bankruptcy court approves AmTrust's sale of insurance business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- AmTrust Financial Corp., the former parent of the Cleveland bank that failed in December, has sold one of its subsidiaries.
"
OK: Oklahoma lawmaker wants foster care changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For years, Oklahomans have been deluged by reports of children being killed and subjected to horrific abuses while in state custody. A New York-based child advocacy group found reports so disturbing it filed a federal lawsuit designed to force reforms to the system.
"
OK: Oklahoma officials focus on film incentives
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A controversial tax credit used to produce films in Oklahoma such as "The Killer Inside Me" faces an uncertain future as lawmakers take aim at state incentive programs.
"
OR: Three bills opposed by businesses passed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About halfway into the legislative session that just concluded, 22 business groups sent a letter to lawmakers warning of half a dozen bills they considered "retribution" for their opposition to income-tax increases that voters upheld Jan. 26 in Measures 66 and 67.
"
OR: How did the special session add up for Oregon's economy?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Oregon lawmakers opened their session four weeks ago, they pledged that creating jobs and helping families in this economic downturn were their top priorities.
"
OR: Oregon, Washington wood exports to Asia improve in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In 2009, softwood lumber exports from Oregon and Washington jumped by 17.5 percent from 2008, totaling 344.2 million board feet, according to data released Friday by the U.S. Forest Service's Pacific Northwest Research Station.
"
PA: Pigeon fight -- Animal rights group hopes to stop 'shoots'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Steve Hindi went looking for cash to launch an aggressive campaign against sportsmen who shoot at live pigeons, and he found a price that was right -- $1 million, to be exact.
"
PA: Lame duck Rendell stumps for Pennsylvania tax increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Christine Bethea, owner of the art and antique store Artica in the Garfield-Friendship business district, said she pays her corporate taxes faithfully.
"
PA: Autism-related funding available
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Families with adults and children with autism spectrum disorder may be eligible for grants that can be used for support services, said Sen. Wayne Fontana, D-Brookline.
"
PA: It's hard to determine number of state jobs caused by stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At every turn, there's a problem gauging the number of jobs created using the $4.3 billion Pennsylvania has so far received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"
PA: Big cash shortfall vexes Pennsylvania in election year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even in good financial times, Pennsylvania government failed to address several long-standing financial problems, such as an underfunded transportation network.
"
SD: It pays today to dump old appliances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Starting today, South Dakotans can dump their old and inefficient refrigerators, water heaters, dishwashers and other appliances for Energy Star-rated units and get money back from the government.
"
TN: Liquor-by-the-drink bills include Ryman
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While legislators are apparently not inclined to authorize the sale of wine in grocery stores this year, they are poised to set a record for granting special liquor-by-the-drink licenses.
"
TN: Eastman Chemical Co. gets role in finalizing penalty
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- Tennessee's top environmental officials are offering Eastman Chemical Co. a role in finalizing the punishment the company faces for water quality violations in 2008 and 2009.
"
US: States move to revoke charities' tax exemptions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faced with steep declines in tax revenue, an increasing number of states and localities are considering eliminating various tax exemptions for nonprofit groups.
"
UT: Budget cuts restrict medical care for poor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One year after an emergency room doctor noticed a disturbing spot on Deborah Davis' kidney, the recovering alcoholic who has been homeless for years is finally trying to find out if she has cancer.
"
UT: Troublesome teeth -- Report gives state a 'D' grade in dental care for at-risk kids
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Dr. Jason Horgesheimer sees a daily parade of children whose black or missing teeth remind him of mouths he saw in a Third World country.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Climate change resolution advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A controversial climate change resolution advanced in the Senate Thursday by a vote of 18-8, despite criticism by Democrats that its message will reflect poorly on Utah's reputation.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Recreational property bill moves to Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"What is being touted as the answer to a controversial Utah Supreme Court decision that addressed public recreational access to waterways on private property cleared the House last week on a 50-24 vote.
"
UT: Salt Lake County Mayor Corroon repeats call for state cigarette tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Peter Corroon sat at his dining room table holding a pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes, surrounded by his wife, Amy, and their three young children, but he wasn't even thinking about lighting up.
"
VA: Rail is Virginia's transportation future, officials say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia's future is on rails. "Whether you like rail or not, it is the future," said Thelma Drake, the new director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. "It's all about mobility and how you serve the maximum number of people."
"
VA: McDonnell's team doubled savings goal during transition
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The grungy office space, used supplies and limited freshening of the official gubernatorial quarters paid off. Gov. Bob McDonnell's transition team has saved at least double its $40,000 goal during the switch from campaigning to governing.
"
VT: Montpelier to vote on marijuana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montpelier residents will be asked Tuesday to vote on a resolution urging the Legislature to replace criminal penalities with a civil fine for adults who possess a small amount of marijuana.
"
VT: Vermont students weigh in on new credit card law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New credit card legislation designed to curb issuers' unscrupulous ways treats 18- to 20-year olds like kids.
"
WA: Spill on Columbia draws state fine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LONGVIEW, Wash. -- The state Department of Ecology has fined a Longview company $40,000 for a petroleum coke spill on the Columbia River.
"
WI: Dairy lobbyists shape policy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the number of factory farms has grown in Wisconsin, so has the power of the Dairy Business Association, a lobbying group that has gained unprecedented influence over the permitting and regulation of the giant farms — in some cases, crafting the law itself.
"
WI: Big builders see hope in rising home starts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home starts throughout much of Wisconsin are on the rise for the first time in five years, even as many builders who were active in the state in 2005 have disappeared.
"
WI: State official reassures unemployed about benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials in Madison reassured unemployed Wisconsin residents Friday that few will lose their unemployment benefits prematurely after a filibuster in the U.S. Senate this week blocked passage of renewed federal funding for unemployment insurance.
"
WV: Delegate wants review of rehabilitation hospital profits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Delegate Sally Susman wants the state to review the rates stand-alone rehabilitation hospitals charge patients in West Virginia.
"
WV: Lottery has $70 million for new headquarters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In four years, the state Lottery Commission has amassed $68.8 million to purchase a building or construct a facility for its new headquarters, according to agency financial records.
"
WV: W.Va. beer-tax gambit sets up Medicaid showdown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For a man proposing to raise taxes in an election year on a product as sacrosanct as beer, Del. Don Perdue seemed awfully calm during the stormy public debate over his plan.
"
WY: State employees contributing to their retirement bill nearing finish line
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After adding an amendment that sparked debate among lawmakers, the House of Representatives today passed legislation that would require state employees to contribute toward their retirement plan.
"
WY: Transparency in pharmacy transactions voted down by House committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a rushed meeting held over a noon recess, the House Corporations Committee voted down a bill that would create transparency in Wyoming's pharmaceutical industry.
"
WY: Amendment pleases homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROCK SPRINGS, Wy. -- Lawmakers in both houses approved amendments to the state budget bill late last week that will pave the way for engineering inspections of "Tree Street" homes allegedly damaged in a Wyoming Abandoned Mine Lands mine subsidence project in 2007.
"
WY: Legislature enters final week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wyoming Legislature wraps up this week with lawmakers in both houses preparing to work out their differences on the $2.9 billion state General Fund budget bill while also bracing for a flurry of action on other bills before time runs out.
"
WY: State proposes wind rules for trust land
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wyoming Office of State Lands and Investments has drawn up rules for wind development leasing on state land, partly to help reduce potential conflicts between wind development and other uses such as mining, drilling and ranching.
"
Spinning the stimulus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
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.
"
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.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
"
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.
