AK: Unions try to organize university employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- Two labor groups have spent the past six months trying to organize workers at the University of Alaska, and one of them said it has collected enough union-authorization cards to trigger an election.
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AL: Chickasaw bingo operators sue state, Riley and Tyson over raid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The backers of a Chickasaw gambling hall, raided by law enforcement mere hours after its grand opening on Thursday, have filed suit against the state, the governor and the commander of the Task Force on Illegal Gambling, according to a developer of the gambling venue.
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AL: Electronic bingo bill's sponsor sweetens pot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hoping to sweeten the deal and drum up more support for a bill that would allow a statewide vote on electronic bingo, Sen. Roger Bedford plans to introduce a revised version of his bill as early as today.
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AR: Report -- Arkansas crops down 14 percent in value
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows the value of Arkansas' crops fell by 14 percent this year.
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AZ: Jobless-pay delay looms for thousands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eighty-two thousand Arizonans may not receive their next extended unemployment checks on time unless Congress promptly authorizes an extension of benefits, says a Department of Economic Security spokesman.
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AZ: New rules favor flipping to move foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A recent policy change by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is encouraging flipping to foster more sales of foreclosure homes that were badly damaged by the previous owners or others.
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AZ: Arizona Senate takes aim at 'high-cost home loans'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State senators agreed Monday to try to protect Arizonans against the kind of mortgage practices that got so many into trouble in the first place.
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CA: Consumer group sues Anthem Blue Cross over policy changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A consumer group sued Anthem Blue Cross on Monday, accusing California's largest for-profit health insurer of violating state law by closing certain policies to new members while illegally offering remaining customers alternative plans with fewer benefits at higher rates.
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CA: Donors pay $303,550 for governor's Middle East trip
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The business-backed California State Protocol Foundation paid $303,550 for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to travel five days last November to Israel and Iraq, according to a gift disclosure form he filed today.
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CA: From guns to car seats, bill season cranks up at the California Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Deputy Legislative Analyst Dan Carson says the nonpartisan office does not have a current "valid number" for the cost of bill production, "although we have lots of other valid numbers."
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CO: Jeffco, Colorado Springs school districts join lawsuit over state funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"School districts in Jefferson County and Colorado Springs have joined a lawsuit on whether the state provides enough funding to public schools.
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CO: Pi eda to lead Colorado mining division
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Loretta Pi eda has been named permanent director of the Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS).
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CO: Bill to help dropped GM, Chrysler dealers advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Colorado state Senate committee on Monday refused to put the brakes on a bill to give terminated Chrysler and General Motors dealers a right to win back their dealerships, sending the measure onto the full Senate with a unanimous recommendation.
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CO: Goss business index for Colorado shows 5th month of expected growth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A survey of expected business activity in Colorado rose in February, indicating expectations of positive growth for a fifth straight month, economist Ernie Goss said Monday in his monthly Business Conditions Index report.
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CO: Even with 'card check' on back burner, Colorado business groups are wary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One year ago, one of the largest contingents of business leaders in Denver history flew to Washington to voice concerns to the state's newest U.S. senator about the Employee Free Choice Act.
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CT: Bipartisan deal aims to help homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a rare example of bipartisanship, Democratic and Republican leaders on the Judiciary Committee came together Monday on a plan to get banks to pay attention to homeowners caught in foreclosure proceedings.
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CT: TARP bonuses would be taxed more if jobs bill passes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are still baffled by the hefty bonuses paid to employees of banks that received TARP funding, and they are considering whether to make Connecticut workers who get bonuses of at least $1 million pay more in taxes.
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CT: Labor Department -- Underpaid workers owed back wages
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Labor Department discovered that workers toiling to turn an old hospital into affordable housing for the poor, elderly and disabled were underpaid by thousands of dollars.
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CT: Prices of single-family houses rose in January
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The path to recovery in the housing market is far from straight, even in a state as small as Connecticut, as a new report showed Monday.
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DE: Controversial dredging begins
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NATIONAL PARK, N.J. -- After more than two decades of debate and lawsuits, on Monday an Army Corps of Engineers dredge contractor carved away the first loads of silt in a $310 million project to deepen the Delaware River shipping channel.
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FL: Weak insurers put Floridians at risk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Millions of Floridians now bet their homes on property insurers that teeter on the edge of financial failure, a Herald-Tribune investigation has found.
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FL: Budget mandate pushed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The two leaders of the state Legislature want the U.S. Constitution changed to require that Congress and the president pass balanced federal budgets to stop the nation from choking on debt.
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FL: NASA's tough mission -- Dismantling Constellation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA is discovering that perhaps the only thing harder than starting up a program to send humans to the moon is closing one down.
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FL: Attorney -- County would pay Jackson Health System's 10,000 union workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If the Jackson Health System runs out of cash, the county would be responsible for paying Jackson's 10,500 union workers, but not necessarily the other 1,500 employees, according to a legal analysis by County Attorney R.A. Cuevas Jr.
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FL: Legislators kick off challenging session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida legislators converged on the Capitol Monday for an election-year lawmaking session marked by an unprecedented $3 billion revenue shortage and wide-ranging political ambition.
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HI: HMSA seeks 7.8% hike in small-business rate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Hawaii Medical Service Association plans to raise premiums by an average of 7.8 percent for roughly 11,000 small businesses that buy health insurance for their employees.
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HI: Lingle wants consultant to look into rail financing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is drafting a request seeking a consultant to study the financing of the city's $5.5 billion rail transit system once the final numbers are presented.
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HI: State gets $125.7M of $26.6B allotted for roads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hawaii received $125.7 million of the $26.6 billion allotted nationwide for highways under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the White House announced yesterday.
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HI: Abercrombie files papers, calls for furlough action
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie yesterday urged Gov. Linda Lingle to call an "all-hands conference" to solve teacher furloughs and said the stalemate is an example of why he is running for governor.
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IA: State says appliance rebate site should be working again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowans overloaded a federally-funded appliance rebate program with "hits" and phone calls today.
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IA: State business group finds top employers optimistic
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa business leaders say they expect the state economy to improve over the next six months, a new economic report shows.
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IA: Appliance rebate pool gone in 8 hours
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tens of thousands of Iowa bargain hunters jammed phone lines and crashed an unprepared state Web site Monday in a rush to claim nearly $2.8 million in government rebates on new energy-efficient appliances.
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ID: Idaho lawmakers mostly spare Hispanic commission
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative budget writers have mostly spared the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs from the governor's plan to wean the agency off state money.
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ID: Idaho senate bills aim to further restrict unions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sponsors say their bills will free everyone, not just union members, to work on construction jobs.
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ID: Transportation Department disciplines 21 employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After what was apparently a widespread investigation, the Idaho Transportation Department employees were either sent home without pay for some time or terminated for violating department policy.
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ID: Animal cruelty bill clears Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unlike Chicken Little, Sen. Tim Corder didn't tell the Senate the sky is falling while presenting two bills that prepare for a growing poultry industry in Idaho.
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ID: Urban renewal bills face legislative rewrite
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's starting to look as if seven urban renewal bills in the Legislature may become one proposal.
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IL: Loss of unemployment benefits will affect thousands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- She made it through the first round of layoffs at G&D Integrated in Morton. But, when the second round came along a week later, 32-year-old administrative assistant Jody Wibben was out of a job.
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IL: States may ban credit checks on job applicants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's hard enough to find a job in this economy, and now some people are facing another hurdle: Potential employers are holding their credit histories against them.
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IL: General Growth posts fourth-quarter loss
From: feeds.stateline.org
"General Growth Properties posted a sharply wider fourth-quarter loss on write-downs of $749 million as the company continued a public-relations fight against the $10 billion proposed takeover bid from larger rival Simon Property Group Inc.
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IL: State may ban credit checks on applicants by employers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois has joined a national trend in considering whether to ban employers from performing credit checks on job applicants during a recession that has left nearly 11 percent in the state unemployed.
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IL: Asian carp fight may close Chicago river
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than a million people each spring and summer pause to admire Chicago's architectural wonders and learn the history of this marvelous city with a relaxing boat tour up the twisting Chicago River and onto the placid waters of Lake Michigan.
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IN: Whirlpool CEO got raise in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- Whirlpool Corp. CEO Jeff M. Fettig's compensation soared more than 75 percent last year to $10.8 million as the appliance maker began to see shoppers making bigger purchases again, according to an Associated Press analysis of regulatory filings.
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IN: Indiana Democrats' jobs plan hits a snag
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Democratic plan to spur job growth in Indiana hit a wall Monday in a House-Senate conference committee.
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IN: Jobs-creation provisions are in peril
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Democrats say finding a way to boost jobs is the No. 1 priority in these final days of the legislature, but first they'll have to find a way around the Indiana Senate.
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IN: Duke Energy overcharges 14,000 Hoosier customers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A computer error caused about 14,000 Hoosier customers of Duke Energy to be overcharged last month, with bills that were 50 percent to 60 percent higher than usual.
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IN: California lawsuit targets WellPoint unit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LOS ANGELES -- Mary Feller's family of three spends nearly $25,000 a year on health insurance premiums, which is more than they pay on their home's mortgage in California's Marin County.
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KS: House budget committee rejects Parkinson's proposed increase for higher education
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the state revenue hole grows deeper, a House budget committee on Monday easily rejected a $10 million increase to higher education that had been proposed by Gov. Mark Parkinson.
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KS: Kansas House approves bill to expanded tax breaks for businesses that create jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas House gave its final approval Monday to a proposal to expand a business tax break that aims to create new jobs, while an ongoing cash crunch forced a delay in aid payments to public schools for the fifth consecutive month.
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KS: National Guard set to close three armories this week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Kansas National Guard says three of its armories are scheduled to close this week.
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KS: House budget committee rejects Parkinson's proposed increase for higher education
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the state revenue hole grows deeper, a House budget committee on Monday easily rejected a $10 million increase to higher education that had been proposed by Gov. Mark Parkinson.
"
KS: State considering proposal to capture winnings at state-owned casinos if the winner owes back child support
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Deadbeat parents who hit the jackpot at a state-owned casino would see their winnings go to pay child support, under a bill heard Monday.
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KS: Senators discuss new Kansas school aid formula
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State senators want to know more about a proposal to change the way Kansas distributes aid to its 293 school districts.
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KY: LG&E rate change could hit low energy users more than others
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LG&E wants to boost the flat fee it charges for delivering gas to homes, rather than basing much of it on how much gas the customer uses — a switch consumer advocates and Kentucky's attorney general say would disproportionately affect seniors and low-income customers who don't use much gas.
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KY: Higher taxes greeting owners of SUVs, pickups
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ALEXANDRIA, Ky. -- Some Kentucky drivers are finding the value of their sport utility vehicles, crossovers and light trucks has risen even as the vehicles age. That means paying a higher tax to renew their vehicle registrations.
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LA: V-Vehicle misses deadline to get state funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"V-Vehicle Co., the San Diego startup that wants to build cars in Monroe, may have to return state money temporarily and push its production schedule back because it failed to win federal financing by March 1.
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MA: Cape businessmen decry health care costs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HYANNIS, Mass. — Last year, Richard Egan got a letter from his insurance company, informing him that the price of the coverage he provides to his 10 employees would be increasing by at least 14 percent.
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MA: Madoff ruling hits Hub donor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal judge's decision yesterday in the Bernard Madoff bankruptcy case could mean Carl Shapiro, the Boston philanthropist who reaped $1 billion in profits from investments with the swindler, is a step closer to having to return a portion of that money.
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MD: Chamber gets behind changes to unemployment benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Martin O'Malley's proposed changes to unemployment benefits have at last won the support of key business groups.
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ME: Wage bill turned aside
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature's Labor Committee voted 11-1 Monday against a bill to tie increases in the minimum wage to an annual adjustment in the Consumer Price Index.
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MI: West Michigan farmers concerned about Gov. Jennifer Granholm's agriculture budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Looking at state finances, Renee McCauley wonders whether the fields might be greener outside Michigan.
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MI: Economic developers, industry officials -- Wind energy could create thousands of jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST MICHIGAN, Mich. -- Nearly lost in the early debate over offshore wind farms in Michigan are the potential jobs that an established wind energy industry could create here, economic development officials say.
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MI: GM to recall 1.3M cars for steering fix
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- General Motors will recall 1.3 million compact vehicles to correct a power steering problem, the company announced late Monday.
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MI: Blue Cross reports pay cuts, freezes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With $257 million in underwriting losses in 2009, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan cut pay by 5% for 50 executives and froze pay for 4,150 non-bargaining employees and its board of directors.
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MI: Quicken founder wants to bring 2,400 downtown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Quicken Loans would like to move another 500 to 700 employees to downtown Detroit from Livonia within the next year, in addition to the initial group of 1,700 coming to the Compuware building in May or June, Dan Gilbert, Quicken's chairman and founder, said in an interview Monday.
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MN: First day of appliance rebate program a real clunker
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Not since "Let's Make A Deal" have major appliances caused such commotion. Day One of Minnesota's appliance rebate program was rife with chaos, as the program's Web site crashed Monday, its toll-free number was choked with bargain-hunters, and a possible cyber-attack kept frustration levels high.
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MN: House can't override Pawlenty's GAMC veto
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republicans beat back an attempted override of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's first veto of the 2010 session, maintaining party unity in the face of a deeply emotional vote over a state-run health care program for the poor.
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MN: Legislature considers bill to permit raising funds for 4-H programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fairs, cities and townships would be permitted to raise money for 4-H, the youth development organization, under a new bill in the Legislature.
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MO: Democrats on panel counter E. coli report
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats on a Senate committee that criticized the Department of Natural Resources' handling of E. coli results at Lake of the Ozarks said the panel's review turned into a "political witch hunt."
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MO: Governor -- More cuts coming to Missouri government
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More cuts are coming to Missouri government because of declining tax revenues.
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MT: Coal mines pursued northeast of Billings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The push to mine Montana coal continued to pick up steam Monday as a company with Texas roots said it is pursuing mines northeast of Billings.
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MT: Report -- Budget-cutting plan works
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer's budget office's proposed $40.5 million in spending cuts, when combined with its revenue projections, provides "a viable framework" for addressing a state revenue shortfall, a legislative analysis concludes.
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MT: Montana mental health settlement trustee to form committee to help dole out funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former state Supreme Court Justice John Warner, who's now in charge of a $9.5 million fund for mental health programs, said Monday he hopes to appoint an advisory committee soon that will help him decide how to spend the money.
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MT: Analysis says Schweitzer's proposed budget cuts a 'viable framework'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer's proposed $40.5 million in spending cuts, when combined with revenue projections, provide "a viable framework" for addressing a state revenue shortfall, a legislative analysis concludes.
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NC: What's an ABC system worth?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Like anybody contemplating selling off valuables, Gov. Bev Perdue wants to know how much the state's liquor system is worth. Perdue and Jon Williams, the state's top liquor regulator, have asked a Chicago firm to determine the value of the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control warehouse in Raleigh and the 410 locally run liquor stores across the state.
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NC: NC's Blue Cross reports 2nd year of profit decline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Profits at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina slid for a second year as the recession compressed membership growth and medical costs rose, the state's largest health insurer said Monday.
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NC: NC poll shows support for wind, solar energy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ELON, N.C. -- A poll of North Carolina adults shows most support the construction of wind and solar projects in the state but aren't thrilled about using wood or leaves to generate energy.
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NC: Dems promote jobs plans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With North Carolina mired in a painful recession, the Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls are portraying themselves as jobs candidates, offering a smorgasbord of proposals to try to stimulate the economy.
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ND: Labor Dept. -- 500 could lose benefits in N.D.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 500 North Dakotans would lose their benefits if Congress fails to extend unemployment insurance benefits.
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ND: Midwest economy poised to grow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OMAHA, Neb. -- A survey released Monday of business leaders and supply managers in nine Midwest and Plains states suggests the region's economy is set to grow in the coming months, but that there are also signs of inflation.
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NE: Around the Rotunda -- Coash says some in Whiteclay want senators to keep noses out of issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In debate on bill (LB1002) seeking solutions to the Whiteclay alcohol sales problem, Lincoln Sen. Colby Coash said people have asked him why the northwest Nebraska issue is so important to a senator from west Lincoln.
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NE: Texan gives UNL $20 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The story of Texas cattleman Paul F. Engler is a classic up-by-the-bootstraps saga. Engler, now 80, is a legend among U.S. cattle feeders for helping establish the feedlot industry in Texas. He made news in Nebraska Monday when he announced a $20 million gift to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to help aspiring ag entrepreneurs.
"
NH: Bill eyes hospital charges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's hospitals are worried about a proposal in the Legislature that would establish a government commission to set hospital rates. Supporters of the bill say it would cut health care costs, while opponents say it amounts to a government takeover of health care and will not accomplish its goals.
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NH: 16 hours not enough for utility crews
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut crews working to restore electricity in New Hampshire are complaining that their company will only let them work 16 hours a day, fewer hours than colleagues from New Hampshire and Massachusetts have been racking up.
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NJ: N.J. unemployment fund will not be bailed out by federal money, Menendez says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government will not bail out New Jersey's insolvent unemployment insurance fund, but it may find ways to lessen the state's burden, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez said today.
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NJ: N.J. public workers union leaders argue against pension ballot question
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In Trenton's political war over funding public worker pensions, the unions have focused their firepower against the state's failure to pay its share of the bill for more than a decade.
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NJ: Senate panel approves James Simpson for N.J. Department of Transportation commissioner
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If it were a vehicle on one of its roadways, New Jersey's transportation system would be a jalopy with 280,000 miles, two flat tires and a blown transmission.
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NJ: 'Wiseguy Tickets' bust draws attention to vulnerability of online ticketing systems
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For officials in the entertainment world, the 60-page indictment unsealed today in Newark was simply the outing of the industry's worst kept secret.
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NJ: As dredging begins, Governor Christie speaks out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NATIONAL PARK, N.J.— After nearly 30 years of planning and more than a decade of legal and political battles over whether to deepen the Delaware River channel, the dredging unceremoniously began Monday on a barge near Delaware City, Del.
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NJ: Christie meets with N.J.'s Congressional delegation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie told the state's congressional delegation Monday that he's ready to criticize Republicans and Democrats if he feels they're not voting in New Jersey's best interests, which right now involves getting more money from Washington.
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NJ: N.J. Assembly members unveil legislation to bring video lottery terminals to the Meadowlands
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Five state Assembly members from North Jersey introduced legislation Monday designed to lead to the installation of video lottery terminals at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
"
NJ: Christie's transit nominee opposes gas-tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"James Simpson, Gov. Christie's nominee for New Jersey transportation commissioner, told legislators yesterday that he would not support a gas-tax increase to rescue the nearly bankrupt Transportation Trust Fund.
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NM: PNM issues RFP for 500-kilowatt PV system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Public Service Co. of New Mexico has issued a request for proposals for a 500-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system.
"
NM: Budget deal would raise GRT, allow cities to tax food
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state budget deal legislative leaders reach may generate $233 million in new revenue, in part by taking back $70-$100 million it has been sending each year to New Mexico cities to help compensate for the lack of a food tax, Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, told The Independent Monday.
"
NM: Budget proposal gives governor more power to cut spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposed state budget currently before state lawmakers would grant Gov. Bill Richardson a power the New Mexico Legislature has zealously guarded in the past: the power of the purse string.
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NM: Panel snuffs out cigarette tax bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While some lawmakers, as well as Gov. Bill Richardson, have endorsed an increase in cigarette taxes to help balance the state budget, a legislative committee dealt the idea a blow on Monday, the first day of the special session.
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NM: Lawmakers deliberate taxes in opening day of 2010 special session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature returned to work Monday with a politically difficult assignment of balancing the state's budget with spending cuts and tax increases.
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NV: Special Session -- Legislators vow tax overhaul
From: feeds.stateline.org
"They'll be back, Nevada's lawmakers. And next time, taxes will be on the table.
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NV: Legislature's actions will bring higher fees for many Nevadans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative leaders said Nevadans will feel the pain -- including in their pocketbooks -- of the decisions they made to close the budget shortfall.
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NV: Dina Titus goes on the attack in defense of jobless benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Washington — Ignoring that she's a freshman congresswoman and he's a two-term senator, Democratic Rep. Dina Titus leveled a broadside against Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky, who is holding up an extension of unemployment benefits for out-of-work Nevadans.
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NV: Education cuts may never be healed after special session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"History suggests that Nevada's public schools may never recover from the budget cuts being required of them by legislators after this weekend.
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NV: Southern Nevada hit again to help bail out state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers once again gave themselves permission to raid coffers in Clark County as they worked to balance Nevada's budget in the waning hours of the special session.
"
NY: Wine uncorks a union division
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two of the biggest and most politically powerful labor groups in the state -- police and teachers -- are squaring off over Gov. David Paterson's proposal to allow wine sales in grocery stores.
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NY: So much for those summer getaways
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state has canceled the reservations of about 350 people who had booked campsites and other accommodations at a dozen state parks that may be closed because of New York's budget crisis.
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OH: Strickland touts state in speech to energy group
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There is an "Ohio advantage" that will help position the state as a national leader in advanced- and renewable-energy technology, Gov. Ted Strickland said.
"
OK: Oklahoma House passes puppy mill bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Oklahoma House has passed legislation to create a voluntary program for registering and inspecting breeders of puppies and kittens in the state.
"
OR: Suit seeks to bar genetically modified sugar beets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Organic farmers fear this year's spring breezes will be carrying pollen from genetically altered sugar beets, which they say could render their crops worthless, and they hope to persuade a federal judge this week to halt the plantings nationwide.
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OR: Business tax breaks total $626 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon will provide at least $626 million in tax subsidies for corporations this biennium, but has no system set up to determine whether that foregone revenue is accomplishing its goals, a nonprofit advocacy group said Monday.
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PA: State tax revenue continues to lag
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the current fiscal year now two-thirds complete, state revenues continue to come in less than expected.
"
PA: Federal grant to create electronic health records
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Governor's Office of Health Care Reform will be using a $17.1 million federal Recovery Act grant to continue its work in developing an electronic system of health records that would connect health care practitioners, patients, facilities and pharmacies with a complete record of a patient's medical history.
"
PA: Is the Rivers Casino finally on a roll?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After a slow start, gross terminal revenues are finally starting to rev up at the Rivers Casino, state Gaming Control Board Chairman Greg Fajt said Monday.
"
RI: Jobless tax hike looms for employers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rhode Island employers will have to pay an extra $39 million in unemployment tax next year, a side effect of the state's high jobless rate.
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RI: More than $150 million in construction at Newport Navy base
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEWPORT, R.I. — Across Naval Station Newport on Monday, workers glued down carpeting in a two-story classroom building nearing completion while others scurried about beneath a towering crane being used to construct a new bridge over the choppy waters of Coasters Harbor.
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SC: Ford, Gilliard focus on jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Extra care is being taken to ensure that minorities and women have an equal chance to benefit from Boeing Co.'s expansion in North Charleston.
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SD: Job fallout seen in loss of fuel credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Without a blenders credit for biodiesel producers, 23,000 jobs could be lost nationwide and soybean prices could lag, Alexandria farmer and biodiesel pioneer Paul Iburg said.
"
TN: Tennessee State Fair is likely to stay in 2010
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Fair Board asked its executive director Monday to begin negotiations with private companies interested in running the State Fair in 2010.
"
TX: Natural gas tilts at windmills in power feud
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TAFT, Texas — Wind power was a bit player in Texas as recently as four years ago. Today, wind turbines produce a significant share of the state's electricity. But the growth of wind power has attracted powerful critics: the owners of natural-gas power plants.
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TX: Political moneyman Bob Perry ordered to pay $51 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A jury has ordered Houston homebuilder Bob Perry to pay $51 million to an elderly Mansfield couple who fought for a decade over a defective house that Perry Homes refused to fix. Perry is the biggest campaign contributor in Texas and a major figure in so-called tort reform championed by Gov. Rick Perry (no relation) to limit lawsuits against business.
"
US: Utilities turning to states to fund nuclear projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hopes for a nuclear revival, fanned by fears of global warming and a changing political climate in Washington, are running into new obstacles over a key element -- money. A new approach for easing the cost of new multibillion-dollar reactors, which can take years to complete, has provoked a backlash from big-business customers unwilling to go along.
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UT: Utah Legislature -- Businesses urged to welcome guns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Utah House passed a bill that would encourage businesses to allow concealed firearms onto their property.
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UT: Lawmaker drops plan to earmark smoke tax money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some legislators pushed back Monday against Sen. Allen Christensen's pitch to earmark tobacco tax revenue for a slew of important projects on the state chopping block.
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UT: Lawmakers won't require training standards for phlebotomists
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Utah House has rejected training standards for medical workers who draw blood.
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UT: Lawmakers work to win ethics war
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In addition to repeatedly putting the federal government on notice this Legislative session, state lawmakers are also sending a message to citizen activists to back off and leave ethics reform to elected office-holders on Capitol Hill.
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UT: Stimulus money to wire Utah's elementary schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah education officials have secured a $13.4 million federal grant to pipe broadband into dozens of elementary schools, making Internet access available to thousands of students.
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VA: Senate OKs salary increase bill for government spouses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation inspired by a conflict of interest controversy in the Madison County Sheriff's Office is headed to the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell.
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VA: Gay rights enter debate over Northrop Grumman's HQ pick
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia's lack of protection for gay and lesbian state workers sends an unwelcoming signal to individual citizens and potential corporate ones, according to advocates who want such policy written into the law.
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VT: Budget impasse in D.C. should have lilttle impact on state (for now)
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A one-man effort to block $10 billion in federal appropriations for transportation and unemployment programs won't have any drastic short-term impacts in Vermont. However, officials here say infrastructure projects and jobless benefits could be affected if Congress doesn't quickly resolve the budget impasse.
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VT: Towns to vote on whether to give disabled vets a tax break
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At town meeting this year, 47 Vermont communities, including the Chittenden County town of St. George, are poised to vote whether to increase the amount that disabled veterans can deduct from the assessed value of their homes -- up to $40,000 -- to reduce their property taxes.
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VT: Poll of Vermonters -- Support wanes for Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Massachusetts-based nonprofit released findings Monday of a public-opinion survey about Vermont Yankee, and the conclusions dovetail with positions taken by the Vermont Senate last week and by the survey's own sponsor.
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WA: Wash. to intervene in Yucca Mountain case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"YAKIMA, Wash. -- Washington state announced Monday it would intervene in the federal government's decision to withdraw its license application for a Nevada nuclear waste repository.
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WA: Albaugh -- Boeing's 'first preference' is to build planes in Puget Sound region
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jim Albaugh, chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said Monday that even though the company is creating a new 787 Dreamliner assembly line in South Carolina, Washington state is his preferred location for building future airplanes.
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WI: States may ban credit checks on job applicants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's hard enough to find a job in this economy, and now some people are facing another hurdle: Potential employers are holding their credit histories against them.
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WI: Foreclosures up 13% in February for southeastern Wisconsin
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After raising hopes by dropping in January, foreclosure filings increased again in February - another sign that foreclosures aren't likely to go down steadily until the unemployment rate does the same.
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WI: Payday lenders contributed to Sheridan-controlled fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Payday lenders pumped $10,500 into a campaign committee controlled by Assembly Speaker Mike Sheridan (D-Janesville) just before and after he announced he no longer supported clamping a 36% annual interest rate cap on the industry, a report released Monday shows.
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WV: W.Va. unemployment rate tops 10 percent in January
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia's unemployment rate topped 10 percent in January as the number of jobless residents increased by 15,300.
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WV: South Charleston withdraws loan to tech park tenant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The city of South Charleston has pulled the plug on a $400,000 loan to a nonprofit research institute that's expected to be a major tenant at the city's technology park after the state takes over the property.
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WV: Rush on gas-well drilling bill unfair, owners group says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The West Virginia Surface Owners' Rights Organization says the state Senate advanced a bill that could affect well-drilling laws in the natural gas Marcellus Shale Formation without giving the proposal a full public vetting.
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WV: Tolls may be discounted for residents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate Finance Committee has approved an amendment to lower the price of trips on the West Virginia Turnpike to $1 per tollbooth for West Virginians living near the toll road.
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WY: More budget work, some bill work ahead for Wyo legislature this week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Depending on how you count some of the budget amendments, the Wyoming Senate and House passed "mirror" budget bills that are about $50 million apart.
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WY: State report shows slight improvement in Wyoming economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's chief economist says the latest data indicate a tempered optimism toward Wyoming's fiscal outlook, thanks mostly to the energy sector.
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WY: Health care bills get initial OK
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Three health care-related bills received initial approval in the House and Senate on Monday.
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The rush to renewables
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With energy legislation bogged down in Congress, state governments are increasingly courting renewable energy companies with stringent new rules mandating that a share of their state’s electricity come from renewable sources. The mandates, known as “renewable portfolio standards,” require that utilities either produce renewable energy themselves or buy it from green energy producers. Although the fine print varies from state to state, the standards share a similar goal: to force a market for clean electricity, and attract businesses that will come into the state to fill it.
At stake, the states believe, are not only bragging rights but economic development. Two recent studies found that almost 300,000 clean energy jobs could be created nationwide by 2025. That’s still a relatively modest number considering that the U.S. economy lost nearly 800,000 jobs in January 2009 alone. But it’s enough to generate interest almost everywhere.
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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.
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Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
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creation and tracking of events.
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software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
