Do you want a tax with that?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The funeral home director in Pennsylvania and hair dresser in Michigan may soon have something in common with the yoga instructor in Missouri and limo driver in New York. Their customers may have to pay a state sales tax. With tax revenues at a historic low and federal stimulus dollars drying up, states are eying adding a sales tax to some of the 180 services that states could be taxing but most don’t, ranging from pet grooming and dating services to dental and legal services. The change would be a fundamental shift in states’ tax systems, but the proposals are running into stiff opposition from the business community.
"
AK: Palin at work on book celebrating 'American virtues'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- Sarah Palin is ready for the next chapter of her publishing career.
"
AK: $900,000 awarded for educational programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $900,000 to an Alaska foundation to support educational programs for low-income and minority populations.
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AK: Toughen corporate campaigning rules, lawmakers say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The laws being written for corporate disclosure and disclaimers in political campaigning need teeth to be effective, House lawmakers said Tuesday.
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AK: Legislature -- Kookesh violated ethics rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative review has found Sen. Albert Kookesh to be in violation of state ethics policies following allegations that he used political influence to keep a city council from opposing a lands bill pushed by the Native corporation he's employed by.
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AL: Alabama Senate rejects plan to allow state vote on e-bingo
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate on Wednesday rejected the "Sweet Home Alabama" plan that would have let voters decide whether to allow electronic bingo at 10 casinos statewide.
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AL: Jesse Jackson confirms participation in Montgomery pro-bingo march
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Rev. Jesse Jackson confirmed today that he will be joining a Saturday march and rally in Montgomery in support of allowing closed casinos to reopen.
"
AR: Trailer exodus nears at Hope
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite objections raised by the manufactured-housing industry and Arkansas' congressional delegation, thousands of Federal Emergency Management Agency travel trailers will soon be shipped out from the Hope Municipal Airport to dealerships across the country.
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AR: HP center built with no bids
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before Conway landed Hewlett-Packard Co.'s. customer-support center with the help of millions of dollars in state incentives, the Conway Development Corp. was already working with Nabholz Construction Corp. on what ultimately would be a $30.5 million building.
"
AR: AFL-CIO dumps Lincoln, backs Halter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Parting ways over card check and other issues, the Arkansas AFL-CIO dropped its longtime support of U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln today and endorsed her Democratic primary opponent, Lt. Gov. Bill Halter.
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AR: H-P dedicates new Conway support center
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CONWAY, Ark. — Gov. Mike Beebe and Hewlett-Packard officials dedicated the technology giant's new $28 million customer service and technical support center here today, a facility the governor deemed world-class.
"
AZ: Ariz. loses Kyocera solar-panel factory
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite new incentives to attract alternative-energy companies to Arizona, Scottsdale-based Kyocera Solar Inc. announced Wednesday that it will open a new factory in San Diego.
"
CO: Lifetime state-parks pass for seniors wins Senate approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Think of it as an early-bird special for the great outdoors.
"
CO: Proposed state personnel cuts fail in Senate committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A GOP-backed bill requiring state personnel cuts died on a party-line vote in committee during debate that hinged more on budget philosophy than the legislation's merits.
"
CO: Despite Gardner's gloomy forecast, cleaner gas extraction picking up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of the most strident critics of last spring's oil and gas drilling regulations was state Rep. Cory Gardner, R-Yuma, who fought to the bitter end to kill or at least neuter the new regulations.
"
CO: Fed's Beige Book -- 'Modest growth' seen in Colorado region
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The economy in Colorado and six neighboring states "showed further signs of modest growth in January and February," the U.S. Federal Reserve reported Wednesday in its latest "Beige Book" survey of the region's business executives.
"
CT: Keno dispute seen as unlikely to turn confrontational
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Connecticut's two Indian casinos play hardball over a proposal to add keno to the state lottery, shutting off slot-machine payments to the state government, they may get a dose of hardball in return.
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CT: Casino developer Steve Wynn seeks majority stake in Foxwoods Philadelphia
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Casino magnate Steve Wynn presented himself to Pennsylvania gaming officials Wednesday as the savior for a stalled Philadelphia casino project started by Foxwoods Resort Casino.
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CT: Stop & Shop union gives strike notice for today as talks go on
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A union local representing 5,000 Stop & Shop workers in Connecticut gave notice Wednesday that it could strike as soon as 3 p.m. today, as negotiators for the supermarket chain and the union fell short of an agreement.
"
DE: Despite snow, area economy shows some bright spots
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nasty snowstorms helped bury some emerging signs that the regional economy is making progress toward better days, the Federal Reserve said Wednesday in its monthly Beige Book report.
"
DE: Hospitals fear new costs for school centers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Health care providers that run wellness centers in high schools across the state are worried that proposed changes in the way they are paid could make it financially impractical to continue operating the centers.
"
FL: As public schools face cuts, vouchers may get big boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state-financed program that gives tuition vouchers to thousands of low-income Florida students to attend religious schools may get a boost in funding while cash-strapped public schools face more cuts.
"
FL: Florida fighting to keep NASA jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist, Brevard County lawmakers, astronauts and industry executives spent Wednesday fighting an old cliche — "No bucks, no Buck Rogers." NASA's retirement of the 30-year-old space shuttle program in September threatens the immediate loss of 9,000 jobs, and Florida officials are scrambling to deal with the fallout.
"
FL: Florida skimps on vetting law firms for plum job
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If you were interviewing candidates for a critical job, with billions of dollars at stake, how closely would you scrutinize their resumes? Would you call their references? Do in-person interviews? Would that be enough?
"
FL: Junk food ban vs. First Coast schools' soda deals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JA proposed federal ban on junk food in public schools is aimed at keeping kids from getting fat, but the idea could shrink the value of lucrative beverage contracts cash-strapped First Coast districts depend upon.
"
FL: Florida Senate passes ban on gun fund raids
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Florida Senate has passed a bill that will force lawmakers to keep their hands off a trust fund that covers the costs of the state's concealed weapons permitting program.
"
FL: Jobs, ethics reforms on Legislature's daily list
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Florida legislators await budget details to be released later this week, they will hear several bills that relate to jobs and ethics reforms on their second day of the session Wednesday.
"
FL: Sink offers program to help veterans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink unveiled an initiative Wednesday aimed at ensuring that the state's 1.7 million veterans tap into all the benefits available to them.
"
FL: Trust turns to crisis for older investors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Madeleine and Eduardo Arango figured they would spend their retirement years without any financial worries after investing $1.2 million in a firm run by longtime friend Gast n Cantens, a man they had known through their ties with Bel n Jesuit Preparatory School.
"
GA: GA sending delegation to UK airshow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Georgia Department of Economic Development will head up a delegation of Georgia exporters and communities to England's Farnborough International Airshow July 19-25.
"
HI: Hawaii's tab for Superferry rises another $218,000, to tow barge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hawai'i taxpayers aren't done yet paying for the failed Superferry project.
"
HI: Hawaii lawmakers fast-track bill to ease unemployment tax hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A hurried legislative effort to reduce an almost 12-fold increase in unemployment taxes concluded yesterday with a measure passing the state Senate and being sent to Gov. Linda Lingle for consideration.
"
HI: Candidates weigh in on health care plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former congressman Ed Case and state Senate President Colleen Hanabusa are inclined to support President Obama's health care reform plan if elected to Congress, but Honolulu City Councilman Charles Djou believes the president and federal lawmakers should start over with a clean sheet.
"
IA: 500-year flood plain plan washes out in Iowa
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Whatever support there was for an ambitious plan to base state flood protection policy on the 500-year flood plain has been eroded by concern over the lack of reliable flood plain maps and whether new requirements would stymie economic growth.
"
IA: Publisher -- Iowa lost many industrial jobs in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A national industrial directory reports that Iowa lost a significant number of industrial jobs in 2009.
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IA: Study -- Wind energy keeps Iowa costs down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wind energy accounts for up to 20 percent of Iowa's total electricity production and is helping to keep the state's power costs among the lowest in the nation, a study released Wednesday showed.
"
IA: State sues excavators for failing to call
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Iowa attorney general's office has sued excavators in three counties for failing to contact a state hot line, Iowa One Call, before beginning work.
"
IA: Corporate role in elections considered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa would withhold business incentives or tax breaks from any corporation that makes independent expenditures to influence elections, under a proposed amendment to a bill being considered by lawmakers.
"
IA: Panel OKs bill letting semis add eight tons
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's roads will crumble under the weight of large semitrailer trucks, and emergency stopping distance would increase if a bill is approved that would allow 16,000 more pounds per vehicle, opponents of the legislative proposal said Wednesday.
"
ID: ID school for pregnant teens hopes to survive cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative budget writers voted to redirect more than $500,000 from a Boise high school for young mothers to instead be divvied up between 115 school districts.
"
ID: Idaho Medicaid cuts could come Thursday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No matter where they cut Medicaid, lawmakers are bound to slice into care that matters to some of the 213,000 Idahoans who rely on the state-federal health-insurance program for their health care.
"
ID: Budget would let Idaho school districts set 'financial emergencies'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sherri Wood left Wednesday's education budget-setting meeting in the Capitol feeling angry and betrayed.
"
ID: Field trips to Idaho State Capitol jeopardized by planned cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the third- and fourth-graders in Tonya Holmes' Midvale Elementary School, there was something magical about their visit to the Capitol last month.
"
ID: JFAC passes trimmed budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As lawmakers put it time and again, the decision was one of necessity, not desire.
"
IL: Investigation of Navy Pier sign project reveals mismanagement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"What looked like a no-brainer deal to bring informational flat-screen signage to Navy Pier didn't end up with the $558,000 advertising revenue boost anticipated by the agency that runs the state's most visited tourist site.
"
KS: KU chancellor says budget cuts have hurt but school officials remain optimistic
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas University Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little on Wednesday told legislators that budget cuts have hurt KU but that officials there remain optimistic.
"
KS: Kansas attorney general caught shredding, and that's OK
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This isn't your normal story of an elected official caught destroying documents.
"
KY: House approves two contract accountability bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two bills that would give the legislature more oversight of the state's contracts with private companies unanimously passed the House on Wednesday and now head to the Senate.
"
KY: Moberly gambling bill seen unlikely to pass
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The prospects of a House bill that could allow expanded gambling at racetracks likely faces long odds of passage, members of House leadership and the bill's sponsor said Wednesday.
"
KY: House panel approves KACo, League of Cities oversight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House Committee approved two bills Wednesday that would increase state oversight of quasi-governmental agencies that accept federal and state funds. The measures are in response to state audits of the Kentucky Association of Counties and the Kentucky League of Cities that found questionable spending on matters ranging from expensive gifts to bills from strip clubs and escort services.
"
KY: Battle brewing over nurse practitioners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a busy practice specializing in women's health, Melinda Staten of Louisville is an advanced registered nurse practitioner, not a doctor. And she doesn't want to be one.
"
MA: Toll 'border war' looms with N.H.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bay State lawmakers are declaring a new border war, charging that a New Hampshire plan to snag Massachusetts motorists in an Interstate 93 toll trap is unfair, fiscally irresponsible and just plain unneighborly.
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MA: DeLeo to pitch for slots, casinos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, reigniting what is sure to be a contentious debate, will outline his blueprint for expanded gambling today, saying the state should legalize both slot machines at racetracks and resort-style casinos, according to a person familiar with his plans.
"
MA: State vows no hikes on tolls, T fares
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Those traveling in the Bay State will be spared from new toll, fare or fee hikes this year, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary Jeffrey Mullan promised yesterday after apologizing for a rescinded $5 Registry of Motor Vehicles increase.
"
MA: A clear-cut controversy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PETERSHAM, Mass. -- As Chris Matera reached a barren hilltop on state land near the Quabbin Reservoir, he swept his arm toward 2 acres of oak stumps and scattered gray tree skeletons. "This is a clear-cut,'' the Northampton resident said angrily. "Is this really what the public wants on its land?''
"
MD: Lawmakers want to push electric choice awareness
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Too many Maryland residents just don't know they can shop around for cheaper electricity suppliers, and state regulators should do more to advertise options, lawmakers say.
"
MD: Debt may lead to toll hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rising debt and capital costs could force "substantial" toll increases at facilities such as the Bay Bridge in the near future, according to a state analysis of the Maryland Transportation Authority budget released yesterday.
"
ME: Budget change restores $79M in cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Baldacci administration proposed restoring more than $60 million to public schools and to programs that serve the disabled and elderly Wednesday in the wake of slightly rosier economic projections and increased federal funding.
"
ME: Higher education, schools funding woes lessened
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Higher education, schools funding woes lessened
BY MATTHEW STONE, Staff Writer
AUGUSTA -- Maine's school and university officials heard their first bit of promising budget news Wednesday after months of making plans for sharp budget reductions.
"
ME: DOT chief backs $25M rail acquisition bond
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Any competitive edge enjoyed by the state forest products industry, Aroostook County and some of the state's largest employers would be seriously compromised if 241 miles of northern Maine railroad track are abandoned, the state's top transportation official said Wednesday.
"
MI: Michigan's senators testify for need to support small business lending to spur job growth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"According to Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the drop in small business lending is responsible for Michigan's dismal unemployment rate.
"
MI: Revised offshore wind farm proposal goes to Oceana, Mason county boards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST MICHIGAN, Mich. -- As expected, Scandia Wind Offshore has cut its wind farm proposal for Lake Michigan in half and asked the Mason and Oceana county boards to weigh in on the revised plan by Sept. 1.
"
MI: MEDC plans accelerator funds for investing in startups
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Michigan Economic Development Corp. took a step towards authorizing an earmark of $12 million for two new funds designed to invest in early-stage startups.
"
MI: Workers' promised raise safe for now
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate failed Wednesday to get the needed two-thirds vote to block a 3% pay raise in October for unionized state workers. The raise will cost the state, which must erase a $1.5-billion deficit next year, $48 million.
"
MI: Senate OKs $9.5 million for Pure Michigan ads
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate approved $9.5 million for the acclaimed Pure Michigan television ad campaign Wednesday, but supporters said it's not enough.
"
MN: DFL, Pawlenty jockey over bonding bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Veiled hints at a possible compromise between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and DFLers over a public works bill emerged Wednesday, even as the two sides appeared to remain sharply divided on the size and scope of the legislation.
"
MN: Bright spots of recovery popping up around Minnesota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A recovery from the painful economic recession may be taking hold in two southern Minnesota cities.
"
MN: Effort to tighten Minnesota's gun law getting folks riled up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"From Virginia to Arizona, federal and state gun laws are loosening everywhere from national parks to Amtrak trains. But in St. Paul, a proposal that would send Minnesota in the opposite direction is headed toward its first hearing Friday -- a bill requiring background checks on the purchaser of any firearm sold at a gun show.
"
MO: Senator -- Mo. not competing adquately for jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Missouri lawmaker equates the state's approach to economic development to someone "bringing a knife to a gunfight."
"
MO: Billboard proposal criticized
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cities could be forced to pay to remove illegal billboards along highways that are being moved or expanded under legislation presented to the House Transportation Committee yesterday.
"
MO: Missouri bill could let KC tax be used to hire more police
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas City's public-safety sales tax could be used to put more officers on the street under a bill approved Wednesday in a Missouri Senate committee.
"
MS: State Farm offers incentives
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GULFPORT, Miss. — State Farm will offer discounts in Mississippi beginning May 1 for homes and rental property strengthened against wind damage.
"
MT: Blue Cross, Allegiance post insurance losses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana, the state's dominant health insurer, lost more than $17 million on its insurance business last year — despite premium increases that ranged from 9 percent to 19 percent for most of its 200,000-plus customers.
"
MT: Tea party revelers rally in front of Capitol
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Eric Olsen works in the oil business in Billings. Business has been slow.
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MT: Lawmakers get grim economic, budget news
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators received a dose of fiscal reality Wednesday, learning that the state's economy is not rebounding from this recession as quickly as in the past and that next January, they will face a projected $366 million state budget deficit by mid-2013.
"
MT: 3 Montana health insurers' premiums rise, but only 1 sees gain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana, the state's dominant health insurer, lost more than $17 million on its insurance business last year -- despite premium increases that ranged from 9 percent to 19 percent for most of its 200,000-plus customers.
"
MT: Montana Board of Regents meetings bring hotel, food bills for 75
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Upward of 75 top administrators and faculty from colleges as far as Havre and Glendive will converge Thursday in Dillon for the Montana Board of Regents' two-day meeting, where they will sleep in hotels and eat at restaurants on the taxpayers' dime.
"
NC: Elections board to examine Realtors' spending
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Board of Elections wants to know more about how the Greensboro-based N.C. Association of Realtors raised and distributed money in its fight against increases to the land transfer tax three years ago.
"
ND: TransCanada to consider North Dakota, Montana oil
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BILLINGS, Mont. -- Trans-Canada executives said Wednesday they will consider letting Montana and North Dakota crude oil onto a proposed pipeline to the Gulf of Mexico, after hearing demands for access from U.S. oil producers.
"
NE: Governor vetoes bill to raise liquor shipping fees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Dave Heineman delivered his first veto to the Legislature Wednesday, returning a bill that would have raised the license fee for shipping alcohol in to the state by 500 percent.
"
NJ: N.J. Association of Counties executive director plans to leave job after spending criticism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Celeste Carpiano, veteran executive director of the N.J. Association of Counties, will retire at the end of the year and assume lease payments of a luxury car until then, two steps that seemingly defused a controversy that threatened the functioning ability of the group.
"
NJ: N.J. college faculty, unions protest at Statehouse for higher education strategy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faculty and union leaders from New Jersey's public colleges gathered at the Statehouse in Trenton today to advocate for a higher education "master plan" and more oversight of campus spending.
"
NJ: N.J. State Commission of Investigation is asked to probe NJSIAA finances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The State Commission of Investigation is being asked to review the finances and operations of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, which serves as the governing body for the athletic programs at 434 schools across the state.
"
NJ: N.J. Sports Authority audit is sought by lawmakers amid mounting debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono today called for a state audit of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, saying the state agency's books were in such disarray they could not be trusted.
"
NJ: Budget-strapped N.J. rushes to repair rampant potholes after brutal snow storms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Dennis Henry expected cracks in the roads to appear this time of the year. He just didn't think there would be so many.
"
NJ: NJ Transit -- Fare hikes up to 30 percent, service cuts coming
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NJ Transit is expected to unveil proposed fare hikes of up to 30 percent and "across-the-system" service cuts on bus and train lines by Friday.
"
NJ: Proposed housing bill would change affordable housing bar
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly half of New Jersey's towns would already be deemed as having enough affordable housing under an updated bill that would replace the way the state approaches housing for lower income residents.
"
NJ: N.J. Gov. Christie -- Part-time public workers should be 'kicked out' of pension system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Christie said he wants current public employees who work part-time to be "kicked out" of the state pension system, and urged the state Assembly to show it is "serious" about pension and benefit changes by passing them before his budget speech.
"
NM: Double-dipping legislation -- Sheriff -- Law may sap court security
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new law meant to curb so-called "double-dipping" could seriously compromise security at state District Court downtown and at Santa Fe County Magistrate Court, Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano said Wednesday.
"
NM: Call of the House -- Was it a walk?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Wednesday evening, as the House was debating a series of tax increases, five members were missing from the chamber–and not excused, leading to a call of the House.
"
NM: Tax increases head to governor's desk
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A revenue package that is a cornerstone of a proposed 2011 New Mexico state budget passed the House Wednesday night by a vote of 38-8; it now goes to the governor's desk.
"
NV: Nevada bankruptcy filings in January higher than in January 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada bankruptcy filings dropped sharply in a month, falling 20.4 percent in January to 1,825 filings, according to numbers released by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Nevada.
"
NV: Gov. Gibbons would cut $3 billion if needed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons said Wednesday that even if Nevada's shortfall grows as projected to $3 billion, he would rather balance the budget with cuts than tax increases.
"
NV: $265,000 hinders Gibbonses' effort to split
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons and his estranged wife, Dawn, signed their divorce settlement papers Dec. 28, but a $265,000 hitch has developed.
"
NV: Yucca foes hail historic step to kill nuclear waste depository
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Washington — The moment that Nevadans had awaited for decades arrived in a flash.
"
OH: ConAgra to add 190 jobs in Troy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TROY, Ohio -- ConAgra Foods announced Wednesday, March 3, that it will close its Garner, N.C., facility in late 2011 and transition Slim Jim production to the company's facility in Troy.
"
OH: Wind-farm stimulus funds raise storm in Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The Energy Department warned yesterday that Sen. Sherrod Brown's demand to temporarily suspend the use of federal stimulus dollars for clean-energy projects would "cause immediate layoffs" of workers across the country.
"
OH: Who will pay for new livestock panel?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio taxpayers, and not just those who buy animal feed, would pay the operating cost of the new Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board under legislation approved yesterday by a House committee.
"
OH: Ohio leads U.S. again in business expansions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State leaders are trumpeting that Ohio had the most new corporate facilities and expansions open last year, the fourth time in a row that the state has placed No. 1 in the annual list compiled by Site Selection magazine.
"
OR: Japanese solar company picks Fairview for Oregon plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Japanese solar manufacturing company, the latest arrival to Oregon's growing solar scene, could open a new factory in Fairview within months.
"
OR: Oregon may invest pension money in troubled-bank rescues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a deal being pitched as a home-run investment opportunity for the state pension fund, Oregon's public pensioners may be about to buy stakes in several of the 700 troubled banks around the country that are wallowing in bad loans.
"
PA: Power company defends efforts during storm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Allegheny Power President Rodney Dickens Wednesday defended the effort made by the utility company's workers to restore power knocked out by the Feb. 5 blizzard.
"
PA: Witness -- Pennsylvania taxpayers saved Dems $1 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A former campaign coordinator for Democrats in the Pennsylvania House testified Wednesday that his candidates saved more than $1 million by being able to use the Legislature's taxpayer-supplied high-volume e-mail system.
"
PA: Poll -- Pennsylvania voters against Rendell sales tax plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Voters oppose Gov. Ed Rendell's plan to reduce the state's sales tax and expand it to cover most items not taxed now, a poll released Wednesday shows.
"
PA: Top Pennsylvania Dem calls for more tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State government risks slipping into insolvency if lawmakers don't increase taxes in the next three years, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dwight Evans said Wednesday.
"
PA: Pa. among states focusing on raising graduation rates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Seventeen states including Pennsylvania have resolved to significantly raise college completion rates by 2020, something a group spearheading the effort called critical to America's economic future.
"
PA: Gaming Control Board maintains fine against Philly casino developers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When it comes to legalized gambling, everyone knows the house wins.
"
RI: R.I. implements federal unemployment benefits bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CRANSTON, R.I. — The state Department of Labor and Training Wednesday began implementing provisions of a bill on unemployment benefits that was passed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday night and signed into law by President Obama.
"
RI: Mollis proposes online form to help R.I. start-ups
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the first piece of significant regulatory reform to come out of Smith Hill in some time, Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis has proposed an initiative to reduce the amount of time and paperwork it takes to start a business in Rhode Island.
"
SC: SC justices to hear challenge to nuclear plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An environmental group hopes to convince the South Carolina Supreme Court to overturn a law that lets utilities charge higher rates to help pay for future nuclear power plants.
"
SC: Senate debates fox, coyote hunting bans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Though coyotes are not indigenous to the Palmetto State, their population is on the rise, according to Department of Natural Resources statistics - up 638 percent on average over the past 35 years.
"
SD: Cashing in on appliance savings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After Web sites crashed and phone lines jammed in Minnesota and Iowa, South Dakotans still hoping to take part in this state's version of "cash for appliances" are taking a gamble they even will get the money.
"
TN: Bill to OK businesses to authorize English only
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that clarifies when small businesses in Tennessee can require their employees to speak English only in the workplace is advancing in the House.
"
TN: Committee approves drive-through revision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Anyone selling beer from a drive-through window would have to be certified under the state's "responsible vendor" law under a bill approved unanimously Wednesday by a state Senate committee.
"
TX: Texas lost an extra 50,000 jobs, Dallas Fed finds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It might turn out that Texas lost some 50,000 more jobs last year than current data indicate. And according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, most of the extra job losses appear to have been in the Dallas area.
"
UT: Budget cuts could lead to early release of youth offenders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While lawmakers fear budget cuts may force the early release of adult prisoners, youth offenders may be back on the street before their sentences are up, too.
"
UT: Utah economy better than most, executives say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most Utah business leaders believe the state's economy is faring better than the rest of the nation, according to a report released this week.
"
UT: Transparency bill clears House minus campaign caps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to broaden campaign finance transparency cleared the House Wednesday in a 61-10 vote on its way to the Senate, but not without an unsuccessful attempt to reinstate contribution caps stripped out earlier this week.
"
VA: Wilder halts fundraising for slavery museum
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder has notified the state that he is no longer raising money for his planned slavery museum in Fredericksburg.
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VA: Chesapeake home assessments fall 6.35 percent on average
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Average home values have fallen by 6.35 percent, and more than 70 neighborhoods across the city experienced double-digit declines in residential real estate assessments.
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VT: Public meeting tonight in Burlington about Google
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The city of Burlington has scheduled a public meeting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. today at City Hall to talk about Google's announcement of interest in being a part of a fiber network in one or more cities to provide high-speed connections to subscribers.
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VT: Town finds good neighbor in nuclear plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"VERNON, Vt. — A storm knocked out Kathleen Halvey's power for eight hours last Wednesday, an event she found both disruptive and prescient. "I said to my husband, 'This is what it will be like without Vermont Yankee,' " Ms. Halvey, 65, a retired nurse, recalled saying on the day the State Senate voted to close the plant here by withholding its operating certificate.
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WA: Cantwell -- Probe NOAA shipyard move
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Commerce should probe how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration decided to move its Pacific Fleet home port from Puget Sound to Newport, Ore., Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., said Wednesday.
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WI: Grant to boost broadband Internet access
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly $9 million in borrowed federal dollars and investment from local businesses and government will go toward expanding broadband Internet access in the Madison, Middleton and Monona areas, Gov. Jim Doyle announced Wednesday.
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WI: Doyle signs bill to require contract work in US
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Doyle has approved a law that will require state agencies to make sure their contractors are performing the work in the United States, with certain exceptions.
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WI: Decade-long lawsuit going to trial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly 10 years after Beloit Corp. closed its doors, more than 300 former employees could soon know the outcome of a court case that seeks $10 million in severance pay and penalties.
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WI: Koss resigns as audit committee chair at Strattec
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Koss Corp. Chief Executive Michael J. Koss is out as audit committee chairman at Strattec Security Corp., the latest collateral damage from the $31 million embezzlement at Koss Corp.
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WI: Affordable housing need grows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WAUKESHA, Wisc. -- An unusual number of proposals for affordable housing projects in Waukesha County are in the pipeline, spurred by pent-up demand, more federal tax credits funneled through the state and seemingly willing partners at the local level.
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WV: W.Va. Senate wants parental OK for teen tanning
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia teenagers would need a parent to sign off on their trip to the tanning salon if the state Senate gets its way.
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WY: Seat belt bill dies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wyoming House killed a bill Wednesday that would have increased the fine for people not wearing seatbelts if their vehicle were to be stopped for a traffic violation.
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WY: Health-related bills clear House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House members again wrangled over requirements for participants in a health care reform pilot project Wednesday but ended up passing Senate File 61 on a 42-16 roll call vote.
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WY: Firearms Freedom Act passes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation asserting that firearms made, sold and kept only in Wyoming are exempt from all federal gun laws is set to become law after it easily cleared the Wyoming Legislature on Wednesday.
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The squeeze on Big Bird
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho Reports is a weekly news program about politics that appears all over the state on public television. Normally it’s quite civil. But one recent show took an awkward turn when the host asked about Governor Butch Otter’s proposal to eliminate the program’s funding. “Can you give us an update,” moderator Thanh Tan asked, “on where we stand in terms of the agencies that face a possible phase-out…which includes the agency that produces this program?” Guest Wayne Hammon, the state budget director, replied that “the governor felt he had no other choice.”
The challenges that Idaho Public Television is facing are emblematic of the decisions that public television agencies and stations around the country will have to make if states decide that public television is no longer a business they can afford to be in. According to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), state and local funding for public television stations nationwide declined by $36 million between 2008 and 2009. CPB forecasts an additional $45 to $49 million in state and local cuts for the upcoming fiscal year.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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