Fresh air in Wyoming
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
Outgoing Governor Dave Freudenthal and the Wyoming Legislature have agreed on a bipartisan plan to enact the nation’s first tax on wind-energy production. So why don’t other wind-state governors agree?
"
AK: Parnell touts scholarship plan at Native forum in Juneau
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Sean Parnell's proposal for scholarships got both applause and some skeptical questions during his first address at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall since becoming governor.
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AL: Andalusia woman portrays Tutwiler to keep 'Alabama' as state song
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A history buff has portrayed Julia Tutwiler in urging the Alabama House not to replace Tutwiler's "Alabama" as the official state song.
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AL: Ron Sparks makes gambling session priority if elected governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks says if he's elected governor, he will abolish the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling and call a special legislative session the day after the inauguration to try to create a state lottery and tax and expand gambling.
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AZ: Ariz. jobless rate in Jan. stood at 9.2%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's unemployment rate remained flat at 9.2 percent in January, and its pace of year-over-year job losses continues to slow, state economists reported Thursday.
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CA: The high cost of quake insurance will rock your bank account
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Yves Didier has been a strong believer in earthquake insurance since the 1994 Northridge quake, when his apartment building was severely damaged and some of his neighbors lost their lives.
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CA: California's first couple were paid for tourism promotions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who often speaks of his love for California, has promoted the state with his wife Maria Shriver in television commercials over the last five years. And as they invited viewers to visit, California's first couple got paid.
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CO: Colorado one of 16 finalists for federal education funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado was the only state west of the Mississippi selected Thursday as one of the 16 first-round finalists in the $4.35 billion Race to the Top federal grant competition.
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CO: Colorado businesses block mandatory 'E-Verify' bill again, but ballot measure looms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado businesses opposed to mandatory use of the "E-Verify" system fought off a fifth ? and likely final ? attempt by state Sen. Dave Schultheis Wednesday to pass a bill requiring usage of the federal program to determine the legal immigration status of every new worker they hire.
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CO: Few on either side happy with proposed medical-marijuana licensing rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Marijuana activists and law enforcement officials sparred Thursday as the bell rang on the fight over medical-marijuana dispensary regulations at the state Capitol.
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CT: EB reduces, staggers layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hundreds of Electric Boat workers will keep their jobs for months longer than they expected.
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CT: Unions seek to force a weekend showdown with Stop & Shop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even without an agreement, the union locals representing Stop & Shop workers are scheduling meetings Sunday to bring the company's final contract proposal to their members for a vote.
"
CT: Pratt & Whitney seeks speedy appeal in case against Machinists union
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pratt & Whitney has asked a federal appeals court to rush the company's appeal of a Feb. 5 lower-court ruling blocking its plans to lay off about 1,000 Connecticut employees.
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DE: Feds targeting three pollutants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Delaware has made strides in improving its air quality, but a "national solution" is necessary to curb emissions from out-of-state power plants, the state's top environmental official told lawmakers Thursday.
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DE: ND farmers want more time to plant canola
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Farmers in North Dakota, which grows nearly all of the nation's canola, are asking federal insurance officials for a few more days in the spring to get their crops in the ground.
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FL: Feds slow on providing money for Florida's Back to Work program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida's Back to Work Program was announced with great fanfare in December. Using federal stimulus dollars, the government pledged to pay up to 95 percent of salary and training costs for lower-income workers that Florida employers agreed to hire and keep on at least through September.
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FL: Florida Chamber, environmental groups will lobby to revive Florida Forever
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sometimes the lions and the lambs lie down together. The Florida Chamber of Commerce and the state's top environmental groups today announced that they will lobby for the revival of Florida Forever, the state's signature environmental land buying program.
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FL: Retirement-fund agency off hook
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A two-year federal investigation into possible fraud at the Florida State Board of Administration, which manages $138.5 billion in retirement funds for state and local governments, ended this week with no action taken. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission wrapped up the inquiry with a two-sentence letter faxed to the SBA late Wednesday.
"
FL: Jackson chasing mythical millions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Jackson struggles with severe financial problems, Chief Executive Eneida Roldan has hoped that two sources of money -- each about $50 million -- will go a long way to rescuing Miami-Dade's public health system.
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GA: Metro, state foreclosure rates up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosure rates and mortgage delinquency rates remained on the rise in metro Atlanta and Georgia, according to data published Thursday by First American CoreLogic.
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GA: State job crisis deepens; Baldwin hit particularly hard
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia's unemployment rate hit a record 10.4 percent in January, besting the previous record high of 10.3 percent reported in December.
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HI: Hawaii fails to get federal Race to the Top education funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials knew all along that Hawai'i stood only a slim chance of being among the first round of finalists in the competition for a huge pool of federal education money, but word yesterday that the state didn't make the cut still came as a blow to a public school system that could use some good news.
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HI: Hawaii budget draft adds $50M to reduce teacher furlough days
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state House Finance Committee yesterday approved a state budget draft that would add $50 million to reduce teacher furloughs next school year but would also make cuts to public education that could increase class size.
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HI: Ending education furloughs prioritized
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of Gov. Linda Lingle's staff and the Board of Education said yesterday they still have hopes to return public school students to classrooms for some of the five furlough days remaining this school year.
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IA: Culver urges approval of Lyon County casino, 3 others
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chet Culver today urged state gaming regulators to approve four new state licenses for casino projects proposed in Lyon, Webster, Tama and Wapello counties.
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IA: Iowa gambling regulators say expansion influenced by more than Culver's wishes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's top gambling regulators said Thursday they will have to consider more than Gov. Chet Culver's wishes when they decide whether to grant new casino licenses this year.
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IA: Eastern states balk at paying wind cost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Much of the nation isn't eager to help pay for a high-voltage transmission line to sell Iowa's extra wind power to big markets east of the Mississippi River.
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ID: Idaho Public Charter School Commission moves to cancel Nampa Classical's charter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Idaho Public Charter School Commission has come close to proposing revocation of other schools' charters in the past, but Thursday's 3-2 vote marked the first time the commission has formally begun the process, state program manager Tamara Baysinger said.
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ID: War on invasive species toils on
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho expanded its attempts to battle invasive species in 2009 while maintaining the fight against old foes, according to a recently released annual report.
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ID: State Medicaid budget dealt one-two punch
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved a Medicaid budget aimed at preserving what's critical but still making cuts that reflect the state's economic woes.
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IL: Individual health insurance policy premiums soaring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Consumers in Illinois who lose their jobs and have no other option but to buy their own health insurance will get socked this year with premium increases of up to 60 percent, according to state records.
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IL: State regulator recuses himself from Giannoulias bank oversight
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of the state agency that regulates banks said today he will recuse himself from matters involving the struggling family bank of U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias because he once worked as a campaign aide to Giannoulias.
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KS: Statehouse Live -- Flint Hills burning issue heard by committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state Senate committee Thursday considered a resolution aimed at exempting grass burning in the Flint Hills from federal environmental restrictions.
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KS: Kansas Senate to debate cut in jobless benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill easing the pain for Kansas businesses facing a huge tax increase easily won approval Thursday in the state Senate after its Republican majority backed away from proposed cuts in benefits for jobless workers.
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KS: Parkinson will announce more budget changes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Mark Parkinson has scheduled a news conference for tomorrow to announce further budget adjustments in light of the February revenue shortfall.
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KY: Abandoned horse bill advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to help local governments deal with stray and abandoned horses received unanimous approval Thursday from the Senate Agriculture Committee.
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KY: 2nd 'skill-games' bill for tracks filed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A second bill to allow so-called "electronic games of skill" at racetracks was filed Thursday, but the debate over expanded gambling appeared no closer to resolution.
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KY: House approves revenue bill; Stumbo promises 'aggressive' construction plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House voted largely along party lines Thursday to approve a bill that would raise more than $300 million to help balance the next two-year state budget.
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LA: State shifts focus of economic efforts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisiana's top economic development official said Thursday that his agency is shifting resources from out-of-state recruiting to retaining existing businesses and helping them expand.
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MA: N.H. officials call toll plan preemptive strike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Hampshire highway honchos are moving ahead with plans to install tolls near the Bay State border, saying they don't buy Gov. Deval Patrick's promise not to strike first and put up booths on this side of the state line.
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MA: OT workers line pockets with stimulus dollars
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Highly touted Bay State job creation programs have stimulated a pile of pocket-padding overtime for state workers and detail pay for cops even as the unemployment rate continues to climb, a Herald payroll analysis shows.
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MA: State unemployment rate rises to 9.5%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The unemployment rate in Massachusetts edged up to 9.5 percent in January from a revised 9.3 percent in December.
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MA: Nantucket wind farm 2009 findings stand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal agency responsible for a review of the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm is standing by its original assessment of the project that was finalized last year.
"
MD: Rallying to fight Catholic school closings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Archbishop Edwin F. O'Brien declared "a new era of Catholic education" on Thursday, angry families vowed to fight his plan to close 13 schools at the end of the academic year.
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ME: Development chief Trafton says attitude key to better economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Maine's top economic development officer, Thaxter Trafton knows his chief responsibility these days is as much about helping preserve jobs as creating new employment within the state.
"
MI: Working to find work -- More than 24,000 Great Lakes Bay Region residents are unemployed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FRANKENLUST TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Bay City's Bill Gillard has 30 years of experience repairing computers, but he is still one of more than 24,000 Great Lakes Bay Region residents unemployed and looking for work.
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MI: General business tax cuts to help state, study says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new study released Thursday says Michigan would create 25,300 more jobs and gain $85 million more in tax revenue over the next three years if it generally cut business taxes rather than give specific tax breaks for filmmakers, developers and a long list of new or expanding businesses.
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MN: Bill undoing MN ban on new nuke plants stalls
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill attempting to lift the state's 1994 ban on consideration of new nuclear power plants has hit a roadblock.
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MN: Is it time to tax clothing sales?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Minnesotans would begin paying taxes on clothing to generate money for schools, under a plan offered by a state senator and DFL candidate for governor
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MO: Mo. aims to protect unclaimed military medals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Missouri state treasurer wants to keep the state from selling off unclaimed military medals.
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MO: Two seek position of bursar
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two people filed Monday for the office of Boone County treasurer, and their names also have been forwarded to Gov. Jay Nixon, who will appoint someone to serve as treasurer for the remainder of the year.
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MO: Sales tax measure is offered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new version of a plan to repeal the state's income tax and replace it with a broad sales tax was unveiled today as protesters gathered on the Capitol grounds to criticize a man credited with the revolutionary change.
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MO: Missouri will try again for Race to the Top money; Illinois a finalist in first round
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri lost in the first round of the national competition for money aimed at education reform, but state officials said they will resubmit a stronger application in the second phase of President Barack Obama's "Race to the Top" program.
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MO: Faculty supports domestic partner benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Missouri's Faculty Council today unanimously approved a resolution supporting domestic partnership benefits.
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MO: Missouri Senate considers replacing state income tax with higher, broader sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Missouri Senate opened debate Thursday on a bill to replace the state's income tax with a higher and broader sales tax.
"
MS: Three Rivers wants easier grant process
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Northeast Mississippi economic developer asked Northeast Mississippi legislators on Thursday to file a bill that would make it easier for his agency to award grants and loans to local governments.
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MT: Schweitzer mulls advice
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Thursday that it has been an interesting week at the Capitol, with different groups offering competing advice about the state budget.
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MT: Proposed Montana budget cut likely just the start
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer's administration told lawmakers Thursday that a proposed 5 percent cut in spending is just the first of many tough budget decisions, but he and other leaders immediately shut the door on talk of any tax increases.
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MT: GOP lawmakers grill governor's budget director on tax cuts, collections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican legislators grilled Gov. Brian Schweitzer's budget director Thursday over whether the administration is proposing to cut spending in the right places and is overly optimistic about improving corporate tax collections.
"
MT: Montanans, lobbyists urge limiting state cuts to human services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Gov. Brian Schweitzer prepares to slice state spending, a chorus of citizens and lobbyists asked a legislative panel Thursday to recommend against cutting human services, which they said are being asked to bear an unfair share of the reductions.
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NC: N.C. Chamber's PAC not flush with cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The N.C. Chamber took a step toward more active political involvement last fall when it formed a political action committee. But, it stepped no further.
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NC: Utility customers say their heating bills are outrageous
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jeannette Bray keeps her home thermostat at 65 degrees. Some weeks she shuts off the heating upstairs and bundles up in layers of clothing. Still, her energy bill from mid-December to mid-January came to $682.09 for electricity and natural gas heat. The $436.84 portion for electricity covered the lights and other basics.
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NC: Autism insurance is debated
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A debate is under way in North Carolina over health insurance coverage for children with autism, and the issue turns on whether the therapy is considered educational or medical.
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ND: Senate reauthorizes National Flood Insurance Program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After two days of fielding anxious inquiries from homeowners, area insurance agents sighed with relief Wednesday.
"
NH: Gambling bill raises the stakes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CONCORD, N.H. – A new expanded gambling bill that was aired at the State House yesterday was portrayed by supporters as a jobs-laden economic recovery package that will also provide funds to restore crucial social services devastated by recent budget cuts.
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NH: Supporters swamp gaming hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Proponents of expanded gambling yesterday overwhelmed a Senate committee hearing on whether to recommend allowing slot machines and table games in New Hampshire.
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NH: Credit yields 7 jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In his 2008 State of the State speech, Gov. John Lynch called on lawmakers to enact a new tax credit to encourage businesses to create jobs in New Hampshire's northernmost and poorest county.
"
NH: Speedway wants own casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The New Hampshire Motor Speedway wants to build a casino, a hotel and a racing museum on its Loudon track site. But the plans are contingent on the state legalizing expanded gambling this year, something that's far from certain.
"
NJ: N.J. not among states receiving federal money for school reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Opposition from teachers' unions to merit pay doomed the New Jersey's application for what could have been up to $400 million in federal school reform grants, acting Education Commissioner Bret Schundler said Thursday.
"
NJ: NJ Transit is expected to unveil fare hike, service cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NJ Transit is expected by Friday to unveil proposed fare increases of as much as 30 percent and "across-the-system" service cuts on bus and train lines.
"
NJ: Bill protecting frail elderly people from exploitation advances to N.J. Assembly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Assembly panel today approved a bill to protect frail elderly people from exploitation.
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NJ: N.J. teachers' union may appeal ruling that state can skip pension fund payments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A three-member appellate court panel today said New Jersey is not constitutionally required to pay the millions it owes every year into the fund for teachers' pensions.
"
NJ: Gov. Chris Christie may seek to scale back or eliminate property-tax rebates, report says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Christie New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, working to close a projected $11 billion state deficit, may reduce or totally cut property-tax rebates in his budget proposal, according to a report on Philly.com.
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NM: Legislature analysis -- Budget crunch forces Democrats to toss election-year playbook
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The special session is over. But the political ramifications of the recent meeting of the state Legislature could reverberate for the next several months.
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NM: Lawmakers pass cigarette tax, end session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature adjourned a politically difficult special session on Thursday after putting the finishing touches on more than $230 million in tax increases to balance the state budget next year.
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NM: Tougher regs continue to sink lending activity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Outstanding loans at New Mexico's 54 commercial banks declined by nearly $1 billion in 2009, one indication that regulators are causing them to keep more reserve capital on hand.
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NM: Report -- NM unemployment 7.2% in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All 50 states were hit with increases of more than one percentage point in their unemployment rates last year, according to a new report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
"
NV: Gibbons outlines six-step plan for higher education
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Calling education "the intellectual infrastructure of Nevada's future," Gov. Jim Gibbons today proposed sweeping reforms of how the state's public colleges and universities operate, including granting more control over finances to individual campuses and the Board of Regents.
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NV: Gibbons' proposal to give higher ed more control
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons proposed sweeping reforms to Nevada's higher education system Thursday that would give administrators more leeway to spend tuition and state funds as they see fit — move to make them more self sufficient.
"
NV: Nuclear waste -- Democratic senator challenges energy chief on Yucca Mountain decision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Energy Secretary Steven Chu came under more criticism Thursday for moving to terminate work at Yucca Mountain, but he said the government was "pouring good money after bad" by pursuing what he called an outdated nuclear waste project.
"
NY: Rochester-area unemployment rate highest in 20 years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rochester-area unemployment hit a two-decade high in January of 8.7 percent, the state Department of Labor said Thursday.
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NY: Coldest spell for area jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Labor Department on Thursday said the region's January unemployment rate surged to 7.8 percent from 6.9 percent a year earlier -- showing that joblessness remains a stubborn and even growing problem, despite general consensus that the economy has improved.
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OH: Business leaders see potential for $100 million to tackle region's economic needs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Savings from a streamlined Cuyahoga County government and tax revenue from a downtown casino could yield up to $100 million yearly to leverage sorely needed projects, like a renovated Public Square and a redeveloped lakefront, top business leaders say.
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OH: State employee retirement fund sides with Hugo Boss workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state employees pension system wants Hugo Boss to re-evaluate its decision to close its men's suit factory in Brooklyn.
"
OK: Equine dentistry bill gains Oklahoma House approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A spat lasting more than a year between veterinarians and equine dentists may be galloping toward a conclusion.
"
OR: Reser's of Beaverton caught up in salmonella-related recall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Beaverton company just became one of the latest food manufacturers snagged in a salmonella-related recall that is expected to involve a cascade of products across the country.
"
OR: Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski seeks aid for Klamath farmers ahead of water deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- About 1,300 farmers in a Klamath Basin irrigation project are waiting to hear whether drought conditions will leave enough water to plant crops this year without help from a landmark agreement designed to share scarce water between fish and farms.
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OR: Wind farm faces Oregon fight -- Union joins the resistance to turbines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Quaint little Union, spitting distance from northeast Oregon's spectacular Eagle Cap Wilderness, hasn't changed much since horseback desperadoes tried to rob the town bank in 1900.
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OR: State's investments ranked in top 1 percent on returns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Oregon State Treasury investment division was among the top 1 percent of public pension funds based on returns for the final quarter of 2009, an analysis prepared for the Oregon Investment Council shows.
"
PA: Pa. in the running for Race to the Top funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As one of 16 finalists, Pennsylvania is still in the running for a share of $4.35 billion in federal Race to the Top money, but fewer than half of the finalists will become winners next month.
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PA: State museums to sell off bits of history
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HUMMELSTOWN, Pa. - Piled high in a cinder-block auction house near Harrisburg are castaway pieces of history from Pennsylvania's state museums.
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PA: Ridge to start up a lobbying firm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Former Gov. Tom Ridge is returning to Harrisburg - sort of.
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PA: Ohiopyle, state talk land swap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Ohiopyle Borough are considering a land swap that could benefit both the borough and Ohiopyle State Park.
"
PA: Pennsylvania pays rent on empty office
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One state agency's cost-cutting left Pennsylvania taxpayers holding the tab for $108,000 a year for an empty office Downtown.
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PA: State's January jobless rate holds at 8.8%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Pennsylvania employment report was released Thursday for January and contained mixed news, because while 22,000 more people were working than were in December, unemployment also rose by 4,000 people.
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RI: R.I. Senate panel studying marijuana laws at impasse
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate commission studying the potential decriminalization of marijuana hit an impasse Wednesday, despite a Harvard lecturer's estimate that Rhode Island could save upward of $11.2 million annually if the cash-strapped state stopped arresting people with less than an ounce of the drug.
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RI: R.I. jobless rate holds steady at 12.7 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rhode Island began the year with its unemployment rate holding steady at 12.7 percent in January, supporting theories that the economic recovery in this state could take time, according to revised figures released Friday.
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SC: House passes business booster plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House on Thursday approved an economic development plan that eliminates state income taxes on corporations and provides tax credits for small businesses, among other initiatives.
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TN: Tennessee senators approve road extension for Barrett Firearms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers are working on a bill that would let a Rutherford County firearms maker extend a road despite the objections of the Department of Transportation, raising questions about whether legislators are granting special favors to a politically connected businessman.
"
TX: Texas unemployment rate holding steady
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Texas unemployment rate stood at 8.2 percent in January, the Texas Workforce Commission said this morning. That's the same as the December rate, which was revised to 8.2 percent after a preliminary reading of 8.3 percent announced in January.
"
US: In 'open carry' states, guns and Starbucks mix uneasily
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Starbucks coffee chain will allow customers in 'open carry' states to bear arms openly. Gun-control advocates are protesting, but Starbucks says it doesn't want to take sides.
"
US: Lawmakers from coal states seek to delay emission limits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Coal-country lawmakers moved Thursday to impose a two-year moratorium on potential federal regulation of carbon dioxide and other climate-altering gases.
"
UT: Utah Legislature -- Rallying cry at Capitol -- If this isn't rainy day, what would be?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If there's a better time than now for lawmakers to reach deep into the state's Rainy Day Fund, a group of area education and social services representatives can't imagine when it would be.
"
VT: Tax-free holiday has a green twist
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The first sales-tax holiday of the year comes with a twist Saturday: Customers will enjoy the standard reprieve of Vermont's 6 percent sales tax, plus added incentives to purchase environmentally friendly appliances.
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VT: Report -- Vermont housing got more affordable in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WESTFORD, Vt. — The author of an economics newsletter says housing was more affordable in Vermont last year than at any time since 2003.
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VT: New York regulators delay decision on Entergy nuclear plant spinoff
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York regulators have delayed a decision on Entergy Corp.'s plan to spin off its six nuclear plants, saying they'll take comment on a set of potential conditions before ruling.
"
WI: Wis. Assembly passes bills helping businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrats in the Wisconsin state Assembly said bills passed on Thursday will help bolster the state's struggling economy, while Republicans argued not enough was being done to create jobs.
"
WI: Ticket resale measure stalls in the Assembly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that could limit where fans buy and sell tickets for Milwaukee Brewers games struck out in the Assembly on Thursday.
"
WV: Public may speak on eye bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of the public will be the latest to weigh in on a contentious piece of legislation pitting optometrists against ophthalmologists.
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WV: Optometrists call ads false claims
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Optometrists and ophthalmologists have spent weeks at the state Capitol fighting over legislation. Now, they're fighting about something else.
"
WV: Pensions still issue, W.Va. budget director says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A change in the way the Consolidated Public Retirement Board calculates employer contribution rates for public employee pensions will save the state about $15 million in the coming budget year, the state's budget director said Thursday.
"
WV: Drug abuse agenda moves ahead in W.Va. Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A set of bills aimed at curbing West Virginia's prescription drug abuse problem is now before the House of Delegates, but one measure in particular is drawing questions about the state's ability to change companies' internal policies. A measure before the House Health and Human Resources Committee would require all pharmacies in the state to provide pharmacists with access to West Virginia's online prescription drug database.
"
WV: Environmentalists ask BLM to stop sale of Mon Forest oil, gas leases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A coalition of nine environmental groups is protesting the planned auction of oil and gas leases on two tracts of land encompassing nearly 4,400 acres of the Monongahela National Forest.
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WV: AT&T says $90 million spent on wireless in W.Va.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AT&T said Thursday that the company has spent more than $90 million on wireless and landline networks in West Virginia during the past two years. AT&T also unveiled its West Virginia wireless network investment plans for 2010, which include the addition of nearly 30 new sites and the upgrade of more than 20 additional cell sites.
"
WY: Wyoming behind in 'race'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wyoming didn't make the cut in the first round of funding in federal grant competition for a piece of $4.35 billion for education reform.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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