AK: Senate panel hears bill splitting oil, gas taxes
From: www.adn.com
"A bill that would change Alaska's system of taxing oil and gas production together got its first hearing Tuesday, with consultants giving the Senate Finance Committee a rundown on the separation of the two."
AK: House rejects effort to restore marine advisory agents
From: juneauempire.com
"The House Finance Committee Monday rejected an effort to provide funding for Marine Advisory Program agents slated to be cut. "
AK: Assembly OKs road extension in West Douglas
From: juneauempire.com
"The Assembly agreed at a special meeting Monday evening to use $2.9 million of state money to extend the West Douglas road. "
AL: White Hall, Dothan casinos stay shut
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"Two large electronic bingo casinos are planning to stay closed despite a judge's ruling that the state attorney general has legal authority over a gambling task force that he's criticized."
AR: National Academy of Sciences studies business innovations in Arkansas
From: arkansasnews.com
"The first in a series of regional conferences organized by the National Academy of Sciences wraps up today at the Clinton presidential library, with business leaders highlighting a variety of innovations and new business possibilities."
AZ: Tax boost for Ariz. businesses draws support
From: azdailysun.com
"The only bill in a Republican budget-balancing package to draw bipartisan support from members of an Arizona House committee was one opposed by small businesses."
AZ: New talks change ski resort's snowmaking source
From: azdailysun.com
"A new proposal for artificial snow at an Arizona ski resort swaps reclaimed wastewater for more expensive potable water and comes with a pledge from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help offset the cost."
AZ: LifeLock to pay $12 million to settle ad complaints
From: www.azcentral.com
"For years, consumer advocates have accused LifeLock Inc. of overstepping its boundaries in guaranteeing the effectiveness of its identity-theft protection services."
CA: Battle heats up over Southern California Gas smart meter proposal
From: www.latimes.com
"Natural gas consumers could pay more than $1 billion to put radio-controlled smart meters on their homes, even though an agency judge has ruled that the proposal by Southern California Gas Co. is a money loser."
CA: Schwarzenegger wants more drilling, less greenhouse gas
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tusday simultaneously defended the state's greenhouse gas reduction law and repeated his support of expanded oil drilling off the Santa Barbara coast."
CA: PG&E prepared to spend $35 million on June ballot measure
From: latimesblogs.latimes.com
"The state's largest invester-owned utility is prepared to spend up to $35 million to pass a little-publicized measure on the June ballot."
CO: Amazon.com debate heats up at Colorado Capitol
From: www.denverpost.com
"The political battle over taxing online sales made through retailers such as Amazon.com intensified Tuesday, with Democrats saying the state should not back down from trying to collect money it's owed and Republicans arguing the new law should be repealed.
"
CO: First shots fired in Colorado payday loan war
From: coloradoindependent.com
"Perhaps no issue will underline the divide separating state Democrats and Republicans this legislative session as well as the war to rein in the payday loan industry. "
CO: Rural electric co-op quits state group in support of Levy board election bill
From: coloradoindependent.com
"A rift over legislation aimed at making rural electric association (REA) board elections more transparent and fair for challengers has in part spurred one co-op to part ways with the statewide association representing Colorado's 21 REAs."
CO: Census will give about 8,000 Coloradans jobs
From: www.denverpost.com
"The 2010 census is gearing up to employ about 8,000 Coloradans, providing a timely boost to an economy that has shed more than 10 times that many jobs in the past year.
"
CT: Unemployment unequal among races, sexes and ages
From: www.ctpost.com
"Disparities in jobless rates are not limited to geographic boundaries in Connecticut. The gaps fall across age, race and skill sets, leaving an unsettling picture of hardship unevenly spread throughout the region."
CT: Stillman objects to panel's OTB approval
From: www.theday.com
"A legislative committee voted in favor of permitting simulcasting of horse racing at a proposed off-track betting facility in New London Tuesday, over the objections of Sen. Andrea Stillman, who said she opposed the measure as an "expansion of gambling" in the state."
CT: NRG to lay off nearly 70 workers at four Connecticut power plants
From: www.courant.com
"NRG Energy plans to lay off nearly 70 employees at its four operating Connecticut power plants in June, about 35 percent of its state workforce, a company spokesman confirmed Tuesday."
CT: Long-term unemployed finding it sometimes pays better not to work
From: www.courant.com
"Ten months after Mark Krawiec lost his road construction job, he eagerly took a six-week assignment on Route 2 that paid just over $1,000 a week. Big mistake."
CT: Bill requiring paid sick days passes a legislative committee
From: www.courant.com
"A bill that would require businesses with more than 50 employees to give workers paid sick days made it through the legislature's labor and public employees committee Tuesday, 6-4."
CT: Court to move quickly on Pratt & Whitney's appeal on plant closures
From: www.courant.com
"A federal appeals court on Tuesday granted Pratt & Whitney an expedited review for its challenge of a lower-court decision barring company plans to close its Cheshire factory."
DE: Valero expects to close sale of Delaware City refinery
From: www.delawareonline.com
"A group led by European refiner Petroplus will likely sign a deal to buy the Delaware City Refinery some time this month, a top Valero official said Tuesday, raising hopes for a reopening of the 210,000 barrel per day complex."
DE: Suit filed against refuge farming
From: www.delawareonline.com
"About a tenth of the nearly 16,000 acres at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge consists of woods, grassland or farm fields that are planted with corn and soybeans by local farmers under contract with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service."
FL: Florida ponders tax as tool to aid family-values films
From: www.nytimes.com
"MIAMI — The movie "Bait Shop" had too much boozing to earn the extra rebate from Florida's "family friendly" program of incentives for film production. "Confessions of a Shopaholic" was, well, just too violent."
FL: Florida lags in U.S. aid based on Census
From: www.miamiherald.com
"A study released on the eve of the 2010 Census has some eye-opening news about the count's importance for Floridians: In a national ranking, the amount of Census-based aid flowing to the state and the three-county South Florida region puts both in the bottom five."
FL: Jackson leaders warn of insolvency without county loan
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Jackson Health System is close to insolvency and facing the specter of having one of its major vendors, Johnson & Johnson, shut off supplies unless the company receives a $1 million payment this week."
FL: Light rail plan would cost taxpayers nothing
From: www.wftv.com
"There are now plans to connect Central Florida's two big rail projects. The high-speed rail and the SunRail will cost billions to build under the current plan, but the two rail lines don't meet anywhere. But now, a private company wants to build a new train to link them from OIA to the convention center, which means it may not cost taxpayers a dime. "
FL: More paperwork will be required of homeowners seeking discounts
From: www.tallahassee.com
"Homeowners can still get insurance discounts for hurricane clips and window shutters, they'll just have to file more paperwork to get them. It's a change sought by the insurance industry, part of addressing what companies say is a financial squeeze of low rates exacerbated by fraudulent discounts."
FL: Officials -- 2.5 million Floridians on food stamps
From: content.usatoday.net
"More than 2.5 million Floridians are on food stamps, up from three years ago where 1.2 million residents received assistance."
FL: PSC inspector general requests FDLE investigation
From: www.tampabay.com
"After an internal review requested by the Public Service Commission's chairwoman, the agency's inspector general has asked state law enforcement officials to consider investigating allegations that a commissioner and her aide lied about a conversation with a utility executive during a pending case."
FL: Rubio's campaign image belies history of $250 million in pork requests
From: www.tampabay.com
"Republican U.S. Senate front-runner Marco Rubio brags on his Web site that he didn't officially request budget pork in his last four years as a leader in the Florida House. But during Rubio's eight years in office — including the final two when he was House speaker — he unofficially helped push loads of hometown spending: $250 million, according to a Times/Herald analysis of little-known budget documents."
FL: Revenue outlook no better
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Cash-strapped Florida lawmakers aren't getting any help from a new general revenue estimate issued Tuesday, but the figures aren't causing them any grief, either. State economists increased their forecast by just fractions of a percent from the last one they submitted in December for the current and next four budget years."
GA: Retailers eyed to help fund rest stops
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Legislators advanced several measures Tuesday they say may help save, better manage and more quickly allocate transportation dollars. Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga, received Senate approval to urge the Georgia Department of Transportation to ask the Federal Highway Administration to allow retail development at state rest stops."
GA: Synthetic marijuana could be outlawed under bill
From: www.ajc.com
"Legislation is being introduced in the Georgia House that would outlaw the sale and possession of K2 synthetic marijuana, a new substance being sold in some of the state's smoke shops. It's designed to mimic the effects of marijuana, said the bill's sponsor, Rep. Jay Neal (R-LaFayette)"
GA: Bill would weaken land line phone customers rights
From: www.ajc.com
"Georgia land-line phone customers would have no recourse against phone company abuse under a bill now just one vote away from passage at the state Legislature."
GA: Legislative notebook -- Food safety measure heads to Senate
From: www.ajc.com
"The Georgia House passed a bill Tuesday aimed at strengthening food safety after a nationwide salmonella outbreak traced to a South Georgia peanut processing plant."
GA: Contribution limits aimed at Oxendine pass House panel
From: blogs.ajc.com
"A measure by one Republican candidate for governor aimed at another breezed through a House subcommittee on Tuesday. HB 1166 is sponsored by state Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) and would prohibit state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine from accepting contributions from the officers or directors of the insurance companies he regulates."
GA: Protesters to state Legislature -- No new taxes
From: www.ajc.com
"The noon rally, sponsored by the anti-tax group Americans for Prosperity, was the counterpoint to a Capitol rally the day before by health professionals who showed up in equal numbers to back a dollar-a-pack increase in the cigarette tax as a way to save lives and ease the state's budget woes."
HI: Hawaii school classes may get larger under $70M budget cuts
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Education officials say $70 million in budget cuts to the state Department of Education will result in an increase in class size and a reduction in school bus service."
HI: Hawaii fireworks bill would give counties option to impose ban
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Lacking support for a statewide ban on fireworks, state lawmakers may give counties the option of deciding the issue."
IA: A late rush to sell some high-alcohol-content beer
From: www.radioiowa.com
"Some Iowa stores have been rushing to sell their inventory of high-alcohol-content beer before noon today. At 11:30 the governor will sign legislation that changes the state's beer distribution system."
IA: Some Iowa homebuilders see 'a better year' ahead
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"After a couple of grim construction years, some Iowa homebuilders are cautiously optimistic this year because of declining inventories, improving consumer confidence and a recovering state economy."
IA: Senate OKs ethanol plant tax credit
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"To prevent Archer Daniels Midland from getting taxed too much on its new facility in Clinton, the Iowa Senate approved a new taxing formula for the plant Tuesday."
IA: Legislature OKs fee to fund study on nuclear plant
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The average power customer would pay about 31 cents more per month to help MidAmerican Energy study the possibility of a building a nuclear energy plant, under a bill the Iowa Legislature passed Tuesday."
ID: Idaho's universities to lose $32 million next year
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee agreed on a budget Tuesday that proposes spending roughly $377.7 million on the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, Boise State University and Lewis-Clark State College."
ID: Funding cuts halt the increase in spending for substance abuse treatment in Idaho
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Just serving people who are in the criminal-justice system or who meet other strict criteria will be a challenge this year, the acting administrator of Idaho's Office of Drug Policy says."
ID: Lawmakers approve bill to lock up CAFO waste handling reports
From: www.magicvalley.com
"Cattle feed lot operators are hoping lawmakers will restrict public access to manure management reports, comparing their waste handling strategies to trade secrets worthy of protection from competitors."
ID: House tax committee backs credit expansion
From: www.magicvalley.com
"The House Revenue and Taxation Committee on Monday unanimously backed a bill that would expand the income tax credit for those giving to public schools and some state agencies."
ID: Deep cuts arrive for CSI, higher ed
From: www.magicvalley.com
"The College of Southern Idaho is facing state funding cuts that could lead to a tuition increase."
IL: Slots at race tracks proposed again
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Some lawmakers are looking to add slot machines to Arlington Park and other horse racing tracks across Illinois in hopes of shoring up financing for a fledgling $31 billion statewide construction plan."
IL: Unemployment rate in Illinois rises to 11.3 percent
From: www.chicagobreakingbusiness.com
"The Illinois unemployment rate jumped to 11.3 percent in January from a revised rate of 11 percent in December, the state Department of Employment Security reported Tuesday."
IL: Marriott still pegged at $102M
From: www.pjstar.com
"PEORIA, Ill. -- The Downtown Marriott Hotel project still is a $102 million venture, the developer of the project said Tuesday before members of the Illinois Finance Authority."
IL: Administrative law judge criticizes proposed sale of Verizon phone lines
From: www.sj-r.com
"Allowing Verizon Communications to sell 600,000 Illinois phone lines — including those in Chatham, Sherman, Williamsville and several other area communities — would hurt service quality, a state hearing officer has concluded."
IN: NIRPC backs coalition's rebuild plan
From: www.post-trib.com
"PORTAGE, Ind. -- A regional planning committee has unanimously endorsed a call by the Cline Avenue Coalition for immediate action to demolish the failing highway superstructure and implement 18 short-term measures to handle diverted traffic."
IN: Meatpackers say inspection cuts are shortsighted
From: www.nwitimes.com
"Indiana's plan to lay off some meat inspectors to save money and reduce the time inspectors spend with small, independent processors has the industry and farmers fearing it could hurt what has been a growing industry."
KS: Property tax legislation gets major alteration in committee
From: www2.ljworld.com
"A legislative committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would give voters an opportunity to decide whether a local governing body could increase property taxes by more than the rate of inflation."
KS: Hearing postponed indefinitely for attorney accused of ethics violation over investigations of abortion providers
From: www2.ljworld.com
"A hearing has been postponed indefinitely for a Kansas prosecutor facing a professional ethics complaint over past investigations of abortion providers."
KS: Statehouse Live -- Advocates for disabled urging Legislature to restore cuts
From: www2.ljworld.com
"Advocates for Kansans with disabilities on Tuesday stood at the entrance of the parking garage at the Capitol handing out information to legislators about budget cuts to social services."
KS: State unemployment rate climbs upward in January
From: www2.ljworld.com
"The Kansas unemployment rate jumped to 7.1 percent in January, up from 6.2 percent in December, officials reported Wednesday."
KS: Tax on sugary soda considered in Kansas Legislature
From: www.kansascity.com
"Kansans may soon have a new reason to switch to diet soda — a proposed tax on every last granule of sugary goodness in that can of pop.
"
KY: Panel backs higher coal permit fees
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The Senate budget committee approved legislation Tuesday that would increase the fees coal companies pay for surface mining permits."
KY: Scotia mine disaster of '76 remembered
From: www.kentucky.com
"OVEN FORK, Ky. — The family and community members sitting in folding chairs, listening to music and speeches about the Scotia mine disaster of 1976, don't need a highway marker to remind them of their loss."
MD: Maryland eases environmental restrictions on some developers
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Maryland officials have agreed to make developer-friendly changes in a law that requires new building projects to reduce the pollution that rain washes off their roofs and parking lots."
MD: Counties face more cutting as state income tax payments fall
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The latest state income tax payments to local governments fell $61.8 million year over year, piling new fiscal woes atop budgets already reeling from state cuts, high snow removal costs and earlier revenue declines.
"
MD: 'I inherited a financial train wreck'
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"After laying off nearly three dozen city employees, Mayor Josh Cohen last night introduced an $80 million budget that consolidates three departments, doesn't raise tax rates and cuts even more city jobs."
ME: Union again calls for tax increase
From: www.kjonline.com
"The union that represents 25,000 Maine school employees called on legislators again Tuesday to raise taxes to prevent $34 million in cuts proposed for state education funding."
ME: Energy idea may be tested in Maine
From: www.pressherald.com
"An inventor from California who claims to have found a commercially viable way to produce hydrogen from water wants to test the patented technology in Yarmouth. The pilot project would use effluent from the town's wastewater treatment plant and hydroelectricity from the Royal River to produce hydrogen and other gases to supply all of the energy for the plant, and perhaps other town buildings."
MI: Panel -- Add to ad campaign, don't cut funds
From: www.freep.com
"A House committee upped the ante Tuesday on the state's Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign, voting to add $11.5 million more to broadcast the TV ads outside the state than the Senate had approved last week."
MI: State board backs tax rollback for Greektown
From: www.freep.com
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board this morning approved a tax rollback for Greektown Casino creating a boost to the casino's bottom line and marking another milestone on its emergence from bankruptcy."
MI: State jobless rate shows stability, declines to 14.3%
From: www.freep.com
"Michigan began 2010 with a lower unemployment rate, posting a 14.3% mark in January, down two-tenths of a percentage point from December's revised rate of 14.5%."
MN: Report stirs up talk over mortgage interest deduction
From: www.startribune.com
"A House committee's effort to find new ways of approaching old problems Tuesday reignited a decades-old debate about consolidating county services and ending the state's mortgage interest tax deduction."
MN: Racinos in Minnesota? Don't bet on it
From: www.twincities.com
"Today at the Capitol, a proposal to build two so-called racinos will get its first committee vote of the 2010 session. It is also, in all likelihood, the bill's last hearing. "
MN: Bill stuck on sex offender funding
From: www.startribune.com
"The fate of $1 billion in proposed building projects across Minnesota could pivot on one question that state lawmakers are having a hard time getting answered: How much will it cost to expand the state's controversial sex offender facility at Moose Lake?"
MN: 24 car dealers in Minnesota are back in business
From: www.startribune.com
"Stillwater Motors was down to the last few Buicks on the lot. But the third-generation General Motors dealership is looking to the future and ready to order -- and hire -- again after GM included it among the 661 dealerships nationwide that it has saved from the chopping block."
MO: Obama, Mo. Republicans speaking on health care
From: hosted.ap.org
"ST. CHARLES, Mo. -- Top Missouri Republicans called a town hall meeting on health care reform Wednesday in advance of a speech on the topic by President Barack Obama."
MT: Wind lobby -- Restricting federal grant money will hurt power projects
From: www.missoulian.com
"A national wind-power lobby says a proposal by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., and others requiring recipients of federal clean-energy grants to use "made-in-America" parts will slow project development and end up costing jobs in Montana."
ND: Michigan gov candidate wants state-owned bank like North Dakota
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero on Tuesday proposed having Michigan follow the lead of North Dakota and open a state-owned bank that could make low-interest loans to businesses and college students."
ND: N.D. Chamber launches advocacy Web site
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"A new Web site from the North Dakota Chamber of Commerce will encourage the state's business community and residents to get involved in the legislative process, the chamber announced Monday."
NE: Senators override Heineman's veto on bill to raise alcohol shipping fee
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraska state senators decided Tuesday that getting another $500,000 in revenue a year during a time of budget cuts is worth going against a governor's veto."
NE: Site helps to identify at-risk inland lakes
From: www.jsonline.com
"Resource managers and cottage owners have a new tool in the fight to keep the state's inland lakes from being infested by zebra mussels."
NH: NH court refuses to reconsider $110M ruling
From: www.theunionleader.com
"The New Hampshire Supreme Court yesterday rejected Gov. John Lynch's request that it reconsider its decision denying the state the right to use $110 million in malpractice insurance reserves in the state budget."
NH: Economy drives town meetings
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"For the second year in a row, area residents went to the polls yesterday with the poor economy in mind - and it showed in their votes. "
NJ: Ahead of new budget, Christie showcases Haddon Heights
From: www.philly.com
"A bit more than a year ago, Christopher J. Christie kicked off his gubernatorial campaign with a stop in Haddon Heights, promising to "make the tough decisions without sticking my finger in the air to see which way the political wind is blowing.""
NJ: N.J. school officials say they can't educate parents about budget without state aid numbers
From: www.nj.com
"While school districts grit their teeth and wait for state aid numbers from Gov. Chris Christie, school officials around the state say the vast level of uncertainty has compromised their ability to get accurate information out to anxious and confused parents."
NJ: N.J. Gov. Chris Christie says he's stuck with bill for state worker 7 percent pay hike
From: www.nj.com
"Calling it an "exquisite pair of handcuffs" as he tries to plug a huge budget gap, Gov. Chris Christie today said he must follow a controversial deal former Gov. Jon Corzine gave unionized state workers last year that calls for a 7 percent pay raise in the upcoming fiscal year and bars him from ordering layoffs before January. "
NJ: Proposed legislation would requires public workers to live in N.J.
From: www.northjersey.com
"All of New Jersey's public employees -- whether they work for the state, towns, colleges or authorities -- would be given two and a half years to move into the state under a bill proposed Tuesday by a state senator."
NM: Richardson signs key health bills
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"New state laws will stop discrimination against women in the pricing of medical insurance and limit how much health insurance companies spend on administrative costs. "
NM: Gov. Richardson signs bill eliminating gender discrimination in health insurance
From: newmexicoindependent.com
""Currently insurers in New Mexico can charge women up to 20 percent more than men for individual and small group health insurance plans. This is unacceptable...," Richardson said Tuesday in a press release announcing that he had signed Senate Bill 148."
NM: Whistleblower alleges pressure at State Investment Council; four members say it never happened
From: newmexicoindependent.com
"The Richardson administration, including Gov. Bill Richardson's budget secretary, Katherine Miller, threatened members of the State Investment Council last October in an attempt to save Gary Bland's job as State Investment Officer, an attorney for whistleblower Frank Foy alleged Tuesday."
NV: Gibbons to kill four-day work week for state workers
From: www.nevadaappeal.com
"Gov. Jim Gibbons will sign the legislation designed to qualify Nevada for up to $175 million in federal Race to the Top education funds on Thursday.
"
NV: Only Nevada to blame for puny share of U.S. money
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Nevada is dead last in per-capita federal funding for state programs such as health, education and transportation, according to a new report from the Brookings Institution."
NY: Backers bail on slots plot at Aqueduct
From: www.nypost.com
"AEG's bid to run video slots at Aqueduct looked ready to be put down yesterday. Queens minister Floyd Flake and rapper Jay-Z bailed out as key local partners in the Aqueduct Entertainment Group, while Gov. Paterson's office threatened to kill the deal.
"
OH: Third Federal, First Federal get top marks from independent rating agency; three local banks score lowest
From: www.cleveland.com
"CLEVELAND -- A year and a half after the financial world nearly crashed, many banks in Northeast Ohio are continuing to have a tough time."
OH: Cordray to address consumers at Dayton forum
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Since this is National Consumer Protection Week, March 7-13, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is taking the opportunity to travel throughout the state holding free, public forums about consumer fraud, money management, debt control, potential scams and more."
OH: Wind advocates say renewable power standards will mean jobs
From: www.cleveland.com
"WASHINGTON -- Wind power advocates from Ohio and across the country blew through Washington on Tuesday with a job creation message for Congress."
OH: Nationwide lawsuit settled for $6 million
From: www.dispatch.com
"Checks are headed to the mailboxes of 230,000 current and former Nationwide term-life insurance customers across the country, settling a class-action lawsuit against the Columbus-based company."
OH: Ohio economy enters recovery
From: www.dispatch.com
"The bad news from Gov. Ted Strickland's council of economic advisers yesterday was that unemployment in Ohio is expected to remain a problem for some time."
OK: Oklahoma House powers down electric car incentive
From: newsok.com
"Members of the House of Representatives passed a measure Tuesday to prevent a recurrence of last year's run on electric cars when a federal tax credit was added on top of an existing state tax incentive. They also mowed down an attempt to honor state tax credits for everyone who bought the vehicles.
"
OK: Oklahoma House tells feds hands off state guns
From: newsok.com
"A measure that states firearms made and kept in Oklahoma are not subject to federal law won easy approval Tuesday in the House of Representatives.
"
OK: Good revenue report stirs hope for Oklahoma recovery
From: newsok.com
"Oklahoma appears to be prying loose from the grip the recession has had on its economy, state Treasurer Scott Meacham said Tuesday.
"
OR: Oregon puts consumer complaints data online
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The Oregon attorney general's office has put its complaints database online, meaning consumers can better research companies before deciding where to take their business. "
PA: All sorts of candidates seek Pa. posts high and low
From: www.philly.com
"In a year of apparent voter discontent, and with numerous top jobs up for grabs, nearly everybody, it seems, wants to run for office."
PA: Pa. to offer rebates for efficient home heating
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Federal economic stimulus money soon will start providing rebates to Pennsylvanians on the purchase of new Energy Star-rated hot-water heaters, furnaces and boilers."
PA: Pa. may be saddled with $6.5 million verdict
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Pennsylvania taxpayers are on the hook for a $6.5 million jury verdict in a federal case filed by a defunct company whose officials claim state environmental regulators retaliated against them for complaining to a legislator."
PA: Pension spike spurs senior initiative
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Jack Diamond and Jerry Shesney want Pennsylvania retirees to flex their political muscles."
PA: Some House Dems oppose more gas leases in state forests
From: www.post-gazette.com
"It's not too often that a governor faces a loud revolt by members of his own party, but Reps. David Levdansky of Forward, Greg Vitali of Delaware County and a dozen others are trying to block one of Gov. Ed Rendell's revenue-raising ideas for fiscal 2010-11."
PA: GOP nominates Reserve woman to fill state House seat
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Republican Alex Dubart of Reserve will face off against Adam Ravenstahl in the May 18 special election to fill the unexpired term in the state Legislature's District 20.
"
PA: DeWeese takes the Fifth in Bonusgate jury trial
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Former Speaker of the House Bill DeWeese Tuesday avoided testifying in the corruption trial of his onetime right-hand man, former state Rep. Mike Veon, while defense attorneys tried to chip away at investigators' tactics in the case.
"
PA: No backup plan if I-80 tolls rejected
From: www.post-gazette.com
"State transportation officials stressed Tuesday there is no "plan B" for funding road and bridge improvements if federal officials fail to approve tolls on Interstate 80.
"
RI: Lawmakers considering revision to R.I. tax system
From: www.projo.com
"SMITHFIELD, R.I. — General Assembly leaders are considering a plan to revise the state's personal income tax system."
RI: As things improve, R.I. may still lag
From: www.projo.com
"SMITHFIELD, R.I. — A regional economist says that while the country is experiencing the most serious financial downturn since the Great Depression, that's not the case in Rhode Island. The state's credit union crisis in the early 1990s was more devastating. "
RI: Twin River aid deal urged
From: www.projo.com
"A New York lawyer hired by the Carcieri administration warned lawmakers on Tuesday that failure to give Twin River's lenders the $5.036 million in financial concessions they are seeking, end dog-racing and slash employment requirements could jeopardize a big chunk of the $252 million in video-slot revenues the state expects from the bankrupt track-and-slot parlor this year, and all $259 million of what it expects next year."
RI: LNG project economic boon, asserts CEO
From: www.projo.com
"The head of Weaver's Cove Energy delivered a strong response to critics of his proposed $700-million LNG terminal project in Fall River Tuesday afternoon, saying it would be safe, it would not disrupt activities on Narragansett Bay and it would help lower the state's record-high energy and electricity rates. "
RI: Business group balks at cost of wind power
From: www.projo.com
"WARWICK, R.I. — Some of Rhode Island's largest users of electricity have come out for the first time in opposition to a proposed power-purchase agreement between National Grid and the developer of an eight-turbine wind farm in waters off Block Island."
SC: Senate to weigh huge tax breaks for mall
From: www.thestate.com
"Whether South Carolina should give a mall developer $100 million in tax incentives could be debated as early as today in the state Senate."
SD: President approves SD disaster declaration
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"President Barack Obama has issued a disaster declaration that will help South Dakota recover from a Christmas blizzard."
SD: Lawmakers seeking ag assessment answers
From: www.capjournal.com
"The South Dakota Senate set the stage Tuesday to get answers from county directors of equalization in the next few days."
TN: Lawmaker lashes out at VW on English bill
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Efforts by a Volkswagen lobbyist Tuesday to state the German auto manufacturer's concerns about a bill requiring all Tennessee driver license exams be conducted in English had a Northeast Tennessee representative questioning if the company was trying to strong-arm lawmakers into dropping the issue."
TN: Tennessee tax receipts fell again in February
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state of Tennessee collected $638.9 million in February, 4.4 percent less than in the same month a year ago. Tax receipts have fallen in 21 out of the last 24 months."
TN: Bill would ban state income tax
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"Lawmakers began work on a state constitutional amendment Tuesday to ban an earned-income tax and local payroll taxes."
TN: Transit group selects TDOT official as leader
From: www.tennessean.com
"A private alliance pushing for a significant overhaul of mass transit in Middle Tennessee announced Tuesday that it has hired Ed Cole, TDOT's environment and planning chief since 2003, to head its efforts."
TN: Tennessee State Fair picks Nashville company to run 2010 event
From: www.tennessean.com
"A new Nashville entertainment company and a veteran midway operator have been selected to run the Tennessee State Fair this year as a private venture, with Metro government guaranteed to get at least $100,000 in rent and ticket revenue."
US: Kansas and Vermont are the latest unemployment insurance debtors
From: www.propublica.org
"Kansas and Vermont have become the two latest casualties of record unemployment insurance claims. Both states have exhausted their unemployment insurance trust funds and have turned to borrowing from the federal government to keep unemployment benefits flowing."
US: States square off against Amazon over sales tax
From: www.npr.org
"The last time you bought something online, there's a good chance you didn't pay sales tax. Online retailers often don't charge the tax, but that doesn't mean you don't owe it. And as states around the country struggle with huge budget deficits, they're looking for new ways to make sure you pay it."
UT: Bennett, Salazar spar over Utah oil development
From: Bennett, Salazar spar over Utah oil development
"WASHINGTON — Sen. Bob Bennett says that higher taxes proposed by the Obama administration on the oil and gas industry will chase them off federal lands in Utah. "
UT: Legislature seeks to create radioactive waste cleanup fund
From: www.sltrib.com
"The state could keep up to $4 million in fees from companies burying radioactive waste in Utah in case the state has to take over the sites, under a bill that passed the Senate on Tuesday and now goes to the governor for his signature. "
UT: Road funds to take detour
From: www.sltrib.com
"Legislative leaders and Gov. Gary Herbert tied up a host of loose budget ends Tuesday, finding $12 million for critical programs and agreeing to delay a handful of road projects in order to build four college buildings. "
UT: Utah tuitions likely to rise 10 percent
From: www.sltrib.com
"Utah college students can expect to pay about 10 percent more in tuition next year as lawmakers continue a long-standing trend of transferring the cost of higher education from the state onto students and their families. "
VA: Audit -- Chesapeake's stimulus money created only 2 jobs
From: hamptonroads.com
"The city spent only 4 percent of nearly $12 million in federal stimulus grants awarded in 2009, according to an internal audit released Tuesday."
VA: Virginia Beach council supports text-only LED signs
From: hamptonroads.com
"Videos of hamburgers, scrolling interest rates and flashing Bible study ads would be out. But a City Council proposal floated Tuesday would allow electronic signs that are toned down."
VA: Online-teaching company plays role in school-reform package
From: hamptonroads.com
"A company that sells online education programs gave Virginia lawmakers more than $57,000 this past year and then helped develop legislation to regulate and expand virtual schools. The bill passed both the House and Senate this week."
VT: Vermont among states to settle with LifeLock
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"Attorney General William H. Sorrell, the Federal Trade Commission and 34 states announced Tuesday a settlement with LifeLock, Inc., a Tempe, Arizona-based identity-theft-prevention service, to resolve an investigation into the company's allegedly misleading advertisements."
VT: State was overly optimistic on revenue
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"Two months ago, a pair of economists representing the Douglas administration and the Legislature forecast personal income-tax withholdings at $327.5 million through February. That forecast was overly optimistic. The economic recovery hasn't materialized and the state's General Fund is $12.2 million short for the first two months of 2010. "
VT: State Public Service Board to review request to close nuclear plant
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"Two weeks after lawmakers voted to close Vermont Yankee in 2012, Vermont regulators are being pressed to act sooner — shutting it down immediately — because of leaking tritium that environmental groups say is polluting the environment."
VT: Moody's downgrade means city will pay more to borrow
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"The downgrading of the city's credit rating Monday by Moody's Investors Service because of Burlington Telecom's financial problems will increase the cost of city borrowing, Jonathan Leopold, the city's chief financial officer, said Tuesday. "
WA: Gregoire to Idaho -- Bring it on!
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire responded Tuesday morning to Idaho Gov. Butch Otter's "love letter" to Washington businesses, in which he suggested Idaho could lure away firms turned off by tax increases here."
WI: Many retired government employees will see smaller pension checks
From: host.madison.com
"Retired government employees with money in the Wisconsin Retirement System will see their pensions shrink for the second year in a row, if all of their money is in the Core Fund."
WI: Finding jobs for Wisconsin veterans
From: host.madison.com
"State employment and military agencies have scheduled a series of 18 job fairs designed to put jobless veterans in the same room with willing employers. "
WI: Amish farmer wins livestock-registration case
From: www.jsonline.com
"An Amish farmer in Clark County has won his fight against the state's livestock registration law, which he argued violates his religious beliefs."
WV: Manchin receives power measure that would give big users flexible rates
From: www.wvgazette.com
"Legislation to allow major industrial users of electricity to negotiate with power companies for special rates passed the House of Delegates Tuesday 98-0 and goes to the governor."
WV: Unemployment rate rises in all W.Va. counties
From: www.dailymail.com
"Unemployment rates are up in all of West Virginia's 55 counties. Figures released Tuesday by Workforce West Virginia also show the number of counties reporting rates much worse than average declined slightly in January."
WV: Mon delegates fight to keep WVNET jobs home
From: www.wvgazette.com
"Morgantown lawmakers are fighting Gov. Joe Manchin's plans to move a state Internet services organization out of their district."
WV: House panel passes optometrist bill, minus laser surgery
From: www.wvgazette.com
"A bill to allow optometrists to perform new procedures advanced from House Health and Human Resources Committee Tuesday evening -- with all provisions to allow them to perform laser surgery stripped out of the bill (SB230)."
WY: A legislative freshman's unique viewpoint
From: thewyonews.net
"Lauren Furtney with the Cowboy State Free Press sat down with Carson in the final days of the 2010 legislative session to get his take on the state's political process."
WY: Judge grants landowners access to WYDOT loop road info
From: www.trib.com
"The Wyoming Department of Transportation will provide access to information to a Casper couple whose land it wants for the proposed West Belt Loop Road, attorneys said after a judge's oral ruling on Monday."
WY: Wyo utility rate spikes loom
From: www.trib.com
"The economy continues to lag, and Wyoming's unemployment rate is at its highest in 26 years. "
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: www.stateline.org
"The economy continues to lag, and Wyoming's unemployment rate is at its highest in 26 years. "
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