AK: Senate president seeks new name for Parnell scholarship
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senate President Gary Stevens says lawmakers should consider renaming what's known as the Governor's Performance Scholarship proposal.
"
AK: House passes $8.1 billion state operating budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alaska House has passed an $8.1 billion state operating budget.
"
AK: Lawmaker seeks aid to ease Fairbanks pollution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska - A Republican state legislator from North Pole wants Alaska to spend almost $6 million on a program to help Fairbanks overcome its chronic air pollution.
"
AL: Gov. Bob Riley heading to India, China and Russia to boost Alabama exports
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob Riley is headed to India, China and Russia later this year to try to boost Alabama exports to the countries.
"
AL: Attorney general King accused of taking gambling money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama Attorney General Troy King's opponent in the Republican primary has accused King of taking at least $190,000 in campaign contributions from gambling interests, including casino operators and slot machine manufacturers.
"
AR: PSC questions Entergy leader on corporate structure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Public Service Commission opened its "show cause" hearing aimed at studying Entergy Arkansas' effort to withdraw from its parent company's system agreement today, offering insight into Entergy's internal decision-making.
"
AR: Halter kicks off town hall events in PB
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Lt. Gov. Bill Halter declared himself ready to do battle with special interests in Washington on Thursday among strong supporters of his top priority in Arkansas — a state lottery for college scholarship
"
AZ: Homebuilder files lawsuit against Goddard
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Terry Goddard has hired an outside law firm to investigate predatory lending practices by homebuilders and their mortgage firms.
"
AZ: SRP approves rate hike averaging 4.9%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Salt River Project has slashed $1 billion in capital expenses, eliminated jobs, and Thursday its leaders requested another 5 percent reduction in spending, but monthly household bills still will rise about $8.50 on average this summer.
"
CA: California boosts bond deal to $2.5 billion amid strong investor demand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Robust investor demand allowed California to increase the size of a bond offering to $2.5 billion from $2 billion in a deal that wrapped up Thursday.
"
CA: State regulators approve $9 million in solar research grants, PG&E solar contract
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The California Public Utilities Commission approved more than $9 million in solar research grants Thursday and also gave the go-ahead to a solar contract for the Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
"
CA: Invasive moth threatens wine grape crop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A huge swath of Wine Country, including vineyards where some of the world's best grapes are grown, was quarantined this week after an invasive moth was discovered.
"
CA: Whitman's funds could pose conflicts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Billionaire GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman has invested her vast wealth in firms that sought to profit from the country's credit crisis, in venture capital and hedge funds open only to the wealthy, and in oil, gas, healthcare and other concerns seeking to influence state policy.
"
CA: California public pension funds take new hits on real estate investments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California's two big public pension funds took fresh hits to their troubled real estate portfolios this week, suggesting the fallout from the real estate bubble hasn't completely run its course.
"
CO: Colorado Tea Partiers rally in capitol chambers and on the steps
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Members of Colorado Tea Party and 912 groups and the libertarian think tank Independence Institute attended a "grassroots session" and rally sponsored by Americans For Prosperity at the Capitol Wednesday.
"
CO: Coverage mandate for birth control, maternity care passes Senate test
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Colorado Senate gave initial approval Thursday to a bill requiring individual health insurance plans to cover maternity care and contraception, sparking objections from Republicans who said the mandate would make health care more costly
"
CO: Initiatives push to get pot, liquor on ballots
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two new ballot initiatives could change the way Coloradans buy booze and pot.
"
CO: Colorado Legislature slows several bills to fix FASTER
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last summer, angry Coloradans stormed county clerk and recorders' offices and caused employees to seek police protection because they were so angry over the increases in vehicle registration fees and late-payment penalties stemming from the newly signed "FASTER" transportation-funding bill.
"
CT: Peter Schiff says Blumenthal "grandstanding" with his lawsuit against rating agencies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The attorney general has sued Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's. alleging that they misled investors.
"
CT: Blumenthal wants safety answers about NRG job cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NRG Energy should specify how many workers it plans to eliminate at each of its Connecticut power plants and provide assurance that the job cuts won't compromise operations or safety, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said.
"
CT: Foreclosure filings rising in Connecticut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There were 3.4 percent more foreclosure filings in Connecticut in February than in January, as more borrowers fell behind in mortgage payments, according to a new report Thursday.
"
CT: Counterfeit $100 bills showing up in Connecticut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Merchants, retailers and consumers should be on the alert for phony $100 bills, the Connecticut Better Business Bureau said Thursday.
"
CT: Counterfeit $100 bills showing up in Connecticut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Merchants, retailers and consumers should be on the alert for phony $100 bills, the Connecticut Better Business Bureau said Thursday."
CT: Proposal to allow sale of alcohol in stores on Sundays dies in committee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Buying alcohol in stores on Sundays will still require a trip across a state border.
"
DE: Delaware House bill tackles costs of playing dangerously
From: feeds.stateline.org
"People who stage for-profit wrestling and martial arts contests may have to pay to play if legislation introduced Thursday in the state House becomes law.
"
DE: Markell lobbies for disaster aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jack Markell sought federal aid Thursday for snow-blasted state and local budgets, asking the White House to declare February's back-to-back snowstorms an official disaster.
"
DE: Builder pitching a bayside casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The son of a Delaware state senator is proposing to build a casino in a popular state-owned park along Sussex County's beaches.
"
FL: Board extends deadline for Everglades land deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OKEECHOBEE, Fla. — Facing legal challenges and growing deficits, South Florida water officials on Thursday gave themselves six more months to finance a controversial $536 million purchase of land from United States Sugar for the Everglades.
"
FL: Florida film bill's anti-gay bias is a big-screen blunder
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tallahassee lawmakers seem obsessed with homosexuality. The latest example? Three little words tucked into a bill that's supposed to be about job creation.
"
FL: Florida seeking drywall relief
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TAMPA Fla. - Florida is asking the federal government for disaster relief for consumers overwhelmed by tainted drywall in their homes. It's a highly unusual tack, and is the first step in seeking funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"
FL: Economist -- State could support 8 more casinos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Are cash-strapped Florida lawmakers ready to roll the dice on Las Vegas-style gambling resorts -- or is it just a bluff?
"
FL: 2010 Legislature summary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"2010 Legislature summary
The Florida Legislature is in session through April 30.
"
FL: Sugar land purchase is kept alive
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Charlie Crist's Big Sugar land buy survives -- for now. The South Florida Water Management District governing board agreed Thursday to extend the deadline on a $536 million land deal with the U.S. Sugar Corp. -- only after getting assurances from its attorneys that there were no loopholes in an ``out'' clause that could still allow the district to back out of the deal later if it decides it can't afford it.
"
FL: Stricter oversight sought for state workforce boards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Outraged by revelations of high living and cronyism, state lawmakers want stricter oversight of Florida's 24 regional workforce boards that try to find jobs for people.
"
FL: As Vegas puts in bid, state ponders gambling strategy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida won't be entertaining bids from the Las Vegas Sands to build a resort-style casino anytime soon, the chairman of the House gambling committee said Thursday.
"
FL: Boss fails in money search
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of the financially struggling Jackson Health System did a nine-hour blitz in the Florida Capitol on Thursday in the hopes of winning up to $100 million in rescue money.
"
GA: Senate panel advances legislation to crack down on illicit massage parlors
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Sen. Cecil Staton's effort to crack down on illegitimate massage parlors moved passed committee Thursday with new sanctions for parlor owners instead of just the women who work there.
"
GA: Ga. hospitals slammed by new budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia hospitals would be hit with double-digit Medicaid reimbursement cuts and nonprofit hospitals would lose their state sales tax exemption under a new round of budget reductions announced Thursday by Gov. Sonny Perdue.
"
GA: Georgia Power bills heading higher soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By a 4-1 vote, the state Public Service Commission approved a fuel charge hike for the company Thursday afternoon, in a settlement ending a three-month-old case.
"
GA: Made-in-China promotion of Census hits some wrong
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislators aren't surprised when they come into their chamber and find small gifts, promoting this city or that special interest. But some weren't happy when what was waiting for them Thursday were several items promoting the 2010 U.S. Census.
"
HI: Fragile future for Hawaii's economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hawaii's economy is showing signs of recovery, but uncertainty remains about how long it will be before the state fully emerges from recession.
"
HI: Tax relief in short term
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Businesses in Hawaii are getting immediate relief from the nation's largest increase in unemployment taxes after Gov. Linda Lingle signed the tax help into law yesterday.
"
HI: Hawaii's revenue expectations for next year get lowered
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Council on Revenues delivered mixed news yesterday: No need for any more state budget cuts to get through the fiscal year that ends in June, but the state will have to find more money to stay out of the red next year.
"
HI: Lingle urged to fast-track rail plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thirteen of the 25 state senators yesterday sent a letter to Gov. Linda Lingle urging her to review and accept the final environmental impact statement for the Honolulu rail-transit project in a timely manner.
"
HI: First phase of affordable rental project dedicated
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WAI'ANAE, HI — Construction of thousands of affordable family rental units was going to be the solution to the homeless crisis on O'ahu that began during the boom times of the early and mid-2000s.
"
IA: Reduce state tax credits $115 million, group urges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Iowa's tax credit programs would take a $115 million hit - roughly 22 percent - under a proposal a group of lawmakers unveiled Tuesday.
"
ID: Idaho Senate backs rainy day fund for colleges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers in the Idaho Senate are backing the creation of a rainy day fund for colleges, similar to the reserve account set aside several years ago for the K-12 public school system.
"
ID: Idaho agency budget delayed amid conflict over IEN
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative budget writers won't approve spending the Idaho Education Network's next $3 million installment as planned this week, opting to wait until mediation begins next week in a lawsuit over the $60 million broadband system.
"
ID: Urban renewal proposals scaled back
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Urban renewal agencies face major changes that offer more oversight and prevent unbridled growth under a legislative proposal that could become law this session.
"
ID: Idaho Banking Co., regulators agree on new financial plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Idaho Banking Co. must reduce its concentration in commercial real estate loans and develop plans to reduce the level of problem loans.
"
IL: Anheuser-Busch sues Illinois Liquor Control Commission to rescue deal with Soave Enterprises
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Anheuser-Busch Cos. is suing the Illinois Liquor Control Commission over its decision to deny the beer giant a license to distribute in the state.
"
IL: Bloomington company guilty of fraud
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Three officials of the now-defunct Wildwood Industries, a Bloomington-based leaf- and vacuum-bag manufacturer, pleaded guilty Thursday to participating in a conspiracy that bilked 85 lenders out of $213 million.
"
IN: State jobless rate steady at 9.7%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's unemployment rate held at 9.7 percent for January as some 327,000 people were looking for work.
"
IN: Railroad comeback called economic key
From: feeds.stateline.org
"VALPARAISO, Ind. -- Joe Krause, sporting an Amtrak "Tracks are Back" button, foresees a shift in the mission and membership of the Indiana High Speed Rail Association, which is hosting its 11th annual Golden Spike Seminar at Valparaiso University.
"
KS: Kansas group urges farmers to go organic
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WHITING, Kan. -- The Kansas Rural Center says it wants to help farmers in the state transition to organic production.
"
KS: House speaker unsuccessfully tells legislative budget director not to implement agreed upon pay cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Top Democrats criticized an unsuccessful push by Kansas' Republican House speaker to delay pay cuts for legislative leaders' staff — including the speaker's wife — because the state law imposing them took effect Thursday.
"
KS: Educator groups tell Senate to raise taxes to close state budget deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Kansas education groups and a school superintendent have urged a legislative committee to raise taxes.
"
KS: Amtrak study shows routes through Kansas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State transportation officials today released a study on providing Amtrak passenger rail service from Kansas to Fort Worth.
"
KS: JoCo school districts stand to lose $7 million over special education fund dispute
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Three Johnson County school districts would lose $7 million in special education funding under legislation passed by the Kansas Senate on Thursday.
"
KY: Jobless rate ticked up to 10.7% in January
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky's unemployment rate rose a tenth of a percentage point in January to 10.7 percent, reflecting the state's continued economic struggle, according to a state labor market analyst.
"
KY: Panel would allow some billboards without permits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House committee advanced a measure Thursday that would allow billboards with religious and other non-commercial messages to be placed along highways without state approval.
"
KY: Alternative-energy requirement slows in state House
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation that would force utilities to supply electricity that comes from renewable sources like wind and the sun is running into trouble in the Kentucky House — even after lawmakers added provisions to help new coal technologies.
"
KY: Senate panel backs game to help racing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill to allow Kentucky racetracks to operate an electronic horse racing game — a way to help the financially troubled industry — won approval from a Senate committee Thursday.
"
KY: House slashes salary of economic development boss
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The $250,000 annual salary of state Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes would be cut nearly in half by an obscure provision in the House budget bill.
"
LA: GOP backs earmark ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans agreed Thursday to a one-year ban on members requesting special projects for their districts — known as earmarks — a move that could have a significant financial impact for Louisiana with its Republican-laden House delegation.
"
LA: Louisiana Recovery Authority expects to fold with millions unspent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Louisiana Recovery Authority, the state agency established in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to oversee billions in rebuilding aid for parishes and individuals, is four months from shutting down.
"
MA: Home is where the hack is
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State workers are getting cut-rate, taxpayer-subsidized rent to live in waterfront homes and leafy suburbs in state parks from Brewster to Rockport - even as Beacon Hill seeks to halt a fiscal fiasco set to slash cash for teachers, libraries and the disabled.
"
MA: As costs soar, Mass. foresees change in health insurance rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State regulators said yesterday that they will probably change the complex formula they use to determine how many Massachusetts residents face a tax penalty for not having health insurance, because spiraling costs are making coverage unaffordable for too many people.
"
MA: Another jewel lost in Greenway crown
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four years after showing off plans for a glitzy $80 million building on the Rose Kennedy Greenway, organizers of the New Center for Arts and Culture have decided to abandon those plans, leaving yet another empty space on the sprawling tract created by the Big Dig.
"
MA: Lawmakers again warn of cuts in aid to localities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Massachusetts House and Senate leaders want cities and towns to know that a cut is coming in local aid.
"
MD: Maryland's strong alcohol lobby likely to quash tax increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In recent years, Maryland has raised its sales tax, income tax, corporate tax and cigarette tax; added a surcharge called the "millionaires' tax"; and created taxes on electronic bingo, tip jars and even water and septic systems -- the "flush tax." But lawmakers have not touched alcohol taxes.
"
MD: Md. lawmakers aim bipartisan fire at proposed earmark reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — Election-year plans to reduce the number of congressional earmarks drew criticism from a pair of Maryland congressmen Thursday.
"
MD: 5-cent bag tax would go towards cleaning bay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The General Assembly has been reluctant to raise taxes in an election year, but 39 legislators across both chambers are cosponsoring an act that would place a 5-cent tax on disposable carryout bags.
"
MD: State revenue falls again, just not as far
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland's revenue slide continues to slow, spurring both optimism and caution in government officials who see either the beginning of a recovery or just the realization of low expectations.
"
ME: Oil dealers look to scuttle renewable energy measures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bold plan that would switch homes and cars from oil heat and gasoline to offshore electricity is coming under fire in the Legislature.
"
ME: Court upholds wind farm law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's highest court on Thursday dealt the Friends of Lincoln Lakes a major legal defeat by reaffirming state approval of a $130 million industrial wind site intended for northern Penobscot County.
"
ME: Panel seeking ways to clarify pot proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly everyone who testified Thursday on legislation designed to fine-tune a voter-approved expansion of the state's 10-year-old medical marijuana law wanted to see changes in the bill.
"
ME: Passamaquoddy tout gaming plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Leaders of the Passamaquoddy Tribe sketched out their proposal Thursday for a November ballot question that would seek voter approval for gambling facilities in eastern and western Maine as well as table games at Hollywood Slots in Bangor.
"
MI: 'Shockingly rude' -- Metroparks, Detroit butt heads on plan to revive Michigan State Fair
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Michigan State Fair roller coaster ride continues, as the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority moves forward with plans to lease the fairgrounds despite a "shockingly rude" meeting with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's office.
"
MI: Gov. Jennifer Granholm in California yesterday to pitch Michigan to high-tech companies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Yesterday, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm met with venture capitalists and high-tech company representatives in Menlo Park, California, in an effort to persuade them to bring investment and business to Michigan.
"
MI: Financial scams lead attorney general's Top 10 list of consumer complaints for 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Predatory lending and other credit and financial concerns topped state Attorney General Mike Cox's Top 10 list of consumer complaints for 2009.
"
MI: Offshore wind company talking to Muskegon-area leaders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MUSKEGON, Mich. -- The company planning a wind farm in Lake Michigan off Pentwater appears to be developing a much broader plan as Scandia Offshore Wind has a series of three meetings scheduled Monday in Muskegon.
"
MI: LG Chem to build $303 million lithium battery plant in Holland for Chevrolet Volts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HOLLAND, Mich. -- LG Chem Ltd, a subsidiary of South Korea electronics giant LG, is announcing what has been widely speculated: It will build its first North American lithium ion battery plant in Holland.
"
MI: Number of problem banks stays steady in state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of problem banks in Michigan held steady at the end of 2009, according to data released Thursday by the bank ratings firm BauerFinancial.
"
MN: Minnesota out of cash to retrain unemployed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When rival Walgreen bought — and closed — their stores in the Twin Cities this year, nearly 400 Snyders Drug Store employees suddenly found themselves out of work.
"
MN: GOP follows Kline on 'no earmarks'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON - Pledges to rid Washington of pork barrel spending turned into a game of political football Thursday, with Minnesota Rep. John Kline championing the charge for a Republican Hail Mary.
"
MO: Jay Nixon proposes sweeping cuts, consolidations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SPRINGFIELD, MO. — In outlining sweeping changes to Missouri's government Thursday, Gov. Jay Nixon begged the forgiveness of the state's most famous son, former President Harry Truman.
"
MO: Nixon swings budget ax again in Missouri
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Facing an unprecedented drop in revenues, Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday slashed $125 million from the Missouri budget and called for major structural changes in government that he warned earlier this month were coming.
"
MS: Cut-and-sew, loan bills move through Senate unopposed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two bills designed to spur economic development in Northeast Mississippi passed the Senate on Thursday without a dissenting vote.
"
MS: Governor pressured by growing jobless rate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With unemployment in Mississippi at a nearly 25-year high, Democrats in the House are attempting to force Gov. Haley Barbour to accept federal stimulus dollars to bolster the unemployment fund and expand eligibility.
"
MT: Schweitzer wants to get drugs from Canada
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer jumped back into the issue of prescription drug pricing Thursday, saying he has asked the federal government to allow Montana to import lower-priced drugs from Canada for use in state-funded programs.
"
MT: Court favors sage grouse in Montana grazing lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Forest Service must re-examine how livestock grazing affects sage grouse habitat in southwestern Montana after a federal appeals court ruled the agency's original assessment was not reliable.
"
NC: Graham pays $3,950 campaign fine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. Malcolm Graham, a Charlotte Democrat, paid a $3,950 fine last month imposed by the State Board of Elections for accepting campaign contributions from businesses.
"
NC: Siemens to add 825 gas-turbine jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Siemens Energy said today it will add 825 workers to make gas turbines in a $135 million expansion that is Charlotte's largest manufacturing announcement in years.
"
NC: SEC regulators twice fined N.C. Senate candidate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — Jeffrey Brommer , a Republican candidate in N.C. Senate District 28, has twice been fined by stock regulators for misleading investors.
"
ND: Stimulus creates more than 2,000 jobs in North Dakota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal stimulus money has created the equivalent of more than 2,000 full-time jobs in North Dakota and has brought millions into the city of Bismarck and Burleigh County.
"
NE: Senators say no to checkoffs for water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska farmers probably won't have to worry about their crop checkoff dollars being used to help solve the state's water problems.
"
NH: State job training initiative begins
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Beginning Monday, New Hampshire workers will be able to get up to six weeks of on-the-job training while still receiving unemployment benefits.
"
NJ: N.J. Senate approves bill allowing direct-shipping of wine to customers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill allowing wine to be shipped directly to customers has been approved by the New Jersey Senate
"
NJ: N.J. budget cuts slow effort to move mentally disabled from institutions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Superman and Michael Jackson posters are tacked on Jimmy Lee McCoy's wall. His bowling ball is in the closet. His stereo and DVD player are plugged in.
"
NJ: Highlands development rights bill is approved by N.J. Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Senate voted 29-7 to allow the transfer of Highlands development rights statewide.
"
NJ: N.J. employees would pay for parking in Gov. Christie's privatization plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State employees would have to pay for parking as one piece of a privatization effort Gov. Chris Christie launched today, according to two state officials familiar with his plans.
"
NM: New Mexico jobless rate hits 22-year high
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico in January had the largest unemployment rate increase in the nation, according to the U.S. Labor Department.
"
NM: Concealed guns have restaurant workers worried about safety
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Rep. John Heaton cited safety as one reason he sponsored a law to allow New Mexicans with concealed-carry permits to bring guns into restaurants that sell beer and wine.
"
NV: Clean Water Coalition will sue state to keep $62 million targeted by lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arguing that state legislators had no constitutional right to take $62 million collected to build a pipeline into Lake Mead, the Clean Water Coalition decided today to sue the state to keep the money.
"
NV: Harrah's -- State's taxing of jets doesn't fly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Harrah's has sued Nevada, seeking the refund of $10 million in taxes the gaming giant paid on four corporate jets.
"
NV: Plant to bring green-job windfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Southern Nevada, long in the hunt for a new source of jobs and for companies that can boost the state's stature in the renewable energy industry, can claim both with Thursday's announcement that an international manufacturer of wind turbines plans to establish its first American plant here.
"
NV: Gov. Gibbons files for re-election
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jim Gibbons filed Thursday for a second four-year term, saying he and nearly every other governor are suffering from low approval ratings because of the economy.
"
NV: Gubernatorial veto -- Gibbons rejects four-day work week
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A four-day workweek for state employees is dead, at least for the foreseeable future, after Gov. Jim Gibbons on Thursday vetoed the enabling bill.
"
NY: Slot machines at Aqueduct? No, not yet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's tortured eight-year quest to install a limited casino at the Aqueduct racetrack in Queens has failed for the third time, with the governor's office announcing Thursday that its chosen bidder would not be awarded the contract.
"
NY: State regulators shut down a city bank, LibertyPointe
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State banking regulators on Thursday evening shut down the troubled LibertyPointe Bank, whose chairman, Shaya Boymelgreen, built more than 2,400 apartments in New York City in the last decade. The failure was the 27th in the nation this year but the first in the city in more than a decade, regulators said.
"
NY: Top Aqueduct bidder is scratched
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Opening a new hole in the state's financial plan, the Paterson administration on Thursday disqualified the winning bidder to develop and operate a racino at Aqueduct Race Track in Queens.
"
OH: Recession is hurting apartment owners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The weak economy will mean more vacant apartments in central Ohio this year - grim news for those in the industry but good news for renters seeking a deal.
"
OK: Bill targeting taxes on groceries passed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate passed a bill Thursday that would remove sales taxes on groceries.
"
OR: Oregon high court says Klamath Basin farmers may be entitled to payment over water
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GRANTS PASS, Ore. -- The Oregon Supreme Court on Thursday kept alive claims by Klamath Basin farmers that the federal government should pay them for shutting off water to crops in 2001 to help protected fish survive a drought.
"
OR: Oregon fishermen may get to catch more chinook salmon in 2010
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the first time in two years, Oregon's commercial fishermen will be allowed to catch chinook salmon all along the Oregon coast under three fishing options detailed Thursday by a federal panel.
"
OR: Burning wood as renewable power draws scrutiny in Oregon and nationwide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"EUGENE, Ore. -- By the end of this year, Seneca Sustainable Energy plans to fire up a power plant that will convert about 700 tons a day of logging leftovers and waste from its nearby sawmill into enough electricity to power 13,000 homes.
"
PA: Veon jury to tackle double dipping
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The jury is expected to begin deliberating today in the public corruption trial of an ex-lawmaker and three aides and will decide, among other issues, whether legislators billing taxpayers for meals while collecting per diems for food and lodging is a crime, a prosecutor said.
"
PA: Head of Pa. AFL-CIO retiring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bill George is retiring as president of Pennsylvania's AFL-CIO after 20 years as one of the state's most visible organized labor leaders.
"
PA: Bonusgate case goes to jury today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Defense attorneys in the Bonusgate corruption case say their clients are not criminals, but victims of a political culture that has existed for decades.
"
RI: R.I. urged to expand aid to jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Labor and Training on Thursday made a pitch to the Senate Finance Committee for a plan to expand the state's unemployment program to obtain about $15.6 million in federal funds.
"
RI: R.I. General Assembly bills would close no-bid loophole
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts is asking lawmakers to close the loophole that allowed the Carcieri administration to make a $370,000 settlement payment to the Lucas Group for no-bid Medicaid consulting services that top aides to the governor had, for months, insisted were provided voluntarily.
"
RI: PUC chair concerned over wind power cost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WARWICK, R.I. — The chairman of the state Public Utilities Commission on Thursday raised concerns about the potentially groundbreaking decision he and his two colleagues must make for or against a power-purchase agreement between Deepwater Wind and National Grid.
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SD: No earmarks could hurt S.D.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- For the past couple of years, Aerostar International in Sioux Falls has contracted with the Defense Department to develop its HiSentinel unmanned aircraft for high-altitude surveillance of combat regions.
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SD: State part of settlement with theft protection company
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and 34 states in announcing an agreement reached with LifeLock Inc., a company based in Tempe, Ariz. that offers theft protection.
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SD: Big project tax breaks to shrink, then end
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Legislature's leaders reached agreement Thursday to cut back and eventually shut down South Dakota's program that has provided millions of dollars in construction-tax refunds for large business projects and agricultural processing plants.
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TN: Kisber says English-only driver test would be "less inviting" to foreign companies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's top economic recruitment official said Thursday that legislation requiring the written portion of state driver's license exams be conducted only in English "contradicts the message ... that Tennessee is a good place for foreign companies to invest."
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TN: Tennessee jobless rate hits 10 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The greater Nashville area's jobless rate hit 10 percent in January, state labor officials said, fresh evidence that it may be tough to find work well into next year.
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TX: Slush fun
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the past six years, Texas Gov. Rick Perry has lorded over a controversial stash of taxpayer money known as the Texas Enterprise Fund, dispensing huge sums—$345 million and counting—to large corporations, ostensibly to spur job growth. Critics call it the governor's slush fund.
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TX: State Farm plans 2nd rate hike in 8 months for home policies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Farm Insurance told the state Thursday that it intends to raise its homeowners rate 4.5 percent statewide starting May 1, only eight months after the company boosted rates 8.8 percent.
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US: States may hold onto tax refunds for months
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Residents eager to get their state tax refunds may have a long wait this year: The recession has tied up cash and caused officials in half a dozen states to consider freezing refunds, in one case for as long as five months.
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US: Cash-starved states put tax scofflaws in crosshairs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Financially strapped states are getting more aggressive with tax scofflaws, hoping that stepped-up enforcement and the posting of the names of delinquents online will push more people to pay up.
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US: New round of foreclosures threatens housing market
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The housing market is facing swelling ranks of homeowners who are seriously delinquent but have yet to lose their homes, and this is threatening a new wave of foreclosures that could hit just as the real estate market has begun to stabilize.
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UT: The states' rights session
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a session otherwise devoid of fireworks, conservative Utah legislators were content to launch bottle rockets at a federal government they believe has overstepped its bounds.
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UT: Power conservation bill passes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislation passed Thursday to enroll Rocky Mountain Power customers in the Cool Keeper program that cycles residential air conditioning off and on during peak use to conserve energy and save costs.
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UT: Provo's State Hospital fails to make final cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House amendment allocating $2 million for design of a new pediatric unit at Provo's State Hospital failed to gain agreement from the Senate.
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UT: State pension plan gets overhaul
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public employees benefits in the state may never be the same -- at least for future hirees.
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UT: Utah Legislature adjourns after closing budget gap, passing ethics reforms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Considering what they faced 45 days ago when the 2010 Legislature began, most legislators, lobbyists and special interest advocates were smiling Thursday night after the 104 part-time lawmakers adjourned.
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VA: Democrats press McDonnell to protect gay rights
From: feeds.stateline.org
"General Assembly Democrats say Gov. Bob McDonnell isn't going far enough to protect gay public employees -- that he needs to put the law behind his promise to shield them from bias in the workplace.
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VA: Republican governor as gay rights defender -- a sign of the times?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican governor Bob McDonnell of Virginia, reversing his previous position, this week extended nondiscrimination protections to gay state workers. His emergence as a gay rights defender may signal that 'culture wars' issues loom less large within the GOP, as economic concerns rise.
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VA: Va. lawmakers pass car title lending reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Car title lenders could continue to charge high interest rates but would be limited in how much they could charge and how much they could lend borrowers under provisions that passed out of the General Assembly on Thursday.
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VA: More ships to Florida? Navy may snub Hampton Roads on new combat ships
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Hampton Roads' leaders try to fend off plans to move a Norfolk-based aircraft carrier to Mayport, Fla., a top naval officer said the Florida base also has the upper hand to get another prize that Norfolk hoped to share.
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VT: Vermont court -- 'Reduced risk' cigarette ads are false
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Vermont court has ruled that tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds engaged in deceptive and misleading advertising in promoting its Eclipse cigarettes as less risky than conventional smokes.
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VT: Bill calls for five marijuana dispensaries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Sen ate panel voted 3-2 Thurs day to support a bill that would allow the establish ment of five medical-mari juana dispensaries to serve the needs of the 169 Ver monters who have regis tered with the state so they can use marijuana to cope with debilitating medical conditions.
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VT: Hydro-Quebec deal near; will last 26 years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vermont's two largest electric utilities and mega-power producer Hydro-Quebec signed an agreement Thursday that is expected to lead to a 26-year contract for the annual purchase of 225 megawatts of electricity.
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WI: UW-Whitewater to help businesses grow globally
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WHITEWATER, Wisc. -- UW-Whitewater will play a bigger role in helping Wisconsin businesses grow and thrive in the global marketplace.
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WI: Wis. high court sides with dealer in Volvo dispute
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Wisconsin Supreme Court has sided with a Wausau truck dealership in a dispute with a major manufacturer of semitrailers.
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WI: Wisconsin added jobs in January, but unemployment rate rose
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin added 5,600 net new jobs in January, even as the state's unemployment rate rose to 8.7%, according to a report Thursday from the state Department of Workforce Development.
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WV: State demands details on gas drillers' water use
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection wants details about where oil and gas producers are getting water for wells and how they'll dispose of it.
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WY: Energy industry in Wyoming showing signs of recovery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Wyoming's natural gas rig counts are down over the past two years, the number of applications for permits to drill gas well are on the rise. Those numbers, combined with more stabilized prices for natural gas could mean the worst is over for Wyoming's mineral industry and the economy of the state.
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WY: 'This does draw a line in the sand'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With some trepidation, Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Thursday signed into law a bill asserting that Wyoming-made firearms are exempt from all federal laws and regulations.
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WY: Wyo G&F targets aquatic invasive species
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREEN RIVER, Wy. -- Aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels are no bigger than the palm of your hand.
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WY: Wyo Gov signs Firearms Freedom Act despite warnings, reservations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Dave Freudenthal has signed original House Bill 95, known as the Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act, despite almost two pages of warnings and reservations about the new law to citizens and legislators.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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