Subsidized jobs: A faint echo of the New Deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A small piece of the federal stimulus program is going toward funding jobs in the private sector. Even conservatives seem to like the idea.
"
AK: BP is pursuing Alaska drilling some call risky
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The future of BP's offshore oil operations in the Gulf of Mexico has been thrown into doubt by the recent drilling disaster and court wrangling over a moratorium.
"
AK: AEL&P surprised, disappointed by rate increase denial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaska Electric Light & Power officials were surprised, and maybe even shocked, by the Regulatory Commission of Alaska's denial of its interim rate increase, and skepticism expressed on the Juneau utility's need for additional money.
"
AK: Alaska utility says wind farm power cheaper
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Golden Valley Electric Association says a wind farm near Healy could prevent increases in customer rates because it would likely produce cheaper power than wholesale prices the utility pays.
"
AZ: Ariz. population still growing, but not like before
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If there was any question about the growth spurt of Arizona cities being over, new figures from the U.S. Census Bureau should put that to rest.
"
AZ: Arizona mortgage relief plan to receive federal funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A small number of Arizona homeowners facing foreclosure could receive significant aid -- reducing what they owe by $100,000 or more -- under a state-run program approved Wednesday.
"
AZ: Calif. measure presses state boycott of Arizona
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A group of California lawmakers is urging the state to boycott Arizona over its controversial immigration law.
"
CA: U.S. approves $700 million plan to aid California homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly $700 million in assistance for California homeowners struggling to stay in their houses will be made available this fall, the biggest infusion of federal money aimed directly at the state's struggling home- owners since the housing market meltdown began.
"
CA: Gov. urges minimum wage for California state workers until budget deal is reached
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After enduring more than a year of unpaid monthly furlough days, state workers could see their pay cut to minimum wage until Sacramento strikes a budget accord this summer, according to a memo from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration sent Wednesday.
"
CO: Hickenlooper job plan focuses on building local businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Hickenlooper on Wednesday laid out his vision for creating statewide jobs by building small businesses from the local level up.
"
CT: Foreclosure crisis fuels huge earnings for state marshals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's foreclosure crisis continued to fuel huge earnings for a handful of state marshals last year, even after efforts to rein in allegedly illegal billing practices, an analysis of financial-disclosure filings shows.
"
CT: Blumenthal will investigate CVS Caremark's plan to drop its discount drug plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said Wednesday he plans to investigate CVS Caremark's warning that it will shut down its discount prescription plan in Connecticut if the state enforces a new law broadening the benefits to Medicaid patients.
"
DE: Markell yields on two-tier benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jack Markell's office has conceded defeat on efforts to reduce benefits for future state employees, deferring discussions until next year.
"
FL: Has BP oil spill canceled summer on the Gulf Coast?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Santa Rosa Island, the home of Pensacola Beach, is known as the "Las Vegas of Beach Weddings," but 65 percent of planned weddings on this historic island have been scrapped this summer as the Gulf oil spill begins to sully the beaches on a larger scale.
"
FL: Miles of oil washing up in Florida Panhandle
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PENSACOLA BEACH, Fla. -- The worst blow yet to the Florida coastline from the growing oil spill struck Wednesday in an eight-mile line of thick, sticky goo that stained the pristine sands of this Panhandle community.
"
FL: Gulf counties vent frustrations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Equipment, action and money. Florida's Panhandle counties want more of all three for oil spill response. And did they mention money?
"
FL: National Guard plays role in oil spill response
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Capt. Butler Strain has been working at the State Emergency Response Team center since November as a liaison between the National Guard and the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Since then, he's worked through Hurricane Ida, the Haiti earthquake and floods. But this is his first oil spill.
"
FL: Broker licensing rules to get tougher in July
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After years of lax licensing requirements, all mortgage brokers in Florida -- including those who may have just submitted an application -- will have to reapply under more probing criteria later this year.
"
FL: Oiled-bird rescue expert watches, waits -- and teaches
From: feeds.stateline.org
"STOCK ISLAND, Fla. -- Gingerly holding the head of a dead cormorant, Lee Fox demonstrated how to wash olive oil off the bird's scalp with a soft toothbrush and flush its eyes with saline solution.
"
IL: Carp creeps into Lake Calumet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A commercial fisherman patrolling the calm waters of Lake Calumet netted a 19-pound Asian carp Tuesday, the first physical discovery of the feared invasive species in the Chicago waterway system north of the electric barriers.
"
IL: Walmart becomes issue in Ill. governor's race
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHICAGO -- The fight over building more Walmarts in the city of Chicago has spilled over into the Illinois governor's race, with Republican Bill Brady joining with an influential black minister Wednesday to support the big box chain's expansion.
"
IL: Quinn grounded; STAR bill signing delayed a day
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MARION, Ill. -- The welcome sign was up, the people were gathered and the mood was festive, but the legislation-signing show could not go on Wednesday without its star, whose plane was grounded in Chicago because of severe weather.
"
IL: Tax incentives drive May surge in home sales
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Springfield area saw a 29 percent increase in home sales in May, making last month the third-best May on record. That's usually is no reason for caution.
"
IN: Daniels touts jobs numbers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the occasional whispers about his political future sharpen into consistent buzz about a presidential run, Gov. Mitch Daniels says he is siphoning any star power he has into Indiana's economy.
"
IN: Economic development agency opens its books
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- The day after his administration's economic development arm responded to a public records request for details on its efforts to lure companies to Indiana, Gov. Mitch Daniels said he is satisfied by the transparency of the state's job creation figures.
"
IN: Worst of recession could be over
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mark Foster's phone rings with anxious questions from investors every day the stock market dives.
"
IN: State goes after unlicensed residential mortgage brokers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana Securities Commissioner Chris Naylor has ordered two out-of-state loan brokers to cease operations in Indiana.
"
LA: Abortion clinic bill gets Gov. Jindal's signature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisiana's health secretary will have more discretion to close an abortion clinic for safety or health violations under a bill signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
"
LA: Cap reinstalled over oil leak
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BP on Wednesday night reinstalled a containment cap over its oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico after removing the cap earlier in the day when an underwater robot bumped into it. The Associated Press reported Wednesday night that the cap was reinstalled and is again collecting oil.
"
LA: Caldwell gets more money for BP cases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday that Attorney General Buddy Caldwell's office is getting another $5 million from a $25 million BP grant for Louisiana's response to the Gulf oil spill response, bringing the attorney general's share to $10 million as he leads a team of public and private lawyers representing the state's interests amid the ongoing disaster.
"
LA: Despite spill, Louisiana remains wedded to oil
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisiana is married to the oil and gas business, for better or for worse. The energy industry depends on Louisiana to supply 30 percent of the nation's oil supply, and Louisiana depends on the industry as the state's biggest economic engine. But there is a cost, as the Deepwater Horizon has proven.
"
LA: Gusher spews full force after mishap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a new startling setback to oil spill cleanup efforts, tens of thousands of barrels of fresh crude oil gushed into the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday for more than 11 hours after an undersea mishap forced BP workers to unhook their improvised collection system at the site of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
"
MA: Ex-aide to Cahill brokers bond deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state water pollution control board that state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill chairs has chosen Goldman Sachs to be the chief underwriter for a $455.9 million bond offering, a contract that was negotiated with a Goldman vice president who is a former top deputy to Cahill and remains one of his trusted political supporters.
"
MD: Md. probes extortion claims
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Maryland state prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into allegations that several elected officials and politically connected operatives in Prince George's County tried to shake down a developer who wanted to lease space to a county agency, according to a source familiar with the state probe.
"
MD: 60 years ago, Friendship was born
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sixty years ago today, President Harry S. Truman crossed the Potomac and boarded a propeller-driven military DC-6, the 1950 version of Air Force One, and took a short flight to dedicate a new airport carved out of Anne Arundel County farmland.
"
MD: State buys more slot machines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Board of Public Works voted 2-1 to purchase the last 438 slot machines for the Cecil County casino from a single manufacturer, again overriding the protests of Comptroller Peter Franchot.
"
ME: Portland diocese raises $42M million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND -- A two-year capital campaign for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has raised more than $42 million to benefit parishes and ministry programs across Maine, Bishop Richard Malone said Wednesday.
"
ME: Gordon L. Weil -- A talk with firewood man yields some sound economic advice
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Last week, I received my annual fire wood delivery. And stacked it, I am glad to say. The delivery gave me the chance to chat with my supplier, a man who takes the wood off his own land and cuts, splits, dries and delivers it. He deals in an essential fuel and uses a lot of fuel in processing the wood, so I did my annual check with him about how he sees the economy.
"
ME: Richmond food bank shutting down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Shepherd of Faith food bank will close at the end of the month, its director told selectmen Wednesday.
"
MI: Rep. Pete Hoekstra blames President Obama after 19 pound Asian carp past electric barriers, six miles from Lake Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Michigan's congressional delegation renewed its call for a greater federal response Wednesday after a live Asian carp was found above an electric fish barrier in the Chicago Area Waterway System.
"
MI: Michigan lawmakers renew war on Asian carp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers called again Wednesday for closure of locks and canals connecting the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan after officials announced the catch of a bighead carp in Chicago's Lake Calumet.
"
MI: Carp found past barriers, but locks will stay open
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The first Asian carp found past electric barriers built to stop the fish from invading Lake Michigan will not lead to lock closures, federal and state officials in Illinois said Wednesday.
"
MN: State seeks compensation for 3M pollution
From: feeds.stateline.org
"3M Company may be liable for damage to natural resources because of chemicals that contaminated Mississippi River fish and tainted groundwater beneath much of the east metro area.
"
MN: Collin Peterson is improbable player in Wall Street bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON - Rep. Collin Peterson has never walked on Wall Street, but it hasn't prevented him from trying to reform it. While the rural Minnesota Democrat is playing a key role in the biggest piece of Wall Street legislation in decades, Peterson has never seen a reason to visit the 7,000-pound bronze Wall Street bull in Lower Manhattan.
"
MS: Coast Guard to investigate command structure on Deepwater Horizon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top Coast Guard official told the House Education and Labor Committee on Wednesday that his agency would be investigating the command structure aboard the Deepwater Horizon to see if that played a role in the confusion surrounding the rig's April 20 explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.
"
ND: North Dakota's Public Service Commission wants greater wind farm authority
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota's Public Service Commission proposes to expand its authority to regulate all wind farms of commercial scale.
"
ND: State agency hears concerns about wind farms near air base
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The wind might blow forever in North Dakota, but there's no guarantee it can be turned into an environmental and economic resource in northern Grand Forks County.
"
NH: N.H.'s Old Man gets new life
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than seven years after New Hampshire's Old Man of the Mountain fell off a cliff in Franconia Notch State Park, the state will break ground today on a memorial that they hope will revive interest and rouse memories of the lost symbol.
"
NJ: N.J. top court upholds lower court's ruling saying state not mandated to pay full teacher pensions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TRENTON — The New Jersey Supreme Court has declined to hear a case in which the state's largest teachers union sought full funding for its pension fund.
"
NJ: Longtime N.J. Chamber of Commerce head to step down after feud with Gov. Christie
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It was a political test of wills between the new governor and one of the state's most influential business leaders.
"
NM: Over objections, Brown gets nod for SIC seat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Doug Brown, a former acting state treasurer, won a New Mexico Senate committee's unanimous endorsement for a seat on the State Investment Council, despite a lawyer's complaints that Brown was helping "stonewall" requests for SIC documents that could help the state recover millions of dollars from bad investments.
"
NV: Dried-up sugar beet industry still has some juice in Nevada
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Recent news reports about a Canadian company's efforts to force an Elko County ranch to sell land for gold mining highlighted one potential flaw in the state's eminent domain statute, but the most antiquated portion of the law has nothing to do with extracting precious metals.
"
NY: State to sue BP over investments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli on Wednesday said he was suing BP in the wake of the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, and would seek to make New York the lead plaintiff in a class action suit against the British petroleum giant.
"
OH: Ohio plant eyes Indiana to avoid environmental rule
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio's governor has asked state environmental regulators to come up with a way to save 214 jobs at a northwest Ohio plant that is considering a move to Indiana because of an environmental rule.
"
OH: Third Frontier Commission recommends $7 million in grants for Northeast Ohio imaging, biomedical projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Ohio's high-tech development leaders want to pump nearly $7 million in awards into cutting-edge projects at medical-imaging and biomedical companies in Northeast Ohio.
"
OH: Ohio saves its tourism agency once again
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ohio Tourism Division, which was about to see its funding vanish as the state's fiscal year nears its end, has been given another one-year reprieve.
"
RI: Carcieri vetoes bill setting vote on gambling expansion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Governor Carcieri has vetoed the legislation calling for a statewide vote this November on turning Twin River and Newport Grand into full-blown casinos without any guarantee as to what the state might get in return.
"
SC: SC university holds forum on gulf oil spill threat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Faculty members from a South Carolina university will lead a forum on the potential dangers of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill to the state's coast.
"
SC: Mark Sanford touts competitiveness bill as tool to attract jobs, business
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With expanding South Carolina's economy and creating jobs as the top issue facing the state for years to come, Gov. Mark Sanford, House Speaker Bobby Harrell and other state representatives gathered to celebrate the signing of a competitiveness act Wednesday.
"
TN: Bredesen signs English-in-workplace bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed a bill declaring that it is not discriminatory for employers to establish English-only policies where there are legitimate business reasons for them.
"
US: States see mixed demand for appliance rebates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"States have paid out less than half the money set aside for rebates on energy-efficient household appliances, disappointing retailers and manufacturers that had hoped for a repeat of the hot demand fueled by last year's cash for clunkers auto scheme.
"
US: Report sees need for 500 additional biofuels plants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- More than 500 new biorefineries will be needed around the country to meet the nation's goal of tripling biofuel consumption by 2022, according to a government study.
"
VA: How were digital signs uprooted in Va. Beach? Gardeners.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sure, these women throw the occasional tea party. Yes, their floral arrangements are always impeccable. And there's no denying that they are of a certain age – mostly older than 50. But as Virginia Beach's politicians and business leaders know, it is a mistake to dismiss them as little old ladies in tennis shoes.
"
WA: TransAlta deal with state attracts criticism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CENTRALIA, Wash. -- Environmental groups took issue Tuesday with an air quality agreement reached between the state and a coal-burning power plant in Lewis County, saying it does not go far enough in limiting toxic mercury emissions.
"
WI: Asian carp discovered near Lake Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A 19-pound Asian carp has been found near the shore of Lake Michigan, above a navigation lock that regional political leaders had been demanding the Army Corps slam shut to try to keep the invaders out of the world's largest freshwater system.
"
WI: Wisconsin State Fair track will lose $2 million, audit says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new Legislative Audit Bureau review of the Wisconsin State Fair Park estimates the fair's racetrack will lose nearly $2 million this year.
"
WI: Four county area lost 800 jobs in May, state says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In another sign that the recovery could be losing momentum, the four-county region that includes Milwaukee and Waukesha lost 800 jobs last month on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to new data Wednesday from the state Department of Workforce Development.
"
WV: Attorney General adds banks and insurance companies to bid-rigging lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State Attorney General Darrell McGraw has added 24 banks and insurance companies to a lawsuit alleging bid rigging in municipal derivatives in West Virginia.
"
WV: Hundreds to gather for Create W.Va. conference
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some 400 community and business leaders from West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania will meet in Wheeling this fall to discuss new economic opportunities.
"
Bighead carp found near Lake Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: Tuesday's discovery of an Asian carp just off Lake Michigan pit Great Lakes states against each other and revived fears that the invasive species may be about to take over the lakes despite scientists' efforts to keep it out.
"
Gulf states fear long-term fiscal effects of oil disaster
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Gulf Coast states were hopeful that 2010 would be a year of economic revival. Now, one of the worst environmental tragedies in U.S. history is jeopardizing the future of the tourism, fishing and deep-water oil drilling industries. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida do not have the money to offset the revenue losses and are counting on BP to rescue them.
"
Gulf govs hail judge's ruling on drilling moratorium
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: A federal judge's decision overturn the federal ban on offshore drilling drew praise from Gulf state governors who had complained that idling oil production would put workers out of work.
"
State budget cuts: across the board, and at cross-purposes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
Faced with historic budget deficits, states used blunt force to make deep cuts in 2010. In some cases, those cuts may come back to cost money later.
"
New York hikes cigarette taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
TODAY'S TAKE: New York has become the latest state to raise cigarette taxes in the face of a budget deficit that exceeds $9 billion. Once the increase takes effect in July, New Yorkers will pay the country's highest tobacco taxes.
"
States ride broadband wave
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With an infusion of even more funding for planning since the National Broadband Plan was released in March, states are moving ahead with efforts to expand high-quality broadband access, even as a court ruling against the FCC’s net neutrality authority leaves them seeking clarity.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
"
"
Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
and planning with investments and insurance choices.
Consulting services that review businesses to find hidden opportunities to
increase wealth accumulation and retention.
Foreign investor tax services.
Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
State of the art payroll tax services and sales tax preparation.
Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
Assistance in selection and installation of computer hardware and
software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
