A growing pile of debt for state unemployment insurance programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A majority of states are borrowing more federal funds for their unemployment programs than ever before. With stimulus money set to expire, the consequences may be severe.
"
AL: Riley, coast residents concerned about future after oil spill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ORANGE BEACH, Ala. -- The worst of the Gulf oil spill crisis may be over, but neither boat captains nor state officials in Montgomery cele brated much Wednesday when BP PLC said it met its goal of pushing crude deeper into the Earth to less en the chance of a new gusher.
"
AL: Sales tax holiday kicks off Friday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Retailers across metro Birmingham are getting ready for Alabama's sales tax holiday weekend that kicks off Friday, boosting their staffing and inventory for what they hope is a crush of back-to-school shoppers.
"
AL: Alabama Gov. Bob Riley in D.C. pressing for drilling royalties for Gulf Coast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Royalties from new offshore drilling, originally scheduled to be shared with Gulf Coast states starting in 2017, should be jump-started immediately to help those states recover from the BP oil spill and defend against the next one, Gov. Bob Riley said Wednesday during a trip to Washington to lobby for the idea.
"
AL: Alabama's cost of providing pensions could jump by 2019
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's cost of providing pension coverage for its active and retired teachers and other employees could jump $745 million, or 77 percent, by decade's end, Retirement Systems of Alabama Deputy Director Marc Reynolds said Wednesday.
"
AZ: Special session of Legislature likely to be called
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers say they have enough support to send an anti-union measure to voters this fall.
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AZ: Arizona homeowners face tax hike after move by Legislature
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Homeowners in numerous school districts statewide are going to end up with higher property-tax bills because of a little-noticed tax shift lawmakers approved in the state budget.
"
CA: Bill limiting debit card fees goes to Assembly
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When you use plastic to pump gas or to buy a bag of chips at a convenience store, you're likely to hear the rote question: "Credit or debit?"
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CA: California to receive about $500 million less from Washington
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Senate signaled today that it will pass legislation providing $16 billion in additional aid to states, including about $1.28 billion for California in Medicaid dollars, according to the Department of Finance.
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CO: Voters in Colorado swing with the economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Two years ago, as the election season roared toward November, people here in northern Colorado feared the economy was headed for a cliff. They sought refuge in voting for Democrats in numbers not seen in generations.
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CT: Workers tried to stop Omar Thornton
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MANCHESTER, Conn. -- Five employees of Hartford Distributors Inc. tried to warn their fellow workers or physically stop Omar Thornton during his shooting spree, including a 77-year-old man who tried to run him over with a golf cart.
"
DE: Bluewater deadlines set back two years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NRG Bluewater Wind has pushed back its construction milestones for a planned offshore wind farm by two years, agreeing with Delmarva Power on a host of extensions that acknowledge a longer-than-expected timeline for obtaining federal permits.
"
FL: Effects from gulf oil spill far from over, experts say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal government — which has had to repeatedly revise its estimate about how much oil has gushed into the gulf from the Deepwater Horizon disaster — announced Wednesday that "the vast majority" of the oil appears to be gone.
"
FL: Cutbacks shrink deal for sugar land
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the third and likely last time, Gov. Charlie's Crist's controversial Big Sugar deal is being dramatically downsized.
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FL: Science world skeptical at oil's disappearing act
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Many scientists say they're skeptical of a widely publicized government report Wednesday that concludes much of the oil that gushed from BP's leaking well is gone and poses little threat to the Gulf of Mexico.
"
GA: Four Ga. stimulus projects called wasteful
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four stimulus projects in Georgia, including a study at GSU on why monkeys respond to unfairness, were deemed wasteful spending by a new report criticizing the "worst 100" stimulus projects.
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GA: More stimulus coming for Ga. broadband
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Another $13 million in stimulus funding is on its way to expand broadband through three projects in rural Georgia.
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GA: Georgia stimulus projects make list of 100 that "give taxpayers the blues"
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several projects in Georgia funded with federal stimulus dollars made a nationwide list of 100 endeavors that U.S. Sens. John McCain and Tom Coburn are questioning in a report released this month.
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IA: Judge cuts state's proposed Atalissa fine by 85 percent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Henry's Turkey Service must pay $174,660 for failing to pay the minimum wage to its mentally retarded workers, an administrative law judge has ruled.
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ID: Idaho third in nation for farmers market growth, USDA says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that the 2010 National Farmers Market Directory lists 6,132 operational farmers markets, representing 16 percent growth over 2009 when the agency reported 5,274.
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IL: Sales tax holiday designed to help back-to-school shoppers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PEORIA, Ill. -- Back-to-school shoppers will look for extra credit when they hit the stores this weekend.
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IL: Transportation cuts bad news for B-N schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NORMAL, Ill. -- Twin City school officials will be faced with continuing challenges in funding transportation after the latest state budget cuts announced by Gov. Pat Quinn.
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IL: Memo -- State furloughs invite suit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top personnel officer in Gov. Quinn's administration recommended against doubling the number of furlough days for non-union state workers, predicting a wave of litigation could swamp the $18 million in savings targeted under the pay-cut program.
"
IL: Officials visit Marion to discuss development
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MARION, Ill. -- State officials visited Marion this week to discuss details of the sales tax and revenue bond district and tour the proposed 400-acre site on the city's north side, state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said.
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IN: State falls short on its tax revenue forecasts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The first revenue report of Indiana's new fiscal year showed state finances may be a touch better than last year, but not nearly as good as they need to be.
"
LA: Mississippi River pours as much dispersant into the Gulf of Mexico as BP
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Every day during the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, contractors sprayed an average 140,000 pounds of Corexit dispersant onto oil slicks on the surface of the Gulf of Mexico and into the oil being released a mile below.
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LA: Jindal asks BP to fund seafood plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The seafood certification program that Gov. Bobby Jindal wants BP to fund is far from a new initiative.
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LA: Cementing of Macondo oil well in Gulf of Mexico authorized
From: feeds.stateline.org
"National Incident Commander Thad Allen has authorized BP to cement the Macondo oil well in the Gulf of Mexico as part of the static kill procedure, BP announced Wednesday night.
"
MA: For builders, workers, towns, casino loss stings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The failure to pass an expanded gambling bill has left its supporters seething.
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MA: Baker backs single casino
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles D. Baker said yesterday that, if elected, he will file his own casino bill, meaning the protracted, highly charged debate over expanded gambling could continue next year, even under a new chief executive.
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ME: Backers of Oxford County casino shell out $1M for TV spots
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With three months to go before the general election, supporters of an Oxford County casino already have committed to spend more than $1 million on television advertising in Maine.
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ME: Maine to receive $116M in federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine cast key votes Wednesday to break a GOP filibuster and advance a bill that will provide the state with an estimated $116 million in additional federal aid.
"
MN: Home sales down in Central Minnesota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Single-family home sales continue to decrease in Central Minnesota.
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MN: State is sending a message with lakeshore lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As more homes creep closer to Minnesota's environmentally sensitive lakeshore, the state Department of Natural Resources is pushing back by suing a western Minnesota township that allowed a property owner to build a house 14 feet from Ida Lake.
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MN: Farmers markets make big strides in Minn., Wis.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"National statistics show that farmers markets are making big strides in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
"
MT: Rehear rezoning case, co-op asks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. — A Billings-based electric co-op is asking the Montana Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling last month that Cascade County illegally rezoned farmland so a power plant could be built.
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NC: Business 40 fix delayed 3 years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State transportation officials are proposing a three-year delay to the start of an extensive makeover of Business 40 in downtown Winston-Salem.
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NC: Gov. Perdue announces $83M in broadband grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina is getting $83 million in federal money to expand broadband Internet access in rural parts of the state.
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NC: Retailers ready for crowds during sales tax holiday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sticking it to the government can be especially appealing in a down economy.
"
ND: Lawmakers disagree on health care reform's cost to North Dakota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials disagreed Wednesday about what the financial impact of federal health care reform will mean in North Dakota.
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ND: 2 initiatives expected on North Dakota fall ballot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two years ago, advocates of an initiative to ban hunting within fenced game preserves fell 129 petition signatures short of putting their measure in front of North Dakota voters.
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NE: Editorial, 8/5 -- Next time, learn from experience
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The first time Congress extended unemployment benefits, Nebraskans trying to apply by phone were frustrated by busy signals and long waits on hold.
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NE: Nebraska delegation set for trade mission to Taiwan, Hong Kong
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A delegation from the Nebraska agricultural community, led by state agriculture department Director Greg Ibach, will leave Thursday on a trade mission to Taiwan and Hong Kong.
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NE: Report -- Nebraska has lowest per capita debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While other states are digging themselves deeper into debt, Nebraska continues to borrow little, and, at $15 per person, has the lowest per capita debt in the nation, according to a recent CNN Money report.
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NH: A tax cut recession? Candidate Kuster thinks so
From: feeds.stateline.org
"What was it that brought down the U.S. economy? Liberal economists tend to blame insufficient regulatory oversight of Wall Street. Conservative economists tend to blame policies that encouraged financial institutions to make bad home loans. Ann McLane Kuster, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 2nd District, blames the Bush tax cuts.
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NH: NH telecoms get $2.3M in federal grants to expand Internet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Merrimack County Telephone company has been awarded $2,021,197 in federal funds and Kearsarge Telephone Company was awarded $372,532 to expand broadband Internet to people and businesses in their service area. The funds come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"
NJ: N.J. to create panel to 'overhaul' public land leases for private firms firms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Department of Environmental Protection said today it is creating a panel to "overhaul" the leasing process by which private companies run pipelines, cables, electric lines and towers on public land, in the wake of controversy over a $45,750 flat fee that had been proposed for gas-line through northern New Jersey.
"
NJ: N.J. Assembly committee to discuss $10.5B budget deficit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This time last year Chris Christie said the Democratic governor should drop out of the 2009 election in shame because he allowed the state to rack up an $8 billion deficit.
"
NJ: Is an expanded tax base worth it?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When an industrial zoning change recently was adopted in Hillsborough, officials in the Somerset County township said their aim was to stimulate commercial property values that could help offset the percentage of property taxes levied on homeowners.
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NJ: N.J.'s largest state workers union rejects raising dues to push back against Christie claims
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An attempt by New Jersey's largest state workers union to raise cash for media campaigns to hit back at Gov. Chris Christie has fallen flat.
"
NJ: N.J. lease deals with utility companies continue to cost taxpayers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey taxpayers have been short-changed in lease deals for decades as utility companies cross state parks and preserved lands with everything from gas pipes and electrical lines to fiber-optic cables.
"
NJ: Poll- N.J. voters oppose Atlantic City takeover, aid to Xanadu
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new poll finds voter support for privatizing New Jersey's horse racing tracks, but opposition to having the state oversee a casino and tourism district in Atlantic City.
"
NV: NV Energy promises transparent review of grid for rooftop solar
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Clean-energy advocates have conjured a vision of solar panels lining the rooftops of homes and businesses, powering Nevada with a plentiful and renewable source of energy. But, they say, it will remain nothing but a vision unless the 2011 Legislature requires power giant NV Energy to purchase this homemade electricity.
"
NY: For Cuomo, foretaste of a bitter ideological divide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo, the arduous budget battle that was concluded on Tuesday with the passage of one of the tardiest budgets in state history could serve as a preview of next year.
"
NY: Unstable Senate adds to uncertainty
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Political scientists call it the prisoner's dilemma: Two people are jailed in separate cells and invited to inform on each other in exchange for a lighter sentence. While they have the collective incentive to keep mum and both walk free, they always end up offering testimony -- thinking narrowly about what's best for themselves.
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NY: Deal busters back as budget passes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Now that the budget is completed, Gov. David Paterson says he wants to focus on passing a property tax cap.
"
OH: Installing wind turbines on Lake Erie could generate thousands of jobs, study says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Creating an industry to build and maintain hundreds of power-generating turbines on Lake Erie by 2030 would support up to 8,000 jobs and cost $31 billion, an economic-impact study says.
"
OH: Ohio attorney general accuses driving school of leaving students on the curb
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray sued a now-defunct Fairlawn driving school for failing to issue refunds to hundreds of students who never received the lessons they paid for.
"
OH: Alcoa to cut its third production shift at the Cleveland Works and lay off 71
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- Alcoa Inc. is eliminating its third production shift at its Cleveland Works on Harvard Avenue in Cuyahoga Heights and laying off 71 employees.
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OH: Funding will fight foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of Ohioans could stave off foreclosure with the help of $172 million in federal funds earmarked for the state yesterday.
"
OK: Stimulus waste laughable, except it's your money being spent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ferreting out waste in Washington isn't much sport.
"
OK: Statewide sales tax holiday starts Friday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Retailers and shoppers are getting ready for this weekend's back-to-school sales tax holiday.
"
OR: The Senate's rescue mission
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thanks to some last-minute rejiggering and to the independent streak of Maine's two Republican senators, a wave of federal money appears to be heading Oregon's way.
"
OR: Oregon gets federal money to help unemployed avert foreclosures
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration released $600 million Wednesday to help unemployed homeowners in Oregon and four other states avoid foreclosure.
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OR: Oregon economic trend line looks suspiciously like a double dip
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The graph on Oregon economist Tim Duy's monthly report is beginning to look suspiciously like a recessionary double dip.
"
PA: Pennsylvania facing spending cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill providing much-needed fiscal relief to states cleared a key procedural hurdle in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday, but state lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell still need to slice $250 million from the state budget.
"
PA: Marcellus Shale drilling industry 'is not operating at an excellent level,' state official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There are too many spills, too many leaks, and too much natural gas migrating into people's drinking water wells due to drilling in the Marcellus Shale, said John Hanger, Pennsylvania's Secretary of Environmental Protection.
"
PA: Survey shows job losses, high medical bills led to foreclosures in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly every respondent in a survey of 500 Pennsylvanians whose homes went into foreclosure over the past year cited a lost job or unexpected medical bills as the reason for falling behind on mortgage payments.
"
RI: Mounting opposition in Rhode Island to proposed medical marijuana centers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Opposition is mounting in several communities where there are proposals to open the state's first medical-marijuana compassion center for patients licensed to smoke marijuana for a variety of medical maladies.
"
RI: Commuter train companies agree to emissions reductions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOSTON -- The commuter trains serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island may soon be emitting less diesel emissions.
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RI: Schilling's company can locate anywhere in RI
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Although state economic development officials have said Curt Schilling's video game company, 38 Studios LLC, is concentrating its relocation efforts in the city of Providence, under the agreement between the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and 38 Studios, the company can locate anywhere in the state.
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SC: State gets high marks as business-friendly destination
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Illinois-based real estate firm sees South Carolina as one of nation's top models for job retention and creation.
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SC: $138 million OK'd for S.C. homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As many as 15,000 South Carolina homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages after a job loss, death or divorce could get cash to save their homes from foreclosure under a new $138 million federally funded program.
"
TN: Senate advances aid bill that would bring funds to Tennessee
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The Senate cleared a key procedural hurdle Wednesday and was headed toward passage of a $26 billion aid package to the states that would provide $239 million to Tennessee for Medicaid and an additional $194 million for teacher salaries.
"
TN: Commerce, democracy clash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two integral parts of the United States, commerce and democracy, will meld into a hodgepodge of traffic today as shoppers and voters both hit the highways. Tennesseans are going to the polls for Election Day, while people from all over the country hunt for bargains at the World's Longest Yard Sale along U.S. Highway 127.
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TX: Stimulus fails to link Texas' small towns and rural areas with high-speed Internet service
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON – Even with $7.2 billion to spend on expanding broadband to rural America, the government has made progress on enabling high-speed Internet for just a fraction of the homes and businesses that need it.
"
US: Senate musters the votes for aid to states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Overcoming the threat of a Republican filibuster, the Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for approving a $26 billion aid package for cash-strapped states that is expected to keep 138,000 teachers from being laid off nationwide and sustain medical care for the poor.
"
VA: Virginia's inner struggle to get off the scotch tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RICHMOND -- For drinkers, a fifth of Jack Daniel's costs about the same wherever they buy it -- about $25 in Virginia and the District, a couple of bucks less in Maryland. But for the governments that regulate that bottle, the difference is as stark as a sip and a chug.
"
VA: At town hall in Roanoke, McDonnell touts ABC plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROANOKE, Va. -- Gov. Bob McDonnell last night pitched his plan to sell the state's liquor stores before an overflow crowd at the first of eight town hall meetings to be held across the state.
"
VA: 2010 Scout Jamboree comes to an end
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BOWLING GREEN, Va. -- Soggy but satisfied could best describe the parting attitude of the 34,579 Boy Scouts and their adult leaders as they left the 2010 National Scout Jamboree yesterday morning at Fort A.P. Hill.
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VA: Consumers get a nudge with tax holiday event
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia's annual back-to-school tax holiday allows consumers to save the state's 5 percent sales tax on school supplies costing $20 or less and clothing and footwear priced $100 or less. The event runs from Friday to Sunday.
"
VT: State outlines cuts in school spending required by Challenges for Change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"They knew it was coming, but that didn't make it any easier Wednesday for Vermont schools to digest state recommendations to chop $23.2 million from education spending in the 2011-12 school year.
"
VT: Vermont gets $116 million in stimulus money to expand broadband
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Vermont is in line to become the first state in the U.S. to bring high-speed wireless Internet access to every resident, thanks to $116 million in federal stimulus grants and loans awarded Wednesday to VTel Wireless Inc., a Springfield-based telecommunications firm.
"
VT: Vermont colleges launch Rent-a-Text program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Textbook rentals will make their debut this fall at the UVM Bookstore, following a trend that has already spread across the country. Ditto Champlain College, where the bookstore is one of seven campus outlets in Vermont managed by the Follett Higher Education Group, and where big "Rental" signs already adorn the windows and the aisles.
"
VT: Pension problems prompt South Burlington to halt new spending, hiring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — South Burlington officials announced an immediate hold on new spending and hiring Wednesday evening due to what recently hired City Manager Sanford Miller termed a "seriously underfunded" pension plan and an "unusual" omission on the part of city employees to notify the City Council.
"
WA: Gregoire relieved as aid bill advances in Senate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State lawmakers have apparently dodged, for now, the need for a special session and deep budget cuts after the U.S. Senate on Wednesday cleared the way for $26.1 billion in additional federal aid to the states for Medicaid and public schools.
"
WA: Report -- Can state afford 520 bridge replacement?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A citizens' group has issued a report questioning whether the state can fully afford to build a replacement for the aging state Route 520 bridge.
"
WI: Stimulus money funded 16,347 jobs in second quarter
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal stimulus money funded 16,347 jobs in Wisconsin in the second quarter of 2010, according to newly released federal figures.
"
WI: State releases previously lost train deal letters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin officials on Wednesday released a previously missing file containing correspondence with a Spanish train maker that was awarded a controversial $47 million contract.
"
WI: Walgreens gets OK on alcohol sales
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite concerns that the city doesn't need more liquor outlets, especially at pharmacies, the City Council on Tuesday approved liquor licenses to let Walgreen Drug Stores sell beer and wine at three stores in Madison.
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WV: W.Va.'s investment earnings soar to hefty 16%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A resurgent stock market helped West Virginia's public investments earn more than twice as much as expected during the recently completed budget year, but heavy losses during Wall Street's meltdown continue to dog their long-term performance.
"
WY: Gosar- Change Wyoming mineral taxation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LARAMIE, Wyo. -- Top Republican candidates for Wyoming governor agreed at a campaign forum this week that state government needs to cherish Wyoming's minerals industry during difficult economic times -- not saddle it with higher taxes.
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WY: BLM lease sale raises $3.5 million 3
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Bureau of Land Management oil and gas lease sale generated $3.6 million for leasing rights and rental fees on parcels throughout the state.
"
WY: Groups should reduce number of protests
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Bureau of Land Management's decision Tuesday to not issue oil and gas leases on more than 83,000 acres of public land in Wyoming was a victory for conservation groups that protested the leases.
"
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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