States weigh bans on plastic grocery bags
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As California debates enacting the first statewide plastic bag ban, an environmental issue that started in city halls is taking a turn toward the statehouse. Grocers who opposed the movement against plastic bags now say they’d rather have one state law than a patchwork of local ordinances.
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AL: Aid from Congress not enough to cover Alabama's Medicaid budget shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The federal aid Congress approved Tuesday for state Medicaid budgets is already factored into Alabama's 2011 budget, but the $133 million from Washington is not as much as Gov. Bob Riley had anticipated.
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AL: Jobs bill would provide $149 million to Alabama schools, $133 million for Medicaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The $26 billion jobs bill being considered by the U.S. House would provide $133 million for Alabama's Medicaid program and $149 million for public schools.
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AR: Keet -- Beebe not telling whole story on education, economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Keet accused Democratic incumbent Mike Beebe today of not providing all the facts when talking about the current state of the economy and education in Arkansas.
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AR: State-aid bill clears U.S. House; Boozman votes no
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. House on Tuesday passed a $26 billion state aid bill containing millions of additional federal dollars for Arkansas' Medicaid program and possibly millions more to bolster public education.
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AR: Advocates for hungry have mixed feelings about child nutrition bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., touted the Senate's recent passage of her $4.5 billion child nutrition bill, Arkansans who work to feed the hungry voiced mixed feelings today about the measure, which would be partially funded with cuts to food stamps.
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AZ: Dems blast GOP for cost of fixing anti-union measure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unable to stop a Republican-backed anti-union bill, Senate Democrats are hoping at least to embarrass them about the cost of the effort.
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AZ: Jobs, education package shorts Arizona $160M for Medicaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama signed a $26.1 billion jobs and education stimulus bill Tuesday that leaves Arizona about $160 million short of what it needs to maintain its Medicaid program as required by federal law.
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AZ: Effort to mandate secret union vote in Ariz. advances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican legislators moved forward Tuesday with a proposal to ask voters in November to approve a state mandate for a secret ballot for union-organizing elections.
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AZ: New Arizona law helps shield homebuyers from mortgage abuses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New state licenses required for anyone handling a mortgage application could help prevent a repeat of the bad loans that contributed to Phoenix's housing crash.
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AZ: Back-to-school shopping blues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's typically the second-biggest annual shopping event after Christmas. But for many retailers, the back-to-school shopping season is off to a lackluster start.
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AZ: Arizona anti-union measure nears Nov. 2 ballot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Lawmakers on Tuesday advanced an anti-union measure toward the Nov. 2 ballot with little debate, even as the labor unions the measure is aimed at complain that it is a waste of time and effort.
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AZ: Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum to undergo renovation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Over the next few years, the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum in Phoenix, a popular destination for schoolchildren and tourists, is slated to be transformed into the Arizona Centennial Museum, designed to celebrate 100 years of statehood.
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CA: Economists debate Whitman's economic proposals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Meg Whitman's plan to boost California's economy by cutting taxes and government regulations touched off debate Tuesday between liberal economists, who called it "deeply flawed" and potentially damaging to the state's economy, and conservatives who praised it as a "well-planned road map" to recovery.
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CA: California unions take pay protest to movies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SAN FRANCISCO — State workers across the country have long complained about budget-cutting by way of furloughs and pay cuts. Now California's state employee unions are taking the fight to the wellspring of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's popularity: the big screen.
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CO: Ritter decries GOP politicizing of drilling regs while touting wildlife deals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Colorado voters turned in last-minute ballots to pick a Republican candidate for governor Tuesday, the current governor stood on the west steps of the state capitol in Denver and tossed a huge wrench in the GOP campaign machine's attacks on his "New Energy Economy."
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CO: Drilling pact- State will expedite permits if companies protect wildlife
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bill Ritter and energy companies on Tuesday unveiled deals aimed at minimizing harm to wildlife from oil and gas drilling across 554 square miles of western Colorado.
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CT: Congress passes aid bill vital to Connecticut's budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House gave final approval to a long-delayed $26.1 billion emergency aid package for cash-strapped states on Tuesday.
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DE: Delaware environment -- Claymont steel plant ordered to clean up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After enduring years of industrial assaults by clouds of scratchy metallic soot and heavy metal dust, Claymont-area residents on Tuesday won a final promise of eventual relief.
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FL: Fishing ban off Panhandle lifted as squalls halt drilling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal regulators Tuesday lifted a fishing ban off Florida on Tuesday, pronouncing all but a small area far off the Panhandle coast clear of any oil spill stigma. But with a tropical system brewing in the Gulf of Mexico, few fishermen are likely to venture into increasingly rough waters -- at least over the next few days.
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FL: Tropical storm threat suspends oil well work in gulf
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A huge patch of rough weather off southwest Florida strengthened into a tropical depression Tuesday night and the storm threat caused drilling operations at the Deepwater Horizon oil spill site to be suspended.
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FL: Florida joins federal lawsuit against LCD manufacturers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida joined a California-based federal lawsuit Tuesday against the world's largest LCD manufacturers alleging the companies fixed prices for their products. Attorney General Bill McCollum called it a "massive conspiracy"
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FL: This 'Half True' is the whole truth
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Liberal media mogul Arianna Huffington took PolitiFact to task the other day because we found her claim about Halliburton defrauding the government to be Half True. In her July 5 column, she complained about the "absurdity" and "ludicrousness" of our rating. Her big charge: We were too even-handed.
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GA: Regents ante up possible budget cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state University System Board of Regents Tuesday proposed $192 million in spending cuts that could become reality if the recession drags into the next fiscal year.
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HI: Hawaii Kai farmers face 25-fold rent hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Old age caught up long ago with a group of farmers working 87 acres in East Honolulu's Kamilo Nui Valley, and now the rent they pay to lease the land is about to catch up after four decades.
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HI: Lingle planning China trip to foster ties, tourism
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday said she will likely travel to China in her final months of office to foster relations with tourism and government officials in the fast-developing Asian nation.
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IA: Branstad -- Culver hid debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A report showing Iowa has the second-lowest per capita general fund debt in the nation is under attack from Terry Branstad, who says Gov. Culver used it to mislead Iowans.
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IA: Beverages division improperly reported $500k and vacation time, new audit shows
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly $500,000 of liquor taxes and an unknown amount of employee vacation time were incorrectly reported to the state at lesser amounts by the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, according to a new audit released this morning.
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IL: New state law bans employer credit checks in hiring
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois employers will no longer be able to run credit checks on those applying for jobs under a measure Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law today.
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IL: Conflict of interest in FutureGen changes?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top official at the U.S. Department of Energy once headed a company that stands to reap millions of dollars in government contracts as part of the controversial changes to the FutureGen project.
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IL: Bill passes; Illinois in line for $1B federal influx
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Barack Obama signed a $26 billion jobs bill Tuesday that could bring nearly $1 billion in federal aid to Illinois.
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IL: Greens release own version of New Deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Rich Whitney is endorsing a plan he thinks could help put Illinois and the United States on the right track -- with a tip of the hat to Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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IL: State chamber of commerce to back Brady for governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday is expected to endorse Republican state Sen. Bill Brady over Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.
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IL: Most state tourism centers closed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thirteen of 15 tourist information centers in Illinois have ceased operating, another victim of the state's budget problems.
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IL: Edgar -- Illinois has more problems than Blagojevich trial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois needs the Rod Blagojevich saga done with so it can deal with long-ignored problems like a gaping budget deficit, former Gov. Jim Edgar says.
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IL: Quinn to review federal funding before acting on furloughs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The passage of a $26 billion federal jobs bill Tuesday failed to persuade Gov. Pat Quinn to immediately rescind a furlough order affecting 2,700 non-union state workers.
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IN: Foreclosure Prevention Network keeps state rate below national average
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before sitting for meetings with lenders, Indiana homeowners facing foreclosure can hear the advice of trained prevention counselors through free events Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman announced Monday.
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IN: Daniels' reversal on state 'stimulus' aid bill draws Democrats' ire
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Six months ago, Gov. Mitch Daniels asked Congress to help states through the economic downturn.
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KS: Business hit with 'till tap'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tonganoxie, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Revenue served a tax warrant Tuesday on a Tonganoxie business that owes about $132,000 in delinquent sales taxes.
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KY: House OKs bill to help states keep teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House Democrats on Tuesday pushed through a $26billion jobs bill to protect 300,000 teachers and other nonfederal government workers from election-year layoffs, while sending $16billion to help cash-strapped states with rising Medicaid costs.
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KY: Kentucky tax revenue grows 4.6 percent in July
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State General Fund tax revenue grew for the third consecutive month in July and is on pace to reach budgeted expectations in the new fiscal year.
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LA: Gulf of Mexico oil spill litigation will be handled in New Orleans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legal disputes over the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico will be consolidated in federal court in New Orleans before Judge Carl J. Barbier, an appointee of President Bill Clinton who has already been handling a number of individual oil cases, a panel of federal judges decided Tuesday.
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LA: Gov. Bobby Jindal declares state of emergency amid Gulf Coast tropical storm warning
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency in light of the tropical depression that's formed in the Gulf of Mexico and is heading toward the oil spill site off the coast of Louisiana.
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LA: Track, selectmen to meet in private
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In hopes of avoiding a lawsuit, the Loudon selectmen will sit down with New Hampshire Motor Speedway's lawyer and general manager tomorrow in a nonpublic meeting to try to resolve a dispute over the cost of police and fire protection surrounding June's NASCAR race.
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LA: Teacher, Medicaid legislation now law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The House gave final passage Tuesday to legislation expected to prevent 2,200 teacher layoffs in Louisiana and send the state $362.5 million in Medicaid funding.
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LA: Fewer turtles being found soaked in oil from Gulf of Mexico spill, researchers say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Fewer sea turtles captured in the Gulf of Mexico in recent weeks are showing signs of heavy oil coverage, but the long-term effects on turtles still bear watching, according to researchers who discussed the Gulf of Mexico oil spill's impact on the animals at a news conference Tuesday.
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MA: Treasures piled high, thrill is in the hunt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In Blackbeard's day, "coin collecting'' meant swashbuckling, flying a Jolly Roger flag, and making rivals walk the plank at swordpoint. Today, it is a little tamer.
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MD: Maryland's ho-hum holiday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite the August doldrums — economic, meteorologic and otherwise — some Maryland retailers are likely seeing a modest surge in sales this week. Maryland's sales tax holiday runs through Saturday, and if history is any indicator, back-to-school shoppers will be keeping store cashiers busier than they did last week. But to what effect? Judging from past experience, the most lasting impact will be to reduce state tax revenue by about $9 million.
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ME: Task force had mandate to promote wind power, not study it
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AUGUSTA, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci established the Governor's Task Force on Wind Power Development by executive order on May 8, 2007 with the expectation it would make Maine a leader in the wind power industry.
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ME: FairPoint investing heavily in Maine as bankruptcy drags on
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite lingering public image problems and a pending company reorganization necessitated by bankruptcy filings, FairPoint Communications is putting its future hopes in the hands of a massive, expensive fiber-optic network and its broad employee base.
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ME: Michaud speaks at MDI hospital meeting
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BAR HARBOR, Maine — Despite being recognized both in New England and nationally as being among the best for patient satisfaction, Mount Desert Island Hospital lost $2 million in operating expenses this past fiscal year, hospital officials said at the institution's annual meeting Monday night.
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ME: Proposed bill hikes weight limits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before a federal pilot program took effect last December, Maine truck weights were limited to 80,000 pounds on the interstate north of Augusta. The program, which allows weights up 100,000 pounds, lapses in December.
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MI: Boeing bid for military contract would create jobs, revenue for Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ROMULUS, Mich. -- The Boeing Co. brought its campaign to win a $35 billion defense contract to Metro Detroit on Tuesday.
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MI: Metro Detroit home sales down 20%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Metro Detroit home sales plunged 20% in July compared to last year, according to figures released this morning.
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MS: Districts given $1M grants to improve history teaching
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some Mississippi students soon will have American history lessons that better tie into the state's past and are more engaging and in-depth, thanks to two federal grants that will be used for improving teaching.
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MS: Emergency state aid bill could save jobs of 2,000 Mississippi educators
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mississippi may be eligible for nearly $250 million from the federal government for education jobs and Medicaid funding following the passage of an emergency state aid bill Tuesday.
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MS: 'Rig Row' in Pascagoula is home to drilling towers idled by moratorium
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Noble Frontier Driller's massive orange support columns and 175-foot steel derrick cut a majestic figure as it pulled into Signal International's east shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., last weekend, a casualty of President Barack Obama's six-month moratorium on deepwater oil and gas exploration.
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MT: PSC gives oil pipeline eminent domain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State regulators have granted condemnation powers to the proposed Keystone oil pipeline across eastern Montana, but not until its developer agreed Montana has power to regulate local oil producers' access to the line.
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NE: Nelson says $8.8 million in loans headed to Neb.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson says the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced Nebraska will receive $8.8 million in recovery loans for two small businesses.
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NH: Antique event is putting 'NH on the map'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The lure of authentic Americana and fine antiques, as well as the great stories behind so many great artifacts, have collectors and shoppers flocking to New Hampshire this week for a seven-event showcase.
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NH: Lynch hails job program success
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Touring an electronic components company in Manchester yesterday, Gov. John Lynch promoted a state program that encourages businesses to hire workers by continuing their unemployment benefits for up to six weeks of job training.
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NJ: N.J. issues request for a financial plan for $1B unused bonds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey may use $1 billion of unspent general-obligation bond funds to pay down existing debt, under a plan by Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff to reduce state costs.
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NJ: Gov. Christie to apply for $268M in federal education aid bill signed by Pres. Obama
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An infusion of $268 million in last-minute federal money for teachers' jobs is coming to New Jersey, though it's still unclear which districts will get help.
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NJ: A state takeover of Atlantic City's gambling mess is not the answer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie would like to save Atlantic City's decaying gambling district by having the state take it over.
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NJ: Christie to go after $667M in federal aid to retain teachers, help fund Medicaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama and Congress Tuesday approved legislation that would provide New Jersey $268 million to fund the retention of 3,900 public school teachers and support staff.
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NJ: New Jersey says Prudential Financial's payouts are acceptable
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Jersey insurance regulators say they have concluded Prudential Financial Inc. properly handled life-insurance benefits in a controversial matter involving a solider killed in Afghanistan in 2008.
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NJ: More tourists are filling local government coffers — revenue for businesses may be another story
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cape May County's five toll bridges are being used more. Tolls on the Garden State Parkway's southbound toll plaza at Great Egg Harbor are up. Southern New Jersey shore municipalities are reporting more revenue from beach tag sales and parking from the early part of summer.
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NJ: Somerville tests new pipe-repairing technology that could save N.J. water companies millions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SOMERVILLE, N.J. — For decades, water companies have repaired old pipes by pouring cement down the metal and letting it dry. If the pipe moved and a new crack developed, the cement would often crack, too.
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NV: Adult businesses sue over Missouri strip club law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Several adult businesses and others in the sex industry filed a lawsuit Tuesday to keep Missouri from implementing a new law that would ban full nudity and alcohol at strip clubs and adult stores.
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NV: Nevada grants $10.4 million tax abatement to Reno-based Ormat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Reno-based Ormat Technologies Inc. has been granted Nevada's first renewable energy tax abatements to develop a geothermal plant in Pershing County.
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NV: Federal bill offers up $162M for Nevada schools, Medicaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A $26 billion federal jobs bill to protect and restore jobs for 300,000 teachers and non-federal government workers was approved on Tuesday by the U.S. House and signed by President Barack Obama, sparking local education officials to begin identifying critical areas where teachers might be hired.
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NY: State seizes truckload of Seneca cigarettes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state has seized a Seneca tobacco retailer's truck containing thousands of cartons of cigarettes, a move some see as a test by the government as Albany looks to start collecting taxes on Indian cigarette sales in the months ahead.
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NY: Women's pay in New York state is 84 percent of men's, federal study finds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Women who worked full-time in New York state in 2009 had median weekly earnings of $720, or about 84 percent of the $858 median for their male counterparts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Nationwide, women earned $657, or approximately 80 percent of the $819 median for men in 2009.
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NY: Court rules that Oneidas not entitled to 250,000 acres
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal appeals court ruled Monday that the Oneida Indian Nation isn't entitled to 250,000 acres in upstate New York or compensation for the aboriginal land it claimed was illegally purchased by the state in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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NY: Elmer W. Davis to pay $1 million to African-American workers, settle EEOC lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rochester roofing contracting giant Elmer W. Davis Inc. has agreed to pay $1 million to African-American employees to settle a race discrimination lawsuit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The company did not admit wrongdoing. According to the EEOC, it is the largest settlement ever in Rochester.
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NY: Construction update -- A look at major road projects in Western New York
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Thruway Authority is spending more money this year than any previous year on projects between the Pennsylvania line and Rochester, and officials expect to bid even more next year.
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NY: Senate Democrats back racino pick
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Genting New York LLC's status as the likely vendor to build and operate an Aqueduct "racino" became a better bet on Tuesday when state Senate Democrats announced they have accepted the Division of Lottery's recommendation.
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NY: EPA delays hydrofracking hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Concerns about crowds and security have forced the Environmental Protection Agency to postpone a public hearing on natural gas drilling two days before the event.
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NY: Red dollar, blue dollar or just money for jobs?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In an unscheduled August session, Congress approved a $26.1 billion aid package to states designed to avert public employee layoffs, including $1.4 billion for New York.
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NY: State's shift gets downtown down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state budget crisis is hitting downtown Albany as state agencies slice employment and look for cheaper rents.
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OH: Ohio Appliance Rebate Program's director resigns after internal review
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- The director of the Ohio Energy Resources Division has resigned after an internal review revealed that she knew at least a month before Ohio's $11 million Appliance Rebate Program began on March 26 that the Texas company processing the rebates was going to use offshore workers.
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OH: Who funded anti-slots campaign? LetOhioKnow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner wants to investigate the potentially fishy funding of a now-dead referendum campaign that aimed to block slot machines at Ohio racetracks.
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OH: Dialing for dollars -- Stimulus program leads to knotty problems and conflicting interests
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After years of stumping against the outsourcing of American jobs, Gov. Ted Strickland recently found his own administration guilty of same.
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OH: Open the books -- Public pensions should be scrutinized before getting more taxpayer cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Until Ohio's public-employee retirement systems are willing to disclose information about how their taxpayer-supported funds are managed, lawmakers shouldn't consider providing another penny in public money to shore them up.
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OH: Democrats fault GOP over trade pacts, jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern stood with assembled labor union leaders Tuesday to criticize Republican candidates for their support of international trade agreements that he said helped Wall Street and hurt Ohio families.
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OH: Congress gives millions to Ohio, whether it needs it or not
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- More than $880 million in fresh economic aid is coming to Ohio thanks to Congress -- whether Ohio needs it all or not.
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OK: Oklahoma officials prepare to apply for emergency education aid after House approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Oklahoma officials will work quickly to apply for emergency school aid that won final approval on Tuesday, with the hope that at least some of it can be spent in the 2011-12 academic year, the state's schools superintendent said.
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OR: Federal bailout will help schools, health programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal bailout is on its way to the nation's public schools and state health programs. President Obama immediately signed the $26 billion jobs bill that Congress finished on Tuesday.
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OR: Oregon cautiously welcomes federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- A $26 billion aid package that President Obama signed into law Tuesday will send an estimated $261 million to Oregon to help the state keep teachers on the job this fall and provide additional Medicaid funding.
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OR: Oregon proposes asbestos cleanup at Sunriver
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon environmental regulators today released a plan to cap soil contaminated with asbestos at Sunriver, the central Oregon resort on the site of a former Army training center that included asbestos-laden buildings.
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OR: Gas prices in Oregon jump over $3 for first time in nearly two years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gas prices in Oregon hit their highest point in nearly two years this week, according to AAA of Oregon/Idaho.
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PA: Pa. to get $1 billion for teacher jobs, Medicaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania will receive $668 million to help pay for Medicaid and $387.8 million to save K-12 education jobs as a result of a $26 billion bill signed Tuesday night by President Barack Obama.
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PA: Casinos created 12,700 Pa. jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Slot machines, plus the recent addition of table games, have brought more than 12,700 jobs to Pennsylvania, not including more than 8,000 construction jobs for the casinos or the employees who will work at five casinos yet to open, the state's gaming boss, said Monday.
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PA: Cut WAMs and tax smokeless tobacco
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ed Rendell says the budget he signed last month has a $250 million deficit and he needs to layoff workers. There are other ways to fill the hole.
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PA: Wine vending machines doing well, will be put in more stores, LCB head says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The head of Pennsylvania's state liquor agency said a test of two wine vending kiosks at supermarkets is going well and it's likely that 98 more machines will soon be approved for operation across the state.
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PA: Pennsylvania state workers are in 'a state of confusion' about upcoming layoffs upcoming
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State government employees are puzzled. They know state jobs are on the chopping block. But months after Gov. Ed Rendell announced that layoffs are coming, workers still don't know where — or how many — to expect.
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SC: S.C. makes pitch for school funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A team of S.C. education and business leaders presented a proposal Tuesday in Washington D.C., hoping to grab $175 million in federal money to improve public schools.
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SC: Budget bill saves S.C. teacher jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps. Jim Clyburn and John Spratt hailed final passage of a bill Tuesday slated to bring South Carolina nearly $282 million in Medicaid and education funding, but U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson branded it a bailout built on more federal debt.
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SC: More S.C. jobless to qualify for benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Carolina will expand its jobless benefits to include part-time workers and those who are out of work because they are caring for a sick family member thanks to an infusion of $97 million in federal money.
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SC: Nikki Haley unveils SC job plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Carolina gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley is taking to the road to unveil her plans for creating jobs in the state she hopes to lead.
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SC: S. Carolina takes stimulus money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Early last year, while still a rising G.O.P. star, Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina led a chorus of Republican governors criticizing the federal stimulus package and vowing to reject at least some of the money being directed to their states.
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TN: Tennessee to see $435.8 million under federal aid package
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Barack Obama on Tuesday signed a $26 billion state aid package that includes an estimated $435.8 million in education and Medicaid assistance for Tennessee and $550.3 million in similar help for Georgia.
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TX: Perry's emergency school aid has strings attached
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — If Texas Republican Gov. Rick Perry wants the $830 million in emergency federal assistance for Texas schools approved by Congress and signed into law Tuesday, he's going to have to abide by restrictions imposed by House Democrats and penned exclusively for the Lone Star State.
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US: House approves jobs bill -- Do states deserve $26 billion more stimulus?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's the latest package of federal stimulus money, and it has sparked the usual partisan debate: Is more aid to state governments really needed, and will it truly add jobs to the US economy?
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US: House passes $26 billion in state aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The House interrupted its summer recess on Tuesday to approve $26 billion in aid to school districts and states to prevent large-scale layoffs of teachers and public employees and to engage in another partisan fight over policy priorities.
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US: House approves bill to aid states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"House members, many grumpy at having to return from a summer break, came back to the Capitol Tuesday to approve a $26 billion bill aimed at helping states retain teachers and make Medicaid payments. With the Senate having passed the measure last week, President Barack Obama signed the bill into law.
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US: President Obama signs $26 billion jobs bill to aid state payrolls
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama approved a final spurt of spending Tuesday to shore up the sluggish recovery, signing into law a $26 billion plan to save the jobs of thousands of teachers and other government workers. The measure brings total direct federal spending on the economy to nearly $1.2 trillion since the nation descended into recession in late 2007.
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US: Stimulus Pushers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To treat Washington's spending addiction, the November elections are the taxpayer's best chance to stage an intervention. But until then, President Obama and the Democratic Congress are determined to keep pushing strung-out state governments to take one more fix.
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US: Nurses fear even more ER assaults as programs cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Emergency room nurse Erin Riley suffered bruises, scratches and a chipped tooth last year from trying to pull the clamped jaws of a psychotic patient off the hand of a doctor at a suburban Cleveland hospital.
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UT: Utah No. 2 on top 10 pro-business states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah ranks second on the list of Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2010, marking the second year in a row the Beehive State has achieved that ranking.
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UT: Entertainment software industry boosts Utah's economic growth, report says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah's entertainment software sector has grown about six times as fast as the state's economy as a whole over the past five years, according to a national report released Tuesday.
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UT: Utah to receive $101 million for education, save more than 1,400 teacher jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — With President Barack Obama's signature on the $26 billion stimulus bill for education and Medicaid on Tuesday, Utah stands to nab about $101 million for education for fiscal 2011.
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VA: "I don't think anyone knew this was coming"
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of the hottest growth areas in Hampton Roads suddenly faces an uncertain future in light of the Pentagon's plans, announced Monday, to shut down the Joint Forces Command.
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VA: Defense decision stuns leaders
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For a community that depends on the military for 45 percent of its economy, the Pentagon's decision to close the Joint Forces Command was a lightning-fast sucker punch. Even so, we should have seen it coming. And we should have had a response.
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VA: Joint Forces Command bomb is part of bigger plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Robert Gates' call for transforming the way the military does business might have seemed directly aimed at Hampton Roads, home to the only command he proposed eliminating Monday.
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VT: State shows off new signs warning drivers to give room to emergency vehicles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Agency of Transportation is hoping big white and yellow signs will help keep emergency workers safe on Vermont's highways.
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VT: Vermont gets $66 million for teachers, Medicaid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The House passed legislation Tuesday containing $66 million for Vermont to expand Medicaid and prevent hundreds of teacher layoffs.
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WA: Intelius paying $1.3 million in settlement over marketing tactics
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Washington Attorney General's Office has settled a legal dispute with Intelius involving allegations of deceptive marketing tactics, with the Bellevue company agreeing to pay $1.3 million as part of a consent decree.
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WA: Audit finds overcharges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state auditor says national chain Office Depot overcharged Washington taxpayers $306,000 for pens, paper and other office supplies sold to the Department of General Administration last year.
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WI: July foreclosure filings decrease locally and statewide
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Foreclosures locally and throughout Wisconsin were down in July compared to last year, for the second straight month and the third time this year, even as totals still soar historically.
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WI: Report -- Golf has $2.4 billion state economic impact
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The game of golf has an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion on Wisconsin and provides more than 38,000 jobs and $771.5 million of wage income, according to a new report.
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WI: Metro home sales plunge more than 45%
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sales of existing homes in metro Milwaukee dropped more than 45% in July from the same time last year, a plunge attributed to the expiration of federal tax cuts for home buyers and the slow economic recovery.
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WI: Wisconsin to get $365 million in aid for teachers, health programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. House on Tuesday passed and President Barack Obama signed a bill that will provide states with $26 billion for teachers and health care programs, helping ease Wisconsin's budget deficit and allowing school districts here to hire an estimated 3,000 teachers.
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WV: Congress encourages fiscal irresponsibility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With the knowledge that good times do not last, the last three governors of West Virginia have struggled to keep the state's operating expenses down.
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WV: Legislators want stimulus answers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Gov. Joe Manchin runs for the U.S. Senate, legislators are escalating their efforts to find out how his administration plans to spend federal stimulus dollars.
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Oregon tax hikes don't stop revenue bleeding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Oregon voters approved tax hikes on corporations and the wealthy in January, the move was supposed to help the state avoid big budget cuts. But an expected surge in revenue never materialized. As Oregon slashes funding for key programs, Republicans want to make sure Democrats pay a price at the polls in November.
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U.S. House returns to approve aid for states
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: The U.S. House of Representatives returns to Washington Tuesday (Aug. 10) during a previously scheduled recess in order to approve new money for cash-strapped states. Democrats who control the chamber say the measure will prevent teacher lay-offs and and head off cuts to Medicaid, the health insurance program for the poor, but signs from the states indicate it may not be enough.
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States test whether public pension benefits given can be taken away
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Most changes made to shore up state pension funds have been aimed at new employees. Now, three states are targeting current retirees — a group that has been considered off limits.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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