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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AK: State approves coal plant permit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska — A request for a permit to reopen the Healy Clean Coal Power Plant is ready for federal review, the Golden Valley Electric Association announced Tuesday.
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AK: State exploring ways to classify, count fish crews
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No one really knows how many crew members work the fishing vessels operating in state waters. And that could be knocking the crews and their communities out of potentially millions of dollars in grants and potential fishing quotas, according to industry leaders.
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AL: Alabama Supreme Court says no to immediate casino raid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alabama Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to let Gov. Bob Riley's gambling task force immediately raid VictoryLand bingo casino.
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AR: More than 25,000 qualify for lottery-funded scholarships
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State higher education officials met their target date for notifying all recipients of lottery-funded scholarships — barely.
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AZ: Law is chasing Mexican tourists, dollars away
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's reckless new immigration law is sabotaging a vital economic resource at a time of an enduring budget shortfalls.
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AZ: Finally, voters get a clear choice
From: feeds.stateline.org
"No more trying to pull the wool over voters' eyes. It took a special session, but on Wednesday, the Legislature finally gave voters a straightforward ballot measure on union elections.
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AZ: Existing-home sales fell in July from year earlier
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After three months of improvement, the Phoenix-area housing market lost ground in July with a slowdown in home-resale transactions and a boost in foreclosure activity, according to an ASU report issued Wednesday.
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AZ: Solar plant setting up in Surprise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rioglass Solar is the latest green energy-equipment manufacturer attracted to Arizona by economic incentives.
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CA: Jobs data show growth during Jerry Brown years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democrat Jerry Brown has the strongest record of any of the five most recent California governors when it comes to creating jobs as a percentage of national job growth, says a former state Employment Development Department director who has been studying the numbers.
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CA: Fiorina wants less government role in recovery
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican U.S. Senate candidate Carly Fiorina, backed by business and manufacturing leaders Tuesday at a San Jose renewable energy design company, called for less government intervention in trying to jump-start the economy.
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CA: Experts praise state Dems' tax plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A budget plan pushed by Democrats in the Legislature to solve California's $19 billion deficit would hit some middle-income residents with tax increases, the Legislative Analyst's Office said Wednesday, but it would benefit shoppers, retailers and auto dealers.
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CO: Shield banks that deal with medical marijuana industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Like it or not, medical marijuana is becoming a legitimate business in Colorado.
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CO: DU study tackles state governments' roles in the future
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Denver on Wednesday kicked off a one-year study that will focus on the role state government should play in the 21st century.
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CT: Federal aid just in time for some Connecticut schools
From: feeds.stateline.org
"On Monday, New Britain school Superintendent Doris Kurtz announced the final toll from a bruising, monthslong struggle to cut her budget: 112 education positions would be eliminated through layoffs and attrition. Class sizes would increase considerably.
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CT: State foreclosure filings up dramatically in July
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut foreclosure filings surged 22 percent in July compared with the previous month, according to a report to be released today, as homeowners continue to struggle with mortgage payments.
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DE: Sewage disposal battle shapes up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Clumps of woodland and neatly tended farm fields still dominate the landscape near Love Creek in Sussex County, where new battle lines are forming over resort-area sprawl and the health of Delaware's Inland Bays and groundwater.
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DE: Delaware libraries -- Ugly duckling honored as swan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When the new Kirkwood Library opened a year ago, it was vilified by many patrons for its modern exterior design. "I thought it was the ugliest thing," said Marie Adams, who lives in the nearby Creek Landing neighborhood. Now, architects from around the world are praising the designer's use of glass, cedar wood and a white composite siding known as HardiPlank.
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FL: Tough immigration law offered by McCollum
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum unveiled a sweeping immigration bill Wednesday that in some ways goes further than Arizona's controversial law to apprehend undocumented workers and residents.
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FL: Sen. LeMieux comes to Tampa talking about the federal debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TAMPA, Fla. — Florida's interim U.S. senator, George LeMieux, came to Tampa Wednesday for a forum on the national debt, and said the country needs leaders willing to make painful choices that some voters are not going to like.
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FL: Tourism panel urges Pinellas to approve $2.5 million for new Salvador Dal Museum
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The last big financial piece for the new Salvador Dali Museum won a key endorsement Wednesday.
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FL: Miccosukees try to block deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The Miccosukee Tribe has asked a judge to stop the South Florida Water Management District from voting Thursday on a plan to pay U.S. Sugar $197 million for about 28,000 acres of land.
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FL: For undocumented students, fear of deportation still looms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When Gaby Pacheco and three other South Florida youths walked from Miami to Washington earlier this year in an immigration protest, their message was simple: President Obama, stop deporting foreign undocumented students until Congress approves legislation making them eligible for green cards.
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FL: Housing supply on rise in South Florida
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After an unprecedented surge during the boom years, the number of homes and condos on the market in South Florida has been plummeting for the past two years, posting 24 monthly declines that slashed the cache of for-sale properties nearly in half.
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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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GA: Economic free fall leaves Georgians trying to stay on their feet
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Stuart Landman took full advantage of metro Atlanta's real estate bubble in 2006
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IA: Repeal Iowa's 'anti-boss' law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The retirement of thousands of state workers left Iowa with 18,444 employees in its executive branch as of July 1.
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IA: Home sales fall in Des Moines as consumers stay nervous
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home sales in the Des Moines metro area tumbled nearly 50 percent in July from June and fell 42 percent compared with a year ago, the Des Moines Association of Realtors said Wednesday.
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IA: Branstad knocks report on Iowa debt
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A national report showing Iowa has the second-lowest per-capita debt in the nation has drawn heated criticism from Republican Terry Branstad's campaign, accusing Gov. Chet Culver of deliberately using the report to mislead Iowans.
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IA: Flooding poses threat to Iowa's corn, soybeans
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The corn and soybean crops in Iowa's fields look hearty and mature to the naked eye, but Iowa State University Extension agronomist John Holmes said Wednesday that the crops still are vulnerable to flooding.
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ID: Idaho personal income level falls in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Personal income levels across the state dropped by 3 percent last year.
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IL: Illinois county rejects $1 billion energy project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Six days after Sen. Dick Durbin announced that more than $1 billion in federal stimulus funds were coming to Illinois and that thousands of new jobs would be created, the FutureGen 2.0 project hit a snag today.
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IL: Free rides break the bank
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While virtually all public agencies are struggling with budget problems, the Legislature continues to require the CTA, Metra and Pace to provide free rides to senior citizens.
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IL: Hiring blind
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As if there weren't enough reasons for employers to avoid hiring in Illinois, Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday provided another. Quinn signed a bill making it illegal for them to use credit histories to evaluate job seekers.
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IL: Mattoon leaders say no to revised FutureGen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MATTOON, Ill. -- The newly revised FutureGen coal project "does not provide the highest and best use" for the Mattoon site, Coles County's economic development organization told U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin Wednesday.
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IL: Tax holiday continues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Retailers statewide are reporting a positive response after the first weekend of Illinois' Back-to-School Tax Holiday.
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IL: Special session possible for federal school aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois lawmakers might have to return to Springfield in a special session if the state wants to spend more than $400 million in education aid it expects to receive from Washington.
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IL: 'Medical home' saving Ill. Medicaid millions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The "medical home" appears to be saving Illinois taxpayers tens of millions of dollars from the state Medicaid program, a new study shows.
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IL: Alleged bond scam financed cars, porn, and more
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 120 Illinois and California residents thought they were investing more than $20 million in Turkish Eurobonds when, in fact, a Lisle man and others were spending the money on luxury automobiles, homes, vacations and online pornography, the Illinois Department of Insurance alleged Tuesday.
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IL: Jobless home owners to get $3 billion in aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Tapping into resources from the $700 billion Wall Street bailout, the Treasury Department will add $2 billion to its existing Hardest Hit Fund, assisting the 17 states that have unemployment rates higher than the U.S. average, along with Washington, D.C.
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IL: LCD makers hit with lawsuit for alleged price-fixing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois Attorney General's office said it filed suit Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court against 22 major companies for allegedly fixing the prices of liquid crystal display screens used in computers, televisions and cell phones.
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IL: More free rides taking toll on transit agencies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While the 2-year-old free-rides program, pushed by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, may be an elixir of life for those who receive the benefit, those millions of free rides are giving the CTA, Metra and Pace a case of financial aches and pains.
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IL: Brady wins business endorsement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Illinois Chamber of Commerce endorsed Republican state Sen. Bill Brady for governor on Wednesday, saying the state needs a departure from eight years of Democratic rule that has driven business and jobs from the state.
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IL: Some suburban districts rehire many laid-off teachers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There's hope for even more hires since Congress passed a federal school jobs bill this week that promises to send $415 million to Illinois as early as September.
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IN: State regulators issue violation letter to Clarksville fill site
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State environmental regulators have issued a letter of violation to Clarksville businessman Ben Marrs for receiving contaminated soil from the construction site of the new downtown Louisville arena.
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KS: Brownback talks jobs on tour
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MANHATTAN, Kan. — U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback promised Wednesday to ramp up efforts to attract new jobs to rural Kansas if he is elected governor, but the Republican nominee quickly faced criticism from Democrats that he is out of touch with the state after a long career in Congress.
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LA: Gulf of Mexico oil spill cleanup pauses for storm
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Efforts to clean oil from the Louisiana coast slowed down Wednesday, as spill response teams instead prepared for the impact of heavy rain associated with a now dissipated storm system in the Gulf of Mexico.
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LA: In Grand Isle, La., white residents feud with BP's minority oil cleanup workers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"RAND ISLE, La. — BP pledged to rid this semitropical coast resort's sensitive shorelines of oil — to "make things right," as the company put it. But as the cleanup work drags on, BP's efforts have left the community at odds, heightening racial tensions and pitting neighbor against neighbor in tense disputes over money.
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MA: Maternity leave quandary
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This week's Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling clarifying maternity leave — being out longer than eight weeks means your job is not guaranteed under state law when you return — has called attention to the issue, and to employers' struggle to balance worker needs with profitability in a stagnant economy.
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MD: State to spend $32M more for slot machines at Ocean Downs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's spending panel voted Wednesday to approve a $32.7 million contract for slot machines for the planned Eastern Shore casino, again over the objections of Comptroller Peter Franchot.
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MD: Army begins construction of new training center in county
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Adam S. Brandt Army Reserve Center in north county will double in size with the construction of a new center right next door, Army officials said recently.
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ME: Wind power law hasn't prevented development conflicts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After proposing major changes to state law that would speed up the review of wind power projects, Gov. John Baldacci's wind power task force members went one step further: They made a map.
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ME: Confusion emerges over plan to merge Bangor, Brewer finances
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BREWER, Maine — The consultant who recently looked at Bangor and Brewer's finances to see if there are any obvious ways the two communities can save money has issued a report, but it doesn't list any particular ways to save money.
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MI: Fed aid extended to jobless homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Unemployed Michigan homeowners could qualify for up to $50,000 in mortgage aid under an expansion of a federal program targeted at states with chronically high jobless rates.
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MI: Another reminder Michigan needs more transparency in handling tax credits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The criminal charges involving Hangar42 Studios reveal the alleged taxpayer-fleecing land deal as a serious breach.
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MI: Metro housing market offers conflicting facts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Metro Detroit's housing market continues to display sharp contradictions with a report released today showing July foreclosure activity soared 109 percent compared with the same period last year.
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MI: Michigan to get another $128 million in foreclosure relief
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced Wednesday that Michigan will receive another $128 million to help unemployed homeowners -- on top of the $154 million it received from HUD to help distressed homeowners a month ago.
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MI: Solar panel maker to cut jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Energy Conversion Devices said Wednesday that it plans to lay off 140 employees at one of its solar panel plants in Auburn Hills.
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MI: Feds won't let Enbridge restart pipe
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal regulators have told Enbridge Energy Partners the company needs a better plan before it can restart its 6B pipeline, where an oil spill July 26 dumped as much as a million gallons of crude oil into a creek and the Kalamazoo River.
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MO: Adult industry takes law to court
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A group of adult business owners and others in the erotic industry filed a lawsuit yesterday to keep Missouri from implementing a law that would ban full nudity and alcohol at strip clubs and adult stores.
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MS: Obama administration to provide $3B in housing aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is providing $3 billion to unemployed homeowners facing foreclosure in the nation's toughest job markets.
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MS: Coast program harvests about 3,000 pounds of shrimp
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. -- About 3,000 pounds of shrimp have been harvested from an aquaculture project at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's Cedar Point site.
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MT: State pension funds show double-digit gains
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite a rough last quarter, Montana's pension funds registered investment gains in the 13 percent range for the fiscal year ending June 30, a consultant said Wednesday.
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MT: State waits for new financial rules to shake out
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Montana consumers, banks and businesses prepare for the new financial-reform law passed last month by Congress, there's no clear agreement on what will happen — or who ultimately will benefit, or not.
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NC: UNC to examine tuition today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"UNC system leaders this morning will take a look at a policy put in place four years ago that attempted to provide some consistency and predictability to tuition and fee pricing.
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ND: Raises for state employees as large as 23 pct, but most 5 pct
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While the majority got raises, about 5 percent of state employees aren't meeting performance standards, and their pay will not be adjusted.
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ND: ND regulators ask for control of bankrupt elevator
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State regulators are asking a judge for control of a defunct grain elevator in northeastern North Dakota.
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ND: State due $21.5 million in federal money but impact is unclear
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State government officials are still trying piece together how a new law signed by President Barack Obama will affect teachers, Medicaid, food stamps, highways and ultimately the economy.
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ND: Anthony Weiler to be named state labor commissioner
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Hoeven will announce Anthony Weiler as the new state labor commissioner today.
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NE: 3 firms get government help to expand
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Three Nebraska businesses will be getting government help to expand.
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NE: Politicians still waiting to see how education stimulus funding will work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite rhetoric from politicians about whether taking new education stimulus funding makes financial sense, folks in the trenches say it's too early to know.
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NH: Lack of donations endangering community center
From: feeds.stateline.org
"DERRY, N.H. – A year ago, the room used to process donations at the Marion Gerrish Thrift Store was filled to the ceiling with green trash bags brimming with clothing and household items. Times are tough, even in the world of thrift.
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NH: Speedway keeps two Cup races
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Finally putting an end to six weeks of speculation that began with a public spat between ownership and local officials, and eventually sparked interest nationally, Jerry Gappens could think of no better place to divulge the future of New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Victory lane.
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NJ: Obama administration to send $112M to N.J. for mortgage assistance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Staying out of foreclosure in this economy can be tough enough. Try keeping up with the mortgage after losing a paycheck. To try to help prevent more defaults, the Obama administration today said it will send $112 million to New Jersey to design a program to help unemployed homeowners stay in their homes while looking for work.
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NJ: Democrats' next New Jersey gaming summit to wait until mid-September
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The next Democratic summit on gaming will not take place until mid-September, according to a local state senator who will chair the event.
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NM: Regulators, PNM spar over electricity rates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), the state's largest provider of electricity, has asked the state Supreme Court to weigh in on its effort to raise rates in the face of rising costs.
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NV: Foreclosures down, but Nevada still ranks No. 1
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada kept its No. 1 national ranking for foreclosure filings for the 43rd consecutive month, but the state and Las Vegas are faring better than a year ago, according to report released late Wednesday.
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NV: Nevada homeowners assistance program in jeopardy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A disagreement between major lenders and the state's housing division is placing a new emergency assistance program for homeowners in limbo, even as the federal government announced Wednesday that it is increasing assistance to Nevada under the program by more than $34 million.
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NY: Shadow government debt hits $52 billion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Comptroller Tom DiNapoli kicked off what his office describes as a series of "periodic profiles" of state, local, interstate and even international authorities with an overview of the large number of the quasi-governmental entities -- and the increasing burden their combined debt places on the average New York household.
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NY: State leaders -- Aqueduct bid OK
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Malaysian bidder recommended by the Division of Lottery to build and operate a large racino at Aqueduct Race Track has cleared a major hurdle.
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OH: Farmers lean to truce on animals' close quarters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST MANSFIELD, Ohio — Concessions by farmers in this state to sharply restrict the close confinement of hens, hogs and veal calves are the latest sign that so-called factory farming — a staple of modern agriculture that is seen by critics as inhumane and a threat to the environment and health — is on the verge of significant change.
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OH: Ohio third in nation for reducing mass layoffs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio third-best in nation for reducing mass layoffs in the second quarter, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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OH: House prices steadier in Northeast Ohio, across the country
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CLEVELAND -- House prices in Northeast Ohio and across the country were steadier during the second quarter, as buyers purchased more homes and financially troubled properties accounted for a smaller percentage of sales.
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OH: State balks at chain's proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Ohio Department of Taxation, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation and other debtors have filed objections in the past week to the proposed reorganization plan filed July 9 by current management and the Max & Erma's committee of unsecured creditors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Pittsburgh.
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OH: Ohio public pension systems' refusal to disclose records draws attention of state lawmakers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two state lawmakers want to open up state retirement records to public scrutiny after The Plain Dealer and seven other Ohio newspapers were denied access to the information.
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OH: $8 billion in funds will disappear from state budget
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In yet another reminder of the perilous nature of Ohio's future budget situation, the nonpartisan Legislative Service Commission yesterday laid out how much one-time money is being used to balance the current two-year budget compared with recent years.
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OH: Ohio is awarded $148 million to fight foreclosure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration's decision yesterday to send an additional $148 million in housing money to Ohio is yet another sign that the state's foreclosure crisis has ensnared people who have lost their jobs and cannot pay mortgages that once were affordable.
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OK: Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says Oklahoma education needs reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"How did Florida's students go from among the lowest performers in the nation on federal reading exams to among the top in the nation in just 11 years?
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OR: Oregon tries foreclosure on resort solar project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BEND, Ore. -- The state is trying to foreclose on some property at the Pronghorn golf resort in central Oregon to recover $1.2 million from a loan for a solar energy project.
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OR: Oregon's homeownership program to receive an additional $49.2 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Though it's months away from awarding a single dollar to struggling homeowners, Oregon's newly established foreclosure-prevention program keeps growing.
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OR: Oregon exports stall as U.S. trade gap widens
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon exports -- which had been rebounding for the past year, stoking the economic recovery -- stalled in the second quarter as farm sales and shipments to Asia fell.
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OR: Dudley ad attacks Kitzhaber on job creation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Chris Dudley launched the first television attack ad of the governor's race Wednesday, claiming Democrat John Kitzhaber had earned an F in job growth as Oregon's chief executive.
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PA: Gov. Ed Rendell asks for 1.9% across-the-board cut to help fill budget gap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ed Rendell laid out his plan to legislative leaders today to fill what his office said is a $282 million difference in the amount of federal money the state will receive and the amount Pennsylvania budgeted.
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PA: But will it play in Pottsville?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Here's the problem facing Gov. Ed Rendell when it comes to finding new state money for roads and bridges.
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PA: Pennsylvania wineries ready to celebrate record grape harvest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Pennsylvania winemakers have something to celebrate. While other farmers this summer irrigate fields, pray for rain and curse Mother Nature, grape growers are toasting the extreme heat.
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PA: Gov. Ed Rendell willing to negotiate a natural gas 'pooling' law willing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Ed Rendell is insisting on certain environmental protections and landowner compensation requirements before he signs any bill that forces Pennsylvania landowners to sell their below-ground natural gas rights to a drilling company.
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RI: Expansion anxiety
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While the proposal to extend the main runway at T.F. Green Airport has become a matter of statewide debate –– with the governor, business leaders and city officials weighing in –– there is a group of people whose voices have not been as easily heard. And for them, the issue truly hits home.
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RI: Disease that rots shells threatens Northeast lobster industry
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — A disease that rots the shells of lobsters is threatening the Northeast's $20-million lobster industry, scientists said Wednesday.
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RI: Council sets zoning for marijuna dispensaries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"JOHNSTON, R.I. — The town will allow the distribution of marijuana for medical purposes under a new ordinance approved Tuesday night by the Town Council.
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RI: Contractors keep close eye on bridge construction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Department of Transportation's construction of the new Sakonnet River Bridge has run into two problems, poorly placed concrete in two of the piles that will hold up the $163.7-million bridge and design errors that would weaken the steel girders that will support the roadway if they aren't repaired.
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RI: PUC OKs Deepwater, National Grid pact
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WARWICK, R.I. — In a split decision that conveyed the deep questions raised by some, the state Public Utilities Commission approved a contract Wednesday that opens the door for building a wind farm of up to eight turbines in state waters off Block Island.
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SC: Haley jobs plan about tax cuts, education
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley said she wants to eliminate corporate income taxes, streamline state and local permitting and privatize the state's job placement efforts, all part of a plan to encourage business growth.
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SC: S.C. relents, claims $97.5 million in stimulus money to aid jobless
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Early last year, while still a rising Republican star, S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford led a chorus of GOP 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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SD: Banking jobs decline in South Dakota
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Finance jobs in the South Dakota have been on a downhill slide for the past two years, and banking officials are blaming some of the decrease on financial regulations that recently have gone into effect.
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TN: Tennessee will get $81 million from new $3 billion federal initiative for homeowners
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- Tennessee will receive $81 million of the $3 billion that the Obama administration is providing to unemployed homeowners facing foreclosure.
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UT: Spread the tax breaks around Utah
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah is celebrating the great news that a leading high-tech firm, Adobe, is planning a big expansion here. We need more of the same.
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VA: What is the work carried out at Joint Forces Command?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Joint Forces Command opened a small window Wednesday on the work it does, even as it prepares for its own demise.
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VA: Webb steps up criticism of White House over proposed closure of command
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sen. Jim Webb, D-Va., who may need President Barack Obama's coattails in 2012, is stepping up his criticism of the White House over plans to close a giant command center in Norfolk. Webb, in a written statement, said that Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates "acted too hastily" in targeting the U.S. Joint Forces Command, which employs more than 6,000.
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VA: National Governors Association to meet in Williamsburg in 2012
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The National Governors Association is coming to Williamsburg for its annual meeting in 2012 -- the year that President Barack Obama will face re-election and the Republican presidential nominee could be among the nation's governors.
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VT: Burns leaving Burlington Telecom
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The general manager of Burlington Telecom, the beleaguered, municipally owned provider of high-speed Internet, telephone and cable television service, is stepping down.
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WA: No cuts yet as revenue drops
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenue collections slipped again in the month that ended Tuesday, but Gov. Chris Gregoire still is likely to wait until September before deciding whether to order across-the-board spending cuts, aides say.
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WA: Income tax initiative would bring in $11.6 billion over 5 years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The income tax initiative, I-1098, would bring in more than twice as much money as proponents have said, according to a new analysis by the governor's budget office office.
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WA: Washington home sales surge in 2Q, but prices keep falling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SPOKANE, Wash. -- Home sales in Washington surged in the second quarter compared to a year ago, but median prices continued to decline, according to a Washington State University report.
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WI: State home prices fell only slightly, sales increased
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Home prices fell slightly and sales grew in Wisconsin during the second quarter, but sales comparisons are likely to slide in the third quarter, real estate experts say.
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WI: Governments get flood aid; No decision yet for individual help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A disaster declaration issued Wednesday by President Barack Obama provides help for local governments but nothing for the hundreds of residents who suffered property damage, saw appliances and household goods ruined or lost entire homes in last month's flooding.
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WI: Businesses battle mosquito explosion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mosquitoes have hijacked summer across much of Wisconsin this year, and businesses that do battle with the nasty critters say they are hard-pressed to keep up with calls for help from itching, frustrated residents.
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WV: Lawmakers may revisit state jobless benefits fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"West Virginia lawmakers are bracing for another fight over unemployment benefits.
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WV: State bond agency praised for debt savings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A West Virginia agency is getting high marks for boosting the borrowing power of cities, county commissions and school boards.
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States eye license-plate cameras as source of cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"States have used license plate readers to catch car thieves and toll cheats. Now, some are looking at using them to raise revenue by finding — and fining — uninsured drivers. Millions of dollars are at stake, but critics say the idea takes the use of surveillance cameras too far.
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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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From: feeds.stateline.org
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