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: They'll do it for nothing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Politicians seeking to placate angry voters this election cycle might take a cue from Robert Bentley, a retired dermatologist and the Republican nominee for governor in Alabama.
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AL: Alabama sues BP and other companies over oil spill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alabama Attorney General Troy King this afternoon filed lawsuits against BP PLC and several other companies over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
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AL: Advertiser Editorial -- State still faces tough budget year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Concern over federal spending and the growing federal budget deficit should mute any celebration, but on balance the $26 billion jobs bill that Congress has passed to help states deal with education and Medicaid funding crises is a good thing.
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AR: 25,445 to get state-lottery scholarships
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With colleges and universities set to open within the next two weeks, less than half of the students who applied for Arkansas lottery-financed scholarships will get them.
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AR: Arkansas tourism slightly slower so far
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansas tourism is clicking at a slightly slower pace in the first half of 2010, but state officials are confident that their product and message is not the problem.
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AR: UPDATE Public hearing planned on lottery ticket vending machines
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Lottery Commission announced today it will hold a public hearing next Thursday on its plans to install ticket vending machines in retail outlets across the state.
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AZ: Watchdog agency files health care suit for Tempe candidate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Arizona watchdog organization today filed a legal challenge to the nation's health care law on behalf of a Tempe business owner and congressional candidate who said he wants to invest his money in his company rather than having to pay for health insurance.
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AZ: Valley bankruptcies continue decline
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Despite lingering economic worries, Phoenix-area bankruptcies eased for a fourth consecutive month in July.
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CA: Postdoctoral researchers in California ratify labor deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The United Auto Workers union representing about 6,500 University of California postdoctoral researchers ratified an agreement on wages, benefits and workplace protections with the university system, the groups announced Thursday.
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CA: Governor gets bill barring debit card fees imposed by retailers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Californians who use debit cards to pay for goods and services could not be charged a fee by stores and other retail outlets under legislation sent Thursday to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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CO: State set to levy record fine in benzene-guzzling natural gas case
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A dubious record will likely be set when the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) meets over the next two days in Adams County: the highest fine ever levied against an oil and gas company for a spill in the state of Colorado.
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CO: New Colorado mining rules aimed at protecting groundwater
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Colorado mining regulators on Thursday set new rules aimed at protecting groundwater against damage from some uranium mining.
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CT: State borrowed from capital program to keep budget afloat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly $600 million borrowed from future capital projects to help state government pay its bills has thrown a wrench into Gov. M. Jodi Rell's efforts to bond another $260 million for the planned New Haven-to-Springfield commuter rail line.
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CT: Taking a holiday from fiscal reality?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Are state lawmakers feeling buyer's remorse for the $4 million the state will "spend" on the back-to-school sales tax holiday beginning Sunday?
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DE: University of Delaware hears public's comments on Lewes turbine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The University of Delaware's new wind turbine has divided the population of Lewes. Some consider the turbine an architectural masterpiece on the Lewes skyline. Others praise the university for embracing green energy and setting up a test platform at its Lewes campus. But talk to the dozens of residents who live nearby and it can be a different story.
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FL: Hispanic backlash over law targeting migrants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum sought damage control Thursday as prominent Hispanic supporters fumed over him spearheading legislation that's even tougher than Arizona's new crackdown on illegal immigration.
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FL: For the Everglades, a dream loses much of its grandeur
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — In the end, Gov. Charlie Crist's effort to buy huge swaths of sugar company land for the Everglades restoration was just too much: too much money, too much land to handle, and too much of a fight with critics and the courts.
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FL: Florida's sales-tax holiday runs through Sunday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Florida's sales tax holiday kicked off at 12:01 a.m. Friday, and retailers are bracing for what they hope will be crowds of shoppers eager to pick up bargains on back-to-school clothes, supplies and accessories all weekend.
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FL: Small sugar land deal still draws bitter debate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All the familiar critics turned out Thursday to blast Gov. Charlie Crist's no-longer-so-big sugar land purchase as a bad deal that could wind up hurting Everglades restoration more than it would help it.
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GA: Georgians snap up Energy Star rebates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Georgia consumers have claimed all of the state's Energy Star appliance rebates.
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GA: Georgia ninth for July foreclosure rate
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Peach State notched the ninth-highest rate of foreclosures in July, RealtyTrac reported Thursday.
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GA: State says jobs, corporate investment up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Jobs and corporate investment in Georgia rose in fiscal 2010 thanks to marketing by the Georgia Department of Economic Development, according to Gov. Sonny Perdue.
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HI: 'Bridge' funding welcomed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Linda Lingle's sharp criticism of a new federal law providing $26 billion in stimulus money to states for Medicaid and schools -- after she joined other governors in asking for it -- is a head scratcher.
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IA: Iowa to get $40.4 million to weatherize homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state will receive another $40.4 million in federal stimulus money to make low-income Iowans' homes more energy-efficient, Gov. Chet Culver said Thursday in a telephone press conference with Cathy Zoi, U.S. energy assistant secretary.
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IA: U.S.D.A. report says corn harvest will be below 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A government report issued today projects Iowa's corn harvest will likely be smaller than in 2009. The first fall forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates excessive rain has damaged crops in Iowa.
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IA: EPA tells eight northwest Iowa feedlots to stop discharges, get permits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday it has taken a series of civil enforcement actions against eight beef feedlots in northwest Iowa for violations of the Clean Water Act.
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IA: Ames faces water crisis
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AMES, Iowa -- Residents and businesses on Thursday undertook the hard, messy and often tedious job of recovering from Ames' worst-ever flood.
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IL: Can the Illinois pension catastrophe be stopped?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Public pension systems in Illinois have long served as vehicles for the government to borrow money out of the view of taxpayers.
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IL: DOE official once led firm now redoing FutureGen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A top official in the Department of Energy office who oversees the FutureGen clean-coal project is a past president of a company newly chosen to retrofit a western Illinois power plant instead of finishing the original project in Mattoon.
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IL: Decatur among those vying for FutureGen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Decatur, Tuscola and a handful of other Illinois communities have inquired about replacing Mattoon as the site to store emissions from an experimental power plant in Meredosia.
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IL: Atheist files threatened lawsuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Atheist Rob Sherman of Buffalo Grove on Thursday filed a long-threatened lawsuit against Friends of the Cross and a number of state officials.
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IL: Durbin to seek other Illinois towns after Coles County rejects FutureGen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MATTOON, Ill. -- Barring a monumental turnaround, Coles County's seven-year love-hate relationship with the high-tech FutureGen energy project has ended.
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IL: Trade show comeback
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This spring, the Legislature voted to put a new board in charge of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, known as McPier because it controls McCormick Place and Navy Pier.
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IL: Illinois foreclosures rise 33% in July
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One in every 269 homes in Illinois received some sort of court filing related to the foreclosure of their home last month, making the state one of the worst in the nation for foreclosure activity.
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IN: Daniels -- Indiana on track to avoid more education cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Further education funding cuts should not be necessary as long as Indiana's tax collection levels remain on their current track, Gov. Mitch Daniels said Thursday.
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IN: Fair Financial trustee wants political donations returned
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An Ohio bankruptcy trustee who is pressing Hoosier politicians to return an embattled financier's campaign donations has turned his attention to Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi.
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IN: Ind. lawmaker wants investor's donations returned
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Democratic lawmaker wants Indiana politicians and campaign organizations to return contributions they received from an Indianapolis businessman whose dealings are being investigated by the FBI.
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IN: USDA expects record corn crop in Indiana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting that Indiana farmers will bring in a record corn crop for the second straight year.
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KS: Kansas offers tax amnesty to raise cash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tax scofflaws, or those who have fallen behind on what they owe the state, will get a reprieve starting next month through a tax amnesty program.
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KS: Brownback vows to help rural Kansans
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's elected governor, but the Republican nominee quickly faced criticism from Democrats that he's out of touch with the state after a long career in Congress.
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KS: Brownback eyes new uses for farm products
From: feeds.stateline.org
"To promote non-traditional agricultural products —cat litter from corn or soybean lip balm —U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback proposed creating a "Bio-based Products Expo" in Kansas.
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KS: Record corn crop forecast for Kansas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kansas farmers are expected to harvest the biggest corn crop in the state's history this year.
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KS: Kansas expects $179 million in federal jobs legislation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New federal legislation has prevented a new financial crisis in Kansas, but questions remained Thursday about how long the state's current budget would stay balanced.
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KY: Record yields predicted nationally, but not in Kentucky
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Record high production levels and yields for corn and soybeans were predicted Thursday by the U.S. Agriculture Department's statistics service, but not for Kentucky farmers, some of whom experienced a wet spring and dry summer.
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KY: 3 Ky. companies awarded energy efficiency grants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Steve Beshear says three Kentucky companies have been awarded stimulus funding to make energy-efficient upgrades.
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KY: Domestic violence programs funded in Kentucky
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal funding to support programs that assist domestic violence victims in Kentucky is expected to amount to $1.2 million.
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KY: Ky. corn, soybean yields expected to be down
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky farmers enduring a late-season blast of hot, dry weather are on course to fall short of last year's record corn and soybean harvests, according to a government report.
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LA: Abortion rules blocked
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two new abortion restrictions cannot be enforced immediately in Louisiana, a federal judge has decided in a Baton Rouge civil suit.
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LA: Test analyzed to see if oil well already permanently sealed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Government and BP engineers plan to analyze data from a pressure test Thursday on the company's ruptured well to determine whether the well is already "dead" and the bottom kill should be scratched, said the head of the government's response effort to the oil leak.
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LA: BP cuts oil spill payments to businesses in half in August
From: feeds.stateline.org
"At the start of the month, BP called a news conference to assure oil spill claimants that a transition to a new, independent claims process would not affect their August advances. But an internal e-mail message obtained by The Times-Picayune suggests that may not be the case.
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MA: Patients' files left at public dump
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Four Massachusetts community hospitals are investigating how thousands of patient health records, some containing Social Security numbers and sensitive medical diagnoses, ended up in a pile at a public dump.
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MA: N.H. governor taunts Mass. taxes on eve of holiday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch sent a taunting message yesterday to fellow Democrat Gov. Deval Patrick and Beacon Hill leaders on the eve of the Bay State's two-day tax holiday: Keep the tax hikes coming. "It's fine whenever Massachusetts wants to raise their taxes, because it always benefits us up here," Lynch said, adding that Massachusetts' high sales and income taxes have sent scores of shoppers and business owners over the border.
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MA: Stores hope tax holiday will provide needed boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For retailers, this week has been the lull before what they expect will be a storm of customers tomorrow and Sunday, when the state's 6.25 percent sales tax on most products is temporarily suspended.
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MD: Health officials warn of bacteria in Chesapeake Bay
From: feeds.stateline.org
"High temperatures and pollution have made conditions ripe for a potentially dangerous bacteria carried in Chesapeake Bay waters, leading state and local health officials to warn swimmers, fishermen and shellfish eaters to take precautions.
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MD: Poison ivy forecast -- Increased itching
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The poison in poison ivy is apparently increasing, and that's creating an itchy scenario in the region.
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ME: Potential Calais natural gas developer given extension to find new financial backers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State regulators granted the would-be developer of a liquefied natural gas facility in Calais an additional month to find new financial partners for a project estimated to cost up to $1 billion.
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ME: Rollins Mountain appeal rejected
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A citizens group's procedural errors in opposing the proposed $130 million Rollins Mountain wind project prompted the Maine Supreme Judicial Court on Thursday to affirm a lower court's decision denying the group a chance to appeal the project's permit.
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ME: Maine container ship service may get federal funds
From: feeds.stateline.org
"PORTLAND, Maine — Maine's container ship service that operates between Portland and Boston and New York has received a designation that makes it eligible for federal funding.
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MI: How film credit is saving local hotels
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In the first quarter of 2008, local hotels faced an incredible drop in corporate travel activity.
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MI: Blessing or curse?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Now that Michigan is getting its share of the latest Washington bailout package, it has to decide how to divide the money up among its school districts.
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MI: Michigan apple, grape harvests are down due to destructive spring frosts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Continual spring frosts reduced the state's expected fruit yields this year, according to the August fruit report from the National Agricultural Statistical Service.
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MI: Pure Michigan lands more awards, but still can't get the funding it needs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state's Pure Michigan tourism promotion may have more trophies to place on the mantel, yet it's still without what it needs most -- increased funding.
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MI: Activists push for ban on Great Lakes oil drilling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal law prevents oil drilling in the Great Lakes, and Michigan voters could decide in November whether that ban will become permanent.
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MI: A buyer in hand or a lessee in the bush?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Early this year, the state of Michigan and the city of Auburn Hills all signed off on a big tax credit for a consolidation of Magneti Marelli Holdings in Auburn Hills.
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MI: Enbridge works on Mich. oil pipeline restart plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MARSHALL, Mich. -- The company that runs a pipeline that spilled oil into the Kalamazoo River in southern Michigan said Thursday it is revising its proposal to restart the line.
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MI: Mich. to get nearly $700M in federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An influx of almost $700 million in federal aid this week helped chart the path for budget negotiators, but the parties are still far apart on how much will need to be cut.
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MO: Solutions for the Missouri Access budget shortfall
From: feeds.stateline.org
"This past May, the Missouri Legislature adopted a budget for the fiscal year that began July 1 that was out of balance and over spent by at least $300 million.
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MS: Fresh Express recalling some salad products
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SALINAS, CALIF. — Fresh Express is voluntarily recalling some of its salad products in Mississippi and other states because of a possible health risk from Listeria.
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MS: New law helps with textbook dilemma
From: feeds.stateline.org
"College is expensive, with tuition and housing taking the biggest bites. Some students are able to reduce those costs by enrolling in classes at a cheaper community college or adding roommates to pitch in for rent.
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MT: MDU seeks 13% rate increase for Montana electric customers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Montana-Dakota Utilities on Thursday filed to increase its electric rates by an average of 13 percent for its Montana customers in Eastern Montana, citing the increased costs of renewable power, such as wind power.
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MT: Panel proposes restrictions on medical marijuana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An interim legislative subcommittee tentatively agreed Thursday on some proposals to restrict Montana's fast-growing medical marijuana industry.
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NC: N.C. explores use of $300 million
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Carolina leaders are trying to figure out what to do with $300 million in federal money meant to save teachers' jobs.
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NC: Smoking down, business up
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When North Carolina's ban on smoking in restaurants and bars started in January, places like the Penguin Drive-In in Plaza Midwood worried about lost customers.
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NC: The beach is back
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ocean Isle Beach Towns like this one have their own economic indicators. How far is traffic backed up at the bridge coming onto the island? How long is the line for a table at Sharky's?
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ND: Tony Weiler appointed ND labor commissioner
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Bismarck attorney will serve as North Dakota's next labor commissioner.
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ND: North Dakota tourism reports strong numbers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota is on track for an outstanding summer travel season, the state Tourism Division said Thursday.
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ND: N.D. to promote state products using mobile kitchen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FARGO, N.D. -- North Dakota agriculture officials on Thursday unveiled the state's custom-made traveling kitchen that can be used for cutting, cleaning, cooking, freezing, dehydrating and packaging.
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NE: Revised budget proposal would restore gifted education funding
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State funding for gifted education may be off the chopping block, at least most of it.
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NE: Nebraska has yet to sign up for stimulus funds to help low-income residents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nebraska is one of two states that have not signed up to get federal stimulus money intended to help low-income residents with things such as paying back rent and buying school clothes.
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NH: $150,000 in stimulus money used to preserve 'bridge to nowhere'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"HILLSBOROUGH, N.H. – A historic stone arch bridge that received more than $150,000 in federal stimulus funds this year has fallen short of some people's expectations — mainly because it doesn't go anywhere.
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NH: N.H. governor taunts Mass. taxes on eve of holiday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch sent a taunting message yesterday to fellow Democrat Gov. Deval Patrick and Beacon Hill leaders on the eve of the Bay State's two-day tax holiday: Keep the tax hikes coming. "It's fine whenever Massachusetts wants to raise their taxes, because it always benefits us up here," Lynch said, adding that Massachusetts' high sales and income taxes have sent scores of shoppers and business owners over the border."
NJ: N.J. teachers still waiting to be rehired despite federal aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Since the news broke that New Jersey will receive nearly $270 million in federal money to spend on saving teaching jobs, many of the state's unemployed educators are waiting to hear whether they will be rehired.
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NJ: U.S. education funds could send N.J. teachers back to school
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SPOTSWOOD, N.J. — Claudia Addesso and Jill Laskowski lost their Spotswood teaching jobs in June to budget cuts, but haven't unpacked their supplies.
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NJ: Lawmakers to propose cutting N.J. employee perks after Delaware River Port Authority controversy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Responding to controversy surrounding the Delaware River Port Authority, two South Jersey lawmakers today announced they will introduce a bill meant to cut down on public employee perks and tighten ethics laws.
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NM: State wants to revamp health insurance rate approval process
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In light of public outrage over a controversial 21 percent rate hike on 40,000 New Mexicans by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico — and revelations the increase may have been based partly on exaggerated losses — the New Mexico Division of Insurance is moving require insurers to submit more information.
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NM: Board OKs 3 percent cuts for most state programs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Government agencies and programs in New Mexico will face 3 percent cuts starting next month under a plan approved Thursday to close a shortfall in the state's $5.3 billion budget.
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NM: PNM- Regulations could lead to bill hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Mexico's largest electric utility is asking state regulators for more time to respond to a proposal by the state Environment Department that would require more emissions controls at one of its coal-fired power plants.
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NM: PNM, state disagree on haze
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Environment Department on Thursday questioned Public Service Company of New Mexico's claims on how much a plan to meet federally required air-pollution reductions would cost ratepayers.
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NY: Eliot Spitzer's last admirer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"You can't blame New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo for decisions made by his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer. But with another famous Spitzer case ending in another embarrassment for the AG's office, and with still more evidence of prosecutorial misconduct, New Yorkers can raise a fair question: Why is Mr. Cuomo unwilling to break with the Spitzer past?
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NY: E-mails show state officials' skepticism about Willets Point project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Even as the Bloomberg administration promotes the $3 billion development of Willets Point in Queens as one of its signature projects, state officials whose approval is needed have privately raised concerns over highway ramps crucial to the proposal and have questioned whether the development will ever get off the ground.
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NY: Judge refuses to further delay enforcement of PACT Act
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mail-order cigarette sellers from the Seneca Nation and elsewhere were handed another setback Thursday in federal court. U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara refused to delay the enforcement of a new federal law that prevents businesses from selling cigarettes through the mail.
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OH: Personal income levels fell across Ohio in 2009
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Per-capita personal income levels fell last year in all metropolitan areas across Ohio, as the state mirrored a widespread decline in personal incomes nationwide due to the severe recession.
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OH: FirstEnergy Corp. to throttle back four smaller coal-fired power plants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"AKRON, Ohio -- FirstEnergy Corp. will throttle back power production at four of its smaller, coal-burning power plants, beginning in September and continuing for three-years.
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OH: Liquor sales hit record high in Ohio
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohioans spent a record amount on liquor last year, but it's not because the economy's got them down. It's because liquor prices, just like everything else, keep going up.
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OH: Harrah's to spin here
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One of the best-known names in gambling, Harrah's, is coming to Ohio.
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OH: Sweet on the heat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio fruit growers are hauling in an early harvest of peaches and apples, but what's good for the fruit might not be for corn and soybeans.
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PA: Rendell proposes wide-ranging cuts to fill $280 million budget gap
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Rendell on Wednesday proposed cutting nearly 2 percent from most state agencies, trimming education funding, and using new natural-gas tax revenue to close a $280 million gap left by a final federal-funding package that contained a smaller-than-anticipated amount for Pennsylvania.
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PA: Dan Onorato, candidate for Pennsylvania governor, talks economic issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Speaking this morning at the Hershey Center for Applied Research, Democratic candidate for governor Dan Onorato said Pennsylvania needs to support funds for small businesses to help them grow.
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RI: Federal money backs coverage for Rhode Island's uninsured who are chronically ill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Uninsured Rhode Islanders who have chronic illnesses may now apply for health-care coverage under a new program that is part of the federal health-care overhaul.
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RI: Tax 'holiday' in Mass. no tax break for R.I. residents
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Rhode Island shoppers planning to party hearty in Massachusetts this weekend in observance of that state's sales tax holiday could find themselves with a major hangover when it comes time to face the taxman.
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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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TN: Recession yields first-of-a-kind income drop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The income of the typical Chattanoogan fell by $960 last year — the first yearly drop in per capita earnings since the government began keeping such figures more than four decades ago.
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TX: State budget crunch dashes UT System hopes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Less than a year ago, Texas universities and medical schools were clinging to a sliver of hope they may be able to gain ground on competitors in other states.
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TX: Worst sales tax woes may be over for Texas, cities
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Sales tax revenue appears to have stabilized statewide, with many cities and Texas as a whole beginning to see an end to massive year-over-year declines.
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TX: Law limiting building on beaches withdrawn
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GALVESTON, Texas -- An ordinance intended to keep houses from being built on rapidly eroding Galveston beaches was derailed by the City Council on Thursday just as it was about to become law.
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UT: Governor, challenger tackle rural issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cedar City, Utah -- Gov. Gary Herbert and his Democratic challenger, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, shared their philosophies about improving development in rural areas of the state at a conference Thursday in Cedar City.
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VA: Another option for ABC privatization -- sell stock
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Could Virginia privatize its state-owned liquor system by selling stock in the system to interested investors? That was a proposal hatched in the late 1990s under then Gov. Jim Gilmore (R)--later presented to a newly-elected Gov. Mark Warner (D).
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VA: Fewer school divisions in area meet federal benchmarks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Local school divisions in 2009-10 saw a dramatic decrease in the number of schools that met federal No Child Left Behind benchmarks, mirroring decreases statewide.
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VA: McDonnell popular on GOP fundraising circuit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob McDonnell's electoral success has made him a popular figure on the fundraising circuit.
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VT: Vermont inmates headed for Mass.
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Up to 100 Vermont inmates will be transferred from out-of-state, privately run prisons in Kentucky and Tennessee to a publicly owned jail in Greenfield, Mass., under a contract signed this week between state officials and operators of the Massachusetts facility.
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VT: Vermont, Quebec seal power deal for electricity supply through 2038
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ESSEX, Vt. — Vermont's two largest electric utilities signed a power-purchase agreement Thursday with H.Q. Energy Services, a subsidiary of mega-electricity producer Hydro-Quebec, locking in a pricing deal for 225 megawatts annually for 26 years beginning in 2012.
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WA: I-1098 would generate $11B over five years
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If Washington residents approve Initiative 1098 in November, the income tax on the state's wealthiest residents would raise $11 billion in revenue over the next five years.
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WA: Wash. AG sues makers of LCD panels over prices
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SEATTLE -- Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna says he's suing the makers of Samsung, Toshiba, Sharp and five other brands of liquid crystal display screens.
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WA: $51M in welfare cut
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire asked state government agencies to get ready for across-the-board budget cuts of 4 percent to 7 percent as soon as October and ordered a phase-in of $51 million in cuts to state welfare aid.
2B
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WA: Tax revenue down; State could see broad budget cuts later this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Across-the-board cuts in state spending are all but certain this year despite $540 million in federal aid approved by Congress earlier this week.
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WI: Abide by the law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Religious organizations that object to a new state mandate on birth control insurance coverage should not punish employees who avail themselves of the coverage.
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States aim to cut energy bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal economic stimulus law gave states $3.2 billion to spend on energy efficiency. States are finding creative ways to leverage those dollars to retrofit universities, hospitals, schools and prisons for energy savings.
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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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