Eastern ports scramble to get ready for new Panama Canal era
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As the Panama Canal expands to allow larger cargo ships to pass through, states along the Eastern Seaboard are maneuvering to make their ports compatible with the bigger and more lucrative vessels. But there is no guarantee the expensive bets will pay off.
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AK: Alaska officials fear base move's economic impact
From: feeds.stateline.org
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska — Fairbanks leaders fear a proposal to relocate Eielson Air Force Base's F-16 squadron to Anchorage will have a drastic economic impact on the Interior, and expect to see the local community rise up in the same kind of protest that forestalled a base closure seven years ago.
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AK: Shell hopes to drill this summer in the Arctic
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's the billion-dollar question in Alaska for 2012: Will this be the year Shell Oil begins large-scale offshore exploratory drilling in Arctic waters?
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AL: Alabama bingo bribery retrial begins today
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Round two of the federal government versus Victoryland owner Milton McGregor and others will get under way this morning.
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AL: Alabama Senate's top Republican donates to bingo trial figure Quinton Ross' legal fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Republican leader of the Alabama Senate said Thursday he helped pay the legal bills of a Democratic senator acquitted of all charges in Alabama's gambling corruption investigation.
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AL: GOP leader helps pay Sen. Ross' legal fees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Republican leader of the Alabama Senate said Thursday he helped pay the legal bills of a Democratic senator acquitted of all charges in Alabama's gambling corruption investigation.
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AZ: Charter school teachers face exit from Arizona state retirement system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's charter school teachers could be kicked out of the state retirement system if a proposal rule change by the IRS goes into effect in June.
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AZ: Arizona bill targets public employee unions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona unions representing tens of thousands of public workers would be banned from collective bargaining with local governments and school districts as part of a sweeping package of legislation moving forward at the state Capitol.
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AZ: Senate approves motion picture tax credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Arizona Senate has approved a bill creating a tax credit for motion picture production in the state.
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AZ: House Democrats pushing renewable energy bills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Give money to schools to install solar panels on their roofs. Eliminate extra paperwork for homeowners seeking to install panels on their roofs. Endorse a plan that encourages utilities to invest in the state's renewable energy industry.
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CA: California car deal criticized as hurting green sales
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When California's air regulators approved new car-pollution rules to cut down on smog and global warming, they included a provision that critics described as a loophole that could substantially reduce the number of electric vehicles sold in the state in coming years.
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CA: California negotiating with banks over mortgage settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California is back at the negotiating table to potentially take part in a multi-state deal with the nation's largest mortgage servicers over faulty foreclosure practices.
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CA: CalSTRS' gap rises as return forecast falls
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By lowering its investment forecast by another quarter point, CalSTRS made a bow toward economic reality – but also may have complicated efforts to shore up its finances.
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CA: Can Facebook IPO help solve a state budget crisis?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Facebook IPO could bring California as much as $500 million in tax revenues from capital gains. Depending on whom you talk to, that's a significant help or a drop in the bucket.
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CO: Pinnacol, governor to ponder
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. John Hickenlooper and Pinnacol Assurance said on Thursday that they will dial down their push for the state-chartered workers' compensation insurer to privatize. Legislation to move in that direction will not come this year.
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CO: Reasonable steps on enterprise zones
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative effort to restrict tax incentives in enterprise zones would establish long-overdue limits on this bloated program.
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CT: Malloy says revenues should increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Democratic governor said in an interview Friday with The Associated Press that he believes revenues will rebound, as originally projected in the two-year, $40.1 billion budget plan that passed last year. He said he's "not seeing anything" that indicates revenues will not rise in the fiscal year that begins in July.
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CT: Malloy cools to Keno -- or any major gambling initiative
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy appears to be cooling on Keno, a game the Connecticut Lottery has endorsed as a way to boost revenues in a lottery market that turns 40 this month.
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DE: A casino on your computer?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When the U.S. Department of Justice issued a relatively brief memorandum recently, it sent state officials, industry leaders and pundits scrambling to make sense of what could be a major step toward legal Internet gambling.
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DE: Tourism growing into force for Delaware's economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. -- A study recently released by the Delaware Tourism Department showed the tourism industry is a principal economic driver in the state. According to the 2010 study, conducted by D.K. Shifflet & Associates and Vantage Strategy, tourism has grown to a $2.1 billion industry that employs 39,000 people and attracts more than 7 million visitors to Delaware each year.
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DE: Audit -- DSU violated bid laws
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Flawed policies at Delaware State University led to millions of dollars in no-bid building contracts and the risk of collusion with vendors, an investigation by the state's Auditor of Accounts has found.
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FL: Florida still losing ground in wages despite uptick in jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The drop in Florida unemployment masks a troubling trend: The new jobs continue to pay far less than the ones that have been lost.
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FL: As bill dies, future of mega-casinos remains uncertain
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A statewide television ad campaign, glitzy architectural renderings — even the promise of thousands of jobs — couldn't change the political odds this year against the resort casino bill in Tallahassee.
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FL: Lawmakers weigh bills to create online sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"It's a question that tests the Florida Legislature's aversion to new taxes and its pro-business bona fides: Should state law require online retailers to pay sales taxes? State legislators on Thursday began their push to do just that, moving forward on a pair of proposals that would force online-only companies—and people who buy goods on the Internet—to pay the state's 6-percent sales tax.
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FL: Casino bill appears headed for House defeat
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill that could bring three mega resort casinos to South Florida appeared doomed in the House Thursday, as backers struggled to cobble together a minimum eight-vote majority on the committee that will consider the controversial legislation on Friday.
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GA: 150-year-old Georgia State Fair saved from cancellation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Officials with the company that owns the Georgia State Fair announced Thursday the event will return to Macon's Central City Park this spring, reports the Macon Telegraph.
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GA: Bill would broaden state incentives for job creation, high-paying jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill introduced this week in the state House would sweeten Georgia's economic incentives and lower the threshold of eligibility for businesses in an effort to attract and add new jobs in the state.
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GA: Georgia 'lemon law' fee could increase
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New car buyers in Georgia would have to shell out an extra $2 for the state's "lemon law" fee under a bill passed Thursday in the Senate.
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HI: Tourism industry representatives to talk to lawmakers about major pocketbook issues
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The House Tourism committee is holding an informational briefing Monday on the tourism industry's major pocketbook issues.
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HI: Hawaii bankruptcy filings down for 11th straight month; Hawaii County has biggest drop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The number of people filing for bankruptcy in Hawaii fell for the 11th straight month in January.
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IA: Iowa Democrats credit Obama for good January jobs numbers
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two prominent Iowa Democrats on Friday celebrated newly released economic figures showing 243,000 jobs added nationwide in January.
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IA: Branstad -- Iowa must limit property tax increases
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Terry Branstad is warning that residential property owners could see a massive tax hike over the next decade if the Legislature doesn't clamp down on future increases, but city leaders say they have no intention of allowing taxes to soar and don't need the state interference.
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IA: Iowa Senate bill would raise earned income tax credit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Senate committee next week will be asked to approve a $25 million increase in the earned income tax credit for more than 250,000 working adults earning $45,000 a year or less and their 266,000 children, a key backer said Thursday.
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IA: House, Senate leaders issue state budget spending targets
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Legislative Republicans and Democrats issued fiscal 2013 spending targets Thursday that were below the $6.242 billion budget that Gov. Terry Branstad proposed last month, with House Republicans setting funding levels nearly $119 million below Senate Democrats and $182 million below the governor by providing less money to education, human services and economic incentives and requiring state employees to pay nearly $43 million in health insurance costs.
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ID: In Idaho, two workers take jobs, and hope for best
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Before the recession, Idaho had one of the fastest growing economies in the country. But last year, its jobless rate peaked at nearly 10 percent. That number has begun to creep downward – but many workers in the state are still struggling to replace the jobs they've lost.
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IL: ax credit expiration could slow wind's rise in IL, but still plenty to export
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The federal tax credit that has supported wind energy for almost 20 years is set to expire at the end of 2012.
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IL: Can Illinois budget deficit be fixed with one simple tax?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"One-thousandth of 1 percent might not seem like a significant amount. But when it comes to paying off the massive budget deficit in Illinois, it could mean everything.
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IN: Indy goes all out to make sure fans 'have a Super day'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"uko Matsuda, a producer for Nippon TV in Tokyo, has experienced both Indianapolis and the Super Bowl in past years. She acknowledges being pleasantly surprised at how the city and the big game have come together this week.
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IN: State workers demonstrate for pay hikes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unionized state workers staged a protest outside of Gov. Pat Quinn's office Thursday over the Chicago Democrat's failure to pay wage hikes contained in their current contract.
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KS: Lawmakers hear pros, cons of banning smoking in Kansas casinos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Cigarettes and slot machines go hand in hand, some say. But studies show secondhand smoke can be harmful to almost anyone in the same room.
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KY: Panel passes bill to verify worker legality
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A bill requiring state and local governments, schools and businesses with government contracts to use an online federal program to verify that employees aren't in the country illegally passed the House Labor and Industry Committee on Thursday.
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KY: Kentucky casino gambling bill on hold, Beshear says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After saying earlier this week that his casino gambling bill would be introduced in a few days, Gov. Steve Beshear conceded Thursday that questions over legislative redistricting will delay it.
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KY: Bourbon industry booms despite economic recession
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky's bourbon industry has undergone its largest expansion since prohibition over the past two years, despite an economic recession that proved bothersome to most other employers in the state, Gov. Steve Beshear said Thursday.
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LA: Gulf oil spill's 'trial of the century' could end before it begins
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some leading analysts and legal observers believe the highly anticipated "trial of the century" over the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, set to begin in three weeks, will end before it starts. BP and negotiators for federal and state governments are frantically working to confect a settlement so they won't have to leave the fate of billions of dollars in potential pollution fines and spill damage payments in the hands of U.S. District Judge Carl Barbier.
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LA: Proposed business tax breaks could produce 10,000 jobs, Gov. Bobby Jindal says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bobby Jindal unveiled a four-bill legislative package of business incentives Thursday that he said could bring 10,000 jobs to the state "in the next five to 10 years."
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LA: Critics of restoration projects financed by BP money say there should be more public input
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There should be more opportunities for the public to participate in assessing the damage to natural resources caused by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill, residents of St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes and representatives of several environmental groups said during public hearings Wednesday and Thursday. Restoration projects also should be approved more quickly, so oil spill damage can be reversed, several officials said.
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MA: Lost lunch program weighs down private shelters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Hungry homeless residents turned away from a city shelter that has stopped serving lunches are flocking to two private shelters in search of a midday meal, taxing their already strained budgets that have been buffeted by skyrocketing food prices.
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MD: Feds give boost to O'Malley's wind-energy plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley's quest for offshore wind energy got a boost Thursday from the Obama administration, but state lawmakers still have concerns about its cost and whether there is corporate demand and congressional support for the technology.
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MD: Feds give go ahead to offshore wind farms
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The effort to erect giant wind turbines off of Maryland's Atlantic Coast got a boost today. Federal officials announced the completion of an environmental review that found no negative effects of building wind farms over 80,000 acres of the Atlantic near Maryland.
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MI: Michigan's 'right to work' debate intensifies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's move to become the Rust Belt's first "right-to-work" state has intensified debate over the issue in neighboring Michigan.
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MI: Right-to-work issue could become battle in Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gina Nelson remembers hearing the stories of her grandfather trying to organize automotive workers in the dead of night in the 1930s, the fear of assault by anti-union foes always present.
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MI: Extended jobless benefits set to expire in Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Roughly 29,500 unemployed Michigan workers could lose their jobless benefits this month because the state no longer qualifies for a certain federal extended jobless benefits program, state officials announced Friday.
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MI: Indiana's vote for Right to Work creates hairy situation for Gov. Rick Snyder
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Rick Snyder has not had a lot of bad hair days so far. He had one on Tuesday.
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MI: Michigan Democrats are taking 1st shot at corporate funding with proposed ethics, campaign finance reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State House Democrats want lawmakers and state officers to be more accountable and open about where they get personal and campaign donations. The package of bills and a resolution to amend the state constitution are aimed primarily at money from corporations.
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MN: State property taxes up $300 million in 2012
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Under the pressure of declining state aid, a tough economy and difficult choices about what to pay for, Minnesota's cities, schools and counties raised the burden on property taxpayers in 2012 by more than $300 million.
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MO: Missouri attorney general urges changes to tobacco escrow law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is renewing a call for lawmakers to change a state law related to a 1998 settlement with big tobacco companies.
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MO: Missouri economic development chief resigns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jay Nixon's choice to run the Missouri Department of Economic Development resigned Thursday after the state Senate refused to approve his nomination.
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ND: N.D. governor, U.S. senator have flood talks with Saskatchewan premier
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall said two provincial reservoirs that hold water back from the Souris River are being kept at lower-than-normal levels to make them better able to contain potential spring flooding in North Dakota and southern Saskatchewan.
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ND: Environmental activists plan attempt to strengthen ND oil rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota environmental activists want lawmakers to toughen new state oil production rules.
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ND: Board delays North Dakota land leasing for oil drilling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than 3,800 acres of state property in North Dakota's scenic Badlands won't be leased for oil drilling while officials develop a policy for reviewing energy exploration on environmentally sensitive land, a state board decided Friday.
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ND: Pipeline is in America and N.D.'s interest
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — This week, I introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline project under Congress' authority enumerated in the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Forty-four of my colleagues from across the nation joined in that effort as cosponsors of the bill.
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ND: State officials look at ag land value options
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials who hosted an informational meeting with producer groups last week explaining a nearly 30 percent average increase in agricultural land values in 2012, say they're committed to continuing dialogue with groups and elected officials interested in addressing the issue.
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ND: Governor says now is the time to build on success
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With past initiatives to stimulate economic development and improving the state's business climate well established, now is the time to work on further expanding and diversifying the employment and cultural opportunities for North Dakotans.
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ND: Fargo city leaders look into pension reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"City leaders were briefed on the ins and outs of pension systems Thursday, as part of a monthslong effort to review and potentially change city employees' retirement benefits.
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ND: Gov. Dalrymple urges full review of Badlands tracts set for auction
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Jack Dalrymple wants to review a list of untouched Badlands areas that state game and fish officials have asked be spared from oil drilling.
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NE: Committee advances movie incentives bill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senators may get an opportunity to debate a bill that could put Nebraska on Hollywood's radar.
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NE: Lawmakers ponder merger of labor, economic development departments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Senators got a chance to question the new director of the state Department of Economic Development on Thursday and get her thoughts on Gov. Dave Heineman's proposal to merge her department with the Department of Labor.
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NJ: N.J. lawmaker pushes to allow hand-held gaming devices in casinos
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Gamblers at Atlantic City casinos may someday be able to place bets while standing in line for dinner, in a lounge, or beside a swimming pool.
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NJ: Gov hails new corporate headquarters
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MADISON, N.J. — Gov. Chris Christie and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno joined Madison Mayor Bob Conley and other local officials Wednesday for a groundbreaking ceremony for Realogy's new corporate headquarters.
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NJ: Former MF Global official says he warned Corzine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — The former chief risk officer of MF Global says he warned then-CEO Jon Corzine in late 2010 of the risks in large bets on European government debt. Those bets sank the brokerage firm last fall.
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NV: Even in foreclosure-plagued Nevada, candidates are sidestepping housing crisis
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The four remaining Republican presidential candidates have lept at every opportunity to distinguish themselves from one another on most economic issues, trading jabs on jobs plans, tax plans and health care plans as they've made their way through Nevada.
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NY: Tax chief deputizes IG staff to permit use of returns
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Under a unique arrangement, the entire staff of the state Inspector General's Office quietly gained a powerful crime-fighting tool last month — the ability to look at tax returns of state employees and, potentially, any other filers whose confidential data is considered "relevant" to an investigation.
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NY: Bloomberg -- Use last rainy-day funds in budget plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York City should scrape dry the last of its rainy-day funds to balance next year's budget without new cutbacks or taxes, Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Thursday as he unveiled a $68.7 billion budget proposal that anticipates billions of dollars in deficits in years to come.
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OH: Ohio bill to offer less-strict exotic animal ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BLACKLICK, Ohio -- An Ohio state senator plans to introduce legislation Tuesday that is a milder form of a ban on exotic animals than the one an Ohio task force recommended. State Sen. Troy Balderson hopes his legislation will help save places such as the American Primate Education Sanctuary, or APES, a not-for-profit preserve in Blacklick, Ohio.
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OH: State of the State -- Vital signs improve
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state of our state is stabilizing, an annual Dispatch review of key economic indicators shows.
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OH: Panel sends list of PUCO nominees to Kasich
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A current and a former state lawmaker and a veteran state utility employee are finalists for a spot on the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
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OR: Lawmakers anticipate tax-revenue forecast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As Oregon lawmakers and others await this week's forecast of how much the state can expect from tax collections, the interim state economist and his predecessor have discussed how the economy shapes those projections.
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OR: Oregon small businesses struggling to file W-2s electronically get more time from state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Oregon Department of Revenue, peppered with calls from small-business owners, has extended by two months the deadline to electronically file employee wage-and-tax statements.
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OR: Oregon's 2012 Legislature considering more than a dozen jobs bills, but don't expect miracles
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than a dozen bills aimed at creating jobs or helping Oregon's unemployed workers have been introduced by the 2012 Legislature.
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OR: Governor backs bill siding with Facebook
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state moved closer this week to providing companies such as Facebook assurance they won't face higher property taxes in enterprise zones.
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OR: Oregon Legislature on track to authorize three new marine reserves
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oregon's Legislature appears poised to add three no-fishing marine reserves off the coast, designating what amounts to 38-square-miles of ocean wilderness despite continued concerns from fishing groups.
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PA: State inmates' return to Pa. boosts county economies
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In early 2010, in an effort to ease the burden of the state's prison system, Gov. Ed Rendell announced that Pennsylvania would contract with Michigan and Virginia to move 2,000 low-risk inmates to facilities in those states.
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PA: Worth the gamble? Numbers indicate the state has benefited
From: feeds.stateline.org
""Gambling has been an utter failure in Pennsylvania." That was what this newspaper was concerned it would write someday in an editorial and why it came down against a proposal to legalize slot machines at racetracks in 2003.
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PA: Corbett may boost small-game limits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After talking about it for more than a decade, state legislators have given Gov. Tom Corbett a bill that boosts bingo and other small-games-of-chance jackpots -- and also potentially boosts the fundraising abilities of veterans groups, fire companies, church organizations and social clubs across the state.
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PA: Some of Pennsylvania's budget woes harken back to corporate tax change
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Recent state agency reports have documented that corporate profit levels are robust and corporate net profit margins are at historic highs. They also have reported that more than 50 percent of the state's midyear budget gap is due to the $260 million shortfall in corporate tax revenue.
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RI: Advocates gather to support bill to let people stay in foreclosed homes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 50 people gathered Thursday at the State House rotunda to voice support for a bill that would allow people to live in foreclosed homes until they are sold.
"
SD: Bonuses soon to be unveiled for 13,000 state employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After going three years without a pay raise, South Dakota's 13,000 state employees should find out soon what, if any, kind of bonus they will get to compensate them for sticking it out through those lean years.
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SD: South Dakota should ready for oil boom's pros, cons
From: feeds.stateline.org
"BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — The oil boom that has brought both wealth and woes to North Dakota is on its way to South Dakota — and experts say the state would be wise to prepare itself.
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SD: SD senators kill bill on foreign law application
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state Senate Judiciary Committee will not advance a bill to regulate the use of foreign law in South Dakota courts.
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SD: Daugaard -- Vote on program could harm development
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Dakota's efforts to attract new companies and help existing ones expand could be hurt by the public vote scheduled for November on a new business grant program, Gov. Dennis Daugaard said Thursday.
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SD: SD event focuses on oil boom's problems, potential
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota's oil boom brings with it tremendous wealth and enormous problems _ and both are coming to South Dakota, say organizers of a Thursday night event dubbed "Coming Down the Pipe."
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SD: Daugaard -- Don't kill business development fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Dennis Daugaard and South Dakota legislative leaders, in three separate news conferences Thursday, celebrated Bel Brands USA's decision to build a new $100 million cheese manufacturing plant in Brookings that could ultimately employ 400 people.
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TN: TN lawmakers discuss reducing sales tax
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Republican sponsor of a proposal to reduce the sales tax on groceries in Tennessee said Wednesday he's open to working with Democrats who have a similar measure if it would help the legislation's passage.
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TN: Governor Bill Haslam hints at second Chattanooga Amazon facility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New Amazon distribution centers such as the one in Chattanooga will vault Tennessee to the top three among states in terms of the Internet retailer's footprint, officials said Thursday. And Amazon officials, who gave Gov. Bill Haslam his first look at the 1 million-square-foot Chattanooga center, hinted that the online retailer's presence could grow in Hamilton County.
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TX: Texas gave out $25 million in film, TV incentives in 2011
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Texas Film Commission distributed approximately $25 million in state funds to 177 projects in 2011 under the auspices of the Moving Image Industry Incentive Program.
"
US: Foreclosure deal deadline arrives as states must choose whether to sign on
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. states that balked at liability releases in a proposed $25 billion nationwide settlement over bank foreclosure practices must decide today whether its mortgage relief and reforms are worth legal claims they'll lose.
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US: Stopping the 'brain drain' of the U.S. economy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Yale University student Marina Keegan received an email last May from Bridgewater Associates, one of the world's largest hedge funds, offering her $100 if she said why she didn't apply for a summer internship. Keegan, an English major, decided to take Bridgewater up on its offer.
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US: Latinos, hit hard by job losses, are making strong comeback
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After scraping by on handyman jobs for a year, Bert Qintana figured he'd have to leave his wife and teenage son at their home near Taos, N.M., and find work elsewhere.
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US: Deal is closer for a U.S. plan on mortgage relief
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a deadline looming on Monday for state officials to sign onto a landmark multibillion-dollar settlement to address foreclosure abuses, the Obama administration is close to winning support from a crucial state that would significantly expand the breadth of the deal.
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US: States seek currencies made of silver and gold
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NEW YORK -- Worried that the Federal Reserve and the U.S. dollar are on the brink of collapse, more than a dozen states have proposed using their own alternative currencies of silver and gold.
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US: Obama opens door to offshore wind power along mid-Atlantic coast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced plans Thursday to open four new wind-leasing regions for wind farms along the mid-Atlantic coast. States look forward to a positive economic impact.
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UT: Employers could get incentive to put homeless Utahns on the payroll
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After being homeless on and off for two years, Libby Weyen has her life back on track. She has a home and, as of mid-December, a job as the employment action representative at Palmer Court.
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UT: Utah Legislature- Bill would crack down on smoke shops
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A House Committee on Thursday blocked a proposal that would have required tobacco shop owners to undergo a criminal background check before getting a business license, but approved the measure on a 7-4 vote after it was softened.
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UT: Teen may need to bring parent to tanning salon under proposed Utah law
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah teens would have to be accompanied by their parent or guardian each time they go to a tanning salon, just as if they were going to a doctor, under a proposed law that advanced out of committee Thursday.
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VA: Offshore wind farm farther away, closer to reality
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Prospects for wind turbines churning out clean energy off the mid-Atlantic coast got brighter Thursday when federal officials unveiled safe areas where energy companies might build wind farms off Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey.
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WA: Government purchasing might be merged under 1 set of rules
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State government spends more than $1 billion on goods and services a year – from computers to consultants – all of which soon might come under a single official and single set of rules.
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WA: State pension changes flounder
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A proposal to trim future outlays for state-funded pensions ran into a storm of criticism from retiree and labor groups last week, and the concept is in trouble at the Legislature.
"
WA: Legislators drop proposed $1.50 fee on barrel of oil
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Gregoire's proposal to impose a $1.50 charge on every barrel of oil refined in Washington state has hit a dead end.
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WI: State's public workers cope with reduced buying power following Walker legislation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"tate of Wisconsin clerical worker Gina Bertolini started paying about 6 percent of her $15.48 hourly wage toward her pension in August plus $84 a month for her health coverage.
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WI: Republican candidate for Senate Mark Neumann received stimulus money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The leading Tea Party-backed Republican candidate running for Wisconsin's open U.S. Senate seat who also has been a longtime critic of a federal stimulus program received more than $80,000 in stimulus grants for his own solar energy company.
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WV: It is time to get tough about drugs at work
From: feeds.stateline.org
"President Obama's Enrivonmental Protection Agency is not the only threat West Virginia's mining industry faces.
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WV: Alpha laying off more than 300 miners in West Virginia and Kentucky
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alpha Natural Resources said Friday it's idling or reducing hours at 10 coal mines in Kentucky and West Virginia, including several in or near the Kanawha Valley.
"
WV: State's future is 'bright,' leaders say
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Speakers at the South Charleston Chamber of Commerce's 20th annual "Groundhog Breakfast" on Thursday expressed the same outlook for the city and state's economic forecast -- bright.
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WY: Sales tax rebate gives businesses a boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Business owners who collect sales tax now can keep up to 1.95 percent of the revenues each month because of a new state law.
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WY: Glenrock company fined $13,500 in oil blast
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wyoming workplace safety regulators are seeking $13,500 in fines against a Glenrock company for an oil facility explosion that killed three workers northeast of Casper.
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Deadline arrives for long-awaited foreclosure settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"TODAY'S TAKE: State attorneys general must decide by today (February 6) whether to join a settlement with five major banks they accuse of using illegal lending practices to cheat homeowners and speed foreclosures.
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Governor promises tough session for South Carolina unions
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ECONOMY & BUSINESS BEAT: In this year’s legislative session, Republican Governor Nikki Haley says, “We’ll make the unions understand full well that they are not needed, not wanted and not welcome in the state of South Carolina.”
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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Proactive tax planning to take advantage of timely tax saving opportunities.
Comprehensive business services that integrate income tax compliance
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Individualized accounting system setup for new businesses.
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Preparation of business and individual tax returns and financial
statements.
Budgeting and projection preparation and monitoring, facilitating the
creation and tracking of events.
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software, ongoing monitoring and updating of systems.
