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Archive of Economy & Business on Tuesday May 06, 2008
States get in on calls for a gas tax holiday
SLOCOMB, Ala. - Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida has been fighting to cut 10 cents from the state's gasoline tax for two weeks in July. Lawmakers in Missouri, New York and Texas have also proposed a summer break from state gas taxes, while candidates for governor in Indiana and North Carolina are sparring over relief ideas of their own. Read More
California may run out of cash by August
California is facing a cash crisis this summer, putting pressure on elected officials to submit an on-time state budget or risk asking taxpayers to pay a premium on loans. Read More
Must Florida pay for felled citrus trees?
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A jury is set to begin deliberations Monday in a case that could cost the Florida Department of Agriculture tens of millions of dollars for cutting down backyard citrus trees over the objections of homeowners. Read More
Lawsuit seeks to stop Arctic oil exploration
ANCHORAGE - Alaska Native and environmental groups sued Monday to stop exploration by oil companies this summer in Arctic waters frequented by whales, seals and other marine species. Read More
Judge rejects Kohring request to talk to juror
Former state Rep. Vic Kohring has suffered another legal setback ahead of his sentencing Thursday. Read More
Beebe -- Federal cuts not as bad as feared
Federal cuts won?t hurt state work-force programs as much as state officials initially feared, Gov. Mike Beebe said. Read More
As Ariz. degrades, folks may leave
A symbol of Arizona's growth is the U-Haul, bringing in families pursuing sunshine, mountains, cheaper housing and jobs as they pile in from the Rust Belt or Southern California. Read More
Fed ruling resurrects prospects of Orange County toll road
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. - A federal review has found a toll road proposed to run through a popular coastal state park in Orange County would not jeopardize sensitive wildlife species. Read More
Capital One sues to stop Calif. credit card probe
LOS ANGELES - Capital One Financial Corp has sued in an effort to keep its records out of the hands of California Attorney General Jerry Brown, who is investigating whether the bank's credit card business violated state false advertising and unfair competition laws. Read More
Vegetable oil fuels cars - and tax bills
Dave Eck, a Half Moon Bay mechanic, had attracted a media spotlight with his fleet of vehicles fueled by used fryer grease from a local chowder house. So when Sacramento called, he figured officials wanted advice on promoting alternative fuels. Read More
California may run out of cash by August
California is facing a cash crisis this summer, putting pressure on elected officials to submit an on-time state budget or risk asking taxpayers to pay a premium on loans. Read More
State invests $1 billion to rebuild path over Sierra
TRUCKEE, Calif. - High on the Sierra crest above this old railroad town, the granite rocks are scarred with ruts carved by the wheels of the wagons pioneers hauled over Donner Summit 150 years ago. Read More
Xcel fees in cross hairs
State regulators are investigating a growing number of fees and surcharges that Xcel Energy and other utilities are tacking onto customer bills. Read More
Legislation advances, awaits Rell's signature
The following bills are among those that have passed the General Assembly. Unless otherwise noted, they are awaiting Gov. M. Jodi Rell's signature. Read More
State Senate gives solid approval to gas-emissions bill
The Senate on Monday unanimously backed a mandate to cut emissions of greenhouse gases in Connecticut, keeping the state on pace with others in its efforts to combat global warming. Read More
Minimum wage bill now in Rell's court
The minimum hourly wage in Connecticut would rise Jan. 1 from $7.65 to $8 ? and to $8.25 as of Jan. 1, 2010 ? under a bill the state Senate gave final legislative approval to Monday night. The bill, which the House approved April 22, now goes to Gov. M. Jodi Rell, but her press office said that she doesn't know whether she will sign it into law. Read More
Mayors, others decry state budget decision
Mayors, union leaders and activists for the poor ramped up the political pressure Monday on the General Assembly and Gov. M. Jodi Rell, hoping to change their minds about not amending the new budget that takes effect July 1. Read More
House passes mortgage relief bill
The House of Representatives has passed a bill that aims to help struggling homeowners caught up in the subprime mortgage mess. Read More
State Senate approves greenhouse gas reduction measure
The state Senate gave final -- and unanimous -- legislative approval Monday to a tough new bill requiring drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions connected to global warming, and the GOP leader in the Senate said he expects Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell to sign it into law. Read More
Feds investigate state investment pool
State investments downgraded during the subprime mortgage meltdown have been targeted in a federal probe. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has asked the State Board of Administration to hand over hundreds of pages of documents related to the buying and selling of at least 10 different securities, according to a letter dated Feb. 22. Read More
Commuter rail far from dead, Mica and Dyer vow
Central Florida commuter-rail supporters are preparing to spend as much as $52 million in the next year to keep their plan on track, despite the Legislature's rejection of the deal last week. Read More
UF cuts 400 jobs, undergrad enrollment
The University of Florida, the state's highest-rated institution of higher education, announced layoffs, reductions in degree programs and a steep cut in undergraduate enrollment as part of a plan to cope with severe budget cuts from the state. Read More
UH-Manoa to measure greenhouse gas output
The University of Hawaii-Manoa says it will be the first institution in Hawaii -- and the first college campus in the nation -- to join a registry of corporations that measure and publicly report their annual greenhouse gas emissions. Read More
Ceded-land deal at impasse
Just days after the end of the legislative session and a failed attempt to reach an agreement over how much ceded-land revenue is owed to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the key parties involved appear to again be at loggerheads. Read More
HECO to seek increase in rates
Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. has given notice that it will ask the state Public Utilities Commission for permission to raise rates again for its 295,000 customers on Oahu. Read More
Airlines raise fuel surcharge
Hawaii, which already has the most expensive gas prices in the nation, has the highest airline fuel surcharges, too. Read More
Audit finds state paid $882,000 for $50,000 in savings
State Auditor David Vaudt has released a second report on business conducted by several state agencies with a consulting company based in Chicago. Read More
State pays $250,000 to settle another TouchPlay lawsuit
The Iowa Attorney General's office has announced another settlement with a former manufacturer of the TouchPlay machines. The state banned TouchPlay machines in May of 2006, after concerns that the games were too much like slot machines. A-G spokesman, Bob Brammer, talks about the details of the latest settlement. Read More
Culver signs loan oversight bill
Iowa students might not have to borrow as much money to pay for college as a result of new legislation signed Monday, Gov. Chet Culver said. Read More
Iowa pollution perils lurk among buried fuel tanks
Leaking underground fuel tanks threaten to contaminate drinking water, lakes, streams and homes across Iowa as environmental officials change rules to speed up detection and cleanup. Read More
Student loan protection bill signed
Gov. Chet Culver signed legislation Monday to help make the student loan process more transparent for Iowa college students and provide more oversight for lenders. Read More
State approves increase for Rocky Mountain Power
Idaho utility regulators are giving Rocky Mountain Power permission to charge customers a little more for electricity this year. Read More
Areva plans to build $2 billion uranium plant in Idaho
French-owned energy services company Areva Inc. will build what it's said will be a $2 billion uranium enrichment facility near the eastern Idaho city of Idaho Falls, after winning tax concessions from the state Legislature meant to lure the plant to the region. Read More
Idaho gas prices set another record
Whatlyne Frederick remembers being outraged when she paid $2 a gallon for gasoline in 2005 to fill her 1994 Chevrolet Cavalier. On Monday, the situation became "ridiculous," she said, when she paid $3.46 a gallon at the Maverik station at Cole and Ustick roads. Read More
Lawmaker -- Job moves in works for years
A southern Illinois lawmaker says Gov. Rod Blagojevich?s controversial decision to move 148 jobs from Springfield to his district has been in the works for two years. Read More
Latest prison closings proposal would benefit Thomson
Pontiac?s loss of a maximum-security prison could be a big win for Thomson. Read More
Plan would keep all of Stateville prison open, shut Pontiac facility
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration is canceling its plan to close part of the Stateville prison near Joliet and now wants to shut down the Pontiac Correctional Center instead. Read More
Governor refuses to discuss Rezko trial
GRANITE CITY, Ill.- Insisting "the truth will come out," Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday refused to publicly address claims that the former head of the Illinois Finance Authority got his job in exchange for campaign contributions. Read More
Ill. Corrections wants Stateville open, Pontiac closed
The Illinois Department of Corrections is shelving plans to shutter a maximum security unit in Joliet, targeting a more than 130-year-old prison in Pontiac for closure instead. Read More
Construction begins on new coke plant in Granite City
GRANITE CITY, Ill. - Construction began Monday on a coke-making plant that will provide fuel and steam to an adjacent steel foundry in a $570-million venture. Read More
Stateville gets new lease on life as Pontiac prison is put on chopping block
The Illinois Department of Corrections has backed off closing a wing of Stateville prison north of Joliet and now wants to shut Pontiac Correctional Center and transfer its 1,600 inmates to a facility near the Iowa border. Read More
Museum broadcasts need for funds to finish building
The Museum of Broadcast Communications is hoping that naming rights, or perhaps a generous person or foundation, will provide upward of $6 million to rescue its long-stalled efforts to build a new home at Kinzie and State Streets. Read More
Defense calls no witnesses, says case vs. Rezko weak
The prosecution and defense both rested Monday in the Tony Rezko corruption case, but not before the final witness leveled a new allegation. Read More
Both sides rest at Rezko trial
CHICAGO - Less than two hours after prosecutors rested their case Monday in political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko's fraud trial, defense attorneys did the same without calling a single witness. Read More
Work in Kansas Legislature stalled by senators' protests
Action in the Kansas Legislature came to a virtual halt Monday as lawmakers looked for an exit strategy for the 2008 session. Read More
Immigration measure close to dying in Kansas Legislature
Legislation aimed at curbing illegal immigration lingers near death at the state Capitol, and no one has issued a resuscitation order. Read More
Coal plant debate stays at impasse
The wrap-up session continued Monday as lawmakers argued over the final spending bill and a measure allowing two coal-fired power plants in southwest Kansas. Read More
Legislature grinds to standstill
As the Legislature staggers toward a last showdown over proposed coal-fired power plants in western Kansas, a resolution to allow the Legislature to sue the governor on the issue will not be going forward, the president of the state Senate said Monday. Read More
Coal debate in final days
Republican House Speaker Melvin Neufeld is optimistic today's session of the Legislature ? perhaps lawmakers' last big work day in 2008 ? delivers hard-fought victories on a contentious coal debate. Read More
Google invests in KU studio
LAWRENCE, Kan. - Internet company Google has made a $100,000 gift to help The University of Kansas architecture students design and build sustainable structures, including one of the first new "green" buildings in Greensburg. Read More
Natural resources chief named in Ky.
Carl E. Campbell, a former state mining official, has been named to replace the recently fired Susan Bush as commissioner of the state Department for Natural Resources. Read More
Panel resists easing building code
A House committee on Monday fought efforts by north Louisiana legislators to kill off the new statewide building code but put limits on what inspectors could charge. Read More
Eateries' smoking ban is dissuading teens
Restaurant smoking bans may be as powerful as peers or parents in the battle to keep teenagers from becoming smokers, a new study suggests. Read More
Mass. revenue collections total $2.7B in April
Tax collections shot up in April by $400 million compared with the same month last year, but administration officials said the state isn't out of the economic woods and still needs the added revenue of proposed cigarette and corporate tax hikes. Read More
Immigrants feel less welcome in Frederick
In just over a decade, Frederick County has been transformed from a bucolic, timeless community of dairy farms and strawberry festivals to a fast-paced mosaic of high-tech firms and housing developments, Pilates classes and exotic eateries, mega-stores and McDonald's. Read More
O'Malley's office accused of pressuring state police
A state police commander who oversaw Maryland's automotive inspections program alleged that "strong political pressure" from Gov. Martin O'Malley's office was behind a recent decision to allow a Prince George's County station to resume inspections four years after its license was revoked for fraudulent practices. Read More
Kittery baker is fighting the feds over food policy
KITTERY, Maine ? With the rising cost of food and fuel creating a quagmire for Americans nationwide, local bakery owner Andrew Siegel and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, gathered Monday afternoon to announce their plans to combat federal renewable fuel policies and the mounting effect on skyrocketing food prices nationwide. Read More
Richmond businessman fears impact of people's veto effort
RICHMOND, Maine- Bill Keleher runs a small business where he needs to provide health insurance to his workers to stay competitive. Read More
Telford gets $75M Army deal extension
BANGOR, Maine - The U.S. Army has awarded Telford Aviation Inc. a $75 million contract to continue maintaining military aircraft and airborne reconnaissance surveillance systems used on the aircraft, according to a company official. Read More
Food prices on a roll
Americans may be getting another helping of food inflation, thanks to higher prices for chicken and pork. Read More
U.S. secretary of transportation in town to encourage state to allow use of use of private dollars for I-94 improvements
Plans to expand and improve I-94 through Jackson County are expensive and overdue. Read More
Bipartisan caucus hopes to grow area
A small but booming Delta Township Web services firm wants to expand, potentially adding 600 new high-tech jobs. Read More
Scene stealer? Incentives draw 'gold rush' of film-related work to state
When Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed a package of incentives for filmmakers, Chuck Speed was ready to go. Read More
Senate Republicans discuss giving up opposition to Gun Lake Casino compact
Legislative opponents of a Wayland Township casino may be ready to fold their cards after last week's federal appeals court ruling in favor of the Gun Lake tribe. Read More
Pawlenty signs bovine TB eradication plan into law
A plan to eradicate bovine tuberculosis from Minnesota cattle is now law. Read More
House passes measure aiming to remake state tax picture
A bill that seeks to dramatically alter the Minnesota tax landscape, increasing property tax relief for some while wiping out the property tax deduction on state income taxes for all, won approval in the state House on Monday night. Read More
House passes property tax bill
Minnesota homeowners would get property tax refunds based on their ability to pay under a bill passed Monday night by the House. Read More
Proposed foreclosure freeze thawed a bit
State lawmakers have tried to soften up a proposal to freeze foreclosures for a year, but Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty signaled Monday that he still will reject it. Read More
Poet axes plan for Glenville ethanol plant
The world's largest ethanol producer has shelved plans to build an ethanol plant near Albert Lea, and is blaming Minnesota environmental regulators for costly delays. Instead, the company vowed to take its business elsewhere. Read More
Preliminary approval of foreclosure relief bill
The Minnesota Senate has given preliminary approval to a bill that tries to help some homeowners avoid mortgage foreclosure. Read More
Affirmative action petition misses deadline for ballot
A group seeking to bar many state affirmative action programs has missed a Sunday deadline to submit its initiative petition. Read More
Missouri House OKs bill allowing telecoms in rural areas to increase rates
Rural telecommunications customers could see their monthly bills rise under legislation passed Monday by the Missouri House. Read More
Board of Horse Racing plans to offer fantasy football betting
The Montana Lottery is hoping to kick off a statewide fantasy football betting game by September in time for the professional football season, the agency's director said Monday. Read More
Lobbying group for state employees announces affiliation with union
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- North Carolina's leading lobbying group for state employees has agreed to affiliate with a union. Read More
Nebraska's cheap, in a good way -- as a vacation spot
Being cheap isn't a good quality for a boyfriend or a wedding gift. But it can help if you're a state trying to attract tourists. Read More
Bruning vows to fight fraud at the pump
The Nebraska Attorney General's Office is looking into reports of gas stations cheating the public by substituting ethanol for regular fuel. Read More
State promises to prosecute gas stations that cheat customers
Nebraska gas stations trying to cheat customers by selling alcohol-blended gas as regular unleaded will be prosecuted, Attorney General Jon Bruning said Monday. Read More
Judge dismisses discrimination suit against state
A federal judge has ruled with the Nebraska Health and Human Services System and the owners of Chadron mobile home park in a civil lawsuit that alleged they provided substandard housing to Native tenants based on race. Read More
Shaky at home: N.H. mortgage crisis spreads from subprime to standard loans
Signs of greater housing market strain have begun to bubble up in the Granite State. Read More
Officials say artificial turf isn't hazardous
No serious health hazards are present in synthetic, artificial turf, according to officials representing AstroTurf branded products. Read More
Bill offers tax breaks for saving energy, water
A bill to allow taxpayers to apply for a property tax exemption for energy-saving measures was unanimously approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee yesterday. Read More
N.J. leaders assure AARP -- No cuts in senior rebates
Responding to concerns raised by AARP New Jersey, the governor's office and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden) said separately yesterday there is no plan to cut property tax rebates to seniors and the disabled. Read More
Urban educators say of new state reform efforts -- Get real
When several of New Jersey's government and business leaders recently made a bold promise to remake the state's public high schools, the foot soldiers at Orange High School could be forgiven a weary sigh. Read More
Gas-tax-holiday proposals raise budget worries
TRENTON, N.J. -- The state's transportation chief said yesterday that a state or federal gas-tax break would jeopardize funding for critical bridge and road projects just as New Jersey expects a robust summer tourism season. Read More
Lawmakers discuss repairs for workers' comp system
Key state lawmakers yesterday proposed reforms to shore up New Jersey's workers' compensation system, saying judges and state officials need more power to punish employers and insurers that don't play by the rules. Read More
Rail Runner -- Work on city streets hits snag
Construction work on city intersections that need new safety features before Rail Runner commuter trains arrive won't begin as soon as the state Department of Transportation had planned. Read More
Demand for energy assistance grows in Nevada
RENO, Nev. - State social services agencies say more people are seeking help in paying their utility bills at a time when energy assistance programs are facing a shortfall. Read More
Nurses unions' showdown starts today
The reputation of one of Nevada's largest unions is on the line as 1,100 registered nurses at three St. Rose Dominican hospitals vote today and Wednesday on whether to retain the Service Employees International Union as their bargaining representative -- or join a rival union. Read More
Governor pitches tax amnesty plan
Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons announced plans Monday for an amnesty program for businesses that are delinquent on at least $69 million in taxes that, if paid, could help the state deal with a looming revenue shortfall of more than $900 million. Read More
Planned coal plant gives up its water source
A canceled contract for water could signal trouble for a coal-fired power plant planned for the Mesquite area. Read More
Teamsters may undercut members
Members of Teamsters Local 631 complain their union is colluding with major convention center contractors to wean them of union labor, a suspicion that has spurred efforts to replace local Teamster leadership with a slate of insurgent candidates. Read More
You've got to sue to win
The New York Lottery's impish "Little Bit of Luck" character is really a wolf in sheep's clothing, according to a Staten Island woman who's suing the state and shopkeepers, alleging fraud and racketeering. Read More
GOP offers $2.6B tax-cut package
Assembly Republicans Monday marked the state's "tax freedom day" by calling for about $2.6 billion in tax cuts. Read More
State official treated business leaders with taxpayer dollars
The head of the state's effort to revive the upstate economy spent thousands of taxpayer dollars in his first year on the job paying for the meals of business leaders, economic-development officials and staff members, according to state records. Read More
State GOP bulks up vulnerable candidates
The Republican-led Senate is pouring millions of dollars in taxpayer money into "pork" projects where GOP incumbents face difficult re-election campaigns this fall. Read More
Old ruling adds to pension dispute
With private lawyers under state scrutiny for getting themselves listed as public employees in order to get into New York's pension system, a 2004 court case has come to light that clearly stated the practice was not allowed. Read More
Summit finds out how much economic pinch hurts
Summit County planned to dip into reserves this year to pay for an expected $4.6 million gap in its operating budget. That was wishful thinking. Read More
Online cigarette buyers hit with state tax bills
The state is smoking out Ohio smokers who evaded cigarette taxes by shopping online between July and March. Read More
GM Lordstown plant reaches tentative contract - Kansas City plant strikes
General Motors has reached a tentative deal with stamping plant employees at its car plant in Lordstown while workers at a plant in Kansas City went on strike Monday. Read More
Kroger widens tax bonus program
CINCINNATI - The Kroger Co. is casting its net wider in the battle among retailers to lure extra dollars from shoppers during the U.S. economic stimulus effort. Read More
Ohio Attorney General resists calls to quit
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is resisting pressure to resign over what he described as a "romantic relationship with a member of my staff," but the situation threatens to stall his probes of alleged wrongdoing related to subprime mortgages. Read More
Survey names Oklahoma among cheapest vacation spots
For a good time that doesn't pinch the pocketbook, head to Oklahoma, namely Tulsa. Read More
Cowtown no more? OKC looks to Sonics to improve image
Even the mayor admits this is a town with an image problem. Read More
Bonanza from lease of turnpike not so big?
Leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike for 75 years may not offer as big a bonanza as some officials have suggested. Read More
PLCB thirsts for more sales
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board racked up a record $1.7 billion in sales in the 2006-07 fiscal year. Yet the PLCB isn't satisfied. Read More
State drug testing proposal hits snag
Robert Birnbrauer can't understand why medical professionals in Pennsylvania hospitals aren't randomly tested for drug use. Read More
State gambling board seeks to add 'slots cops'
Some Gaming Control Board agents would be "slots cops" with arrest powers in casinos under a proposal aired Monday before a special legislative panel. Read More
Got milk? Could be a crime
MOUNT HOLLY SPRINGS, Pa. -- The Department of Agriculture threw its weight at dairy farmer Mark Nolt. Read More
Court orders judge to examine DeNaples investigation
A Dauphin County judge has been ordered to determine whether grand jury secrecy rules were violated in the investigation of a casino owner and a Catholic priest. Read More
Governor vetoes gambling bill
Gov. Donald Carcieri made good on his threat to veto legislation allowing Twin River and Newport Grand to stay open all nights on weekends and holidays, but his action could be overridden in the House as early as this week. Read More
Carcieri vetoes bill for 24-hour gambling
While lawmakers are counting on round-the-clock gambling on weekends and holidays at Twin River and Newport Grand to raise upward of $14 million in new money for the cash-strapped state, Governor Carcieri has vetoed the legislation. Read More
Landfill controversy inspires Sanford to attack "good ol' boy" system
Gov. Mark Sanford said today he wants the Legislature to pass a law to prevent state government regulators from leaving their jobs to work for lobbyists of companies they had been in charge of regulating. Read More
Advocates of SC cigarette tax increase rally support
Groups pushing for higher cigarette taxes in South Carolina are facing off with tobacco companies in mailboxes and at the Statehouse as state lawmakers consider raising what's now the lowest tobacco tax in the nation. Read More
S.C. Senate to vote on cigarette tax soon
The S.C. Senate is ready to vote on a plan to raise the state's lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax more than a year after the proposal first entered the chamber. The Senate is expected to begin debating the bill today. Read More
Limits to video lottery delayed
Sioux Falls city councilors delayed a major vote on restricting video lottery Monday after state officials asked for more time to study the measure. Read More
State employees will request salary, health changes
The South Dakota State Employees Organization plans to press for a salary change when the 2009 Legislature convenes. Read More
Canadian company plans 2nd pipeline
TransCanada Corp. is planning "Keystone Phase II," a second oil pipeline from Alberta, Canada, that would travel through western South Dakota to Port Arthur, Texas. Read More
State fair needs to expand reach to draw crowds, consultant says
The Tennessee State Fair should consider reinventing itself as a true statewide event rather than a Nashville-oriented one so it can become more relevant and competitive, a consultant says in a report the fair's board will discuss today. Read More
Nashville - Lottery deal tough with less money
House and Senate efforts to resolve a yearlong standoff on how to spend some Tennessee Education Lottery funds are running into new problems as a result of lower-than-expected lottery growth, top lawmakers said. Read More
Bredesen to lay out budget plan
Gov. Phil Bredesen says he may reveal his budget plan this week that could include laying off some of the state's nearly 47,000 employees. Read More
Tennessee - Corker battles Bush TennCare cuts
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., vowed Monday to fight Bush administration efforts to cut TennCare funding and said he backs a moratorium on new Medicaid rules that would cost the program hundreds of millions of dollars. Read More
Strip clubs ask high court to halt fee collection
An association representing strip clubs asked the Texas Supreme Court on Monday to stop the state from collecting a new fee that a trial court has ruled unconstitutional. Read More
Fake documents swamp Houston
Illegal immigrants fearful of being caught in stepped-up workplace raids are fueling a growing market in Houston for phony immigration and work documents. Read More
Boomer retirees are loving what Texas Hill Country affords them
Baby boomers' growing desire to retire to small towns is turning the Texas Hill Country into one of the nation's hot spots for the silver-haired set. Read More
Attorneys general meet to discuss energy issues
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- One highly effective way to reduce electricity use is to hang laundry on an outdoor clothesline, instead of using a dryer, Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said Monday. Read More
Republican River tour will address water use
An early June tour will visit the lower Republican River basin in Kansas and Nebraska to help answer water use questions in both states. Read More
EnergySolutions sues to import Italy nuclear waste
EnergySolutions filed a lawsuit after business hours Monday in U.S. District Court, asking a judge to decide whether the Northwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management has authority over whether the company's Clive facility should be allowed to store materials coming from Italy. Read More
EnergySolutions sues to stop state's bid to block Italian nuke waste
EnergySolutions has gone to court to protect its plan to import low-level nuclear waste from Italy. Read More
Mobile home eviction law too late for Bontivilla Trailer Park residents
BOUNTIFUL, Utah -- An extra three days would have meant an extra six months. Read More
Utah's mixed drinks simpler, but rules still complex
The Utah Legislature, often known for its resistance to anything that might encourage liquor consumption, has inspired the invention of a new martini unique to the Beehive state. Read More
10 of 11 cities OK $181 million UTOPIA refinance
MURRAY, Utah -- Given the nod from 10 of 11 cities, UTOPIA will charge forward with a $181 million refinance that will allow it to cut old ties, finish build-out and repay contractor debts. Read More
Tech joins state schools, raises rates
The cost of a public-college education is climbing across the state, with Virginia Tech yesterday becoming the latest school to raise its tuition and fees. Read More
Douglas' housing chief, John Hall, to leave post
Commissioner John Hall, a main force behind Gov. James Douglas' housing proposals, will leave his post next week as the head of the Department of Housing and Community Affairs. Read More
Can M-U-D really spell M-O-N-E-Y?
LOWER WATERFORD, Vt. - In Vermont, mud season is the limbo between winter and spring, when the snow melts, the crocuses start peeking through and rubber boots and low gears are needed to navigate the mess that takes over many roads and fields. Read More
Gas tax holiday would cost state $126 million
The gas tax holiday proposed by Sens. John McCain and Hillary Clinton would save the typical Washington driver $28 this year but cost the state about $126 million in lost highway money and more than 4,300 highway-related jobs, according to a recent report. Read More
No exceptions -- Wisconsin lobbyists cannot donate to a fundraiser for a legislative aide with cancer
State regulators agreed Monday not to make an exception to a state law barring lobbyists from giving gifts to legislative employees, even when the gifts involve contributing to a fundraiser for a legislative aide with cancer. Read More
Commerce -- New rule saves money and lives
Certain multi family buildings being constructed must now have sprinklers installed. Tony Hozeny, Communications Director with the WI Commerce Department, says any new multi family dwellings with eight or more units must have a sprinklers. Read More
Calling attention to Wisconsin emu industry
Did you know it's emu week in Wisconsin? Did you even know Wisconsin had a significant emu population? Read More
WVU faculty wants president's ouster
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia University's faculty senate yesterday voted overwhelmingly for the ouster of university President Mike Garrison after a debate in which he was rebuked for what one faculty member called a "serious academic crime" in the Heather Bresch M.B.A. controversy. Read More
Day care demand exceeds supply
Southeast Wyoming faces a shortage of child care that some say is hurting the area's ability to attract workers. Read More
Industry treats more water
More groundwater extracted by coal-bed methane operators in the Powder River Basin is being cleaned so it can be discharged into river drainages, and the trend should continue as operators move into areas of the basin where water quality worsens. Read More
Exxon Mobil plans Wyo CO2 plant
Exxon Mobil Corp. plans to spend more than $100 million to build a plant in Wyoming to continue developing and testing technology that could make capturing and storing carbon dioxide more affordable and open up vast new sources of natural gas. Read More
Oh say, is that banner made in the U.S.A.?
Lawmakers in 10 states have taken steps to require that American flags bought with state funds be manufactured in this country. While not all the legislation has passed, one state’s new law even bans the sale of foreign-made American flags in that state. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Voters' guide promotes phone sex
An Oregon voters’ guide lists a very wrong number. California’s governor insults rural legislators. And Pennsylvania considers selling wine in vending machines. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in. Read More
Parents turn to states for autism help
(UPDATED 4 p.m. EDT, Thursday May 1) One of the toughest problems facing autism patients, their families and policymakers is paying for treatment. Families are increasingly relying on states to help them cope with the financial, medical and educational needs. Read More
Legislators prod Congress on Medicaid, Real ID
As some states tumble into what they fear is a recession, state lawmakers from across the country are pushing Congress for relief from impending federal rules that would force states to pick up more Medicaid costs and spend billions to make drivers’ licenses more secure. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Phantom voter stalks Ala. State House
An Alabama lawmaker says someone’s been using his voting machine. Florida’s House Speaker locks the doors and turns off Internet access to make legislators pay attention. And Mayberry’s Sheriff Taylor endorses a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in. Read More
Credit crunch hits states' college loans
(Updated 11:55 a.m. EDT, April 23, 2008)
The credit crisis has led some state lending agencies to suspend their federal and private student loan programs, forcing thousands of students to search elsewhere for money to pay for college. Read More
Turf wars rage over fake grass
State legislators are used to political turf wars. Now, debates in a handful of states really are about turf, pitting those who back the artificial variety against supporters of natural grass for playgrounds and athletic fields. Read More
The economic downturn: an opportunity for governors?
Most governors recognize that they have the best political job in America. Most also would concede that the job is more satisfying when the economy is strong and revenues are growing than during an economic downturn, when cutting budgets becomes the major task. But even a recession can present opportunities for governors to make improvements that yield lasting benefits for their states. Read More
WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden. Read More |
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