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Archive of Taxes & Budget on Wednesday May 07, 2008
Four repeal efforts target Dirigo taxes, driver's license rules
Maine election officials said Tuesday that they've accepted applications from four groups challenging a pair of recently enacted laws, but the four could morph into two as the campaigns develop. Read More
Abused child gets $18.2 million settlement from Florida
When she was 2, Marissa Amora was so badly abused at her Lake Worth home she suffered catastrophic brain damage that requires her to eat through a feeding tube. Seven years later, she looked on at the Governor's Mansion as Gov. Charlie Crist signed a settlement Tuesday giving her $18.2 million for the role negligent child-abuse investigators played in her case. Read More
Ohio legislators dismantle tobacco prevention agency
Gov. Ted Strickland yesterday pounded the last nail into the coffin of the state's quasigovernment anti-smoking agency that dared to defy lawmakers' plans to take the bulk of its money to help pay for a $1.57 billion economic stimulus package. Read More
Quiet philanthropist Osher donates $70 million to state's community colleges
The quiet philanthropist stood beside the movie-star governor Tuesday to celebrate the Bernard Osher Foundation's unprecedented $70 million donation to California communitcy college students. Read More
Senate passes $1-a-pack hike on cigarettes
The state Senate has approved a nearly $500 million tax package, including a dollar-a-pack hike on cigarettes Read More
Natural gas tax bill dies
A bill that would have raised taxes on natural gas wells drilled off the Alabama coast has died in the Alabama Legislature. Read More
House OKs tax exemption for rebate checks
The Alabama House has approved a bill to exempt federal economic stimulus checks from state income taxes, saving residents about $57 million. Read More
Study calls for overhaul of state's pay for Ark. employees
An overhaul of the state's pay plan that would boost entry-level salaries by nearly 14 percent has been proposed by the head of Arkansas' personnel office and legislative researchers. Read More
Candidates differ on casino, gas tax
FORT SMITH, Ark. - Sebastian County Democratic Chairman Lee Webb can't remember the last time two members of his party competed in a legislative primary here, especially one that pits a challenger against an incumbent. Read More
State proposes $46.7 million pay overhaul
State and legislative staff members on Tuesday proposed an overhaul of the pay plan that covers about 35,000 of the state?s employees. It would cost $ 46.7 million. Read More
Fewer teachers leaving after first year, panel told
The number of public school teachers leaving the profession after their first year has dropped considerably in the past six years because of a more than 20 percent hike in minimum teacher salaries in 2004, officials told legislators Tuesday. Read More
Increase in pay for government workers recommended
To lower the turnover of entry-level government workers, the state should revamp pay scales by $46.7 million, the head of Arkansas' personnel office told legislators Tuesday. Read More
Coalition pushing tax for roads
Business and community groups took the first steps Tuesday to persuade Arizonans to raise the taxes on virtually everything they buy to build new roads. Read More
Group seeks to get sales-tax hike for transportation on ballot
Supporters of a transportation-tax package filed language Tuesday for the November election, marking the kickoff of what is likely to be an intensive campaign to collect signatures needed to get the measure before voters. Read More
Bay Area bids for stem cell bonanza
California voters who raised $3 billion for stem cell research in 2004 finally will see their tax dollars at work - not yet in the form of diseases cured, but in the rise of vast laboratories built of concrete, glass and steel. Read More
State funding proposal raises hopes for new downtown San Jose courthouse
A proposal to finance new courthouse construction projects throughout California with $5 billion in revenue bonds has revived hopes for a long-stalled plan to build a family courthouse in downtown San Jose. Read More
Vallejo to become largest city in state to file for bankruptcy
Vallejo is set to become the largest California city to declare bankruptcy after leaders voted in favor of the solution to its spiraling budget crisis. Read More
Vallejo to become largest city in state to file for bankruptcy
Vallejo is set to become the largest California city to declare bankruptcy after leaders voted in favor of the solution to its spiraling budget crisis. Read More
Senate GOP leader rules out tax hikes to balance budget
Saying the ailing economy is putting enough stress on taxpayers, Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill said Tuesday that Republicans will oppose any tax hikes to bridge California's budget deficit. Cogdill suggested the deficit, which he pegged at $16 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1, could be wiped out through service cuts and tapping into the reserves of voter-approved initiatives intended for early childhood education, mental health services and transportation. Read More
Senate GOP leader rules out tax hikes to balance budget
Saying the ailing economy is putting enough stress on taxpayers, Senate Republican leader Dave Cogdill said Tuesday that Republicans will oppose any tax hikes to bridge California's budget deficit. 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
GOP pushes budget spending
On the eve of the General Assembly session adjournment, the political battle continued at the state Capitol Tuesday over whether to alter the budget that kicks in July 1. Read More
Rell looks for savings as deficit looms
On the eve of the General Assembly session adjournment, the political battle continued at the state Capitol Tuesday over whether to alter the budget that kicks in July 1. Read More
Senate cuts fee for Gold Star plates
A bill that eliminates the fee for the Gold Star Family license plate is heading to Gov. M. Jodi Rell's desk. Read More
Use of state lawyers in ethics cases flounders in House
A Senate-approved bill that would let legislators and other state employees use taxpayer-funded state lawyers to defend them in ethics cases is floundering in the House - where a key committee chairman, who normally would bring it up, refuses to do so. Read More
Needy districts face cuts in school reading programs
The state's neediest school districts are facing cuts in critical programs that help teach children to read because of a looming $20 million falloff in funding under the state's "do-nothing" budget. Read More
State spends $18 million to right wrongs
In a day of righting government injustice, a wrongfully convicted man was finally compensated for 24 years in prison Tuesday, just hours after Gov. Charlie Crist signed off on an $18 million payment plan for a brain-damaged girl whom the system failed. Read More
Soaring food costs forcing changes in your child's school menu
Here's what the soaring cost of food has meant to Broward County's school lunch menu: white bread instead of whole wheat, less-expensive fresh fruits and vegetables, and cutbacks in popular-but-pricey Jamaican meat patties and egg rolls. Read More
Crist signs bill giving abused girl $2.9M with promise of $18.2M
With 9-year-old Marissa Amora at his side and smiling brightly from her wheelchair, Gov. Charlie Crist signed legislation Tuesday that could eventually award her $18.2 million for a Department of Children and Families mistake that led to horrific abuse and permanent brain damage. Read More
Florida universities raise tuition, cap enrollment, freeze jobs
Florida's universities are raising tuition, laying off employees and limiting enrollment to make it through what has turned out to be one of the toughest budget years in recent history. Read More
Sink signs agreement for Crotzer
Alan Crotzer has heard plenty of apologies from lawmakers and state officials for 24 years he spent in prison for crimes he didn't commit. On Tuesday he and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink signed the $1.25 million agreement that will put dollars behind those words Read More
Isle schools must absorb $7.7 million budget cut
The price of A+, lunch and bus fares could go up as education officials consider raising fees to absorb a $7.7 million cut in their $2.4 billion operating budget. Read More
Big Isle election funding plan criticized
HILO, Hawaii ? A proposal to publicly fund some Big Island elections, which passed the Legislature by a wide margin and awaits Gov. Linda Lingle's signature, will make candidates less beholden to special interests, supporters say. Read More
Lawmakers tout law that pays nurses more money
Iowa House speaker Pat Murphy and other lawmakers paid a visit to University Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City Tuesday to highlight legislation passed on the final day of this year's session. The bill earmarks this year's Medicaid provider reimbursement increase to go directly to increasing the wages of registered nurses. Read More
Culver signs tax bill for schools
A 1-cent state sales tax will replace local-option sales taxes that every Iowa county collects for school infrastructure, under a bill signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Chet Culver. Read More
'Sunshine bill' failed to rise
A bill that legislative leaders called a top priority early this year became the last one to die as the 2008 session ended last month. Read More
Legislative pay raises again debated in Illinois
Illinois House Republicans tried unsuccessfully to kill a proposed hike in state lawmakers' salaries Tuesday, saying it sends the wrong message to voters in the midst of governmental gridlock in Springfield. Read More
IDOT move could cost $1 million
Relocating the Illinois Department of Transportation?s Division of Traffic Safety to southern Illinois could cost the state hundreds of thousands of dollars in moving expenses, according to estimates provided to The State Journal-Register on Tuesday. Read More
Worker pleads not guilty in fraud case
The state treasurer?s office employee charged with embezzling $750,000 from state coffers pleaded not guilty to the three federal counts Tuesday. Read More
Gov. wants to spend $150 million on anti-violence programs
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's $150 million plan to curb youth violence after a rash of Chicago shootings relies on something the Democrat hasn't done before: Getting lawmakers to pass a capital bill so he can pay for his proposal. Read More
Lawmakers vow to fight for Pontiac prison
Lawmakers vowed Tuesday to fight for the future of the state prison at Pontiac, with some questioning whether its threatened closure was part of political payback by Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration. Read More
Lawmakers brainstorm on construction funds
House Democrats sized up a broad menu of ways to pay for a potential multibillion-dollar statewide construction program Tuesday, coming to no conclusions but considering options that include income tax increases, gambling expansion and leasing the lottery. Read More
4 incumbents protect seats in rare challenge
Four Republican state senators appeared late Tuesday to have weathered the recent property tax uproar that produced rare opposition for them in their party's primary. Read More
4 incumbents protect seats in rare challenge
Four Republican state senators appeared late Tuesday to have weathered the recent property tax uproar that produced rare opposition for them in their party's primary. Read More
The $6,400 question - should KU Athletics be reimbursed?
The weeklong celebration that engulfed Lawrence after the Kansas University Jayhawks won the national basketball championship didn't come without a price. Read More
Budget deal looks close in Kansas Legislature
Lawmakers were close to breaking a budget deadlock Tuesday night that could lead to the Legislature?s adjournment sometime today. Read More
House, Senate adjourn nearer accord on budget
Senate and House negotiators drew close to an agreement on the final spending bill of the year late Tuesday, before adjourning until this morning. Read More
Coal plant bill OK'd by Kansas Senate
The Kansas Senate has passed yet another bill to authorize two coal-fired power plants in western Kansas, even as enthusiasm for the fight dimmed in the legislative session's final hours. Read More
Funds scant for disabled services
It was a loud day at the state Capitol Tuesday as people with disabilities and their supporters tried to shout their way to additional funding. Read More
Session nears end with third coal bill
Call it Coal 3. For the third time in the 2008 legislative session, lawmakers on Tuesday approved a bill that would authorize the construction of two 700-megawatt coal-fired power plants and strip the state of authority to block similar projects. Read More
House speaker alleges improper use of plane trips by governor
In Kansas politics, the state plane used by the governor can be an asset or a liability. House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, R-Ingalls, recently accused Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of getting people to vote against the coal-fired power project by flying them to Kansas University basketball games. Read More
State's budget still up in air
The state's wrap-up budget remained in limbo late Tuesday after the House adjourned with no resolution to negotiations on the final spending issues. The day was filled with talk of who was to blame for the delay. Read More
Panel OKs sale of bonds for Entergy's storm costs
The State Bond Commission voted 9-3 Tuesday to authorize two Entergy companies to issue more than $1 billion in bonds to pay for damages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita as well as stashing away about $200 million in reserves for the upcoming hurricane season. Read More
Mass. schools feel the $$ pain
The rising price of gas for buses and food for cafeterias is forcing Bay State schools to either pass the cost on to students this fall or cut staff and programs. Read More
O'Malley talks about importance of slots referendum
Gov. Martin O'Malley said today that if a referendum on slot machine gambling fails in November, "it'll be back to the drawing board with a lot of unpopular choices, and I don't think any of us wants to go there." Read More
City council weighs 3 options to punish Kilpatrick
Detroit City Council President Ken Cockrel Jr. said Tuesday that a plea to Michigan's governor to remove Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick from office or a vote to censure him seem to be the best options for the council, which wants to avoid a protracted and pricey legal battle to remove the mayor on its own. Read More
Bills seek to help Michigan foster care system
Michigan's strained foster care system might get some support from the private sector under a plan soon to be introduced in the state Legislature. Read More
Tax credit pushed for children who care for aged parents
LANSING, Mich. -- When her ailing mother-in-law moved in for six months, Lynn Coursey, of Three Rivers, had to make some changes in her house and lifestyle. Read More
Tax bill passes House
The Minnesota House Monday night passed a tax bill that would provide property tax relief for some homeowners and prohibit new businesses from getting tax breaks from the JOBZ program. After eight and a half hours of debate, the House passed the bill 80 to 52. Read More
Military pay focus of bill
Active-duty military members and retirees would get a tax break, if the tax bill that passed the House of Representatives Monday night becomes law. Read More
Tempers flare at Minnesota Legislature
Tempers occasionally flared, but most legislative negotiators kept their nose to the grindstone Tuesday in an effort to wrap up the 2008 Minnesota Legislature's work. Read More
Lawmakers say budget deal near
Minnesota lawmakers and the governor are close to agreeing on a budget deal ? but they hadn't reached one by Monday night. Read More
Bills advance local projects
The Missouri Senate approved budget items yesterday to build several facilities in Columbia, including an item that reauthorizes millions of dollars for the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center. Read More
Higher fees for Missouri motor vehicle and driver records anger insurance companies
A new fee structure for Missouri motor vehicle and driver records has insurance companies enraged and a lawmaker promising action in the waning days of the legislative session. Read More
Aid for elderly, disabled urged
WASHINGTON -- Three Gulf Coast senators are pushing legislation to aid thousands of disabled or elderly residents who remain uprooted nearly three years after they were left homeless by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Read More
Congress to hear from Miss. about use of housing funds
Mississippi's decision to divert $600 million from a hurricane housing program to a port improvement project will be one of the key topics of a congressional hearing on the use of federal block grant funds. Read More
Roy Brown criticizes Schweitzer spending requests for 2009
Roy Brown, a Republican running for governor, criticized Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer Tuesday over state agencies requesting $413 million in new spending over the next two years and seeking 245 new employees. Read More
Rating on state bonds raised
The state of Montana has received its third bond rating upgrade since last year, which means Montana will pay lower interest rates to borrow money when it issues bonds in the future. Read More
Agencies -- Student loans will still flow
Despite national rumblings about student loans drying up, Carolinas college students and their families should be in good shape next year, officials say. Read More
Lawmaker - Budget may be D.O.A.
In an e-mail sent to state lawmakers Tuesday, Sen. Tracy Potter, D?Bismarck, suggested urging the State Board of Higher Education to pare down its massive biennial budget request before sending it to the governor?s office. Read More
Plan to erase revenue shortfall draws fire
Owners of grocery, convenience and wine specialty stores urged lawmakers Tuesday to reject proposed increases in the state tax on cigarettes and cutting the discount given to retail wine sellers. Read More
Lawmakers probe costs of overtime
TRENTON, N.J. -- Assembly legislators yesterday questioned $83 million in overtime expected to be spent this fiscal year by a key state department, a cost that comes as the state looks to cut costs amid budget woes. Read More
New school building panel looks forward, then back
The state panel in charge of New Jersey's $8.6 billion school construction program took a glimpse at the future yesterday -- and absorbed a series of costly blasts from its troubled past. Read More
Bill's tighter financial controls would apply to EnCap
The state would impose stricter financial controls on publicly funded development projects, under a bill introduced this week. Read More
Governor pushes his post-budget agenda
Gov. Jon Corzine said yesterday the state must move quickly after the budget is passed to reignite discussion on a plan to fund transportation infrastructure needs. Read More
Water tax floated for open space
A state senator said yesterday he is renewing efforts to try to win public approval this fall of a ballot question that would constitutionally dedicate a proposed new water tax to raise about $150 million annually for open space purchases. Read More
Charting a course for urban revitalization
New Jersey's older cities and towns can be revitalized if the state sets goals and allows local governments to do more on their own to meet them, a report to be released today concludes. Read More
Nevada law would raise state gas tax if federal tax is cut
LAS VEGAS - Motorists in Nevada might not see a savings at the pump if Congress approves a gasoline tax holiday touted by two presidential candidates, a state official said. Read More
Poll - Nevada businesses say no new taxes
Nevada's business owners have hardened their stance against fresh taxes in recent months, a poll shows. Read More
UMC thefts on overtime alleged
Not only did University Medical Center employees help their bosses steal from the public hospital ? they also charged the hospital tens of thousands of dollars in overtime while doing it, according to police. Read More
State goes shopping for tourists
Gov. Paterson yesterday relaunched the state's famous I Love New York slogan - with $17 million worth of ? surgery to keep it beating after 31 years Read More
State reneges on Geneva food lab
The state's agriculture commissioner announced Tuesday that a $40 million state food lab promised earlier to Geneva, Ontario County, is going to the Albany region instead. Read More
Tax hike a big reason N.Y. smokers may quit
Smokers may be fuming that New York's cigarette tax will become the nation's highest starting June 3, but the state health commissioner predicted Tuesday that the increase will prompt more than 100,000 people to quit. Read More
New York's pork barrel not equally shared
While state lawmakers represent about the same number of residents, what they have to spend in so-called member items, or pork, is widely disparate. Read More
NY Senate expected to OK gas tax holiday
With gasoline prices nearing $4 a gallon, the Senate planned to pass a bill today that would suspend the state's gasoline taxes for the summer months. But the Republican-backed measure faces opposition in the Assembly and reservations in the governor's office. Read More
State pension abuse issue draws legislation
As Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli continue their crackdowns on alleged abuses of the state pension system, lawmakers are starting to take action with proposed legislation. Read More
Gov. signs bill snuffing anti-smoking foundation
The foundation that operated Ohio's anti-smoking programs is gone. Read More
Oklahoma families feeling financial pinch
An increasing number of Oklahoma families are already suffering difficult economic times, with poverty rates rising as costs go up for necessities, a report said Tuesday. Read More
Get ready - utility hikes on horizon
Shawnee, Okla. - Shawnee residents may have less jingle in their pockets in the near future because of a projected deficit the Shawnee Municipal Authority is expected to face. Read More
Uncertain timber payments mean uncertain Oregon county budgets
EUGENE, Ore. -- Lane County started notifying more than 120 workers that they could be laid off or forced into lower-paying jobs by the end of May because of the potential loss of a federal payment program. Read More
Oregon task force looks to stabilize county budgets
This spring, like last, Oregon counties are drafting budgets with steep service cuts and layoffs because of the loss of a federal payment program. And this spring, as in last, the state's congressional delegation is fighting for reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Self-Determination Act. Read More
Cascadia gets loans from state, county
State and Multnomah County officials agreed Tuesday to provide up to $2.5 million in loans to keep Oregon's largest mental health care provider operating for the next two months. Read More
Health insurance reform plan could aid 284,000
A health insurance reform plan adopted by the state House and awaiting Senate action could within 10 years cover some 284,000 uninsured Pennsylvanians, while remaining affordable and sustainable, state officials said. Read More
State rules former Carlisle aide can keep $6,175
A former aide to City Councilwoman Twanda Carlisle can keep six weeks of unemployment pay she collected after she was fired for her part in a kickback scheme that stole $43,000 from taxpayers. Read More
SC Senate resuming cigarette tax debate
Tax increase opponents plan to test their strength in the South Carolina Senate as debate resumes on increasing the cigarette tax. Read More
3 questions about raising the state's cigarette tax
Senate lawmakers agreed Tuesday to raise the state's lowest-in-the-nation cigarette tax. The Senate could finish debate on the proposal today. Three questions that must be settled before it becomes law: Read More
Senate adopts amendment to raise cigarette tax by 50 cents
The Senate on Tuesday adopted an amendment to raise the cigarette tax by 50 cents per pack and to allow for automatic future increases tied to medical inflation. Read More
SC House to take up $7B budget amendment
The South Carolina House is expected to take up an amendment to the $7 billion state budget the Senate approved last month. Read More
Tax on smokes may benefit uninsured
As many as 200,000 uninsured South Carolinians could get health-care coverage if the state Legislature sticks to a plan to increase the cigarette tax by 50 cents a pack. Read More
Attorney general labels carnival game illegal
So-called "quarter-pushers" - machines that offer prizes or coins to players - rely on chance and not skill, so they're illegal, Attorney General Larry Long says. Long made the assessment in an official opinion requested by Paul Kinsman, secretary of the state Revenue and Regulation Department. Read More
Nashville - State spending goes on as revenue drops
Growth in state tax revenues appears to be swirling down the drain, but hope springs eternal for many Tennessee lawmakers. Read More
Hard times for U.S. giving Texas an economic cushion
The nation may be on the verge of recession, but the Texas economy is doing well enough for Comptroller Susan Combs to predict Tuesday that the Legislature will have a $10.7 billion surplus when it convenes in January. Read More
Oil prices help Texas rake in $10.7 billion surplus
The nation may be on the verge of a recession, but the Texas economy is doing well enough for Comptroller Susan Combs to predict Tuesday that the Legislature will have a $10.7 billion surplus when it convenes in January. Read More
Across the board, Va. colleges are increasing tuition and fees
To the rising costs of gasoline and food, add higher education in Virginia, especially at two of its bigger and better-known universities. Read More
State hopes to boost school breakfast program
This fall Vermont will become the fourth state in the nation to add funding that will allow low-income students to have free breakfasts. Read More
Kreuser wants end to budget repair debate
As lawmakers continue working to plug a $527 million budget hole, the leader for Assembly Democrats says he's tired of being "cut out" of the process. Read More
Real estate group nets tax break designed for farmers
Well-connected real estate developers who just sold land for a new Target store here also scored nearly $100,000 in breaks on their 2007 property taxes -- in part because of a few rows of winter wheat. Read More
Warnings on transportation fund raid
Representatives of road building business and labor groups, along with a number of road construction workers, rallied at the Capitol Tuesday to oppose the deployment of a budget gimmick. Read More
UW's Ogg Hall left half-razed after state kills contract with demolition company
It was scheduled to be obliterated by now, but scruffy UW-Madison dormitory Ogg Hall still stands, frozen in a half-demolished state. Read More
Democrats may derail budget fix
Assembly Minority Leader Jim Kreuser said Assembly Democrats are overwhelmingly opposed to a plan to fix the state budget proffered by legislative leaders, all but guaranteeing the plan would have to be tweaked to get through the Legislature. Read More
College tuition rises as much as 8 percent at W.Va. schools
College students in West Virginia will be paying between 3.7 percent and 8 percent more this fall. Read More
Legislative pay lawsuit to make 4 main points
A lawsuit challenging a legislative pay raise that included retroactive per-diem increases of $16 a day for the 2008 regular session will cite four main reasons why the hike should be overturned, according to a draft of the suit obtained by the Gazette. Read More
FAA awards grants to 7 W.Va. airports
Seven West Virginia airports are getting federal funds to upgrade runways and make other improvements. 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
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
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
Congress encroaching on state priorities
Far scarier than the economic downturn for states is the growing trend on the part of Congress to restrict state revenue and spending prerogatives and to replace them with congressional priorities, writes Raymond C. Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, in his latest commentary for Stateline.org. He cites provisions in two bills now making their way through Congress as important examples. Read More
Partisan mix in R.I., Conn. poses challenges
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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
Governors pitch ambitious programs
Billion-dollar deficits in California, New York and Arizona haven’t stopped governors there and elsewhere from proposing big-ticket items for 2008. Stateline.org looks at proposals from governors’ 2008 "state of the state" speeches and provides an exclusive summary of all the addresses so far.
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The recession, the states, and economic stimulus
Red ink in state budgets could prolong the economic downturn and could necessitate a second economic-stimulus package, warns Raymond C. Scheppach, executive director of the National Governors Association, in his latest commentary for Stateline.org. Read More
Medicaid: Biggest insurer is a budget buster
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