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Archive of Taxes & Budget on Thursday May 08, 2008
Lawmakers target $1b endowments
Massachusetts lawmakers desperate for additional revenue are eyeing the endowments of deep-pocketed private colleges to bolster the state's coffers by more than $1 billion a year, asserting that the schools' rising fortunes undercut their nonprofit status. Read More
State of Tennessee will shed 2,000 jobs
State workers welcomed news from Gov. Phil Bredesen on Wednesday that his administration hopes to use voluntary buyouts rather than layoffs to trim the payroll by about 2,000 employees. Read More
O'Malley stresses need for slots
Gov. Martin O'Malley said yesterday 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
Palin paves way for pay boost
Long-awaited pay raises may be on the way for state legislators, after Gov. Palin quietly signed the bill last week that would make them possible. Read More
With billions of dollars at stake, TransCanada pitches pipeline
Gov. Sarah Palin's attempt to wrest control of development of Alaska's vast natural gas reserves away from the world's big petroleum companies may hinge on a medium-sized Canadian pipeline company. Read More
State forecasts surplus of $94.8 million
State officials said Wednesday that they expect a $94.8 million surplus when this fiscal year ends June 30. Read More
Ark. governor, congressional delegation oppose gas-tax holiday
A summerlong suspension of the federal gas tax may be the brainchild of former Arkansas first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, but the idea is resoundingly opposed by the state's governor and congressional delegation. Read More
Ark. surplus to grow to $164M, officials tell lawmakers
Arkansas' accumulated surplus could grow to more than $164 million by July 1, despite calls for budget cuts in the coming fiscal year, state finance officials told a legislative panel Wednesday. Read More
Fiscal office explains $107 million cut in state budget next year
An anticipated drop in individual income tax collections and sales tax collections in line with an economic downturn are the reason for a $107 million cut in Arkansas' budget forecast for the 2009 fiscal year, state fiscal officers said Wednesday. Read More
Governor calls for boost of 1 cent in state sales tax
Gov. Janet Napolitano is defending a proposal to hike the state sales tax to among the highest in the nation to fund transit improvements. Read More
California deficit still anyone's guess
A quick pop quiz on state politics: How big is California's budget deficit? Is it: a) $14.5 billion, b) $8 billion, c) $10 billion, or d) $20 billion? The answer is, there is no correct answer. Read More
Scrutiny of state contracts urged
When the state education department bought $43,000 in file boxes, Post-its and other office supplies last April, the bill was $2,500 too high. When the department spent $77,000 for supplies like file folders and boxes the next month, the bill was another $5,000 too high. Read More
Perata pulls plug on bid to recall Denham
Citing the prospects of another lengthy state budget stalemate, state Senate leader Don Perata on Wednesday dropped his recall campaign of Sen. Jeff Denham ? a development that surprised even Denham. Read More
Legislature convenes special session on conveyance tax
Not having to pass a budget didn't save state legislators from having to convene a special session. Read More
State says permits for new houses fell 16 percent in 2007
A state economic development agency says that new housing starts in Connecticut dropped 16 percent last year, but the figures were better than those in the region and the nation. Read More
Mortgage relief bill highlights final day of legislative session
Hours before the legislature's 2008 session ended, the state Senate unanimously passed a comprehensive mortgage-relief bill that would help thousands of subprime mortgage holders threatened with foreclosure. Read More
Florida takes $10 million from condo trust fund
Almost one-third of the money designated for programs to help educate condo owners and pay for enforcement of condo laws will be diverted for unrelated state expenses as a result of the current budget crunch. Read More
Cut! Filming in Florida just got less attractive
Without $25 million in production subsidies, Florida will find it tough to lure movies and TV shows to shoot here. Read More
Florida to pay $11.5 million for cutting citrus trees
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - A south Florida jury has ordered the State of Florida to pay $11.5 million as compensation to 58,225 residents of Broward County after the state cut down all the citrus trees in their yards in a disease-prevention effort. Read More
Defense lawyer -- Lack of funds could spur appeal
The statewide indigent defense funding shortfall could play a significant part in the Damon Jolly trial, said one of his attorneys. Read More
Ferry must pay for tugboat
The state Department of Transportation has told Hawaii Superferry it must pay for evening tugboat services at Kahului Harbor needed to accommodate the company's expanded Maui service. Read More
Hawaii taps tourism emergency fund
The Hawaii Tourism Authority will spend $3 million from an emergency fund to convince North American travelers that Hawaii still offers a good value for a vacation. Read More
Fee for records may be reviewed
Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal said Wednesday that the Legislature would take a look at a new policy initiated in state agencies by Gov. Chet Culver's office to charge more fees in connection with fulfilling open-records requests. Read More
Proposal eases property taxes by adding fees
Iowa's city and county governments would have more ability to charge special taxes or fees, under one idea for property tax relief that top legislative leaders said will be reviewed next year. Read More
Feds pledge $1.3 billion for new FutureGen concept
The federal government Wednesday announced plans to offer companies $1.3 billion toward building FutureGen-style power plants across the country, taking another step away from building a single, massive project in Mattoon. Read More
Fat tax break for felon
Stuart P. Levine, the star prosecution witness in Tony Rezko's corruption trial, might be an admitted drug user and felon. But he's savvy when it comes to his property taxes. Read More
Construction costs a political hang-up
Around the Capitol, the perception is that "everyone" wants new roads, bridges and schools. The problem is no one can agree on how to pay for them. Read More
Prison closing plan gets support
A plan aimed at stopping Gov. Rod Blagojevich from closing Pontiac Correctional Center has gained the support of a top Senate Democrat. Read More
Food costs rising for Illinois institutions
The cost of providing food to Illinois? prison inmates, aging veterans and developmentally disabled residents at state institutions is on pace to be up by $7 million this year, according to a review of state payments to vendors. Read More
Jacobs supports pay hike bill in Illinois
While Quad-City members of the Illinois House voted Wednesday to reject boosting salaries for state lawmakers by nearly 12 percent, state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, supports getting paid more money. Read More
Lawmaker warns construction funds are in danger
With time running short at the Capitol for a budget deal, one suburban lawmaker said talk of billions of dollars worth of state-sponsored construction may be headed to the political backburner. Read More
House votes down officials' pay hikes
The Illinois House voted Wednesday to reject pay increases of $7,000 next year, citing a lagging economy and litany of unfinished business at the Capitol. Read More
Fairgrounds may need costly work
The Illinois State Fairgrounds could need millions of dollars in maintenance and capital improvements in the next few years, based on information turned over to Rep. Raymond Poe. Read More
State representatives reject recommendation for pay hike
Most members of the Illinois House of Representatives said Wednesday they and other top state officials shouldn?t receive pay hikes anytime soon, but their paychecks could be getting bigger in a few months anyway. Read More
House votes down pay raise for lawmakers
The Illinois House voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to reject a pay raise, meaning the Senate must do the same or the salary bumps take effect. Read More
Wrigley Field's name would stay in state deal
Chicago Cubs fans who love Wrigley Field's name and historic character will find their passions protected by the state if it swings a deal to buy the North Side ballpark from Tribune Co., former Gov. James Thompson said Wednesday. Read More
Daley asks where is the money for gov's anti-violence plan
Saying he's on -- a crusade to help Mayor Daley, -- Gov. Blagojevich staged a West Side rally Tuesday to unveil his $150 million plan to curb youth violence and "stop the killing." Read More
Raises for lawmakers now up to Jones
The fate of a salary increase for state lawmakers now lies in the hands of Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), who last week said, "I need a pay raise." Read More
Gubernatorial candidates? positions on key issues
With Hoosiers paying record prices at the gas pump and oil prices climbing, what would you do as governor to provide some short- and long-term relief? Read More
Bombardier-inspired tax-credit program headed to governor
Capping seven weeks of intense debate, Missouri legislators gave final approval Wednesday to a new tax-credit program that could bring an aircraft assembly plant to Kansas City. Read More
Final spending bill approved
Legislators approved a version of the year?s final spending bill Wednesday night preserving a project critics call "the road to nowhere." Read More
Legislature concludes work
Consider these two scenarios for the fate of the coal bill: The third time is the charm. Or, three strikes and you are out. Supporters of a coal-fired power plant were banking on the former Wednesday. They are hopeful Gov. Kathleen Sebelius will sign off on their third bill of the session authorizing expansion of the power plant near Holcomb in southwest Kansas. Read More
Vehicle registration fees likely to go up
Fees to register a vehicle in the state would increase by $4 under a compromise bill sent to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. Read More
Legislature signs off session with coal bill
The Kansas Legislature on Wednesday sent another coal-fired power plants bill to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius before ending the wrap-up session. Read More
House, Senate pass final spending bill
Kansas lawmakers cut corporate tax rates by $13.3 million next year before approving a hard-fought final spending bill and adjourning for the year late Wednesday. Read More
House roll call on bill allowing coal-fired plants
Here is the 76-48 vote Wednesday by which the House approved the latest bill allowing for the expansion of the Holcomb power plant and restricting the power of the secretary of health and environment. Supporters of the provisions tied them to economic development projects in other parts of the state. Read More
Despite fix-ups, fewer show up
Kentucky has spent more than $300 million over the past decade maintaining and enhancing its state parks to attract paying customers who -- so far -- haven't shown up, State Auditor Crit Luallen said Wednesday. Read More
KCTCS tuition hike bid takes a hit
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System felt the biggest wallop from from recommended tuition increases released Wednesday. Read More
State losing money on parks
Kentucky's state park system is losing increasing amounts of money despite spending hundreds of millions of dollars on improvements in recent years, according to a report released yesterday by Auditor Crit Luallen. Read More
Jindal sets tone for projected surplus
Gov. Bobby Jindal urged lawmakers Wednesday to resist embarking on a spending spree with any additional revenue gleaned for state government. Read More
House OKs bill to give PSC raise
The House endorsed a $30,000 a year pay increase for members of the Public Service Commission. Read More
Supplemental war spending bill includes levee project funding for New Orleans
WASHINGTON - Congress today will unfurl a massive emergency war spending bill expected to include $5.8 billion to secure levees in the New Orleans area. Read More
Restraint urged as windfall brews
In a pre-emptive strike at legislators contemplating major tax cuts or spending reductions, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday that any budget windfall recognized by state forecasters this week should be reserved as surplus or devoted to reducing the state's reliance on one-time money. Read More
Momentum grows in House to support income tax repeal
The state House appears poised to endorse a bill repealing the state's personal income tax -- a move that would chagrin the Senate and place the bill on the governor's desk. Read More
Bill would raise severance tax cap
Natural gas production from the rich Vernon Field in Jackson Parish generated more than $32 million in severance taxes last year, but Jackson Parish's local take was only $850,000. Read More
If pols' tax on smokes passes, prices may fall
As smokers statewide face another tax hike on cigarettes, a controversial new amendment would allow retailers to slash the cost of butts as a way to lure customers into their stores. Read More
Gov ready to roll the dice on slots, casino bid again
Casino gambling and slot machines could be back on the table in the Bay State, Gov. Deval Patrick said yesterday. Read More
Patrick - Casinos plan could still fly
BROOKLINE, Mass. - Despite a recent high-profile defeat, legislation to legalize casino gambling in Massachusetts may yet come back, Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday. Read More
Broker to return $37m to towns
A major Wall Street firm agreed to return $37 million to 17 cities and towns in the state, as well as to the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, after it allegedly misled them into buying investments they thought were as safe as cash. Read More
State foster care could get boost
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
Is it time to scrap gas taxes in Michigan?
Michigan's state and local road agencies are dealing with funding problems that could reverse the progress we've made in improving our roadways over the last decade. Read More
House offers tax break to attract airplane manufacturer
The Missouri House overwhelmingly passed a plan Wednesday that would give the world's third-largest airplane manufacturer a $240 million incentive to build and operate a facility in Kansas City. Read More
Mo. lawmakers approve $22.4 billion budget
Missouri lawmakers completed passage of a $22.4 billion operating budget Wednesday that would increase state spending at a greater rate than its expected revenue growth. Read More
Canadian aircraft maker gets tax credit deal
Legislators gave final approval Wednesday to $240 million in tax credits intended for a Montreal-based airplane manufacturer that might build a plant in Kansas City. Read More
Missouri Senate sends $22.4 billion spending plan to Blunt
The Missouri Senate on Wednesday put the final touches on a $22.4 billion spending plan that includes more funding for public schools, college scholarships, life sciences research and low-income health care. Read More
Senate defeats wind clause
WASHINGTON -- A Gulf Coast-backed effort to add wind coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program was soundly defeated Wednesday in the Senate amid concerns it would be too costly. Read More
Senate topples bid for wind insurance
WASHINGTON ? After a bitter debate over the possible cost to taxpayers, the Senate rejected an attempt Wednesday to add wind coverage to the National Flood Insurance Program. Read More
Congress to hear Miss. about use of housing funds for port
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
Workers' comp rates to drop next year
The Montana State Fund is trimming workers' compensation insurance rates next year by an average of 3 percent, the agency's board announced this week. Read More
State will buy mall site if $13M is raised
Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Wednesday the state has agreed to buy Helena's 1960s-era shopping mall as the site for a $40 million history museum, but only if supporters can raise $13 million in private funds by mid-November. Read More
State lotto working on fantasy football
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
Labor post might take runoff
Determining who is the Democratic nominee for state labor commissioner could take more than a month and cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Read More
State budget surplus likely to top estimates
State lawmakers may have a fatter budget surplus than they originally thought, though it remains far less than in previous years. Read More
N.C.'s April tax collections were higher than expected
North Carolina has received encouraging news from the all-important April tax collections. Read More
AG - Close colleges to illegal aliens
Public colleges in North Carolina should not admit illegal immigrants as students, the state Attorney General's Office advised in a letter released Wednesday. Read More
Higher Ed budget proposal might be in trouble
The North Dakota Board of Higher Education's budget recommendations for the next two years might be "dead on arrival" at the state Capitol, a state lawmaker says. Read More
Budget cuts vex black legislators
TRENTON, N.J. -- A group of legislators with enough sway to hold up the state budget expressed worry yesterday that proposed cuts could make it harder for poor minorities to get health care and attend college. Read More
Cardiologists to settle UMDNJ payoff case
Four cardiologists tied to a kickback scheme at the state's medical university will return $387,000 to settle civil charges that they were paid to refer patients to the university's cardiac surgery program. Read More
State comptroller wants contract info
In letters to 1,903 local government entities -- from school boards and municipal governments to housing authorities and urban enterprise zones -- the newly installed State Comptroller demanded information on government audits and pending contracts. Read More
Center tied to Corzine backs out of state pact
The New York University Child Study Center last night abruptly withdrew from a $2 million state contract that prompted controversy because Gov. Jon Corzine helped establish the center and it is run by his close friends. Read More
Meadowlands agency scraps EnCap project
After years of delays, cost overruns and diminished expectations, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission yesterday killed an ambitious $1 billion project to build golf courses, a hotel and thousands of homes atop capped garbage dumps in Bergen County. Read More
Teachers negotiate tax plan
A teachers' union pushing an initiative petition to raise Nevada's gambling taxes is negotiating with resort representatives on a possible deal that would head off the petition while still providing more education funds. Read More
Nevada governor signs order for new anti-waste panel
Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons and the head of his new anti-government waste panel said Wednesday the state has an outdated bureaucracy that needs to be streamlined quickly given the current economic downturn that has cut into tax revenues. Read More
True sign of the times: Vegas tips are slipping
The economy, as you know, is off a couple of ticks. Read More
State comptroller removes 6 from pension system
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has removed three professionals from the state pension system and rescinded pension credits for three others because they were improperly reported as employees, his spokesman Dennis Tompkins said Wednesday. Read More
State adds names to list
State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli expanded his statewide crackdown on pension abuse Wednesday, saying he stripped three more lawyers of their retirement system membership and took away credits from two others including Public Service Commissioner Maureen Harris. Read More
Senate gas-tax cut hits pothole
The state Senate has passed legislation to suspend state gasoline taxes for the summer, but the initiative has little traction because of opposition from the Assembly and Gov. David Paterson. Read More
Cuomo pursues funding inquiry
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo is sending out letters to 2,700 not-for-profit groups and community organizations asking why they haven't claimed their cut of $78 million for needs lawmakers considered critically important. Read More
Utility bills soak residents
RICHFIELD, Ohio - Mike Began and Michele Pirozek don't like taking showers at their home. Read More
Dann's campaign fund to undergo routine audit
Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann used his campaign fund for items big and small last year ? everything from $33,753 in security equipment and $1,170 for lawn and pool work at his house to a 35-cent charge at a McDonald's in Ravenna. Read More
Gas prices driving transit ridership higher
TULSA, Okla. ? The pain at the pump is driving Oklahoma metros to become transit-friendly. Read More
Oregonians weigh in on gas-tax suspension
Talk to drivers as they're filling up at the pump, and many say it'd be great if, as Hillary Clinton proposes, the federal gasoline tax were suspended this summer. Read More
State, county help keep mental health care provider going
PORTLAND, Ore. -- A timely loan will allow Oregon?s largest mental health care provider to continue operating until at least midsummer. Read More
State House moves for bigger, better bingo booty
The state House is moving to help nonprofit groups that raise funds by holding bingos, which have slipped in attendance as more casinos have opened around Pennsylvania and in neighboring states. Read More
Senate supports plan to raise cigarette tax
The S.C. Senate on Wednesday approved a 50-cent-per-pack cigarette tax increase that would help a quarter of the state?s uninsured find or buy medical coverage. Read More
S.C. Senate advances 50-cent cigarette tax increase
The South Carolina Senate gave key approval Wednesday to a 50-cent per pack increase to the state's cigarette tax, setting aside much of the new money for health care for low income residents. Read More
House delays action on budget amendments
House members delayed taking action on amendments to a $7 billion state budget that would restore money to college research and tourism programs. Read More
Bredesen offers state jobs buyout
Citing record declines in state revenue, Gov. Phil Bredesen proposed a voluntary state-employee buyout incentive Wednesday with a goal of cutting 2,011 jobs by mid-summer. Read More
Tennessee - BEP freeze no surprise to area educators
Southeast Tennessee school budget officials said they weren?t surprised Gov. Phil Bredesen decided not to add $85.6 million in new BEP 2.0 money to the 2009 budget. Read More
Tennessee - Increased tuition rates eyed to offset higher education cuts
Proposed cuts to Tennessee's state budget may force higher education officials to renege on a commitment to keep tuition increases in the single digits, university officials say. Read More
Nashville - Bredesen to cut 2,011 jobs, higher education and reduce BEP improvements
Gov. Phil Bredesen said Wednesday he will ask lawmakers to approve voluntary buyout packages for 2,011 workers, and he also plans to cut $86.5 million in new funding to continue reforms to the state's Basic Education Program K-12 funding formula. Read More
Kaine sets roads session for June 23
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is calling the General Assembly into special session beginning June 23 to consider a new transportation funding package, legislators said Wednesday. Read More
Legislators reach some consensus on roads plan
For the first time in anyone's memory, legislators from Virginia's two most populous regions sat around a table away from the state Capitol, trying to find common ground on how to pay for billions of dollars in transportation projects. Read More
Statewide solutions on roads discussed
RICHMOND, Va. -- Calling themselves the "new urban majority," legislators from Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads inched closer Wednesday to agreeing that any transportation plan must include millions of dollars for road and transit projects across the state. Read More
Senate bill includes $64 million for WA flood damage
Sen. Patty Murray says an emergency spending bill headed to the Senate includes $64 million to help rebuild roads damaged in devastating floods in Washington state. Read More
Washington buys Snohomish County tree farm to ensure it stays green
Almost 1,000 acres of forest land east of Arlington will be preserved from development under a purchase agreement approved Tuesday by the state Board of Natural Resources. Read More
Slipping cigarette sales is bad news, good news.
Matt Hauser, President of The Wisconsin Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association, says retailers are reporting a drop in tobacco sales -- up to 25% at locations near the state borders -- since the tax increase of a dollar a pack took effect on January 1st. Hauser says retailers are losing revenue, and so is the state. 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
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
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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