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Archive of Economy & Business on Friday May 09, 2008
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. Read More
Results mixed for Citizens' loan program
The 13 insurers that took advantage of a low-cost loan program to pump up capital and write thousands of new policies are still sitting on millions of unused dollars. Read More
Forby -- Governor had talked about moving state jobs out of Springfield
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, whose district could get the nearly 150 Illinois Department of Transportation jobs that Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration wants to move out of Springfield, said Thursday that Blagojevich told him in the past he wanted to move state jobs out of the capital city. Read More
Tribe exemption unfair, casino officials say
A smoking ban approved by the Michigan Senate that includes casinos could keep gamblers away in Detroit, and gives an unfair advantage to casinos operated by tribes, casinos officials and observers said. Read More
Payday lending bill is on hold
Credit counselors and others testified for an hour Thursday before a House subcommittee about problems created by payday lending, but a bill to restrict the two-week, high-interest loans will have to wait for a vote. About two weeks. Read More
Facing prison, Kohring blames government but says his conscience is clear
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Facing a prison sentence of 3 1/2 years, a former Alaska lawmaker said he's broke and has lost respect for the U.S. government, but that his conscience is clear. Read More
Kohring sentenced to 3 1/2 years
A federal judge sentenced former Wasilla state Rep. Vic Kohring to 3.5 years in prison Thursday for taking bribes in a scheme to keep Alaska oil taxes down. Read More
Home sales fall 23 percent in March, prices up
The number of homes sold in Arkansas in March fell 22.8 percent compared to the same month last year, while the average price of homes sold rose 3.2 percent, the Arkansas Realtors Association reported Thursday. Read More
Land auction raises concerns
An Arizona land auction for a Pinnacle Peak resort site has neighbors worried that development would reduce access to an adjacent hiking trail. Read More
Schwarzenegger, automakers agree to pursue emissions control
In their first face-to-face meeting, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and automakers Thursday agreed to explore new cooperative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions even as they duel in court and in Congress over just how far the state can go. Read More
Big MTBE settlement to benefit California
Chevron Corp. and other big oil companies have agreed to pay $422 million to settle a major lawsuit over the gasoline additive MTBE, and much of the money will go to plaintiffs in California. Read More
California tax proposals target beer-loving, pornography-watching yacht owners
As state leaders hunt for politically palatable solutions to the swelling budget shortfall, some Democrats are proposing unorthodox ways to generate cash. Read More
Legislature left nursing-home reforms on table
For months, state Sen. Edith Prague rallied support for nursing-home reforms from Democratic leaders and advocates for the elderly, telling anyone who would listen that "this is the year" for improvements to minimum-staffing requirements and stronger oversight of the industry. Read More
Rell - Low-interest loans OK'd for Norwich fire victims
NORWICH, Conn. - Gov. M. Jodi Rell says victims of the April 26 fire that destroyed a Norwich apartment complex can apply for low-interest federal loans. Read More
Wind farm bill to ease burden on customers tabled
A legislative move to keep Delmarva Power from having its customers foot the bill for the Bluewater wind farm fight fizzled Thursday, at least temporarily. Read More
Bill would restrict eminent domain
WILMINGTON, Del. - The latest eminent domain reform bill in the state legislative pipeline would bring riverfront development "to a screeching halt" if passed, Mayor James M. Baker said Thursday. Read More
Delawareans' lives change as gas prices soar
She's canceled her summer vacation, consolidated her shopping trips, even bought a smaller car. Still, Suzanne Lubin is paying more for gasoline. Read More
FDLE unveils terror-alert system
A man walks into a scuba shop and asks to buy a dozen diver propulsion vehicles without saying what they're for, or apparently knowing much about the sport of diving. Read More
Feds -- Fla. orange crop forecast for season unchanged in May
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The federal government's prediction for Florida's orange crop this season is unchanged. Read More
Prevent blindness, save the manatee - and give to Family First?
A Tampa group that promotes healthy families would be the first of its kind allowed to ask Florida drivers to donate money under a little-noticed bill headed to the governor. Read More
Crist has a $2.4-billion change of heart
Gov. Charlie Crist said "God bless Gov. Chiles" as the 2008 Legislature drew to a close last week, thankful for $2.4-billion in reserves made possible by the late Lawton Chiles. Read More
Appeals court rules against peanut farmers
RICHMOND, Va. -- Peanut farmers in seven states whose crops were devastated by the 2002 drought are entitled to only a little more than half the $30 million in insurance payments ordered by a lower court, a federal appeals panel ruled Thursday. Read More
Drivers near 'tipping point' as Hawaii gas prices climb
With gas expected to hit $4 a gallon on O'ahu this summer, more and more residents are changing how they get around - filling city buses, sharing rides or even biking to work to lessen their pain at the pump. Read More
Lawmakers OK program to buy foreign medicines
Hawaii residents will be able to buy inexpensive foreign prescription drugs over the Internet under a new state law approved over objections from Gov. Linda Lingle. Read More
Options to gas-tax holiday sought
While gasoline prices continue to set new highs both nationally and locally, members of Hawaii's congressional delegation say Congress should explore options other than a summertime suspension of the federal gasoline tax to try to bring down costs. Read More
Hawaiian Telcom lands new president
Troubled Hawaiian Telcom, the state's largest communications company, selected a top executive from another state utility yesterday to take over as president and chief executive. Read More
Def Leppard to play Iowa State Fair
Classic rock band Def Leppard plays the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Aug. 16 in Des Moines, Iowa fair officials announced Thursday. Read More
Facebook agrees to changes to try and stop on-line predators
Another top social networking website has agreed to take steps to protect children from sexual predators and inappropriate content. Bob Brammer, a spokesman for Iowa's Attorney General, says several states have reached an agreement with "Facebook." Read More
Hospital group expects Culver to approve bill
The Iowa hospital industry says it is optimistic that Gov. Chet Culver will allow most of the state's hospitals to bypass a public-approval process before they construct new facilities. Read More
Tama casino offers poker to gamblers under age 21
The Meskwaki Indian tribe plans to offer poker to 18- to 21-year-old gamblers next month at its Tama casino, but state regulators said the young players will be barred from slot machines, blackjack and other games. Read More
Culver signs bill to help students buy textbooks
Gov. Chet Culver has signed a bill intended to make it easier for students to save money on textbooks. Read More
'Win-win' situation
In April, the Idaho Water Resource Board announced it had completed its $26 million purchase of the Pristine Springs fish farm operation, a multi-party deal it said would solve surface water mitigation calls and provide the city of Twin Falls a way to solve its arsenic issues. Read More
Canadian company nixes Idaho for ethanol plant
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- A Canadian biotechnology company has decided to build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Saskatchewan, rather than southeast Idaho. Iogen Corp. on Wednesday said it has suspended its operations in Idaho. Read More
Waste panel votes to ban EnergySolutions' import of Italian N-waste
BOISE, Idaho - Eight Western states on Thursday derailed EnergySolutions' plans to import nuclear cleanup waste from Italy and bury some of it at the company's Utah landfill. Read More
Emissions testing sites reshuffled in Metro East
Metro East drivers will have to go to different vehicle emissions testing centers than before under a new arrangement by the state that closed five area testing sites. Read More
Governor against plan to stop prison closing
Gov. Rod Blagojevich Thursday panned a plan aimed at stopping him from closing the state prison in Pontiac. Read More
Union -- Mandatory overtime hurts services at 24-hour state facilities
Mandatory overtime is jeopardizing services at 24-hour state facilities, a labor union representing state employees claimed in a report released Thursday. Jessica Becket believes the extended hours contributed to her accident. Read More
Will the capital city be able to gamble on racing?
Harness racing up to nine months a year at the Illinois State Fairgrounds could help raise money for fairground improvements and the Sangamon County emergency dispatch system, according to Rep. Raymond Poe. Read More
'Pay-to-play' ban goes to full Senate but hits a snag
A Senate panel unanimously approved a ban on "pay-to-play" for state contractors Thursday despite a last-minute threat from Senate President Emil Jones to add a provision proponents said would derail the legislation. Read More
Republicans propose moratorium on closing Illinois prisons
Republican lawmakers are proposing a ban on closing any Illinois prisons until a study is done on the needs of the state corrections system. Read More
Union for state workers wants mandatory overtime eliminated
It's not every day organized labor asks management for less overtime, but that's what the largest union representing state employees is doing as it negotiates a new contract with the Blagojevich administration. Read More
Rezko lender tries to force bankruptcy over $18 million
A Wilmette businessman who testified last week against political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko at his federal corruption trial sought Thursday to force Rezko's bankruptcy over his failure to repay more than $18 million. Read More
'Pay to play' ban advances, faces uncertain Senate future
Legislation to combat "pay to play" politics in Illinois advanced to the Senate floor Thursday, where it faces an uncertain future because of what the Senate president calls a "gaping loophole." Read More
Booksellers agree with suit challenging new legislation
"I just thought it was stupid." That was the reaction of Sarah Bird, co-owner of the Griffon Bookstore in downtown South Bend, when she first heard of a new law that will require retailers of sexually explicit materials to register with the state and pay a fee. Read More
Appeal to BP permit in the works?
Environmental groups may appeal BP Whiting's new air permit, a move that could compel the refinery to stop the weeklong construction efforts of its $3.8 billion expansion. Read More
Legislature's issues in 2008 mirrored nation's
Kansas lawmakers spent the 2008 session wrestling mightily with problems of national, even global scope, and their failures were nearly as big. Read More
Session marked by little progress
State political leaders on Thursday assigned praise and fault for the outcome of the 2008 legislative session the day after House and Senate ended the four-month marathon. Read More
Opinion of legislative session depends on perspective
If the 2008 legislative session produced unanimity in one area, it was that most everyone was glad when it ended. Read More
Budget includes bonds for pharmacy school
For the Kansas University School of Pharmacy, the Legislature?s final budget bill was just what the doctor ordered. Read More
Local issues played a role in session
For the second time in as many years, lawmakers said with a unified voice that Kansas hates funeral protests. Read More
Tuition increases scaled back
Facing some of the angriest public remarks by a group of Kentucky university presidents in memory, a panel gave the initial vote of approval Thursday to higher tuition at the state's public universities and community colleges, including five institutions whose requests were cut. Read More
Group urges cuts in some tuition hikes
Five of Kentucky's higher-education institutions -- including the state's community and technical college system -- should not be allowed to raise tuition and fees as much as they propose. Read More
Panel approves 'Bill of Rights'
A Senate committee gave swift approval Thursday to a proposed "Bill of Rights" that would grant sweeping new benefits for Road Home applicants who assert that the contractors running the homeowner grant program are not following the policies set by the Louisiana Recovery Authority. Read More
Board finds no conflict in roles
The Louisiana Board of Ethics said Thursday that Sean Cummings, a private developer who also leads a city agency called the New Orleans Building Corp., can continue to steer two public developments because he does not have a "substantial" financial interest in the projects. Read More
BRAC backs Jindal plans
The Baton Rouge Area Chamber formally backed several initiatives of the Jindal administration this week to ramp up state economic development efforts, including requests for $307 million more in deal-making money for big projects and a nearly $8 million increase to the Governor?s Rapid Response Fund. Read More
College endowment tax is studied
Massachusetts legislators, demonstrating a growing resentment against the wealth of elite universities in tight economic times, are studying a plan to levy a 2.5% annual tax on the portion of college endowments that exceed $1 billion. Read More
Cape owners avoid big hike in insurance
Tens of thousands of homeowners on Cape Cod were spared a second straight 25 percent increase in insurance premiums after a state regulator yesterday rejected an insurance association's request for double-digit rate hikes. Read More
State agency seeks to cover 30,000 more uninsured
The authority overseeing the state's healthcare law is exploring ways to cover an additional 30,000 uninsured residents, a step that could increase the annual cost of the program by more than $250 million within a few years. Read More
Pennsylvania wind powers Maryland water-sewer system
How many miles must a utility go before it can save lots of cash? The answer? It's blowing in the wind - somewhere in Pennsylvania. Read More
O'Malley gives hints on vetoes
As lawmakers and advocacy groups turn up the heat on bills they want vetoed, Gov. Martin O'Malley is beginning to signal his posture on several controversial measures passed during this year's legislative session. Read More
Union won't back slots
Breaking with the state teachers union, the Montgomery County Education Association voted Wednesday night not to endorse Maryland's slot machine gambling referendum, according to a news release from Marylanders United to Stop Slots. Read More
Stem cell study grants awarded
Maryland has handed out its second round of grants for stem cell research, awarding a total of $23 million for 62 projects ranging from basic studies of the cells' properties to potential therapies for human disease. Read More
Divided over slots
Large organizations are having as difficult a time with the issue of bringing slot machine gambling to Maryland as the General Assembly had in bringing the issue to the November ballot. Read More
Lobster boat builders pinched as catch drops, economy slows
JONESPORT, Maine - For the first time in 24 years of building lobster boats, Wayne Beal doesn't have any job orders. He has a 42-footer under construction at his boatyard - but he's building it for himself, so he can give up boat building and go lobster fishing instead. Read More
Senate OKs plan to ban smoking in bars, eateries
Michigan is closer than it's ever been to snuffing out smoking from most bars, restaurants and workplaces. Read More
State smoking ban closer to reality
"Smoking or nonsmoking?" That question was closer to extinction Thursday as the state Senate approved a statewide ban on smoking on all workplaces including bars, restaurants and even casinos. Read More
Some owners OK with ban, others not
A smoking ban in Michigan restaurants and bars won't have the long-term negative impact on business that many owners fear it will, several restaurateurs predicted Thursday. Read More
Senate passes ban on smoking
All Michigan workplaces, including bars, restaurants and clubs, are a big step closer to becoming smoke-free. Read More
Campers get gas-saving perk
Gas price sticker shock has prompted the state to offer a new deal for campers: Store your RV, camper trailer or boat and trailer at certain state parks and recreation areas -- free -- for up to 15 days. Read More
Senate OKs smoking ban; reaction mixed
When Chris Fegley and his son, 4-year-old Gavin, venture out for a meal, their restaurant choice depends on the location's smoke level. Read More
Michigan Senate OKs ban on smoking in bars, restaurants
The Michigan Senate on Thursday voted to prohibit smoking in all bars, restaurants and workplaces. Read More
Legislature approves extended bar hours during GOP event
Beer taps, wine corkscrews and martini shakers should get an extra workout during the Republican National Convention thanks to state legislation that pushes bar closing time out by two hours. Read More
Anti-illegal immigration group makes push for Senate bill
COLUMBIA, Mo. - An anti-illegal immigration group is advertising in newspapers across Missouri to support a Senate bill, which among other things would ban illegal immigrants from higher education and jobs. Read More
AG warns of scams involving housing services
Consumers are advised to be aware of letters offering mortgage insurance, refinancing and other services. Read More
Barbour wraps up Gaming Summit
Gov. Haley Barbour will call up the bill to place a moratorium on casinos during the upcoming special session, but will call the tax-incentive bill for casinos only if it has the needed support. Read More
Barbour, McCoy tussle over contracts
Gov. Haley Barbour says some lawmakers are being "foolish and wrongheaded" to tie the fate of an employment agency to a dispute over state advertising. Read More
State Farm settles Katrina cases
The nation's largest insurance company has settled out of court with more than a dozen Mississippi policyholders whose lawyers were barred from representing them in lawsuits against the insurer over Hurricane Katrina damage, according to court filings Thursday. 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
Auditor declines regents' request
The state legislative auditor said Thursday he cannot conduct a performance audit of two Montana student loan groups as the Board of Regents requested last week. Read More
State sets up biofuels center
A new agricultural industry may emerge in North Carolina from the abandoned office of an old one. A former federal tobacco research station in Oxford reopens today as the new headquarters of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina. Read More
State group giving away sheep to find young shepherds
A North Dakota group, hoping to bolster the next generation of shepherds, plans to give away sheep. Read More
Students debate sales tax
The public debate on the proposed half-cent Cass County economic development sales tax will be settled by voters on June 10. Read More
Senate panel backs a school voucher plan
New Jersey taxpayers yesterday moved closer to making a clean -- if expensive -- break with the fractured market for bonds known as auction-rate securities. Read More
Meadowlands builder goes Chapter 11
The company behind a failed $1 billion project to build golf courses and thousands of homes on landfills in the Meadowlands filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection yesterday. EnCap Golf Holdings filed for protection from its creditors in federal court in Newark, one day after the state killed the project, according to court records. Read More
Activists -- COAH's dragging its feet
Activists who want an appeals court to appoint a special master to oversee the state's affordable housing effort yesterday charged the Council on Affordable Housing will not meet a court-ordered deadline for finalizing new housing construction guidelines and is intentionally dragging its feet. Read More
CNA tips status quo, but doesn?t oust SEIU
The Service Employees International Union suffered a clear vote of no confidence this week as registered nurses it represents at three St. Rose Dominican hospitals voted in greater ? though still inconclusive ? numbers to join a rival union. Read More
Nevada Republicans bolt party line, support housing package
WASHINGTON - In a sign of how the mortgage crisis is rippling through Nevada and across the national political landscape, the state?s two Republican House members broke ranks with their party Thursday and defied President Bush?s veto threat to vote for the main provisions of a Democratic housing rescue package. Read More
Union pushed; Trop fell
The owners of the Tropicana might have filed for bankruptcy protection regardless of labor union tactics. Read More
Falls heritage area is signed into law
WASHINGTON - President Bush on Thursday signed a bill creating a national heritage area in Niagara Falls, capping a prolonged effort by Rep. Louise M. Slaughter and other local lawmakers to bring some federal help to the region's tourism promotion efforts. Read More
One state, one economic development chair
When he was governor, Eliot Spitzer believed Upstate New York needed its own economic development czar. He appointed Daniel Gundersen to focus entirely on helping the Upstate region tackle its unique challenges. Read More
Local business groups urge Paterson to keep upstate development czar
A number of the region's business organizations are beginning a full-court press to get the governor to change his mind about not having a special staffer dedicated to upstate economic development issues. Read More
Ohio pharmacists want to expand role with patients
Ohio pharmacists want to convince insurers that paying them to have one-on-one time with patients with chronic diseases and on multiple medications will improve health and save money. Read More
Paid sick day backers say they will take issue to ballot
A coalition that wants to require most Ohio businesses to give their employees paid sick days says it wants to put the issue on the November ballot. Read More
Hard-hit consumers turn to Amish-run stores, expired goods
MESOPOTAMIA, Ohio - In a quiet gas-lit farmhouse on a frosty spring morning, two girls in bonnets and long blue dresses wind tape around expired bottles of Newman's Own salad dressing, and wipe dust off dented cans of vegetables and crumpled boxes of Butterfinger candy bars. Read More
Clearing the air costly to county
DAYTON, Ohio - Enforcing Ohio's indoor smoking ban costs big bucks, and the fines issued to violators don't come close to paying for it, local health department officials have discovered. Read More
House passes electric utility measure
Legislation that would authorize investor-owned electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives to serve new customers in annexed areas of cities was approved by the Oklahoma House Thursday despite opponents who said it could harm municipal power companies. Read More
District judge sides with police union, chief seeks appeal
SHAWNEE, Okla. - A judge sided with the Shawnee police union in an issue involving minimum staffing policies that the city had appealed to district court, but the police chief is expected to seek another appeal. Read More
State House backs electricity service territory changes
The state House voted 62 to 36 Thursday to approve the latest version of House Bill 1739, which would require electricity providers to divide newly developed service territory among themselves or have the Oklahoma Corporation Commission do it for them. Read More
The Meadows tops W.Va. rivals
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, once projected to fall far short of its own revenue estimates, is paying out hundreds of millions of dollars more than competing casinos in West Virginia. Read More
Tribe ready for share of state's gambling money
After refusing for more than two years, the Narragansett Indian tribe is now ready to accept its share of the state's gambling revenue if Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas can get clarification about precisely how the money can be used. Read More
State House hopeful wins union support
State House District 111 hopeful Clay Middleton won the backing from several labor unions Wednesday. Read More
Tax break would bring no relief
While a summer holiday from gas taxes might seem like a relief for financially strapped South Dakotans, it would do more harm than good, according to state Sen. Alan Hoerth and former Clinton administration Energy Secretary Federico Pena. Read More
Primary positioning
Hillary Clinton vowed Thursday that South Dakota would become a "Saudi Arabia of wind energy" and an important source of biofuels should she win the presidency. 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
Facebook puts into place new safety controls
When Kathy Frazar heard the operators of Facebook.com had promised to boost safeguards to protect younger users from online predators and shield them from inappropriate content, she was encouraged but not relieved. Read More
Competing House bills use databases to check workers' legal status
WASHINGTON -- With little prospect of overhauling the nation's immigration laws before the presidential election, members of Congress are attempting to address the issue in a more piecemeal fashion. Read More
States rebuff plan to put Italian waste in Utah
BOISE, Idaho -- Eight Western states including Wyoming Thursday rejected a company's plan to ship tons of radioactive Italian waste to Utah by declaring that rules don't allow for foreign loads. Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. Read More
Plan to store Italian nuclear waste rejected
BOISE, Idaho -- The EnergySolutions proposal to store radioactive waste from Italy in Utah received a unanimous thumbs down Thursday from the Northwest Interstate Compact on Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management. Read More
Group critical of gas, sales tax ideas
With the governor preparing to unveil his transportation proposal next week, a group yesterday warned that the two types of tax increases being debated by Democrats would both disproportionately hurt the poor. Read More
State -- Expansion of on-line business services a success
Secretary of State Deb Markowitz today announced that 37 percent of Vermont's corporations and LLCs filed their annual reports online during the last renewal cycle. Read More
WA lawmakers on the road to discuss property taxes
Majority Democrats in the Washington legislature did not tackle property tax reform this year -- despite promises to do so. Now they?re hitting the road for a series of election year property-tax forums. Read More
Bill would help state's produce growers
WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers unveiled a compromise farm bill Thursday providing roughly $1.3 billion to the nation's fruit and vegetable growers for grants, research and help in opening foreign markets to the apples, cherries, raspberries and other crops grown in Washington and elsewhere. Read More
Long-term health care agency names new director
Tim Garrity will be the first executive director of Western Wisconsin Cares Long-Term Care District, the new multi-county agency that will run the state's Family Care program. Read More
New program lets some Wis. residents ship drugs for disposal
MILWAUKEE - Residents in two Wisconsin counties will soon be able to send their unused drugs for safe disposal by a Milwaukee company. Read More
Closing tax loophole could fix state budget
A state lawmaker says there's a simple solution to Wisconsin's budget crisis. Read More
DNR reissues permit for Oak Creek power plant
RACINE, Wis. - A state agency reissued a water pollution permit Thursday for a power plant that environmental groups contend would harm Lake Michigan by using vast amounts of lake water for cooling. Read More
Ban urged for gifts to doctors, med students
West Virginia has taken small steps to limit the influence of prescription drug and medical device companies on doctors and medical school students, but the state should adopt much tougher restrictions to stop the "insidious" practices, a leader of a consumer advocacy group said Thursday. Read More
McGraw warns W.Va. businesses about bogus letters
Attorney General Darrell McGraw is warning businesses about bogus letters falsely claiming his office is investigating them. Read More
Garrison attended briefing on Bresch day after her call
West Virginia University President Mike Garrison, who has repeatedly said he washed his hands of Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch's disputed M.B.A. degree after her initial call, discussed the matter in a briefing with his chief of staff and other top aides late the following day, according to an interview conducted by an investigative panel. Read More
Tobacco-free encouragement
For every $1 million invested in the Tobacco-Free Wyoming Communities program, state cigarette sales decrease by 2.2 million packs. Read More
Fuel prices could undercut Wyoming's energy economy
Continued high gasoline and diesel costs are stressing all areas of Wyoming's economy. In fact, some companies driving Wyoming's energy-based economic boom may not be able to absorb the sky-high prices for long. And there seems to be no real relief in sight. 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
23 states face budget gaps in '09
Like a college student fishing for stray quarters in the sofa cushions, states are tightening their belts, dipping into their rainy day funds and hoping revenues will pick up. But the faltering economy already has punched a $26 billion hole in 23 state budgets for 2009 – and it could get worse, according to a new report issued today (April 25). 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
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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