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Archive of Economy & Business on Tuesday June 30, 2009
Furloughs cut into state services
With states facing a $121 billion shortfall in the next fiscal year, a growing number of them have turned to squeezing their workforce for savings, and effects both great and small will be felt. Read More
US: States brace for shutdowns
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- The last time Indiana missed its deadline for passing a budget and had to shut down the government was during the Civil War. But on Monday, as lawmakers raced to hammer out an agreement over school funding, state agencies began preparing 31,000 workers to be temporarily out of a job. Read More
US: Ruling adds teeth to state oversight of banks
For years, state governments have had little power to enforce consumer-protection and lending rules at the country's biggest banks. No more. Read More
AR: Tax cuts become law Wednesday
Arkansas grocers are hoping that budget-conscious shoppers, pinching pennies in a slow economy, will buy more food with the penny they when a 1-cent reduction in the state grocery tax goes into effect this week, a trade association spokeswoman said Monday. Read More
AZ: State services uncertain if government shuts down
The Legislature's fractured Republican majority struggled Monday to reach a budget agreement, bringing Arizona within hours of a nearly total government shutdown. Read More
AZ: Political Insider -- Harsh times make for harsh words
It's a given that tempers flare and nerves fray as the legislative session nears its finish. But on Saturday, an exchange got downright nasty. Read More
AZ: Fewer taking July 4 out of town
Fewer Arizona residents are expected to hit the road for the Fourth of July holiday this year, but a new survey says recession-wracked travelers appear to be regaining their interest in taking a trip out of town. Read More
CA: Schwarzenegger calls for two-tier state pension system
California public employee unions already reeling from pay cuts have been dealt a new blow by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger – a push to lower pension and retiree health care benefits for state workers hired after today. Read More
CA: California to issue IOUs to vendors, local governments
With the state poised to issue billions in IOUs in lieu of cash this week, California's budget crisis could create serious headaches for some private vendors and local governments. Read More
CA: EPA gives California emissions waiver
WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency will announce today that it is granting California's request to impose tough restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks -- reversing the Bush administration's position and opening the way for the state to take the lead on global-warming policy. Read More
CA: Schwarzenegger says Democrats are wasting time on flawed budget plans
With only days before the state begins issuing IOUs, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger scolded Democrats Monday for "wasting time" on budget fixes he won't support while they accused him of making unreasonable demands. Read More
CO: Federal stimulus funds go to Colorado health care
Colorado will receive nearly $17 million in federal stimulus funds to repair and renovate 15 health-care centers across the state. Read More
CO: GOP state lawmaker -- 'Pitchforks about to come out' over drilling regulations
State Rep. Laura Bradford says ranchers and landowners in and around Grand Junction and Mesa County are enraged by new, more environmentally stringent drilling regulations keeping them from fully developing their oil and gas mineral rights. Read More
CO: Glitch delays jobless claims in Colorado
Colorado's computerized system for taking claims from the unemployed has crashed repeatedly in recent days, leaving thousands stuck in telephone hold queues and worried they will not receive their benefits. Read More
CT: State budget talks continue as fiscal year winds down
If there are no last-minute dramatics today, the state's fiscal year will run out without a new state budget and the government will need to begin paying its bills by executive order Wednesday, when the new fiscal year begins. Read More
DE: Casino developer targets Delmar
Tucked away in Sussex County's southwestern corner, tiny Delmar is known for its state-straddling status, its historic highball railroad signal and its close-knit community. Read More
DE: With gap nearly closed, last day should be quiet
With the contentious battle over tax increases nearly completed in the House, today's final-day push in Legislative Hall could be strangely anticlimactic. Read More
DE: Critics -- Gross receipts tax damages local businesses
An impending hike in Delaware's gross receipts tax will bring in millions more to the First State's coffers in coming years, according to state projections. Read More
DE: High, low tax brackets spared
The highest- and lowest-paid Delawareans would catch a break under a measure that passed Monday night in the state House, a personal income tax hike that doesn't include proposed hits to those making less than $60,000 or an even greater burden on those making $150,000 and up. Read More
FL: Cigarette tax increase among new Fla. laws
Smokers will pay an additional $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes under one of 65 new state laws going into effect Wednesday, including a $66.5 billion budget. Read More
FL: Florida offers help to some with home down payment
Starting Wednesday, Florida hopes to stoke its real-estate market by becoming one of the few states to offer $8,000 in down-payment assistance to qualified homebuyers so they can benefit upfront from a new federal tax credit. Read More
FL: Crist signs tougher investment protections
On the same day multibillion-dollar swindler Bernard Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed a law that gives the state more power to prosecute sophisticated, far-reaching investment crimes. Read More
GA: Ga. DOT awards 22 stimulus program contracts
Georgia's Department of Transportation says it has awarded 22 more projects worth $56.7 million under the federal stimulus program. Read More
GA: At chicken plant, a recession battle
DOUGLAS, Ga. -- This small town was devastated in February when its largest employer, Pilgrim's Pride Corp., said it would close a chicken-processing plant as part of the company's bankruptcy filing. Read More
HI: Candidate faults Lingle's leadership
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie, in a dig at Gov. Linda Lingle, said last night that bashing public-sector labor unions and making unilateral decisions is not the kind of leadership that can move the state forward. Read More
IA: Iowa community gets $1 million for housing
DYERSVILLE, Iowa - The community Dyersville is getting a $1 million grant for the construction of new single-family homes. Read More
IA: Iowa program funds jobs projects
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Seven of the first eight projects funded by the state job creation and infrastructure rebuilding program are in Cedar Rapids, a city that officials say sustained more than half of the damage caused by June 2008 flooding in the state. Read More
IA: New laws to affect a variety of Iowans
Consumers, farmers, sex offenders, septic tank owners and wine drinkers are among the Iowans who will be impacted by new state laws slated to take effect Wednesday. Read More
IA: Iowa, Midwest tourists flood Iowa attractions
Managers of some of Iowa's tourist hot spots said Monday that their summer attendance is up. Read More
IA: Proposed Casino Site Moved
HAMPTON, Iowa -- The site for a proposed casino in northern Iowa has been moved. Read More
IA: Deere says 800 workers to leave in voluntary program
Deere & Co. says about 800 salaried workers will leave the farm machinery maker under a voluntary separation program announced in April. Read More
ID: Senate considers fund for wolf kill payments
Ranchers in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana who lose sheep or cattle to wolves may soon have a federal fund to turn for reimbursement. Read More
IL: House votes to borrow money amid budget mess
The Illinois House wants to borrow $2.3 billion to help piece together a new state budget. Read More
IL: State minimum wage going up a quarter
Many workers will see a bit more in their paychecks when Illinois' minimum wage rises 25 cents an hour to $8 an hour Wednesday -- the second of a three-phase increase that will reach $8.25 July 1, 2010. Read More
IN: Legislators may vote on budget today
A vote is expected today on a new state budget that gives Democrats and Republicans some, though not all, of what they wanted for education. Read More
IN: Indiana foreclosure hot line is available
ELKHART, Ind. — The nation's sluggish housing market continues to be crippled by home foreclosures. In fact, Indiana ranks eighth in the country when it comes to foreclosures. Read More
IN: A shutdown would ripple far beyond Statehouse
Ashley Graves, a 23-year-old Franklin resident, has a special reason for hoping legislators strike a deal. Read More
IN: Ballard loses round on plan to bail out CIB
State lawmakers late Monday ignored Mayor Greg Ballard's calls for fewer spending cuts for the Capital Improvement Board and granted him only one of the three tax increases he sought this year to plug the agency's projected $47 million deficit. Read More
IN: Legislators may vote on budget today
A vote is expected today on a new state budget that gives Democrats and Republicans some, though not all, of what they wanted for education. If approved by the legislature, the deal would avert a government shutdown. Read More
KS: State to use stimulus funds mostly to stop cuts
Sitting around a conference table, members of the governor's Cabinet pondered the impact of nearly $2 billion in federal stimulus money flowing into Kansas. Read More
KS: Officials await revenue estimates
Kansas officials may get an indication Tuesday of how revenues are shaping up as the 2009 fiscal year comes to a close. Read More
KS: Treasurer offers financial tips
There are some new tools for Kansans looking for sound financial advice. Read More
KS: Court reels from budget cuts
MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Riley County Courthouse is among those slashing services in the wake of budget cuts. Read More
KS: Gov. Parkinson expects there will be more budget cuts on the horizon
More state budget cuts are coming. That was the word Monday from Gov. Mark Parkinson, who said the current shortfall has grown to $135 million as the fiscal year ends Tuesday. Read More
KY: Many Ky. families see payday loans as only option, study says
A survey of low-income families in nine Kentucky counties showed that many turned to payday lenders because they couldn't access or didn't trust banking services. Read More
LA: First 'one-stop shop' agency opens in La.
The first "one-stop shop" that will give residents a central location for assistance offered by several separate state agencies opened Monday. Read More
LA: State to buy land for restoration
A large portion of a $290 million influx of funding for coastal restoration and protection work will go toward purchasing rights-of-way and land for hurricane protection work in the New Orleans metro area, state officials said Monday. Read More
LA: State colleges trying to operate with less
While higher education was spared $219 million in proposed state budget cuts, colleges are now left with the task of slicing more than $100 million from their books and laying off hundreds of employees. Read More
LA: Budget change may spur layoffs
A late change to the state operating budget could trigger layoffs in the state Department of Education, top educators said Monday. Read More
MA: Deval Patrick acts on stars' behalf
Gov. Deval Patrick greenlighted the renewal of a controversial multimillion-dollar taxpayer-funded giveaway to Hollywood stars yesterday, even as he signed a $27.05 billion budget that squeezes the Bay State for another $860 million in new taxes. Read More
MA: Study - Weak economy bad for public health
A new study is calling for a large-scale public health campaign in Massachusetts to stop unhealthy behaviors that appear to be caused by the weak economy. Read More
MA: Mass. turnpike rescinds major toll increase
FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority has four months to live. Transportation Secretary James Aloisi said Monday that the new Massachusetts Department of Transportation is expected to take over Turnpike operations in November. Read More
MA: Mass. toll hike scrapped; gov. approves budget
Gov. Deval Patrick has approved a new state budget that hikes the Massachusetts sales tax by 25 percent, largely preserves education spending, and makes deep cuts to other state services. Read More
MA: Patrick signs sales tax increase, sends back $147M in vetoes
The sales tax in Massachusetts will increase 25 percent on August 1, now that Gov. Patrick has signed a budget bill for the fiscal year that begins Wednesday. Read More
MA: Anticipating state revenue, Pike board kills $100m toll increase
After 18 months of threats, and three votes to raise tolls, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority rescinded a controversial $100 million toll hike yesterday and will instead depend on money from a higher sales tax to cover its deficit. Read More
MA: State fines National Grid $8m
National Grid, the state's largest utility company, was fined $8 million by state regulators for having a poor performance record in 2006, in what is said to be the largest penalty of its kind in state history. Read More
MA: Patrick hints at hike in gas tax
Governor Deval Patrick signed a budget yesterday that imposes more than $1 billion in additional taxes on Massachusetts residents and visitors, most of it through the first increase in the state sales tax in 33 years, even as he declined to rule out a future boost in the state gas tax. Read More
MD: Md. travel expected to take only slight dip
Marylanders may be bucking a holiday travel trend. Despite predictions that July 4th travel will be down nearly 2 percent nationwide, the number of Marylanders expected to travel this holiday weekend will dip - but only by about half of 1 percent, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic. Read More
MD: New group scrutinizes stimulus spending, transportation priorities
Maryland needs to get on track with investing stimulus dollars for transportation, a newly formed coalition of smart growth, business, environmental and faith groups said Monday. Read More
MN: Wisconsin officials yet to agree to Pawlenty's tax reciprocity request
Gov. Tim Pawlenty is using an emergency provision to balance the books on his own through spending cuts and accounting shifts that begin July 1. Read More
MN: State budget cuts start hitting Wednesday
Minnesota's state budget meltdown finally starts to bite Wednesday. Read More
MN: New Minnesota sales tax begins
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Mike Kilgore says the green Minnesotans pay in a higher tax beginning Wednesday will mean a greener Minnesota in a year. Read More
MO: Mo. employers seeking health care workers
A report by the Missouri Department of Economic Development says employers are working hard to fill jobs in health care and social assistance. Read More
MO: Illinois borrowing measure to avert cuts
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Illinois House on Monday overwhelmingly approved a complicated $2.2 billion borrowing plan designed to forestall massive social service cuts in the shadow of the state's protracted budget crisis. Read More
MO: New law expands investments for Missouri treasurer
Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation Monday that expands a low-interest loan program and lets Missouri earn more interest on the money it keeps in local banks. Read More
MS: Medicaid agreement reached
Late Monday night, House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, announced that an agreement had been reached on funding for Medicaid that if passed today would fund the agency for the fiscal year beginning Wednesday. Read More
MS: Miss. illegal immigration law expands
BILOXI, Miss.— A Mississippi law passed to curb illegal workers is about to enter a second phase. Read More
MS: House, Senate OK new cig tax
State lawmakers in a special legislative session are trying to finish budget work today to prevent some government services from stopping when the new fiscal year begins Wednesday. Read More
MT: Fourth of July travel expected to increase
Travel in and around Montana has largely been a last-minute decision this year, and that trend probably will continue into the Fourth of July weekend, said Sarah Lawlor of Travel Montana, the state's tourism office. Read More
MT: Flu fears hurt pork industry
RAPELJE, Mont. -- The sign at the end of Hog Farm Road warns outsiders to come no further, which is pig man Don Herzog's way of shielding his swine from human pathogens. Read More
MT: MT-owned coal tracts moving toward possible lease
The Montana Land Board is holding public hearings this week over whether to lease for development state land near Ashland that contains roughly 600 million tons of coal. Read More
NC: Mental hospitals may lose schools
Schools in the state's three psychiatric hospitals could be eliminated as officials consider making local school districts responsible for educating hospitalized children. Read More
NC: Mary Easley to fight termination
Former first lady Mary Easley's hiring left a trail of dethroned N.C. State officials, but she has notified the university that she doesn't plan to join them. Read More
NC: Temporary spending bill clears House
House members overwhelmingly approved a temporary spending bill Monday night, a little more than 24 hours before the current state budget expires. Read More
ND: High court gets feedlot case
A South Central District Court decision to allow the Fred Berger feedlot to proceed in Morton County has been appealed to the North Dakota Supreme Court. Read More
NE: Red Cross program to help pay Nebraska utility bills
OMAHA, Neb. — The American Red Cross and Omaha Public Power District have teamed up again this year to help residents in 13 southeast Nebraska counties with their utility bills. Read More
NH: High court won't touch privacy law
New Hampshire survived the strongest legal test to a law making doctors' prescription-writing habits confidential. Read More
NH: Greyhound racing in NH to end
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Greyhound racing in New Hampshire is about to become history. Read More
NH: Prescription privacy law appeal stymied
The U.S. Supreme Court won't stop the state of New Hampshire from making doctors' prescription-writing habits confidential over the objection of companies that analyze and sell that information. Read More
NJ: N.J. Attorney General Anne Milgram plans to unveil mortgage-fraud indictments
New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram today plans to announce multiple indictments for mortgage fraud. Read More
NJ: Governor Corzine signs $29 billion New Jersey state budget
Governor Jon Corzine Monday signed legislation adopting a $29 billion budget for FY2010 that is $1.8 billion less than the first budget he signed four years ago. Read More
NJ: Corzine signs $29 billion N.J. budget
Gov. Corzine signed a $29 billion budget yesterday that he said managed the national recession by cutting spending but still making "the right choices" to preserve programs for education, the poor, and the elderly. Read More
NJ: Governor approves $29B tab
Gov. Jon Corzine signed into law yesterday the $29 billion state budget that was approved by both houses of the Legislature last week. The governor said the new budget, which increases taxes on cigarettes, wine, hard alcohol and high incomes, was the result of making difficult but correct choices amid a bad economy and declining revenues. Read More
NM: NM unemployment up but below national rate
Unemployment rose in New Mexico in May, but was still under the national rate. The state's unemployment rate was 6.5 percent for the month, according to the Department of Workforce Solutions, up from four percent one year ago and 5.8 percent in April. The nation's unemployment rate in May was 9.4 percent. Read More
NM: NM health centers to get federal funds
New Mexico will receive more than $12.8 million in federal stimulus funds to help increase access to health care for New Mexicans. Read More
NV: Nevada jeered, American Samoa cheered for stimulus Web sites
Nevada and American Samoa both launched Web sites in the same week of early March to keep track of the massive amounts of money that Congress had just approved under the so-called stimulus act. Unfortunately for the Silver State, a watchdog group compared the two. Read More
OH: Lawmakers butt heads on video slots, horse racing
What's the difference between video slot machines and video horse racing machines? Read More
OH: Slots debate holds up state budget
Acknowledging they would miss their deadline to pass a state budget for the first time in 18 years, state lawmakers opted instead to pass an emergency, seven-day budget. Read More
OH: Ohio Lottery switches to Greek operator Intralot
At 11:59 p.m. today, in an office park in Strongsville, state officials and a gaggle of computer technicians, some from Greece, will change how Ohioans get their lottery tickets. Read More
OH: Back to work at Toledo Jeep
Hourly workers leave Chrysler Group LLC's Toledo Jeep Assembly complex on their first day back making Jeep Wranglers since April 30. Read More
OK: 17 Oklahoma health centers to share funding
WASHINGTON — First lady Michelle Obama announced Monday that 17 community health center organizations in Oklahoma will share nearly $8 million in federal stimulus money for repairs, renovations or new equipment for health clinics. Read More
OK: Disaster center to provide aid for 8 Oklahoma counties
Low-interest disaster loans are available for residents and businesses affected by the severe storms and a tornado that struck Caddo County last month, the governor's office said Monday. Read More
OR: Oregon Senate puts illegal workers, bosses on notice
Lawmakers are set to crack down on businesses that hire illegal workers, don't pay taxes, or otherwise make it harder for law-abiding employers to compete. Read More
OR: House approves bill to fight rising foreclosures
In response to the state's rising number of foreclosures, the Oregon Legislature approved a bill on Monday that would require mortgage lenders to meet with borrowers before foreclosing on their home. Read More
OR: House oks industrial hemp
Oregon is a step closer to growing industrial hemp with a House vote on Monday. Read More
OR: Oregon Democrats gamble on improving economy
The Oregon Legislature's Democratic majority wagered heavily this session that the economy will soon be on the upswing. Read More
OR: Green jobs make up 3 percent of Oregon's work force, report says
Green jobs account for 3 percent of Oregon's private, state government and local government employment, the Oregon Employment Department said in a report released today. Read More
PA: As Pennsylvania budget deadline looms, lobbyists flock to fundraisers
State Rep. Matt Gabler is barely seven months into his first term, but he's already schooled in the ways of the capital. One evening last week, the young Republican greeted lobbyists, fellow lawmakers and others entering his re-election fundraiser in a room above an Irish pub barely a block from the Capitol. Read More
PA: Open-records chief pleads for more money
The director of the state's Office of Open Records is trying to keep the office that was last year's legislative prize from suffering a painful budget cut. Read More
PA: State budget agreement unlikely to meet deadline
Less than 24 hours remain for Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell and Republican legislative leaders to work out a new state budget on time, and neither side is optimistic about coming to an agreement anytime soon. Read More
RI: R.I. workers without jobs deliver a message that 'people want to work'
CRANSTON, R.I.— A group of unemployed workers met with officials of the state Department of Labor and Training on Monday mainly to seek more help in obtaining jobs and faster processing of claims for unemployment benefits. Read More
RI: Primary care focus of grants
One program will make it easier for people to get fast medical care on evenings and weekends. Another will help doctors push their patients toward healthy living. Still another will tell Spanish-speaking people where to find care when they have no health insurance. Read More
RI: Amazon cuts its R.I. ties over sales tax
The Internet giant Amazon.com has severed formal ties with all Rhode Island businesses, a move intended to shield the online retailer from the General Assembly's push to tax some online sales as soon as Wednesday. Read More
RI: With funding cuts, colleges revamp majors to save money
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — Citing financial constraints and a desire to strengthen academic programs at the state's three public colleges, the Board of Governors for Higher Education Monday approved the elimination or consolidation of dozens of majors and ordered the review of dozens more that have consistently graduated fewer than 11 students a year. Read More
RI: Amazon cuts R.I. affiliate ties over taxes
SAN FRANCISCO -- Amazon.com Inc., the world's biggest Internet retailer, cut ties with its Rhode Island business affiliates after the state's assembly passed legislation requiring the company to collect taxes. Read More
SD: S.D. businesses socked
An unprecedented strain on South Dakota's unemployment compensation fund prompted officials Monday to announce charges on private businesses amounting to $150 for every employee. Read More
SD: Energy program -- Little bits add up
The state Public Utilities Commission is asking citizens to help shape a program designed to boost the amount of electricity generated by small sources in South Dakota. Read More
TX: Toll road item may threaten session
The spoiler of Gov. Rick Perry's midsummer's dream of a three-day special session could be the "Nichols language." Read More
US: EPA lists sites where coal ash may pose threat
WASHINGTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency on Monday made public a list of 26 communities in 10 states where residents are potentially threatened by coal ash storage ponds similar to one that flooded a neighborhood in Tennessee last year. Read More
US: Governments grab unused gift cards
Some states faced with sinking tax collections and rising debt are going after unused gift cards that bolster their revenue. Read More
US: Ten states race to finish budgets
Ten states were scrambling Monday to pass budgets before a Tuesday deadline, with a handful -- including Arizona, Indiana and Mississippi -- facing the possibility of partial shutdowns if their legislatures don't act in time. Read More
US: Obama steers health debate out of capital
WASHINGTON — With Democrats deeply divided over health legislation, President Obama is trying to enlist the nation's governors and his own army of grass-roots supporters in a bid to increase pressure on lawmakers without getting himself mired in the messy battle playing out on Capitol Hill. Read More
US: A green way to dump low-tech electronics
Since 2004, 18 states and New York City have approved laws that make manufacturers responsible for recycling electronics, and similar statutes were introduced in 13 other states this year. Read More
UT: Health clinics get a share of federal recovery money
Patients at certain Utah community health centers will see holes patched in carpets and buildings renovated, receive home phone calls through new electronic record-keeping systems, and in a few cases see more fellow patients making appointments. Read More
UT: Utah recovery months away, consultant says
Like a timid swimmer watching for drop-offs on the pool bottom, Utah is cautiously inching its way through the recession. And experts predict it will be mid-2010 before a modest upturn indicates happier economic times for the Beehive State. Read More
UT: Utah's new liquor laws to bring changes
Utah's liquor regulations can be confusing -- and the changes to club laws that go into effect at midnight are no exception. Read More
VA: Virginia considering regulating car title loans
Virginia is considering putting the brakes on the repo man, but there's disagreement on how to do it. Read More
VA: Va. issues nearly all '08 income tax refunds
The Virginia Department of Taxation has issued nearly all the state income tax refunds from 2008. Read More
VA: Less travel forecast for Fourth of July weekend
Tourism officials across the state expect an unspectacular Fourth of July holiday this recession-pummeled summer. Read More
VA: State computer system raises more questions
Two of the state's top technology officials are being called to testify before a government panel on open record laws about why aspects of Virginia's plan to privatize its computer systems were discussed behind closed doors. Read More
VA: Rail spending applauded; overall maintenance booed
Maryland and the District have done a better job than Virginia in spending federal stimulus dollars earmarked for transportation, according to a report released yesterday by a smart-growth advocacy group. Read More
VA: Va. lawmakers question system upgrade contract
Lawmakers are starting to question whether Virginia should renegotiate or cancel a 10-year, $2 billion contract to upgrade the state's computer system, responding to what state officials call years of missed deadlines and poor service by the contractor. Read More
VT: Eight health centers receive federal funds
PLAINFIELD, Vt. – Eight community health centers in Vermont will receive almost $4.9 million in economic stimulus funds to address immediate and pressing facility and equipment needs. Read More
VT: Welch -- Climate bill a windfall for Vt.
A major climate bill narrowly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last Friday could be a windfall for energy-efficiency efforts in Vermont. Read More
VT: Jobless fund running toward empty
Francis and Betsy Dittman lost their jobs in February. A few months later they lost their Jeffersonville apartment after they were denied unemployment benefits. Now, the couple in their early 50s have moved in with her parents in Colchester. Read More
WA: Lt. Gov. Owen travels to China
Lt. Gov. Brad Owen headed off Saturday for China on a privately paid trade trip that ends July 5. It's the Democrat's eighth jaunt to China since he took office in 1996, aides said. Read More
WA: Agencies don't need merger, says director
The state Department of Retirement Systems and the Health Care Authority don't need to merge, said Steve Hill, who has been the director of both agencies for four months. Read More
WA: Seattle's population grows faster; state's slows
While the tough economy has slowed the influx of new residents into Washington, Seattle's growth has sped up, according to new population estimates. Read More
WA: Report -- State wrong to stiff Seattle on transpo stimulus $
A new report released Monday by Smart Growth America and the Transportation Choices Coalition criticized Washington and other states for spending too much economic stimulus money on building new roads and infrastructure and neglecting much-needed repairs to existing roads and transit. Read More
WV: Officials say facility will be significant boost to economy
Changing the future of southern West Virginia forever. That's what impact Judy Radford, director of the 4-C Economic Development Authority, says the establishment of a new Boy Scouts of America National Scouting Center could have on the region. Read More
WV: Speakers blast proposed cut to state retiree benefits
West Virginia will have trouble recruiting and retaining teachers, State Police troopers and other public employees if the Public Employees Insurance Agency cuts a subsidy for retiree health insurance, speakers told the agency's Finance Board Monday evening. Read More
Tracking the recession: Budget deadline looms
Unlike the federal government, states have to balance their budgets. But several states still have not completed spending plans for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Read More
Weekly wrap: Feds release long-awaited stimulus job guidelines
The Obama administration tells state officials to take "a simple headcount" of jobs saved or created by the stimulus program. Meanwhile, the demand for some special jobs is soaring. Officials also warn states not to shortchange education when balancing budgets. Read More
Ga. hotline aims to cut mental health costs
Read More
New section follows stimulus spending
Read More
Tracking the recession: States target jobs
Though unemployment is rising in nearly every state, aggressive efforts to create jobs are paying off — modestly — in many states. Read More
Tracking the recession: State leaders suffer political backlash
Voters are blaming governors and state legislators for the economic downturn, which could make it harder for them to win re-election next year. Read More
Reports: State income levels plunge
States racing to cobble together new budgets for their July 1 deadline could find themselves sinking back into red ink sooner than they think, as Americans’ income and the taxes they pay on it shrink, new data show. Read More
Weekly wrap: Sales tax fight splits GOP in Arizona
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) sues her own party over the budget. The U.S. labor department releases May unemployment data, and Illinois says it can’t afford to pay for indigent burials. For a quick update on the top recession news in the states, read Stateline.org's "Weekly wrap." Read More
Recession ushers in more tobacco taxes
In a double-whammy for smokers, the federal government and seven states raised taxes on cigarettes this year. But the new taxes plus President Obama's vow to sign a bill imposing sweeping regulation of the tobacco industry threaten to shrink cigarette sales — and revenues for state coffers. Read More |
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