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Archive of Stateline.org RSS - State by State Roundup on Wednesday July 01, 2009
Ex-governor of Alabama seeks retrial
Lawyers for Donald E. Siegelman, the former Alabama governor convicted on corruption charges in 2006, have asked for a new trial based on "newly discovered evidence" of prosecutorial misconduct in the case. [The New York Times] Read More
Ala. closes in on Miss. as most obese state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [USA Today] Read More
Priscilla Dunn wins runoff for Alabama Senate 19 seat
State Rep. Priscilla Dunn of Bessemer is heading to the Alabama Senate. On Tuesday, she defeated state Rep. Merika Coleman of Hueytown in the Democratic primary runoff to fill the state Senate District 19 seat vacated by the federal conviction of E.B. McClain. [The Birmingham News] Read More
Siegelman seeks new trial in bribery case
Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman has asked for a new trial in his bribery case, citing claims by a whistleblower in the federal prosecutor's office that a key government witness was heavily coached. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
Riley hails A&M president choice
Gov. Bob Riley praised the Alabama A&M University trustees Tuesday for selecting Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. as the university's president. [The Huntsville Times] Read More
Ford embraces 'opportunity' to run in Senate District 28
Former Tuskegee Mayor Johnny Ford launched a bid to return to the Alabama Legislature on Tuesday. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Sarah Palin story sparks Republican family feud
A hard-hitting piece on Sarah Palin in the new Vanity Fair has touched off a blistering exchange of insults among high-profile Republicans over last year's GOP ticket -- tearing open fresh wounds about leaks surrounding Palin and revealing for the first time some of the internal wars that paralyzed the campaign in its final days. [Politico] Read More
Pro-Palin Web site attacks Fairbanks Rep. Jay Ramras over BP stock
A pro-Palin Web site is crying foul over Rep. Jay Ramras' ownership of BP stock, prompting the Fairbanks Republican to defend his holdings and his integrity. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
University of Alaska supporters propose change to donation tax credits
University of Alaska supporters want the Legislature to remove a cap on donations eligible for state tax credits. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
Palin e-mail hacker asks for dismissal
A Tennessee college student charged with hacking into former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's e-mail was in court Tuesday asking for a dismissal. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Conflicting info on fish runs coming out of Yukon River
Fish politics are complicated, emotional and in full swing on the Yukon River. Gov. Sarah Palin says Emmonak and the surrounding region is doing well gathering fish for the winter. Yet in other communities some fishermen are resorting to civil disobedience to get their take. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin -- I'd come out ahead in a run against president
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin says she'd come out ahead if she went one-on-one with fellow jogger President Barack Obama in a long run, according to an interview published online Tuesday. "I betcha I'd have more endurance," she told Runner's World magazine. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Legislature approves budget plan; Brewer's stance unclear
Legislators gave final approval to a 2010 state-budget plan early Wednesday morning and now await word on whether Gov. Jan Brewer will accept it or force budget negotiations to begin anew. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Arizona Legislature misses deadline, but passes budget
State lawmakers finally approved a $8.4 billion budget early Wednesday morning — three hours after their midnight deadline and without the sales tax ballot referral Gov. Jan Brewer wants. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Democrats offer budget support in exchange for concessions
Democrats, who have been trying to get to the budget-negotiating table for weeks, offered their support for the budget compromise plan in exchange for certain concessions. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Public vote on sales tax plan alive again
The Senate Rules Committee late Tuesday resuscitated the measure that would refer a temporary sales tax increase to the November ballot. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Future of dozens of bills uncertain in budget wake
With lawmakers scrambling to resolve the budget crisis, they left many of the more than 70 bills on Tuesday's agendas untouched. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Many agencies brace to close; public safety will be top priority
Without a budget resolution late Tuesday, there was widespread uncertainty about how state government would function today. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Arizona House rejects immigration enforcement bill
With many members absent, the Arizona House early Wednesday defeated a bill to criminalize the presence of all illegal immigrants in the state and draw local police officers deeper into the fight against illegal immigration. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
State lawmakers approve bill allowing guns in bars
The Arizona Senate has approved a bill to allow people with concealed weapons permits to carry a gun into a business that serves alcohol. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Ariz. state workers to report to work as scheduled
Gov. Jan Brewer's administration is telling state workers to report to work as scheduled though the governor has not yet acted on budget bills approved by the Legislature overnight. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Budget struggle down to the wire
A testy and divided Legislature battled into the night Tuesday, preparing to send Gov. Jan Brewer a budget plan for fiscal 2010 that would cut more than $600 million from state spending but keep government doors open. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. [The New York Times] Read More
Stimulus funds to aid energy efficiency
Fayetteville is receiving $725,000 in federal stimulus funds for energy efficiency and conservation projects. [Northwest Arkansas Times] Read More
Julian to head Education Department
Diane Julian, deputy state education commissioner since 2007, becomes interim director of the state Department of Education on Wednesday. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Prison director explains escape, other problems, to lawmakers
The director of state prisons told lawmakers Tuesday he was "embarrassed" over recent serious incidents in the system, but that they were isolated and not part of a bigger problem. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
11th-hour votes on state budget fail
With a day to go until a cash crisis would force the state to stop paying its bills, lawmakers and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger worked into the night Tuesday but failed to reach a budget agreement. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Feds may take possession of some California parks, if they close
The federal government is threatening to take possession of several of California's most prominent state parks — including Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, the top of Mount Diablo and four miles of beaches at Fort Ord Dunes near Monterey — if Sacramento lawmakers close them to balance the budget. [The Mercury News (San Jose)] Read More
To solve deficit, Schwarzenegger turns to a Democrat
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his effort to end the partisan bickering that is pushing California to the brink of insolvency, is deploying Susan Kennedy, his cigar-smoking, paintball-playing Democratic chief of staff, to get the job done. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
EPA to let Calif. set own auto emissions limits
The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday granted California's request to set its own limits on greenhouse gases from autos -- a long-sought victory with limited impact now that the federal government has pledged to impose national limits. [The Washington Post] Read More
Opposition to death penalty in California voiced at hearing on lethal injection
Corrections officials heard overwhelming condemnation of proposed new lethal injection procedures Tuesday at the first-ever public hearing on execution methods in the state. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Board trims per-diem pay, cars, benefits for California legislators
As legislators battled over the state budget Tuesday, an independent commission voted to slash lawmakers' per-diem payments, car allowances and medical and other fringe benefits by 18 percent. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
Governor, lawmakers blow deadline as budget hole deepens
California is on the brink of issuing IOUs and state workers will take a third unpaid furlough day in July after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers failed to strike a budget compromise late Tuesday. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
Public hearing turns into passionate debate on death penalty
It was supposed to be a dry public hearing on a "notice of proposed regulations," a meeting to let citizens speak about technical aspects of how lethal injection is administered to condemned inmates. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
Number of school districts on brink of financial trouble, bankruptcy rises
Unless drastic budget cuts come at the local level, many California school districts may be unable to pay the bills in the next two years, state schools chief Jack O'Connell said Tuesday. [Contra Costa Times] Read More
Different paths to top of state's GOP, same hard-line resolve
One is a dairy farmer's son who once sold bull semen to pay for college. The other is a music professor's son who once researched earthquakes for Exxon. The farmer's son, Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Temecula, is a darling of the right wing of the Republican Party. Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, R-San Luis Obispo, the music teacher's son, is a favorite among environmentalists. [Contra Costa Times] Read More
California chain restaurants must post calorie counts starting today
California becomes the first state in the nation to legislate the cheeseburger today, when a new law — aimed at reducing obesity and heart disease — forces restaurants with at least 20 locations to reveal the number of calories in most of the food on their menus. [The Mercury News (San Jose)] Read More
Otter population falls as humans pollute ocean
Sea otters along the California coast are dying off faster than at any time since the late 1990s, a disturbing trend that experts say is partially due to human-caused water pollution, the U.S. Geological Survey reported Tuesday. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Frantic budget talks fall short
A frantic rush to close California's daunting deficit before a July 1 deadline fell short at midnight, when Senate Republicans refused to back billions in cuts to public education — not out of concern for schools but because they believed the reductions did not go far enough. [The Mercury News (San Jose)] Read More
Lawmakers, governor remain at impasse despite deadline
For weeks, lawmakers and the governor said Tuesday was the deadline to do something about California's $24.3 billion deficit or else the state would face financial ruin. But once the day arrive, little happened. [The Orange County Register] Read More
Cracked streets in Santa Ana at stake in budget debate
SANTA ANA, Calif. – If you want to get a feel for what the state budget crisis could mean on the street, take a drive through Santa Ana. [The Orange County Register] Read More
EPA lets state get tougher on new vehicles
Federal officials on Tuesday cleared California to impose tough greenhouse gas limits on new motor vehicles that more than a dozen other states can follow immediately and that will form the basis of new nationwide rules in 2012. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
No deal as state budget deadline nears
With only hours to go before a midnight deadline, California's historic fiscal crisis remained unresolved Tuesday as lawmakers were trying to negotiate an agreement to prevent the $24.3 billion deficit from growing. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Brown leads Newsom in fundraising race
Democratic Attorney General Jerry Brown, who has yet to call himself a candidate for governor, is leading a critical race: He's attracting more high-end donors than San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, the only declared candidate for 2010, according to the latest campaign reports. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Feds allow New Mexico and 13 other states to reduce vehicle greenhouse gas emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted a waiver on Tuesday that allows California and 13 other states, including New Mexico, to create regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new automobiles, according the governor's office late Tuesday afternoon. [New Mexico Independent] Read More
EPA lets R.I., 13 other states impose tougher auto emission standards
The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday granted California, Rhode Island and 12 other states the authority they had sought for years to impose automobile tailpipe emissions standards that are stricter than those promulgated by the federal government. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Community colleges see demand spike, funding slip
Hundreds of thousands of students are likely to be turned away from low-cost community colleges across the country over the next year because of funding cuts at the very time that record numbers of students are flocking to the open-admission schools, according to education officials. [The Washington Post] Read More
States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. [The New York Times] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Colorado Senate returns $627,000 in unspent funds
State Senate President Brandon Shaffer, pointing to his restrictions on travel, bonuses and salaries, said Tuesday that the Senate was returning to the general fund an expected $627,000, more than twice as much in unspent funds as last year. [The Denver Post] Read More
Designated beneficiary rules grant unmarried pairs decision-making power
In April, Gov. Bill Ritter signed a bill that gives unmarried couples the right to enter into "designated beneficiary agreements," which guarantee many of the rights usually reserved for husbands and wives. [The Denver Post] Read More
Coloradans feeling run over by new auto late fees
Loveland resident Mike Jones expected to pay $15 plus change when he registered his 24-year-old boat trailer last week, but he got hit with a $100 penalty for registering late. [The Denver Post] Read More
Panels back ABCs of new grad criteria in Colorado
For the first time, Colorado is spelling out exactly what 12th-graders should know before heading to college or entering the workforce. [The Denver Post] Read More
Colorado welcomes stimulus-funded jobs
Alison Barber did something unexpected this month: She found a job. Although Barber, who graduated from Colorado State University this year, says the employment rate at her construction management program dropped from 99 percent to below 50 percent this year, she was able to land a foreman position at Castle Rock Construction Co. [The Denver Post] Read More
As new laws kick in today, Colorado auto fees to rise
Starting today, Coloradans will pay more to register their vehicles. They'll face criminal charges if they possess someone else's passport, Social Security card or driver's license without that person's permission. And adults will be in big trouble if they're caught "sexting" to a child. [The Denver Post] Read More
Colorado spending stimulus cash on sprawl projects, or not
Taking up a question the Colorado Independent explored last spring, Washington D.C.-based Smart Growth America and Denver's CoPirg (Colorado Public Interest Research Group) report that Colorado is funneling too much stimulus money into new roads instead of mass transit construction, which is bad because new roads translate to sprawl and because mass transit construction is more economically stimulating, creating up to 31 percent more jobs. [Colorado Independent] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Abortion foes to submit initiatives
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Abortion foes try again on 'personhood' amendments
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
No budget deal to start fiscal year
Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Tuesday that she has signed an executive order to keep state government running when the new fiscal year begins today without a new budget enacted. [The Hartford Courant] Read More
Legacy of the Rowland scandal, five years later
It's the kind of anniversary no one wants to commemorate: Five years ago today, on July 1, 2004, Gov. John G. Rowland resigned amid a corruption scandal that would send him to prison and scar a state. [The Hartford Courant] Read More
State faces a new fiscal year with no budget deal
Hours of last-minute talks failed to produce a deal Tuesday, and Connecticut prepared to enter the new fiscal year today without an adopted budget for just the third time since 1991, when the state adopted its income tax. [The Day (New London)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
State budget passes in marathon session; taxes, fees to jump $206 million
Completing a marathon session that lasted until 4 a.m. today, the General Assembly passed a $3.09 billion budget, $206 million in tax and fee increases and eliminated an unprecedented $800 million revenue shortfall. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
In budget, 2.5% cut with 5 days off
The General Assembly was heading into an early-morning special session today after taking up a $3.09 billion budget and passing $206 million in tax and fee increases. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Law gives public access to Adult Abuse Registry
Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation Tuesday that provides greater protections for senior citizens and residents with disabilities. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Mall unveils its upscale future
As other centers struggle, Christiana Mall is forging ahead into a reimagined future. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Bill would reform handling of sex crimes in prisons
State Rep. James "J.J." Johnson, D-Jefferson Farms, introduced legislation Tuesday that would change the law regarding how sexual crimes inside state detention centers are handled. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Bill to boost film industry in Del. fails to get vote
A bill that would have helped bring film production to Delaware by providing loan guarantees for certain types of projects did not make it on the General Assembly's agenda by the end of the session Tuesday. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Republicans tap Booth in race for Adams' seat
Republicans have tapped state Rep. Joe Booth, a former Georgetown mayor, to run for the Senate seat of the late Thurman Adams. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
65 new Florida law changes take effect today
Sixty-five new state laws go into effect today. They include an electronic tracking system to reduce the illicit sale and abuse of prescriptions drugs; requiring felony suspects to provide DNA samples; a limit to lawyer fees in workers' compensation cases; and allowing state universities to put up columbaria for the ashes of deceased alumni. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
New cigarette tax has smokers fuming
Starting today, the price of cigarettes in Florida will go up again, thanks to a $1 increase in the state tobacco tax. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Crist signs controversial water bill
Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday signed a bill that, among other things, strips public access from state decisions about who controls Florida's precious water resources. [The Palm Beach Post] Read More
Motorists fees taking big bumps
For Floridians already suffering from recession-pinched pocketbooks, add another dose of unwelcome news: Driving is getting a lot more expensive. [The Sun-Sentinel (South Florida)] Read More
Many of the new companies in Florida are unregulated
The influx of new property insurance companies that have added $4.3 billion to the pool of capital available on the Florida market, consists mostly of so-called surplus insurance lines that typical homeowners can't use. [The Miami Herald] Read More
New state program offering $8,000 home buyer tax credit isn't ready to go
A state program that officially begins today promises to advance up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers. But the program has plenty of roadblocks ahead. [The Sun-Sentinel (South Florida)] Read More
Prescription drug overdose deaths soar in Florida
Florida continues to see a rapid rise in fatal overdoses caused by prescription-drug abuse -- a trend fueled by a cottage industry of cash-only pain clinics -- while deaths from illegal drugs wane, according to a report from the state's medical examiners released Tuesday. [The Miami Herald] Read More
Consumer confidence falls in Florida, nation
Florida consumer confidence fell slightly in June, but it's not expected to fall much further in the months ahead, a survey's director said Tuesday. [The Miami Herald] Read More
Feds propose ending Florida's fresh citrus shipping ban
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Agriculture officials are ready to allow Florida citrus to be shipped for fresh fruit use anywhere, effectively reopening markets blocked for the past three years after canker spread throughout the state's citrus industry. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
New insurers not much help to typical Floridian
The influx of new property insurance companies that have added $4.3 billion to the pool of capital available on the Florida market, consists mostly of so-called surplus insurance lines that typical homeowners can't use. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Perdue to nominate next high court justice
Possibly as soon as Wednesday, Gov. Sonny Perdue will have a short list of nominees who want to be Georgia's next Supreme Court justice. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Georgia starts first stimulus-funded roadwork
The first shovel turned Tuesday on Georgia's share of $48 billion in federal economic stimulus money allocated to transportation improvements. [Atlanta Business Chronicle] Read More
Health centers get federal stimulus money for equipment, new technology
Georgia's community health centers will get a $16.4 million shot in the arm to help buy new medical equipment or software to store medical records on a computer instead of on paper, the White House said Tuesday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Tight budget only latest challenge for new chief justice
Carol Hunstein says her mantra is: Equal justice for all litigants, be fair and impartial and treat everyone with dignity and respect. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Abortion foes try again on 'personhood' amendments
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Lawmakers assess vetoes for overrides
The state Legislature's Democrats meet today to decide which of the 65 possible vetoes that Gov. Linda Lingle revealed yesterday they would override. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Hawaii state workers rally at Capitol to protest furloughs
State workers flooded the Capitol yesterday afternoon for a rally protesting Gov. Linda Lingle's furlough plans, accusing the governor of trying to wipe out the state's budget deficit at their expense. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
GOP chairman supports governor's fiscal strategy
Jonah Ka'auwai says he understands the fear and confusion facing thousands of state workers on this first day of Gov. Linda Lingle's controversial furlough plan for state workers. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Hawaii adults less obese, but not isle youth
Hawaii adults continue to be among the most physically active and leanest in the nation, according to a national report released today. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Hospital's 667 dead to be remembered
The ninth remembrance service for 667 patients who died at the Hawai'i State Hospital and were forgotten from 1930 to 1960 will be held today at 10:30 a.m. at Hawaiian Memorial Park in Kane'ohe. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Lingle discloses potential vetoes
Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday gave state lawmakers a list of bills she may veto, including proposals to restructure public hospitals, raise a tax on petroleum products to fund food and energy security programs, and tighten high-technology investment tax credits. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Furloughs or pay cuts are on UH docket
University of Hawaii President David McClain says salary reductions -- whether through furloughs or pay cuts -- will have to be part of the university's response to cutting about $155 million from its budget over the next two years. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
University of Hawaii wants to cut faculty pay, may add furloughs
University of Hawai'i President David McClain says he will seek pay cuts for faculty and administrators as part of a developing plan to address about $155 million in budget cuts over the next two years. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Funding loss would force layoffs, ISP tells legislators
If the Idaho State Police has to absorb the loss of all its gas tax funding a year from today, it won't have anyone left to patrol the state's roads, police officials told lawmakers Tuesday. [Spokesman-Review (Spokane)] Read More
Idaho seizes Iraqi dinars in investment scheme case
The state of Idaho has seized about $1 million worth of Iraqi dinars purchased in a Coeur d'Alene man's investment scheme. [Spokesman-Review (Spokane)] Read More
New open meeting law takes effect
Idaho has a new set of rules to ensure government officials do their business in public. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Quinn -- Adults don't 'put off decisions'
Like a parent scolding misbehaving children, Gov. Pat Quinn admonished lawmakers Tuesday for putting off the state's problems and warned them a long, hot summer awaits in the capital city if they don't vote to raise taxes. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Quinn wants tax hike -- even if it takes months
State government limped into a new budget year Wednesday without a solid spending plan and rookie Gov. Pat Quinn threatened to drag the fight out all summer until he gets an income tax increase. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Judge orders state to meet child welfare rules
A federal judge says planned cuts in child-welfare services envisioned under the so-called doomsday budget passed by both houses of the Illinois legislature violate basic, court-ordered standards. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Q & A -- Will state government shut down?
State lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn were heading into Wednesday's start of the new budget year without an agreement. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
As new fiscal year begins, Illinois remains without budget
The clock ran out on Illinois' fiscal year Tuesday without a new state budget in place, raising the specter of mass state service cuts in the coming weeks or days. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Illinois budget still in limbo
With time running out on the state's fiscal year, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn threatened Tuesday to veto any budget sent to him by lawmakers that is unbalanced. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Illinois exports topped $53 billion in 2008
State officials say an international organization reports that Illinois exported $53.4 billion in goods and services in 2008 — an increase of $4.6 billion over its exports in calendar year 2007. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Budget ball bounces into Quinn's court
Now it's up to Gov. Pat Quinn. Illinois lawmakers left Springfield Tuesday without voting to raise taxes and after giving Quinn a budget that he's strongly indicated he finds unacceptable and will veto. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Chicago population rises for 2nd year in a row
For the second year in a row, Chicago's overall population increased, challenging the trend of declining population as the economy causes many urban residents to put off moves to suburbia. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Deer in Illinois -- Researchers track culinary clues left by deer in forest preserves
As white-tailed deer munch their way through forest preserves, researchers are right behind them, noting their culinary likes and dislikes and trying to predict where in the Chicago region clashes with humans will happen. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
John Deere buyout offer draws 800 workers
Hundreds of salaried workers with the world's largest farm machinery maker are taking advantage of the company's voluntary separation program. The program was unveiled in April when Deere combined its agricultural division with the commercial and consumer equipment division. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Budget brings good, bad news for state schools
Indiana's lawmakers passed a $27.8 billion two-year budget Tuesday that supporters touted as a triumph in a recession but critics said came at the expense of students in urban and rural districts. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
CIB gets OK to raise taxes on hotel stays
State lawmakers passed a plan Tuesday to bail out the Capital Improvement Board, though Mayor Greg Ballard's administration said the mix of tax increases and loans will not be enough to overcome a projected $47 million deficit. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
State budget approved, signed into law
Indiana lawmakers departed the Capitol early Tuesday evening relieved they averted a state government shutdown with hours to spare, but few were happy with the two-year, $28.5 billion budget that Gov. Mitch Daniels promptly signed into law. [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
New batch of laws go into effect today
You'll have to keep your hands on the wheel and off your cell phone, BlackBerry, iPhone or whatever tech device you favor to keep in touch with your friends. Emergency calls remain OK. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. [The New York Times] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Experts confident Iowa budget will balance
Gov. Chet Culver's budget experts expressed confidence Tuesday the state's fiscal 2009 budget will end with a positive balance even in the face of eroding tax revenues. [Quad-City Times] Read More
State officials call smoking ban a success
State public health officials are declaring Iowa's year-old anti-smoking law a success. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Number of prison inmates in Iowa falls
Iowa's prison population is on the decline, and the aging of baby boomers may be aiding that trend. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Butter King of Pop will join cow at State Fair
This summer, the Iowa State Fair's famous butter cow will share its 40-degree refrigerated glass case with a sculpture of Michael Jackson. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
A first for Iowa -- Alcohol revenue for year tops $100 million
Iowans are buying more liquor, beer and wine, bucking an economic trend that has seen sales of many retail products plunge over the past year. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Kids of Spanish-speaking parents more likely to be uninsured
An Iowa Department of Public Health report concludes there are "pockets" of minority children in Iowa who do not have regular access to a dentist and do not get regular medical checkups. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Rod Roberts moving toward run for governor
State Rep. Rod Roberts said he's sending Iowa Republicans a message that he's seriously considering a run for governor in 2010. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Advocates push to raise Iowa earned income credit
Iowa should boost its tax credit to low-income working families to lift thousands of children out of poverty, an Iowa City think tank says.` [Quad-City Times] Read More
Fong to run against Culver in 2010
Cedar Rapids businessman and flood recovery leader Christian Fong joined the race for governor Tuesday as a candidate for the Republican nomination. [Quad-City Times] Read More
High court to decide slot jackpot dispute at Prairie Meadows
The Iowa Supreme Court will referee a Des Moines truck driver's fight to reclaim nearly $10,000 in slot machine winnings that were confiscated because he had earlier been barred from the casino. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
C.R. flood leader enters GOP governor race
Christian Fong, a 32-year-old Cedar Rapids businessman and flood recovery leader, joined the race for the Republican nomination for governor Tuesday, saying Democratic Gov. Chet Culver's taxing and spending were placing an unfair burden on Iowa families. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Merit, step raises to add $121 million to state wages
Merit raises and other perks will pump up Iowa's state employee salaries by an average of 4.3 percent in the fiscal year that begins today, despite the largest unions agreeing to a 0 percent across-the-board salary increase. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Law requires increase in childcare center inspections
A new state law will see more and more home-based childcare centers receive annual inspections from the Iowa Department of Human Services over the next five years. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Backers of proposed Franklin County casino move location
A casino and hotel complex that's being proposed in Franklin County will now be built near Dows, just off Interstate-35, if state regulators give it the go ahead. Developer Gayle Burnett, of Rockford, says it's a move of about six miles to the north for the Landmark Hotel and Casino, which was announced in 2005. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Advice for schools on new sex offender rules
Attorneys with the Iowa Association of School Boards are issuing advice to schools about complying with a new law that goes into effect tomorrow. Anyone on the sex offender registry must have written permission to be on school grounds, or they can be charged with loitering. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Local option sales tax goes up in five counties
Residents in five Iowa counties will pay a little more in sales tax starting tomorrow, July 1. [Radio Iowa] Read More
John Deere buyout offer draws 800 workers
Hundreds of salaried workers with the world's largest farm machinery maker are taking advantage of the company's voluntary separation program. The program was unveiled in April when Deere combined its agricultural division with the commercial and consumer equipment division. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Kansas revenue shortfall hits $126 million
Kansas is ending the 2009 fiscal year with its tax collections $126 million below estimates. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
New Kansas laws kick in today; how do they affect you?
You can get wine delivered to your home, but you can't linger in the left lane of rural highways under state laws that take effect today. Many of the 144 bills signed into law after the 2009 legislative session become law today. [Kansas City Star] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Kansas agriculture secretary taking USDA job
Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky has been tapped to head the Farm Service Agency in Kansas for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a position he held during the Clinton administration. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
State cuts DUI program's funds by 70%
State money to treat repeat drunken driving offenders has been cut by 70 percent, even as a new law calls for the program to expand. [Wichita Eagle] Read More
Cuts may mean end to assistance
Christy Tatum moved four times in two months and is praying for a fifth move to a place she can really call home. [The Topeka Capital-Journal] Read More
School officials dread state budget decisions as new fiscal year starts
Public school officials are dreading the start of the state's fiscal year like some students worry about the first day of school. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Minimum wage goes up Wednesday
Nikki Duvall can't work up a lot of enthusiasm about the prospect of Kentucky's minimum wage increasing to $7.25 an hour Wednesday. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Federal grant helps children with special needs
The Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs has received a $95,700 federal grant to establish "Family-to-Family Health Information Centers" in 12 locations across the state, including Louisville. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Jindal signs sex predator bills into law
Gov. Bobby Jindal signed nine bills into law Tuesday to crack down on sexual predators in Louisiana. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Board asks for veto of lobbyist bill
The Louisiana Board of Ethics asked Gov. Bobby Jindal to veto legislation that would expand opportunities for lobbyists to bust a $50 cap when they are wining and dining legislators and other public officials. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Fireworks use OK in some areas, not all
HAMMOND, La. — Even with a statewide burn ban in place, residents in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes will be able to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks where they are legal. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
State budget year begins with cuts
The new state fiscal year starts today with far less drastic budget cuts than Gov. Bobby Jindal originally proposed. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Regents finalize La. college cuts
Louisiana's colleges can now start cutting more than 8 percent from their state budgets for the fiscal year that begins today. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
State revises career outlook
When the current recession ends and the economy revs up, look for registered nurses to continue occupying the driver's seat when it comes to career choices. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Funds to help create oyster reefs off La. coast
A Louisiana environmental group received $4 million in stimulus money from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for creation of oyster reefs for shoreline protection purposes. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
State, unions haggle pacts
About 1,000 workers employed at the state prison and the state's two psychiatric hospitals have agreed to a new contract that provides for no wage increases, the state Bureau of Human Resources director said Tuesday. [Kennebec Journal] Read More
New jail roles could save state $1.4 million
The state Board of Corrections has approved a plan to save $1.4 million by changing how three county jails are used. [Portland Press Herald] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
School suspensions limited in Md.
Maryland public school officials can no longer suspend or expel students solely for being chronically late or absent under a new state law that takes effect today. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Federal grant will help juvenile offenders get jobs
Maryland received a $3.1 million federal grant to help young offenders in Baltimore enter the work force, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Tuesday. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Md. to attack warrant backlog with $1 million of stimulus
More than $1 million in federal stimulus funding will be directed to pay overtime for police officers and sheriff's deputies to reduce a backlog of outstanding warrants, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Tuesday. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
New state laws will take effect tomorrow
Businesses that violate liquor laws will face steeper penalties and the local tourism bureau will be on track for a funding boost under new state laws set to take effect tomorrow. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Community colleges see demand spike, funding slip
Hundreds of thousands of students are likely to be turned away from low-cost community colleges across the country over the next year because of funding cuts at the very time that record numbers of students are flocking to the open-admission schools, according to education officials. [The Washington Post] Read More
Pension laws pare police, fire rolls
This week's rash of retirements by Boston firefighters seeking disability pensions is but one part of a wave of such departures across Massachusetts, as a pair of new state laws that could greatly diminish the pension benefits of public safety workers take effect today. [The Boston Globe] Read More
Lawmakers vow to 'fast track' elderly driver legislation
Leading state lawmakers yesterday promised to "fast track'' legislation regulating older drivers, as yet another serious accident involving an elderly motorist underscored growing concern about the safety of Massachusetts roads. [The Boston Globe] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Tim Cahill slams Deval Patrick for budget trickery
Blasting Gov. Deval Patrick for practicing "budgetary sleight-of-hand," Treasurer Timothy Cahill yesterday urged lawmakers to override a gubernatorial veto that slashed $20 million from the budget. [Boston Herald] Read More
Deval Patrick's dismal poll showings a boon to challengers
Gov. Deval Patrick has only himself to blame for an embarrassing poll showing a narrow win for Republican rival Christy Mihos, opposing strategists and potential challengers charged yesterday. [Boston Herald] Read More
Quinn Bill funds gutted in budget
The state's $40 million cut this week in a bonus program for local police officers has put many cities and towns across Massachusetts in legal and financial limbo, as they wrestle with unexpected salary costs, sudden retirements, and potentially thorny negotiations with labor unions. [The Boston Globe] Read More
State draws zones for coast wind farms
Dozens of wind turbines could sprout within sight of the Massachusetts shoreline under a first-of-its-kind state blueprint with the promise of generating both electricity and controversy. [The Boston Globe] Read More
Two states restrict firms' gifts to doctors
No more free lunch for some New England doctors -- at least not from drug companies. Under laws taking effect Wednesday in Massachusetts and Vermont, pharmaceutical companies and medical-device makers will be banned from giving doctors such gifts as resort trips or even coffee mugs. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
State reps urge quick action on failing schools
Three state representatives today called on the Senate to act quickly on legislation targeting failing schools. [The Detroit News] Read More
Riddle -- FBI probed $50K deal with Dems
Political consultant Sam Riddle says federal investigators have questioned $50,000 he received in 2006 from the Michigan Democratic Party-- payments he described as election year "hush money." [The Detroit News] Read More
Doubts about Michigan offer to GM
Governor Doyle is questioning how Michigan beat out Wisconsin in a bid to have General Motors build a new line of small cars in Janesville. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Bankruptcy not only option for DPS
Detroit Public Schools officials said Tuesday that a Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing is just one of many options being considered to address its multi-year deficit, but questions remain on how much such a filing would cost and whether the district would reap adequate benefits. [The Detroit News] Read More
No texting, Twittering, Googling for jurors in Michigan
The Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday banned all electronic communications, including text messages and Twitter feeds, for jurors on duty. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
Lear ready to slip into bankruptcy
Lear Corp. is poised to file for bankruptcy protection as early as today, while Visteon Corp., already in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, is asking a judge to cancel retiree benefits. [The Detroit News] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
At last, a second senator for Minnesota
Al Franken, a satirist known for his biting political humor, is headed to the U.S. Senate, the survivor of an epic legal struggle that opponent Norm Coleman finally conceded he couldn't win. [Minneapolis Star Tribune] Read More
Minn. has lowest rate of overweight kids
Another victory of sorts for Lake Wobegon: Minnesota has the lowest rate of overweight children in the nation, according to a new report on obesity in America. [Minneapolis Star Tribune] Read More
Franken wins Senate battle
The Minnesota Supreme Court yesterday declared comedian-turned-politician Al Franken the winner of the state's U.S. Senate race, ending an eight-month-long election saga and giving Democrats a 60-seat majority that theoretically would allow them to block GOP filibusters. [The Washington Post] Read More
Some improvement, but Minnesota test scores mostly flat
More than a 500,000 Minnesota students who took the MCA-II standardized tests this spring will soon find out how they did. [Minnesota Public Radio (St. Paul)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Miss. lawmakers finish most of $6B budget, not PSC
Bleary-eyed Mississippi lawmakers approved most of the $6 billion budget before the state fiscal year started early Wednesday, addressing Medicaid and public safety while leaving only the state's utility regulatory agency unfunded. [The Sun Herald (Biloxi)] Read More
Medicaid bill goes to gov
Lawmakers sent a Medicaid reauthorization plan to Gov. Haley Barbour hours before the new fiscal year began today, along with dozens of other funding bills intended to keep state government running smoothly. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
$57.7M claimed so far by schools
Of Mississippi's 152 school districts, 22 have claimed a share of $132 million in federally subsidized bonds - interest-free money for new construction, building renovations and repairs. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Bill to hike wind pool goes to gov.
Legislation to put an additional $20 million into the state wind-pool insurance fund has been sent to the governor. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Hundreds of laws take effect in Miss.
Most teens now will need their parents' permission before using a tanning facility, 16-year-olds can donate blood, and Internet pharmacies face stricter regulations. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Exercise hones Miss. first responders
More than 60 first responders from across central Mississippi participated today in a disaster-response exercise at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Ala. closes in on Miss. as most obese state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [USA Today] Read More
Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. [The New York Times] Read More
Missouri Center for Safe Schools closed
SPRINGFIELD, MO -- State budget problems have led to the closing of the Missouri Center for Safe Schools, which trains schools districts to respond to disasters and emergencies. [The News Tribune (Tacoma)] Read More
Missouri Republicans criticize plan to use bonds for buildings
Top Missouri Republicans say a proposal to finance construction projects with bonds would raise the state's debt without helping the economy. [Kansas City Star] Read More
Missouri judge rejects eminent-domain ballot summary
A Missouri judge has struck down a ballot summary prepared by Secretary of State Robin Carnahan for a proposed constitutional amendment restricting eminent domain. [Kansas City Star] Read More
Missourians urged to protect themselves from sun
Amid the summer heat, state health officials are urging Missourians to protect themselves from the sun. [The News Tribune (Tacoma)] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Abortion foes to submit initiatives
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Lawyer appointed to state environmental board
Gov. Brian Schweitzer has filled a state Board of Environmental Review position vacated through action by the Montana Senate. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Zebra mussel law going into effect
A new law declaring zebra mussels an invasive species goes into effect Wednesday. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Abortion foes try again on 'personhood' amendments
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Nebraska judge rejects flag-desecration case appeal
OMAHA, Neb. — A judge agreed Tuesday to let prosecutors move forward with their case against a Kansas woman accused of violating Nebraska's flag-desecration law. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
Nebraska ACLU says wedding bias allegations resolved
OMAHA, Neb. — A civil liberties group said Tuesday that five Nebraska counties accused of discriminating against immigrants seeking marriage licenses have changed or are working to change policies. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Judge green-lights suit against Gibbons
Chief U.S. District Judge Roger Hunt is refusing to toss out Chrissy Mazzeo's civil rights lawsuit. In a 27-page decision this week, Hunt dismissed some of Mazzeo's claims, but allowed her to move forward with the suit. The former cocktail waitress alleges that several people conspired with Jim Gibbons on a cover-up after his encounter with Mazzeo outside a Las Vegas restaurant less than a month before his gubernatorial election. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
Board extends coverage to domestic partners of state employees
By a 5-3 vote, the board that governs the state health insurance system has agreed to extend coverage to domestic partners of government and university system employees. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
Montandon takes aim at Gibbons
Red in the face and drenched in sweat, the man who would be governor trotted into his campaign headquarters Tuesday evening. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Court moves to mediate -- foreclosure hearings coming
The court action put into effect a law passed by the 2009 Legislature. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Drivers test to cost $25 for first-timers
Teenagers and older people heading to the Department of Motor Vehicles to take driving tests better carry a little extra cash. Starting today, the DMV will charge $25 for the initial test for people applying for a permit to drive. Those who fail will have to pay $10 for a retest. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Nevada Supreme Court OKs foreclosure program rules
The state Supreme Court voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt rules governing confidential meetings between homeowners and lenders that could head off foreclosures. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
How state furloughs will work, for now
With state employees set to take their first furlough days this week, the Personnel Department adopted emergency regulations governing the unpaid time off. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
$11.5b state budget given OK by Lynch
Gov. John Lynch signed an $11.5 billion state budget Tuesday as one judge threatened to blow a $110 million hole in it and another put at risk a $9 million state government money grab. [The Telegraph (Nashua)] Read More
No new contract for SEA
A midnight deadline came and went last night and most state employees still don't have a new contract, leaving unresolved a looming question of whether budget-mandated personnel cuts will come through widespread unpaid furloughs, benefits cuts or hundreds of additional layoffs. [Concord Monitor] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Judge freezes $9 m contested NH funding
A superior court judge has frozen $9 million in surplus funding the state and New Hampshire's nursing homes both claim. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
NH increasing some court fees, creating new ones
An increased fee for records research and new fees for certain petitions, motions, and other matters are going into effect in the New Hampshire court system. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
N.J. makes financial literacy a graduation requirement
Credit score. Personal bankruptcy. Balancing a checkbook. A series of recent moves by state officials could ensure those will not be foreign terms to high school students as they head off to college. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
New Jersey ushers in fiscal year with added, higher taxes
Happy fiscal new year, Jersey residents. New Jersey's fiscal year begins today, and with that comes higher taxes for smokers, high-income earners and businesses. Next month, hard alcohol and wine drinkers will pay more. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Corzine OKs vote-by-mail legislation
No New Jersey voter will ever again actually have to go to town hall, the firehouse or neighborhood school and stand in line to vote under legislation signed Tuesday by Gov. Jon Corzine. [newjerseynewsroom.com] Read More
Poll finds Christie leading Corzine
A new poll finds Republican challenger Chris Christie ahead of Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine in New Jersey's race for governor. [The Record of Bergen County] Read More
Law likely to eliminate non-operating school districts
Twenty-six small school districts that do not operate schools most likely will be eliminated under legislation signed yesterday by Gov. Corzine. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
N.J. gets OK to establish vehicle emission standards
New Jersey has received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to establish greenhouse gas emissions standards for motor vehicles as part of a federal effort to prevent climate change, Gov. Jon Corzine announced Tuesday. [newjerseynewsroom.com] Read More
N.J. workers union OKs furloughs, raise freeze
The largest state employee union has ratified a deal calling for nine unpaid furlough days in the new fiscal year and delaying a scheduled raise for 18 months. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Local agencies get $4,000 to target aggressive driving
The state is distributing $4,000 grants to 75 law enforcement agencies this month as part of a campaign to crack down on aggressive driving. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
N.J. Assemblyman introduces legislation to improve consumer health care transparency
Assemblyman Joseph Cryan has introduced legislation to improve consumer health care transparency and knowledge by regulating doctor profiling programs and establishing a health care patient ombudsperson. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Field of GOP gubernatorial candidates grows
The number of Republicans interested in being New Mexico's next governor is growing. The latest to consider a run is Doug Turner of Albuquerque, owner of DW Turner public-relations and strategic communications firm, who helped guide Gary Johnson's successful campaigns for governor. [Santa Fe New Mexican] Read More
Feds allow New Mexico and 13 other states to reduce vehicle greenhouse gas emissions
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted a waiver on Tuesday that allows California and 13 other states, including New Mexico, to create regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in new automobiles, according the governor's office late Tuesday afternoon. [New Mexico Independent] Read More
Attorney General's Office trains local law enforcement in human trafficking
Slavery in the United States didn't end with the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. It still exists today, in the form of human trafficking. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. [The Daily Times (Farmington)] Read More
NM gets $13 million to help with jobless benefits
New Mexico is getting $13 million in federal stimulus money to pay jobless benefits and to administer its unemployment insurance program. [Santa Fe New Mexican] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Blame panic in G.O.P. for standoff in Albany
Why can't New York's feuding senators act like grown-ups? Nearly a month into the Senate's bitter leadership struggle, there are few signs that the Republican and Democratic voting blocs, deadlocked in a 31-to-31 tie, are close to a deal to get back to work. [The New York Times] Read More
State Senate begins passing bills
A Republican senator's walk through the back of the Senate chamber Tuesday as 31 Democrats were convening a regular session was used by them to establish a quorum and begin passing bills. [Newsday] Read More
Glimpsing a G.O.P. passer-by, Senate Democrats grab the gavel
The latest attempt to break the State Senate's three-week-old stalemate began with a quest for caffeine. [The New York Times] Read More
State's top court will hear appeal against Atlantic Yards
New York's highest court has agreed to hear a case challenging the state's use of eminent domain on behalf of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn. [The New York Times] Read More
Merkin reaches accord with Cuomo on art sale
J. Ezra Merkin, the disgraced financier who lost more than $2.4 billion of his clients' money in Bernard L. Madoff's Ponzi scheme, agreed on Tuesday to sell his art collection for $310 million in a deal that could pave the way for a settlement with the New York attorney general, Andrew M. Cuomo. [The New York Times] Read More
New York Senate Democrats claim quorum, start passing bills
ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York Senate Democrats have begun voting on a host of bills and declaring them passed after claiming that a Republican lawmaker walking through the chamber gave them the required quorum. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Senate goes 0 for 3
Just when it seemed as if the three-week-old battle for control of the state Senate was turning into a cold war, Tuesday brought a new escalation -- replete with fresh legal threats, a salvo of dueling affidavits and a senator who might have picked the wrong moment to get a cup of coffee. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Dems grasp at quorum loophole
Senate Democrats contended they found a way Tuesday to vote on bills: A Republican senator unknowingly gave them a quorum when he walked through the chamber to get a cup of coffee as Democrats were convening their own session. [The Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)] Read More
NY Senate Dems claim quorum, start passing bills
Democrats claimed control of the split New York Senate on Tuesday, declaring a quorum after a Republican took a short cut through the chamber because an exterior parlor had been blocked by Democrats for a press conference they never held. [Newsday] Read More
Board -- Gay Natl. Guard Lt. should be discharged
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - A military administrative board is recommending that a gay New York National Guard officer should be discharged for violating the military's 'don't ask-don't tell' policy against homosexual conduct. Lt. Dan Choi is the first New York National Guard member discharged for violating the military's policy against homosexual conduct. [Newsday] Read More
Big Apple at core of state's population rise
The Big Apple is still the country's biggest draw. A yearly estimate from the U.S. Census says New York City grew by more than 53,000 residents for the 12-month period ending July 2008, the biggest numerical increase of any city in the country. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Hospital infection numbers go public
Capital Region hospitals reported that 200 patients picked up infections in their hospitals in 2008, according to the state's Hospital-Acquired Infection Report released Tuesday by the state Department of Health. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Senate Democrats shoot down mayoral control of schools, city sales tax hike
State senators Tuesday night defied Gov. Paterson and Mayor Bloomberg by failing to extend mayoral control over the schools and rejecting the city's sales tax plan. [Daily News (New York)] Read More
Bd. of Ed. is rising from dead
Mayor Bloomberg yesterday prepared to reconvene the old city Board of Education after the law that gives him control of the schools expired at 12:01 a.m. today. [New York Post] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
N.C. gets an extension on its deadlocked budget
North Carolina got an extension. The legislature did not pass a new state budget by the end of the fiscal year at midnight last night, but lawmakers did approve a temporary spending bill to keep government operating. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
Scandal spooks NCSU donors
For three decades, James Arthur was perfectly pleased to send an annual donation to N.C. State, the university that granted him three degrees. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
Beach Plan bill gets nod in House
A bill to alter a state-created insurance plan known as the Beach Plan has passed its first legislative hurdle in the state House. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. [The New York Times] Read More
Prison of the future
Work is already under way to start the $64 million expansion of the State Penitentiary in Bismarck. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
N.D. community health centers to get about $2M
The Obama administration says community health centers in North Dakota will share nearly $2 million in federal stimulus grants to help improve access to health care. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Abortion foes try again on 'personhood' amendments
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Ohio House passes seven-day temporary budget extension while slots plan remains blocked
One state budget extension might not be enough. As the standoff over slots continued between Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican Senate President Bill Harris Tuesday, the Ohio House passed a seven-day temporary budget while queuing up a second stopgap measure for a possible vote if needed. [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
Firms win prevailing wage ruling
In an Ottawa County case that could affect economic development projects across the state, the Ohio Supreme Court yesterday ruled unanimously that private developers do not have to pay prevailing wages when they use public dollars. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Vets to receive tuition breaks
Veterans who served after the Sept. 11 attacks will be able to get a free ride at several central Ohio private colleges beginning in the fall. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Strickland signs week's budget as slots fight rages
A temporary, one-week budget cleared the Ohio House and Gov. Ted Strickland's desk Tuesday with another in the pipeline - just in case. [Toledo Blade] Read More
State to save in sign switch on truck speed
The Ohio Department of Transportation expects to have most signs advising of new truck speed limits on Ohio interstates posted by the end of today, but will save money by blanking out the truck limit on certain signs rather than replacing the signs. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Stalemate continues as interim budget is signed
Like many Ohioans, state government now is living paycheck to paycheck. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Cleveland lost nearly 10 percent of its population this decade, census data shows
Some cities will be toasting the decennial census next year, celebrating population gains and a bright future. But it's likely there will be no champagne corks popping in Cleveland City Hall. The city is losing people at an alarming, trend-setting pace. [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
Oklahoma House Speaker, AT&T announce CNG vehicles
TULSA, Okla.— AT&T is rolling out a fleet of at least 30 compressed natural gas vehicles this year in part because of tax incentives approved by the Oklahoma Legislature. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)] Read More
Oklahoma senator Tom Adelson announces Tulsa mayoral candidacy
Democrat State Sen. Tom Adelson announced Wednesday that he will run for Tulsa mayor. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Oregon governor blasts Democrats for job program failure
Gov. Ted Kulongoski praised accomplishments by the Legislature on Tuesday, but he had harsh words for fellow Democrats who let his favorite job-creation bill languish. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
State releases high school graduation rates
The Oregon Department of Education has released graduation rates for all public high schools. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Oregon green groups tally up legislative wins, losses
The Oregon Conservation Network today released a detailed rundown of how environmental bills fared in Oregon's 2009 Legislature. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Pipeline permitting bill dies; sponsor mourns for taxpayers
While opponents of liquefied natural gas projects were celebrating the demise of a pipeline-permitting bill Monday night, state Sen. Vicki Walker, D-Eugene, used her final floor speech of the 2009 session to accuse House Democrats of abandoning taxpayers in a fit of legislative pique related to the controversial projects. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Battle rages over budget
Legislators attempted in their final budget to define the boundaries of what unionized state workers will have to sacrifice in contract talks this year to help address Oregon's fiscal crisis. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
Kulongoski ready to fight for approved tax increases
Even though he didn't propose either of them to balance the state budget, Gov. Ted Kulongoski said Tuesday he'll campaign aggressively for the tax increases that lawmakers approved on corporations and higher-income households if opponents are successful in forcing a statewide vote on either. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
Voters may end up deciding fate of tax increases
Lawmakers' actions affecting the economy this session are frequently viewed through the prism of the major budget-balancing tax increases. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Abortion foes try again on 'personhood' amendments
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Another fiscal year ends, another Pennsylvania standoff ensues
As Pennsylvania missed its budget deadline for the seventh year, Senate Republicans on Tuesday presented united opposition to Gov. Ed Rendell's proposed state tax increases and demanded the Democrat-controlled House vote on a spending plan. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
Rendell lines up loans, credit for state employees
In a sign that state budget talks could drag on for weeks or months, Gov. Ed Rendell today announced that 10 banks and credit unions are offering no-interest loans and lines of credit for up to 69,000 state employees whose paychecks could halt July 17. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
Bill to expand Pa. health insurance sparks debate
Democratic leaders in Pennsylvania hope to double the number of residents who receive state-sponsored health insurance, known as adultBasic, but Republicans fear the costs may be too high. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Lawmakers miss deadline, pay; workers next?
State lawmakers are paid on the first of each month, but not today. The new fiscal year begins with no state budget deal in sight, and the impasse has put their monthly paychecks on hold until an agreement is reached. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] Read More
'I'm hopeful we don't have a car repair'
Earlier this year, Gov. Ed Rendell warned state workers they might have to work without pay if a budget wasn't passed by June 30. That possibility is now near, and some state workers are worried they might be forced into a tough financial spot. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] Read More
What's ahead? Rendell sees no quick end
State budget negotiations dragged on Tuesday during the final hours of Pennsylvania's recession-plagued budget year, as Gov. Ed Rendell and Republican leaders each signaled no breakthrough was in sight. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] Read More
Pa. state budget battle continues
Once again, state officials are stumbling into a new fiscal year without having enacted a new state budget. "We will be graded poorly by the people," said Rep. Mario Civera, R-Delaware County. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Bill would shift Pa. legal notices to the Web
A state House committee yesterday advanced a bill that would allow municipalities and school boards to cut costs by posting legal notices online. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Pa. high court to hear challenge in Risperdal case
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed yesterday to hear a legal challenge over whether the Rendell administration should be allowed to use a Texas law firm to pursue a case against a drugmaker on behalf of Pennsylvania. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Pennsylvania House honors Pittsburgh's 3 fallen Pittsburgh police officers
Fallen Pittsburgh police Officers Eric G. Kelly, Stephen J. Mayhle and Paul J. Sciullo II were honored Tuesday by the state House. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. [The New York Times] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Carcieri OKs $7.8-billion R.I. budget
Governor Carcieri on Tuesday reluctantly signed into law a $7.8-billion budget package that raises Rhode Island's gas tax by 2 cents per gallon, cuts millions of dollars from cities and towns, and trims pension benefits for thousands of state workers and teachers. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Carcieri pushes for expanded R.I. Ethics Code
Governor Carcieri on Tuesday urged the General Assembly to give voters a chance to extend the state's Ethics Code to cover legislative votes and other official actions taken by Rhode Island lawmakers. [The Providence Journal] Read More
$3 million in stimulus money to be used for fish ladders
For years, a consortium of government agencies and advocacy groups has struggled for funding to knock down dams and build fish ladders to help restore local fish migrations. That work was jump-started on Tuesday when the federal government came forward with $3 million in stimulus money for six projects on the Ten Mile and Pawcatuck rivers. [The Providence Journal] Read More
R.I. Senate recesses with bills in limbo
Just before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Senate President M. Teresa Paiva Weed banged her gavel and sent the Senate into extended recess for at least part of the summer, capping a chaotic month on Smith Hill that ended with both chambers on indeterminate breaks and major legislation still up in the air. [The Providence Journal] Read More
School's now in session for state's new education chief
WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Deborah A. Gist, Rhode Island's new commissioner of elementary and secondary education, is so excited about her new job that she began a day early, attending a news conference Tuesday morning to announce the launch of five summer learning programs in urban districts. [The Providence Journal] Read More
EPA lets R.I., 13 other states impose tougher auto emission standards
The Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday granted California, Rhode Island and 12 other states the authority they had sought for years to impose automobile tailpipe emissions standards that are stricter than those promulgated by the federal government. [The Providence Journal] Read More
R.I. Supreme Court holds Department of Corrections liable for contaminated food
The state Supreme Court on Tuesday, vacating a lower court decision, ruled that the Department of Corrections is not shielded from liability for distributing a potentially contaminated product just because it was doing so as a part of a program for the public good. [The Providence Journal] Read More
R.I. hospitals agree on safety protocol for surgeries
All the hospitals and outpatient surgical centers in Rhode Island have agreed to follow the same process to prevent errors in surgery. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
SC gov gambles to 'lay it all out' about affair
After days of assuring the public he was firmly in control after admitting a scandalous affair, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford detailed other encounters with his Argentine "soul mate," dalliances with women before her, and his struggle to salvage his 20-year marriage. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
New sex revelations fuel calls for resignation
Six of 27 members of the conservative Senate Republican Caucus Tuesday night issued a letter calling on Gov. Mark Sanford to resign. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
Man who would succeed Sanford has own baggage
With every word South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford (R) utters about his extramarital affair, his would-be successor leaps closer to a job that he wants dearly but that many leaders in the state's fractured Republican Party have been scheming to keep from him. [The Washington Post] Read More
State's Labor Dept. checking for illegal immigrants
Major businesses in South Carolina are being audited by the state's labor agency to determine if they are hiring illegal immigrants. [The Post and Courier (Charleston)] Read More
Criminal probe darkens Sanford's political prospects
Just as South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford seemed to turn the corner on surviving a scandal that threatened to unseat him, an official criminal investigation will probe whether the governor broke any state laws while conducting a transnational tryst with an Argentinian mom and former TV reporter. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
SLED chief sees no evidence of crime
SLED director Reggie Lloyd said Tuesday he is worried his criminal investigative agency is being pulled into a new realm — political inquiries. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
One in six kids in S.D. fighting poverty
One in six South Dakota children live in poverty, according to a report issued Tuesday by a children's advocacy group. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Xcel Energy seeks rate increase
Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy on Tuesday applied for an electric rate increase that would raise the monthly bill for a typical residential user by 12.4 percent, or $8.55. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Storm facing tough loss: S.D. license
The Sioux Falls Storm must pay or appeal a South Dakota sales tax bill by July 7 or risk losing its business license, a team official says. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
New open records law takes effect Wednesday in S.D.
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakotans will get more access to government records under a new law that follows the lead of most other states in presuming that documents are open unless there's a good reason to keep them secret. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Gubernatorial hopefuls pull out all stops for cash
Tennessee gubernatorial candidates hosted last-minute fundraisers and made final pleas for online contributions Tuesday, hoping to plump up campaign war chests before one of the 2010 race's first real tests — results from first-quarter fundraising. [Chattanooga Times Free Press] Read More
Ethics-finance merger becomes law
Gov. Phil Bredesen has signed into a law a merger of the Tennessee Ethics Commission and the state Registry of Election Finance. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Tennessee drivers beware: Texting is a crime
Rachel Nichol says reading or sending cell phone text messages while driving isn't such a good idea — she's had five fender benders, including one in a fast food drive-through. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
New Republican group woos Latinos
A new Republican group is eyeing Tennessee's growing number of Latino voters, attempting to organize them in time for the 2010 gubernatorial election. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
All ready for the special session? Lawmakers introduce bills responsive to Perry's call
The Legislature meets tomorrow (Wednesday) to kick off the special session called last week by Gov. Rick Perry, and transportation will dominate the agenda. It could be a quick ride, or a bitter fight -- depending on how willing lawmakers are to push their differences down the road, until they return for the 2011 regular session. [The Dallas Morning News] Read More
Transportation leads agenda for session
The special legislative session that starts today includes measures to allow private companies to build more toll roads across the state — an idea opponents have dubbed "the largest tax increase in history." [The Houston Chronicle] Read More
Perry insists on short special session agenda
Gov. Rick Perry is being pressed to add issues ranging from children's health care to voter identification to the agenda of the special session that begins Wednesday, but his answer is still no. [The San Antonio Express-News] Read More
Stimulus money to help fund marsh rescue project
More than $5 million in federal stimulus money will help in the restoration of West Galveston Bay's rapidly dying marshes, officials said Tuesday. [The Houston Chronicle] Read More
Senate could conclude business in two days
With a special legislative session scheduled to begin this morning — either a short one that Gov. Rick Perry wants or a longer one as some critics predict — Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst on Tuesday predicted the Senate could get its business done in only two days. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
Texas only state yet to apply for stabilization funds
When the federal government started dangling billions of stimulus dollars for education in front of states, many snapped up the money right away. [The San Antonio Express-News] Read More
Kirk Watson raised money AT Perry's, not WITH Gov. Perry
An array of state officials, including Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and House Speaker Joe Straus, were squeezing in political fund-raisers this week in advance of the special legislative session starting Wednesday. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Grieving family joins UDOT in urging motorists to tie down loads
MURRAY, Utah -- The driver may not know it, but he or she killed a woman and gave her family a new mission in life. Last December Meredith Deckard swerved on Interstate 15 in Ogden to miss a box that flew off the back of a pickup. Her Geo Prizm bounced off of a median rail and sideways into traffic, where a tractor-trailer struck it. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Utah faith leaders urge repeal of SB81
Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Protestant leaders gathered Tuesday evening in a Lutheran Church to pray, preach, plead and lament the passage of an immigration bill. They even called for it to be repealed. Their words cannot stop Senate Bill 81 from taking effect today, but they hoped to provide comfort and express solidarity with Utah's undocumented immigrants. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Today is first day for new state laws
All new statutes that don't have other specified effective dates go into law today. That means everything from new tax increases to new programs to new rules for citizens, regulators and businesses. [Rutland Herald] Read More
Vt. awaits $94M in stimulus funds
Vermont has met the deadline to apply for $94 million in education stimulus funding from the federal government — now it's a waiting game to see when that money will come. [Rutland Herald] Read More
Two states restrict firms' gifts to doctors
No more free lunch for some New England doctors -- at least not from drug companies. Under laws taking effect Wednesday in Massachusetts and Vermont, pharmaceutical companies and medical-device makers will be banned from giving doctors such gifts as resort trips or even coffee mugs. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
State hires bankruptcy firm for FairPoint case
The state of Vermont hired a law firm with experience in corporate bankruptcy cases this week as FairPoint Communications, one of its largest telephone and Internet companies, flounders financially. [Rutland Herald] Read More
VA secretary touts new vets' benefits
Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth toured Vermont on Tuesday with a double dose of good news for the state's veterans. [Rutland Herald] Read More
Guard troops get marching orders
After spending much of the last year preparing for a potential mission in Afghanistan, soldiers with the Vermont National Guard learned Friday that the deployment has been made official. [Rutland Herald] Read More
Chancellor optimistic about state colleges
Tim Donovan ascends to the top job in Vermont State Colleges at what might seem a perilous time for higher education. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
State asks for hospitals' plans
This week the Department of Mental Health queried every hospital in the state and Dartmouth Hitchcock in Lebanon, N.H., about their interest in providing psychiatric acute care services that would replace care now provided at the Vermont State Hospital -- which state officials want to close. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
Vermont air -- Clean, but not perfect
Breathing in the air in Chittenden and Rutland counties slightly increases the risk of developing cancer compared to the rest of Vermont, according to the government's latest snapshot of air pollution across the nation. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Prohibition on texting by drivers starts in Va.
Virginia drivers will face new restrictions today, when hundreds of laws take effect, including a ban on sending or reading text messages and e-mails. [The Washington Post] Read More
State accuses Northrop Grumman of breach
The state now is accusing Northrop Grumman of failing to deliver computer services and hinting at unspecified action against the giant company. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
Shrinking number of Va. acres devoted to peanuts
Virginia farmers planted a record low 12,000 acres of peanuts this year. [The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk)] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Community colleges see demand spike, funding slip
Hundreds of thousands of students are likely to be turned away from low-cost community colleges across the country over the next year because of funding cuts at the very time that record numbers of students are flocking to the open-admission schools, according to education officials. [The Washington Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Wash., feds to discuss Yakima water
YAKIMA, Wash. — State and federal officials plan to meet with other stakeholders in the Yakima River basin to talk about how to improve water supplies there. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Gregoire OKs emergency money for flu season
Gov. Chris Gregoire has approved $700,000 in emergency spending to buy more antiviral medicine for the next flu season. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
State will use emergency funds to buy flu medication
Gov. Chris Gregoire on Tuesday authorized emergency funds to purchase flu medication to prepare for a busy flu season. [The News Tribune (Tacoma)] Read More
State Fire Marshal's Office warns of fireworks dangers
With fireworks season and dry weather upon us, the state Fire Marshal's Office on Tuesday urged South Sound residents to be safe with their Fourth of July celebrating. [The News Tribune (Tacoma)] Read More
WSDOT employee under investigation for overtime fraud
The State Patrol is investigating an employee with the state Department of Transportation after a payroll audit showed $67,000 in unearned overtime and compensation during the past two years. [seattlepi.com] Read More
Cell phone law a year old, but problems persist
A year ago, a top research official at the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety made a prediction about Washington's law prohibiting drivers from using hand-held cell phones in most cases. [seattlepi.com] Read More
State budget year begins with 3,200 jobs on the block
Many state agencies are keeping employees on the payroll a bit longer as Washington's government starts a new budget year today with 3,200 jobs on the chopping block. [seattlepi.com] Read More
$43M to finish housing projects
WASHINGTON -- The federal government is funding Washington state with $43 million to help finish affordable-housing projects that are currently stalled because of the economic recession, according to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. [The Seattle Times] Read More
State receives $16.4 million for coastal restoration
Washington state will receive about $16.4 million in federal stimulus money to restore damaged wetlands, reopen fish passages and improve habitat for threatened salmon. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Statewide distribution problem may limit alcohol sales during Fourth of July weekend
State workers are scrambling to fix a distribution problem that has crimped the flow of alcohol to customers across the state, as liquor stores and restaurants are gearing up for one of the busiest weekends of the year. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Manchin's energy plan among new July 1 laws
As Congress continues to debate cap-and-trade, the clock will start ticking Wednesday on a measure aimed at energy and the environment in West Virginia. [Charleston Gazette] Read More
Manchin says BSA, state will be good partners
Gov. Joe Manchin said Monday's announcement that the Boy Scouts of America selected the New River Gorge region for the location of a National Scouting Center "speaks volumes" for West Virginia. [The Register-Herald (Beckley)] Read More
WVa State, community college OK split
West Virginia State University and Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College are now separate institutions. [Charleston Daily Mail] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
'Frankenstein' veto returns from the grave
So, voters, you thought you banned the "Frankenstein" veto last year? Not so fast. [Wisconsin State Journal (Madison)] Read More
Many promises broken in Wisconsin budget process
Many promises were made and broken during the nearly five-month process of passing Wisconsin's new two-year budget. [The Capital Times (Madison)] Read More
New right to unionize bothers many in University of Wisconsin System
The new right to unionize for University of Wisconsin System faculty and staff has set the stage for a fight at the state level, as thousands of System employees could get assigned into specific unions without getting a chance to vote. [Wisconsin State Journal (Madison)] Read More
Doubts about Michigan offer to GM
Governor Doyle is questioning how Michigan beat out Wisconsin in a bid to have General Motors build a new line of small cars in Janesville. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Doyle's veto hasn't solved UW union controversy
Gov. Jim Doyle used his veto pen this week to weigh in on a dispute over whether some University of Wisconsin System staff can be absorbed - without an opportunity to vote - into existing labor unions. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Milwaukee edges up in population
When it comes to demographics, a small number can be a very big deal. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Revolving door bill is back
New, yet familiar, legislation passes one hurdle at the state capitol. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Some budget gains for immigrants
Children of parents in this country illegally will be able to pay in state UW tuition, under a provision of the budget signed by Governor Jim Doyle Monday. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Republican Neumann filing for guv's race
A spokesman for Republican Mark Neumann says he intends to file for governor on Wednesday. [The Capital Times (Madison)] Read More
Professional license fee hikes approved
The cost of being a barber, accountant, social worker and nurse is going up in Wisconsin. [The Capital Times (Madison)] Read More
More reasons to quit
Wisconsin is just one year away from implementation of a statewide smoking ban and smokers will start paying even more for cigarettes in September. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Doyle's veto of committee might have been unconstitutional
One of Gov. Jim Doyle's 81 vetoes of the Legislature's budget bill appears to have violated a constitutional limit adopted in April 2008, the Legislature's Joint Finance Committee was told Tuesday. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Neumann to make GOP gubernatorial bid official
Former U.S. Rep. Mark Neumann is to make official Wednesday his Republican bid for governor in 2010, touting his private-sector experience as the necessary antidote to high state taxes and spending. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Officials say fire season in West mild so far
Nearly the entire country appears set to enjoy a mild fire season, fire officials say. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Colorado the least obese state
WASHINGTON—Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Denver Post] Read More
Abortion foes try again on 'personhood' amendments
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Abortion opponents in Colorado and Montana want to try again to pass amendments giving human rights to embryos. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Recession's aftershocks may last for years
Much ado has been made in recent weeks about how the stock market's fine spring rally was telegraphing an economic recovery later this year. But many of the people who didn't see one of the worst recessions in 70 years coming in December 2007 are the same ones now proclaiming it all but over in 2009. [The Dallas Morning News] Read More
Tax hikes and cutbacks -- States crunched
NEW YORK -- It's not a happy new year for the states. States are carrying their financial woes into the new fiscal year, which for most started on Wednesday. Some had yet to pass their fiscal 2010 budgets. For others, tax hikes and draconian spending cuts went into effect. [CNNMoney.com] Read More
Budget deadline ticks down for states
INDIANAPOLIS and DENVER -- Across the country, state legislators and governors struggled Tuesday night to agree on spending cuts and tax hikes as they ran up against a midnight deadline to approve a budget. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Community colleges see demand spike, funding slip
Hundreds of thousands of students are likely to be turned away from low-cost community colleges across the country over the next year because of funding cuts at the very time that record numbers of students are flocking to the open-admission schools, according to education officials. [The Washington Post] Read More
Some hard-hit states get less stimulus
Some of the states worst hit by the recession are getting far less federal economic-stimulus money per person than states faring better. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Term saw high court move to the right
For the Supreme Court, it was the year of living on the verge. [The Washington Post] Read More
States struggle to meet budget deadlines
Indiana lawmakers beat their deadline and passed a state budget early Tuesday evening, but in five other states, budget deals for the 2010 fiscal year remained in limbo, as legislators made last-minute efforts to avert shutdowns. [The New York Times] Read More
The Roberts court, tipped by Kennedy
WASHINGTON — Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. emerged as a canny strategist at the Supreme Court this term, laying the groundwork for bold changes that could take the court to the right even as the recent elections moved the nation to the left. [The New York Times] Read More
New section follows stimulus spending
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Stimulus sparks a summer jobs' comeback
Thomas Hollister Singleton wants a car. Specifically, a Dodge Challenger, black. [Time] Read More |
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