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Archive of Taxes & Budget on Thursday July 02, 2009
Stimulus eases community college troubles
States are digging into their federal stimulus money to help finance community colleges, where rising tuition, soaring enrollment and budget cuts threaten to shut students out of the system. Read More
Weekly wrap: Report questions states' use of stimulus road funds
States are spending too much stimulus money on new road construction and not enough on public transit projects, a national advocacy group claims in a report issued Monday (June 29). Meanwhile, Michigan and California consider teaming up to solve their prison problems and North Carolina and Rhode Island face off with Amazon.com over taxes. Read More
CA: State IOUs loom as foes' battle lines harden
After trying for weeks to fix a state budget gone out of control, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers stood frozen in conflict Wednesday with the state at the brink of a meltdown. Read More
DE: Budget is done, but sniping isn't
A bleary-eyed Gov. Jack Markell signed a package of tax increases, spending reductions and an employee furlough plan into law just before sunrise Wednesday, but not before blasting Republicans for what he called their lack of "bipartisan cooperation" in helping resolve the historic revenue shortfall. Read More
AK: Ethics investigations cost state $296,000
Ethics complaints against Gov. Sarah Palin and top members of her administration have cost the state personnel board nearly $300,000 over the past year, almost two-thirds of which appear to be from the Troopergate investigation of the governor. Read More
AK: State loans money to student load corp.
A bill allowing the state to loan money to the Alaska Student Loan Corporation will ensure post-secondary education aid. Read More
AK: Alaska telecom companies angle for Internet stimulus funds
The U.S. Department of Commerce released guidelines Wednesday for a $7.2 billion program meant to expand broadband Internet service to rural communities. Read More
AL: Sen. Rodger Smitherman to ask Alabama to advance $25 million-$30 million for Jefferson County
A local state lawmaker said Wednesday he will ask Gov. Bob Riley to advance Jefferson County $25 million to $30 million to help carry the financially strapped county through the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Read More
AL: 123,046 in Alabama still waiting for tax refunds
The longest U.S. recession since World War II has caused Alabama's tax collections to plummet so badly that more than 120,000 taxpayers are having to wait for their state income tax refunds. Read More
AL: Sparks unveiling platform for Alabama governor
State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks is unveiling a major part of his platform in his Democratic campaign for governor. Read More
AR: Lottery Commission votes to join Powerball
The Arkansas Lottery Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to join the multi-state Powerball games, tickets for which may go on sale in the state as soon as this year, the state's lottery director said. Read More
AZ: Brewer rips budget, calls special session
Under the pressure of a looming government shutdown, Arizona lawmakers struggled with political angst, sleep deprivation, hurt feelings and growing distrust as they completed last-minute work on a budget that would keep the doors to state offices open even as the doors to the Arizona Senate were briefly locked. Read More
AZ: Brewer rips budget, calls special session
Under the pressure of a looming government shutdown, Arizona lawmakers struggled with political angst, sleep deprivation, hurt feelings and growing distrust as they completed last-minute work on a budget that would keep the doors to state offices open even as the doors to the Arizona Senate were briefly locked. Read More
AZ: Redo budget, Brewer tells lawmakers
The fight over how to balance the state budget isn't over. In fact, it may just be beginning. Read More
AZ: Ballpark tax-sharing settlement is reached
Four months after the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers opened their spring-training ballpark, Phoenix and Glendale have agreed how to divide the tax dollars it generates. Read More
AZ: Stakes will be high at Monday's special state budget session
Hours after lawmakers adjourned their 171-day regular session, Gov. Jan Brewer called them back to work on the 2010 budget, as well as on a temporary tax increase that would pay for K-12 schools, social services and public safety. Read More
CA: State's budget gap deepens $2 billion overnight
A missed deadline worsened California's budget crisis Wednesday by $2 billion - and now, the fiscal hole will deepen by millions each day that a solution is not passed. Read More
CA: No money, more problems -- California prepares to send IOUs Thursday
In a move certain to draw national ridicule and exact financial hardship on business owners and taxpayers across the state, California is slated today to begin paying billions of dollars in bills with IOUs instead of cash. Read More
CA: State rolls out $3.36 billion in IOUs today
California plans to begin issuing billions of dollars in IOUs today to scores of creditors, including private businesses and county governments. Read More
CA: State IOUs to bring uncertainty
For only the second time since the Great Depression, California prepared yesterday to start paying bills with IOUs as likely recipients braced for the fiscal uncertainty ahead. Read More
CA: Frustration reigns as budget crisis deepens
A day after state lawmakers and the governor missed their budget deadline, resolution appeared nowhere in sight as the projected deficit grew to $26.3 billion and a distraught Assembly Speaker Karen Bass stormed out of a closed-door meeting with state leaders. Read More
CA: The State Worker -- 'Furlough Fridays' for all? Not so fast
Most state employees started work Wednesday morning knowing that their pay in coming months will be nearly 5 percent less than June's, since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has added a third monthly furlough day to the two they've endured since February. That's right, "most." Read More
CA: Schwarzenegger hopes IOUs sway budget debate
If the stigma of issuing IOUs triggers a budget deal in the coming days, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger might find redemption in his strategy of quashing a stopgap solution that would have avoided those non-cash payments. Read More
CA: Rival states hope California's economic woes will send businesses their way
California's budget crisis is turning into a worldwide spectacle that could harm the state's business climate – and chase companies away. Rival states are revving up their economic-development efforts as global news outlets fixate on the $26.3 billion deficit and the IOUs the state is expected to issue today. Read More
CA: No California budget deal means more furloughs, more more problems
The failure to balance the state's main checkbook and the looming IOUs prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday to declare a fiscal state of emergency. Read More
CA: Strapped states play for time as fiscal year starts
California's top accountant said the state would begin issuing IOUs to hundreds of thousands of creditors after lawmakers failed to meet its deadline this week to close a massive budget deficit. Read More
CA: California fails to break impasse as states struggle to meet budget deadlines
SAN FRANCISCO — With budget deadlines missed and coffers running empty on Wednesday, officials in California extended state employee furloughs, prepared i.o.u.'s and swapped blame as a gloomy new fiscal year dawned. Read More
CO: New Colorado auto fees stir shock, anger
Yolanda Suazo's voice and hands shook as she pointed to papers indicating she had just paid $393.37 to register her 2007 Chevy Trailblazer — almost $100 more than she had expected. Read More
DE: Budget is done, but sniping isn't
A bleary-eyed Gov. Jack Markell signed a package of tax increases, spending reductions and an employee furlough plan into law just before sunrise Wednesday, but not before blasting Republicans for what he called their lack of "bipartisan cooperation" in helping resolve the historic revenue shortfall. Read More
FL: Gov. Charlie Crist resumes gambling talks with Seminoles
Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe of Florida began negotiating a new gambling compact Wednesday that would bring revenue to the state in exchange for the tribe's right to a monopoly on some of its casino games. Read More
HI: State wins OK for $129 million in federal funds for education
Some $129 million in federal money has been approved for public education in Hawaii under President Obama's national economic stimulus plan. Read More
HI: Gov. Lingle, unions have date in court
Gov. Linda Lingle's power to furlough state workers will be tested today before Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto. Read More
HI: Study says Hawaii's road-related crash costs among nation's highest
A study released yesterday that says deficient roadway conditions contribute to more than half of U.S. highway fatalities — a substantially more lethal factor than drunk driving, speeding or non-use of seatbelts — lists Hawaii as among the states with the highest road-related crash costs. Read More
HI: Hawaii libraries brace for 20% cut in budget, may close branches
Hawai'i's state library system is facing budget cuts of more than $5.7 million, nearly 20 percent of current spending, which could lead to the closing of branches and cutting of hours. Read More
HI: Rethink furloughs, Hawaii state Senate president urges
State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa has urged Gov. Linda Lingle to consider alternatives to her furlough plans, including a 5 percent across-the-board pay cut for state workers or one furlough day a month for the next two years, instead of three days. Read More
HI: Veto of Hawaii excise tax on online retailers likely to stand
Gov. Linda Lingle's veto yesterday of a bill that would apply the state's general excise tax to Mainland retailers with Internet links to Hawai'i will likely stand, after state lawmakers said they will not attempt an override because of a technical flaw. Read More
IA: Republicans call for special session to deal with budget
While Iowa's Democratic governor and his top budget advisors say there's no reason to "panic" about state spending, several Republicans are calling for a special legislative session to fix what they characterize as deep holes in the budget. Read More
IA: Iowa dips into savings to balance its budget
Vastly different estimates were released Wednesday on how Iowa ended its fiscal year this week, but all projections indicate that Gov. Chet Culver will have to use cash reserves to balance the state budget. Read More
IL: Illinois budget work on hold
It will be at least two weeks before Illinois gets a budget on the books. Under a plan that emerged Wednesday, lawmakers will return to the Capitol on July 14 in hopes of breaking a logjam that has left the state without a way to pay its bills. Read More
IL: Tax increase showdown set in Springfield
Setting up a showdown over tax increases, Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday vetoed part of the state budget lawmakers had approved, saying it would have forced "disgraceful and shameful" cuts to Illinoisans who need state help the most. Read More
IL: People with kids, disabilities to feel the pinch without a state budget
Social service workers in the suburbs got advance notice of impending layoffs Wednesday, as confusion over funding reigned because of the state budget impasse. Read More
IL: Illinois starts its fiscal year with a veto
The state's new budget year got off to a politically dubious start Wednesday when Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed what he called an inadequate plan to fund human-services programs and vowed a renewed push for an income tax increase. Read More
IL: Pat Quinn vetoes partial Illinois budget, as huge shortfalls loom
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday carried out his threat to veto a partial state budget sent to him by the Legislature because it doesn't contain a tax increase that he says is crucial to overcoming a massive deficit and keeping the state running for a full year. Read More
IL: Pat Quinn vetoes partial Illinois budget, as huge shortfalls loom
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Wednesday carried out his threat to veto a partial state budget sent to him by the Legislature because it doesn't contain a tax increase that he says is crucial to overcoming a massive deficit and keeping the state running for a full year. Read More
IL: Illinois starts its fiscal year with a veto
The state's new budget year got off to a politically dubious start Wednesday when Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed what he called an inadequate plan to fund human-services programs and vowed a renewed push for an income tax increase. Read More
IL: Quinn adminstration outlines budget cuts
Gov. Pat Quinn says spending cuts of about $1 billion will be needed even if lawmakers eventually pass the income tax increase he's pushing for. Read More
IL: Parents fear loss of child care in budget impasse
RIVERTON — About five years ago, Molly Neal took custody of two grandchildren. One reason she did was that the state of Illinois would help pay her childcare costs. Today, Neal says, she doesn't know whether the state will keep that promise. Read More
IL: Quinn vetoes budget; workers will be paid
Following through on his threat, Gov. Pat Quinn Wednesday vetoed part of the new state budget, triggering a return to Springfield later this month for lawmakers. Read More
IL: Investigators raid home, office of Cook County regional schools superintendent
Investigators raided the home and office of the Cook County regional schools superintendent Wednesday, carting out laptop computers, cell phones and boxes of files, sources said. Read More
IN: Daniels -- Special session worth it
Gov. Mitch Daniels calls the roughly $150,000 cost of the special legislative session that ended Tuesday night "a great bargain" for Hoosier taxpayers, but the General Assembly's top Democrat says Gary schools had a better deal on the table in late April. Read More
IN: Ind. governor says special session was worth it
Indiana taxpayers came out ahead in the special legislative session because it resulted in a two-year budget that increases overall funding for public schools while preserving much of the state's reserves, Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels said Wednesday. Read More
IN: Speaker says study on school funding needed
Indiana Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer says it's time for a comprehensive study on the way state tax dollars are distributed to schools. Read More
IN: Daniels is poised to resume fight for local government reform
A day after Indiana's lawmakers passed a new two-year state budget, Gov. Mitch Daniels was already looking ahead to his next legislative goal: reforming local government, including a push to merge the state's smallest school districts. Read More
IN: Governor and key lawmakers tell city to live with CIB plan
Don't even think about coming back to us for any more help. That was the message top state lawmakers and Gov. Mitch Daniels delivered to Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the legislature passed a plan city officials said fails to generate enough revenue to solve the financial woes of the Capital Improvement Board. Read More
IN: State colleges preparing new tuition rates
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Now that Indiana lawmakers have approved a new state budget, public colleges and universities can start calculating their tuition rates for next year. Read More
KS: Governor to reveal budget plan
Educators and officials in Kansas are awaiting word from Gov. Mark Parkinson about how he plans to balance the state budget. Read More
KS: State payments to Kansas school districts get held back again
Budget problems have forced Kansas to delay $73 million in aid payments due to public school districts at the end of June. Read More
KS: Community colleges sue regents
DODGE CITY, Kan. — Three community colleges have sued the Kansas Board of Regents claiming unequal funding for some of their vocational and technical programs. Read More
KS: State payments to Kansas school districts get held back again
Budget problems have forced Kansas to delay $73 million in aid payments due to public school districts at the end of June. Read More
MA: Gas tax hike is ruled out in Senate
Senate President Therese Murray, swatting down a suggestion by Governor Deval Patrick this week that a gas tax increase might be necessary, said yesterday that lawmakers were not keen to consider the issue further. Read More
MD: State Medicaid coverage, costs grow
A year into a new effort to expand health coverage, recession-weary Marylanders are flocking to the state's Medicaid program in numbers far greater than expected, costing the state $50 million more in the process. Read More
MI: WSU governors vote to raise tuition
Wayne State University students — except for Michigan undergraduates — will pay about 5.4% more in tuition and fees this fall over last year's rates. Read More
MI: Michigan fat and getting fatter
Michigan adults are the ninth-fattest in the nation, and the state is spending about $3 billion a year dealing with related health problems, according to a report released Wednesday by a national health care foundation. Read More
MO: University sees rise in financial aid requests
COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The University of Missouri-Columbia reports a spike in the number of students requesting financial aid for the upcoming school year. Read More
MS: PSC minus spending plan
Disagreement over the size of the Public Service Commission's staff left it as the only state agency unfunded as the fiscal year began Wednesday. Read More
MS: Another special session looming for unfunded utility regulators
Even though a special session ended at midnight Tuesday, there was talk only a few hours later that another one would be coming soon. Read More
MS: Court costs increase, thanks to Legislature
Madison County Justice Court and local municipal courts, along with others in the state, started collecting a few dollars more in assessments Wednesday. Read More
MT: Revenue collections could be dropping in Montana
Lawmakers were warned Wednesday that that tax collections could be dropping more than anticipated when the two-year budget was set earlier this year. Read More
MT: Millions in stimulus going to clinics
Fifteen community health centers in Montana are getting $6.7 million in federal stimulus grants to upgrade equipment and facilities. Read More
MT: State tax revenues fall under forecast
State general fund tax collections for the fiscal year ending Tuesday are less than what lawmakers projected, but it's too early to say by how much, the Legislature's chief revenue forecaster said Wednesday. Read More
NC: Perdue -- Indecision costs $5 million a day
Gov. Beverly Perdue urged the legislature Wednesday to agree on a state budget, taking what she called an "in-your-face" approach in warning that North Carolina is missing out on $5 million a day in budget cuts and tax increases. Read More
NC: N.C. public-finance law for judges praised
A national research organization says North Carolina has one of the best models of taxpayer-financed campaigns in the country. Read More
NE: A state parks budget squeeze
Visitors to Nebraska and Iowa state parks might see some shaggy grass this weekend. Read More
NH: News on revenues isn't good, but it's not all that bad
It's a sad state of financial affairs when taxes and fees come in $300 million under forecast and key state officials celebrate like they did Wednesday. Read More
NH: Some worry a new 9 percent tax on camping will keep people away
For five months of the year, Marj Rawls and Janice Pollack make New Hampshire their home. Read More
NH: Health group applauds higher NH tobacco tax
Health groups see a silver lining in one of New Hampshire's new tax increases. Read More
NH: NH's books continue to show red ink
New Hampshire's books continue to bleed red ink. The latest revenue report for June shows the fiscal year ended $292 million below the estimates developed two years ago. Receipts for June were $33 million below estimates, thanks mostly to poor business tax receipts. Read More
NH: Sigh of relief for area schools -- But worry about state funding in the future
Seacoast school districts are set to receive more than $4.5 million next school year in building aid, with additional funds coming during the 2010-2011 school year, following passage of the state budget. Read More
NH: Official -- Contracts will be tough
The state's chief negotiator charged with hammering out a new union contract with state employees said yesterday that he hopes to seal a deal within a week, but it's difficult for the state to offer either long-term promises or contract sweeteners amid an ongoing recession and severe budget crunch. Read More
NJ: Activists urge Corzine to conditionally veto 'stimulus' bill
A coalition of affordable housing and environmental activists are urging Gov. Jon Corzine to conditionally veto legislation described as an economic stimulus bill that was approved by the Legislature on Monday. Read More
NJ: New Jersey to pay developer $4.8M to save oceanfront land in Cape May
The state will pay $4.8 million of a $7 million settlement with a developer to prevent the construction of houses on 78 acres of oceanfront property in the town of Cape May, state officials announced Wednesday. Read More
NJ: New Jersey school districts show improvement under 'No Child' grading
More New Jersey school districts are meeting the requirements of the federal "No Child Left Behind" law, according to data released yesterday by the state Department of Education. Read More
NJ: State health coverage applications go out to 62,000 N.J. households
Another 62,000 households in New Jersey will receive the NJ FamilyCare applications they requested on their state tax forms, Gov. Jon Corzine announced Wednesday. The mailing is for families in Essex and Hudson counties. Read More
NJ: Pact averts layoffs, keeps schools open
Gov. Jon Corzine has agreed to abandon plans to close 18 regional schools the state operates for students with learning disabilities under the amended contract members of the Communications Workers of America ratified this week. Read More
NM: N.M. educators hope to pressure lawmakers
One of New Mexico's largest teachers unions is orchestrating a statewide petition drive in hopes of pressuring state lawmakers to overturn a measure that has tens of thousands of public employees paying more into their pensions. Read More
NM: NM gets $19 million for education
New Mexico is receiving more than $19 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help with education spending. Read More
NV: Path clears for federal support of fast train to California
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Transportation secretary will announce today the designation of a federal high-speed-rail corridor between Las Vegas and Southern California, a major assist that enables the long-imagined train route to compete for $8 billion in economic recovery funding and other federal support, the Las Vegas Sun has learned. Read More
NV: Tax increases denounced
In what seemed like a political campaign message, Gov. Jim Gibbons said Wednesday that the "Buckley/Horsford Tax Increase of 2009" will hurt the Nevada economy and citizens who already are suffering because of the recession. Read More
NV: NDOT seeks bids for stimulus projects
The Nevada Transportation Department has met a deadline for seeking bids for $70 million in road projects, ranging from highway repaving to historic V&T Railway work and an antelope and deer overpass, being funded by federal stimulus dollars. Read More
NY: Albany stalemate will cost city $60M per month, Mayor Bloomberg warns
The Senate stalemate will cost New York at least $60 million a month, Mayor Bloomberg warned Wednesday - and the sudden budget hole may cost some city workers their jobs. Read More
NY: Visions of Tier 1 danced in their heads
It would have been what one union official described as the "loophole of all loopholes." Alas, it was only open for a few hours -- and probably applied to no one at all. Read More
NY: $2 million settles kickback
A California financial company on Wednesday agreed to repay $2 million to New York state's giant public pension fund after one of the company's former partners was implicated in paying a kickback to secure investment deals from the fund. Read More
NY: Senate deadlock hits New York schools
New York City officials scrambled Wednesday to re-create a system of school governance that hasn't existed in seven years after a deadlocked state Senate failed to renew the mayor's control over public schools before a Tuesday deadline. Read More
NY: Senate impasse forces city to revive old school board, in name
Back from the dead, almost by accident, the New York City Board of Education met for the first time in seven years Wednesday as Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg technically lost control of the school system. Read More
NY: Senate inaction is hurting many towns across state
New York City marshals can no longer enforce financial judgments. The City of Yonkers cannot send out property tax bills to homeowners. And in the Town of Deerpark, in Orange County, local officials cannot issue bonds that the town is counting on to balance its budget. Read More
OH: Ohio House Democrats, Senate Republicans set up budget hearings today
With state budget talks at a standstill, majority-party House Democrats and Senate Republicans made moves designed to shine a spotlight on the opposition's positions. Read More
OH: Lottery's switch to new computer system led to some problems for a few hours Wednesday
The Ohio Lottery's switch to a new computer system Wednesday resulted in some problems for retailers selling and redeeming tickets, but most of the glitches were worked out by the afternoon, state officials said. Read More
OH: Glitches arise with change in lottery
Lottery players experienced problems yesterday, particularly in cashing their winning tickets, as the Ohio Lottery launched a new gaming system that's supposed to save money and process tickets more quickly. Read More
OH: State explains estimate of slot-machine revenue
Senate Republicans plan to grill officials in Gov. Ted Strickland's administration today on how they calculated revenue estimates from proposed electronic slot machines, saying there are more questions than answers. Read More
OH: Dueling hearings -- slots vs. more cuts
As Ohio enters its second day with an interim state budget, the political gamesmanship has escalated with dueling hearings today in an increasingly partisan stalemate. Read More
PA: Help offered to state workers in pay gap
Starting Friday, court employees will begin to see part of their paychecks held hostage as a result of the state budget impasse. Some 68,000 state workers will experience that fate later this month if an agreement is not reached soon. Read More
PA: Online game lets citizens decide how to balance the state budget
Keystone Progress, a liberal public interest group, has created a computer game giving citizens the (virtual) power to balance the Pennsylvania budget. You can raise income taxes, cut spending on preschool and kindergarten programs (little kids don't vote) and even close corporate tax loopholes without any lobbyists tracking you down. Read More
PA: GOP legislators angry with budget process
Freshmen House Republicans, angry over the refusal by Democratic leaders to bring a budget bill to the floor, are blasting the closed-door negotiating sessions between Gov. Ed Rendell and legislative leaders. Read More
PA: State budget debate rages on as first day of fiscal year passes
The first day of the state's new fiscal year came and went yesterday with no progress toward a 2009-10 state budget. Read More
PA: Biden visits W.Pa. to promote stimulus funds for broadband use
WATTSBURG, Pa. -- Vice President Joe Biden on Wednesday traveled to this rural northwestern Pennsylvania community of 348 to detail the start of a $7.2 billion stimulus program to expand access to high-speed Internet service. Read More
PA: Pa. universities fighting for U.S. stimulus funds
Penn State University wants the Obama administration to stop Gov. Ed Rendell from reclassifying it and three other state-related universities as non-public and ineligible for $42 million in federal stimulus aid. Read More
RI: Senate commission to study marijuana decriminalization
Weeks after legalizing the sale of marijuana to sick people, lawmakers have voted to explore how much Rhode Island might collect in revenue if it were to make all sales of marijuana legal and impose a "sin tax" of $35 per ounce. Read More
RI: 2 more Web retailers cancel R.I. ties
More online retailers have joined Amazon.com's boycott of Rhode Island as the companies try to stamp out efforts to tax Internet sales. Read More
TX: Perry beats feds' deadline for school funds
Texas Gov. Rick Perry met a deadline Wednesday to request federal stabilization funds for education — with 18 minutes to spare. Read More
TX: Texas Senate passes agencies bill
The Texas Legislature convened a special session Wednesday and immediately took steps to extend the life of several key state agencies. Read More
TX: Road bond, sunset bills nearing quick passage
Legislators, many of them tanned and exhibiting a relaxed, schools-out air Wednesday, ripped quickly through two of the three issues that Gov. Rick Perry put on their special session plate. Read More
TX: Deal in works on private toll roads
Faced with growing legislative opposition to privately built toll roads, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst told reporters just a few minutes ago that a deal is in the works to continue approval for a limited number of projects. Read More
TX: Highlights from the Texas special session
A special session of the Texas Legislature is in full swing. Lawmakers convened the special session Wednesday and immediately took steps to extend the life of several key state agencies. Read More
TX: Senate passes SB 2
The Texas Senate just approved Senate Bill 2, the measure that will continue the operations of five state agencies — including the transportation, insurance and racing agencies. Read More
TX: Toll road bill faces tough fight in Texas Legislature's special session
Gov. Rick Perry's special session effort to win new approval for public-private toll roads in Texas may be hitting the skids. Read More
TX: Texas applies for stimulus funds with minutes to spare
There are deadlines for submitting job applications. Deadlines for filing reports. And then there are deadlines for applying for $3.97 billion. The state of Texas cut that last deadline really close. Read More
US: Government makes $4 billion 'down payment' on project to expand broadband
Vice President Biden yesterday announced guidelines for $4 billion in stimulus funds to expand high-speed Internet access across the nation, jump-starting a program that has been criticized for taking too long to get off the ground. Read More
US: Coming to 25 states -- higher taxes
More than half of US states are responding to budget challenges with an answer that's often unpopular with their residents: tax hikes. Read More
US: State budget woes worsen as deadline arrives
States across the country got their 2010 fiscal years off to a bumpy start Wednesday, as some faced shutdowns with their budgets in limbo and others braced for deep cuts after passing bare-bones plans to deal with recession-driven revenue shortfalls. Read More
US: Highway conditions contribute to over half of fatal auto crashes
If it is your fate to die in an auto accident this holiday weekend, the odds are you'll hit an ill-positioned bridge, tree or pole, or encounter some other highway hazard, according to a study commissioned by an industry group that advocates for boosting spending on road construction. Read More
US: Pension funds to lead suit against bank
A group of five public pension funds, including state funds in Ohio and Texas, have won the right to lead investor class-action lawsuits against the Bank of America Corporation over its acquisition of Merrill Lynch & Company. Read More
US: Facing deficits, some states cut summer school
COCOA, Fla. — Nearly every school system in Florida has eviscerated or eliminated summer school this year, and officials are reporting sweeping cuts in states from North Carolina and Delaware to California and Washington. Read More
US: Stimulus magic -- How the states met their spending deadline
Just how fast stimulus money is getting out the door to states has been a running partisan squabble of late. Democrats see a raging river. Republicans see a pool of molasses. Read More
US: States, districts in delicate dance on stimulus
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is clear: States are on the hook for advancing education improvement goals spelled out in the law as a condition for receiving up to $100 million in economic-stimulus aid to education. Read More
VT: Vt income tax revenues saw 5th-biggest decline in first third
A new national study finds that Vermont's income tax revenues dropped more sharply than those of all but four other states in the first four months of this year. Read More
VT: Vt Guard to build new training center in Jericho
The Vermont National Guard on Thursday will break ground on a training facility at the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho, Guard officials said. Read More
VT: Recession battering state coffers
Rising unemployment rates, battered investment portfolios and declining corporate profits have taken an alarming toll on income-tax revenue paid to Vermont. Read More
VT: Vt. begins taxing digital downloads
Did you pay to download a song, book or movie this week? You may have to pay sales tax on it. Read More
VT: Smokers wince at tax increase
Cigarettes in Vermont cost a quarter more a pack and $2.50 more a carton, and the 6 percent state sales tax applies for the first time to liquor, all the result of legislation that took effect Wednesday. Liquor? No big deal, beverage store proprietors said. Cigarettes? That's another story. Read More
WA: Wash., Idaho fall near middle on obesity rankings
WASHINGTON — Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: Obese baby boomers. Read More
WA: Aid case increase adds to budget shortfall
More Washington residents will receive Medicaid and children's health assistance in the next two years than earlier forecast, creating a $250 million shortfall in the state's already-strained budget. Read More
WA: Recession increases demand for state help
Higher demand for government services is pushing Washington's state budget deeper into the red amid the lingering recession. Read More
WA: Time to stock up on your favorite liquor
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. Read More
WA: WA property tax campaign moves toward fall ballot
Professional initiative promoter Tim Eyman could move his latest campaign closer to the ballot if he hands over nearly 300,000 valid petition signatures to Washington state officials. Read More
WI: Doyle downplays veto mistake
The governor says an unconstitutional veto of a provision in the state budget was just a mistake. Read More
WV: W.Va. Turnpike board OKs toll increase
Drivers will start paying higher tolls on the West Virginia Turnpike next month of $2 for passenger vehicles and $6.75 for five-axle commercial trucks under a motion approved Wednesday by state turnpike officials. Read More |
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