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Archive of Stateline.org RSS - State by State Roundup on Thursday July 02, 2009
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. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
Chief Justice Cobb won't make gubernatorial bid
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb said Wednesday that she will not run for governor in 2010. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb decides against run for governorship
Alabama Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb on Wednesday said she plans to keep her seat on the Alabama Supreme Court and will not run for governor. [The Birmingham News] Read More
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. [The Birmingham News] Read More
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. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
One in three people in Alabama are obese, according to report
Alabama is now among four states with soaring adult obesity rates of more than 30 percent, more than twice what the national average was three decades ago, according to a report released Tuesday. [The Birmingham News] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Alaska state senator files letter of intent to run for governor
The Democratic state senator who oversaw the "Troopergate" investigation of Gov. Sarah Palin filed a letter of intent Wednesday to run for her job. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
The Sarah Palin chronicles mask deeper GOP troubles
On the same day Republicans surrendered a symbolically significant seat in the Senate, the Sarah Palin wars erupted again inside the party. Leaks followed by trash-talking followed by recriminations. [The Washington Post] Read More
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. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
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. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Native rights activist will run for governorktuu
A longtime activist for Alaska Native rights intends to run for governor. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
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. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
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. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Bill lets political signs go up on rights of way
State senators gave final approval Wednesday to legislation blocking state or local officials from removing political signs from public rights of way. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
AZ Senate fails to act on gas-storage cavern
A bill that would have cleared the way for a Houston company to open up a huge underground cavern to store natural gas near Eloy died in the Legislature's closing days. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Redo budget, Brewer tells lawmakers
The fight over how to balance the state budget isn't over. In fact, it may just be beginning. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Execution method of lethal injection approved
A federal judge Wednesday removed a major obstacle to executions in Arizona, ruling that the state's lethal-injection procedure is similar to one approved by the U.S. Supreme Court. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Legislators OK change to Tucson elections
The Legislature has approved major changes in how Tucsonans elect their City Council members. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Suit tries to block Tennessee's guns-in-bars law
A lawyer for plaintiffs suing to stop a law that allows handguns to be carried in Tennessee bars and restaurants that serve alcohol says the legal action is necessary to maintain a safe environment for patrons. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
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. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Beebe backs director, board despite prison problems
Gov. Mike Beebe gave a vote of confidence to the state prison director and Board of Corrections on Wednesday, a day after members of a legislative panel questioned the leadership of the prison system. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
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. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Court: Failing to register as sex offender can't be punished with restitution
Failing to comply with reporting requirements for sex offenders is not an offense that can be punished with an order of restitution, the state Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
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. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
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. [The Mercury News (San Jose)] Read More
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. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
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. [Contra Costa Times] Read More
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. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
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." [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
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. [The Orange County Register] Read More
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. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
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. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
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. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
$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. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
Colorado casinos — and colleges — poised to profit from new gambling rules
BLACK HAWK, Colo. — Rolling dice, spinning roulette wheels and ringing $100 slot machines ushered in a new era in gambling in Colorado's high country early today. [The Denver Post] Read More
Colorado crime rate declines
Colorado's overall crime rate dropped last year for the third time since 2005, and property crimes continued to fall in the state despite a persistent recession. [The Denver Post] Read More
Colorado Governor's mansion grounds spruced up
Five little girls talked garden talk with first lady Jeannie Ritter on Wednesday afternoon. They discussed snails and lady bugs and worms, and helped fill flower pots on the front porch of the Governor's Residence. [The Denver Post] Read More
21 couples enroll under Colorado beneficiary law
On the first day that unmarried couples could enter into a legal contract that gives them many of the rights that used to be reserved for married couples, only 21 Denver and Boulder County couples enrolled. [The Denver Post] Read More
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. [The Denver Post] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Education Week] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The Miami Herald] Read More
Petition ban at polls stands, Fla. court says
A federal appellate court has upheld a Florida law banning petition gathering within 100 feet of polling places. [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
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
Hunstein finishes long road to Ga. chief justice
Carol Hunstein's long journey to the pinnacle of Georgia's legal system took more twists and turns than a captivating trial. [The Macon Telegraph] Read More
Nine are candidates for state Supreme Court vacancy
Atlanta's U.S. attorney, five judges and three private attorneys were nominated Wednesday to be Georgia's next Supreme Court justice. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Economy snuffs some Georgia fireworks shows
The economic slowdown has left many Georgia governments struggling to find bucks for their bang this Fourth of July. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Democrat urges Barnes to reconsider
A Democratic gubernatorial candidate is urging former Gov. Roy Barnes to reconsider his run for office. [The Augusta Chronicle] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
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. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Drivers mindful of law on 1st day of phone ban
Brandi Crab said she was about to call work yesterday morning to say she was running late, but stopped short when she remembered the city's new cell phone ban had just taken effect. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
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. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
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. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
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. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
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. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
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. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
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. [Quad-City Times] Read More
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. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
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. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
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. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
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. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
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. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
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. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
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. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Mentally disabled in housing fight
Samuel Golden admits he wants to keep his 53-year-old daughter, who functions at the level of a 2-year-old, in what some critics would label a large "institution." Her life, he said, would deteriorate if she were forced to move into a smaller group home that couldn't provide adequate therapy and daily activities. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Number of Illinois vehicle owners driving without insurance is up slightly
Despite the ongoing recession, there has been only a slight increase in the number of Illinois vehicle owners who are taking risks by driving without the required liability insurance, according to data released by the state Wednesday. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
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. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
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. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
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. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
2008 Ind. lt. gov. candidate surrenders for arrest
Indiana's 2008 Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor has surrendered to authorities the day after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
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. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
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. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
32-year-old GOP candidate would be youngest governor in Iowa history, if elected
A 32-year-old from Cedar Rapids is running for governor and, if elected, he'd be Iowa's youngest chief executive. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Judge tours Iowa to promote state's attractions
Lt. Gov. Patty Judge kicked off a 67-stop summer travel tour of Iowa on Wednesday to highlight the state's tourist attractions and festivals. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Same-sex marriage applications growing in Iowa
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Two months after the Iowa Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, the number of applications is climbing in parts of eastern Iowa. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Creighton survey sees positive growth in Iowa economy
The latest economic survey of business leaders and supply managers across Iowa and the Midwest region shows improvement. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss compiles the numbers each month and says for the first time since September, we're seeing positive growth. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Attorney General marks anniversary of state smoking ban
Iowa's ban on smoking in public places took effect one year ago today. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller marked the occasion at a statehouse news conference. [Radio Iowa] Read More
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. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Lieutenant governor encouraging Iowans to take a "stay-cation"
Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge is hitting the road for a three-month-long, 67-city tour of the state designed to encourage Iowans to take a "stay-cation" this year. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Iowa residents join other states with the right to sue
Iowa is joining the rest of the nation in giving individual citizens the right to sue in consumer fraud cases. The new law took effect yesterday, July 1st, and Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller says it replaces a law that originated in the Middle Ages. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Iowa prison population drops but trend expected to change
The number of inmates in Iowa prisons is dropping, but corrections officials expect that trend to change over the next decade. This week, Iowa's prison population dipped to 8,454 inmates. That's the lowest inmate count since October 2007, when Iowa had a record 8,840 men and women behind bars. [Radio Iowa] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Topeka Capital-Journal] Read More
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. [Kansas City Star] Read More
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. [The Topeka Capital-Journal] Read More
Planned parks budget cuts draw fire
City parks employees, three state representatives and a few others sharply criticized a proposal to privatize parks maintenance Wednesday at a first-of-its kind public discussion about the city's dire budget situation. [Wichita Eagle] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Maine still fattest state in New England
Like a "spare tire" of unwanted belly fat, the rate of adult obesity in Maine continues to expand. According to the 2009 report "F as in Fat," released Wednesday by the nonprofit Trust for America's Health, 24.7 percent of Maine adults are clinically obese compared with 23.7 percent in last year's report. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Developer sues state agencies that blocked Allegany project
A developer who wants to build 4,300 homes in a rural part of Allegany County and the county's elected commissioners have filed suit against Maryland's environmental and planning agencies, accusing them of illegally blocking the project. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The Boston Globe] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
30 failing schools may face takeover
The Patrick administration, in a sharp deviation from previous state policy, will seek legislative approval to take over about 30 of the state's worst schools and dramatically weaken their teacher contracts, as part of the governor's effort to overhaul public education. [The Boston Globe] Read More
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. [Education Week] Read More
Sex offenders released by mistake
At least 62 convicted sex offenders, including 40 from Metro Detroit, were erroneously released from Detroit prisons last week and on the loose for days before the mistake was noticed and they were taken back into custody. [The Detroit News] Read More
Michigan graduation rates are mostly unchanged
Three-quarters of Michigan's students are graduating high school within four years, according to new data from the state that reveals few changes from 2007, yet shows no gains in the high drop-out rates among the state's minority students. [The Detroit News] Read More
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. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
Michigan's tourism ad applauded
The Pure Michigan tourism ad campaign has been named one of the 10 best promotional advertising campaigns of all time by the business publication Forbes.com. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
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. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
If Coleman goes for governor, he'll cast a long shadow
The biggest mystery, now that Democrat Al Franken is heading to the U.S. Senate, is how soon Republican Norm Coleman will let Minnesotans know whether he wants to be their governor. [Minneapolis Star Tribune] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Daily Journal (Tupelo)] Read More
Uninsured health-care ranks rising in Miss.
In a state the federal government already rates weak in health care, Mississippians are losing health insurance and choosing to either forego treatment or join the uninsured filling waiting rooms at subsidized clinics and emergency rooms. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
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. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
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. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Miss. still fattest state in America
WASHINGTON — Mississippi's still king of cellulite, but an ominous tide is rolling toward the Medicare doctors in neighboring Alabama: obese baby boomers. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
Nixon signs into law bills ending practice of awarding fee offices based on patronage
Contracts to run Missouri fee offices must be opened for competitive bids under legislation signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Jay Nixon. [Kansas City Star] Read More
Tax credits granted for mentoring girls
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Missouri has been approved for $85,000 in special tax credits to strengthen the organization's programs for girls. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
Free after 31 years
The state paroled Michael W. Ford Sr. today, 31 years after he began serving his sentence and nearly five years after a governor commuted it. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
Missouri universities to partner for new med program
JOPLIN, Mo. -- Two Missouri universities are hoping plans for a new medical school program will provide trained professionals to relieve the physician shortage in the southern half of the state. [The News Tribune (Tacoma)] Read More
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. [The News Tribune (Tacoma)] Read More
High court rejects petitions for convicted killer Helmig
The Missouri Supreme Court yesterday rejected two petitions filed on behalf of Dale Helmig and directed his lawyer to file claims for the convicted murderer in two separate circuit courts. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
Nixon signs up state for education goals
Gov. Jay Nixon has signed up Missouri to help prepare national common education standards. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Montana strives for energy independence
As we move into the heart of the summer and look forward to celebrating July Fourth, it is a good time to celebrate the initial steps Montana has taken toward energy independence and to weigh future opportunities. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Abortion foes seek to amend state constitution
The Montana Pro Life Coalition on Wednesday submitted three proposed constitutional initiatives for the 2010 ballot defining embryos and fetuses as persons with rights, measures that if passed and upheld in courts would effectively ban abortion in Montana. [Billings Gazette] Read More
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. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Survey finds fewer teens using meth
New figures released Wednesday by the Montana Office of Public Instruction show another drop in methamphetamine use among Montana teenagers between 2007 and 2009. [Billings Gazette] Read More
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. [Billings Gazette] Read More
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. [Billings Gazette] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
A state parks budget squeeze
Visitors to Nebraska and Iowa state parks might see some shaggy grass this weekend. [Omaha World-Herald] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Judge refuses to toss lawsuit against Gov. Gibbons
LAS VEGAS — A federal judge has refused to throw out a lawsuit by a former cocktail waitress who accuses Gov. Jim Gibbons of accosting her outside a Las Vegas restaurant in October 2006 and of orchestrating a cover-up when she went public. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
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. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
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. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
New cigar bar gives smokers another option
When Nevada passed a law banning smoking in places that serve food, Susan and Jeff Melvin discovered it created a niche for people looking for a smoking option. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
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. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
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. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Telegraph (Nashua)] Read More
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. [The Telegraph (Nashua)] Read More
Health group applauds higher NH tobacco tax
Health groups see a silver lining in one of New Hampshire's new tax increases. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
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. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
NH gov vetoes giving marital masters judges' power
Gov. John Lynch has vetoed a bill that gives rulings made by marital masters the weight of a judicial decision. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
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. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover)] Read More
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. [Concord Monitor] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Obama to hit the trail for Corzine
Hoping to sprinkle Gov. Jon Corzine with political stardust, President Obama will hit the campaign trail in New Jersey in two weeks. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
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. [newjerseynewsroom.com] Read More
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. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
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. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
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. [newjerseynewsroom.com] Read More
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. [newjerseynewsroom.com] Read More
N.J. appeals court to rule on child porn evidence in former Assemblyman Neil Cohen's trial
A state appeals court today is expected to issue a ruling on evidence in the case of former Assemblyman Neil Cohen, who was indicted last December on charges of child pornography possession and official misconduct. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
N.J. bill would put state in charge of monitoring troopers
A consent agreement allowing the Justice Department to monitor state police in New Jersey could be dissolved under a bill that would shift the responsibility to the state Attorney General's Office. The monitoring began a decade ago in an attempt to eliminate racial profiling. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Court OKs mediation in custody disputes
Couples getting a divorce can bypass judges and use mediators to determine who gets custody of their children, the state Supreme Court said yesterday. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Education Week] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
New law toughens DWI sanctions
A new law that could expand the number of drivers using alcohol-detecting devices in their cars is among various measures that took effect Wednesday in New Mexico. [Santa Fe New Mexican] Read More
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. [New Mexico Independent] Read More
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. [Santa Fe New Mexican] Read More
N.M. SOS Mary Herrera -- All systems should be online Thursday
New Mexico Secretary of State Mary Herrera said late Wednesday that the computer systems in her office that enable database searches and Uniform Commercial Code filings should be back online Thursday. [New Mexico Independent] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Paterson calls session through July 6
Gov. David Paterson has elevated the Senate stalemate from a "conflict" to a "crisis." The governor didn't make much news today in his Red Room press conference, except to say that he has issued proclamations for special session every day at 3 p.m. through July 6 — which means that the Senate will be in Albany through the holiday weekend. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Again, no progress in Senate stalemate
No progress was reported Wednesday in breaking the State Senate deadlock as only one side showed up to a public negotiating session. [Newsday] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
$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. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
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. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Are Senate bills legit?
The state Assembly won't accept more than 120 bills passed Tuesday by the Senate Democratic conference until Speaker Sheldon Silver's staff is able to determine the legitimacy of the Senate proceedings. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Libous evades 'Aponte's militia'
The Senate gaveled in and gaveled out today for the ninth extraordinary session ordered by Gov. David Paterson since the June 8 coup, and members of the warring factions managed to spend two minutes in each other's company without incident. [Daily News (New York)] Read More
State moves to end gaps in court files
The state Office of Court Administration moved Wednesday to address lapses in court filing practices across the state, instructing judges from Westchester to Buffalo that they, and not lawyers, are responsible for ensuring that case files available to the public are complete and accessible. [Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)] Read More
It's Dem payback vs. mayor
After years of watching Mayor Bloomberg bankroll Republican control of the Senate, hearing his high-handed lectures on congestion pricing and seeing him back a primary against one of their own, Senate Democrats unexpectedly got their chance to take revenge. [New York Post] Read More
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. [Daily News (New York)] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
Easley's appeal may be doomed
N.C. State University is highly unlikely to negotiate a settlement with former first lady Mary Easley, who earlier this week indicated she will appeal her firing, the university's new leader said Wednesday. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
Bill lets sizable medical malpractice awards be made public
Consumers will soon be able to know whether their doctors have paid medical malpractice awards under a bill approved this week by state lawmakers. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
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. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
North Dakota cities growing
North Dakota's major cities are growing, as are the communities around them. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Smoke-free advocates urge N.D. statewide ban
Area health professionals and smoking ban advocates celebrated a full year of clear air in Fargo and West Fargo bars and restaurants by urging a statewide smoking ban. [Grand Forks Herald] Read More
N.D.'s top horse racing regulator quits
North Dakota's top horse racing regulator has resigned. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Former Guard soldier gets second Purple Heart
A former North Dakota National Guard soldier wounded in Iraq has received his second Purple Heart. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Cattle losses amid floods, snow could hit $30 million
North Dakota ranchers suffered an estimated $30 million loss when cattle died amid spring flooding and late-winter blizzards, a state agriculture official said Wednesday. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Survey -- N.D. lacks 'brain smarts'
As if the challenge of reforming the nation's health care system isn't vexing enough, here's another brain twister for Sen. Kent Conrad to ponder when the North Dakota Democrat meets in Grand Forks today with doctors, nurses, hospital and clinic administrators and patient advocates: [Grand Forks Herald] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
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. [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
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. [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
Ohio EPA, Northeast Ohio Sewer District disagree about source of oil that killed gulls
An Ohio Environmental Protection Agency investigator trying to find out who killed more than 500 gulls last month by dumping hundreds of gallons of oil into the Cuyahoga River is focusing on a nine-mile-long storm sewer network that flows from Shaker Heights to Cleveland and the river. [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
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. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
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. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Ohio court protects clinic's files
Parents who are suing Planned Parenthood over an abortion clinic's alleged negligence in allowing a teenage sexual-assault victim to obtain an abortion will not get access to clinic records on other patients, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled yesterday. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Census -- Central Ohio keeps growing
Three of the five fastest-growing cities in the state -- Lithopolis, Powell and New Albany -- are in central Ohio, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau yesterday. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
Business improving in Oklahoma, study finds
For the first time since last December, the state's leading economic indicator showed improvement, a survey of business conditions in Oklahoma and eight other states released Wednesday showed. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)] Read More
Rep. Sally Kern promotes Morality Proclamation
State Rep. Sally Kern is launching a Proclamation for Morality that acknowledges what Kern says is a need for a national awakening of righteousness. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)] Read More
Children offer bright spot in Oklahoma's obesity rankings
Oklahomans are fat and getting fatter, according to a national report released Wednesday. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
State business department gets new name, focus
Oregon is renaming and recasting the state department responsible for helping companies create jobs -- and keep them here. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Topping off gas tanks now banned in Oregon
If you ask a gas station attendant to top off your tank, as of today you're asking them to break the law. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Oregon Legislators give fish hatchery deal a second look
As a longtime owner and former CEO of a Gulf Coast casino, Bernie Burkholder knows well the old maxim of the gambling business: The house always wins. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Education funding set the agenda
Lawmakers entered the 2009 session with hopes of extending the school year, expanding full-day kindergarten, increasing college tuition aid and more. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] Read More
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. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
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. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
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. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
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. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
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. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
Law requires contractors to register with the state
When you agree to allow a stranger into your home to perform repairs or upgrades, you better know who they are and what you're getting. A law going into effect today, July 1, intends to better arm consumers against fraud, forcing contractors to register with the state and report any previous wrongdoing. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] Read More
Bill banning forced identity-chip implants clears House
Invasion of privacy is an issue that really gets under State Rep. Babette Josephs' skin. That's why the Philadelphia Democrat introduced a bill, passed unanimously last week by the House, that would ban the forced implantation of computer chips in humans. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Drug company's case reaches top state court
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has agreed to hear legal arguments from a pharmaceutical company about whether a Texas law firm whose founder donated $91,000 to Gov. Ed Rendell's campaign can continue to represent the state in a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Providence Journal] Read More
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. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Supporters of state name change poised to woo voters' support
Supporters of a plan that would give voters in next year's general election the opportunity to strike the phrase "and Providence Plantations" from the state's formal name, launched a public awareness and education campaign Wednesday. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Lt. Gov. Roberts bows out of race for governor
Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts will not run for governor in 2010, according to a surprise announcement Wednesday afternoon that squelched widespread speculation the Cranston Democrat would compete for Rhode Island's most powerful elective post. [The Providence Journal] Read More
R.I.'s higher education chief steps down
Tuesday marked the last day for Jack R. Warner, Rhode Island's higher education commissioner since 2002. With his departure, Rhode Island lost three education leaders on the same day. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Sex-offender bills stall in R.I. Assembly
Lawmakers introduced at least 14 bills dealing with sex offenders this session. With the General Assembly in recess, five have made it through either the House or Senate, but not both. [The Providence Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
39 trips for Sanford with no security in '09
Gov. Mark Sanford left the Governor's Mansion without a security escort 38 times in 2008. In the first six months of this year, he left the mansion without security 39 times. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
If Bauer moves up, who takes his place?
If Gov. Mark Sanford were to resign, it would affect the man many feel is actually the most powerful official in state government: Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell. [The Post and Courier (Charleston)] Read More
Governor's new tactic -- Not talking
As calls for his resignation mounted Wednesday, Gov. Mark Sanford finally decided to clam up about his Argentine mistress and other extramarital transgressions, ending a weeklong purging that has gutted his marriage and political career. [The Post and Courier (Charleston)] Read More
S.C. governor resists pressure to resign
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford defied calls for his resignation yesterday from GOP leaders, insisting he will remain in office even as his political fortunes dimmed in the wake of his admission that he secretly traveled abroad to meet a mistress. [The Washington Post] Read More
Sanford has his state cringing
South Carolina residents, and the simply curious around the world, have watched Gov. Mark Sanford's lovelorn saga unfold, the central character spewing an odd script that would seem more appropriate for a soap opera than state government. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
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. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Education Week] Read More
Sioux Falls' growth outpaces rest of region
Sioux Falls still is growing far faster than any city in the region and remains among the fastest-growing cities in the country, newly released census estimates show. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
City attorney-- Payday lender limits must come from legislature
The city cannot move forward with licensing payday lenders, the Rapid City Legal & Finance Committee was told Wednesday. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Bredesen's veto preserves Nashville's plan to require menu labeling
Gov. Phil Bredesen vetoed a bill Wednesday that would have overturned a Metro health board decision to require calorie counts on restaurant menus. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Suit tries to block Tennessee's guns-in-bars law
A lawyer for plaintiffs suing to stop a law that allows handguns to be carried in Tennessee bars and restaurants that serve alcohol says the legal action is necessary to maintain a safe environment for patrons. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Ex-GOP chief - Don't judge me by anti-Obama tactics
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Former Tennessee Republican chairwoman Robin Smith said Wednesday that a state GOP news release that used Barack Obama's middle name, "Hussein," and showed him in traditional African clothing should not be used to question her leadership during her run for Congress. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Gov. seeks disaster declaration for Shelby and 4 other counties
Gov. Phil Bredesen is asking President Barack Obama to declare five Tennessee counties, including Shelby, federal disaster areas because of damage caused by severe storms that began June 12. [The Commercial Appeal (Memphis)] Read More
Tennessee offered GM $20M package
Gov. Phil Bredesen said the state's offer to General Motors to build its new small car at the Spring Hill plant was a $20 million incentive package, and it obviously was not enough. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Top GOP gubernatorial candidates raise $6.3M
The top three candidates for the Republican nomination for Tennessee governor said they have combined to raise $6.3 million through the first six months of the year. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The Dallas Morning News] Read More
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. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The San Antonio Express-News] Read More
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. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
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. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
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. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
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. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
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. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
Child support suffers as economy suffers
The faltering national economy is taking its toll on Texas kids. More parents are making their child support payments from unemployment checks and asking judges to lower their financial burdens. [The Dallas Morning News] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
Huntsman gone but is still in charge
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has made only a single public appearance, at a brief ceremony more than a month ago, since announcing in mid-May he would resign as soon as he's confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Utah bars crawl to mark end of liquor restrictions
Bartenders in Utah threw open their doors Wednesday as the state ditched a 40-year-old requirement that customers fill out an application, pay a fee and become a member of a private club before setting foot in a bar. [The Daily Herald (Provo)] Read More
Utah's at bottom of fat-child ranking
Although Utah children aren't as fat as kids in every other state but one, nearly a fourth of them are headed for obesity and the likely prospect that they'll be the first generation of grown-ups to be unhealthier than the one they replace. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Rocky Mountain Power seeks another rate increase in Utah
Rocky Mountain Power has notified state regulators it wants to increase its electricity rates by $67 million beginning in February 2010. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Utahns raise a glass to demise of private club restrictions
For the first time in four decades, bar patrons were able to walk in the door of most any Utah watering hole, pull up a stool and order a drink without passing the quiz: "Are you a member?" [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
Census: Vermont's population rises grudgingly
Vermont's overall population ticked up slightly; five of the state's eight largest municipalities are in Chittenden County; and the population in the state's southern counties continues to dwindle. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [Rutland Herald] Read More
State senator runs for lieutenant governor
State Sen. Edward Flanagan is running for lieutenant governor. [Times Argus (Barre/Montpelier)] Read More
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. [Rutland Herald] Read More
Vt. air comparatively clean, could be cleaner
Vermont's air quality is better than that in many parts of the United States, but could be better still. [Times Argus (Barre/Montpelier)] Read More
N.H. among states hit by E. coli in beef
WASHINGTON — At least 12 people, two of them suffering kidney failure, have been hospitalized in connection with a possible E. coli outbreak in beef suspected of having sickened people in nine states, federal health officials said Wednesday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [seattlepi.com] Read More
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. [The Spokesman-Review (Spokane)] Read More
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. [The Spokesman-Review (Spokane)] Read More
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. [The Olympian] Read More
EPA -- State must conduct review, hold hearings on latest coal-plant proposal
The federal EPA has essentially told the state and Sunflower Electric Power Corp. to start over in considering a permit to build a coal-burning power plant in southwest Kansas. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
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. [The Olympian] Read More
Speculation grows for Boeing 787 plant in South Carolina
Reports that Boeing is negotiating to buy a key link in the 787 Dreamliner's global supply chain have intensified speculation it may be laying the groundwork for putting a second final-assembly plant out of state. [The Seattle Times] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Wisconsin to recognize domestic partnerships
With the budget signed Monday by Gov. Jim Doyle, Wisconsin has become the first state with a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions to put in place domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
More jobs leaving the state
Another business plans to close shop in Wisconsin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Wisconsin abortion rates drop
Abortion rates are down again in Wisconsin. They've declined for the fifth straight year, according to a new report from the state Health Department. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Neumann files for gubernatorial run
The Republicans have another candidate who is officially running for Governor. Although Mark Neumann is a former US House member, he is actually touting his work in the private sector over the past decade. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Doyle downplays veto mistake
The governor says an unconstitutional veto of a provision in the state budget was just a mistake. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Clerk expects domestic partnership rush after gov signs historic bill
If Dane County Clerk Bob Ohlsen's hunch is correct, the first Monday in August is going to be a hectic day at his office. [The Capital Times (Madison)] Read More
Clerks prepare for domestic partnerships
County clerks around Wisconsin are scrambling to comply with a provision under the state budget that recognizes same sex partnerships and affords some of the same protections as marriage. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
White House 'rural tour' begins, and will come to state
WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration on Wednesday kicked off a "rural tour" that will bring two cabinet members to Wisconsin later this month. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
New section follows stimulus spending
 The enormity and complexity of the federal stimulus program weigh heavily on cash-strapped states, which are required to meet numerous application and reporting deadlines for the $49 billion in recovery money flowing into their treasuries this year. Follow how states are managing their share through extensive original reporting and graphics in Stateline.org’s special section on the stimulus program.
Read More
Job market takes turn for worse
NEW YORK -- The battered U.S. labor market took a step backwards last month as employers trimmed more jobs from their payrolls in June, according to a government report Thursday. [CNNMoney.com] Read More
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. [The Washington Post] Read More
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. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
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. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
Mississippi tops obesity rankings; Colorado is leanest state
WASHINGTON -- Mississippi remains at the top of the list in this year's national annual obesity rankings, with Alabama coming in second. Outside of fairly lean Colorado, there's little good news. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
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. [The Washington Post] Read More
Hiring might not rebound in an economic recovery
WASHINGTON -- Even as the nation's economy begins clawing its way out of the worst recession in 60 years, there are growing signs that this recovery could come with an unsettling twist: The wheels of commerce may begin to turn again without any substantial boost in jobs. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [The New York Times] Read More
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. [ProPublica] Read More
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. [Education Week] Read More
Stimulus sparks a summer jobs' comeback
Thomas Hollister Singleton wants a car. Specifically, a Dodge Challenger, black. [Time] Read More |
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