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Archive of Stateline.org RSS - State by State Roundup on Tuesday October 27, 2009
Alabama delays school clinics that will administer H1N1 vaccine
Students will have to wait until after Thanksgiving break -- almost a month later than the date health officials originally announced -- to get the H1N1 vaccine at their schools. But when all the vaccine arrives, officials believe not only will there be enough, but that Alabama could have more than it needs. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
85% of schools in state expect to cut jobs next summer
Three-quarters of public schools in Alabama lost jobs over the summer, according to a survey by the American Association of School Administrators. And next summer 85 percent of Alabama superintendents expect to trim more. [The Huntsville Times] Read More
Alabama Rep. Lea Fite of Jacksonville dies after apparent seizure
State Rep. Lea Fite of Jacksonville has died at his home. He was 59. [Mobile Register] Read More
Woman fights to have common law marriage recognized; then married status led to charges
CHATOM, Ala. -- Kimberly Nichole Rainwaters fought a ferocious battle in Washington County Circuit Court to have her longtime relationship recognized as a marriage. Now, that could land her in prison. [Mobile Register] Read More
Witness -- Mayor had $240K in card debt, $92K in car loans
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Testimony in the corruption trial of Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford portrayed his personal finances as a disaster area Monday, with scant assets and liabilities of about $650,000, including nearly $240,000 in credit card debt. [Tuscaloosa News] Read More
3 states meeting to discuss water war
For the first time since a federal judge's stunning decision in the tri-state water wars, Georgia's congressional delegation is planning to sit down with all of their counterparts from Florida and Alabama to discuss what to do next. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Pipeline plan clogged with uncertainties
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Sarah Palin hit the vice presidential campaign trail last year and touted what Alaska could provide for the rest of America - a natural gas pipeline to help lead the country to energy independence. [The Juneau Empire] Read More
Legislators consider a new building in Anchorage
Alaska lawmakers are again talking about building a new legislative office building in Anchorage, after ditching a plan to do so last year because of the price tag and worries of Juneau legislators that it could be a backhanded capital move. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Palin successor focuses on energy agenda
FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- When Sean Parnell was sworn in here as Alaska's 10th governor in July, dozens of reporters from the lower 48 states were on hand to mark the transfer of power from his celebrity predecessor, Sarah Palin. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Native leaders enlist legislators in contracting battle
Alaska Native leaders on Monday urged state lawmakers to join them in defending an embattled federal contracting program that has spurred enormous growth among Alaska Native firms in recent years. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
16 Alaska kids died by abuse or neglect in seven years
A new report says 16 Alaska children died from abuse or neglect during a seven-year span, and the true count likely is much higher. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Unsealed documents portray seamier side of Allen
Asking for leniency and a sentence of only six months in prison, Bill Allen wants a federal judge to look beyond his corruption of Alaska politics to a life of charity and job creation in the state. [Anchorage Daily News] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Stimulus in Arizona off to a slow start
Economic-stimulus contracts with federal agencies have yet to provide a significant lift for Arizona businesses, with the state garnering a relatively low share of the total amount of federal contracts awarded so far. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Rally to protest planned increases to child-care-center licensing fees
Parents with children in child care will have a chance to rally today in opposition to proposed increases in licensing fees for child-care centers, after-school programs and other facilities. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
AG looks at private school scholarship groups
The Arizona attorney general has sent letters to 19 of the state's nonprofit school tuition organizations asking them to explain why they didn't spend 90 percent of donations on scholarships for private school students as required by law. [East Valley Tribune] Read More
Perfect storm threatens child care
Parents of young children in our state are facing rising child care costs and reduced tuition support. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
NW Arkansas newspaper partnership starts Nov. 1
FAYETTEVILLE, SPRINGDALE, ROGERS, BENTONVILLE, Ark. — The Justice Department has closed its investigation related to failing newspapers in Northwest Arkansas, clearing the way for a joint venture to move forward, officials of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc., and Stephens Media LLC announced. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Energy companies make case for climate bill
The bill would mandate reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants. Backers say the economy would benefit from the bill, which would pave the way for new technology to be developed as the nation moves toward new energy sources. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Arkansas' death toll from swine flu at 13
The number of Arkansans who have died from swine flu has risen to 13, a state Health Department spokesman said today. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Republicans balk at Delta water legislation
Two influential water districts and several environmental groups said Monday they support key elements of water legislation under negotiation in the Capitol. But the compromise is not good enough for Republican leaders, who said they still have "grave concerns" that the proposals would "create new layers of bureaucracy." [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Gaffe costs California Lottery $264,000 as 9 players get second chance
The California Lottery will pay $264,000 for a mistake affecting players. That sum in "second chance" winnings was captured by nine players whose names mistakenly were transposed on forms during a taping of the "Make Me a Millionaire" television show last winter. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
DMV training program tries to stem brain drain
As California state government faces a growing brain drain crisis, the Department of Motor Vehicles is trying to blunt the impact by grooming its brightest, most promising workers to take over. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
Cal, UCSF scientists form cancer research unit
Scientists at UC Berkeley and UCSF have formed a research center to explore the physical principles that govern the origin and behavior of cancer cells, and how they multiply in humans. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Bass tiring of governor's closed-door water talks
Assembly Speaker Karen Bass bristled Monday at the series of closed-door "Big 5" water negotiations that have been held between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative leaders of both parties recently. [The Sacramento Bee] Read More
'Civil gideon' trumpets legal discord
A new California law that gives poor residents the right to an attorney in civil matters such as child custody and foreclosure is being hailed as a model that could transform the nation's legal landscape. But critics argue that the law will result in a wave of case backlogs and could further burden court budgets. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
In battle over gay marriage, timing may be key
WASHINGTON -- In a San Francisco courtroom two weeks ago, a prominent lawyer opposed to same-sex marriage made a concession that could mark a turning point in the legal wars over the purpose and meaning of marriage. [The New York Times] Read More
State official warns Costa Mesa on fairgrounds restrictions
COSTA MESA, Calif. -- A state official has warned city leaders that "the State will consider whatever options may be available to preserve the Fairgrounds value" if the city adopts a specific plan that diminishes the up-for-sale site's commercial value. [The Orange County Register] Read More
Colorado air-quality programs lose $31.5 million
Programs designed to improve Colorado's air quality are taking the biggest hit from a significant federal take-back of transportation funds that occurred at the end of September. [Colorado Independent] Read More
Ritter to reveal plan to rebalance Colorado's budget
Gov. Bill Ritter's office on Wednesday will reveal its plans to rebalance the state budget, likely meaning more cuts to state programs. [The Denver Post] Read More
Uranium mill clears Western Slope hurdles
A Canadian company's push to build the United States' first new conventional uranium mill since the Cold War has cleared local hurdles — despite environmental concerns — and won wary high-level support. [The Denver Post] Read More
DPS sizes up fixes
Denver Public Schools is the first district in Colorado set to deploy stern academic reforms pushed by a White House education-stimulus program to fix the nation's worst schools. [The Denver Post] Read More
Loss of state funding threatens Colorado tire cleanup
SEDALIA, Colo. — Rick Welle's tire shredder whines under a bright sun, chipping slowly away at mounds of 80,000 discarded tires tucked among the sandy hills along Santa Fe Drive. [The Denver Post] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Tracking of federal stimulus dollars in Connecticut scattered, incomplete
Despite promises of transparency and accountability, information on how the state government is spending federal stimulus dollars is scattered and often incomplete. [Waterbury Republican-American] Read More
Override a bad idea
Democratic state legislators may have come to their senses by now and figured out that it would be bad politics — as well as bad policy — to try to override Gov. M. Jodi Rell's veto of a bill that would stop her from cutting millions of dollars in spending on the state's judicial branch of government. [The Hartford Courant] Read More
Preserving the Merritt Parkway's bridges to the past
STRATFORD, Conn. -- The Connecticut roadway built when times and traffic were much slower has been added to the World Monument Fund's 2010 watch list. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Poor unemployment insurance planning ads extra burden to Conn., South Dakota employers
Employers in Connecticut and South Dakota face hefty tax increases in the midst of a recession because their states' unemployment insurance trust funds ran dry last week. [ProPublica] Read More
Delaware River dredging will commence
Deepening the Delaware River to 45 feet could begin as early as January or February, even as officials from New Jersey and Delaware threatened lawsuits yesterday to block the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from proceeding without approval from state environmental regulators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
N.J. joins protest against dredging
New Jersey dove headlong into a fight over deepening the Delaware River's main channel Monday, with the state's governor, lawmakers and environmental groups all protesting an Army Corps of Engineers plan to start work without permits. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
NCCo to look at advertising opportunities
Elected leaders are set to vote tonight on legislation that would allow them to craft a policy for selling, leasing or renting advertising space on county assets. While that term hasn't been defined yet, it could include anything from the government's buildings, parks and libraries to vehicles to its Web site. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Price increases in Florida Prepaid College Plan shock parents saving for college costs
Margo Johnson always saw the Florida Prepaid College Plan as too good to pass up — until this year. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Homeowners walking away from underwater mortgages
Many South Florida homeowners who can afford to make their mortgage payments are choosing not to, forcing the lender to foreclose. It's called strategic default. [The Miami Herald] Read More
3 states meeting to discuss water war
For the first time since a federal judge's stunning decision in the tri-state water wars, Georgia's congressional delegation is planning to sit down with all of their counterparts from Florida and Alabama to discuss what to do next. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Chillier political climate for this Obama visit to Florida
Last time President Barack Obama visited America's biggest battleground state, our unemployment rate was nearly two points lower and his approval rating in Florida nearly 20 points higher. It was February, and he was in Fort Myers touting the $787 billion stimulus package. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Obama gives Florida Democrats a pep talk at Miami Beach fundraiser
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- In his second trip to Florida since his election, President Barack Obama told backers at a Miami Beach fundraiser not to worry about his critics: "I don't rattle." [The Miami Herald] Read More
Crist says he's hopeful for Seminoles gambling pact
Gov. Charlie Crist says there is still hope for a gambling deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe despite what a leading Florida legislator said last week. [The Sun-Sentinel (South Florida)] Read More
Commission to vote on whether to seek permission to be point of entry for Cuba
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Approval would mean Broward asks the federal government to designate the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades as points of entry for flights and ships going to and from Cuba. [The Miami Herald] Read More
Commission vote on FPL rate hike could signal shift in utilities' influence
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Utility regulators will decide Tuesday whether to comply with Gov. Charlie Crist's request to hold off voting on nearly $2 billion in base rate hikes for the state's two largest utilities. [The Palm Beach Post] Read More
Florida gubernatorial candidates take plenty of time off
Bill McCollum and Alex Sink, both running for governor, have schedules most citizens can only dream of -- though both say they work longer hours than their schedules indicate. [The Miami Herald] Read More
Georgia's technical colleges see record fall enrollment
Georgia's technical colleges experienced a record fall enrollment as thousands of adults returned to school in search of new careers because of the recession. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
3 states meeting to discuss water war
For the first time since a federal judge's stunning decision in the tri-state water wars, Georgia's congressional delegation is planning to sit down with all of their counterparts from Florida and Alabama to discuss what to do next. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution] Read More
Hartsfield-Jackson gets $34M stimulus
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport said Monday it received $34 million in federal stimulus funds to help pay for the new Maynard Holbrook Jackson Jr. International Terminal. [Atlanta Business Chronicle] Read More
Group alleges environmental discrimination by EPA
ATLANTA — Environmental advocates from six states are set to meet with state and federal environmental officials to discuss claims of environmental injustice against poor and minority communities in the South. [The Augusta Chronicle] Read More
Hawaii's short school year is within rules
Hawaii's public schools won't fall below minimum accrediting standards even after chopping the number of instructional days to the fewest in the nation. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Spending by international students hits $160M
International students and their dependents spent $160 million in Hawaii during the last academic year. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Hawaiian pilots ask for impasse, move closer to possible strike
Unionized Hawaiian Airlines pilots said today they believe their contract negotiations with the airline are at an impasse and asked the federal government to release them from mediation, a process that could start the clock for a future pilots' strike. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Feral cats dog residents
Al Alicea still visits Kakaako Waterfront Park for walks with his wife, but stopped holding family barbecues there because he's bothered by the feral cats. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
New money helps homeless students in Idaho
The number of school kids in Idaho who are homeless has been steadily growing over the past five years, with some local districts seeing spikes of 30 to 230 percent during the last two years, according to state and local school officials and data. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Employee group demands Otter delay premium hikes
An Idaho state workers association wants Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to delay increasing health-insurance premiums for part-time government employees, saying the 2010 Legislature should review the move first. [Idaho State Journal (Pocatello)] Read More
Wolf hunters near limit in 2 harvest zones in Idaho
Dave Slagel of Kuna didn't plan to go wolf hunting. But he ended up among the 79 hunters who have killed a wolf in Idaho. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Ex-attorney general Ryan in governor's race
Former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan is set to officially enter the race for governor. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Former GOP chairman joining Ill. governor race
Andy McKenna plans to formally enter the race on Tuesday. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Politicians line up for top spot on primary ballots
Hundreds of politicians and staffers lined up outside the State Board of Elections office in Springfield on Monday to get a spot on Feb. 2 primary ballots, launching a 2010 campaign season that already features competitive contests for dozens of federal, statewide, legislative and county offices. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Compromised care -- Psychotropic drugs given to nursing home patients without cause
Frail and vulnerable residents of nursing homes throughout Illinois are being dosed with powerful psychotropic drugs, leading to tremors, dangerous lethargy and a higher risk of harmful falls or even death, a Tribune investigation has found. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Plan to fund college grants on hold
Gov. Pat Quinn has temporarily shelved a borrowing plan to fund scholarships for about 137,000 low-income college students enrolled for the spring semester. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Judy Baar Topinka announces run for state comptroller
Three years ago, Republican Judy Baar Topinka was vilified by then-Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich in an expensive series of TV campaign ads that ended with the political punch line, "What's she thinking?" [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Hynes gets support from electrical, pipe trades
Democratic governor candidate Dan Hynes got the backing today of the state council of electrical union workers and on Tuesday gets the endorsement of the pipe trades in his battle against Gov. Pat Quinn. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Goals developed for expanding outdoor recreation
A group of conservationists is moving ahead with recommendations for shaping the future of outdoor recreation and preservation in Illinois. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Social service advocate taking seat on Illinois utility watchdog board
Gov. Pat Quinn on Monday appointed a longtime social service advocate to sit on the board that regulates utilities in the state. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Quinn names Illinois Commerce Commission member
Gov. Pat Quinn has appointed a vice president for the Illinois Association of Community Action Agencies as a new member of the Illinois Commerce Commission. [Chicago Tribune] Read More
Ind. panel fails to endorse school start date plan
A legislative study committee declined Monday to endorse the idea of a uniform, later start date for Indiana schools, voting instead to send the issue back to fellow lawmakers for more debate and study. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Court to hear arguments on E. Chicago casino money
The Indiana Supreme Court will decide whether a share of East Chicago casino revenues earmarked for economic development should go to a nonprofit corporation or to the city. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Daniels makes error in book distribution
Gov. Mitch Daniels offered a disturbing clue into his educational philosophy recently when he passed out copies of "Real Education" to members of the Indiana Education Roundtable. [Chicago Sun-Times] Read More
Culver wary of tuition increase or surcharge
Gov. Chet Culver expressed concerns Monday about using tuition increases or implementing a tuition surcharge to help the state's public universities deal with steep cuts in state funding. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Service providers worry about Iowa budget cuts
WEST DES MOINES -- Private service providers in Iowa are keeping a nervous eye on the Capitol, where decisions are being made on cutting $600 million in state funding this budget year. [Quad-City Times] Read More
DCI layoffs at casinos would not save money
A plan to eliminate the jobs of state law enforcement officers at Iowa's casinos will not save taxpayers any money, Iowa's chief gambling regulator confirmed Monday. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Slash newer programs, Republicans propose
Republicans weighing a campaign for governor suggest reducing state employee pay and eliminating newer Democratic priorities, such as certain economic development and education programs, when asked how they would balance the troubled state budget. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Iowa's first lady back on campaign trail
Iowa first lady Mari Culver hit the campaign trail again Monday now that her two children are getting over a bout of the seasonal flu. [Quad-City Times] Read More
State officials repeatedly reached out to Electrolux
The state said Iowa leaders have worked diligently for a six years to keep the appliance manufacturer in Iowa and found little interest. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Film credits give states more money, headaches
More than 40 states, as well as some cities, counties and several Canadian provinces, offer some type of film subsidy, but the payback is a source of intense debate. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Des Moines transit to get funds to cut emissions
Des Moines' public transit agency is to get a $210,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Reduce Iowa's Diesel Exhaust program. [Sioux City Journal] Read More
Culver causes stir by congratulating Iowa, but not Iowa State
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver pledged Monday to attend bowl games of both the Iowa and Iowa State football teams after being asked why he sent out a statement congratulating Iowa for their win on Saturday, but not Iowa State. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Task force tours fourth Iowa mental institute
MOUNT PLEASANT -- After touring the fourth of the four state mental health institutes Monday, a task force of Iowans will now spend a few weeks figuring out what to do next. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
State Board of Education chairwoman urges lawmakers to not cut school funding
Topeka, Kan. — State Board of Education Chairwoman Janet Waugh urged lawmakers on Monday not to cut public school funding any further. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Projection -- KCK casino will generate $203 million in first year
TOPEKA, Kan. -- A casino planned for Kansas City, Kan., will generate $203 million in gambling revenues its first year, according to a consultant's report released Monday. [Kansas City Star] Read More
State concerned by lack of hotels in casinos planned for KCK, Wichita
Topeka, Kan. — A Kansas review board remained troubled Monday because plans for casinos in the Kansas City and Wichita areas don't include hotels in their first phases. But consultants warned that holding out for better proposals would be risky. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Kansas regulators approve equalizing Westar rates
Kansas City, Mo. — Kansas regulators on Monday approved the consolidation of the rates paid by customers in Westar Energy Inc.'s northern and southern divisions. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
GOP cries foul over Kelly's judgeship appointment
In a move sharply criticized by opponents of expanded gambling, Gov. Steve Beshear gave his Democratic Party a chance to gain another state Senate seat by appointing Republican Dan Kelly to a vacant judgeship Monday. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Jobless rate rises again in Kentucky
A state agency is once again reporting higher unemployment rates in Kentucky. The Office of Employment and Training released statistics Monday showing Magoffin County with a highest jobless rate in Kentucky at 21.4 percent, more than double its rate from a year ago. [Bowling Green Daily News] Read More
Wildcat 'Coal' Lodge debate rages
A divided University of Kentucky Board of Trustees meets Tuesday to decide whether to accept $7 million from a group of private donors to build what would be called Wildcat Coal Lodge. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
PSC to give update on natural gas prices
Kentuckians curious about the price of natural gas for the upcoming winter can get the latest information from the Kentucky Public Service Commission. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
Luallen named Public Official of the Year
A national magazine that focuses on state and local government has named State Auditor Crit Luallen one of 2009's Public Officials of the Year. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
N.O. education dollars from federal stimulus package in limbo
When federal financing formulas reduced New Orleans' share of education money in the federal stimulus package from a projected $25 million down to $673,000, Obama administration officials promised to fix the shortfall. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Medicaid cost-cutting recommended by state official
The state Department of Health and Hospitals has recommended a $232.5 million cost-cutting option in Medicaid rate reductions that would trim the state budget while lowering compensation to private health care providers. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Swine flu vaccines finally getting to Louisiana
Thanks to manufacturing supply shortages nationally, Louisiana and every other state is well behind where public health officials would like to be on distributing H1N1 vaccinations. But the state health department's pandemic preparedness director says the doses should begin flowing more freely in the coming weeks. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
TOPS overhaul urged by LSU System president
Louisiana should consider overhauling the TOPS scholarship program, charging standardized tuition rates for core undergraduate instruction and eliminating state subsidies for university research, the head of the Louisiana State University System said Monday. The alternative would be to raise student tuition by as much as 20 percent to make up for an expected $150 million cut in state support. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Film credits give states more money, headaches
More than 40 states, as well as some cities, counties and several Canadian provinces, offer some type of film subsidy, but the payback is a source of intense debate. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Gulf govs. push European defense bid
Politicians along the nation's Gulf Coast are teaming up with other southern lawmakers to promote a bid by European defense giant EADS to build a new aerial refueling tanker for the Air Force. [Politico] Read More
FairPoint enters bankruptcy court
FairPoint Communications will appear before a New York judge this afternoon to begin a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. The company filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday, about a year and a half after purchasing Verizon's landline network in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont with high hopes for expanding services and bringing new products to the region. [Concord Monitor] Read More
Bill would hide Maine state workers' names
A bill before Maine lawmakers would block the names of people listed on a Web site that enables the public to search the state budget by category or employee. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
Opposition to ballot questions grows
A poll released Monday suggests that supporters of gay marriage have pulled further ahead of opponents, but voter sentiment for two tax-related initiatives may be souring as the campaigns enter the final week. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
Advocate: FairPoint bankrupcty won't hurt NH users
CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire's consumer advocate says FairPoint Communications' bankruptcy should not affect customers' phone service. [Kennebec Journal] Read More
Pingree's No on 1 role challenged
The organization working to overturn Maine's same-sex marriage law accused the opposition and House Speaker Hannah Pingree on Monday of failing to fully disclose her role in the campaign to defeat Question 1. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
NMCC wind power tech program 'a hit'
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The mounting interest in wind power has led to an influx of interest from those who want to learn how to maintain and fix windmills, which has had a direct impact on the future of Northern Maine Community College. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
O'Malley urging mediation before foreclosures
BALTIMORE -- More than a year after Maryland officials set out to quell the foreclosure crisis with some of the most aggressive prevention programs in the nation, the number of homeowners on the brink is again on the rise. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Health experts address H1N1 questions, concerns
More than 30 cases of H1N1, or swine flu, have been confirmed in Anne Arundel County. Currently, the county Health Department does not have any more appointments available to administer the vaccine. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Security checks set Friday at commuter train stations
BALTIMORE -- The Maryland Transit Administration Police will launch a program of random security checks at MARC commuter train stations Friday, using bomb-sniffing dogs to screen passengers' luggage and packages to detect explosives. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Ex-asbestos official gets 1 year for helping rig bids
A former head of the West Virginia Capitol's asbestos abatement program was sentenced to a year in prison in federal court in Maryland last week. Paul Prendergast, 47, of Gaithersburg, Md., pleaded guilty in October 2007 to violating the federal Travel Act by leaking confidential bidding information to a company in Maryland. [Charleston Gazette] Read More
Advocates claim success for Medicaid outreach
BALTIMORE -- Health care advocates said Monday that they had met their goal of adding 10,000 Baltimore residents to Medicaid rolls since the state expanded coverage and lowered eligibility requirements last year. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Substance abuse assessment provides clues, raises questions
More than 7,000 people across Maryland who struggle with substance abuse aren't receiving publicly funded treatment for it, according to the results of a recently completed county-by-county treatment needs assessment. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Winter heating worries ratepayer advocates
Nearly 19,000 Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. customers who are trying to pay off last winter's soaring energy bills have defaulted on their special payment plans. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Search for endangered Maryland darter unsuccessful
HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. -- Biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources stood knee deep in cold water Friday afternoon, pawing through the contents of a seine net, searching for a species of fish that many believe could be extinct. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Feds blast Deval Patrick on cuts to disabled
A top federal official rapped Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday for a belt-tightening move that could worsen a Social Security backlog, leaving tens of thousands of disabled citizens desperately waiting for benefits. [Boston Herald] Read More
N.O. education dollars from federal stimulus package in limbo
When federal financing formulas reduced New Orleans' share of education money in the federal stimulus package from a projected $25 million down to $673,000, Obama administration officials promised to fix the shortfall. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Just ONE thing in mind -- Taxes
In Boston, the livin' is never easy. And now Bay Staters face yet another challenge, according to the liberal group ONE Massachusetts: You're undertaxed. [Boston Herald] Read More
DA seeks to alter offender laws
Middlesex District Attorney Gerard T. Leone Jr. plans to urge lawmakers today to change the state law for civilly committing individuals as sexual dangerous persons, five days after a convicted sex offender freed from jail over prosecutors' objections allegedly attacked a woman at Massachusetts General Hospital. [The Boston Globe] Read More
Mass. home sales rise for 3rd straight month
Single-family home sales in Massachusetts increased for the third consecutive month in September, and the median price for homes sold dropped 1.4 percent to $285,000 from $289,000 from September 2008, the smallest drop in year-over-year monthly median home prices in about two years, the Warren Group said in a report on local residential real estate activity. [The Boston Globe] Read More
Robert DeLeo, Therese Murray cut legislative staff
House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo and Senate President Therese Murray are slashing legislative jobs and budgets in an effort to backfill a $600 million budget deficit. [Boston Herald] Read More
Summit stiffs candidates
Organizers of today's economic summit, billed by Gov. Deval Patrick as a non-partisan effort to map out recovery for Massachusetts, deliberately snubbed Treasurer Tim Cahill and two other gubernatorial candidates vying for Patrick's job. [Boston Herald] Read More
Senate debate misses 'moment'
The hotly anticipated Democratic debate among candidates vying for the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's historic seat turned out to be a clunker, with the four hopefuls spewing scripted spin that a moderator struggled to enliven. [Boston Herald] Read More
Budget anger is boiling over
Talk of taxes and reforms swirled Monday from Lansing to Oakland County, where Gov. Jennifer Granholm argued for money to replace what she and lawmakers cut from schools, and her chief rival called her plea futile. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
Michigan state senator proposes cutting pay and benefits for lawmakers every time they cut school funding
GRAND RAPIDS -- State lawmakers are "out of touch" and should see their benefits curtailed — and some eliminated — if they make cuts to school funding, under a proposed bill by a Democratic senator. [Grand Rapids Press] Read More
Lawmakers wait for next move
State lawmakers will gather back in the state's capital today to resume efforts to pass a state budget by 11:59 p.m. Saturday. [The Times Herald (Port Huron)] Read More
Extra funding expected after Detroit Public Schools' enrollment beats expectations
Qualifying enrollment at Detroit Public Schools has beaten the school system's estimates for this year by 35 students, meaning the school system is on track to receive about $250,000 more from the state than otherwise expected. [Crain's Detroit Business] Read More
Schools often don't budget wisely
When Gov. Jennifer Granholm cut $54 million in "hold harmless" education funds, some critics suggested she did so for political reasons. [The Detroit News] Read More
Poll -- Voters divided over next governor's party
Michigan voters are evenly divided about whether they want the state's next governor to be a Democrat or Republican, but negative perceptions about the performance of Gov. Jennifer Granholm appear to be depressing her party's prospects, according to a new poll from Rasmussen Reports. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
Editorial: Gov. Granholm's attack on Prop A misdirected
Gov. Jennifer Granholm told a Grand Rapids audience last week she wants to rejigger the state school aid funding formula because it no longer is working. [The Detroit News] Read More
Film credits give states more money, headaches
More than 40 states, as well as some cities, counties and several Canadian provinces, offer some type of film subsidy, but the payback is a source of intense debate. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Primary concern -- Fewer family doctors
It's one small piece of health care reform, but it's a big deal for medical schools and doctor's offices: forgiving the student loans of doctors who choose primary care. [Minneapolis Star Tribune] Read More
Hopes for H1N1 shots put on hold
Park Nicollet's flu hot line crashed as clinics struggled with demand that outstrips supply. [Minneapolis Star Tribune] Read More
The Granite City celebrates a rock-solid bridge
ST. CLOUD, Minn. -- The new Granite City Crossing Bridge over the Mississippi River in St. Cloud will open to traffic Thursday. [Minneapolis Star Tribune] Read More
Housing aid -- End of a lifeline
With two emergency housing aid programs slated to end this week, officials are worried that homelessness figures, especially among single adults, will rise. [Minneapolis Star Tribune] Read More
Gulf govs. push European defense bid
Politicians along the nation's Gulf Coast are teaming up with other southern lawmakers to promote a bid by European defense giant EADS to build a new aerial refueling tanker for the Air Force. [Politico] Read More
MDOT to widen I-10 in D'Iberville area
The Mississippi Department of Transportation will begin a $12.8 million Interstate 10 widening project Monday, which will expand the road to eight lanes between D'Iberville and the first Ocean Springs exit. [The Sun Herald (Biloxi)] Read More
Chevron reports molten sulfur leak from Pascagoula refinery
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Chevron Corp. on Monday said a pipeline leak at its Pascagoula refinery dumped molten sulfur into Bayou Casotte over the weekend. [Mobile Register] Read More
Three plead guilty to food stamp fraud
Mary Loyd of Hinds County and Sheretta Johnson and Jacqueline Smith, both of Washington County, have pleaded guilty to food stamp fraud and must pay combined restitution of more than $33,000, the state Department of Human Services announced today. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Rehab program setting youths straight
RIVERVIEW, Mo. — When the 15-year-old joined his friends in stealing a car this summer, he didn't have a clue what karma meant, or how his crime would affect the car's owner — or even his own mother. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Report -- Mo. public defender system in 'crisis'
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's criminal justice system continues to be threatened by a severely overtaxed public defenders system, according to a new study. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
Analysis -- Missouri finally produces Medicaid report
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — After claiming for more than a year that it could not do so, the Missouri Department of Social Services finally has obeyed a state law and published a list of employers whose workers get government-funded Medicaid health care coverage. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
State senator pleads not guilty to 3 felonies related to boat crash
KALISPELL, Mont. - State Sen. Greg Barkus pleaded not guilty this morning to three felony charges, all related to an Aug. 27 boating accident on Flathead Lake. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Mont shuts down wolf hunting for much of state
Wolf hunting will end after sunset on Monday across most of southern Montana after the region's quota for the predators was exceeded on the first day of the general hunting season. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Ex-governor praised at birthday bash
About 300 people gathered in Helena over the weekend to wish former Gov. Tim Babcock a happy 90th birthday. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Montana FWP asks hunters to help with research projects
As Montana's general big game hunting season kicks off, the state Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is asking hunters to help on some animal research projects. [Missoulian] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Web site wants input on state budget
A state senator from Omaha has created an online site to gives Nebraskans a voice on potential budget cuts. [Marietta Daily Journal] Read More
Special session -- Senators want to know where you'd cut
Not everyone wants to just cut state agency budgets, state senators learned at a Monday night town hall meeting to get ideas for the upcoming special Legislative session on the state budget. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
Nebraska corn harvest furthest behind since 1982
Nebraska's latest weekly crop report says fall harvest continues to lag because of chilly, wet weather. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
Lawmaker paid no sales tax on boat
A Nebraska lawmaker never paid sales taxes on his high-powered motorboat, and his actions appear to be perfectly legal. [Omaha World-Herald] Read More
Reid public option choice could move the debate to state lawmakers
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid's decision Monday that the Senate health care bill would allow states to opt out of the government health care plan ultimately could push the raging debate into state legislatures. [The Reno Gazette-Journal] Read More
More welfare going to parents here illegally
Jose Silva had just obtained an appointment in three weeks to see whether his family would be eligible for monthly welfare benefits. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
What's at stake in House hearing on OSHA
When the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee holds a hearing Thursday to examine the failings of Nevada's workplace-safety program, representatives will try to answer two overarching questions: Why did the state agency charged with keeping workers safe on the job fail so badly — and are those failures symptomatic of a national problem? [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
NV Energy says rates could tumble
NV Energy detailed strong earnings growth in the third quarter, but company officials discussing the results Monday focused less on the past and more on trends that could curb rates and boost efficiencies in the years to come. [Las Vegas Review-Journal] Read More
Governor's staff chief takes unusual step of fundraising
The governor's chief of staff, Robin Reedy, is hitting up his supporters for money to help finance his reelection bid. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
FairPoint enters bankruptcy court
FairPoint Communications will appear before a New York judge this afternoon to begin a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. The company filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday, about a year and a half after purchasing Verizon's landline network in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont with high hopes for expanding services and bringing new products to the region. [Concord Monitor] Read More
Advocate: FairPoint bankrupcty won't hurt NH users
CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire's consumer advocate says FairPoint Communications' bankruptcy should not affect customers' phone service. [Kennebec Journal] Read More
Swine flu spreading in region
The H1N1 flu never really left New Hampshire, but in recent weeks it has started to crop up again – "widespread" is the way state health officials categorize its presence as of early October – and schools are starting to feel it. Read More
Law stings laid-off workers, employers
The state will pay roughly three times as much in unemployment claims this year as it did in 2008. [The Union Leader (Manchester)] Read More
Nottingham secession move dropped
NOTTINGHAM, N.H. -- Selectman Chair Mary Bonser last week made a surprise motion to consider seceding from the state, complaining that the town had no other recourse after years of fighting a state permit allowing water bottler USA Springs to pull about 300,000 gallons a day from local wells. Last night, Bonser withdrew her motion. [The Union Leader (Manchester)] Read More
Poll -- Corzine by 9
A Suffolk University poll released today shows New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine with a 9-point advantage over Republican Chris Christie, his biggest lead of the campaign and a result that would have been unthinkable just a few months ago. [Politico] Read More
Corzine -- Using 'weight' in Christie ad was poor word choice
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Governor Corzine said Monday night that it may have been a "good idea" to use different wording in a campaign commercial that spawned accusations he was calling Chris Christie overweight. [The Record of Bergen County] Read More
Civil union law leaves much to be desired for both sides
In the national fight over legalizing gay marriage, New Jersey is a battleground state. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Codey's star dims as Senate president, but still shines brightly as campaigner
Even as members of his own party seek to oust him as Senate president, Richard Codey is in high demand these days as a Democratic Party star on the campaign trail. [The Record of Bergen County] Read More
State health officials propose tighter standards for lead poisoning
TRENTON, N.J. -- Children poisoned by lead would get health services earlier and their homes would be inspected sooner under state standards proposed Monday. [The Record of Bergen County] Read More
Flu fears overriding quest for perfection
When her 7-year-old daughter, Olivia, got sick the first full week of school, Jamie Amato of Roselle Park knew she'd have a disagreement on her hands. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Delaware River dredging will commence
Deepening the Delaware River to 45 feet could begin as early as January or February, even as officials from New Jersey and Delaware threatened lawsuits yesterday to block the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from proceeding without approval from state environmental regulators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
N.J. joins protest against dredging
New Jersey dove headlong into a fight over deepening the Delaware River's main channel Monday, with the state's governor, lawmakers and environmental groups all protesting an Army Corps of Engineers plan to start work without permits. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Candidates for N.J. governor mount final push
With one week to go until Election Day, Democratic Gov. Corzine is bringing back the national star power, Republican Christopher J. Christie is planning to get on the air, and independent Chris Daggett is firing up the tour bus. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Gov. Richardson freezes "pork projects"
Waiting until January to cut capital outlay projects isn't good enough, Governor Bill Richardson said today as he moved to cancel "pork projects." [New Mexico Independent] Read More
Governor seeks input on service cuts
Gov. Bill Richardson is warning of cuts in critical state services in the wake of a Legislature-approved package of budget cuts, but his office couldn't provide details Monday on where those cuts could come. [Santa Fe New Mexican] Read More
Is the guv getting ready for line-item vetoes?
Gov. Bill Richardson sounds a lot like a man who's getting ready to line-item veto certain provisions in a bill the Legislature approved last week that makes deep cuts to state government. [New Mexico Independent] Read More
Group wants Johnson on presidential ballot
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson had little to say Monday about a new "grassroots" Web site promoting a Johnson candidacy for president. But Johnson said he soon will be launching a new Web site of his own as a platform "to speak out on the issues of the day." [Santa Fe New Mexican] Read More
State's ink a deeper shade of red
Gov. David Paterson's call for the Legislature to return for a special budget-cutting session on Nov. 10 may be well-timed: It will likely come as the state enters what finance experts call a month-to-month "negative cash flow" situation for the first time in recent memory. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
N.Y. tops in population loss
New York suffered the largest loss of residents to other states in the nation from 2000 to 2008, with more than 1.5 million people leaving, a report Monday found. [Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)] Read More
Taking a crack at ACORN
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- A new lawsuit against the Working Families Party also hits another target -- the scandal-tarnished group ACORN, which shares office space with the party. [New York Post] Read More
Alternatives available for crossing Champlain
CROWN POINT, N.Y. -- The Vermont and New York governors have announced transportation alternatives and informational meetings in the wake of the abrupt closure of the Champlain Bridge on Oct. 16 that left thousands of commuters and travelers finding another way to cross Lake Champlain. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
FairPoint enters bankruptcy court
FairPoint Communications will appear before a New York judge this afternoon to begin a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. The company filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday, about a year and a half after purchasing Verizon's landline network in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont with high hopes for expanding services and bringing new products to the region. [Concord Monitor] Read More
New rule called obstacle to wind power
Gov. David Paterson has ambitious renewable energy goals for New York state -- most of which he is trying to meet by encouraging the construction of large wind turbines. But wind farm advocates say that a new regulation adopted less than two weeks ago by the state Public Service Commission may severely curtail future construction of large-scale commercial wind farms in upstate New York. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Buffalo's largest foreclosure auction is under way
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is jammed with aspiring property owners today as bidders participate in the largest foreclosure auction in city history. As of this morning, 3,478 properties remained on the selling block. But the number is shrinking by the hour, as people who owe back taxes and fees scramble to pay their debts. [The Buffalo News] Read More
Easley friend tells of favors, falsified bills
Gov. Mike Easley personally directed his campaign to pay for $11,000 in roof and bathroom repairs and other fix-ups at his personal residence in Raleigh, and he kept it secret from the public, according to testimony and records at a state elections board hearing Monday [The Charlotte Observer] Read More
Law allows for early release
State leaders say the secretary of correction overstepped his authority when he shortened the sentences of inmates convicted before 1981. But the secretary found that authority on page 378 of the 1981 North Carolina General Statutes. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
Right to sue Google defended
The N.C. Institute for Constitutional Law argued before a three-judge panel at the N.C. Court of Appeals on Monday afternoon that it would be wrong under state law to bar the three taxpayers it represents from the courthouse. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
Lost laptop has doctors' data
Social Security numbers for nearly every doctor in North Carolina were stolen this summer, but many just recently found out about the security breach. [The News & Observer (Raleigh)] Read More
N.D. confirms first H1N1 death
An older man from northwestern North Dakota is the state's first confirmed death due to the H1N1 influenza virus, state health officials announced Monday. [Grand Forks Herald] Read More
Young drivers at the highest risk on roads
In North Dakota ... people in their teens and 20s are far more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than people in older age groups. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Deadline nears for Branded Program
North Dakota food and agriculture companies have until Saturday to apply to a program that helps small Midwest suppliers promote their brand name products overseas. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Proposal could raise Ohio telephone rates
Consumers relying on telephone land lines could see their rates climb for basic service under proposed state legislation to ease industry regulation, a coalition of consumer groups charged yesterday. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Tough climate-change bill touted as good for state
The more a congressional climate-change bill cracks down on greenhouse-gas emissions, the better the long-term prospects for Ohio's economy, according to a report yesterday by renewable-energy business advocates. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Ohio bill would exempt guns from federal rules
DAYTON -- State lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow guns made and sold in Ohio to be exempt from federal firearms regulations. [The Cincinnati Enquirer] Read More
Ohio casino backers and foes debate at Xavier
NORTH AVONDALE -- Concerned citizens got a chance Monday night to ask last-minute questions about Issue 3, the issue before voters next week that would amend the state constitution to legalize construction of one casino in each of Ohio's four largest cities, including one at Cincinnati's Broadway Commons. [The Cincinnati Enquirer] Read More
Questions and answers on Issue 3, the amendment to allow casino gambling in Ohio
It is not as big of a draw as a presidential election, but voters will go to the polls one week from today with a critical question to answer: Should casinos be allowed in Ohio? [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
Abortions in Ohio drop to lowest level since '76
The number of abortions performed in Ohio last year dropped to the lowest level since 1976, when the state first started keeping statistics. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Issue 2 opponents slow to mount campaign
The battle over the treatment of farm livestock animals has so far been decidedly one-sided with opponents showing little sign of raising funds to counter TV ads promoting the ballot issue. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Lance Armstrong gets visit from Strickland
Gov. Ted Strickland stopped at cyclist Lance Armstrong's house in Texas last week in between fund-raising events in Austin on Thursday and Dallas on Friday. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Ohio Supreme Court asked to review ruling in alleged scam
Two companies that were hit with crushing fines for allegedly fleecing senior citizens in Ohio asked the Ohio Supreme Court yesterday to take another look at their case. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
Capito, Ohio congressman form Ohio River caucus
West Virginia Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and Ohio Democratic Rep. Steve Driehaus announced Monday that the two were forming the Ohio River Congressional Caucus. [Charleston Gazette] Read More
Sen. Patrick Anderson wants Oklahoma food program to get funding
A state senator continues to plead with the governor to use some of his discretionary funds he received as part of the federal stimulus dollars to keep Oklahoma's senior nutrition programs operating at present levels. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)] Read More
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists tout antibody as a lifesaver
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation scientists say a newly discovered antibody could halt major internal bleeding from traumatic injuries such as those suffered in vehicle crashes or on a battlefield. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)] Read More
Senate bill will include a 'public option' but questions remain about its reach
WASHINGTON -- A sleepy Monday on Capitol Hill was interrupted by serious breaking news today when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the health care bill the chamber will soon debate will include a public option. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Ore. gives most foster parents a raise
An overhaul of the way Oregon compensates foster parents means a big raise for most but deep cuts for some who care for children with extensive medical, mental health or behavioral problems. [Corvallis Gazette-Times] Read More
Ore. lottery chief: don't cut bars' commissions
The director of the Oregon Lottery says cutting gambling commissions would be "too risky" for the lottery and the bars and taverns that offer video gambling. [Corvallis Gazette-Times] Read More
PERS is a gift that keeps on giving
One number leapt off the page of Ted Sickinger's report in The Sunday Oregonian on the exploding cost of the Public Employees Retirement System: Higher pension costs facing state agencies over the next two years could equal 60 percent of the $733 million in new taxes that voters will consider in January. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Ted Kulongoski unveils 'green' goals for 2009
Saying he wants all Oregonians to "live cleaner, greener lives," Gov. Ted Kulongoski unveiled a sweeping energy agenda Monday designed to combat global warming with everything from zero-emission skyscrapers to tiny electric cars. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Supreme Court candidate hits rival over contributions
Superior Court Judge Joan Orie Melvin has launched a sharp attack on Judge Jack Panella, her Democratic opponent for a state Supreme Court seat next Tuesday, claiming it was unethical for him to take $1 million in campaign contributions from trial lawyers, whose cases he rules on regularly. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Region's jobless rate hits 23-year high
Unemployment in the Pittsburgh region reached 8.1 percent for September, the highest in 23 years. The unemployment rate in August was 7.9 percent. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Trial lawyers' donations become issue in state Supreme Court race
A candidate for an open seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said Monday her opponent may have been unduly influenced by donations from trial lawyers, although she has received lesser amounts from the same sources. [The Morning Call] Read More
Coal industry protections drafted into climate bill
WASHINGTON -- A group of coal state senators including Pennsylvania's Bob Casey Jr. and Arlen Specter have negotiated protections for the coal industry into a draft of climate change legislation. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Point State Park to lose 27 trees
The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources plans to cut down 27 mature trees this week in Point State Park as part of an ongoing project to revamp the park's river promenades. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Delaware River dredging will commence
Deepening the Delaware River to 45 feet could begin as early as January or February, even as officials from New Jersey and Delaware threatened lawsuits yesterday to block the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from proceeding without approval from state environmental regulators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Advocates push for bill to cap utility costs for the poor
Advocates push for law to limit maximum payments to a portion of income; other ratepayers would pick up the tab. [The Providence Journal] Read More
School superintendents told to abolish teacher seniority
Dropping a bombshell on the teachers' unions, state Education Commissioner Deborah A. Gist ordered school superintendents to abolish the practice of assigning teachers based on how many years they have in the school system. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Federal data predicts a steady heating bill for Rhode Islanders this winter
Federal data predicts it will cost Rhode Islanders who use oil heat $1,547 this winter, $1,222 for those who use natural gas and $1,088 for those who use electric heat. Those figures are based on a 2,000-square-foot house with a thermostat constantly set at 68 degrees. [The Providence Journal] Read More
Lawmaker wants special impeachment committee
State Rep. Thad Viers said Monday he will ask House Republican leaders to form a special committee if, as expected, impeachment charges are filed against Gov. Mark Sanford. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
Legislators hint at mystery deal; is it Boeing?
The General Assembly will reconvene for a two-day special session today to restore unemployment benefits lost by thousands of jobless South Carolinians. But the session also could yield a surprise by clearing the way for what lawmakers say could be a significant economic development project. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
Attorneys -- Gov. Sanford didn't waive right
Gov. Mark Sanford's attorneys said Monday the embattled governor could not approve the release of a State Ethics Commission investigative report even if he wanted to. Monday's filing was in response to a request by the S.C. Supreme Court asking whether Sanford had not already waived his right to confidentiality in that investigation. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
SCANA earnings rise on tax refund
SCANA Corp.'s said today its third quarter earnings rose 9.6 percent as the state's only Fortune 500 company benefited from a $15 million state tax refund. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
Stem cell research petition to circulate to push for a vote
Organized by the South Dakotans for Lifesaving Cures, the petition drive comes eight months after President Barack Obama overturned a 2001 order by then-President George W. Bush that barred the National Institutes of Health from funding embryonic stem cell research beyond the existing stem cell lines. South Dakota passed its ban in 2000. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Jobless rate shows stimulus folly
What shouldn't be unresolvable is the question of whether government spending or private sector growth is the engine of economic prosperity. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Poor unemployment insurance planning ads extra burden to Conn., South Dakota employers
Employers in Connecticut and South Dakota face hefty tax increases in the midst of a recession because their states' unemployment insurance trust funds ran dry last week. [ProPublica] Read More
Second Harvest gets stimulus funds to feed hungry in Middle Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture is distributing more than $572,000 in federal stimulus funding to help five Tennessee food charities. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is the state's top beneficiary, receiving more than $205,000. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Rep. Mike Bell to run for Senate seat vacated by Dewayne Bunch
Republican state Sen. Dewayne Bunch of Cleveland has told House colleagues who share his East Tennessee district that he won't seek re-election next year, Rep. Mike Bell said Monday. Bell, a Riceville Republican, announced he would run to replace Bunch in the upper chamber. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Republican Pat Marsh joins state House
Shelbyville businessman Pat Marsh has been sworn into the state House and assigned to the Commerce and Transportation committees. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
State suing to shut plants while fatal incidents probed
Texas' attorney general has filed suit to temporarily close two affiliated industrial waste facilities in south Houston and Port Arthur until dozens of operational changes are made. [The Houston Chronicle] Read More
Gov. Perry promotes Texas in the Big Apple
The governor spoke at the NASDAQ Closing Bell Ceremony, where he said that Texas is about more than boots, hats and barbecue. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
What the Willingham case is really about
The ex-wife of Cameron Todd Willingham now alleges that he confessed to murdering their three children in her last death row meeting with him, shortly before his 2004 execution. At last, the truth comes out in the high-profile case of a questionable arson-murder conviction. Right? [The Dallas Morning News] Read More
Rep. Terri Hodge to be tried in Dallas City Hall corruption case days after March primary
Rep. Terri Hodge's trial on public corruption charges has been scheduled to begin March 8, just days after the Democratic primary in which Hodge will attempt to retain her statehouse seat. [The Dallas Morning News] Read More
Former ambassador, state senator dies at home in Amarillo
Teel Bivins, a Panhandle cattleman, businessman and former state senator whose loyalty to George W. Bush led to his appointment as the U.S. ambassador to Sweden, died Monday at his Amarillo home, a family spokeswoman said. [The Austin American-Statesman] Read More
Utah lawmakers dislike Reid's public-option proposal
The only good thing about Sen. Harry Reid's proposed health-care reform compromise is that states can opt out from federal reforms, several Utah lawmakers and health-reform advocates said Monday. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
State health department unveils flu campaign
Utah's H1N1 outbreak may be just weeks away from peaking, marking the halfway point of this fall wave of influenza, health officials say. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Utah wants 'Flu Fighters'
Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap is one. So is Gov. Gary Herbert. And the Utah Department of Health wants you to be a "Flu Fighter," too. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Laura Bush wows Utah women
Former first lady Laura Bush wowed the 1,700 women who gathered in Salt Lake City Monday for the wrap-up of Sen. Orrin Hatch's 25th annual Women's Conference. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
School vaccinations under way for H1N1
SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. — Concerns over the H1N1 flu virus have exhausted some providers' supplies of seasonal flu vaccine, health officials said Monday. The Visiting Nurse Association's seasonal flu vaccination clinics have been discontinued because they've run out of vaccine. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
UVM opens clinic to deal with flu
Preparing for a deluge but hoping for the best, the University of Vermont has set up a temporary medical station for student flu victims. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
FairPoint enters bankruptcy court
FairPoint Communications will appear before a New York judge this afternoon to begin a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding. The company filed for bankruptcy protection yesterday, about a year and a half after purchasing Verizon's landline network in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont with high hopes for expanding services and bringing new products to the region. [Concord Monitor] Read More
Advocate: FairPoint bankrupcty won't hurt NH users
CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire's consumer advocate says FairPoint Communications' bankruptcy should not affect customers' phone service. [Kennebec Journal] Read More
Fund seeks to bring Vermont soldiers home for holidays
COLCHESTER, Vt. — Senate leader Peter Shumlin and Guard officials announced plans Monday to raise $315,000 to pay for a charter plane that will bring about 700 Vermont National Guard members home for leave over the Christmas holiday. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
Alternatives available for crossing Champlain
CROWN POINT, N.Y. -- The Vermont and New York governors have announced transportation alternatives and informational meetings in the wake of the abrupt closure of the Champlain Bridge on Oct. 16 that left thousands of commuters and travelers finding another way to cross Lake Champlain. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Franklin mill closure definite, company spokesman says
NORFOLK, Va. -- International Paper Co.'s decision is final: The paper mill outside Franklin will close in the spring, eliminating 1,100 jobs, a spokesman said Monday night. [The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk)] Read More
McDonnell leads Deeds in tally of contributions
Both campaigns have accelerated their spending in recent weeks as they saturate the airwaves with ads. McDonnell spent $6.7 million in the first three weeks of October while Deeds spent $4.9 million. [The Roanoke Times] Read More
Economist -- Area will lead Va. out of recession
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Fredericksburg area has weathered the recession better than most parts of the U.S., though the region has suffered worse than in previous downturns. [The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg)] Read More
Swine-flu vaccine is in short supply in Richmond metro area
Richmond metropolitan health facilities are largely, if temporarily, out of H1N1 flu vaccine. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
North Anna reactor shut due to water leak
NORTH ANNA, Va. -- One of North Anna Power Station's two nuclear reactors is shut down because of contaminated-water leaks discovered Friday afternoon. [The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg)] Read More
Cuts in state funds run localities off the road
SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. -- State road funding declines to "Why Bother?" status, says Spotsylvania supervisor [The Free Lance-Star (Fredericksburg)] Read More
McDonnell's edge over Deeds grows stronger
Republican Robert F. McDonnell carries a double-digit lead over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds in the final week of the campaign for Virginia governor, according to a new Washington Post poll. [The Washington Post] Read More
Fast-growing plant vitex banned as Va. officials hunt for its locations
NORFOLK, Va. -- Selling and transporting a tough plant from Asia that crowds out native species is now illegal in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and the Eastern Shore. [The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk)] Read More
$7B in recovery dollars flowing to WA state
So far, some $7 billion in federal recovery money has been flowing to Washington state. [Northwest Public Radio] Read More
Chance of more jail cuts worry police, officials
Earlier this month, due to diminished resources, the state Department of Corrections began sending some felons who violated probation home with an ankle bracelet instead of back to prison. [seattlepi.com] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Manchin tells employees 'fat tax' is off the table
A proposed "fat tax" on overweight public employees is off the table, Gov. Joe Manchin told representatives of public school employee groups Monday. [Charleston Gazette] Read More
Ex-asbestos official gets 1 year for helping rig bids
A former head of the West Virginia Capitol's asbestos abatement program was sentenced to a year in prison in federal court in Maryland last week. Paul Prendergast, 47, of Gaithersburg, Md., pleaded guilty in October 2007 to violating the federal Travel Act by leaking confidential bidding information to a company in Maryland. [Charleston Gazette] Read More
Steps outlined to curb abuse of state vehicles
The Manchin administration on Monday outlined steps it is taking to fix rampant misuse of state vehicles for commuting and other personal uses, in response to a legislative audit critical of the problem. [Charleston Gazette] Read More
Capito, Ohio congressman form Ohio River caucus
West Virginia Republican Rep. Shelley Moore Capito and Ohio Democratic Rep. Steve Driehaus announced Monday that the two were forming the Ohio River Congressional Caucus. [Charleston Gazette] Read More
Lawton's exit increases pressure on Barrett
Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton's surprise decision Monday not to run for governor leaves Democrats with no major announced candidate for the state's highest office and shines the spotlight even more brightly on the biggest of the unannounced candidates, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Wisconsin tax collections continue to lag
Wisconsin tax collections for the three-month period ending in September continue to lag last year's figures. [Janesville Gazette] Read More
Wis. nonprofit gets $3.3M grant for solar training
A Wisconsin nonprofit will train solar power instructors throughout the Midwest with a $3.3 million federal grant. [The Muscatine Journal] Read More
Stimulus shines on southern Wisconsin
Milwaukee will receive $650,000 and Madison will receive $370,000 from the federal stimulus package to advance their programs to develop solar energy. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Wyo. governor talks energy with Western lawmakers
JACKSON, Wyo. -- Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal on Monday warned western state lawmakers that despite easy platitudes about working together, competition among the states often blocks interstate cooperation. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Advocates push for free legal aid services
Without free legal aid services, "poor people don't get justice," says Jennifer Winters of Cheyenne. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
State investigates poaching at Casper cemetery
CASPER, Wyo. -- State wildlife managers are investigating the poaching of two deer at a Casper cemetery. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
States explore differences, similarities
TETON VILLAGE, Wyo. -- Although it's unlikely Western states can agree on a single approach to energy and environmental policy, state leaders hope the interdependence of energy producers and energy consumers within the region will yield some common goals. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
WyoLoan to suspend practices in March
The Cheyenne-based non-profit Wyoming Student Loan Association will suspend making new loans indefinitely starting in March as it eyes legislation that would put the government in charge of all federal student lending. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Western lawmakers focus on regional collaboration
JACKSON, Wyo. — Lawmakers from many western states agreed Monday that they should consider collaborating on developing technology to capture and store the carbon gas that's generated from burning fossil fuels. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
N.Y. tops in population loss
New York suffered the largest loss of residents to other states in the nation from 2000 to 2008, with more than 1.5 million people leaving, a report Monday found. [Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)] Read More
N.O. education dollars from federal stimulus package in limbo
When federal financing formulas reduced New Orleans' share of education money in the federal stimulus package from a projected $25 million down to $673,000, Obama administration officials promised to fix the shortfall. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Toxic Chinese drywall creates a housing disaster
Along the Gulf Coast and across the country, it's being called a "silent hurricane." Between 2004 and 2007, an estimated 100,000 homes in more than 20 states were built with toxic drywall imported from China. [National Public Radio (Audio)] Read More
State's ink a deeper shade of red
Gov. David Paterson's call for the Legislature to return for a special budget-cutting session on Nov. 10 may be well-timed: It will likely come as the state enters what finance experts call a month-to-month "negative cash flow" situation for the first time in recent memory. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
H1N1 flu 'pushing hospitals to their limit'
BALTIMORE — To Mitchell Goldstein, the flood of sick children seemed endless. Day after day, nearly three times as many kids as usual streamed into the rainbow-colored pediatric emergency room at Johns Hopkins Hospital, sniffling and feverish, worried parents hovering. [USA Today] Read More
Probe of Homeland Security privacy office sought
Privacy advocates have asked lawmakers to investigate the Department of Homeland Security office in charge of protecting Americans' privacy, saying it has shown "an extraordinary disregard" for its duty. [The Washington Post] Read More
The challenge in counting stimulus returns
As the government implements the $787 billion stimulus program, the effect of the spending and tax cuts are proving difficult to measure. [The Wall Street Journal] Read More
Senate bill has public option
WASHINGTON -- The Senate will consider in its health-care legislation whether the government should run and fund a plan to compete with private insurance, but states could choose not to participate in the public option. [The Philadelphia Inquirer] Read More
Why such a shortage of swine flu vaccine?
Administration officials sought Monday to explain why so much less H1N1 flu vaccine is available than had been promised, blaming the manufacturers and the vagaries of science for nationwide shortages. [The Washington Post] Read More
Obama to detail stimulus spending on 'smart grid'
WASHINGTON -- President Obama and administration officials today will announce $3.4 billion in spending projects to modernize the nation's electric power system. [Los Angeles Times] Read More
Feds blast Deval Patrick on cuts to disabled
A top federal official rapped Gov. Deval Patrick yesterday for a belt-tightening move that could worsen a Social Security backlog, leaving tens of thousands of disabled citizens desperately waiting for benefits. [Boston Herald] Read More
Public option push in Senate comes with escape hatch
WASHINGTON — The Senate majority leader, Harry Reid, sided with his party's liberals on Monday and announced that he would include a government-run insurance plan in health care legislation that he plans to take to the Senate floor within a few weeks. [The New York Times] Read More
Colleges are pushed to convert loan system
Congress has not given final approval to legislation ending federal subsidies for private student loans for college. But Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sent a letter Monday to thousands of colleges and universities urging them to get ready to use the government's Direct Loan Program in the 2010-11 school year. [The New York Times] Read More
In battle over gay marriage, timing may be key
WASHINGTON -- In a San Francisco courtroom two weeks ago, a prominent lawyer opposed to same-sex marriage made a concession that could mark a turning point in the legal wars over the purpose and meaning of marriage. [The New York Times] Read More
Senate debate misses 'moment'
The hotly anticipated Democratic debate among candidates vying for the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's historic seat turned out to be a clunker, with the four hopefuls spewing scripted spin that a moderator struggled to enliven. [Boston Herald] Read More
Taking a crack at ACORN
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- A new lawsuit against the Working Families Party also hits another target -- the scandal-tarnished group ACORN, which shares office space with the party. [New York Post] Read More
Taking a crack at ACORN
BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- A new lawsuit against the Working Families Party also hits another target -- the scandal-tarnished group ACORN, which shares office space with the party. [New York Post] Read More
Gulf govs. push European defense bid
Politicians along the nation's Gulf Coast are teaming up with other southern lawmakers to promote a bid by European defense giant EADS to build a new aerial refueling tanker for the Air Force. [Politico] Read More
Poor unemployment insurance planning ads extra burden to Conn., South Dakota employers
Employers in Connecticut and South Dakota face hefty tax increases in the midst of a recession because their states' unemployment insurance trust funds ran dry last week. [ProPublica] Read More |
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