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Archive of Social Policy on Wednesday October 28, 2009
CA: Push to legalize marijuana gains ground in California
SAN FRANCISCO — These are heady times for advocates of legalized marijuana in California — and only in small part because of the newly relaxed approach of the federal government toward medical marijuana. Read More
AK: Stranded rural Alaskans can get tickets home
Some villagers and other rural Alaskans stranded in Anchorage for lack of a plane ticket can get home through a new partnership of Cook Inlet Tribal Council and Lutheran Social Services. Read More
AL: Governor roasts officials over 'pork' transfers
Gov. Bob Riley asked four-year college and university presidents Tuesday to notify him if legislators or other elected officials attempt to hide spending in their districts by transferring money through their schools. Read More
AL: Riley asks Silver-Haired Legislature to help younger generations
Alabama's top senior citizen, Gov. Bob Riley, issued a challenge to the members of the Alabama Silver-Haired Legislature: build something that allows your kids and grandkids to have the same opportunities you had. Read More
AL: Vaccines target high-risk groups
County health departments across the state will begin administering the H1N1 vaccine to targeted high-risk groups today. The Alabama Department of Public Health now has 55,000 doses available statewide. Read More
AL: Law license return not automatic for ex-judge
MOBILE, Ala. -- A former judge won't automatically get his law license back now that he has been cleared of criminal charges accusing him of paddling and sexually abusing young inmates. Read More
AR: Poll shows lottery backlash
Fewer than half of Arkansans have a favorable opinion of the state's new lottery, and more than half say they are unlikely to buy a lottery ticket in the next 12 months. Read More
AR: State's share of flu vaccine short
Arkansas health officials already struggling with a slow trickle of swine-flu vaccine coming into the state said Tuesday that there will also be shortages of seasonal-influenza vaccine when mass vaccination clinics start around the state Thursday. Read More
AZ: State Supreme Court upholds corporations' diverting income taxes for private schools
The state's high court on Tuesday upheld a 3-year-old law that lets corporations divert some of their state income taxes to help students attend private and parochial schools. Read More
AZ: 300 protest child-care fee hike
Hundreds of people appealed to Gov. Jan Brewer on Tuesday in an effort to prevent steep increases to child-care licensing fees that could raise the cost of care. Read More
AZ: Education forum debates merits of all-day kindergarten
State Sen. John Huppenthal told a room of Valley citizens that the state needs to take a second look at the value of all-day kindergarten . Read More
AZ: ADOT: 15% cut would decimate services, staff
The Arizona Department of Transportation has told the Governor's Office that it would have to close all highway rest stops, shutter most MVD offices and suspend all highway maintenance except for emergency repairs, if the state closes its budget gap through spending cuts alone. Read More
AZ: State's trial balloon about as believable as Colorado balloon boy
I know that the state of Arizona is in a bad way, that the Republican governor wants to raise taxes and the Republican Legislature doesn't and that the $1.5 billion hole in the state budget is only going to get deeper and deeper the longer our leaders do, well, nothing. Read More
AZ: Adjusted state unemployment rate hits 17.2%
New federal figures show Arizona's real unemployment situation is already in double digits - 17.2 percent - when also accounting for people who are "underemployed" because they can't find full-time work and discouraged Arizonans who have given up their job search. Read More
AZ: Plan on midyear cuts, school districts told
Education proponents painted a grim picture Monday evening for school board members trying to grapple with the state of their district budgets. Read More
CA: Senior Legislature convenes at Capitol
The four-day session examines issues of the aging and helps to shape potential legislation helping older citizens. Read More
CA: Planned background checks for in-home healthcare workers are criticized
A storm of protest has erupted over the Schwarzenegger administration's push to require prospective home health aides for the elderly and disabled to begin undergoing criminal background and fingerprint checks next week. Read More
CO: Gov. Ritter adds four state furlough days in 2010
State employees, many of whom are set to take four furlough days this year, will see four more unpaid days in the first six months of 2010, Gov. Bill Ritter said Tuesday. Read More
CO: Stimulus money a "lifeline" for Colorado
The stimulus money flowing through state agencies has saved or created almost 4,500 jobs in Colorado so far, most of them in colleges and prisons. Read More
CO: Colorado in crosshairs of nuke boom if climate bill sparks uranium revival
Colorado, historically a major uranium-producing state, will be ground zero of the nation's nuclear revival if that form of power enjoys the renaissance proponents say is necessary for climate change legislation to win approval in the U.S. Senate. Read More
CO: Personhood initiative lining up friends and foes
A version of the anti-abortion initiative soundly defeated by Colorado voters in 2008 is making its way to the 2010 ballot, this time reworked as an "egg-as-a-person" initiative. Read More
CT: Moody's releases 'negative outlook' for state's bonding prospects
Wall Street released a "negative outlook" for Connecticut's bonding prospects Tuesday, unleashing worries that state taxpayers may have to pay millions more to finance future borrowing by the state government. Read More
CT: Dodd -- Public option opt-out 'reasonable'
U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., Tuesday called the latest proposal to allow states to opt out of a public option feature of health care reform "very reasonable." Read More
CT: E-mails cast doubt on Rell in flap over budget poll
University of Connecticut professor Kenneth Dautrich conducted a $6,000 poll this spring on the orders of Gov. M. Jodi Rell's chief of staff aimed at weighing voters' attitudes toward tax increases, borrowing and service cuts as Rell struggled to gain an upper hand over legislative Democrats in a brewing standoff over the state budget. Read More
CT: Documents indicate Rell used polling extensively
Gov. M. Jodi Rell's administration has used polling to guide its decisions far more extensively - and far more recently - than the governor has publicly acknowledged, newly obtained correspondence between a pollster and Rell's chief of staff shows. Read More
CT: UConn trying new approach to resolve cash-strapped health center
With a fresh set of players and too little support in the legislature for a new hospital, the University of Connecticut is looking for a collaborative solution to resolve the long-running problem of its cash-strapped health center in Farmington. Read More
DE: Markell fills coffers with political capital
For Gov. Jack Markell, news that the Boxwood auto assembly line would roll again is more than a boon to the economy, it has the makings of a political victory of major proportions. Read More
FL: `Smart' power gets a jolt with U.S. funds
ARCADIA, Fla. -- The Obama administration has awarded Florida Power & Light a $200 million grant to put smart meters in customers' homes and improve the reliability of the grid. Read More
FL: Study raises new red flag on coastal development
MIAMI -- Despite growing concerns about rising sea levels, Atlantic states, led by Florida, continue to steer development toward the coast, a new study finds. Read More
FL: NASA tries 2nd time to launch new rocket on 2-minute test flight, more weather delays
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Bad weather was interfering with NASA's attempt to launch a new, experimental rocket for the second day in a row early Wednesday. Read More
FL: AG, team to study fatalities in domestic violence cases
The death of Antoinette Ross is a prime example of the kind of case that will be examined over the next year by a statewide domestic violence review team, according to a state victim advocate. Read More
FL: Fla. offshore drilling being debated on Internet
Computer users will be able to participate in an interactive debate over opening Florida waters to offshore drilling for oil and natural gas. Read More
FL: Utility regulators delay vote on rate increase
Handing Gov. Charlie Crist a win, state utility regulators voted Tuesday to delay a decision on large rate increases sought by Progress Energy and Florida Power & Light. Read More
FL: Cuba travel clears one hurdle
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- The Broward County Commission took the first steps to becoming a gateway to Cuba. Read More
GA: $200 million in stimulus funds flows to Georgia to update power grid
WASHINGTON -- More than $200 million in federal stimulus money is expected to flow into projects in Georgia as part of the Obama Administration's plans to upgrade the nation's aging electric grid. Read More
HI: Isle officials warn of surge in swine flu cases soon
Hawaii has been lucky to avoid the upsurge of influenza that has plagued the mainland, but that could end soon, state health officials say. Read More
IA: Decision day arrives for Culver on budget cuts
Gov. Chet Culver will release at 3 p.m. today his plan for slicing $565 million from the budgets of 39 state departments and agencies. Read More
IA: Iowa law hampers film tax recovery
Iowa's attorney general wants to recoup some of the $32 million in film tax credits awarded by the state, but the odds of that may be slim, a tax-credit specialist said Tuesday. Read More
IA: Fiery GOP lawmaker Rants rises above adversity
PELLA -- Initial response to an event here last month represents one of Christopher Rants' biggest hurdles in his attempt to win the Republican nomination for governor: name recognition. Read More
IA: State officials ask to reopen UNI faculty union's contract
Unionized faculty members at the University of Northern Iowa say state officials have asked them to reopen their contract for the first time in seven years, as talks of budget cuts intensify at the three state-run universities. Read More
IA: Retooled subsidy program focuses on conservation
MINBURN -- Rick Hartmann's organic vegetable farm did not produce a single bushel of corn or soybeans, which account for the bulk of the federal crop subsidies paid to farmers in Iowa and across the Midwest. Read More
ID: Idaho students share in $112M debt settlement
BOISE, Idaho — Three dozen former Idaho students from a bankrupt helicopter training school will share in a $112 million debt-relief settlement with lender Student Loan Xpress. Read More
IL: Compromised care -- Illinois has cited half of best nursing homes
Half of Illinois' best nursing homes -- those rated four or five stars by the federal government -- have been cited at least once since 2001 for misusing psychotropic drugs, and some violations involved injuries and deaths, the Tribune has found. Read More
IL: What the taxpayers' poll really says
Don't raise taxes and cut the state's budget dramatically in areas we can't identify. Read More
IL: State Capitol Q&A -- Now or never for 2009
It's now or never for issues facing state lawmakers, at least as far as 2009 is concerned. Read More
IL: McKenna/Murphy GOP ticket campaigns in Springfield
Andy McKenna, who led the state Republican Party for four years until stepping down this summer, came to Knight's Action Park in Springfield Tuesday to formally enter the race for the GOP nomination for governor. Read More
IL: Former Illinois GOP chairman says he is running for governor, opposes tax increase to pay down debts
Wealthy businessman and former Illinois Republican Chairman Andy McKenna formally launched his bid for governor Tuesday, billing his low-key style as "the quiet cure" for a state wallowing in corruption. Read More
IL: Quinn wants to borrow $900 million to pay for college scholarships, health care
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to take out a $900 million short-term loan to help free up money for college scholarships and get Illinois' rickety finances through traditionally lean months. Read More
IL: State crime rate continues two-decade decline
Crime in Illinois continued a steady two-decade decline last year, reported the Illinois State Police in its annual crime-rate index released today. Read More
IN: Surprised by rising values
Expect property taxes to be back in the headlines now that November bills are due. Read More
IN: House speaker pushes state lobbying reform
Legislative ethics reform won some important but unexpected backers Tuesday: leaders of the Indiana House and Senate. Read More
IN: Delay sought in Indiana business tax increase
State Republican leaders on Tuesday proposed a one-year delay in tax increases on businesses aimed at putting Indiana's unemployment insurance fund back in the black. Read More
IN: State official lauds after-school effort
SOUTH BEND — A state education official praised an after-school program for low-income students during a visit to South Bend on Tuesday. Read More
KS: Group seeks state amendment on health care
In a pre-emptive strike on national health care, conservative state lawmakers and representatives of the "tea party" movement on Tuesday proposed changing the state Constitution to exempt Kansas from federal health insurance mandates. (Also see: CA: Schwarzenegger airs Medicaid cost concerns, but still backs action ) Read More
KS: State Republican lawmakers propose 'Healthcare Freedom Amendment'
Several Republican state lawmakers toured Kansas on Tuesday pushing for a proposed state constitutional amendment that would prohibit requiring Kansans to buy health insurance under a government plan. Read More
KS: Press group seeks review of an open meetings opinion
The Kansas Press Association on Tuesday asked Johnson County District Attorney Steve Howe to review an opinion he issued this summer on a potential violation of the state's open meetings law. Read More
KS: Kansas lawmaker posts 'RedNeck Rap' sequel online
A Kansas legislator has posted a YouTube sequel to his "RedNeck Rap" video criticizing President Barack Obama. Read More
KY: Independent colleges oppose new state fees
Representatives from independent colleges in Kentucky spoke out Tuesday against proposed regulations that would require the schools to pay licensing fees and undergo more rigorous program reviews. Read More
KY: UK Trustees back dorm name change -- Wildcat Coal Lodge
LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to change the name of the men's basketball dorm to the Wildcat Coal Lodge — part of a deal with 21 private donors who will spend $7 million to replace the aging residence hall with a new facility. Read More
KY: Trans fat ban draws fans for issue's first public forum
About 50 people attended the first of two public forums on the dangers of eating chemically altered mono and polyunsaturated fats, known as trans fats, used in deep-frying and baking to give food longer shelf or fry lives. Read More
KY: H1N1 threat leads to many precautions
Kentuckians' daily routines are changing with the spread of the H1N1 flu virus. Read More
LA: Commission backs graduation rates
LSU must increase its graduation rate to 75 percent by 2018 and all other public universities in the state must hit at least a 50 percent plateau, according to a recommendation approved Tuesday by a statewide college review commission. Read More
LA: Panel offers cost cuts
A state commission decided Tuesday that cutting costs in state government should include privatizing more services and getting rid of vehicles. Read More
LA: Louisiana blasts FDA plan to limit oyster production
In an effort to reduce cases of a rare, but potentially fatal, bacterial illness contracted from raw oysters, the FDA announced new rules this month that will require any oyster served from April through October to undergo a sterilization process before it can be sold in restaurants or on the market. Read More
MA: Mentally ill rally against service cuts
Disabled Bay State residents may now face even more cuts to the services they urgently need, advocates said. Read More
MA: College leaders warn against aid cuts
Leaders of Maine's public higher education institutions are warning that the proposed cuts in state aid as the result of lower state revenues will result in layoffs and fewer students over the next two years. Read More
MA: Therese Murray seeks to combine economic agencies
Senate President Therese Murray wants to slash and consolidate nearly 31 economic-development agencies she says are wasting money and often performing redundant work. Read More
MA: Deval Patrick looks at making micro-loans to boost small cos.
The state may create a "growth capital fund" that would make micro-loans to small businesses desperate for cash during the downturn, Gov. Deval Patrick announced yesterday after his economic summit in downtown Boston. Read More
MA: Experts say govt. officials must limit cyber-slacking
While many private-sector businesses block Facebook and other online time-wasters, experts say government officials also need to crack down on public employees bumming around on social networking sites. Read More
MD: Coastal communities need to do more to protect shorelines from climate change, study says
BALTIMORE, Md. -- Atlantic coastal communities have been slow to prepare themselves for rising sea level from climate change, though Maryland has been in the forefront of states in grappling with the issue, a new report says. Read More
MD: Montgomery schools back higher legal dropout age
Members of the Montgomery County Board of Education voted Monday night to push for an increase in the compulsory age of attendance in Maryland schools. Board members said such a change in state law would reduce the number of students who don't graduate from high school. Read More
MD: Stimulus grant to cut cost of BGE 'smart meters'
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. officials said a $200 million federal subsidy awarded to the company Tuesday would lower the cost to customers of an ambitious project to provide every household with an advanced "smart meter" that will enable them to better control energy use. Read More
MD: Lawmakers want to change oversight panel
Several Maryland senators said Tuesday that they believe the public defender oversight board overstepped its authority by firing the agency's director in August and promised legislation next year to change the board's makeup. Read More
MD: Entire delegation pledges to give back some pay
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Md. — State lawmakers representing Washington County are taking different approaches to a legislative furlough program. Most are returning pay in the same way state employees are being forced to lose part of their salaries. Read More
MD: College costs, aid availability climb rapidly
University's costs remain more than $2,000 above nation-wide average. Read More
MD: Developmental disabilities community decries budget cuts to state services
Advocates for people with developmental disabilities are mobilizing to try to preserve their services in the midst of Maryland's budget crisis. Read More
ME: Further school cuts carry federal risk
If the state cuts too deeply, it could jeopardize federal money for such programs as special education and school lunches. Read More
ME: Offshore wind list narrowed to four sites
Having considered seven sites along Maine's coast for offshore wind demonstration projects, state officials on Tuesday narrowed the list to four possible locations where researchers might explore the potential for wind power facilities. Read More
ME: Focus of gay-marriage fight is Maine
Less than a week before Maine voters decide whether to repeal the state's new same-sex marriage law, donations and volunteers are pouring in to sway what both sides call a nationally significant fight. Read More
ME: Schools cut spending as state aid loss looms
PORTLAND, Maine -- Southern Maine districts freeze spending, eliminate positions and prepare for painful layoffs. Read More
ME: Maine police chiefs oppose marijuana dispensaries
The Maine Chiefs of Police Association has come out against a referendum that would legalize dispensaries for distributing marijuana to people who have a prescription. Read More
ME: Tabor backers slam Dunlap
Maine Republicans said Tuesday they are confused and frustrated that Secretary of State Matt Dunlap has missed a deadline to certify signatures calling for a people's veto in June. Read More
ME: Yes on 1 campaign rallies supporters in Brewer
BREWER, Maine — With just a week to go before Election Day, supporters of the effort to reverse Maine's same-sex marriage law gathered Tuesday to discuss what they could do to help ensure the law's repeal. Read More
MI: Michigan panel OKs tax credits for job-creation, redevelopment projects in Detroit, Lansing, Saginaw, West Michigan
Seven companies plan to expand operations and three brownfield redevelopment projects plan to move forward after the Michigan Economic Growth Authority board OK'd another round of monthly state tax incentive packages. Read More
MI: Michigan Reps. Mayes and Moore introduce bill to help local governments with debt
State Reps. Jeff Mayes, D-Bay City, and Tim Moore, R-Farwell, have proposed a bipartisan plan they say would give municipalities more flexibility in restructuring debt. Read More
MI: State Board of Education passes Resolution to spark school districts to consolidate, revamp
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan says our education system needs to look at the new three R's. Read More
MI: Granholm, Bishop battle over tax hike
Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop continued to trade barbs today over whether to raise revenues to save state programs from the budget ax. Read More
MI: MSU's research station faces ax
Gov. Jennifer Granholm might begin issuing her final line-item budget vetoes as soon as today, possibly eliminating state funding for the agricultural extension service run through Michigan State University. Read More
MI: $187M in state tax credits OK'd
A state panel handed out $187 million in long-term tax credits Tuesday to woo seven companies to expand or locate in Michigan. Read More
MN: Great Lakes shippers decry plan to curb air pollution
Oberstar is working hard for exemptions, saying hundreds of jobs are at risk. Read More
MN: Pawlenty pitches transportation projects
Corporations will help pay for highway interchange projects in what state leaders tout as a model for future road projects. Read More
MO: Missouri governor's budget ax will drop at 11 a.m.
Gov. Jay Nixon will reveal his latest round of budget cuts tomorrow. Read More
MO: E-mailed criticism upsetting
An anonymous e-mail from a Central Missouri Humane Society staff member today offered a scathing assessment of the agency's board and one board member in particular over proposed changes to the local animal shelter's adoption policy. Read More
MO: Deeper state cuts loom
The number crunchers who follow state revenue trends sound like doomsayers. Read More
MS: Ex-Miss. USDA director pleads guilty
Nick Walters, the former Mississippi director of USDA Rural Development, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a misdemeanor charge for work he performed for Natchez Regional Medical Center after he left the government agency. Read More
MS: Miss. joins in fight against heart disease
Mississippi will become the 15th state to join an initiative that aims to decrease the risk of heart disease, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant said. Read More
MS: Vet posts dwindling
Across the state, membership in VFW and American Legion posts is growing older as the organizations are unable to attract veterans from the Persian Gulf War and current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Read More
MT: Investigator finds no prison discrimination
A state human rights investigator has thrown out a complaint alleging that Montana's only private prison discriminated against American Indians who want to practice native religious ceremonies. Read More
MT: State holds influenza summit on Internet
State, local and tribal health officials in 71 locations across Montana participated in an influenza summit Tuesday via the Internet and heard Gov. Brian Schweitzer and top state health officials discuss the state's planning and response to the virus. Read More
MT: In-state software offered for less
HELENA - If it gets final approval, a company that intends to send some Montana state government work to foreign workers overseas will cost taxpayers almost $6 million more than would have a company that proposed to do the same work entirely with Montana employees. Read More
NC: BCBS mails ill-timed plea
Maybe it was just lousy timing, but many customers of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina are ticked off at the mail they've received recently from the state's largest insurer. Read More
NC: Paroled killer pleads guilty to kidnapping
Jerry Douglas Case, a former death row inmate paroled in 2007 from a life sentence for murder, will probably spend the rest of his life in prison for kidnapping a Gastonia family in July. Read More
NC: Teens dined with molester
The N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences is severing ties with a local ecotourism company after children dined with a convicted child molester during a museum-sponsored trip to Florida in April. Read More
ND: Sen. Conrad takes cautious approach to public option health care plan
Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., architect of the cooperatives alternative to the controversial public option plan to reform the nation's health insurance system, said Tuesday that he will "reserve judgment" on the apparent revival of a government-run insurance provision in the Senate. Read More
ND: Legislator wants changes in N.D. pay system
The chairman of a legislative interim committee wants to change the way North Dakota employees get raises. Read More
NE: Terry offers health bill
Rep. Lee Terry, R-Neb., introduced his version of health care legislation on Tuesday. Read More
NH: GOP puts focus on spending cuts
Cutting state spending will not be quick or easy, two budget experts said yesterday. Read More
NH: Summit aims at spending
Keep the governor's hiring and purchasing freeze in place. Cut the little things. Read More
NH: Layoffs to affect poorest residents
Some patients with brain disorders will have to find care outside New Hampshire. Read More
NJ: Candidates zero in on Bergen County
The campaigns for Governor Corzine, Republican Chris Christie and independent Chris Daggett are all focusing on Bergen County — and its more than 500,000 voters — to try to swing a vote that is tied in most polls. Read More
NJ: Christie getting on bus for end of Gov's race
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie is hitting the road. Read More
NJ: N.J. tourism officials open another N.Y.C. storefront
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- New Jersey tourism officials have opened another storefront in Manhattan in hopes of luring city dwellers and their money to visit the Garden State, according to a report in The New York Times. Read More
NM: Meetings aim to soften the budget blow
Educators and state employees. People representing youth shelters, behavioral health organizations and literacy programs. Law-enforcement officers dealing with border crime. Emergency 911 operators. Read More
NV: ACORN, former official plead not guilty in Nevada
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Lawyers for the political advocacy group ACORN and a former voter registration supervisor pleaded not guilty Tuesday to illegally paying canvassers to register Nevada voters during last year's presidential campaign. Read More
NV: One-time state pilot fired a second time after new ruling
A former state pilot who raised disturbing allegations about the safety of the state plane's operation was fired by the Nevada Department of Transportation last week, after a district court judge ruled the agency was within its rights to terminate him. Read More
NV: 'Desperate' Nevadans flooding help line
She can feel what the callers on the other end of the line are feeling. Recently it's been tearing, gripping, throat-tightening. Read More
NY: Is $5,000 stipend boost a back-door pay hike?
As the Legislature and governor tackle New York's $3 billion budget deficit, the state's third branch of government has doubled judges' stipends, which will cost an additional $6 million per year. Read More
NY: Area household incomes falling short
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Income declines in the Rochester area are outpacing national and statewide trends, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data. Read More
NY: An unwanted visitor with sneezes in tow
The H1N1 virus is here, but so far the effects of its presence are slight Read More
NY: Putting brakes on new plates
Capital Region county clerks join petition drive urging an end to higher fees, replacement tags. Read More
OH: Idea of state consolidation study praised
As the largest state employee union blasted his plan to consolidate state government from 24 agencies to 11, Sen. Timothy J. Grendell even drew praise from some Democrats for saying yesterday that he is willing to move forward with a study commission instead. Read More
OH: Debate on casinos
A debate over the fate of casino gambling in Ohio attracted about 100 people to a forum on Issue 3 at Kent State University's Student Center Monday evening. Read More
OH: Atmosphere in AG's anti-crime unit better, union says
The Ohio attorney general's anti-crime unit, which was a hotbed of employee complaints in Marc Dann's scandal-shortened term as the state's top lawman, was at the receiving end of another employee grievance this summer. Read More
OH: New state Medicaid director familiar with the role
Tracy J. Plouck knows a thing or two about her new job as state Medicaid director. Read More
OH: Issue 2 foes speaking up
Opponents of state Issue 2 painted the constitutional debate yesterday as a battle of big guys and little guys: factory megafarms versus small family farms and consumers. Read More
OH: Ohio is unlikely to opt out of new government-run health insurance plan, Gov. Ted Strickland and Sen. Sherrod Brown say
WASHINGTON -- Gov. Ted Strickland says he'd rather let Ohioans participate in the government-run health insurance program being planned by congressional Democrats, despite the option to let the state say no. Read More
OH: A bundle of ill effects from Ohio's change in Medicare reimbursement is hurting specialty nursing home patients
Just as the Ohio General Assembly is about to give the state budget its blessing and send it to the governor for signature, someone tosses in a seemingly minor change that turns out to be major for someone. Read More
OH: Unions object to Ohio government overhaul plan as sponsor heads a new direction
Union officials were critical of a state government restructuring plan discussed in a Senate committee Tuesday morning, but the Republican state senator pushing the radical streamlining of government said he is open to a different approach. Read More
OH: Issue 3 backers -- Ohioans will fill 90% of jobs created by casinos
The backers of proposed casinos in Toledo and three other cities pledged yesterday that 90 percent of all hires at their sites would be from the host cities and their surrounding communities. Read More
OK: Oklahoma's private detention contracts to be cut
With the state Corrections Department's funding cut 5 percent for the remainder of this fiscal year, contracts with private prisons will be cut by the same rate, a legislative leader said Tuesday. Read More
OK: Rally planned to protest $7.4M senior nutrition cuts in Oklahoma
Older Oklahomans plan to rally next week at the state Capitol to get money restored to Oklahoma's senior nutrition programs. Read More
OR: Tax-credit plan would reward job creation
With unemployment rising, Senate President Peter Courtney is making a late-in-the-session attempt to put Oregonians to work by paying small businesses to hire them. Read More
OR: Most unfilled jobs are health-related
Oregon's unemployment rate may be sitting at11.5 percent, but there are plenty of unfilled jobs. Read More
OR: As sales tank, lottery and bars in Oregon locked in mutual dependence
The lottery's proposal to protect the cut of gambling profits paid to bars and taverns confirms a long-held suspicion about video gambling in Oregon: Many business need the lottery to prop them up, and state officials say they have no choice but to do so. Read More
OR: Oregon among 13 states increasing preschool spending
Oregon won kudos from Pre-K Now, an early education campaign of the Pew Center on the States, for increasing its investments in preschool education despite the tough economy. Read More
OR: Thousands of Oregon students miss aid deadline
EUGENE -- The state's primary need-based financial aid program stopped awarding grants two months ago, but that hasn't deterred students from continuing to apply for one. Read More
PA: Auditor General Jack Wagner pushes for competition for state contracts
State Auditor General Jack Wagner said he is growing frustrated with Gov. Ed Rendell's administration's failure to accept auditors' recommendations to instill more competition, transparency and accountability in the state's buying and selling procedures. Read More
PA: Wagner -- State contracting process wastes taxpayer money
A lack of competition in bidding for many state contracts is wasting taxpayer money, said Auditor General Jack Wagner, who called on the governor and Legislature to change that. Read More
PA: Undecideds abound in top court, Senate, gubernatorial races
Superior Court Judges Joan Orie Melvin and Jack Panella are locked in a dead-heat in the race for state Supreme Court, based on a statewide poll released Tuesday that shows the lowest voter confidence in Pennsylvania's direction in 14 years. Read More
PA: Health district schedules free swine-flu clinics
South Central Public Health District announced Tuesday that it will provide swine flu vaccination clinics for two of the high-risk priority groups: pregnant women and children with documented care plans related to chronic health conditions. Read More
PA: Ads call for Metcalfe's resignation
There's never a dull moment with state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, the outspoken conservative from Cranberry. Read More
PA: PPL gets $19M grant from Department of Energy
PPL Electric Utilities will receive a $19 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to improve the reliability of the electric grid and save energy for about 60,000 Harrisburg area customers, the federal agency announced today. Read More
PA: Panella supporters attack ads
With the state Supreme Court election less than a week away, rancor is rising rapidly between Democrat Jack Panella and Republican Joan Orie Melvin, with his camp accusing her of making false charges in a television ad that he "turned his back on children" in Luzerne County. Read More
PA: State's teacher of the year helps make math add up for students
When Laurie Robinson's son Tom repeatedly talked about how great, funny and approachable his Algebra 2 teacher was, Ms. Robinson knew that teacher must be someone special. Read More
RI: $7 license fee not popular with saltwater fishermen
$7 license fee not popular with saltwater anglers, but won't keep them away from the ocean. Read More
RI: Bill to close loophole in prostitution law clears hurdle
A bill to close a nearly 30-year-old loophole in the state's prostitution law that has allowed brothels to operate legally in Rhode Island cleared its first hurdle Tuesday night. Read More
RI: House tackles state name
A key legislative committee Tuesday night endorsed plans to allow voters to strip the word "Plantations" from the official state name, give police authority to take blood or urine from drunken-driving suspects after serious accidents, and eliminate the governor's power to replace U.S. senators should unexpected vacancies occur. Read More
SD: Rounds -- Economic pain will sharpen
Revenue to the state of South Dakota was down by $33 million in the first three months of this fiscal year, Gov. Mike Rounds said Monday, setting the stage for a painful legislative session next year. Read More
SD: SD drivers speak their minds through unique plates
More than 15,000 South Dakotans pay an extra $25 to pick their own two to seven characters for their license plates. Read More
TN: Emergency management conference focuses on communications
An afternoon panel discussion brought communications experts from across the state to talk about interoperability — the ability of emergency services to reach each other on common radio frequencies. Read More
TX: Cheated winner wants Texas Lottery to pay
A maintenance worker who says he is the rightful winner of a Texas Lottery jackpot wants the agency to pay him. Read More
TX: Swine flu vaccine is prison-bound
Thousands of prisoners could get vaccinations for swine flu before law-abiding Texans because they fit the criteria for priority inoculations, officials said Tuesday. Read More
US: Obama set to sign bill widening hate crime laws
At a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden Wednesday afternoon, President Obama plans to sign a bill into law that was more than a decade in the making. It is an update to the federal hate crimes statute that Congress initially passed in 1968. Read More
UT: New tactics aim to get H1N1 vaccine to Utahns
With demand for H1N1 swine flu vaccine far exceeding supply -- leaving many Utahns literally out in the cold -- local health departments are changing their tactics for distributing doses. Read More
UT: Are Utahns drinking, smoking their way through tough times?
What are Utahns doing to make it through the recession? Read More
UT: Liquor law hurts business, critics say
A 2008 state law stopping the sale of alcohol within 200 feet of schools and churches — even if there's no opposition — was criticized Tuesday at a liquor-commission meeting. Read More
UT: A.G. names former legislator, payday lender lawyer to head division
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff has named former state legislator and close political adviser John Swallow as chief deputy attorney general handling civil cases. Read More
VA: Your voting history could end up in the neighbor's mailbox
Hundreds of thousands of Virginians will discover this week, perhaps to their surprise, that someone is tracking their voting records. Read More
VA: Proposal to keep jurors anonymous withdrawn
A proposal under consideration by the Virginia Supreme Court to keep juries anonymous in all criminal trials has been withdrawn. Read More
VA: Hate-crimes bill spurs some worry from religious groups
NORFOLK, Va. -- Under a new bill, crimes based on a victim's sexual orientation or sexual identity could be prosecuted as hate crimes. Socially conservative clergy say the bill threatens freedom of religious expression. Read More
VA: Three school divisions suspend clinics for swine flu vaccine
NORFOLK, Va. -- Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach schools announced a suspension of their schedules due to shortages until they receive more vaccines for the pandemic H1N1 flu. Read More
VT: A fierce debate over free drug samples
Medical practitioners on Tuesday presented ardent as well as disparate views to a state panel reviewing the merits of free medicine samples provided at doctors' offices. Read More
VT: Douglas administration pitches unemployment fix
The Douglas administration offered up proposed changes to the state's ailing unemployment insurance trust fund Tuesday that included cuts to weekly benefits for those laid off and gradual increased contributions for employers. Read More
VT: Champlain Bridge users frustrated
ADDISON, Vt. — Frustrated residents of communities near the Lake Champlain Bridge learned during a public hearing Tuesday it would likely take until at least next spring or summer to reopen the fragile span. Read More
VT: State wins $69 million 'smart grid' grant
During the next three years, Vermont's electric utilities plan to install electric meters at nearly every residence and business that doesn't already have state-of-the-art metering devices capable of communicating in real time about electricity use. Read More
WA: Judge declines to suspend rules on R-71 contributions
A federal judge has denied an emergency request that would have allowed opponents of Referendum 71 to accept large donations this late in the campaign — a small setback in a series of bold legal moves that could have ramifications far beyond the Nov. 3 election. Read More
WA: Washington has spent about half a billion in stimulus
Officials say about half a billion dollars in federal stimulus money has been spent so far by the state government. Read More
WA: Gregoire signals new willingness to talk taxes
As the state's projected deficit grows, the governor's new chief of staff says he "would be surprised" if the shortfall can be closed without new revenue. Read More
WA: Poll -- R-71 passing, I-1033 failing
Voters are prepared to uphold a new state law expanding gay rights, a new SurveyUSA/KING5 poll shows. Read More
WA: Local Google offices support R-71
Over on The Microsoft Blog, I reported that Google's Seattle and Kirkland offices have written a joint letter in support of Referendum 71. Read More
WI: Walker says governor's race with Barrett would be 'great opportunity'
Milwaukee County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Walker said a potential governor's race against Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett would showcase their different approaches to governing in the Milwaukee area. Read More
WI: Wis. justices consider rules on campaign donations
Wisconsin Supreme Court justices are expected to consider adopting rules Wednesday that spell out whether they must step aside from cases involving their campaign contributors. Read More
WI: Wis. gov hands out green building grants
KAUKAUNA -- Gov. Jim Doyle has handed out $247,000 in grants to train carpenters in building green. Read More
WI: Assembly passes 'puppy mill' bill
The Assembly voted, 96-0, to approve legislation on Tuesday that would regulate large-scale canine breeding facilities known as "puppy mills." Read More
WI: Swine flu vaccine shortage narrows eligibility
As doctors cope with shortages of swine flu vaccine and large numbers of people suffering influenza-like illness, the state and federal governments have shifted away from mass vaccination clinics toward targeting limited doses at those with greatest risk. Read More
WV: Coalfield lawmakers seek bigger share of funds for counties
West Virginia coalfield counties need a greater share of severance taxes to prepare for the day when the industry's jobs have dwindled, say southern lawmakers. Read More
WY: WYDOT, state prepare for 'pretty impressive storm'
Some self-realization may save your life as a major fall snowstorm rolls through central and southern Wyoming today and Thursday. Read More |
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