Weekly wrap: Rating agency slams Conn. on borrowing
Agency lowers Conn. credit outlook; federal broadband grants will be delayed a month; and confusion continues on stimulus job claims.
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Archive of Taxes & Budget on Friday October 30, 2009
Weekly wrap: Rating agency slams Conn. on borrowing
Agency lowers Conn. credit outlook; federal broadband grants will be delayed a month; and confusion continues on stimulus job claims. Read More
MA: Patrick to end nearly 1,000 jobs
WORCESTER, Mass. -- Governor Deval Patrick intends to close a projected $600 million budget gap by eliminating nearly 1,000 state jobs, shaving millions from human service programs, reducing help for local school building projects, and possibly closing the State House library, the governor and his aides said yesterday. (Also see: HI: Layoffs will hit 'thousands' if Hawaii furloughs are blocked and MO: Budget cuts to trim 700 state workers Read More
CA: Cutbacks will affect state park enthusiasts
Padlocked toilets are coming soon to California's once-fabled state parks. They will be joined by off-limits campgrounds, closed hiking trails and forbidden forests as the cash-poor state seeks to save $14.2 million by yanking away the welcome mat from its 278 parks. Read More
CO: Colorado budget-cut blitz unleashes blazing rhetoric
Dueling news releases from the Democratic speaker of the House and the Republican Senate minority leader over the state budget crisis likely signal a testy legislative session ahead. Read More
DE: Delaware economic recovery years off
State population forecasters issued a sobering outlook for Delaware's economic recovery and growth Thursday, predicting stubbornly higher unemployment at least through next year with more people being forced to commute to jobs in other states. Read More
DE: Stimulus working in Del. -- for now
The federal stimulus put as many as 3,600 people to work in Delaware during its first seven months, at least temporarily, Lt. Gov. Matt Denn said Thursday. Read More
DE: Stimulus working in Del. -- for now
The federal stimulus put as many as 3,600 people to work in Delaware during its first seven months, at least temporarily, Lt. Gov. Matt Denn said Thursday. Read More
DE: Delaware economic recovery years off
State population forecasters issued a sobering outlook for Delaware's economic recovery and growth Thursday, predicting stubbornly higher unemployment at least through next year with more people being forced to commute to jobs in other states. Read More
FL: Newcomers to give Florida banks a run for the money
MIAMI -- New bank names are popping up around South Florida. As the strong replace the weak and the economy stabilizes, the changes should help ease the credit crunch. Read More
FL: Florida faces another budget year awash in red ink
Florida lawmakers came to the state Capitol this week with unemployment still in double digits and a bleak reality setting in: The state budget is in shambles. Growth that fueled state revenues for decades has gone bust. And demand for state services is rising. Read More
HI: Layoffs will hit 'thousands' if Hawaii furloughs are blocked
Just when parents thought things in Hawaii's public schools couldn't get much worse, Department of Education officials warned yesterday that "thousands" of DOE employees will be laid off if a federal judge blocks teacher furloughs. Read More
HI: Critics say new Hawaii property tax category will be costly for all
Critics of a new property tax category for owner-occupants said yesterday that while it may benefit the typical O'ahu homeowner, the change could ultimately harm everyone. Read More
HI: Governor to wait before raiding hurricane fund
Gov. Linda Lingle says she is not against raiding the $180 million Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to help restore public school furlough days, but she wants to wait until at least next year before considering such action. Read More
HI: Schools seek $32 million for transportation costs
Facing an unprecedented reduction in school days and deep budget cuts, state Board of Education members got more bad news: They need an additional $32 million in the next two years to meet rising student transportation costs. Read More
HI: Isle federal workers get a pension boost
More than 30,000 federal workers in Hawaii got a boost in their pensions after President Barack Obama signed the nearly $700 billion 2010 Defense Authorization Act. Read More
IA: Regents, presidents to discuss budget cuts today
Most tenured faculty members at Iowa's three state-run universities would avoid layoffs, but other faculty and instructors would be forced to take time off without pay and would see less money at retirement under proposed budget cuts, faculty leaders said Wednesday. Read More
IA: University employees spared from layoffs
CEDAR FALLS, IA -- Workers at Iowa's three state-run universities appear to have escaped layoffs from the state budget ax, with plans that rely on unpaid time off and smaller contributions by the schools to employees' retirement accounts. Read More
IA: Regents narrowly support $100 tuition surcharge
CEDAR FALLS, IA -- Iowa state Board of Regents members this afternoon narrowly voted in support of a $100 spring tuition surcharge for students at the state's three public universities. Read More
IA: Iowa wants FEMA to waive rent on trailers
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA -- Iowa wants the federal government to waive rent from flood victims still living in mobile homes provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Read More
IA: Iowa university presidents reject performance bonuses
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA --The presidents at Iowa's three regent universities say they will forgo performance bonuses for the current fiscal year. Read More
IA: Iowa House leader says more budget cuts loom
Attention has been focused on Gov. Chet Culver's plans to cut $565 million from the state's budget, but legislators say they'll probably have to make an equally large cut to the following year's budget. Read More
IA: Pappajohns' $26 million research gift boosts U of I
Des Moines venture capitalist John Pappajohn and his wife, Mary, have committed $26.4 million toward constructing, equipping and staffing a University of Iowa biomedical research building and institute. Read More
IA: Union president: I don't give a S*** if people believe me
The president of Iowa's largest state workers union today told Iowa Board of Regents that there is at least one university department where three supervisors oversee six union workers. Read More
IA: Possible layoffs unsettle prison officers, workers
NEWTON, IA -- The mood was tense and somber at the Newton Correctional Facility during Thursday's first shift change, as rank-and-file prison workers await the outcome of union negotiations that could determine their fates. Read More
IA: UNI -- Parents who avoided Price Lab tuition must pay
CEDAR FALL, IA — Families who wrongfully avoided tuition at a state-run training school must pay or face legal consequences, officials from the University of Northern Iowa said Thursday. Read More
IL: State gears to free prisoners
As the state prepares to release about 1,000 inmates from prison up to a year early, parole agents across Illinois are making unannounced visits to select homes, checking for overcrowding, drug paraphernalia and vicious dogs that could hamper future inspections. (Also see: NM: Cuts could mean prison closures, prisoner release, Corrections chief says ) Read More
IL: Bill to cut seniors' free transit rides stalls
A proposal to scale back free bus and train rides for seniors stalled tonight amid concerns that a provision to freeze fares at current levels for two years would lead to drastic service cuts. Read More
IL: Tax-minded lawmakers vote to undercut Cook County chief's veto power
Illinois lawmakers voted Thursday to make it easier for Cook County Board members to reduce the sales tax increase championed by President Todd Stroger, sending Gov. Pat Quinn a bill aimed at insulating suburban politicians from the unpopular tax. Read More
IL: GOP candidate seens transparency
A Republican candidate for governor wants to give Illinois residents more insight into how the state pays its bills. Read More
IL: Economy swings into growth mode, but depth of recovery in doubt
Manufacturing firms see signs of hope; sectors dependent on consumer spending stay wary. Read More
IL: Suburban reaction divides along party lines
WASHINGTON -- While suburban Democrats asked for time to go through the health care bill introduced Thursday by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Republican lawmakers did not wait to condemn it. Read More
IL: Brady seeks more disclosure of Illinois debts
A candidate for Illinois governor says the public deserves to know more about the state's debts and which ones are being paid. Read More
IL: Tollway board meetings to be available via webcasts
The Illinois Tollway announced today is will start providing direct access to its monthly board of directors meetings via live webcasts. Read More
IL: Lawmakers send measure to governor to weaken Todd Stroger veto power
The Illinois Senate today sent the governor a bill that would make it easier to override the veto power of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. Read More
IL: Transit fare proposal stalls in Springfield
A proposal to scale back free bus and train rides for seniors stalled late Thursday amid concerns that a provision to freeze fares at current levels for two years would lead to drastic service cuts. Read More
LA: Swine flu epidemic swelling state's Medicaid costs
The ongoing swine-flu epidemic is expected to swell the state Medicaid program more than $100 million this fiscal year, contributing to a budget shortfall in the health-care program of more than $250 million, Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine said today. Read More
LA: States -- Red tape delays coastal work
WASHINGTON -- Louisiana coastal restoration advocates say the federal government is holding back more than $300 million that can be used for projects in the state. Read More
LA: Swine flu epidemic swelling state's Medicaid costs
The ongoing swine-flu epidemic is expected to swell the state Medicaid program more than $100 million this fiscal year, contributing to a budget shortfall in the health-care program of more than $250 million, Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine said today. Read More
LA: New effort to fight Medicaid fraud announced by state
More than 700 private firms that provide in-home care for the elderly and people with disabilities will face comprehensive audits in the coming months as part of a first-of-its-kind effort to root out fraud and abuse, state officials said Thursday. Read More
MA: Panel grapples with economic, social questions on casinos
The slogans and philosophical arguments spilled forth yesterday during a long, packed hearing of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies: Read More
MA: State suspends former speaker DiMasi's retirement checks
The State Retirement Board suspended pension payments yesterday to former House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi while he awaits trial on federal corruption charges. Read More
MA: Massachusetts downturn deepens
Massachusetts may be mired in a recession through the end of the year, even as the nation's economy tentatively pulls out of the worst downturn in decades, according to reports released yesterday. Read More
MA: State snafu stiffs unemployed
Thousands of desperate jobless Bay Staters - at the end of their ropes and unemployment benefits - thought the state had tossed them a lifeline when new checks arrived in the mail, only to learn it was all a big mistake and now they have to give the money back. Read More
MA: SEA protests cuts to state lead tests
Though the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority received a $3 million grant for lead abatement, that will not help the state, which does enforcement to determine where abatement is necessary, state workers said. Read More
MA: State snafu stiffs unemployed
Thousands of desperate jobless Bay Staters -- at the end of their ropes and unemployment benefits -- thought the state had tossed them a lifeline when new checks arrived in the mail, only to learn it was all a big mistake and now they have to give the money back. Read More
MA: Patrick eyes up to 2,000 job cuts
Gov. Deval L. Patrick on Thursday unveiled a plan to eliminate the state's $600 million budget shortfall with up to 2,000 job cuts and reductions to human services and other agencies. Read More
MD: Residents believe economy stabilizing
County residents think the economy is stabilizing, but they do not expect recovery until 2012, according to a new community college study released yesterday. Read More
MD: Stimulus created or saved 4,460 jobs, O'Malley claims
More than 4,460 jobs have been created or saved with the infusion of federal stimulus dollars into Maryland, according to an initial accounting that Gov. Martin O'Malley released Thursday showing how some of the money has been spent. Read More
MD: Stimulus created or saved 4,460 jobs, O'Malley claims
More than 4,460 jobs have been created or saved with the infusion of federal stimulus dollars into Maryland, according to an initial accounting that Gov. Martin O'Malley released Thursday showing how some of the money has been spent. Read More
MD: Residents believe economy stabilizing
County residents think the economy is stabilizing, but they do not expect recovery until 2012, according to a new community college study released yesterday. Read More
ME: More state cuts on tap
More job cuts, a reduction in school aid, a smaller state police canine unit and human services cuts are among suggestions from state department heads who were directed to find ways to balance the state budget. Read More
ME: More state cuts on tap
More job cuts, a reduction in school aid, a smaller state police canine unit and human services cuts are among suggestions from state department heads who were directed to find ways to balance the state budget. Read More
MN: Six sue Pawlenty over 'unallotment' cuts
Six Minnesota residents sued Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Thursday over unilateral budget cuts he made without legislative approval, alleging he violated state laws and the state constitution. Read More
MN: Six sue Pawlenty over 'unallotment' cuts
Six Minnesota residents sued Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Thursday over unilateral budget cuts he made without legislative approval, alleging he violated state laws and the state constitution. Read More
MO: Budget cuts to trim 700 state workers
About 200 full-time and nearly 500 part-time state workers will lose their jobs because of $204 million in budget cuts announced yesterday by Gov. Jay Nixon. Read More
MO: University impact totals $7.5 million
University of Missouri administrators are working to determine how state budget cuts will affect operations. Read More
MT: Major state pension funds fall way behind
With the value of their investment assets plunging for the year ending June 30, Montana's two major state pension funds racked up massive increases in their unfunded liabilities, a legislative committee learned Friday. Read More
MT: Governor requests workers' comp info
The Schweitzer administration is posing tough questions to the state workers' compensation fund, seeking more details on why state government's workers' comp insurance rates have doubled this decade. Read More
NH: Accounting for rescue
New Hampshire is one of eight states with laws allowing billing for rescue costs, but only New Hampshire has made frequent attempts to do so - even strengthening its law last year to allow the suspension of hiking, fishing and driver's licenses of those who don't pay, according to an Associated Press review. Read More
NH: Welfare tab keeps going up for towns
NNew Hampshire welfare directors, struggling with mounting welfare cases thanks to the recession, are expecting to see community needs -- and budgets -- rise, after some key state programs have been cut or frozen. Read More
NH: Accounting for rescue
Stranded with a sprained ankle on a snow-covered mountain, Eagle Scout Scott Mason put his survival skills to work by sleeping in the crevice of a boulder and jump-starting evergreen fires with hand sanitizer gel. Read More
NH: Welfare tab keeps going up for towns
New Hampshire welfare directors, struggling with mounting welfare cases thanks to the recession, are expecting to see community needs -- and budgets -- rise, after some key state programs have been cut or frozen. Read More
NJ: 34 state workers earn big overtime despite cuts
A core group of 34 government employees continued to earn massive overtime payments -- all seeing their income boosted by at least $160,000 over three years -- even as the state scaled back such expenses, records show. Read More
NJ: How N.J. benefits in spending plan
Paterson's Great Falls, sewers in Fort Lee and bats in North Jersey caves get special funding in the $32 billion spending bill Congress approved Thursday. Read More
NJ: State OT still pays off
A core group of 34 government employees continued to earn massive overtime payments — all seeing their income boosted by at least $160,000 over three years — even as the state scaled back such expenses, records show. Read More
NM: Cuts could mean prison closures, prisoner release, Corrections chief says
Two of New Mexico's 10 prisons would be shuttered, hundreds of non-violent offenders released and dozens of people could lose their jobs if the state's prisons were cut by 7.6 percent, Corrections Secretary Joe Williams said Wednesday. Read More
NM: Gov. Richardson says budget bill would force him to cut Medicaid
When the state Legislature passed a major budget bill last week, lawmakers say they believed they were sparing Medicaid from any cuts, but now, Gov. Bill Richardson says implementation of House Bill 17 will force the him to include Medicaid in agency cuts. Read More
NM: Lawmakers say float costs add to budget woes
The float that New Mexico will enter in the 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade will feature seven hot-air balloons and cartoon skunk Pep? Le Pew, along with the object of his romantic pursuit, Penelope Pussycat. Read More
NV: Alternate energy- $90 million steaming to Nevada
Federal money is on the way to help companies develop as much energy from the ground in Nevada as Hoover Dam generates from the Colorado River. Read More
NV: Budget cuts could thin the ranks of foster parents
Having taken in some 200 foster children over the past 11 years, Jeanmarie Schirling knows the rewards of providing a safe home and some measure of joy to children who have known so little happiness. Read More
NY: Deficit alert increases to $3.2B
New York's budget deficit is growing again. The current fiscal year, which ends March 31, is expected to run a $3.2 billion deficit -- up from the $3 billion previously predicted, Gov. David Paterson said Thursday. Read More
NY: Deficit alert increases to $3.2B
New York's budget deficit is growing again. The current fiscal year, which ends March 31, is expected to run a $3.2 billion deficit -- up from the $3 billion previously predicted, Gov. David Paterson said Thursday. Read More
OH: Casino sides battle in Cincinnati
While Cincinnati opponents of the casino issue were trying Thursday to poke holes in Issue 3's ballot language, about 200 supporters - including the Cleveland businessman who wants to run the casino that would be built in Cincinnati - were holding a noon-hour pep rally to launch their get-out-the-vote drive. Read More
OH: Former lawmaker, Dublin lawyer are indicted
CINCINNATI -- A federal grand jury has indicted a former Republican state representative on charges involving mail fraud and filing false income-tax returns. Read More
OH: Visitors bureau comes out against Issue 3
The board of Columbus' convention and visitors bureau backed off an earlier decision to remain neutral on Issue 3, voting yesterday to oppose Tuesday's ballot effort to allow casinos in Ohio. Read More
OH: Casino control too weak, critics say
Ohio would have the weakest gambling regulations in the country if voters approve Issue 3 on Tuesday, critics of the four-casino plan said yesterday. Read More
PA: Pa. takes another shot at tolls for I-80
Pennsylvania Turnpike and highway officials late yesterday filed a new application to install tolls on I-80, setting the stage for a renewed fight over how to fund transportation projects in the state. Read More
RI: Senate OKs reducing tax refunds for college loan delinquents
The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday voted to allow the state Division of Taxation to reduce a person's state income-tax refund if the person is delinquent on certain college loans issued by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority. Read More
RI: State says health insurer finances are healthy
The state's three health insurers saw their financial health deteriorate in 2008, but compared with their counterparts elsewhere in New England they remained relatively well off, according to a new report. Read More
RI: Senate OKs reducing tax refunds for college loan delinquents
The Senate Finance Committee on Thursday voted to allow the state Division of Taxation to reduce a person's state income-tax refund if the person is delinquent on certain college loans issued by the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority. Read More
UT: 2010 Census kickoff stresses importance of accurate count
Ten questions in 10 minutes. That's the tag line for the upcoming once-every-10-years counting of U.S. residents administered by the federal Census Bureau and scheduled to begin next spring with the mailing of short questionnaires. Read More
UT: Tax ideas floated to fix budget shortfall
There must be a billion ways for state government to raise $1 billion to balance the budget, with various groups floating a raft of potential tax increases. Read More
VA: Va. to close pharmacy for mentally ill
Virginia is eliminating its statewide pharmacy for the mentally ill, which obtained discounted drugs and distributed them through local mental health boards rather than commercial drugstores, as part of its effort to reduce spending in tough budget times. Read More
VA: National Housing Program slowly hitting region
SUFFOLK, Va. -- More than a year after its birth, a national program to help neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures is slowly starting to reach local streets. Read More
VA: Hampton Roads colleges' boost to economy
CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Hampton Roads public colleges and universities have created more than 22,200 jobs and contributed $450 million in annual tax revenue to the state, according to a study released Thursday by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. Read More
VA: Richmond unemployment rose to 7.7 percent in September
They boost the jobless rate when schools' summer vacations start, and again a few weeks after their college terms start. Returning college students looking for work for a few extra bucks boosted the local unemployment rate slightly last month. Read More
VA: Richmond unemployment rose to 7.7 percent in September
They boost the jobless rate when schools' summer vacations start, and again a few weeks after their college terms start. Returning college students looking for work for a few extra bucks boosted the local unemployment rate slightly last month. But some, evidently, may have found work. Read More
VA: Hampton Roads colleges' boost to economy
CHESAPEAKE, Va. -- Hampton Roads public colleges and universities have created more than 22,200 jobs and contributed $450 million in annual tax revenue to the state, according to a study released Thursday by the Virginia Business Higher Education Council. Read More
VA: National Housing Program slowly hitting region
SUFFOLK, Va. -- More than a year after its birth, a national program to help neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures is slowly starting to reach local streets. Read More
VT: Vermont part of $1.5M northern border jobs bill
A commission created to provide jobs and boost the economy in the northern reaches of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York is receiving $1.5 million under a measure signed into law by President Barack Obama. Read More
VT: Vermont parks seek support
WATERBURY, Vt. -- With a camp fire crackling in a fire ring and a canopy set up over a pair of picnic tables at a campsite in Little River State Park, the state's Forests, Parks and Recreation staff built the case Wednesday for future capital investments in the park system. Read More
VT: Stimulus job count revised downward
About 400 fewer jobs were created with federal economic stimulus dollars than the state's chief recovery officer announced two weeks ago, because federal officials changed the calculations for some of the counts. Read More
VT: Stimulus job count revised downward
About 400 fewer jobs were created with federal economic stimulus dollars than the state's chief recovery officer announced two weeks ago, because federal officials changed the calculations for some of the counts. Read More
VT: Vermont parks seek support
WATERBURY, Vt. -- With a camp fire crackling in a fire ring and a canopy set up over a pair of picnic tables at a campsite in Little River State Park, the state's Forests, Parks and Recreation staff built the case Wednesday for future capital investments in the park system. Read More
VT: Vermont part of $1.5M northern border jobs bill
CONCORD, N.H. -- A commission created to provide jobs and boost the economy in the northern reaches of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York is receiving $1.5 million under a measure signed into law by President Barack Obama. Read More
WY: Laramie Range fund will compete with wind for leases
The Northern Laramie Range Alliance announced it will establish a tax-exempt corporation to buy up state leases in order to prevent the development of wind energy. Read More |
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