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Archive of Home on Friday November 06, 2009
Weekly wrap: Louisiana pleasantly surprised by haul from tax amnesty program
More than $300 million is generated from delinquent Louisiana taxpayers; California finance chief hangs it up; Iowa Gov. Culver campaigns as problem solver; and stimulus Web site turns up boo-boos. Read More
Report: 11 states emerging from recession
It’s going to be a long, hard climb out of the current economic downturn for many recession-ridden states hit hard by the housing crash, unemployment and shrinking revenues. But as the national economy starts its slow recovery, 11 states and the District of Columbia are showing signs of emerging from the recession, according to a new report. Read More
NY: Paterson seeks budget help from GOP
A day after he reached out to Senate Republicans for help, Gov. David Paterson officially called a special session for next Tuesday. (Also see: NY: Marriage for gays on agenda in New York ) Read More
NC: Pending inmate releases could prompt legislative session
As the court battle to keep 27 inmates in prison brews, some state officials are considering a back-up plan to address the issue. Read More
MN: Pawlenty proposes amendment to limit state spending
After seven years of budget battles, Gov. Tim Pawlenty on Thursday proposed a constitutional amendment to limit state spending. (Also see: MN: Short of cash, Minn. delays business tax refunds) Read More
ID: Ousted Idaho roads chief blames political cronyism
Fired Idaho Transportation Director Pam Lowe says she was forced out after refusing to send unnecessary state work and money to politically connected companies. Read More
CA: California Legislature tries to block steep cut in pay and perks
The state Legislature is quietly seeking to block a steep cut in lawmakers' salary and perks. Read More
MI: Granholm, GOP still disagree on how to pay for education
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Thursday she'd sign a measure the House passed Thursday that would use stimulus money to help lessen school cuts. But whether it gets past the Senate is uncertain. Read More
CO: Ritter to propose cuts to K-12 education in 2010-11 budget
Gov. Bill Ritter is expected to propose cutting state funding to public schools by as much as 6 percent in the 2010-11 budget he rolls out today. Read More
SC: Release of Gov. Sanford's ethics report could be up to Ethics Commission
The battle over an investigative report by the State Ethics Commission of Gov. Mark Sanford appeared headed back to the commission Thursday after the state Supreme Court denied Sanford's request for an order keeping the report secret but stopped short of ordering its release. Read More
AL: Former aide says Indian donations influencing Riley's bingo opposition
A former member of Gov. Bob Riley's Cabinet said today that Riley received campaign contributions from Mississippi Indians who operate casinos, with the money intended to limit their competition in Alabama. Read More
IL: Illinois teen driving program receives honor
A teenage driver safety program run by the Illinois Department of Transportation has been recognized for using peer programming to try to reduce the number of teen driving-related deaths. Read More
TN: Bredesen calls biofuel criticism 'outrageous'
Gov. Phil Bredesen branded a legislative attack on the BioFuels Initiative he launched two years ago as "ridiculous" and "outrageous" Thursday and said it endangers an unannounced "very large investment in East Tennessee." Read More
MD: States urge stiffer anti-pollution laws
Twelve states, including Maryland, and the District of Columbia urged the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday to adopt more rigorous national policies so they can meet federal air pollution reduction requirements for the region. Read More
PA: Progress seen in SEPTA strike talks
SEPTA and its striking workers seemed to edge closer to a settlement yesterday, as Gov. Rendell and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady worked to broker a deal that would get buses, subways, and trolleys running again. Read More
NJ: Corzine accomplishments tempered by tough times
As Gov. Corzine heads into what are likely to be the final weeks of his political life, following the failure of his reelection bid on Tuesday, it's unclear whether the bearded Midwestern native with the down-to-earth demeanor and the sweater vests will be remembered more for his legislative accomplishments or for the car wreck that nearly took his life in 2007. Read More
MS: Slow recovery darkens budget outlook
State economist Phil Pepper told legislative leaders and Gov. Haley Barbour on Thursday not to expect much improvement in Mississippi's economy until the second half of next year. Read More
KS: Budget estimate declines by 4.2%
State fiscal experts Thursday said the Kansas economy remains stuck in recession, and that means a further drop in tax revenues and more budget cuts. Read More
KY: Amendment gives at least $100 million annually to horse industry
At least $100 million annually would go to Kentucky's horse industry if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize slot machines. Read More
MD: Montgomery might sue state over school funding law
Top Montgomery County officials threatened Thursday to sue the state and "aggressively pursue" legislation that would change state law after Maryland's attorney general found that the county had failed to meet the state's minimum level of funding for education. The opinion renders it potentially liable for millions of dollars in penalties. Read More
WA: Ref. 71 lead appears insurmountable
After months of contentious battling over Referendum 71, Washington voters have approved the measure, keeping a law that expands state benefits for registered same-sex and some senior domestic partners. The vote tally to approve appears insurmountable. Read More
Tuesday's winners now must govern
TODAY'S TAKE: Republicans who won gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia on Tuesday (Nov. 3) already are turning their attention to the very different challenge of governing during the Great Recession. Read More
GOP wins build momentum for 2010
TODAY’S TAKE: Republicans regained the governorships of New Jersey and Virginia on Election Day (Nov. 3). Tax caps failed in Maine and Washington and Ohio voters approved casino gambling. Stateline.org this morning rounded up these results and more for yesterday’s elections and for a variety of ballot measures decided by voters. Read More
Spending limits, gambling top fiscal 2009 ballot measures
 The national spotlight may be focused Nov. 3 on elections for governor in New Jersey and Virginia, but voters elsewhere could take action to profoundly change the way their states get and spend taxpayers’ money.
Read More
N.J. race could be omen for incumbents
TODAY'S TAKE: New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine (D) today (Nov. 3) becomes the first incumbent governor in the 2009-2010 election cycle to face the voters amid the rising unemployment and deep budget cuts that have hit states across the nation. Read More
Budget 'fixes' run into trouble
TODAY'S TAKE: Unlike the federal government, almost every state is required by law to balance its budget. But that doesn't mean state lawmakers always balance the books in the most straightforward of ways: by matching revenues with spending. Read More
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
More states announce mid-year cuts
As new holes emerge in their budgets, more and more states are making spending cuts well before their legislatures reconvene next year. Iowa, Kansas, Massachusetts and Missouri are the latest. Read More
'As states, we compete,' Wyo. governor says
Gaining the competitive edge seems to be on the minds of state officials more than usual. Read More
'Opt out' proposal puts focus on states
U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s call Monday (Oct. 26) for a new public health insurance plan already is prompting debate in state legislatures, which could opt out under the latest proposal being promoted by Democrats on Capitol Hill. Read More |
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