Stateline Headlines

Wyoming legislators considers tax-loss remedy

Wyoming Gov. Mead embarks on Canadian coal port tour

Coal lease criticism divides Wyo industry watchers

Show some trust of Wyoming’s workers

Wyoming Gov. Mead schedules business trip to Canada

Wyoming One of Few States Facing Economic Hard Times

Smack in the middle of the longest economic boom in U.S. history, Wyoming is one of a handful of states saddled with a deficit, instead of a record-setting surplus.

Wyoming Governor to Decide on Cap for ATM Fees

Wyoming Governor Matt Mead must decide whether his state will remain the only one in the nation to impose a cap on ATM fees, the Casper Star Tribune reports. Mead is deciding whether to sign or veto legislation that would

Economic Development Agencies Face New Scrutiny

When Wisconsin partially privatized its Department of Commerce last year, the hope was to create a less bureaucratic job creation organization. Since then, though, the new entity has faced a series of setbacks.

Pro-Baseball Franchise Hit with Unusual State Audit

More than three dozen new professional sports stadiums and arenas opened in the United States in the last decade, many of them built with taxpayer money. Some taxpayers and the people who represent them seem satisfied with the bargain, but others are beginning to ask why some of the teams that benefited have provided so little to cheer about.

Bans on BPA Gain Traction

TODAY'S TAKE: Wisconsin on Wednesday (March 3) became the third state after Connecticut and Minnesota to ban the manufacture of baby bottles and "sippy cups" containing the chemical BPA, or Bisphenol A. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have cited concerns over the chemical, including possible effects on the development of fetuses, babies and young children. At least nine other states are considering similar legislation, with Maryland poised to become the next to adopt a ban.

West Virginia exports are importing jobs

State group’s ‘reunion kits’ in high demand

States in Forefront of Fight for Cheaper Drugs

West Virginia is breaking new ground in bargaining for lower drug prices for Medicaid patients, state workers and residents, an effort expected to intensify in state legislatures in 2005.

State Officials Inclined to Go Slow on Mad-Cow Legislation

The recent case of so-called mad cow disease found in a cow in Washington state last month is prompting state lawmakers to scrutinize their policies on livestock health, but most are taking a wait-and-see approach to any new state-level legislation.

Congress' Minimum Wage Vote: Prelude to a Better Politics?

Are we truly on a swing back to centrist and pragmatic politics? Like a first robin of spring, the House's fast vote to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 in a phased two-year process, up from the $5.15 figure at which the Republican-controlled Congress left it frozen for the past decade, is a good omen.

James Webb's Equity Challenge: What If We Got Serious?

Cheers for Sen. James Webb. His Democratic rejoinder to the State of the Union address provided a blast of fresh politics we hear all too rarely, either in Washington or the state capitals.

Summary of the Washington State of the State Address

"Jobs are the way out of this recession," Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) told the Democratic-led Legislature in her state of the state address Jan. 12, laying out a series of proposals she said would create as many as 40,000 new jobs this year.

State revenue up 20.5 percent in May over May 2012

Va. mortgage borrowers getting $33M in deal

China company to buy more soybeans shipped from Virginia

Tax Restructuring Plan Tops Virginia Governor's Agenda

Virginia Gov. Mark Warner (D) is pushing the most ambitious tax package in the nation to maintain his states renowned education system and shore up its economy. But even Warner agrees he faces a real challenge getting the plan through the Republican-controlled General Assembly, which reconvenes Jan. 14.

Music Trail Could Help Struggling Virginia Towns

Hollywood has its Walk of Fame, the world's most famous sidewalk. Southwest Virginia soon could have a music trail with highway markers to make it easier for visitors to follow the birth of country music in the Appalachian Mountains. State lawmakers look to tourism to help shore up a local economy suffering from the demise of coal mining and the loss of jobs to workers overseas.

Donors Hedge Bets in VA Gov's Race

Hundreds of campaign donors knew all along that they were backing a winner in this year's race for governor of Virginia. They took no chances with their support, giving money to both Republican candidate Jerry Kilgore and Democratic nominee Tim Kaine.

Public Broadcasting Cuts at Issue in Virginia

TODAY'S TAKE: A proposal by Virginia's governor to phase out state funding for public broadcasting ran into trouble in the state House of Delegates on Wednesday (April 21), as legislators sought to defend what they see as a valuable educational tool, particularly for children. Public programming has been a little-discussed victim of budget cuts in states from New York to Utah.

IBM still not talking about Vermont layoffs

Layoffs hit IBM, but the numbers stay secret

Opponents in F-35 debate say they're ready for discussion

Politicians continue F-35 support as Air Force ups number of residents affected by noise

The Spending That Isn’t Counted

Most spending programs are easily traceable in state budgets. But tax incentives are not. Some legislators think they should be.

2 Utah businesses to expand, adding 740 new jobs

Utah minority population gaining on whites

Utah business leaders push for immigration reform

Utah becoming too reliant on accolades, economist warns

Provo Stars in Utah’s Economic Recovery

Utah’s recovery has been driven by construction projects and high-tech start-ups with Provo, Forbes’ top pick for business and career opportunities, a driving force.

Will Utah Loosen Liquor License Quota?

It might be easier to get a cocktail or beer in Utah after the Legislature finishes its special session today (June 20). Lawmakers are expected to consider increasing the number of liquor licenses available statewide, an issue that has divided the GOP leadership there. Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert says a shortage

Utah Leverages Olympics Hosting

Given the intense security concerns and emotionally charged atmosphere surrounding the 2002 Winter Olympics, its not hard to imagine Utah state officials breathing a collective sigh of relief at the conclusion of the Salt Lake City games back in February. But their job didnt end with the lowering of the Olympic flag

Food Tax on Chopping Block

Shoppers in four states -- Mississippi, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming -- soon may be paying less at the supermarket checkout counter, thanks to reduced taxes on groceries.

Huntsman Ties His Success as Governor to Utah's Economy

Jon Huntsman Jr., sworn in as governor Monday, begins the latest in an unbroken two-decade string of Republican administrations in Utah with his No. 1 priority to create high-paying jobs and attract millions more tourists. Even before serving his first day in the governors office, the 44-year-old former U.S. ambassador to Singapore has vowed to serve no more than two terms.

Report: Utah First in Economic Competitiveness

Utah ranks first while New York is dead last among the 50 states in the 2009 "economic competitiveness" index from a conservative group of state legislators.

Citing Risks of Cancer, States Seek to Limit Teen Tanning

HEALTH BEAT: Concerned by research linking indoor tanning to skin cancer, legislators are trying to restrict teens use of tanning beds.

Texas Gov. Perry , NY Gov. Cuomo spar over jobs

Perry heads to New York, Connecticut to drum up business for Texas

Texas Cancer Agency Fights Controversy

The state’s $3 billion effort to attack cancer is under fire for the way some awards have been made.

States Confront Challenges of Changing Economy

State economic development used to be viewed as a zero-sum game -- states advertised low costs in their competition for large manufacturing plants -- a process that some criticized as a race to the bottom. While this kind of development is still common, a new perspective is taking hold. The focus now is on grooming an educated workforce that can grow its own jobs from within and attract high-paying technology firms looking for a new home.

Tough Times Bring Brazen Sales Pitches

TODAY'S TAKE: Governors are known to make friendly wagers with one another when their states' sports teams meet on the field. These days, they're also competing brazenly with each other for investors.

Study Finds Details Lacking in Economic Development Deals

TODAY'S TAKE: Governors are placing a premium on economic development, moving aggressively to lure more private-sector jobs to their states. The public, however, often is kept in the dark about the state tax breaks, grants and other incentives that are often at the center of such deals, according to a new study.

Tennessee Labor and Workforce Development commissioner defends jobless service cuts

Interim TN Labor commissioner pledges end to claims backlog

Tennessee Republicans See Threat in U.N. Plan

Republicans in the Tennessee House of Representatives say a 20-year-old United Nations program for sustainable development is “destructive and insidious.”

State's ag economy needs immigrants, business leaders say

Drought blamed for sag in farm sector causing drag on state's GDP

State's economic motor at a low hum

Tracking the Recession: How Layoffs Affect One Small Town

The story of the recession often is told in dry statistics, such as the rising unemployment rate. But the downturn has a human side, too, as a laid-off factory worker in Philip, S.D., will tell you.

South Carolina Dials Up Pressure Over Boeing Plant

TODAY'S TAKE: South Carolina officials are complaining about an effort by the National Labor Relations Board to derail a $1 billion Boeing plant in their state, saying the NLRB would be undermining free enterprise.

In South Dakota, Plenty of Jobs, Not Enough Workers

South Dakota has so many open private-sector jobs that its governor recently signed a contract with Manpower, the international staffing firm, to recruit 1,000 workers from other states to fill them.

Summary of the South Dakota State of the State Address

In his final state of the state address, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) called for lawmakers to help carry on the state's progress in education and the economy, saying South Dakota's low 5 percent unemployment rate shows the state is heading in the right direction.

Haley signs bill boosting breweries' business

Weekly Wrap: Washington State, South Carolina Clash in jobs Competition

Why Washington state did not offer Boeing new incentives; Questions about government transparency in Utah; Job-creating commission may not have generated jobs.

New scientific research grants announced, amid RI efforts to create more high-paying jobs

R.I. Senate approves bill to recast Economic Development Corporation

Former challenger Binder calls on Speaker Fox to block 38 Studios payments

R.I. House approves 'secretary of commerce' bill and other parts of Speaker Fox's economic development agenda

Activists Aim to Bolster Rhode Island’s Homeless Bill of Rights

After passing the nation’s first Homeless Bill of Rights this year, Rhode Island activists are looking to defend its provisions and expand their campaign to other parts of the country.

Rhode Island Faces an Investment Gone Awry

After an investment many questioned from the beginning, Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios bankruptcy has left Rhode Island with a significant debt to pay, and facing questions over the future of economic development efforts.

Detention Center Fails to Help Impoverished Rhode Island Town

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: A struggling Rhode Island community hoped a facility for federal prisoners would be a boost to local finances. After 18 years, things have only gotten worse.

Corbett hits budget homestretch with lots at stake

Corbett: Shale-gas boom eyed by foreign business

At the Pennsylvania Capitol, liquor privatization is ready for its closeup

For Corbett, it's nearly last call on liquor privatization

Applications for Sandy business recovery grants are lagging, Christie says

Gov. Corbett makes final push for liquor privatization before budget deadline

Strike a blow for respiratory freedom and expand Pennsylvania's smoke-free law

State Senate panel should pass on payday lending

Corbett focusing on 3 key pieces of legislation

'Payday' loans bill advances in Pennsylvania Senate

Leading Republican senator calls for expansion of film tax credit

Pa. opens amnesty plan to reclaim incorrect jobless benefits

Beer AND wine in same store? A Pa. state senator's proposal

Unionized liquor store clerks cheer Ferlo opposition to Corbett privatization plan

Senate committee advances bill to make short-term loans more accessible in Pennsylvania

Senate liquor privatization hearing heats up as Cawley testifies

Central PA begins to feel the pain inflicted by the mindless federal sequester

Liquor privatization issue down to the wire as Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley to testify

Pa governors praise hi-tech investment capital program

Legislation introduced to legalize payday-like loans in Pennsylvania

Should States Get Out of the Booze Business?

Pennsylvania is as close as it has ever come to privatizing liquor sales following a House vote in March. Tricky questions await the Senate as it considers whether to modernize or dismantle the state’s multifarious system.

Facing Off Over Funerals

A Federal judge last month ordered the Pennsylvania state board of funeral directors to rewrite their “outmoded” regulations that limited the numbers of funeral homes any one director could own, restricted the naming of homes, and prohibited funeral homes from serving food. Industry experts say the ruling could have broad implications for other states.

Pennsylvania Liquor Stores Get More Competitive

In an effort to boost its bottom-line, Pennsylvania is trying to entice more people to purchase alcohol in Pennsylvania instead of neighboring states by making its state-owned liquor stores more customer-friendly.

Keystone State Extends Same-Sex Benefits

Pennsylvania recently became the sixth state to allow gay and lesbian employees to use family or sick leave time to care for their domestic partner. The provision allowing use of sick leave, which had been on the table in union negotiations for more than a decade, was included in a four-year contract between the state and 13,000 unionized workers.

Should States Be in the Liquor Business?

Several states that tightly control liquor sales are debating whether to turn them over to the private sector.

Pittsburgh and Harrisburg: A Tale of Two Deep-in-Debt Cities

Pennsylvania's capital city has filed for bankruptcy and is poised for a state takeover. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh continues to struggle to fill its pension fund. What lessons can localities learn from Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's Successful Mortgage Relief Program Falls to Budget Axe

Pennsylvania's HEMAP program for troubled homeowners has helped more than 40,000 of them over nearly 30 years. But the state chose not to fund it in the fiscal 2012 budget.

Harrisburg's Crisis Tests Pennsylvania

TAX & BUDGET BEAT: Pennsylvania appears likely to take control of the finances of its capital city, but as a result of a new state law, Harrisburg won't be filing for bankruptcy any time soon.

Wheat industry will survive Oregon’s genetically engineered strain

Payday Lenders Catch Lawmakers' Attention

Legislators in Nevada, New Mexico and Oregon recently have clamped down on the short-term, high-interest lending industry, blaming it for saddling residents with dangerous levels of debt.

Weekly Wrap: Recession Setting Records in Wisconsin, Oregon

Sales tax revenue drops for the first time in Wisconsin. Demand for food stamps and food boxes sets records in Oregon. Cigar-smoking Pennsylvania lawmakers reject tobacco tax increase.

Summary of the Oregon State of the State Address

Term-limited Oregon Governor Ted Kulogonski used his final state of the state speech to look back on his eight years in office - a period, he noted, that covered not one but two recessions. But Kulongoski, a Democrat, also April 2 called on lawmakers to take a longer view of the state's finances and make decisions to avoid what he called a "budgetary cliff" caused by the end of federal stimulus dollars and the exhaustion of the state's rainy day fund.

Wheat harvest is under way in Oklahoma

The missing piece for Oklahoma's economy -- Later stage investment capital

Oklahoma Among States Limiting Property Taxes

Lowering property taxes is always popular, and results from the November 6 elections show this year was no exemption