NEWS

NOVEMBER 6, 2009

State presses wind projects

With more than a third of the major wind-energy projects in Massachusetts stalled by lawsuits or permit appeals, the Patrick administration has proposed a landmark bill that would streamline the state’s appeals process and make it possible to win approval of such projects much more quickly.

Detroit's Election: What's at Stake

Today's general election in Detroit can be seen as an exercise to affirm the legitimacy of Dave Bing. The former NBA Star and steel magnate became mayor in a special election last May to fulfill the second-term of Kwame Kilpatrick, who left office in disgrace
To Read More:
http://detroit.blogs.time.com/2009/11/03/detroits-election-whats-at-stake/

Homebuyer's Tax Credit Applies to Higher Income, Move-up Buyers

The Senate is expected this week to pass an extension of the credit that was originally going to expire Nov. 30. Buyers who sign a purchase agreement by April can now claim the credit. The extension will apply to higher income buyers. Previously the credit was available to individual filers making $75,000 a year or less. For couples the limit was $150,000. The new income limit will be $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

Kentucky increases number of kids in health programs

FRANKFORT —State officials said Monday that they are on target to enroll 35,000 children in two key public health programs by the end of 2009, six months ahead of schedule.

Disabled students restrained, injured in public schools

Texas educators routinely pin down students with disabilities to control them, according to state data. Disability rights advocates say the restraints point to a crisis is special education, and that teachers are resorting to physical violence because they aren't properly trained.

States Are Pondering Fraud Suits Against Banks

Newly empowered by the Supreme Court, the attorneys general of several states hit hard by the housing collapse are exploring consumer fraud suits against major mortgage lenders.

Gov. Dave Heineman: Budget proposal is about reducing spending

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman outlined his state budget saving proposal Monday afternoon, saying government should respond like state families and businesses do when money is tight. They reduce spending. Facing a shortfall of $334 million, the state should do the same, he said.

Legislators consider allowing gambling to compete with Seminole casinos

TALLAHASSEE - Top Republicans all but pronounced the Seminole gambling deal dead Monday and said they are considering asking voters if they want to allow gambling such as blackjack and baccarat that would compete with the tribe's casinos.

Schwarzenegger's budget boss to step down

Reporting from Sacramento - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's budget director is departing after nearly four years in one of the most influential posts in Sacramento.

Senate passes portions of state water reform

Reporting from Sacramento - After weeks of negotiations, the state Senate started voting on a broad water package Monday night, passing three measures before adjourning shortly after midnight.

N.J. joins Delaware in suing to block dredging of Delaware

In what has become a quagmire of politics, turf, and divided interests, the New Jersey attorney general yesterday followed the State of Delaware's Friday lead and sued to block the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from deepening the Delaware River.

Rental car taxes are getting jacked up

Anyone renting a car in Maine would be paying the state 12.5% of their bill in excise taxes starting last month if the legislature there had its way.

Gov. Brewer set to call back Legislature

Gov. Jan Brewer said she expects to call the Legislature back to work later this month to cut about one-third of the $1.75 billion budget deficit.

Economic forecast still grim

AUGUSTA, Maine — State revenues continue to fall below estimates, bolstering the position of the state Economic Forecasting Commission that it will be next year before there are solid signs of the economy recovering.

RI hospital fined $150,000 in wrong-site surgery

Rhode Island's largest hospital was fined $150,000 and ordered to take the extraordinary step of installing video cameras in all its operating rooms after it had its fifth wrong-site surgery since 2007, state health officials said Monday.