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NY: Paterson seeks budget help from GOP

By Rick Karlin, Times Union (Albany)

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

By Bruce Mildwurf, WRAL.com (Raleigh)

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

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RECENT STATELINE.ORG STORIES


	MI: Granholm, GOP still disagree on how to pay for education CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm said Thursday shed 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.
	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.
	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 Sanfords request for an order keeping the report secret but stopped short of ordering its release.
	AL: Former aide says Indian donations influencing Riley's bingo opposition A former member of Gov. Bob Rileys Cabinet said today that Riley received campaign contributions from Mississippi Indians who operate casinos, with the money intended to limit their competition in Alabama.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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.
	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, its 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.
	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 Mississippis economy until the second half of next year.
	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.
	KY: Amendment gives at least $100 million annually to horse industry At least $100 million annually would go to Kentuckys horse industry if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize slot machines.
	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 Marylands attorney general found that the county had failed to meet the states minimum level of funding for education. The opinion renders it potentially liable for millions of dollars in penalties.
	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.


	Tuesday's winners now must govern TODAYS 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.
	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.
	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.
	N.J. race could be omen for incumbents TODAYS 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.
	Budget 'fixes' run into trouble TODAYS TAKE: Unlike the federal government, almost every state is required by law to balance its budget. But that doesnt mean state lawmakers always balance the books in the most straightforward of ways: by matching revenues with spending.
	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.
	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.
	'As states, we compete,' Wyo. governor says Gaining the competitive edge seems to be on the minds of state officials more than usual.
	'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.

DAILY STATE NEWS

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)
St. Paul Pioneer Press
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.
The Spokesman-Review (Spokane)
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.
Los Angeles Times
Read More

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