September 30, 2008
State & Policy News
Bush argues for action on bailout as work continues on new solution
President George W. Bush used Monday's stunning drop in U.S. equity markets to argue the need for quick congressional action on a rescue plan, and said his advisers will begin working with Congress today on a new solution that could begin to move as soon as Wednesday. Wall Street Journal Read the article.
Treasury and the Fed looking at options
For the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department, the crisis continues. New York Times Read the article.
For many Americans, fear and distrust run high
The leaders of the country said: Trust us. The people said: Not this time. Washington Post Read the article.
Wildfires force $400M in cuts at Forest Service
The cost of fighting summer wildfires in California and the West has forced U.S. Forest Service officials to slash more than $400 million in spending, causing closures of some campgrounds and limiting access to some forests. USA Today Read the article.
Same-day voters in Ohio barraged with ads
A new law in Ohio allows voters to register and vote on the same day beginning Tuesday. Same-day voting ends on Oct. 6. Monday's ruling by the Ohio Supreme means political campaigns are taking advantage of a target audience. National Public Radio Listen Now.
New law will require California chain restaurants to display calorie counts
Chain restaurants in California will have to display calorie counts with each menu item -- the first state law of its kind in the nation -- under legislation that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to sign today. Los Angeles Times Read the article.
States act to cushion Wall Street meltdown
The first comprehensive look at how many states are looking at additional red ink will come later this year when the National Conference of State Legislatures releases results of its 50-state survey. “Right now we just don’t know,” said NCSL budget specialist Arturo Perez. Stateline.org Read the article.
'Big 7' sends a message to the next president
Representatives from a variety of state, county and city government coalitions met at Independence Visitor Center yesterday to publicly send a message to the next president of the United States: Meet with us to discuss national policy. The Philadelphia Evening Bulletin Read the article.
Fuel prices take toll on police, fire departments
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of June, more than 30 states faced $40 billion in budget deficits - more than triple the shortfall for the previous fiscal year. And “this is going to impact public safety in one way or another,” a spokesman said. Homeland Security Today Read the article.
Iowa: State officials consider 4-day school week
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, school districts in 17 states operate on a four-day week. The Associated Press in the Telegraph Herald (IA) Read the article.
Panelists debate proposed federal moratorium on cellphone taxes
‘‘There is nothing fair about the countless number of taxes and fees that wireless customers pay today,’’ said (Illinois Senate Assistant Majority Leader James F.) Clayborne, who also serves on the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Communications, Financial Services, and Interstate Commerce Committee. State Tax Notes Read the article.
50 little labs: States are functioning as proving grounds for healthcare information technology initiatives
“When California passed the financial data breach law a few years ago, 30 other states followed suit. So this may be the model for other states,” says Kory Mertz, research analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington, D.C. “This is the laboratory of democracy argument.” Mertz, who tracks health IT legislation for NCSL, notes that all the states are struggling to cope with certain common issues. “They are all grappling with how to update their privacy laws,” Mertz says. Healthcare Informatics Read the article.
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