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Editor’s Picks From Around the Web
US: Insurance exchanges launch with few glitches
State health insurance exchanges that had encountered big problems last year, including in Maryland, Massachusetts and Hawaii, all reported no major issues this weekend as open enrollment began. By most accounts, the federal marketplace that handles enrollment for 37 states also ran smoothly.
LA: Louisiana has million less in revenue, so midyear cuts are coming
A predicted million shortfall in tax and fee collections will force Louisiana to make midyear budget cuts for the sixth time in the last seven years. Typically, the state’s higher education and health care budgets take the brunt of such reductions.
NH: New Hampshire’s energy future in ‘crisis’
New England’s reliance on natural gas, following a decades-long campaign to cut the region’s dependence on coal and oil, leads many to believe the cost of electricity will continue to rise. Just how state officials react in the next few years will help determine future energy prices and economic growth in the Granite State.
TN: Tennessee abortion bill would require ultrasound
A bill requiring women to receive an ultrasound before they can receive an abortion was filed this week, the first move to create new abortion regulations since the passage of a constitutional amendment earlier this month giving state lawmakers more power to restrict and regulate abortions.
OH: Lame-duck Ohio Legislature to deal with speed cameras, death-penalty drugs
The legislature is also likely to take up legislation on a “stand your ground” provision in a bill that would strengthen Ohio’s concealed-carry background checks.
WV: Doubling state liquor tax sought to promote West Virginia tourism
The tax increase would generate around million to million annually.
TX: Prison officials seek ways to recruit, retain officers
With the energy boom creating an explosion of high-wage job growth in oil-rich parts of Texas, finding and keeping prison employees has become difficult in those regions.
AR: Beebe advises cutting 49 state tech jobs
Departing Democratic Gov. Mike Beebe has recommended eliminating 49 positions in the state Department of Information Systems. State officials said axing the positions would save the state at least ,000 per year.
WI: Wisconsin marketing campaign plays off beer love
Wisconsin’s economic development corporation is trying to bring new business to the state by running a .6 million nationwide ad campaign featuring the Packers, beer and cheese.
NJ: New Jersey bill would require private surveillance camera registration
The legislation is aimed at making it easier for law enforcement agencies to use outdoor video surveillance cameras to investigate crimes by requiring owners to register their private cameras with their local municipalities.
SD: Crisis predicted without action on roads, bridges
A South Dakota special legislative committee has approved a comprehensive bill that would hike taxes and fees to generate million in additional road and bridge funding and millions more in following years.
MA: State investigates ‘pay to play’ allegations in beer industry
Massachusetts regulators have launched an investigation into whether beer distributors, brewers, and retailers are violating state law by agreeing to promote certain beers at bars and liquor stores in exchange for payments that freeze out competitors—largely small, craft brewers.
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