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Editor’s Picks From Around the Web
AZ: Arizona sues General Motors Co. for $3 billion over recalls
The state claims that the automaker defrauded Arizona consumers of an estimated $3 billion. The suit is the first major legal action against GM over its record number of recalls this year, most notable among them one for a defective ignition switch in 2.6 million cars that was delayed for a decade.
NY: New York toll hikes ‘inevitable’
The nearly $4 billion Tappan Zee Bridge replacement project will almost certainly double the $5 toll currently charged on the existing span by 2019, and create a financial ripple effect that could drive up tolls across the entire 570-mile state Thruway system, a government finance expert warned.
AK: Lawmakers asked to sign secrecy pledge on Alaska gas pipeline
Legislators plan to meet the day after Thanksgiving for a final update from the administration of outgoing Republican Gov. Sean Parnell on the proposed natural gas pipeline. But they won’t be allowed to attend unless they sign a secrecy pledge.
KY: Kentucky gasoline tax to drop 4.3 cents a gallon
Kentucky motorists will pay less in gasoline taxes starting New Year’s Day, but state officials warn the change will mean fewer road improvements. The tax fluctuates with the wholesale price of gasoline.
CA: California sees reserves growing more than $4 billion over two years
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office said much of the extra money would most likely go toward education, the state’s rainy day fund and potentially paying down liabilities.
TX: Report: EPA power plan would save Texas water
As state regulators fret about how President Barack Obama’s effort to combat climate change would affect the Texas power grid, a new study says the rules would be simpler to adopt than those regulators suggest – and that it would save the state billions of gallons of water annually.
OH: Ohio Senate votes to slash use of traffic cameras
A proposal to all but eliminate controversial speed and red light cameras passed the Ohio Senate overwhelmingly. Cities would be prohibited from using data gathered by the cameras without an officer present at the scene.
WV: Controversial Obamacare adviser paid to advise West Virginia
MIT professor Jonathan Gruber, an Obamacare adviser who is under fire for remarks about the “stupidity of the American voter,” was paid more than $121,000 to advise West Virginia on how to best respond to the Affordable Care Act.
MT: Federal judge rules Montana’s anti-gay marriage amendment unconstitutional
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has overturned the state’s gay marriage ban.
UT: Utah cities seek sales tax increase to improve roads
Utah’s cities asked state legislators to allow them to raise local sales taxes to improve local roads.
WI: Wisconsin’s open school enrollment program violates federal disability law, suit says
Three Wisconsin families who have children with disabilities have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state’s open enrollment program, saying that it allows school districts to reject students with disabilities but accept others.
GA: State employees give Sanders final salute
Dozens of state workers braved the cold Wednesday to offer their final salute to former Democratic Gov. Carl Sanders as his hearse passed the Georgia Capitol.
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