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NM: New Mexico projects $293 million in additional revenue
New Mexico lawmakers could have an estimated $293 million in “new” money to spend in the next budget year, if new state tax revenue projections are correct — though several top-ranking legislators cautioned that low oil prices could undermine the projection.
NC: North Carolina House OKs tougher requirements to get jobless benefits
House members approved changes to North Carolina’s unemployment laws, including a controversial requirement that people receiving jobless benefits contact five employers each week to continue to get their checks.
MI: Efforts to raise money for Michigan roads falters — again
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder met with House and Senate leaders from both parties as they tried to pick up the pieces from another failed attempt to strike a $1.2 billion funding deal to repair Michigan’s faltering roads and bridges. Their next chance: September.
OH: Ohio hits target for contracts with minority-owned businesses for first time
Ohio state government met its target for doing business with minority-owned companies in budget year 2015, the first time it has hit the mark since the goals were enacted 35 years ago. Spending on the contracts totaled more than $228.5 million, up more than $60 million from 2014’s record year.
VA: Former Virginia governor appeals to U.S. Supreme Court on corruption conviction
Former Gov. Bob McDonnell likely is headed to prison within weeks unless he gets a reprieve from the U.S. Supreme Court. A federal appeals court denied the former Republican governor’s bid to remain free on bond while he seeks a hearing from the nation’s top court on his corruption conviction.
IL: Illinois bans ‘gay conversion therapy’ for young people
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed a bill that bans therapists in Illinois from trying to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person younger than 18. Therapists who don’t comply face disciplinary action.
UT: Utah bills would seal information on administrative disciplinary actions
The Utah Legislature is considering bills that would shield from public view state agency files that relate to administrative actions against individuals or a criminal conviction that has been expunged by the courts.
FL: Florida governor warns economic development enterprise running low on cash
Republican Gov. Rick Scott criticized the legislature for failing to fund a public-private economic development effort with enough money for incentives to bring new jobs to the state. Lawmakers have complained Enterprise Florida, whose balance is down to $9 million, is too dependent on taxpayer subsidies to survive.
SC: South Carolina governor opposes putting Gitmo prisoners in state
Anticipating the Pentagon will soon send a team to determine if the U.S. Navy brig outside Charleston is suitable for terrorists now held at Guantanamo Bay, Republican Gov. Nikki Haley said it was time to draw a line in the sand against a transfer to South Carolina.
WA: Washington Supreme Court extends $15 minimum wage to airport workers
A Seattle suburb’s $15 hourly minimum wage for certain employees applies to thousands of workers at the region’s main Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Washington state’s top court ruled. The wage floor applies even though the airport is run by a separate government entity, the court said.
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