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LA: In-demand college majors may cost more in Louisiana
As state leaders explore ways to address what threaten to be cataclysmic cuts to higher education funding in Louisiana, one idea that has been discussed is whether colleges could charge higher fees for more in-demand majors. Engineering majors, for example, would ultimately pay more for their degrees than English majors.
WI: Union leaders vow to fight Walker on ‘right to work’ in Wisconsin
More than a dozen Wisconsin labor leaders said anti-union legislation supported by Republican Gov. Scott Walker is being rushed through the legislature to discourage discussion. The legislation would allow employees in private workplaces to opt out of paying union dues, weakening budgets and membership.
PA: Pennsylvania’s problem? Low self-esteem, governor says
As he begins his tenure facing a $2 billion budget gap, struggling schools, and aging bridges and roads, Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said there’s another key area to improve: his state’s self-esteem. State Republicans slammed Wolf for his remarks.
KS: Kansas lawmakers look at repealing Common Core standards
The lawmaker pushing for the repeal says the national education standards for math and English are out of step with Kansas values and promote pornography.
MA: Governor to press feds for Massachusetts storm aid
If approved by the president, the soon-to-be-filed request for a major disaster declaration would pave the way for a significant infusion of federal dollars — perhaps many millions — to help reimburse cities, towns, the state and certain nonprofits for cleanup costs.
SC: Bipartisan tax plan would raise $2 billion for schools and roads
Two state representatives – a Republican and a Democrat – plan to unveil a proposal today that they say could be part of the solution to making South Carolina schools more equal and repairing the state’s roads. The proposal could cost state residents $721.8 million a year more at the gas pump and another $448.8 million more on their prescriptions.
ME: Maine won’t issue A-F grades on schools this year
Maine’s Department of Education will suspend the A-F grading system for schools this year because students are taking a new assessment test, state education department officials said.
CT: Connecticut tax refunds delayed because of fraud
Some Connecticut taxpayers might receive income tax refunds a few weeks later than expected as state revenue officials verify that fraudulent returns are not being submitted. The Department of Revenue Services has narrowed questionable refunds to less than 1 percent of those requested.
ND: North Dakota college student contact info to remain available
The North Dakota Senate has voted to allow public college students’ phone numbers, email addresses and home addresses to remain open records.
AK: As budgets shrink, state eyes cuts to film incentives
Alaska’s film tax credit program to draw filmmakers and TV crews to the state is on the chopping block as lawmakers scramble to fill a widening budget gap.
UT: Utah Senate approves another new-driver test, pricier driving cards for immigrants
New drivers would face an additional written test, and undocumented immigrants would need to pay more for “driving privilege cards” under bills passed by the Utah Senate.
TX: Perry’s embrace of tax subsidies could haunt 2016 bid
Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has been promoting tax subsidies for private businesses since the early 1990s. But the programs have rarely lived up to their promise, and a series of damning audits could hurt the Republican’s expected 2016 presidential run.
FL: Governor may find it tough to get Florida tax cut plans passed
Republican Gov. Rick Scott wants legislators to use a projected budget windfall to pay for tax cuts and provide more money for schools. Scott wants to cut taxes by nearly $700 million, including a cut in the taxes Floridians pay on their cellphone and cable television bills.
CA: California should have an embassy in Washington, lawmaker says
The bill would allow California to partner with private nonprofit groups to establish and maintain an embassy within a one-mile radius of the U.S. Capitol. No state money would be spent on the facility.
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