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Editor’s Picks From Around the Web
US: States warned that federal transportation dollars will end
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told state transportation officials that they should expect no federal funding for highway, bridge and transit beyond the end of the month unless Congress acts by then to extend it.
TX: Study says half of Texas women face barriers to reproductive health
The study focused on access to family planning, cervical cancer screenings and contraception starting in 2011. That’s the year the legislature cut the state’s budget for family planning by two-thirds and rejected a federally financed women’s health program, leading to the closure of 76 Texas health clinics.
OH: Ohio lawmakers take first step to toughen police training standards
Ohio House and Senate leaders unveiled legislation that would require all police officers in the state to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate, and open the door to demanding more training hours to become an officer.
LA: Audit concludes Louisiana’s state contracts lack oversight
More than half of Louisiana’s state contracts with outside entities do not have to be approved by a centralized authority in state government, according to a new audit. The unapproved contracts total nearly $6.2 billion in taxpayer dollars.
WA: Washington state enlists goats as ‘weed warriors’
Forty-one goats are part of a pilot project by the Washington’s Department of Transportation to clear vegetation. The cost of the rented goats will be compared to that of state maintenance crews using gas-powered tools.
AK: Talk of a government shutdown grows in Alaska with budget impasse
The Alaska Legislature ended a recess, but only a handful of legislators showed up and they quickly left the Capitol. Independent Gov. Bill Walker wants them to address a $3 billion budget gap and had called them into special session to do so.
RI: Governor: Taxing Rhode Island second homes not necessary
With revenue expected to come in well ahead of projections this fiscal year, Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo said her budget proposal to impose taxes on second homes valued at $1 million or more in Rhode Island should be scrapped.
MI: Michigan Senate panel to debate repeal of prevailing wage laws
A Senate committee is taking up the contentious issue of repealing Michigan’s prevailing wage laws that require union-scale wages to be paid on public construction projects. Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has said he doesn’t support repeal.
CA: Amid slower growth, California’s health care exchange cuts proposed spending
After using most of $1 billion in federal start-up money, California’s health care exchange is preparing to go on a diet. That financial reality is reflected in a proposed budget that forecasts a smaller enrollment of fewer than 1.5 million people next year.
GA: Georgia governor signs bill to ease sticker shock on home solar systems
Georgia homeowners won approval for what solar energy advocates say will be an easier, more affordable way to have solar power systems installed on their rooftops by allowing for third-party financing.
WI: Audit faults medical transportation company for Wisconsin Medicaid recipients
A company that provides medical transportation for Wisconsin Medicaid patients was late or never showed up thousands of times in less than a one-year period, according to a legislative audit.
MO: Free food fills Missouri Capitol’s hallways as ethics bill languishes
Hungry legislators and staffers lined up for Kansas City barbeque paid for by lobbyists. Missouri imposes no limits on lobbyist-provided meals or gifts. A bill that would change that has been stuck in committee.
NV: Bill would prevent HOAs from barring Nevada flag
The bill would bring state law on flying the Nevada state flag in line with that of the American flag.
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