Arkansas
Tourism Gets Boost Despite High Gas Prices
Rising gas prices and a struggling economy may have helped the state's tourism industry this summer, according to Arkansas tourism officials. Joe David Rice, tourism director of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, said that high gas prices may actually have worked in the state's favor, with campgrounds, resorts, state parks, and attractions reporting an increase in the number of local visitors and visitors from surrounding states such as Texas.
Source: Arkansas News Bureau

Idaho
Fewer Companies Look to Relocate
A national slump that's soured the economic atmosphere in Idaho is eating into the list of potential companies looking to relocate here. Don Dietrich, the Idaho Department of Commerce director, told the Idaho Statesman he usually has a list of 50 new companies considering a move, but that has changed. "A lot of the businesses said, 'We haven't given up on Idaho, but we're not making that decision now," Dietrich reports.
Source: Associated Press

Indiana
State Chamber Warns Candidates on Tax Cap
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce warned the two gubernatorial contenders last week that it would be "extremely unwise" to make permanent in the state Constitution a 1% tax cap on home property taxes.  Legislators voted last spring to limit property tax bills to 1% of assessed value for homeowners, 2% for landlords and 3% for businesses. But, because tax rate caps of different amounts require a change in the state Constitution, the measure must pass the General Assembly again next year, under a new governor. The state chamber argues that any state cap should be imposed on all types of property, not just homes.
Source: The Times

Maryland
State Offers Health Plan for Small Businesses
The state has announced a new program to help small businesses provide health insurance to their employees. Under the Health Insurance Partnership, businesses that have fewer than nine full-time employees with an average wage below $50,000 are eligible for subsidies to cover up to 50% of premiums. Enrollment for the program begins next month for coverage that starts Oct. 1.
Source: The Baltimore Sun

New Jersey
State Can Use Pensions to Invest in Hedge Funds
A state appeals court approved New Jersey's controversial decision to invest $9 billion of public pension funds in hedge funds and other "alternative investments," saying such holdings are allowed by the state laws that govern the $78 billion retirement accounts. The unpublished decision rejects a challenge by two of the state's most influential public employees unions, the Communications Workers of America and the New Jersey Education Association.
Source: The Star-Ledger