Alaska
Oil Jobs Growing-Employment is booming in the North Slope oil fields, according to a state labor economist. The number of oil jobs was expected to reach 11,400 in 2007, the highest number since oil production began in the area in the mid-1970s.
Source: Associated Press

Florida
Property Tax Relief Faces Voters-Realtors and business groups are building voter support for a business and residential property tax relief proposal on the ballot January 29. Labor unions are looking to defeat the tax-cut amendment, claiming it will cost $12.4 billion in lost revenue.
Source: Orlando Sentinel

Oklahoma
Immigration Law Hits Businesses-Retailers and employers whose success depends on Latino business and workers have felt the pinch since the state's anti-illegal immigrant law went into effect November 1. The Home Builders Association estimates the industry has lost 10% of its workforce.
Source: Associated Press

Tennessee
Telecommuters Eligible for Workers' Comp-Employees who telecommute or work in a home office are entitled to workers' compensation benefits, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled. Business groups argue it would be hard to prove whether an employee was working when an injury occurred.
Source: The Tennessean

South Dakota
Tight Ozone Standard Raises Alarm-Gov. Mike Rounds (R) and business leaders are raising alarms about an EPA plan to tighten the standard on the maximum allowable level of ozone in the atmosphere. They contend that the new rule could cost millions in economic activity.
Source: The Argus Leader