Connecticut
Vocational Agriculture Programs Underfunded Despite Demand
State vocational agriculture center directors say sparse funding has caused their teaching staffs to dwindle, even as interest in the programs and job demand from the state's $2.2 billion agricultural industry are exploding. In the last 10 years, state officials estimate, student enrollment in vo-ag centers has increased by 48%, with more than 3,000 students enrolled in 2006. And yet the state's per-pupil grant for the centers hasn't increased since 1993.
Source: The Hartford Courant

Maine
Legislature Reaches Compromise on Jobless Benefits Reform
A compromise overhaul of the state's unemployment insurance system recommended unanimously by the Legislature's Labor Committee will result in a tax cut of $68.7 million for Maine employers and the expansion of benefits for thousands of state residents. Among other things, the bill would reduce the number of months employers would have to pay benefits to the Unemployment Trust Fund from 21 months to 18 months.
Source: Bangor Daily News

Arkansas
Federal Bill Aids State Jobs
Legislation introduced in the Senate encouraging Americans to replace outdated heating and cooling systems may give job security to 3,500 Fort Smith workers. Sen. Mark Pryor's (D-AR) bill offers financial incentives to residential and commercial building owners who upgrade their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units. He said the legislation would keep busy the nearly 150,000 Americans who work in the HVAC business, including the 3,500 based in Fort Smith.
Source: Southwest Times Record

Kentucky
Business Leaders to Study Education System
A task force of Kentucky business leaders will conduct a study of the state's postsecondary education system, assessing its progress since the General Assembly passed its higher education reform act in 1997. The 25-member task force appointed by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is scheduled to produce its report by the end of this year, with recommendations for the governor and the 2008 General Assembly.
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader

Minnesota
State Signs Investment Agreement With China
Minnesota state officials and Chinese government representatives signed an agreement this week promising they'll cooperate on investment opportunities. The letter of understanding calls for Chinese and state officials to meet annually to discuss ways to enhance investment in Minnesota. The two governments plan to collaborate on ways to promote Minnesota at trade fairs and other events in China. Chinese officials have entered into similar investment promotion agreements with only four other states.
Source: The Post Bulletin

Missouri
Bill Expanding Job Creation Incentives Awaits Signature
More than 7,000 Missouri jobs paying more-than-average wages hang in the balance under the latest reincarnation of the Missouri Quality Jobs Act, awaiting Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt's signature. The new legislation increases the number of businesses that can participate in the program and also raises the tax incentives allowed in one calendar year from $12 million to $50 million for Missouri. However, the hastily approved bill contains a number of technical flaws that could jeopardize the bill.
Source: The Joplin Globe

California
Democrat Health Care Plan Increases Employer Contribution
Democratic legislative leaders last week called on most companies to either provide insurance for their employees or pay a 7.5% fee on wages, nearly double what Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) proposed, a stance that almost surely will intensify some business opposition to overhauling California's health care system. The governor's plan would require employers of 10 or more people to provide coverage for their workers or else pay 4% of their payroll costs to the state.
Source: Contra Costa Times

Oregon
Time Running Out for Corporate Tax Reform
Lawmakers across the spectrum agree Oregon's $10 minimum tax on corporations, set in 1931 and now the lowest in the nation, is badly outdated. But with just weeks left before the Legislature calls it quits, there is no formal plan under consideration to increase it. Legislators say there is bipartisan support for raising the tax, but a positive updated revenue forecast and competing legislative priorities have brought efforts to a standstill.
Source: The Oregonian