Maine
Report Paints Mixed Picture of State Economy
A report released by a panel representing business, labor, and government gave Maine good marks for health care and protecting forests, but said there was room for improvement when it comes to managing the economy. The Maine Economic Growth Council report found that research and development spending is lacking, manufacturing productivity lags behind the national figure, state and local taxes are too high, health care is too expensive, and the highways and bridges are deficient.
Source: Associated Press

New York
State Leaders Agree to Workers' Comp Reform
Gov. Eliot Spitzer and legislative leaders last week announced a deal to overhaul the state's much-criticized workers'-compensation system, which business leaders have complained for decades is a major drag on the upstate economy and labor unions have said provides insufficient benefits. The agreement calls for reduced premiums for businesses, greater awards for injured workers, and a cap on the period that partially disabled workers can collect benefits. Under current law, partially disabled workers have been able to collect benefits for the rest of their lives.
Source: Utica Observer-Dispatch

Arkansas
Business Groups Happy With Legislative Session
Business groups have fared well and found much to praise in the first eight weeks of the regular session, business representatives say. With an estimated $843 million surplus, legislative leaders have made tax cuts and economic development a priority.
Source: Arkansas News Bureau

Florida
Bills Aim to Ease Small Business Health Insurance Woes
Two proposals before the Legislature aim to help small businesses get affordable health insurance. One proposal, Senate Bill 298, would establish a pilot project for firms with two to five employees. The companies could get a one-time-only tax rebate of $1,000 per employee covered, if employers pay at least 50% of a health insurance premium. Another proposal would allow businesses to purchase minimum coverage without some or all of the 50-plus mandates, such as requiring coverage for visits to psychologists, social workers, and chiropractors.
Source: The Miami Herald

Illinois
Governor Plans New Payroll Tax to Fund Health Care
Illinois businesses would face a major new levy—a payroll tax of about 3%—under the proposed fiscal 2008 state budget that Gov. Rod Blagojevich is scheduled to unveil Wednesday. A spokeswoman for the governor confirmed Friday that "a tax based on some portion of payroll" of most companies that do not currently offer health insurance to their workers will be included in the new budget proposal. Proceeds would be used to subsidize a new universal health care system that Gov. Blagojevich is expected to roll out as early as this weekend.
Source: Crain's Chicago Business

Nebraska
Businesses Prepared to Let Congress Set Minimum Wage
Nebraska business groups said that they would quit fighting a bill to raise the state's minimum wage if the state's increase matches what happens at the federal level, so as to avoid confusion about which wage law applies to which businesses. "This is an issue we believe should be set on the national level," said Kathy Siefken, the executive director for the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association.
Source: Omaha World-Herald

Arizona
Businesses Push Plan to Raise Gas, Sales Taxes
Arizonans are weighing a number of options to fund more road construction and maintenance to ensure the state has an efficient and productive infrastructure. Business leaders are pushing for an immediate $500 million infusion to accelerate road construction projects already approved by the state Transportation Board but not planned for implementation for several years. Some politicians and consumer groups want to raise transportation funds through an increase in the state's gasoline tax or sales tax. Others want voters to decide in a ballot initiative.
Source: The Arizona Daily Star

Nevada
Bill Would Encourage Business Electric Generation
A state lawmaker said this week that he wants to open up the possibility for people to install electric generating panels at their homes and businesses. Assemblyman David Bobzien (D-Reno) has introduced legislation revising current "net metering" laws by increasing the limit from 150 kilowatts to 5 megawatts and also provide rebates to consumers who install solar generating systems. Net metering refers to photo-electric panels that use excess electric power to spin the utility's meter backwards and actually reduce the electric bill at that site.
Source: Nevada Appeal