Florida
Businesses Get Tax Break
Small business owners caught a break from the Legislature when it passed a bill exempting the first $25,000 of tangible personal property tax. The tax is placed on nonfixed assets such as computers, phones, and basic office equipment.
Source: Tampa Bay Business Journal

Hawaii
Drug Screening Test Approved
Employers can now use an on-site oral screening kit to test their employees for drug use under a new law that went into effect July 1. The oral fluid drug screens are cheaper, faster, and more convenient than urinalysis.
Source: The Honolulu Advertiser

Indiana
Factory Jobs Drop
The state lost more than 17,000 manufacturing jobs over the past year caused, in part, by the struggling auto industry and a decline in the need for manufactured housing, according to the Indiana Manufacturers Directory. The report also found sluggish growth in biotech and other technology sectors.
Source: The Indianapolis Star

South Dakota
New Refinery to Add Jobs
The state is poised to be the home of a future oil refinery and energy complex, which is expected to create up to 1,800 permanent jobs. Dallas-based Hyperion Resources plans to build the $8 billion project near Elk Point.
Source: The Argus Leader

Wisconsin
Executives Say State Is Anti-Business
More than half of the 24 CEOs- responding to a survey described the state government as more anti-business than ever and expressed concern over the governor's tax increase proposal. CEOs who serve on the Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce board were polled.
Source: Associated Press