Renewable energy generation may be hard for some states

GEORGIA: Proposed new energy rules will have strong effect on state

Georgia Public Service Commission member Stan Wise says that the proposed federal regulations on renewable energy generation will have a big impact in Georgia, a state he says doesn't have the wind, solar or biomass resources to meet the new guidelines. This impact would extend to other Southern states as well.

This could mean an increase in Georgians' electricity bills by as much as 25%, says Wise, and billions in taxpayer money would flow out of Georgia to import renewable energy from other states or to pay for government-sponsored credits to offset proposed renewable goals.

However, a recent report by the environmental group Southern Alliance for Clean Energy shows that Georgia and other Southern states could easily reach the 25 percent by 2025 goal if they did a better job of tapping into biomass, wind, solar and ocean-energy resources.

This is an issue that bears watching for all the states.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: A look at key points in Gov. Riley's ethics legislation

ARKANSAS: Bill on experience requirement for Gas Commission advances

FLORIDA: Man behind state's prepaid college program is against tuition hikes

KENTUCKY: Nuclear power plant bill approved by House committee

LOUISIANA: Cigarettes priced mistakenly at $7.50 per pack in parts of the state

MISSISSIPPI: Analysts say impact of stimulus funds is estimated at $5.12 billion

NORTH CAROLINA: Proposed cement plant in coastal area worries environmentalists

SOUTH CAROLINA: Waste firms prepare for landfill fight with legislators

TENNESSEE: Legislators consider merging state's two college systems

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine says he'll veto guns in bars bill

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

"Fluffy" toilet paper means fewer forests

Soft toilet paper bad for the environment

One area of personal hygiene that's seen growth in the past year is the soft toilet paper market. In 2008, brands such as Cottonelle Ultra, Quilted Northern Ultra, and Charmin Ultra saw a 40% increase in sales in some markets.

But fluffiness comes at a great environmental cost. Millions of trees harvested in North America and in Latin American countries, including some percentage of trees from rare old-growth forests in Canada, have been used to create the soft tissue.

Quite a change from the days of leaves and Sears catalogs.

James Malone, a spokesman for Georgia Pacific, the maker of Quilted Northern. says customers demand soft tissue -- “Recycled fiber cannot do it.”

The U.S. compulsion toward soft tissue has not escaped the notice of environmentalists, who are increasingly making toilet tissue manufacturers the targets of campaigns.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Sen. Shelby meets with Obama to discuss financial industry overhaul

ARKANSAS: State gets $351.5 million for infrastructure improvements

FLORIDA: South Florida suffering from mass layoffs

GEORGIA: Bill to make schools tackle obesity passes in House

KENTUCKY: Rift between Sen. Bunning and GOP widens as lawsuit threatened

LOUISIANA: "Woeful" reviews for Gov. Jindal's speech on national television

MISSISSIPPI: "Back to school" tax break advances

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Bev Perdue wants more cut from budget

SOUTH CAROLINA: State judiciary must deal with nearly $9 million in cuts

TENNESSEE: Solar products plant to be built near Chattanooga

VIRGINIA: Bill on guns in bars passes again in General Assembly

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Health compromised by North Carolina plant

Debris in syringes ignored by FDA

More alarming news -- An Angier, N.C. company called AM2PAT has been named in a criminal investigation by the FDA. However, complaints about the company were received months before the FDA actually began investigating the company for sediment and debris in medicine.

AM2PAT sold tainted syringes of heparin and saline that have been linked to five deaths. At least 100 more people were sickened, often after receiving the medicines during chemotherapy, kidney dialysis and other intravenous procedures.

The company's "chief microbiologist" was a teenager who dropped out of high school.

Moral of the story? Question authority. Or at least consider researching any medicine/company with which you interact.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Bills on illegal immigration cover employers, benefits

ARKANSAS: Smoking in cars with minors could be banned by legislators

FLORIDA: Lt. Gov. Kottkamp faces ethics complaint over travel expenses

GEORGIA: Bill introduced to require gov't employees to live in cities, counties in which they work

KENTUCKY: Budget impact of video slots bill debated

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal warns that debt will hurt next generation

MISSISSIPPI: Inventory tax reduction considered in state Senate

NORTH CAROLINA: Lottery sales to reach $3 billion this week (in less than three years)

SOUTH CAROLINA: SC DNR says all counties in the state are in drought

TENNESSEE: State may reject stimulus aid for unemployed

VIRGINIA: Congressional delegation reacts to President Obama's speech

FROM THE OPINION PAGES:
What part of 'stimulus' don't they get?
"What makes these bad decisions worse is that they are little more than political posturing by rising Republican stars, like Gov. Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina. This behavior reinforces the disturbing conclusion that the Republican Party seems more interested in ideological warfare than in working on policies that get the country back on track."

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

President Obama meets with GOP governors

GOP governors hear pitch from President Obama

President Obama urged the critics of his stimulus package to consider the big picture.

''I just want us to not lose perspective," he said. "Most of the things that have been the topic of argument over the last several days amount to a fraction of the overall stimulus package.''

Looking at Republicans Haley Barbour of Mississippi and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, who have vowed not to accept money to extend unemployment benefits because it could increase taxes for employers -- Obama acknowledged they had "very legitimate concerns." But, he said, "what hasn't been noted is that it is $7 billion in a $787 billion program."

Gov. Crist of Florida, a GOP supporter of the plan, said, "the guy's (President Obama) right. . . . We are in an economic crisis. We need to come together as a country and focus on the big picture."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Democratic lawmakers say they'll apply for stimulus funds directly if Gov. Riley rejects them

ARKANSAS: Schools could be retrofitted with stimulus funds, says Gov. Beebe

FLORIDA: Voters must know human impact of budget cuts, says head of Florida Democratic Party

GEORGIA: "Living lawnmowers" seen as a way to get rid of weeds in a green manner

KENTUCKY: Mixed reaction from legislators to proposed investigative agency for General Assembly

LOUISIANA: Some in state say Gov. Jindal 'not conservative enough'

MISSISSIPPI: Senators reject plan to allow cities to increase property taxes for parks

NORTH CAROLINA: Proposed increase in home insurance premium rates defended by state insurance commissioner

SOUTH CAROLINA: State may have to wait for Medicaid stimulus funds

TENNESSEE: GOP lawmaker says his blog falls under 'legislative immunity'

VIRGINIA: General Assembly nears end of session with several important issues undecided

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Governors may reject stimulus funds

Governors of some states may turn down stimulus funds

At least half a dozen Republican governors have said they may reject some, if not all, of the money their states would get under a stimulus package that they say will enlarge the government’s slice of gross domestic product and slow, or even reverse, the economic downturn.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford have joined the revolt started by Gov. Butch Otter of Idaho (along with Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin and Texas' Gov. Rick Perry).

The rift in the GOP was apparent Sunday on “Meet the Press” as Governor Jindal faced off with Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, who is welcoming the stimulus package. “We are at a time of need and to do nothing is not acceptable,” said Governor Crist. “I’ve looked into the eyes of people [in unemployment lines] and I understand the challenge.”

Today marks the start of the Republican Governors Association conference in Washington -- one to watch!

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Budget problems may stall ethics reform

ARKANSAS: Bill approved by House committee allows non-partisan election of prosecutors

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist "shrugs off" criticism by GOP peers over stimulus plan

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue defends plan to overhaul state DOT

KENTUCKY: Legislature likely won't vote on expanded gambling this year

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal criticizes stimulus plan on "Meet the Press"

MISSISSIPPI: Jackson State University touts new LEED-certified building

NORTH CAROLINA: Cuts in state budget to move forward despite stimulus money

SOUTH CAROLINA: New database for law enforcers will track gang activity in state

TENNESSEE: State GOP prepares to test social agenda in legislature

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine looks to cut state funds for school support jobs by 1/3

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

High-speed rail money possible from stimulus package

Stimulus Package: Part of funding will go toward faster trains

Several Southern states are interested in high-speed rail: North Carolina, which is part of the Southeast High-Speed Rail Corridor, will seek some of the stimulus money to speed rail service between Charlotte and Washington; Officials in Alabama want to be on a faster line connecting Atlanta and New Orleans.

Many rail advocates said that it would make sense to move to higher-speed rail before building true high-speed rail, and that getting the nation’s long-neglected rail system into working order could lay the foundation for future high-speed projects.

“You’ve got to walk before you can run, and we’ve just been crawling up to now,” said Ross B. Capon, the president of the National Association of Railroad Passengers, an advocacy group for riders.

There are a lot of issues to be solved before true high-speed rail can be realized, but at least this is a start.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Tax preparers upset over bill that would regulate their industry

ARKANSAS: Abortion bill passes in state Senate

FLORIDA: Bill introduced to limit state's ability to prosecute crimes on Indian land

GEORGIA: First commercial methane gas processor in Southeast goes online in Barrow County

KENTUCKY: Appalachian miners show increase of black lung disease

LOUISIANA: New Orleans won't benefit much from stimulus package

MISSISSIPPI: Schools to see big boost from stimulus package

NORTH CAROLINA: Schools could get $2 billion from stimulus package

SOUTH CAROLINA: State DOT to put $200 million into roads, bridges

TENNESSEE: Sen. Alexander wants TVA, public to re-think coal ash use

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine says he'll sign bill to restrict smoking quickly

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org

Gov. Beshear of Kentucky pushes green effort

KENTUCKY: State buildings to cut heat, A/C as new "green" regulations go into effect

Kudos to Gov. Steve Beshear, who announced new "green" regulations for state office buildings. They include cutting back the heat and air conditioning at 6 p.m. on weekdays and weekends, as well as cutting off most lights in state office buildings at night and on weekends.

"It's senseless to heat or cool down a building when there is no one working there," Beshear said at a news conference.

In addition, new buildings or renovations in which more than half the expense comes from state funds will be required to meet energy efficiency standards called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Beshear declared. The nationally recognized standards are laid down by the U.S. Green Building Council. Kentucky will be one of a dozen states that require LEED certification in new buildings, Beshear said.

Gov. Beshear's support of these green ideas is in line with a host of suggestions found in Getting Greener: Progressive environmental ideas for the American South. Check out the link for more ideas that you can implement now at home.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Senate committee votes to spend $1 billion on roads

ARKANSAS: Draft bill released to create Arkansas lottery

FLORIDA: In-state public university tuition could increase sharply

GEORGIA: State's sex offender law means few places for felons to live

LOUISIANA: Democrats not upset over lack of Katrina money in stimulus plan

MISSISSIPPI: Leaders in coastal Mississippi appeal to lawmakers for funding

NORTH CAROLINA: Stimulus plan could cost North Carolina $760 million

SOUTH CAROLINA: Employment Security Commission officials defend agency's record

TENNESSEE: TVA official says water is safe in coal ash spill area

VIRGINIA: Budget gap discussions underway between House and Senate

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

"Peanut Power Hour" held in Georgia

GEORGIA: Lawmakers work to revive peanut's image

Georgia is the nation's leading peanut producer, and the nationwide salmonella outbreak has consumers shunning the legume. Lawmakers are publicly guzzling down bags of peanuts, organizing peanut butter events and offering the legumes boiled, shelled and just about any other way to all who are willing to eat them.

On Tuesday, tables at the state Capitol were filled with peanut butter, cookies, candies, apples with peanut butter, boiled peanuts and buckets of shelled, roasted peanuts for anyone to eat.

"This is to convince the public , the best way we know how , that peanuts are safe," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin, licking the remnants of a peanut snack off his lips. "There are some skeptics out there that don't know this is the result of one bad player."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Senate to consider bill on required judge experience

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe signs tobacco tax increase of 56 cents a pack into law

FLORIDA: South Florida hopes Obama's foreclosure plan will help with crisis

KENTUCKY: Largest bank in the state, PNC Financial, calls for moratorium on foreclosures

LOUISIANA: The Stanford Group faces 'massive' fraud charge

MISSISSIPPI: Four school districts in danger of going bankrupt

NORTH CAROLINA: Dempsey Benton named to head office overseeing stimulus funds

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate passes bill to restructure State Ports Authority

TENNESSEE: Lawmakers to decide how to spend stimulus funds by June

VIRGINIA: Smoking bills to be considered, negotiated today

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Louisiana campus takes part in green housing competition

LOUISIANA: University of Louisiana at Lafayette shows off solar panel installation

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette showed off a solar panel installation on Monday that will help with the development of its BeauSoleil Louisiana Solar Home project. The project is part the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon.

The international competition includes 20 university and college teams from around the world to encourage the design and construction of attractive, energy-efficient, solar-powered homes.

As part of the competition, the team will be judged in 10 categories, including how much solar energy is produced versus energy used. Teams earn more points if they have net energy.

This is the kind of competition that will prove a win-win for all states -- especially the heat-intense Southern states! As part of Getting Greener: Progressive environmental ideas for the American South, this falls in with general recommendations about "green building" practices -- how they produce energy savings and reduce pollution.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: A talk with Rep. Artur Davis on laid-off workers, stimulus package

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe promotes "Say Go College Week"

FLORIDA: Property tax relief a big issue for Gov. Crist, despite city, county objection

GEORGIA: State transportation board threatened by governor-backed new authority

KENTUCKY: Trauma network is under construction by state law

MISSISSIPPI: School districts on the financial edge may make it this year

NORTH CAROLINA: Durham to allow city chickens

SOUTH CAROLINA: Pay-day lending lobbyists proving too powerful in SC

TENNESSEE: USDA reports farms smaller and fewer in Tennessee than a couple of years ago

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine says no more budget cuts

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Three Southern states to borrow funds to pay unemployment

SOUTH CAROLINA: State is one of eight with insolvent unemployment funds

Andrew Stettner, deputy director for the National Employment Law Project, said while some other states such as Michigan and New York are borrowing much more from the federal government to pay their unemployed, South Carolina's situation stands out because of its size.

South Carolina has so far borrowed $187 million; the state will likely ask for more as swelling unemployment overwhelms the state's fund, which once held $800 million. Stettner said South Carolina's loans will take years to pay off and are the result of "bad policy choices and neglect."

North Carolina and Kentucky are among the eight with the problem as well. North Carolina is now paying about $50 million a week in unemployment benefits. North Carolina borrowed $13 million this week, and officials plan to ask for more as needed, tapping into a $540 million line of credit.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Secretary of State Beth Chapman may run for governor in 2010

ARKANSAS: Job losses could impact schools, if families move in search of work

FLORIDA: State reverts to in-house food service for inmates following failed privatization by Gov. Bush

GEORGIA: Sunday alcohol sales seen as possible booster of state's economy

KENTUCKY: Global Environmental Services recycles, refurbishes electronic gadgets

LOUISIANA: Historically black colleges hit hard by economic downturn

MISSISSIPPI: Bill would make traffic cameras at intersections illegal

NORTH CAROLINA: Student fund could go bust by 2012 if legislature can't find financial aid source

TENNESSEE: State Democratic Party chairman lays out plan to take over legislature

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine to give legislators an update on budget forecast today

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

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Alabama students create BBQ road trip for class

ALABAMA: Barbecue-eating a 'tasty academic' course at Birmingham-Southern College

Four college students spent January traveling around the South, eating at some of the best barbecue restaurants as part of a self-designed class that combined academics with pulled pork.

They documented their experience with stories, photos and video posted on a blog and the Web site they built, southernbbqboys.com. Those components, along with a final essay each one is currently finishing, are being graded by the English instructor who helped them design the class.

The four mapped out a trip through Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. They stuck to places that specialize in pork "because Southerners KNOW pork is the only real barbecue."

Here's where they went:

• Germantown Commissary , Memphis, Tenn.
• Neely's Bar-b-que , Memphis, Tenn.
• Corky's BBQ , Memphis, Tenn.
• Jack's Bar-b-que , Nashville, Tenn.
• Sticky Fingers RibHouse , Chattanooga, Tenn.
• Lexington Barbecue No. 1 , Lexington, N.C.
• The Pit , Raleigh, N.C.
• Stamey's , Greensboro, N.C.
• B's Barbecue and Grill , Greenville, N.C.
• Wilber's Barbecue , Goldsboro, N.C.
• Scott BBQ , Hemingway, S.C.
• Sweatman's Bar-b-que , Holly Hill, S.C.
• Fresh Air Bar-B-Que , Athens, Ga.
• Old Clinton Bar-b-q , Gray, Ga.
• Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q , Atlanta, Ga.
• Byron's Smoke House , Auburn, Ala.
• Dreamland Bar-B-Q , Tuscaloosa, Ala.
• Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q , Decatur, Ala.

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: Projects listed for proposed tobacco-tax hike money

FLORIDA: Bill introduced to enforce Internet sales tax collection

GEORGIA: House votes to ban property assessment increases for two years

KENTUCKY: Lawmakers consider major overhaul of business incentive program

LOUISIANA: Port of South Louisiana sees 10% decrease in cargo

MISSISSIPPI: NAACP turns 100, fights to keep struggle alive

NORTH CAROLINA: State sees decline in tobacco's influence

SOUTH CAROLINA: DHEC board approves coal plant near Florence

TENNESSEE: Four state legislators want President Obama to prove citizenship

VIRGINIA: Embattled head of state GOP to give up seat in House

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Alabama to open government spending records

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley signs order to create online database of all state government expenses

Gov. Riley says this order will "put the Alabama state checkbook online," giving Alabama residents the ability to act as watchdogs over state government ethics.

The state Finance Department will operate the Web site, which will be ready with information from the 2008 fiscal year and monthly reports for 2009 by March 1. It will be searchable by October, the governor said.

State Rep. Lea Fite, D-Jacksonville, said that as a proponent of open government laws, he has "no problem. I think the more … sunshine we have, the more people trust government."

Fite mentioned President Barack Obama's promise of greater accountability and transparency for federal government. "I'm glad Gov. Riley is getting on board with the Democrats' and President Obama's openness."

Also in the South:

ARKANSAS: House committee rejects bill limiting eminent domain

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist's office not sure how stimulus compromise will affect Florida

GEORGIA: Legislators consider allowing state pension fund managers to do riskier investments

KENTUCKY: Alcohol, tobacco tax increases approved by House

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal chosen by GOP to respond to President Obama's Feb. 24 joint address to Congress

MISSISSIPPI: House approves early voting, voter ID bill

NORTH CAROLINA: Economy of state should see aid, not fixes, with stimulus package

SOUTH CAROLINA: Payday lending regulations bill passes in House

TENNESSEE: TVA sells coal ash to manufacturers of recycled products

VIRGINIA: General Assembly to consider the budget today

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Melodrama in Tennessee House

TENNESSEE: House member gets top job, but loses party

In November 2008, the Tennessee GOP won its first majority in the state House since 1869.
But, in a political twist, the party voluntarily gave up that majority on Tuesday.

Rep. Kent Williams, the new Speaker of the House, was stripped Tuesday of his Republican Party membership by the party chairwoman, who cited "dishonor, deception and betrayal." With Williams no longer in the GOP, the loss of the one vote edge now puts the Democrats in control of the House.

A secret deal between Williams, a little-known legislator, and the Democrats was made in January, whereby the Democrats -- all 49 -- voted for him to be House Speaker. This action upset the House GOP, who responded by crying "Judas." With Williams casting a vote for himself, he won the speakership. And Williams then cast his vote for the House Speaker Pro Tempore -- a Democrat -- in the spirit of bipartisanship, re-electing the Democrat.

Expect the drama to continue.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Stalling tactics shut down Senate on first day of bill passage

ARKANSAS: State could benefit by expanding "green jobs"

FLORIDA: State legislature considers expanding lawmakers' e-mail space

GEORGIA: State leaders may give counties the power to collect sales tax

KENTUCKY: Tax measure to be considered by House today

LOUISIANA: Plant conversion at Entergy to raise bills more than expected

MISSISSIPPI: Bill would limit charges for public records to actual cost

NORTH CAROLINA: Cooking oil recycling program to continue in Cary

SOUTH CAROLINA: Head of state DNR opposes new coal plant in Florence County

VIRGINIA: Anti-union amendment from GOP passes in state House

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Federal cigarette tax hike could impact states

States' efforts on cigarette taxes could be thwarted by federal increase

The federal government is increasing the cigarette tax from 39 cents a pack today to $1.01 a pack in April to help fund a children's health insurance program and boost efforts to curb smoking. However, sixteen states, including Georgia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Kentucky, are considering their own increases in taxes on tobacco products to fill budget gaps or fund programs.

The sharply increased federal levy could alter their calculations, because the higher cigarette prices are likely to decrease sales, eroding projected tax revenue. States will need to recalculate tax-revenue projections and weigh how much they can push the state tax on cigarettes.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Two freshmen Democrats vote with GOP against stimulus package

ARKANSAS: Speaker of the House gives details on lottery legislation for scholarships

FLORIDA: State's budget outlook continues to worsen

GEORGIA: Senator wants investigation of grade inflation at schools

KENTUCKY: Alcohol industry gears up to fight increase in state taxes

LOUISIANA: Device invented by Lafayette man to improve emissions from diesel-powered vehicles

MISSISSIPPI: Nissan plant in Canton moving forward on $118 million expansion

NORTH CAROLINA: Legislature considers banning driver text-messaging

SOUTH CAROLINA: Bill would increase health insurance premiums on obese public employees

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen delivers annual State of the State address

VIRGINIA: GOP congressmen skip Gov. Kaine's annual talk with congressional delegation

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

New administration could be good for labor unions

TENNESSEE: Labor unions positive about new admininstration

The Obama administration could prove to be one of the friendliest to labor unions in decades. With a new president and a U.S. Congress dominated by Democrats, the passage of new rules and laws favored by unions seems more possible.

Already, President Obama has signed several executive orders favored by labor, and he has stated his support for a bill -- the Employee Free Choice Act -- that would make it easier for unions to organize and would toughen penalties on companies found to engage in intimidation tactics.

The legislation, which is opposed by business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Business, could prove to be one of the most far-reaching labor bills if it passes since the Great Depression.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Sen. Rodger Smither elected as new Senate president pro tem


ARKANSAS: A look at the big issues of this legislative session


FLORIDA: Property tax cut threatened by housing slump

GEORGIA: Study shows some 'A' students fail state tests


KENTUCKY: Cigarette and liquor taxes could increase dramatically


LOUISIANA: New federal security ID process delays port and industrial workers


MISSISSIPPI: State officials ponder whether they can afford to be part of CHIP program

NORTH CAROLINA: State's infrastructure takes a beating as more move to area

SOUTH CAROLINA: Gov. Sanford says some industries may have to fail

VIRGINIA: House, Senate write up competing budget proposals

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Bill in Georgia would add foreclosures to tax assessors formula

GEORGIA: Foreclosure bill to be considered by legislature

Foreclosure numbers have traditionally been ignored by local tax assessors when setting yearly tax values. However, with the downturn in the housing market, this practice can leave gaps between sales value and tax values, putting some homeowners under a greater tax burden.

Senate Bill 55, sponsored by Sen. Chip Pearson, seeks to change this. It calls for tax assessors to count foreclosure sales when setting tax values.

“One foreclosure in a subdivision can affect the entire subdivision,” said state Sen. Pearson. “They need to be considered as a comparable sale. It’s not optional. It is the market."

The bill could have far-reaching impact for property owners and local governments, as tax values may be cut dramatically and, subsequently, tax bills, which could force local governments to further scramble for revenue.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Rep. Artur Davis to seek governorship in 2010

ARKANSAS: 75 votes means Gov. Beebe's cigarette tax bill passes in House

FLORIDA: Republican Party of Florida board member quits after sending racist e-mail

KENTUCKY: Major ice storm disaster declared by President Obama

LOUISIANA: Sen. Mary Landrieu among moderates seeking bipartisan agreement over stimulus plan

MISSISSIPPI: Harrison County considers adding 500 beds, creating 'restitution center'

NORTH CAROLINA: AG Cooper offers to help write law for open records on hospital deaths

SOUTH CAROLINA: House Speaker still plans to push for increase in cigarette tax even with federal increase approved

TENNESSEE: Management at TVA switched around to tackle ash cleanup

VIRGINIA: Senators want to change timeline for balancing state budget

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Economic stimulus bill generates heat in Senate

Some state leaders try to rally against stimulus bill

In South Carolina, Gov. Sanford and Sen. Jim DeMint (R) are urging members of the Senate to vote against President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. DeMint joined 16 other Republican senators and representatives at a feisty news conference called by DeMint to denounce the House measure.

Little support has come from Alabama's congressional delegation as well, opposing it 6-1. And in Florida, business leaders and local government officials discussed economic recovery at a joint session of two powerful House panels. And in Mississippi, Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker are helping to stall the plan, rejecting the spending hundreds of billions on public works and construction projects, increasing funding for Medicaid, and other programs.

Last week, the House passed a $819 billion stimulus bill without a single Republican vote. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Two scenarios offered stimulus budget proposal, says Gov. Riley

ARKANSAS: Animal cruelty bill signed into law

FLORIDA: Pool of candidates limited due to poor economy

GEORGIA: Justice system under strain, says State Supreme Court Justice Sears

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear wants legislators to raise taxes rather than cut services

LOUISIANA: Education superintendent wants to limit local school board powers

MISSISSIPPI: GOP-controlled Senate removes voter exemption from voter ID bill

NORTH CAROLINA: Counties using technology to redraw borders

SOUTH CAROLINA: 18 towns threatened by state over late financial reports

TENNESSEE: Economic stimulus plan could save 75,000 jobs in state

VIRGINIA: Police to protest possible funding cuts today in General Assembly

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Tobacco tax increase proposed as source of trauma care funding

ARKANSAS: Tobacco tax to be considered by state lawmakers

State legislatures are looking for money everywhere, and many states are attempting to raise cigarette taxes to pay for trauma care in their states. Arkansas supporters of a bill to do just that are working to persuade more Republicans to jump on board as the measure comes up this week.

The House Rules Committee is expected to consider a bill Wednesday that will increase cigarette and chewing tobacco taxes to fund a statewide trauma system and other health-care programs. House Speaker Robbie Wills, D-Conway, said he has the votes in the committee to advance the measure and that he's now working on getting the bill through the full House.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: GOP Rep. Bonner won't run for governor next year

FLORIDA: Dominican Republic to get solar plant with Florida company's backing

GEORGIA: Rep. Phil Gingrey doesn't want Gitmo prisoners in the state

KENTUCKY: State graduation requirement could be cut if bill passes

LOUISIANA: Attack ads funded by national Democrats go after three La. congressmen

MISSISSIPPI: Voter ID bill gains momentum, survives legislative deadline

NORTH CAROLINA: UNC to burn methane gas from landfill to gain federal carbon credits

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate bill aims to put DHEC under governor's control

TENNESSEE: Compact fluorescent bulbs could become toxic problem in landfills

VIRGINIA: Senate Finance Committee kills Gov. Kaine's proposal to double cigarette tax

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Watershed contaminated by Tennessee coal ash spill

TENNESSEE: Tests show more pollutants found in river from ash spill site

Independent water samplings by environmental activists show high levels of arsenic and copper in river water at the East Tennessee TVA spill site and several miles downstream.

"When you have copper and arsenic levels that are so concentrated that they surpass the standard that causes instant death to aquatic life ... that is an event that should signal a major alarm to TVA and the Tennessee authorities," said Jeff Stant with the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Integrity Project.

Congress is considering new regulation of such ash ponds, which can be found at 156 coal-fired power plants in 32 states.

The TVA is currently spending about $1 million a day in clean-up efforts. "Leaving the ash sitting on the riverbanks and in the river will endanger public health and the environment. Every time it rains, the ash will continue to leach heavy metals and further contaminate the watershed," Stant said.

The effect of the spill is exacerbated by the emissions of the coal power plants -- in addition to water contamination, air quality is compromised. The Center for a Better South recommends that "Southern state legislatures should push for faster and bigger emission reductions, especially for mercury, than those required by the federal program. Southern state legislatures also should make sure that the greatest possible power plant nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide pollution reductions actually happen in their home states rather than through buying credits elsewhere." (Recommendation 3, Getting Greener: Progressive environmental thinking for the American South)

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley to propose stronger state ethics law

ARKANSAS: House committee to consider Gov. Beebe's tax hike on tobacco products Wednesday

FLORIDA: Seminole Tribe tries again to make gambling deal with state

GEORGIA: School vouchers for all public school students proposed in new bill

KENTUCKY: Drop in state reimbursement rates hits private foster care providers hard

LOUISIANA: First African-American named as new head of DEA for New Orleans

MISSISSIPPI: State leaders consider bailout in light of tax revenue shortfall

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue's austerity demand results in agencies' itemized cuts lists

SOUTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers consider changing the way South Carolinians vote

VIRGINIA: Gov. Kaine pushes again for no-excuse absentee voting and bipartisan redistricting

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.

Church takes environmental building seriously

NORTH CAROLINA: Raleigh church proud of environmentally-friendly addition

Members of Raleigh's Pullen Memorial Baptist Church chose to add an environmentally-friendly two-story addition to their 1950s brick Romanesque-revival church. The contrast is dramatic -- small windows in the old vs. large windows and brick vs. recycled metal shingle exterior. But that's not the whole story.

It boasts of other environmentally-friendly practices. The new building is heated with geo-thermal pumps (20 wells overall were drilled to handle the size of the building), a 3,500 gallon cistern has been installed to catch rainwater runoff, and a rooftop garden gives further savings on heating. Plus, the land on which the building was constructed used to be part of the church's parking lot, meaning undeveloped land was left alone.

This church has taken green technology and practices further than any other church in the Triangle area. As noted in "Getting Greener: Progressive environmental ideas for the American South," green building practices are encouraged for public buildings, such as schools and government buildings, because they conserve water, use better materials for the environment, reduce toxic air emissions and promote sustainability. The Pullen Memorial Baptist congregation is to be commended for taking the initiative and building green.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State legislature to convene Tuesday with questions on leadership, budget

ARKANSAS: State Rep. Beverly Pyle authors bill to allow concealed weapons in church

FLORIDA: House Speaker Sansom steps down from post following legal, ethical questions

GEORGIA: Lawmaker calls for overhaul of state and local tax system

KENTUCKY: Pension plan backed by Gov. Beshear faces opposition

LOUISIANA: Private schools concerned about effect of economic downturn

MISSISSIPPI: Free legal aid grows scarcer as economy gets worse

SOUTH CAROLINA: River pollution list names Columbia as worst offender

TENNESSEE: Cuts to mental health care harms state, cities, people

VIRGINIA: Restrictions on payday lending pass Senate unanimously

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to: info@bettersouth.org.