ThinkSouth

Center issues report of big ideas for Gulf restoration

noreply@blogger.com (BetterGulf.org) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:06:00 +0000

SEPT. 8, 2010 – The Center for a Better South today called for a new $10 billion development and recovery trust fund to help people along the Gulf coast leapfrog forward educationally and economically following the April oil disaster.

Development of a new long-term trust fund is one of a dozen major ideas highlighted in the Center’s new report, “Ideas for a Better Gulf,” released today to help to generate transformational change in a region hit hard this year by the oil disaster and throughout recent years by Hurricane Katrina and other storms.

“For an area of our country with a history of poverty, health adversities and educational challenges, we as a nation need to take this opportunity to do better by the people of the Gulf – to make strategic investments to promote its long-term economic health,” said Andy Brack, president of the nonprofit Center.

“Let’s not miss this transformational chance to stimulate economic and educational successes for the region,” he said. “We hope these ideas can generate discussions that will lead to concrete action to help people get their lives turned around so they can move forward in dynamic ways.”

A new $10 billion trust fund, for example, could be used for strategic investments in projects that could have major systemic educational, health and economic impacts throughout the Gulf coast and serve as a source to pay for unexpected health and environmental costs caused by the oil spill, the report said.

Seed money for the fund could come from an initial infusion of $5 billion from BP, followed by a continuing funding mechanism based on a percentage of royalties already paid by all oil companies for leases and similar agreements, according to the report.

Among other ideas in the report:

Creation of a short-term presidential commission to oversee the trust and develop a long-term plan to administer it. The commission could be tasked to steer development and long-term recovery funds quickly to investments to make a difference in people’s lives.

Investment of significant resources to support a higher education economic cluster in the Gulf to serve as a platform for tens of thousands of high-paying, knowledge-based jobs for the future.

Development of a free wireless Internet platform along the Gulf coast to allow residents to tie into economic and educational opportunities associated with the knowledge-based economy.
Distribution of free educational laptops to elementary students across the Gulf to seed the region’s future workers so they can start developing the economic tools for success they’ll need in the future.
Establishment of a way of using technology to mobilize and link America’s volunteers to respond to needs along the Gulf coast.

To learn more about these and other ideas, view the Center’s report online at this Web site:

www.BetterSouth.org

Background

The Center for a Better South was asked in early June by U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus to “think big” about ways that could help people along the Gulf coast recover from the Deepwater Horizon disaster and move forward in dynamic new ways to get past historic economic, educational, health, environmental and other challenges.

Throughout the summer of 2010, the Center convened periodic conference calls with thinkers across the South to consider big ideas to share.

Another site, FYI

Since June, the Center also has offered a daily photo blog to tell stories about the Gulf catastrophe and recovery through moving images. Check out the site by going to:

www.BetterGulf.org

Suspending ThinkSouth

noreply@blogger.com (BetterGulf.org) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:32:00 +0000

Greetings,

The Center for a Better South is suspending the daily ThinkSouth headlines blog. Periodically, we'll put news here about the Center.

If you really want it to continue, please send me an email. (brack@bettersouth.org)

In the meantime, let me suggest that you go to www.GulfSpillClips.com to keep up with the latest news related to the Gulf oil disaster.

Best,

Andy Brack
President

8/31: VA group opposes immigration powers for state troopers

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 13:24:00 +0000

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Virginia group opposes immigration powers for state troopers

Members of VA-SCOPE say they think that expanding state and local enforcement to include the enforcement of civil violations of federal immigration law is bad public policy that would undermine immigrants' trust of law enforcement. The group is urging Gov. Bob McDonnell not to pursue civil immigration-enforcement powers for Virginia State Police.

"It remains our fundamental and firmly held belief that state and local law enforcement of civil violations of federal immigration law is bad public policy under any circumstance," the group wrote, urging Gov. McDonnell not to negotiate or sign a statewide agreement.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Millions of birds at risk as fall migration to Gulf Coast nears

ALABAMA: Only six of 18 Southern governors attend convention

ARKANSAS: State lawmakers rescind recommendation to boost school funding

FLORIDA: More public schools in Florida are requiring uniforms

GEORGIA: Audit of Georgia sex offender registry shows many errors

KENTUCKY: State to get grant to increase computer access at libraries

LOUISIANA: Bashing oil industry is tricky politics in Gulf states

MISSISSIPPI: Editorial: Could Mississippi be biomass headquarters?

NORTH CAROLINA: New NC regulations OK dogs and cats (?) on restaurant patios

SOUTH CAROLINA: "Southern Fried Fuel" program to recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel

TENNESSEE: State lottery scholarship program prepares for cuts

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/30: Southern governors talk trade with China

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:29:00 +0000

Montgomery Advertiser: Southern governors talk trade with China

The governors of Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, Missouri and Virginia met with Chinese business officials as part of the annual meeting of the Southern Governors' Association. A key goal of the conference is expanding trade between two of the largest economies in the world -- China and the American South.

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has made his mission as chairman to reach out to emerging markets, especially China, to sell a unified South that offers low taxes, less regulation, generally lower energy costs, quality of life, a low cost of living, and states where labor unions are not as prominent or powerful.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: President Obama defends response to Gulf oil spill

ALABAMA: BP exec says state's lawsuit complicates process for evaluating $148 million claim

ARKANSAS: Aquifer providing drinking water in SE Arkansas is unaffected by industry, study says

FLORIDA: Opinion: Florida needs tough immigration law to protect its citizens

GEORGIA: Some Georgia communities left out of immigration program

KENTUCKY: Kentucky Employees Retirement System's pension fund in distress

LOUISIANA: State hit hard by moratorium on oil drilling

MISSISSIPPI: Redistricting can create havoc for some lawmakers

NORTH CAROLINA: Hurricane Earl could cause problems of Outer Banks

SOUTH CAROLINA: State officials worried about growing doctor shortage

TENNESSEE: State involved in embryonic stem cell fight

VIRGINIA: New program helps foster children consider higher education

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/27: Did 'Race for the Top' benefit Blue states?

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:13:00 +0000

Southern Political Report: John Tures: Did 'Race to the Top' benefit Blue states?

"As the US Department of Education's "Race to the Top" grants were being awarded to the competing states in August, speculation was rampant that they were a political payoff to places that voted for President Barack Obama. I investigate whether blue states really did get the money.

"In the first round of voting, Delaware and Tennessee won the grants, finishing at the top. The former voted for Obama, and latter didn't, though the Volunteer State did have a Democratic Party governor. In the second round of voting, the following states won: Massachusetts, New York, Hawaii, Florida, Rhode Island, District of Columbia, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio. All but Georgia voted for Obama.

"So the case is closed, right? No, this won't be my shortest column ever. Because 15 states that applied for the money that lost, and also voted for Obama, as well as 15 that didn't vote for him that lost out. Running a chi-square test, I find that the relationship between a state's 2008 vote and getting a Race to the Top grant is statistically significant, but not as strong a relationship as I expected (depending on whether or not you use the Pearson scores or Fisher's Exact Test, as some recommend for small samples). " MORE

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Four-state coastal alliance formed to help Gulf region

ALABAMA: Federal education money to help bail out state's schools

ARKANSAS: State's weatherization program for low-income residents gets federal boost

FLORIDA: State's growth management plan tossed out by circuit judge

GEORGIA: Special group formed by legislature to look at reforming Georgia's tax code

KENTUCKY: State court rules Christian-only health plan is insurance

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal talks about five years of progress since Hurricane Katrina

MISSISSIPPI: State could become first place in the world to turn woodchips into fuel oil

NORTH CAROLINA: State revenue falls even as more money comes in from taxes

SOUTH CAROLINA: "Virtual One-Stop" employment system set to launch in state

TENNESSEE: Unemployment picture improves in most of Tennessee

VIRGINIA: Massive computer failure is hurting state's government

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/26: FL hospitality industry hires three legal firms

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:32:00 +0000

Press-Register: Florida's hospitality industry hires three legal firms to go after BP

The hospitality industry in Florida has hired three legal firms as it works to get compensation from BP PLC for revenue lost due to the Gulf oil spill. Industry officials say the claims process is too complicated for individual businesses to go through alone.

"As the BP claims process denied requests for emergency payments and/or paid merely pennies on the dollar in interim payments to our members, we realized we had to seek legal counsel now to protect our membership and the future of Florida’s tourism," Carol Dover, the association's president and CEO, said in a statement.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Investigator says BP isn't learning from disasters

ALABAMA: Mercedes-Benz factory helps 2,800 employees get fit

ARKANSAS: Home sales in state rise slightly

GEORGIA: Solar energy adoption lags in state

KENTUCKY: Jobless rates go down in 111 Kentucky counties

LOUISIANA: State to get $1.8 billion for schools lost during Hurricane Katrina

MISSISSIPPI: Experts say Mississippi oysters are safe to eat

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue to pay $30,000 fine for unreported private flights

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's real estate market is down 16% in July

TENNESSEE: State launches program to help businesses improve energy efficiency

VIRGINIA: Lobbyists spent $15 million on Virginia legislature this year

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/25: Ten states win Race for the Top funding

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:12:00 +0000

Monroe News-Star: Ten states win Race for the Top funding

Three Southern states -- Georgia, Florida and North Carolina -- were among the ten states winning federal education grant money in the second round of competition. In the first round, only Delaware and Tennessee were selected.

Louisiana was hoping to win $175 million, down from the $300 million requested during the first round. The loss of funding needed to implement some of the educational reforms needed could result in some reforms being put on a slow track and Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek said the state won't be able to fund all of the changes.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: BP oil spill has little impact on global offshore drilling

ALABAMA: Ga. Gov. Perdue wants more tri-state water talks with Alabama, Florida

ARKANSAS: Lawmakers told that NW Arkansas to get more legislative districts

FLORIDA: Seeds taken to space could become new Florida crop for biofuel

GEORGIA: State wins about $400 million in Race to the Top federal education funds

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear announces elimination of KCHIP premiums for low-income families

LOUISIANA: Millions more in federal funds coming to state to help with hurricane recovery

MISSISSIPPI: Upcoming legislative special session to look at $50 million incentive for biofuel project

NORTH CAROLINA: State could save millions on inmate care if prisoners treated as inpatients

SOUTH CAROLINA: "I believe' license plates determined legal by state AG

TENNESSEE: State AG Cooper joins other AGs criticizing CraigsList for adult services section

VIRGINIA: State legislative district lines could face major changes with census figures

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/24: Lottery vending machines approved by Arkansas Lottery

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:43:00 +0000

BusinessWeek: Lottery vending machines approved by Arkansas Lottery

100 lottery vending machines in retail outlets have been approved by the Arkansas Lottery Commission, but opponents have vowed to continue fighting to try to have the machines declared illegal.

Arkansas Family Council director Jerry Cox says the vending machine format will make it easy for children to gamble despite an age verification requirement. He said the rules don't require store clerks to watch the machines while they are in use. And there's a 'continuous play' factor, allowing players to win credits for winning tickets and keep playing, making the machines even more attractive to compulsive gamblers.

Of the 44 states and Washington, D.C. that have lotteries, 33 use vending machines and three others are planning to do so.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Kenneth Feinberg's spill compensation terms criticized by state officials

ALABAMA: Former UA students sue school, saying mandatory food fee violates state law

FLORIDA: Tourism up in Florida, despite oil spill

GEORGIA: Justice Department approves Georgia voter checks system

KENTUCKY: "Backpack meth" showing up in Eastern Kentucky

LOUISIANA: Opinion: Tinkering with Louisiana Constitution is the wrong approach

MISSISSIPPI: Commercial shrimpers refuse to trawl, fearing oil and dispersants

NORTH CAROLINA: State NAACP wants new probes into state crime lab

SOUTH CAROLINA: Thousands in state not registered for Medicaid

TENNESSEE: Editorial: Return lottery money

VIRGINIA: Survey finds plenty of pollution in state's waters

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/23: MS restrictions send meth users, makers to AL

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:41:00 +0000

Press-Register: MS's tough cold medication restrictions drive meth makers, users to AL

A tight new restriction enacted on July 1 on common cold and allergy remedies has pushed meth-makers and users to Alabama, say law officers. There's been an increase in Alabama arrests of Mississippians for meth offenses.

Current law in Alabama requires buyers to show a valid identification and limits purchases to 3.6 grams a day or 9 grams in a 30-day period. The amount of pseudoephedrine in a box of medicine can range from 0.75-3.6 grams, depending on the brand.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Obama administration defends oil spill response

ALABAMA: Gulf coast tourism suffers from perception, not oil

ARKANSAS: Southern farmers say federal disaster aid program has failed them

FLORIDA: Poll shows 'undecided' leading in Florida races

GEORGIA: Day care assistance funds run low in state

KENTUCKY: Nursing home industry spends big on Kentucky politicians

LOUISIANA: Editorial: BP must pay to restore nation's confidence in Louisiana's seafood

NORTH CAROLINA: State faces $3 billion budget hole

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's unemployment numbers rise for first time in 2010

TENNESSEE: Solar parking lot with electric car chargers open in Nashville

VIRGINIA: State sticks with single-term governorship

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/20: Editorial: TN wants aboard high-speed rail

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:03:00 +0000

TENNESSEAN: Editorial: Tennessee wants aboard high-speed rail

"When the idea of an Atlanta-Chattanooga-Nashville high-speed train route was talked about publicly two years ago, proponents contended it should be given serious consideration.

"A $1 million feasibility study that had recently been conducted on the Nashville-to-Chattanooga leg showed the project to be doable, but that it would cost an estimated $5.4 billion in public and private dollars.

"Now comes word that Tennessee and Georgia’s departments of transportation have jointly applied for $34 million in federal stimulus funding to develop high-speed rail service from Atlanta to Chattanooga, Nashville and eventually Louisville, Ky. The Federal Railroad Administration grants would allow the two states to continue environmental planning and engineering for a high-speed link between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Georgia Transportation Commissioner Vance C. Smith Jr. announced recently."

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Oil spill will impact physical and mental health for years

ALABAMA: State sees a drop in infant deaths

ARKANSAS: Black males in state not graduating high school

FLORIDA: Hurricane season expected to ramp up

GEORGIA: Workplace deaths down 47% in Georgia

KENTUCKY: Kentucky State Fair to feature Krispy Kreme Cheeseburger

LOUISIANA: BP to fund three-year study of state's fisheries

MISSISSIPPI: State Dept. of Health to launch TV, ad campaign against danger of secondhand smoking

NORTH CAROLINA: Duke Energy backs off on wind power experiment in NC

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's higher education funding lags behind other states

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell tells lawmakers to budget conservatively despite surplus

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/19: 230 cases tainted by North Carolina SBI

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:41:00 +0000

Charlotte Observer: 230 cases tainted, mishandled by North Carolina SBI

An audit commissioned by Attorney General Roy Cooper of the North Carolina judicial system revealed that the State Bureau of Investigation withheld or distorted evidence in more than 2oo cases at the expense of potentially innocent men and women.

Cases as much as two decades old will have to be re-examined by prosecutors and defense attorneys to figure out whether errors robbed defendants of justice. For some, though, it's too late -- three of the defendants in botched cases have been executed.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Interview with Chef Mario Batali on Gulf oil spill

ALABAMA: $64 million Medicaid shortfall could impact Alabama's budget, services

ARKANSAS: State, local governments to pay more into retirement system for public employees

FLORIDA: State opens Panhandle waters to shrimping again

GEORGIA: Cellulosic biofuel plant in Soperton, Ga. goes online

KENTUCKY: State is among the most medicated in the U.S.

LOUISIANA: New study slams state over graduation rates

MISSISSIPPI: Editorial: Mississippi can blaze trail to recovery

SOUTH CAROLINA: State considers merging probation and parole services with prison system

TENNESSEE: Needy TN kids to get computers through federal grant program

VIRGINIA: Think tank says stimulus funds aided Virginia budget

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/18: Expanding Internet access in MS could have huge impact

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 14:23:00 +0000

WLOX-TV: Expanding Internet access in Mississippi could have a huge impact

The White House's latest plan to help boost economic recovery by providing access to the Internet could have a huge impact on Mississippi. A study last spring found that people in Mississippi use the Internet less than everyone else in America.

Governor Haley Barbour's office found only 55 percent of Mississippi residents use the internet and 1.1 million people in the state don't have access to high speed internet in their homes.

With new or increased broadband access, officials say communities will be able to compete on a level playing field to attract new businesses; schools can create distance learning opportunities; medical professionals can provide cost-efficient remote diagnoses and care, and business owners can expand the market for their products beyond their neighborhoods to better compete in the global economy.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: BP sends letters with no checks to hundreds of oil spill claimants

ALABAMA: Some school systems move to digital books, computers

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe has $5.9 million more released for lottery scholarships

FLORIDA: Report says young black men poorly served by South Florida's public school system

GEORGIA: Carter Center launches democracy database

KENTUCKY: Judge hears arguments against state worker furlough plan

LOUISIANA: Lt. Gov. Angelle says moratorium on oil drilling an attempt to change energy policy

NORTH CAROLINA: Opinion: Cleaning up SBI crime lab crucial for justice

SOUTH CAROLINA: State may lose $143 million in federal education assistance

TENNESSEE: State has second-highest bankruptcy rate

VIRGINIA: Surplus in state grows to nearly $400 million

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/17: UGA scientists say report on Gulf oil spill inaccurate

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:32:00 +0000

Wall Street Journal: UGA scientists say report on Gulf oil spill inaccurate

Researchers from the University of Georgia have called a recent government report on the oil spill inaccurate for claiming that 75% of the oil spilled has been cleaned up, evaporated or burned off. Instead, the scientists say that nearly 79% of the oil still remains in the Gulf of Mexico in some form.

"One major misconception is that oil that has dissolved into water is gone and, therefore, harmless," said Charles Hopkinson, a marine scientist who headed the study. "The oil is still out there, and it will likely take years to completely degrade."

Federal researchers involved in the earlier estimate couldn't be reached as of late Monday, nor could officials at NOAA in Washington and New Orleans.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: State reopens waters to catch-and-keep fishing

ARKANSAS: State has lowest mortgage closing costs

FLORIDA: Economic development teams from Washington head to Florida to help with oil spill recovery

GEORGIA: State Patrol says new ban on texting while driving is working

KENTUCKY: New study finds highest wind speeds in Kentucky Commonwealth area

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Turbine to test wind on the water to help power Causeway

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour appoints commission to study long-term oil spill recovery plan

NORTH CAROLINA: Study says youngest in class get misdiagnosed with ADHD label

SOUTH CAROLINA: Habitat for mussels is shrinking due to higher air and water temperatures

TENNESSEE: Study says Tennessee is second most medicated state

VIRGINIA: Opinion: Virginia seeks tighter immigration controls

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/16: Fishermen head back into the Gulf

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:38:00 +0000

WKOW-TV: Fishermen head back into the Gulf

Fisherman are concerned over how much they will catch and the prices they will get for it, but now there is anxiety about how much damage the shrimp population has suffered from the lengthy oil spill.

As the season begins, shrimping remains forbidden in federal waters off Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. Officials say most of the catches will come off Texas and Florida.

While government regulators say there is no evidence it builds up in seafood, the new season has health officials ready to put seafood from the Gulf of Mexico under the microscope.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: President Obama swims in waters off Florida Gulf over weekend

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley says state needs Gulf royalties now

ARKANSAS: Students declined for lottery scholarships frustrated with process

FLORIDA: Environmental contamination threatens Florida town

GEORGIA: One sick illegal immigrant costs Douglas County $400,000

KENTUCKY: State gets federal funding for domestic violence programs

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Bury this casket law

NORTH CAROLINA: Pending federal bill could hurt state's small wineries

SOUTH CAROLINA: Health care crisis looms in South Carolina

TENNESSEE: Newspaper written and sold by homeless thrives in Nashville

VIRGINIA: State lawmakers question legality of closing of military command

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/13: SC to pay for 100 bariatric surgeries in pilot program

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:29:00 +0000

Post & Courier: SC to pay for bariatric surgeries for obese state workers

The pilot program for 100 obese workers will cost $2.4 million, at about $24,000 per worker.

T. Karl Byrne, a surgeon at the Medical University of South Carolina, said gastric bypass and adjustable gastric band surgery, among other stomach-shrinking procedures, already have been proved to be cost-effective investments. North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia are among the majority of Southeastern states that cover the procedure for state workers, he said. Medicaid and Medicare also cover it, Byrne said.

"We do not need 100 patients in a pilot program in this state," Byrne said. "We already know what the results are."

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: BP may have already killed the oil well inadvertently

ALABAMA: State Attorney General files lawsuit against BP

ARKANSAS: Tourism numbers in state continue to decline

FLORIDA: Obama family vacations along Florida's Gulf coast

GEORGIA: UGA geneticist gets grant to study Gulf oil spill effects

KENTUCKY: State's corn and soybean yields to be lower this year

LOUISIANA: Federal aid available to state's shrimpers

MISSISSIPPI: Illegal immigrant sues state over lost custody of child

NORTH CAROLINA: New study shows cost of solar power drops below that of nuclear power

TENNESSEE: Knoxville gets largest solar power plant in seven-state area

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell wants immigration authority for some Virginia State Police

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/12: 472 undocumented students at GA colleges

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:50:00 +0000

Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Report shows 472 undocumented students at GA colleges

At least 472 students without proof of residency have enrolled at Georgia's public colleges this fall. The report was essentially an inventory ordered by the State Board of Regents to make sure students are charged the correct tuition rates. The regents reiterated that illegal immigrants may attend the University System of Georgia legally, which prompted a key state lawmaker to guarantee a change in law.

State Sen. Don Balfour, who this summer joined 13 other state senators in urging the regents to bar illegal immigrants, said a new law is coming. "It will be against state law next year," Balfour said. "I’m pretty confident the bill will be introduced and passed. I can guarantee them it will be made very clear that this is illegal."

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: New device unveiled by BP to clean beach sand

ALABAMA: Opinion: State's taxes don't feel like country's second lowest, because they're so unfair

ARKANSAS: State to get $40.2 million to improve lowest-achieving schools

FLORIDA: Illegal immigration fuels state's political season

KENTUCKY: Pew Center to study state's booming prison population

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Justice department works on blueprint for police reform

MISSISSIPPI: State in line to get $249.6 million under jobs bill

NORTH CAROLINA: City of Stallings considers disbanding police department

SOUTH CAROLINA: Dept. of Defense cuts could have impact on Charleston economy

TENNESSEE: Gov. Bredesen argues state should get federal education money

VIRGINIA: Opinion: The wrong approach to immigrants

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/11: House approves bill to help states keep teachers

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:52:00 +0000

Courier-Journal: U.S. House approves bill to help states keep teachers

A $26 billion jobs bill was passed in the U.S. House to protect 300,000 teachers and other non-federal government workers from election-year layoffs, with another $16 billion to help states with rising Medicaid costs.

The measure includes an estimated $155 million in Medicaid funds for Kentucky — about $83 million less than what lawmakers assumed the state would get for the current budget year than ends June 30.

“It's disappointing, but it's better than nothing,” said state Rep. Jimmie Lee, an Elizabethtown Democrat and chairman of the Kentucky House's human services budget subcommittee.

The measure also means about $135 million in additional education funds for Kentucky, according to estimates from the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Editorial: Release contract on BP fund

ALABAMA: State to host Southern Governors' Conference in late August

ARKANSAS: Power usage surges with extreme heat in Arkansas

FLORIDA: State sees rise in number of independent voters

GEORGIA: State's GOP gubernatorial runoff too close to call

LOUISIANA: Oil spill lawsuits to be litigated in New Orleans

MISSISSIPPI: State's oyster growers consider options in spill claims process

NORTH CAROLINA: 119 NC inmates on death row allege racial bias

SOUTH CAROLINA: State gets $97.5 million in unemployment funds

TENNESSEE: New state curriculum standards expected to be tough for students

VIRGINIA: State will accept new federal aid of $540 million

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/10: MS universities consider energy cut to save money

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 13:18:00 +0000

Jackson Clarion-Ledger: MS universities may have to cut energy consumption 30% by 2015

Mississippi's eight public universities may have to cut energy consumption 30 percent by 2015 as leaders look for ways to trim budgets. University leaders have been trying to identify efficiencies as a way to prepare for a 20-percent hit in state appropriations between fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2012.

The efficiency efforts are an attempt to minimize the impact budget cuts have on students, Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds said. "We want to find places other than the classrooms to make the cuts," he said.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Spill claims fund gets first deposit from BP

ALABAMA: State's taxes ranked among lowest in U.S.

ARKANSAS: 3600 state lottery scholarships to be awarded to non-traditional students

FLORIDA: Medical group treating South Florida autistic children with drug used for chemical castration

GEORGIA: U.S. Reps. Gingrey, Westmoreland push to change 14th Amendment

KENTUCKY: Rural Kentucky to get more than $160 million for eight broadband projects

LOUISIANA: Editorial: Fines could help pay for repairs to the coast

NORTH CAROLINA: State's average income boosted by more contractors, steady paychecks

SOUTH CAROLINA: Highway patrol to crack down on speeders

TENNESSEE: Opinion: State needs to upgrade website for vote results

VIRGINIA: Defense Department's budget cuts to hurt Virginia the most

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/9: SC colleges have highest tuition in the South

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:08:00 +0000

SOUTH CAROLINA: Report says SC colleges have highest tuition in the South

An education report shows that South Carolina's public colleges and universities cost more than in 16 other Southern states. Data from the Southern Regional Education Board found in the 2008-2009 year, South Carolina colleges and universities were around $8,000 per year and around $4,000 a year in North Carolina and Georgia.

Part of the reason for the higher tuition costs in South Carolina can be attributed to state lawmakers not funding higher education as much in the state as they do in North Carolina and Georgia.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Debris from oil spill turns up on Pensacola Beach

ALABAMA: State insures coastal properties against major storms

ARKANSAS: State officials in limbo over federal education dollars

FLORIDA: Home value loss from oil spill could be in the billions

GEORGIA: Thousands of students head back to school

KENTUCKY: Wild hog herds a problem in Kentucky

LOUISIANA: State's seafood leaders plan meeting with President Obama

MISSISSIPPI: Oil-absorbing boom being removed from state's waters

NORTH CAROLINA: State lottery records record $1.42 billion in sales

TENNESSEE: Thousand cankers disease hits state's black walnut trees

VIRGINIA: Northern Virginia companies to help Arlington National Cemetery with records

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/6: Study tracks children's swimming disparity

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:56:00 +0000

KVUE-TV: Study tracks children's swimming disparity

Following the drowning of six black teenagers near Shreveport, LA, this week, more attention is being put on the disparity between minority and white swimmers. USA Swimming released a report showing that minority children are more likely to drown than their white peers. The report also found that 69% of black children have little or no swimming experience, compared to 41.8% of white children.

According to the CDC, African Americans drown at a rate 20% higher than whites.

"[That’s] mostly because there's lack of access to swimming pools near their homes,” said Alicia Alaniz, a YMCA spokesperson. “The cost of swimming lessons [is also a factor] and this idea that swimming is simply recreation for white children. That's not true."

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Children also dealing with Gulf oil spill stress

ALABAMA: State ranks 5th in nation for foreign-owned farmland

ARKANSAS: U.S. Senate passes Sen. Blanche Lincoln's Child Nutrition Act

FLORIDA: State's school superintendents object to release of school grades planned for today

GEORGIA: State ranks second in nation for black-owned businesses

KENTUCKY: Opinion: Piecemeal approach to immigration reform won't work

MISSISSIPPI: State's politicians want immigration law similar to Arizona's

NORTH CAROLINA: Federal funds for broadband expansion in rural areas announced in state

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's tax-free weekend begins today

TENNESSEE: Computer glitch prevents thousands of TN voters from casting ballots

VIRGINIA: Firm ranks Virginia as No. 1 in nation for business

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/5: Southern states not helping dropouts

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 14:33:00 +0000

Augusta Chronicle: New report shows Southern states not helping dropouts

Southern states are losing ground in efforts to improve adult literacy by helping high school dropouts earn diplomas, according to a new report from the Southern Regional Education Board.

However, Georgia officials say their figures show the enrollment and graduation rates in adult-literacy program is rising.

Joan Lord, vice president of the Education Board, told reporters adult-literacy enrollment declined 6 percent in the period studied, 2005-2008. Georgia had the biggest drop, 39 percent, followed by Oklahoma at 37 percent and Texas’ 32 percent. Florida experienced a 17 percent fall, and South Carolina dipped 9 percent. Only Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama and Virginia saw increases.

One of the fixes suggested by the authors: More money.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Scientists question federal report on oil spill status

ALABAMA: State gets 'dismal' remarks from American Cancer Society

ARKANSAS: Heat taking its toll on state's cattle, poultry farms

FLORIDA: State's $10 million stimulus plan has created just 45 jobs

KENTUCKY: University of Kentucky conducts international bedbug survey

LOUISIANA: Critics point fingers at Gov. Jindal in birthright citizenship controversy

MISSISSIPPI: State challenges insurance mandates

NORTH CAROLINA: State gets federal funding to halt foreclosures

SOUTH CAROLINA: State agencies begin testing wind energy off coast

TENNESSEE: Researchers show 'summer slide' can be reversed by reading books over the summer

VIRGINIA: Opinion: Virginia's education backsliding

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/4: CDC report ranks states by obesity rate

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:32:00 +0000

Wall Street Journal: CDC releases new report on obesity

With 34.4% of adults considered obese, Mississippi has nabbed the top spot for obesity in a new report from the Centers for Disease Control. Nine states -- Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and West Virginia -- now show obesity rates above 30%. In comparison, in 2000, no state had an obesity rate above 30%.

Note that of the nine states, six are in the South.

And, the CDC says the overall obesity rate today is probably much higher, as the study relied on telephone surveys with about 400,000 adults who self-reported their height and weight.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Standing-room only crowd in FL peppers Mabus with oil spill questions

ALABAMA: State awaits test results on Gulf fish

ARKANSAS: Gov. Beebe asks for halt to parks fee increase plan

FLORIDA: State orders halt to sale of phony health insurance by NY company

GEORGIA: More than 27% of Georgians are obese

KENTUCKY: Foundation gets grant to help some communities get healthier

LOUISIANA: Rice farmers in the state struggling to make ends meet

MISSISSIPPI: Extreme heat is "frying corn alive on the stalks"

NORTH CAROLINA: Death Row inmates fight sentencing, citing racial bias

SOUTH CAROLINA: State's prisons face possible federal lawsuit over segregation policy

TENNESSEE: Opinion: Pre-K a good investment in Tennessee's future

VIRGINIA: State AG urges all law officers to question immigration status of anyone stopped or arrested

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/3: National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention launched

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:53:00 +0000

Birmingham News: Authorities to step up efforts to combat child exploitation in AL, nation

In Alabama, two undercover operations have been launched to target online child exploitation, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Birmingham.

The announcement of the operations came along with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's announcement of the U.S. Justice Department's first-ever National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction. This plan calls for specific goals for existing programs to combat online-predators and child pornography, and increase cooperation in investigations among federal, state and local agencies.

In addition, the U.S. Marshals Service is launching a nationwide operation to target the 500 most dangerous sex offenders who are not complying with registration laws.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Marine census to give idea what oil spill did to ocean life

ARKANSAS: County leaders seek solution for dealing with rural road damage from gas drillers

FLORIDA: State's environmental chief resigns for 'unspecified opportunities'

GEORGIA: Teen pregnancy a growing problem in North Georgia

KENTUCKY: Opinion: Kentucky hospitals will be hurt by health care reform

LOUISIANA: Survey finds broad anxiety among Gulf residents

MISSISSIPPI: State auditor's office releases annual 'exceptions report'

NORTH CAROLINA: Small towns in NC worry about high speed trains to VA

SOUTH CAROLINA: Green building on the rise in South Carolina

TENNESSEE: State pays big price for tax-free shopping weekend

VIRGINIA: Thousands attend free dental care outdoor clinic in rural VA

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

8/2: GA prepares for wave of geriatric prisoners

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 13:38:00 +0000

Savannah Morning News: Georgia prepares for wave of geriatric prisoners

In 2000, just 3.5 percent of the state's 44,000 prisoners were aged 55 and older. Today, that percentage has doubled to 7 percent as the total prison population grew, too, by 10,000. Of the geriatric inmates, 27 are in the 80s and 218 are in their 70s.

Providing medical care for a prisoner over age 65 is nearly nine times higher, averaging $8,500 per year compared to just $961 for younger inmates, according to state figures.

"That's a big part of these older prisoners. The medical expenses just eat the state budget alive," said Mark Jones, an author and professor of criminal justice at East Carolina State University.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: VIDEO: BP prepares for two-phase effort to cap well

ALABAMA: State Supreme Court sides with Gov. Riley on bingo

ARKANSAS: Controversial smoking ban -- "Clean Air on Campus Act" -- is now in effect across state

FLORIDA: Analyst: South Florida as 'ground zero for the housing bust'

KENTUCKY: Report shows how Kentuckians will benefit from new health care law

LOUISIANA: Leaking Barataria Bay oil well is capped

MISSISSIPPI: Gov. Barbour as the "adult" during oil spill crisis

NORTH CAROLINA: The NC model: Enhanced medical homes for Medicaid patients

SOUTH CAROLINA: A look at the future of offshore drilling in SC

TENNESSEE: Forecasters warn of excessive heat this week in state

VIRGINIA: Opinion: Liquor shakes, stirs Virginia politics

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org

7/30: Southern cities vie to become home to oil spill legal case

noreply@blogger.com (BetsyNC) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:19:00 +0000

Los Angeles Times: Southern cities vie to become center of oil spill legal cases

Lawyers for New Orleans, Houston, Miami and Mobile are vying to tout the benefits of their cities for becoming the chosen jurisdiction of the Gulf oil spill legal cases.

The payoff should be high for the chosen jurisdiction, with thousands of players expected to convene at the chosen location for weeks or months to collect evidence and testify. It is expected to take years, if not decades, to work through the caseload, providing work for the local lawyers likely to last throughout their careers.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: U.S. House to vote today on offshore drilling legislation

ALABAMA: Protesters say Selma Times-Journal's coverage is biased

ARKANSAS: Food banks in Arkansas see increase in families seeking assistance

FLORIDA: State AG goes after Gulf oil spill scams

GEORGIA: National report says Georgia's children are stuck in a bad situation

KENTUCKY: State education plan to be presented for Race to the Top grant on August 10

LOUISIANA: Medicaid cuts take effect August 1

MISSISSIPPI: Immigration advocates rally in Mississippi

NORTH CAROLINA: State's oldest mental health association loses accreditation

SOUTH CAROLINA: A look at I-526's impact on the environment

TENNESSEE: Nine TN lawmakers to visit Arizona to support immigration law

VIRGINIA: Debate continues in VA over immigration enforcement

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org. And remember to check out our new photo blog: www.BetterGulf.org