 From Site Selection magazine, November 2002
U.S. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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Montana
In a special session called by Gov. Judy Martz in August, lawmakers trimmed $57 million through cuts and transfers to cope with falling government revenue. Changes included a 1 percent, across-the-board cut to most state agencies. Legislators will once again be dealing with a projected deficit when they reconvene in January. That could be as high as $250 million
Nebraska
Budgetary woes brought the legislature into special session in late summer to deal with a $233 million shortfall. Lawmakers approved a combination of cuts and transfers. Regular session begins Jan. 8, 2003, with more budget cuts on the table. Also likely to be discussed will be gambling casinos, corporate tax breaks and sales tax base expansion to include services currently exempted.
Nevada
Lawmakers passed tort reform, approving most of Gov. Kenny Guinn's proposals. Looking ahead to its 2003 session, the Nevada Legislature will likely make reliable electricity a priority. The debate may center over delivery of electricity to homes and businesses in southern Nevada. Guinn says he will ask the legislature in February to approve using up to $100 million of the state's "rainy day" fund to balance the budget.
New Hampshire
Water was on the brains of lawmakers as they gave the governor authority to act to protect water supplies in an emergency and also required large water users to practice conservation measures. Gov. Jeanne Shaheen signed legislation supporting development and manufacturing of the new human transportation device, Segway, which will be allowed on N.H. sidewalks. Segway's headquarters is in Manchester. Shaheen also worked with legislators on a new law that allow the state to bond up to $10 million to help preserve 171,500 acres of New Hampshire wilderness.
New Jersey
The city of Camden will receive $175 million over the next three years to rebuild infrastructure and improve public safety to revitalize Camden as a "university city." New Jersey's corporate business tax will be restructured as part of a state budget, which had to make up a $6 billion deficit. Reductions were made in all state departments, but income and sales taxes were unchanged.
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