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May 25, 2004
States Turn to Gambling to Fix Budget Woes
Tuesday, May 25, 2004 Volume 3, Issue 20
The weekly GovPro Newsletter is produced by the editors of Government Product News and Government Procurement Journal.
Visit: http://www.govpro.com a news-, product-, and issue-driven site for all levels of government.
Sponsored by Cardiac Science
This Week States Roll the Dice Weather Service Goes Green Lobbyist Dollars Jump 30 Percent Tax Collections Up GSA Opens FSS Center News of The Weird
Features
States Turn to Gambling to Fix Budget Woes
Gambling, once considered a major vice, is today's savior for many states that are rolling the dice and hoping lotteries, slot machines and casinos will create income, jobs and healthier budgets.
Loath to raise taxes, particularly in an election year, state policy-makers in at least 24 states have looked at gaming proposals this year to boost revenues and help pay for education, health care and other basic necessities that states provide, according to Ian Pulsipher, a fiscal expert who tracks gambling developments at the National Conference of State Legislatures.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUi0AW
Sponsor Message
OSHA RECOMMENDS AEDs TO SAVE LIVES
*465,000+ fatal heart attacks occur each year in the US alone. *Defibrillation within three minutes of the onset of a heart attack results in over 70% success rates. OSHA and the American Heart Association recommend Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace to increase survivability up to 40% after sudden cardiac arrest. Visit http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUj0AX today to safeguard your employees with Cardiac Science's Powerheart(R) AED G3. The life you save may be your own!
National Weather Service Dedicates Green Building
Officials from NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) joined local government leaders, members of the community and managers from federal and local agencies to dedicate the new West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WC/ATWC) in Palmer, Alaska. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUk0AY
Bobcat
Why spend taxpayer money on two or more machines when one machine will do? Bobcat presents the Toolcat(TM) 5600 -- built to handle many jobs with a wide choice of attachments! Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUl0AZ
Statehouse Lobbying Hits $890 Million
Lobbyists in 41 states spent nearly $890 million to sway state lawmakers in 2003, and eight states saw lobbying dollars jump 30 percent or more, according to a study released by the Center for Public Integrity, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUm0Aa
News
State Government Tax Collections Up 2.4 Percent
Tax collections by state governments grew 2.4 percent to $547 billion in fiscal year 2003, a $13 billion increase from 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau said.
According to data from the 2003 Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections, general sales taxes were up 2.8 percent to $185 billion and taxes on individual income declined overall by 1.5 percent to $182 billion. These taxes made up more than two-thirds of all state tax collections.
Among other major taxes, levies on tobacco products increased the most (29 percent), followed by severance taxes (24 percent) and documentary and stock transfer taxes (23 percent). Increased tobacco tax collections reflected rate increases that took effect in many states. Severance taxes were imposed on nonrenewable natural resources such as oil, gas and coal in 35 states. Severance taxes constituted about 1 percent of all state taxes, but were significant revenue producers in states such as Alaska.
Nationally, per capita taxes collected by states amounted to $1,884. Among individual states, per capita taxes were highest in Hawaii, $2,838; Connecticut, $2,730; Minnesota, $2,649; Delaware, $2,602; and Vermont, $2,518. The lowest per capita tax collections were in Alabama, $1,426; South Dakota, $1,322; and Texas, $1,316.
The data used in the tabulations came from state government records. These are state government taxes only and do not include local government taxes. As such, they are not subject to sampling error. Although quality assurance methods were applied to all phases of data collection and processing, the data are subject to non-sampling error, including errors of response and miscoding.
GSA Creates Center for Acquisition Excellence
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that its Federal Supply Service (FSS) has created the FSS Center for Acquisition Excellence to provide education and training on GSA Schedules, Global Supply, Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), GSA Advantage!(R) and e-Buy.
The FSS Center for Acquisition Excellence is a no fee, e-Learning Center that operates 24/7. There will be 25 computer terminals available for federal visitors and members of the press to preview the on-line training courses. The majority of the on-line and classroom training courses qualify for Continuing Education Units.
The FSS Center for Acquisition Excellence and the Defense Acquisition University, as federal partners, will continue to develop training materials and share educational opportunities, course materials, best practices, selected research and strategic partnership information.
A. Daigger
A. Daigger and Company has been serving the laboratory and government safety needs for over 110 years. Whether you need laboratory testing equipment, safety products, or consumables, come see why more people are choosing Daigger for their purchasing needs. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIMr0AX
Airport Makes Traveling Easier for Passengers with Special Needs
Meeting the needs of travelers has reached a new level at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In response to suggestions by the public, the airport is installing adult changing stations in family restrooms. The stations are designed to provide people with disabilities, and their caretakers if necessary, a comfortable and private location to change clothing or disposable undergarments.
The first adult changing station is now open in Terminal 2 and has a 30 by 60 inch padded platform. The platform is located in the corner of the restroom, attached to the wall. The changing station has grab bars, a removable padded vinyl cover and a recessed toe clearance for easy accessibility. The grab bars are compliant with specifications set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Herb Hacker, who serves on the Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) stated, "The Commission reviews projects for accessibility. This project is over and above the minimum requirements. The adult changing station enhances universal design and universal accessibility."
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUn0Ab
Links
Custom-designed Meyer snowplows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/efo80D8eaH0JQA0BH2T0Ag
Fargo Electronics - The World's Leader in Card Identity Solutions. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/efeL0D8eaH0JQA0BG1A0AV
KEG Technologies, Inc. - Sewer Cleaning Equipment for Experts. For toll-free information, phone: 866-595-0515 or fax: 866-595-0517. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/efeL0D8eaH0JQA0BHd50AB
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify.
To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
******************************************************
If you would like to subscribe to this weekly newsletter for government professionals send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Subscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
If you would like to unsubscribe to the GovPro newsletter send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Unsubscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
GovPro Newsletter, 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503
Copyright 2004 Penton Media, Inc.
The weekly GovPro Newsletter is produced by the editors of Government Product News and Government Procurement Journal.
Visit: http://www.govpro.com a news-, product-, and issue-driven site for all levels of government.
Sponsored by Cardiac Science
This Week States Roll the Dice Weather Service Goes Green Lobbyist Dollars Jump 30 Percent Tax Collections Up GSA Opens FSS Center News of The Weird
Features
States Turn to Gambling to Fix Budget Woes
Gambling, once considered a major vice, is today's savior for many states that are rolling the dice and hoping lotteries, slot machines and casinos will create income, jobs and healthier budgets.
Loath to raise taxes, particularly in an election year, state policy-makers in at least 24 states have looked at gaming proposals this year to boost revenues and help pay for education, health care and other basic necessities that states provide, according to Ian Pulsipher, a fiscal expert who tracks gambling developments at the National Conference of State Legislatures.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUi0AW
Sponsor Message
OSHA RECOMMENDS AEDs TO SAVE LIVES
*465,000+ fatal heart attacks occur each year in the US alone. *Defibrillation within three minutes of the onset of a heart attack results in over 70% success rates. OSHA and the American Heart Association recommend Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in the workplace to increase survivability up to 40% after sudden cardiac arrest. Visit http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUj0AX today to safeguard your employees with Cardiac Science's Powerheart(R) AED G3. The life you save may be your own!
National Weather Service Dedicates Green Building
Officials from NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) joined local government leaders, members of the community and managers from federal and local agencies to dedicate the new West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WC/ATWC) in Palmer, Alaska. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUk0AY
Bobcat
Why spend taxpayer money on two or more machines when one machine will do? Bobcat presents the Toolcat(TM) 5600 -- built to handle many jobs with a wide choice of attachments! Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUl0AZ
Statehouse Lobbying Hits $890 Million
Lobbyists in 41 states spent nearly $890 million to sway state lawmakers in 2003, and eight states saw lobbying dollars jump 30 percent or more, according to a study released by the Center for Public Integrity, a Washington, D.C.-based watchdog group.
For full text, visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUm0Aa
News
State Government Tax Collections Up 2.4 Percent
Tax collections by state governments grew 2.4 percent to $547 billion in fiscal year 2003, a $13 billion increase from 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau said.
According to data from the 2003 Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections, general sales taxes were up 2.8 percent to $185 billion and taxes on individual income declined overall by 1.5 percent to $182 billion. These taxes made up more than two-thirds of all state tax collections.
Among other major taxes, levies on tobacco products increased the most (29 percent), followed by severance taxes (24 percent) and documentary and stock transfer taxes (23 percent). Increased tobacco tax collections reflected rate increases that took effect in many states. Severance taxes were imposed on nonrenewable natural resources such as oil, gas and coal in 35 states. Severance taxes constituted about 1 percent of all state taxes, but were significant revenue producers in states such as Alaska.
Nationally, per capita taxes collected by states amounted to $1,884. Among individual states, per capita taxes were highest in Hawaii, $2,838; Connecticut, $2,730; Minnesota, $2,649; Delaware, $2,602; and Vermont, $2,518. The lowest per capita tax collections were in Alabama, $1,426; South Dakota, $1,322; and Texas, $1,316.
The data used in the tabulations came from state government records. These are state government taxes only and do not include local government taxes. As such, they are not subject to sampling error. Although quality assurance methods were applied to all phases of data collection and processing, the data are subject to non-sampling error, including errors of response and miscoding.
GSA Creates Center for Acquisition Excellence
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced that its Federal Supply Service (FSS) has created the FSS Center for Acquisition Excellence to provide education and training on GSA Schedules, Global Supply, Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), GSA Advantage!(R) and e-Buy.
The FSS Center for Acquisition Excellence is a no fee, e-Learning Center that operates 24/7. There will be 25 computer terminals available for federal visitors and members of the press to preview the on-line training courses. The majority of the on-line and classroom training courses qualify for Continuing Education Units.
The FSS Center for Acquisition Excellence and the Defense Acquisition University, as federal partners, will continue to develop training materials and share educational opportunities, course materials, best practices, selected research and strategic partnership information.
A. Daigger
A. Daigger and Company has been serving the laboratory and government safety needs for over 110 years. Whether you need laboratory testing equipment, safety products, or consumables, come see why more people are choosing Daigger for their purchasing needs. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIMr0AX
Airport Makes Traveling Easier for Passengers with Special Needs
Meeting the needs of travelers has reached a new level at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. In response to suggestions by the public, the airport is installing adult changing stations in family restrooms. The stations are designed to provide people with disabilities, and their caretakers if necessary, a comfortable and private location to change clothing or disposable undergarments.
The first adult changing station is now open in Terminal 2 and has a 30 by 60 inch padded platform. The platform is located in the corner of the restroom, attached to the wall. The changing station has grab bars, a removable padded vinyl cover and a recessed toe clearance for easy accessibility. The grab bars are compliant with specifications set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Herb Hacker, who serves on the Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) stated, "The Commission reviews projects for accessibility. This project is over and above the minimum requirements. The adult changing station enhances universal design and universal accessibility."
News of the Weird: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/ef1o0D8eaH0JQA0BIUn0Ab
Links
Custom-designed Meyer snowplows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/efo80D8eaH0JQA0BH2T0Ag
Fargo Electronics - The World's Leader in Card Identity Solutions. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/efeL0D8eaH0JQA0BG1A0AV
KEG Technologies, Inc. - Sewer Cleaning Equipment for Experts. For toll-free information, phone: 866-595-0515 or fax: 866-595-0517. Visit: http://list.pentonmedia.com/cgi-bin3/DM/y/efeL0D8eaH0JQA0BHd50AB
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify.
To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.15.1jf8.5c17
To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://r.pm0.net/s/c?ij.75qj.16.1jf9.5c17
******************************************************
If you would like to subscribe to this weekly newsletter for government professionals send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Subscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
If you would like to unsubscribe to the GovPro newsletter send a blank email to: mailto:GovPro_Unsubscribe@list.pentonmedia.com
GovPro Newsletter, 1300 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114-1503
Copyright 2004 Penton Media, Inc.
