In Your Backyard

 

California
Health Care Mandate Advances-The Assembly approved a universal health care plan paid for by a tax on employers of up to 6.5% of their payrolls, a new tax on hospitals, an increase in the tobacco tax, and billions of new federal matching funds.  Senate consideration is next.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle

 

Ohio
Court Upholds Damage Limits-The Ohio Supreme Court upheld a 2004 state law limiting damages for pain, suffering, and other noneconomic damages in product liability and other lawsuits.
Source: The Toledo Blade

 

Pennsylvania
More Hiring, Spending in 2008-In a survey conducted by the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, some 55% of Philadelphia-area business leaders said they expect to see either a slight or significant increase in the size of their workforces in 2008. Fifty-two percent said they expect to increase capital spending. 
Source: Philadelphia Business Journal

 

Vermont
Employees Defend Nuclear Energy-Employees from the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant told senators during a hearing that Vermont needs the nuclear reactor to address energy costs and climate change. Defenders said the plant has saved consumers $219 million over five years and has pumped $200 million into the local economy.
Source: Rutland Herald

 

Virginia
Workforce Development System Targeted-Virginia is committed to revamping its fragmented workforce development system to make it easier for businesses to find skilled workers, officials say. New research centers, professorships, internships, and training programs in affiliation with local business projects are part of the plan.
Source: Associated Press