Highlights: New Hampshire Republican: “I Was Wrong On Right-to-Work”; WI Gov wants to eliminate cost-benefit analysis when outsourcing jobs; Kasich’s “jobs budget” causes Cleveland to fire 81 police officers; Stiles should back Lynch veto of Right to Work bill; In Texas, school growth clashes with a shrinking budget; Maine Dems take aim at governor's budget proposal; full Scrooge Alert here http://dailyscroogealert.blogspot.com/

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Republican: “I Was Wrong On Right-to-Work”

Stiles should back Lynch veto of Right to Work bill
Seacoastonline.com
John Lynch's veto of the so-called Right to Work bill (House Bill 474) may very well determine whether collective bargaining continues to exist in New ...

UNH eyes tuition hike in wake of budget cuts

The University of New Hampshire may have to raise undergraduate in-state tuition for the next academic year if officials can't find enough money to cover expected cuts in state funding, according to a top financial executive.

Wisconsin

Thousands Continue to Protest Walker's Collective Bargaining Bill
The event, organized by "We are Wisconsin" and 'Wisconsin Wave" was held three months after Walker unveiled his plan to eliminate most collective bargaining rights for public workers. Rally attendees spoke out against Walker's budget proposals and ...

Editorial: Don't eliminate cost-benefit law for state

In his 2011-13 budget proposal, Walker wants to eliminate the law that requires state agencies to do a cost-benefit analysis of larger-scale outsourcing.

Last effort to recall Wisconsin senators after union bill fails

The last drive to recall Wisconsin state senators over their support of or opposition to a bill curtailing most public employees' collective bargaining powers fell well short of its goal Monday.

Pennsylvania

Top Pennsylvania senator introduces Marcellus Shale-drilling fee bill

Pennsylvania's highest-ranking state senator on Monday introduced a long-awaited bill that would require companies drilling in the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation to pay the state at least $10,000 per well each year.

Ohio

Kasich’s “jobs budget” causes Cleveland to fire 81 police officers

Committee backs amendment to exempt Ohio from health care mandate

Backers of a proposed state constitutional amendment to exempt Ohio from a key part of the federal health care overhaul championed by President Barack Obama have formed Ohioans for Healthcare Freedom.

Minnesota

MN: Minnesota GOP between a rock and hard place on health exchange options
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- While health care reform may have cost the Democrats control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections last year, it is the Republicans in statehouses around the country who are feeling the heat in 2011, and insurance exchanges are at the heart of the controversy.

Indiana

Gov. Daniels endorses $28 billion budget

Gov. Mitch Daniels closed the final chapter of Indiana's 2011 legislative session last week when he signed several measures into law and vetoed two others.

Former Indiana House Speaker Gregg to run for Indiana governor
Evansville Courier & Press
By Eric Bradner INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's next governor is likely to be a man who once hosted a ... The example he offered was a "right to work" measure,

Maine

Right-to-work bill deliberate misnomer
Nashua Telegraph
I must give credit to the politicians who came up with the title “right to work.” That's a very creative way to try to confuse the citizens. Nothing in the bill (HB 474) gives anyone an increased right to work. I represented Nashua's Ward 2 in the

ME: Maine Senate enacts sweeping partisan health insurance reform
The state Senate gave final approval Monday to a health care reform bill that aims to spark more competition in Maine's insurance market but that critics contend could drive up costs, particularly in rural areas of the state. With a 24-10 vote, the Senate ended weeks of debate on what has emerged as the most partisan issue, to date, of the 2011 legislative session.

Maine Dems take aim at governor's budget proposal

The top Democrat on the Maine Legislature's Appropriations Committee says Gov. Paul LePage's proposed two-year budget largely fails to deliver on the governor's promises.

Missouri

Likely Akin announcement reinvigorates primary
PoliticMo
... men and women” about the idea of collective bargaining for unions other than teachers, ... and was the first Senate candidate out for 'Right to work. ...

Texas

In Texas, school growth clashes with a shrinking budget