Around the Nation

Across the nation, legislatures and city councils are discussing varying legislation. Here's a sample of what's happening:

Chicago Tribune (Jan. 7, 2007)
"Ill. House votes for utility rate-freeze"
In a Democratic showdown over political egos and public policy, the Illinois House approved a three-year rate freeze for customers of Commonwealth Edison and other large electricity providers Sunday night with no guarantee the state Senate would even consider it.
The House vote firmly placed two powerful Chicago Democrats—Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones—at odds over what relief customers are entitled to from rate increases averaging 22 percent for ComEd customers. The higher rates took effect with the new year, following the end of a near 10-year rate freeze.
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Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Jan. 9, 2007)
"Transit authority shelves regional sales tax plan
Group to explore other ways to finance rail line"
Kenosha - The Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority took a step back from a regional sales tax Tuesday, leaving questions about how a proposed commuter train line could be financed.
But the three-county authority did ask the Legislature to put it in charge of running the KRM Commuter Link, a train line that would connect Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha and the southern suburbs. The trains would connect with Chicago's Metra commuter trains and would provide more local service than Amtrak's faster Hiawatha line.
The KRM line would cost $200 million to build and $11 million a year to operate, down from previous estimates of $237 million and $14.7 million, according to newly revised projections from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. Supporters say state and federal aid and fares would cover most expenses, leaving the authority to raise about $5 million a year to cover the remaining operating costs and debt service on bonds issued for capital costs.
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Billings (MT) Gazette (Jan. 9, 2007)
"Legislature opens tax debate with look at governor's plan"
Gov. Brian Schweitzer's proposed $400 per-homeowner tax rebate got a smooth introduction to the Legislature Tuesday as Democrats looked to get a head start on a competing Republican plan.
Tax relief is sure to be one of the hottest issues in the coming months at the Legislature as both sides have campaigned for months on different plans. Both are made possible by a projected state surplus of nearly $1 billion.
Schweitzer is touting the populist ideals of his proposal: Large corporations and vacation home owners notably get nothing in the $100 million property tax relief package.
Republicans are countering with a reduction in tax rates they say goes to everyone and would be permanent unless a future legislative session took away the reductions.
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Los Angeles Times (Jan. 9, 2007)
"Gov. offers bold prescription"
Calling for massive changes throughout a healthcare system he called "broken," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday proposed a $12-billion plan that would require all Californians to obtain medical insurance while helping the poorest to afford it.
The plan, which both critics and supporters called the most audacious in the country, would dramatically reshuffle the financial underpinnings of an already fragile industry. The governor said his plan would control spiraling health costs while ensuring coverage for the quarter of a million children and 5.6 million adults who lack insurance.
"Everyone in California must have health insurance," Schwarzenegger said via teleconference from Los Angeles, where he is recuperating from a broken leg. "If you can't afford it, the state will help you buy it, but you must be insured."
Only Massachusetts has required all residents to carry insurance, but California's larger population of uninsured and poor makes Schwarzenegger's goals much more challenging. To pay for the plan, Schwarzenegger proposed placing new fees and obligations on doctors, hospitals, employers and insurers — all powerful lobbies in Sacramento.
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KATU Portland (Jan. 8, 2007)
"Ore. Legislature to get gavel-to-gavel TV coverage"
The Oregon Legislature begins its work Monday and Oregon Public Broadcasting will provide digital TV viewers with gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative floor sessions, committee hearings and other Capitol events.
The pilot project conducted by OPB, the Oregon Legislature and Southern Oregon Public Television will test the concept of an all-day, every-day "Oregon Channel" to broaden access to state government, according to a press release from OPB.
The project concludes at the end of the legislative session, and will be evaluated to determine the feasibility of a permanent Oregon Channel.
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KXNET Bismarck
"Legislature to Address Tanning Bed Bill"
The North Dakota Legislature is looking to regulate tanning beds.
A proposed law would bar anyone under 16 from using a tanning bed in a salon.
And all tanning beds would have to be registered with North Dakota's Health Department, even if they're in private homes.
Bismarck Representative George Keiser is sponsoring the bill and says he's doing it at the request of skin doctors.
Dermatologists worry that use of tanning beds can increase a person's risk of getting skin cancer.
The North Dakota House Human Services Committee is holding a hearing on Wednesday.