Not surprisingly, as I forecasted last year, he is proposing increased taxation to pay for his new programs and continuously expanding welfare system this year. Very little sunshine has been shed upon this tax-and-spend document, which would undoubtedly place public pressure on the governor's office to come to a more timely compromise. I will be encouraging my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the House to tailor a budget that allows Pennsylvania to live within its means and without...

Federal regulations governing the program require that employers, in this case local farmers, first try to fill positions with labor available within the United States. McLaughlin of Lancaster, farm manager, stand in the greenhouse where hothouse tomatoes are grown. Linnea Walsh, director of communications for the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, said state Department of Labor records from last year show that about 214 job orders were received from employers, and 669...

The first batch of letters went out about two weeks ago to 4,300 people who are believed to have purchased at least 100 cartons and collectively owe $10. A federal law requires companies that ship cigarettes across state lines to release information about the sales to taxing authorities in the state where the purchaser lives. It is sending tax forms to the online and mail-order purchasers, and waiving penalties for those who pay or enroll in payment plans. Weyant said at least 13 other...

North Carolina was one of the last states to tax cigarettes and historically has had some of the lowest cigarette taxes in the country. But another poll taken by the Civitas Institute this year found that 70 percent of state voters support allowing restaurants and bars to set their own smoking policy. Health versus individual rights?Most of the opposition to the smoking ban came from House Republicans, who often serve as the voice of the state's strong individualistic streak. But even in...

The greatest hope for shareholders holding out for a higher price is an increased bid from Imperial Tobacco Group PLC to trump the private equity offer. After initially tabling a 45 eur per share bid, which was rejected by Altadis' board, Imperial then upped the stakes to 47 eur. Other bidders from the tobacco industry are unlikely to appear on the scene at current bid price levels, the analyst said, but flagged a possible tie-up between Imperial and CVC and PAI, as the rivals seek to...