GOVERNING: State government news on politics, management & financ en-us GOVERNING magazine provides leading intelligence articles on management, policy and politics to help guide and inspire innovative leaders across state and local government. Thu, 20 Jun 5:12:15 PDT States Awarding More Big Tax Incentive Deals, Report Finds http://www.governing.com/blogs/by-the-numbers/state-tax-incentive-award-totals-increase-report.html Thu, 20 Jun 9:0:00 PDT A new report examining tax incentives finds states have collectively awarded $64 billion in 'megadeals' after many states pursued top employers more aggressively in recent years. View award totals for each state. In a City of Delinquents, Philadelphia Mayor Nutter Failed to Pay His Bills On Time http://www.governing.com/news/local/In-a-City-of-Delinquents-Philadelphia-Mayor-Nutter-is-One-of-Them.html Thu, 20 Jun 8:3:00 PDT The same man who has repeatedly staged news conferences to publicly shame tax deadbeats - was delinquent on his gas bill and received a three-day shutoff notice from Philadelphia Gas Works. Stronger Child Abuse Protections Struggling to Become Law in Pennsylvania http://www.governing.com/news/state/Stronger-Child-Abuse-Protections-Struggling-to-Become-Law-in-Pennsylvania.html Thu, 20 Jun 8:2:00 PDT It's been almost exactly one year since a Centre County jury found Jerry Sandusky guilty of child sex abuse crimes against children. At first blush, some may wonder why stronger laws have yet to be enacted. Internet Sales Tax Bill Faces Hurdles, Say Sponsors http://www.governing.com/blogs/fedwatch/gov-internet-sales-tax-sponsor-outline-hurdles-facing-bill.html Wed, 19 Jun 16:0:00 PDT Though the legislation has passed in the Senate, the House continues to be an uphill battle. As Special Session Starts, Illinois Legislature Forms Compromise Committee for Pension Reform http://www.governing.com/news/state/mct-ill-legislature-forms-compromise-committee-for-pensions.html Wed, 19 Jun 9:30:00 PDT Lacking agreement on a comprehensive plan to reduce a pension debt that's approaching $100 billion, the state's Democratic leaders are opting to line up in punt formation. They expect to approve a conference committee of lawmakers from both parties to spend weeks looking for common ground on the issue. Governments Offer Amazon Millions in Tax Breaks it Doesn't Need http://www.governing.com/news/state/Localities-Offer-Amazon-Millions-in-Tax-Breaks-it-Doesnt-Need.html Wed, 19 Jun 8:3:00 PDT When Amazon expands, state and local governments practically line up to offer to pay the company to move. Washington Legislature Closer to Avoiding Government Shutdown http://www.governing.com/news/state/Washington-Legislature-Closer-to-Avoiding-Government-Shutdown.html Wed, 19 Jun 8:1:00 PDT State officials predict rapid progress in budget negotiations after two forecasts on Tuesday gave the Legislature an additional $320 million to spend over the next two years. California's Inland City Budgets Remain Weak http://www.governing.com/news/state/Californias-Inland-City-Budgets-Remain-Weak.html Mon, 17 Jun 8:7:00 PDT California's monthly report on jobs and unemployment includes a county-by-county breakdown that shows a sharp east-west economic split with cities along the coast recovering well from the recession while inland cities remain mired in deficits and high unemployment. Nevada to Give Tax Credits to Filmmakers http://www.governing.com/news/state/Nevada-to-Give-Tax-Credits-to-Filmmakers.html Mon, 17 Jun 8:4:00 PDT Gov. Brian Sandoval’s signature Tuesday means filmmakers will now be granted transferrable tax credits in a move he hopes will bring jobs and a new industry to the state. Haley Barbour and Jeb Bush Sell Immigration Reform as Economic Boost for States http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-barbour-bush-push-immigration-reform.html Fri, 14 Jun 9:0:00 PDT Immigration reform could save states money and boost the economy, said former governors Haley Barbour and Jeb Bush at a recent forum.