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Maryland ends year with more money than expected
State government pulled in less revenue during fiscal year 2009 than at almost any time in four decades -- but still outperformed its bleak financial forecast, state Comptroller Peter Franchot reported Wednesday ... A spokesman for Gov. Martin O'Malley said it was too soon to know where the money would go, "but governor has said in the past that as the economy allows, the first priorities for restoration would be to the local counties and municipalities and to state employees, both of whom have been impacted by budget reductions in the past. Those decisions haven't been made with regard to this fund balance."
Alabama state employees' health insurance rates not raised, but early retirees to see increase
Alabama state employees will not have to pay any more than the current $15 a month in premiums for health insurance during the next fiscal year beginning Oct. 1 ... But the board Wednesday in a split vote agreed to leave the premiums as they are and instead raise monthly rates by $15 for early retirees who aren't 65 and not eligible for Medicare. The cost for early retirees will go from $181 to $196 effective Oct. 1.
Judge to rule Thursday on state furlough lawsuit
A judge said he will rule Thursday on whether state employees need to report for work Friday. Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd heard more arguments Wednesday from state workers suing to block Gov. Steve Beshear's planned six-day unpaid furlough of most executive branch employees during fiscal year 2011. The first furlough day would be Friday.
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