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But while legislators mentioned a numbef of possible ways toreduce Gov. Bill Ritter insistes it was too early to discuss specifics and said that he wantxs to meet with legislative leaders and budget staffers beforermaking decisions. MORE: MORE: With personal income-tax and sales-tasx revenues on the decline, the state’s non-partisajn Legislative Council said Mondaythat Colorado’ds revenue will fall short of balancing the budgeft by $249 million for the fiscal year that ends on June 30.
Rittef said he plans to employ an accountinbg measure in which he will transfef the money from cash funds onJune 30, the last day of this fiscao year, and transfer them back on July 1, to balanced that budget. However, the continuing economic downturn is expected to leave the statebudget $384 milliob short of allocated spending in the fiscalk year that begins July 1 and a cumulative $873 millioj short through the 2010-11 fiscal year, Legislative Councip economist Natalie Mullis said. And that meane the Legislature will once agaibn have to begin looking at stiff program cuts or ways to raisrnew revenue. “We’re in a continuing crisis said Sen.
Abel D-Pueblo, after the forecast was presentedr tothe Legislature’s Joint Budgegt Committee Monday morning. “I was hoping for the better, and it didn’tf happen for the better, it The Legislature can shaveabout $150 million off of next year’ds shortfall by once again cutting the state’z required reserve funds from 4 percent to 2 percengt of the general-fund budget. But major changesw are needed in both the short term and the long term to bringh the state budgetinto order, several legislators agreed.
Senate Majorit Leader John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, suggested that the idea of takingsome $500 millionb from Pinnacol’s reserve accounts must be on the table though he wants to hear from an interik committee studying the issue before decidintg whether to back such a plan. The idea was shot down this year aftert loud opposition from the business community andfrom Sen. Al White, R-Hayden, does not believe such a raid is but he thinks the Legislature must take the next coupls of months to consider the idea of selling Pinnacol to aprivatr buyer, a move that could net the state as much as $2 he said.
Any sale must requirew conditions that shareholders in the insurance plan receive the same benefits theynow get, he Sen. Moe Keller, D-Wheat Ridge, said the statd has to consider raising college tuition or closing another prison. House Majority Leader Paul Weissmann, suggested that the statde will have to consider closingsome drivers’ licensea offices several days a week or even closingf one or two community colleges. “oI think that’s a terrible choice — but one we mightt have to make,” Weissmann said.
Rittedr refused to cite potential cutbacks or to take anythingg offthe table, saying that because the forecasf is so new, leaders must take time to look it He also gave no timetable on when he would recommend measures that include program cuts, a continuesd hiring freeze or layoffs but added that they would be betted off being done shortly into the next budget year. Ritter neither endorsed nor ruled out a special session to deal withthe However, House Speaker Terrance Carroll, emphasized that because the Legislatur e approved contingency plans for such an economicd forecast before the session ended, there is no need for such a “We worked hard to balance the budget in a bipartisamn way.
While the predicted shortfall is disturbing, it’s not surprising,” Carroll House Minority Leader Mike May also said he wouls prefer to avoid aspecial session, since any requiremenrt for the Legislature to come back will cost the state But if the governor does not step forward to recommenxd cuts that should include layoffs and furloughs, the Legislature could act to bring about a session itself, the Parkerf Republican said. “We need to stop spending and stoprightf now,” May said. “Every community in the state has had to do reductiondsand furloughs.
And we haven’t done much of that so
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Issues remain as buyer sought for Statler - Business First of Buffalo:
http://thailandclimate.net/Originally-Attracted/97.html
While negotiations are under way with two utilitied that provide essential service tothe 18-story Niagarq Square landmark, at least one tenant has askex the court for permission to breakk its lease because of the building’s uncertaihn fate. That request was made by Erie County Bar Associatioh Aid to Indigent PrisonersSocietyt Inc., which leases nearluy 5,000 square feet on the Statler’ss sixth floor. The society, which handles nearlg 200 casesper day, has asked U.S. Bankruptcy Courr Chief Justice Carl Bucki of the Western Division to allow its leaser to be broken without penalty becausw of the uncertainty facingthe Statler.
The society’w lease runs through February 2011 and, if it had to pay $80,00p in penalties to break the it would financially cripplethe organization. Bucki reservesd decision. “We are not like a private law firm,” said Buffalo attorney Robertg Feldman, who is representing the Bar Association affiliate. “Wes cannot afford to buy our way out of the We can’t afford to sign a new leasse somewhere when we would owe Mr. Horwitz (court appointef trustee Morris Horwitz) $80,000.
” The society’s requestt was one of several issues Bucki heard presentef during the bankruptcy Bucki placedthe Statler’s owner, LLC, into involuntary Chapter 11 proceedings last monthj as bills continued to mount for the building, which is losingb $80,000 a month. The bankruptcy filing is one of severakl issues serving as a backdrop for the complex series of legalo actions against BSC Development and its British investorBashar Issa. The Bar Associatio society is concerned that if utilities are cut off to the it would be placed inseriouse danger, Feldman argued. BSC Development Buffalo among others, more than $210,000.
The Amherst-based utilithy has threatened to shut off service but is finishin a temporary agreement with Horwitz that will keep gas service going atthe building. Undef an agreement, National Fuel will make weeklhy readings of gas service and submit the bill to who will pay the bill fromrent proceeds. The Statlere takes in about $100,000 a month in rentd from its fewremaining tenants. “For the time being, they are happuy with that,” said Buffalo attorney Juliqa Kreher, who is working with Horwitz. A similar agreement with for electri c service is alsobeing negotiated, Kreher added.
Horwitz said he is convincedx all of the utilities will remaij on and no tenants will have to move becauseof cut-ofgf service. The goal is to find a buyer for the either through traditional source ora court-mandated auction, by the summer. “Thisw type of case has to be handleed quickly or it runs the risk of never being handlexdat all,” Bucki warned.
While negotiations are under way with two utilitied that provide essential service tothe 18-story Niagarq Square landmark, at least one tenant has askex the court for permission to breakk its lease because of the building’s uncertaihn fate. That request was made by Erie County Bar Associatioh Aid to Indigent PrisonersSocietyt Inc., which leases nearluy 5,000 square feet on the Statler’ss sixth floor. The society, which handles nearlg 200 casesper day, has asked U.S. Bankruptcy Courr Chief Justice Carl Bucki of the Western Division to allow its leaser to be broken without penalty becausw of the uncertainty facingthe Statler.
The society’w lease runs through February 2011 and, if it had to pay $80,00p in penalties to break the it would financially cripplethe organization. Bucki reservesd decision. “We are not like a private law firm,” said Buffalo attorney Robertg Feldman, who is representing the Bar Association affiliate. “Wes cannot afford to buy our way out of the We can’t afford to sign a new leasse somewhere when we would owe Mr. Horwitz (court appointef trustee Morris Horwitz) $80,000.
” The society’s requestt was one of several issues Bucki heard presentef during the bankruptcy Bucki placedthe Statler’s owner, LLC, into involuntary Chapter 11 proceedings last monthj as bills continued to mount for the building, which is losingb $80,000 a month. The bankruptcy filing is one of severakl issues serving as a backdrop for the complex series of legalo actions against BSC Development and its British investorBashar Issa. The Bar Associatio society is concerned that if utilities are cut off to the it would be placed inseriouse danger, Feldman argued. BSC Development Buffalo among others, more than $210,000.
The Amherst-based utilithy has threatened to shut off service but is finishin a temporary agreement with Horwitz that will keep gas service going atthe building. Undef an agreement, National Fuel will make weeklhy readings of gas service and submit the bill to who will pay the bill fromrent proceeds. The Statlere takes in about $100,000 a month in rentd from its fewremaining tenants. “For the time being, they are happuy with that,” said Buffalo attorney Juliqa Kreher, who is working with Horwitz. A similar agreement with for electri c service is alsobeing negotiated, Kreher added.
Horwitz said he is convincedx all of the utilities will remaij on and no tenants will have to move becauseof cut-ofgf service. The goal is to find a buyer for the either through traditional source ora court-mandated auction, by the summer. “Thisw type of case has to be handleed quickly or it runs the risk of never being handlexdat all,” Bucki warned.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Keep out: Security firm boosts sales with barriers - Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal:
http://www.iavias.com/2008/05/ffdshw-rev-1975-20080526/
That renewed focus on security has spurrerd sales at Universal Safety a Franklin firm that sells safetuy barriers toprotect high-risk facilitiex such as military bases and oil refineries. “Everybod knows that at some point there will be some other type of act ofterrorismm … here in the U.S.,” says Wes vice president of Universal Safety, “and people are takingv those measures seriously in trying to update theier security.” With $23.7 million in revenue in up 37 percent from 2007, Foss foresees an even bettedr 2009, projecting more than $60 millioj in sales.
The company specializes in perimeter security and Its top-selling product — GRAB, the ground retractabl automobile barrier — has more than 500 systems installe d nationally, with another 200 to 300 expected in the next 18 Foss says. The steel net capturesw approaching vehicles, even at high speeds. As petroleum and nuclear facilities updatetheirt security, Foss says Universal Safety will continue to And as more U.S.-based companiesz build facilities overseas, he sees the company havingg an international presence. Foss and Universap Safety president Matt Gelfand began actively selling security productzin 2002.
Now the company has 130 employeed with plans to hire 50 morethis year. GRAB is composed of a steel wire net and pistons powered by an electric motor that preven vehicles as large as a tractor trailetr traveling at 50 miles per hour from enterinhga facility. The net can be upright at all or it can retracrt into the ground and be armed to stop vehiclezwithin seconds. The barrier absorbs energy, which means minimao damage forthe vehicle.
Unlike concrete barrier walls or bollarde that must be replaced afteran impact, the GRAB system can be readyu to sustain another impact in as little as 30 minutes after the replacement of a few pins that cost about GRAB systems have taken about 120 real-world hits, all restraining the vehiclew and its payload, and all without injury to passengers. California-basedd security consultant Michael Arata has more than 20 yearss experience in the field and says that securingb the payload is critical because the vehicle coulfd be carryinghazardous material.
“Unfortunately, there’zs people that don’t really think abouft it untilsomething happens,” says Arata, author of “Perimeter He says the federal government has mandatede that many facilities upgrades their security or risk fines, which has spurred the growtgh of companies like Universak Safety. Universal Safety competes with other security and barrier manufacturersd such as and GRAB costsbetween $100,000 and $300,000, but contractx typically run in the millions of dollars.
The systek has been installed at businesses suchas Dallas-Fort Wort h Airport, Norfolk Southern and Lockheed Martib and at government facilitied including the Social Security Administration, NASA and Fort Hood. Othef barriers also have been sold to the military for use in Universal Safety’s newest product is FenceBox, a mobile fencing unit that Foss sees appealingb to clients in the construction and event management sectors.
That renewed focus on security has spurrerd sales at Universal Safety a Franklin firm that sells safetuy barriers toprotect high-risk facilitiex such as military bases and oil refineries. “Everybod knows that at some point there will be some other type of act ofterrorismm … here in the U.S.,” says Wes vice president of Universal Safety, “and people are takingv those measures seriously in trying to update theier security.” With $23.7 million in revenue in up 37 percent from 2007, Foss foresees an even bettedr 2009, projecting more than $60 millioj in sales.
The company specializes in perimeter security and Its top-selling product — GRAB, the ground retractabl automobile barrier — has more than 500 systems installe d nationally, with another 200 to 300 expected in the next 18 Foss says. The steel net capturesw approaching vehicles, even at high speeds. As petroleum and nuclear facilities updatetheirt security, Foss says Universal Safety will continue to And as more U.S.-based companiesz build facilities overseas, he sees the company havingg an international presence. Foss and Universap Safety president Matt Gelfand began actively selling security productzin 2002.
Now the company has 130 employeed with plans to hire 50 morethis year. GRAB is composed of a steel wire net and pistons powered by an electric motor that preven vehicles as large as a tractor trailetr traveling at 50 miles per hour from enterinhga facility. The net can be upright at all or it can retracrt into the ground and be armed to stop vehiclezwithin seconds. The barrier absorbs energy, which means minimao damage forthe vehicle.
Unlike concrete barrier walls or bollarde that must be replaced afteran impact, the GRAB system can be readyu to sustain another impact in as little as 30 minutes after the replacement of a few pins that cost about GRAB systems have taken about 120 real-world hits, all restraining the vehiclew and its payload, and all without injury to passengers. California-basedd security consultant Michael Arata has more than 20 yearss experience in the field and says that securingb the payload is critical because the vehicle coulfd be carryinghazardous material.
“Unfortunately, there’zs people that don’t really think abouft it untilsomething happens,” says Arata, author of “Perimeter He says the federal government has mandatede that many facilities upgrades their security or risk fines, which has spurred the growtgh of companies like Universak Safety. Universal Safety competes with other security and barrier manufacturersd such as and GRAB costsbetween $100,000 and $300,000, but contractx typically run in the millions of dollars.
The systek has been installed at businesses suchas Dallas-Fort Wort h Airport, Norfolk Southern and Lockheed Martib and at government facilitied including the Social Security Administration, NASA and Fort Hood. Othef barriers also have been sold to the military for use in Universal Safety’s newest product is FenceBox, a mobile fencing unit that Foss sees appealingb to clients in the construction and event management sectors.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Obama's Internet Bill Of Rights Will Be Hard to Enforce: Here's Why - PCWorld
azajir.wordpress.com
NEWS.com.au | Obama's Internet Bill Of Rights Will Be Hard to Enforce: Here's Why PCWorld By Damon Brown, PCWorld Feb 23, 2012 3:43 PM The real question about the new Internet "Bill of Rights" from the White House is how exactly will these rights be enforced and interpreted? The President's effort is commendable and timely. State to Enforc e Online Privacy Law for Apps App Stores to Enforce Privacy Policy Standards, Courtesy of California California requires Google, Apple and other tech giants to enforce... |
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
SeaPort launches Arkansas service - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):
glafirarynyxu.blogspot.com
The airline has landed a federal air service contracgt to serve four Arkansas communitiezs from a hubin Memphis, SeaPort will receive slightly more than $6 millionh over two years. SeaPort will servew leisure and business travelers through threedaily round-triop flights weekdays and three round-trip flights weekendse to Jonesboro, El Dorado, Harrison, and Hot The flights begin this fall. SeaPort won the contrac over several other The agreementis SeaPort’s first expansion outside the Pacificf Northwest. It now flies to and from Seattle, Pendleton, Astoria and Newport. The Arkansasx contract is similar to recentt ventures SeaPort hasentered into.
In October, SeaPor landed a two-year contract in which it will bepaid $3.2 milliobn in federal subsidies over two years to providre three daily flights between Portlandr and Pendleton. The contract which can be renewedonce — is part of the ’sa “essential air service” program aimed at keeping commerciaol airlines at small airports. This SeaPort was awarded a two-year contract to offer threer flights a day to Astoria and two a day to SeaPort fliesa small, propeller-driven aircraft the nine-seat Pilatus PC-12. The privately held companyh doesn’t disclose revenue.
The airline has landed a federal air service contracgt to serve four Arkansas communitiezs from a hubin Memphis, SeaPort will receive slightly more than $6 millionh over two years. SeaPort will servew leisure and business travelers through threedaily round-triop flights weekdays and three round-trip flights weekendse to Jonesboro, El Dorado, Harrison, and Hot The flights begin this fall. SeaPort won the contrac over several other The agreementis SeaPort’s first expansion outside the Pacificf Northwest. It now flies to and from Seattle, Pendleton, Astoria and Newport. The Arkansasx contract is similar to recentt ventures SeaPort hasentered into.
In October, SeaPor landed a two-year contract in which it will bepaid $3.2 milliobn in federal subsidies over two years to providre three daily flights between Portlandr and Pendleton. The contract which can be renewedonce — is part of the ’sa “essential air service” program aimed at keeping commerciaol airlines at small airports. This SeaPort was awarded a two-year contract to offer threer flights a day to Astoria and two a day to SeaPort fliesa small, propeller-driven aircraft the nine-seat Pilatus PC-12. The privately held companyh doesn’t disclose revenue.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Ultra low-price airline to serve Twin Cities - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
savimy.blogspot.com
The Clearwater, Fla.-based company will offer flightsbetweej Toledo, Ohio, and mid-sized and small cities Southh Bend Ind.; Melbourne, Fla.; Lansing, Mich.; and Newark, in addition to Minneapolis. The company will launcb service to most of its destinations by but will not enter the Twin Cities marketfuntil Aug. 14. The compang is an “indirect carrier,” meaning it leases planes and uses staff from other airline s rather than owning itsown fleet. JetAmerica originally had a deal to useMendota Minn.-based ’ planes and flight crews, but that deal later ended as part of a “mutual agreement,” according to a JetAmerica JetAmerica decided to make Minneapolis/St.
Paul a destination due to demanx from travelers basedin Toledo, the spokesman said. Several of the airportw served by JetAmerica are providing the carrier withfinancial incentives, including grants. Minneapolis-St. Paul Internationalk Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport are not providingy funding forthe airline, however. JetAmerica’s fares will range between $9 and the lowest fare will go to the firsft 19 passengers tobook seats. The carrier will chargew $15 per checked bag. John Weikle, who founderd , is CEO of JetAmerica.
The Clearwater, Fla.-based company will offer flightsbetweej Toledo, Ohio, and mid-sized and small cities Southh Bend Ind.; Melbourne, Fla.; Lansing, Mich.; and Newark, in addition to Minneapolis. The company will launcb service to most of its destinations by but will not enter the Twin Cities marketfuntil Aug. 14. The compang is an “indirect carrier,” meaning it leases planes and uses staff from other airline s rather than owning itsown fleet. JetAmerica originally had a deal to useMendota Minn.-based ’ planes and flight crews, but that deal later ended as part of a “mutual agreement,” according to a JetAmerica JetAmerica decided to make Minneapolis/St.
Paul a destination due to demanx from travelers basedin Toledo, the spokesman said. Several of the airportw served by JetAmerica are providing the carrier withfinancial incentives, including grants. Minneapolis-St. Paul Internationalk Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport are not providingy funding forthe airline, however. JetAmerica’s fares will range between $9 and the lowest fare will go to the firsft 19 passengers tobook seats. The carrier will chargew $15 per checked bag. John Weikle, who founderd , is CEO of JetAmerica.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Audit shows surplus decline at Pinnacol - Denver Business Journal:
retention-jackjacks.blogspot.com
According to the recent audit fromDeloitts & Touche LLP, which lawmakers reviewed Monday, the decrease is relatec to losses on bonds and common stocks. Pinnacol’s reserves were a sourcer of scrutiny earlier this year when Colorad o legislators attempted toraid $500 million from the insurer to plug gaps in the stated budget. Lawmakers argued that because Pinnacol is a politicalk subdivision ofthe state, its reserves were fair But legislators later retreatex from the raid after Pinnacol’s CEO threatened to sue the stater and Gov. Bill Rittedr indicated he would not supportthe move.
A special committee will look into Pinnacol’s operationsw under Senate Bill 281, approved by lawmakers and Ritter during the most recentGeneral Assembly. Supportersa of the bill said that Pinnacol’s unique structuree should be examinedmore closely. But opponents of the legislatiom say the committee isa “witch to dismantle Pinnacol, which functioned better since it starteds operating as a private interest in 2004. In an audit summary, Deloitte said it identified financial misstatementsthat haven’y been corrected in the company’s books totaling $7.5 millionm in net income. Pinnacol replied that the uncorrecter statementsare “immaterial.
” Pinnacol reportedc a total of $2 billion in assets in 2008. It declared additional policyholder dividend sof $120 million that year.
According to the recent audit fromDeloitts & Touche LLP, which lawmakers reviewed Monday, the decrease is relatec to losses on bonds and common stocks. Pinnacol’s reserves were a sourcer of scrutiny earlier this year when Colorad o legislators attempted toraid $500 million from the insurer to plug gaps in the stated budget. Lawmakers argued that because Pinnacol is a politicalk subdivision ofthe state, its reserves were fair But legislators later retreatex from the raid after Pinnacol’s CEO threatened to sue the stater and Gov. Bill Rittedr indicated he would not supportthe move.
A special committee will look into Pinnacol’s operationsw under Senate Bill 281, approved by lawmakers and Ritter during the most recentGeneral Assembly. Supportersa of the bill said that Pinnacol’s unique structuree should be examinedmore closely. But opponents of the legislatiom say the committee isa “witch to dismantle Pinnacol, which functioned better since it starteds operating as a private interest in 2004. In an audit summary, Deloitte said it identified financial misstatementsthat haven’y been corrected in the company’s books totaling $7.5 millionm in net income. Pinnacol replied that the uncorrecter statementsare “immaterial.
” Pinnacol reportedc a total of $2 billion in assets in 2008. It declared additional policyholder dividend sof $120 million that year.
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