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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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JD Vance calls for toning down political rhetoric, while calls for his resignation grow because of his own comments. The Secret Service again faces intense criticism, and a right to IVF is again voted down in the US Senate.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Wyoming Coal Gets a Weigh-In

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Monday, August 18, 2008   

Cheyenne, WY – Wyoming is taking a new look at the value of the state's coal resources, as a legislative committee meets to discuss possible changes to the industry's severance taxes and property taxes. Coal producers are asking for a new formula that will save them money, but could cost the state income. A decision about coal-industry tax policies is expected in November.

Sarah Gorin, policy analyst for the Equality State Policy Center, says deciding how to weigh the ultimate value of coal to Wyoming should mean measuring its long-term benefits, not just short-term gain.

"Coal is a finite resource. It's not going to be here, or not going to be marketable, forever. Therefore, it is very important that we get our value back on this asset before it's gone."

Gorin says the coal industry wants tax breaks based on site improvements and other circumstances. In her view, the industry should be treated just like any other landowner, at least when it comes to property enhancements.

"It's true of every homeowner, every small business owner, every entity in Wyoming. Why they should be treated differently is beyond me."

The money from coal industry taxes is used by the state for infrastructure and basic services, and some is socked away for the future, when the coal is gone. Wyoming's coal industry paid about $425 million dollars in 2006, a total that includes both severance and property taxes.


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