A daily dose of online news from beyond the Beltway.

In Maine, the governor wants to pass out laptop computers right along with textbooks. In Michigan, lawmakers were able to increase spending and lower taxes at the same time and still break even. In Minnesota, taxpayers divied up $1.3 billion in sales tax rebates.

Across the country, state budgets are literally busting at the seams as the nation's vibrant economy pumps more and more money to the local level, giving lawmakers a chance to spend creatively or refund generously. Of course, not all states have the tax structure in place to benefit from the boom, while some Democratic leaders charge that private businesses and rich citizens are the only people really seeing the economic benefits.

"I would suggest that there is one thing more asinine than federal regulation of plumbing supplies, and that's 50 different state standards. Such an outcome could have a severe constipating effect on interstate commerce." U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), rejecting a push that would repeal the federal law requiring low-flow toilets. ( Associated Press, Apr. 13)

• A Resurgent Michigan Leads Flush States
(The New York Times, Apr. 14)

Sometimes, however, more money can lead to more problems – at least for the people in charge of handling that money. California is a good example, where a ballooning budget surplus is likely to cause increased tension between lawmakers with competing agendas.

• Budget Surplus Grows Faster Than Expected
(Los Angeles Times, Apr. 14)

Wisconsin Gov. Proposes State Overhaul
Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson proposed this week transferring $3.5 billion in Wisconsin sales tax money to local communities as part of a plan to completely overhaul the operation of state government.
• Governor Seeks Radical Reforms for Government
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Apr. 13)
• Thompson Proposes Revamping System of Shared Revenue
(St. Paul Pioneer Press, Apr. 13)
• Live Online: Gov. Tommy Thompson
(Apr. 13)

Just in Case, Bush Works on a Backup Plan
George W. Bush is trying to become the first sitting Republican governor to win the White House since Ohio's William McKinley was elected president in 1896. But even if he fails, the Texas governor still has a state to run. So in between campaign stops, Bush recently found himself working on a legislative agenda he hopes he's not around to oversee.
• Bush Making Plans for 2001 Session
(Austin American-Statesman, Apr. 10)

Western Senators Challenge Interior Department Over Parks Plan
In response to news that the National Park Service is leaning toward a ban on snowmobiles in Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, five Republican senators from Montana, Wyoming and Idaho challenged the authority of Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt and warned such a plan would meet "strong opposition."
• Senators Vow to Fight Snowmobile Ban
(Independent Record, Helena, Mont., Apr. 13)

Pa. Governor Debuts Web Site for GOP Convention
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge (R), a strong supporter of the technology industry, unveiled a new Internet site this week meant to promote Philadelphia as well as the rest of Pennsylvania in advance of this summer's Republican National Convention.
• Ridge Hits the Web to Introduce State Internet Site for GOP Convention
(Times-News, Erie, Pa., Apr. 11)
• On the Web: www.pamedia2000.com