January spending increases but income growth slows (9:15 a.m. 3/1/10)

Published: March 1, 2010
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By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Personal spending jumped by a larger amount than expected in January but Americans’ incomes barely budged as millions of Social Security recipients did not get their usual cost of living boost.
The weak income growth could depress spending in the months ahead, acting as a further drag on the [...]

Jobless claims figures raise hopes for recovery (1:43 p.m. 2/11/10)

Published: February 11, 2010
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By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment benefits fell more than expected last week to the lowest total in a month, a sign the job market may be improving.
The Labor Department said that first-time claims for unemployment insurance dropped by 43,000 to a seasonally adjusted 440,000. [...]

Personal incomes, consumer spending up in December (8:33 a.m. 2/1/10)

Published: February 1, 2010
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By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Personal incomes rose more than expected in December and consumer spending increased for the third straight month, helping the economy slowly recover from the worst recession in decades.
The Commerce Department said Monday that incomes rose by 0.4 percent, the sixth increase in a row. That’s slightly better [...]

Economy grows at 5.7 percent pace, fastest since ‘03 (8:51 a.m. 1/29/10)

Published: January 29, 2010
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By CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The economy grew faster than expected at the end of last year, though the engine of that growth — companies replenishing stockpiles — is likely to weaken as consumers keep a lid on spending.
The 5.7 percent annual growth rate in the fourth quarter was the fastest pace [...]

GOP candidates take on transportation spending (UPDATE)

Published: January 28, 2010
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By Paul Snyder
Wisconsin’s Republican gubernatorial candidates are blasting Gov. Jim Doyle and the state Legislature for failing to fix the state’s transportation spending problems.
Both candidates — Mark Neumann and Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker — also share the same solution for generating more money for roadwork: Shift money from sales taxes on vehicles and vehicle-related [...]

Incomes and spending post solid gains in November (8:43 a.m. 12/23/09)

By MARTIN CRUTSINGER
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Personal incomes rose in November at the fastest pace in six months while spending posted a second straight increase, raising hopes that that the recovery from the nation’s deep recession might be gaining momentum.
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that personal incomes were up 0.4 percent in November, helped [...]

Wisconsin lawmakers seek details over stimulus spending

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin lawmakers on the Legislature’s budget committee are seeking more information about how billions of dollars in federal stimulus money has been spent.
The committee will hear from a top official in Gov. Jim Doyle’s administration on Thursday who will talk about jobs created and retained under the stimulus.
The committee is also [...]

Senate sends $1.1 trillion spending bill to Obama (8:13 a.m. 12/14/09)

By JIM ABRAMS
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Sunday passed a $1.1 trillion spending bill with increased budgets for vast areas of the federal government, including health, education, law enforcement and veterans’ programs.
The more-than-1,000-page package, one of the last essential chores of Congress this year, passed 57-35 and now goes to President Barack [...]

Consumers log stronger-than-expected spending rise (8:14 a.m. 11/25/09)

By JEANNINE AVERSA
AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Consumers got back in the buying mood in October as their incomes grew modestly, an encouraging sign for the budding economic recovery.
The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that consumer spending rose a brisk 0.7 percent last month, following a pullback in September when spending plunged by 0.6 percent.
It was [...]

State reports 3 percent drop in contracts

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state spent 3 percent less on contractual services in the fiscal year that ended on June 30.
That’s according to a report submitted to the state Legislature’s budget committee by the Department of Administration.
According to the report, state agencies spent about $319 million on contracts with private vendors last year, which [...]

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