Headlines
1. On the oddity of privatizing nature
2. Indiana toll road rates to increase for those paying cash
3. 2 Mass. towns weigh privatizing libraries
4. Az. Senate ok’s taxing powers for private developer
5. Fl. Senate propels school voucher-expansion bill
6. Coalition protesting against private probation in Americus, Ga.
News Summaries
1. On the oddity of privatizing nature
Welcome to the developing area of "biodiversity finance," which seeks
to monetize biodiversity and ecosystem assets like wetlands,
rainforests, reefs, and so forth so they can then be protected — at a
profit. Grist
2. Indiana toll road rates to increase for those paying cash
The private operator of the Indiana Toll Road expects an electronic
tolling system will be ready for the full length of the 157-mile
highway later this month. That means people paying cash at toll booths
will pay more starting April 1. The toll for running the full length of
the toll road will go up to $8 from the current $4.65 for people paying
cash. WTHI-TV
3. 2 Mass. towns weigh privatizing libraries
Already, some towns across Massachusetts are charging for school
sports, cutting school bus service, and imploring voters to raise
property taxes. But now, in an unprecedented move in the state, two
communities are considering proposals to privatize their libraries. Boston Globe
4. Az. Senate ok’s taxing powers for private developer
State senators agreed Wednesday to give private developers
government-like taxing powers to pave the way for a proposed rock ‘n’
roll theme park in Eloy. Arizona Daily Star
5. Fl. Senate propels school voucher-expansion bill
A bill that would more than double the number of needy children given
vouchers to go to private schools at public expense advanced Wednesday
in the Florida Senate. Orlando Sentinel
6. Coalition protesting against private probation in Americus, Ga.
Protestors are calling for an end to the city of Americus’ contract
with a private probation company. John Cole Vodicka says Middle Georgia
Probation Services doesn’t offer adequate alternatives to those who
cannot afford to pay their monthly probation charges. WALB.com