Protecting the Unemployed from Abusive Credit Inquiries  As the
economic downturn progresses, American workers are facing a
disturbing rise in employers using credit ratings to determine
job worthiness.  According to a 2006 survey by the Society for
Human Resource Management, the number of firms using credit
histories to screen applicants rose from 25% in 1998 to 43%
despite such inquiries often being discriminatory and even
illegal.   Hawaii Session Roundup  A contentious atmosphere
during the general session lingered into a special session as
legislators overrode a record total 38 of 53 vetoed bills by
Gov. Linda Lingle. Despite the budget shortfall of over $600
million (estimates differ) for 2010 and 2011, legislators were
able to enact a number of highly progressive reforms including a
majority signup bill, strengthening workers comp and family
leave policies, requiring large parking lots to have dedicated
electric vehicle spaces with charging stations,  and reviving
basic universal health insurance for c