Governors

November 17, 2009 -- TEL AVIV, Israel – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today signed a bilateral collaborative trade agreement between Israel and Wisconsin on research and development. The agreement, signed by Governor Doyle and Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Ben-Eliezer, promotes collaboration and a strong working relationship between Wisconsin and Israel in research and development.

“Wisconsin and Israel share a strong past and a bright future in research and technology development,” Governor Doyle said. “This agreement creates an important framework for Israel’s and Wisconsin’s scientists, engineers and researchers to embark on ground-breaking research and development in many promising fields, especially water technology.“    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded $6.4 million in competitive Recovery Act grants to 43 applicants in small cities and counties for energy efficiency and conservation projects. Projects include energy audits and building retrofits, as well as energy efficient traffic signals and street lighting.

The funding is targeted to reduce fossil fuel emissions and help communities be more environmentally sustainable through reduced energy usage and improved energy efficiency in the building and transportation sectors. The work is also expected to save or create more than 100 jobs.    » read more »

Ranks 1 for Third Year in a Row in 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings

November 17, 2009 -- Montpelier, Vt. — United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention today released the 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings™ showing that Vermont ranks 1st when compared to the health of other states. This is the 3rd year in a row that Vermont has been at the top of the rankings.    » read more »

Federal Recovery Funds Will Help Local Governments, Non-Profit Groups Reduce Energy, Save Money

Nov. 17, 2009 -- Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced Pennsylvania’s Conservation Works! grant program will save more than 570 million kilowatt hours of electricity, generate an additional 14.4 million kilowatt hours, and reduce natural gas use by 2.1 million thousand cubic feet over the lifetimes of the various projects.

Conservation Works! is a $22 million competitive grant program, funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to help local government and non-profit organizations improve energy efficiency, curb energy consumption and reduce energy costs by at least 25 percent.    » read more »

Considers possible January special session depending on new revenue estimates

November 17, 2009 -- Oklahoma City - Responding to continued uncertainty in state fiscal forecasts and the growing impact of across-the-board budget cuts, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry today outlined a three-point plan to address the state’s budget challenges.

Its components include an updated, more reliable state revenue estimate, a series of public hearings on budget reductions and a possible special session of the Oklahoma Legislature to utilize reserve funds and implement targeted cuts to balance the budget.    » read more »

Bill Strengthens Protections for Homeowners, Tenants and Neighborhoods

November 16, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson and Legislative Leaders today announced passage of the Governor’s Program Bill No. 46, which provides additional critical protections for New York State homeowners, tenants and neighborhoods in the wake of the ongoing foreclosure crisis.

The legislation builds upon Governor Paterson’s landmark subprime lending reform law enacted last year, by assisting homeowners currently at risk of foreclosure and minimizing the negative impacts that foreclosures have on communities.    » read more »

Bill Strengthens New York’s Position to Access $454 Million in Federal Funds for Clean Energy Retrofits

November 16, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson, Congressman Steve Israel, and Legislative Leaders today announced the passage of the municipal clean energy loan program legislation. The Senate and Assembly passed the bill, which empowers communities to launch Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loan programs, today during an extraordinary session of the Legislature.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- ST. LOUIS - For the second year in a row, in-state, undergraduate students at Missouri's four-year, public colleges and universities won't see tuition or academic fees rise by a penny.

That's the good news Missouri Governor Jay Nixon announced today during visits to the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Missouri State University in Springfield.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- LANSING - Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) is helping 10 companies grow in Michigan and is backing two brownfield redevelopment projects. Combined, the 12 projects are expected to create 2,245 new jobs (883 direct and 1,368 indirect), retain 11,254 jobs, and generate over $791 million in new investment in the state.    » read more »

Governor Patrick Releases New Americans Recommendations; Seeks Action Plan In 90 Days

BOSTON - November 17, 2009 – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today unveiled the New Americans Agenda report, a comprehensive set of 131 recommendations for better integrating immigrants and refugees into the social, civic and economic life of the Commonwealth. The Governor also announced the creation of an inter-agency group to develop an action plan within 90 days for the report, a product of extensive research, expert interviews, input from state agencies and public feedback collected during a series of statewide meetings.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today escorted executives from Statoil around the State as part of a visit of officials from the Norwegian company. Statoil is working with the University of Maine on potential offshore wind power development.

Company officials, including the head of Statoil’s wind power business development, came to Maine to see firsthand the existing capacity and infrastructure, interest and commitment of the State and private partners to develop wind power off Maine’s coast. The tour showcased the Cianbro Eastern Manufacturing Facility in Brewer, the Fox Islands Community Wind Project on Vinalhaven, Brunswick Naval Air Station and Bath Iron Works.    » read more »

Baldacci Names Task Force to Implement New Medical Marijuana Law

November 17, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today announced the names of the appointments to the Committee on the Implementation of the Maine Medical Marijuana Act. The Governor created the task force by Executive Order on Nov. 6, following the medical marijuana law approved by Maine voters. The Governor said the task force would advise him on the appropriate way to implement the new law with safeguards to protect public health and safety.

The Governor appointed 10 members of the 14-member task force. In addition, two members of the Senate have been appointed by the President of the Senate and two members House of Representatives by the Speaker of the House.    » read more »

New Law Requires Post-Trip Inspections, Two-Way Radios

November 17, 2009 -- CHICAGO - November 17, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that will significantly improve the safety of Illinois’ students riding school buses.

The law amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to require all school bus drivers conduct comprehensive posttrip inspections to ensure that children, and other passengers, are not left unattended on a bus. The new law also requires all school buses be equipped with two-way radio systems designed to alert drivers to incoming communications, requests or alerts from school districts or emergency service providers.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has released $1 million that will enable the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to implement energy and water efficiency and conservation improvements at state parks.

As part of DLNR’s ongoing efforts to upgrade and modernize state parks and other outdoor recreational facilities statewide, the department will use the funds to design renewable energy sources to power park facilities such as water system pumps, sewer system pumps, booster pumps, trail lighting and rental cabins and kitchens.    » read more »

November 17, 2009 -- DOVER -- Delaware Governor Jack Markell and Secretary of Labor John McMahon announced today that unemployed Delaware workers will be eligible for up to fourteen weeks of additional unemployment insurance benefits.

“These benefits will help Delawareans who have been hit hard by the national economic recession get back on their feet,” Markell said. “Turning around the state’s economy takes time. That’s why my administration is working hard every day to move our economy forward and create jobs by making Delaware the best state in the nation for starting and growing businesses.”    » read more »