Governors

November 6, 2009 -- Carson City - Nevada Governor Jim Gibbons has ordered the flag atop the Capitol in Carson City, the flag in front of the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas and the flags at other state buildings to be flown at half-staff beginning Friday November 6, 2009 through Wednesday November 11, 2009 (Veterans Day) to honor the Americans killed in the attack at Fort Hood Army Base on November 5, 2009.

“This is a terrible tragedy for the friends and family of those killed or hurt during this crime,” Governor Gibbons said, “All Nevadans should remember the victims in our thoughts and prayers.”

Source: Nevada Governor

BOSTON – November 06, 2009 – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick today announced that Massachusetts has won approximately $2 million in federal stimulus funding to aid in the development of affordable, reliable broadband Internet services for all communities in the Commonwealth. On Wednesday, the Governor met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke in Washington, D.C. to push for the state’s broadband priorities, noting that expanding access to high-speed Internet will create jobs, support business expansion and help students and businesses compete in a 21st global economy.    » read more »

CAMBRIDGE, MD -- November 5, 2009 – CSX today was recognized as the first transportation provider to join the Maryland Green Registry, a voluntary self-certification program that promotes and recognizes sustainable practices by organizations throughout the state.

The Maryland Green Registry includes organizations that complete a best practices profile covering environmental management and leadership, waste reduction, energy and water conservation, transportation, and green building design. The selection was announced by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley at a Maryland Chamber of Commerce Business Policy Dinner in Cambridge, Maryland.    » read more »

November 6, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today ordered the U.S. and the State of Maine flags flown at half-staff from now until sundown on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in memory of the victims of Thursday’s shootings at Fort Hood, Texas.

The order is in accordance with an announcement by President Obama that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff during the same time period.

“Maine joins the entire nation in mourning the loss of life at Fort Hood,” Governor Baldacci said. “This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families of all those who were killed or wounded.”

In addition, Governor Baldacci has ordered that the U.S. and State of Maine flags be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in honor of U.S. Marine Major Samuel Leigh.    » read more »

November 06, 2009 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff until sundown on Nov. 10 in honor of the victims of yesterday’s tragic incident at Fort Hood.

This order follows the proclamation from President Barack Obama earlier today ordering the flag of the United States to be flown at half-staff at the White House and other federal buildings until sundown on Nov. 10.

“Yesterday’s occurrence at Fort Hood was an unprecedented and unspeakable tragedy,” said Gov. Beshear. “My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims and all others who were affected by this inexpressible attack.”    » read more »

November 09, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Today, Iowa Governor Chet Culver issued a proclamation suspending the hours of service requirement for truck drivers delivering propane. The suspension of the rule will help bring propane into the state quicker, helping to ensure an adequate supply of fuel for farmers drying their crops after this year’s harvest.

“Iowa’s farmers are the best in the world,” said Governor Culver. “This proclamation will assist corn and soybean growers get these important commodities to market as quickly as possible.”    » read more »

State and U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff

November 06, 2009 -- DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Chet Culver has signed a proclamation ordering that Iowa and United States flags are to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims of yesterday’s shootings at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas. The flags will be lowered through Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009.

This order is in addition to today’s proclamation by President Barack Obama ordering that all United States flags shall be lowered through Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009. The President’s order applies to federal property and embassies. Governor Culver’s order applies to state-owned property.

The text of the proclamation is below:
PROCLAMATION    » read more »

INDIANAPOLIS -- November 6, 2009 -- Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels today initiated state agency spending reductions following the fourth straight month of lower than forecast state revenues for Fiscal Year 2010.

For October, revenue collections were again below the May 2009 forecast. Total tax collections were $46 million below the forecast amount for the month. For the first four months of the fiscal year, general fund revenues are $309 million or 7.4 percent below forecast.    » read more »

Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association Donates $50,000 to Important Fund as Veterans Day Nears

November 8, 2009 -- CHICAGO - November 8, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today joined with representatives from the Illinois Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association to accept a $50,000 donation to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

“I salute the Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association for supporting this important cause for more than three years,” said Governor Quinn. “When our brave men and women answer the call to duty, they should not have to worry that their families are suffering financially at home. All of us in Illinois can help our military families by donating to the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund this Veterans Day.”    » read more »

New Law Reforms Cook County Board Voting Practice

CHICAGO – November 7, 2009 -- Illinois Governor Pat Quinn today signed a law that reforms the Cook County Board’s veto override power by making it more responsive to the people and a stronger force for democracy.

The new law enables the Cook County Board of Commissioners to override a veto by a County Board President with an affirmative vote of three-fifths of its members, instead of the previous four-fifths necessary to override.

“The Illinois Constitution has a three-fifths requirement for the Legislature to override a veto of the Governor. It is standard in our constitution and in other constitutions,” said Governor Quinn. “I believe it is also a good model for Cook County.”    » read more »

November 6, 2009 -- HONOLULU – To honor the brave men and women who lost their lives in Fort Hood, Texas, acting Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr., on behalf of Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, has ordered the Hawai‘i state flag at all state and county buildings throughout Hawai‘i to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, November 10, 2009.

“We must always honor our service men and women, who risk their lives every day to protect the liberty and freedom we have as American citizens,” said Lt. Governor Aiona. “This senseless act of violence saddens us all, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims.”    » read more »

November 4, 2009 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has released $75,000,000 to the Department of Education for capital improvements at public schools statewide. The funds were appropriated by the Legislature this past legislative session for building and campus facility improvements, repairs and maintenance at Hawai‘i public schools.    » read more »

Celebrates nation’s first pilot program to help veterans returning to colleges and universities

November 6, 2009 -- TAMPA – Today, Florida Governor Charlie Crist joined together with representatives from the University of South Florida (USF), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs at the USF campus to participate in Uniforms to Mortarboards, a statewide conference to discuss issues important to Florida’s veteran students. The Governor also applauded VetsSuccess on Campus, a new, veteran-specific educational pilot program by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at the University of South Florida.    » read more »

Cites Decreasing Inmate Numbers, New Correction Officer Graduating Class And Effective Post-release Programs As Factors

November 6, 2009 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced she has directed the Department of Correction to consider closing a prison, citing a decline in the inmate population, the agency’s success with a number of post-release programs and the need to find savings and efficiencies in state government.    » read more »

Order Conforms to President’s Directive to Lower National Flags

November 6, 2009 -- Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell today ordered U.S. and State of Connecticut flags flown at half-staff until sundown on Tuesday, November 10, in memory of the victims of Thursday’s shootings at Fort Hood.

The order follows the announcement by President Obama that U.S. flags are to be flown at half-staff for the same period.

“Our State and our Nation grieve with those who have lost loved ones at Fort Hood,” Governor Rell said. “Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families. This was a brutal crime that this nation will not forget.”    » read more »