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Kaine Working to Expand Pre-K Initiative

Virginia – Gov. Tim Kaine is expected to hold a roundtable discussion today regarding his pre-kindergarten initiative. Kain says he wants to expanded the state’s pre-k program, even in the midst of difficult economic conditions. He has proposed $46 million for the program, while the Senate has budgeted $43 million and the House, $25 million. “It’s clear that with those levels of investments in a tough time, both houses recognize the importance for at-risk 4-year-olds,” Kaine said. “We’re on our way to serving significantly greater numbers of Virginia’s at-risk kids.”
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MA – House Approves Patrick’s Biotech Bill. House lawmakers approved a $1 billion, 10-year plan to bolster life sciences firms in Massachusetts, handing Gov. Deval Patrick a victory on one of his top economic priorities. The bill, which is expected to win approval from the Senate, provides $500 million to pay for construction of new labs and research facilities; $250 million for tax credits to life sciences firms and $250 million for research grants.
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MI – Granholm Accelerates Road Projects to Create New Jobs. Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Department of Transportation announced that 34 road projects across Michigan will be accelerated from the 2009 construction season to 2008, creating 2,100 new jobs in Michigan. The announcement is one piece of the governor’s economic stimulus package she unveiled in her recent State of the State address. “By accelerating these projects into 2008, we are creating jobs today for our Michigan workers,” Granholm said. “In addition to creating new jobs, we are also improving Michigan’s infrastructure and stimulating economic growth by making travel easier and more efficient for commuters and visitors who are traveling throughout our great state.”
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NH – Lynch Announces Job Training Grants. Gov. John Lynch says companies in Keene and North Haverhill will receive grants aimed at helping them compete and keep jobs in the state. Smith Medical ASD of Keene and Upper Valley Press of North Haverhill have been awarded grants through the newly reinstated Job Training Fund. The fund will distribute up to 1 million dollars in matching grants annually to allow companies to train new workers or retrain longtime employees.
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NJ – Corzine Pitches Budget to Business Group. Gov. Jon S. Corzine pitches his budget plan to business leaders. Corzine briefed the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce on his $33 billion budget plan that seeks $2.7 billion in cuts to help solve state fiscal woes. Corzine said spending cuts alone will not solve the fiscal problems, but will give the state breathing room.
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NM – Richardson Signs Bills on Energy Efficiency, Water Rights. Gov. Bill Richardson signed legislation on energy efficiency and that changes the way that the state can acquire water rights. Richardson authorized the Public Regulation Commission to approve energy efficiency programs designed to reduce the burden of energy costs on low-income customers. It directs electric and gas utilities to provide cost-effective and achievable energy efficiency resources. He said it will be less costly than building and operating new power plants. The programs that energy utilities could fund and implement under the legislation include rebates for energy efficient appliances, compact fluorescent light bulb exchanges and home weatherization assistance.
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NY – Spitzer Announces Grants for Flood Mitigation. Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced that New York State will provide $650,000 to local governments for flood mitigation projects with strong educational and training components that address watershed management. Over the last four years, New York has been struck by nine floods so serious that they were all declared major federal disasters. The cost of these events was staggering, with nearly $500 million spent for emergency response and repairs to the public infrastructure alone. “Today’s summit brings together state and local officials, as well as other stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive strategy to address flooding across the state,” said Spitzer. “With the funds made available today, State Emergency Management will enable local governments to help their communities mitigate, prepare for and respond to flooding.”
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OR – Editorial: Kulongoski, Legislature Make College Affordability a Reality. With Gov. Kulongoski and the Oregon Legislature making college access a priority, higher education is finally a reality for low- and middle-income families. During the span of a lifetime, a person with a college degree will earn $1 million more than a person with only a high school diploma. Additionally, every 1,000 Oregonians with a bachelor’s degree provide $2.5 million more in state tax revenue compared to those with only a high school diploma. This investment in the future of Oregon will provide financial stability for generations to come, as long as people across the state know about and take advantage of this expanded opportunity.
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PR – Acevedo-Vilá Advocates for Biotech Industry Growth. Puerto Rico Governor Aníbal Acevedo-Vilá and his economic development team travelled to San Diego, Calif. to share best practices with the local biotechnology industry and to sign a new Agreement of Partnership with Joseph Panetta, President of BIOCOM, the world’s largest regional life sciences association (based in San Diego), while meeting with BIOCOM’s Board of Directors. The Governor’s visit reinforces his commitment to promoting Puerto Rico’s cutting-edge biotechnology industry – a $4 billion investment hub – and stimulating economic growth on the Island by learning from one of the world’s leading life sciences clusters. During their two-day visit, the Governor and his team also met with leaders at Gen-Probe, Arena Pharmaceuticals and Biogen Idec, and the non-profit entrepreneurship organization CONNECT, with discussions focusing on infrastructure development, enhancing education to develop the next generation of scientists, and ways in which government and the private sector can partner for economic growth.
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