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Paterson Invests in Nursing Education

New York – Gov. David Paterson announced that nearly $5 million from the 2008-09 state budget will be invested in additional nursing education at public and private universities and colleges to help curb New York State’s nursing shortage. The funding will enable New York to further develop its nursing workforce. New York has invested nearly $300 million in health care workforce retraining – with nearly half that funding supporting nurse training. Graduation rates for new nurses were 12 percent higher in 2006 than the year before, and that trend appears to be continuing.
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CAMPAIGN NEWS

WA – Gregoire Visits Early Learning Center, Biodiesel Plant. Gov. Chris Gregoire brought her one-Washington doctrine to Central Washington, stopping at an early learning center in Yakima and a biodiesel plant in Sunnyside as part of a statewide campaign kickoff tour. “It’s not about, in my opinion, Republican or Democrat,” Gregoire said. “It’s really about what’s best for the people of this area. And I think it is very clear that I have worked hard, have delivered.” She cited her work getting funding for EPIC, a nonprofit agency offering early childhood education and family services, and pointed to the downtown Yakima revitalization funding she approved in the capital budget last year.
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GENERAL NEWS

CO – Ritter Helps to Lower College Textbook Costs. Gov. Bill Ritter has signed a bill that college students say will help them save money on textbooks. The bill requires publishers to tell professors the price students will have to pay for the books. They can sell books bundled with CD-ROMs and workbooks only if professors specifically ask for them. Publishers also must disclose if there are substantial changes in newer editions to help professors decide if they need to require students to get the new edition.
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DE – Minner Initiatives Target Education, Health Care, Public Safety. Governor Ruth Ann Minner’s 2008 legislative agenda lays out a number of initiatives to continue her efforts to improve education, health care, public safety and the environment in Delaware, including legislation to create a health disparities registry, expand the SEED scholarship program and promote energy efficiency. “I look forward to continuing the successful initiatives that have improved the lives of Delawareans,” Gov. Minner said. “Unfortunately, the current economic crunch is forcing us to cut costs wherever possible and will not leave much room for new programs. But we hope to continue to provide the level of services expected by the people of Delaware while also implementing some new initiatives that will not increase our current spending.”
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MD – O’Malley Establishes IT Department. Gov. Martin O’Malley signed legislation that creates a new Department of Information Technology, which will have policy responsibility for information technology matters across state agencies. The bill also consolidates state agency information technology functions into one department and elevates the department to a level that reports directly to the governor. The new Department of Information Technology will coordinate, purchase and manage all telecommunications devices and systems utilized by state agencies.
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MA – Patrick Proposes Investment in Infrastructure. Gov. Deval Patrick tried to calm fears of a looming recession with a speech today that highlighted the strengths of the Massachusetts economy and outlined his $3.8 billion bond proposal to put people to work by repairing 411 deteriorating bridges. While emphasizing restrained spending and budget cuts, Patrick also warned that government must take action that will move the state’s economy forward. “By acting now, we can cut that deficient bridges backlog in half in eight years, avoid construction inflation, and create thousands of jobs,” Patrick said, according to prepared remarks distributed by his staff. “Our plan to address deficient bridges will have shovels in the ground and people at work in 90 days.”
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NJ – Corzine to Increase Education Budget. Overall education spending would increase by nearly 5 percent next year, even as most state programs brace for budget cuts, under a plan proposed by the Corzine administration. The $11.5 billion education budget represents 35 percent of the $33.3 billion state budget proposed for fiscal year 2009.
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NC – Easley Issues Energy Efficiency Grants. Five million in state grants released will save $3.2 million a year in utility costs, according to Gov. Mike Easley. The state’s first Energy Efficiency Reserve Fund grants were issued to implement 58 power-saving projects at 10 state agencies, 15 University of North Carolina campuses and six community colleges. The energy saved is equal to the amount needed to power 4,028 homes a year Easley said. “These are effective and creative energy-saving initiatives that can quickly be put into place and just as quickly reap rewards,” he said. “These projects provide substantial savings that will help control the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on energy and help make sure we are not squandering natural resources.”
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OH – Strickland’s Home Goes Green. Ohio’s Governor and First Lady say they are doing what they can to “go green.” It’s a cause that is near and dear to the first couple, using the Governor’s home as a teaching tool for environmental technology in Ohio. “They can learn about some of the things that were doing here to conserve energy to be more efficient in our use of energy,” says Governor Ted Strickland. For the Strickland’s, walking the walk is just as important as talking the talk.
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WV – Manchin Promotes Expanded Hi-Tech Access. One Economy Corporation, a global nonprofit, announced the launch of the Bring IT Home America campaign, an effort that marshals the resources of government, business, and the nonprofit to expand access to technology. “If we expect rural communities in West Virginia and other states to prosper in the global economy, broadband access is as important as water and sewer infrastructure,” said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin. “Through efforts such as those with One Economy and its Beehive project, and by forming dynamic partnerships with leading technology companies, we can open the door for these communities and their residents to grow.” Read more here:
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or watch Gov. Manchin’s interview following the event

WI – Doyle Delivers Soy Grant. Wisconsin’s first soybean crushing facility is being built thanks to a $4 million grant from the state. Gov. Jim Doyle handed out the money to farmer-owned Landmark Services Cooperative, which has plans to process 20 million bushels of soybeans each year at the plant. “The soybeans Wisconsin grows so well will stay here in the state, get processed in Evansville and may end up fueling the tractors along these roads,” Doyle said. “This facility offers us a way to create jobs, free us from big oil companies and advance our commitment to renewable energy.”
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