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Granholm Works to Protect Consumers at the Pump

Michigan – Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Michigan Department of Agriculture Director Don Koivisto outlined continued efforts to protect consumers’ pocket books at the pump as unleaded gas prices climb toward the $4 mark. “To further protect Michigan citizens, the Department of Agriculture has re-directed employees in order to step up the state’s inspection efforts,” Granholm said. “Given the rising cost of fuel, Michigan’s motor fuels inspectors will continue to be on the front line ensuring that consumers are getting every penny’s worth at the pump.”
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IA – Culver Welcomes Wind Turbine Manufacturer. State economic development officials approved a $630,000 grant for a Texas-based manufacturer of wind turbine towers that plans to open a factory in Newton. Trinity Structural Towers Inc. applied for the grant to help it locate a $21 million plant in a former Maytag factory in Newton. About 140 workers would be employed. Gov. Chet Culver said the project will help the state achieve his goal of increasing renewable energy production. “As governor, my goal is to take full advantage of Iowa’s natural resources, along with our incredible manufacturing base and work force, to make Iowa the renewable energy capital of the nation,” he said.
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KY – Beshear Gets Boost in Funding for Buckling Up. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration officials have notified Gov. Steve Beshear and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet that the commonwealth will receive a $481,124 federal grant to encourage seat belt usage. “The safety administration has recognized our solid commitment to saving lives on the commonwealth’s roadways,” said Beshear. “We are very appreciative of that recognition. We are also fortunate to have professionals in the Office of Highway Safety who are dedicated and resolute in their determination to get everyone to buckle up.”
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ME – Baldacci Bumps Up Minimum Wage. Gov. John Baldacci has signed into law a bill to increase the state’s minimum wage from $7 an hour to $7.25 on Oct. 1. Then in October 2009, the state’s minimum wage will increase to $7.50 an hour. That’s 25 cents more an hour than the federal minimum wage will be at that time. Baldacci said Maine workers should be able to earn a living wage so they can support their families.
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MD – O’Malley to Promote State in Israel. Gov. Martin O’Malley is scheduled to travel to Israel next month to call attention to biotechnology research and business opportunities in Maryland. The Maryland/Israel Development Center executive director said O’Malley will visit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The center is a nonprofit organization that promotes trade and joint ventures between Maryland and Israeli businesses and research institutions.
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MA – Patrick Discusses Economic Solutions. Gov. Deval Patrick stopped in Worcester to announce a number of programs to help jump start the local economy. He met with business leaders and local officials to discuss economic development issues. A major topic was the housing crisis.
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OH – Strickland Plans Push for School-Funding Change. Gov. Ted Strickland said he will spend much of the last half of the year working on his plan to revamp Ohio’s school-funding system and wants a new state superintendent of schools to help. The governor plans to host regional summit meetings across the state to build support for what he’s calling an education “reform agenda” he plans to unveil next year. “I think it would be helpful to have a very strong partner leading the Department of Education to help me do that,” Strickland said.
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WV – Manchin Approves Weatherization Grants. Thirteen community organizations in West Virginia are sharing $5,291,102 in grants under the Weatherization Assistance Program that hires technicians to install energy efficiency and conservation measures for low-income residents. Gov. Joe Manchin said the money will weatherize 1,161 homes, impacting 2,604 residents. Half of those affected will be elderly residents, and one-fourth are intended for the disabled. The idea is to cut fuel consumption and the fuel bills for low-income residents over many years, Manchin said, while creating healthier living standards.
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WI – Doyle: Covenant is a Clear Path to College. The Wisconsin Covenant means something a little different to each of the 120 or so eighth-graders who gathered at St. Norbert College. But the message for each is the same, Gov. Jim Doyle told the assembled students. “You can get to college,” he said, “and here is a clear path to do it.” Doyle has been touting his can-do message for more than a year and is ramping up this year’s efforts with “Covenant Days” as the end of the school year approaches. Last year, about 17,000 state eighth-graders signed the Wisconsin Covenant, which promises a spot at a state university, technical college or private school – plus help with payment when necessary – for students who maintain a B average and meet certain other academic and community-related criteria.
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