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Ritter Promotes Solar Energy

Standing in front of a line of massive solar panels pointed skyward on Gov. Bill Ritter and Sen. Ken Salazar praised a new solar array built on the edge of town as a model of collaboration in pursuing renewable energies. “Carbondale is proof that the new energy economy is working,” said Ritter, using the buzzwords for his goal to produce energy in Colorado from a mix of clean fossil fuels and renewable sources. “Renewable energy has to absolutely play a role in how we think about the energy economy,” Ritter said. “So we’re going to drive this agenda as far as we can drive it and be responsible in doing so.” Read more

CAMPAIGN NEWS

MO – Nixon, Democrats Rally for November. Jay Nixon, Sen. Claire McCaskill, Secretary of State Robin Carnahan and Missouri Democratic Party chairman John Temporiti gathered with Democrats in Southeast Missouri. “It’s been really fascinating to travel all of the corners of this state” Nixon said as he proclaimed that Missouri needs change. “Both Republican candidates have fully embraced the ideals of Matt Blunt that so divided this great state. They’ve had four years to try and fix education, health care and jobs and they haven’t done it. Right now is the time to move forward from the policies that have so failed our people.” Read more

GENERAL NEWS

IA – Culver Welcomes Microsoft Center. Microsoft Corp. said it will build its next data center in the Des Moines area, a project experts say will likely cost about $550 million and employ about 100 high-tech workers. It’s the second data farm Iowa has attracted in as many years, both projects coming on the heels of new state tax breaks for Web portal businesses. Gov. Chet Culver welcomed the software company, “Microsoft’s innovative spirit is a perfect match with that of our hardworking people. We look forward to working with Microsoft in the coming months as this project takes shape and expands our economic opportunities here in Iowa.” He said technology projects were transforming Iowa’s economy. Read more

KY – Beshear Reforms Pension System. Celebrating the quick action and bipartisanship of the five day special session of the Kentucky General Assembly, Gov. Steve Beshear today signed into law HB 1, the Pension Reform Act. “The quick action by House and Senate leadership has brought about the intended results I outlined when I first challenged the General Assembly on May 29th to act on this issue,” said Gov. Beshear. “In signing House Bill 1 today, we have taken a giant step toward placing our pension systems on a sound financial basis by reducing out -of-control costs and setting target dates for the state to fully fund its share of the pension system. We are honoring our commitment to teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public employees by protecting their retirement benefits over the long term. And, together we have immediately eased a tremendous financial burden on the budgets of county and local governments and school districts.” Those counties, cities and school districts are expected to realize immediate savings of approximately $56 million and the unfunded state liability to the pension system will be decreased by billions of dollars over the next few decades.

MI – Granholm Unveils Money-Saving Web Site. Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm Wednesday unveiled a new feature on the state government Web site designed to provide consumers with information they can use to help them save money. The new page is at www.michigan.gov/savemoney and offers information on stretching a dollar everywhere from gasoline to groceries. Read more

NM – Richardson Plans Larger Child Care Tax Credit. Gov. Bill Richardson proposes to expand a state tax credit to help New Mexicans pay for child care. The governor said he will ask the Legislature next year to double the amount of the credit most families can receive. His proposal will cost about $6 million and expand eligibility to make an additional 3,700 families eligible for the credit. The governor unveiled the proposal at a news conference and announced that Martha Burk, a nationally recognized women’s rights advocate, will serve as his senior adviser on women’s issues. Read more

NC – Easley Urges Support for Foreclosure Assistance Program. Some homeowners facing foreclosure could get state help under legislation being pushed by Gov. Mike Easley. Easley announced his support of bills that would put the state in the middle of mortgage foreclosures. He said about 50,000 foreclosures are expected to be filed in the state during the next two years, and in half of those cases the state could help people save their homes. Easley said North Carolina would be the first state with such a program. Congress considered a foreclosure assistance program on the federal level but fell short of passing the required law. “So we decided we would do it on the state level, and if nothing else, we can at least help the people of North Carolina,” Easley said. Read more

OH – Strickland to Hold Education Forums. To help prepare a promised school-funding solution, Gov. Ted Strickland will hold televised forums across the state on reforming primary and secondary schools. Educators, business leaders, parents and students will be among those asked to attend each 90-minute forum. Strickland said he intends to lead discussions on how to create an education system that is “innovative, personalized and linked to economic prosperity. These forums are the beginning of a conversation with the people of Ohio about how best to reform education in our great state.” Read more

WA – Gregoire Increases Funding for Food Banks, Stamps. Gov. Chris Gregoire joined leaders from Northwest Harvest and local grocers to discuss growing concern for feeding Washington’s most vulnerable citizens. Gregoire announced the release of $200,000 from the governor’s emergency fund to help food banks offset rising fuel costs. Gregoire also noted unprecedented new funding in food stamp support programs, including $1 million in state funds and $15.5 million in federal funds. “We must come together to address soaring fuel prices affecting everything around us, particularly the cost of food,” Gregoire said. “Escalating food prices dramatically hurt families who are already struggling to make ends meet.” Read more

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