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Beebe Helps to Build Budget Surplus

Arkansas accumulated a $176.5 million budget surplus in the fiscal year, $81.7 million higher than originally projected. Gov. Mike Beebe hailed the latest figures as signs of the state’s economic gains. “Even though Arkansans are struggling with skyrocketing fuel prices and other increasing expenses, our state’s economy continues to show signs of strength in spite of the national downward trend,” Beebe said. “Our conservative budgeting and careful planning have put Arkansas in an advantageous economic position compared to many other states.” Read more

IL – Blagojevich Welcomes Minimum Wage Increase. Minimum-wage workers in Illinois are getting a 25 cent hourly boost in pay, to $7.75 per hour. The raise is the second in a four-step wage increase adopted by the General Assembly and Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The final steps lift the wage to $8 next July and $8.25 in July 2010. “Thousands of workers struggle every day at work to provide for their families,’’ Blagojevich said, “During a time of national economic crisis, increasing Illinois’ minimum wage will help workers put food on the table, pay for gas and provide health care and education for their families.” Read more

MA – Patrick to Encourage Civic Engagement on State Tour. Keeping to his commitment to encourage civic engagement, Gov. Deval Patrick announced he will embark on five-week town hall meeting tour across Massachusetts. The town hall-style meetings will be open to the public, giving residents a chance to talk directly to Gov. Patrick about issues they care about most. “As we continue to rebuild our economy and our people, it’s important that all our residents feel part of these initiatives,” said Patrick. “I look forward to hearing from all of my constituents on issues they care about most, and how the state can be a better partner to local communities.”Read more

MI – Granholm Extends Unemployment Benefits. Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed an agreement with the federal Labor Department that allows the state to administer an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits. Granholm’s signature on the agreement means state unemployment officials will start sending out letters to people eligible for the extension, asking them to reapply for benefits. “We have moved quickly to put our agreement with the federal government in place so Michigan’s unemployed workers can receive additional unemployment benefits at the earliest possible date,” said Granholm. Read more

NH – Lynch Signs Online Child Safety Act. New Hampshire prosecutors will be able to seek extended prison terms for sexual predators who use the Internet under a law signed by Gov. John Lynch. The Online Child Safety Act also toughens penalties for anyone who makes, possesses or distributes child pornography. Lynch said the state has some of the toughest laws against sexual predators in the country. “No longer will we allow sexual predators to hide in the shadows of cyberspace,” Lynch said. “We want to send a clear message to those who might be tempted to lure our young people over the Internet: Stay out of New Hampshire.” Read more

NC – Easley to Receive National Education Award. Gov. Mike Easley is being lauded by the nation’s top teacher lobbying group as “America’s Greatest Education Governor.” he National Education Association planned to give Easley an award during the group’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The NEA cites Easley for his “More at Four” program for at-risk preschool students and the “Learn and Earn” program, which allows high school students to graduate with a diploma and an associate’s degree. Read more

VA – Kaine: State Ranks First in Helping Welfare Recipients Get Jobs. Gov. Tim Kaine announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has once again ranked Virginia number one for job entry rates for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It is the third consecutive year that Virginia has received such a ranking. TANF recipients receive job training and education through the Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare program. Read more

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