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Ritter Studies Arctic Climate Change.

Gov. Bill Ritter said that his trip to the Norwegian arctic last week improved his knowledge of climate change and reinforced his belief that his environmental policies at home are the right ones. Ritter was part of a group of that included political leaders, scientists and industrialists who journeyed aboard a ship to the Norwegian arctic to view firsthand the effects of climate change. The week-long trip featured panel discussions on climate change and outings to glaciers. “I know far more about glaciers than I ever knew,” Ritter said. Read more

CAMPAIGN NEWS

WA – Gregoire Gets Big Welcome on State Tour. Gov. Chris Gregoire visited Langley during her first official campaign stop on South Whidbey. Gregoire repeatedly stressed that she sees virtually no difference between her opponent, Dino Rossi, and the Bush administration, and that people should not buy into Rossi’s campaign theme of “change.” She pointed out Rossi has no real answers and that’s why he never answered any critical questions. Read more

IN – Long Thompson Continues Hoosier Hometown Tour. Visiting counties with some of the state’s highest unemployment rates, Jill Long Thompson and Dennie Oxley continued their ‘Hoosier Hometown Tour.’ “East Central Indiana has been hit hard by job losses, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Long Thompson. “These communities are much like the small towns that Dennie and I grew up in. There are challenges, but with the right priorities and right leadership, we have tremendous opportunities. To turn around this economy, I strongly believe that we must include everyone. No county, no matter the size or geographic location, should be left out or left behind,” added Long Thompson. “That’s the fundamental difference between Governor Daniels and me.”Read more

NC – Perdue Promotes Educational Excellence. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bev Perdue made a swing through Greenville, bringing her take on educational excellence along for the trip. “We’ve got to move beyond all the tests,” she said. No Child Left Behind, a federally mandated assessment of school achievement based on the test results of sub-groups of students, has been criticized by educators and parents for forcing teachers to focus on training students to take the test. Perdue said testing is necessary to measure a student’s comprehension of math and reading, but shouldn’t measure successes or failures of a school. “I believe the diagnostic assessment where you keep the kids on track and never let them fall behind will be part of the solution,” she said. Read more

GENERAL NEWS

AZ – Napolitano: Military Installations Boost Local Economy. A new study shows that Arizona’s military installations contribute more than $9 billion to the state’s economy. “The actual contribution was more than $9.1 billion dollars,” says Napolitano. That’s a $4 billion increase from the last study, released five years ago. And it’s visible in the form of more than 96,000 jobs and $401 million in tax payments. The Governor says this study is yet another tool to help lure more missions to Arizona’s military bases, and ensure their long-term survival. “In my discussions with the Pentagon, among other things it’s very clear they go where they feel support, and there’s a lot of support here from the community for the military,” she says. Read more

ME – Baldacci, Officials Announce Funding Surplus. State officials announced a general fund surplus of $56 million and a highway fund surplus of $2.5 million for the year that ended June 30.”The year-end surplus is the result of a disciplined budget approach,” Baldacci said. “Maine faced a grim economic picture earlier this year that required the state to make many difficult decisions. That hard work has allowed us to finish the year in a good position.” Baldacci and state lawmakers closed a projected $190 million budget gap earlier in the year. Read more

MT – Schweitzer Urges State to Go Green. From its purchase of cleaning products and paper supplies to its lawn care, the Department of Administration (DOA) is changing its ways. These efforts grew out of Gov. Brian Schweitzer’s 20×10 Energy Initiative in November, when he challenged state agencies to cut their energy consumption by 20 percent by the year 2010 to reduce their environmental impact. “Gov. Schweitzer has asked us to lead by example,” said a DOA facilities manager. “We want to show citizens how the government has gone greener. We’re doing workshops throughout the week to give the public ideas about what they can do as well.” Read more

NY – Paterson Supports Low-Interest Student Loan Program. Gov. David Paterson agreed to introduce a bill in next year’s budget that will create a low-cost student loan program for students across the New York State. The Governor stated that New York is the only state in the Northeast that doesn’t offer advantageous programs for students inhabiting there. With the economic depression, “this is the kind of remedy that we’re going to need during this crisis,” Paterson said. Read more

NC – Easley Announces New Jobs. A North Carolina motorboat maker will add 250 jobs over the next five years at its company headquarters in Beaufort County as it builds a new boat line. Gov. Mike Easley announced the $12 million expansion at Fountain Powerboats Inc., located along the Pamlico River. The overall average wage from the new jobs will be $35,800 plus benefits. Easley’s office said the company could receive up to $2.5 million in incentive grants should it create enough jobs and sustain them for 11 years under an agreement with the state. Read more

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