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Long Thompson Challenges Bush, Daniels on Economy

Challenging the sitting governor, the well-financed candidate, Jill Long Thompson, takes to the airwaves early to establish an image and bash the current administration about job losses and the Hoosier economy. With the recreational vehicle industry – a big Hoosier employer – bleeding jobs and other industries hurting from a frail economy made weaker by high gasoline prices, Long Thompson is bound to emphasize jobs in her advertisements. Her campaign frequently issues news releases criticizing Daniels whenever a significant layoff is announced. Read more

GENERAL NEWS

KY – Beshear Announces Homeownership Protection Initiative. Gov. Steve Beshear announced the creation of the Kentucky Homeownership Protection Center to address the foreclosure crisis in the commonwealth. The Protection Center will help Kentuckians in financial trouble become more proactive in keeping their homes. Counselors are available to help homeowners understand the foreclosure process; address the root cause of default; locate available resources to help address their needs; provide financial management guidance; determine options for preventing foreclosure; help homeowners avoid predatory lending practices; and help find alternative housing solutions if foreclosure is unavoidable. Read more

ME – Baldacci Announces Technology Grants. Fourteen applicants will share in $30 million in bond funds designed to advance the development of new technologies and promote economic growth in Maine. “The projects that are receiving support today will develop and bring new technologies to market, boosting the state’s economy and creating and sustaining good jobs for Maine people,” Gov. John Baldacci said. “These are smart investments in our state’s technology sectors to transition to a 21st century economy, building on our strengths. Over the years, these investments have generated new good paying jobs across our state and leveraged federal funding for path breaking centers of excellence.” Read more

MT – Schweitzer Welcomes New Ethanol Plant. AE Biofuels Inc, a global vertically integrated biofuels company, celebrated the grand opening of its integrated cellulosic ethanol commercial demonstration facility in Butte, Montana. The plant uses proven, patent-pending Ambient Temperature Enzymes for converting cellulose and starch to fermentable sugars to optimize process conditions for multiple feedstocks. Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who attended the opening ceremony said, “Montana is a true leader for new energy solutions. We’re proud that AE Biofuels’ groundbreaking technology was developed here in Montana. It is exciting to see this company working on a way to reduce our dependence on foreign energy supplies – American energy produced by Montana workers.” Read more

NH – Lynch Aids Worker Training. More than 600 New Hampshire workers will receive job training after 10 companies throughout the state were awarded $300,000 in matching state grants. The grants are designed to help companies train new and longtime employees to enhance their skills and compete globally. Up to $1 million in matching grants are available this year. Gov. John Lynch says the grants help companies get the skilled work force they need to stay and grow in New Hampshire. Read more

NC – Easley Announces Small Business Seminars. Gov. Mike Easley announced a new state effort to help entrepreneurs and small business owners gain a better understanding of important North Carolina tax issues and provide the tools they need to meet their obligations and start their companies on the right foot. The effort begins this month with an ongoing series of free seminars that will be held across the state. “Small businesses are the foundation of our state’s economy,” said Easley. “This partnership between our revenue department and community colleges will help those who run small businesses to understand and follow our tax laws so they can focus on making their businesses successful.”Read more

OH – Strickland Gives, Gets Educational Feedback. Standing in front of more than 100 educators from across Ohio, Gov. Ted Strickland referred to today’s educational system as one of the past. In the sixth of his 12 Conversation on Education forums he addressed issues such as school calendars, the need for dedicated teachers and interdisciplinary classrooms. Strickland suggested an interdisciplinary approach to the classroom, more hands-on opportunities for high schoolers, year-round schooling instead of taking three months of the summer off and longer school days. “People do feel passionate about the system and understand that we ought not to just try to fix what our perceived weaknesses are, we need to think about what we ought to be doing,” he said. Read more

VA – Kaine Becomes Southern Governors Chair. The four-day Southern Governors Association meeting wrapped up Monday afternoon at The Greenbrier with pledges by the governors to continue to work in the areas of energy and workforce development. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin ended his term as chairman of the SGA Monday and turned it over to Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Kaine immediately called for a regional plan from the SGA on energy issues. Kaine called it his top goal for the next year. Read more

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