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Educators Endorse Lynch

New Hampshire’s educational union endorsed Democratic Gov. John Lynch, who is running for his third term as governor. NEA New Hampshire President Rhonda Wesolowski praised Lynch for “making education a priority” in his administration. “Governor Lynch understands the issues educators face and the importance of investing in education,” Wesolowski said. Lynch said he and the NEA share the same values and mission relating to education. “Education is all about opportunity,” he said. “The opportunity we offer children to have better lives, to get good jobs, go on to higher education and be able to provide for themselves and their families. All our children deserve a quality education no matter where they live or what their economic background.” Read more

CAMPAIGN NEWS

WA- Blog: Gregoire Shined Denver. Gov. Chris Gregoire really shined. She provided motivating leadership, demonstrated her willingness and ability to connect with the issues that Washingtonians face, and was very visible and connected with delegates all week. In her remarks here, she underscored her commitment to quality education for Washington’s children. Read more

IN- Long Thompson Unveils Education Plan. Jill Long Thompson’s plans if she’s elected governor are more flexible high schools and more time for students to earn a high school diploma. Long Thompson said her goal is a 100 percent graduation rate. The former college professor is aware that the goal is lofty. Currently, nearly one in three Indiana students do not graduate from high school. Read more

GENERAL NEWS

KY- Beshear: More Children to Get Health Care. In an attempt to get more children covered by health insurance, Gov. Steve Beshear is simplifying the enrollment process and making other changes to the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program. His administration estimates that the changes could encourage the parents of the 67,000 children who are eligible but not enrolled to participate in the federally sponsored program. “To me, it is a moral obligation for Kentucky to provide adequate health care for its children,” Beshear said. Read more

MT- Schweitzer Praises State’s Strong Economy. Gov Brian Schweitzer’s 2008 Labor Day Report focused on growth in Montana jobs, wages and the energy sector. Schweitzer cited the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data saying that Montana has one of the fastest growing economies in America over the last three years, ranking seventh overall and the third fastest over the last six months. In addition, Schweitzer said the Tax Foundation ranks the state sixth in state business tax climate and 10th for the lowest combined state and local tax burden. Read more

NJ- Corzine, Bon Jovi Break Ground on Affordable Housing Project. Tuesday, the New Jersey rock star Bon Jovi returned to Newark to mark the groundbreaking of a $15 million affordable-housing project that is being paid for by the state, city and Bon Jovi’s nonprofit group, Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation. Bon Jovi, Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Gov. Jon S. Corzine all donned hard hats and pressed shovels into a rugged, dirt lot in Newark to mark the start of the project’s construction. The project, called Genesis Apartments, will provide 51 units when it is completed in the fall of 2009. At least 25 percent of the homes will be reserved for tenants living with HIV/AIDS. “The housing-first approach is absolutely necessary on many fronts,” Corzine said. “It’s not enough to have treatment. You have to have quality housing.” Read more

NM- Richardson Invests in Infrastructure. Gov. Bill Richardson signed legislation into law to provide up to $200 million for highway projects and $20 million to offer health care coverage to uninsured children. One bill signed by Richardson will provide $32.5 million for health and social services: $20 million to expand Medicaid and another program to cover an estimated 17,000 uninsured children, $2.5 million for behavioral health services for children and $10 million for services for the developmentally disabled. “This is a big day for our state, and a major first step toward our goal of ensuring every New Mexican has access to quality health care,” Richardson said. Read more

NY- Paterson: All Children Now Eligible for Health Care. All New York families with uninsured children are eligible for moderate or no-cost health care coverage.Gov. David Paterson says eligibility for Child Health Plus was expanded to include families whose income is four times the federal poverty level, up from the 2 1/2 times previously required. Any family with income above the new cutoff can buy into the program at the full monthly premium. Read more

OH- Strickland Introduces Economic Development Plan. Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher unveiled their strategic plan for improving Ohio’s ailing economy. “Extraordinary opportunities lie just on the other side of our current economic challenges,” they wrote in an executive summary of the plan. “Getting there requires real collaboration, strategic investment, and a state government characterized by innovation, speed and agility.” Read more

OR- Kulongoski to Create Energy Policy Council. At a recent energy summit Gov. Ted Kulongoski told attendees he plans to create an Oregon Planning and Energy Council through executive order in the coming months. The council will meet and report regularly to the governor and legislature with recommendations for legislative and budgetary needs to secure Oregon’s energy future. “Finding our way to a clean and renewable energy future is about much more than measuring carbon emissions and building more transmission infrastructure,” says Kulongoski. “It is a test of our character, our wisdom and our willingness to leave to our posterity an even better Oregon than was left to us.” Read more

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