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Manchin Announces New Efforts to Fight Drug Abuse

A new commission will help dole out $4 million in funds won from the maker of OxyContin in a statewide effort to combat drug abuse. Gov. Joe Manchin announced Thursday that the West Virginia Partnership to Promote Community Well-Being will also serve as the state’s Strategic Drug Plan Commission. The commission will advise Manchin on distributing money won by helping the federal government investigate OxyContin. The money will be used for a statewide media campaign about prescription drugs, four juvenile drug courts, and early intervention programs for drug users, among other uses. Read more

CAMPAIGN NEWS

WA- Gregoire Pledges Continued Economic Diligence. Gov. Chris Gregoire said that leaner times won’t deter efforts to diversify the state’s economic base and to train workers. She warned, however, that the state’s above-average job growth in recent years is threatened by the national economy’s slowdown. “We always have to be diligent in talking about what’s next,” the governor said. “We have to continue to be visionary about the future of what’s next for our state and our individual communities.” Read more

GENERAL NEWS

IA- Culver Praised for Work towards New Energy Economy. Representatives of environmental groups and labor unions praised the work of Iowa, and specifically Gov. Chet Culver, for its success in attracting green jobs to the state. At a panel discussion on the potential of investing in the clean energy economy sponsored by the Blue Green Alliance, Iowa was singled out as being ahead of the curve in working to attract companies that create jobs and promote renewable energies. Iowa is at or near the top nationally in production of ethanol and ranks third in wind energy production.Read more

KS- Sebelius Announces New Division of Rural Development. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius unveiled the new Division of Rural Development within the Kansas Department of Commerce, a reorganization designed to assemble a team within the Department of Commerce focused exclusively on rural development to provide easier access to Kansans seeking assistance and encourage more collaboration among existing rural development organizations. “The challenges facing our rural areas range from a need to recruit and retain more good jobs and provide quality, affordable housing, to difficulties in maintaining basic services,” Gov. Sebelius said. “Many Kansans are proud to make their homes in rural communities, and the new Division of Rural Development will enhance our commitment to restore vitality to America’s heartland.” Read more

MD- O’Malley Emphasizes School Modernization. As part of a statewide sweep of schools, Gov. Martin O’Malley visited Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda surveying the school’s modernization project and fielding questions from an advanced placement government class. O’Malley toured completed gymnasium and classroom renovations and areas still under construction. “If we can give them modern classrooms, the students here will know what to do with them,” he said during the tour. “There are no more important investments we make than in education and public safety.” Read more

WI- Doyle Stresses Importance of Education. Gov. Jim Doyle shook hands and high-fived dozens of elementary students who lined the halls of Flynn School. Doyle attended the school’s all-school meeting, where he sang along with students, asked them about their summers and quizzed them on the state motto. The governor – who has visited schools statewide since his election in 2002 to highlight education – also thanked students, teachers and others for their hard work. “I’ve been here before, and I know what a wonderful school this is,” Doyle told students crowded around him on the floor of the school gymnasium. “We’re really counting on you … to work hard to get a good education.” Read more

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