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Markell Meets with Minner

Gov. Ruth Ann Minner met with Governor-elect Jack Markell to discuss the state budget and other issues in preparation of Markell’s transfer to the Governor’s Office in January. “Delaware, like all states, is suffering from the severe downturn in the national economy, so it is especially important that Jack is informed about the issues surrounding our state budget,” Minner said. “The people of Delaware will benefit from their new Governor being well informed about the key issues they care about, and we will continue to work with Jack through the transition process.” Read more

VETERANS DAY NEWS

AZ – Napolitano Honors Veterans. About 500 people gathered in Scottsdale’s McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park during its annual Veterans Day celebration to honor the men and women who served in the armed forces. Gov. Janet Napolitano was among the notable speakers to say thanks for their service and sacrifice in times of conflict. Napolitano was quick to say that Veterans Day in Arizona is not just a one-day activity. Arizona is one of the largest veteran-populated states, with more than 625,000 veterans, and she said many of them are participating in round-table discussions throughout the state to improve support for veterans and their families. Read more

ME – Baldacci Remembers Veterans. Gov. John Baldacci is telling Mainers not to forget the 150,000 veterans now living in the state. In his Veterans Day message, the governor also paid tribute to the veterans who served before them and the sacrifices they made. Read more

NJ – Corzine Dedicates Memorial for Veterans. New Jersey marked Veterans Day by dedicating the state’s World War II Memorial. “Each participant in today’s ceremony has a great individual biography,” Gov. Jon S. Corzine said. “New Jersey salutes you.” The centerpiece of the $7.6 million memorial is a 12-foot bronze sculpture of “Lady Victory,” who holds a sword in her left hand and a wreath of peace in her right. During the ceremony, Corzine also announced appointments to a 15-member Commission on Women Veterans, which will review programs and policies relating to the needs of women who have served in the military. Read more

NY – Paterson Establishes Council on Returning Veterans. Gov. David A. Paterson signed an Executive Order establishing the New York State Council on Returning Veterans and Their Families. The Council will develop recommendations for a comprehensive strategy to address the multiple needs of returning veterans and their families in adjusting to post-service life through a collaboration of federal, state and local benefits. “Not just on Veterans’ Day, but whenever we gather with family or friends, whenever we pause to honor our country, whenever we enjoy the pleasures of freedom, we should remember the men and women whose sacrifices made it possible: our service members, our veterans and our fallen heroes,” said Paterson. Read more

TN – Bredesen Encourages Hiring of Veterans. Gov. Phil Bredesen has proclaimed November, “Hire Vets First Month” in Tennessee. Career Centers across the state will be hosting job fairs at various locations throughout the month. The Career Centers provide employment services to more than 35,000 veterans annually, he noted. “It is important for employers to utilize the skills and assets veterans have to offer. These statewide job fairs are an excellent opportunity for employers and veterans seeking jobs to connect,” Bredesen said. Read more

WA – Gregoire Thanks, Honors Military Veterans. The Veterans Day observance in Washington began with a 21-gun salute at sunrise at Fort Lewis. Gov. Chris Gregoire spoke at a Veterans Day ceremony in Auburn. She offered respect to men and women who lost their lives in service to their country and thanked nearly 2,400 Washington servicemen and women now deployed around the world. Read more

WY – Freudenthal, Veterans Dedicate Chapel. Wyoming has done much and will do more to support its veterans, service members and their families, Gov. Dave Freudenthal said. “The state needs to do the right thing by its citizens; the state needs to do the right thing by its veterans,” Freudenthal told veterans and their families gathered at the newly expanded chapel at the Oregon Trail State Veterans Cemetery. Toward that goal, Freudenthal will ask the Legislature to approve an additional $1 million for the Military Trust Fund to help families of Wyoming soldiers. Read more

GENERAL NEWS

MD – O’Malley to Participate in Monthly “Ask the Governor” Program. Gov. Martin O’Malley is teaming up with Maryland Public Television for the launch of “Ask the Governor: Special Edition of Direct Connection,” a monthly live program that will feature direct questions from members of the public. The half hour program will debut on Monday, November 24 at 7:30 p.m. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to partner with Maryland Public Television and speak directly with the people of Maryland about their concerns and ideas for our shared future,” said O’Malley. Read more

MO- Nixon Partners with New Budget Advisor. With tax revenues dropping and budget troubles looming, Gov.-elect Jay Nixon has turned to a veteran number-cruncher to help him get a handle on the state’s finances. Former Sen. Wayne Goode will serve as Nixon’s deputy transition director for budget review. Goode was a legislator for 40 years before retiring in 2004. He has rewritten whole chapters of law on social services, education, solid waste and mental health, to name a few areas. Nixon said Goode is “uniquely qualified to help develop a budget that will move our state forward.” Read more

NC – Perdue Takes Important Steps in Transition. Gov.-elect Bev Perdue has announced that Norris Tolson, Zach Ambrose, and Don Hobart will lead her gubernatorial transition efforts. Perdue explained the three men have each demonstrated a high level of integrity and commitment to North Carolina and will ensure that the administration is able to hit the ground running after the inauguration. Read more

OR – Kulongoski Plan will Bring Jobs. Gov. Ted Kulongoski presented his transportation plan, The Jobs and Transportation Act of 2009, to the Oregon House and Senate Transportation Committees. The act invests $1 billion every biennium into the state transportation system, creating 2,100 jobs annually during the first five years. “The Jobs and Transportation Act outlines a strategy that reaches statewide, creates jobs, provides for continued investment over the long-term and helps reduce carbon emissions,” Gov. Kulongoski said. Read more

VA – Kaine: Energy, Environment will be Focus in 2009. Environmental and energy issues will get increased attention in Virginia and across the country over the next year, Gov. Tim Kaine said. He said he will work to increase energy efficiency and address climate change, among other issues. Kaine made the opening remarks at a “sustainability summit” of the Greater Richmond Technology Council, a business group that promotes technology in the region. Read more

WV – Editorial: Manchin’s Goal to Extend Health Coverage Makes Good Sense. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin has set some ambitious goals for his second term, including extending health insurance to uninsured workers across the state. “I’m committed to getting every working person health care,” Manchin told The Associated Press last week. With an uncertain economy on the horizon, Manchin may not have the resources to tackle this problem. But if he comes up with a workable plan, we think the benefits will outweigh the costs. Read more

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