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Corzine: Let's Put People to Work

Gov. Jon S. Corzine wants to help New Jersey endure the economic crisis by adding $1 billion to the state’s transportation construction budget over the next four months, thus boosting 2009 spending on infrastructure to about $4 billion. The increased dollars the Corzine administration is hoping for would come in two forms: a new federal stimulus program that is expected, and matching funds to build a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River to connect New Jersey and Penn Station in Manhattan. “Let’s put people to work,” the governor said. The Corzine administration has said the projects would create tens of thousands of planning and construction jobs at a time when the state and nation are suffering significant job losses. Read more

INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC NEWS

CO- Ritter Promoting State in Japan. Gov. Bill Ritter described his conversations with Japanese officials about potential business partnerships with the country as positive. The governor and about 40 business leaders are in Japan as the group works to build partnerships in Asia intended to benefit Colorado economically. Ritter said the goal of the trip is to strengthen the state’s existing relationships with Japanese companies and explore new opportunities as well. The governor and Colorado business leaders came to Japan in part to promote Colorado as a tourist destination. Ritter said that there’s been “great interest” in tourism and that promoting Colorado is part of a long-term strategy. Ritter also is promoting Colorado as a regional hub for alternative energy and bio-science research. Read more

ME- Baldacci to Lead Toronto Trade Mission. Gov. John Baldacci is headed to Toronto as part of a two-day trade mission to Canada. Baldacci’s visit Thursday and Friday is organized through the Maine International Trade Center, a nonprofit that provides trade counseling and technical assistance. Last year, Baldacci made a weeklong trade mission to South Korea and Japan, and he has previously visited Cuba, France and other countries to promote Maine products. In September, Baldacci hosted a New England Governors-Eastern Canadian Premiers conference in which international trade was a big topic of discussion. Read more

MI- Granholm Makes History with Mid-East Trip. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has made history on her mid-east trip. She signed an agreement with Israel to explore development in water technologies and renewable energy. It makes Michigan the first state to sign this type of partnership with the country. The governor is in the middle of an investment mission to Israel and Jordan, looking to bring back jobs. She spoke to Israel automotive suppliers about the possibility of expanding their reach in Michigan. Read more

OR- Kulongoski Travels to Asia on Economic Mission. Gov. Ted Kulongoski is on a trade mission to Japan and China. China recently passed Canada as the top customer for Oregon exports. Meanwhile Japan boosted imports from Oregon by 27 percent, to $478 million for the quarter. The governor plans to use his sixth trade mission to renew contacts with Asian companies already doing business in Oregon. But he’s also interested in pushing development of electric cars, one of his priorities for reducing pollution and expanding sustainable energy use in Oregon. Read more

GENERAL NEWS

AZ- Napolitano Names First Hispanic to Top National Guard Post. Gov. Janet Napolitano has tapped Brig. Gen. Hugo E. Salazar as the next adjutant general of the Arizona National Guard, making him the first Hispanic to hold the state’s top military post. Read more

IA- Culver Welcomes New Energy Academy. Iowa may soon have a new action plan to help the state implement strategies to improve energy efficiency and increase renewable fuel use. The Hawkeye State was one of seven selected by the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices to participate in a policy academy designed to help states develop such strategies. “Iowa’s selection for this academy demonstrates Iowa’s leadership in moving the U.S. towards energy independence,” said Gov. Chet Culver. Read more

MA- Patrick Celebrates Life Sciences Grant. Starfish can re-grow lost limbs, so why can’t people do the same? Researchers at the world-renowned Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) hope to find answers to that question and many more as they prepare to use $25 million in anticipated public and private grants to expand their facilities, with a focus on regenerative biology and medicine. Gov. Deval Patrick was in Woods Hole yesterday to announce news of a $15 million private grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to assist in the institution’s expansion. The remaining $10 million will come from a state grant. “Let me join in the chorus of pride and gratitude for the good work done here at MBL, and how excited we are to do our small part,” Patrick said. Read more

MO- Nixon Makes First Cabinet Appointment. In his first cabinet appointment, Gov.-elect Jay Nixon named a Kansas City businessman, to help coordinate the central management functions of Missouri government. Nixon appointed Kelvin Simmons to the post of Commissioner of Administration. Simmons will coordinate the state’s Office of Administration. “Kelvin will bring a wealth of both private and public sector experience to the office,” Nixon said. Read more

OK- Henry Becomes Chair of Oil Compact Commission. Gov. Brad Henry told about 200 people attending the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission meeting that he’s excited by his appointment as chairman of the group. “Particularly now,” Henry said, “when, at this critical juncture, the energy crisis and looking for strategies to help address it dominate the nation’s discussions.” Henry said it will be important for the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission, which is made up of 38 member states and provinces in North America, to effectively communicate its goal and mission, “especially to those in our nation’s Capitol.” He believes that while the nation has survived for decades without a cohesive national energy policy, “the forces of reality have finally proved to be too much for that to continue.” Read more

TN- Editorial: Bredesen Praised for Open Hearings. Gov. Phil Bredesen will hold his seventh round of open budget hearings starting this week. As always, we applaud the governor’s commitment to open government and encourage everyone who is able to attend. This year, holding the hearings in the open is particularly important. That’s because the state budget is in rough shape. It has been estimated that the state could face a shortfall of up to $600 million. Read more

VA- Kaine Helps More People Get Heating Aid. With economic conditions worsening and considering the volatility of energy prices, two Virginia programs designed to help low-income residents pay their heating bills have announced plans to expand their assistance this year. Gov. Timothy Kaine has announced an extension of the deadline to apply for the state’s Energy Assistance Program. The new, Dec. 1 deadline will allow more time for lower-income households and members of at-risk groups, including the elderly and disabled, to apply for fuel assistance. Read more

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