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Strickland Investing in Infrastructure

Gov. Ted Strickland announced a $100 million investment in his state’s logistics and distribution industries. The spending commitment is part of the $1.57 billion Ohio Bipartisan Jobs Stimulus Plan approved earlier this year by the Ohio General Assembly. The purpose of the plan is to create jobs by upgrading the transportation infrastructure so Ohio companies can expand their customer bases. Read more

DE- Business Leaders Confident in Markell. When Delaware Gov.-elect Jack Markell takes office, he’ll have to shepherd a battered state economy and contend with a potential $500 million budget shortfall in 2010. But Markell who campaigned as the “small-business governor,” will come in with a vote of confidence from much of the private sector. “The governor-elect has been the treasurer for many years, and many bankers are familiar with Jack,” said David Bakerian, president of the Delaware Bankers Association. “We think he knows the business world as well as anyone and will be good to work with.” Read more

KY- Editorial: Beshear Offers Responsible Approach for Coal. Kentucky politicians always insist coal can be mined and burned in an environmentally responsible way. Gov. Steve Beshear is out to prove it. Beshear publicly opposed a Bush administration proposal that would shatter already weak protections for streams affected by mountaintop removal mining. In another development, Beshear’s administration is initiating new rules to reduce the amount of mercury released into the environment by coal-fired power plants. It’s encouraging to see Kentucky take the lead. Read more

MA- Patrick Challenges Businesses to Reduce Emissions. Gov. Deval Patrick has issued a challenge to businesses: reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 10 percent over the next three years. And a prominent group of Massachusetts businesses said they will accept his challenge. The Governor’s Clean Energy Challenge will offer recognition to participants who meet or exceed the 10 percent target. “I offer the Challenge to everyone to do their part to dramatically reduce their own greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency measures, innovative energy technology products, and the use of renewable sources,” said Gov. Patrick. “As in any competition, there will be recognition for extraordinary accomplishment and leadership. But this is a contest in which everyone who participates will be a winner.” Read more

NC- Perdue Talking Issues on the Road. Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue wants to talk publicly about biotechnology, the economy and other issues before taking office. The outgoing lieutenant governor is holding the first of several round-table meetings with leaders in a range of fields starting in Research Triangle Park. There, she’ll meet with business and education experts in the state’s growing biotech industry. Next, Perdue will be in Charlotte for a meeting on the economy with Duke Energy chief executive Jim Rogers, Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson and university chancellor Phil Dubois. Read more

VA- Kaine Encourages Mental Health Treatment. Gov. Tim Kaine joined dozens of Virginia colleges and universities for a workshop on “at-risk” students in Wintergreen.
The all-day session was part of this year’s Virginia Student Services Conference. According to Kaine, the 2007 Virginia Tech tragedy is still revealing new lessons.
“Of all the things that have happened during the time I’ve been governor—and I’m sure this will be the case 20 years after I’m governor—the thing I’ll remember most is the horrible tragedy at Virginia Tech,” Kaine said. Read more

WI- Doyle Expedites Unemployment Extension. Gov. Jim Doyle announced additional extended unemployment benefits for Wisconsin workers who have exhausted their benefits, both their regular Wisconsin benefits and the federal extended benefits approved last summer. “With our nation in an economic crisis, Washington has approved additional unemployment benefits, and I am moving swiftly to see that Wisconsin workers who are eligible for additional assistance receive these benefits without delay,” Doyle said. Read more

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