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Govs On Deck – December 2, 2019

Govs on Deck

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Good Monday morning and happy December! I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving. Welcome to this week’s edition of “Govs on Deck” – the weekly tip sheet dedicated to keeping you informed about what is happening in Democratic governors’ offices around the country.
Questions or suggestions? Send me a note at amestoy@dga.net. You can find us all on Twitter too – @A_Tall_Turner, @CEAmestoy, and @MichBeyer.
Coming up this week:

  • This morning, PENNSYLVANIA Gov. Tom WOLF is touring the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (EASTERN) today to talk with students about their employment goals and watch a demonstration of their skills.
  • MICHIGAN Gov. Gretchen WHITMER today will tour House of Tribalfare, an international cultural creation business, to meet with the owner and learn about how this Michigan business is strengthening the state’s economy.
  • At 12:30PM today, RHODE ISLAND Gov. Gina RAIMONDO will make a Pawtucket economic development announcement alongside Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien.
  • On Wednesday, RHODE ISLAND Gov. Gina RAIMONDO will light the Rhode Island State House Christmas Tree.
  • On Thursday, COLORADO Gov. Jared POLIS will deliver remarks at the Sustainable Denver Summit.

How ‘bout Dem govs: expanding voter access 
Dem govs get it done.
Last week, WISCONSIN Gov. Tony EVERS signed a new law that makes voting more accessible to people with disabilities. Previously, all voters were required to state their name and address at a polling place before they can vote. Under the new law, people with speech-affecting disabilities can now use written identification instead or have an election official or a trusted person say the voter’s name and address for them.
Some news from this past week:

  • Economic development:
    • RHODE ISLAND Gov. Gina RAIMONDO held multiple meetings with Israeli companies during a trade mission to Israel. The governor also signed a cooperation agreement with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev that will encourage a new generation of business start-ups, internships, and partnerships with RI colleges and universities. 
    • COLORADO Gov. Jared POLIS released his rural economic blueprint highlighting top concerns facing the state’s rural counties and laying out goals like growing the state’s organic agricultural market, building out broadband and expanding outdoor access, to help these counties thrive.
    • MAINE Gov. Janet MILLS toured an innovative kelp farming business that partners with local fishermen to help diversify their sources of income and promote a sustainable, Maine-grown alternative to Asian imported seaweed.
  • Substance abuse:
    • NORTH CAROLINA Gov. Roy COOPER announced a $6.5M federal grant that will help the state partner with local justice systems to prevent opioid overdoses and connect people to treatment.
    • DELAWARE Gov. John CARNEY announced that the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, and Google have launched a partnership to bring needed resources to families looking for help online for a loved one struggling with substance use disorder. The partnership is the first of its kind in the country.
  • Combatting homelessness:
    • WISCONSIN Gov. Tony EVERS signed a bipartisan bill Tuesday allowing homeless 17-year-olds to sign themselves up to live at a shelter or transition home.
  • Renewable energy:
    • MAINE Gov. Janet MILLS signed a “Lead by Example” Executive Order directing state government agencies to pursue energy efficiency and renewable energy measures to help save taxpayer dollars and combat climate change. She also unveiled the solar panel array she had installed on the governor’s mansion in Maine.
    • COLORADO Department of Local Affairs grant program awarded the City of Craig a $200,000 solar grant. The city was able to secure the grant thanks to Gov. Jared POLIS’ Community Solar Gardens Modernization Act. 

Name that governor:
This governor recently spoke to a high school civics class, becoming the first governor to accept the teacher’s invitation to address the class during his thirty-year teaching career…
Think you know? Shoot me your answer at amestoy@dga.net.
It was CONNECTICUT Gov. Ned LAMONT who was the answer to this question: This governor was the editor of a small weekly newspaper in Vermont…
The newspaper? The Black River Tribune – a small newspaper out of Ludlow, Vermont.
Have a great week!