The Western Governors' Association offers a regular roundup of news showcasing the work of Western Governors in economic development, natural resources, education, health and safety, and other areas. Here is what the Western Governors have been working on recently:
ALASKA Gov. Mike Dunleavy addressed criminal justice reform, one of the key themes of his State of the State address, by signing a bill designed by the State of Alaska Public Safety Team, law enforcement officers, victims of crime and advocacy groups, prosecutors, and a bipartisan group of Legislators.
AMERICAN SAMOA Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga requested the USDA to “expedite” release of the $18 million earmarked for the Territory following last year’s devastating Tropical Storm Gita. The funds will be used to support 2,600 farmers.
ARIZONA Gov. Doug Ducey applauded a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report ranking Arizona #2 in the nation for year-over-year job growth. “Arizona’s booming economy has made our state a jobs juggernaut, delivering more jobs, bigger paychecks and greater opportunities for all,” said Gov. Ducey.
CALIFORNIA Gov. Gavin Newsom requested a Presidential Emergency Declaration following multiple large earthquakes near Ridgecrest. Quakes reaching magnitude 6.4 and 7.1, the strongest in 20 years, hit on July 4 and 5, 2019.
COLORADO Gov. Jared Polis debuted the Governor’s Dashboard, a transparency tool providing updates on keys goals set by the administration. “We are thrilled to share these carefully developed goals with Coloradans and have them follow along with us as we work to achieve them,” said Gov. Polis.
GUAM Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero touted Guam’s financial improvement with the recent announcement of Moody’s Investors Service rankings. “Fiscal discipline is the top priority of my Administration. The positive rating from Moody’s indicates recognition of the progress we are making and continue to work on daily,” said Gov. Leon Guerrero.
HAWAII Gov. David Ige responded to a 9,000 acre wildfire in Maui County by issuing an emergency proclamation, enabling the state to provide quick and efficient relief from damages, and protect the health and safety of residents.
IDAHO Gov. Brad Little took aim at opioid and substance misuse in Idaho by signing an executive order establishing an advisory group to research, evaluate and provide recommendations on law enforcement policies, prescription limitations and more.
KANSAS Gov. Laura Kelly appointed 13 members to the state’s Alzheimer’s Disease Task Force to examine existing services and develop a strategy to mobilize state response to the public health crisis.
MONTANA Gov. Steve Bullock visited a watercraft inspection station to highlight partnerships between state agencies and tribes to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels.
NEVADA Gov. Steve Sisolak praised a state program offering educational and job training opportunities to incarcerated people. Speaking at a ceremony for graduates of the program, Gov. Sisolak said, “You each answered the call. You showed yourselves it can be done. You should be proud to want to improve your life.”
NEW MEXICO Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham reflected on her first six months in office by delivering a report featuring policy achievements and areas of ongoing emphasis. “We’re creating a brand new baseline and a brand new set of expectations,” said the Governor.
NORTH DAKOTA Gov. Doug Burgum congratulated the North Dakota Department of Transportation for winning a regional award for pop-up projects designed to integrate different modes of transportation such as walking, bicycling and transit.
NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS Gov. Ralph Torres commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Battles of Saipan and Tinian, a turning point in World War II, that “led to the surrender of Japan and the end of the war in the Pacific,” according to Department of the Interior Office of Insular Affairs Director Nik Pula.
OKLAHOMA Gov. Kevin Stitt unveiled Oklahoma Checkbook, an interactive website for Oklahomans to understand how taxpayer dollars are spent. “I look forward to seeing how this user-friendly tool helps keep us on track to becoming a top ten state in budget transparency,” said Gov. Stitt.
OREGON Gov. Kate Brown cheered the state’s apprenticeship program for surpassing 10,000 registrants. “I’m excited to see apprenticeship programs growing in Oregon. Our investments in CTE and STEAM education will expand these opportunities and empower more Oregonians to have family-supporting wages and careers,” said the Governor.
SOUTH DAKOTA Gov. Kristi Noem hosted ten tribal leaders at the Governor’s Residence to discuss State-Tribal partnerships on meth prevention and law enforcement. “We are finding common ground on this issue, and I look forward to continuing these conversations in the coming days and months,” said Gov. Noem.
UTAH Gov. Gary Herbert signed a shared stewardship agreement with USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue to jointly manage more than 9 million acres of forested lands in the state.
WASHINGTON Gov. Jay Inslee explored opportunities to increase career-connected learning at a meeting with students and state educational leaders. Participants discussed job pathways, STEM programs, apprenticeships and more.
WYOMING Gov. Mark Gordon created the Migration Corridor Advisory Group to develop recommendations to improve the state’s policies related to big game migration on lands that are also suitable for mineral development.
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