2007 - Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle's Agenda

Gov. Jim Doyle's Chair's agenda addressed three areas of importance to the Midwestern region.

First, Gov. Doyle hosted an MGA Energy Summit to focus on energy issues in the Midwest. The meeting was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on November 14 and 15. With a burgeoning biofuels industry, the potential for increased geologic and terrestrial CO2 storage, abundant coal reserves, and well-established energy conservation programs, the Midwest is the clear leader in addressing the energy needs of the nation. As a result of the summit, Gov. Doyle lead the MGA to adopt the Energy and Security and Climate Stewardship Platform and the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.

Secondly, in order to continue to compete internationally for new economic development opportunities, the Midwest needs to increase it visibility as a region. In response to this goal, Gov. Doyle identified two opportunities for the states in the region to work cooperatively. The MGA will actively plan and participate in the upcoming U.S. Midwest - China trade summit that will be held in Chicago in 2009. Additionally, Gov. Doyle wanted the region to have a higher profile at the BIO 2010 convention that will be held in Chicago. At both of these events, the region's powerful research institutions will be highlighted, along with the numerous emerging businesses that are created by them.

Finally, Gov. Doyle continued the MGA's focus on the reauthorization of the farm bill. In 2006, the MGA approved policy recommendations for the farm bill and have been actively working with their congressional delegations to implement these recommendations. Gov. Doyle would like to see this involvement continue throughout the authorization and appropriations process.