Midwestern Governors Association

NEWS

MGA REQUESTS PROMPT FEDERAL ASSISTANCE FOR MIDWEST June 19, 2008 - The governors of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) sent a letter to Congress urging prompt federal action to assist in the the recovery, redevelopment and disaster mitigation for the devastation in the Midwest. "The images and firsthand accounts from the people affected show just how devastating this storm was - many people have lost their entire livelihood," South Dakota Governor and chair of MGA Mike Rounds said. “It is important for us as a region, and as a nation, to pull together behind helping those in the affected regions, both the people who have suffered losses and those who are working hard on the recovery effort.” - For Release - - For Letter -
MGA SENDS LETTER TO EPA TO UPHOLD RENEWABLE FUELS STANDARD June 10, 2008 - Gov. Mike Rounds and Gov. Jennifer Granholm sent a letter on behalf of the MGA to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen Johnson to uphold the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). "The enactment of the new and tougher RFS is a great step toward domestic and sustainable sources of energy," according to Rounds, chair of the MGA. "We should emphasize ethanol's impact on reducing energy prices at a time when the price of oil continues to skyrocket." - For Release - - For Letter -
MGA CALLS ON CONGRESS TO COLLABORATE WITH STATES AND REGIONS ON NATIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS DEBATE June 9, 2008 - On behalf of the MGA, Govs. Mike Rounds and Jennifer Granholm sent a letter to Congressional leaders calling on them to actively involve states and regions in development of any national policy on greenhouse gas emissions. The governors stressed the vast resources the Midwest has and the capabilities and experience it has in the development of renewable and alternative sources of energy. - For Release - - For Letter -
GOV. GRANHOLM NAMES NEW WASHINGTON DIRECTOR June 9, 2008 - Gov. Granholm has named Genna Gent as the new Washington Director for the state of Michigan. Ms. Gent has worked for Granholm both in the Attorney General and Governor's offices. Most recently, Ms. Gent served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Planning in the Governor's office.
CHICAGO SELECTED AS FINALIST CITY FOR 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES June 4, 2008 - The International Olympic Committee has selected Chicago as one of the finalist cities to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic games. In 2006, the MGA issued a resolution support Chicago's decision to host the summer Olympic Games in 2016, among other items. In response to the selection of Chicago as a finalist city, Illinois Gov. Blagojevich stated, "Today we reached a critical stage in the selection process, reiterating that Illinois and Chicago are world-class destinations with much to offer, including a wonderful workforce and world-class attractions. Today's announcement is great news for the State of Illinois." To view the resolution, please click here.
GOV. CULVER RECIEVES WIND ENERGY AWARD June 3, 2008 - Gov. Chet Culver will receive the 2008 State Leadership Award from the American Wind Energy Association. The Governor will accept the award on behalf of the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) for their work to promote wind energy throughout the state. “This is an honor I accept on behalf of all Iowans who believe we can lead the nation in wind energy and become the renewable energy capital of the United States,” said Governor Culver. “Iowa is leading the way to energy independence. We are home to six companies who have decided to locate or expand their wind manufacturing operations in Iowa. And we have added more than 2000 green-collar jobs to our economy in just the last 17 months. We have come a long way, and as Governor, I am committed to keeping Iowa as the national leader in wind, and all forms, of renewable energy.” - For Entire Release -
MGA ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNER May 23, 2008 - The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has become the latest partner to join MGA at its silver level. Serving over 40 million people in 47 states, NRECA represents the national interests of cooperative electric utilities and their consumers. Since its founding in 1942, NRECA has been an advocate for consumer-owned cooperatives on energy and operational issues as well as rural community and economic development. To view MGA's current partner list, or to learn how to become a partner, please click here.
5 MIDWESTERN STATES NAMED IN TOP 10 FOR ACADMIC ACHIEVEMENT May 22, 2008 - In its “2007 Report Card on American Education”, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) provides state-by-state analysis on the condition of education in America. In this most current ranking of states by academic achievement, 5 of the top 10 achieving states are within the Midwest. Those five states include Minnesota (1), South Dakota (5), Kansas (6), North Dakota (7), and Iowa (10). Further, 7 of the top 14 ranked states are in the Midwest, and all Midwestern states are in ranked in the top 35. To read the report or to find specifics on the individual states or ALEC, please click here.
MGA ENCOURAGES SELECTION OF KANSAS FOR NEW DHS FACILITY May 16, 2008 - MGA sent a letter today to The Honorable Jay Cohen, Under Secretary for Science and Technology, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to encourage its selection of Kansas as the location to build its new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). By bringing this facility to Kansas, the entire nation will benefit from the agricultural expertise and resources that are concentrated in the Midwest. - For Entire Letter -
GOVERNOR HOEVEN URGES FARM BILL AGREEMENT BETWEEN CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT May 9, 2008 - Gov. John Hoeven issued a statement in response to the congressional conference committee’s announcement that it had reached an agreement on the new Farm Bill: “We are pleased that House and Senate conferees have arrived at an agreement regarding the new Farm Bill. There is bipartisan support, and we urge Congress to pass this important piece of legislation. At the same time, we urge the President to reconsider his intention to veto bill." - For Entire Release -
ADVISORY GROUP ON RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY AND ADVANCED COAL WITH CARBON CAPTURE TO MEET IN INDIANAPOLIS May 5, 2008 – The Renewable Electricity and Advanced Coal with Carbon Capture Advisory Group will be meeting May 19 – 20^th in Indianapolis, Indiana at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Center. The Advisory Group was formed by the Midwestern Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform, which was signed November 17, 2007 by members of the Midwestern Governors Association. The Advisory Group’s meeting will bring together industry representatives, field experts, interested stakeholders, and key Midwestern state officials to discuss advanced coal with carbon capture as well as renewable electricity. They will meet periodically throughout the Midwest to carry out the goals and objectives of the Platform. For additional information, contact Daniel Stenberg at 202-624-5460 or dstenberg@csg.org.
GOVERNOR HOEVEN MEETS IN D.C. WITH WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS TO URGE AGREEMENT ON NEW FARM BILL April 29, 2008 - Governor John Hoeven today met in Washington, D.C. with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer and Agriculture Advisor to the President Hunter Moorhead regarding the pending Farm Bill. Hoeven is pushing the Administration to come to terms with congressional conferees on the new farm legislation. The Governor hand delivered two bipartisan letters signed by a total of23 governors to Schafer and Moorhead. The letters urge Congressional leaders to find common ground and complete a farm bill in timely fashion for farmers and ranchers. The first letter was sent in December, immediately prior to Senate passage of its version of the legislation, and the second was sent last week, urging congressional negotiators to reach an agreement. "The White House has expressed concern regarding provisions in the new bill, including payment limitations for upper income producers and beneficial interest," Hoeven said. "We believe there is room for compromise between the Administration and Congress to get a new Farm Bill passed and signed into law, and we will continue to work for it for the benefit of our farmers and ranchers."
GOVERNOR HOEVEN SPEAKS WITH SECRETARY SCHAFER TO URGE FARM BILL EXTENSION April 21, 2008 – Governor John Hoeven spoke with Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer on Friday to urge the Bush Administration to sign an extension on the current farm bill, giving lawmakers another week to resolve differences on the new legislation. “We’re pleased the President will sign the extension for the farm bill,” Hoeven said. “Recognizing there have already been extensions to the current farm bill, we are hopefully close to an agreement. A new and improved farm bill is worth the additional time necessary to provide the right kind of support for our farmers and ranchers.”
GOVERNOR HEINEMAN SENDS LETTER TO AG SECRETARY REQUESTING ASSISTANCE FOR LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY SECTORS April 17, 2008 - Gov. Dave Heineman recently sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer requesting assistance for Nebraska’s livestock and poultry industries, which have been severely impacted by the growing cost of feed grains. In his letter the Governor wrote, “Due mainly to the large increase in feed grain prices, our pork producers currently are losing from $40 to $50 a head, and our beef, turkey and processed egg products sectors are faced with similar circumstances. Many are losing equity and some are having difficulty securing operating financing.” The Governor requested that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) consider making funding known as Section 32 funds available for the purchase of pork, beef and turkey meat, as well as processed egg products. Section 32 funds have been used in the past to purchase surplus commodities from the marketplace to help align supply and demand.
MGA ANNOUNCES NEW STAFF HIRE April 11, 2008 - Daniel Stenberg has joined the staff of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) as a Policy Analyst/Meeting Coordinator. Originally from western North Dakota, Daniel attended Jamestown College and received Bachelor of Arts degrees in Business Administration and History/Political Science. Daniel is currently pursuing his MBA part-time at The George Washington University. Before joining MGA, he worked in the research division of the Federal Reserve Board. Daniel can be reached at 202-624-5460 or dstenberg@csg.org.
Governor Culver announces iowa is first in nation in producing its power from wind energy April 2, 2008 – Governor Chet Culver Governor Culver announced new findings from an American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) report released today titled "AWEA 2008 Annual Rankings Report" showing that Iowa is first in the nation in "Wind Generation as a Percentage of All Electricity Generation." "I’ve made growing the wind industry in Iowa a top priority for my Administration, and our investment is paying off for Iowans with hundreds of green collar jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars invested in our communities," said Iowa Governor Chet Culver. "Iowa leads the nation in producing its power from wind energy and is positioned to become the renewable energy capital of the U.S. Iowa is also home to five major wind generation manufacturers who have recently decided to locate or expand here because of our quality workforce– Acciona, Siemens, Clipper, Hendricks and TPI Composites. Dozens of existing Iowa companies now supply the industry. Together, we’re building the ‘Silicon Valley of the Midwest’ by developing the next generation of renewable energy and technology – and it starts here in Iowa, with wind."
Governor Culver Calls on Congress to Meet America’s Infrastructure Needs March 12, 2008 – Governor Chet Culver traveled to Washington, DC today to discuss America’s transportation and infrastructure needs with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and other Congressional Leaders. “I believe it’s time for a bold 21^st century infrastructure plan of action” said Governor Culver. “This plan should be similar to our shared national goal of winning the race to space a generation ago. We need a clear national vision for infrastructure that supports our nation’s economic and security future while protecting our citizens’ quality of life. ”In his comments, Governor Culver proposed a three step approach. First, develop a multi-modal transportation approach, looking at roads, bridges, public transit, rail, trails, air and waterways. Second, Invest new funding to completely rebuild and reinvest America’s interstate system. Finally, give state governments flexibility and greater control in how to administer Federal infrastructure grants.

GOVERNORS SIGN ENERGY SECURITY AND CLIMATE STEWARDSHIP PLATFORM AND GREENHOUSE GAS ACCORD

November 16, 2007 - Ten Midwestern leaders – Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana, Governor Chester J. Culver of Iowa, Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio, Governor M. Michael Rounds of South Dakota, and Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba – today signed the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.

Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota are signing the agreement as observers to participate in the formation of the regional cap-and-trade system.

The historic agreement, signed at the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) Energy Security and Climate Change Summit held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will serve as a regional strategy to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.

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