Midwestern Governors Association

NEWS

Govs. Doyle, Granholm and Rounds Discuss Health Care With pres. Obama June 25, 2009 - Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and South Dakota Gov. Mike rounds met with President Barack Obama at the White House today to discuss ways to lower health care costs, improve quality for everyone, and expand health care coverage to all Americans. At the meeting, the Governors reported to the President the findings from the first Regional White House Forum on Health Reform, which Doyle and Granholm co-hosted in March with Melody Barnes, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council. Earlier this month, President Obama hosted his first Health Care Town Hall in Green Bay. Wisconsin was chosen as the location for this important meeting because it is a health care model and national leader in expanding access to health care for the uninsured due to Governor Doyle’s very successful BadgerCare Plus program.
Missouri Gov. Nixon, Illinois Gov. Quinn detail vision for Chicago-to-St. Louis high-speed rail line during visit to St. Louis Amtrak station June 22, 2009 - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn today visited the St. Louis Gateway Amtrak Station to detail their shared priorities for competing for federal recovery funds to establish a high-speed passenger rail line between Chicago and St. Louis. Just days after the federal government issued guidance to states on the application process for high-speed rail funding, the two Governors outlined their vision for a Chicago-to-St. Louis line as a tool for job-creation and regional economic growth. In addition, the Governors signed a Missouri-Illinois Memorandum of Understanding to solidify the bi-state partnership on this critical recovery project. For entire release, click here. Earlier this month, the MGA sent a letter in support of Midwest projects under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009. Click here to view the letter.
PRESIDENT OBAMA VOICES SUPPORT TO Governors CULVER and hoeven FOR BIOFUELS DEVELOPMENT AND THE EXISTING ETHANOL INDUSTRY June 1, 2009 - In his development of a comprehensive national biofuels strategy to reduce America’s dependence on imported oil, President Barack Obama invited Iowa Governor Chet Culver and other members of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition to partner with key members of his administration to achieve his vision for energy independence. Culver and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven serve as the Coalition’s vice chair and chair respectively. In a May 27, 2009, letter to the Coalition, President Obama praised the Coalition for its leadership in biofuels policy and public education. The President asked the Coalition to join him in implementing his Presidential Biofuels Directive, which was issued earlier this month. The directive outlined the President’s vision for biofuels development and his expectations for key cabinet and administration officials to lead the Administration’s biofuels initiatives. The President noted that the Coalition’s February 2009 recommendations helped form key points of the directive, and led to the President’s request for the Coalition to work with “members of my cabinet to implement the directive.” President Obama’s Letter to the Coalition can be viewed at: http://www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org/ The Coalition’s Letter and Recommendations to President Obama can be viewed at: www.governorsbiofuelscoalition.org/assets/files/GBC_ObamaLetter1.pdf
SEBELIUS SWORN IN AS SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES April 29, 2009 - Former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius was sworn in today as the 21st Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Immediately prior to being confirmed as Secretary, Sebelius had served as Governor of Kansas since 2003, being reelected in 2006. "It is an honor to lead the Department of Health and Human Services and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at such a pivotal moment in our history," Sebelius stated.
PARKINSON SWORN IN AS GOVERNOR OF KANSAS April 28, 2009 - Mark Parkinson was sworn in today to be the 45th Governor of the state of Kansas. Prior to being sworn in, the Governor served as Lt. Governor since being elected in 2006. Prior to that, he served in Kansas' state House, Senate and served as chairman of the Shawnee Area Chamber of Commerce board in 2004, and in 2005 was the “Chair of the Chairs” of the six chambers of commerce in Johnson County. “At the outset, I want to congratulate Governor Sebelius: first, for her 23 years of outstanding public service to the State and second, for her confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services. She has served the state well and will serve both the state and country well in her new position," Governor Parkinson stated. "I am humbled and honored to serve as Governor of Kansas. I love this state and am excited to have the opportunity to serve during a time of real need." For entire release, click here.
MIDWESTERN GOVERNORS JOIN IN CONSENSUS FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL April 13, 2009 - In a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Governor Jim Doyle, seven other Midwestern governors and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley joined in bipartisan support of a high-speed rail network that links cities around the region builds the economy and introduces a new vision for intercity passenger rail. Milwaukee would be connected to Madison and Chicago as part of the first phase of the system. “President Obama’s vision of making high-speed rail a part of our nation’s future transportation network holds great promise,” Governor Doyle and the co-signors wrote. “We recognize that a high-speed rail network has the potential to reduce highway and airway congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and the nation’s dependence on foreign oil.” Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Iowa Governor Chet Culver, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty were co-signors. Click here for release. For the letter, click here. Earlier this year, the MGA released its Surface Transportation Recommendations. In this publication, the MGA supported the goals of the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative (MWRRI). The MWRRI will greatly enhance passenger rail service throughout the region. Specifically, the initiative strives to reduce travel time, increase train frequency and improve reliability to current rail passengers. To view these recommendations, click here.
MGA RELEASES CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE INVENTORY AND TOOLKIT April 7, 2009 - The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) today released a carbon capture and storage (CCS) inventory and toolkit. These two products will help to further strengthen and expand the region’s leadership in energy production and carbon capture and storage. The toolkit provides background information on each issue, along with a menu of actions and potential options for states and the region to consider. The inventory provides a state-by-state analysis of statutes and regulations that could be applied toward a regional approach to the regulation of CCS. These documents will assist Midwestern states and stakeholders in addressing issues that will support the Platform’s goals of regional development of advanced coal with carbon capture and storage. “Michigan boasts one of only three currently active carbon storage sites in North America, and we are eager to advance this industry,” said Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, MGA chair. “While advancing environmental stewardship, this industry has the potential to create thousands of jobs throughout the Midwest.” To view the Platform, click here. To view the toolkit, click here. To view the inventory, click here. For entire release, click here.
MGA ADVISORY GROUP VISITS CCS SITE April 7, 2009 - The MGA Renewable Electricity/Advanced Coal with Carbon Capture Advisory Group held their meeting in Traverse City, Michigan on March 19-20. This was the fifth meeting of this advisory group since it was formed after the Midwestern Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform was signed in November 2007 which created this advisory group. While there, many advisory group members were able to take a site visit to the Core Energy operations to observe and learn about the company’s work with carbon capture and storage and enhanced oil recovery in Michigan. For more information on carbon capture and storage and enhanced oil recovery efforts by Core Energy please click here.
GOVERNOR DOYLE TESTIFIES BEFORE INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC EVALUATION COMMISSION April 6, 2009 - Governor Jim Doyle today testified before the International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission in support of Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Games. If Chicago is selected, Madison, Wis., will serve as the cycling hub for the games. “Wisconsin has a long and proud history of sport and competition, and we count among our number such great Olympians as Eric Heiden, Bonnie Blair, and Buddy Helges,” Governor Doyle said. “We are thrilled by the prospect of welcoming athletes and fans from throughout the world to our State and I look forward to working with our neighbors in Chicago and Illinois.” For the entire release, click here. In 2006, MGA submitted a resolution in support of the Chicago site for the 2016 Olympics to the International Olympic Committee. Click here to view that resolution.
GOVERNOR HOEVEN & GOVERNOR PAWLENTY PRESS FOR PERMANENT FLOOD PROTECTION IN THE FARGO-MOORHEAD AREA April 3. 2009 - In light of record crest levels recently on the Red River and its tributaries, North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty today announced they will undertake efforts along with city, county and congressional officials to accelerate work on a permanent flood protection projects in the Red River basin. Pawlenty and Hoeven said they are organizing a mission to Washington, D.C. of local, state and congressional leaders to press the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance the timetable for a study now underway to address broad-based flood protection in the Fargo-Moorhead are of the Red River Valley. Officials said the study, which isn’t scheduled for completion until December 2010, is moving too slowly to address the needs of the region. “We need the Corps to do more than just study it – we need a plan and a commitment from the Corps for federal funding and project approval so that we can move forward with construction,” said Governor Hoeven. “Our budget committed $75 million in state funding for Fargo’s Southside Flood Project, which should be incorporated into the plan, and we are willing to commit more if necessary.” “Flooding has affected Minnesotans and North Dakotans along the Red River Valley from the river’s headwaters to the Canadian border,” Governor Pawlenty said. “A comprehensive and equitable plan is needed to protect citizens in both states from future flood events. The good work already completed in East Grand Forks and Grand Forks is proof that mitigation is not only possible, but that it works.” Click here for entire release
GOVERNOR PAWLENTY & GOVERNOR DOYLE ANNOUNCE FIRST JOINT MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN EFFORTS March 31, 2009 - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today announced the first steps in a nation-leading effort to share services and become more efficient by cooperating between their states. Minnesota and Wisconsin will work together on more than 80 projects to save money and improve government operations. On January 13, 2009 both governors signed Executive Orders directing their cabinet agencies to work with their counterparts across the border to find ways for the two states to collaborate. Hundreds of ideas were discussed and explored and more than 80 rose to the top due to their impact, feasibility or need. Other ideas continue to be developed and considered. “These challenging times provide us an opportunity to make state government more accountable and efficient,” Governor Pawlenty said. “Working together with our neighbors in Wisconsin will advance these goals.” “This marks the start of an important effort to cut government spending while protecting essential services during a tough economic time for our country,” Governor Doyle said. “We are committed to taking action now and building on these efforts in the future.” Click here for entire release and for further information on this effort.
MGA ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERS: HEWLETT-PACKARD, TRADE COMMISSION OF SPAIN AND DUKE ENERGY March 31, 2009 - MGA is pleased to welcome three new members to its Partners Program. Duke Energy, Hewlett-Packard (HP), and the Trade Commission of Spain have all joined at the program's silver level. Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power companies in the United States. With approximately 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity in the Midwest and the Carolinas, they supply and deliver energy to approximately 4 million U.S. customers. HP is a technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around the world. It explores how technology and services can help people and companies address their problems and challenges, and realize their possibilities, aspirations and dreams. HP applies new thinking and ideas to create more simple, valuable and trusted experiences with technology, continuously improving the way their customers live and work. The Trade Commission of Spain in Chicago, as part of the network of Commercial Offices of the Spanish Institute of Foreign Trade (ICEX), assists and promotes Spanish firms entering the U.S. market, as well as American firms seeking investment in Spanish products. Focusing on industry and technology, the Trade Commission of Spain provides economic and trade-related information to Spanish companies seeking opportunities in the U.S. Other promotional activities include organizing direct and reverse missions, as well as trade show participation. For more information on the MGA Partners Program, click here, or contact Daniel Stenberg at dstenberg@csg.org or 202-624-3647.
MGA RELEASES REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION RECOMMENDATIONS March 12, 2009 - South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, immediate past chair of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA), today released regional recommendations for the reauthorization of the federal transportation bill. These transportation recommendations were the cornerstone of Rounds'agenda as chair of the MGA, Transportation for Energy, People and Products. "Transportation serves as the backbone of our nation's economy, and the Midwest is a vital link in moving products and people across the country…and to our global partners," Rounds said. "These recommendations will emphasize the Midwest's role to Congress and help strengthen our region's economy." "A solid transportation system is necessary for a prosperous economy," Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, MGA chair, said. "Midwestern recommendations for the upcoming reauthorization of the transportation bill will help protect our region's unique needs - border crossings, manufacturing and energy production." Click here to view the recommendations. Click here to view the entire release.
SIX MIDWESTERN CITIES MAKE EPA'S TOP 25 LIST WITH MOST ENERGY STAR BUILDINGS IN 2008 March 4, 2009 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 today announced that six metropolitan areas in the region were on EPA's top 25 list of energy-efficient buildings that earned EPA's Energy Star in 2008. Chicago ranked sixth with 125 buildings, Minneapolis-St. Paul was eighth with 102, Detroit was 14th with 65, Milwaukee was 15th with 62, Grand Rapids, Mich., was 20th with 42, and Madison, Wis., was 25th with 33. In 2008 alone, Energy Star buildings and plants across the country saved more than $1.1 billion in energy costs and reduced more than 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. The savings are equal to the emissions associated with the electricity use of more than 1 million homes for a year. A complete list of Energy Star buildings and plants, including the 2008 Top 25 Cities is at http://energystar.gov/buildinglist. More about EPA's Energy Star programs is at http://energystar.gov/labeledbuildings.
GOV. GRANHOLM ELECTED MGA CHAIR, FOCUSES ON CREATING JOBS IN NEW ENERGY ECONOMY February 23, 2009 - Midwestern governors, convening this month in Washington, D.C., elected Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm to chair the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) effective today. Granholm’s agenda as Chair, Creating Jobs in the New Energy Economy, will focus on attracting jobs to the Midwest and implementing the proper workforce development tools that will make the new energy industry sustainable for the future. “The Midwest is well-positioned to be a national leader in the promotion of green technologies and green jobs,” Granholm said. “Our region is looking to capitalize by creating jobs in a green, sustainable economy. I look forward to working with my fellow governors to ensure the Midwest’s presence at the forefront of this transition.” For entire release, click here.