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Year in Review: Governor Kelly Celebrates 2025 Administration Accomplishments
TOPEKA, Kansas, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas, issued the following news release:
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Year in Review: Governor Kelly Celebrates 2025 Administration Accomplishments
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TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday highlighted signature successes from the third year of her second term as 2025 comes to a close.
"My administration worked hard to make significant progress for Kansans in 2025," Governor Laura Kelly said. "From centralizing our early childhood services and tackling Kansas' water challenges to bringing the Chiefs to Kansas, I'm proud of all we achieved through collaboration
... Show Full Article
TOPEKA, Kansas, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas, issued the following news release:
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Year in Review: Governor Kelly Celebrates 2025 Administration Accomplishments
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TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday highlighted signature successes from the third year of her second term as 2025 comes to a close.
"My administration worked hard to make significant progress for Kansans in 2025," Governor Laura Kelly said. "From centralizing our early childhood services and tackling Kansas' water challenges to bringing the Chiefs to Kansas, I'm proud of all we achieved through collaborationwith the Legislature, our state agencies, key stakeholders, and Kansans from every corner of the state. I look forward to continuing to build on this success during my final year as governor."
Bipartisanship: In 2025, Governor Kelly signed 107 bipartisan bills into law, including:
* Groundbreaking legislation establishing the Kansas Office of Early Childhood. House Bill 2045 is the most consequential early childhood education and care legislation enacted in Kansas in 15 years, consolidating nearly 20 existing state programs into a single entity and expanding access to child care services.
* Legislation creating the water program task force, which will evaluate current funding for water and the state's water planning statutes and create a long-term investment program for water with a dedicated revenue source, similar to the state's rolling 10-year transportation programs.
Economic Development: Throughout 2025 alone, the Kelly-Toland administration attracted more than 270 committed economic development projects, bringing in more than $9.5 billion in new business investment into Kansas, and creating and retaining more than 12,306 jobs.
Earlier this month, Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland announced an agreement on plans for the Kansas City Chiefs to build a state-of-the-art domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.
In July, Governor Kelly celebrated the grand opening of Panasonic Energy's EV battery manufacturing facility in De Soto. Panasonic's $4 billion investment is the largest electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing plant in the United States.
Early Childhood and Education: This year, Governor Kelly fully funded Kansas public schools for the seventh consecutive year. Senate Bill 125, the state budget, also invests an additional $10 million in special education state aid and $1.25 million to expand rural child care access.
In January, Governor Kelly announced an innovative public-private partnership between the State of Kansas and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas to open a licensed child care center in Topeka.
Water: In addition to creating the water program task force, the budget Governor Kelly signed in April added another $6 million annual investment to safeguard Kansas' water supply. Governor Kelly also signed a bipartisan bill that increases the cap on the amount of money conservation districts can receive from the division of conservation and increases the amount of matching dollars the state can provide conservation districts.
Fiscal Responsibility: During the fall, Governor Kelly and Adam Proffitt, Director of the Budget/Secretary of the Kansas Department of Administration, traveled to eight communities across the state and spoke with nearly 820 Kansans on 'The People's Budget' tour. Governor Kelly emphasized the need for responsible budgeting and also hosted food drives at the final seven stops of the tour, where Kansans donated more than 2,300 pounds of food to local food banks.
Tax Relief: On January 1, 2025, the state sales tax rate on groceries dropped from 2% to zero, in accordance with the "Axe the Food Tax" legislation Governor Kelly signed in 2022. The total elimination on qualifying items saved Kansans $156 million this year, with the average family of four saving $500 per year at the grocery store.
Child Welfare: In January, Governor Kelly signed Executive Order 25-01, a first in the nation executive order to reform the allocation of federal benefits to foster youth. Under the executive order, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) will stop using children's benefits to reimburse itself for the cost of providing their basic needs while in the agency's care. Instead, the agency will first screen for eligibility and apply for federal benefits on behalf of children in care. If DCF acts as the fiduciary, they will deposit children's funds in accounts suitable for preserving their benefits.
Infrastructure: During Fiscal Year 2025, the Kansas Department of Transportation repaired 1,804 miles of roads and 110 bridges, enhancing Kansas' infrastructure so Kansans can safely and smoothly travel the state.
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development deployed a total of $186.3 million in 2025 to address the digital divide and increase Kansans' access to reliable high-speed internet.
Modernizing State Office Buildings : In March, Governor Kelly and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment celebrated the opening of the new state-of-the-art Kansas Health and Environment Laboratories (KHEL). In October, Governor Kelly joined the Kansas Department of Administration to celebrate the opening of the new Docking State Office Building.
The cutting-edge KHEL houses high-tech clinical and environmental equipment, which staff use to conduct critical functions for the state, including the Newborn Screening Laboratory, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Radiochemistry Laboratory, and more.
The new Docking State Office Building is among the most energy efficient buildings in the country and honors the original building by displaying and reusing key historic features. The project was paid for in cash, and no new debt was incurred, making the reconstruction one of the most fiscally responsible projects in Kansas history.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/878/56
Workplace Heat Safety Task Force Delivers Recommendations, Implements Governor Hobbs' Executive Order
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Katie Hobbs, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Workplace Heat Safety Task Force Delivers Recommendations, Implements Governor Hobbs' Executive Order
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Task Force of business, labor, and industry leaders finalizes Heat Guidelines for Employers, submitted to the Industrial Commission of Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs announced that the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force has issued its final recommendations to protect Arizona workers from heat-related risks. These recommendations, published by the Industrial Commission of Arizona, follow the Governor's
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Katie Hobbs, D-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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Workplace Heat Safety Task Force Delivers Recommendations, Implements Governor Hobbs' Executive Order
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Task Force of business, labor, and industry leaders finalizes Heat Guidelines for Employers, submitted to the Industrial Commission of Arizona
Governor Katie Hobbs announced that the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force has issued its final recommendations to protect Arizona workers from heat-related risks. These recommendations, published by the Industrial Commission of Arizona, follow the Governor'sExecutive Order earlier this year to establish the Task Force. The task force, composed of leaders from the private sector, public sector, and labor organizations, as well as occupational safety and health experts, developed practical Heat Guidelines for Employers to establish clear, effective best practices for workplace safety.
"Keeping hardworking Arizonans safe on the job has been a top priority of my administration since day one," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "These commonsense recommendations focusing on access to water, shade, and rest will keep countless Arizonans out of harm's way as they put food on the table and push our economy forward, including during the hot Arizona summers. I'm grateful to the 24 members of our Workplace Safety Heat Task Force from the labor, business and advocacy communities who came together to find consensus and deliver best practices that any employer can implement."
The Task Force's recommendations focus on proven strategies to prevent heat illness:
* Access to water, shade, and rest
* Employee acclimatization
* Heat safety training
The guidelines also clarify definitions, outline best practices for employer Heat Illness Prevention Plans, and include specific exemptions for emergency operations.
"The Industrial Commission of Arizona extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the Workplace Safety Heat Task Force for their collaborative effort in providing recommendations for Heat Guidelines for Employers concerning heat risk to the ADOSH Advisory Committee," said Industrial Commission of Arizona Director Gaetano Testini. "Heat has long been a recognized hazard, and Arizona faces unique challenges with its variety of climates and industries. The Task Force effectively addressed and navigated these complexities as it delivered very actionable recommendations for the agency."
The Task Force met four times over the summer and fall, discussing, deliberating, and evaluating a variety of strategies and measures to protect workers from heat risk. Between meetings, discussions continued as Task Force members reviewed language, shared research, and convened conversations among their respective industry groups and colleagues.
Following discussion and feedback from the Task Force, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) will take additional measures to implement the Governor's Executive Order, including:
* Publishing annual data on heat-related claims, complaints, and citations to evaluate the effectiveness of the recommendations, implementation, and education efforts;
* Providing downloadable template heat plans to help employers, especially small businesses, implement safety measures.
The ADOSH Advisory Committee will review the Task Force's recommendations in a public meeting on February 4, 2026, before submitting them to the Industrial Commission for final consideration later in the spring. Additionally, ADOSH will soon launch a recognition program to highlight model employers who go above and beyond in protecting workers from heat risks, as outlined in Governor Hobbs' Executive Order.
You can read the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force's recommendations here. ADOSH will continue to publish resources on heat illness prevention, including the aforementioned reports and templates. ICA and ADOSH have also published an FAQ on the Task Force and Executive Order.
"This task force brought together employers, workers, and subject-matter experts from across Arizona to focus on what actually works in real workplaces. The recommendations reflect commonsense best practices many employers already use and provide clear, Arizona-specific guidance that prioritizes worker safety while recognizing the diversity of industries and job sites across our state," said Grace Appelbe, Arizona Manufacturers Council and Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
"As business manager of Ironworkers Local 75 I was proud to serve on the Governor's Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, because I know the importance of having access to water, shade, and a place to rest has on worker safety," said Jason Sangster, Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 75. "By implementing these changes, we are making sure all workers can return home safely to their family after a hard day's work in the Arizona heat. This is another win for Arizona workers and I can not wait to see the positive impact it is going to have starting this summer."
"As a leading voice of Arizona's small businesses, It was an honor to represent Local First Arizona in this important Task Force. As temperatures continue to rise across the state, we at Local First realize how important it is for business owners to have clear guidance and necessary resources to ensure their team members are safe," said Jason Lowry, Director of Public Policy Initiatives at Local First Arizona. "While no two businesses are the same, all are impacted by our state's rising temperatures and we feel that these recommendations are a positive step in the right direction."
"As a construction association representative, I appreciated the opportunity to participate in the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force and to engage in thoughtful discussion with a wide range of stakeholders," said David Martin, President of the Arizona Chapter of General Contractors Association. "Everyone involved shares the same goal of keeping Arizona workers safe, particularly in extreme heat conditions. While AZAGC has historically been cautious about one-size-fits-all regulations, we value the dialogue and the chance to bring practical, on-the-ground construction perspectives into the conversation."
"The Task Force recommendations provide a flexible set of best practices that continue to protect the workers of Arizona's diverse economy during Arizona summers while also supporting the need to restore power quickly to our customers," said Phil Smithers, Director of Safety and Environmental at Arizona Public Service (APS). "The safety and health of our employees and customers are always a priority for APS."
Workplace Heat Safety Task Force Members
1. Abel Almanza, Owner, AAA Safety Consulting
2. Grace Appelbe, Arizona Manufacturers Council and Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
3. Jake Byrne, President, America Roofing
4. Brandon Clark, Director of Sustainability, United Dairymen of Arizona on behalf of Farm Bureau
5. Dr. Theresa Cullen, MD, Director, Pima County Public Health
6. Sidney Hawkins, Director of Apprenticeship, Arizona Builders Alliance
7. Jesse Hoellerich, Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona
8. J.R. Imes, Safety Administrator, City of Peoria
9. Fernando Juarez, Sr. Safety Manager, Haydon Companies
10. Dr. Ladd Keith, Director, University of Arizona Heat Resilience Initiative
11. Mark Kendall, VP of Legal Services, CopperPoint Insurance Companies
12. Linda Kennedy, Director - People Operations, Duncan Family Farms on behalf of Farm Bureau
13. Paul Levin, Director of Health, Safety and Environment, Sundt Construction
14. Jason Lowry, Director of Public Policy Initiatives, Local First Arizona
15. David Martin, President, Arizona Chapter of General Contractors Association
16. Rick Murray, CEO, Arizona Chapter of the National Safety Council
17. Briona Parkinson, Political Director, AFSCME
18. Fernando Quiroz, AZ Interagency Farmworkers Coalition
19. Martha Reyes, Organizer, Jobs for Justice
20. Jason Sangster, Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 75
21. Phil Smithers, Director - Safety and Environmental, Arizona Public Service
22. Maxwell Ulin, Staff Attorney, UNITE HERE Local 11
23. Joe Valenzuela, Human Resources Manager, American Furniture Warehouse
24. Pat VanMaanen, MS, BSN, RN, Chair, Arizona Nursing Association's Climate Change and Health Work Group
25. Facilitator, Amber Pappas, Certified Safety Professional
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Original text here: https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/news/2025/12/workplace-heat-safety-task-force-delivers-recommendations
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield Responds to President Trump's Comments December 31st on Portland National Guard Deployment
SALEM, Oregon, Dec. 31 -- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued the following news release:
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Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield Responds to President Trump's Comments December 31st on Portland National Guard Deployment
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"The law prevailed and Portland never saw troops on its streets. This outcome shows that standing up for the Constitution works. We're grateful for the professionalism and service of the Guard members caught in the middle of this legal fight. We look forward to seeing them return home to their families and communities soon.
"If the federal government attempts
... Show Full Article
SALEM, Oregon, Dec. 31 -- Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield issued the following news release:
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Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield Responds to President Trump's Comments December 31st on Portland National Guard Deployment
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"The law prevailed and Portland never saw troops on its streets. This outcome shows that standing up for the Constitution works. We're grateful for the professionalism and service of the Guard members caught in the middle of this legal fight. We look forward to seeing them return home to their families and communities soon.
"If the federal government attemptsto revisit this effort, we are prepared to respond again in court."
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Original text here: https://www.doj.state.or.us/media-home/news-media-releases/ag-rayfield-responds-to-trumps-comments-on-national-guard-deployment/
Moore-Miller Administration Secures $168 million in Federal Funding to Advance Health Care in Rural Maryland Communities
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Wes Moore, D-Maryland, issued the following news release:
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Moore-Miller Administration Secures $168 million in Federal Funding to Advance Health Care in Rural Maryland Communities
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The Maryland Department of Health this week received $168 million in federal funding for the first year of the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen and modernize health care in rural areas across the state. The funding, which is renewable over five years, will serve to enhance the Moore-Miller Administration's ongoing effort to bolster health care
... Show Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Wes Moore, D-Maryland, issued the following news release:
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Moore-Miller Administration Secures $168 million in Federal Funding to Advance Health Care in Rural Maryland Communities
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The Maryland Department of Health this week received $168 million in federal funding for the first year of the five-year Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen and modernize health care in rural areas across the state. The funding, which is renewable over five years, will serve to enhance the Moore-Miller Administration's ongoing effort to bolster health careaccess and affordability in Maryland's rural communities.
"Our focus on transformational investments aligns directly with our administration's goals to strengthen our health care system and improve the health of all Marylandersno matter where they live in the state," said Gov. Moore. "Our record on investment in the health and well being of rural Maryland is a testament to our promise to leave no one behind."
Almost one third of Maryland residents live in rural areas. Rural communities often face health care challenges, including a lack of healthcare providers and difficulty accessing care due to transportation and technology barriers. Rural hospitals and rural health care providersmany of whom are also the economic backbone of the communities they servehave unique needs in order to provide and sustain high-quality services that also meet the needs of rural residents.
The Moore-Miller Administration has demonstrated significant commitment to improving healthcare access for Maryland's rural communities. In the last two years, several efforts have strengthened community health for rural Marylanders, including breaking ground on the UM Shore Regional Medical Center, opening the Edward Q. Wilgus Community Clinic, and $2 million in facility investment for the Meritus Health School of Osteopathic Medicine.
The Moore-Miller Administration also launched Rural Advancement for Maryland Peers, also known as RAMPa $1.6 million grant programto expand and strengthen Maryland's certified peer recovery specialist workforce. The program is in addition to the more than $37 million in behavioral health investments for FY 2025 and FY 2026 across the Mid-Shore to build a more robust continuum of behavioral health care.
The Maryland Department of Health is also partnering to build local resources and expand health care access, to enhance training, recruitment, and retention of future and practicing health care providers. With the Rural Health Transformation Program funding, Maryland will build on ongoing efforts to enhance the health workforce pipeline by scaling up current training and retention programs for clinical providers and allied health professionals as well as apprenticeship programs. The funding will also support Maryland's effort to support sustainable access, innovative care models and technology advances to improve health outcomes in rural communities.
Approved funds will also be used to create post-harvest infrastructure for Maryland's small farms, to increase the availability of more healthy, fresh food in local markets and grocers, especially in areas where need is greatest. Coupled with infrastructure investment, nutrition education and enhanced regional planning and coordination will also help increase demand for healthy food. The program is designed to help bolster Maryland's agricultural economy and increase accessibility to more healthy food, so more Marylanders can lower their risk of chronic disease.
"We heard robust and critical input from rural residents throughout this process and are thrilled to have secured support to help meet the needs and priorities of our communities," said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. "This funding will provide critical support to strengthen the local health care workforce, bolster current programs and implement evidence-based strategies that will have lasting impacts on the health and wellbeing of rural Maryland families."
The Department of Health worked extensively with Maryland's rural community members and organizations to inform the award submission earlier this fall. Through an open request for information, 17 public listening sessions, as well as numerous meetings and additional engagements, the state heard feedback and input from stakeholders representing wide interests across the state. The final proposal, submitted in November, reflected significant feedback from rural Marylanders and state partners.
Upon receiving the federal funds in 2026, the Maryland Department of Health will closely partner with other state agencies and rural stakeholders to shape, implement and evaluate program strategies.
Maryland is currently in discussion with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding approved programs and budget details. Updates including additional opportunities for funding, will be shared health.maryland.gov.
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Original text here: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/Moore-Miller-Administration-Secures-$168-million-in-Federal-Funding-to-Advance-Health-Care-in-Rural-Maryland-Communities.aspx
Governor Hochul Announces Tools to Improve Digital Wellness Among New Yorkers
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Governor Hochul Announces Tools to Improve Digital Wellness Among New Yorkers
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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of resources aimed at educating young people, caregivers and educators on how to safely navigate digital media content in a way that protects their mental health. Developed by the state Office of Mental Health, digital wellness resources are available on ' Be Well ' the ongoing campaign to improve mental wellness statewide and aimed at helping all New Yorkers
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Governor Hochul Announces Tools to Improve Digital Wellness Among New Yorkers
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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of resources aimed at educating young people, caregivers and educators on how to safely navigate digital media content in a way that protects their mental health. Developed by the state Office of Mental Health, digital wellness resources are available on ' Be Well ' the ongoing campaign to improve mental wellness statewide and aimed at helping all New Yorkersdevelop healthy habits with their digital devices.
"As New York's first mom Governor, I'm concerned about the mental health of our children and how their struggles with depression and anxiety relate to the digital media they consume at an alarming rate," Governor Hochul said. "With digital devices being popular gifts during the holidays these resources will help caregivers, teachers and young people themselves embrace healthier habits with their digital devices and to better understand the role digital media plays in their mental wellness along with the steps they can take to protect their mental health."
The digital wellness section of the 'Be Well' site includes information on how to maintain healthy habits with smart phones, tablets, and computers, and how using these devices can impact mental well-being. The content is organized into distinct audiences, including youth and young adults, parents and caregivers, educators, in addition to all New Yorkers.
The additional resources are aimed at helping New Yorkers develop healthier habits when using digital devices, which are popular gifts during the holiday season. Likewise, these tools can encourage families to practice healthier habits with digital media during a time when many young people are on break from primary schools and colleges.
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, "Digital media is part of our everyday lives and when we use it in a way that feels balanced, it can help us stay connected, informed, and entertained. These resources are designed to help New Yorkers develop healthy habits with technology and avoid the behaviors that can leave them stressed, anxious, and depressed. This content continues Governor Hochul's ongoing commitment to protecting youth mental health and ensuring everyone has access to the mental health resources they can rely on to thrive."
The 'Be Well' site now includes general tips on safely navigating digital content, including social media, how to maintain privacy online, steps to counter cyber-bullying, and other educational resources. The new pages also connect with videos and other evidence-based content from trusted organizations.
The resources also connect other 'Be Well' content, which is part of a $1.9 million public awareness campaign aimed at helping New Yorkers improve their mental well-being. The site provides information about the negative impact that stress and traumatic events can have on both physical and mental health, while also offering simple and accessible ways to improve mental wellness.
Governor Hochul has made a nation-leading commitment to protect youth mental health and promote student success in the digital age. As part of the FY 2026 State Budget, she secured a landmark agreement to create a statewide standard for distraction-free schools and eliminate smartphone use in the classroom.
To combat the mental health risks of using harmful features of social media platforms that prolong use, Governor Hochul recently negotiated a chapter amendment and signed legislation that will require social media companies to display warning labels on their platforms when a young user initially uses the predatory feature and periodically thereafter, based on continued use. Users will not be able to bypass or click through the warnings.
This fall, all K-12 schools statewide enacted 'bell-to-bell' cellphone policies prohibiting the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds. New York is now the largest state in the nation to require statewide, bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones in K-12 schools.
In addition, Governor Hochul signed into law the Safe for Kids Act last year, requiring social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18. She also signed the New York Child Data Protection Act, prohibiting online sites and connected devices from collecting, using, sharing, or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the purpose of the website.
Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact us by phone:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640
Contact us by email:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-tools-improve-digital-wellness-among-new-yorkers
Governor Ferguson announces Washington will receive $181 million in federal rural health care funding
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Bob Ferguson, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Governor Ferguson announces Washington will receive $181 million in federal rural health care funding
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OLYMPIA Today, Governor Bob Ferguson announced that Washington has received $181 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program for fiscal year 2026.
The federal program invests $50 billion nationwide to support rural hospital infrastructure, with an emphasis on technology improvements and support for chronic disease management, behavioral health care, maternal health
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 31 -- Gov. Bob Ferguson, D-Washington, issued the following news release:
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Governor Ferguson announces Washington will receive $181 million in federal rural health care funding
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OLYMPIA Today, Governor Bob Ferguson announced that Washington has received $181 million from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program for fiscal year 2026.
The federal program invests $50 billion nationwide to support rural hospital infrastructure, with an emphasis on technology improvements and support for chronic disease management, behavioral health care, maternal healthcare, addressing rural workforce shortages and improving access to emergency services.
Washington submitted its proposal for a share of the funding in November. Of Washington's 39 counties, 22 are considered fully rural, while the remaining counties all have some rural portions, as well. Washington has more than 1 million rural residents.
The funding award is close to the requested amount, which was $200 million. Washington will now decide how to allocate the funding.
"Rural Washington boasts strong communities, robust agriculture and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world," Governor Ferguson said. "In order to sustain this way of life, we need a strong rural health care system. This funding will not replace the dramatic cuts imposed by the Republican-led Congress and the White House, but these funds will help fortify rural communities against what's to come. It is a significant investment in Washington's rural heath care."
"This funding is about making sure people in rural communities get the care they need, close to home," said Health Care Authority Director Ryan Moran. "It supports the hospitals, clinics and providers that rural families rely on every day, and helps strengthen the systems that keep care accessible, safe, and sustainable. While the need remains significant, this investment will help rural communities take important steps forward."
In addition to the Governor's Office and the Health Care Authority, multiple state agencies worked collaboratively on the plan, including the Department of Health and Department of Social and Health Services. These agencies will partner with rural communities, providers, Tribes and other organizations to move quickly to direct funding where it is most needed.
Washington's plan
Washington specifically sought funding to help build a healthier, more resilient and financially sustainable rural health system. The Rural Health Transformation funding will help rural residents across all 39 counties. Of those, 22 counties are considered fully rural Adams, Clallam, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Lincoln, Mason, Okanogan, Pacific, Pend Orielle, San Juan, Skamania, Stevens, Wahkiakum and Whitman. The funding will reach rural Washington residents in these counties, as well as the rural portions of the state's remaining counties.
Washington will use the funds to:
* Develop community-based health care options to help rural residents access the right level of care at the right time
* Invest in the health of Native families
* Invest in technology that increases efficiency, access and quality in Washington's rural health care system, helping rural Washingtonians get specialty care and monitor chronic conditions
* Invest in long-term solutions will give rural Washingtonians better access to high-quality specialty and emergency medical care
* Grow, train and maintain the health care workforce in rural Washington
* Expand and sustain Washington's rural behavioral health system, decreasing the strain on rural hospitals and school-based behavioral health care services
The state will collaborate with Area Agencies on Aging, the Washington Hospital Association, the Rural Collaborative and others to target funding where it is needed most. It will also work with the state's universities to expand existing programs and initiatives that benefit rural health care systems.
For example, funds will be used to expand the University of Washington School of Medicine's Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes). ECHO offers a multidisciplinary tele-monitoring and education platform for Washington clinicians that helps providers deal with complex and specialized patient issues, infectious diseases, psychiatry and behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rural Heath Transformation program funds will help expand ECHO to additional health care facilities, as well as add new medical specialties.
More on the Rural Health Transformation Program
The federal Rural Health Transformation Program offers $10 billion annually from 2026-2030. This program, managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, aims to support rural health system transformation, including but not limited to:
* Improving access to hospitals and other health care providers.
* Improving health care outcomes for rural residents.
* Strengthening strategic partnerships between rural hospitals and other health care providers.
* Prioritizing the use of new and emerging technologies, emphasizing prevention and chronic disease management and providing high-quality services.
* Increasing the number of clinicians through recruitment and training.
* Outlining strategies to manage long-term financial security and identifying specific causes that can lead to rural hospital closure, conversion or service reduction.
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Original text here: https://governor.wa.gov/news/2025/governor-ferguson-announces-washington-will-receive-181-million-federal-rural-health-care-funding
Attorney General Bonta Marks Major Litigation Victory as Trump Administration Backs Away from Its Efforts to Federalize and Deploy California National Guard
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 31 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Marks Major Litigation Victory as Trump Administration Backs Away from Its Efforts to Federalize and Deploy California National Guard
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Following Supreme Court decision, Trump Administration withdraws motion to stay, allows lower court order ending the extended federalization of the California National Guard to go fully into effect
OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today celebrated the Trump Administration's decision to withdraw its legal effort
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Dec. 31 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Marks Major Litigation Victory as Trump Administration Backs Away from Its Efforts to Federalize and Deploy California National Guard
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Following Supreme Court decision, Trump Administration withdraws motion to stay, allows lower court order ending the extended federalization of the California National Guard to go fully into effect
OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta today celebrated the Trump Administration's decision to withdraw its legal effortto block an order by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ending the continued federalization and deployment of California National Guard troops in and around Los Angeles. The Trump Administration's capitulation comes on the heels of a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in a related case, Illinois v. Trump, rejecting its nearly limitless conception of presidential authority to federalize the National Guard and the activities those troops can engage in.
The deployment of California National Guard troops ended earlier this month after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit refused to pause the District Court's preliminary injunction order with respect to the deployment, but the troops remained federalized. With today's filing, the Trump Administration agrees to allow the District Court's order with regard to the federalization of these troops to go into effect, allowing for the return of command of these troops to Governor Newsom for the first time since they were initially federalized in early June.
"For six months, California National Guard troops have been used as political pawns by a President desperate to be king. From the political display in MacArthur Park to their unlawful participation in indiscriminate immigration raids, the militaristic deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles streets has left lasting scars in Angeleno communities. There is a reason our founders decided military and civilian affairs must be kept separate; a reason that our military is, by design, apolitical," said Attorney General Bonta. "Now, in the face of a stinging rebuke by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump Administration is backing away from its efforts to federalize and deploy California National Guard troops. I'm incredibly proud of my team who worked nights and weekends to defend the Constitution and bring about an end of the President's unlawful overreach of executive power. While our rule of law remains under threat, our democratic institutions are holding. My office is not backing down and we're ready for whatever fights lie ahead."
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-marks-major-litigation-victory-trump-administration-backs
