States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Statement from Governor Josh Stein on MLK Day
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Josh Stein, D-North Carolina, issued the following news release:
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Statement from Governor Josh Stein on MLK Day
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Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to moving us toward the promise of our nation: a land of liberty and justice for all. He was clear-eyed about all of the ways America had not lived up to that promise, but he led with a belief that we could - and we must - put our shoulder to the wheel and push the country forward. Dr.
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Josh Stein, D-North Carolina, issued the following news release:
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Statement from Governor Josh Stein on MLK Day
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Today Governor Josh Stein released the following statement commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to moving us toward the promise of our nation: a land of liberty and justice for all. He was clear-eyed about all of the ways America had not lived up to that promise, but he led with a belief that we could - and we must - put our shoulder to the wheel and push the country forward. Dr.King taught us that no matter the speed, we must keep moving forward.
"Dr. King's commitment should motivate us all. We must work to improve lives by strengthening North Carolina's health system, supporting its schools, building safe communities, and creating real job opportunities so that all people have a shot at success. That's how we build a safer, stronger North Carolina that works for everyone."
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Original text here: https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/19/statement-governor-josh-stein-mlk-day
Governor Reeves Opts Into Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program To Promote School Choice
JACKSON, Mississippi, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Tate Reeves, R-Mississippi, issued the following news release:
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Governor Reeves Opts Into Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program To Promote School Choice
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JACKSON, Miss. - Governor Tate Reeves today announced that he has opted Mississippi into the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program to promote school choice in the state. By opting into the program, which begins in federal tax year 2027, Mississippi will expand school choice opportunities for families across Mississippi.
"Mississippi believes that parents - not government - know what's best for
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JACKSON, Mississippi, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Tate Reeves, R-Mississippi, issued the following news release:
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Governor Reeves Opts Into Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program To Promote School Choice
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JACKSON, Miss. - Governor Tate Reeves today announced that he has opted Mississippi into the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program to promote school choice in the state. By opting into the program, which begins in federal tax year 2027, Mississippi will expand school choice opportunities for families across Mississippi.
"Mississippi believes that parents - not government - know what's best fortheir children's education," said Governor Tate Reeves. "The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program will help Mississippi continue its historic performance in classrooms across the state and further empower parents to do what's best for their children. Thank you to President Trump and his administration for continuing to put parents and students first."
The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program was created in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025. The program provides a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for eligible taxpayers who donate to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs).
Taxpayers can donate as much as $1,700 and receive the amount back through a federal tax credit, making it possible to support students without any cost to themselves. Donations to SGOs are required to fund scholarships for eligible K-12 students across Mississippi whose family income falls below 300 percent of the area median income (AMI).
In the coming months, the Office of the Governor will designate eligible SGOs to participate in the program.
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Original text here: https://governorreeves.ms.gov/governor-reeves-opts-into-federal-tax-credit-scholarship-program-to-promote-school-choice/
Governor Morrisey Announces $850 Million Frontieras North America Investment
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Governor Morrisey Announces $850 Million Frontieras North America Investment
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Project to create thousands of jobs, expand commercial uses of coal, and strengthen West Virginia's energy leadership
MASON COUNTY, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced that Frontieras North America has closed on 183 acres in Mason County, where the company will build a flagship $850 million advanced coal reformation facility that is expected to create more than 2,000 construction jobs and
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Governor Morrisey Announces $850 Million Frontieras North America Investment
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Project to create thousands of jobs, expand commercial uses of coal, and strengthen West Virginia's energy leadership
MASON COUNTY, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced that Frontieras North America has closed on 183 acres in Mason County, where the company will build a flagship $850 million advanced coal reformation facility that is expected to create more than 2,000 construction jobs andover 200 full-time positions once operational.
"We are excited to welcome Frontieras North America and its state-of-the-art project to Mason County. This investment demonstrates that West Virginia's workforce and business climate can attract world-class companies and investments," said Governor Morrisey. "Frontieras is completely aligned with our 50 by 50 energy plan and our red tape-cutting strategy. This terrific announcement for West Virginia will create so many high-paying jobs and economic growth."
The Mason County facility will be the first commercial-scale deployment of Frontieras' patented FASForm(tm) process, which converts coal into fuels, fertilizers, and industrial carbon products with zero waste. The site offers more than a mile of Ohio River frontage for barge transport, Class I rail access via CSX, and close proximity to Appalachian coal reserves and a skilled regional workforce.
"West Virginia gave us every reason to build here-natural resources, world-class logistics, and a government that understands the importance of industrial growth," said Matthew McKean, CEO and Co-Founder of Frontieras North America.
Governor Morrisey emphasized the importance of expanding the commercial uses of coal beyond traditional electricity generation and steelmaking.
"This project strengthens our coal communities by creating new demand for Appalachian coal," Governor Morrisey said. "By supporting innovation that builds on our natural resources, we are delivering real economic opportunity for miners, families, and communities across the Mountain State."
Frontieras selected the Mason County site over competing locations in Texas and Wyoming due to West Virginia's strong infrastructure, logistics advantages, and energy-friendly policies. The company plans to pursue additional expansion opportunities across the state and the Appalachian region.
The investment aligns with Governor Morrisey's "50 by 50" energy vision to increase West Virginia's power production and reinforce the state's role as a national energy leader.
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Original text here: https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-morrisey-announces-850-million-frontieras-north-america-investment
Governor Mills Statement Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following news:
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Governor Mills Statement Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
"In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote 'Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.'
"As we pause today to honor Dr. King's life and legacy -at a time when too many of our neighbors are feeling afraid and uncertain about the future
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following news:
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Governor Mills Statement Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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Governor Janet Mills issued the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:
"In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote 'Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.'
"As we pause today to honor Dr. King's life and legacy -at a time when too many of our neighbors are feeling afraid and uncertain about the future-may we all find inspiration in Dr. King's enduring call to bring light where there is darkness by lifting one another up and building a state and nation rooted in dignity, compassion, and respect.
"Let us work hand in hand until we can look up to see the thousands of radiant stars, the scintillating beauty and the light of justice in our community, in our state, in our nation, in our world."
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/governor-mills-statement-honoring-martin-luther-king-jr-day-2026-01-19
Governor Lamont Acts To Protect Connecticut Farmland and Open Space From Rising Tax Assessments
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont Acts To Protect Connecticut Farmland and Open Space From Rising Tax Assessments
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(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is taking immediate action to prevent dramatic increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land that could force the conversion of these lands to more intensive uses.
In a letter transmitted today to Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Interim Secretary Joshua Wojcik,
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HARTFORD, Connecticut, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont Acts To Protect Connecticut Farmland and Open Space From Rising Tax Assessments
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(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is taking immediate action to prevent dramatic increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land that could force the conversion of these lands to more intensive uses.
In a letter transmitted today to Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Interim Secretary Joshua Wojcik,the governor is directing OPM to reinstate the 2020 recommended land use values under PA 490, effective immediately.
"Family farms are vital to Connecticut's economy and are an essential part of our heritage," Governor Lamont said. "Preserving Connecticut's farmland and open spaces is critical to maintaining a reliable source of food and farm products, conserving our natural resources, and promoting the welfare and happiness of our residents. Our work to address concerns around rising land use values demonstrates our understanding of the challenges farmers face. Preserving these lands is about more than economics, it's about sustaining a way of life that defines Connecticut, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the farming community to keep Connecticut agriculture strong."
Due to an unforeseen lack of data in establishing assessment values for these lands as required by Connecticut General Statutes SS 12-2b(1), significant increases in valuations occurred for the tax years beginning with the 2025 grand list. To address this, Governor Lamont has directed OPM, in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, to:
* Revoke the 2025 Recommended Land Use Values and Best Practices for farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land, and reinstate the 2020 recommended land use values for these categories;
* Immediately notify all municipal tax assessors of this revocation and reinstatement; and
* Convene a working group in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, including representation from agricultural organizations, farmers, municipal leaders, and assessors, to recommend alternative measures to improve data collection, review, and valuation processes consistent with state law.
"OPM is committed to ensuring that tax policies support, not burden, the people who work our land and preserve our open spaces," Interim Secretary Wojcik said. "We will work closely with farmers, municipal leaders, legislators, and others to develop fair and practical solutions that keep agriculture thriving for generations to come."
"Governor Lamont's quick action sends a clear message - Connecticut stands with its farmers," Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt said. "By rolling back these unexpected tax hikes and bringing farmers to the table for future solutions, the state is making sure family farms can keep doing what they do best - feeding our communities and caring for our land. Together, we are working to protect the farm traditions and open spaces that make Connecticut home."
"On behalf of the Connecticut Farm Bureau and our members, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Governor Lamont and Agriculture Commissioner Hurlburt for their leadership in acknowledging the vital role farming plays in our state's economy and communities," Paul Larson, president of the Connecticut Farm Bureau, said. "Their commitment to addressing concerns over the Public Act 490 land use values demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges farmers face and the importance of this program to keeping farmland accessible for future generations. This action is not only critical to our membership but to the farming community at large, and we look forward to continuing this partnership to keep Connecticut agriculture strong."
Governor Lamont is grateful to local farmers and others in the agricultural community for bringing this issue to his attention and helping ensure that Connecticut remains committed to a diverse and thriving economy.
** Download : Letter from Governor Lamont to OPM directing the reinstatement of 2020 land values under PA 490
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/01-2026/governor-lamont-acts-to-protect-connecticut-farmland-and-open-space-from-rising-tax-assessments
Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the National Action Network Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Public Policy Forum
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the National Action Network Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Public Policy Forum
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Earlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks at the National Action Network Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Public Policy Forum.
VIDEO : The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO : The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS : The Governor's
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ALBANY, New York, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the National Action Network Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Public Policy Forum
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Earlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks at the National Action Network Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Public Policy Forum.
VIDEO : The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO : The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS : The Governor'sFlickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Good morning. Good morning. Good morning. You just heard from Reverend Al Sharpton, the Conscience of America. Dr. King would be so proud to know how you have carried on his legacy, and yes, you were a 12-year-old, but you were a 12-year-old preacher, is my recollection. So you're a little bit ahead of your time, but I'm here to talk about the only true king that America ever had. And that is Dr. Martin Luther King -a king who lived for justice, a king who embodied love and compassion. The king who created the beloved community that he spoke of, the king who fought for the beautiful struggle. The king who gave power to the people. Not a "would be" king in Washington, who's trying to assert his power and his ego over the rest of America in a form of tyranny of which we've not seen in 250 years. That is the fight we are in today in 2026.
So Reverend Al, you can ask us where we think Dr. King's dream is today. Well, let's reflect on what he would say about this time. If he saw what's happening in 2026 and has been going on for exactly one year already, he'd say, "Heaven, help us. Heaven, help us. Let's get back to the streets. Let's start the fight again." Because the march so clearly has not been completed in this country because of what has happened in Washington. And you reflect on what happened in Minneapolis. A six-year-old child woke up with a mother and went to bed an orphan in the United States of America. And if that can happen to one woman in Minneapolis, what about everyone else who stands in the way of this "would be" king asserting his power.
Now, I'll tell you this, as Governor of a state whose legacy has been built on civil rights, women's rights, LGBTQ rights, that's in our DNA, my friends. We're hardwired to fight back and protect others' rights. And this moment in history calls us to do just that.
And you want us to talk about policies, Reverend Al? How much time have you got here? I just gave a State of the State address that'll knock your socks off because we deal with every challenge of the day. But let me talk about too, that seems particularly acute right now as we think about Minneapolis and ICE agents flooding our streets and terrorizing people, not just in Minneapolis.
But I was over in Little Haiti a little while back. Little Haiti is now a ghost town because of the fear that's been engendered by ICE agents. Our neighborhoods - people aren't going to their churches. They're not taking their kids to schools or daycare because of this fear, and it's not an unfounded fear. Families are being separated day after day, even people going to court to follow the law and they're being taken off walking out of a courtroom. Being told they're a criminal now in handcuffs to a place their family has no idea where they are.
So I said, this is the State of New York, and we'll ensure when we get a law passed very soon that ICE agents may not go to sensitive places like a school, places of worship, a daycare center, a hospital, or a courtroom. You may not go there unless you show us you have an order signed by a judge. That's it. And that judge would only be doing that if a crime has been committed and not the offense of crossing the border. We're standing up for our communities.
Secondly, when your rights have been trampled -like the woman who lost her life -that baby, -that little six year old's family should have a right to pursue justice in the courts. That happens here in the State of New York when I get my new law passed, every single person who's had their constitutional rights taken away by ICE, whether you're reporters covering the story and are beaten up and pushed aside. A factory owner in upstate New York that I went to, and this is Ruby Red Trump Country -Ruby Red -where a factory owner who told me he voted for Donald Trump. He regrets it now. Don't worry, we're good. ICE agents showed up and walked into a workforce of 170 hardworking people making power bars to ship to Walmarts and Costcos around the world, and they separated him in the break room by the color of their skin. Whites over here, black and brown over here, and the black and brown individuals were taken away by ICE - didn't care if they were US citizens, didn't care if they had legal status, didn't care a damn thing. And in fact, six of them were mothers with children under the age of one who were nursing their babies and they were separated from them.
I'm a mother. I'm New York's first Mom Governor, and you tell me stories like this? The depravity and the cruelty going on in our own state. We have to stand up. They should have rights to sue and say, "You damaged my economic wellbeing. You hurt my family." You have a right to stand up against power. That's what I'm talking about here in the State of New York.
And briefly, the policies that we're talking about -ensuring that we have affordable childcare for every child who calls themselves a New Yorker. And I want to thank our Mayor Mamdani for standing with me in this fight because I am that mom who had to give up a job I love because I couldn't find affordable childcare.
And why am I so vested in housing the right of decent housing for everyone? Because my parents used to live in a trailer park next to a steel plant where dad and grandpa worked. It was tough. And I lived in an unheated attic in Buffalo. Why do you think I'm so tough? Thank God for the space heater. I shared that attic with two brothers because we didn't have a lot of room for our big family. So housing means so much to me, and how do we get out of that trailer park? How do we lift ourselves out of that? My dad was able to get a college degree and could stop working at the steel plant.
That's why college education means so much to me because it lifted my family out of their circumstance. I want that opportunity for everyone in my Budget. For people who are over the age of 25 and want to go into skilled trades or health care or education, just be able to take care of their families. We -the State of New York -will cover the entire cost of that education, tuition and your books, everything. Because I know the power of unlocking people's potential with an education.
We're going to continue focusing on driving down the high utility rates, and car insurance rates, and all those areas where at the end of the month, you're just saying, "I can't make ends meet." I've lived that experience. I've clipped the coupons. I had to eat a lot of cans of spam because my parents could make - you guys, who likes spam? I mean, I am sorry if you like it. You open up the can, your little kid getting creeped out by the jelly and all that. My mom would fry it and call it dinner. Okay. It was a cheap way to serve a big family. So I have lived that life, and my job as the Governor of New York is to say that no one else should have to struggle because this is a great state. A shining state. We should be an example to others, and we'll do that in how we protect our immigrant community, and how we lift up our families, and how we keep them safe. Thank you very much.
Dr. King should be proud of New Yorkers because this is the state where we mobilize, we take to the streets and we fight back every single day. Thank you very much everybody. Thank you very much.
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/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-delivers-remarks-national-action-network-dr
Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the Brooklyn Academy of Music 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the Brooklyn Academy of Music 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Earlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks at the Brooklyn Academy of Music 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Jan. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the Brooklyn Academy of Music 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Earlier today, Governor Hochul delivered remarks at the Brooklyn Academy of Music 40th Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickrhas photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Thank you, Tamara and thank you everyone here for joining us in this celebration of a rightful king. Dr. King represented justice, the King that I know represented hope of a better future. The King that we know, showed us a path forward. The King that we know stood up and rejected the status quo and said, we will continue the March for Civil Rights and Justice for as long as it takes.
What a difference from the self-appointed king we have in the United States of America today? Oh yeah, I'm not happy. One year ago during this celebration, we talked about the legacy of Dr. King and what it means to our lives today and how we're lifting families up -those in poverty, those in prison, those who seek justice, and what that means back in 2025. One year later, the threats that we have seen coming out of Washington - again, a self-appointed king fly in the face of everything that Dr. Martin Luther King ever stood for and shed blood for.
We will not accept that in America in 2026, we'll stand up and fight. We'll march forward, we'll say enough is enough. And my heart breaks over the knowledge that in Minnesota, a six-year-old woke up with a mom and went to bed an orphan in America. And what is continuing, and I honor those who stand up in that city, and the Governor and the Mayor. But let me tell you about New York State because we have been at the beginning of so many critical movements. The Civil Rights Movement, now there's other historians will say otherwise, but I'm from Buffalo, and I'm going to lay claims that it started in Buffalo. Because the Niagara Frontier movement was the precursor to the NAACP, and it started up there as they were crossing.
Crossing individuals who had fled from the south across the border from Buffalo into Canada for freedom, and that's where it began. The Women's Rights Movement, the LGBTQ+ movement all started here in the State of New York. So what is our responsibility as New Yorkers in this moment? Well as your Governor, I will tell you this. If we are going to be defending our rights against ICE agents, and I'm going to give you two things I announced in my State of the State just a couple days ago because I want everybody to know this. I will get passed through this legislature, a private right of action. So if ICE agents come and take away your constitutional rights and work outside the scope of their law -you'll be able to take them to court and seek justice here in the State of New York.
Because everybody deserves -everybody deserves their rights in this country. Secondly, there used to be sensitive locations where ICE was not allowed to go. Donald Trump said, "No, we can go anywhere we want." Here in the State of New York, you'll not go into a school. You'll not go into a church. You'll not go into a house of worship. You'll not go into a daycare center. You'll not go to a courthouse. You'll not go to a hospital. You'll stay away unless you have an order signed by a judge that you're in pursuit of someone who committed a crime, not the civil offense of simply coming here and searching for a better life like my grandparents did coming from Ireland as very poor teenagers -and so many of us came from that universe, that world.
And New York will always stand strong. We still have the Statue of Liberty in our harbor. And we're going to make sure that that flame never is extinguished under the king that we have in Washington right now. So, Dr. King, we will not let you down as you look upon us and people decades, generations, a hundred years from now, look back and say, did they stand up in that time when their democracy was on the line and civil rights were being trampled on -did they stand up for each other the way Dr. King taught us? And my friends, the resounding answer must be yes. We did stand up, we marched on and we honored the name of Dr. King.
Thank you very much everybody. God bless you, thank you. Thank you.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-delivers-remarks-brooklyn-academy-music-1
