States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Statement of the Office of the Maine Attorney General on Abuse of Data Breach Reporting System
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 13 -- The Maine Attorney General Office issued the following statement on June 12, 2026:
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Statement of the Office of the Maine Attorney General on Abuse of Data Breach Reporting System
The Office of the Maine Attorney General has been made aware of an apparent abuse of our data breach reporting system. After conversations with VRChat, one of two affected companies, it has become clear that the reported data breaches were hoaxes submitted by an unknown entity unrelated to either company.
These false reports have been removed from the database. We have no knowledge of
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 13 -- The Maine Attorney General Office issued the following statement on June 12, 2026:
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Statement of the Office of the Maine Attorney General on Abuse of Data Breach Reporting System
The Office of the Maine Attorney General has been made aware of an apparent abuse of our data breach reporting system. After conversations with VRChat, one of two affected companies, it has become clear that the reported data breaches were hoaxes submitted by an unknown entity unrelated to either company.
These false reports have been removed from the database. We have no knowledge ofany recent legitimate data breach reports from either VRChat or Discord.
We are reviewing our procedures to make this abuse less likely in the future while preserving the public availability of such information.
The public-facing database will remain offline until then. In the interim, if you are an entity who needs to submit a data breach report, you can continue to do so through our online reporting service.
If you need information from existing reports, please contact us at AG.ConsumerProtectionDivision@maine.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/ag/news-and-library/press-releases/statement-office-maine-attorney-general-abuse-data-breach-reporting
R.I. Gov. McKee Signs Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Advancing Key Affordability for All Initiatives
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 13 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Governor McKee Signs Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Advancing Key Affordability for All Initiatives
Budget puts more money back in Rhode Islanders' pockets, keeps Rhode Island building with a historic bond proposal, and protects vulnerable Rhode Islanders from President Trump's reckless cuts
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Governor Dan McKee today signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, making key investments to help Rhode Islanders with the rising cost of living, shield vulnerable Rhode Islanders
... Show Full Article
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 13 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Governor McKee Signs Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, Advancing Key Affordability for All Initiatives
Budget puts more money back in Rhode Islanders' pockets, keeps Rhode Island building with a historic bond proposal, and protects vulnerable Rhode Islanders from President Trump's reckless cuts
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Governor Dan McKee today signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, making key investments to help Rhode Islanders with the rising cost of living, shield vulnerable Rhode Islandersfrom federal cuts, and continue to support projects that support jobs and the economy.
"This budget keeps our promises to Rhode Islanders: delivering affordability, protecting vulnerable residents from harmful federal cuts, and continuing to invest in the schools, housing, and infrastructure that support good-paying jobs and economic growth," said Governor McKee. "And while this budget represents meaningful progress, I want to be clear: my fight for affordability is far from over."
Governor McKee continued, "I thank Speaker Blazejewski, Senate President Lawson, and all the Rhode Islanders who helped shape this budget that will continue to move our state forward."
"This budget addresses the concerns and struggles of everyday Rhode Islanders who need good schools, who need access to healthcare, who need to be able to pay their bills, and who need to know that their government is honest and effective. This budget is the result of months of listening and prioritizing. It provides relief today while being fiscally responsible and putting our state in a better position in the years to come," said House Speaker Christopher R. Blazejewski. "I'm very grateful to our House Finance Committee and all the House members, Senate President Lawson and her colleagues, and Governor McKee, all of whom contributed to shaping this budget and making it a real reflection of our state's priorities."
"This budget is a collaborative effort that includes many of the initiatives that the Senate has worked hard on this year, particularly in the area of helping Rhode Islanders access the healthcare they need. From funding the 988 crisis prevention line, to extending the Eat Well Be Well program that enables SNAP recipients to eat healthy food, to enabling the funding of the Workforce Training Center at CCRI, this budget reflects our strong commitment to bettering the lives of Rhode Islanders. I'm thankful to our Senate Finance Committee and our colleagues in the House for their hard work and cooperative effort in crafting a budget that will move our state forward, and I am also grateful to Governor Daniel McKee, who has remained focused on lowering costs for Rhode Islanders," said Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence).
Affordability for All
With rising costs continuing to put pressure on families nationwide, Governor McKee introduced Rhode Island's first Affordability for All agenda in January to lower costs and put money back in Rhode Islanders' pockets. The General Assembly approved a significant portion of the Governor's Affordability for All agenda in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
Creating Rhode Island's first Child Tax Credit: This budget creates Rhode Island's first-ever Child Tax Credit, providing a refundable $330 tax credit per child and delivering $47 million in annual tax relief to more than 70,000 qualifying families.
Cutting the state tax on Social Security: This budget ends the state tax on Social Security for 9,200 early retirees who are not currently exempt. Governor McKee will continue fighting for the full elimination of the state tax on Social Security next legislative session.
Delivering $500 million in energy relief: This budget takes a good first step by delivering $500 million in energy relief over the next five years by eliminating bonus payments for utility shareholders, expanding access to lower-cost clean energy resources such as nuclear power and large-scale hydropower, addressing virtual net metering costs, and reducing near-term charges associated with utility paving projects.
At a time when states like Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and Maryland are taking steps to balance clean energy targets with affordability, Governor McKee will continue fighting to lower energy costs and help Rhode Islanders struggling to pay their electric bills.
Protecting access to health care: This budget invests $19 million to backfill expired enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, helping keep health coverage affordable for approximately 20,000 Rhode Islanders who purchase insurance through HealthSource RI. Without this investment, an estimated 6,500 Rhode Islanders could lose coverage.
Combined with the Executive Order Governor McKee signed on March 12, 2026, to lower marketplace premiums, these actions will protect affordable coverage for approximately 40,000 Rhode Islanders.
Lowering health care costs: This budget gives the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner new authority to set enforceable annual health care cost-growth targets for insurers and increases prescription drug transparency by requiring Pharmacy Benefit Managers to report rebate, pricing, and fee data. Together, these measures strengthen oversight and help control rising health care costs.
The budget also eliminates the health insurance fee, lowering premiums for the average family of four by nearly $200 annually at a time when health care costs continue to rise nationwide.
Extending the Hope Scholarship for three years: This budget extends the Hope Scholarship, which provides eligible in-state students with tuition-free junior and senior years at Rhode Island College.
"Keep Rhode Island Building" General Obligation Ballot Initiatives
Governor McKee has been committed to keeping Rhode Islanders working in good-paying jobs, building projects that will strengthen our state for generations to come. Together, the Governor and General Assembly delivered a historic bond package to advance housing, higher education, economic development, climate resilience, and the cultural economy.
Higher Education Facilities ($275 million): Investing in capital infrastructure at all three, public institutions of higher education, including an integrated health building for the University of Rhode Island ($165 million); a workforce innovation center on the Warwick Campus of the Community College of Rhode Island ($60 million); and a student success and career readiness center at Rhode Island College ($50 million).
Housing and Homeownership ($120 million): Increasing and preserving the State's affordable housing portfolio through redevelopment, new construction, property acquisition, and infrastructure improvements. $25 million of this bond is dedicated to increasing homeownership across Rhode Island, a priority of Governor McKee.
Economic Development ($100 million): Creating pad-ready locations and facilities in the Quonset Business Park ($55 million) and investing in infrastructure that supports Rhode Island's ocean, defense, life sciences, data analytics, and related industries ($45 million).
Green Economy ($55 million): Investing in vulnerable coastal habitats, recreational facilities, brownfields remediation, and Narragansett Bay's water quality, among other initiatives. This includes the state's largest-ever investment in climate resiliency through the Resilient Rhody Fund ($25 million).
Cultural Economy ($50 million): Constructing a State History Center ($45 million) and providing matching grant opportunities for municipalities and nonprofits to preserve and renovate historic sites that are open to the public ($5 million).
Protecting Rhode Islanders from President Trump's Safety Net Cuts
By asking the wealthiest Rhode Islanders to pay a little more through a phased-in millionaire's tax, this budget also protects Rhode Islanders from reckless cuts by the Trump Administration, a promise Governor McKee made in his State of the State address.
Investing approximately $20 million for information technology, personnel, and resources to ensure that Rhode Islanders can retain their Medicaid and SNAP benefits in response to the federal reconciliation bill called H.R. 1, as well as to maximize the amount of federal funding that the State receives for these critical programs.
Providing $26 million from all sources of funds to be distributed to Rhode Island-based hospitals through the established Disproportionate Share Hospitals payment to help offset losses related to uncompensated care.
Increasing the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner's recommended rates with $45.8 million in state funds in Fiscal Year 2027 for social and human services providers.
Tripling the amount of funding for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (RICFB) from $1 million to $3 million, including $250,000 designated for RICFB to distribute as grants to other food organizations.
Helping preserve access to essential preventive health services by providing $1 million to providers like Planned Parenthood RI, whose patients lost access to these services because of restrictions imposed by H.R. 1.
Supporting K-12 and Higher Education
Providing a total of $1.31 billion in per-pupil education aid, which is an increase of $38.4 million over Fiscal Year 2026.
Boosting high-cost special education funding by $2.5 million, from $17.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 to $20 million in Fiscal Year 2027, to ensure students with the greatest needs receive the services and supports they deserve.
Providing $2 million for the Governor's Learn365RI program to expand access to high-quality out-of-school learning opportunities and help students succeed year-round.
Investing in Rhode Island's three public institutions of higher education with an additional $6.6 million to support students and strengthen the state's public higher education system.
Additional Investments
The budget also invests $10 million in Rhode Restore, Governor McKee's successful local road repair program; $24 million in the state's Rainy Day Fund; and $5 million in the University of Rhode Island to support the proposed medical school.
The budget also expands eligibility for child care assistance from 261% to 285% of the federal poverty level and increases maximum reimbursement rates for childcare providers, helping more Rhode Island families access affordable, high-quality child care while strengthening the workforce that makes it possible.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-signs-fiscal-year-2027-budget-advancing-key-affordability-all
Minn. Governor's Office Announces Appointments
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 13 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
[ST. PAUL, MN] - The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the Board of the Minnesota State Academies, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson, Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, and the Supervised Release
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 13 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
[ST. PAUL, MN] - The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the Board of the Minnesota State Academies, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson, Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board, Minnesota Environmental Quality Board, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, and the Supervised ReleaseBoard.
Anna Hakusembe - Rochester, MN
Board of the Minnesota State Academies
Public Member - Business, Admin, or Fin #2
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of the Minnesota State Academies:
The Board of the Minnesota State Academies governs the state academies for the Deaf and Blind.
Additional information on the Board of the Minnesota State Academies can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Steven Nyhus - Saint Paul, MN
Board of Water and Soil Resources
Citizen Member #2
Effective: June 25, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
LeRoy Ose - Thief River Falls, MN
Board of Water and Soil Resources
Watershed District Rep #3
Effective: June 25, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Water and Soil Resources:
The Board of Water and Soil Resources works to improve and protect Minnesota's water and soil resources by working in partnership with local organizations and private landowners. The agency is responsible for accomplishing various land and water protection, habitat restoration, and clean water programs and projects in collaboration with local governments statewide.
Additional information about the Board of Water and Soil Resources can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Renee Booth - Forest Lake, MN
Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson
Youth Who are Currently in the Foster Care System or Who Were Recently in the Foster Care System
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Bella Brownlee - Minneapolis, MN
Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson
Youth Who are Currently in the Foster Care System or Who Were Recently in the Foster Care System
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Tina Jay - Brainerd, MN
Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson
Guardian Ad Litem Who is Currently Appointed to Protect the Interests of Minors in Cases in the Juvenile Court System
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Elena Leomi - Minneapolis, MN
Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson
Nonprofit Professional
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of the Foster Youth Ompudsperson:
The Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson makes recommendations to the foster youth ombudsperson and staff while continuously overseeing the foster youth ombudsperson's work. The board shall evaluate the foster youth ombudsperson's effectiveness through regular meetings with current and former youth in the foster care system and community advocates working closely with the foster care system.
Additional information about the Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Karla Bigham - Cottage Grove, MN
Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee
Member (Local Elected Official)
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee:
The Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee is the supervisory board for the federal Juvenile Justice Program with respect to preparation and administration of the state plan and award of grants.
Additional information on the Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Holly Andersen - Minneapolis, MN
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
State Agency Representative (Dept of Education Representative)
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Janna Peterson - Mentor, MN
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
Protection and Advocacy Member
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Ashley Reiff - Woodbury, MN
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
Parent Member #5
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
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About the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities:
The Council carries out the responsibilities in P.L. 106-402 to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the necessary supports/services to achieve increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion in the community.
Additional information on the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Namrata Acharya - Plymouth, MN
Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board
Member #2
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Jazz Hampton - Minneapolis, MN
Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board
Member #4
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board:
The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board is established to award grants to nonprofit corporations to fund loans to businesses owned by minority or low-income persons, women, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Additional information about the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website .
Brian Dingmann - Dilworth, MN
Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
Public Member - 7th Congressional District
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board:
The Environmental Quality Board includes the heads of nine state agencies and public board members from around the state. The Board provides leadership and coordination across state agencies on priority environmental issues, serves as a locus for public engagement, and oversees the state's Environmental Review program. The Board carries out a diverse range of projects aimed at shaping environmental policy and programs and engaging Minnesotans.
Additional information about the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Rochelle Dyer - Saint Cloud, MN
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Teacher Currently teaching in a board-approved teacher preparation program
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Sapna Thapa - Saint Paul, MN
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Teacher Currently teaching in a board-approved teacher preparation program
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board:
The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is responsible for licensing teachers and related service providers in Minnesota, setting and maintaining teacher licensure standards, enforcing the Teacher Code of Ethics, approving teacher preparation programs, and administering various grants, including the Teacher Mentorship Grant and the CUGMEC Grant.
Additional information on the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Willetha Carter - Saint Paul, MN
Supervised Release Board
Member #2
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Andrew Larson - Crookston, MN
Supervised Release Board
Member #3
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Jo Nelson - Minneapolis, MN
Supervised Release Board
Individual with an Academic Degree in Neurology, Psychology, or a Comparable Field and who Have Expertise in the Neurological Development of Juveniles #1
Effective: June 17, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Supervised Release Board:
The Supervised Release Board is established to review eligible cases and make release and final discharge decisions for inmates serving life sentences with the possibility of parole or supervised release; inmates serving indeterminate sentences for crimes committed on or before April 30, 1980; and inmates eligible for early supervised release.
Additional information about the Supervised Release Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/753428
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Coalition Supporting New York Law Ensuring Public Safety in State Buildings
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 13 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Supporting New York Law Ensuring Public Safety in State Buildings
Amicus Brief Argues Federal Government Cannot Require States to Enforce Immigration Law in Courthouses
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in defending a district court's dismissal of the Trump administration's lawsuit challenging the Protect Our Courts Act (POCA), a New York law that prohibits civil arrests in
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 13 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 12, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Supporting New York Law Ensuring Public Safety in State Buildings
Amicus Brief Argues Federal Government Cannot Require States to Enforce Immigration Law in Courthouses
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in defending a district court's dismissal of the Trump administration's lawsuit challenging the Protect Our Courts Act (POCA), a New York law that prohibits civil arrests instate courthouses unless backed by a judicial order, as well as two executive orders that promote public safety in state government buildings.
Attorney General Brown and the attorneys general explain in an amicus brief filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit, that one purpose of POCA, which New York passed in 2020, is to protect individuals who attend court proceedings, as parties or witnesses, from civil immigration enforcement. This protection is important for protecting access to courthouses for undocumented immigrants, ensuring crime victims and witnesses can report crimes, families can access custody protections, and tenants can bring landlord disputes before judges. The law is built upon two executive orders issued by the State of New York that limit civil immigration arrests in state facilities and that direct employees to generally refrain from involvement with federal civil immigration enforcement, unless required by law.
"Justice is out of reach when people are afraid to enter a courthouse. A witness may stay silent, a victim may not seek help, and a parent may lose the chance to protect their family's home," said Attorney General Brown. "We joined this brief because states have the authority to keep their communities safe and preserve access to justice."
The brief explains that POCA reflects a historical common-law privilege from civil arrests at state courthouses, which is an arrest of a person to ensure that they appear in a civil proceeding, rather than on criminal charges. The brief also states that POCA and the executive orders are commonsense exercises of New York's sovereign authority to control its property and resources, and that the challenged measures are all lawful.
In June 2025, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit challenging POCA and the two executive orders, alleging they are preempted by the Immigration and Nationality Act and that they violate principles of intergovernmental immunity. After a district court dismissed the lawsuit in November 2025, the Trump administration appealed that decision.
In their brief, Attorney General Brown and the coalition argue that POCA is consistent with long-standing state statutes that prohibit civil arrests in state courthouses to preserve state judicial system functionality, and that the executive orders the law is built upon are consistent with measures taken to limit state officials' involvement with civil immigration enforcement.
The coalition explains that empirical evidence shows that such measures ensure that state residents feel free to participate in court proceedings, cooperate with law enforcement and access basic state services, including education and healthcare. The coalition argues that POCA and the executive orders are constitutional under long-standing principles of federalism, including the basic rule that the federal government cannot require states to assist in enforcing federal law.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the amicus brief are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Coalition-Supporting-New-York-Law-Ensuring-Public-Safety-in-State-Buildings.aspx
MassDEP Fines Paving Company for Asbestos Violations at a Motel and Residence in Auburn
BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 13 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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MassDEP Fines Paving Company for Asbestos Violations at a Motel and Residence in Auburn
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $97,226.88 penalty to New England Paving Services, LLC, for violations of state asbestos regulations at a motel and a residence in Auburn.
In response to a complaint, MassDEP inspected the residence and observed a large amount of construction debris, including wood, cinder blocks, flooring, and
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, June 13 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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MassDEP Fines Paving Company for Asbestos Violations at a Motel and Residence in Auburn
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued a $97,226.88 penalty to New England Paving Services, LLC, for violations of state asbestos regulations at a motel and a residence in Auburn.
In response to a complaint, MassDEP inspected the residence and observed a large amount of construction debris, including wood, cinder blocks, flooring, andwall materials, along the property and extending into the backyard. New England Paving Services indicated that the material was being used as fill and originated from a motel the company had recently demolished.
Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of asbestos in black mastic on the cinderblocks found in the fill pile at the residence, as well as in the remaining demolition debris at the motel site. MassDEP ordered New England Paving Services to stop work immediately and required hiring of a licensed asbestos contractor to properly clean and decontaminate the affected areas of both properties.
"Contractors doing demolition work need to be aware of the requirements to identify asbestos-containing materials and ensure that those materials are safely handled once identified," said John Beling, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Contractors must follow all inspection requirements and work practices to protect workers and the public because exposure to asbestos can cause cancer. In this case, violation of the asbestos regulations has resulted in significant penalties, as well as escalated cleanup and decontamination costs."
Property owners or contractors with questions about asbestos-containing materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage, and disposal procedures, or MassDEP asbestos regulations are encouraged to contact the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office for assistance.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/massdep-fines-paving-company-for-asbestos-violations-at-a-motel-and-residence-in-auburn
LCRA, PEC Award $14,282 Grant to Add Rainwater Catchment System at Sandy Harbor Fire Station
AUSTIN, Texas, June 13 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA, PEC award $14,282 grant to add rainwater catchment system at Sandy Harbor fire station
System will provide on-site water supply for fire trucks, improve emergency response time
Key Takeaways
* LCRA and PEC award the Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department a $14,282 grant for a rainwater catchment and pump system to be installed at the fire station.
* The system will improve firefighter access to water, shorten tanker refill times and strengthen emergency response in an area without municipal
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, June 13 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA, PEC award $14,282 grant to add rainwater catchment system at Sandy Harbor fire station
System will provide on-site water supply for fire trucks, improve emergency response time
Key Takeaways
* LCRA and PEC award the Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department a $14,282 grant for a rainwater catchment and pump system to be installed at the fire station.
* The system will improve firefighter access to water, shorten tanker refill times and strengthen emergency response in an area without municipalhydrants.
* The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA's Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.
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LLANO COUNTY, Texas - The Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department soon will install a rainwater catchment and pump system at its fire station to provide a reliable on-site water source for firefighting, thanks to a $14,282 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Pedernales Electric Cooperative.
The LCRA Community Grant, along with $14,282 in matching funds from the department, will enable the VFD to install a rainwater catchment and pump system designed to fill tanker trucks used in emergency responses. The system will provide firefighters with faster access to water, improve emergency response capabilities in an area without municipal fire hydrants and help reduce delays during structure fires.
"This grant will allow us to install a rainwater catchment and pump system at the station, which is critical because we don't have fire hydrants in our area," said Doug Hindelang, president of the Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department. "Having a reliable, on-site water source will help us respond faster and more efficiently during emergencies."
The project represents an important investment in strengthening emergency responses in the Sandy Harbor community.
"This system will be much faster and more efficient than the process we've relied on in the past," Hindelang said. "It will improve our firefighting capabilities, help us better protect homes and property and bring our resources more in line with larger departments."
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region's growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.
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About PEC
Founded in 1938 by then-Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson, Pedernales Electric Cooperative Inc. is the nation's largest member-owned distribution electric cooperative serving more than 430,000 meters across the Texas Hill Country. An industry-recognized leader providing outstanding member service and reliable electricity, PEC conducts its business via a transparent and democratic process and encourages member participation.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-pec-award-14282-grant-to-add-rainwater-catchment-system-at-sandy-harbor-fire-station/
Ariz. State Sen. Finchem Election Integrity Bill Requiring Advanced Security Features on Ballots Awaits Governor's Action
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 13 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Finchem Election Integrity Bill Requiring Advanced Security Features on Ballots Awaits Governor's Action
Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Finchem to strengthen election security and help prevent ballot fraud is now awaiting Governor Katie Hobbs' consideration after passing the Arizona Legislature.
SB 1057 requires Arizona election ballots to incorporate multiple advanced anti-fraud security features commonly used to protect sensitive documents from counterfeiting and
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 13 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Finchem Election Integrity Bill Requiring Advanced Security Features on Ballots Awaits Governor's Action
Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Finchem to strengthen election security and help prevent ballot fraud is now awaiting Governor Katie Hobbs' consideration after passing the Arizona Legislature.
SB 1057 requires Arizona election ballots to incorporate multiple advanced anti-fraud security features commonly used to protect sensitive documents from counterfeiting andunauthorized duplication. The bill requires ballot paper vendors to meet nationally recognized security certification standards and mandates the use of at least three security measures, including watermarked security paper, holographic foil, specialized security inks, forensic fraud detection technology, or secure ballot tracking features accessible to voters.
"Arizona voters deserve confidence that every legitimate ballot cast is protected from fraud, counterfeiting, and tampering," said Senator Finchem. "We use advanced security features to protect currency, financial documents, and other sensitive materials. There's no reason election ballots should be held to a lower standard. This legislation brings additional layers of verification and accountability to the election process while helping strengthen public trust in our system."
Senator Finchem has been one of Arizona's leading advocates for election integrity, transparency, and voter confidence, continuing to advance reforms aimed at strengthening trust in the state's election system.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senator-finchem-election-integrity-bill-requiring-advanced-security-features-on-ballots-awaits-governors-action
