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Tenn. Gov. Lee Announces Appointments to Key Boards & Commissions
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Gov. Lee Announces Appointments to Key Boards & Commissions
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced appointees to key state boards and commissions.
"I'm pleased to appoint these highly qualified individuals who will ensure that Tennessee continues to lead the nation," said Gov. Lee. "The success of our state depends on the engagement of Tennesseans, and I appreciate their service."
Appointees will fill a variety of roles to ensure that Tennessee's boards and commissions continue
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Gov. Lee Announces Appointments to Key Boards & Commissions
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced appointees to key state boards and commissions.
"I'm pleased to appoint these highly qualified individuals who will ensure that Tennessee continues to lead the nation," said Gov. Lee. "The success of our state depends on the engagement of Tennesseans, and I appreciate their service."
Appointees will fill a variety of roles to ensure that Tennessee's boards and commissions continueconducting the state's business at the highest level. The following Tennesseans have been appointed:
Tennessee Board of Regents - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Christi Branscom, 2nd Congressional District
* Matt Herriman, 4th Congressional District
* Miles Burdine, 1st Congressional District
Tennessee Board of Parole
* Mae Beavers, Member
* Barrett Rich, Member
Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund Board - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Dr. Tyler Forrest, East Tennessee
* Peter Claussen, East Tennessee
* Andrew Goddard, Middle Tennessee
* Mike Frick, West Tennessee
Tennessee Film, Entertainment, and Music Commission
* William Lowery, Member
* Richard Ross, Member
* Ted Heinig, Member
* Thomas Sturdivant, Member
Tennessee State Workforce Development Board
* Kelly North, Business Representative
Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council
* Dr. Shaun Gleason, Member
Tennessee Board of Pharmacy
* Melissa (Missy) Oliver Boruff, Pharmacist
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
* Daniel Springer, Public Member
Public Charter School Commission - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Tom Marino, West Tennessee
Tennessee Historical Commission
* Ben Silverman, At Large Member
East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Tony Treadway, Trustee
Middle Tennessee State University Board of Trustees - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Tom Boyd, Trustee
Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Camron Rudd, Trustee
University of Memphis Board of Trustees - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Mike Keeney, Trustee
University of Tennessee at Knoxville Advisory Board - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Michael Dane Scism, Member
* Todd Skelton, Member
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Advisory Board - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Garnett Decosimo, Member
* Dr. Elaine Swafford, Member
University of Tennessee Health Science Center Advisory Board - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Randall Davis, Member
* Gary Passons, Member
University of Tennessee at Martin Advisory Board - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Alec Richardson, Member
* Jennifer Hampton, Member
University of Tennessee Southern Advisory Board - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* usan Marsh Mayfield, Member
* Doran Johnson, Member
* Doug Haney, Member
Tennessee Claims Commission - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* Joshua R. Walker, East Tennessee
Tennessee Textbook and Instructional Materials Quality Commission - Subject to Legislative Confirmation
* John Weston Jr., West Tennessee Public Member
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/governor/news/2026/2/20/gov--lee-announces-appointments-to-key-boards-commissions.html
N.J. Gov. Sherrill Issues Statement on Supreme Court Decision Striking Down Trump Tariffs
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court decision striking down President Trump's tariffs:
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Governor Sherrill Statement on Supreme Court Decision Striking Down Trump Tariffs
"I applaud the Supreme Court's decision striking down President Trump's illegal tariffs that hurt working people.
"Donald Trump and his rich friends are the only people benefiting from this economy, while his tariffs are crushing small businesses and costing average families $1,700 every year.
"I'm focused on fighting for working families
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Mikie Sherrill, D-New Jersey, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court decision striking down President Trump's tariffs:
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Governor Sherrill Statement on Supreme Court Decision Striking Down Trump Tariffs
"I applaud the Supreme Court's decision striking down President Trump's illegal tariffs that hurt working people.
"Donald Trump and his rich friends are the only people benefiting from this economy, while his tariffs are crushing small businesses and costing average families $1,700 every year.
"I'm focused on fighting for working familiesto bring down costs and make New Jersey more affordable."
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/2026/approved/20260220a.shtml
Gov. Mills Radio Address: Connecting Veterans With Good-Paying Jobs in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
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Connecting Veterans with Good-paying Jobs in Maine
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, it's just not enough to simply say "thank you" and pat ourselves on the back for fulfilling a promise to honor our nation's veterans. As President Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
As the proud daughter, and sister, and niece of veterans, I am committed to making sure
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
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Connecting Veterans with Good-paying Jobs in Maine
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, it's just not enough to simply say "thank you" and pat ourselves on the back for fulfilling a promise to honor our nation's veterans. As President Kennedy once said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
As the proud daughter, and sister, and niece of veterans, I am committed to making surethat Maine is the best state in the nation for our veterans to live, work, and raise a family. And I'm proud to have continued the annual Hire-a-Vet campaign, which has expanded Maine's workforce, and supported businesses, and improved the financial well-being of our veterans.
This campaign has successfully connected more than 2,200 veterans with good-paying jobs in Maine since its creation a decade ago, and in 2025 alone, 100 veterans and military family members were hired across every county in our state. The average hourly wage of veterans hired through the 2025 Hire-A-Vet campaign was $27.69. Employers hiring the most veterans last year included the State of Maine, Bonney Staffing, Northern Light Health, and Bath Iron Works.
So, to those employers in every county and in every industry, I just want to say thank you. I say thank you because you did not hire veterans merely out of a sense of charity or obligation. You hired Maine veterans for jobs that are at the foundation of our economy, because you recognize what we all know to be true: veterans make good employees.
Veterans know what it means to work as a team. Veterans know that they can't leave anyone behind. They know how to serve with integrity and commitment to a vision and mission, while being able to adapt and being flexible to a mission's evolving needs. Sounds like pretty good employees to me!
According to the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services, there are more than 102,000 veterans in Maine. That includes thousands of working age men and women who are ready to apply the skills our businesses need to expand and modernize and succeed. Maine's Hire-A-Vet campaign is critical to making the connection between an army of workers and high-quality jobs across the state. So my administration will continue Maine's Hire-A-Vet campaign and continue our partnership with employers, big and small, with nonprofit and private organizations, to make those connections happen for more veterans in our state.
I look forward to the 2026 Hire-A-Vet campaign, and I thank Maine businesses and organizations for their enduring commitment to our honorable veterans. This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/radio_address/connecting-veterans-good-paying-jobs-maine-2026-02-20
Ga. Lt. Gov. Jones Issues Statement in Support of AFY26 Senate Budget
ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 21 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following statement on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Jones Issues Statement in Support of AFY26 Senate Budget
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of the Senate substitute to House Bill 973, the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. The legislation is being carried by Senator Blake Tillery (R - Vidalia) and passed the Senate floor with a vote of 49-1.
"I want to thank Chairman Blake Tillery, the subcommittee Chairs, and all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee for their hard work on the
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 21 -- Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, R-Georgia, issued the following statement on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Lt. Governor Jones Issues Statement in Support of AFY26 Senate Budget
Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement in support of the Senate substitute to House Bill 973, the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. The legislation is being carried by Senator Blake Tillery (R - Vidalia) and passed the Senate floor with a vote of 49-1.
"I want to thank Chairman Blake Tillery, the subcommittee Chairs, and all members of the Senate Appropriations Committee for their hard work on theamended budget," said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. "The AFY26 Budget includes critical investments in middle class families, mental health services, healthcare workforce development, transportation, and Georgia's Veterans community. I look forward to the House's consideration of the Senate proposal and our work ahead on the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget."
"This budget responds to our citizens," said Senator Blake Tillery. "We heard and answered calls from Georgians concerning traffic congestion. We heard and answered calls from state retirees related to cost-of-living increases. We heard and answered calls from our law enforcement communities who have been overrun with issues related to mental health. And we answered calls from middle class Georgians concerned with affordability by supporting efforts to return over $2 billion in tax dollars to hard working families."
Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Highlights:
The Senate version of the budget supports middle class families by providing for both the Governor's income tax rebate and the House homeowner's property tax relief grant.
The Senate doubled the House's proposed contribution to Employees' Retirement System of Georgia by $50M, bringing the total to $100M.
The Senate championed the support of mental health services and law enforcement by appropriating $409M for the construction of a mental health services hospital.
Supports Needs Based Scholarship with an appropriation of $100M to the University System of Georgia.
Provides $10M for homelessness grants and $15M directed at eliminating homelessness in Georgia's Veteran communities.
Furthering the Lt. Governor's commitment to veterans, the Senate appropriates $500,000to the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Hinesville, GA.
Places over $20M in new graduate medical education programs, specifically in Savannah, Brunswick, Augusta, and Thomasville.
Furthering the Lt. Governor's commitment to childcare, the Senate adds $2.5Mto the BOOST program, which provides after school care for children across the state.
For more information on the AFY26 Budget, please follow this link:
https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/budget-and-evaluation-office
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Original text here: https://ltgov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-02-20/lt-governor-jones-issues-statement-support-afy26-senate-budget
Colo. Lt. Gov. Primavera Releases 2026 Annual Report on Long COVID
DENVER, Colorado, Feb. 21 (TNSrpt) -- Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, D-Colorado, issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Office of the Lieutenant Governor Releases 2026 Annual Report on Long COVID
Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera released the fourth annual report on Long COVID in Colorado, synthesizing state-specific data, highlighting recent work, outlining next steps, providing recommendations, and sharing first-hand accounts from Coloradans living with Long COVID.
"Colorado continues to lead in addressing the long-term challenges of COVID-19 with a focus on equity, innovation,
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, Feb. 21 (TNSrpt) -- Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera, D-Colorado, issued the following news release on Feb. 19, 2026:
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Office of the Lieutenant Governor Releases 2026 Annual Report on Long COVID
Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera released the fourth annual report on Long COVID in Colorado, synthesizing state-specific data, highlighting recent work, outlining next steps, providing recommendations, and sharing first-hand accounts from Coloradans living with Long COVID.
"Colorado continues to lead in addressing the long-term challenges of COVID-19 with a focus on equity, innovation,and impact," said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, who also serves as the Director of the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care. "This fourth annual report demonstrates our administration's steadfast commitment to a thoughtful, data-driven response to Long COVID-one that centers lived experience alongside science. Behind every data point is a person-and a family-navigating the lasting effects of this illness. Long COVID has disrupted education, employment, financial stability, and daily well-being for many Coloradans, and we remain dedicated to improving access to care, lowering health care costs, and achieving better outcomes for those facing these challenges."
House Bill 22-1401 : Hospital Nurse Staffing Standards, sponsored by Senator Dominick Moreno and Representative Kyle Mullica, tasked the Office of Saving People Money on Health Care (OSPMHC) in the Office of the Lt. Governor with assessing the preparedness of the state's health system to respond to Long COVID, coordinating, monitoring, and supporting efforts to improve Colorado's response to Long COVID, and addressing its impact on health care affordability, health outcomes, and public health readiness in state initiatives and departments. Since beginning this work in November 2022, Colorado has focused on understanding the burden of Long COVID, the populations most affected, and their needs; strengthening partnerships with health care providers, patients, researchers, and the broader scientific community; and establishing new collaborations while sharing information with other states and federal partners to help inform a coordinated framework for addressing the long-term impacts of Long COVID.
According to recent data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 10.8 percent of adult respondents indicated they had experienced symptoms for three months or longer after an acute COVID infection, suggesting that approximately one in ten Colorado adults has experienced Long COVID. Rates are higher among women; individuals reporting an orientation other than straight; those reporting poor or fair health or one or more chronic illness; people with a disability; and those reporting housing or food insecurity. Long COVID also has significant workforce impacts. Among adults with Long COVID symptoms, 20 percent reported taking time off work, 15 percent reduced their work hours, 5.6 percent left their jobs, and 3 percent retired early due to their symptoms.
"Long COVID affects a substantial number of Coloradans, many of whom face significant challenges in returning to everyday life after their illness," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy. "By strengthening surveillance, partnerships, and public awareness, we can better understand who is affected, how communities are impacted, and where targeted prevention and support are needed to protect health and reduce long-term consequences. If you are living with Long COVID, you are not alone, and help is available. Talk with a health care provider to learn more about managing your symptoms and accessing care."
Vaccination against COVID-19 has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of developing Long COVID, with protection increasing alongside the number of doses received. This has been demonstrated in adults, adolescents, and children. Anyone aged six months and older can receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, which reduces the risk of Long COVID. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available at low or no cost across Colorado. Visit CDPHE's COVID-19 vaccine webpage to learn more.
Over the past year, Colorado has made meaningful progress in strengthening its response to Long COVID through surveillance, research translation, awareness, and cross-sector collaboration. In addition to publishing the Long COVID Annual Report, the Office advanced this work through several key actions:
* Expanded stakeholder engagement, bringing broader perspectives into Colorado's Long COVID efforts and ensuring patient and provider voices continue to inform state-level work.
* Strengthened partnerships with academic, clinical, and community partners, including the Colorado School of Public Health, healthcare providers, and the Colorado Long COVID Community of Practice. These collaborations have supported shared learning, dissemination of best practices, and alignment between research, clinical care, and lived experience.
* Engaged education stakeholders to better understand the impacts of Long COVID on educational attainment, raise awareness among educators, and support the development of tools and guidance to help identify students with Long COVID and connect them to appropriate accommodations.
* Advanced innovative data efforts by exploring linkages across the cancer registry, COVID-19 vaccination records, and the All-Payer Claims Database to better understand long-term outcomes, healthcare utilization, and the interaction between Long COVID, vaccination, and chronic conditions.
* Strengthened population-level surveillance by continuing to include Long COVID questions in the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the Colorado Health Access Survey, improving the state's ability to assess health and socioeconomic impacts over time.
* Demonstrated national leadership and cross-state collaboration through active participation in the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Long COVID Community of Practice, where Colorado's initiatives have been highlighted as national examples.
Through these efforts, Colorado has elevated the social and economic impacts of Long COVID on workforce participation, education, and family well-being and positioned the state to pursue more coordinated, data-informed, and cross-sector solutions to address the long-term effects of COVID-19.
For more information about the initiative of the Office of the Lt. Governor visit ltgovernor.colorado.gov. Find more information about Long COVID on CDPHE's website.
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View report here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NoQw64ooTUPhJ6ImJ4B-KlNAL_5RHu77/view
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Original text here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/office-lieutenant-governor-releases-2026-annual-report-long-covid
Calif. Gov. Newsom Transforms San Quentin, Opens Nation-Leading Learning Center
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Governor Newsom transforms San Quentin, opens nation-leading learning center
State's once most notorious prison now a national model for rehabilitation and successful reentry
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom opens the new Learning Center at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
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SAN QUENTIN - Marking a historic milestone in California's public safety transformation, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced the opening of the new San Quentin Learning Center
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Governor Newsom transforms San Quentin, opens nation-leading learning center
State's once most notorious prison now a national model for rehabilitation and successful reentry
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom opens the new Learning Center at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center.
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SAN QUENTIN - Marking a historic milestone in California's public safety transformation, today Governor Gavin Newsom announced the opening of the new San Quentin Learning Center- the main pillar of the state's effort to remake the former notorious prison into a place built on education, rehabilitation, and earned second chances.
As the fastest state project in history - in just 18 months, experts from around the world designed and built the Learning Center as the first in a series of updates to implement a new model of criminal justice focused on accountability, education, rehabilitation, and reentry. Once home to California's death chamber and a symbol of an outdated, cruel system, the three buildings at the learning center are the physical embodiment of the California Model.
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Three years ago, I stood here and promised to turn this symbol of the old system into the crown jewel of a new one. Today, with the opening of this Learning Center, we are proving that rehabilitation and public safety go hand in hand -- and that hope is a powerful tool for safer communities.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Returning to San Quentin
In March 2023, Governor Newsom stood at San Quentin and announced a bold vision: to transform California's most notorious prison into the nation's most innovative rehabilitation facility. Joined by legislators, survivors of crime, victim advocates, civil rights leaders, and correctional staff, the Governor unveiled a plan to reimagine the institution.
"This historic initiative is aimed at making communities safer by creating change, using data-backed, proven measures to break cycles of crime for the incarcerated population, while improving workplace conditions for institution staff," said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber.
That announcement launched a historic transformation never pursued at this scale in the United States. An advisory council composed of state and world-renowned experts in rehabilitation, public health, public safety, victim advocacy, and corrections was formed to guide the transition.
What began as a vision in 2023 is now becoming a reality.
"Thank you Governor for your willingness once again to act with boldness and clarity. Today's historic opening is a testament to your insistence that accountability, compassion, and smart policy must go together," said San Quentin Advisory Council Lead Advisor Darrell Steinberg. "The San Quentin Rehabilitation Center will help define justice and hope in California. People who serve their time deserve a second chance to work, contribute, and come home safely to their families. This center must be a model for our state and nation."
The new 81,000-square-foot Learning Center nearly triples available classroom and programming space at SQRC and establishes a campus-style environment dedicated to education, workforce training, media, and reentry preparation.
The three interconnected buildings include:
Building A - Technology and Media Center
* A reentry center on the ground level -- reinforcing that preparation for release begins on day one
* Podcast studios, television production facilities, and recording spaces supporting nationally recognized programs like Ear Hustle and Uncuffed
* Coding instruction through partners like The Last Mile
Building B - Education Hub
* Partnerships with Cal State LA, UC Berkeley, and Mt. Tamalpais College
* Classrooms supporting high school completion and college-level coursework
* Expanded library and reading spaces
Building C - Community and Workforce Space
* Multi-purpose gathering hall, cafe, and store to normalize social and vocational experiences
* Outdoor classrooms with views of the Bay -- the first time in years many will be able to see the water they've long been able to hear and smell
Designed in partnership with an architecture firm and informed by more than 50 stakeholder meetings -- including incarcerated residents and staff -- the complex uses natural light, open sightlines, green-building principles, and campus-style courtyards to create an environment grounded in dignity and accountability.
The 18-month progressive design-build project was completed on time and on budget at $239 million, funded through a lease revenue bond.
Crime is down, prevention works
Governor Newsom's approach to public safety is all-encompassing - California has invested $2.1 billion since 2019 to fight crime, help local governments hire more police, and improve overall public safety.
On top of the investments to provide incarcerated residents with the tools to rehabilitate while serving their time, the Governor recently announced the awarding of $107 million in grant funding to help Californians avoid violence so that they never step foot inside a prison. Since 2019, the state has provided $350 million in violence intervention funding to stop more than 30,000 violent incidents from even happening.
National research shows that people who participate in correctional education programs are 43% less likely to return to prison. For every $1 invested in rehabilitation, taxpayers save more than $4 in reduced reincarceration costs.
"The opening of the new learning center at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center marks a major milestone in the ongoing transformation of CDCR facilities into places that center rehabilitation, inspired by Governor Newsom's launch of the California Model," said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. "The new learning center will scale the work that has begun here and provide residents with more tools to advance their individual journeys as they work to become better than when they came in, making us all safer in turn."
California's transformation of San Quentin comes as crime continues to decline statewide. According to the Major Cities Chiefs Association, in California's major cities:
* Violent crime dropped 12% in 2025 compared to 2024
* Homicides declined 18%
* Robberies declined 19%
Compared to 2019 (the last pre pandemic year), violent crime across the same large California city police departments tracked in the MCCA year end surveys is down about 12% in 2025 -- driven by robberies down about 29% and homicides down about 12%.
Not every major jurisdiction is seeing California's same results: violent crime increased in Atlanta (+17%), with robbery up (+27%), and homicides rose in El Paso (+25%) and Omaha (+37%).
This progress reflects a balanced approach -- accountability alongside prevention.
Crime victims and survivors benefit from the increased accountability that results from effective rehabilitation programs. By nearly 3 to 1, crime survivor groups prefer sentences that hold individuals accountable while including programming that prevents recidivism. CDCR's investment in rehabilitation increases public safety and breaks cycles of recidivism, which means fewer families are harmed by crime and safer communities.
A photo of Governor Newsom and others cutting a ribbon at the San Quentin Learning Center
Remaking San Quentin: the California Model
The Learning Center is the cornerstone of broader reforms, including:
* Conversion of East Block, formerly death row, into rehabilitative housing
* Repurposing of the Upper Yard into expanded recreation and community space
* Installation of murals and art projects to humanize the environment
* Greater staff participation in rehabilitative programming
"This new Learning Center is more than bricks and mortar -- it brings hope for the future of corrections in California," said California Correctional Peace Officers Association Neil Flood. "If we are capable of building this at San Quentin, then we are capable of making the workplace safer for every officer who walks in the gates, and making every incarcerated person a better neighbor when they walk out."
"The San Quentin Rehabilitation Education Center's opening marks a significant step in transformation through education. The Learning Center provides opportunities for students to gain digital fluency and marketable skills that result in gainful employment," said The Last Mile Executive Director Kevin McCracken. "This will create stronger families, safer communities, and better outcomes for all Californians. The Last Mile extends our heartfelt gratitude to Governor Newsom, his staff, CALCTRA, CDCR, and the team at San Quentin for their invaluable partnership in making this vision a reality."
This transformation reflects the California Model -- an evidence-based approach inspired by international best practices that prioritizes dynamic security, dignity, staff wellness, and meaningful programming.
The San Quentin Learning Center symbolizes a shift away from an outdated system that focused solely on punishment and toward a model that recognizes rehabilitation as a core public safety strategy.
"Today marks a turning point for our state," said Californians for Safety and Justice Executive Director Tinisch Hollins. "For too long, our prison system has focused almost entirely on punishment, at great cost and with too little return for public safety. The opening of this learning center signals a new direction -- one that treats rehabilitation and healing as central to accountability. Given that the vast majority of people in prison will one day return home, when we invest in education and create real pathways to self-improvement and stability, we make our communities safer for everyone."
The transformation of San Quentin builds on Governor Newsom's earlier actions to reform California's justice system -- including placing a moratorium on executions in 2019.
Through executive order, the Governor halted executions, withdrew California's lethal injection protocol, and ordered the immediate closure of the execution chamber at San Quentin. The order did not release anyone from prison or alter existing convictions or sentences -- but it ended the state's role in carrying out executions. CDCR has safely integrated people with death sentences into the general population, which allows them to work and pay victim restitution.
Supporting survivors and victims
Crime victims and survivors can learn more about the ways the San Quentin Learning Center increases accountability and decreases recidivism by contacting CDCR's Office of Victim and Survivor Rights and Services (OVSRS). OVSRS helps people impacted by crime to enforce their rights and access services that foster a sense of healing, accountability, and justice. OVSRS works to ensure that crime victims, survivors, and their families are treated with respect and receive information about and timely notice of their rights, including opportunities to participate and be heard. OVSRS also helps crime victims with restitution and other services. CDCR encourages victims and survivors to contact OVSRS for support and to register, which is a confidential process.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/20/governor-newsom-transforms-san-quentin-opens-nation-leading-learning-center/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Calls for Immediate Tariff Refund Checks Following Supreme Court Ruling Against Trump
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Governor Newsom calls for immediate tariff refund checks following Supreme Court ruling against Trump
What you need to know: The Supreme Court struck down Trump's illegal tariffs. Governor Newsom is now calling on Trump to refund Americans their money immediately -- with interest.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today called on the Trump Administration to immediately issue refund checks -- with interest -- to American families and businesses after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 21 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 20, 2026:
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Governor Newsom calls for immediate tariff refund checks following Supreme Court ruling against Trump
What you need to know: The Supreme Court struck down Trump's illegal tariffs. Governor Newsom is now calling on Trump to refund Americans their money immediately -- with interest.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today called on the Trump Administration to immediately issue refund checks -- with interest -- to American families and businesses after the U.S. Supreme Court ruledthat President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs were illegal.
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"Time to pay the piper, Donald. These tariffs were nothing more than an illegal cash grab that drove up prices and hurt working families, so you could wreck longstanding alliances and extort them. Every dollar unlawfully taken must be refunded immediately -- with interest. Cough up!"
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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The Court's 6-3 decision confirmed what Governor Newsom argued from the beginning in California's lawsuit: President Trump lacked the authority to impose sweeping tariffs under emergency powers. The illegal tariffs, a tax, collected more than $130 billion from importers, costs that were passed on to consumers through higher prices on everyday goods. A recent Yale report found that the tariffs led to the average family losing $1,751 dollars last year.
The first state to challenge Trump's illegal tariffs, California led the nation in suing over Trump's abuse of power, filing suit in April 2025 to stop tariffs imposed without congressional approval. The lawsuit argued Trump's use of emergency powers was unlawful, economically reckless, and unconstitutional.
In today's ruling in related cases, the Supreme Court agreed -- ruling that federal law does not give the President unchecked authority to impose sweeping tariffs and rejecting Trump's attempt to bypass Congress and unilaterally raise taxes on the American people.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/20/governor-newsom-calls-for-immediate-tariff-refund-checks-following-supreme-court-ruling-against-trump/
