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R.I. Gov. McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Spotlight Weekly Attendance Leaders
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Spotlight Weekly Attendance Leaders
As part of the statewide Attendance Matters RI campaign, today, Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green recognized Rhode Island schools with the highest weekly attendance and most improved attendance rates across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The following schools are Rhode Island's attendance leaders for the week of November 10, 2025*:
* Elementary:
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Governor McKee, Commissioner Infante-Green Spotlight Weekly Attendance Leaders
As part of the statewide Attendance Matters RI campaign, today, Governor Dan McKee and Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green recognized Rhode Island schools with the highest weekly attendance and most improved attendance rates across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
The following schools are Rhode Island's attendance leaders for the week of November 10, 2025*:
* Elementary:Meadowbrook Farms School, East Greenwich - 97.19% weekly attendance rate
* Middle: Barrington Middle School, Barrington - 97.28% weekly attendance rate
* High School: East Greenwich High School, East Greenwich 95.38% weekly attendance rate
Special recognition is extended to the following schools for demonstrating the most improved average attendance rates from the previous week:
* Elementary: Mildred E. Lineham School, Exeter-West Greenwich 3.06% improvement in weekly attendance rate
* Middle: Esek Hopkins Middle School, Providence 2.55% improvement in weekly attendance rate
* High School: The Greene School, West Greenwich, 1.49% improvement in weekly attendance rate
Governor McKee and Commissioner Infante-Green commend all Rhode Island schools for their continued commitment to student success and consistent attendance. These recognitions will be updated weekly and shared publicly to celebrate the hard work of educators, students, and families.
*As of 6:00 a.m. on November 20, 2025.
**Schools with multiple grade levels are categorized by RIDE according to their largest student population.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-commissioner-infante-green-spotlight-weekly-attendance-leaders
California Shatters Training Records With 650 New CAL FIRE Officers in 2025
SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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California shatters training records with 650 new CAL FIRE officers in 2025
What you need to know: In 2025, California trained over 650 new Company Officers, making history with the largest number of graduates ever. While Donald Trump undercuts federal readiness for mega-fires that threaten communities across the west, Governor Newsom continues investing in California's fire readiness and response.
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Today, Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the graduation of 38 CAL FIRE
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SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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California shatters training records with 650 new CAL FIRE officers in 2025
What you need to know: In 2025, California trained over 650 new Company Officers, making history with the largest number of graduates ever. While Donald Trump undercuts federal readiness for mega-fires that threaten communities across the west, Governor Newsom continues investing in California's fire readiness and response.
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Today, Governor Gavin Newsom celebrated the graduation of 38 CAL FIRECompany Officers from the Ione Training Center, the final class in a historic 2025 that saw California train over 650 Company Officers--shattering all previous records.
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Rapidly expanding our world-class firefighting force is just one piece of California's unprecedented investment in fire protection and readiness. From new training facilities to the Southern California Emergency Operations Center, we're building the infrastructure and workforce our communities need to face the climate challenges ahead. While Donald Trump undercuts federal readiness for mega-fires that threaten communities across the west, California continues to dominate with key investments in fire readiness and response.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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New CAL FIRE graduates sit in formation during their ceremony
2025: A Milestone Year for Training
CAL FIRE has successfully trained over 650 new Company Officers in 2025 with four training centers operating at full capacity. The newest, the Atwater Training Center in Merced County, opened in July 2025 to meet growing training demands. Additional facilities are in Redding and Riverside.
This historic achievement underscores the department's consistent and sustained commitment to developing highly skilled, professional leaders to serve the State of California.
CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler acknowledged the efforts required to meet this workforce demand during his keynote address:
"This milestone year of training represents our commitment to the future of CAL FIRE and the safety of California," said CAL FIRE Director and Fire Chief Tyler. "We recognize the achievement of these 38 students, as well as the dedication of our training staff who maintained exceptionally high standards while sustaining this record-setting pace."
Company Officer Academy Class 25-14 Graduation
CAL FIRE celebrates the graduation of this final cohort, Company Officer Academy Class 25-14, marking the successful conclusion of the intensive 2025 training season. The 38 graduates are now highly trained Company Officers ready to take on leadership roles across the department.
Cal FIRE Chief Joe Tyler administered the oath to the graduating cadets.
CAL FIRE graduates raise their right hands to take the oath.
California invests in wildfire response and prevention capabilities
The firefighters graduating today at the new training facility are yet another clear example of California's investment into protecting communities up and down the state.
Since 2020, the state has doubled the investment into wildfire prevention and resilience efforts. California invested more than $2.5 billion in wildfire resilience, with an additional 1.5 billion to be allocated from the 2024 Climate Bond.
California invested $173 Million for community based wildfire projects to help California communities protect themselves from wildfires
Governor Newsom recently announced that California joined the Northwest Wildland Fire Fighting Compact that expands the state's mutual aid partners during major wildfire incidents from partners across the United States and Canada.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/11/21/california-shatters-training-records-with-650-new-cal-fire-officers-in-2025/
Ind. Gov. Braun Presents 2025 Torchbearer Awards to 5 Hoosier Trailblazers
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on Nov. 20, 2025:
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Governor Braun Presents 2025 Torchbearer Awards to 5 Hoosier Trailblazers
Today, Governor Mike Braun recognized five outstanding Hoosier women with 2025 Torchbearer Awards during a ceremony held in the Governor's Office at the Indiana Statehouse.
Governor Braun personally presented this year's honors, commending each recipient for their achievements across diverse fields, industries, and causes.
"The Torchbearer Awards recognize Hoosier women for their exceptional achievements
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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Mike Braun, R-Indiana, issued the following news release on Nov. 20, 2025:
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Governor Braun Presents 2025 Torchbearer Awards to 5 Hoosier Trailblazers
Today, Governor Mike Braun recognized five outstanding Hoosier women with 2025 Torchbearer Awards during a ceremony held in the Governor's Office at the Indiana Statehouse.
Governor Braun personally presented this year's honors, commending each recipient for their achievements across diverse fields, industries, and causes.
"The Torchbearer Awards recognize Hoosier women for their exceptional achievementsin their community, our state, and our nation. These Hoosier women are outstanding leaders in their fields. Today I was proud to recognize each of them for their trailblazing accomplishments and the examples they've set for future generations." -- Governor Mike Braun
This year, four women were named Torchbearers and one woman was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Betsy Wiley was honored with the lifetime achievement award for her extensive public service to Indiana's students in many areas, including school choice. Betsy Wiley's steadfast support for parents' rights to lead their own children's education, and advocacy to improve schools and outcomes for all Hoosier children, have been assets for Indiana's success in education.
Torchbearers:
Monica Kelsey was named a Torchbearer for her advocacy to save babies' lives through Safe Haven Baby Boxes. Her work has made Indiana the national leader in preventing child abandonment. Indiana's Safe Haven law celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
Grace Estabrook stood up for fairness in women's sports while a member of the swimming and diving team for Penn State. Grace Estabrook blew the whistle on issues of competitive fairness, safety for female athletes, privacy in changing areas, and coercion from officials to keep concerns about biologically male athletes competing against female athletes quiet. Grace's voice on this issue was an important part of the national conversation and yielded significant policy changes to support fairness.
Kristian Stricklen became President of the Madame Walker Legacy Center in 2021. She was honored for her visionary leadership of the Walker Center, leading the organization into a new era of financial sustainability and cultural impact. The Madame Walker Legacy Center honors the legacy of Madame CJ Walker, who built a cosmetics and hair care empire in Indianapolis at the turn of the 20th century. Her legacy of self-made success has been an inspiration to women business leaders for a century.
Erin Houchin serves Hoosiers in Congress as the representative for Indiana's 9th district. She was honored for her leadership for Hoosiers on the national stage. Representative Houchin was elected to House Republican leadership in 2024, serving as the House Republican Conference Secretary for the 119th Congress, making her the second-highest-ranking woman in the Republican House majority.
Governor Braun presented the awards on behalf of the Indiana Commission for Women (ICW). The ICW initiated the Torchbearer Awards in 2004 to celebrate extraordinary contributions made by Hoosier women.
For pictures of Governor Braun presenting awards at today's ceremony, and for photos from past events, please visit Governor Braun's official Flickr account, HERE (https://events.in.gov/event/governor-braun-presents-2025-torchbearer-awards-to-5-hoosier-trailblazers?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=State+of+Indiana).
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Original text here: https://events.in.gov/event/governor-braun-presents-2025-torchbearer-awards-to-5-hoosier-trailblazers?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=State+of+Indiana
Governor Kelly Appoints Grant Brazill to Fill District Court Position in the 18th Judicial District
TOPEKA, Kansas, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Kelly Appoints Grant Brazill to Fill District Court Position in the 18th Judicial District
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TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Grant Brazill of Wichita to a judgeship position in the 18th Judicial District. The vacancy was created by the passing of the Honorable Bruce Brown.
"Grant Brazill brings robust legal experience as a child welfare practitioner to the bench," Governor Laura Kelly said. "His dedication to fighting for the rights and well-being of children and families
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Laura Kelly, D-Kansas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Kelly Appoints Grant Brazill to Fill District Court Position in the 18th Judicial District
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TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly today appointed Grant Brazill of Wichita to a judgeship position in the 18th Judicial District. The vacancy was created by the passing of the Honorable Bruce Brown.
"Grant Brazill brings robust legal experience as a child welfare practitioner to the bench," Governor Laura Kelly said. "His dedication to fighting for the rights and well-being of children and familiesgives him a unique perspective that will serve the 18th Judicial District well."
Brazill is a partner at Morris Laing Law Firm in Wichita, Kansas. He has been appointed to the Kansas Supreme Court Task Force on Permanency Planning and serves as the chairperson of the Wichita Bar Association Juvenile Law Committee.
"I am honored by this appointment and am committed to serving the people of Sedgwick County by ensuring that every individual who comes before the Court is treated with dignity, respect, and impartiality," said Grant Brazill.
District Court Judges in the 18th Judicial District are elected and serve four-year terms. When a vacancy occurs in the middle of a judge's term, the governor appoints a new judge to fill the position and finish out the term. Elections for this position will be held in 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ks.gov/Home/Components/News/News/848/56
Governor Henry McMaster Signs Joint Declaration of Intent with Germany to Strengthen Economic Development
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South Carolina, posted the following news:
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Governor Henry McMaster Signs Joint Declaration of Intent with Germany to Strengthen Economic Development
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Governor Henry McMaster today joined German Ambassador to the United States of America Jens Hanefeld to sign a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to establish a formal economic partnership between South Carolina and Germany designed to attract new jobs and investment, accelerate innovation, and expand business opportunities in South Carolina.
"By establishing a formal economic
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South Carolina, posted the following news:
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Governor Henry McMaster Signs Joint Declaration of Intent with Germany to Strengthen Economic Development
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Governor Henry McMaster today joined German Ambassador to the United States of America Jens Hanefeld to sign a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to establish a formal economic partnership between South Carolina and Germany designed to attract new jobs and investment, accelerate innovation, and expand business opportunities in South Carolina.
"By establishing a formal economicpartnership with Germany, we create yet another powerful tool for South Carolina to get ahead in the fierce competition for jobs and investment," said Governor Henry McMaster. "Together, we will create more opportunities for our people and build an even brighter economic future."
The agreement prioritizes collaboration and cooperation in the areas of energy resiliency and sustainability, automotive and mobility technologies, and life sciences. The JDI establishes a working group that will meet to coordinate joint initiatives like workforce development, identify opportunities for further business partnerships, exchange technical and scientific information, and facilitate research and development collaboration.
"The ties between Germany and South Carolina are an outstanding example of the transatlantic partnership. German efficiency and the strong work ethic of South Carolinians have created unparalleled success. I am pleased that we are taking the next step in this partnership today." said Ambassador Jens Hanefeld.
According to the Department of Commerce, Germany is South Carolina's largest export partner. In 2024, the trade volume between South Carolina and Germany was $13 billion. South Carolina is currently home to 270 German companies that employ over 44,000 South Carolinians.
Governor McMaster participated in economic development mission trips to Germany in June 2024 and July 2025 to strengthen partnerships with existing business partners and explore potential economic development projects.
Since taking office, Governor McMaster has announced over 98,200 new jobs and over $53 billion in new capital investment. This calendar year alone, the governor has announced over 6,000 new jobs and over $8.2 billion in new investment.
A copy of the JDI can be found here.
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Original text here: https://governor.sc.gov/news/2025-11/governor-henry-mcmaster-signs-joint-declaration-intent-germany-strengthen-economic
Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Additional Board Appointments
RICHMOND, Virginia, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Additional Board Appointments
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RICHMOND, VA Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced additional board appointments.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
ADMINISTRATION
VIRGINIA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION NETWORK ADVISORY BOARD
* Andrew W. Smith of Beaverdam, Acting Director, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
POTATO BOARD
* Sawyer Johnson of Exmore, Farm Manager, W. S. Floyd Farms
COMMERCE AND TRADE
CLEAN ENERGY ADVISORY
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin, R-Virginia, issued the following news release:
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Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Additional Board Appointments
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RICHMOND, VA Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced additional board appointments.
BOARD APPOINTMENTS
ADMINISTRATION
VIRGINIA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION NETWORK ADVISORY BOARD
* Andrew W. Smith of Beaverdam, Acting Director, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
POTATO BOARD
* Sawyer Johnson of Exmore, Farm Manager, W. S. Floyd Farms
COMMERCE AND TRADE
CLEAN ENERGY ADVISORYBOARD
* Ron Clements of Chesterfield County, Director and Building Official, Chesterfield Building Inspection Department
* Paul C. "P.J." Harris, Jr., of Fairfax, Attorney, McGuireWoods, LLP
VIRGINIA INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP AUTHORITY
* John Minor of Richmond, Managing Director, Struie LLC
EDUCATION
BOARD OF REGENTS OF GUNSTON HALL
* Mason Montague Bavin of Alexandria, Member, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the District of Columbia
* Stephanie Duke Hockensmith of Keene, NH, Member, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Vermont
* Miriam Hundley of Little Rock, AR, Member, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Arkansas
* Mary Penelope Payne of Washington, DC, Member, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the District of Columbia
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE ROANOKE HIGHER EDUCATION AUTHORITY
* Mary Yolanda Trigiani of Roanoke, Chief Strategy Officer and Director of External Relations, Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc.
HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES
VIRGINIA FORENSIC NURSING ADVISORY COUNCIL
* Caitlin Yerkes of Falls Church, Forensic Nurse Examiner
PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND DEFENSE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON JUVENILE JUSTICE AND PREVENTION
* Christopher Coleman, LPC, LSATP, MAC, CCTP, NCC, of Ashland, Director of Adults and Adolescents, Richmond, Youth For Tomorrow
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Original text here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/november/name-1071620-en.html
Gov. Morrisey Announces Trump Administration Approval of Sweeping Broadband Coverage
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Gov. Morrisey Announces Trump Administration Approval of Sweeping New Broadband Coverage
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Over 73,000 unserved and underserved locations gain access to finally close digital divide
Governor Patrick Morrisey is pleased to announce today that the Trump Administration has formally approved West Virginia's broadband development plan, clearing the way for the state to begin connecting more than 73,000 additional locations to reliable high speed internet services. The investment marks
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 21 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Gov. Morrisey Announces Trump Administration Approval of Sweeping New Broadband Coverage
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Over 73,000 unserved and underserved locations gain access to finally close digital divide
Governor Patrick Morrisey is pleased to announce today that the Trump Administration has formally approved West Virginia's broadband development plan, clearing the way for the state to begin connecting more than 73,000 additional locations to reliable high speed internet services. The investment marksa major step forward in expanding opportunity, strengthening rural communities, and supporting long-term economic growth across West Virginia.
"This technological upgrade will connect every corner of West Virginia and facilitate the jobs and opportunities needed to move forward," said Governor Morrisey. "We've worked closely with the Trump administration to secure this historic investment and are proud to provide these possibilities to the people of West Virginia."
This broadband initiative is a central component of West Virginia's planned investment in the state's energy sector, manufacturing growth, and rural health transformation. Overseen by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the plan ensures that families, students, businesses, and healthcare providers will have greater access to a stronger, more dependable internet.
"Congratulations to West Virginia on the approval of its BEAD Final Proposalan important milestone in the state's path toward universal connectivity," said Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Arielle Roth. "Under the Benefit of the Bargain reforms, West Virginia generated a savings of 43 percent, bringing costs down from $959 million under the last administration to $545 million today. I appreciate the work of Governor Morrisey, West Virginia's Office of Broadband, and the providers across the state for truly sharpening their pencils and delivering for their state."
While NTIA approval is a major step toward connecting all West Virginians to broadband, Governor Morrisey stressed that there is still work ahead.
"We're going to continue working closely with the Trump administration and NTIA to ensure that this is just the beginning. With additional investments in energy, health care, and technology, West Virginia is positioned to use this new broadband access to make major strides in our standard of living and economic strength," said Governor Morrisey.
West Virginia's approved plan includes nearly $546 million for 142 deployment projects, connecting 73,044 unserved and underserved locations throughout the state. NTIA is reviewing other allowable uses for the additional funds and will issue updated guidance in the future.
"This is going to help so many West Virginians - making lives easier and services more accessible in their everyday lives," continued Governor Morrisey. "We're talking about expanded telehealth opportunities in rural areas, online tutoring and education courses for students, and streaming with the family all together on movie night."
This approval not only strengthens existing business, but aids in the Mountain State's ongoing efforts to attract new development.
"This investment is a remarkable development for our business community," added Governor Morrisey. "Now, more businesses will have the ability to take mobile payments, connect with customers online, and find the talent they need to grow. Any business exploring a move to West Virginia will expect and appreciate such a critical investment in our infrastructure.
Background
Governor Patrick Morrisey paved the way for this historic success through strategic meetings with the Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and NTIA staff and by working closely with the Trump Administration to reduce excess project costs and save taxpayer monies. Morrisey advocated for West Virginia's unique needs and prevailed, while working collaboratively with the Administration to achieve its goals.
Governor Morrisey is thankful to so many of the hard working state officials who have been involved in this project for years, as well as members of the federal delegation, who supported Governor Morrisey's aggressive efforts to protect West Virginia and maximize the infrastructure benefits for our citizens.
Learn more about the state's plan at broadband.wv.gov.
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Original text here: https://governor.wv.gov/article/gov-morrisey-announces-trump-administration-approval-sweeping-new-broadband-coverage
