States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
N.M. Environment Dept.: New Mexico Approves First Air Quality Fee Increase in Decades
SANTA FE, New Mexico, April 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Environment issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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New Mexico approves first air quality fee increase in decades
Updated fees will expand permitting capacity, strengthen air protections
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New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board -- the state's independent board that reviews and approves environmental rules -- today approved a proposal brought by the New Mexico Environment Department to increase air quality permitting fees for the first time in decades.
The increases are designed to keep pace with surging
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, April 14 -- The New Mexico Department of Environment issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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New Mexico approves first air quality fee increase in decades
Updated fees will expand permitting capacity, strengthen air protections
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New Mexico's Environmental Improvement Board -- the state's independent board that reviews and approves environmental rules -- today approved a proposal brought by the New Mexico Environment Department to increase air quality permitting fees for the first time in decades.
The increases are designed to keep pace with surgingdemand on the state's air quality program driven by major new investments across multiple industries - and to ensure that the program can keep protecting air quality for all New Mexicans.
"Today's decision will modernize our air quality program to meet the needs of 21st century industry investments while protecting air quality for generations to come," said Environment Secretary James Kenney. "New Mexico has not raised any air quality permit fees since 2009, despite seeing an over 2,000% increase in oil and gas-related general construction permits and an 126% increase in total permitting actions since 2012."
Over the last several years, significant new investments in aerospace, oil and gas, and mining have increased permitting workloads and increased the complexity of facilities requiring review. The fee increase will minimize permit delays while improving the Department's compliance and enforcement activities.
NMED's Air Quality Bureau is funded primarily through applicant fees -- not dollars from the state's General Fund. The Bureau employs New Mexicans across the state, from Farmington to Santa Fe to Roswell.
With today's decision, the Environmental Improvement Board increased the following fees:
* Title V (or "major source") annual fees
* Modeling fees
* Review fees for "minor source" applications for permits, registrations and Notices of Intent
* Annual fees for minor sources
The updated fee structure will allow NMED's air quality program to request additional funding in future budget cycles to support adequate resources, including planning, monitoring, permitting and updated technology.
NMED's proposal received numerous public comments in support of its proposal, including from New Mexico Legislators, local state organizations and New Mexico residents.
The rules are set to go into effect June 1, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.env.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-04-13-COMMS-New-Mexico-approves-first-air-quality-fee-increase-in-decades-Final.pdf
Minn. Employment & Economic Development Dept.: Tariffs and Uncertainty Drive 13% Decline in Minnesota Exports Between 2024 and 2025
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 14 (TNSrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Tariffs and Uncertainty Drive 13% Decline in Minnesota Exports Between 2024 and 2025
Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods were valued at $23.5 billion last year, a drop of $3.4 billion (down 13%) over 2024, according to the annual exports report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports grew 6% in 2025, although about half of all states experienced
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 14 (TNSrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Tariffs and Uncertainty Drive 13% Decline in Minnesota Exports Between 2024 and 2025
Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods were valued at $23.5 billion last year, a drop of $3.4 billion (down 13%) over 2024, according to the annual exports report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). U.S. exports grew 6% in 2025, although about half of all states experienceddeclines that year.
Exports of mineral fuel and oil to Canada -- which surged in 2024 and was the dominant contributor to the state's export growth that year -- fell by $1.7 billion in 2025 and drove about half of the overall exports decline. This category includes products such as motor fuel or lubricants.
"The federal administration's erratic tariffs and aggressive foreign policies that began last year continue to take a toll on Minnesota companies trying to plan their import and export strategies," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Our state's international partners know we value our relationships with them, and they recognized Minnesota's resolve and resilience during Operation Metro Surge, but federal actions remain a major hurdle. Despite these challenges, we continue to foster vital relationships and forge mutually beneficial trade opportunities that contribute billions of dollars to our state's economy."
While vehicles (down 19%), machinery (down 10%) and optic and medical products (down 5%) fell significantly over the year, electrical equipment exports showed resilience (up 7%). Dairy, eggs, honey (up 62%), oil seeds, misc. grains (up 15%) and pharmaceuticals (up 23%) grew solidly.
Minnesota exporters' sales struggled in North America (down 24%) and Asia (down 9%). Regions that showed promising growth in 2025 included European markets outside the EU, driven by the U.K. and Switzerland, as well as the Caribbean and South America, led by Argentina, Chile and the Dominican Republic.
"Our office provides comprehensive services to help Minnesota's hard-working exporters pursue international growth opportunities and establish new connections in foreign markets," said Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) Executive Director Gabrielle Gerbaud. "Our trade and business development missions to European countries in 2025 created new partnerships, nurtured longstanding relationships and brought visibility to Minnesota's innovative industries. MTO also brings a strategic presence to international industry events to promote Minnesota as a great place to do business."
The full 2025 Minnesota exports report is available on DEED's website in the Export and Trade Statistics section (https://mn.gov/deed/data/economic-analysis/export-stats/current-past/).
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/740368
Md. A.G. Brown Announces That No Charges Will Be Filed in the January 20, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 14 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the January 20, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Tuesday, January 20, 2026 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in the City of Baltimore, Maryland.
On January 20, 2026, at approximately 9:14 p.m., officers with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) responded to a residence
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 14 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces that No Charges Will Be Filed in the January 20, 2026 Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in the City of Baltimore
Today, Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced his decision not to seek charges in the Tuesday, January 20, 2026 fatal police-involved shooting that occurred in the City of Baltimore, Maryland.
On January 20, 2026, at approximately 9:14 p.m., officers with the Baltimore Police Department (BPD) responded to a residencein the 6800 block of Bank Street following a 911 call reporting that an individual was being threatened by a man armed with a handgun. The caller identified the individual as Jamarl Muse and stated that Muse was armed with a .357 caliber revolver. Muse was described as a Black male wearing black jeans and a face mask and was reportedly leaving the area on a white bicycle. A responding officer in a marked patrol vehicle observed an individual matching the description in the 6500 block of Eastern Avenue. The officer activated his emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the individual; however, Muse failed to comply and fled. Muse attempted to evade officers by traveling through parking lots and onto a nearby on-ramp for Interstate 95. Officers, including Sergeant Carlos Arias and Officer Edwin Ruiz, exited their vehicles and pursued Muse on foot. The first responding officer to reach Muse took him to the ground, where a struggle ensued as officers attempted to gain control. During the struggle, Muse produced a handgun from his clothing and discharged it. Officers immediately disengaged to create distance. At that time, Sergeant Arias and Officer Ruiz discharged their service weapons, striking Muse. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived. Muse was pronounced dead at the scene. A handgun was recovered near Muse. No officers were injured during the incident.
The Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division (IID) began investigating the fatal police-involved shooting on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and concluded its investigation on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. After completing its investigation and evaluating all the available evidence, the Office of the Attorney General has determined that the subject officers did not commit a crime under Maryland law. Accordingly, the Attorney General has declined to prosecute the subject officers in this case.
A copy of the IID's detailed investigative findings and analysis of relevant legal issues can be found in its declination report (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-that-No-Charges-Will-Be-Filed-in-the-January-20,-2026-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-th.aspx).
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-that-No-Charges-Will-Be-Filed-in-the-January-20,-2026-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-th.aspx
Illinoisans Invited to Join Statewide Storytelling Initiative 'Illinois Voices 250' With Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 14 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Illinoisans invited to join statewide storytelling initiative 'Illinois Voices 250' with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios
Time capsule of Illinois stories and reflections will honor nation's 250th birthday
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The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recorded
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 14 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Illinoisans invited to join statewide storytelling initiative 'Illinois Voices 250' with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios
Time capsule of Illinois stories and reflections will honor nation's 250th birthday
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The Illinois America 250 Commission invites people from across Illinois to participate in Illinois Voices 250, a statewide effort to record conversations with residents as part of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Recordedconversations will be preserved at the U.S. Library of Congress.
The initiative is led by the Illinois America 250 Commission in partnership with Illinois Humanities and StoryCorps Studios. Illinois Voices 250 is the most expansive effort yet to ensure Illinois' commemoration of the nation's birthday is inclusive, accessible and statewide.
People can participate in public community recording events happening around the state or use the do-it-yourself option online at il250.org/il-voices. There is no fee to participate.
"The story of America isn't complete without the story of Illinois. Our people's diverse perspectives, reflections and personal narratives deserve to be shared and preserved for generations to come," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I encourage Illinoisans of all backgrounds to tell their unique stories as the nation marks 250 years of history and resilience."
"Illinois Voices 250 is an opportunity to honor the full story of our state by lifting up voices from every corner of Illinois," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "When we take the time to listen to one another, we build stronger communities and a deeper understanding of who we are and where we're going. I encourage everyone to take part and share their story as we commemorate this historic milestone."
Community recording dates will be posted online.
"Illinois Voices 250 is an invitation for all Illinoisians from every corner of the state to share, in their own words, what matters the most to them about our nation's 250th birthday," said State Senator Doris Turner of Springfield, who is a member of the Illinois America 250 Commission. "From all 102 counties, we're creating one statewide archive, and this collection of stories will carry us forward into America's next 250 years."
StoryCorps is an independent, nonprofit organization that shares select stories with the public through weekly broadcasts, a podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms and best-selling books. The organization is committed to the idea that everyone has an important story to tell and that everyone's story matters.
Founded in 2003, StoryCorps has helped more than 700,000 people across the country have meaningful conversations about their lives. These recordings are curated in the U.S. Library of Congress and in StoryCorps' online archive, which is now the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered.
"This partnership with Illinois Humanities reminds us that everyone's stories matter, which is the foundation of StoryCorps," said StoryCorps CEO Sandra Clark.
Illinois Humanities is a statewide nonprofit organization that provides grants to community-based history, heritage and cultural organizations and free public humanities programs to help residents be creative, connected, and in community.
Illinois Humanities is grounding its 2026 programming in the belief that "history belongs to all of us." The organization's work around the semiquincentennial invites Illinoisans in small towns, rural communities, suburbs and cities to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the Declaration of Independence and consider what democracy, belonging and civic participation mean today.
"From now through August, Illinois Humanities will travel across the state to record conversations with people from all 102 counties. Thanks to our collaboration with StoryCorps Studios, we will archive the stories in the Library of Congress," said Robert White, senior director of programs at Illinois Humanities. "We're excited to invite all residents to contribute to this extraordinary time capsule of voices being preserved for future generations."
The Illinois America 250 Commission was established by state law to organize an inclusive, statewide celebration that uplifts local stories, highlights significant places and programs, and showcases how Illinoisans bring to life the ideals of the Declaration. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which manages state historic sites and the Illinois State Museum, provides administrative support to the commission.
Other signature Illinois programs for the 250th commemoration include limited-edition keepsake tourism passports, available currently at libraries and visitors' bureaus around the state; Illinois United in Service, a statewide call to action sponsored by Serve Illinois to encourage meaningful volunteer work; and public art grants to organizations across the state for public art installations.
"'We the People' has always been an unfinished story - one that grows stronger every time a new voice is heard," said Gabrielle Lyon, chair of the Illinois America 250 Commission and executive director of Illinois Humanities. "Illinois Voices 250 is yet another way we are ensuring we put Illinoisians and their contributions at the center of our commemoration of the 250th anniversary of America."
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Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32395
Arizona State Senate Republicans: President Petersen Fights to Keep Sex Offender Monitoring Laws in Place
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 14 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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President Petersen Fights to Keep Sex Offender Monitoring Laws in Place
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is continuing the Legislature's fight to protect children and families, filing a new legal brief late last week in the case of Doe v. Sheridan to defend Arizona's sex offender registration laws before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
This comes after a clear win at the trial court level, where a federal judge upheld Arizona's law and rejected constitutional
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 14 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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President Petersen Fights to Keep Sex Offender Monitoring Laws in Place
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen is continuing the Legislature's fight to protect children and families, filing a new legal brief late last week in the case of Doe v. Sheridan to defend Arizona's sex offender registration laws before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
This comes after a clear win at the trial court level, where a federal judge upheld Arizona's law and rejected constitutionalchallenges to the state's lifetime registration and reporting requirements for convicted sex offenders. The plaintiff in Doe v. Sheridan is now appealing that decision, attempting to roll back the state's ability to track offenders and monitor potential threats.
At the heart of this case is whether Arizona can require convicted sex offenders to keep law enforcement informed, including reporting online identifiers used on social media and other platforms, so officers can investigate crimes and prevent future harm. These laws are designed to give law enforcement critical tools to solve cases, deter repeat offenses, and protect families across Arizona. The plaintiff is a convicted sex offender who pleaded guilty to crimes involving a minor, agreed to lifetime probation and registration requirements as part of that plea, and is now asking the courts to undo those terms.
The Legislature stepped up and successfully defended the sex offender registration laws in court after the Arizona attorney general failed to carry out her responsibility to do so.
"We already prevailed in federal court because Arizona's law is constitutional and serves a clear public safety purpose," said President Petersen. "These requirements give law enforcement the ability to track convicted offenders, investigate crimes, and prevent future harm. Weakening those safeguards does not make anyone safer, it only makes it easier for offenders to operate without oversight. It is deeply concerning that Arizona's Attorney General has chosen not to defend this law. When the state refuses to stand behind its own laws, especially those designed to protect children, the Legislature has a duty to act. We will continue defending these protections to ensure Arizona families are not left exposed."
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will now review Doe v. Sheridan and determine whether to uphold the lower court's ruling and keep Arizona's law intact.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/president-petersen-fights-to-keep-sex-offender-monitoring-laws-in-place
Arizona State Senate Republicans: Opportunity Lost - Governor Rejects Scholarship Expansion for Arizona Families
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 14 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Opportunity Lost: Governor Rejects Scholarship Expansion for Arizona Families
Arizona Senate Republicans are criticizing Governor Hobbs' veto of SB 1142, legislation designed to give families access to a new federal scholarship tax credit program without creating any new state spending.
Sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, the measure would have allowed taxpayers to claim a federal tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, unlocking private
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 14 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Opportunity Lost: Governor Rejects Scholarship Expansion for Arizona Families
Arizona Senate Republicans are criticizing Governor Hobbs' veto of SB 1142, legislation designed to give families access to a new federal scholarship tax credit program without creating any new state spending.
Sponsored by Senator Shawnna Bolick, the measure would have allowed taxpayers to claim a federal tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, unlocking privatefunding to support students with a variety of K-12 education expenses. Because of the veto, Arizona will not participate in the program as it moves forward in other states.
"This was a missed opportunity for Arizona families - especially low-income, disabled, and underserved students who need more options to succeed," said Senator Bolick. "Parents are asking for flexibility and support, and this decision closes the door on resources that could have helped meet their children's unique needs."
Under the proposal, scholarship funds could have been used for services such as tutoring, special education support, curriculum materials, technology, transportation, and other qualified educational costs tailored to each student. The program also required at least 90% of contributions to go directly toward student scholarships, establishing clear guardrails to keep funding focused on its intended purpose. Several states, including those led by Democrat governors like Colorado, are opting in to take advantage of the federal opportunity and expand access for families.
"This should not be a partisan issue. Other states are recognizing the value of giving families more control over their child's education," said Senator Bolick. "Arizona has been a leader on school choice, and turning this down puts us behind at a time when parents are looking for real solutions."
SB 1142 reflects Arizona's ongoing efforts to broaden educational access by encouraging private investment in student-focused opportunities.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/opportunity-lost-governor-rejects-scholarship-expansion
Pa. Gov. Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Welcome the King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Philadelphia
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 14 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Welcome the King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Philadelphia, Celebrate Strong Economic and Historical Ties Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary of Independence
Trade between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Pennsylvania totaled $3.7 billion in 2025, with a robust partnership in the life sciences.
The Governor and First Lady, King and Queen, and members of the Shapiro Administration met with the CEOs of
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 14 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 13, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro and First Lady Shapiro Welcome the King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Philadelphia, Celebrate Strong Economic and Historical Ties Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary of Independence
Trade between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Pennsylvania totaled $3.7 billion in 2025, with a robust partnership in the life sciences.
The Governor and First Lady, King and Queen, and members of the Shapiro Administration met with the CEOs ofDutch multinational businesses to discuss economic relationships and opportunities for growth in the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Community and Economic Development and Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation sign a Letter of Understanding to strengthen future cooperation and collaboration on economic growth and innovation
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Philadelphia, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro welcomed His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Philadelphia during their working visit to the United States -- touring Independence Hall, visiting the Liberty Bell, and convening a roundtable with the CEOs of Dutch multinational businesses to encourage them to increase investment in Pennsylvania.
During their visit, the Governor, First Lady, and Their Majesties highlighted the long-standing relationship between Pennsylvania and the Netherlands, dating back to the Commonwealth's founding in 1681, while underscoring shared economic ties ahead of America's 250th anniversary.
"We're honored to welcome Their Majesties to the Commonwealth as we celebrate the historic friendship between Pennsylvania and the Netherlands," said Governor Shapiro. "For centuries, our people have benefitted from this productive relationship and my Administration looks forward to strengthening those ties and our shared commitment to economic opportunity and innovation."
In 2025, trade between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Pennsylvania totaled $3.7 billion, up 17 percent from 2024, including more than $1.6 billion in total trade of pharmaceutical products, a growing and robust partnership in life sciences. With this growth in trade, the Netherlands sits as Pennsylvania's sixth largest international job creator and 16th largest trading partner.
Following the tour of Independence Hall, the Governor and First Lady and Their Majesties joined Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding at the Cira Centre for a roundtable discussion with CEOs of Dutch multinational businesses to discuss the economic ties between the Commonwealth and the Netherlands, and opportunities for further investment in Pennsylvania.
At the Cira Centre, DCED Secretary Siger and Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Sjoerd Sjoerdsma signed a Letter of Understanding, laying out a roadmap for future economic collaboration specifically focused on advanced manufacturing and robotics, life sciences, agriculture, sports, and academia.
"The Netherlands is one of the largest foreign investors in the United States with a very strong presence in Pennsylvania," said DCED Secretary Siger. "The Shapiro Administration is working to build that relationship further by making it easier to do business in the Commonwealth and creating an attractive ecosystem for companies in life sciences, agriculture, tech, and advanced manufacturing. Our Authorized Investment Representatives based in the Netherlands and other strategic markets are ready to work with businesses to explore new investment opportunities here in Pennsylvania and eliminate the barriers companies may encounter entering a new foreign market."
"Our partnership with the Netherlands is rooted in a shared vision for the future of agriculture - one driven by innovation, sustainability, and the ability to feed communities at home and around the world," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "The Dutch are global leaders in agricultural technology and greenhouse production, demonstrating how agriculture can nourish people and strengthen our economies. That spirit resonates here in Pennsylvania, where farmers are embracing innovation that carries forward a proud agricultural legacy. Our Dutch partnership will be on full display in September as we host the GreenTech North America conference together, reinforcing our commitment to a more resilient future."
While the Netherlands has emerged as a major European life sciences and pharmaceutical hub, Pennsylvania has also grown into a national life sciences powerhouse, employing more than 100,000 people across 3,100 companies.
Building on this shared success, after the roundtable, Dutch VB Greenhouses BV and US Little Leaf Farms PA LLC signed a contract with the intent to build a commercial greenhouse facility in Banks Township, PA and extend the company's Pennsylvania campus into the largest indoor leafy greens campus in the world.
Growing Pennsylvania's Economy
Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal builds on Pennsylvania's economic momentum by investing in long-term growth and ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win. This budget increases funding for innovation in Pennsylvania's 10-year Economic Development Strategy, including the life sciences, robotics and technology, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture industries.
* The PA First Program, which connects businesses with trained workers and supports job retention and capital investments, will receive an additional $10 million for a total of $38 million in this budget.
* This budget also creates the Innovate in PA 2.0 program to deploy nearly $100 million into the state's innovation economy, providing capital for promising startups - following in the footsteps of companies like Gecko Robotics in Pittsburgh or Gilson Snow in Selinsgrove - to fund clinical trials for the life sciences and enhance the Commonwealth's innovation network to help these companies succeed.
Pennsylvania's Business Climate and Growing Economy is Earning National Recognition
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive -- attracting over $41 billion in private-sector investment while creating nearly 23,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth and earning national recognition.
* Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi.
* Last year, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Commonwealth ranked third in the nation for job growth.
* Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" -- the only Northeastern state to make the list -- and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
* Site Selection Magazine named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation.
Welcoming the World to Pennsylvania in 2026
Pennsylvania is primed to once again be in the national spotlight in 2026 as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and host major events throughout the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth will leverage global sporting and cultural moments, including the NFL Draft, the PGA Championship, the FIFA World Cup, America250PA, and the MLB All-Star Game, to drive interest in Pennsylvania, encourage visitors to come back for future trips, and spur statewide economic impact. As part of the FIFA World Cup, Curacao - one of the four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands - will play its final Group Stage game against the Ivory Coast in Philadelphia on June 25, 2026.
These events will be huge tourism and economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth, as millions of people prepare to visit Pennsylvania. Over the last three years, Governor Shapiro has rebranded Pennsylvania as the "Great American Getaway" and increased funding for Visit PA to nearly $60 million.
To build on that momentum and prepare for America250, the Shapiro Administration secured $57.5 million in the last two budgets specifically for the 2026 celebration. The Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget continues to fully fund the Tourism Office to ensure that Pennsylvania obtains the maximum benefit from the events celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Under the Shapiro Administration's leadership, Pennsylvania's tourism industry has grown by $7 billion and 30,000 jobs. In 2024, tourism brought in $84 billion to Pennsylvania's economy and supported more than half a million jobs.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-and-first-lady-shapiro-welcome-the-king-and-queen-of
