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Wyo. Gov. Gordon Thanks Legislature for Good Work, Issues Concise Line-Item Vetoes to Protect Constitutional Balance of Powers
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 7 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Thanks Legislature for Good Work, Issues Concise Line-Item Vetoes to Protect Constitutional Balance of Powers
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today presented a series of concise line-item technical vetoes to The Essentials biennial budget, (SEA0027 SF0001) emphasizing the need to preserve Wyoming's constitutional separation of powers and prevent the state budget from becoming a vehicle for legislative overreach that micromanages executive branch functions.
The Governor
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 7 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 5, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Thanks Legislature for Good Work, Issues Concise Line-Item Vetoes to Protect Constitutional Balance of Powers
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) today presented a series of concise line-item technical vetoes to The Essentials biennial budget, (SEA0027 SF0001) emphasizing the need to preserve Wyoming's constitutional separation of powers and prevent the state budget from becoming a vehicle for legislative overreach that micromanages executive branch functions.
The Governorfirst thanked lawmakers in his veto message for producing a budget aligned with his priorities supporting key investments in Wyoming's future - including her families and communities - despite Joint Appropriations Committee actions in December and January cutting areas of value to the citizens of the Cowboy State.
In the letter to House and Senate leadership, Governor Gordon explained areas in the budget that crossed a constitutional boundary by attempting to direct how the executive branch manages its personnel and administers programs. Many of the vetoes in the 2027-2028 bill were similar to ones he had exercised in past budgets.
"In its simplest form, the Legislature passes legislation and the Executive branch enforces that legislation. Likewise the Legislature appropriates funds for the running of state government," Governor Gordon said. "The Executive Branch sees that those funds are used expeditiously and efficiently. It is not the role (though it may be an understandable temptation) of the Legislature to attempt to assume the extent of executive functions such as deciding how many positions, the level of individual pay, or the classification of specific employees of the executive branch."
The Governor noted that creeping legislative overreach language (beginning in 1971) has gradually been appearing in Wyoming budgets over the past few decades, often bypassing the constitutional limits of the Legislature and embedding micromanaging overreach inside appropriations bills. Gordon said his vetoes are intended to reaffirm constitutional boundaries while still respecting the Legislature's authority over state spending.
"It is my intent that the executive agencies, subject to my approval, will be able to determine the number and duties of their employees within the confines of the amount of funds appropriated by the Legislature," Governor Gordon said. "The Legislature's categorical appropriations into series 100 provides sufficient restriction to ensure that the expenditures are limited to personnel costs and that there is no increase in cost to the State."
Governor Gordon also vetoed provisions affecting programs such as economic development, the University of Wyoming, and reporting requirements that could hinder the ability of agencies to respond quickly to emerging needs.
Despite their differences, the Governor praised the Legislature for supporting key priorities that strengthen Wyoming's workforce and communities.
"It has been a difficult session at times, and Wyoming should appreciate your hard work this budget session," Governor Gordon said. "Still, you have kept on task to provide Wyoming with a true biennial, constitutionally sound budget."
The Governor ended his message with this, "Our founders wisely established well-reasoned separate branches of government so that each could perform its responsibilities effectively while maintaining the proper balance of power. Our Constitutions do not give us rights. Those are given by God. The Constitution keeps government in check so that it does not usurp our rights. Preserving that balance of power ensures Wyoming's government remains accountable, efficient, and faithful to the Constitution we are sworn to uphold."
The Governor's veto message has been transmitted to legislative leadership for consideration.
The Governor also signed the following enrolled acts into law today:
HEA0005 HB0112 Riverton state office task force-sunset.
HEA0006 HB0106 Smokebuster module leaders.
HEA0007 HB0032 English proficiency-commercial motor vehicle drivers.
HEA0008 HB0008 Stalking of minors.
HEA0009 HB0026 Vehicle registration fees-tribal governments.
HEA0010 HB0105 K-12 school facilities appropriations-2.
HEA0011 HB0107 Local government distributions.
HEA0012 HB0009 Grooming of children-offenses and amendments.
HEA0013 HB0028 Sexual exploitation of children-amendments.
HEA0014 HB0025 Wyoming's tomorrow scholarship program amendments.
HEA0015 HB0024 Review of charter school applications.
HEA0016 HB0002 Fast Track Permits Act.
HEA0020 HB0087 Omnibus water bill-planning.
SEA0022 SF0027 Leashed dogs for tracking-black bear.
The full list of bills the Governor has signed can be found on the Governor's website (https://governor.wyo.gov/state-government/bills).
The full text of all bills from the 2026 session may be found on the Wyoming Legislature's website (https://wyoleg.gov/Session/2026/SessionLanding).
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-thanks-legislature-for-good-work-issues-concise-line-item-vetoes-to-protect-constitutional-balance-of-powers
Shapiro Administration to DHS: No Schuylkill or Berks Detention Warehouses Without Complying With State Law
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 7 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on March 6, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration to DHS: No Schuylkill or Berks Detention Warehouses Without Complying with State Law
Administrative orders issued yesterday direct DHS not to occupy planned detention centers until establishing compliance with state and federal environmental requirements
Orders were sent to the Department of Homeland Security, Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, Tremont Township, and Upper Bern Township
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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 7 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on March 6, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration to DHS: No Schuylkill or Berks Detention Warehouses Without Complying with State Law
Administrative orders issued yesterday direct DHS not to occupy planned detention centers until establishing compliance with state and federal environmental requirements
Orders were sent to the Department of Homeland Security, Schuylkill County Municipal Authority, Tremont Township, and Upper Bern Township
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The Pennsylvania Department of EnvironmentalProtection (DEP) issued five administrative orders yesterday, two to the Department of Homeland Security and three to local authorities - one to each of Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (SCMA), Tremont Township, and Upper Bern Township. The orders direct that water and sewage cannot be supplied to the warehouses DHS has recently purchased to use as detention centers-- and that the buildings cannot be occupied-- until DHS demonstrates compliance with federal and state environmental regulations.
"Based on what the Department has learned about DHS's plans to convert two commercial warehouses into detention centers for 9,000 people, there are serious concerns about the environmental impacts of these actions. The conversion of warehouses to detention facilities risks harming the communities in and around Tremont and Upper Bern townships, overwhelming their sewage facilities and exceeding the available drinking water supply," said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. "Doubling the populations of these areas could drain drinking water sources and lead to polluted waterways from overwhelmed sewage facilities leaking raw waste into our streets and rivers. Just like anyone else, DHS needs to demonstrate its facilities comply with environmental standards."
In two separate orders to the Department of Homeland Security, DEP directed the federal agency not to use the Upper Bern or SCMA sewer systems for any proposed detention facilities until it has been proven that DHS can safely do so. The orders further specify that holding tanks and septic systems are not allowed without required permits. Additionally, DEP directed DHS not to use SCMA infrastructure for drinking water nor use the private well at the Upper Bern Township warehouse for the proposed facilities without legally required DEP approval. DHS has been directed not to occupy the buildings until the applicable legal requirements are met.
The orders to Tremont and Upper Bern Townships prohibit occupancy of the warehouses until further sewage planning and permitting is obtained from DEP and prohibits each Township from accepting sewage from holding tanks or portable toilets without further authorization. Each Township operates a sewage treatment plant that could need to be redesigned and significantly modified to receive the amount of expected wastewater from a detention center.
The order to SCMA prohibits providing drinking water to a detention center from the SCMA Tremont water system, which protects against excessive strain on a water infrastructure system that is already being supported through emergency measures. For sewage, DEP similarly ordered SCMA that it could not provide sewage service or accept sewage from portable toilets at the detention center without further permitting and approval from Tremont Township and DEP.
Permits or approvals from DEP are needed for the construction and operation of all changes to drinking water and sewage treatment systems.
The orders can be found here:
Department of Homeland Security:
* Upper Bern (https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SCRO/SCROPortalFiles/UpperBernDHSLetterandAdminOrderSigned260305.pdf)
* Tremont (https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SCRO/SCROPortalFiles/TremontDHSLetterandAdminOrderSigned260305.pdf)
Schuylkill County Municipal Authority (https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SCRO/SCROPortalFiles/SCMALetterandAdminOrderSigned260305.pdf)
Tremont Township (https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SCRO/SCROPortalFiles/TremontTwpLetterandAdminOrderSigned260305.pdf)
Upper Bern Township (https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SCRO/SCROPortalFiles/UpperBernTownship.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/newsroom/2026-03-06-shapiro-administration-to-dhs-no-schuylkill-or-berks-detention-warehouses-without-complying-with-state-law
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Signs Bill Into Law
CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 7 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Signs Bill into Law
This week, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the following bill into law:
* HB 266 - relative to structural changes to the Department of Energy
In addition to giving the Department of Energy the right to appeal in any adjudicative or non-adjudicative proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission, HB 266 includes the following:
* Provides a limited exemption from the written consent requirement under the Parental Bill of Rights
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 7 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Signs Bill into Law
This week, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the following bill into law:
* HB 266 - relative to structural changes to the Department of Energy
In addition to giving the Department of Energy the right to appeal in any adjudicative or non-adjudicative proceeding before the Public Utilities Commission, HB 266 includes the following:
* Provides a limited exemption from the written consent requirement under the Parental Bill of Rightsto allow videotaping, recording, and streaming of school-sponsored events that are open to the general public, such as athletic events and musical performances.
* Mandates that a final murder conviction will automatically determine that the person responsible cannot benefit from the victim's estate, including wills, joint assets, or life insurance, allowing those matters to be resolved more quickly to bring peace of mind to victims' families.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-signs-bill-law
Mo. Department of Natural Resources Awards More Than $1.6 Million Loan for Energy Improvements
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, March 7 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Department of Natural Resources awards more than $1.6 million loan for energy improvements
Hillsboro R-III School District to install HVAC improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Loan Program has awarded a low-interest loan of more than $1.6 million to assist the Hillsboro R-III School District with an energy efficiency project. Improvements will include:
Replacing the existing 25-year-old building automation system. The new,
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, March 7 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Department of Natural Resources awards more than $1.6 million loan for energy improvements
Hillsboro R-III School District to install HVAC improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Energy Loan Program has awarded a low-interest loan of more than $1.6 million to assist the Hillsboro R-III School District with an energy efficiency project. Improvements will include:
Replacing the existing 25-year-old building automation system. The new,energy-saving BAS will control the fluid coolers, boilers, water-source heat pump unit, rooftop units, ductless mini-split fan coil units, energy recovery ventilation units, exhaust fans and the kitchen ventilation unit.
Replacing the existing cooling plant with new, more efficient fluid coolers and water source heat pumps.
Replacing the individual direct expansion, or DX, rooftop units with new, more efficient rooftop units. A total of 72 water-source heat pumps and 19 rooftop units will be replaced.
Replacing 10 energy recovery ventilation units, six ductless mini-splits and four condenser/compressor units.
"Communities are eager to trim monthly expenses and be better financial stewards," said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "By implementing these energy efficiency projects, applicants are able to better conserve our energy resources and focus more of their budgets on their core missions."
The project is expected to benefit more than 3,000 Missourians and result in an annual energy savings of approximately $188,090. The Hillsboro R-III School District will repay the loan with money saved on energy costs as a result of the energy efficiency project. In addition, the project will reduce electricity use by more than 615,102 kilowatt hours, equivalent to the power consumed annually by about 60 homes.
"The Energy Loan Program provides the opportunity to make improvements by installing energy efficient innovations," said Emily Wilbur, director of MoDNR's Division of Energy. "The Loan Program stimulates Missouri's economy by saving taxpayer money, allowing the applicants to redirect savings toward other priorities."
Since the Energy Loan Program's inception in 1989, the department's Division of Energy has awarded more than 633 loans representing more than $120 million in completed energy efficiency projects and more than $235 million in estimated cumulative energy savings. Through the Division of Energy, low-interest loans are provided to public schools, public higher education institutions and local governments to help reduce energy costs. Loan financing may be used for various energy saving investments such as insulation, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, combined heat and power, pumps, motors, aerators, renewable energy systems and other measures that reduce energy use and cost.
To learn more about the Energy Loan Program, please visit dnr.mo.gov/energy/grants-loans or contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Energy at 573-751-2254 or toll-free at 855-522-2796.
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-more-16-million-loan-energy-improvements
Md. A.G. Office: Body-Worn Camera Footage From Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Charles County Released
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 7 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Body-Worn Camera Footage from Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Charles County Released
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General today released the body-worn camera footage from the fatal police-involved shooting involving the Charles County Sheriff's Office that occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in White Plains, Charles County, Maryland.
The decedent was previously identified as 36-year-old Demarcus
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 7 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Body-Worn Camera Footage from Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Charles County Released
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General today released the body-worn camera footage from the fatal police-involved shooting involving the Charles County Sheriff's Office that occurred on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in White Plains, Charles County, Maryland.
The decedent was previously identified as 36-year-old DemarcusIrish of Clinton, Maryland.
The IID continues to investigate the circumstances of this fatal police-involved shooting. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [email protected].
To read the original news release, click here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/Pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-a-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-Charles-County--.aspx
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Body-Worn-Camera-Footage-from-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-Charles-County-Released-.aspx
Maine State Sen. Brenner Shares 2026 MDOT Work Plan for State Bridge and Road Projects
AUGUSTA, Maine, March 7 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough:
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Sen. Brenner shares 2026 MDOT work plan for state bridge and road projects
Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, is pleased to announce the details of Maine's three-year transportation infrastructure work plan, and what it means for Senate District 30. The plan is released annually with an outline of the Maine Department of Transportation's strategy for road, bridge and other transportation upgrades and maintenance projects.
According to the Maine DOT,
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AUGUSTA, Maine, March 7 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough:
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Sen. Brenner shares 2026 MDOT work plan for state bridge and road projects
Sen. Stacy Brenner, D-Scarborough, is pleased to announce the details of Maine's three-year transportation infrastructure work plan, and what it means for Senate District 30. The plan is released annually with an outline of the Maine Department of Transportation's strategy for road, bridge and other transportation upgrades and maintenance projects.
According to the Maine DOT,the three-year work plan makes a $4.5 billion investment in the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure across the state. It includes 2,798 individual work items for the calendar years 2026, 2027 and 2028.
In 2026, the Maine DOT will undertake numerous projects to enhance transportation in Senate District 30, including new walking paths, highway improvements and a grant program for wharves and piers.
"Investments in safe transit infrastructure are more critical than ever in the face of mounting pressures from development and climate change," said Sen. Brenner. "I am glad to have supported these investments in our roads, bridges, stormwater management systems and working waterfronts to improve safety and connectivity for all members of our community."
The following breakdown is the planned capital and maintenance work by MDOT for communities in Senate District 30 in calendar year 2026:
Bicycle/Pedestrian
* Gorham: Municipal Partnership Initiative. On-road sidewalk/trail beginning on Narragansett Street, beginning at Teran Street and extending north 0.32 of a mile to Access Road.
* Gorham: Active Transportation Partnership Initiative. On-road sidewalk/trail on Route 202, beginning at Cressey Road and extending north 0.11 miles to Teran Street and beginning 0.11 of a mile northwest of Lucina Terrace and extending northwest 0.05 of a mile to Route 202.
* Scarborough: On-road sidewalk/trail located at the intersection of Route 1 and Sawyer Street.
Bridge and Structural Maintenance:
* Scarborough: Improvements to Payne Road/Red Brook Bridge (#0314) over Red Brook, located 0.41 of a mile north of Route 114.
* Scarborough, South Portland: Bridge joint preservation needs on Route 701 bridges (#6257, #6202, #6256, #1502, #6272, #6258).
Drainage Maintenance
* Gorham, Standish: Ditching on Route 237 in Gorham and Standish, beginning at the intersection of Route 25 in Gorham and extending 8.13 miles northwest to the intersection of Route 35 in Standish.
Highway Safety and Spot Improvements
* Gorham: Municipal Partnership Initiative Program. Route 114, beginning at Running Springs Road and extending south 0.21 of a mile to Morrill Avenue.
* Gorham: Pedestrian crosswalk lighting improvements at the Main/School/South Street and Main/Water/Elm Street, and Main/New Portland Street intersections.
* Scarborough: Route 1, beginning 0.39 of a mile northeast of Harlow Street and extending northeast 1.20 miles including bridges (#3573, #2240).
* Scarborough: Route 9, beginning at Primrose Lane and extending northwest 0.73 of a mile including bridge (#3712).
* Scarborough: Route 114, beginning 0.13 of a mile north of Ridgeway Road and extending northwest 0.71 of a mile and beginning 0.62 of a mile northwest of Payne Road and extending northwest 2.44 miles.
Special Programs
* Gorham: Municipal large culvert replacement on Hurricane and Wilson Roads. Located over Nason Brook.
* Scarborough: Grant Program for Wharves and Piers that provide a significant and compelling benefit to Maine's commercial fishing and aquaculture industries.
View the entire 2026-2027-2028 Three-Year MDOT Work Plan at www.mainedot.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-brenner-shares-2026-mdot-work-plan-for-state-bridge-and-road-projects/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Misuse of Public Funds and Forgery Convictions Against Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Misuse of Public Funds and Forgery Convictions Against Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a former Yuma Elementary School District employee, Mercedes Brena (a.k.a. Mercedes Ruiz) has been convicted of two felonies -- Misuse of Public Monies, a Class 4 Felony, and Possession of a Forgery Device, a Class 6 Designated Felony -- for stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds.
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"When
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on March 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Misuse of Public Funds and Forgery Convictions Against Former Yuma Elementary School District Employee
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a former Yuma Elementary School District employee, Mercedes Brena (a.k.a. Mercedes Ruiz) has been convicted of two felonies -- Misuse of Public Monies, a Class 4 Felony, and Possession of a Forgery Device, a Class 6 Designated Felony -- for stealing nearly $86,000 in public funds.
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"Whenpublic funds meant for the education of Arizona's children are stolen or misused, there must be accountability," said Attorney General Mayes. "My office will always stand up for the students, families, and taxpayers who deserve their tax dollars being spent appropriately."
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From November 2021 to October 2022, the defendant used her position as a Human Resources Specialist to steal from the district by forging and submitting fraudulent timesheets to a third-party payroll processing company, stealing money orders intended for the school, and using school district credit cards to purchase gift cards for personal use.
Brena pleaded guilty to the charges and her sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. in Maricopa County Superior Court. The plea agreement includes a stipulated minimum restitution of $85,988.70.
The Arizona Auditor General's Office investigated this case and the Fraud and Special Prosecutions Section of the Arizona Attorney General's Office prosecuted the case.
A copy of the indictment is available (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/9b3d4ccd-e16c-6ea3-9def-dc00c30c660a/8_18_2025_Signed_True_Bill_1_.pdf). A copy of the plea agreement is available (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/a5ae08ba-b722-b2b9-982b-55158b6ab0e1/Signed_Plea_Agreement_CR2025_0077454_001.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-misuse-public-funds-and-forgery-convictions-against
