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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani Unveil Phase Two of 2-K Expansion, Bringing Total Number of Seats to 12,000 Citywide
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani Unveil Phase Two of 2-K Expansion, Bringing Total Number of Seats to 12,000 Citywide
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Governor Hochul: "A father came up to me. He said, 'Governor, my wife and I were literally getting ready to move to Philadelphia because the rents are so high. We wanted to stay, but we couldn't, and we were heading out the door until we found out that our two-year-old qualified for childcare. It made all the difference, and now we're
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani Unveil Phase Two of 2-K Expansion, Bringing Total Number of Seats to 12,000 Citywide
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Governor Hochul: "A father came up to me. He said, 'Governor, my wife and I were literally getting ready to move to Philadelphia because the rents are so high. We wanted to stay, but we couldn't, and we were heading out the door until we found out that our two-year-old qualified for childcare. It made all the difference, and now we'restaying here in the Bronx.' That is one story among thousands of people who now know that this is one huge expense that's lifted off their shoulders."
Hochul: "We're just getting warmed up, my friends. This was a huge commitment, but we're doing it statewide. We've invested money to have universal four-year-old programs for every child in New York in the next year and a half. That is a guarantee. We're going to get that done. We're going to make sure that this two-year-old program continues to expand. And to all the people in the Bronx and Staten Island, we're announcing today: Every single district in those two boroughs will have this available, spreading it to the other five. This is what government is all about -- Helping our people, lifting us up, supporting our kids, supporting our families."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced the next phase of the city's first-ever 2-K program. Starting in fall 2027, school districts will receive the next 10,000 2-K seats, bringing the program to 12,000 seats across the city, including all of Staten Island and every school district in the Bronx.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
I want to thank everyone who's been on this extraordinary journey with us. Since I became Governor five years ago, I've been laser focused on making sure that our children have every advantage possible to them, and that we finally take a heavy burden off our parents. And I'm so proud to have a partner in the Mayor of the City of New York. Mayor Mamdani and I have made this our personal mission, our quest, to let people know that we hear them. We understand the challenges of being a parent in a city that is otherwise very expensive.
And I think back to just yesterday when I was in the Bronx. I was with our great borough president, Vanessa Gibson -- let's give it up for Vanessa Gibson -- we were walking around the [Riverdale] Y Farmers Market, and a father came up to me. He said, "Governor, my wife and I were literally getting ready to move to Philadelphia because the rents are so high. We wanted to stay, but we couldn't, and we were heading out the door until we found out that our two-year-old qualified for childcare. It made all the difference, and now we're staying here in the Bronx."
That is one story among thousands of people who now know that this is one huge expense that's lifted off their shoulders, so there's more money for them to be able to cover their other expenses -- as we understand them to be very high -- groceries, and having to pay for the utility bills, and everything else, the rent bills, the mortgage. This is one thing they don't have to worry about.
And why is this so personal to me? Because I did have to worry about it. I'm New York's first mom Governor. And I know what that means. I know what it means when you have a job you want to keep, but you have to say goodbye to it because there's no available, affordable childcare. I had to walk away from that job. It sent our family finances into a much more challenging place, and we lived through it. But it's heartbreaking to me to know that those babies that were born back then -- they're parents today. They are now parents trying to find childcare for their kids, and this problem still has not been solved. But not here in New York State. Not here in New York, with these 12,000 slots. We are committed to making it happen. Twelve thousand lives, changed forever -- the parents and the children.
And let me close with this: We're just getting warmed up, my friends. This was a huge commitment, but we're doing it statewide. We've invested money to have universal four-year-old programs for every child in New York in the next year and a half. That is a guarantee. We're going to get that done. We're going to make sure that this two-year-old program continues to expand. And to all the people in the Bronx and Staten Island, we're announcing today: Every single district in those two boroughs will have this available, spreading it to the other five. This is what government is all about -- helping our people, lifting us up, supporting our kids, supporting our families. Thank you very much, Mayor. Thanks for being such an amazing partner.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-and-mayor-mamdani-unveil-phase-two-2-k
Video, Audio & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Convenes First Meeting to Advance Evaluation of 2042 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Convenes First Meeting to Advance Evaluation of 2042 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
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Governor Hochul: "This is a very, very special moment for me is what I'm trying to convey, that this is a big deal for our State at this moment in time when I can be the Governor -- the highest honor of my life, to be able to put New York State forward as the most logical place for the very next opening in the Olympics, because '38 spoken for, '42 is the
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Convenes First Meeting to Advance Evaluation of 2042 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
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Governor Hochul: "This is a very, very special moment for me is what I'm trying to convey, that this is a big deal for our State at this moment in time when I can be the Governor -- the highest honor of my life, to be able to put New York State forward as the most logical place for the very next opening in the Olympics, because '38 spoken for, '42 is thevery next one."
Hochul: "There's a group of people working on a life-size, 20-person bronze monument to the Miracle on Ice team. And so I want to make sure that that is successful, that people go up there, will ask the story, understand the story of what real Olympic competition is about. It's about teamwork, it's about believing in each other, it's about trusting a coach, it's about inspiration and words that carry on all these years even to today, I am still quoting it and still remembering those moments... So here today, I'm announcing $2.5 million to complete the monument to memorialize the 1980 Miracle on Ice team and make history."
Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the full membership of the Lake Placid-New York City Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games Exploratory Committee, with nearly 90 members. The committee held its first full meeting in New York City today, marking the next phase of an evaluation of the feasibility of hosting a future Games in New York State.
VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Ashley, I want to thank you for assuming the additional responsibilities of delivering the Olympics for New York State in just a few short years. Not too much weight on your shoulder, but I'll be watching. Also the leadership of the Olympic Exploratory Committee here today and members of my cabinet who have been the wind beneath my wings when we come up with all kinds of crazy ideas -- I actually turn to them and say, now let's make this happen. I want to thank Hope Knight, the President and CEO of ESD, Hope Knight -- thank you. Karen Persichilli Keogh, the Secretary to the Governor who is really just doing an extraordinary job -- I thank her -- this is a passion project for Karen as well. Blake Washington, my budget director because I'm sure there's a few bucks involved in this -- be nice to Blake. James Katz, the Deputy Secretary for Economic Development as well. And to all of you, this was kind of a fun task when I said, "I want to find the dreamers and the doers. Find me the best and the brightest. Find with the people who have passion, but also know how to deliver results." And that's why you're sitting in this room.
You've been hand-selected by my team and many smart people who said, "Who can get this exploratory committee off the ground?" And after one year of study, and I have a feeling we'll come up with the answer I'm looking for in one year - that we are ready to do this -- I just want to put that out there. You can do all this study you want, but I'm expecting the answer to be a resounding yes -- we can pull this off. But we'll go through the work because I am ready to bring the Olympic flame right back here to New York. In fact, as I was walking in, I said, "Name another city in the world that has hosted three Winter Olympic games, and the answer was it will be Lake Placid?" Only one, only one. So I was thinking I don't know if you want to call this a three-peat or something, we got to get this going. I know "Knicks in five," we're excited about the big game starting tomorrow night as we take down the Sixers.
I think about sports -- sports really runs through our veins, it certainly does mine. As someone who's been on an emotional roller coaster my entire life, which is what you call a Buffalo Bills fan. You think how they won yesterday, It was a good game. I said "Go, Bills. Go Bills." Well, I digress from my remarks, as I always do. Apologies to the speechwriters, but I was watching Spectrum News this morning lamenting the loss of the Giants and Jets. I am sorry for the fans in the room, I do feel bad about that. I'm a mom of a big state, I've got to love everybody. But the announcer on Spectrum says, "I don't know why everybody doesn't just root for the only team that plays in New York." He said that, I did not okay, so I had to put that out there. I would not say that - especially with two weeks to go, I'm not saying things like that. But if we can do this, it's the people in this room. It's all of you who have understood and the expertise we have from the Olympic and Paralympic Olympic Committee -- we have some representatives here as well. Today is our first full meeting, great attendance. Thank you for showing up. And I knew as I said, "I need to gather the people who could make this become a reality."
Olympic dreams are just, again, so inspiring for all of us. As a child who watched every Olympic game. And I was just thinking I was - okay, I'll admit it -- I had a debate a couple of days ago, about a week ago. As I'm preparing for my final moments to the debate, getting ready to go out the door, I watched the Miracle on Ice segment again and was reminded that great moments turned into great opportunities and this is our time. And as I'm walking out the door, "Yeah, this is our time." I'm all fired up -- put me out there coach. So then I go in and do my debate. So I also listen to the Rocky training segment as well -- that's always helpful. So sports are part of who I am, you don't grow up in a household with mostly all brothers who are super athletes and I was the nerd -- I wasn't athletic at all, but I certainly watched a lot of competition. You have to be fairly competitive to be in the business I'm in. And so this is a very, very special moment for me is what I'm trying to convey, that this is a big deal for our State at this moment in time when I can be the Governor -- the highest honor of my life, to be able to put New York State forward as the most logical place for the very next opening in the Olympics, because '38 spoken for, '42 is the very next one.
And I know when we finish our work over this next year that we'll put forth a proposal that people say, of course it just makes sense. And there are leaders behind this as well. I want to thank Bobby Carroll in particular. Bobby has been an Assemblymember who knows the North Country, who understands this incredible synergy we can create. And I've tried so hard as the first upstate Governor in probably 100 years and first one from Buffalo since Grover Cleveland and that was a long time ago. But I've always wanted to find a unifying theme for our whole State. What brings us together and I do believe it is sports. So it's not just saying "Oh, we're hosting the Olympics in Lake Placid again and we're encouraging people to come up and experience inviting all the tourists from New York City, etc." No, this could be a statewide phenomenon and that is the brilliance of this particular bid -- that is the brilliance of it. And we saw it work so successfully just this past winter and people were okay traveling some considerable distance from one city to another.
So with Amtrak and I'm going to be working on them to go faster. Anybody from Amtrak in the room? Okay, speed it up. Wouldn't it be great to have high speed rail in place by then? Step up, in fact I'll call the president right now and tell him that's what I'm looking for -- he runs Amtrak I don't. But there's no place better than New York to put together this bid because we offer what few places - premier sporting venues and then the beauty of Lake Placid. I just want all of our representatives from the North Country to stand up right now and we've received, our elected officials, our representatives -- come on stand up. Elected officials from the North Country, everybody who lives in the North Country, loves the North Country -- and thank you. I believe this is going to be a generational opportunity. The planning now, the talk, the buzz, the excitement and people saying, "Well we're probably going to need some more hotels and restaurants and housing." I'm going to be focused on this to just inject new energy into the North Country.
It's a spectacularly beautiful part of our State, and it has been hit hard. The war with Canada right now, that is hurting the North Country more than any part of our State because the synergies and the relationships between the Canadians and New Yorkers are just so close. So it's been a real hit to the local economy, the Canadians have not been coming over to go into the little shops. I mean do you blame them? But this has had a real hard impact on the economy of upstate. So I wanted to also just kind of supercharge interest in this beautiful part of our State. And for all of you, I'm sure you've all been up there, but if you haven't this is one of your assignments to go up there and spend a lot of money as a tourist as you explore all the venues. So that's a directive from your Governor. But we've already made some significant investments up there. We didn't just -- the last Olympics in 1980 just let all the facilities decline. No, no, we've made massive investments. In just $750 million recently to make it truly Olympian quality, and that's why we have so many of the teams come and practice.
When I was there in August, we had young women, Olympic potentials, even little girls playing hockey. One little ten year old I said, "Keep playing hard. You'll be skating in my '42 Olympics right here." So that's what's going on, the people are still coming. Whether it's the sledding events, we've made major investments to make sure that athletes from around the world are familiar with our facilities, because that's where they're doing their training and their practices. So once again, New York State is proving itself after this historic summer. I hope you're all involved in this summer, this was one for the record. The FIFA World Cup, that was extraordinary and showed our capacity of what we could do when all the eyes of the world are looking at New York State. It came off safely -- that's number one despite all the concerns and threats that were out there, we came out safely. We got people moving back and forth. It was less expensive to go on our system to go over to New Jersey than it was on their way but I'm not going to get into a fight over that. We believe in affordability in New York State. Also the Knicks title run -- extraordinary. I'm going to be leaving here shortly to do a Knicks event as well as the US open - all within such a short time. So it showed we have the capacity. And so the Milano Cortina Olympics proved that this dual location can work, and pairing these beautiful venues together is going to be extraordinary. I do want to make an announcement here as well, as I'm trying to get back on track with my speech since I just kind of made up my own. I will say this, I also was touched by the commitment of some people I saw up there who want to make sure that we memorialize the Miracle on Ice, and how do you do that? Because this is embedded in all New Yorkers, this is our story.
And we know that we were all so swept up in the moment at the time. I remember when I was - most of you weren't even born when the 1980 Olympics - I'm looking around this very young room. But I was working at the Varsity Pizzeria at Syracuse University when I was announcing the play-by-play of the Miracle on Ice when we played the Soviets. And it was such an exciting time. It wasn't on television, people weren't watching it. I was able to narrate it, and I was like a big celebrity then because I knew the score, and I was the one telling everybody. And it was just - we were all so swept up in that moment. It's hard to believe it's been 46 years since then, and we have people that are just so dedicated to making sure we can do this. And also, as I said, memorialize this. So there's a group of people working on a life-size, 20-person bronze monument to the Miracle on Ice team. And so I want to make sure that that is successful, that people go up there, will ask the story, understand the story of what real Olympic competition is about. It's about teamwork, it's about believing in each other, it's about trusting a coach, it's about inspiration and words that carry on all these years even to today, I am still quoting it and still remembering those moments.
So I wanted to make sure that we could have a statue memorializing these individuals and Jeff Potter. Jeff, are you here today? Jeff, stand up please. Jeff is on our committee, leading the effort, and I want to help him finish the job. So here today, I'm announcing $2.5 million to complete the monument to memorialize the 1980 Miracle on Ice team and make history. Jeff, I can't wait to see it. So, 16 years to the next Olympics, I'm ready. I'm so excited as I think about again my last quote would be Herb Brooks, the coach of the team in 1980. I just have to ask, has everybody seen Miracle on Ice? Anybody not, don't raise your hand. Go home and watch it tonight because that's what this is all about -- that's what New York is all about. It is sometimes being the underdog, sometimes getting knocked down. People underestimating you, something I know a little bit about, but also persevering and through real grit and determination and being able to come out on top. And that is the New York story. That is the quintessential New York story, is the Olympic story and is our story. And as Herb Brook said, "Success is won by those who believe in winning, who believe in winning and then prepare for that moment."
I believe we will win that bid. I believe that New York will be selected as the venue for the 1942 -- I'm sorry - 2042 -- just see if I was awake yet. The 2042 Olympics and that's how preparation -- It's starting right here. So a lot at stake for our economy, for tourism, for our identity and our pride. But I am looking at the room of my dreamers, my Olympic team, and I thank all of you for being part of this journey. It's going to be extraordinary.
Thank you very much, everybody.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-convenes-first-meeting-advance-evaluation-2042
Sanders Announces Fort Smith as Arkansas' Capital for a Day on October 21
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
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Sanders Announces Fort Smith as Arkansas' Capital for a Day on October 21
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TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: In the early 1800s, to help keep the peace between the Osage and Cherokee tribes, early settlers and troops chose to establish a small fort at Belle Point due to the visibility it provided at the confluence point of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers;
WHEREAS: By the 1840s, Fort Smith was an established military supplier thanks to the Army's consistent
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
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Sanders Announces Fort Smith as Arkansas' Capital for a Day on October 21
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TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: In the early 1800s, to help keep the peace between the Osage and Cherokee tribes, early settlers and troops chose to establish a small fort at Belle Point due to the visibility it provided at the confluence point of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers;
WHEREAS: By the 1840s, Fort Smith was an established military supplier thanks to the Army's consistentpresence in the area and a critical outfitter for the thousands of people trekking to California with hopes of discovering gold;
WHEREAS: In 1887, natural gas was discovered in the area, opening the door for manufacturing to become one of Fort Smith's primary industries, and today, manufacturing, food-processing, and other related industries remain the key economic drivers in the region;
WHEREAS: Infamous outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow sought refuge in Fort Smith while on the run for their many crimes during the Great Depression;
WHEREAS: Ebbing Air National Guard Base is located in Fort Smith, and hosts the Arkansas Air National Guard's 188th Wing as well as the F-35 Foreign Military Sales program - a Department of War and multinational defense program;
WHEREAS: Today, visitors and residents of Fort Smith can stroll along the famous Garrison Avenue and later take a walk-through history at the Fort Smith Museum of History and the U.S. Marshals Museum;
WHEREAS: Fort Smith is also home to the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, Fort Smith National Cemetery, Spirit of the American Doughboy Monument, and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith;
WHEREAS: Governor Sanders' "Capital for a Day" program highlights great cities around Arkansas like Fort Smith and brings senior state government officials into town to meet with their local counterparts; and
WHEREAS: Fort Smith will serve as the twenty-seventh "Capital for a Day" under Governor Sanders and will momentarily serve as Arkansas' seat of government.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby name Fort Smith, Arkansas, our Capital for a Day on October 21, 2026, and invite our senior state government officials to join me in a visit to the city.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 19th day of October, in the year of our Lord 2026.
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Original text here: https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/sanders-announces-fort-smith-as-arkansas-capital-for-a-day-on-october-21/
Governor Reeves Appoints Russell B. Jordan County Court Judge for DeSoto County
JACKSON, Mississippi, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Tate Reeves, R-Mississippi, issued the following news release:
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Governor Reeves Appoints Russell B. Jordan County Court Judge for DeSoto County
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JACKSON, Miss. - Governor Tate Reeves today announced the appointment of Russell B. Jordan of Hernando as County Court Judge for DeSoto County. This appointment fills a vacancy created when the former County Court Judge Craig Treadway was appointed to serve as circuit court judge for the 21st Circuit Court District.
"Russell's extensive courtroom experience, commitment to the rule of law and record of public
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JACKSON, Mississippi, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Tate Reeves, R-Mississippi, issued the following news release:
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Governor Reeves Appoints Russell B. Jordan County Court Judge for DeSoto County
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JACKSON, Miss. - Governor Tate Reeves today announced the appointment of Russell B. Jordan of Hernando as County Court Judge for DeSoto County. This appointment fills a vacancy created when the former County Court Judge Craig Treadway was appointed to serve as circuit court judge for the 21st Circuit Court District.
"Russell's extensive courtroom experience, commitment to the rule of law and record of publicservice have prepared him for this important role," said Governor Reeves. "His experience as a prosecuting attorney and civil litigator, combined with his dedication to the people of DeSoto County, makes him exceptionally qualified for judicial service."
Jordan currently serves as the acting county prosecutor for DeSoto County and the City of Hernando. He previously served as the prosecuting attorney for the City of Horn Lake. Throughout his nearly two decade legal career, Russell has handled a wide and diverse range of civil and criminal matters and has tried cases in state and federal courts across the South.
Jordan earned his J.D. from the University of Mississippi School of Law and his B.B.A. from Mississippi State University. He is a member of the State Bar of Mississippi, Tennessee and Arkansas.
Jordan's appointment will begin on November 1, 2026, and he will serve until the position is filled by special election next November.
Russell B. Jordan
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Original text here: https://governorreeves.ms.gov/governor-reeves-appoints-russell-b-jordan-county-court-judge-for-desoto-county/
Governor Moore Announces Teacher Vacancy Rate Drop by Over 70 Percent in 4 Years
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Wes Moore, D-Maryland, posted the following news release:
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Governor Moore Announces Teacher Vacancy Rate Drop by Over 70 Percent in 4 Years
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ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Governor Moore, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright and State Board of Education President Dr. Joshua L. Michael today announced historic declines in the Maryland teacher vacancy rate -- falling 73.3 percent over the last four years. Teacher vacancies dropped from a high point of 2,145 during the 2022-23 school year to 572 this school year, attributed to a broad range of initiatives,
... Show Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Wes Moore, D-Maryland, posted the following news release:
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Governor Moore Announces Teacher Vacancy Rate Drop by Over 70 Percent in 4 Years
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ANNAPOLIS, MD -- Governor Moore, State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright and State Board of Education President Dr. Joshua L. Michael today announced historic declines in the Maryland teacher vacancy rate -- falling 73.3 percent over the last four years. Teacher vacancies dropped from a high point of 2,145 during the 2022-23 school year to 572 this school year, attributed to a broad range of initiatives,including salary enhancements, Grow-Your-Own Educators programs, and recruitment and retention efforts with state government, school system and labor partners.
"I want Maryland to have the best schools in the world, and that means every classroom must have a dedicated teacher ready to engage and mentor the next generation," said Gov. Moore. "Our administration has tackled barriers to entry and strategically invested to create opportunities for passionate educators to pursue their dream of teaching. We are proud of the historic progress we've made, and we won't stop until every vacancy is filled to deliver the world class education our students deserve."
Dr. Wright and Dr. Michael made the announcement at Hillsmere Elementary School in Annapolis with Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell.
"Maryland's continued progress in reducing teacher vacancies reflects our deep commitment to building and sustaining a strong educator workforce," said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. "These results show that targeted investments and partnerships are making a measurable difference for students and schools across the state. We will continue advancing strategies that attract, prepare, and support excellent educators for every classroom."
"This milestone demonstrates what is possible when state leaders, local districts, and educators work together toward a common goal," said State Board of Education President Dr. Joshua L. Michael. "Ensuring every student has access to highly effective teachers remains at the center of the Board's mission. We are encouraged by this progress and will remain focused on policies that strengthen the profession and elevate outcomes for Maryland students."
Teacher vacancies in Anne Arundel County Public Schools have fallen from 283 in 2022, Dr. Bedell's first year in the district, to 16 on the first day of school this year.
"The hard work to reduce teacher vacancies has many pieces to it," said Anne Arundel County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell. "Compensation and training programs are certainly huge factors, but so is creating supportive cultures where every teacher feels a sense of belonging. We are very proud of the work we have done in all of those areas."
More than 64,000 educators work in Maryland public schools. The largest teacher vacancy decline -- 45.3 percent -- occurred between the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. Elementary education vacancies fell by 63.3 percent during the same period.
The Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act--signed by Gov. Moore this year--takes additional steps to address the teacher shortage by developing fully licensed teachers through debt-free pathways to teacher licensure and teacher recruitment campaigns. Among the state-level recruitment efforts championed by the Moore-Miller Administration:
* The registered teaching apprenticeship program provides aspiring educators with more hands-on training, mentorship, and paid work experience. Approved by the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Council, the program developed through a partnership between MSDE, MSEA, and Maryland Department of Labor. The program's first cohort enrolled in Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Washington and Worcester counties earlier this year.
* The Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program, also expanded through the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act, creates stronger pathways for non-licensed school staff to become full-time teachers. Sixteen districts statewide have received grants, totaling $33.7 million.
* TEACH Maryland targets and supports aspiring educators at every stage--from high school students to career changers--by making it easier to explore teaching and find a path that fits their goals.
* The Teacher Quality and Diversity Grant program provides $1 million to diversify and strengthen teaching programs.
The Moore-Miller Administration's sustained focus on public education has improved academic outcomes across the state. Maryland ranked 3rd in the nation in reading growth and 5th in math between 2022 and 2025. As part of his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal, Governor Wes Moore passed a historic $10.1 billion investment in Maryland's K-12 education.
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Original text here: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press-releases/governor-moore-announces-teacher-vacancy-rate-drop-over-70-percent-4-years
Governor Lamont and Secretary Thomas Remind Connecticut Voters That a 14-Day Period of In-Person Early Voting for the 2026 General Election Begins Today
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont and Secretary Thomas Remind Connecticut Voters That a 14-Day Period of In-Person Early Voting for the 2026 General Election Begins Today
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In-Person Early Voting Is Available October 19 to November 1, 2026
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas are reminding Connecticut voters that a 14-day period of in-person early voting for the 2026 General Election begins today--Monday, October 19, 2026--and is available every single day through
... Show Full Article
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont and Secretary Thomas Remind Connecticut Voters That a 14-Day Period of In-Person Early Voting for the 2026 General Election Begins Today
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In-Person Early Voting Is Available October 19 to November 1, 2026
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas are reminding Connecticut voters that a 14-day period of in-person early voting for the 2026 General Election begins today--Monday, October 19, 2026--and is available every single day throughSunday, November 1, 2026. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Connecticut law provides voters with three methods of their choice for casting ballots in elections:
* In-person early voting
* Absentee ballots that can be returned either in-person, by a secure drop box, or through the mail
* In-person voting on Election Day
Instructions for in-person early voting
In-person early voting for the 2026 General Election is available on the following dates and times:
* Monday, October 19, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Tuesday, October 20, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Wednesday, October 21, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Thursday, October 22, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Friday, October 23, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Saturday, October 24, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Sunday, October 25, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Monday, October 26, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Tuesday, October 27, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
* Wednesday, October 28, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Thursday, October 29, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
* Friday, October 30, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Saturday, October 31, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
* Sunday, November 1, 2026: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All in-person early voting is conducted at specifically designated locations in each municipality, which may not necessarily be the same location where voting is held on Election Day. Most towns and cities have only one in-person early voting location.
For the full list of every municipality's in-person early voting location for the 2026 General Election, click here.
Voters can only cast their ballot in the municipality where they are registered. Election officials keep a record of every voter who has voted early, preventing them from voting early at any other location, submitting an absentee ballot, or voting in-person on Election Day.
Instructions for voting with an absentee ballot
Absentee ballots for the 2026 General Election became available beginning October 2, 2026. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is November 2, 2026. Anyone who plans on voting with an absentee ballot is urged to request a ballot as soon as possible and return it in advance of Election Day.
Connecticut recently expanded access to absentee ballots and no longer requires an excuse to vote using this method. All registered voters may now apply to vote by absentee ballot without needing to provide a reason.
Voters can request an absentee ballot either by filling out the online application that is available on the Office of the Secretary of the State's website or by filling out a paper application and delivering it either by mail or in-person to the town clerk in the municipality in which they reside. For the links to submit an online application or to download and print out the paper application, click here.
Upon receiving their absentee ballots and filling them out, voters can return the ballots either by submitting them through the mail, dropping them off at their town or city's official secure drop box, or delivering them directly to their town clerk's office.
Instructions for voting in-person on Election Day
Election Day for the 2026 General Election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. On this day, all polling places in Connecticut will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Voters can locate their Election Day polling place by filling out the Voter Registration Lookup form here.
More information about voting in Connecticut
The deadline to register to vote in advance of the 2026 General Election was Friday, October 16, 2026. For those who missed the deadline, same-day voter registration will be available on Election Day at a specifically designated location in each municipality.
For all information about elections and voting in Connecticut, visit the state's elections portal at MyVote.CT.gov.
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2026/10-2026/governor-lamont-and-secretary-thomas-remind-voters-that-a-14-day-period-of-in-person-early-voting
Governor DeSantis Announces Temporary Sheltering and First Responder Assistance for Hurricane Isaias Survivors
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, posted the following news release:
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Governor DeSantis Announces Temporary Sheltering and First Responder Assistance for Hurricane Isaias Survivors
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PENSACOLA, Fla.--Today, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at The Salvation Army Multi-Agency Resource Center in Pensacola to highlight new assistance for Floridians recovering from Hurricane Isaias and ongoing response and recovery efforts across Northwest Florida. The announcements included awarding the first two temporary shelter trailers to storm-impacted families
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 19 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, posted the following news release:
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Governor DeSantis Announces Temporary Sheltering and First Responder Assistance for Hurricane Isaias Survivors
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PENSACOLA, Fla.--Today, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at The Salvation Army Multi-Agency Resource Center in Pensacola to highlight new assistance for Floridians recovering from Hurricane Isaias and ongoing response and recovery efforts across Northwest Florida. The announcements included awarding the first two temporary shelter trailers to storm-impacted familiesand providing one-time financial assistance to first responders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who were personally affected by the storm while continuing to serve their communities.
"Thanks to our partnership with Emergency RV, we have started providing travel trailers to Floridians displaced by significant hurricane damage, so they have a safe place to live while they rebuild," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "We're also committed to helping the first responders whose homes were impacted by the storm and still showed up to serve their communities. With funding from the Florida Sheriffs Association, we are providing these first responders with $5,000 each to show our gratitude."
Through a partnership between Emergency RV and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, temporary shelter trailers are being provided to eligible residents displaced by significant damage from Hurricane Isaias. Emergency RV is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter to individuals and families affected by disasters. The program has received nearly 300 applications. Residents can apply at EmergencyRV.org.
The Governor also announced one-time $5,000 grants for eight first responders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who were personally affected by the storm while continuing to serve their communities. The assistance is being provided through a partnership between the Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida, in coordination with the Florida Sheriffs Association. The grants recognize the responders' service and provide additional support as they recover.
Florida has requested a Major Disaster Declaration that includes Public Assistance for 15 counties and Individual Assistance for eligible residents in eight counties. The state is awaiting a federal decision. If approved, the declaration would make additional federal recovery assistance available to eligible communities and residents. Recovery teams remain in the field assessing damage and gathering information about community needs.
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Original text here: https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-desantis-announces-temporary-sheltering-and-first-responder-assistance
