States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
Featured Stories
Zachary Helm Appointed as New Hawaiian Homes Commissioner for the Island of Molokai
HONOLULU, Hawaii, April 20 -- The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands issued the following news release:
The Hawaii State Senate recently voted to advise and consent Zachary Helm to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Commissioner Helm will represent the island of Molokai and his term runs through June of 2020.
Mr. Helm has thirty years of experience working with the Department of Parks and Recreation for the County of Maui. Mr. Helm served most of his tenure at the Parks and Recreation as the District Supervisor III of the Molokai District, where he was responsible for the operations and maintenance
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, April 20 -- The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands issued the following news release:
The Hawaii State Senate recently voted to advise and consent Zachary Helm to the Hawaiian Homes Commission. Commissioner Helm will represent the island of Molokai and his term runs through June of 2020.
Mr. Helm has thirty years of experience working with the Department of Parks and Recreation for the County of Maui. Mr. Helm served most of his tenure at the Parks and Recreation as the District Supervisor III of the Molokai District, where he was responsible for the operations and maintenanceof parks and recreational facilities, equipment, and recreation programs. Mr. Helm has proven his leadership as the Deputy Director for the Department of Parks and Recreation of the County of Maui.
Commissioner Helm is also active in the community, serving on various boards such as the Kalama'ula Hawaiian Homestead Association, Friendly Isle United Way, Molokai Catholic Community Council, and Molokai Little League Association. Commissioner Helm replaces Commissioner Gene Ross Davis who was hired as the District Supervisor for DHHL's Molokai Office.
More information about the Hawaiian Homes Commission can be found by clicking here (http://dhhl.hawaii.gov/hhc/).
West Virginia Division of Culture and History Accepting Entries for Annual Juried Quilt Exhibition Until Friday, April 27
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 20 -- The West Virginia Division of Culture and History issued the following news release:
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History (WVDCH) is accepting entries for the 2018 West Virginia Quilts and Wall Hangings Juried Exhibition until Friday, April 27 at 4 p.m. This is the 37th year for the exhibition which will open Friday, May 25, with an awards ceremony at the annual Vandalia Gathering at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex. The free summer-long exhibition will be displayed through Sept. 10, 2018.
Quilts and wall hangings can be mailed or hand-delivered
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 20 -- The West Virginia Division of Culture and History issued the following news release:
The West Virginia Division of Culture and History (WVDCH) is accepting entries for the 2018 West Virginia Quilts and Wall Hangings Juried Exhibition until Friday, April 27 at 4 p.m. This is the 37th year for the exhibition which will open Friday, May 25, with an awards ceremony at the annual Vandalia Gathering at the Culture Center, State Capitol Complex. The free summer-long exhibition will be displayed through Sept. 10, 2018.
Quilts and wall hangings can be mailed or hand-deliveredto Cailin Howe, exhibits coordinator for the division, at the Culture Center.
Quilts and wall hangings, handmade or machine made, by West Virginia residents are eligible for the exhibition. Special consideration will be given to hand-quilted entries. Entrants may submit one quilt and one wall hanging. There is a nonrefundable fee of $20 per entry. Quilts and wall hangings shown previously in a Division of Culture and History Quilts and Wall Hangings juried exhibition are not eligible.
Awards are presented for first- ($750), second- ($400) and third-place ($300) in the following categories: pieced quilts, appliqued quilts and quilts made with mixed/other techniques. Wall hangings will receive $400 for first-place, $300 for second-place and $200 for third-place.
In addition, a Best of Show prize of $100 may be awarded by the juror. Honorable mention or other non-monetary awards are given at the discretion of the judge. The Division of Culture and History will provide two Purchase Awards and add the purchased quilt and wall hanging to the West Virginia State Museum collection.
The prospectus and entry information for the 2018 Quilts and Wall Hangings Juried Exhibition can be downloaded at http://www.wvculture.org/museum/Quilts/quiltinfopage.html.
For more information about the Quilts and Wall Hangings exhibit or to request a printed prospectus, contact Howe at (304) 558-0220 or cailin.a.howe@wv.gov.
Virginia Department of Education Issues Memo on Individual Student Alternative Education Plan
RICHMOND, Virginia, April 20 -- The Virginia Department of Education's Acting Superintendent Steven M. Constantino issued the following Memo:
SUBJECT: Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) Program Application for 2018-2019
The Virginia Department of Education will make available $2,247,581 in fiscal year 2018-2019 to school divisions with ISAEP programs, as set forth in the Code of Virginia *22.1-254: This link takes you out of the Virginia Department of Education website. .E. and approved by the American Council on Education as a GED(R) Options Program. Because a final state
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, April 20 -- The Virginia Department of Education's Acting Superintendent Steven M. Constantino issued the following Memo:
SUBJECT: Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) Program Application for 2018-2019
The Virginia Department of Education will make available $2,247,581 in fiscal year 2018-2019 to school divisions with ISAEP programs, as set forth in the Code of Virginia *22.1-254: This link takes you out of the Virginia Department of Education website. .E. and approved by the American Council on Education as a GED(R) Options Program. Because a final statebudget has not yet been adopted for fiscal year 2019, this projected amount of funding is still pending final approval by the General Assembly. As the allocations for fiscal year 2019 are dependent on the projected final funding level approved by the General Assembly, school divisions will be notified if the final budget includes a change in the projected level. Funds will provide services for students 16 years of age and older who meet program provisions established in the Code of Virginia and in the guidelines of the Virginia Board of Education.
Please refer to the application packet for specific instructions about the submission of application materials. If no program is planned, write your school division's name and code, as well as the words "No Program Is Planned," on the face of the cover sheet that is included in the Appendix of the application packet.
Applicants are encouraged to submit the completed application electronically to OAEL@doe.virginia.gov: Email link. . After submitting the application electronically, applicants are required to send the cover page and Superintendent's Statement of Assurances form with original signatures via U.S. mail to the appropriate address below. Applications in their entirety may also be mailed to the appropriate address below. Regardless of the submission method, all application materials (the original and two copies) must be received by the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education no later than 2 p.m., May 31, 2018. Faxed copies will not be accepted.
* Physical Address
* Beverly Godwin, Specialist for Adult Secondary Programs and ISAEP
* Virginia Department of Education
* Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
* James Monroe Building, 21st Floor
* 101 North 14th Street
* Richmond, Virginia 23219
* Mailing Address
* Beverly Godwin, Specialist for Adult Secondary Programs and ISAEP
* Virginia Department of Education
* Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
* P.O. Box 2120
* Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120
If you have questions, please contact Beverly Godwin, Specialist for Adult Secondary Programs and ISAEP, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, at OAEL@doe.virginia.gov: Email link. or by telephone at (804) 786-7644.
SMC/GRW/aab
Rep. McClinton Addresses Urban Gun Violence Before House Judiciary Committee
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 20 -- The Pennsylvania House Democrats issued the following news release on behalf of Pennsylvania State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware:
During a series of hearings on gun violence this week before the House Judiciary Committee, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, addressed the disparity in coverage of gun violence between low-income communities of color and more affluent majority-white communities.
During her testimony, McClinton, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, called on the committee to acknowledge gun violence as a public health
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 20 -- The Pennsylvania House Democrats issued the following news release on behalf of Pennsylvania State Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware:
During a series of hearings on gun violence this week before the House Judiciary Committee, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, addressed the disparity in coverage of gun violence between low-income communities of color and more affluent majority-white communities.
During her testimony, McClinton, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, called on the committee to acknowledge gun violence as a public healthcrisis just like opioids, immediately advance legislation that would keep guns out of the wrong hands, and provide adequate funding for prevention programs and to the Office of the Attorney General for its Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.
She said, "While it took tragedies like the Parkland and Las Vegas shootings to gather us here today, I would like to remind everyone that communities of color in Philadelphia, Delaware, Berks, Dauphin, Cambria and Allegheny counties have been victims of gun violence for decades.
"In fact, the Center for American Progress reports that African-Americans and Hispanics represent nearly 79 percent of all gun homicides in Pennsylvania. From 2005 to 2014, Pennsylvania ranked fourth in the nation for the rate of gun deaths among African-Americans. Although African-Americans make up about 12 percent of Pennsylvania's population, they account for nearly 70 percent of gun homicides in our commonwealth. Moreover, Pennsylvania ranked second in the nation for the highest gun death rate of Hispanics, second only to Arizona."
While most of the testimonies focused on gun violence as public safety and mental health issues, McClinton argued that it was neither, but rather a gun issue.
She said, "Just last year, 570 Pennsylvanians were victims of homicide by a firearm - 259 of these homicides took place in Philadelphia. While nearly one in every two gun-related homicides took place in Philadelphia County, gun violence is wreaking havoc throughout Pennsylvania.
"This is not a public safety issue. This is not a mental health issue. This is a gun issue. We must work toward keeping firearms out of the wrong hands. This does not mean we want to take away everyone's guns. We only want to make sure that responsible, law-abiding citizens have access to firearms. And so should you."
Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center's 'A Day in Court' Educational Game Now Available Online
LANSING, Michigan, April 20 -- The Michigan Supreme Court issued the following news release:
The Michigan Judicial Institute announced today that "A Day in Court," which will be featured in the Learning Center's Courtroom Exhibit, is now online. The educational game can be used pre- or post-tour, or as a separate activity.
This interactive game helps players learn more about the judicial branch of government. In particular, it highlights the work of trial courts - the courts closest to the people where most cases are heard. For example, the game helps players learn about important roles in our
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, April 20 -- The Michigan Supreme Court issued the following news release:
The Michigan Judicial Institute announced today that "A Day in Court," which will be featured in the Learning Center's Courtroom Exhibit, is now online. The educational game can be used pre- or post-tour, or as a separate activity.
This interactive game helps players learn more about the judicial branch of government. In particular, it highlights the work of trial courts - the courts closest to the people where most cases are heard. For example, the game helps players learn about important roles in ourjustice system, including witnesses, juries, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges.
MJI also offers a companion piece to the game, called "Educator Resources," which includes links to lessons, a glossary, curriculum connections, technical information, and tips for contacting legal professionals in your community.
In addition to this new game, the Learning Center offers other online resources for educators and students, including lesson plans, educational games, and a free quarterly e-newsletter. For more information, visit http://www.courts.mi.gov/learningcenter.
Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Learning Center tours are free, and typically last 60-90 minutes. Groups of 10 or more must schedule in advance for guided tours; self-guided, walk-in tours are available for smaller groups. For more information, contact Rachael Drenovsky at 517-373-5027 or drenovskyr@courts.mi.gov
Legislative Update Issued by Minnesota State Rep. Theis
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 20 -- The Minnesota State House Republican Caucus issued the following legislative update from Minnesota State Rep. Tama Theis:
This week, I spoke to the press about a bipartisan bill I am carrying that would require later start times for schools. Many parents and teachers are struggling with tired teenagers who can't get to sleep at night, yet need to wake up too early for school. Too little sleep can affect students' school work, their physical health and their mental health, and it's why I am advocating for this change at the Legislature.
The bill, which received
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 20 -- The Minnesota State House Republican Caucus issued the following legislative update from Minnesota State Rep. Tama Theis:
This week, I spoke to the press about a bipartisan bill I am carrying that would require later start times for schools. Many parents and teachers are struggling with tired teenagers who can't get to sleep at night, yet need to wake up too early for school. Too little sleep can affect students' school work, their physical health and their mental health, and it's why I am advocating for this change at the Legislature.
The bill, which receiveda hearing in the Senate on Tuesday, would require middle schools and high schools to start after 8:30 a.m. and ensure elementary aged students are getting on their bus no earlier than 7:00 a.m. The bill, if signed into law, would go into effect beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, giving districts ample time to implement the change.
As we continue to look at ways to keep Minnesota kids safe and healthy, I think this change can be part of the solution. More sleep reduces risk-taking behaviors in teens, anxiety, car crashes, depression and sports-related injuries, while helping them do better in school. I think making this change can lead to better outcomes for Minnesota kids.
House File 2010
This week, I presented House File 2010 to the House Property Tax Committee. This bill would allow the city of St. Cloud to increase its current liquor and food tax by up to half a percent, and its lodging tax by one percent to help pay for improvements to the Municipal Athletic Center. Any tax increase would have to be approved by the voters in the general election.
The city has asked for this change, and I am carrying the bill so that taxpayers can decide if they would like to see additional dollars go to this project.
The Governor's Budget
As we work to ensure folks can take full advantage of state and federal tax relief, a recent analysis by Governor Dayton's own Department of Revenue found that his budget proposal, which includes reinstating more than $1 billion in health care tax increases, would raise taxes on Minnesotans of every income level and make our tax code more regressive. Households making less than $32,000 would be hit the hardest.
In the House, we are working on a federal conformity plan that will focus on returning the surplus through meaningful tax relief and hold as many Minnesotans as possible harmless, protecting families, citizens and hardworking taxpayers. I will share more details on our plan soon.
It's an honor to be your voice at the Capitol. Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Tama
Governor Abbott and HUD Secretary Ben Carson Hold Press Conference on Disaster Recovery
AUSTIN, Texas, April 20 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
Governor Greg Abbott today joined Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman John Culberson and local officials in Houston, Texas to discuss the $5 billion recently allocated to Texas for Hurricane Harvey and disaster recovery. This grant funding is being provided through HUD's Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program for the rebuilding of housing, businesses, and infrastructure following Hurricane Harvey and previous flood events.
"Though
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, April 20 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
Governor Greg Abbott today joined Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson, Senator Ted Cruz, Congressman John Culberson and local officials in Houston, Texas to discuss the $5 billion recently allocated to Texas for Hurricane Harvey and disaster recovery. This grant funding is being provided through HUD's Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program for the rebuilding of housing, businesses, and infrastructure following Hurricane Harvey and previous flood events.
"ThoughHurricane Harvey was the worst of storms, it brought out the best in the people of Texas," said Governor Abbott. "In each community, so many lives were saved because of the courage and leadership of local officials and the efforts of our incredible first responders. These funds will help give communities the resources they need to continue recovering, and I thank HUD Secretary Ben Carson, as well as all of our federal partners, for their ongoing support throughout this process."
This allocation comes as a result of the disaster supplemental recently passed by Congress, and is in addition to the $5 billion in CDBG funding previously awarded to Texas by HUD late last year. Local Texas officials can now implement a disaster recovery plan to identify their communities needs for these funds.
The CDBG-DR funding includes:
* $652,175,000 to help rebuild damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure.
* $4,297,189,000 for elevating homes, property buyouts, and hardening structures from wind and water to help protect Texas families from future storms.
* In addition, Houston received $61,884,000 and San Marcos $24,012,000 for mitigation of 2015 floods.
