States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Appoints New Communications Director
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 18 -- The California State Board of Education issued the following news release:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that he has appointed Kindra Britt as Director of Communications for the California Department of Education (CDE).
Britt heads a division that handles internal and external communications, including media activities to support State Superintendent Thurmond, and CDE as a whole. She replaces outgoing Director Bill Ainsworth.
Britt most recently served as Community Affairs Director for the Placer County Office of Education,
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SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 18 -- The California State Board of Education issued the following news release:
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that he has appointed Kindra Britt as Director of Communications for the California Department of Education (CDE).
Britt heads a division that handles internal and external communications, including media activities to support State Superintendent Thurmond, and CDE as a whole. She replaces outgoing Director Bill Ainsworth.
Britt most recently served as Community Affairs Director for the Placer County Office of Education,where she started nearly 12 years ago as a Career Technical Education Instructor. Britt brings a unique perspective to her new role at CDE, having previously served in the classroom. In addition to her work in Placer County, over the last few months, she was on loan to Butte County as a Public Information Officer to assist Paradise Unified School District (PUSD) during the aftermath of the catastrophic Camp Fire. She managed media relations from all over the world in response to the devastation caused by the fire.PUSD had 3,500 students displaced after the fire, and Britt helped support the district in communications to first locate families and then provide them with vital information for recovery efforts and the return to school.
"I am pleased to have such an experienced, passionate, and energetic new member on the CDE team," Thurmond said. "Kindra brings tremendous knowledge and dedication to public education, and I know this will align with my priorities as we hit the ground running in 2019."
In addition to her great work at Placer County Office of Education, Britt has also served on the board for the California School Public Relations Association and is currently president-elect. Her network of school communicators throughout the state will serve as a benefit to CDE and her new role.
Born and raised in California, Britt is a proud public school graduate from Nevada County as well as a graduate of Sierra Community College. She later earned a B.S. in Kinesiology at California State University, Chico and a M.A. in Sport Management at California State University, Long Beach.
North Carolina's December Employment Figures Released
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
The state's seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, remaining unchanged from November's revised rate. The national rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent.
North Carolina's December 2018 unemployment rate decreased 0.9 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 4,299 over the month to 4,818,454 and increased 74,190 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 1,173 over the month to 178,436 and
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
The state's seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, remaining unchanged from November's revised rate. The national rate increased 0.2 of a percentage point to 3.9 percent.
North Carolina's December 2018 unemployment rate decreased 0.9 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 4,299 over the month to 4,818,454 and increased 74,190 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 1,173 over the month to 178,436 anddecreased 43,413 over the year.
Seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm industry employment, as gathered through the monthly establishment survey, increased 1,200 to 4,536,400 in December. The major industries with the largest over-the-month increases were Manufacturing at 2,200, followed by Leisure & Hospitality Services, 1,900; Education & Health Services, 900; Government, 500; Construction, 200; and Mining & Logging, 100. Major industries experiencing decreases were Professional & Business Services, 2,900; Information, 700; Trade, Transportation & Utilities, 700; Financial Activities, 200; and Other Services, 100.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates since December 2017
Click here to view the table: https://www.nccommerce.com/news/press-releases/north-carolina%E2%80%99s-december-employment-figures-released
* Please note: 2017 Numbers Have Been Annually Revised *
Since December 2017, Total Nonfarm jobs gained 87,200 with the Total Private sector growing by 82,700 and Government increasing by 4,500. The largest over-the-year increase among major industries was Trade, Transportation & Utilities at 22,800, followed by Professional & Business Services, 14,300; Education & Health Services, 13,200; Leisure & Hospitality Services, 9,900; Financial Activities, 7,500; Manufacturing, 7,500; Construction, 6,400; Government, 4,500; and Information, 2,200. Major industries experiencing decreases were Other Services, 1,000; and Mining & Logging, 100.
The next unemployment update is scheduled for Wednesday, January 30, 2019 when the county unemployment rates for December 2018 will be released.
Maryland Reduces Use of Road Salts to Protect the Environment and Public Health
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 18 -- The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following news release:
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- Residents urged to stay safe in winter weather but cut back on salt when possible
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As winter weather impacts the state, Maryland is working to reduce the use of road salts that can threaten public health and the environment - including the water that we drink - while keeping traffic moving safely.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is taking steps to reduce salt in rivers, streams and groundwater to protect aquatic life and drinking water sources while roads
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 18 -- The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following news release:
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- Residents urged to stay safe in winter weather but cut back on salt when possible
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As winter weather impacts the state, Maryland is working to reduce the use of road salts that can threaten public health and the environment - including the water that we drink - while keeping traffic moving safely.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is taking steps to reduce salt in rivers, streams and groundwater to protect aquatic life and drinking water sources while roadsare made safe for winter travel. MDE has been working for several years with state agencies and local jurisdictions on best practices for salt application, including use of improved weather forecasting, using the right amount of salt, targeting roads in most need of treatment, using brine to reduce overall salt usage and increasing training for employees and contracted equipment operators. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) employs a range of strategies to reduce its use of salt while continuing to keep roads safe - and over the past five years has reduced its overall salt usage by half.
"The Maryland Department of the Environment congratulates and thanks the State Highway Administration for leading by example when it comes to reducing the use of road salts that can threaten public health and our environment," said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. "This winter, we urge all Marylanders to make smart decisions on the use of de-icing chemicals to help protect aquatic life and drinking water quality without ever compromising public safety."
"MDOT SHA leverages innovation, modernized tools and continual training for the responsible use of salt on the network," said MDOT SHA Administrator Greg Slater. "The health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed and Maryland's environment is something we all value, and we prioritize that philosophy as we balance treatment of the roads for safety and an overall reduction in salt usage."
Clearing roads and highways of ice and snow helps to ensure safe travel and the timely transportation of goods and services to keep Maryland's economy moving. Sodium chloride - or salt - is effective, relatively inexpensive, readily available and easily stored. But salt can destroy a soil's structure and cause erosion, can damage and kill vegetation and can contribute to the corrosion of metal bridges and motor vehicles. It can also seep into groundwater and run off into surface waters, contaminating wildlife habitat and potentially affecting drinking water.
Some Maryland streams are identified as being polluted by chlorides, which affects freshwater aquatic life. MDE has increased monitoring for chlorides to gain information that can be used in developing restoration plans.
Salt in drinking water can be a health threat to people on sodium restricted diets due to concerns about high blood pressure. Chloride can add a salty taste to water and corrode pipes. Road de-icing can cause increases in sodium and chloride concentrations in drinking water reservoirs, rivers that are sources of drinking water and private and public water system wells.
MDOT SHA has moved to using proactive strategies to reduce road salt use. The agency uses salt brine - a liquid solution that is 22 percent salt and 78 percent water - before, during and after winter weather events. Pre-treating roads with brine prevents the initial bonding of snow or ice, giving road crews time to mobilize. The agency now has three "tow plows" - separate plows towed behind a salt/plow truck to clear an additional travel lane - which enhances snow clearing operations. More plowing means less salting.
MDOT SHA has also designated routes where only salt brine is used for the duration of a storm, using less salt overall when compared to routes where rock salt is used. The agency pre-wets rock salt to reduce the "bounce and scatter" effect of salt solids ricocheting off the highway. MDOT SHA also works with weather forecasters to develop a treatment plan and employs nearly 100 infrared sensors at key locations, along with mobile sensors, to determine conditions and target its storm deployment - greatly contributing to salt reduction efforts.
MDE, in addition to its work to monitor streams to help improve water quality, has issued municipal stormwater permits to the largest local jurisdictions that include requirements for programs to reduce winter de-icing materials used. The next round of municipal stormwater permits will build on the lessons learned to require improved road salt management strategies and additional water monitoring plans to measure environmental progress.
Many Maryland residents use salt to reduce ice accumulation on steps, walkways and driveways. In addition to the effects on water quality and vegetation, de-icers can also be dangerous for children and pets. Tips for reducing or eliminating the use of excessive de-icers at home include:
* Clear walkways and other areas before the snow turns to ice to avoid the need for chemical deicers.
* Track the weather and only apply deicers when a storm is imminent. If a winter storm does not occur, sweep any unused material and store it for later use.
* Only use de-icers in areas where they are critically needed and apply the least amount necessary to get the job done.
* Store de-icing materials in a dry, covered area to prevent runoff.
* Reduce salt use by adding sand for traction, but take care to avoid clogging storm drains. Natural clay cat litter also works well.
* If your source of drinking water is your own private well, avoid applying salt near the well head.
* Don't use urea-based fertilizers as melting agents. Runoff can increase nutrient pollution.
Maryland Adds More Than 50,000 Jobs in 2018
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 18 -- The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation issued the following news release:
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- State Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent
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The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today released state jobs and unemployment data. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland added 4,900 jobs in December, the ninth month in 2018 to post over-the-month job gains. Maryland's unemployment rate has now fallen to 3.9%, the same as the U.S. unemployment rate.
Compared with this time last year, Maryland jobs are up by 50,900, for
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 18 -- The Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing & Regulation issued the following news release:
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- State Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.9 Percent
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The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) today released state jobs and unemployment data. According to the preliminary survey data, Maryland added 4,900 jobs in December, the ninth month in 2018 to post over-the-month job gains. Maryland's unemployment rate has now fallen to 3.9%, the same as the U.S. unemployment rate.
Compared with this time last year, Maryland jobs are up by 50,900, foran over-the-year increase of 1.9 percent. Private sector jobs have grown as well, with 51,000 jobs added over the year, an increase of 2.3%.
"Maryland's economy continues its excellent record of growth," said Acting Labor Secretary James E. Rzepkowski. "In this steady business environment, employers have the latitude to invest in and grow their workforce. Maryland's nationally recognized workforce development programs leverage stakeholder input to identify specific industry needs, and then direct resources to meet those needs. In this way, we are working together to build our talent and create innovative, effective career pathways for Maryland workers."
Both the Professional and Business Services and Education and Health Services sectors continued to grow last month, posting the highest gains of all sectors. 1,900 jobs were created within Professional and Business Services, the majority within the Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (1,800 jobs) subsector. The remaining 100 jobs were within Management of Companies and Enterprises. Education and Health Services similarly added 1,900 jobs in December: 1,800 jobs within Health Care and Social Assistance, and 100 jobs in Educational Services.
Manufacturing (900 jobs), Mining, Logging and Construction (600 jobs), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (300 jobs), Information (300 jobs), and Leisure and Hospitality (100 jobs) also experienced growth last month. Of note, Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities - a subsector of Trade, Transportation and Utilities - experienced an increase of 1,100 jobs in December.
Only two sectors experienced decline last month. Financial Activities decreased by 1,200 jobs across the Finance and Insurance (700 jobs) and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (500 jobs) subsectors. Other Services decreased by 600 jobs.
The state's preliminary jobs estimate for November was revised downwards by BLS by 1,700 jobs to a gain of 6,200 jobs over-the-month.
Louisiana PSC Issues Order Involving Louisiana Public Service Commission Vs. Jake's
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Jan. 18 -- The Louisiana Public Service Commission issued the following order (Docket No. T-34962) involving Louisiana Public Service Commission vs. Charles Jacob dba Jake's:
Docket No. T-34962, In Re: Alleged violation of La. R.S. 45:161 through 180.1, and General Order dated August 05, 2016 while operating under LPSC authority 7386, for exceeding state prescribed rates, allegedly having occurred on or about July 18, 2017.
(Decided at the December 19, 2018 Business and Executive Session)
I. Overview
On August 23, 2017, the Louisiana Public Service Commission ("LPSC"
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Jan. 18 -- The Louisiana Public Service Commission issued the following order (Docket No. T-34962) involving Louisiana Public Service Commission vs. Charles Jacob dba Jake's:
Docket No. T-34962, In Re: Alleged violation of La. R.S. 45:161 through 180.1, and General Order dated August 05, 2016 while operating under LPSC authority 7386, for exceeding state prescribed rates, allegedly having occurred on or about July 18, 2017.
(Decided at the December 19, 2018 Business and Executive Session)
I. Overview
On August 23, 2017, the Louisiana Public Service Commission ("LPSC"or "Commission") Staff issued a citation to Charles Jacob dba Jake's (Boutte, Louisiana) ("Jake's" or "the Carrier") order Jake's to appear at a hearing on November 2, 2017, to show cause why Jake's should not be found guilty of violating La. R.S 45: 161 through 180. 1, and the Commission's General Order dated August 5, 2016, for exceeding state prescribed rates, allegedly having occurred on or about July 18, 2017.' Notice of the proceeding was published in the Commission's Official Bulletin dated August 25, 2017.
A hearing on the citation was held on November 2, 2017 before administrative law judge ("ALJ") Guillot. At the hearing, Commission Staff presented the testimony of Louisiana State Police Trooper Brett Pike, Commission Transportation Division Administrator Tammy Burl and Commission Enforcement Agent Trina Warren, as well as documentary evidence regarding the services rendered by Jake's on July 18, 2017, in support of its case. At the hearing, Jal
Under the Towing Order, any tows initiated by "law enforcement or other public agencies" are non--consensual and subject to Louisiana Public Service Commission tow rates. The General Provisions of the Towing Order further provides that a carrier can only charge the rates stated in the Towing Order or the fees allowed by the State Police. The incident on July 18, 2017 was initiated by a law enforcement agency and therefore non--consensua1. Accordingly, the July 18, 2017 incident was subject to the Commission Towing Order rates.
Regarding Jake's allegation that it entered in to a separate agreement with the owner of the vehicle, ALG Guillot concluded that: [O]nce the Carrier was dispatched to the non--consensual tow/recovery, the Commission's jurisdiction, and rates, applied until the vehicle was released to the owner. During the recovery on July 18, 2017, which was initiated by a law enforcement officer, Jake's could not negotiate different rates with the vehicles owner or authorized representative. ALJ Guillot further recommended that Jake's be found guilty of violating the Commission's General Order dated August 5, 2016 for exceeding state--prescribed rates; that Jake's be fined $100, that Jake's be assessed a $25 citation fee, and that Jake's refund overcharges in the amount of $201.92.
The December 20, 2017 Recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge was considered by the Commission at its January 31,2018 business and Executive Session. The Commission heard testimony from Charles Jacob and Staff. Commissioner Campbell made a motion to remand the case back the ALJ for rehearing. Commissioner Boissiere seconded the motion. Chairman Francis made a substitute motion to accept the ALJ recommendation. Chairman Skrmetta seconded with Commissioner Campbell, Commissioner Boissiere, and Commissioner Greene opposing. The motion failed by a 2:3 vote.
Commissioner Campbell's original motion was called to a vote with Commissioners Boissiere and Greene concurring and Chairman Skrmetta and Vice Chairman Francis opposing. The motion was adopted by a 3:2 vote. The Commission's decision was memorialized in Order No. T--34626, issued on February 28, 2018. This docket was subsequently reassigned to ALJ Kabel. On June 15, 2018, Jake's filed an Exception of No Cause of Action, as well as a Motion in Limine seeking to limit the scope of the testimony of Louisiana State Police Trooper Brett Pike. A hearing was convened on the Exception of No Cause of Action and Motion in Limine on July 23, 2018. On July 31, 2018, ALJ Kabel issued a ruling overruling the Exception, and granting in part and denying in part the Motion in Limine.
hearing on remand was scheduled for August 9, 2018 before ALJ Kabel. At the hearing on remand, Commission Staff presented the testimony of Triple G Express employees Eddie Gonzales, Brandon Banks, and Mason Guillot; Louisiana State Police Trooper Brett Pike; Commission Transportation Division Administrator Tammy Burl; and Commission Enforcement Agent Trina Warren; as well as documentary evidence regarding the services rendered by Jake's on July 18, 2017, in support of its case. At the hearing on remand, Jake's entered a plea of not guilty, and presented the testimony of Dawson Jacob, Jr in support of its case. After the hearing on remand, ALJ Kabel issued a Notice of Transcript Availability and Notice of Post--Hearing Briefing Deadline. Only Staff filed a timely Post--Hearing Brief. On December 4, 2018, a Recommendation of the Administrative Law Judge on Remand and Rehearing was issued, wherein ALJ Kabel recommended that the services conducted by Jake's on July 18, 2017 be found to be outside of the Commission's jurisdiction. Further, ALJ Kabel recommended that Jake's be found not guilty of violating the Commission General Order dated August 5, 2016 for exceeding state prescribed rates, and that the proceeding be dismissed with prejudice.
II. Jurisdiction
The Commission exercises jurisdiction in this proceeding pursuant to Article IV, Section 21 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974, which provides in pertinent part: The commission shall regulate all common carriers and public utilities and have such other regulatory authority as provided by law. It shall adopt and enforce reasonable rules, regulations, and procedures necessary for the discharge of its duties, and perform other duties as provided by law.
In addition, the Louisiana Legislature, in La. R.S. 452163, delegates certain authority to the Commission over motor carriers operating intrastate in Louisiana. More specifically, the Louisiana Legislature has declared, in La. R.S. 45: 180.1, that the "use and operation of wreckers and towing services should be the subject of regulation by the Louisiana Public Service Commission," and that the Commission has "the power and authority necessary to supervise, govern, regulate, and control the business of the operation and use of wreckers and towing services...[and] to fix reasonable and just rates, fares, tolls, charges for storage services[.]"
Pursuant to these delegations of authority, the Commission issued a General Order dated August 5, 2016. Attachment A to the Towing Order establishes a schedule of the rates and terms for non-consensual towing and recovery services applicable to Commission jurisdictional carriers.
III. Commission Consideration
The ALJ's recommendation dated December 4, 2018 was considered by the Commission at its December 19, 2018 Business and Executive Session. Following discussion with representatives for Charles Jacob dba Jake's, Triple G Express, and Staff, Chairman Skrmetta made the following motion, seconded by Vice Chairman Francis:
After review of the record in this matter. 1 move to reject the ALJ's recommendation dated December 4, 2018. I further move that l) the services at
issue in this docket conducted by Charles Jacob dba Jake's be determined to be nonconsensual towing and recovery services consistent with the conclusions of law set forth in the initial ALJ recommendation dated December 20, 2017; 2) Charles Jacob dba Jake's be found guilty of violating the Commission's General Order dated August 5, 2016 for exceeding state prescribed rates; 3) that Charles Jacob dba Jake"s be fined in the amount of $1,000 pursuant to La. R.S. 45:l80.l as a result of this violation; 4) that a $25 citation fee be assessed to Charles Jacob dba Jake's pursuant to the Commission's General Order dated June 7, 2006; and 5) that Jake's be ordered to refund overcharges in the amount of $807.69. Commissioner Boissiere made a substitute motion to accept the ALJ Recommendation; the motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Commissioner Campbell made a substitute motion requiring Charles Jacob dba Jake's to refund the customer its money and fines against Charles Jacob dba Jake's would be dropped; the motion failed due to lack of a second. After further discussions, Chairman Skrmetta called a roll call vote for his original motion. Chairman Skrmetta, Vice Chairman Francis and Commissioner Greene concurred, Commissioner Campbell opposed, and Commissioner Boissiere abstained. The motion carries.
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED THAT:
1. The ALJ's recommendation dated December 4, 2018 is rejected;
2. The services at issue in this docket conducted by Charles Jacob dba Jake's are determined to be nonconsensual towing and recovery services consistent with the conclusions of law set forth in the initial ALJ recommendation dated December 20, 2017;
3. Charles Jacob dba Jake's is found guilty of violating the Commission's General Order dated August 5, 2016 for exceeding state prescribed rates;
4. Charles Jacob dba Jake's is fined in the amount of $1,000 pursuant to La. R.S. 45:l80.1 as a result of this violation;
5. A $25 citation fee is assessed to Charles Jacob dba Jake's pursuant to the Commission's General Order dated June 7, 2006;
6. Jake's is ordered to refund overcharges in the amount of $807.69; and,
7. This Order is effective immediately.
BY ORDER OF THE COMMISSION
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
January 18, 2019
/S/ ERIC F. SKRMETTA
DISTRICT I
CHAIRMAN ERIC F. SKRMETTA
/S/ MIKE FRANCIS
DISTRICT IV
VICE CHAIRMAN MIKE FRANCIS
OPPOSED
DISTRICT V
COMMISSIONER FOSTER L. CAMPBELL
ABSTAINED
DISTRICT III
COMMISSIONER LAMBERT C. BOISSIERE, III
/S/ CRAIG GREENE
DISTRICT II
COMMISSIONER CRAIG GREENE
BRANDON M. FREY
SECRETARY
Governor Ducey Releases Balanced, Fiscally Conservative Budget
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 18 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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- Budget Increases Rainy Day Fund To $1 Billion, While Maintaining A Structural Balance of $244 Million
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Governor Doug Ducey today released his balanced budget for fiscal year 2020. The fiscally conservative budget calls for increasing Arizona's Rainy Day Fund to $1 billion, a record high, while protecting and fulfilling teacher pay raises and investing $637 million new dollars into K-12 public schools. This budget avoids mistakes of the past by depositing half of the surplus into the Rainy
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 18 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following news release:
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- Budget Increases Rainy Day Fund To $1 Billion, While Maintaining A Structural Balance of $244 Million
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Governor Doug Ducey today released his balanced budget for fiscal year 2020. The fiscally conservative budget calls for increasing Arizona's Rainy Day Fund to $1 billion, a record high, while protecting and fulfilling teacher pay raises and investing $637 million new dollars into K-12 public schools. This budget avoids mistakes of the past by depositing half of the surplus into the RainyDay Fund and a majority of those investments are one-time investments.
The budget makes additional, targeted investments in the areas that matter most including new dollars to expand career and technical education programs, address Arizona's teacher shortage, keep our kids and schools safe, ensure a strong safety net, provide well-earned raises to law enforcement personnel, improve critical infrastructure and secure Arizona's water future.
"Over the last four years, Arizona has gone from a $1 billion deficit to a $1 billion surplus, but we aren't going on a spending spree. We are going to live within our means and prepare for the future, and this budget does that," said Governor Ducey. "Where we can make targeted investments to help our most vulnerable and expand access to opportunity, we will, while ensuring those investments are sustainable in the long-term. I look forward to working with all legislators to pass this budget and put Arizona on even stronger financial footing now and into the future."
Highlights of the budget plan include:
* $30 million for conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the water level in Lake Mead and an additional $5 million for infrastructure projects for agriculture.
* $164.7 million to fulfill and protect 20% teacher pay raises by 2020.
* $21 million to expand the Arizona Teachers Academy at the Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University to address Arizona's teacher shortage and create a pipeline of talent and the next generation of Arizona teachers.
* $10 million to support Career and Technical Education and expand Arizona's competitive workforce and prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
* $9.3 million to provide funding for 89 new school resource officers for Arizona schools.
* $12 million over the next two years to fund approximately 224 new school counselors and social workers.
* $20 million for Pima Community College aviation center expansion.
* $5.8 million for Maricopa County Community College District health care expansion.
* Increasing Arizona's Rainy Day Fund to a record-breaking $1 billion with a $542 million deposit and raising the statutory cap on contributions to the fund.
* $21.5 million for a 10% increase in Department of Public Safety Trooper salaries.
* $35.5 million for a 5% to 15% increase in Department of Correction salaries.
* $9 million for a 9% increase for caseworker salaries at the Department of Child Safety.
* Tax savings
* $3.0 million to permanently index the value of the dependent exemption to inflation and increase the value of the exemption - reducing taxes on Arizona families.
* $3 million to expand broadband services in underserved rural areas across the state.
* $130 million over the next two years to expand and improve safety on I-17 -- a critical commerce corridor.
* $700,000 to improve infrastructure and attract new imports at the Mariposa Port of Entry Cold Inspection Facility.
The FY2020 budget maintains a structural balance with a surplus of $244 million.
Arizona continues to pay off debt and lower interest costs, allowing the state to reclaim ownership free and clear of buildings like the State Capitol. Other buildings that the state will regain ownership over include: the Executive Tower; the School of the Deaf and Blind; the Fair Grounds; the Library & Archives; and the Supreme Court. The refinancing is projected to save $109 million in General Fund dollars in reduced debt payments over the next 10 years.
The complete budget can be viewed HERE (https://azgovernor.gov/budget).
Director Jerry Adger to Continue Leading S.C. Department of Probation, Parole & Pardon Services
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Jan. 18 -- Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release:
Governor Henry McMaster today announced that Jerry Adger will continue serving as the director of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS). Director Adger was originally appointed to his current position by former Governor Nikki Haley in January of 2015. Prior to becoming director of SCDPPPS, Adger served in various capacities at the S.C. Department of Corrections, the State Law Enforcement Division, and the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice over
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Jan. 18 -- Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South Carolina, issued the following news release:
Governor Henry McMaster today announced that Jerry Adger will continue serving as the director of the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS). Director Adger was originally appointed to his current position by former Governor Nikki Haley in January of 2015. Prior to becoming director of SCDPPPS, Adger served in various capacities at the S.C. Department of Corrections, the State Law Enforcement Division, and the S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice overa 30-year career in law enforcement.
"Jerry Adger's leadership has been the linchpin in transforming South Carolina's Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services into one of the most widely respected probation agencies in the country," said Gov. Henry McMaster. "Because of Director Adger's innovative thinking, SCDPPPS has carried out its mission of protecting the public, rehabilitating those under its supervision, and serving victims more effectively than ever before - all while saving taxpayer money."
"It is a privilege to serve the citizens of South Carolina as a member of Governor McMaster's team," said Director Adger. "As an accredited law enforcement agency, we accomplish our mission through best practices while we strive to embody integrity, transparency and accountability. I look forward to leading this agency to becoming one of the best probation agencies in the nation."
In July of 2018, SCDPPPS became the first probation agency in the country to achieve accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
SCDPPPS has reduced the number of offenders returning to prison for probation revocations by 59% since 2010, resulting in over $52 million in taxpayer savings.
The agency has also outpaced the rest of the country in successfully closing probation and parole cases. Since Director Adger began serving at SCDPPPS, the agency has closed 81 percent of its probation cases without new criminal convictions, compared to the national average of 60 percent and it has closed 83 percent of its parole cases, compared to the national average of 61 percent.
With a new focus on the supervision of domestic violence offenders, SCDPPPS implemented 20 specialized domestic violence agent caseloads in 2017. In its first year, this new initiative resulted in an impressive 82 percent successful case closure rate.
