States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Statement of Vt. Lt. Gov. Gray on State House Vandalism and Threats
MONTPELIER, Vermont, June 27 (TNStalk) -- Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, D-Vermont, issued the following statement on June 25, 2022:
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This afternoon, Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray issued the following statement in response to vandalism and threats at the Vermont State House following yesterday's Supreme Court ruling:
"As Vermont Capitol Police reported this morning, the Vermont State House was vandalized last night. The unknown vandals broke seven windows across the front of the building, including my office window. They also spray-painted the front portico, stating, 'if abortions aren't safe, you're
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MONTPELIER, Vermont, June 27 (TNStalk) -- Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, D-Vermont, issued the following statement on June 25, 2022:
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This afternoon, Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray issued the following statement in response to vandalism and threats at the Vermont State House following yesterday's Supreme Court ruling:
"As Vermont Capitol Police reported this morning, the Vermont State House was vandalized last night. The unknown vandals broke seven windows across the front of the building, including my office window. They also spray-painted the front portico, stating, 'if abortions aren't safe, you'renot either.'
"I am alarmed by these attacks on our State House - my workplace - and condemn them in the strongest possible terms. Vermonters are feeling deep anger and frustration in the wake of yesterday's Supreme Court ruling. I share this frustration. However, threats of violence and destruction of property are absolutely unacceptable and never the solution.
"The Vermont State House is the people's house and together, as Vermonters, we've taken incredible steps to protect fundamental rights. Vermonters should feel a sense of pride that we have some of the strongest legislation in the country protecting reproductive rights. In November, Vermonters will have the opportunity to amend our Vermont Constitution to permanently enshrine reproductive liberty.
"I ask Vermonters to pursue peaceful, positive action to correct this horrible injustice by the U.S. Supreme Court. We must come together, work together and stand united."
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Original text here: https://ltgov.vermont.gov/public-statement-lt-governor-gray-state-house-vandalism-and-threats
R.I. Environmental Management Dept.: Conservation Organizations Advise Public of Recent Waterbird Deaths on Rhode Island Coast
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 27 -- The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued the following news release:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are advising the public of recent waterbirds (gulls, cormorants, shearwaters, terns, seabirds, shorebirds) found dead along the Rhode Island coast. A relatively small number of seabirds and other waterbirds washing up dead on beaches is normal this time of year, but in the past several weeks multiple locations along the Atlantic Coast,
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, June 27 -- The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued the following news release:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are advising the public of recent waterbirds (gulls, cormorants, shearwaters, terns, seabirds, shorebirds) found dead along the Rhode Island coast. A relatively small number of seabirds and other waterbirds washing up dead on beaches is normal this time of year, but in the past several weeks multiple locations along the Atlantic Coast,including Rhode Island, have seen higher than usual numbers.
Due to the recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), wildlife officials are cautioning the public to remain vigilant and avoid any dead birds found washed up on the shoreline. While risk of HPAI to humans is low, the public is urged not to touch dead birds and to keep dogs on leashes and away from carcasses.
The cause of these recent dead waterbirds in Rhode Island is not yet known. However, waterbirds in other areas have tested positive in recent months for HPAI. Past seabird and other waterbird mortality events have been attributed to lack of resources, including lack of fish for foraging. In Rhode Island, Block Island has experienced many recent mortalities.
State, federal, and non-government conservation organizations are collaborating to test a sample of specimens and are continually monitoring beaches. RIDEM, USFWS, and partners will keep the public updated as more information becomes available after specimens are tested.
What the public can do:
HPAI continues to be a risk, primarily for domestic poultry. People with poultry/backyard flocks should disinfect shoes/boots before visiting beaches, parks, and refuges. For more information on HPAI including FAQs, click here. If a dead bird is found, you can report the siting to the Rhode Island Division of Fish & Wildlife by clicking here.
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Original text here: https://www.ri.gov/press/view/43845
Pa. Gov. Wolf Applauds President Biden's Signing of First Comprehensive Gun Violence Package in Decades
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 27 -- Gov. Tom Wolf, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on June 25, 2022:
Governor Tom Wolf today applauded President Joe Biden's swift signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law.
"Today we as a nation took a comprehensive step to say, 'enough is enough' to gun violence-fueled tragedies," said Governor Wolf. "I'm grateful to President Biden for immediately signing the bill.
While there's still work to be done, the quick work by Congress this week to pass this comprehensive, bipartisan package should be commended and I applaud those
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 27 -- Gov. Tom Wolf, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on June 25, 2022:
Governor Tom Wolf today applauded President Joe Biden's swift signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act into law.
"Today we as a nation took a comprehensive step to say, 'enough is enough' to gun violence-fueled tragedies," said Governor Wolf. "I'm grateful to President Biden for immediately signing the bill.
While there's still work to be done, the quick work by Congress this week to pass this comprehensive, bipartisan package should be commended and I applaud thosemembers in the Pennsylvania delegation who voted for this necessary legislation."
The comprehensive package of gun violence prevention bills, now signed into law, includes important provisions to keep guns out of the hands of those deemed a danger to themselves or others and blocks gun sales to those convicted of abusing unmarried, domestic partners. It also heavily funds community gun violence prevention programs - as done by Governor Wolf - and school mental health and safety initiatives.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.pa.gov/newsroom/gov-wolf-applauds-president-bidens-signing-of-first-comprehensive-gun-violence-package-in-decades/
Minn. Gov. Walz Takes Executive Action to Protect Reproductive Health Care in Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 27 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news on June 26, 2022:
Governor Tim Walz today took executive action to protect reproductive health care services in Minnesota. Under the Minnesota Constitution, abortion remains legal in Minnesota, but Minnesota's neighboring states are expected to severely restrict the reproductive freedom. Executive Order 22-16 will help protect people seeking or providing abortions in Minnesota from laws in other states.
"My office has been and will continue to be a firewall against legislation that would reverse reproductive
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 27 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news on June 26, 2022:
Governor Tim Walz today took executive action to protect reproductive health care services in Minnesota. Under the Minnesota Constitution, abortion remains legal in Minnesota, but Minnesota's neighboring states are expected to severely restrict the reproductive freedom. Executive Order 22-16 will help protect people seeking or providing abortions in Minnesota from laws in other states.
"My office has been and will continue to be a firewall against legislation that would reverse reproductivefreedom," said Governor Walz. "This order shows our administration's commitment to protecting patients and health care providers. Our administration is doing everything we can to protect individuals' right to make their own health care decisions."
To the maximum extent permitted under the United States and Minnesota Constitutions and Minnesota law, the Governor will decline to honor requests to extradite individuals who are accused of committing acts related to reproductive health care that are not criminal offenses in Minnesota.
Executive Order 22-16 also orders state agencies to work to protect Minnesotans providing, seeking, or obtaining lawful reproductive health care services to the fullest extent of their lawful authority. Except when required to do so by law, state agencies must not assist other states in attempts to seek civil, criminal, or professional sanctions against anyone who provides, seeks, or obtains health care services that are legal in Minnesota.
Executive Order 22-16 is effective immediately.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/news/#/detail/appId/1/id/532109
Md. Gov. Hogan Announces Partnership Between Maryland's Global Gateway Initiative and Guinness Enterprise Centre in Dublin
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, June 27 -- Gov. Larry Hogan, R-Maryland, issued the following news release:
As part of his economic development mission to Western Europe, Governor Larry Hogan visited the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC), which is the leading university-associated business incubator in the world, to announce a new partnership between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Ireland focused on soft landing spaces, academics, and networking opportunities between the two regions.
In an effort to enhance its vision of becoming Europe's leading entrepreneurial superhub, the GEC is becoming a
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, June 27 -- Gov. Larry Hogan, R-Maryland, issued the following news release:
As part of his economic development mission to Western Europe, Governor Larry Hogan visited the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC), which is the leading university-associated business incubator in the world, to announce a new partnership between the State of Maryland and the Republic of Ireland focused on soft landing spaces, academics, and networking opportunities between the two regions.
In an effort to enhance its vision of becoming Europe's leading entrepreneurial superhub, the GEC is becoming apartner of the Global Gateway Initiative, an innovative soft landing program that helps attract international businesses to Maryland and ease their transition into the U.S. market by connecting them with local incubators and accelerators. Last month at the World Economic Forum, the governor announced an initial investment of $2 million for the initiative, which currently includes the participation of more than 20 Maryland accelerators and incubators.
"The State of Maryland is laser focused on attracting even more foreign investment, including here in Ireland," said Governor Hogan. "With this new partnership, Maryland companies will gain direct access to best-in-class business support, and GEC-based companies will receive the assistance they need to expand into the U.S. and do business in Maryland."
The GEC provides a world-class entrepreneurial environment by empowering businesses to grow and scale their enterprises. With this partnership, Maryland companies interested in a soft-landing opportunity will gain direct access to a community of like minded entrepreneurs and stakeholders while also benefiting from the best-in-class business support offered to Guinness Enterprise Centre companies. By becoming a partner, GEC-based companies will also receive support with expanding into the U.S. and access to facilities, resources, advisors, and more, by way of doing business in Maryland.
"We are delighted to welcome Governor Hogan and the delegation from the state of Maryland to the Guinness Enterprise Centre," said GEC manager Eamonn Sayers. "This visit recognises the ambition and appetite in each region to scale and prosper in new markets. We look forward to working more closely with innovators and entrepreneurs throughout Maryland while providing Irish startups with greater access to this important market."
This agreement will also extend to universities in Ireland and in Maryland, by connecting local talent to work directly with innovative start-ups and encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets, while allowing students to offer advice and assistance on strategic challenges that businesses may face.
Meeting with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs & Minister for Defence Simon Coveney. During a visit to Leinster House, the governor met with Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs & Minister for Defence Simon Coveney to discuss a number of issues of mutual concern. Topics included Ukraine, Brexit and the importance of maintaining stability between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, growing Maryland and Ireland's equine industries, and the importance of the J1 visa program for small businesses.
Governor Hogan also met with Senator Mark Daly, chair of the upper house of the Irish legislature, and was named an honorary member of the American Irish State Legislators Caucus.
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Original text here: https://governor.maryland.gov/2022/06/25/photo-release-governor-hogan-announces-partnership-between-marylands-global-gateway-initiative-and-guinness-enterprise-centre-in-dublin/
Calif. Gov. Newsom, Senate President Pro Tempore Atkins and Assembly Speaker Rendon Announce Budget Agreement
SACRAMENTO, California, June 27 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following statement on June 26, 2022:
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Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today issued the following statement after reaching an agreement on the framework for the 2022-23 state budget:
"California's budget addresses the state's most pressing needs, and prioritizes getting dollars back into the pockets of millions of Californians who are grappling with global inflation and rising prices of everything from gas to groceries.
"The
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SACRAMENTO, California, June 27 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following statement on June 26, 2022:
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Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) today issued the following statement after reaching an agreement on the framework for the 2022-23 state budget:
"California's budget addresses the state's most pressing needs, and prioritizes getting dollars back into the pockets of millions of Californians who are grappling with global inflation and rising prices of everything from gas to groceries.
"Thecenterpiece of the agreement, a $17 billion inflation relief package, will offer tax refunds to millions of working Californians. Twenty-three million Californians will benefit from direct payments of up to $1,050. The package will also include a suspension of the state sales tax on diesel, and additional funds to help people pay their rent and utility bills.
"In addition, California is doubling down in our response to the climate crisis - securing additional power-generating capacity for the summer, accelerating our clean energy future, expanding our ability to prepare for and respond to severe wildfires, extreme heat, and the continuing drought conditions that lie ahead.
"This budget builds on our unprecedented commitment to transform the resources available in our state, from a $47 billion multi-year infrastructure and transportation package to education and health care, showing the nation what a true pro-life agenda looks like. With these new investments, California will become the first state to achieve universal access to health care coverage. And in the wake of Friday's stunning Supreme Court decision, the state is reaffirming its commitment to defending reproductive rights, providing more than $200 million in additional funding for reproductive health care services. The state will also be investing in key programs that help California families, from funding for homeownership programs and billions of dollars in additional ongoing funding for education, to universal preschool, children's mental health, and free school meals.
"In the face of growing economic uncertainty, this budget invests in California's values while further filling the state's budget reserves and building in triggers for future state spending to ensure budget stability for years to come."
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2022/06/26/governor-newsom-senate-president-pro-tempore-atkins-and-assembly-speaker-rendon-announce-budget-agreement/
Ariz. Gov. Ducey Statement on the Conclusion of the 2022 Arizona Legislature
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 27 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following statement on June 24, 2022:
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Governor Doug Ducey today released the following statement on the conclusion of the 2022 Arizona Legislature:
"Over the last eight years, I've worked hand-in-hand with the good women and men of the Arizona Legislature to tackle the challenges facing our state, and pass policies to position Arizona as the land of opportunity. I am so grateful for their partnership.
"The policies we put in place over the past eight years made this success possible -- policies that promoted economic
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 27 -- Gov. Doug Ducey, R-Arizona, issued the following statement on June 24, 2022:
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Governor Doug Ducey today released the following statement on the conclusion of the 2022 Arizona Legislature:
"Over the last eight years, I've worked hand-in-hand with the good women and men of the Arizona Legislature to tackle the challenges facing our state, and pass policies to position Arizona as the land of opportunity. I am so grateful for their partnership.
"The policies we put in place over the past eight years made this success possible -- policies that promoted economicgrowth, cut taxes, reduced regulations and made targeted investments to build a stronger, more resilient Arizona.
"Today, with the conclusion of the second session of the 55th Arizona Legislature, we are reaffirming our commitment to those policies and sending a clear message about our state's future: we're ready, and we're unstoppable.
"This year's legislative session is sure to be one to remember -- and not only because of the historic bipartisan budget agreement. We took record revenues and invested in priorities that directly impact the lives of our fellow Arizonans: education, public safety, border security, health care, roadways paying off our debts, and saving for the future.
"This session we truly delivered. We invested in Arizona's future, accelerating the expansion of Interstate 10. We enacted the most expansive school choice legislation in the nation. We cut red tape so critical health care workers can do their jobs unimpeded. We strengthened election integrity. We protected victims' rights. We cracked down on crimes committed at the border. We kept our promises.
"I'm very grateful to Senate President Karen Fann and House Speaker Rusty Bowers for their unyielding partnership and leadership this session, as well as their dedication to public service. I'm also grateful to each and every member of the Arizona Legislature for their commitment to our state. I am thankful for their work."
Here are some of the highlights of Governor Ducey's final legislative session:
EDUCATION
* In March, the governor signed legislation that ensures Arizona students demonstrate greater competency in civics before graduating high school, further bolstering Arizona's position as a national leader in civics education.
* In March, the governor signed legislation to establish the Arizona America250 Commission, a group of Arizonans who will help plan the 250th anniversary celebration of our nation's founding.
* In March, the governor signed legislation to maintain fairness in public school athletics, protect underage children from irreversible surgeries and affirm Arizona's commitment to protecting the lives of preborn children.
* In April, the governor signed legislation ensuring Arizona kids have time at the beginning of each school day to take a moment of silence.
* In April, the governor signed legislation allowing career and technical education districts to offer associate degrees, paving the way to grow Arizona's workforce pipeline and expand higher education options.
* In May, the governor signed legislation to ensure Arizona kids learn about the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, delivering on a promise to work with educators and lawmakers to make it mandatory in Arizona's schools.
* In June, the legislature passed the most expansive school choice legislation in the nation, opening Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to all Arizona students.
GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS
* In April, the governor signed legislation that reduces Class 1 commercial property taxes from 16 percent to 15 percent in 2027. The property tax reduction will bring meaningful tax relief to Arizona's small businesses.
* Legislation signed in March repeals numerous statutory committees and programs, ridding businesses and Arizonans of burdensome regulations.
INFRASTRUCTURE
* In May, the governor delivered on a State of the State promise to widen a critical portion of Interstate 10. The segment between Chandler and Casa Grande is the last remaining stretch of highway between Arizona's two largest cities that has only two lanes.
PUBLIC SAFETY
* In April, the governor signed critical legislation cracking down on human smuggling organizations, another critical step to fill the void in leadership left by the federal government's failure to secure the border.
HEALTH CARE
* In March, the governor signed legislation extending until January 1, 2023 the temporary professional licenses of more than 2,000 critical health care workers.
* In March, the governor signed legislation to protect underage children from irreversible surgeries and affirm Arizona's commitment to protecting the lives of preborn children.
* In April, the governor signed legislation to ensure victims of a sexual crime are not charged for any part of the medical or forensic examination related to the crime, fulfilling a priority outlined in his January State of the State Address.
* In April, the governor signed two bills aimed at strengthening protections for Arizona crime victims. One requires the Arizona Department of Public Safety to collect information about criminal offenses that reveal any evidence of prejudice based on antisemitism. The other increases the duration of an order of protection, allowing victims of a crime additional time to take measures for safety.
* In May, the governor signed legislation to ensure patients and their doctors have access to innovative testing that can help determine the most effective medical treatment for cancer and other diseases.
CHILD & FAMILY SUPPORT
* Legislation signed in March allows adoptive families to invite guests to accompany them at adoption hearings and share in the joy of adopting a child. Previously, only those with direct interest in the case could attend hearings.
ELECTION INTEGRITY
* In March, the governor signed legislation to ensure only U.S. citizens vote in Arizona's elections, further protecting the state's voters and strengthening election integrity.
* In May, the governor continued to strengthen election laws, signing a bill to update Arizona's automatic election recount margin threshold to one-half of one percent for specified election contests.
VETERANS
In March, the governor signed legislation to ensure seamless education opportunities for active military and create scholarships for veterans' family members.
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Original text here: https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2022/06/governor-ducey-statement-conclusion-2022-arizona-legislature
