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Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................5
Chapter I: Jobs & Economic Development ............................................6
Overview .......................................................................................................................7
Case Study: Expanded Opportunities for MWBE Businesses In NY ...........................8
Policy Solutions ............................................................................................................10
Creating a Business Friendly Environment ......................................................10
Providing Needed Assistance to Small Businesses ........................................11
Women and Minority Owned Businesses ....................................................12
Lowering Taxes ...................................................................................................12
Providing Relief to Homeowners ......................................................................14
Ensuring Businesses Have Access to a Qualified Workforce .........................14
Developing Innovative Economies..................................................................17
Supporting Economic Development Projects ...............................................18
Promoting Trade ................................................................................................20
Helping Veterans Re-enter the Workforce .....................................................22
Developing Our Nation’s Infrastructure ..........................................................24
Creating Opportunities for Young Voters .......................................................28
Assisting Community Development ................................................................28
Providing Assistance to the Underemployed & Unemployed .....................30
Protecting Workers ............................................................................................31
Chapter II: Education ..............................................................................33
Overview .....................................................................................................................34
Case Study: Vermont’s Effort To Close Achievement Gap ......................................35
Case Study: Oregon’s Early Learning Hubs ...............................................................37
Policy Solutions ...........................................................................................................39
Early Education ............................................................................................................39
Improving the Quality and Access of Early Education Programs: .....................39
Ensuring that Students Are Ready for School .......................................................40
K-12 .................................................................................................................................41
Improving Public Schools .........................................................................................41
Preparing Students for 21st Century Jobs ...............................................................42
Making Nutritional Meals a Priority .........................................................................43
Ensuring Students Have Access to Innovative Technology .................................43
Ensuring a Safe Leaning Environment ....................................................................44
Higher Education .........................................................................................................45
Expanding Opportunities for a College Degree ...................................................45
Making College More Affordable ..........................................................................46
Helping Students Train for 21st Century Jobs ..........................................................46
Investing in Education ..............................................................................................47
Combating Sexual Assault on College Campuses ..............................................48
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Table of Contents
Chapter III: Health Care ..........................................................................49
Overview .....................................................................................................................50
Case Study: Oregon’s CCO Transformation Model .................................................51
Case Study: Expanding Healthcare in the Granite State ........................................54
Expanding Medicaid and ACA Implementation .........................................56
Making Healthcare More Affordable and Efficient .......................................57
Improving Mental Health Care Services .........................................................58
Improving Women’s Health .............................................................................59
Improving Care for Seniors ..............................................................................60
Improving Children’s Healthcare ....................................................................61
Addressing Drug Use and Addiction ...............................................................61
Addressing Terminal Disease and the Terminally Ill .......................................63
Healthcare Innovation .....................................................................................63
Encouraging Healthier Constituency ..............................................................64
Chapter IV: Energy and the Environment .............................................66
Overview .....................................................................................................................67
Case Study: A Zero Waste Future for Maryland ........................................................68
Case Study: California’s Initiative on Water & the Drought Crisis ...........................70
Maximizing Renewable Energy Use ................................................................70
Promoting Clean Energy Investments ............................................................70
Encouraging Green House Gas Reduction ...................................................73
Addressing Climate Change ...........................................................................74
Restoring and Protecting Natural Resources .................................................75
Protecting Against Natural Disasters ..............................................................77
Chapter V: Criminal Justice ...................................................................79
Overview .....................................................................................................................80
Case Study: Addressing Vermont’s Heroin and Opiate Addiction.........................81
Dealing with Crisis .............................................................................................83
Reducing Gun Violence/ Keeping Communities Safe .................................84
Violence Protection and School Safety ..........................................................85
Keeping Children from Violence ....................................................................86
Protecting Women ............................................................................................87
Addressing and Preventing Addiction ............................................................87
Reducing Recidivism ........................................................................................88
Reducing Sexual Assault on Campus..............................................................89
Law Enforcement Reform ................................................................................90
Protecting Consumers Against Fraud and Predatory Lenders .....................91
Ensuring Equality and Justice for all Citizens ..................................................91
Immigration ........................................................................................................91
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Table of Contents
Equality................................................................................................................92
Chapter VI: Government Reform ..........................................................94
Overview .....................................................................................................................95
Making Government More Transparent ........................................................96
Making Government More Efficient ...............................................................97
Preparing for the Future ..................................................................................100
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Preparedness ...............................100
Reforming Voter Laws......................................................................................102
Chapter VII: Looking Ahead ................................................................104
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DEMOCRATIC*GOVERNORS*ASSOCIATION*Best"Practices"Guide"2014*
Introduction
The annual Best Practices Guide is provided by
the Democratic Governors Association in an
effort to provide a sampling of innovative
ideas and policies in key issue areas that have
been put forward in states by Democratic
governors. Throughout 2014, Democratic
governors have boosted job creation, saved
taxpayer funds, and improved the quality of
life for their citizens - through better schools,
cleaner environments and safer communities.
While the following examples of ‘best
practices’ are meant to highlight and emphasize creative
approaches to issues addressed at the state level, it is important to
understand many of the ideas submitted are not part of a one- sizefits-all approach for states. Rather, they are “best practices,” or
examples of what other governors have done to help solve problems
their constituents face every day.
The 2015 Best Practices Guide is a living document that can help
governors navigate through state specific issues as well as a
document to showcase innovative and 21st Century policy solutions
provided by Democratic governors across the country.
Sincerely,
Gov. Steve Bullock
DGA Chair
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OVERVIEW
In the past year, governors across the country have taken a diverse
approach to grow jobs and to expand opportunity for all Americans. While
traditional job creation measures such as cutting middle class taxes and
investing in workers have been employed, Democratic governors are
implementing innovative ideas such as creating opportunities for younger
workers, investing in infrastructure improvements and giving protections to
workers to spur job development.
LESSONS LEARNED
Invest in younger workers. States must invest in initiatives to help train and
prepare workers for a 21st century economy.
Expand the map. Use trade opportunities with other countries to help local
businesses compete and thrive in a new economy.
Show businesses you mean business. By giving tax breaks to industries that
need it and investing in infrastructure improvements, governors can show
businesses their serious about creating a business friendly environment.
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CASE STUDY: Expanded Opportunities for MWBE Businesses in
New York
The Problem: In 2010, a study
commissioned by the State of New
Yo r k f o u n d t h a t t h e r e w a s a
significant disparity in State contract
participation by Minority- and
Women-Owned Enterprises (MWBEs)
relative to their overall state-wide
availability. Since 2010, a substantial
number of firms have
expressed concer ns
that the small business
and personal net worth
requirements have had
the unintended
consequence of
excluding a significant
number of MWBEs from
participating on State
contracts. In fact, many of those
unintentionally excluded businesses
are firms that are still maturing and
are participating in highly
competitive industries where it is
exceptionally difficult for them to be
successful without exceeding the
small business or personal net worth
requirements.
The Policy: In 2011, Governor Andrew
M. Cuomo set an ambitious 20
percent goal to increase MWBE
participation in state contracting,
doubling the goal from the prior
administration. The Governor
increased the statewide MWBE goal
to 30 percent in October 2014 – the
highest in any state. Further, the
Governor signed a bill authorizing
the Director of the State’s Division of
M i n o r i t y a n d Wo m e n - O w n e d
Business Development to grant a
one-year provisional MWBE
certification status to firms in certain
industries, without regard to the
personal net worth and/or small
b u s i n e s s
requirements. The
legislation is
designed to further
increase
the
number of certified
Minority- and
Women-Owned
Enterprises in New
York State.
The Result: Exceeding the Governor’s
goal of 20 percent, state agencies
increased MWBE contracts to 25.12
percent, a significant jump from the
10.3 percent when the Governor
took office. This resulted in
approximately $2 billion in contracts
for MWBEs, the largest of any state in
the country. The state agencies are
now working to meet the Governor’s
statewide goal of 30 percent. The
State’s success is due to an
aggressive multi-pronged strategy to
remove barriers to increase the
utilization of MWBE firms in State
contracting. The State was also able
to significantly increase the pool of
certified MWBEs, adding 2,123 firms
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between January 2011 and January
2014. Further, with the new law, the
Governor will now have an
additional tool to ensure that
qualified MWBE firms continue to
have opportunities to participate in
state contracting.
To learn more about
http://esd.ny.gov/MWBE.html
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Jobs & Economic Development
Policy Solutions
Creating a Business-Friendly Environment
California Governor Brown enacted tax incentives and legislation to support
California business. In addition to a number of bills signed this year to strengthen
the state’s business climate, Governor Brown announced a hiring credit for
businesses in California communities with the highest rates of unemployment
and poverty. The credit is part of the Governor's Economic Development
Initiative.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper announced that faster internet speeds may
be coming thank in part to House Bill 1328. The bill would fund broadband
projects by redirecting fees that telephone users already pay to subsidize
telephone lines in hard-to-reach areas. Three of the bills now go straight to Gov.
John Hickenlooper to be signed into law.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper’s work has been recognized by Business
Insider, which listed Colorado as #1 for economic growth. Colorado was in the
top 10 states for the majority of their metrics that lead to economic health and a
diverse economy.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that a report from Office of Policy
and Management (OPM) Secretary Benjamin Barnes that shows overall state
debt has been reduced by 15% over the last three years, or $11.6 billion. The
report points out that, “had action not been taken … the total of the state’s
long-term obligations would have reached a high of $76.2 billion.
Connecticut Governor Malloy signed legislation he proposed earlier this year
that will eliminate nearly a thousand pages of state regulations that have been
identified as obsolete, duplicative, excessively burdensome, or otherwise
ineffective or unnecessary, in a major effort to make Connecticut’s regulations
more streamlined, readable and user-friendly for citizens, especially small
businesses.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that the state’s long-term debt for
teachers’ pensions was cut by $325 million over the last two years, according to
a newly released report from Connecticut Teachers’ Retirement Board.
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Kentucky Governor Beshear announced a new public-partnership with
Macquarie Capital that will develop a robust, reliable, fiber “backbone”
infrastructure to bring high-speed Internet connectivity to every corner of the
Commonwealth. When completed, 3,000-plus miles of fiber will be in place
across the state. The project is projected to take two to three years to complete.
Kentucky Governor Beshear signed a bill that
gave distilleries much-needed relief from the ad
valorem taxes levied every year on aging
bourbon barrels. The legislation stated that
distilleries are required to invest the tax credit in
capital improvements, including construction,
renovation, tourism related facilities and
equipment. The legislation comes at a time
when bourbon’s popularity and industry
expansion is at an all time high. An economic impact study released this fall
revealed the proof – within the past two years, the bourbon industry has nearly
doubled its workforce, tripled its number of distilleries, and set new modern
records for exports and barrel inventories.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe signs Executive Order 26 establishing the new
Virginia economy strategic plan and steering committee. The executive order
establishes the priorities that will form the foundation of the Governor’s
economic development plan for the remainder of his term in office.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced that Virginia will host a world class
business plan competition during the spring and summer of 2015. The business
plan competition will be overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Commerce
and Trade and will focus exclusively on the strategic growth sectors of
Agriculture, Bio-Life Sciences, Cybersecurity, Energy, and Social Entrepreneurism.
Providing Needed Assistance to Small Businesses
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper is first governor in the country to legislatively
authorize ride-share services. The Senate approved a House-amended version
of Senate Bill 125 that closes the controversial insurance gap, sending the bill to
Gov. John Hickenlooper's desk. Hickenlooper's office has urged lawmakers to
pass the much-debated measure because without it, Lyft and UberX would be
forced to cease operations in the state, dealing a blow to Colorado's reputation
as an innovation hub.
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Connecticut Governor Malloy joined by Department of Economic and
Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Catherine Smith and other
state and local officials, today announced that the state’s Small Business Express
Program (EXP) has now helped more than 1,000 Connecticut companies that
are creating and retaining about 14,000 jobs for Connecticut residents.
Governor Malloy announced this milestone at Microboard Processing, Inc. (MPI),
a woman-owned small business in Seymour and the 1,000th company to receive
assistance through the Governor’s signature job creation program.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that 13 municipalities across
Connecticut are being awarded $5 million in grants to develop or improve town
commercial districts in an effort to attract small businesses, grow jobs, and
improve pedestrian access and livability in town centers. The grants are part of
the state’s Main Street Investment Fund, which is administered through the state
Department of Housing
Women and Minority Owned Business
Massachusetts Governor Patrick launched
the Women in the Workplace initiative,
establishing a task-force on successful
women in the workplace. The initiative has
developed a number of fellowship positions
for female graduate students and is working
to establish best practices for private sector
companies to create an environment more
conducive to workplace advancement.
New York Governor Cuomo announced Business Mentor NY, a comprehensive
digital platform to provide real world guidance to small businesses from business
professionals, building on recovery efforts from Super storm Sandy, Hurricane
Irene, and Tropical Storm Lee. Business Mentor NY is the State’s first large-scale,
hands-on mentoring program to help entrepreneurs and small businesses
overcome challenges and spur economic growth. Small businesses comprise 98
percent of all businesses in New York and employ more than half of the state’s
private sector workforce. Access to hands-on business coaching from
experienced professionals and successful entrepreneurs enables small
businesses and MWBEs to secure expert guidance critical for growth and
success.
Lowering Taxes
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California Governor Brown signed a bill to increase the state's film and television
tax credit to $330 million a year for five years and replace the current flawed
and arbitrary lottery system with a more competitive and accountable system
that ranks applicants according to net new jobs created and overall positive
economic impacts for the entire state. The legislation received broad support
from both republican and democratic lawmakers.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed job-creation tax credit and prepared
more business bills. Hickenlooper signed into law a bill that many economicdevelopment leaders have touted as the most important legislation of the 2014
session, and he plans to sign three more business-related bills on Saturday.
Minnesota Governor Dayton enacted $508 million in tax cuts for middle class.
The 2014 session included a total of $550 million in tax relief to more than two
million Minnesotans and Minnesota businesses; including investments in middle
income tax cuts, property tax relief for homeowners, renters, and farmers, estate
tax exemption expansion and gift tax repeal, and sales tax reform for small
businesses plus repeal of B2B taxes.
Minnesota Governor Dayton’s proposed the wealthiest Minnesotans to pay a
little more income tax and invest some of that money into targeted property tax
and income tax relief for middle income
Minnesotans, Minnesota has one of the least
regressive tax structures in the country. According
to the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s most
recent tax incidence study, most low- and middleincome earners in Minnesota pay about 20% more
of their income in state and local taxes than the
wealthiest Minnesotans. In order to address that
disparity, honestly resolve our state’s budget
deficit, and make long overdue investments in property tax relief, education
and job creation, the governor’s budget asks the wealthiest 2% of Minnesotans
to pay their fair share in income taxes.
New York Governor Cuomo enacted a budget that contains the most
significant improvements to New York’s business tax system in nearly three
decades. The tax code is simplified, the tax on business assets is phased out, and
the business net income tax rate is reduced from 7.1 percent to 6.5 percent, the
lowest rate since 1968. Governor Cuomo has dramatically improved the
business climate for manufacturers by lowering the tax rate on income for all
manufacturers from the current 5.9 percent to zero in 2014 and thereafter, and
establishing a 20 percent real property tax credit for manufacturers who own or
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lease property. As a result of these actions, New York is already a more
attractive place for manufacturing firms to do business. Lastly, the budget
accelerates the phase-out of the 18-a temporary assessment for all energy
customers, saving businesses and residents $600 million over the next three years.
Providing Relief to Homeowners
Connecticut Governor Malloy today unveiled a major report outlining his plans
to utilize $300 million in funding over the next 10 years to revitalize the more than
340 properties – consisting of more than 13,800 units – that are part of the state’s
affordable housing collection known as the State-Sponsored Housing Portfolio
(SSHP).
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced new support for homeownership
opportunities for first-time homebuyers across the Commonwealth, including the
production of new affordable homes and access to reduced-cost mortgages
through various lenders.
Minnesota Governor Dayton stabilized property taxes for Minnesota
homeowners. After a decade where Minnesotans saw their property taxes
increase by 80%, Governor Dayton and the Legislature invested $177 million in
direct property tax relief that went to close to one million Minnesotans. The
property tax relief went to 500,000 homeowners, 300,000 renters, and more than
90,000 farmers. The impact was the first decrease in property taxes in 12 years.
New York Governor Cuomo announced a new $1.5 billion program to provide
direct property tax relief to New York homeowners. The program addresses one
of the primary drivers of the state’s high property taxes – the excess number of
local governments. The Property Tax Freeze Credit is designed to give local
governments and school districts incentives to share services and reduce their
financial burden on the taxpayer. In the next two years, additional relief will be
provided to taxpayers in school districts and local government jurisdictions that
comply with the cap and put forward plans to save one percent of their tax levy
per year over three years. Additionally, qualifying homeowners and renters in
New York City will be eligible for a refundable tax credit against their personal
income tax if their property taxes or rent exceed a certain percentage of their
income.
Ensuring Businesses Have Access to a Qualified Workforce
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Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that the Subsidized Training and
Employment Program has led to the hiring of 2,200 new workers and has helped
more than 700 employers fill well-paying jobs and expand their workforce. The
program was included in a bipartisan job creation bill passed by the General
Assembly during the October 2011 and has provided $16.5 million in wage and
training subsidies.
Delaware Governor Markell proposed and
funded an Accelerated Career Paths
program that would allow high school juniors
and seniors to obtain professional
manufacturing certificates when they
graduate. With partnership from Delaware
Technical Community College and the
Delaware Manufacturing Association, the
initiative will allow students to attend classes at their home school part of the
week, while spending the remainder at the community college getting handson training.
Illinois Governor Quinn increased Illinois Central College campus by 24,000
square foot thanks to a capital investment project. Quinn announced a $2.6
million project to build an addition to the East Peoria Campus. The large
addition will include space for truck-driver training, auto-body training, and an
alternative energy resources lab.
New York Governor Cuomo awarded $3.6 million to 14 community-based
organizations statewide to establish Career Pathways Programs that connect
unemployed young adults between the ages 18 to 24 with basic education,
occupational training and integrated support services to help them achieve
better paying long-term jobs. The programs, also open to individuals receiving
public assistance, are designed to prepare individuals for locally-identified
industry sectors with high demand for skilled workers, and, when appropriate,
includes education and training to assist participants in obtaining industryrecognized credentials, certificates or licenses.
New York Governor Cuomo used $1.3 million in federal grant funds to provide
classroom-based training, on the job training or registered apprenticeships to
terminated or laid-off workers, with priority given to those who have been
unemployed more than six months. The funds were targeted to assist workers in
two rural counties with the highest sustained average unemployment rates
between 2013 and 2014. Funding was available for private sector for-profit
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businesses, private not-for-profit businesses and accredited training providers
that provided this essential training for unemployed workers in those counties.
New York Governor Cuomo’s created the NYS STEM Incentive Program to
encourage the best and brightest high school students build their future in New
York and to pursue high-demand, high-tech careers. The program provides a full
SUNY or City University of New York (CUNY) scholarship to the top ten percent of
students in every New York high school if they major in a STEM field and work in a
STEM job in New York State for five years after graduation. The program is
administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. In
October 2014, 653 students were named as recipients of the programs first year
of scholarships. These students represented 55 counties across the state, and
they enrolled at 47 different SUNY/CUNY institutions.
Oregon Governor Kitzhaber signed legislation establishing the Oregon Regional
Accelerator and Innovation Network. Known as RAIN, the network is a
collaborative initiative involving the University of Oregon, Oregon State
University, Eugene, Corvallis, Springfield, Albany, the Eugene Area Chamber of
Commerce and other regional entities. The program, which received $3.75
million in legislative funding, will include facilities adjacent to the state’s two
large research universities to encourage innovation-based companies and
research-inspired startups.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced a Virginia Bioscience Initiative, kicking
off the effort with a public and private sector roundtable discussion on the
commercialization of university bioscience research at the State Capitol.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced that Virginia State University and four of
Virginia’s community colleges will expand their capacity to provide innovative
training programs in partnership with employers, thanks to a nearly $14 million
grant award from the U.S. Department of Labor’s (US DOL) Trade Adjustment
Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative.
West Virginia Governor Tomblin committed to responding to business and
industry requests and ensuring West Virginia is not only supporting STEM efforts,
but doing it in an organized and responsible manner. This year, Governor Tomblin
set aside funding to establish a STEM network to review current STEM-related
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education initiatives to refine and expand local programs to better serve West
Virginia’s students. As we increase and improve STEM-education opportunities,
there will be a need for more certified chemistry, robotics and advanced math
teachers in our classrooms. This session, Governor Tomblin will introduce a bill to
ensure West Virginia students are being taught by great teachers including
those who may not have a traditional education degree. The governor’s
proposed legislation provides for more flexible
alternative certification – specifically in rural schools
having challenges filling critical subject areas –
especially in STEM fields. In addition, it establishes
an alternative “critical needs” teaching certificate
to help recruit professionally credentialed
individuals interested in becoming a teacher.
Developing Innovative Economies
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper once again hosted the Colorado Innovation
Network Summit (COIN), which features innovation and entrepreneurship. It sold
out this year with almost 300 registrations.
Connecticut Governor Malloy joined by Department of Economic and
Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Catherine Smith, state officials
and legislators, and local business leaders, announced that he will introduce
legislation during the upcoming regular session of the General Assembly to
establish a new Advanced Manufacturing Fund to assist Connecticut
manufacturers meet growing demand and create jobs.
Delaware Governor Markell signed legislation increasing opportunities for the
state’s entrepreneurs to innovate and grow. This reinforced Delaware’s standing
as one of the top two states in the “New Economy”. The Governor was joined by
business leaders and a bipartisan group of legislators at Delaware BioScience
Association’s headquarters at Delaware Technology Park to sign House Bill 318,
which doubles the state research and development tax credit for small
businesses.
Illinois Governor Quinn joined President Barack Obama to announce that Illinois
had won a new digital manufacturing hub, supported by funding from state
and federal governments and corporate
partners. The White House announced a $70
million Department of Defense award for the
Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation
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(DMDI) Institute, which UI Labs will operate in Chicago. The support from
President Obama, coupled with $16 million from the Quinn Administration, gives
the institute the necessary funds to build partnerships with manufacturers and
strengthen Illinois' economic comeback.
Illinois Governor Quinn announced MATTER, a new startup center, for nextgeneration healthcare technology companies. As a not-for-profit organization,
MATTER will be located in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart. Its collaborative
workspace will allow interaction among entrepreneurs, academics and investors
in order to create and grow new companies in healthcare information
technology, medical devices, medical diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals.
The state’s funding package, administered through the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), consists of a $2.5 million state
investment and a loan of $1.5 million that will provide seed funding support for
the project. Business leaders including Jeff Aronin and Tim Walbert, who are cochairs of the MATTER governing board, are raising additional funds from
corporate sources.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick joined officials from the Massachusetts Life
Sciences Center (MLSC) at the 2014 BIO International Convention to announce
the launch of the Universal Partnerships (UP) Program, a new international
program to provide grant funding to support Massachusetts companies who are
forming R&D collaborations with life science organizations throughout the world.
The creation of the UP Program furthers the Patrick Administration’s efforts to
create global partnerships between life science organizations to enable
scientific and commercial breakthroughs and to fuel economic development in
the Commonwealth.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced a $3 million capital investment to
launch the Massachusetts Open Cloud project, a university-industry
collaboration designed to create a new public cloud computing infrastructure
to spur big data innovation. Governor Patrick also announced the release of the
2014 Mass Big Data Report, which confirms the continued growth and
competitiveness of the Commonwealth’s big data industry.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe launched the first ever Commonwealth Datathon
Challenge, a competition pitting teams from Virginia agencies against one
another as they create new applications that streamline government, better
serve citizens, and jumpstart business opportunities.
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Virginia Governor McAuliffe declared October to be TechTober, a statewide
celebration of Virginia’s high-tech sector. This is an effort to highlight Virginia’s
technological innovation and raise awareness about high performing industries.
Supporting Economic Development Projects
Arkansas Governor Beebe unveiled plans for a $1.1 billion steel mill along the
Mississippi River that private investors are poised to build -- so long as legislators
approve millions in startup funding. Big River Steel, LLC, would employ 525
people at a new plant near Osceola. The investment will be Arkansas' largest
ever economic development project.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed a law that is expected to ramp up the
number of Colorado wineries that are canning and kegging their products.
Many of Colorado’s wineries are small businesses that don’t have the capital to
invest in kegging or canning lines. This bill will allow them now to ship their
products to bigger wineries in 275-gallon bladders at a cost lower than shipping
50 cases of bottles, and the larger businesses can keg, can or bottle them.
Delaware Governor Markell signed to establish
economic development incentives that
promote revitalization of Delaware’s
downtowns. He was joined by community
leaders, legislators, and local officials from all 3
counties.
Delaware Governor Markell signed a balanced
Fiscal Year 2015 budget to cap a legislative
session focused on increasing economic opportunity for all Delawareans.
Missouri Governor Nixon along with the Missouri Department of Economic
Development marked a record-breaking year, with companies investing a
record $6.3 billion towards 121 expansion projects. Among the largest job
creation projects announced this year were Cerner’s plan to create up to
16,000 jobs in Kansas City and Boeing’s plan to create more than 700 jobs to
bring commercial aircraft production to St. Louis for the first time in its history.
Missouri Governor Nixon helped grow Missouri’s auto industry in 2014. Missouri’s
automotive resurgence continued to gain steam in 2014, as both Ford and
General Motors added another 1,900 jobs to what were already historic
expansions of their Missouri facilities. A number of automotive suppliers including
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Grupo Antolin, Adrian Steel, Martinrea, LMV Automotive Systems, and Janesville
Acoustics are expanding and creating jobs as well.
Montana Governor Bullock announced economic development grants for
seven innovative business projects in Montana. Bullock announced the award of
$128,026 for seven economic development and business planning projects in
Bozeman, Libby, Missoula and Butte. The projects range from a market research
report for a proposed micro-malting facility, a feasibility study of production
capacity for a beef-based energy snack bar, and the development of a
conceptual design for a new Welcome Center near Yellowstone National Park.
Vermont Governor Shumlin signed multi-faceted legislation providing support for
start-up, expansion and retention to high tech companies that offer good
wages and a bright future in Vermont. In addition, the law creates the Vermont
Strong Scholars Program, to help students afford college by paying back
student loans for graduates who stay and work in cutting edge employment
fields in the state.
Virgin Islands Governor de Jongh, Jr. approved a lease agreement to the Water
Island Development Company to facilitate the redevelopment of the former
Water Island Hotel property as a boutique resort. The lease ceremony signing at
Government House, St. Thomas marked
the second time in as many weeks that
de Jongh has facilitated the
development of new hotel properties in
the Virgin Islands.
Virgin Islands Governor de Jongh, Jr.
executed an agreement with SYGMAPCS
to develop a 2014 Comprehensive
Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
Plan for the territory, in compliance with
the requirements stipulated by the Economic Development Administration of
the U.S. Department of Commerce. The contract specifies that the CEDS Plan
must include sections describing the background of the economic
development of the region, an analysis of economic development opportunities
and challenges, a comprehensive list of goals and objectives for economic
development, a description of private and public sector relationships,
identification of regional projects, plans and activities, and a plan of action for
implementing the goals and objectives.
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Jobs & Economic Development
Promoting Trade
California Governor Brown established a council to advise the Governor’s Office
of business and economic development on strategies to expand international
trade and investment for California businesses, appointing former U.S.
Ambassador to Hungary Eleni Kounalakis as chair.
California Governor Brown and Ambassador of Peru to the United States Harold
Forsyth signed an agreement committing to exchange “experts and joint
projects in climate change mitigation and adaptation policies, air quality, forest
management, water quality and water management” and promote the public
and private use of clean technologies. Additionally, the two parties agreed to
cooperate on food safety, fishery management and agricultural sustainability
and collaborate on educational and cultural exchanges and promote trade
and tourism.
California Governor Brown and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed
a broad agreement to develop joint projects and conduct mutually beneficial
research in California and Israel. The agreement will boost economic, cultural
and academic cooperation between California and Israel, with an emphasis on
water conservation, alternative energy, cybersecurity, health and
biotechnology, education and agricultural technology.
California Governor Brown signed an
agreement with Japan's Ambassador to
the United States Kenichiro Sasae to
further cooperation between Japan and
California on climate change, renewable
energy, trade and investment, zeroemission vehicles, high-speed rail and
water. The agreement calls for the two
entities to collaborate on technologies
that will support California's goal of having
1.5 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025, as well as innovation
related to high-speed rail, water conservation and renewable energy. Last year,
Governor Brown met with Osaka Governor Ichiro Matsui and signed an
agreement to strengthen cooperation between California and its sister-state in
Japan on clean energy, environmental protection, tourism and other areas.
California Governor Brown announced the building on the Trade and
Investment Mission to China last year and other significant diplomatic and
business exchanges between California and China, Governor Brown signed an
agreement to establish a sister state/province relationship between California
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Jobs & Economic Development
and the Guangdong Province of China and pledged to strengthen ties with the
province on trade, technological innovation, clean energy, low carbon
development, education and tourism. This year, Governor Brown also met with
the Governor of Shandong Province and other Shandong government officials
to discuss cooperation between California, China and Shandong Province on
trade and investment, climate change, tourism and education.
Missouri Governor Nixon led a successful trade mission to Canada, Missouri’s
largest export market. The Governor closed an agreement with the province of
Quebec to sell $3.2 billion in Missouri goods and products over the next four
years, and witnessed the signing of Missouri’s first ever trade agreement with the
province of Ontario.
New York Governor Cuomo announced the Global NY Development Grant
Fund will provide $10 million to be used to provide grants of up to $25,000 to
support activities to increase exporting by businesses. Grant funds may be used
to develop export capacity through the design and implementation of export
marketing plans, website translation, product adaptation, market certification,
and other services needed by smaller companies to better compete in the
global economy. The Fund will focus on supporting firms with 500 or fewer
employees with one of its goals to help SMEs and non-profits become a bigger
part of the global export system.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced new export sales of Virginia apples to
India, a significant market opening in one of the world’s largest economies and
population bases. Specifically, this year Virginia has exported just over $1.6
million.
Helping Veterans Reenter The Workforce
Connecticut Governor Malloy hailed the final passage of legislation (HB 5299)
that will address barriers to employment for military families by requiring that
state licensing authorities take into account military training and experience,
where appropriate, as a substitute for additional training as well as allowing
spouses to gain streamlined occupational certifications.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that a pilot program connecting
Waterbury-area veterans, military service members and their families with state
employment and social services will be expanded to the Bridgeport area next
month.
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Jobs & Economic Development
Illinois Governor Quinn visited the Quad-Cities to talk about a veterans homebuying program to bring homes to those who have returned safely. Welcome
Home Heroes includes $10,000 in down-payment assistance for qualified
applicants as well as a 30-year fixed mortgage at a current rate of 3.875
percent. The $10,000 grant is forgivable over two years and applicants can
qualify for up to $21,000 in a mortgage credit certificate over the span of a 30year loan. Homebuyers must contribute at least $1,000 or 1 percent, whichever is
greater, of the purchase price.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced more than $25 million in funding to
create over 335 new units of supportive housing for veterans, homeless and very
low income households across the Commonwealth. The Governor also
announced that, with these units, the Patrick Administration has reached its goal
of creating 1,000 units of permanent, supportive housing in the Commonwealth
a year early.
New Hampshire Governor Hassan announced a
partnership along with NHES to launch Operation VETS
Connect In order to support New Hampshire’s veterans
and help ensure that they have the employment
opportunities that they deserve, Governor Maggie
Hassan and New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) Commissioner George
Copadis launched Operation VETS Connect, an initiative aimed at building on
current efforts to support veteran hiring in New Hampshire.
New York Governor Cuomo held the first New York State Veterans and Military
Families Summit to create a comprehensive approach to improving services for
these individuals in New York, especially in the areas of affordable housing,
employment, education, benefits, and mental health. It included the
participation of leaders from 36 Veterans
groups, 11 representatives from military
bases in New York, 28 administrators from
educational institutions, 18 executives from
private businesses, and many other
stakeholders. The Summit identified a
number of initiatives and legislative priorities
to address challenges faced by Veterans
and their families.
New York Governor Cuomo introduced and
signed into law a bill establishing a highest-in-the-nation service-disabled
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Jobs & Economic Development
veteran-owned small business state contracting goal of 6%. The program is open
to businesses whose owner or owners have received a 10% or greater
compensation rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and also to
National Guard veterans with a service-disability confirmed by the New York
State Division of Veterans’ Affairs. The first round of 21 state-certified SDVOBs was
recently announced. New York is home to nearly 900,000 veterans, 71 percent of
whom have served during periods of conflict, and the 4th largest number of
Veteran-owned small businesses in the country. The federal government’s goal
for awarding contracts to veteran-owned businesses is only 3% and no other
state in the nation offers as robust a program which includes set-aside contracts
to these small businesses.
New York Governor Cuomo expanded NY’s “Experience Counts” initiative,
which facilitates the transfer of military skills to the public and private sectors, to
include military spouses in professions such as cosmetology, barbering, and real
estate brokers and salespersons. The change allows the spouse, domestic
partner, or any other member of a service member’s household to obtain a New
York license to continue practicing in these professions if he or she has been
licensed in another state and relocated to New York with the service member.
New York Governor Cuomo established partnerships with industry leaders from
five electric and gas utilities to develop a plan that places returning Veterans
with utility industry jobs. These partners will work with one or more colleges to
provide veterans with educational opportunities in preparation for technical
energy industry jobs. The initiative will build on the national Troops-To-Energy Jobs
(TEJ) model, established by the Center for Energy Workforce Development, by
incorporating specific, measurable objectives, and an aggressive schedule for
the implementation of the NYS-TEJ program.
New York Governor Cuomo created a statewide “Strike Force” of NYS
employees placed at U.S. VA Regional Offices to expedite backlogged federal
disability claims for New York State Veterans and their family members. At the
time of the Strike Force’s launch, Veterans in New York waited close to 500 days
on average for a decision on their federal VA disability claims, and more than
7,000 pending federal VA disability claims cases in New York were more than 125
days old.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced that companies participating in the
Commonwealth's Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program have hired 1,451
Veterans between July 1, 2014 and September 30, 2014. Through the V3
Program, these companies have made public commitments and goals to
increase employment opportunities for Virginia's Veterans.
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Jobs & Economic Development
Developing our Nation’s Infrastructure
Arkansas Gov. Beebe argued state should reallocate $15 million to expand
broadband access to schools that are lacking fast Internet connections. The
governor stated that he still wants K-12 schools to be able to use the broadband
system that's available for universities in Arkansas, but that would take action by
the Legislature. Beebe considered including the issue on the call for a special
session earlier this summer.
Connecticut Governor Malloy signed legislation to create a statewide port
authority by Oct. 1, 2015, for the deepwater ports of New London, New Haven
and Bridgeport. The goal of the Connecticut Port Authority will be to increase
public and private investments for port development, pursue federal and state
money for dredging in order to increase cargo movements through
Connecticut’s ports and market the ports to domestic and international shipping
companies.
Connecticut Governor Malloy joined state and local officials to highlight the
Local Bridge Program, administered by the Connecticut Department of
Transportation (ConnDOT), which provides state grants to municipalities for the
removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges. The
press conference was held at the Old Main Street bridge over Goff Brook in
Rocky Hill, which is being completely replaced at a cost of $1.87 million. The
project will create more than 30 construction, engineering, and other ancillary
jobs.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that the first project under the state’s
new Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) has been
completed. Last year, Governor Malloy created LOTCIP to provide funding for
improvements to state or locally-maintained roadways or facilities that are
eligible for funding from the federal Department of Transportation’s (DOT)
Surface Transportation Urban Program. LOTCIP makes it easier for local
governments to utilize federal funding for capital improvement projects by
eliminating the lengthy, burdensome and expensive administrative process
connected with meeting the federal program’s requirements and restrictions.
Promoting Trade
Connecticut Governor Malloy joined by
Connecticut Department of Transportation
(ConnDOT) Commissioner James Redeker and
New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, today announced
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Jobs & Economic Development
that nearly 80 percent of the overhead power lines on the New Haven
commuter rail between Southport and Bridgeport have been replaced. With
the completion of the current project phase to replace the “catenary” wires
along the 100-plus year old New Haven Line, Metro-North will be able to route
peak period trains on all four tracks in this seven-mile area for the first time since
2010. The project is being funded and managed by ConnDOT.
Illinois Governor Quinn announced $60 million for Chicago-area local
governments to help fill potholes. The money is part of a $100 million Illinois
transportation construction program to repair municipal and township
infrastructure throughout the state. The funding will help communities throughout
Illinois combat potholes and make other critical infrastructure repairs following
the historic winter weather Illinois faced.
Illinois Governor Quinn introduced a comprehensive road plan. Illinois will spend
slightly less next fiscal year on road, rail and airport construction projects under a
transportation plan unveiled by Gov. Pat Quinn. Among the projects touted by
the governor as part of the $2 billion plan are the replacement of the aging
Interstate 74 bridge in Moline, construction of a new terminal at the Williamson
County Airport in Marion and resurfacing work on I-72 and U.S. 51 in Decatur.
"These are investments that are going to keep us moving forward," Quinn said.
Illinois Governor Quinn announced plans to invest more than $4.7 million in bike
and pedestrian trails in the metro-east as part of a federally-funded program
encouraging transportation-related projects, according to the office of
Governor Pat Quinn. The local projects are part of a $52.7 million investment
throughout the state, which will support more than 400 jobs with 71 projects.
"These projects will support hundreds of jobs while preserving our heritage,
beautifying communities and creating opportunities for pedestrians, bicyclists
and others across Illinois," Quinn said. "The projects will help improve the quality
of life for everyone, and I commend Senator Durbin and Illinois' congressional
delegation for fighting for this important community funding."
Montana Governor Bullock announced his “Build Montana” legislation. The bill
seeks to invest over $300 million in infrastructure construction across Montana.
The Build Montana bill represents $380 million in total investments for
infrastructure and capital improvements. According to an economic analysis
prepared by the Montana Department of Commerce, this effort would support
4,293 jobs, create $561 million in economic output, and increase wages by $200
million.
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Jobs & Economic Development
New York Governor Cuomo called for a comprehensive plan to revitalize JFK
International, LaGuardia, Stewart, and Republic Airports. Together with the Port
Authority, New York State launched a Master Plan Design Competition for JFK
and LaGuardia this December. The Master Plan Competitions call for
comprehensive re-envisioning of both airports, including state of the art facilities,
customer service and amenities, transit and access improvements.
Vermont Governor Shumlin joined U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders
and state Transportation officials to announce the launch of
“Fast Fix 14,” the largest pavement treatment program in the
state’s history to repair a record 145 miles of Vermont state
highways, in addition to the 230 miles of federally funded
paving in the annual Capital Program.
Vermont Governor Shumlin signed the FY 2015 Transportation
Bill making it the largest investment in transportation
infrastructure in state history. The bill approves $685.7 million in infrastructure
improvements and maintenance and supports the Agency of Transportation’s
(VTrans) vision of a safe, efficient, multimodal transportation system that
promotes Vermont’s quality of life and economic wellbeing.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe successfully secured $39.9 Million in Federal TIGER
Grants as U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced
that two projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia will receive a total $39.9
million in funds from the highly competitive TIGER Grant program. It is more than
$9.4 billion in funds.
Washington Governor Inslee approves $150,000 state economic recovery grant
to aid tourism. This funding will supplement local business, city, county and
Washington Tourism Alliance spending. The funds will go to the Economic
Alliance of Snohomish County and Snohomish County Economic Development
who will work with qualified applicants to promote businesses and attractions
accessible by Highway 20 and other scenic roads.
Facing a projected $1 trillion infrastructure financing gap over the next 30 years,
Washington Governor , Oregon Governor Kitzhaber and California Governor
Brown created the West Coast Infrastructure Exchange (WCX) to dramatically
redesign the way their states plan,
build and finance public infrastructure
projects and investments. This multistate collaboration will help find
innovative ways to fund necessary
projects that may not otherwise get
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Jobs & Economic Development
completed by relying only on traditional public funding.
WCX works by attracting needed private investment in public projects;
facilitating the sharing of best practices across states and investment
opportunities; bundling smaller projects to create economies of scale; and,
incorporating climate resilience into every applicable project. Through these
infrastructure projects, the WCX aims to promote job creation and improve the
region’s long-term economic competitiveness over time. The potential shown by
the WCX regional model has received recent endorsements from think tanks
such as the Brookings Institution, The Milken Institute and the Progressive Policy
Institute.
Creating Opportunities for Young Workers
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced
a $12 million investment in the successful
YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program as part of
his Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Budget proposal. The
investment is a $3 million increase over the
FY14 budget, and will provide youth across
the Commonwealth with opportunities to
gain valuable work experience while
simultaneously building stronger and safer
communities.
Missouri Governor Nixon helped connect low-income teens with rewarding
summer jobs. Former Senator Maida Coleman of the Office of Community
Engagement will lead a summer jobs program to connect 3,500 youths from lowincome families in St. Louis and Kansas City with summer employment next year.
Missouri Governor Nixon along with the Missouri’s State Parks Youth Corp
continues to connect young people with good jobs and great opportunities. In
2014, the State Parks Youth Corps expanded its reach to connect 200 local
youth with summer jobs at city parks in St. Louis and Kansas City. The State Parks
Youth Corps (SPYC), launched by the Governor in 2010, provides Missouri youth
with the opportunity to work outdoors improving Missouri’s parks and historic
sites. SPYC employs eligible Missourians between the ages of 17 and 23 at parks,
historic sites and natural areas across Missouri, from May 1 through Dec. 31.
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Jobs & Economic Development
New York Governor Cuomo proposed and enacted increased funding for the
highly successful New York Youth Works Program for at-risk youth. Funding has
been expanded from $6 million to $10 million for each of the program’s four
years and will help young people find job-readiness training, get them into the
workplace, and help them succeed in their jobs. In 2012, the program helped
1,270 New York businesses hire 12,866 at-risk young people across New York.
Assisting Community Development
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced the Connecticut Department of
Economic and Community Development (DECD) is accepting applications for a
new round of funding of up to $20 million that will be awarded to help
remediate and redevelop brownfield sites throughout the state.
Connecticut Governor Malloy joined by Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary and
other state and local officials, held a bill signing ceremony for legislation that
implements a series of improvements to the state’s brownfield programs, as
recommended by the General Assembly’s Brownfield Working Group, an eleven
member task force created to examine the remediation and redevelopment of
brownfields in Connecticut.
Hawaii Governor Abercrombie established The
Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness
(HICH) in July 2011 through executive order.
Composed of state department directors, federal
agency representatives, and community leaders,
the HICH was tasked with providing solutions to end
homelessness and strengthen the continuity of
efforts to end homelessness across future State of
Hawaii administrations.
Montana Governor Bullock announced grants to improve public housing and
infrastructure for 20 communities across Montana. Steve Bullock announced
awards totaling more than $400,000 to 20 communities across Montana through
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program at the Montana
Department of Commerce. CDBG planning grants are made available annually
for award by the Montana Department of Commerce through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
New York Governor Cuomo enacted budget allocated $32 million to support
communities impacted by the closure of New York State correctional and
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Jobs & Economic Development
juvenile justice facilities. The funding builds on $50 million provided in 2011 to
various communities impacted by facility closures to leverage private sector
investments to create jobs and support initiatives that will help transform the
economies of these communities.
Vermont Governor Shumlin signed into law three bills to address the critical issues
of jobs and community revitalization, housing affordability, environmental
protection and transportation investment.
Vermont Governor Shumlin announced a $1.25 million Vermont Community
Development Program award to the City of Rutland. In partnership with the
Rutland Redevelopment Authority, NeighborWorks of Western Vermont will use
the funds to improve blighted properties and create homeownership
opportunities.
Providing Assistance to the Underemployed and Unemployed
Connecticut Governor Malloy unveiled a three-pronged legislative package
aimed at further reducing the number of unemployed workers, while also
removing certain barriers to employment that often prevents long-term
unemployed residents from even being considered for available job openings.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that with more than 2,200 new
employees hired under the state’s Subsidized Training and Employment Program
(“Step Up”), the job creation initiative has now helped more than 700 employers
fill well-paying jobs and expand their workforce.
Delaware Governor Markell signed into law Senate Bill 6, which will raise the
minimum wage in Delaware to $8.25 per hour in two increments. Under
legislation that cleared both the Senate and House, the state’s hourly minimum
wage will go up 50 cents to $7.75 on June 1, 2014. On June 1, 2015, it will go up
another 50 cents to $8.25 per hour, making it $1 higher than the current federal
minimum wage.
Illinois Governor Quinn approved minimum wage ballot question. In November,
people in Illinois will be asked whether they think the states minimum wage
should be increased to $10 an hour.
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Jobs & Economic Development
Maryland Governor O’Malley successfully led the fight to raise Maryland’s
minimum wage to $10.10. Hundreds of thousands of
Maryland workers will receive a raise, injecting
money into the economy and creating goodpaying, family-supporting jobs. Raising the minimum
wage is expected to be one of the most significant
issues to be debated in Annapolis this legislative
session. The General Assembly voted in 2005 to
increase the wage $1 above the federal level,
after Congress had left the rate unchanged for a
decade. The current $7.25 has been in effect since
2009.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced $1 million in funding to connect
homeless and low-income families with services to help some of the
Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens overcome barriers to work and
succeed in life.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick signed a bill raising the state's $8 per hour
minimum wage to $11 per hour by 2017. The bill increases the minimum wage
gradually, to $9 per hour in 2015, $10 in 2016 and $11 in 2017 — which would be
the highest in the nation.
Minnesota Governor Dayton signed a minimum wage increase, starting
Minnesota on a path from being one of the nation's lowest minimum-wage
states to one of its highest. The bill increased Minnesota’s minimum wage from
$6.15 per hour to $9.50 by 2016, and indexes it to inflation to ensure Minnesotans’
wages keep up with the cost of living.
Missouri Governor Nixon helps Reduce Missouri’s unemployment to its lowest
point in six years. Missouri’s unemployment rate dropped by three-tenths of a
point to 5.6 percent in November, the lowest since May 2008, according to
seasonally adjusted data released by the Missouri Department of Economic
Development. The state also added 4,500 jobs to its nonfarm payroll
employment in November, bringing the total increase of jobs to Missouri’s
nonfarm payrolls to 42,200 for the year.
Vermont Governor Shumlin signed into law legislation
phasing in an increase in the state’s minimum wage
from the current $8.73 per hour to $10.50 per hour by
2018.
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Protecting Workers
Connecticut Governor Malloy joined by home-based child care providers and
union officials, Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced an agreement
between the State of Connecticut and CSEA/SEIU LOCAL 2001 providing for
professional development and the first general wage increases in 12 years for
family child care providers under Connecticut Care 4 Kids program, the state’s
program to provide better opportunities for quality child care and subsidize child
care costs for low income families. The agreement came after nine months of
negotiations between the two parties.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick hosted a ceremonial bill signing for S.2132, “An
Act Establishing a Domestic Worker’s Bill of Rights.” The bill extends basic work
standards and labor protections to approximately 67,000 nannies,
housekeepers, care givers and other home workers. The Governor officially
signed the bill into law on June 26.
Minnesota Governor Dayton signed the Women's Economic Security Act, which
requires businesses with large state contracts to certify they pay men and
women equal salaries for similar jobs, and bars employers from discriminating
against pregnant women and parents with young children at home. It also
increases unpaid pregnancy and parenting leave from 6 to 12 weeks, allows
domestic violence victims to use existing earned sick leave to recover from such
violence and ensures the rights of employees to voluntarily discuss their
compensation without fear of retaliation from their employers.
In one of his last official actions before leaving office, Virgin Islands Governor de
Jongh Jr. signed an executive order creating a new council to look at
workplace health and safety concerns. Executive Order No. 472-2014, signed
Dec. 23, creates the Virgin Islands Public Sector Occupational Safety and Health
Council within the Office of the Governor.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STATES:
■ http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html#
! The Census Bureau provides easy access to economic statistics about
each state, and county
■ http://www.epi.org/publication/impact-of-infrastructure-investments/
! The Economic Policy Institute’ examines the short term and long term
impacts of infrastructure investments
■ http://www.nber.org/papers/w19741.pdf?new_window=1
! The National Bureau of Economic Research examines paid family leave.
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Jobs & Economic Development
33"
Education
OVERVIEW
Democratic governors are leading the charge on ensuring kids have
access to a quality education from the very beginning. With budgets tight,
democratic governors are finding ways to invest in education from top to
bottom, starting with expanding Pre-K.
LESSONS LEARNED
Expand access to pre-kindergarten. Governors are making sure students put
their best foot forward and that all kids have an opportunity to start school
early leading to better preparation.
Align education curricula with the needs of the workforce. Today’s students
must be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow and that means ensuring
educational opportunities in all forms to match an innovative economy.
Create a positive learning environment. With distractions in school and out of
school plentiful, governors can use their office to create a positive
environment for kids from pre-k to college.
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Education
CASE STUDY: Vermont’s Effort To Close Achievement Gap
The Problem: Vermont has been
awarded $7.3 million of what is
expected to be a $33 million, fouryear federal grant to bolster early
childhood education offerings for
low-income Vermonters. “Getting
our youngest children off to a good
start is the best prevention program
we know,” agreed Human Services
Secretary Doug Racine.
The brain science is
definitive - 90% of a
child’s brain is wired by
the age of five. When
children get off to a
g o o d s t a r t t h ro u g h
access to high-quality
early
learning
opportunities,
healthcare, and
support from their
families
and
communities, they
have a stronger foundation for future
development. Early childhood
education reduces the rate of
incarceration, drug use, dropouts,
and domestic violence while
increasing rates of high school and
college graduation and future
earnings. They are likely to get better
jobs and earn more money over the
course of their work lives. Gov.
Shumlin saw universal preschool as
i n t e g r a l t o Ve r m o n t ’ s f u t u r e
economic vitality and to the ability
of the youngest and most vulnerable
to thrive in school and their
communities.
The Policy: Gov. Peter Shumlin signed
legislation making at least 10 hours
per week of high-quality education
available to every 3- and 4-year-old
child in Vermont. The new law
requires communities to offer at least
10 hours per week of high-quality,
publicly funded pre-kindergarten
education for 35 weeks annually to
a
n
y
“ p re k i n d e r g a r t e n
children.” Qualified
pre-kindergarten
programs include
those operated by
public schools,
private early
education and care
programs, and
Head Start.
•
•
•
•
•
•
The goals of the
Action Plan include:
A Healthy Start for All Children
Families and Communities Play
a Leading Role
High-Quality Opportunities for
All Children
Invest Now for Our Future
Know We’re Making a
Difference
An Innovative and Connected
System
The anticipated award of funds for
Vermont is as follows:
• Year 1: $7,231,681
• Year 2: $8,009,167
• Year 3: $8,631,497
• Year 4: $9,519,937
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Education
Total: $33,392,282
The Politics: Gov. Shumlin said that
universal pre-kindergarten isn’t just
good for children, but also great for
taxpayers, working families, and
employers. He also said that, “This is
great news for Vermont, our children,
and our economic future. Vermont is
one of the top states in America
when it comes to early childhood
education, and we’re committed to
being the best. We know that
investments in our youngest children
pay huge dividends in their ability to
achieve in school and succeed in
life.” This grant will provide support
for initial implementation statewide
of universal Pre-K and targets
children who are currently most in
need of services. It will help ensure
that every program -- private or
public -- that is part of this rollout has
the capacity to provide high quality
learning opportunities. And it is an
extraordinary opportunity for us to
develop our expertise statewide
about how to form partnerships and
share funding in ways that help us
get a better return on the dollars we
spend. Employers will have a quality
workforce in the future, employees
who are more confident of the
quality of their child’s early learning
and development program, and a
s t a t e p o l i c y m a k i n g Ve r m o n t
attractive to young talent who are
seeking employment in a familyfriendly state.
The Results: This bill will ensure that no
matter where you live, your 3 or 4
year-old will have access to highquality early education programs,
and arrive at school better prepared
to lear n. Specifically, Ver mont
children from low-income
backgrounds who don't attend prekindergarten have a 30 percent
probability of being kindergarten
ready, while Vermont students from
low-income backgrounds with one
or two years of pre-kindergarten
have up to a 55 percent probability
of being kindergarten ready. By the
end of this grant, Vermont will be
serving 70% of all four-year olds at or
below 200% of poverty statewide, or
about 1,818 children, in full-day,
high-quality Pre-K. For a family of
four, that is about $48,000 per year.
The award will also support a
Professional Learning Community so
schools and providers can work
together to share best practices,
collaborate on training and
professional development, and
support each other in developing
high-quality Pre-K programs. The
grant also will allow critical fiscal
technical assistance and analysis for
programs so that they have
capacity to maximize multiple
funding streams to sustain their Pre-K
programs into the future. Finally, it
includes funding for an independent
program evaluation to ensure that
we are using the funding effectively
and achieving desired results.
To learn more about education in Vermont visit:
http://education.vermont.gov/
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Education
CASE STUDY: Oregon’s Early Learning Hubs
The Problem: Oregon’s best
opportunity for distinction and
success in the global economy of
the 21st century is in creating a
world-class education system that
starts early and produces results. In
2011, at the start of Gov. John
Kitzhaber’s third term, the state
adopted its ambitious 40-40-20 goal:
by 2025, 40% of adult Oregonians will
earn a bachelor’s degree or higher,
40% will earn an associate degree or
post-secondary credential and 20%
will earn a high school diploma or
equivalent.
Historically, though Oregon has
spent almost $400 million each
biennium on important programs
and services for children ages 0
through 5 and their families, they
have traditionally worked in isolation
from one another and from state
services, creating a disjointed
approach to the early care and
education of our children that is not
integrated, cost-effective nor
accountable for results. As a result,
40 percent of children in Oregon
arrive at kindergarten unprepared to
begin learning. And students who
are behind by third grade face
much greater obstacles in
graduating high school on time, if at
all.
The Policy: In recognition of the
challenge and the ineffectiveness of
the status quo, beginning in 2011
G
o
v
e
r
n
o
r
"
and the Legislature put in place the
policy direction and performance
expectations for outcome-focused,
r e g i o n a l i z e d , c r o s s - s e c t o r,
community lead structure for
organizing early lear ning, now
known as Early Learning Hubs. This
Early Learning Hub model builds on
existing community resources and
assets, while also asking tough
questions about what could be
done differently to get better results,
especially for at-risk children. Early
Lear ning Hubs have five core
responsibilities:
1. W o r k a c r o s s t r a d i t i o n a l
program and sector silos for
collective community
accountability
2. Find the children in each
community that need help the
most
3. Work with families to identify
their unique and specific
needs
4. Link families with services and
providers who can best
address their needs
5. A c c o u n t f o r o u t c o m e s
collectively and cost
effectively
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Education
Early Learning Hubs are now being
implemented and supported across
Oregon, with a new round of
applications underway in 2015.
To learn more about Oregon’s education hubs visit:
http://oregonearlylearning.com/other-priorities/community-basedcoordinators-of-early-learning-services-hubs/
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Education
POLICY SOLUTIONS
Early Education
Improving the Quality and Access of Early Education Programs
Connecticut Governor Malloy signed two bills at the Helen Street School in
Hamden that will expand pre-kindergarten for the state’s three and four-yearolds, add dyslexia as a primary specific learning disability for children requiring
special education, and formally establish the Office of Early Childhood. The
Office of Early Childhood, the agency responsible for coordinating and
improving the various early childhood programs and components in the state to
create a cohesive high-quality early childhood system, was created through
Executive Order No. 35 by Governor Malloy last June. Public Act 14-41 now
formally establishes the agency in statute.
Delaware Governor Markell announced efforts to
enhance early childhood services. Having made
early childhood services a priority of his
administration, Governor Markell announced
enhancements designed to help more early
childhood programs receive high ratings and
make it easier for kids from low-income families to
get the best care. In addition, the state will offer
more support to high quality programs that
provide infant care, making Delaware just the
second state, after Rhode Island, to make infant care a special priority
Hawaii Governor Abercrombie developed a new program jointly by the
governor’s Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) and the Hawaii State
Department of Education (DOE) will allow families to enroll their 4-year-old
children in one of 21 prekindergarten classrooms at 18 public elementary
schools across the state this fall.
Maryland Governor O’Malley expanded pre-kindergarten to 1,600 more children
across Maryland and laid the groundwork for a further statewide expansion in
coming years. The legislation, which was sponsored by Gov. Martin O’Malley’s
administration, would provide grants to local school systems and prekindergarten providers that want to accept children from families making 300
percent of the poverty rate. One of Brown’s goals is to provide voluntary pre-K
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Education
classes to all Maryland four-year-olds, regardless of income. That would cost at
least $120 million per year, Brown has said, and would be paid for by proceeds
from Maryland’s gambling revenues.
Montana Governor Bullock announced components of early childhood
education proposal. The proposal, dubbed Early Edge Montana, aims to make
high-quality, half-day, voluntary pre-kindergarten programs available to all
Montana four year-olds. Through his proposal, block grants will be available to
every Montana public school district to create or expand high-quality early
childhood education programs in their community.
New York Governor Cuomo committed to invest $1.5 billion over 5 years to build
a Statewide Universal Full-Day Pre-Kindergarten Program. As part of the
2014-2015 budget, the Governor awarded $340 million to 81 school districts and
community-based organizations statewide. Grants are used to convert existing
half-day programs into full-day programs, as well as to bring full-day programs to
communities currently lacking them. All grantees are required to demonstrate
quality program standards. This initiative will be supplemented by a $25 million
award from the US Department of Education that provides funding to support
pre-k programs in communities with high poverty rates and high concentrations
of Dual Language Learners.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced that Virginia has been awarded a $17.5
million federal Preschool Expansion Grant that will allow the Commonwealth to
serve as many as 1,600 additional at-risk four-year-olds in new, high-quality
preschool.
Washington Governor Inslee worked to counter a widening inequality gap and
"the nation's most unfair tax system" by eliminating five tax loopholes and
boosting funding for children's education. In his State of the State address, Inslee
proposed to fund a working family’s tax rebate to help residents in rural and
economically disadvantaged areas, and spend $2.3 billion on children's
initiatives, including funding for 6,000 low-income children to attend preschool.
Ensuring that Students are Ready for School
Massachusetts Governor Patrick joined state
education officials and community members to
launch the "Read, Explore, Learn More!" education
series, underscoring the important role of the
Commonwealth’s early education and care
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Education
programs and community-based enrichment programs in fostering children's
early development.
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Education
K-12
Improving Public Schools
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that the administration is taking two
actions to help reduce the time Connecticut students spend taking
standardized tests. In a letter to U.S. Department of Education (USED) Secretary
Arne Duncan, the Governor asked for USED to consider how the number of highstakes exams in Grade 11 could be reduced under existing federal law. Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that Connecticut’s high school
graduation rate increased for the fourth" consecutive" year and that several
persistent graduation rate gaps are closing. Since 2010, the black-white gap in
graduation rates reduced by 4.3 percentage points (21.5 percent) and the
Hispanic-white gap reduced by 3.5 percentage points (14 percent). Over the
same time, the graduation gap between economically disadvantaged students
and their more affluent peers reduced by 4.5 percentage points (17.5 percent).
Delaware Governor Markell was named as the winner of the Data Quality
Campaign’s (DQC) 2014 State Policymaker Award for the establishing the
statewide vision and collaborative work needed to use data to improve
outcomes for Delaware students.
Kentucky Governor Beshear designed a two-year budget that provided longoverdue investments in education and early childhood. Investments included:
• An increase in base per-pupil funding for K-12 classrooms from the current
$3,827 per student to $3,911 in FY15 and $3,981 in FY16 – the largest SEEK
investment in Kentucky history.
• Guaranteed pay raises for teachers and classified school personnel.
• Increases in technology funding by $9.9 million, textbook funding by $33.4
million, professional development by $10 million,
safety by $9.4 million and extended school
services by $20 million.
• An increase of $18.7 million in FY16 to expand
preschool services to reach 5,125 more 4-yearolds whose family income is within 160 percent of
the federal poverty level.
• 100 million in bonds for K-12 school building
projects.
Missouri Governor Nixon announced record funding and higher expectations in
K-12 classrooms. The Fiscal Year 2015 budget included record funding for K-12
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Education
classrooms, while the state continued to raise its standards and implement more
robust accountability measures. More than half of all Missouri public school
districts improved their scores this year on the state’s more rigorous
accountability system, Missouri School Improvement Program (MSIP) 5.
Preparing Students for 21st Century Jobs
Connecticut Governor Malloy visited Connecticut’s first Pathways" in" Technology"
Early" College" High" School (P-TECH) – the IBM-affiliated Norwalk Early College
Academy (NECA). The six-year academy – a collaboration among IBM, Norwalk
Public Schools and Norwalk Community College – formally opened its doors on
August 27 with approximately 90 students in Grade 9. Following the IBM P-TECH
model, NECA will add one grade each year and ultimately serve grades 9 to 14.
This will enable students to earn within six years both a high school diploma and
a no-cost Associates degree in Applied Science. The model is designed to put
young adults on the path to a good job in a growth industry; NECA graduates
will be first in line if they choose to apply for jobs at IBM. Governor Malloy first
mentioned plans to better prepare students for college and career in his State
of the State address earlier this year, when he talked about the opportunity to
work with IBM and other in-state companies to develop a Connecticut version
of P-TECH, IBM's acclaimed public-private school reform initiative.
Delaware Governor Markell joined Secretary of
Education Mark Murphy at Caesar Rodney High
School to announce details of a scholarship fund
that makes college courses accessible to all high
school seniors who have demonstrated college
readiness, no matter their financial circumstances.
Representatives from the state’s colleges and
universities attended the event to show their
support.
Missouri Governor Nixon announced funding to help expand access to math
and science tutoring services to an additional 350 students from low-income
families in St. Louis.
New York Governor Cuomo created the NYS STEM Incentive Program to
encourage the best and brightest high school students build their future in New
York and to pursue high-demand, high-tech careers. The program provides a full
SUNY or City University of New York (CUNY) scholarship to the top ten percent of
students in every New York high school if they major in a STEM field and work in a
STEM job in New York State for five years after graduation. The program is
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Education
administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation. In
October 2014, 653 students were named as recipients of the programs first year
of scholarships. These students represented 55 counties across the state, and
they enrolled at 47 different SUNY/CUNY institutions.
Making Nutritional Meals a Priority
Vermont Governor Shumlin joined school children, anti-hunger advocates, and
others to celebrate the new Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) being
implemented in 29 schools across the state, allowing all students in these schools
to receive free breakfast and lunch.
Ensuring Students have Access to Innovative Technology
New York Governor Cuomo proposed a $2 billion “Smart Schools Bond Act”
investment in education technology and it was approved by New York State
voters in November 2014. Funds will support enhanced technology in schools,
with eligible projects including infrastructure improvements to bring high-speed
broadband to schools and communities in their school district and the purchase
of classroom technology for use by students. Additionally, the Smart Schools
Bond Act will enable long-term investments in full day pre-kindergarten through
the construction of new pre-kindergarten classroom space, replacing classroom
trailers with permanent classrooms, and making investments in high-tech school
safety programs. In October 2014, the Smart Schools Commission appointed by
the Governor issued a final report with recommendations on how schools can
most effectively invest proceeds from the Bond Act based on input received
from the public and other stakeholders at a series of symposia held throughout
the state.
45"
Education
West Virginia Governor Tomblin, with the help of
his Workforce Planning Council, launched a new
education initiative called My State, My Life
designed to inspire and encourage West
Virginia’s students to take advantage of the
opportunities available to them in the Mountain
State. By working with middle school and high
school students, Governor Tomblin is sharing the
endless possibilities for West Virginia’s students to
succeed, and it doesn’t matter which training or
career path they choose – as long as they choose one. The My State, My Life
West Virginia initiative: fosters awareness of the educational and career
opportunities available to West Virginia’s young people , helps students establish
goals. In addition, it provides a clearinghouse of resources available to achieve
these goals – identify the education, certification or training most compatible
with their individual skills and talents, financial aid planning, college application
support, etc.
Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment
Illinois Governor Quinn signed anti-bullying bill for Illinois’ public schools. The
Chicago Democrat signed the bill at a Chicago elementary school. It requires
all public schools to create and implement an anti-bullying policy. School
policies must detail a definition of bullying, procedures for reporting bullying and
parental notification. The policies should also include the investigation of reports
of bullying and actions that may be taken to address it. State education officials
will monitor to make sure schools implement the policies.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick signed H. 3909, “An Act Relative to Bullying in
Schools.” The legislation requires school districts, charter schools, approved
private-day schools, residential schools and collaborative schools to develop
bullying prevention plans that will ensure they remain safe and supportive
places for the Commonwealth’s students to learn and thrive. It also includes
procedures for collecting, maintaining and reporting bullying incident data.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick signed Executive Order No. 548 establishing a
cross-Secretariat Task Force on School Safety and Security. This Task Force will be
charged with developing a model school safety and security plan that school
districts can adapt and implement to ensure that students and educators are
safe in the event of an emergency situation.
46"
Education
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Education
Higher Education
Expanding Opportunities for a College Degree
California Governor Brown signed an agreement with the Mexican Ministries of
Public Education and Foreign Affairs and the National Council for Science and
Technology to forge greater ties between institutions of higher education in
California and Mexico, with particular emphasis on online learning.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper announced $3.4M in Opportunity Scholarship
Initiative grant funds to support Colorado students, especially those from lowincome and/or underrepresented backgrounds. The first phase involves
increasing the availability and quality of student success programs for 20,380
high school students and graduates.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that a consortium of all 12 community
colleges in Connecticut and Charter Oak State College have been successfully
awarded a $15"million"federal"grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to launch
the Connecticut Advanced Manufacturing Initiative (CAMI) – a project that
builds upon the success of the state’s nationally-recognized Advanced
Manufacturing Centers that are currently implemented at four state community
colleges and expands manufacturing education to every community college in
Connecticut. Governor Malloy explained that the state’s successful grant
application represents a significant opportunity for Connecticut to maximize
education programs in the advanced manufacturing field, providing more
students with the skills needed to meet the challenges of 21st Century
production design, innovation and manufacturing.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that over 900 Connecticut residents
have re-enrolled in college to complete their associate or bachelor’s degree at
one of the 17 Connecticut State Colleges & Universities using a free course offer
from the Go Back to Get Ahead program. The program, which launched June
2, is open to Connecticut residents who were previously enrolled in an associate
or bachelor’s degree program but did not complete their degree, or who
completed an associate degree but did not go on to complete a bachelor’s. The program provides up to three free 3-credit courses to those who re-enroll at
one of the 17 community colleges, universities or online college within the
Connecticut State University system.
Missouri Governor Nixon announced in September that $2 million in grants from
the national nonprofit USA Funds will give more Missouri students the opportunity
48"
Education
to earn a college degree and strengthen the state’s position as a national
leader in higher education affordability and innovation.
Montana Governor Bullock
announced that over 2,000
Montana students enrolled in
college classes while still in high
school – giving them a jumpstart on
their degree and saving Montana
families $4 million in tuition and fees,
every year. Bullock launched the
Montana Dual Enrollment Incentive
Pilot Program to improve access
and affordability to the program by
allowing high school teachers to
receive a credit-for-credit coupon
that can be used towards classes in the Montana University System, as well as
Tribal and Community Colleges. The program also allows teachers who earn
these credit coupons to transfer them to family members and friends. Teachers
can transfer these credit coupons to their students, to give them a leg-up in their
college career, or show a student who might have thought he or she weren’t
college material that it is a viable path.
Making College More Affordable
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed the College Affordability Act into law.
The bill will allocate an additional $100 million in state funding for Colorado’s
colleges and universities to help offset several years of recession-driven cuts.
Missouri Governor Nixon worked with the General Assembly to secure a tuition
freeze for Missouri undergraduates at public universities. The third tuition freeze
since Gov. Nixon took office helped Missouri remain number one in the nation
for holding down tuition increases at its public universities.
Helping Students Train for 21st Century Jobs
Missouri Governor Nixon announced that a nearly $20 million grant to Missouri’s
12 community colleges and the State Technical College of Missouri would help
train an estimated 1,900 workers for in-demand careers in science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM) fields.
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Education
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced that seven of Virginia’s Community
Colleges will receive direct incentives totaling $500,000 for student completion
of credentials identified regionally as highdemand by business and industry.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced
that Virginia State University and four of
Virginia’s community colleges will expand
their capacity to provide innovative
training programs in partnership with
employers, thanks to a nearly $14 million
grant award from the U.S. Department of
Labor’s (US DOL) Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career
Training initiative.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced that more than 50,000 residents in
southern Virginia will be positively impacted by a new workforce collaboration
among three area community colleges. Called “Southern Virginia Works,” the
colleges - Danville Community College (DCC), Patrick Henry Community
College (PHCC) and Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) - plan to
boost the number of workforce credentials earned by Southern Virginians
through community college programs by 1,500 in the next year. Within the next
five years, the three colleges plan to triple the number of postsecondary
education and workforce credentials. Earning credentials aligned with regional
employer needs such as certifications and licenses improves individuals’
employability and better meets the region’s educational and economic
development needs.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced a Virginia Bioscience Initiative, kicking
off the effort with a public and private sector roundtable discussion on the
commercialization of university bioscience research at the State Capitol.
Investing in Education
Missouri Governor Nixon announced making needed repairs and renovations to
college campuses. In October, the Missouri Board of Public Buildings voted to
approve renovations to Lafferre Hall at the University of Missouri-Columbia’s
College of Engineering. To facilitate other long-deferred repair and renovation
projects on college campuses, Gov. Nixon is working with legislative leaders on
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Education
a fiscally responsible bonding package that will include $200 million for needed
improvements at two- and four-year institutions around the state.
Combatting Sexual Assault on College Campuses
At New York Governor Cuomo’s
urging, the State University of New
York (SUNY) adopted a uniform
sexual assault prevention and
response policy across all 64 of its
campuses. Following Governor
Cuomo’s request for action, the
SUNY Board of Trustees passed a
resolution to create a system-wide uniform set of practices to combat sexual
assault on college campuses. Over the next two months, the policy was drafted
in consultation with SUNY leadership and internal and external stakeholders. The
comprehensive policy, one of the first of its kind in the nation, applies to more
than 463,00 students attending SUNY institutions. By outlining specific and
consistent expectations regarding sexual assault prevention, the policy will
create a safer learning and living environment for students. To supplement the
policy, Governor Cuomo launched a new website that provides import
information on sexual assault prevention and response in a user-friendly format.
The website provides resources for students to protect and inform themselves,
including data on all sexual assault and violent crimes reported on all college
campuses operating in the State of New York.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STATES:
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/states/
! A report from the National Center for Education Statistics on a state by
state assessment of each state’s performance in the National
Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in mathematics, reading,
writing, and science for grades 4 and 8
■ https://cdn.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/
WinningEconomyReport2.pdf
! A Center for American Progress study on promoting growth and
strengthening the nation by improving the educational outcomes of
children of color
■
■ http://www.corestandards.org/
! The Common Core state standards initiative, leaning more about
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Common Core standards in the state.
Health Care
OVERVIEW
Democratic governors are committed to reducing the cost of healthcare
while improving quality, but that has not ended with ACA implementation.
Governors have implemented initiatives to reduce the number of uninsured
individuals in their states, make health care more affordable for families and
businesses and promote a healthier population that will lead to a reduction in
healthcare costs.
LESSONS LEARNED
Address drug use. Governors must work with local officials to combat the
rising issue of drug and prescription abuse. By offering treatment and
adjusting drug policy, drug use can begin to decline.
Make advancements in healthcare innovation. Too often, our current health
care system places an emphasis on treating people who are sick instead of
using technology and key identifiers to provide preventative services.
Governors can address healthcare issues by partnering with business and
thinking outside the box when it comes to healthcare policy
Continue to improve on the advancements made in the Affordable
Healthcare Act. States are adopting their own model when it comes to ACA
implementation but must continue to remain vigilant and ready to address
problems within the state regarding healthcare.
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Health Care
CASE STUDY: Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organization
Transformation Model
The Problem:
Americans have experienced
runaway increases in health-care
costs. While wages for American
workers grew 16% from 1960 to 2010,
national health expenditures during
that half-century grew by 818%. This
reality has left too many Americans –
including too many Oregonians -without affordable health coverage.
Additionally, as states and the
federal government have sought to
address this health-care cost crisis,
the traditional approach has been
the “Three Cuts” path: cut people
from care; cut provider
rates; and cut service
levels.
1. Sharing best practices of
managing and coordinating
care: all CCOs are required by
contract to participate in
learning collaboratives, with
CEOs meeting regularly and
providing peer guidance; The Policy:
In Oregon, Gov. John
Kitzhaber, the architect of
the Oregon Health Plan -which now covers more than a
million Oregonians – decided a
fourth path was needed: a change
in how health care is delivered.
3.Developing and
tracking against
quantifiable
performance
measures: CCOs are
evaluated against 17 different
measures, while the statewide
system is accountable on 33
different state performance
measures;
Working closely with hospitals,
doctors, health-care providers,
patients, insurers and others, Oregon
developed and implemented the
Coordinated Care Organization, or
CCO model. The model rests on six
principles:
2. Sharing responsibility for a
patient’s health: Through a
Patient-Centered Primary Care
Home (PCPCH) model,
integrated electronic medical
records and other tools, each
provider shares information
and responsibility for
their patients’
outcomes; 4. Basing payment on health
outcomes and results: CCOs
must meet performancemeasure targets and other
metrics to earn portions of
their payments;
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Health Care
5. Strengthening transparency
and the clarity of information:
CCO progress reports are
posted online, financial data is
reported and posted
quarterly, CCOs maintain
community advisory councils,
and are required to have
active providers on their
boards; and,
6. A sustainable rate of growth.
Since being implemented in 2011,
Oregonians have established 16
regional CCOs, which provide
patient-centered, integrated
(physical, behavioral and oral
health) care to 90% of the nearly
one million Oregon Health Plan
members.
The Politics:
In both the 2011 and 2013 legislative
sessions, against the backdrop of
national political gridlock, Gov.
Kitzhaber brought Oregon
lawmakers from both sides of the
aisle together to craft bipartisan
support for the CCO transformation
effort. Lawmakers, industry
representatives and advocacy
groups found common ground
around: performance measures;
aligned spending; greater
transparency; and, increased local
flexibility and responsibility.
working. CCOs are delivering on
their goals of reducing waste,
improving health outcomes, creating
local accountability and flexibility,
aligning financial incentives and
creating long-term fiscal
sustainability. Additionally:
✓ Emergency room use is
declining, even when
accounting for an expanded
population of patients, thanks
to the Affordable Care Act;
✓ Nearly a million Oregonians
are now enrolled in a new
care model, which is
producing excellent health
outcomes while saving the
state literally billions of dollars
that can be reinvested into
public education;
✓ Member-patients are entering
a transformed health system,
one focused on seamless
The Results:
The take-away is clear: two years
into health system transformation,
the coordinated care model is
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Health Care
coordination and preventive
care;
✓ CCOs are continuing to
reduce costs and live within
their global budgets;
✓ All 16 CCOs met or surpassed
their benchmarks for Electronic
Health Record adoption;
✓ All 16 CCOs me their
developmental screening
benchmarks;
✓ All 16 CCOs received at least
74% of their quality pool
payments, with the majority –
11 of 16 – receiving the full
100% of their payments;
Moreover, the overall health-care
delivery system continues to
improve, showing early, positive
results and trends:
✓ For 2015, 2 per for mance
measures have been
dropped, and three new
measures have been added,
measures that are more
clearly outcomes-based;
✓ The Oregon Health Authority,
which administers the Oregon
Health Plan and oversees the
transformation effort, is itself
transforming into an
organization whose mandate
is to actively partner with
CCOs and support the spread
of innovation and best
practices;
✓ In addition to CCO learning
collaboratives, the OHA
Transformation Center also
manages innovator agents
and provides Health System
Transformation funding grants
to further incentivize CCO
innovation;
✓ The Coordinated Care Model
has now been expanded into
the state employee benefits
system, PEBB, and will soon be
implemented for the members
of the Oregon Educators
Benefits Board-- teachers and
employees of educational
institutions across the state.
By putting the patient first and at the
center; by focusing on health
outcomes; by requiring and
rewarding performance measures
and transparency; and by giving
local Oregonians both flexibility and
responsibility, CCOs are making
significant progress in meeting their
shared mission of better health and
better care for all Oregonians.
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Health Care
To learn more about Oregon’s CCO model, visit:
www.transformationcenter.org
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Health Care
CASE STUDY: Expanding Healthcare in the Granite State
T h e P r o b l e m : T h e b e n e f i t s o f
expanding Medicaid for New
Hampshire’s people, businesses, and
economy were clear, and they were
significant. An independent study by
The Lewin Group concluded that by
accepting $2.5 billion in federal
funds to expand Medicaid, New
Hampshire would help thousands of
individuals and families access
health coverage, create an
estimated 700 jobs, and save
Granite Staters more than $92 million.
Addi ti onal l y, expansi on woul d
reduce uncompensated care and
save the average New Hampshire
household an estimated $145 per
year. But despite the well-established
benefits of expansion, Republicans in
the State Senate were wary of doing
anything to support the Affordable
Care Act.
With the debate over expansion
threatening the ability to pass a
budget, Governor Hassan
compromised with Senate
Republicans to create a Medicaid
study commission on an accelerated
timeline with the goal of calling a
special session to consider
expansion. Members of both parties
came close to reaching a deal
during the special session but
Republicans ultimately insisted on a
plan that was destined to fail. While
negotiations continued behind
closed doors, Governor Hassan then
took the fight to the districts in order
to win the battle of public opinion
and pave the way for an agreement
on a uniquely New Hampshire
solution to expand health coverage.
The Policy: On March 27, 2014,
Governor Hassan signed into law SB
413, bipartisan legislation that
accepts federal funds to expand
access to health coverage to 50,000
Granite Staters. Under the plan, if a
qualifying individual has access to
private coverage through an
employer, he or she can enroll in the
employer-based coverage through
the state’s Health Insurance Premium
Payment (HIPP) program, which will
pay for the individual’s premium and
cost-sharing. For other eligible
individuals, coverage is available
through a private managed care
company beginning as of July 1,
2014.
Beginning in 2016, the plan moves
the newly eligible individuals who
are not participating in HIPP onto the
state’s federally facilitated health
insurance marketplace to purchase
private coverage through a new
premium assistance program funded
by the federal government.
The Politics: Throughout the battle for
public opinion, Governor Hassan
constantly highlighted that the state
was losing one million dollars in
federal funds every day that the
debate over expansion dragged on,
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Health Care
and underscored the many
economic benefits of accepting $2.5
billion in federal funds for Medicaid
expansion. By holding press events in
the districts of Republican holdouts,
the Governor helped build
overwhelming public support for a
uniquely New Hampshire expansion
plan and kept the pressure on
legislators until they were compelled
to put partisanship aside and finally
act.
The Results: In the end, the Governor
was able to broker an agreement
that expanded access to health
coverage for over 50,000 Granite
Staters, and is also helping the state
address two other pressing health
challenges by providing substance
abuse and mental health treatment
coverage to thousands of Granite
Staters for the first time. The
bipartisan expansion plan also
importantly demonstrated that, As of
January 20, more than 31,500 of the
estimated 50,000 Granite Staters
were already receiving coverage.in
New Hampshire, legislators could still
work together across party lines to
solve problems and move the state’s
economy forward. "
To learn more about Medicaid expansion in New
Hampshire visit:
http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/
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Health Care
POLICY SOLUTIONS
Expanding Medicaid and Implementing the Affordable Care Act
Arkansas Governor Beebe signed into law
a measure reauthorizing Arkansas'
compromise Medicaid expansion for
another year. Beebe on Friday signed the
budget bill for the "private option" plan
that was approved last year as an
alternative to expanding Medicaid under
the federal health law. (Source: Arkansas
Business e-zine on 2014 Arkansas
gubernatorial race Feb 24, 2014)
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper led the state to have the 5th biggest drop in
uninsured care of the States according to Gallup-Healthways. The number of
uninsured in Colorado has dropped from 17% to 11% in the past two years.
There is also a slowing of enrollment in Medicaid which is generally a sign of
economic recovery and access to other forms of insurance.
Connecticut Governor Malloy cut Connecticut’s uninsured rate by 50 percent
since 2012. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the 2012 state’s
uninsured rate was 7.9 percent. Research being conducted by Access Health
CT indicates that figure has now dropped to 4.0 percent. Figures also indicate
that of the 256,666 residents who signed up for health insurance through the
exchange, approximately 53 percent, or 138,834, were uninsured at the time of
enrollment.
New York Governor Cuomo reached an agreement with the federal
government to reinvest $8 billion in savings generated through reforms enacted
by the Medicaid Redesign Team (MRT), which overhauled New York’s Medicaid
system to save taxpayers billions while delivering better health care. The waiver
allows for comprehensive change through a Delivery System Reform Incentive
Payment (DSRIP) program, which will promote community-level collaborations
and focus on achieving a 25 percent reduction in avoidable hospital use over
five years. In addition, all DSRIP funds are based on performance and linked to
project milestones. The waiver will enable New York to fully implement the MRT
action plan, facilitate innovation, lower health care costs over the long term,
and ensure sustainability of essential safety net providers.
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Health Care
New York Governor Cuomo announced new regulations to include transgender
health care services under New York State’s Medicaid program. The proposed
regulations provide treatment for hormone therapy and gender reassignment
surgery for persons who have referrals from medical professionals. In addition,
New York will require private health insurance to cover medically necessary
treatment for gender dysphoria.
New York Governor Cuomo received a $100 million grant from the federal
government to implement the State Health Innovation Plan, which will: integrate
care and services by improving access to primary care; create a continuum of
care that links physicians and community-based resources to help promote the
state’s prevention agenda and Medicaid redesign efforts; increase
transparency to assure that patients, payers and providers have access to
information that will help them make informed choices about their health care;
and move toward a value-based health delivery system.
Making Quality Healthcare More Affordable and Efficient
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced the roll out of the new Uniform
Licensing process, developed through collaboration between the Departments
of Children and Families (DCF), Developmental Services (DDS), Public Health
and Administrative Services (DPH). The new licensing process covers fourteen
different license types and includes a single, fillable application, as well as a
web-based filing and storage system for required licensing documents.
Illinois Governor Quinn signed
legislation aimed at bringing
doctors and nurses out of
retirement to help as volunteers in
free medical clinics. The law takes
effect immediately, allowing 500
retired health professionals to get
volunteer licenses at no cost. Quinn
says retired professionals want to
help those in need and the state
should let them.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe convened a Summit on Veterans Health Care
Access, bringing together top leaders from the U.S. Veterans Health
Administration, state officials and private medical providers to work together on
improving the availability of services to Virginia’s nearly 800,000 veterans.
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Health Care
Vermont Governor Shumlin announced health care “innovation grants” to lower
costs and improve care. As part of Vermont’s ongoing health care reform
efforts, Governor Peter Shumlin and the leadership of the Vermont Health Care
Innovation Project (VHCIP) announced the award of eight grants totaling more
than $2.6 million to health care innovators around the state.
Washington Governor Inslee signed into law several bills that continue
Washington’s successful push to improve quality of health care delivered in the
state and reduce costs by an estimated $60 million over the next three years.
Governor Inslee noted that Harborview is “ground zero” for treating people with
complex behavioral health and medical needs. He added: “Going to the ER for
psychiatric care or for treatment of substance abuse issues should be a last
resort, not the only option. We want to intervene early and we want to treat the
whole person. That’s part of moving from ‘sick care’ to the true health care
system Washingtonians deserve.”
California Governor Brown signed the Healthy
Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 to provide
paid sick days to the millions of Californians -roughly 40% of the state's workforce -- who do not
currently earn this benefit. Specifically requires
employers to provide paid sick leave to employees
who work 30 or more days within a year from
commencement of employment and employees
will earn a minimum of one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
With the Governor's signature, California became only the second state in the
nation to require paid sick leave.
Improving Mental Health Care Services
Connecticut Governor Malloy proposed a comprehensive plan to focus
significant attention and resources toward improving the mental health system
for Connecticut citizens. The Governor’s plan implements a 4-point plan
including:
• $250,000 for an anti-stigma campaign intended to promote an accepting
environment where individuals suffering from mental illnesses will not be
ashamed to seek treatment.
• $5 Million to improve mental health services for underserved populations. Among other things, this funding will support residential and transitional
services for individuals with serious mental illness, including young adults. 62"
Health Care
•
•
The budget also provides $2.2 million in new
funding to support housing through Rental
Assistance Program vouchers (RAPs) and
services for 110 individuals with mental illness.
By expanding access to housing, these
vouchers will provide individuals, who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness, the
stability they need to succeed in their
recovery.
The Governor is proposing a legislative change to require all police
officers in Connecticut to receive training regarding responding to
situations involving people with mental illnesses. This Crisis Intervention
Team training focuses on the use of effective verbal intervention skills to
help recognize and de-escalate potentially violent situations.
Missouri Governor Nixon led a bipartisan effort along with legislative leaders to
improve the crumbling state mental hospital in Fulton. The hospital is being
rebuilt into a state-of-the-art facility that will improve both care and safety.
Following Missouri Governor Nixon’s suggestion, the General Assembly pushed
to further expand the Partnership for Hope and eliminate the waiting list for
Medicaid in-home services for Missourians with disabilities. In May, Missouri was
named a Top 10 state for providing individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities the services and community supports they need to
reach their full potential.
New Hampshire Governor Hassan signed HB 1635, bipartisan legislation to
implement last year’s landmark mental health settlement between the state, the
federal government, and New Hampshire residents with mental illness. Gov.
Hassan stated, “People who experience mental illness are our friends, our family
members, and our neighbors who deserve the same level of compassionate
care and treatment that we would expect for any other health care need.”
Improving Women’s Health
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed into law House Bill 1045 (Primavera,
Aguilar and Crowder). This bill will extend the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer
Treatment Program (BCCP) through 2019. This critical program acts as a safety
net for women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer to get the cancer
treatment they need if they are uninsured.
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Health Care
Illinois Governor Quinn signed a landmark new law that will fight the widespread
but often overlooked practice of discrimination against pregnant women in the
workplace. The law provides job protections for pregnant women and requires
that reasonable accommodations be made in the workplace so expectant
mothers can continue working without fear for their health or the health of their
child. Governor Quinn’s action is part of agenda to ensuring full equality for
women in Illinois.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick supported protest-free zones around abortion
clinics said they would seek to craft a new law after the U.S. Supreme Court
ruled unanimously that the state's 35-foot buffer zone was too restrictive and
violated the free speech rights of anti-abortion.
Improving Care for Seniors
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that his administration is awarding $9
million in first-time funding to help Connecticut’s nursing home industry diversify
services to meet the changing needs of older adults and other citizens with
disabilities.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that he has ordered relevant state
agencies to support efforts by the State Department on Aging (SDA) that seek
to prevent the abuse of elderly citizens. His announcement follows yesterday’s
convening of the Connecticut Elder Justice Coalition Coordinating Council. The
Council was created to oversee Connecticut’s Elder Justice Coalition, which
links providers, advocates and stakeholders to valuable resources available in
our state and which creates a unified front against intolerable abuse of our
seniors.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that he has ordered relevant state
agencies to support efforts by the State Department on Aging (SDA) that seek
to prevent the abuse of elderly citizens. His announcement follows yesterday’s
convening of the Connecticut Elder Justice Coalition Coordinating Council. The
Council was created to oversee Connecticut’s Elder Justice Coalition, which
links providers, advocates and stakeholders to valuable resources available in
our state and which creates a unified front against intolerable abuse of our
seniors.
Missouri Governor Nixon signed a reauthorization of
the Missouri Rx program, which helps hundreds of
thousands of seniors and Missourians with disabilities
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Health Care
afford their prescription medication. The Governor signed the legislation after
calling for an extension of the program in his State of the State Address, making
sure seniors can afford their medication.
Improving Children’s’ Health Care
Connecticut Governor Malloy visited Staples High School where he
commemorated the enactment of legislation that requires the State Board of
Education to develop a plan aimed at reducing the number of concussions and
addressing the proper procedures following concussions experienced by
students during school athletics.
Missouri Governor Nixon issued proposals supporting frontline staff at the Missouri
Children’s Division. The budget approved by the legislature in May also included
Gov. Nixon’s proposal to provide additional technology and career-support for
staff at the Children’s Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services. In
September, the Governor applauded the Jackson County Children’s Division for
achieving re-accreditation by the national Council on Accreditation standards.
Washington Governor Inslee announced
the launch of the Healthiest Next
Generation Council as part of his initiative
to improve children’s health in
Washington State. Speaking at the
“Coalescing for Change: Communitybased Health Solutions” conference, the
governor described how increasing
health challenges such as obesity are
compromising the futures of young
Washingtonians. As obesity rates climb,
health experts have warned this may be the first generation of children to have
a lower life expectancy than their parents.
Addressing Drug Use and Addiction
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper continues to forge appropriate regulation of
the marijuana industry. A state marijuana website was launched to serve as a
central hub for fact-based information on legal requirements, youth prevention,
health effects and more.
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Health Care
Delaware Governor Markell announced the expansion of addiction treatment
services. Building on ongoing efforts to
address the addiction epidemic in
Delaware and the growing need of drug
treatment services statewide, Governor
Markell unveiled efforts to expand
addiction treatment services and support
for Delawareans impacted by addiction.
Part of the efforts includes establishing a
new withdrawal management treatment
center in Sussex County to serve
individuals who live downstate.
Recognizing the importance of education and prevention in addressing the
addiction epidemic, the State also launched www.HelpIsHereDE.com, an
information website that puts an emphasis on prevention, treatment and
recovery; and announced the launch of a public awareness campaign that will
support the website and focus on reducing the stigma associated with
addiction.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced a series of actions to address the
opioid addiction epidemic in Massachusetts that will strengthen the state’s
ability to respond to the opioid crisis with a focus on prevention, intervention,
treatment and recovery. Gov. Patrick acted after convening the New England
Governors at Brandeis University for a roundtable discussion on opioid abuse
and an announcement of a regional strategy to address the epidemic that has
impacted families and communities across the region.
New York Governor Cuomo doubled the number of narcotics investigators in
New York State and made Naloxone available to all first responder units. In
addition, the Governor’s initiative will: improve measures to support addiction
treatment, increase penalties to crack down on illegal drug distribution, provide
additional training and information on Naloxone Anti-Overdose administration,
and expand public education and awareness campaigns. New York Governor Cuomo created the Combat Heroin initiative to inform and
educate New Yorkers about the risks of heroin and prescription opioid use, the
signs of addiction and the treatment and support services available to those
who need help. The multifaceted public awareness campaign includes a new
streamlined website targeted toward parents, adults, and young people
seeking information or help concerning opioid abuse, in addition to public
service announcements and video messages from New Yorkers talking about
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Health Care
the impact of heroin and other opioids on their lives. Governor Cuomo also
signed a new law expanding access to treatment, as well as implementing
insurance reforms, new models of care to divert people into community-based
treatment and to support people after they have completed treatment and
allowing parents to seek assessment of their children through existing diversion
services.
Addressing Terminal Disease and the Terminally Ill
New York Governor Cuomo announced a three-point plan to end AIDS as an
epidemic in New York State: 1) identify all persons with HIV who remain
undiagnosed and link them to health care, 2) link and retain persons diagnosed
with HIV to health care and get them on anti-HIV therapy to maximize HIV viral
suppression so they remain healthy and prevent further transmission, and 3)
provide access to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for high-risk individuals to keep them
HIV negative. The goal of this initiative is to decrease new HIV infections to 750
per year by 2020. It will build on prior
successes over the last 30 years,
including the virtual elimination of
mother-to-child HIV transmission, a 96
percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses
due to injection drug use since the
mid-1990s, a 40 percent reduction in
new HIV cases in the last decade, and
a dramatic reduction in deaths due to
HIV/AIDS.
New York Governor Cuomo designated 10 hospitals statewide to treat potential
Ebola patients. In addition, all hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centers, and
ambulance services in New York State are required to follow protocols for
identification, isolation and medical evaluation of patients that require care, in
order to ensure that New York is continuously prepared to safely treat anyone
that contracts or is exposed to Ebola. After a patient was diagnosed with Ebola
in New York City, Governor Cuomo announced additional screening and
quarantine protocols to further protect New Yorkers from the disease.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed the nation’s first “Right To Try” Bill into
law. With the governors signature, Colorado is now the first state to allow
terminally ill patients to have access to medication that is not approved by the
government.
Healthcare Innovation
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Health Care
Massachusetts Governor Patrick awarded nearly $2 million in grants to help train
health care providers to improve patient service and reduce costs. The funding
will go to 51 organizations across the state to begin assessing how to prepare
health care workers for the careers of the 21st century economy. Chapter 224
health care cost containment legislation allocated $20 million to prepare the
health care industry for the new demands and innovations called for in the
legislation.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick joined state health officials, municipal leaders,
legislators, community members and medical providers to announce the launch
of the Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund (PWTF). Part of Chapter 224 health
care cost containment legislation, this first-in-the-nation effort provides more
than $40 million in grants to nine community-based partnerships over four years
to help fight chronic illness and improve health outcomes while reducing
healthcare costs.
Vermont Governor Shumlin signed the first-inthe-nation insurance bill expanding
Vermont’s worldwide reputation as an
insurance pioneer. Gov. Peter Shumlin signed
the Vermont Legacy Insurance Management
Act (LIMA). This law creates specialized
Vermont insurance companies that would
acquire commercial policies from other
companies wishing to get old policies off
their books enabling them to use capital
reserves for new initiatives.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick signed into law comprehensive compounding
pharmacy reform legislation, which allows Massachusetts to better protect
patients inside and outside the Commonwealth’s borders. The Act includes new
licensing, labeling, education and oversight requirements, in addition to new
penalties and fines for pharmacies who do not comply with the law.
Encouraging a Healthier Constituency
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that fitness icon, Jake Steinfeld, Chair
of the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils, is bringing the
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Health Care
Foundation’s multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign to Connecticut help
combat childhood obesity. The campaign encourages and rewards innovation
in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to elementary and middle
schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity
and wellness.
Missouri Governor Nixon’s 100 Missouri Miles Challenge reached a significant
milestone in 2014. Launched by Gov. Nixon to promote Missouri’s distinction as
the Best Trails State in America, the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge is an outdoor
fitness initiative that challenges Missourians to complete 100 miles of outdoor
physical activity each year. In 2014, the Governor challenged participants to
double last year’s total and log 2 million miles this year, a goal that was
achieved in December.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe signed an executive order establishing the
Commonwealth Council on Bridging the Nutritional Divide, which will be chaired
by First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe. “A critical component in building a new Virginia
economy is ensuring that no Virginia child or family goes hungry,” said Governor
McAuliffe. “By using the assets unique to Virginia, we can bridge this nutritional
divide, put more Virginians on pathways to success, and at the same time grow
our local agriculture economies. I look forward to the great work the Council will
do to benefit our communities and all Virginia children and families. “
Virgin Islands Governor de Jongh, Jr. signed a law granting Virgin
Islanders improved access to physical therapist (PT) services. The
new law, Act No. 760, allows for direct access to evaluation and
treatment by a PT without a physician’s referral, and includes
changes to the licensing law that protect the term "physical
therapy" as an activity that can only be engaged in by a PT,
among other improvements.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STATES:
▪ http://www.nchcbeta.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Policy-Brief-HighCost-Beneficiaries.pdf
! The National Coalition on Health Care provides a policy brief on
curbing health costs and improving quality.
▪ http://www.shadac.org/files/shadac/publications/
SHADAC_ESI_Report_2015_Jan28.pdf\
! A report from the State Health Access Data Assistance Center on
69"
state-level trends in employer-sponsored health insurance.
▪ http://www.astho.org/Public-Policy/State-Health-Policy/Medicaid-ExpansionMap/
Health Care
70"
Energy & The Environment
OVERVIEW
While climate change continues to have an impact on the state’s bottom
line, governors are using their executive power to find ways to address the issue
while being mindful of traditional forms of energy production and business
needs. Shifting towards renewable energy production and clean energy
investments, Democratic governors are taking the lead in greenhouse gas
reduction and energy independence.
LESSONS LEARNED
Natural disaster preparedness is critical. Governors must be prepared to deal
with crisis in the form of natural disasters. Responding accordingly can soften
the blow economically and help with future crises.
Natural resources are an important part of the solution. Government should
work with the private sector to put policies in place that utilize in-state
resources to promote economic expansion while being mindful of the impact.
Connect fighting climate change to jobs. Promoting clean energy
investments and public private partnerships are a great way to connect the
fight to reduce greenhouse gasses to improving the local economy.
72"
Energy & The Environment
CASE STUDY: A Zero Waste Future for Maryland
The Problem: In 2012, the total
reported waste generated in
Maryland included more than 12.3
million tons of solid waste and 211
billion gallons of municipal
wastewater. Due to limitations in
reporting mandates, the solid waste
figure omits some materials, such as
agricultural wastes. Maryland
calculates recycling rates each year
based on a subset of solid waste
referred to as Maryland Recycling
Act (MRA) waste, which is comprised
primarily of municipal solid waste
(MSW). MSW consists of
everyday items we use
and then throw away,
such as product
packaging, grass
clippings, furniture,
clothing, bottles, food
scraps, newspapers,
appliances, paint, and
batteries. MSW comes
from our homes,
schools, hospitals, and
businesses. The MRA
requires all counties
and Baltimore City to recycle 15%
(populations under 150,000) or 20%
(populations over 150,000) of waste
generated. State government is
required to recycle 30% of its solid
waste. In 2012, Maryland recycled
45.4% of MRA waste. Recycling in
Maryland has made significant
progress over the past two decades;
in 1992 (the first year for which data
is available), the recycling rate was
just 19%.
The Policy: Governor Martin
O’Malley issued an Executive Order
affirming statewide waste reduction
goals, directing State government to
increase recycling, composting, and
waste diversion and limiting new or
expanded municipal and land
clearing debris landfills to help drive
innovation and achieve those goals.
Zero waste is an ambitious, long-term
goal to nearly
eliminate the need
for disposal of solid
waste and to
maximize the
amount of treated
wastewater that is
beneficially reused.
It involves rethinking
the way products
are designed in
order to prevent or
reduce waste
before it ever
occurs. To ensure progress toward
the statewide goals that have been
set in place, State government shall
have a mandatory recycling rate of
65 percent by 2020 and shall divert
at least 60 percent of its organic
waste through recycling,
composting or anaerobic digestion
by 2020.
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Energy & The Environment
The Politics: The Executive Order
notes the impacts of climate
change that Maryland communities
are already experiencing. The United
Nations Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change determined that
methane emissions are a significant
contributing factor to climate
change, and landfills are the third
largest source of methane emissions
in the United States. Improper
handling of solid waste can also
pose direct threats to public health
and Maryland’s environment
through odor problems, soil erosion,
surface water and groundwater
pollution and the propagation of
disease-bearing vectors.
The Result: “This Executive Order will
lead to a marked increase in the
environmentally and economically
productive reuse of solid waste in
Maryland,” said Maryland
Department of the Environment
Acting Secretary David Costello.
“This action will help to ensure that
the waste generated in the State is
reused and not just disposed of in a
way that threatens our health and
the environment.” The Executive
Order, effective immediately, states
that Maryland shall endeavor to
ensure that all waste generated in
the State is increasingly reduced and
reused rather than discarded in a
manner adversely impact our health
and environment. It also states that
Maryland shall have a goal of 85
percent waste diversion and 80
recycling by 2040. MDE will create a
source reduction checklist to track
and encourage waste reduction.
Additionally, in accordance with
Maryland’s Green Purchasing
Guidelines, State government shall
consider source reduction in
procurement, including by avoiding
unnecessary packaging and
returning reusable packaging to
vendors. Except for permit
applications submitted to the
Maryland Department of the
Environment (MDE) before January
19, 2015, the Department will not
issue a permit for any new municipal
or land clearing debris landfill
capacity in the State. MDE will
provide local governments with
infor mation on alter natives to
landfilling.
To learn more about Zero Waste visit:
http://www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Marylander/
Documents/Zero_Waste_Plan_Draft_12.15.14.pdf*
74"
Energy & The Environment
Case Study: California’s Initiative on Water and the Drought
Crisis
As the western United States contends with historic drought conditions and
water crises, Governor Brown has taken steps to address the impacts of the
drought in California and put the state on a path to become more resilient to
water shortages.
Governor Brown issued a Drought Emergency Declaration in January and called
on all Californians to reduce their water use by 20 percent; signed emergency
drought legislation to provide $687.4 million to support relief, including money for
housing and food for workers directly impacted by the drought, bond funds for
projects to help local communities more
efficiently capture and manage water
and funding for securing emergency
drinking water supplies for droughtimpacted communities; issued an
executive order to redouble state drought
actions and issued an executive order to
streamline relief efforts to provide water to
families in dire need.
Water Bond and groundwater legislation:
In addition to signing legislation to place the comprehensive Water Bond
approved by voters this November on the ballot, Governor Brown signed a
package of bills to create a framework for sustainable, local groundwater
management for the first time in California history. The legislation allows local
agencies to tailor sustainable groundwater plans to their regional economic
and environmental needs and sets a timeline for implementation.
California Water Action Plan: In January, Governor Brown’s administration
finalized a comprehensive State Water Action Plan, which outlines steps over the
next five years to address California’s most critical water issues and lay the
groundwork for more reliable water supplies, sustainable management of water
resources and restoration of important species and habitat. Actions include
water recycling, expanded groundwater storage, ecosystem restoration and
investments in safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities.
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Energy & The Environment
POLICY SOLUTIONS
Maximizing Renewable Energy Use
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed a law
supporting geo-thermal energy. Tapping into
the energy from heat that comes from
underground, or geo-thermal energy, may be a
viable alter native to traditional power
production for rural communities. On May 30th,
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into
law a bill that gives a green light to geo-thermal projects there.
Missouri Governor Nixon announced launching a Missouri-made energy plan.
Given the importance of energy to Missouri’s economy, in June Gov. Nixon
launched a comprehensive State Energy Plan. The steering committee has
completed seven public hearings around the state and will issue its report next
May.
Vermont Governor Shumlin announced two energy programs at Solar Summer
tour stop in Morrisville. As part of his Solar Summer Tour, Gov. Peter Shumlin
announced that as of July 1, Vermont fuel oil has a low-sulfur requirement that
will result in cleaner air, increased heating system efficiencies and lower
maintenance costs for consumers.
Washington Governor Inslee announced a $20,000 grant to study producing
heating oil and charcoal from forest waste. This grant will support Onalaska
Wood Energy’s efforts to transform woody bio-mass into fuel-grade heating oil
and charcoal. Woody biomass is the waste resulting from forest health
treatments, fire hazard prevention, commercial thinning and harvest activity.
The grant from the state Department of Commerce will be used by Onalaska
Wood Energy for a feasibility study.
Promoting Clean Energy Investments
Hawaii Governor Abercrombie signed into law several energy-related bills,
including one that ensures about $4 million in funding continues to go to the
Hawaii Energy Office for its efforts to lead the state's renewable energy and
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Energy & The Environment
energy efficiency policy and program agenda. The policy creates a mechanism
for securing low-cost capital from the private sector to finance clean energy
solutions. As such, it is an ideal “anchor” funding source that will likely kickstart
Hawaii’s on-bill financing program, which is currently under development at
the Public Utilities Commission. The on-bill financing program—which will enable
customers to pay for solar power and efficiency upgrades directly through the
resultant savings on their electricity bills—has long been a priority for Blue Planet.
Blue Planet lobbied aggressively for the successful passage of on-bill financing in
2011 (Act 204) and funded a state-contracted study of the program.
New York Governor Cuomo announced the launch of the New York Green
Bank, which will help to catalyze the private market for clean energy. It is the
largest green bank in the nation, with an initial capitalization of $210 million for
the $1 billion initiative, using a self-sustaining business model. In October, the
Governor announced the first set of Green Bank transactions, which will
stimulate over $800 million for clean energy projects.
New York Governor Cuomo announced a nearly $1 billion commitment to NYSun over the next decade to aid industry growth and sustainability. In addition to
providing long-term certainty, the program has been redesigned to be more
responsive to changes in market conditions. As more solar projects are installed
and the costs for each project decrease, the level of State incentives will
decline at a predictable and transparent rate, which will help the solar industry
become self-sustaining in the long term.
New York Governor Cuomo has quadrupled the amount of customer-sited solar
power installed annually in New York, since originally launching the NY-Sun
program in 2012. The New York solar market now employs over 5,000 highly
skilled jobs across 422 companies statewide. The NY-Sun program includes the
recently launched K-Solar program, which provides free site assessments to
school districts to determine whether or not solar energy is suitable for their
facilities. 200 school districts, out of nearly 700, have taken advantage of this
offer.
Illinois Governor Quinn announced an
investment of $2.3 million in clean-energy
companies. Looking to give Illinois cleanenergy startups a boost, Gov. Pat Quinn
announced the creation of a venture
capital fund to be filled equally with state
and private money and doled out to
promising companies.
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Energy & The Environment
Encouraging Greenhouse Gas Reduction
California Governor Brown oversaw a budget that included $872 million of Capand-Trade auction proceeds - authorized by AB 32 - for greenhouse gas
reduction, with an emphasis on assisting disadvantaged communities. The plan
will modernize the state's rail system, including high-speed rail and public transit,
and encourage local communities to develop in a sustainable manner. It will
also increase energy, water and agricultural efficiency, restore forests in both
urban and rural settings and create incentives for improved recycling. The
budget permanently allocates 60 percent of future auction proceeds to
sustainable communities, public transit and high-speed rail.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper’s administration added 130 CNG vehicles to
the State fleet and will add 295 in 2015, which is 38% of the State fleet. CO’s
Fleet was named the 2013 Sustainability All Star by The 100 Best Fleets.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced the creation of a $15 million Transit
Oriented Development Pre-Development and Acquisition Fund to provide
financing that will encourage developers to carry out transit oriented
development in communities with station stops along the CTFastrak and New
Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) transit corridors.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that he has signed an executive
order creating the Affordable Housing Energy Efficiency Program, which will
utilize $10.8 million federal funding to improve and increase the energy
efficiency of multifamily housing in Connecticut in an effort to bring down
energy costs for residents while also advancing conservation efforts.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that seven grants totaling $1.25
million are being awarded to regional planning councils and their municipalities
under the state’s Regional Performance Incentive Program with the goal of
improving regional efficiency and helping municipalities cut costs.
New York Governor Cuomo led a multi-state effort to reduce the carbon
emission cap established under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
by 45 percent. Under New York’s leadership, nine Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic
states agreed to set a 91 million ton emissions cap in 2014, declining 2.5 percent
a year through 2020. Governor Cuomo’s reinvestment of $400 million in the
initiative’s auction proceeds is expected to reduce carbon pollution by 2.9
million tons, while promoting greater energy efficiency, ultimately providing $1.3
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Energy & The Environment
billion energy bill savings and creating thousands of jobs across the Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative partner states.
Vermont Governor Shumlin and Public Service
Commissioner Chris Recchia announced that the state
would invest $670,000 to leverage up to $6.5 million in
funds to expand thermal efficiency in Vermont homes
and clean heating technologies.
Virgin Islands Governor de Jongh, Jr. proclaimed
October, 2014 as “Energy Action Month” in the Virgin Islands to advocate
territory-wide action on energy conservation and renewable energy projects.
This year the Virgin Islands Energy Office has scheduled programs to help
residents cut their use of electricity and gasoline.
Addressing Climate Change
California Governor Brown reaffirmed California's position as a global leader in
the fight against climate change. Governor Brown joined world leaders at the
United Nations Climate Summit in New York this year and in addition to
agreements signed with Mexico, Israel, Japan and other countries, has signed
additional legislation to continue the state's push to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and climate pollutants, prepare for rising sea levels and increase solar
energy use.
California Governor Brown announced the California-Quebec joint cap-andtrade auction: As part of the Brown administration’s collaboration with regional
and international partners to combat climate change, California and the
Canadian Province of Quebec held their first joint cap-and-trade auction
following linkage of the cap-and-trade programs in both jurisdictions earlier this
year.
Connecticut Governor Malloy joined state and local officials for an event to
launch the Institute for Community Resiliency and Climate Adaptation at the
UConn’s Avery Point Campus in Groton – a new research center designed to
strengthen efforts to help residents, communities, and businesses better prepare
for the impacts of more severe weather and rising sea levels.
Connecticut Governor Malloy said that Connecticut is making significant
progress in reducing statewide emissions of harmful greenhouse gases (GHGs) to
meet requirements set in state law, citing a report issued today by the
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Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) that details the
state’s progress toward meeting the statutory mandate to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 2001 levels by
2050.
Hawaii Governor Abercrombie signed into law a measure authorizing more than
$567,000 for fiscal 2014-15 to help a committee in researching and developing a
report looking at areas of vulnerability and ways to adapt to anticipated
problems. State administration officials are planning to develop strategies to
cope with the impact of climate change and rising sea levels in the Hawaiian
Islands.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced a $50
million investment for a statewide plan to address
the present and future impacts of climate change in
Massachusetts. These investments will assess and
address vulnerabilities in public health,
transportation, energy and the Commonwealth’s
built environment.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick celebrated the success of internship programs
run by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), Massachusetts Life
Sciences Center (MLSC) and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
(MassTech) and announced $435,000 in awards for the first round of MassCEC’s
Learn and Earn program, which will provide funding for programs to prepare
high school students for higher learning opportunities and careers in clean
energy and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Washington Governor Inslee laid out an ambitious plan for cutting Washington’s
carbon emissions that would vault the state to the forefront of global efforts to
combat climate change. The sweeping proposal drew cheers from a large and
diverse crowd of supporters on hand for Inslee’s climate-plan unveiling at
Seattle’s flagship REI store. In addition to reducing the state’s carbon pollution
and driving innovation and growth in clean energy industries, Inslee forecasts his
proposal would raise nearly $1 billion a year for transportation projects, schools
and other programs at a time when the state faces big budget shortfalls.
Restoring and Protecting Natural Resources
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Energy & The Environment
California Governor Brown signed the nation’s first statewide ban on single-use
plastic bags, aligning state law with ordinances passed by a growing number of
local governments in California to reduce plastic waste. Prohibits grocery stores
and pharmacies from distributing single-use plastic bags after July 2015 and
enacts the same ban for convenience stores and liquor stores the following year.
It will also provide up to $2 million in competitive loans – administered by
CalRecycle – to businesses transitioning to the manufacture of reusable bags.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed into law groundbreaking air quality
regulations with support from the environmental community and industry. The
rules are the first in the country to regulate methane and will help ensure air
quality in Colorado.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper presented the first draft of Colorado’s Water
Plan, built on nine years of statewide discussion and consensus building. The Plan
reflects agreement on broad, near-term actions, including efforts to conserve,
store, re-use and recycle water, and to provide more options to agriculture to
avoid the dry-up of farm and ranch land.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced the state will contribute $3.3 million
toward protecting the 1,000 acre forest known as The Preserve, which lies in Old
Saybrook, Essex and Westbrook. If the purchase is successful, the state and the
town of Old Saybrook will own 934 acres within Old Saybrook, and 4 acres in
Westbrook to serve as an access point. The town of Essex and the Essex Land
Trust will own 71 acres in Essex.
Hawaii Governor Abercrombie signed bills funding the fight against CBB,
macnut pest. Big Island coffee and macadamia nut
growers will benefit directly from a package of
agriculture bills. The legislation largely boosts funding to
fight invasive species, with $500,000 allocated to
subsidize the purchase of fungal sprays to fight the
coffee berry borer and another $360,000 for
combatinganother pest threatening macadamia nut
orchards.
Maryland Governor O’Malley fought to expand the State’s Wildland's
Preservation system by 50 percent in nine counties. The wildlands are natural
areas that support ecosystems, plants, and animals. Maryland’s Wildlands are
the last remaining untouched landscapes and waterways of their kind,
supporting sensitive ecosystems and many rare and vanishing plants and
animals,” said Governor O’Malley. Wildlands benefit the economy of local
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Energy & The Environment
communities by attracting birdwatchers, photographers, backpackers and
others who enjoy nature.
Montana Governor Bullock signed an executive order establishing the Sage
Grouse Habitat Conservation Program. The Program, which was developed from
the ground up, and has broad support from a diverse group of interests, seeks to
maintain state management of the Sage Grouse by protecting its habitat, while
respecting the private property rights of Montanans. Once established, the
Program will work to implement the requirements laid out in the executive order,
including a review process for actions that might impact the bird or its habitat,
including industry-specific measures.
New York Governor Cuomo accepted the decision to prohibit high-volume
hydraulic fracturing by Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker and
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens.
Dr. Zucker completed his public health review and determined there are
significant red flags and risks to public health from the activity. DEC
Commissioner Martens will issue a legally binding Findings Statement in early
2015 prohibiting high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York State.
New York Governor Cuomo launched the New York Open for Hunting and
Fishing Initiative to improve recreational activities for sportsmen and
sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. The
2014-15 budget allocates $6 million for 50 new projects to provide access to
approximately 380,000 acres of existing State lands for recreation, including
boat launches, bird-watching areas, trails and hunting blinds, and $4 million for
upgrades and improvements to fish hatcheries statewide. Governor Cuomo also
reduced sporting license fees and simplified the license structure.
Illinois Governor Quinn signed legislation that makes Illinois the first state in the
nation to ban synthetic plastic microbeads found in personal care products over
concerns about how they’re harming the environment. “Banning microbeads
will help ensure clean waters across Illinois and set an example for our nation to
follow,” Governor Quinn said in a statement.
Protecting Against Natural Disasters
As the Chief Executive, California Governor Brown
contended with another long and dangerous fire
season this year due to record dry conditions.
Directing firefighting efforts and assistance to
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communities impacted by wildfires, Governor Brown issued emergency
proclamations in response to the King and Boles fires and wildfires in Northern
California and San Diego and an executive order waiving fees to replace
documents such as driver's licenses and birth certificates for those affected by
the fires. Governor Brown also secured federal Fire Management Assistance
Grants for the King, Boles and Courtney fires.
California Governor Brown declared a State of Emergency shortly after the 6.0
magnitude South Napa Earthquake struck in August this year and took action to
help recovering communities, securing a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration
and issuing an Executive Order to help cut red tape and provide additional
financial assistance
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that shoreline homeowners and
businesses who are subject to coastal flooding can now apply for assistance
under a new state low-interest loan program designed to help those residents
elevate their homes and businesses from future severe weather and flooding.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STATES:
■ http://www.eia.gov/state/
! The US Energy Information Administration state energy profiles.
■ http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/states/
! State by state graphic on state energy efficiency and renewable
energy information, including statistics, renewable resource
maps, policies and incentives, and U.S. Department of Energy
projects and activities.
■ http://www.dsireusa.org/
! The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a database of
information on state, federal, local, and utility incentives and
policies that support renewable energy and energy efficiency
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OVERVIEW
Working with local communities, some Democratic governors are drawing
from their background in law enforcement to reduce crime while improving the
quality of life for all citizens. Other governors are enacting sensible reforms to
improve safety on college campuses, promote quality, and enact measures
protect women and children.
LESSONS LEARNED
Address sexual assault on college campuses. While it’s not a new problem,
governors are addressing the issue of sexual assault on college campuses by
enacting a task force to deal with the issue, standardizing response to sexual
assault and creating awareness.
Focus on Equality. Taking a lead in the states, governors have the opportunity
to make sure all citizens are treated equal and have the same opportunites.
Work to prevent crisis and prepare for future natural disasters. Governors can
use their response to natural disasters to help citizens have a disaster
preparedness program in place.
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CASE STUDY: Addressing Vermont’s Heroin and Opiate
Addiction
The Problem: In his 2014 State of the
State speech, Gover nor Peter
Shumlin stated that Vermont can no
longer afford to avert their eyes to
the rising tide of heroin and other
opiate addiction. Vermonters are
often victims of crimes and domestic
disputes that accompany drug
abuse. Preventing the spread of
addiction is vital to addressing the
problem of prescription drug abuse.
While this drug addiction is prevalent
in every state, few have addressed
the issue openly. Governor Shumlin
sought to tackle the tough
challenge without a clear national
model or consensus around best
practices.
The Policy: On June 17, Governor
Shumlin signed a drug package
passed by the VT legislature this
session with the following
components:
Vermont is working to increase
access to treatment by eliminating
waiting lists for treatment centers. A
lack of capacity and the rising
demand for services is forcing
hundreds of Vermonters to wait for
treatment. To address this problem,
the state legislature passed an
appropriation from the general fund
to help treatment centers add
personnel and eliminate existing
waitlists. Additional funding is also
available for statewide recovery
centers and substance abuse and
mental health treatment services for
Reach Up recipients (Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families
beneficiaries). One of the challenges
associated with this approach is the
reality that treatment facilities are
not always embraced by local
communities. Moreover, addiction is
a complex disease that cannot be
ef fectively addressed through
maintenance therapies alone.
Vermont is working on an early
intervention model designed to
increase access to pre-trial services
and keep individuals with substance
use disorders out of detention.
Although research shows that
addicts are most accepting of
treatment right after arrest,
Vermont’s criminal justice system is
not well-equipped to seize these
opportunities for effective
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intervention. Under this bill, a thirdparty team contracted through the
state and selected in conjunction
with local prosecutors, defense
counsel and court personnel will
conduct evidence-based
assessments of defendants promptly
after arrest. State’s attorneys in every
county will be authorized to establish
a rapid intervention program, paid
for by the state, whereby individuals
with substance use disorders
accused of drug-related crimes can
agree to seek immediate treatment
and avoid criminal prosecution if
they adhere to a treatment
program. This initiative also ensures
that, for offenders who remain in the
traditional criminal justice system,
bail and conditions of release are
informed by the results of evidencebased assessments.
Shumlin and other officials came
together to make progress for those
who elected them to serve. And
together, they made this biennium
one of the most productive and
successful in recent memory. All over
Vermont the citizens are seeing the
results of the work their officials have
done together.
Vermont is working to enhance
punishment for certain drug-related
offenses. Due to the state’s proximity
to Boston, New York, Philadelphia
and other cities where illegal drugs
are relatively inexpensive, dealers
can increase their margins doing
b u s i n e s s i n Ve r m o n t . T h i s b i l l
strengthens penalties for individuals
caught transporting illegal drugs into
Vermont. It also stiffens penalties for
people who commit armed home
robbery in order to feed their drug
habits.
Gov. Shumlin has also worked with
other states to help implement
Naloxone training programs.
Naloxone is a medication called an
“opioid antagonist” that is used to
counter the effects of opiate
overdose. In addition, he is insuring
the safe prescription of Zohyrdro, an
additional opioid antagonist. Both of
these medications are extremely
effective.
The Politics: This legislative session has
created greater economic security,
more opportunity, and a better
quality of life for all Vermonters.
The Results: Thanks to the legislature's
hard work this session, Vermont is
now leading the nation by finding
innovative ways to address the
addiction crisis. The policy aims to
eliminate waiting lists at drug
treatment centers, primarily in
Chittenden County, the Northeast
Kingdom and central Vermont,
ensuring treatment services are
immediately available to every
Vermonter in need.
While there is still work to be done,
Gov. Shumlin’s willingness to address
the issue and propose innovative
solutions serve as a model to other
states tackling the issue of drug
addiction.
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To learn more about the heroin crisis in Vermont visit:
POLICY
http://www.healthvermont.gov/adap/treatment/opioids/index.aspx
SOLUTIONS
Dealing with Crisis
Missouri Governor Nixon named sixteen citizens to an independent commission
and charged them with studying the underlying issues raised by events in
Ferguson and issuing a report with specific policy recommendations no later
than September 15, 2015.
New York Governor Cuomo created an East Harlem Small Business Emergency
Loan Program to assist companies impacted by the March 12, 2014, gas
explosion that destroyed two five-story buildings, killing 8 resident and wounding
more than 48 others. The program will distribute $425,000 of State and private
funds as forgivable emergency loans of up to $20,000 to assist eligible businesses
or not-for-profit organizations in their ongoing recovery.
New York Governor Cuomo created the Citizen Preparedness Corps Training
Program to provide approximately 100,000 New Yorkers with the tools and
resources to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and
recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. The training course,
offered statewide throughout the year, is led by the New York National Guard, in
conjunction with experts from the NYS Division of Homeland Security and
Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire
Prevention and Control, and local county emergency management personnel.
The course provides participant with an introduction to responding to a natural
or man-made disaster, advises on how to properly prepare for any disaster,
including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency
supplies, how to register for NY-Alert, the free statewide emergency alert system,
and how to be aware of notifications from such sources as the Emergency
Broadcast System. Participants are also be encouraged to become involved in
existing community-based emergency response activities organized through
local schools, businesses or community-based organizations. Each participant
receives a response kit that contains key items to assist individuals in the
immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Washington Governor Inslee received approval from
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President Obama for his request for emergency federal assistance to help with
the ongoing response to wildfires in Washington State. This assistance will help
address power outages in areas where electric infrastructure has been
damaged or destroyed, and will also assist with debris removal.
Reducing Gun Violence/Keeping Communities Safe
Connecticut Governor Malloy, citing a memo from the Office of Policy and
Management’s Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division, announced that
the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported 97 murders last year, down
from 146 in 2012, and the third lowest point recorded for the state in the last forty
years. Governor Malloy attributed the steady reduction in shooting-related
crime, in large part, to collaborative law enforcement efforts over the last three
years that have led to more effective resource management and crime
prevention, increased community policing, outreach and involvement, faster
case resolution, and improved information sharing and intelligence gathering
New York Governor Cuomo designed the Gun Involved Violence Elimination
(GIVE) initiative to aid local law enforcement agencies in reducing shootings
and firearm-related homicides. The Governor awarded more than $13.2 million
in GIVE funding to twenty law enforcement agencies serving communities that
collectively report 86 percent of the violent crime in the state outside of New
York City to implement strategies shape how the agencies will reduce shootings
and homicides by building on information sharing and partnerships developed
under prior initiatives, expanding evidence-based crime analysis and engaging
communities in the fight against gun violence. Crime-fighting strategies vary by
jurisdiction and include, but are not limited to: enhanced patrols in identified
“hot spots,” focused deterrence against violent gangs and groups, increased
supervision of individuals on parole and probation and the deployment of street
outreach workers to interrupt cycles of violence or prevent retaliation. The grants
fund personnel, such as prosecutors and crime analysts, in addition to overtime,
equipment, training and community outreach.
Puerto Rico Governor García-Padilla’s anti-crime plan the anti-crime plan
implemented by Governor Alejandro García Padilla’s Administration has
achieved a significant reduction in the
incidence of crime on the Island. 2013 was
the year with the lowest levels of violent
crime since 1965. The report also reveals that
2013 saw a reduction of 12.1% murders and
7% Class 1 Felonies in 2013, when compared
to 2012. Class 1 Felonies include murder,
rape, battery, aggravated assault, burglary,
illegal appropriation, car theft.
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Criminal Justice
Violence Prevention and School Safety
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that an additional 380 public schools
and 65 private and religious schools will receive funds as part of the School
Security Grant Program. An additional $22 million in state funding will be used to
reimburse municipalities for a portion of the costs associated with security
infrastructure improvements at 445 schools. Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that the Connecticut Department of
Public Health (DPH) was awarded $925,000 over the next five years from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to gather critical data on
homicide and suicide using the National Violent Death Reporting
System (NVDRS). NVDRS helps state and local officials understand when and
how violent deaths occur by linking data from law enforcement, coroners and
medical examiners, vital statistics, and crime laboratories. Using these data,
public health practitioners and violence prevention professionals can develop
tailored prevention and intervention efforts to reduce violent deaths.
Illinois Governor Quinn signed anti-bullying bill for Illinois’
public schools. The Chicago Democrat signed the bill
at a Chicago elementary school. It requires all public
schools to create and implement an anti-bullying
policy. School policies must detail a definition of
bullying, procedures for reporting bullying and parental
notification. The policies should also include the
investigation of reports of bullying and actions that may
be taken to address it. State education officials will monitor to make sure schools
implement the policies.
New Hampshire Governor Hassan announced statewide trainings in the Media
Power Youth program, a public-private initiative aimed at reducing and
preventing youth violence. “The overwhelming, positive response to this initiative
indicates that there is a growing demand from schools and districts for violence
prevention and media education.” Governor Hassan
New Hampshire Governor Hassan launched a statewide school safety initiative
in Londonderry. As part of her efforts to strengthen the safety of New
Hampshire’s schools and communities, Governor Maggie Hassan joined the
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Londonderry Police Department, local school officials and New Hampshire
Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) Director Perry
Plummer at Londonderry High School to launch a new statewide school safety
initiative that enhances school emergency notification systems.
Keeping Children from Violence
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that Connecticut will receive a" $5"
million" grant to better engage and connect young adults ages 16 to 25 to
behavioral health care. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration awarded Connecticut the competitive five year CT STRONG
(Seamless Transition and Recovery Opportunities through Network Growth) grant
to serve youth who reside in New London, Milford or Middletown and who are at
risk for or have behavioral health disorders.
Delaware Governor Markell issued an executive order on the background
check system to improve child protections. Governor Markell mandated a
thorough review of Delaware laws and regulations that determine when
background checks are necessary for individuals who work with children.
New Hampshire Governor Hassan announced Rochester as the first model
community in the state’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. “Rochester has
demonstrated a commitment at every level of the community and among all
stakeholders to addressing the impact of media on children’s health, behaviors
and academic success, making the city an ideal location for the program's first
model community.” Governor Hassan
West Virginia Governor Tomblin introduced $4.5 million
legislative package that is projected to reduce the
number of DHHR residential placements and Division
of Juvenile Services commitments by at least 40
percent over the next 5 years and will save taxpayers
$59 million. The governor’s proposed legislation
includes: places truancy diversion specialists in all 55
counties to provide early intervention services to those
children who need them most, introduces a two-step
diversion process that expands community-based
alternatives prior to the filing of a juvenile petition for a
status offense or misdemeanor, and expands youth
reporting centers across the state to integrate services and education to
provide programs to children at home instead of through out-of-home
placements. In addition, it introduces evidence-based services and pilot
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programs to support restorative justice programs, substance abuse recovery
services, mental health programs and family therapies.
Protecting Women
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that in response to the tragic murder
of a state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) employee
in May, the State of Connecticut will partner with the Connecticut Coalition
Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) to improve policy and training around the
issue of domestic violence.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced the Connecticut State Police will be
adopting a lethality assessment program (LAP) to keep victims of domestic
violence safe by encouraging more victims to use shelters, counseling and
advocacy and support services. Governor Malloy has proclaimed October
as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the State of Connecticut.
Maryland Governor O’Malley enhanced protections for victims of domestic
violence. During the 2014 Legislative Session, Lt. Governor Brown led the
Administration's efforts to enact three pieces of
legislation that strengthen protections for victims of
domestic violence and sexual assault. They increased
penalties for committing an act of domestic violence in
front of a child; made it easier to get a protective order
by changing the standard of proof; and added seconddegree assault to crimes for which a person can obtain
a final protective order.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick signed H. 3934, “An Act Relative to Unlawful
Sexual Surveillance,” which modernizes the Commonwealth’s criminal voyeurism
laws to outlaw what is known as “upskirting.” The law goes into effect
immediately.
New Hampshire Governor Hassan was joined by Becky Ranes as she signed
Joshua’s Law into effect in her office. Named after Becky’s son, Joshua Sayvon,
who was murdered during a supervised visit with his father, the law establishes
the crime of domestic violence in New Hampshire. A public ceremonial signing,
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Criminal Justice
which included the many advocates who worked to pass the law, was held
later in the year.
Addressing and Preventing Addiction
Delaware Governor Markell announced the expansion of addiction treatment
services. Building on ongoing efforts to address the addiction epidemic in
Delaware and the growing need of drug treatment services statewide,
Governor Markell unveiled efforts to expand addiction treatment services and
support for Delawareans impacted by addiction. Part of the efforts includes
establishing a new withdrawal management treatment center in Sussex County
to serve individuals who live downstate. Recognizing the importance of
education and prevention in addressing the addiction epidemic, the State also
launched www.HelpIsHereDE.com, an information website that puts an
emphasis on prevention, treatment and recovery; and announced the launch
of a public awareness campaign that will support the website and focus on
reducing the stigma associated with addiction.
New Hampshire Governor Hassan praised federal approval of new treatment for
heroin and opioid overdose. Governor Hassan applauded the FDA for its
decision to approve an auto-injector for naloxone, also known as Narcan.
Governor Hassan has made addressing New Hampshire’s rising rate of
substance abuse a priority.
West Virginia Governor Tomblin worked with the Legislature to draft legislation
and approve new rules to regulate pain management clinics and ensure
responsible prescription practices across the state. The governor is also
committed to combatting the increased availability of illegal street drugs. Heroin
use is on the rise in West Virginia communities, and this year, Gov. Tomblin has
introduced legislation to give first responders, family members and caregivers
access to life-saving drugs. Naloxone and similar opioid antagonists are critical
to countering the effects of a heroin overdose, prevent overdose deaths and
give those suffering from substance abuse the opportunity to seek help,
overcome their addiction and return to their families, workplaces and
communities. The governor’s proposed legislation will allow healthcare providers
to prescribe opioid antagonists to first responders, those at-risk for heroin
overdoses, family members and caregivers In addition, it provides limited liability
for healthcare providers who write prescriptions and emergency personnel who
administer the drug.
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Criminal Justice
Reducing Recidivism
Delaware Governor Markell signed criminal
justice reforms into law. Joined by state
legislators and leaders in the criminal justice
community at a facility designed to serve exoffenders, Governor Markell said reforms
passed by lawmakers signify a new
approach to addressing the many
challenges related Delaware’s offender
population. The new laws will better ensure
ex-offenders have a fair opportunity to earn a job when they’re released and
improve sentencing policies.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick announced a package of sustainable, costeffective criminal justice initiatives that will help Massachusetts reach the goal of
reducing recidivism by 50 percent over the next five years by dramatically
improving inmates’ reentry into their communities, increasing educational and
workforce training opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals, improving
treatment options for individuals suffering from substance abuse and mental
illness and enhancing public safety in communities across the state.
Puerto Rico Governor García-Padilla implemented an undergraduate program
in the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections. The program provides inmates
with a curriculum for undergraduate studies offered by professors from the
University of Puerto Rico. This program exemplifies the Administration’s desire to
provide inmates with the tools necessary to become productive and engaged
citizens upon their reentry into society.
West Virginia Governor Tomblin’s took significant steps to rehabilitate those in
our justice system as part of the Justice Reinvestment Act. In May, Governor
Tomblin announced a significant step toward reducing prison overcrowding and
drug abuse. Since then, the governor has reinvested nearly $2.5 million in
community-based substance abuse treatment and recovery services across the
state. In January, he announced an additional $660,000 investment to expand
these services including new intensive outpatient services in the Northern and
Eastern Panhandles.
Reducing Sexual Assault on Campus
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Criminal Justice
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that he signed legislation into law
that will strengthen sexual assault prevention and response procedures at
institutions of higher learning in Connecticut. Public Act 14-11, An Act
Concerning Sexual Assault, Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence on Campus,
approved unanimously in the Senate and House of Representatives, mandates
colleges provide services to victims, institute sexual assault policy and report
incidents to the Connecticut General Assembly.
At New York Governor Cuomo’s urging, the State University of New York (SUNY)
adopted a uniform sexual assault prevention and response policy across all 64
of its campuses. Following Governor Cuomo’s request for action, the SUNY
Board of Trustees passed a resolution to create a system-wide uniform set of
practices to combat sexual assault on college campuses. Over the next two
months, the policy was drafted in consultation with SUNY leadership and internal
and external stakeholders. The comprehensive policy, one of the first of its kind in
the nation, applies to more than 463,00 students attending SUNY institutions. By
outlining specific and consistent expectations regarding sexual assault
prevention, the policy will create a safer learning and living environment for
students. To supplement the policy, Governor Cuomo launched a new website
(www.campuscrime.ny.gov) that provides import information on sexual assault
prevention and response in a user-friendly format. The website provides
resources for students to protect and inform themselves, including data on all
sexual assault and violent crimes reported on all college campuses operating in
the State of New York.
Virginia Governor McAuliffe announced the 30
members of the Governor’s Task Force on
Combating Campus Sexual Violence to the
administration. The appointees include a wide
variety of experts in the field of sexual assault
from law enforcement to educators, forensic
nurses, Title IX coordinators, advocates, and
more. The Task Force, chaired by Attorney
General Mark Herring, will hold quarterly meetings that will focus on finding
common solutions to building safer, more educated college communities within
the Commonwealth, with the goal of creating best practices for education and
prevention of sexual violence on campus.
Law Enforcement Reform
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Criminal Justice
Illinois Governor Quinn banned police quotas stating they are ‘Arbitrary’ quotas
that undermine the public trust. This is a move supporters say will help restore
public trust in law enforcement. The law took effect immediately and applies to
all local, county and state police departments.
Maryland Governor O’Malley improved safety and security in the State’s
correctional facilities by combatting the introduction of contraband, enhancing
investigatory capacity, and rooting out corruption. Governor Martin O’Malley
pledged support for expanding Maryland’s internationally recognized K9 Unit of
the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. An
integral part of the State’s effort to combat contraband inside the prison system,
DPSCS’ K9 Unit was among the first in the nation to breed and train its own cell
phone detector dogs in house, saving tax dollars. As a result of their pioneering
expertise, DPSCS K9 has trained dozens of state, national, and international law
enforcement agencies on cell phone detection.
Protecting Consumers Against Fraud and Predatory Lenders
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper signed legislation
helping to safeguard Coloradans and their
business identities into law. House Bill 1057 increases
funding for the Colorado Fraud Investigators Unit to
ramp up investigations and preventative measures
to protect against personal and business identity
theft.
Vermont Governor Shumlin signed into law legislation to protect Vermonters’
hard-earned pensions against predatory lenders. Gov. Peter Shumlin said the
measure allows Vermont to get ahead of an emerging financial trend before it
becomes a problem for the state’s retirees. Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont
state director, said he will promote the legislation as a model for other states
considering a similar crackdown on what’s largely viewed as predatory lending.
Ensuring Equality and Justice for all Citizens
Connecticut Governor Malloy visited New Haven Legal Assistance Association to
highlight a legislative proposal he introduced to increase access to legal aid
services for low-income citizens and to secure a funding structure that continues
Connecticut’s efforts to combat the Civil Justice Gap. The Governor was joined
by Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, Mayor Toni Harp, representatives of the
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Criminal Justice
Connecticut Bar Foundation, representatives of legal assistance organizations,
and clients who have benefited from legal aid.
Immigration
California Governor Brown signed legislation to
provide legal services to the unaccompanied minors
arriving in California from Central America. The
legislation provides $3 million to qualified non-profits to
provide legal services for unaccompanied minors. In
addition, the legislation eliminates any ambiguity
regarding the jurisdiction of the state court to make
findings necessary to enable the federal government to grant these minors
special immigrant juvenile status. This federal status provides for an expedited
naturalization process. The legislation also reinforces the court’s authority to
provide interpreters to unaccompanied, undocumented minors.
Washington
DREAM Act,
session. The
Washington
college.
Governor Inslee, surrounded by students, signed the Washington
the State Legislature’s major accomplishment in the 2014 legislative
act allows young, undocumented immigrants — most brought to
as young children — to apply for state need grants to pay for
Equality
California Governor Brown appointed Justice Therese M. Stewart to the First
District Court of Appeal. She is the first openly lesbian justice to serve on the
California Court of Appeal. In addition, Brown appointed Judge Ferdinand P.
Inumerable to the First District Court of Appeal as well. He is the first AsianAmerican judge ever appointed to the Ventura County Superior Court.
California Governor Brown signed a bill to update California's marriage laws to
recognize court decisions allowing same-sex couples to marry in the state and
additional legislation to expand and protect the rights of women and the
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in California.
Maryland Governor O’Malley joined 17 states and the District of Columbia in
banning gender identity discrimination. This comes on the heels of Maryland
passing civil marriage equality in 2012. The Fairness for All Marylanders Act of
2014 (“the Act”) passed the Senate by a vote of 32-15
and in the House by a vote of 82-57. The Act amends
the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act (Md.
Code Ann., State Gov’t § 20-01 et seq.) (“Title 20”) to
prohibit discrimination in employment, labor, housing,
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Criminal Justice
and public accommodation based on an individual’s gender identity. This
would be the first major amendment to Title 20 since 2001, when it was
amended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Puerto Rico Governor García-Padilla signed into law two bills that protect the
rights of members of the LGBT community: Act 22 bans discrimination in the
workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity; and Act 23 extends
the protection of domestic violence laws to couples regardless of their marital
status or sexual orientation.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STATES:
•
http://www.thecrimereport.org/
o The Crime Report is the nation’s only comprehensive news service
covering the diverse challenges and issues of 21st century criminal
justice in the US and abroad.
•
https://www.ncirc.gov/
o The National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center provides easy
access to a multitude of resources that are primarily concerned with
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100"
Government Reform
OVERVIEW
Restoring accountability and transparency to the statehouse is a priority
for all governors as opinion continues to sour over Washington gridlock.
Democratic governors are using their office to enact reforms which improves
budget outlooks, reforms voter laws and encourages participation and
preparedness for the future.
LESSONS LEARNED
Encourage transparency in local governments. Use transparency to regain
public trust and participation in local government.
Push citizens to become active participants in government. Whether it is
getting their input before new policies are developed or making it easier for
them to vote for elected officials, governors must make processes simpler for
citizens to be involved with government.
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Government Reform
POLICY SOLUTIONS
Making Government More Transparent
California Governor Brown signed a letter of intent with Mexico's Secretary of
Labor and Social Welfare to cooperate in the creation of a voluntary pilot
program to help prevent abuses in the recruitment of Mexican H-2 temporary
workers going to California.
California Governor Brown signed the Ballot Initiative Transparency Act to
increase public participation in the initiative process and provide better
information to voters on ballot measures. The act requires the Secretary of
State's office to post on the Internet and regularly update the top 10 donors of
the committees in support and opposition of an initiative and introduces a 30day public review period at the beginning of the initiative process, during which
proponents can amend the initiative in response to public input.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper brought various constituents to the table on oil
and gas issues. After endless hours of negotiating, a ballot measure on oil and
gas regulation was dropped and the Governor’s suggested a Citizen’s
Commission will be formed.
Connecticut Governor Malloy launched Data.CT.gov, Connecticut’s new open
data portal that allows widespread amounts of raw government data to be
collected, placed on the internet, and shared with the public in a major effort to
increase government efficiency and transparency by providing an easily
accessible database that residents can use for any number of purposes. "
Delaware Governor Markell signed into law a package of House bills that
expand and strengthen Delaware’s Freedom of Information Act. The bills were
introduced in early May and passed both chambers of the General Assembly
with unanimous votes.
Missouri Governor Nixon created an Office of Community Engagement
responsible for facilitating communication with Missourians and informing policy
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Government Reform
solutions for the unique challenges facing low-income and minority
communities.
Making Government More Efficient
California Governor Brown signed a balanced, on-time state budget that pays
down debt, shores up the teachers' retirement system, builds a solid Rainy Day
Fund and directs additional funding for local schools and health care. When
Governor Brown took office, the state faced a $26.6 billion budget deficit and
estimated annual shortfalls of roughly $20 billion. These deficits, built up over a
decade, have now been eliminated by a combination of budget cuts,
temporary taxes approved by voters and the recovering economy.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper’s Administration continues to implement lean
processes. Jail hearings reduced processing time and work by 69%. All 23 of the
board and programs for the Professions and Occupations Division are
completely paperless due to Lean work and over 100,000 pages are being
saved each month in just the Medical Board program. Human Services has
reviewed 1,351 agency letters and determined that 915 were outdated, no
longer relevant or could be repealed. The remaining 115 are still under review.
The Department of Public Health and Environment has cut the renewal time for
discharge permits for pollution from over 300 days to 157 days. The Division of
Professions and Occupations has reduced the number of license and permit
renewal follow up questions by 69%, increased use of electronic processing,
increased customer service. And the Department of Agriculture staff developed
a paper for publication in the AOAC International Journal on the successful
application of lean on custom-blend fertilizers.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced that the State of Connecticut has
been ranked one of the best states in the nation for its information technology
system, leaping this year from a grade of “C” in 2012 to an “A-” in the Center for
Digital Government’s 2014 Digital States Survey. Crediting Governor Malloy’s
push for a stronger emphasis on technology, the biennial survey says that
Connecticut has sharply improved its IT infrastructure over the past two years by
focusing on operational efficiencies and transforming business operations.
Connecticut Governor Malloy unveiled a new Uniform Licensing process,
developed through collaboration between the Departments of Children and
Families (DCF), Developmental Services (DDS), and Public Health and
Administrative Services (DPH). The new licensing process covers fourteen
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Government Reform
different license types and includes a single, fillable application, as well as a
web-based filing and storage system for required licensing documents.
Connecticut Governor Malloy announced the next step in a major computer
upgrade at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The modernization
program is bringing a number of different enhancements to DMV, the most
recent of which is online scheduling of a learner's permit test. Other efficiency
changes through online services include certain registration renewal, checks on
status of licenses and registrations, and look ups for vanity plate combinations. In
addition, CT DMV has launched a new mobile app for phones and tablets to
make it easier to get essential DMV information and give customers ready
access to practice test questions for the learner's permit exam.
Connecticut Governor Malloy approved a series of grants expanding access to
The Nutmeg Network, the state’s fiber-optic infrastructure that delivers reliable,
high-speed internet access to its members throughout Connecticut. Already
offered to schools, libraries and emergency services around the state, these
grants will expand its availability to include all municipal services and will help
towns, cities and regional councils of governments achieve additional cost
savings while sharing services and improving efficiency.
Kentucky Governor Beshear led efforts to
build critical infrastructure, especially bridges,
at a lower cost and faster rate. In early 2014,
the costs of Louisville-Southern Indiana Ohio
River Bridges (LSIORB) project dropped by
nearly $300 million in an updated financial
plan developed by the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet and the Indiana
Department of Transportation.
Maryland Governor O’Malley passed a budget with a balanced approach of
spending cuts and investments. The budget includes several initiatives, including
the Biotech Tax Credit ($12 million), the Cyber Tax Credit ($4 million), and the
R&D Tax Credit ($9 million); and $7.4 million for the Maryland Economic
Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF), the State’s primary
business development and job creation program. The budget includes a record
$6.1 billion for public education; $275 million for school construction; $1.4 million
for the Early College Innovation Fund to support career and technical
education (CTE); and $3.5 million for the Digital Learning Innovation Fund to help
local school accelerate the transition to digital learning. The budget makes
strong progress on retiring the $1.7 billion structural deficit inherited in 2007, and
brings the Administration’s total budget cuts to $9.2 billion over 8 years.
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Government Reform
Minnesota Governor Dayton stabilized Minnesota’s Budget and Deposits $333
million in the State’s Rainy Day Fund. A total of $333 million has been deposited
in the State’s rainy day fund thanks to changes last year, $150 million deposited
into the budget reserve and 33% of future surpluses ($183 million from November
2014 Forecast), to protect against revenue volatility and ensure sustainable
budgets.
Minnesota Governor Dayton enacted nearly 1,200 ways to make state
government work better. These reforms – both large
and small – will make state government work
better, faster, and smarter for the Minnesota citizens
and businesses it serves. The Unsession eliminated
unnecessary and outdated laws that defied
common sense. In addition to eliminating the
ridiculous, the Governor and the Legislature also
worked together to pass bipartisan reforms that cut
red tape.
Missouri Governor Nixon’s conservative fiscal management over the past year
helped protect Missouri’s rare “Triple Triple” credit rating by all three major rating
agencies. Missouri has a perfect AAA credit rating from all three leading credit
rating agencies – Moody’s, Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s. Because of this
spotless record, school districts and local governments pay a lower interest rate
on bonds issued.
Missouri Governor Nixon used technology to make state government more
efficient and effective. The State of Missouri is one of only three states in the
nation to receive an A grade from the Center for Digital Government in its
annual Digital State Survey. According to the Center for Digital Government:
‘the states that scored A grades did the best job of making their strategies
consistent with their state’s priorities and policies; proving a quantifiable return
on investment through IT; demonstrating progress over the past two years; using
creative and innovative solutions; collaborating between departments and
jurisdictions; and using successful approaches to transparency, privacy and
security.’ In its report, the Center cited Gov. Nixon’s 100 Missouri Mile Challenge
as an example of the state achieving a ‘successful marriage of civic
engagement, data, and modern technologies.’
New York Governor Cuomo announced the largest recoveries of taxpayer
dollars for a single year in the history of the Office of the Medicaid Inspector
General (OMIG). OMIG recovered more than $879 million dollars in 2013, which
brings the three-year total recoveries under Governor Cuomo’s leadership to
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Government Reform
more than $1.76 billion – the highest ever for any state Medicaid program
integrity unit in the United States. OMIG’s proactive cost-containment measures
prevented an additional $943 million in unnecessary Medicaid expenditures in
the first six months of 2014.
N e w Y o r k G o v e r n o r C u o m o i n t ro d u c e d t h e
“Adventure Series,” which transforms an individual’s
driver’s license into an Adventure License by allowing
sportsmen and women with lifetime licenses, as well as
individuals holding Lifetime Empire Passports and those
with Boater Safety Certificates, to have icons added
to their drivers’ licenses so they do not need to carry
separate documents.
Preparing for the Future
California Governor Brown signed a bill which fully funds - over a period of years
- the teachers' retirement system through annual contributions of school districts,
teachers and state government. Before this bill, the California State Teachers'
Retirement System was only 67 percent funded and would have run out of
money in 33 years. It is projected to eliminate the unfunded liability in the system
by 2046.
California Governor Brown proposed, and in November voters approved a Rainy
Day Fund measure. The measure, proposed by the Governor and passed by the
Legislature seeks to stabilize the state's finances during swings in capital gains
revenues. The 2014-15 State Budget directs $1.6 billion into the state Rainy Day
Fund - the first deposit into the fund since 2007. The fund is expected to grow to
$4.6 billion by 2017-18, allowing the state to save for the future while paying
down its debts and unfunded liabilities.
Montana Governor Bullock released the budget for the 2017 biennium that
builds on state’s fiscal strength while supporting job creation, educational
opportunities, and access to health care. The proposal aims to build on and
maintain the state’s fiscal strength, while making common sense investments
that will allow the state’s economy to continue to grow. Bullock noted that his
budget makes important investments without raising taxes, and while leaving
cash in the bank for an unforeseen rainy day.
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Preparedness
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Government Reform
California Governor Brown declared a State of Emergency shortly after the 6.0
magnitude South Napa Earthquake struck in August this year and took action to
help recovering communities, securing a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration
and issuing an Executive Order to help cut red tape and provide additional
financial assistance.
Colorado Governor Hickenlooper continues to lead the state forward in the
recovery effort from the devastating 2014 floods and forest fires. While the CO
Department of Transportation has continued to do final repairs to roads, the
governor’s recovery team has collected community input on recovery priorities.
CU Leeds School of business names Colorado one of the nation’s best states for
recovery, ranking the state at #4.
Connecticut Governor Malloy approved $7.2 million in state funding to provide a
technology upgrade to state public safety radio system. These funds will finance
the costs of phase 1 replacement and upgrade of the Department of
Emergency Services and Public Protection’s radio communication systems. This
phase includes replacement of troop and headquarters dispatch equipment,
212 mobile radios, 40 control station
desktop radios and a dynamic system
resilience back up master site.
Connecticut Governor Malloy presided
over a statewide emergency
preparedness exercise that allowed the
state, local municipalities, utility
companies and the private sector to
enhance readiness and disaster
preparedness, including mass care
planning, in advance of the Connecticut’s hurricane season. The exercise is part
of Governor Malloy’s ongoing Emergency Preparedness and Planning Initiative
(EPPI), which began in 2011 and culminated with the first exercise in 2012.
Connecticut Governor Malloy powered up the first microgrid project to come
online under the inaugural round of Connecticut’s statewide microgrid pilot
program. Microgrids provide electricity to critical facilities and town centers on a
24/7 basis. They include a system of “trips” and “transfers” to isolate the
microgrid and provide power within its network even when there is a large-scale
power outage.
Connecticut Governor Malloy released a cybersecurity plan for Connecticut’s
utilities to help strengthen defense against possible future threats, such as a
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Government Reform
cyberattack. Connecticut is the first state to present a cybersecurity strategy in
partnership with the utilities, and will share it with other states working on similar
plans. Governor Malloy initiated the report as part of his 2013 Comprehensive
Energy Strategy, which called on the state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority
(PURA) to work with state agencies and conduct a review of Connecticut’s
electricity, natural gas, and major water companies to assess the adequacy of
their capabilities to deter interruption of service and recommend actions
strengthening deterrence.
Connecticut Governor Malloy created an Emergency Communications
Taskforce, which will be responsible for reviewing how state government
communicates with residents, with special attention to those who are nonEnglish speakers, have disabilities, or have certain functional needs. While the
group will look at all communications, the immediate focus will be on
communications during emergency situations, which will be followed by a more
detailed look at overall communications due at the beginning of next year. Hawaii Governor Abercrombie urged government to partnering with private
industry, in this case Hawaiian Electric, to save the people of the state millions of
dollars. The state Department of Transportation’s Airport Division (DOTA) will start
construction next month on the Emergency Power Facility (EPF) planned for
Honolulu International Airport. The EPF will use four generators to provide up to
10 megawatts of electrical power to the airport in the event of a major
emergency or natural disaster.
Reforming Voter Laws
California Governor Brown signed the Political Reform Act of 1974 to require
large campaign donations from non-profits to be disclosed and requires the
California Fair Political Practices Commission to post the top 10 contributors to
state committees.
Connecticut Governor Malloy unveiled Connecticut’s new online voter
registration system that provides the complete ability to register to vote online. The new online voter registration feature will be available to eligible Connecticut
voters and is designed to have the voter enter their personal information for
voter registration online, information which then populates a form that is sent via
email to the registrar of voters where the new voter or voter changing address
wants to register. The registrar of voters must then check the entered
information and verify that it is accurate before adding the new voter to the
Connecticut Voter Registration System statewide database.
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Government Reform
Illinois Governor Quinn signed a law allowing same-day voter registration in
Illinois. Sweeping Illinois election law changes likely to be in place this fall mean
it'll be easier to register, vote while away at college and cast an early ballot.
Massachusetts Governor Patrick signed H. 4089, “An Act Relative to the
Preparation of Certain Bilingual Ballots in the City of Boston,” which requires the
Secretary of State to prepare certain bilingual ballots for federal and state
elections. The bill also requires the Board of Election Commissioners of the City of
Boston (the Board) to prepare bilingual ballots in all City elections.
Puerto Rico Governor García-Padilla announced on January 13, 2015 that he
will introduce legislation to grant the right to vote, in accordance with
applicable federal law, to undocumented immigrants. Resident Commissioner
Pedro Pierluisi reacted to Gov. Alejandro García
Padilla´s comments during a state visit with the
president of the Dominican Republic, Danilo
Medina by stating, “It's amazing the lack of clarity
and common sense in the expressions made by the
governor as to the possibility that immigrants could
vote in Puerto Rico. It´s one thing to advocate for
immigration reform in the U.S. for immigrants to
legalize their residential status, and it is another to
create entirely unreasonable and unrealistic expectations.”
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STATES:
▪ http://www.washingtonpolicy.org/research/open-government/
publications\
! Within the Washington Policy Center, there is a center for
government reform that provides a database of publications
that provide information about government reform.
▪ http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-113hrpt403/pdf/
CRPT-113hrpt403.pdf
! The Committee on the Budget provides a report for the budget
for the united states government for fiscal year 2015 and setting
forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2016 through
2024
109"
Looking Ahead
LOOKING AHEAD
Just as Democratic governors have made significant progress in their states in
the areas of jobs, health care, education, environment and energy, criminal
justice and government reform, they have laid out concrete plans to keep
moving their states in the right direction. Here is a sample of what Democratic
governors have planned for 2015, as laid out in their State of the State addresses:
California Governor Jerry Brown
Providing Everyone An Opportunity To Quality Education: “Educating the next
generation is fundamental to our collective well-being. An issue that has
plagued our schools for decades is the enormous barrier facing children from
low-income families. When my father was governor, he sought to remedy the
wide inequities among different school districts by calling for equalization of
funding. His efforts were not successful. Now – decades later – we have finally
created a much fairer system of school funding, called the Local Control
Funding Formula. Under the provisions of this law, state funds are directed to
school districts based on the needs of their students. Districts will get significantly
more funds based on the number of students from foster care, low-income
families and non-English-speaking parents. This program also breaks with
decades of increasing centralization by reducing state control in favor of local
flexibility. Clear goals are set, and their enforcement is entrusted to parents and
local officials. This puts California in the forefront of educational reform. After
years of underfunding and even borrowing from our local schools, the state now
has significantly increased its financial support for education. Next year schools
will receive $65.7 billion, a 39 percent increase in four years.”
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper
Making Sure Jobs Stay Local: “Our economic development strategy is to recruit,
retain, and grow talent better than any state in the country, and to vigilantly
seize opportunities to help Colorado businesses hatch and grow. We’ve
successfully kept our companies here at home and helped them grow —
companies like Charles Schwab, Lockheed Martin and Woodward, all of which
added thousands more jobs.”
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy
Improving Transportation: “I want to talk about how, for two generations,
Connecticut fell short on transportation. We know that transportation and
economic growth are bound together. States that make long-term investments
in their infrastructure can have vibrant economies for generations. States that
don’t, will struggle. It’s that simple. Transportation connects us – literally –
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Looking Ahead
community to community, state to state, nation to nation. It connects us to
economic opportunity, and it connects us to one another. But here’s the
problem: it’s still not enough. We have so much more to do.” To be competitive
regionally, nationally, and internationally, we need a transformation. For our
roads, bridges, rails, and ports – even our walkways and our bikeways. We need
to change the ways we commute, the ways our businesses move their products,
and the ways we get around our cities and towns. It’s time for Connecticut to
establish a collective vision for the next thirty years. A vision for a best-in-class
transportation system. We can have an open and honest discussion of what
needs to happen to transform our infrastructure to meet the challenges and
demands of the 21st Century. We can do it this year. In this session. To make us
more business friendly, to attract new companies and more jobs, to improve our
quality of life, and make our state an even better place to raise a family.”
Delaware Governor Jack Markell
Training Workers for In-Demand Jobs: “This year, I ask the General Assembly, our
schools, our colleges, and our businesses to join me in committing to the
Delaware Promise. This is a new goal for our state. By 2025, 65 percent of our
workforce will earn a college degree or professional certificate. Everyone will
earn at least a high school diploma. Our efforts build on the tremendous work
led by Senator Harris McDowell in creating the SEED and INSPIRE scholarships,
which make Delaware one of the only states where high school graduates can
secure a two-year degree at virtually no cost. And thanks to the leadership of
Gary Stockbridge, and the tremendous efforts of our business, non-profit, and
education communities, more than one hundred Delaware companies are
providing training, mentoring, and workplace experience to our young people
through the SPARC initiative.”
Hawaii Governor David Ige
Investing in Agriculture: We need to support
agriculture and help our local farmers dramatically
increase the amount of food we grow locally.
Hawaii grows about 10 to 15 percent of the total
foods residents consume. If we are to become a
sustainable society, we must increase those
numbers. The cost of importing foods adds up to
more than $3 billion leaving the state annually. If we replace just 10 percent of
imports with locally grown food, it would generate $188 million in total sales, $94
million for farmers, $47 million in wages, $6 million in new taxes and 2,300 jobs. To
do that, we need to preserve farm lands, develop agricultural parks, combat
invasive species, and reassess the areas that determine whether a local farmer
can survive. We will be meeting with farmers from each island to hear what they
need to make Hawaii more self-sufficient. And I’ve asked Agriculture Director
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Looking Ahead
Scott Enright to spearhead this effort. In the meantime, we are adding $5 million
to the agriculture loan program and expanding use of the fund to include
biosecurity and food safety needs.
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear
Preparing Kentucky’s Workforce: “Look, Kentuckians are industrious. We all know
that. But you and I also know that our workforce has not been as trained,
educated, healthy and drug-free as it needs to be. Too many of our students
leave high school unprepared for the next level. Our job training has not been
adequate for 21st century jobs. Our collective health has been horrible. And
addiction to both prescription drugs and illegal substances has literally been
killing our people. That’s why my top priority has been to create a workforce that
executives can’t wait to hire. So, for the last seven years, we have been carrying
out a comprehensive strategy to make Kentucky a competitive force in the
global marketplace and to improve the lives of our people … both now and for
generations to come. And tonight I am inviting you to join with me to move
forward on an array of issues that further that strategy.”
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon
Providing Our Military Veterans With Homes: “For their courage and sacrifice, our
veterans deserve more than gratitude. They deserve to live with dignity and
pride. Today, with a generation of Vietnam-era veterans getting older, we need
to ensure that all our veterans receive the best care possible. That’s why my
budget includes the resources to modernize and improve our state veterans’
homes, so that they’re up to the high standards our veterans deserve. But we
need to do more. Nearly 2,000 Missouri vets are now on a waiting list to get the
care they’ve earned. That’s unacceptable. And that’s why I am proposing the
construction of a new veterans’ home for these proud Missourians. These men
and women did their duty to God and country, so that our lives might be better.
Now we need to be there for them. Let’s work together and get it built.”
New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan
Improving Education And Making Sure Jobs Stay Local:
“There is perhaps no area where the needs of our
businesses and families intersect more than in education.
Last year, we brought together a Task Force to
modernize the way we teach science, technology,
engineering, and math in our schools. It’s time to bring
our standards into the 21st century to ensure that our
students are prepared to compete for jobs in today’s
global economy. Our new vision for the future must also
ensure that when our students reach college age, higher
education is not a financial weight for young people
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Looking Ahead
and their families to bear for years to come, but rather an opportunity to
jumpstart a secure career. I’m proud that we took an important step in that
effort by restoring funding for higher education in our bipartisan budget,
allowing us to freeze tuition at our university system, and lower it at our
community colleges. But that must only be the beginning. In our next budget,
we must work as hard as we can to continue to hold down the cost of higher
education. We must make sure that tuition at our universities is affordable
enough to help attract and retain young people, rather than drive them away.
And when our students finish college, we must continue to find ways to keep
more of them here. That means that our young people must have confidence
that they will have opportunities for good jobs in New Hampshire when they
graduate. We know that there are innovative companies looking for high-skilled
workers, and we need to help our businesses create more good jobs.”
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo
Boosting the Economy: “We start with the
economy, because business is the engine
that pulls the train. It’s all about jobs, jobs,
jobs. It was about four years ago and it is
today and it is about keeping the growing
and to keep the economy growing we
have to keep doing what we have been
doing that got the economy running in
the first place. In two simple words it is
maintaining the fiscal discipline that we
have established.”
Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber
Stimulating The Workforce And Enhancing the Economy: “Indeed, I must admit
to feeling a bit disingenuous when I say "economic recovery" because I am
certain that this term does not have much meaning for hundreds of thousands
of people in our state. In the midst of this economic "recovery" a growing
number of people are now trapped in low-wage and/or part-time jobs on which
they cannot possible support a family – and with no hope of getting ahead.
Why? I think we can all agree that this situation is not only unfair – but that it
serves to widen the disparities that divide us and makes it more difficult for us to
come together as a community. Now, the answers to these questions are
complicated – I know that – and no one person, least of all me, has all the
answers. But if we begin by asking the right questions I know we can make
progress because an Oregon economy that moves some of us forward while
leaving others behind diminishes progress for everyone.”
Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin
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Looking Ahead
Improving The Health Care System: “I have pursued health care reform for
nearly two decades because I know how much the ever-rising cost of health
care hurts families and businesses. The U.S. health care system is unsustainable,
unfair, and unaffordable for too many. I know, perhaps better than anyone else
in this room, just how hard it is to change the health care system. Yet it is
absolutely critical that we do so or it will destroy the rest of our economy and the
ability of Vermonters to pay their bills. That is why, despite great challenges and
recent setbacks, I remain absolutely committed to continued improvement to
our health care system so that we can fulfill the vision set forth by Act 48. Let’s
make real progress together by moving to payment for quality outcomes
instead of number of procedures; by fixing the state’s chronic underpayment of
Medicaid which shifts costs and artificially inflates private insurance premiums;
and by increasing health care access and affordability for Vermonters.”
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe
Developing a Workforce for a 21st Century Economy: Right now, employers
across Virginia have thousands of high-tech jobs that they cannot find trained
workers to fill. If we are going to keep those companies here, and bring new
ones in, we must build a world-class workforce system that better aligns our
training programs with the needs of employers. This session, I am introducing a
bipartisan workforce development package that increases state funding for
workforce programs, devotes greater state attention to apprenticeships and
training in much-needed areas, and increases accountability and transparency
for the millions of taxpayer dollars spent on a broken system. By streamlining our
efforts and reducing redundancies, we can get students the skills they need to
succeed while being better stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee
Focusing On Children’s Education: “Our most fundamental commitment needs
to be to the very youngest Washingtonians. We know the greatest untapped
asset in the state is the potential of a 3- and
4-year-old. The latest neuroscience research
at the University of Washington shows that at
this age, children's minds have a
tremendous capacity for learning. Early
learning is the best investment we can make
in our future. That's where we start. But our
success will require a continuum of
education, from early learning all the way
through higher education. That's why my
proposal makes a $2.3 billion investment in
our children's future, including the largestever state investment in early learning. This means 6,000 more low-income
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Looking Ahead
children could attend high-quality preschools. My proposal fully funds class-size
reductions in kindergarten through third grade. My proposal provides all-day
kindergarten across the state. It gives our teachers their first cost-of-living
allowance since 2008. It helps families struggling with the costs of higher
education by freezing tuition and boosting financial aid so that 17,000 more
students can get scholarships.”
West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin
Lowering Taxes In Order To Encourage Job Investment: “Just two weeks ago, we
eliminated our state’s business franchise tax, not only encouraging employers to
continue to invest in our state, but eliminating extra paperwork that made it
more difficult to do business here. Eliminating the business franchise tax is just
one of the recent steps we’ve taken to responsibly reduce taxes for employers.
These steps continue to encourage investments in West Virginia jobs.”
116"