States, Cities and Counties
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
Featured Stories
Wyo. Gov. Gordon Expresses Support for Decision Blocking Chinese Bitcoin Operation From Owning Land Near FE Warren Air Force Base
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, May 16 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Governor Mark Gordon has issued a statement supporting an order that prevents a Chinese-backed cryptocurrency mining firm from owning land near FE Warren Air Force base. The Governor's statement follows:
"I am acutely aware and have been monitoring the concerns of surrounding property owners, as well as the potential threats to national security that this operation posed. I am pleased that the Administration recognized the potential threat and took steps to ensure the security of our
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, May 16 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Governor Mark Gordon has issued a statement supporting an order that prevents a Chinese-backed cryptocurrency mining firm from owning land near FE Warren Air Force base. The Governor's statement follows:
"I am acutely aware and have been monitoring the concerns of surrounding property owners, as well as the potential threats to national security that this operation posed. I am pleased that the Administration recognized the potential threat and took steps to ensure the security of ourmilitary installations and the safety of Wyoming residents. Protection of our infrastructure remains paramount to protecting our national security and must always be our highest priority.
I am also grateful to Senator Nethercott for sponsoring SF077 -Homeland defense-infrastructure reporting and investigating to help protect Wyoming's critical infrastructure from foreign threats. I signed this bill, effective July 1, because it provides clear guidance and support to counties, under the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, to investigate land sales near critical infrastructure."
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-expresses-support-for-decision-blocking-chinese-bitcoin-operation-from-owning-land-near-fe-warren-air-force-base
N.C. State Treasurer Folwell Submits Framework for Draft Legislation to Enact NC 401(k) Employer Match for All State Employees
RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 16 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release:
State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, has submitted a framework for draft legislation that introduces a monthly $25 employer match for nearly 350,000 active members in the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS), Consolidated Judicial Retirement System (CJRS), Legislative Retirement System (LRS) and the Optional Retirement Program (ORP). While $25 may seem like a small monthly amount, it adds up to tens of millions of dollars in appropriations by the General Assembly.
The
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, May 16 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release:
State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, has submitted a framework for draft legislation that introduces a monthly $25 employer match for nearly 350,000 active members in the Teachers' and State Employees' Retirement System (TSERS), Consolidated Judicial Retirement System (CJRS), Legislative Retirement System (LRS) and the Optional Retirement Program (ORP). While $25 may seem like a small monthly amount, it adds up to tens of millions of dollars in appropriations by the General Assembly.
TheSupplemental Income Matching Program through Legislative Enactment (SIMPLE) presents an incentive for teachers and state employees to actively participate in the state-sponsored NC 401(k) Plan. Members currently contribute 6% each month to the North Carolina Retirement Systems, one of the strongest pensions in the country. This provides a financial foundation in retirement, but most people will need more to meet the recommended 80% of pre-retirement income. Overseen by the Department of State Treasurer and the Supplemental Board of Trustees, the NC 401(k) Plan offers an additional retirement savings option for North Carolina's public servants.
"State employees are participating in the NC 401(k) Plan at a rate less than one-half of local government employees. This is a monumental gap that we must address," said Treasurer Folwell. "It is not enough to simply offer an avenue to save. We must provide an incentive that will encourage action."
Approximately 70% of local government employees actively contribute to the NC 401(k) Plan, with 550 employers offering a match or contribution. Recognizing the impact of this additional employer benefit, SIMPLE proposes the state match dollar-for-dollar, up to $25 per month, for contributions made by TSERS, CJRS, LRS and ORP members.
"My goal is to make sure that there is a benefit to all, but especially to those who are on the lower end of the pay scale. Providing a flat dollar match rewards hard work and participation, giving those that need it most an incentive to not only save but remain constant in their contributions," Treasurer Folwell said. "With over 100,000 members in the eligible population earning less than $40k per year, there is a substantiated need to provide a path to retirement readiness."
The North Carolina Supplemental Retirement Plans (NC 401(k) and NC 457 Plans) are exclusively available to public servants in the state of North Carolina and are among the largest and lowest-cost public plans in the country. The Plans are administered by the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer (DST) and the Board, and offered by more than 1,100 public employers, including state agencies, local governments, school districts and community colleges.
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Original text here: https://www.nctreasurer.com/news/press-releases/2024/05/15/treasurer-folwell-submits-framework-draft-legislation-enact-nc-401k-employer-match-all-state
N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission: Closing Soon - Public Comment Period on Temporary Rules to Implement New Mandatory Harvest Reporting Law
MOREHEAD CITY, North Carolina, May 16 -- The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission issued the following news release:
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are still accepting public comments on temporary rules to implement mandatory harvest reporting requirements passed by the N.C. General Assembly in Session Law 2023-137, Section 6. The comment period will close at 5 p.m. May 20, 2024.
Members of the public may submit comments in any of the following ways:
[View table in the link at bottom]
The new mandatory reporting law requires that any person
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MOREHEAD CITY, North Carolina, May 16 -- The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission issued the following news release:
The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission are still accepting public comments on temporary rules to implement mandatory harvest reporting requirements passed by the N.C. General Assembly in Session Law 2023-137, Section 6. The comment period will close at 5 p.m. May 20, 2024.
Members of the public may submit comments in any of the following ways:
[View table in the link at bottom]
The new mandatory reporting law requires that any personwho recreationally harvests Red Drum, Flounder, Spotted Seatrout (speckled trout), Striped Bass and Weakfish (gray trout) must report that harvest to the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). Additionally, it requires anyone holding a commercial fishing license who is engaged in a commercial fishing operation to report all fish harvested to DMF, regardless of sale.
The requirement starts Dec. 1, 2024, and applies to Coastal Fishing Waters, Joint Fishing Waters and Inland Fishing Waters adjacent to Coastal and Joint Fishing Waters.
More information on this mandatory reporting requirement can be found on the DMF website at https://www.deq.nc.gov/mandatory-harvest-reporting.
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Original text here: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2024/05/15/closing-soon-public-comment-period-temporary-rules-implement-new-mandatory-harvest-reporting-law
Minn. Gov. Walz Announces $100 Million For Minnesota Homelessness Programs
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, May 16 (TNSres) -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on May 14, 2024:
Governor Tim Walz today announced over $100 million in state grants will be awarded to organizations serving Minnesotans facing homelessness. The money is supporting a number of services including street outreach, shelter, and harm reduction for drug users.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services awarded four sets of grants to support Minnesotans experiencing homelessness late last year, after a streamlined application process. Governor Walz and the Minnesota Legislature approved
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, May 16 (TNSres) -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on May 14, 2024:
Governor Tim Walz today announced over $100 million in state grants will be awarded to organizations serving Minnesotans facing homelessness. The money is supporting a number of services including street outreach, shelter, and harm reduction for drug users.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services awarded four sets of grants to support Minnesotans experiencing homelessness late last year, after a streamlined application process. Governor Walz and the Minnesota Legislature approvedthe funding during the 2023 session.
Funds went to 135 organizations in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and Greater Minnesota, reaching people experiencing homelessness in all 87 counties.
"Housing is one of the most foundational human needs, yet, across the state thousands of people struggle to find and maintain stable housing," said Governor Walz. "Addressing the issue of homelessness is a top priority, and this funding is a major step in the right direction. The 135 organizations receiving state grants are meeting people where they're at to get them on their feet. Whether providing hot meals, chemical health assessment and treatment, or shelter space, their services are vital. Together we are making real strides to end homelessness in Minnesota."
"Housing is more than a roof over head. It's health, safety, and a springboard for opportunity, and every Minnesotan deserves a safe place to call home," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "That's why this funding is so important. Spread between 135 organizations across Minnesota, these grants will ensure that everyone can access the supports they need to find and secure safe, stable housing. Together with DHS we are continuing towards our mission of preventing and ending homelessness."
"Each Minnesotan who is homeless has their own unique needs," said Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead. "Awarding grants to a wide variety of organizations helps ensure services will be there to meet the needs."
Funds will support projects including:
* Involve MN, Hennepin and Ramsey counties. This funding will support an outreach team delivering hot meals 365 days a year for lunch and dinner to people in encampments and temporary living spaces in the Twin Cities.
* Mille Lacs Band, Mille Lacs. This grant will support the operation of a Tribal government day shelter in a recently remodeled space to provide access to services like showers, laundry and meals, as well as housing search support, case management for employment, culturally specific services and other resources.
* Southside Harm Reduction Services, Hennepin and Ramsey counties. The grantees provide harm reduction services via outreach to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness who use drugs, primarily in or near Minneapolis and St. Paul. Services include syringe exchange, naloxone distribution, education, rapid HIV testing and referrals to social services including housing.
* The StreetWorks Outreach Collaborative, Twin Cities metropolitan area. Administered by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota in collaboration with several other youth-serving organizations, this program provides street outreach services in locations throughout the Twin Cities. They promote harm reduction by providing safer-use supplies to youth who are using drugs. They also provide opioid overdose prevention and response trainings to services providers and youth in the community.
* Chum and Human Development Center, Duluth/St. Louis County. The funds will support more street outreach capacity in Duluth with people who are unsheltered on the streets, in the woods or living in encampments. These connections can help ensure their safety and access to services, direct people to mental and/or chemical health assessment and treatment, discuss their involvement with law enforcement and address other issues.
About 55% of the grant funds will go to services in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, with the remaining 45% supporting Greater Minnesota.
Learn more about how DHS is addressing homelessness in its Homelessness in Minnesota fact sheet (https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-7003-ENG) .
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/624200
LCRA, City of Bellville Award $25,000 Grant for Modernized Community Message Board
BELLVILLE, Texas, May 16 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Bellville, the Bellville Chamber of Commerce will install a modernized community message board that will share emergency alerts and information about local events with the public.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $59,695 in matching funds from the chamber, will pay for an LED message board to replace one that no longer works. The new 8-foot-wide message board will be supported by 20-foot-tall
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BELLVILLE, Texas, May 16 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Bellville, the Bellville Chamber of Commerce will install a modernized community message board that will share emergency alerts and information about local events with the public.
The Community Development Partnership Program grant, along with $59,695 in matching funds from the chamber, will pay for an LED message board to replace one that no longer works. The new 8-foot-wide message board will be supported by 20-foot-tallbrick veneer columns, giving its messages high-profile visibility.
The new sign will be visible from State Highway 36 when entering Bellville. As part of the project, a brick flower bed maintained by the Bellville Town & Country Garden Club will be built at the spot.
"It will be a wonderful greeting from our town, and it's an awesome opportunity to get with 2024," said Megan Kendrick, the chamber's executive director. "We knew there was a need, but these signs are expensive, especially to get the quality we wanted. It's just a blessing that we can move forward, and we're very grateful for the grant."
Unlike the former message board that could only be updated from one location using a dial-up modem, the new version can be updated with mobile devices using cloud-based software. The improved technology will enable law enforcement, civic groups and city, county and school officials to post alerts much more quickly.
Kendrick said the outdated message board, which was more than 20 years old, recently stopped working after a hailstorm.
"You don't realize how many people read the sign until it's not working," Kendrick said. "We called the company, and they said we don't make it anymore and we don't have any parts for it."
The next day, Kendrick learned that the chamber had received a CDPP grant.
"Imagine if the old sign had gone out and we hadn't even started thinking about another sign," Kendrick said. "At the chamber, we're always looking to better our town. We want to modernize but still remain a small town. I think this new sign shows our commitment to our community."
The community grant is one of 44 grants awarded recently through LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program, which helps volunteer fire departments, local governments, emergency responders and nonprofit organizations fund capital improvement projects in LCRA's wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The program is part of LCRA's effort to give back to the communities it serves. The City of Bellville is one of LCRA's wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the grant program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-city-of-bellville-award-25000-grant-for-modernized-community-message-board/
Ind. House Republicans: Marshall County Lawmakers - Students Can Now Apply for $5K Work-Based Learning Scholarships
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, May 16 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release:
State Reps. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.
Jordan said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state accredited public or private school can receive up to a $5,000 state-funded scholarship to pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials attainment. About 2,000 spots are available for the
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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, May 16 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release:
State Reps. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.
Jordan said Hoosier students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades at a state accredited public or private school can receive up to a $5,000 state-funded scholarship to pursue apprenticeships, applied learning experiences, work-based learning and credentials attainment. About 2,000 spots are available for the2024-2025 school year and students can apply for a Career Scholarship Account until the Oct. 1 deadline.
"This scholarship initiative is an innovative way to provide more educational and hands-on experiences to students outside of the classroom, " Jordan said. "Students can check out various career paths that interest them and begin skilling up before graduation."
Teshka said accounts are available to high school students who are enrolled in a course or educational experience approved by the Indiana Department of Education. Eligible students will participate in joint career and technical education, modern youth apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships or an Indiana College Core program by an approved CSA participating entity.
"Hands-on learning experiences can prepare students for life after school and give them a head start in their career field," Teshka said. "I encourage interested Hoosiers to apply for this scholarship, so they can set themselves up for success."
Approved students will receive $5,000 over four disbursements and can use the money toward certain qualified expenses:
* Class expenses for student's apprenticeships/internship program;
* Postsecondary education and/or training;
* Equipment for student's apprenticeship/internship program;
* Certification and credentialing examinations;
* Career coaching and navigation services;
* Driver's license; and
* Transportation.
Approved courses and classes include a variety of topics like accounting, carpentry, cybersecurity, information technology, software development and veterinary science. A full list of approved courses, educational experiences and participating entities can be found at in.gov/tos/csa.
To learn more about Career Scholarship Accounts and enroll before the Oct. 1 deadline, visit in.gov/tos/csa, email CSA@tos.in.gov or call 317-232-0723.
Local employers, trade associations, labor unions and others interested in connecting with the next generation of talent can apply to host a CSA program or be a provider. Visit in.gov/tos/csa and click on "provider resources" for more information.
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State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) represents House District 17, which includes all of Fulton County, and portions of Marshall and Pulaski counties.
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State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) represents House District 7, which includes portions of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.
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Original text here: https://www.indianahouserepublicans.com/news/press-releases/marshall-county-lawmakers-students-can-now-apply-for-5k-work-based-learning-scholarships/
Del. Gov. Carney's Statement on Senate Confirmation
DOVER, Delaware, May 16 -- Gov. John C. Carney, D-Delaware, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate's confirmation of Kathleen Vavala as a Superior Court Judge in New Castle County.
"Kathleen is well respected in the courtroom and the classroom, serving as Counsel in the Delaware Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel and Adjunct Professor at Delaware Law School and the Haub School of Business," said Governor Carney.
"I know she will serve Delaware well.
I thank her for her willingness
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DOVER, Delaware, May 16 -- Gov. John C. Carney, D-Delaware, issued the following statement on May 15, 2024:
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Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Delaware Senate's confirmation of Kathleen Vavala as a Superior Court Judge in New Castle County.
"Kathleen is well respected in the courtroom and the classroom, serving as Counsel in the Delaware Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel and Adjunct Professor at Delaware Law School and the Haub School of Business," said Governor Carney.
"I know she will serve Delaware well.
I thank her for her willingnessto serve the state and for the Senate's votes to confirm her in this role."
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2024/05/15/governor-carneys-statement-on-senate-confirmation/
