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News releases, reports, statements and associated documents covering state government, cities and counties.
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Three PASSHE Universities Launch Direct Admissions Program
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 23 -- The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education issued the following news release:
Three universities in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) have launched a new program to simplify and streamline the admission process for students and families.
Kutztown University, Shippensburg University, and Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) are now offering real-time acceptance and scholarship offers to high school seniors who meet each university's admissions requirements through a partnership with Niche Direct Admissions(R).
"PASSHE is
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 23 -- The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education issued the following news release:
Three universities in Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) have launched a new program to simplify and streamline the admission process for students and families.
Kutztown University, Shippensburg University, and Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) are now offering real-time acceptance and scholarship offers to high school seniors who meet each university's admissions requirements through a partnership with Niche Direct Admissions(R).
"PASSHE iscommitted to innovating and expanding opportunities for students to get a college education that prepares them for success in Pennsylvania," said Interim Chancellor Chris Fiorentino. "This direct admissions program at three universities will provide students and families with a more streamlined way to apply for college, saving students time so they can focus on choosing the college that is the best fit for them.
"The program is another example of PASSHE's dedication to serving students of all backgrounds and increasing access to higher education in order to ease worker shortages and strengthen the state's economy."
This marks the first time any PASSHE university has offered a direct pathway to admission. Across the country, colleges and universities are increasingly adopting this approach to modernize the application process. Direct admission also helps break down barriers to enrollment, especially for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented minority students.
How Niche Direct Admissions works
Prospective high school students create a free profile with Niche--nearly one out of every two college-bound seniors does so each year. High school seniors who meet each university's admissions requirements will instantly learn if they have been accepted to Kutztown, PennWest and/or Shippensburg universities, all within their Niche account. Eligible students also receive merit scholarship offers, detailed information about each university, and the option to begin the enrollment process.
"I am pleased that we have selected Niche as one of our partners in support of our multi-faceted Strategic Enrollment Management plan," said Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson, president of Kutztown University. "We are hopeful that our relationship will create successful enrollment pathways for high school students in their transition to Kutztown University."
"Through this partnership, Shippensburg University can enhance student accessibility and our ability to serve a broader population of students with the quality and affordable education Ship is known to deliver. We are excited to offer this additional pathway for students as we continue to adapt to their needs," said Dr. Charles E. Patterson, president of Shippensburg University.
PennWest has received a generous grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation for each of its three campuses--PennWest California, PennWest Clarion, and PennWest Edinboro--to participate in the Niche Direct Admissions program for two consecutive admissions cycles. The foundation is dedicated to promoting the health and vitality of the Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania region by investing in transformative initiatives across various sectors, including education.
"Too many high-school graduates and GED recipients choose not to apply to college because they don't believe they are qualified; they consider the application process too complicated; or they are concerned they can't afford to attend," said Sam Reiman, director of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. "We are excited to partner with Niche and PASSHE to fund the launch of Direct Admissions at PennWest to help solve for these problems, so that more students can obtain the higher education and the path to economic mobility they deserve."
Dr. Jon Anderson, president of PennWest University, added, "As the second-largest public university in western Pennsylvania, PennWest plays an important role in providing access to higher education for the communities we serve. We thank the Richard King Mellon Foundation for their support to help us connect students with college opportunities all the while breaking down barriers to apply and enroll. We are thrilled to be engaged with Niche as we bring forward our direct admission program to students and families across western Pennsylvania and the commonwealth."
Students using direct admissions do not need to submit applications, letters of recommendation, or personal essays to be admitted to Kutztown, PennWest, and/or Shippensburg universities. Students can still apply to these institutions via a traditional application. The same admissions criteria apply to all students, regardless of their chosen admissions process.
"Times have changed. Today's students expect a modern, personalized, and transparent admissions process," says Luke Skurman, founder and CEO of Niche. "Forward-thinking schools like Kutztown, Shippensburg and PennWest, and the visionaries at the Richard King Mellon Foundation, recognize the need for higher education to innovate, especially if we're to do a better job reaching first-gen, Pell Grant eligible students and underrepresented communities."
Kutztown, PennWest, and Shippensburg universities are now actively offering Niche Direct Admissions to the high school class of 2025.
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Original text here: https://www.passhe.edu/news/releases/2024-11-22_three-PASSHE-universities-launch-direct-admissions-program.html
Texas A.G. Paxton Secures Over $100 Million in Environmental Penalties
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 23 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Over $100 Million in Environmental Penalties From Company Responsible for 2019 Chemical Manufacturing Plant Explosion
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement of the State's lawsuits against TPC Group Inc. and TPC Group, LLC, whose chemical manufacturing plant in Port Neches exploded in November 2019. The explosion forced thousands of Texans to evacuate their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday. The State's investigation indicated
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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 23 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Over $100 Million in Environmental Penalties From Company Responsible for 2019 Chemical Manufacturing Plant Explosion
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement of the State's lawsuits against TPC Group Inc. and TPC Group, LLC, whose chemical manufacturing plant in Port Neches exploded in November 2019. The explosion forced thousands of Texans to evacuate their homes during the Thanksgiving holiday. The State's investigation indicatedTPC knew the facility had problems but continued to operate anyway. The State also filed suit against TPC for violations at its Houston plant.
The State's lawsuits alleged that even after the explosion, TPC failed to comply with Texas air laws, operating equipment that did not meet the requirements of the company's air permits. The State's settlement in the Port Neches case requires TPC to repair or replace its equipment. The company also will pay penalties and fees of $12.6 million for the violations that took place after December 16, 2022.
Because TPC filed for bankruptcy in the wake of the explosion, violations prior to December 2022 were resolved in bankruptcy court. In August 2024, the bankruptcy trustee filed a Stipulation and Notice of Subordination Agreement agreeing to penalties of $150 million. The State voluntarily subordinated its claim to ensure individuals harmed by the 2019 explosion were made whole to the greatest extent allowed under bankruptcy law.
TPC has also pleaded guilty to criminal violations of the federal Clean Air Act.
"In Texas, we believe in ensuring all industries operate safely and being responsible stewards of our environment," said Attorney General Paxton. "These penalties send a clear message: operate responsibly to protect the health and safety of your fellow Texans, or face the consequences."
To read the settlement announcement in the Texas Register, click here (https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/pdf/backview/1122/1122ia.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-secures-over-100-million-environmental-penalties-company-responsible
S.C. A.G. Alan Wilson Asks U.S. Supreme Court to Limit Girls' Sports Teams to Biological Females
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Nov. 23 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news on Nov. 22, 2024:
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined 23 other states in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an Arizona case to protect girls' and women's sports.
"Sports teams are divided by sex to begin with to give girls a level playing field so they're not competing against boys," Attorney General Wilson said. "Arizona's law restricting girls' sports teams to biological females is just common sense, and it protects girls from competing against bigger, stronger males
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Nov. 23 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news on Nov. 22, 2024:
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson joined 23 other states in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an Arizona case to protect girls' and women's sports.
"Sports teams are divided by sex to begin with to give girls a level playing field so they're not competing against boys," Attorney General Wilson said. "Arizona's law restricting girls' sports teams to biological females is just common sense, and it protects girls from competing against bigger, stronger maleswho identify as females."
Attorneys general from 24 states are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case on Arizona's law after a federal appeals court ruled the law likely violates the Constitution's Equal Protection Clause.
In their friend-of-the-court brief to the Supreme Court, the attorneys general argue that their states also have laws or policies like Arizona's that restrict girls' sports teams to biological females.
"Basing the distinction on biology rather than gender identity makes sense because it is the differences in biology--not gender identity--that call for separate teams in the first place: Whatever their gender identity, biological males are, on average, stronger and faster than biological females. If those average physical differences did not matter, there would be no need to segregate sports teams at all," they write in their brief.
They're asking the Supreme Court to hear the case and reverse the lower court's ruling, to make it clear that the Constitution does not prohibit states from saving women's sports from unfair competition and providing meaningful athletic opportunities for girls and women.
Joining Attorney General Wilson are the attorneys general from Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wyoming.
You can read the brief here (https://www.scag.gov/media/4j4kblw2/2024-11-21-states-br-iso-petersen-pet-filed.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-asks-u-s-supreme-court-to-limit-girls-sports-teams-to-biological-females/
N.Y. State Comptroller Audit: Oakfield-Alabama Central School District - Procurement
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 23 -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2024M-103) on Nov. 22, 2024, entitled "Oakfield-Alabama Central School District - Procurement."
Here are excerpts:
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Audit Objective
Determine whether the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District (District) officials complied with New York State General Municipal Law (GML) and District policy when procuring goods and services.
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Key Findings
District officials did not always comply with GML Section 103 and Section 104-b or the District's procurement policy and supplemental
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ALBANY, New York, Nov. 23 -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2024M-103) on Nov. 22, 2024, entitled "Oakfield-Alabama Central School District - Procurement."
Here are excerpts:
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Audit Objective
Determine whether the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District (District) officials complied with New York State General Municipal Law (GML) and District policy when procuring goods and services.
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Key Findings
District officials did not always comply with GML Section 103 and Section 104-b or the District's procurement policy and supplementalprocedures (Policy) when procuring goods and services. Of the 62 purchases totaling $4.9 million that were tested, District officials did not have evidence that goods and services totaling $930,806 were competitively procured. Officials did not:
* Verify that three purchases totaling $167,619 met the "piggybacking" prerequisites and did not obtain competitive bids for a $54,235 public works contract, as required.
* Obtain competitive pricing for 26 purchases and public works contracts totaling $107,441.
* Request proposals within the last five years for six professional service and insurance coverage purchases totaling $601,511.
As a result, there is an increased risk that goods and services were not obtained at a favorable cost. For example, for three purchases totaling $14,146, officials may have saved $4,055 or 29 percent had officials competitively procured the goods. Officials also paid $8,641 for software it did not need because they did not cancel the software license renewal timely.
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Background
The District is located in the Towns of Alabama, Batavia, Elba, Oakfield and Pembroke in Genesee County. The District is governed by an elected seven-member Board of Education (Board) responsible for the general management and control of financial and educational affairs.
The Superintendent of Schools (Superintendent) is the chief executive officer responsible, along with other administrative staff, for the District's day-to-day management under the Board's direction. The School Business Administrator (Administrator) oversees the District's business operations and is also the Board-appointed purchasing agent. The purchasing agent is responsible for ensuring all goods and services are procured in the most prudent and economical manner possible and in compliance with statutory requirements and District policy.
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Recommendations
The audit report includes nine recommendations which, if implemented, will improve the District's procurement practices. District officials generally agreed with our findings and recommendations and indicated that they have initiated corrective action. Appendix B includes our comment on an issue raised in the District's response.
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The report is posted at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/local-government/audits/2024/pdf/oakfield-alabama-central-school-district-2024-103.pdf
N.Y. Gov. Hochul Signs New Legislation to Tackle Maternal Mortality Crisis, Support Pregnant Moms
ALBANY, New York, Nov. 23 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed two new laws to increase the resources available for pregnant mothers. These laws will expand the information available to expectant mothers, so they are fully informed when they select a maternal health care provider, and will also expand Medicaid coverage to certain telemedicine procedures. Governor Hochul has prioritized addressing the maternal mortality crisis, including by creating the nation's first-ever paid prenatal leave initiative, which takes
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ALBANY, New York, Nov. 23 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed two new laws to increase the resources available for pregnant mothers. These laws will expand the information available to expectant mothers, so they are fully informed when they select a maternal health care provider, and will also expand Medicaid coverage to certain telemedicine procedures. Governor Hochul has prioritized addressing the maternal mortality crisis, including by creating the nation's first-ever paid prenatal leave initiative, which takeseffect on January 1.
"The sad truth is that our nation is facing a maternal health crisis," Governor Hochul said. "Here in New York, we are addressing that crisis head on by passing new laws and implementing bold policies to protect the health and well-being of moms and babies. These two new laws are the next step in our efforts to fight maternal mortality and support New York families."
Legislation S.3610/A.5576 expands the information provided to prospective maternity patients about the facility including policies on safety drills for obstetric emergencies and transfers of critically ill pregnant patients and infants. New York State continues to support information accessibility for pregnant mothers as they make important and informed decisions on the facility they will choose for their maternal healthcare and that of their infant.
Legislation S.7690/A.8168 provides Medicaid coverage for remote ultrasound scans and remote fetal non-stress tests, providing increased support to pregnant mothers and their families.
State Senator Lea Webb said, "I am proud that my legislation to improve maternal health outcomes and combat racial and economic disparities for mothers and all birthing people have been signed into law by Governor Hochul. We know that some of the key factors driving the maternal mortality crisis are poor access to prenatal care providers and cost barriers like insurance coverage, transportation, or an inability to take off work to get to appointments. My legislation (S.7690) aims to address this issue by ensuring remote ultrasound scans and remote fetal non-stress tests are covered by Medicaid, increasing access to routine prenatal care for patients who lack transportation or live in rural areas. Additionally, S.3610 will provide information and increase transparency so that maternity patients can make informed decisions about their care and the care of their infants before they are admitted to a hospital or birthing center. I want to thank my Assembly colleagues Paulin and Sillitti and for sponsoring this legislation, the Senate Majority Leader, and Governor Kathy Hochul for signing it into law."
Assemblywoman Gina Sillitti said, "I am thankful that the Governor is signing my bill, A.5576, into law. This common-sense legislation will ensure that pregnant women receive transparent and essential information about their birthing facility, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care. By promoting patient safety, quality improvement, and access to bereavement support, New York continues to make significant strides toward enhancing maternal health outcomes across the state."
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said, "We know how important prenatal care is to positive maternal health outcomes. We also know how important telemedicine is for those who live in healthcare deserts or who struggle with cost barriers. This new law will help take away those barriers, enhance access to care, and ultimately improve health outcomes for New York's mothers and babies."
State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "I thank Governor Hochul for continuing to address maternal health in New York. This legislation will improve maternal health outcomes, eliminate health disparities and provide all people who give birth opportunities to experience pregnancies and deliveries that are healthy, safe and empowering."
Governor Hochul's FY2025 Executive Budget passed by the Legislature included a first-in-the-nation paid prenatal leave policy. Through mandating a separate sick leave bank for prenatal care, New York will go further than any other state to ensure pregnant employees can receive the health care needed to create healthy outcomes for parent and child without jeopardizing employment. Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, employees are able to receive an additional 20 hours of paid sick leave for prenatal care in addition to the existing sick leave.
Studies show that prenatal health care is highly correlated with improved health outcomes for mothers and infants -- pregnant mothers who have access to regular prenatal medical visits are less likely to die in childbirth, and their newborns are more likely to be healthy.
Providing prenatal leave builds on Governor Hochul's previous actions to support new parents and improve maternal health outcomes, including offering 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave benefits to more than 80 percent of the state workforce, and extending postpartum coverage for up to a full year after the end of a pregnancy for Medicaid and Child Health Plus enrollees.
In addition, the FY25 Budget also includes financial incentives for hospitals to reduce the number of unnecessary C-sections, and eliminates cost-sharing for certain pregnancy-related expenses -- such as prenatal and postpartum visits -- for Essential Plan and Qualified Health Plan enrollees.
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Legislation S.3610/A.5576 Expands Access to Information Regarding Maternal Health Facilities
Legislation S.7690/A.8168 Provides Medicaid Coverage for Maternal Procedures Through Telemedicine
Governor Hochul Has Prioritized Maternal Health, Including by Creating First-In-The-Nation Paid Prenatal Leave for Pregnant Moms
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-signs-new-legislation-tackle-maternal-mortality-crisis-and-support-pregnant
N.J. A.G. Platkin Releases Identities of Decedent, Guttenberg Police Officer Involved in Police Encounter on Nov. 12, 2024
TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 23 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
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UPDATE: AG's Office Releases Identities of the Decedent and Guttenberg Police Officer Involved in Fatal Police Encounter on November 12, 2024
The Attorney General's Office today identified the decedent and the officer involved in a death following a foot pursuit that occurred on November 12, 2024, in Guttenberg, Hudson County, New Jersey. The civilian who died during that encounter has been identified as Brandon Lee Ortega, 26, of Mexia, Texas.
According to
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Nov. 23 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
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UPDATE: AG's Office Releases Identities of the Decedent and Guttenberg Police Officer Involved in Fatal Police Encounter on November 12, 2024
The Attorney General's Office today identified the decedent and the officer involved in a death following a foot pursuit that occurred on November 12, 2024, in Guttenberg, Hudson County, New Jersey. The civilian who died during that encounter has been identified as Brandon Lee Ortega, 26, of Mexia, Texas.
According tothe preliminary investigation, at approximately 11:02 p.m. on November 12, 2024, officers from the Guttenberg Police Department responded to 68th Street and Bellevue Avenue after a 911 call was received reporting a disturbance. Officers were provided with a description of the individuals involved in the reported disturbance, including that an individual, later identified as Ortega, was armed with a gun.
Guttenberg Police Officer Brandon Sauerwald located Ortega in the area of 7000 John F. Kennedy Blvd. East and, after a foot chase, Ortega climbed over a railing adjacent to the building and fell to his death over an embankment. Fire department and EMS personnel responded and Ortega was pronounced deceased at the scene. A gun was recovered on Ortega's person at the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and no further information is being released at this time.
A 2019 law, N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), requires the Attorney General's Office to conduct investigations of a person's death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer's official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the officer or officers involved.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/update-ags-office-releases-identities-of-the-decedent-and-guttenberg-police-officer-involved-in-fatal-police-encounter-on-november-12-2024/
Fla. Gov. DeSantis Makes 2 Judicial Appointments
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Nov. 23 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
Governor Ron DeSantis announces two judicial appointments to the Orange County Court.
Heather Guarch, of Winter Park, to serve as Judge on the Orange County Court
Guarch has served as a Regional Legal Advisor for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement since 2018. Previously, she served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and her juris doctor from the University of Baltimore. Guarch fills
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Nov. 23 -- Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Florida, issued the following news release on Nov. 22, 2024:
Governor Ron DeSantis announces two judicial appointments to the Orange County Court.
Heather Guarch, of Winter Park, to serve as Judge on the Orange County Court
Guarch has served as a Regional Legal Advisor for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement since 2018. Previously, she served as an Assistant State Attorney in the Ninth Judicial Circuit.
She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and her juris doctor from the University of Baltimore. Guarch fillsthe judicial vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.
Mark Miller, of Orlando, to serve as Judge on the Orange County Court
Miller is the Owner of the Law Offices of Mark S. Miller. Previously, he was a Managing Attorney at Morgan and Morgan.
He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Florida A&M College of Law. Miller fills the judicial vacancy created by the enactment of HB 5401.
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Original text here: https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2024/governor-ron-desantis-makes-two-judicial-appointments-5
