More than half the nation’s states are exploring or implementing sector strategies, making them the most consistently adopted approach to meeting businesses’ need for skilled workers and workers’ need for good jobs, according to a report released by the National Governors Association (NGA), the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and the National Skills Coalition.

The governors focused on the current conditions and challenges faced by states and discussed the governors’ collective vision for 2013.
State of the States Video

To improve birth outcomes in the United States, the National Governors Association (NGA) today announced the selection of four states—Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana and Michigan—to participate in a Learning Network on Improving Birth Outcomes.  

One way states could increase access to primary care for their residents is to consider easing their scope of practice restrictions and modifying their reimbursement policies to increase the role of nurse practitioners in providing primary care, according to a new paper released today by the National Governors Association (NGA). 

The conference report released yesterday made significant improvements from the Air Force’s earlier proposals, which would have disproportionately cut the Air National Guard. While the Armed Services committees did not adopt a full freeze for 2013, we appreciate the adjustments made to address some of governors’ concerns about manpower, mobility aircraft and fighter aircraft.

Governors can play an active role in improving how state and local agencies work together to produce useful homeland security and public health information during a disaster, according to a new issue brief released today by the National Governors Association. 

Lingering effects of the recent recession and the uncertainty surrounding proposals to reduce federal debt and cuts in federal funds flowing to states are still hampering state budgets, according to the The Fiscal Survey of States, released today by the National Governors Association (NGA) and the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO).

We are grateful for the opportunity to meet with the President to discuss the fiscal cliff and its implications for states. States and the federal government have important responsibilities and obligations to our citizens. While each governor has a unique set of circumstances in his or her state, all of us feel it is important to find solutions that will put our country back on firm, financial footing. 

Veteran governors welcomed governors-elect this weekend for an executive-style retreat to help them prepare for service as state chief executives during the National Governors Association (NGA) Seminar for New Governors.
Photos | Press Conference Audio

With continued strains on state budgets, governors are finding innovative ways to do more with less across state government. 

The National Governors Association (NGA) today unveiled a new website, State Health Policy Options. 

Governors serve as commanders-in-chief of their state’s National Guard forces, the only military force that a governor can call upon to respond to disasters and other emergencies. This paper highlights the success of the nation’s governors in codifying Dual Status Command, which ensures coordination between state and federal military forces during disaster response.

Governors play a critical role in ensuring teachers and principals are prepared to support students in meeting the expectations of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for K-12 English language arts/literacy and mathematics, according to a new issue brief released today by the National Governors Association. 

In an effort to address the challenges presented by the growth of cyber attacks and threats against the United States, the National Governors Association (NGA) today announced the creation of the Resource Center for State Cybersecurity (Resource Center) to be led by Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder. 

To increase student achievement, more states are pursuing reforms in both early care and education (ECE) programs and K-12, according to Governor’s Role in Aligning Early Education and K-12 Reforms: Challenges, Opportunities, and Benefits for Children, a new white paper released today by the National Governors Association. 

The executive directors of the Big Seven state and local associations today released draft “Pension Funding Policy Guidelines” for state and local governments. 

Prescription drug abuse is the fastest growing drug problem in the United States, and the nation’s governors play a critical role in developing and implementing a coordinated and effective response.  

Current economic realities provide governors a unique opportunity to review their states’ economic landscapes and propose critical changes to consolidate and streamline their approaches to economic development, according to an issue brief released today by the National Governors Association (NGA).  

The National Governors Association (NGA) today announced the new leadership of NGA’s four standing committees for the 2012-2013 year.  

The United States industrial sector accounts for about one-third of the nation’s energy use, and governors are looking for ways to improve its energy efficiency and enhance economic development. 

The nation’s governors appreciate the FirstNet board appointments made today by the Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA); however, governors are disappointed by the failure to provide states with adequate and appropriate representation by current state officials.  

The National Governors Association (NGA) today announced that Nashville, Tennessee, will host the nation’s governors for its 2014 Annual Meeting, July 10-13.  

The National Governors Association (NGA) today announced the selection of three states—Maryland, Missouri and Nevada—to receive assistance in mapping and executing the postsecondary implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).  

Governors are advancing several new state policy innovations to reduce energy consumption and increase the amount of energy produced from renewable sources, such as the wind or the sun, according to an issue brief released today by the National Governors Association (NGA). 

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam testified before the House Committee on the Judiciary supporting legislation that allows states to collect and remit state sales taxes from online companies that do not have a physical presence in the state.