| Executive Committee Letters |
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November 18, 2009
November 18, 2009 letter (from Governor Douglas and Governor Manchin) to House and Senate Leadership urging Congress to pass S. 1261, the “Providing for Additional Security in States’ Identification Act” (PASS ID), this year. |
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November 3, 2009
November 3, 2009 letter (from the "Big Seven" organizations representing state and local government elected officials) to Secretary Janet Napolitano urging the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider its recent policy announcement restricting the use of preparedness grant funding for the sustainment of critical homeland security and emergency management capabilities. |
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November 2, 2009
November 2, 2009 letter (from Governor Douglas and Governor Manchin) to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki requesting that the VA suspend implementation of section 211(a) of the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461) – commonly referred to as the 70% program – and review payment procedures to State Veterans Homes (SVH) to ensure that implementation does not have the unintended effect of reducing the accessibility of veterans with service-connected disabilities to the health care they deserve. |
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October 19, 2009
October 19, 2009 letter (from Governor O'Malley and Governor Gibbons) to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano urging the Department of Homeland Security to revise its policy regarding the use of preparedness grant funding to allow for the sustainment of critical homeland security and emergency management capabilities. |
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October 5, 2009
October 5, 2009 letter (from Governor O'Malley and Governor Gibbons) to Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison expressing thanks for their leadership in efforts to extend the statutory deadline for the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program to September 30, 2012. (Identical letter sent to U.S. Representative Jane Harman, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman and Ranking Member Joe Barton). |
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August 20, 2009
August 20, 2009 letter (from Governor Douglas and Governor Manchin) to Senate Committee on Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin and Ranking Member John McCain opposing efforts to provide the Secretary of Defense with expanded authorities to assist in the response to domestic disasters. |
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August 7, 2009
August 7, 2009 letter (from Governor Douglas and Governor Manchin) to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs, Paul Stockton, expressing opposition to a Department of Defense legislative proposal to provide the Secretary of Defense with expanded authorities to assist in the response to domestic disasters. |
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July 13, 2009
July 13, 2009 letter (from Governor Perdue, Governor Sanford, Governor O'Malley and Governor Gibbons) to Senator Leahy and Senator Bond expressing gratitude for their introduction of the National Guard Empowerment and State-National Defense Integration Act of 2009. |
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May 14, 2009
May 14, 2009 letter to Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison urging Congress to extend until September 30, 2012 the statutory deadline for the Public Safety Interoperable Communications (PSIC) Grant Program. (Identical copies sent to leadership for the following committes: Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Senate Appropriations, House Energy and Commerce, House Homeland Security and House Appropriations.) |
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March 19, 2009
March 19, 2009 letter (from Governor Perdue and Governor Sanford) to President Obama urging quick establishment of the bipartisan Council of Governors (Governors Council) required by the National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007. |
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February 13, 2009
February 13, 2009 letter (from Governor Rendell and Governor Douglas) to House and Senate leadership stating that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) represents a critical step in a unified effort by states and the federal government to speed recovery and create jobs for millions of Americans and expressing appreciation for the level of investment Congress is making in states to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure, and provide core services for citizens that need them in these difficult economic times. |
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February 5, 2009
February 5, 2009 letter (from Governor Rendell and Governor Douglas) to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing strong opposition to any amendment that would create new restrictions on state Medicaid programs with respect to benefits, reimbursement rates and eligibility determinations. |
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October 27, 2008
October 27, 2008 letter (from the principals of the National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, The Council of State Governments, National Association of Counties, National League of Cities and International City/County Management Association) to House and Senate leadership encouraging Congress to assist state and local governments by including a temporary increase in the federal matching rate for Medicaid and additional funds for infrastructure investment in a national economic recovery package. |
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October 27, 2008
October 27, 2008 letter (from Governor Rendell and Governor Douglas) to House and Senate leadership calling on Congress to pass an economic recovery package this session that includes additional funding for Medicaid and investments in our nation’s infrastructure. |
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September 29, 2008
September 25, 2008 letter (from the "Big Seven" organizations representing state and local government elected officials) to both presidential candidates requesting an opportunity to meet with the president-elect and members of the transition team to discuss how best to develop a strong federal-state-local partnership during the new Administration. |
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May 21, 2008
May 21, 2008 letter (from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell) to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus and Ranking Member Grassley, and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member McCrery urging Congress to extend expiring tax provisions for renewable energy efficiency, research and development and the deductibility of state sales taxes. |
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April 24, 2008
April 24, 2008 Letter (from Governor Easley and Governor Sanford) to National Guard Caucus members Senator Leahy, Senator Bond, Representative Taylor and Representative Davis thanking them for their leadership in the passage of several provisions to enhance and empower the National Guard that were included in the fiscal year (FY) 2008 Defense Authorization Act. |
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March 20, 2008
March 20, 2008 letter (from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell) to House and Senate leadership asking for a commitment to REAL ID by providing $1 billion this year for states for their upfront costs and committing to cover ongoing state costs in the years to come. |
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March 20, 2008
March 20, 2008 letter (from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell) to House and Senate appropriations committee leadership asking for a commitment to REAL ID by providing $1 billion this year for states for their upfront costs and committing to cover ongoing state costs in the years to come. |
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March 20, 2008
March 20, 2008 letter (from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell) to the President asking for a commitment to REAL ID by providing $1 billion this year for states for their upfront costs and committing to cover ongoing state costs in the years to come. |
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January 30, 2008
January 30, 2008 letter (from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell) to Senator John Rockefeller in support of his amendment to the economic stimulus package which includes $6 billion in a block grant and $6 billion in additional Medicaid assistance to states. |
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January 28, 2008
January 28, 2008 letter (from 39 Governors) to House and Senate leadership calling on Congress to include $12 billion in funding as part of any federal legislation to stimulate the economy. |
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January 23, 2008
January 23, 2008 letter (from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell) to The President calling on The Administration to include $12 billion in funding as part of any federal legislation to stimulate the economy. |
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January 23, 2008
January 23, 2008 letter (from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell) calling on Congress to include $12 billion in funding as part of any federal legislation to stimulate the economy. |
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October 16, 2007
October 16, 2007 letter (from Governor Easley and Governor Sanford) to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain, and to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter, outlining four essentials elements to be addressed in the FY 2008 House and Senate Defense authorization bills. |
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October 2, 2007
October 2, 2007 letter (from the executive directors of 10 state and local government organizations) to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers and Ranking Member Smith, and to Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law Chairwoman Sanchez and Ranking Member Cannon expressing appreciation for cosponsoring the Internet Tax Freedom Act Amendments Act of 2007 (H.R. 3678), which addresses the principles necessary for a fair extension of the Internet tax moratorium in a manner that benefits consumers, is fair to industry, and preserves existing state and local authority. |
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September 26, 2007
September 26, 2007 letter (from the executive directors of 10 state and local government organizations) to Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Inouye and Ranking Member Stevens urging them to support the ITFA Extension Act of 2007 (S. 1453), which calls for a reasonable extension of the Internet Tax Freedom Act that would benefit consumers, be fair to industry and preserve existing state and local authority. |
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September 12, 2007
September 12, 2007 letter (from Governor Minner and Governor Gibbons) to OMB Director Nussle requesting that he consider the release of the Real ID regulations in a timely manner and provide the significant investment necessary to meet the requirements of this federal mandate. |
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July 24, 2007
July 24, 2007 letter (from 43 Governors) to Senate Majority Leader Reid, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Boehner calling for the timely reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) prior to September 30, 2007. |
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July 24, 2007
July 24, 2007 letter (from 43 Governors) to the President calling for the timely reauthorization of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) prior to September 30, 2007 |
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July 20, 2007
July 20, 2007 letter (from Governor Napolitano and Governor Pawlenty) to Senate Majority Leader Reid, Senate Minority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Boehner offering strategies from the states on competitiveness and presenting recommendations about the America COMPETES Act of 2007 (S. 761) and the 21st Century Competitiveness Act of 2007 (H.R. 2272). |
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July 18, 2007
July 18, 2007 letter (from Governor Minner and Governor Gibbons) to Secretary Chertoff emphasizing the need for DHS to prioritize its relationship with states and support the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP). |
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July 13, 2007
July 13, 2007 letter (from Governor Easley and Governor Sanford) to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Levin and Ranking Member McCain on National Guard issues relating to the 2007 National Defense Authorization Act. (Identical letter also sent to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Duncan)
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May 17, 2007
May 17, 2007 letter (from Governor Napolitano and Governor Pawlenty) to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Byrd and Ranking Member Cochran, and to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Obey and Ranking Member Lewis asking that the fiscal year 2008 Homeland Security appropriations bill provide $1 billion to cover the up front state costs of implementing Real ID. |
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May 16, 2007
May 16, 2007 letter (from Governor Minner and Governor Gibbons) to Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Byrd and Ranking Member Cochran asking that they fund the State Homeland Security Grant Program at the FY 2005 level of $1.1 billion (Identical letter also sent to House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Chairman Price and Ranking Member Rogers) |
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May 8, 2007
May 8, 2007 letter (from NGA executive director Raymond C. Scheppach, NCSL executive director William T. Pound, and AAMVA interim president and CEO Michael R. Calvin) to the Department of Homeland Security submitting comments and recommendations in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on minimum standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards (Real ID). |
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March 19, 2007
March 19, 2007 letter (from Governor Napolitano and Governor Pawlenty) to House Budget Committee Chairman Spratt and Ranking Member Ryan requesting adequate budget authority to reequip Army and Air National Guard units. |
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March 19, 2007
March 19, 2007 letter (from Ray Scheppach) to Acting Administrator Leslie Norwalk regarding Proposed Rule to the Medicaid Program on cost limit for public providers. |
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March 19, 2007
March 19, 2007 letter (from Governor Napolitano and Governor Pawlenty) to House Budget Committee Chairman Spratt and Ranking Member Ryan requesting that the committee provide adequate budget authority to fund Real ID. |
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February 23, 2007
February 23, 2007 letter (from Governor Easley and Governor Sanford) to Senator Leahy and Senator Bond agreeing with the overall objectives of the National Guard Empowerment Act of 2007, specifically stating that the dual mission of the Guard should be preserved and promoted; that the Guard should receive training and equipment to handle is dual mission; and that assistance should be provided to employers who support the Guard. (Identical letter also sent to Rep. Davis and Rep. Taylor.) |
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February 8, 2007
February 8, 2007 letter (from the executive directors of the Big Seven state and local government organizations) to Government Accounting Standards Board Chairman Robert H. Attmore urging the board to reject a proposed staff project to develop new reporting requirements for Service Efforts and Accomplishments by state and local government. |
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February 5, 2007
February 5, 2007 letter (from Governor Easley and Governor Sanford) to Senator Leahy and Senator Bond opposing the inclusion of a provision in the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act that expanded the President’s authority under the Insurrection Act to federalize the National Guard during certain emergencies and disasters. (Identical letter also sent to Senator Levin/Senator McCain, Rep. Skelton/Rep. Hunter, and Rep. Taylor/Rep. Davis.)
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January 26, 2007
January 26, 2007 (from Governor Easley and Governor Sanford) to Chairman Arnold Punaro of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves offering comments on the objectives of the National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006, specifically stating that the dual mission of the Guard should be preserved and promoted; that the Guard should receive training and equipment to handle is dual mission; and that assistance should be provided to employers who support the Guard. |
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December 4, 2006
December 4, 2006 letter (from Governor Napolitano and Governor Pawlenty) to OMB Director Portman encouraging the administration to work with governors in advance of proposing reforms to state-federal programs. |
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August 31, 2006
August 31, 2006 letter (from Governor Napolitano, Governor Pawlenty, Governor Easley, and Governor Sanford) to Secretary Rumsfeld opposing provisions in the House- and Senate-passed versions of the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the President to federalize the National Guard of the states in certain emergencies and disasters. |
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August 31, 2006
August 31, 2006 letter (from Governor Napolitano, Governor Pawlenty, Governor Easley, and Governor Sanford) to the House and Senate leadership opposing provisions in the House- and Senate-passed versions of the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the President to federalize the National Guard of the states in certain emergencies and disasters. |
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August 6, 2006
August 6, 2006 letter (from 51 Governors) to the House and Senate leadership opposing a provision in the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the President to federalize the National Guard of the states in certain circumstances without the consent of the Governors. |
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August 1, 2006
August 1, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to House Armed Services Committee Chairman Hunter and Ranking Member Skelton opposing a provision in the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the President to federalize the National Guard of the states in certain circumstances without the consent of the Governors. |
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August 1, 2006
August 1, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Warner and Ranking Member Levin opposing a provision in the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the President to federalize the National Guard of the states in certain circumstances without the consent of the Governors. |
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June 27, 2006
June 27, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Leavitt expressing the Governors’ opposition to the administrative changes to Medicaid proposed in the fiscal year 2007 budget.
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June 12, 2006
June 12, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Medicaid Commission Chairman Sundquist and Vice Chairman King urging the commission to consider further reforms to strengthen and improve the sustainability of the Medicaid program. |
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June 1, 2006
June 1, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Baucus expressing the Governors’ strong opposition to the Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2006 (S. 2721). |
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May 31, 2006
May 31, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Senator Bond and Senator Leahy requesting that Congress preserve the dual mission of the Guard, ensure that the Guard receives adequate training and equipment to handle its state and federal missions, provide adequate health benefits for the Guard, and offer support for employers of the Guard in the National Defense Enhancement and National Guard Empowerment Act of 2006. (Identical letter also sent to Rep. Davis and Rep. Taylor.)
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April 26, 2006
April 26, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Secretary Rumsfeld urging him to work closely with governors regarding any changes to the role or structure of the National Guard. |
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March 29, 2006
March 29, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Sensenbrenner and Ranking Member Conyers expressing the Governors’ strong opposition to the Business Activity Tax Simplification Act (H.R. 1956).
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February 3, 2006
February 3, 2006 letter (from 52 Governors) to the President opposing planned force reductions in the Army and Air National Guard and requesting that returning Guard units be re-equipped
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January 19, 2006
January 19, 2006 letter (from Governor Huckabee, Governor Napolitano, Governor Kempthorne, and Governor Easley) to U.S. Department of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld stating that the nation’s Governors will strongly oppose force reductions in the Army and Air National Guard |
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December 5, 2005
December 5, 2005 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to the House and Senate leadership outlining NGA positions on conference issues regarding spending reconciliation legislation |
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November 29, 2005
November 29, 2005 letter (from NGA executive director Raymond C. Scheppach, NCSL executive director William T. Pound, and AAMVA president and CEO Linda R. Lewis-Pickett) to Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Planning Stewart A. Baker on the consultation process for developing standards and regulations regarding the implementation of the REAL ID statute |
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October 18, 2005
October 18, 2005 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Senators Frist, Reid, Grassley and Baucus reiterating governors' positions on 1) the need to make states whole for Medicaid and other services provided to survivors of Hurricane Katrina; and 2) governors' continued support for NGA's recommended Medicaid flexibilities and opposition to proposals that would simply shift costs from the federal government to states. |
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October 6, 2005
October 6, 2005 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Secretary Chertoff expressing Governors’ concerns about the implementation of the REAL ID statute and asking the Secretary to include Governors in the process for developing regulations. |
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September 27, 2005
September 27, 2005 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy offering support and clarifications for their comprehensive Katrina rescue package to assist displaced students |
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September 21, 2005
September 21, 2005 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Baucus expressing support for their Katrina relief package. |
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September 13, 2005
September 13, 2005 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to Senate Majority Leader Frist and Senate Minority Leader Reid, and to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Grassley and Ranking Member Baucus requesting full federal financing for the health care needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuees |
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September 13, 2005
September 13, 2005 letter (from Governor Huckabee and Governor Napolitano) to House Speaker Hastert and Minority Leader Pelosi, and to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Barton and Ranking Member Dingell requesting full federal financing for the health care needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuees |
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May 13, 2005
May 13, 2005 letter (from Governor Warner and Governor Huckabee) to Senator Voinovich expressing support for federal legislation to specifically authorize state tax incentive statutes. |
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March 28, 2005
March 28, 2005 letter (from Governor Warner and Governor Huckabee) to Senate Majority Leader Frist and Senate Minority Leader Reid expressing concerns about proposed Association Health Plan legislation (identical letters also sent to Speaker Hastert and House Minority Leader Pelosi; Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy; House Education and the Workforce Committee Chairman Boehner and Ranking Member Miller. |
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February 8, 2005
February 8, 2005 letter (from NGA executive director Ray Scheppach and AAMVA president and CEO Linda Lewis) to Speaker Hastert, House Majority Leader DeLay, and House Minority Leader Pelosi expressing opposition to mandatory driver's license provisions in H.R. 418 and H.R. 368.
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December 22, 2004
December 22, 2004 letter (from Governor Warner and Governor Huckabee) to the congressional leadership stating that working with them to reform the Medicaid system is the Governors' highest priority, but that such reforms must not be a part of the fiscal year 2006 budget reduction and reconciliation process (identical letter also personalized to the President, Secretary Thompson, House and Senate Budget Committee Chairs and Ranking Members, Senate Finance Committee Chair and Ranking Member, and House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair and Ranking Member) |
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October 19, 2004
October 19, 2004 letter (from Governor Romney and Governor Minner) to Senator Collins and conferees identifying NGA's positions on first responder grant provisions in the House and Senate intelligence reform bills.
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October 15, 2004
October 15, 2004 letter (from Ray Scheppach, NGA, and Linda Lewis, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators) to Senator Collins and conferees urging them to support the Senate driver's license provision in intelligence reform legislation.
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October 7, 2004
October 7, 2004 letter (from Governor Warner and Governor Huckabee) to Senator Voinovich supporting the intent of his legislation (S. 2881), which would clarify that certain tax incentive statutes used by states should continue.
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April 27, 2004
April 27, 2004 letter (from Governor Henry and Governor Rounds) to Senate Majority Leader Frist and Senate Democratic Leader Daschle opposing the McCain substitute to S. 150 and supporting the Alexander/Carper compromise (S. 2084) on Internet access tax moratorium legislation.
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November 20, 2003
November 20, 2003 letter (from Governor Minner and Governor Romney) to Chairman Cox providing comments on several provisions in first responder grant program authorization legislation (H.R. 3266) |
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October 22, 2003
October 22, 2003 letter (from Governor Henry and Governor Rounds) to Senator Frist and Senator Daschle opposing S. 150, the Internet Tax Non-discrimination Act. |
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September 17, 2003
September 17 letter (from NGA, NCSL, CSG, NCL, USCM, NACo, and ICMA) to Chairman McCain, Senator Hollings, Chairman Sensenbrenner, and Rep. Conyers expressing concern that while state and local government officials do not oppose the moratorium on state and local taxation of Internet access, language to extend the moratorium to certain telecommunications services is too broad and could result in significant revenue losses for state and local governments. |
