Updates from the NGA Membership Team for December 2023. For more about the programs below and a list of upcoming events please email us at: membership@nga.org.
National Apprenticeship Week
NGA Promotes Governors’ Leadership Advancing Apprenticeship Opportunities
National Apprenticeship Week was observed November 13-19.
As Governors across the country have been leading efforts to advance apprenticeship opportunities in their states, commonwealths and territories, NGA promoted Governors’ related activities and policies throughout Apprenticeship Week to help illuminate the significant work happening in recent years.
NGA also released the new publication “Registered Apprenticeship Programs” to highlight the significance of these programs as one of several strategies and opportunities that employers and states can implement and offer to individuals as a viable path toward securing and prospering in a career.
NGA Holiday Reception
Governor Carney Speaks at NGA Holiday Event
This week, Delaware Governor John Carney spoke at a holiday reception NGA hosted for Governors’ State-Federal Affairs Representatives, NGA Partners and guests from Capitol Hill and the Administration.
Governor Carney offered words of appreciation for the service of state employees, including those who work for Governors.
The event provided a chance for NGA to extend appreciation to all of the Governors, Governors’ staff members and NGA Partners who have worked closely with NGA throughout the past year to help amplify the bipartisan leadership of the nation’s Governors.
Save the Date: NGA 2024 Winter Meeting
NGA 2024 Winter Meeting Scheduled February 22-24
NGA will bring Governors, Governors’ Spouses and Governors’ staff together with NGA partners, Congressional leaders and invited guests from February 22-24, 2024, for the NGA 2024 Winter Meeting.
Registration and business sessions will be located at the Marriott Marquis located at 901 Massachusetts Avenue in Washington, D.C.
First Spouses
NGA Highlights First Spouses’ Efforts to Promote Service Projects
To help mark the Thanksgiving holiday and Giving Tuesday, NGA released “Giving Thanks, Giving Back” to highlight the nation’s First Spouses’ work to promote service projects and volunteer opportunities.
The publication also explores the service component Utah First Lady Abby Cox is leading as part of NGA Chair Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s NGA Chair’s Initiative Disagree Better. At the most recent Disagree Better roundtable, Governors joined convening attendees and volunteers to create food boxes for college students in need and interact with Unified Sports athletes.
In addition to the initiatives noted in the new piece, NGA’s website provides information about the initiatives First Spouses are leading in their states, commonwealths and territories.
Communications Spotlight
Governors Cox and Polis Speak with Face the Nation
Last week, NGA Chair Utah Governor Spencer Cox and NGA Vice Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis conducted an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation.
During the interview, the Governors discussed the need for healthy disagreement in order to solve complicated issues, such as immigration.
A transcript of the conversation can be found here. Watch the interview here and below.
Request for Dates of State of the State Addresses
NGA maintains a resource to provide details about Governors’ state of the state, territory or commonwealth addresses, including the dates of the addresses as well as links to transcripts and/or video of the addresses.
Each year, NGA closely monitors Governors’ state of the state addresses to help inform the organization’s overall communications strategy.
As offices schedule and announce the dates of the upcoming addresses, we welcome receiving notification of the date so the NGA resource can be updated accordingly.
Government Relations
Governors Encouraged by CHIPS Selection, Call for Acceleration of Awards to Advance American Competitiveness
This week, NGA Chair Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Vice Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis released a statement following the U.S. Department of Commerce’s selection for funding the first major commercial fabrication facility in the United States.
The text of the Governors’ statement can be found here and below.
Two NGA Employees Recognized by The Hill
NGA congratulates two of its Government Relations professionals who have been recognized for their advocacy work on behalf of Governors. Tiffany Waddell and Richard Lukas have been named by the national publication The Hill to its annual list of top lobbyists in Washington, D.C.
The list recognizes “impactful advocates [who] stand out for the results they’ve delivered for their clients, companies, trade associations and advocacy groups in the nation’s capital,” especially related to work to help navigate several “major legislative packages – namely the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and CHIPS and Science Act.”
As a result of their advocacy, Tiffany and Richard have deep knowledge of the legislation and will continue to serve as resources on these and other pieces of federal legislation.
The recognition of their work advocating for the priorities of the nation’s Governors is well-deserved, and NGA congratulates Tiffany and Richard.
Center for Best Practices – Vice Chair’s Corner
NGA’s Vice Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis leads the Center for Best Practices.
Governor Lamont Leads IIJA Discussion
Last month, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont hosted local officials and infrastructure stakeholders from around Connecticut to discuss implementation of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA).
Representatives from various state agencies were on hand to share insights, and the Governor led a panel focused on Connecticut’s economic and community growth and revitalization.
The event also featured a regional discussion with Governor-appointed Infrastructure Coordinators from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island.
NGA Releases WIOA Resource
NGA released the resource “State and Territory WIOA Title I Allocations Since 2014.”
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) authorizes federal funding for state and local workforce development activities. Through WIOA Title I, states and territories receive formula funds on an annual basis to support workforce development activities for unemployed or underemployed youth, adults and dislocated workers.
In Fiscal Year 2023, Congress provided $948 million to support WIOA Youth Workforce Investment, $885 million to support Adult Employment and Training and $1.095 billion to support Dislocated Worker Employment and Training.
NGA’s latest resource provides detailed information about WIOA statutory formulas for state allotments.
The resource includes an interactive U.S. map providing states’ funding history across WIOA Title I programs dating back to 2014.
Recognizing Governor Edwards
NGA Recognizes Louisiana Governor Edwards as His Term Ends
NGA recognizes Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards as he prepares to leave office early next year after serving two terms as Governor of Louisiana.
Governor Edwards has led a career devoted to public service. Before being sworn in as the 56th Governor of Louisiana, Governor Edwards graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served on active duty for eight years, earning Airborne, Ranger and Jumpmaster status, leaving the Army with the rank of captain to earn a law degree and practice civil law in his hometown. He then served in the Louisiana House of Representatives for eight years before being elected Governor.
Both Governor and First Lady Donna Edwards have worked closely with NGA during their time in office. NGA thanks Governor and Mrs. Edwards, as well as their staff members, for their service, and we extend our best wishes as they prepare to depart office.
In Memoriam
Remembering Governor Carroll
NGA is saddened to share former Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll passed away.
NGA extends our condolences to the Governors’ family, friends and the people of Kentucky.
December in Focus
NGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work through the organization’s social media channels. A sampling of this past month’s photo highlights follows.
Top Row (L to R):
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin met with the families who provided the trees and wreaths that will decorate Virginia’s Executive Mansion this holiday season.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers found some neat gifts while visiting Wisconsin small businesses.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu joined Dr. Condoleezza Rice for a discussion held at the Hoover Institution.
Middle Row (L to R):
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey celebrated Apprenticeship Week.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine visited with the science club and a culinary class at East Palestine High School.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo participated in the annual tree lighting ceremony in Carson City.
Bottom Row (L to R):
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen joined with Nebraska National Guard families and leaders to welcome home the 561st Regional Support Group following a 12 month deployment.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear participated in an event to recognize National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
Puerto Rico Governor Pedro Pierluisi presented a scholarship and awards to exemplary young people.
