Updates from the NGA Membership Team for December 2025. For more about the programs below and a list of upcoming events please email NGA at: membership@nga.org.
December Spotlight
NGA Recognizes Governors Murphy, Youngkin
As New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin prepare to leave office, NGA extends appreciation to both Governors, along with First Ladies Tammy Murphy and Suzanne Youngkin and the Governors’ and First Ladies’ staff members, for their service to the people of New Jersey and Virginia.
Since taking office, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has focused on building a stronger, more affordable New Jersey. Under his leadership, New Jersey has taken strides in achieving record-high economic growth, expanding critical investments to lower costs for working families, restoring fiscal responsibility to state government and creating new economic opportunities in every community.
In 2022, Governor Murphy served as the Chair of the National Governors Association. As NGA Chair, Governor Murphy led a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening youth mental health across the country.
As part of the initiative, Governor Murphy unveiled “Strengthening Youth Mental Health: A Governor’s Playbook.” New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy also released the “Tackling the Maternal and Infant Health Crisis: A Governor’s Playbook” – a complementary policy roadmap to Governor Murphy’s youth mental health playbook. Mrs. Murphy’s playbook came as part of the parallel initiative she ran in conjunction with Governor Murphy’s Chair’s Initiative to focus on improving maternal and infant health as an extension of her Nurture NJ initiative, a program she launched in 2019 to help reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates in New Jersey.
Governor Murphy currently serves as a member of NGA’s Economic Development and Revitalization Task Force, where he works alongside Governors on both sides of the aisle to develop best practices and policy solutions to some of the most challenging economic issues facing the country. Governor and First Lady Murphy are pictured at the 2023 NGA Summer Meeting highlighting the findings of Governor Murphy’s Chair’s Initiative.
Since taking office, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ushered in historic investments in education, launched lab schools to inject innovation into Virginia’s public schools, funded 18% teacher raises, passed the Virginia Literacy Act to improve literacy among elementary school-age students, and renewed focus on career and technical education to prepare all Virginians for success in the workforce.
Alongside Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Governor Youngkin launched the Right Help, Right Now initiative to transform the overwhelmed behavioral health system by expanding capacity and real-time access to help Virginians pre-crisis, in-crisis and post-crisis.
Governor Youngkin serves as Co-Chair of the presidentially appointed Council of Governors. Governor Youngkin also serves as a member of NGA’s Education, Workforce and Community Investment Task Force and has worked collaboratively with other Governors on a range of issues, including workforce development, career and technical skills, postsecondary education, criminal justice, housing, and agriculture. Governor and First Lady Youngkin are pictured at an event held last month to mark the nearly 59 percent reduction in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths in Virginia seen since January 2022.
Chair’s Initiative
NGA Assembles Texas Entrepreneurs to Explore “Reigniting the American Dream”
NGA hosted a convening in Austin, Texas, as part of NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s NGA Chair’s Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream. The event featured panel discussions with Texas entrepreneurs, as well as business leaders and policymakers from around the country. Governor Stitt is pictured below during a site visit held during the convening. More information about the meeting can be found here.
NGA Holiday Reception
Governors Murphy, McKee Speak at NGA Holiday Reception
NGA held its annual Holiday Reception in Washington, D.C. The event featured special guests New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee (pictured below).
Communications
Governors Issue Statement on Shooting of National Guard Service Members
NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued this statement following the tragic shooting of National Guard service members in Washington, D.C. West Virginia Patrick Morrisey’s statement can be read here.
Government Relations
NGA Sends Letter to Congress on National Guard Authority
NGA joined with organizations representing the nation’s state, territory, county and NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore sent a letter to Armed Services Committee leadership regarding provisions on National Guard authority that are not included in the recently released legislative text for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Read the letter here.
NGA Task Force Sends Letter on FEMA Act
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Co-Chairs of NGA’s Public Health and Emergency Management Task Force, sent a letter to Congress to express Governor’s appreciation for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s bipartisan action on the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act. Read the letter here.
Center for Best practices
NGA Convenes State Leaders in Utah to Advance Service-to-Career Pathways
Governor, First Lady Cox Speak at Conference
NGA, in partnership with the Schultz Family Foundation and Annie E. Casey Foundation, recently brought together leaders from 24 states to Salt Lake City to showcase Governors’ leadership embedding career development opportunities within service programs and to explore best practices for developing service-to-career pathways. The summit also highlighted innovations of the six states participating in the NGA Center’s Service-to-Career Pathways Policy Academy.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox participated in the event. Watch Governor Cox’s remarks here. Read more details about the convening here.
NGA Provides Summary of Recent Governors’ Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop
NGA held its Fall 2025 Governors’ Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop November 4-6, in Washington, D.C. This meeting brought together over 30 Governors’ infrastructure coordinators and advisors from a bipartisan group of 21 states and territories, with federal officials, infrastructure practitioners from NGA’s partner network, as well as invited experts. A written summary of the meeting can be read here.
NGA Commentary Explores Governors’ Infrastructure Policies and Priorities
NGA released the commentary “Governors Lead the Charge on Building America’s Infrastructure” to detail examples of ways states and territories have prioritized infrastructure in 2025. The commentary also looks at some of the infrastructure priorities and meetings NA held this year. Read the commentary here.
Monthly Member Update
NGA Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and other regional representatives to enact a 15-year agreement to reduce pollution, build habitats and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was “honored to welcome Arkansas Governors and First Families past and present to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.” Pictured (L to R): Governor Mike Beebe, President Bill Clinton, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Governor Asa Hutchinson.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Utah Governor Spencer Cox participated in a conversation at the National Cathedral regarding the state of politics today, focusing on the rising threat of political violence and what it means for the future of American democracy. The conversation was moderated by Savannah Guthrie (pictured with the Governors), co-anchor of TODAY and chief legal correspondent at NBC News. Watch the conversation here.
December in Photos
NGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work. Highlights from the past month follow. Governors and First Spouses visiting summer fairs.
Updates from the NGA Membership Team for December 2025. For more about the programs below and a list of upcoming events please email NGA at: membership@nga.org.
December Spotlight
NGA Recognizes Governors Murphy, Youngkin
As New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin prepare to leave office, NGA extends appreciation to both Governors, along with First Ladies Tammy Murphy and Suzanne Youngkin and the Governors’ and First Ladies’ staff members, for their service to the people of New Jersey and Virginia.
Since taking office, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has focused on building a stronger, more affordable New Jersey. Under his leadership, New Jersey has taken strides in achieving record-high economic growth, expanding critical investments to lower costs for working families, restoring fiscal responsibility to state government and creating new economic opportunities in every community.
In 2022, Governor Murphy served as the Chair of the National Governors Association. As NGA Chair, Governor Murphy led a nationwide initiative focused on strengthening youth mental health across the country.
As part of the initiative, Governor Murphy unveiled “Strengthening Youth Mental Health: A Governor’s Playbook.” New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy also released the “Tackling the Maternal and Infant Health Crisis: A Governor’s Playbook” – a complementary policy roadmap to Governor Murphy’s youth mental health playbook. Mrs. Murphy’s playbook came as part of the parallel initiative she ran in conjunction with Governor Murphy’s Chair’s Initiative to focus on improving maternal and infant health as an extension of her Nurture NJ initiative, a program she launched in 2019 to help reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates in New Jersey.
Governor Murphy currently serves as a member of NGA’s Economic Development and Revitalization Task Force, where he works alongside Governors on both sides of the aisle to develop best practices and policy solutions to some of the most challenging economic issues facing the country. Governor and First Lady Murphy are pictured at the 2023 NGA Summer Meeting highlighting the findings of Governor Murphy’s Chair’s Initiative.
Since taking office, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin has ushered in historic investments in education, launched lab schools to inject innovation into Virginia’s public schools, funded 18% teacher raises, passed the Virginia Literacy Act to improve literacy among elementary school-age students, and renewed focus on career and technical education to prepare all Virginians for success in the workforce.
Alongside Virginia First Lady Suzanne Youngkin, Governor Youngkin launched the Right Help, Right Now initiative to transform the overwhelmed behavioral health system by expanding capacity and real-time access to help Virginians pre-crisis, in-crisis and post-crisis.
Governor Youngkin serves as Co-Chair of the presidentially appointed Council of Governors. Governor Youngkin also serves as a member of NGA’s Education, Workforce and Community Investment Task Force and has worked collaboratively with other Governors on a range of issues, including workforce development, career and technical skills, postsecondary education, criminal justice, housing, and agriculture. Governor and First Lady Youngkin are pictured at an event held last month to mark the nearly 59 percent reduction in fentanyl-involved overdose deaths in Virginia seen since January 2022.
Chair’s Initiative
NGA Assembles Texas Entrepreneurs to Explore “Reigniting the American Dream”
NGA hosted a convening in Austin, Texas, as part of NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s NGA Chair’s Initiative, Reigniting the American Dream. The event featured panel discussions with Texas entrepreneurs, as well as business leaders and policymakers from around the country. Governor Stitt is pictured below during a site visit held during the convening. More information about the meeting can be found here.
NGA Holiday Reception
Governors Murphy, McKee Speak at NGA Holiday Reception
NGA held its annual Holiday Reception in Washington, D.C. The event featured special guests New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee (pictured below).
Communications
Governors Issue Statement on Shooting of National Guard Service Members
NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued this statement following the tragic shooting of National Guard service members in Washington, D.C. West Virginia Patrick Morrisey’s statement can be read here.
Government Relations
NGA Sends Letter to Congress on National Guard Authority
NGA joined with organizations representing the nation’s state, territory, county and NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore sent a letter to Armed Services Committee leadership regarding provisions on National Guard authority that are not included in the recently released legislative text for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Read the letter here.
NGA Task Force Sends Letter on FEMA Act
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Co-Chairs of NGA’s Public Health and Emergency Management Task Force, sent a letter to Congress to express Governor’s appreciation for the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s bipartisan action on the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act. Read the letter here.
Center for Best practices
NGA Convenes State Leaders in Utah to Advance Service-to-Career Pathways
Governor, First Lady Cox Speak at Conference
NGA, in partnership with the Schultz Family Foundation and Annie E. Casey Foundation, recently brought together leaders from 24 states to Salt Lake City to showcase Governors’ leadership embedding career development opportunities within service programs and to explore best practices for developing service-to-career pathways. The summit also highlighted innovations of the six states participating in the NGA Center’s Service-to-Career Pathways Policy Academy.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox and First Lady Abby Cox participated in the event. Watch Governor Cox’s remarks here. Read more details about the convening here.
NGA Provides Summary of Recent Governors’ Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop
NGA held its Fall 2025 Governors’ Infrastructure Coordinators Workshop November 4-6, in Washington, D.C. This meeting brought together over 30 Governors’ infrastructure coordinators and advisors from a bipartisan group of 21 states and territories, with federal officials, infrastructure practitioners from NGA’s partner network, as well as invited experts. A written summary of the meeting can be read here.
NGA Commentary Explores Governors’ Infrastructure Policies and Priorities
NGA released the commentary “Governors Lead the Charge on Building America’s Infrastructure” to detail examples of ways states and territories have prioritized infrastructure in 2025. The commentary also looks at some of the infrastructure priorities and meetings NA held this year. Read the commentary here.
Monthly Member Update
NGA Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin and other regional representatives to enact a 15-year agreement to reduce pollution, build habitats and protect the Chesapeake Bay.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders was “honored to welcome Arkansas Governors and First Families past and present to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.” Pictured (L to R): Governor Mike Beebe, President Bill Clinton, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Governor Asa Hutchinson.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Utah Governor Spencer Cox participated in a conversation at the National Cathedral regarding the state of politics today, focusing on the rising threat of political violence and what it means for the future of American democracy. The conversation was moderated by Savannah Guthrie (pictured with the Governors), co-anchor of TODAY and chief legal correspondent at NBC News. Watch the conversation here.
December in Photos
NGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work. Highlights from the past month follow. Governors and First Spouses visiting summer fairs.
