Updates from the NGA Membership Team for March 2025. For more about the programs below and a list of upcoming events please email NGA at: membership@nga.org.
March Spotlight
Governors Convene at 2025 NGA Winter Meeting
The National Governors Association hosted the nation’s Governors, federal officials and leaders from business, academia and philanthropy in Washington D.C., February 20-22, for the 2025 NGA Winter Meeting.
NGA has released written summaries detailing the sessions held at this year’s meeting:
• Governors Approve 2025 Federal Priorities at Winter Meeting
• Education Innovation in Focus at National Governors Association Winter Meeting
• Governors Call for Energy Permitting Reform
• Examining the Current Status and Anticipated Plans for Borders and Ports of Entry
• Council of Governors Holds 30th Plenary Meeting
• Governors Discuss Workforce Innovation
• Governors Bring What Works to DC
First Spouses Convene at 2025 NGA Winter Meeting
First Spouses routinely convene at the annual NGA Winter Meeting to hold meetings with philanthropic and government leaders and elevate the initiatives they are leading in their states and territories. During the 2025 Winter Meeting, First Spouses led four policy sessions focused on many of the initiatives First Spouses are leading in their states, including food security, literacy and mental health. An overview of the sessions First Spouses held can be found here, and photo highlights follow.
Chair’s Initiative
Governors Discuss Education Innovation in New York City
NGA Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis, along with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee, led the latest in a series of bipartisan events in support of his NGA Chair’s Initiative, Let’s Get Ready: Educating All Americans for Success.
The New York City event featured panel discussions with bipartisan education experts. Governors also visited The Magnet School of Inquiry and Expression.
Communications
NGA Shares Videos, Photos from 2025 Winter Meeting
NGA released videos of the public sessions held at the 2025 NGA Winter Meeting, including the remarks delivered by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum (left) and the panel session NGA Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis led on education innovation to elevate the work of his Let’s Get Ready initiative. A YouTube playlist of videos can be found here. Photos can be found here.
Governor Polis Speaks with CNN, Highlights Education Initiative
NGA Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis conducted an interview with CNN to highlight his education-focused NGA Chair’s Initiative Let’s Get Ready. Watch a clip from the interview here.
Government Relations
Governors Approve 2025 Federal Priorities at NGA Winter Meeting
At the Winter Meeting, NGA’s Executive Committee approved federal priorities to advocate to the 119th Congress and the administration. More information can be found here.
Each of NGA’s three Governor-led task forces, including the Economic Development and Revitalization Task Force, the Public Health and Disaster Response Task Force, and the Education, Workforce and Community Investment Task developed their own priorities to advance the mission of the Association.
NGA Leadership Issues Statement on Medicaid Funding
NGA Chair Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Vice Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt released a statement stressing the need for Governors to have “a seat at the table when discussing any reforms and cuts to Medicaid funding.” The letters notes congressionally proposed reductions to Medicaid would impact state budgets, rural hospitals and health care service providers, having direct impacts on states and territories. Read the full statement here.
Center for Best Practices
NGA Announces Six States Selected for NGA Center Service-to-Career Pathways Policy Academy
Governors Moore, Cox to Co-Chair Advisory Board
NGA launched a Service-to-Career Pathways Policy Academy in partnership with the Schultz Family Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. State teams from Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon and Vermont have been selected to receive grant funding and customized technical assistance from the NGA Center to advance their Governor’s service-to-career pathway policy goals.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Utah Governor Spencer Cox and will co-chair the Service-to-Career Pathways Advisory Board. The board will provide strategic guidance to the NGA Center on the development and delivery of programming and technical assistance through the Policy Academy. Learn more here.
In Memoriam
NGA Remembers Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker & Oklahoma Governor David Boren
NGA is saddened to share former Arkansas Governor Jim Guy Tucker (pictured below left) and former Oklahoma Governor David Boren (pictured below right) recently passed away. NGA extends condolences to the Governors’ families, friends and constituents.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued this statement on the passing of Governor Tucker.
NGA Vice Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued this statement on the passing of Governor Boren.
Monthly Member Update
Governor Kehoe Announces Launch of Program to Recognize Communities Dedicated to Effective Law Enforcement and Community Safety
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced Missouri counties, cities and towns can now apply for Missouri Blue Shield designation, recognizing their commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement and building sustainable public safety partnerships. Learn more about the program here.
March in Photos
NGA Celebrates Women’s History Month
NGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work. In recognition of the March observance of Women’s History Month, this month’s photo feature recognizes the 14 women who currently serve as Governors.
Pictured above:
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs
Arkansas Sarah Huckabee Sanders
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
Maine Governor Janet Mills
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
New York Governor Kathy Hochul
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón
