Updates from the NGA Membership Team for September 2025. For more about the programs below and a list of upcoming events please email NGA at: membership@nga.org.
September Spotlight
Governor Stitt Promotes Initiative
NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt recently spoke with Fox News Digital about the launch of his NGA Chair’s Initiative Reigniting the American Dream. Governor Stitt shared that Governors “can all agree that we want to teach the next generation that America is exceptional, and that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.” Watch Governor Stitt’s interview here.
CHIEFS OF STAFF CONVENING
Governor Healey Meets with Chiefs of Staff
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey (pictured below) spoke with Governors’ Chiefs of Staff at a convening NGA held in Cambridge. NGA partnered with the Harvard Kennedy School Taubman Center for State and Local Government to host the convening that focused on several timely topics, including robotics, automation, and the future of work; nuclear energy; the economic forecast; and recruiting, retaining, and supporting the state workforce.
Communications
NGA Issues Statements Condemning Political Violence
NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued this statement condemning political violence following the incident in Utah involving Charlie Kirk. First Spouses issued this statement calling for unity.
Government Relations
Governors Urge Federal Action to Address Unmanned Aircraft Systems to Congress Identifying Funding Priorities
A bipartisan group of Governors from 31 states and territories sent a letter to Congressional leaders to express concern over the increasing threat posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems to the nation’s critical infrastructure and public safety. Read the letter here.
Center for Best Practices
Governor Gianforte Speaks at NGA Workforce Development Policy Institute Apprenticeship Policy Academy
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte (pictured below) spoke at the Workforce Development Policy Institute NGA recently held in Billings. Governor Gianforte highlighted the recent launch of 406 JOBS, an initiative to promote career, college, military and entrepreneurship pathways for Montanans. A summary of the Policy Institute discussions can be read here.
First Gentleman Sanders Speaks at NGA Outdoor Recreation Roundtable
NGA welcomed Arkansas First Gentleman Bryan Sanders (pictured below) to the Strengthening Health through Outdoor Recreation Roundtable event held in Washington, D.C. During a fireside chat, Mr. Sanders shared details about the work he is championing, including his role supporting Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ priorities, especially those focused on elevating and enhancing the state’s outdoor recreation infrastructure and economy. Earlier this year, the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable released this video highlighting Governors’ remarks about the importance of outdoor recreation.
NGA Commentary Explores Governors’ Policies Investing in Rural America
NGA released a commentary exploring some of the policies Governors have been championing to invest in rural America. The commentary also focuses on the CMS Rural Health Transformation Program, a 5-year, $50 billion program established by H.R. 1 to support rural health nationally. NGA has been working with Governors and CMS to share the latest information about the application process for the program. Read the commentary here.
Monthly Member Update
NGA Vice Chair/Chair-elect Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Utah Governor Spencer Cox (pictured above L to R) held a discussion on the importance of bipartisanship during a lunch hosted by the National Press Club. Watch the discussion here.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Governor David Apatang, Guam Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio and U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. (pictured above L to R) visited NGA’s office this month while conducting meetings in Washington, D.C., including with the U.S. Department of the Interior. American Samoa Governor Pula Nikolao Pula joined the Governors during their meeting with Interior Secretary and former North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.
In Memoriam
NGA Remembers Governor Edgar
NGA is saddened to share former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar passed away. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued this statement on Governor Edgar’s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Governor Edgar’s family, friends and the people of Illinois.
September in Photos
NGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work. This month’s photos featureNGA routinely shares photos of Governors at work. Highlights from the past month follow. Governors and First Spouses visiting summer fairs.
Top Row (L to R): North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers
Middle Row (L to R): North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte
Bottom Row (L to R): Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
