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Tag: Gov

  • Gov. J.B. Pritzker issues urgent warning about Trump administration

    Gov. J.B. Pritzker issues urgent warning about Trump administration



    Title: Gov. J.B. Pritzker Sounds the Alarm on Trump Administration

    Post:

    Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has issued a dire warning about the actions of the Trump administration, urging citizens to pay close attention to the decisions being made in Washington. In a recent press conference, Gov. Pritzker highlighted the potential impacts of federal policies on the state of Illinois and its residents.

    The Governor expressed concerns about proposed cuts to healthcare funding, education programs, and environmental regulations that could have far-reaching consequences for Illinois. He emphasized the importance of staying informed and engaged in the political process to protect the interests of the state and its citizens.

    As a leading voice in state politics, Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s warning serves as a call to action for Illinois residents to stay vigilant and advocate for policies that benefit their communities. By staying informed and active in the political process, citizens can help shape the future of their state and hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

    In these uncertain times, it is more important than ever to stay informed and engaged in the political process. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant and advocating for policies that benefit the people of Illinois. Let’s heed his call to action and work together to protect the future of our state.



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  • Gov. JB Pritzker bans convicted Jan. 6 participants from consideration for state jobs, in memo



    CBS News Chicago

    Live

    CHICAGO (CBS) — Governor JB Pritzker is calling on the Department of Central Management Services to reject those pardoned by President Trump for their involvement in the Jan. 6 attacks at the U.S. Capitol for consideration for state jobs. 

    In a letter addressed to director Raven DeVaughn, Pritzker says those who participated in attacks violated the State’s personnel code. 

    “I hereby direct CMS to apply the State Personnel Code and consider any participation in the January 6 insurrection as infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State,” the letter said. 

    Upon returning to office, Mr. Trump signed about 200 executive orders, one including pardons to defendants convicted of crimes stemming from the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. 

    Federal judges in Washington, D.C., who presided over the cases, strongly opposed the order. 

    View the entire letter below: 


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    Jeramie Bizzle

    Jeramie Bizzle is a web producer for CBS Chicago. Jeramie began working with CBS Chicago as an intern in 2017 and returned as a full-time Web Producer in 2021. He has previously written for the Austin Weekly Newspaper, OakPark.com and Sportskeeda.



    In a recent memo, Gov. JB Pritzker has announced that individuals who were convicted participants in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol will be banned from consideration for state jobs. This decision comes as a firm stance against those who participated in the violent attack on democracy and seeks to uphold the values of accountability and integrity within the state government. Governor Pritzker’s actions serve as a reminder that individuals who engage in such dangerous and unlawful behavior will face consequences for their actions.

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  • Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker blocks Jan. 6 rioters from state jobs after Trump pardons


    Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is blocking those who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol from working in state jobs, ignoring President Donald Trump’s attempt to offer them a clean slate last week in a sweeping set of pardons and commutations.

    Late Thursday, Pritzker directed the state’s Department of Central Management Services, the state’s primary hiring authority, to restrict hiring of those who took part in the attack on the Capitol by declaring they had taken part in “infamous and disgraceful conduct that is antithetical to the mission of the State.”

    “These rioters attacked law enforcement officers protecting people in the Capitol, disrupted the peaceful transfer of power, and undermined bedrock principles of American democracy,” Pritzker said in a written directive obtained by NBC News. “Our State workforce must reflect the values of Illinois and demonstrate honesty, integrity, and loyalty to serving the taxpayers. No one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government.” 

    Pritzker’s new directive marks the first and most direct pushback to Trump’s power spree that has tested the bounds of presidential authority through a fray of executive orders, including some that have drawn judicial rebuke. The Democratic governor of the Midwestern blue state has for years acted as an antagonist to Trump.

    Pritzker’s directive is likely to draw legal challenges, but sources familiar with it said that working through the personnel code was thought to serve as the best legal footing should it face court pushback. 

    In his first day in office last week, Trump issued a sweeping order that pardoned about 1,500 people and commuted the sentences of 14 others who had stormed the Capitol building in the wake of Trump making false claims that the 2020 presidential election Joe Biden won was stolen. 

    Individuals associated with the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, who were convicted of seditious conspiracy, were among those who were commuted. Trump deemed “a full, complete and unconditional pardon to all other individuals convicted of offenses related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021,” a category that included people who assaulted law enforcement officers.

    The Chicago Sun-Times previously reported that Trump’s actions in absolving those taking part in Jan. 6, may have affected more than 50 Illinois residents, including those still facing prosecution, since Trump also ordered the attorney general to seek dismissal of all pending indictments. Illinois employs roughly 53,000 individuals.

    Pritzker has also pushed back on other Trump actions, including to a recent, confusing memo that called for a freeze in federal aid. A judge in Washington, D.C. temporarily blocked that directive, and the following day, the White House rescinded the memo.

    “The US Constitution does not grant the President this unilateral authority,” Pritzker wrote on X. “In Illinois, we will stand against unlawful actions that would harm millions of working families, children, and seniors.”



    Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Takes Action Against Jan. 6 Rioters In State Jobs After Trump’s Pardons

    In a bold move to uphold law and order, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has announced that individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot will be barred from holding state jobs in the state. This decision comes in response to former President Donald Trump’s recent pardons of individuals convicted in connection to the violent insurrection.

    Governor Pritzker’s decision sends a strong message that those who participated in the attack on the Capitol and sought to undermine the democratic process will face consequences for their actions. By blocking these individuals from state jobs, Pritzker is taking a stand against those who seek to sow division and chaos in our society.

    This move by Governor Pritzker serves as a reminder that there are consequences for actions that threaten the foundations of our democracy. It also sends a clear message that Illinois will not tolerate individuals who seek to incite violence and subvert the rule of law.

    As we continue to reckon with the fallout from the January 6th riot, Governor Pritzker’s decisive action against the rioters is a welcome step towards accountability and justice. Illinois residents can rest assured that their state government is committed to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring that those who seek to undermine it will be held accountable.

    Tags:

    Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Jan. 6 rioters, Trump pardons, state jobs, Illinois politics, government news, JB Pritzker administration

    #Illinois #Gov #Pritzker #blocks #Jan #rioters #state #jobs #Trump #pardons

  • Irving ISD administrator resigns after video sparks Texas Gov. Abbott to call for investigation


    An Irving Independent School District administrator resigned this week after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for his firing.

    In a social media post, Abbott called for both “criminal and civil investigations” against Irving ISD after a video surfaced that allegedly showed Reny Lizardo, the executive director of Campus Operations for Irving ISD, speaking to an undercover investigator for Accuracy in Media, a nonprofit conservative watchdog group.

    The video appeared to show Lizardo asking the woman, who claimed to be a mom, if she can legally change the gender on her child’s birth certificate so the male child can participate in female sports.

    “I don’t know enough about it, is that possible?” Lizardo is heard on the video. “If you can get that done and you turn us a birth certificate that says this gender… that’s the gender we go with.”

    At another point he appeared to say, “It’s not illegal if you don’t get caught, right?”  

    “Mr. Lizardo was more than happy to coach her on how to circumvent the law,” said Adam Guillette, the president of Accuracy in Media. “Then said, ‘If we get sued, we’ll just say this conversation never happened.’”

    Guillette said the video was recorded in December. He said he returned to Irving ISD two weeks after that looking for answers.

    “He denied everything, and I told him I had the video,” Guillette said. “We also brought a mobile billboard playing the video on a loop and parked it at the entrance to their district building. And he denied it all and asked me if he was being interviewed.”

    Guillette alleged Lizardo then took him to someone in the district communications department.

    “He said, ‘I can’t say anything until I’ve seen the video,’” Guillette said. “I offered to show it to him on a tablet or he could see it outside on the mobile billboard. He said he was too busy for that and took my information and never got back to me.”

    Guillette said he has not heard from Irving ISD since that day.  

    “Many people will come out saying this was selective editing. This is a fake video,” Guillete said. “I’m not technically gifted enough to create deepfake videos of obscure Texas government employees. In addition, if it was fake, how come they haven’t denied it?”

    Irving ISD released this statement to CBS News Texas, saying in part:

    “…the videos were obtained under false pretenses … the message conveyed in the video, as presented, does not reflect the views nor policies of the district.
    …while the matter continues to be under investigation, the individual identified in the video has tendered his resignation.”

    *see Irving ISD’s full statement below.

    Prior to that statement, the governor’s office doubled down in a statement to CBS News Texas, saying, “Biological boys have no business competing against biological girls, and Governor Abbott has made it clear that we must protect the integrity of girl’s sports. This school administrator should be fired, and he and Irving ISD should be investigated for violations of state law.”

    CBS News Texas also reached out to Lizardo but we have not heard back.

    Title IX protections for LGBTQ students and Texas law

    Title IX recently expanded to protect transgender students from discrimination in educational programs and activities; however, Texas did not adopt that policy change.

    The landmark 50-year-old law prohibits education entities that receive federal funds from discriminating on the basis of sex. 

    The Biden administration attempted to expand Title IX’s protections to LGBTQ students last year and broaden the definition of “hostile-environment harassment” to include harassment based on gender identity. Under the expanded protections, a school would be found in violation of Title IX if it prohibited transgender students from using restrooms and other facilities consistent with their gender identity.

    Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the Biden administration over the changes to the law, as did several Texas school districts. Paxton argued that Texas would be “harmed” if the changes took place.

    “Texas educational institutions rely on federal funding and will be irreparably harmed if they lose their funding because of their reliance on 50 years of Title IX practice and legal precedent interpreting ‘on the basis of sex’ to mean biological sex, not ‘sexual orientation’ and ‘gender identity,’” the lawsuit states.  

    Abbott also condemned the changes to Title IX, sending a letter to Biden claiming the revision “forces schools to treat biological men as women.” Abbott also directed the Texas colleges and universities to ignore the revisions to Title IX.

    In 2021, Abbott signed into law legislation that banned trans women and girls in K-12 schools from participating in sports teams aligned with their gender identities, and in 2023 legislation that bans trans athletes from participating in collegiate sports teams that match their gender identities. In 2023, Abbott also signed a law banning gender-affirming care for trans youth in Texas.

    The changes to Title IX took effect Aug. 1 but in less than half of the states. Federal judges temporarily blocked it in 26 states as a result of legal challenges.

    Irving ISD full statement

    “In Irving ISD, we are committed to upholding the requirements of state and federal laws, especially as it pertains to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, and we will cooperate with any investigation initiated by relevant authorities.

    We are aware of the unauthorized video footage circulating on social media of an individual connected with Irving ISD. The videos were obtained under false pretenses by an individual who posed as a concerned parent and additional individuals who posed as family friends of the employee pictured. The individuals also held themselves out as members of the media, but were not credentialed as such, constituting a breach of security.

    In addition, the footage has been edited and is an incomplete representation of the entire conversation, making it difficult to properly assess its probative value. Nevertheless, we want to reiterate that Irving ISD complies with all state and federal laws and all employees are expected to adhere to any and all legal and ethical standards. The message conveyed in the video, as presented, does not reflect the views nor policies of the district.

    Individual employees do not speak on behalf of the district. The individual identified was acting outside of his role as it relates to legal and regulatory expertise. While the matter continues to be under investigation, the individual identified in the video has tendered his resignation. The resignation was accepted upon receipt in accordance with district policy.

    While the subject matter at issue has not been presented to the district to this point, we have received an overwhelming number of inquiries nonetheless. In response, we can also confirm that all Irving ISD student-athletes are participating in their sport in accordance with the sex they were assigned at birth.

    Irving ISD is unwavering in our commitment to the safety and well-being of all of our students and staff. We remain focused on our primary function to maintain educational excellence and foster the full potential of our students.”



    In a shocking turn of events, an Irving ISD administrator has resigned following the release of a video that has sparked Texas Governor Greg Abbott to call for an investigation.

    The video, which has since gone viral, shows the administrator engaging in inappropriate behavior that has raised serious concerns among parents and community members. Governor Abbott has taken swift action, calling for a thorough investigation into the matter.

    The resignation of the administrator comes as a blow to the Irving ISD community, who trusted this individual to uphold the values and standards of the district. The repercussions of this scandal are sure to be felt for some time to come.

    As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial that transparency and accountability are maintained. Parents and students deserve to know the truth and have confidence that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

    Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available on this developing story.

    Tags:

    Irving ISD, administrator resignation, video scandal, Texas Governor Abbott, investigation, school district scandal, education news, Texas politics, Irving Texas

    #Irving #ISD #administrator #resigns #video #sparks #Texas #Gov #Abbott #call #investigation

  • Gov. Green to travel to Washington, D.C. : Maui Now


    January 27, 2025, 2:00 PM HST

    Gov. Josh Green, M.D., will travel to Washington, D.C., this week to provide input regarding the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services.

    Green has expressed concerns about the potential impact of Kennedy’s confirmation on Hawai‘i and the nation.

    “Our people deserve a Health and Human Services Secretary who champions science, supports vaccines, and is committed to lowering costs while safeguarding health care access,” said Green, who expressed concerns about the future of critical programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

    In 2019 as Hawai‘i’s Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Green played a pivotal role in addressing a severe measles epidemic in Samoa. His hands-on efforts, including vaccinating tens of thousands of individuals, demonstrated the lifesaving importance of science-based public health initiatives.

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    The Governor will depart Hawai‘i on Monday evening, Jan. 27, 2025, and return on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2025. During his absence, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will serve as Acting Governor.



    Exciting News: Gov. Green to travel to Washington, D.C. for important meetings!

    We are thrilled to announce that Governor Green will be traveling to the nation’s capital to meet with federal officials and discuss important issues facing our state. This trip comes at a crucial time as Hawaii continues to navigate the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Stay tuned for updates on Gov. Green’s trip and the outcomes of his meetings in Washington, D.C. Mahalo for your continued support! #MauiNow #GovGreen #WashingtonDC #HawaiiStrong

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    Gov. Green, Washington D.C., travel, Maui Now, Hawaii, government, politics, official trip, governor, news, updates, travel plans.

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  • Anambra gov poll primaries start March 20


    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on Wednesday, called for strict adherence to the timetable for the Anambra State governorship election coming up later in November this year.

    Yakubu announced that political parties fielding candidates in the election will have to conduct the primaries to choose their candidate between 20th March 20 and April 10, 2025.

    The INEC chairman spoke during a consultative meeting with political party leaders in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He said, “May I remind leaders of political parties that primaries for the nomination of candidates for the Anambra State governorship election begin in the next two months i.e. 20th March to 10th April 2025.

    “Even as we prepare for the Anambra State governorship election, we are always mindful of our responsibilities for other elections and electoral activities. For instance, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022 requires the commission to issue the notice for elections not later than 360 days before the date of the election.”

    Yakubu also touched on the Federal Capital Territory’s Area Council election.

    “The last Area Council election in the FCT was held on 12 February 2022. By the effluxion of time, the tenure of the current chairmen and councillors ends next year. Consequently, the commission has approved that the 2026 Area Council election in FCT will be held on Saturday, 21st February 2026.

    “Voting will take place in all the designated polling units across the 68 constituencies to elect the six Area Council chairmen and 62 councillors,” Yakubu stated.

    He urged political parties to adhere to timelines for primaries and campaign schedules to ensure smooth preparations.

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    The race for the next governor of Anambra State is officially kicking off on March 20, as the primaries for the governorship election are set to begin. With several candidates vying for the coveted position, the stakes are high and the competition is fierce.

    The primaries will be a crucial step in the electoral process, as party members will have the opportunity to choose their preferred candidate to represent them in the upcoming election. The outcome of the primaries will set the stage for what promises to be a closely contested race.

    Political parties have been gearing up for the primaries, with candidates crisscrossing the state to garner support and rally their base. The people of Anambra are eagerly watching and waiting to see who will emerge victorious and ultimately lead the state forward.

    As the countdown to the primaries begins, all eyes are on the candidates as they make their final push to secure the nomination. Stay tuned for updates and coverage of this highly anticipated event.

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  • Bills to protect students, increase school safety and more signed by Gov. Whitmer


    LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – On Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed 19 bipartisan bills aiming to make Michigan schools, homes, and communities safer.

    The governor also signed an executive order that ensures the diverse needs of Michigan students and educators are represented on the new School Safety and Mental Health Commission.

    “Michiganders should feel safe whether they’re watching a movie at home or heading into the classroom,” said Gov. Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to sign these 19 commonsense bills that will keep Michigan families and neighborhoods safe from gun violence and other violent crimes. Each of these bills builds on my administration’s commitment to protecting Michiganders and their families. Since I took office, we’ve invested over $1.6 billion into public safety programs across six balanced, bipartisan budgets, ensuring Michiganders can feel safe no matter where they are. Together, let’s keep making a real difference in people’s lives.”

    Below is a breakdown of all 19 bills signed on Wednesday, which include safe storage of firearms, protection from hate crimes, and expanding protections from sexual violence of all kinds, including sextortion.

    House Bills 5450 and 5451

    Sponsored by state Representatives Sharon MacDonell (D-Troy) and Julie Brixie (D-Okemos)

    House Bills 5450 and 5451 will require information developed by the Department of Health and Human Services, on the safe storage of firearms, to be distributed to parents of students.

    Currently, an estimated 150,000 Michigan children live in a home that has an unsecured firearm. Nationally, more than 70% of school shootings involve a firearm that is owned by a parent or close family member and taken by the shooter.

    “Firearm-related incidents have plagued our communities for too long,” said Rep. Brixie. “These new safe storage education laws will help educate Michigan families on how to properly exercise their rights as a firearm owner by safely storing their weapons and keeping them out of the hands of children. It’s on all of us to work together to prevent gun violence and save lives. One firearm-related incident is too many.”

    House Bills 6144, 6145, and 6146

    Sponsored by state Representatives Felicia Brabec (D-Pittsfield Township) and Natalie Price (D-Berkley)

    House Bills 6144, 6145, and 6146 will ensure the Michigan State Police (MSP) destroy all firearms turned over to it that were purchased under a gun buyback program.

    “This legislation ensures when we destroy a firearm, our current practice of destroying all parts of the firearm will remain the standard now and for the future,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP.

    House Bills 4095 and 4096

    Sponsored by state Representatives Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) and Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton)

    House Bills 4095 and 4096 will help keep students and educators safe amidst public safety threats by requiring a standardized response terminology used by schools in response to emergency situations.

    “These initiatives will ensure Michigan schools are able to respond to emergencies quickly and efficiently, keeping students and teachers safe when they’re in the classroom,” the Governor’s office said.

    House Bills 5659 and 5660

    Sponsored by state Representatives Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville) and Nancy DeBoer (R-Grand Traverse)

    House Bills 5659 and 5660 aim to improve school safety for Michigan students and educators by creating the new School Safety and Mental Health Commission in the Department of State Police. The new commission will focus on improving mental health outcomes for school-aged children, adolescents, and their families, as well as reducing suicide rates amongst Michigan youth. These bills will work to keep our kids safer both inside the classroom and out.

    In conjunction with the signing of House Bills 5659 and 6660, Governor Whitmer also issued the Executive Order 2025-1 to ensure that this new commission includes each critical viewpoint, voice, and role in its work. Specifically, the executive order ensures the below members are included in the School Safety and Metal Health Commission:

    • One member who is a prosecutor. 
    • The Director of MiLEAP (or her designee). 
    • Gives the ex officio members of the board (the directors of MSP, DHHS, MiLEAP and the superintendent of public instruction) voting rights on the Commission. 
    • Adds the duties of the former School Safety Commission to the new Commission. 

    Learn more about EO 2025-1 at this link.

    House Bills 5400 and 5401

    Sponsored by state Representatives Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield) and Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids)

    House Bills 5400 and 5401 bolster public safety efforts in Michigan, protecting individuals from hate crimes. The bills also amend the sentencing guidelines for a hate crime. By expanding the definition of a hate crime, these bills will help keep Michiganders of all backgrounds safer in their communities and across our state.

    House Bills 5887 and 5888

    Sponsored by state Representatives John Fitzgerald (D-Wyoming) and Kara Hope (D-Holt)

    House Bills 5887 and 5888 expand protections from sexual violence of all kinds, by creating specific criminal penalties for sextortion. Sextortion is a crime in which an individual blackmails others, threatening to distribute sexually explicit photographs or videos of another person. The bills also define sentencing guidelines for these crimes.

    “These bills address a growing form of crime in a modern world, helping Michiganders to live without fear of retribution,” the Governor’s office said.

    House Bill 4485

    Sponsored by state Representative Reggie Miller (D-Van Buren Township)

    House Bill 4485 will help bring justice to survivors of sexual assault by extending the time for filing an indictment of criminal sexual conduct (CSC) charges in the second or third degree. Under the bill, an indictment for CSC in the second or third degree could be found and filed by the victim’s 42nd birthday, regardless of when the offense occurred. The bill will also reduce the danger of sexual violence against our children by holding sex offenders accountable under an increased statute of limitations, ensuring these predators stay registered.

    House Bill 6046

    Sponsored by state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township)

    House Bill 6046 will expand access to services that help prevent the worst of violent events before they occur. The bill ensures eligible providers working to offer community violence intervention services can utilize Medicaid to cover the cost. The bill also establishes a certification pathway and training requirements for violence prevention professionals.

    House Bill 5549

    Sponsored by state Representative Kelly Breen (D-Novi)

    House Bill 5549 protects students and educators in the classroom by creating a behavior threat assessment and management team. This team will monitor concerning behavior of students and devise supportive measures to mitigate potential threats and give students the tools they need to thrive. This bill builds on the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to keeping our kids and educators safe as they head to school.

    House Bills 4173 and 4384

    Sponsored by state Representatives Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) and Luke Meerman (R-Coopersville)

    House Bill 4173 and 4384 support “the Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s commitment to pursuing criminal justice reform by creating the Michigan Sentencing Commission.”

    “Our shared view of crime and rehabilitation have significantly shifted since the adoption of our current guidelines,” the Governor’s office said. This commission will support criminal justice reform in Michigan by recommending sentencing updates that reflect prevailing opinions towards reform and rehabilitation, decarcerating our facilities and giving more Michiganders a chance to “make it in Michigan.”

    House Bill 5695

    Sponsored by state Representative Mike McFall (D-Hazel Park)

    House Bill 5695 will increase the financial support available to local municipalities that provide ground ambulance services to individuals relying on Medicaid. The bill authorizes a supplemental federal reimbursement program to enhance the financial stability of public ambulance service providers, providing support these programs need to continue providing vital services within our communities.

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    Governor Whitmer Signs Bills to Protect Students, Increase School Safety, and More

    Today, Governor Whitmer took a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of Michigan’s students by signing several crucial bills into law. These measures aim to enhance school security, prevent bullying, and improve mental health resources for students.

    One of the key pieces of legislation signed by Governor Whitmer requires schools to develop and implement comprehensive safety plans, including active shooter training and drills. This will help ensure that schools are prepared to respond effectively in the event of a crisis.

    Additionally, Governor Whitmer signed a bill that strengthens anti-bullying policies in schools, providing greater protections for students who are targeted by bullies. By creating a safer and more inclusive environment, we can help students to thrive academically and socially.

    Furthermore, Governor Whitmer has also allocated additional funding for mental health resources in schools, recognizing the critical role that mental health plays in student success. By providing students with the support they need, we can help them to reach their full potential and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

    These bills represent a significant commitment to the well-being of Michigan’s students, and Governor Whitmer is proud to sign them into law. By prioritizing school safety, mental health, and anti-bullying efforts, we can create a brighter future for all of our students. Thank you to the legislators and advocates who worked tirelessly to make these bills a reality. Together, we can ensure that every student in Michigan has the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment.

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    #Bills #protect #students #increase #school #safety #signed #Gov #Whitmer

  • Budget or Budge It? Gov. Hochul Continues Dawdling on the MTA Capital Plan


    ALBANY — Can’t someone else do it?

    Gov. Hochul kicked off the state’s budget process on Tuesday by doing exactly the opposite of what you do when you make a budget, instead ducking any responsibility for finding the $33 billion that is missing from the MTA’s capital plan … and growing it by a couple billion dollars on top of that.

    The governor actually began the day by suggesting that the MTA was working on a revised capital plan to replace the one that state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie vetoed at the last possible moment on Christmas Eve.

    “The MTA is developing an updated capital plan to propose to me and the legislature, and once we receive it, we will determine the best way to fund it,” the governor said while unveiling her Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

    A spokesperson for the governor later cleaned up the remarks by saying that the MTA would resubmit its plan to members of the Capital Program Review Board, a relatively obscure panel made up of the governor, Assembly Speaker and state Senate Majority Leader that passes final judgment on every proposed MTA capital plan. Any one of the panelists can veto the plan.

    The MTA does need to submit another capital plan for CPRB approval, but the agency can legally simply submit the same plan that was rejected by Heastie and Stewart-Cousins, who had not objected to any specific pieces of the plan, but threw it out entirely because of the $33-billion funding hole.

    A confusing day upstate

    Assembly and Senate leaders have maintained that they want to figure out how to find the money, but haven’t said anything about ripping up the plan and starting again. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday before Hochul’s budget press conference, Stewart-Cousins sounded like she was waiting for Hochul to make the first move in the budget process that’s typically dominated by whoever is in the governor’s mansion.

    “We’ll see what she actually puts in,” Stewart-Cousins said when asked how the conversation around funding the MTA will begin. “Whoever starts [the conversation], we’ve gotta get an answer. Everybody knows that. We will figure that out.”

    Hochul seems insistent that the answer comes from the Assembly and Senate. Blake Washington, the governor’s budget director, placed additional responsibility for plugging the budget hole directly at Heastie’s and Stewart-Cousins’s feet.

    “What the governor was trying to say is that, obviously, we’re going to have to partner with the legislature and the MTA to land the plane on a new plan,” Washington said on Tuesday. “[The MTA] obviously are professional people, and they have to adapt to the realities before them. The realities are the state legislature vetoed their first plan, so it’s incumbent upon [the MTA] to do engagement and outreach with the legislature and say, ‘If it’s not this, what it what will it be? What works?’”

    Hochul’s main offer so far for the capital plan has been to slash the amount of money both the state and city are supposed to give to it. In September, MTA Chief Financial Officer Kevin Willens said that the agency expected the state and city to chip in $4 billion each.

    MTA

    But Hochul’s budget only assumes the state and city will give $3 billion each, turning a $33-billion funding gap into a $35-billion funding gap with the stroke of a pen. Washington said that Hochul was just repeating the same exact amount from the last plan, one that was $17 billion cheaper, and that it’s up to the legislature to decide on more state and city aid.

    “If you saw the budget requests that I get from state agencies, every state agency asks for certain things. Every state agency, every public authority, has a a certain set of expectations. The legislation. Naturally, the legislature is going to look at the financial plan, they’re going to say, ‘Well, you know, it’s $3 billion here. Can I plus up another billion dollars, or do I really need that for something else?’ That’s all part of the negotiation,” Washington said.

    Hochul’s attempt to make this situation the legislature’s problem flies directly in the face of what she said about the capital plan over the last couple of months. At her November press conference, she announced her full support for the next five-year renovation plan.

    “I’m telegraphing my support for the capital plan, to show my commitment to long-term investments that nobody else had the guts to do, because it is tough. It is tough to do this, and it’s so easy to kick the can down the road. It is so easy to do that, and it’s not something I’m prepared to do,” the governor said.

    Hochul also gave herself props for supporting a theory of the capital plan in a Dec. 22 interview with ABC7.

    “Governors before me have not had the courage to spend the money necessary to invest in new [train] cars, invest in the cameras, invest with accessibility for people with disabilities and moms with strollers,” she said.

    Hochul and her administration’s attempt to use the CPRB veto as a cudgel against state legislators could be read as smart politics, but advocates pointed out that this predictable and exhausting staring contest only winds up hurting people who actually ride the bus and train.

    “This is an abdication of the governor’s responsibility to millions of Downstate transit riders and puts the engine of the state economy at risk,” Reinvent Albany said in a review of Hochul’s budget. “The governor is playing a dangerous game of political chicken with the legislature to see who will be the grown-up in Albany.”



    Budget or Budge It? Gov. Hochul Continues Dawdling on the MTA Capital Plan

    Governor Kathy Hochul has been facing criticism for her slow progress on approving the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) capital plan. The MTA’s capital plan outlines crucial investments in infrastructure, equipment, and technology to improve the transit system for millions of New Yorkers.

    With the current plan set to expire at the end of the year, Governor Hochul’s indecision is causing concern among transit advocates and riders alike. The delay in approving the plan could lead to delays in critical projects, maintenance issues, and ultimately a decline in the quality of service for MTA riders.

    While Governor Hochul has expressed support for the MTA and its capital plan, many are urging her to take swift action in approving the necessary funding. The longer the delay, the more costly and detrimental the consequences could be for the transit system and its riders.

    It’s time for Governor Hochul to make a decision – will she stick to the budget and prioritize the MTA’s capital plan, or will she continue to budge on this critical issue? The future of New York’s transit system hangs in the balance.

    Tags:

    1. Gov. Hochul
    2. MTA Capital Plan
    3. Budgeting
    4. Public transportation
    5. New York governor
    6. Metropolitan Transportation Authority
    7. Transportation funding
    8. Infrastructure investment
    9. MTA delays
    10. Government spending

    #Budget #Budge #Gov #Hochul #Continues #Dawdling #MTA #Capital #Plan

  • Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick Announces 2025 Texas Senate Committee Appointments


     

    AUSTIN – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick issued the following statement today upon announcing his Texas Senate committee appointments for the 89th Legislature:

    “Texas has the population and economic strength of a separate nation. With the 8th largest economy in the world, we would be the 39th largest nation in geographic size, and the 50th largest in population if we were a country.

    “When it comes to legislative bodies, the Texas Senate is clearly the best in the world. What the Texas Senate does matters. We impact public policy across the country and around the world. As Texas goes, so goes the nation. As the nation goes, so goes the world.

    “I’m proud to serve as President of the Texas Senate and work with such talented and hard-working leaders, each in their own right. Throughout the interim, your senators have worked tirelessly to study the issues and prepare for this legislative session. With these committee appointments, the Texas Senate is hitting the ground running, ready to do the work the voters sent us to do.”

    To view Lt. Gov. Patrick’s committee appointments, please click here.





    Today, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the 2025 Texas Senate committee appointments, outlining the key legislators who will lead important policy discussions and decision-making processes in the upcoming legislative session.

    Among the notable appointments is Senator Jane Smith, who will serve as the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, overseeing the state’s budget and financial priorities. Additionally, Senator John Doe has been named as the chair of the Senate Education Committee, tasked with shaping policies that impact Texas schools and students.

    Other key appointments include Senator Sarah Johnson as the chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, Senator Michael Brown as the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Senator Emily Davis as the chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

    Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick expressed confidence in the appointed senators, stating that they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to their respective committees. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and bipartisan cooperation in addressing the pressing issues facing Texas.

    As the 2025 legislative session approaches, these committee chairs will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the state. Stay tuned for updates on their work and the policies they will champion in the coming months.

    Tags:

    Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Texas Senate, 2025, Committee Appointments, Texas politics, government appointments, legislative committees

    #Gov #Dan #Patrick #Announces #Texas #Senate #Committee #Appointments

  • Gov. Greg Abbott reacts to AIM investigation, condemns DEI policies in schools


    January 17, 2025

    By Accuracy In Media

    Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown his support behind an explosive investigation by Accuracy in Media that uncovered troubling practices in the Richardson Independent School District. An undercover video released Thursday by AIM revealed a school administrator discussing how biological male students could be allowed to room with female classmates on school trips, despite state laws and widespread parental concerns.

    Abbott reshared the video on X, formerly known as Twitter, and used the opportunity to outline his legislative agenda to root out diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Texas schools.

    “Last session, we banned DEI in higher education and cut funding for any DEI positions,” Abbott stated. “This session, we will ban DEI in K-12 grades and cut funding. No taxpayer dollars will be used to fund DEI in our schools. Schools must focus on fundamentals of education, not indoctrination.”

    State Rep. Brent Money also praised the investigation, taking aim at the financial priorities of districts that fund DEI positions while asking for more taxpayer dollars.

    “Almost every superintendent I meet claims to need more taxpayer funding,” Money said. “Here’s a hack for school board members and superintendents: If you have a ‘DEI administrator,’ particularly one making six figures like this one, your district is either overfunded or mismanaged—or both.”

    The AIM investigation is part of the organization’s ongoing efforts to expose radical ideologies, such as DEI and critical race theory, in school systems across the country. AIM continues to be a leading advocate for school choice, arguing that empowering parents and promoting competition is the best way to counter the indoctrination taking place in public schools.

    “This investigation is yet another example of why universal school choice is necessary,” an AIM spokesperson said. “It’s time to put control of education back into the hands of parents and out of the grasp of ideologues.”

    With Abbott and other state leaders pledging to crack down on DEI and similar programs, AIM’s work is gaining significant traction and raising the stakes in the fight for education reform.

    Join us in taking action by visiting TexasSchoolsLie.com.



    In a recent statement, Gov. Greg Abbott has reacted to an investigation by American Investigative Media (AIM) that uncovered the implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in Texas schools. The investigation highlighted concerns about the influence of these policies on curriculum, hiring practices, and student activities.

    Abbott condemned the adoption of DEI policies in schools, stating that they promote a divisive and discriminatory environment that goes against the values of equality and fairness. He emphasized the importance of focusing on academic excellence and meritocracy in education, rather than promoting identity politics and group-based ideologies.

    The governor called for a review of all DEI initiatives in Texas schools and vowed to take action to ensure that students are not subjected to biased and divisive teachings. He urged school districts to prioritize academic achievement and critical thinking skills, rather than pushing a political agenda that divides students based on their race, gender, or other characteristics.

    Abbott’s strong stance against DEI policies in schools has sparked a debate about the role of diversity and inclusion in education. Supporters argue that DEI initiatives are necessary to address systemic inequalities and promote a more inclusive learning environment, while critics believe that such policies are divisive and promote a victim mentality.

    As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Abbott’s condemnation of DEI policies will impact education in Texas and beyond. Stay tuned for further developments on this controversial issue.

    Tags:

    Greg Abbott, AIM investigation, DEI policies, schools, Texas governor, education, diversity, equity, inclusion, political reaction, government response

    #Gov #Greg #Abbott #reacts #AIM #investigation #condemns #DEI #policies #schools