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Nation’s governors push job creation, economic growth
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Posted on Feb 28 2012
[B]WASHINGTON, D.C.[/B]—Gov. Benigno R. Fitial joined other governors from across the country this weekend in Washington, D.C. for the 2012 National Governors Association Winter Meeting. Fitial and his colleagues also met with President Obama, members of his administration, business leaders and other experts for discussions about a variety of issues and challenges affecting states.
This year’s NGA Chairman’s Initiative, “Growing State Economies,” aims to provide governors and state policymakers with better options to assess the economic environment in their state or territory and to create strategies designed to foster growth. Jim Clifton, chairman and chief executive officer of Gallup, highlighted the opening session with a presentation and discussion on the economy.
“I am extremely pleased that this year’s chairman chose to put economy at the top of the agenda,” said Fitial. “The issue of economy is the most important priority for us in the Commonwealth. The lieutenant governor and I have placed considerable focus on reinvigorating our economy and realizing job creation. No matter how you put it, economic growth is key to our future.”
On Sunday, the Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee examined the governors’ efforts to end childhood hunger. Concurrently, the Health and Human Services Committee session focused on new strategies to improve the nation’s road to wellness, enhance the delivery and efficiency of health care services and increase the long-term sustainability of health care. The Natural Resources Committee discussed the world’s energy future while the Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee explored the changing role of the National Guard.
“Each governor has significant issues and challenges facing their respective state and this forum allows us to formulate solutions to address them,” added Fitial. “We want to create environments where businesses can grow and create jobs. I definitely would like to see a Commonwealth with more people getting back to work and less people depending on welfare benefits.” [B][I](Office of the Governor)[/I][/B]
