Bradford Wilbur, Author at Midwestern Governors Association

Ohio Governor John Kasich Elected as MGA Chair

Bradford Wilbur — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:00:26 +0000

Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan group of Midwestern governors is proud to announce
that Ohio Governor John Kasich has been named as chairman of the Midwestern
Governors Association (MGA). Governor Kasich’s agenda is titled: The Smartland:
Prepared, Agile and Empowered for the Future-Workforce, Infrastructure, Energy and
Life.

“I am honored to chair the MGA, and I look forward to working with my fellow
Midwestern governors to help prepare our region for the next technological revolution
just over the horizon,” said Governor Kasich. “Our workforce, technology, infrastructure
and quality of life are all world class. As we seek to create new opportunities for our
people-and attract new people-we need to make sure we’re doing all we can to take all
of our resources to the next level. I look forward to facilitating the active exchange of
ideas and teamwork that can make this happen.”

Under Governor Kasich’s leadership, the association will explore this challenge by
looking at how education and training intersects with our region’s strengths in
infrastructure, advanced technology, automation and energy, to allow the Midwest to be
a premier location for success far into the future.

“The region has a lot to offer,” said MGA executive director Jesse Heier. “The Midwest is home to some of the best students, workers, and resources on the planet. We look forward to working with Governor Kasich and all Midwestern governors on this vital economic and social transformation brought on by new technology and automation.”

For more information, please visit www.midwesterngovernors.org/ChairAgenda.htm.

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The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is a non-profit, bipartisan organization that brings together governors, their staff, and state agencies to address significant public policy issues and provide a vehicle to advocate for them. It focuses its efforts in four primary policy areas: economic development, agriculture, energy, and Midwest branding. Current members of the MGA include Gov. Bruce Rauner (Ill.), Gov. Eric Holcomb (Ind.), Gov. Kim Reynolds (Iowa), Gov. Jeff Colyer, M.D. (Kan.), Gov. Rick Snyder (Mich.), Gov. Mark Dayton (Minn.), Gov. Eric Greitens (Mo.), Gov. Pete Ricketts (Neb.), Doug Burgum (ND), Gov. John Kasich (Ohio), Gov. Dennis Daugaard (SD), and Gov. Scott Walker (Wis.).

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MGA Holds Regional Forestry Summit “Maximizing Forestry Resources in the Midwest”

Bradford Wilbur — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 00:00:36 +0000

Madison, WI – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) recently concluded its regional
forestry summit that concluded Gov. Scott Walker’s chairmanship of the association. The
meeting, Maximizing Forestry Resources in the Midwest, brought together governors’ staff,
state DNR staff, state foresters, federal partners, trade groups, private industry, NGOs, and
academia to promote the economic, recreational, and tourism benefits of the regions’ forests.
“Our forests, in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest are some of our greatest resources,”
said Governor Scott Walker. “By working together, states can maintain our excellent reputation
as a great outdoor activity destination for families, while also helping forestry grow by
employing hardworking Midwesterners and contributing to each of our states’ economies.”
Topics covered at this event included expanding economic growth in the forestry industry, how
wood is making a comeback in the building industry, how technology is creating new uses for
Midwestern forests, Midwestern forestry management, and a roundtable discussion on the top
issues facing Midwestern state foresters.
Jesse Heier, executive director of the MGA, said “Midwestern forests help make the Midwest
the best place to live. They provide jobs and activities in all four seasons and keep our region
beautiful.”
Attendees also toured the Forest Products Laboratory, a part of the U.S. Forest Service. The
Forest Products Laboratory is working toward new utilizations of science and technology to
better help the United States achieve energy security, revitalize our economy in the 21st
Century, create jobs, successfully compete in the global economy, and sequester carbon
with forest products.
More information about the meeting is available at
www.midwesterngovernors.org/Forestry.htm.

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MGA Holds Seventh Annual Electric Transmission Meeting Grid Security and Modernization: Hardening the Midwestern Grid

Bradford Wilbur — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 00:00:09 +0000

Milwaukee, WI – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) recently concluded its seventh annual
electric transmission meeting in Milwaukee, WI. The meeting, Grid Security and Modernization:
Hardening the Midwestern Grid, brought together governors’ staff, state energy office staff, state utility
commissioners, energy companies, federal partners and other industry stakeholders.
An important component of modernizing the grid is a “fix it first” approach. This event was an
opportunity to share Midwestern strategies for safeguarding and improving the region’s electric grid.
Topics covered at this event included disaster preparedness, micro grids, distributed generation, and
cybersecurity.
“Securing and modernizing the electric grid is vital for continued economic growth in the Midwest,” said
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Chair of the MGA. “As we build the grid of the future, we must also
take care to ensure we are prepared for weather disasters and cybersecurity threats, while also meeting
customer needs and staying current with technological advancements, such as micro grids and
distributed generation.”
Industry representatives discussed plans for the grid of the future, as well as the need to balance
technological advancements with meeting customer needs. Commissioners from three Midwestern
states discussed the challenges for regulators on determining how best to improve and modernize the
grid for both utilities and customers.
Jesse Heier, executive director of the MGA, said, “Electric transmission planning serves as a great
example of how Midwestern governors are collaborating across state borders to strengthen our regional
economy, maintain competitive energy prices, and ensure grid reliability and security.”
This was the seventh meeting the MGA hosted to highlight the steady progress in planning for the
electric transmission needs of the future. The meeting was another event in a multi-year project the
MGA is undertaking on grid security and modernizing. More information on the MGA’s transmission and
grid modernization efforts is available at www.midwesterngovernors.org/transmission.htm.

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Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Announced as MGA Chair Focuses Agenda on Forestry and Natural Resources Issues

Bradford Wilbur — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 00:00:38 +0000

Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan group of Midwestern governors is proud to announce that Wisconsin
Governor Scott Walker has been named as chairman of the Midwestern Governors Association
(MGA). Governor Walker’s agenda will focus on promoting Midwestern forestry and natural resources
issues.
“I am honored to again chair the MGA, and I look forward to working with my fellow governors to
ensure that the Midwest remains the go-to destination for outdoor recreation,” said Governor Walker.
“It is always vital that we manage our forest lands in a way that both protects them for the future and
provides economic stability for Midwestern companies and families.”
Under Governor Walker’s leadership, the association will work to promote the economic, recreational,
and tourism benefits of the regions’ forests. By working together, states can maximize the economic
and recreational potential of our forests.
MGA executive director Jesse Heier said, “The Midwest is home to some of the best national
resources that can be enjoyed in each of our four distinct seasons. We look forward to working with
Governor Walker and all Midwestern governors on this important recreational and economic issue.”
Specifically, the MGA will bring together secretaries and directors of natural resources and other
regional leaders over the next year to prioritize and address areas of mutual interest.
“The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) congratulates Governor Walker on
being named chairman of the Midwestern Governors Association for the second time and that his
focus during his term as chairman will be on forestry and natural resources,” said Max Ericson,
president of the GLTPA. “Governor Walker has been a strong advocate for sound forest management
and the benefits it provides for Wisconsinites socially, economically, and ecologically. Governor
Walker has taken time to fully understand the importance of forest resources to the state and has
invested in the future of the industry by funding the Wisconsin Forest Practices Study and other
programs that benefit the health and vitality of one the states most economically important
industries.”

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MGA Completes Transmission Regulatory Web Site Expansion Releases State Profiles for Twelve Midwestern States

Bradford Wilbur — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 00:00:48 +0000

Washington, D.C. – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) is pleased to announce the addition
of 12 Midwestern states to the Regulatory and Permitting Information Desktop (RAPID) Toolkit.
The RAPID Toolkit is a wiki-based web portal that offers one location for agencies, developers, and
industry stakeholders to access state and federal renewable energy and bulk transmission regulatory
processes by using a wiki environment to share permitting guidance, regulations, contacts, and other
relevant information.
“The Midwest is blessed with many sources of energy, which give our states a competitive advantage
when recruiting energy intensive companies, and those that demand renewable energy,” said Kansas Gov.
Sam Brownback. “This one-stop shop for energy transmission information will help our region send more
of our energy where it is needed faster.”
The RAPID Toolkit makes regulatory and permitting information rapidly accessible from one location by
providing links to permit applications, processes, manuals, and related information. The goal of creating
and maintaining this toolkit is to facilitate communication between project developers and permitting
agency personnel, among permitting agencies at all jurisdiction levels, and among all project
stakeholders—including the public.
“This effort again demonstrates the willingness of Midwestern governors to work together to make the
Midwest the best place to live, work, raise a family, and start a business,” said MGA Executive Director
Jesse Heier.
The Toolkit was developed with the support of the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery
and Energy Reliability and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), who developed and
manages the Toolkit. The Toolkit can be found at rapidtoolkit.org.

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MGA Holds Sixth Annual Electric Transmission Meeting Grid Modernization: Understanding Technology Advancements

Bradford Wilbur — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:00:07 +0000

COLUMBUS, OH – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) recently held its sixth annual
electric transmission meeting in Columbus, Ohio. The meeting, Grid Modernization: Understanding
Technology Advancements, brought together governors’ staff, state utility commissioners, energy
companies, federal partners and other industry stakeholders to discuss emerging technologies.
“Renewable and affordable energy is a key driver of economic growth in all Midwestern states,” said
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Chair of the MGA. “As capabilities and cost effectiveness of
technology have improved, so has our access to renewable energies like wind and solar. These recent
technology advancements can help utilities and state regulators meet future energy goals.”
Industry representatives discussed innovations in renewables like solar and wind, as well as energy
storage and its impact on the grid. Commissioners from three Midwestern states discussed steps they are
taking to prepare for these new technologies. Other discussion topics included transmission infrastructure,
capacity and reliability of the grid, and the resources needed for improvements.
Jesse Heier, executive director of the MGA, said, “Electric transmission planning serves as a great
example of how Midwestern governors are collaborating across state borders to strengthen our regional
economy, maintain competitive energy prices, and ensure grid reliability.”
This was the sixth meeting the MGA hosted to highlight the steady progress in planning for the electric
transmission needs of the future. The meeting was a kick-off event for a multi-year project the MGA is
undertaking on modernizing the electric grid.
More information on the MGA’s transmission and grid modernization efforts is available at
www.midwesterngovernors.org/transmission.htm.
Up next for the MGA is an America’s Smartland Series titled Grid Modernization: Integrating Solar
Energy. This series will explore the Midwest’s solar opportunities, the benefits of different types of solar
deployment, the market and policy landscape, and regional lessons learned that can be applied to future
electric system innovations. More information is available online at
www.midwesterngovernors.org/solar.htm.

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Brownback Remains MGA Chair to Focus on Reducing Poverty through Mentoring Introduces Smartland Discussion Series: First Effort – Truck Driver Shortage

Bradford Wilbur — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 00:00:16 +0000

Washington, DC – A bipartisan group of Midwestern governors is proud to announce that Kansas Governor Sam
Brownback has been named as Chairman of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA). The focus of the Chair’s
Agenda will remain on poverty and, specifically, on reducing poverty through mentoring. Gov. Brownback is also
introducing the America’s Smartland Discussion Series.
“After we successfully dove into the broader poverty discussions during my 2015 term as chair, I am honored that my
colleagues have selected me as the MGA Chair for a second term, and I look forward to digging deeper into an issue that
is near and dear to my heart: mentoring individuals out of poverty,” Governor Brownback said. “I am excited to work
with my fellow Midwestern governors on this important issue.”
In 2015, under the Chair’s Agenda, multiple conference calls and a poverty summit in Kansas City were held. In 2016
states and partners will focus primarily on mentoring individuals out of poverty. Another summit will be organized for
later in the year.
During Governor Brownback’s first term, the MGA also conducted state surveys and met with state staff to learn more
about specific regional concerns and needs. The shortage of truck drivers was consistently brought up by states as a large
concern for the manufacturing-heavy region. Hearing this feedback, Gov. Brownback, along with the MGA, developed
the America’s Smartland Discussion Series, launching today.
“There is clearly a need for fresh solutions to mitigate the truck driver shortage plaguing the Midwest, and I’m hopeful
that our new Smartland Discussion Series will help unite government, industry, and other partners in finding meaningful
solutions to literally get the big wheels rolling,” Governor Brownback said.
“Midwesterners are known for their work ethic, independent spirit, and practical approaches to problem solving and those
are just a few of the reasons our region is America’s Smartland,” said MGA executive director Jesse Heier. “By
addressing poverty and the truck driver shortage in 2016, the MGA will continue to look for commonsense Midwestern
solutions to these issues.”
The Smartland Discussion Series is aimed at bringing together government staff, relevant stakeholders, and policy experts
for a day-long meeting to discuss a pressing issue in the region, share experiences, and brainstorm potential next steps and
solutions. The MGA intends to host several Smartland Discussions each year on significant regional topics.

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MGA Holds Fifth Electric Transmission Meeting Focused on Federal and State Collaboration for a Reliable Electricity Grid

Bradford Wilbur — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 00:00:20 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) concluded its fifth annual
electric transmission meeting today in Washington, D.C. The meeting, Federalism and the Grid: Federal
and State Collaboration to Ensure a Reliable Electricity Grid, brought together governors’ staff, state
utility commissioners, utility companies, federal partners and other industry stakeholders to discuss the
importance of states and the government working together to accomplish the region’s transmission needs.
“The Midwest is blessed with affordable and diverse energy resources that help our states maximize our
economic development advantages and create more quality jobs in our states. By working with our major
stakeholders to rethink our approach to energy development, we can build a more reliable energy grid and
a robust economy,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Chair of the MGA.
Representatives from industry discussed storage innovations, their efforts to work across jurisdictions and
address pending regulatory actions, and how consumer actions may affect reliability. Attendees were
joined by officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, who provided insight into how states can better cooperate and
collaborate with the federal government, as well as how the Quadrennial Energy Review will affect states.
This was the fifth meeting the MGA hosted to highlight the steady progress in planning for the electric
transmission needs of the future.
Jesse Heier, executive director of the MGA, said, “Electric transmission planning serves as a great
example of how Midwestern governors are working together across state borders to strengthen the
regional economy, ensure grid reliability and continue to produce affordable electricity.”
More information on the MGA’s regional transmission efforts is available at
www.midwesterngovernors.org/transmission.htm.

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Kansas Governor Sam Brownback Hosts Regional Poverty Summit

Bradford Wilbur — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:45 +0000

Kansas City, KS – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) concluded a meeting today to discuss
regional poverty issues. The two-day summit, Exploring Poverty Reduction Strategies and Advancement
Opportunities in the Midwest, brought together an array of stakeholders from governors’ offices, state
agencies, non-profits and other sectors who are leading efforts to reduce poverty and expand economic
opportunities in the Midwest.
Meeting topics included public-private partnerships to fill the skills gap, overcoming rural housing
hurdles, stopping the cycle of poverty, and developing male-focused poverty strategies. Attendees also
heard from speakers discussing third grade reading, veteran hiring and the delivery of federal food
programs.
This meeting served as a pillar of Kansas Governor Sam Brownback’s agenda as MGA Chair. The
agenda built upon a series of bi-monthly conference calls convened by the MGA to promote the sharing
of best practices and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
“Reducing poverty and moving people from dependence to prosperity is a daunting task, but by working
together on this issue, we can forge innovative approaches and new ideas to an age-old problem. Thank
you to everyone who joined me in Kansas City for this important regional discussion,” said Governor
Brownback. “Leaders in each state are tackling these vital issues, and by working together we can to help
address the needs of everyone in our region.”
Despite the globally-recognized regional attributes of the Midwest, there are some in the region that are
living in poverty. The complexity of this issue does not allow for a one-size-fits-all solution. Fortunately,
there are an abundance of regional similarities and opportunities for sharing best practices to approach
poverty reduction.
For more information on the summit, as well as additional information on Governor Brownback’s agenda,
is available at www.midwesterngovernors.org/chairagenda.htm.

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Kansas Governor Brownback Elected Chair of the MGA Focuses Agenda on Poverty Reduction Strategies

Bradford Wilbur — Fri, 20 Feb 2015 00:00:04 +0000

Washington, D.C. – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) announced today that Kansas Governor
Sam Brownback was elected Chair of the MGA for 2015 and unveiled his agenda: Reducing Poverty and
Expanding Opportunities in the Midwest.
Governor Brownback’s agenda will focus on increasing regional discussions on poverty reduction. Despite the
globally recognized regional attributes of the Midwest, there are some in the region that are living in poverty.
States continue to lead on policies, programs and assistance for those in need. However, the complexity of this
issue does not allow for a one-size-fits-all solution. Fortunately, there are a lot of regional similarities and
opportunities for sharing best practices and discussing how to approach poverty reduction.
“I am honored to serve the region as Chair of the MGA,” said Governor Brownback. “Ours is a vital region, the
true heart of America, and I look forward to working with my fellow governors as we work to attract business
and grow the regional economy.”
More information on Governor Brownback’s agenda will be posted on
www.midwesterngovernors.org/chairagenda.htm. Please check back for more details.
Governor Brownback assumes leadership of the MGA from Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker. Governor
Walker’s agenda focused on the regional supply and delivery infrastructure of propane. In carrying out this
agenda, the MGA convened a propane supply chain working group comprised of state government agencies and
propane industry representatives to better enhance consumer awareness and industry preparedness. The working
group met twice in person and engaged in twice-monthly conference calls to enhance regional cooperation.
These calls concentrated on individual sectors of the supply and demand chain, including transportation,
storage, cross-industry and outreach communications, federal and state assistance programs and data sharing.
More information on Governor Walker’s agenda can be found by visiting
https://midwesterngovernors.org/chairagenda2014.htm.

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