Volume 40 | February 4, 2022
Governors Begin to Deliver State of the States
The CONEG Governors have begun delivering their 2022 State of the State addresses. Highlights of the speeches are provided including a word cloud illustrating the commonalities among the states.
Biden Administration Announces Funding to Address Home Energy Costs – More than Doubling Typical LIHEAP Appropriations
The Biden-Harris Administration has announced funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). As part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP), this funding will help states, localities and tribes address home energy costs this winter. In addition to regular annual appropriations, states will receive additional funds from the American Rescue Plan – more than double the typical annual funding for the energy assistance program allowing states to offer more home energy relief than ever before. LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income households with their energy bills, providing critical assistance during the cold winter and hot summer months.
Governor Lamont and Transportation Commissioner Giulietti Meet With New Amtrak President and CEO Stephen Gardner To Discuss Opportunities to Advance Rail in Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti today met in New Haven with the newly appointed president and CEO of Amtrak, Stephen Gardner, to discuss the partnership between the state and Amtrak and opportunities to advance rail infrastructure in Connecticut. During the meeting, Governor Lamont reinforced that now is the time to invest in rail infrastructure and bring faster trains to Connecticut, which will improve the state’s economy,
News from the States
Connecticut
Governor Lamont Announces $8.2 Million in State Grants To Support Transportation Safety Upgrades and Improved Accessibility in Seventeen Towns and Cities


Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Launches 2022 Comprehensive Energy Strategy Scoping Process
 
Maine
Governor Mills Unveils Legislation To Improve Maine’s Electric Utilities, Enhance Accountability, and Protect Maine Ratepayers
 
Governor Mills Statement on National Governors Association Winter Meeting

Governor Mills Announces $50 Million from Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan to Expand Housing Opportunities for Maine People

Massachusetts
Baker-Polito Administration Outlines Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding Plans for Massachusetts (Framingham Source)


Baker-Polito Administration Files $5 Billion General Government Bond Bill: Proposal seeks critical authorization for investments in cybersecurity, public safety, workforce skills
 
New Hampshire
Governor Sununu Signs Joint Letter with 16 Governors to President Biden Regarding Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
 
Governor Sununu Sends Ten Year Transportation Improvement Plan to the Legislature
New York
Governor Hochul Announces $1 Million New York/Israel Smart Energy Challenge Now Accepting Submissions
 
Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on National Governors Association White House Meeting

Governor Hochul Adds $12 Million to Program that Helps Consumers Save Up To $2,000 When Purchasing Electric Vehicles
 
Governor Hochul Presents the Fiscal Year 2023 Executive Budget

Rhode Island
Governor McKee’s Proposed $46 Million Infrastructure Investment in FY 2023 Budget Aims to Extend Life of Port of Galilee by Decades


Governor McKee outlines plans to improve infrastructure, combat climate change (WPRI)
 
Vermont
Governor Scott Announces New $50 Million Homeowner Assistance Program to Help Keep Homeowners Housed

Governor Scott Announces New $50 Million Homeowner Assistance Program to Help Keep Homeowners Housed

Governor Scott delivered his sixth budget address to the General Assembly
Regional and Federal Updates

New England senators ask Biden admin to study economic impacts of offshore wind plans (The Hill)
 
Amtrak OIG report offers recommendations for Amtrak to build trust with state partners (Mass Transit)
 
Climate change may be supercharging Northeast snowstorms (Axios)

Biden Administration Releases Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook for State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Governments
Did you know?

U.S. greenhouse gas emissions increased more than six percent in 2021.

Source: Rhodium Group