NEMWI announced that Michael Goff, PhD, will fill the position of NEMWI President, effective February 11, 2015. Former U.S. Representative (R-OH), and current NEMWI Board Chair Steve LaTourette stated: "Michael brings a wealth of experience to the Northeast-Midwest Institute. We are excited about the future with Michael at the helm." Dr. Goff has more than 25 years of senior executive experience in development, communications and government relations. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Independent Sector, a national organization serving the nonprofit and philanthropic community. He holds a PhD in Government from Georgetown University, and hails from Pennsylvania. Last year, outgoing NEMWI President Allegra Cangelosi, requested that the Board transition to a "full-time and higher profile President, to take the organization to the next level." Cangelosi, who will be returning to purely programmatic work at NEMWI, stated "I could not be happier with the Board's choice for our organization's leadership moving forward!" Members of the NEMWI community can meet Michael at the upcoming NEMWI Reception for the Region, scheduled for February 3, 2015 on Capitol Hill. 

For more information contact Allegra Cangelosi, outgoing NEMWI President.  

The 113th Congress drew to a close this week, as the Senate adjourned after passing full-year spending appropriations for most federal agencies, among other legislation. Congressional leaders passed the so-called "cromnibus," a bill with attributes of both a Continuing Resolution and an Omnibus budget bill. The Senate passed the bill Saturday, December 13 in a final vote of 56-40; the House passed the bill late in the evening, Thursday, December 11 (219-206). The region stands to benefit from aspects of the bill. The region's small and mid-sized manufacturers will see a slight increase in funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and the region's water resources will benefit from sustained funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds. However, cuts in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will negatively affect the region's low-income residents, especially during the long winter months. Full numbers for all programs tracked by the NEMWI are available here and a fact sheet on other notable programs and policy directives (such as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements and a temporary extension for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms program) is available here. Other notable legislation that became law in the waning days of the 113th:

• Defense Authorization Act: not only does the act prohibit another round of Base Realignment and Closure but also includes multiple "land bills," whereby Congress approves land swaps, conservation, or wilderness designations.
• U.S. Coast Guard Reauthorization: The Act continues funding the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) at FY2014 levels ($8.7 billion). Specifically, the bill: authorizes transfer of helicopters from other Defense agencies to the USCG to establish year-round capability within the Great Lakes region; extends assistance to small shipyards through FY2017; clarifies the important role of federally-recognized Tribes in oil and hazardous spill response; requires establishment of National Maritime Strategy to improve the competitiveness of the U.S. fleet, as well as a National Academy of Sciences' study on ways to further improve competitiveness; and delays implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's small vessel discharge regulations until 2018.
• Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act: Sponsored by Sen. Mark Warner (VA), the act requires a budget analysis of all federal, (and where possible state) investments into Chesapeake Bay restoration, similar to past analyses for the Great Lakes. The Bay, which is connected to NEMW states Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware, would also benefit from independent program evaluation included in the Act.
• Propane Education and Research Enhancement Act: The act, sponsored by Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05), adds training for propane distributors and consumers on strategies to avoid shortages and price spikes, as occurred during the harsh winter of 2013/4. The propane shortages throughout the NEMW region caused significant concerns and stress on business and communities. Members of Congress expressed interest in the matter and ways to avoid similar circumstances in the future.

For more information, contact Danielle Chesky, Director of the Great Lakes Washington Program, or Colleen Cain, Senior Policy Analyst, both at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.  

 

For more information contact Colleen Cain, Senior Policy Analyst at the Northeast-Midwest Institute.