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Governor de Jongh
Travels to Washington, D.C. for
Annual Meeting with Nation's Governors
Talks to Focus on
Fiscal Condition, Health Care, Education and Job Creation
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Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. departed the territory on Saturday morning to attend the winter meeting of the National Governor’s Association in Washington, D.C. De Jongh will join his fellow governors in discussing issues such as the lingering effects of the economic recession, health care, education and job creation opportunities. The meeting runs through Monday.
“As regards the financial condition of the territory and the impact of the global recession, my fellow governors face the same if not bigger challenges which have led to the curtailing of government services and the layoff of public sector employees,” de Jongh said, noting that the country and our territory continues to face an unprecedented fiscal crisis which requires us to make tough choices.
The governor said he sees the meetings as providing an opportunity for candid conversations focused on developing innovative and improved approaches to governing. He looks to a meeting this afternoon by the Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee as an opportunity to focus on concrete action steps that governors can take to improve education.
On Sunday, the Economic Development and Commerce, Health and Human Services and Natural Resources Committees and the Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety will all meet for policy discussions. These sessions will focus on the state of public finance; turning health care cost challenges into opportunities for reform; along with the development of domestic resources and cyber-security. “Private ‘governors-only’ sessions, including a meeting with President Obama and cabinet members at the White House, will present an opportunity for dialogue on a variety of issues,” de Jongh said.
In addition, de Jongh will also participate in other meetings on issues pertinent to the territory.
Also in Washington, D.C. this weekend, first lady Cecile de Jongh will participate in a roundtable discussion with governor’s spouses which will include presentations by members of the Spouses Leadership Committee regarding key initiatives for 2011 and beyond. The first lady will also participate in another session entitled, “Innovative Partnerships to Support Governor’s Spouses’ Initiatives.” On Monday, Mrs. de Jongh will go to the State Department to moderate a discussion on U.S. Protocol and Diplomacy with governor’s spouses.
Until Tuesday when the governor returns to the territory, Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis will serve as Acting Governor, in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended.
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