2011 WGA Annual Meeting -old
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Western Governors’ Association, the First Lady and I invite you to join us June 29-July 1, 2011 in Coeur d’Alene for the WGA Annual Meeting. We are planning events and discussions on important western issues where folks can exchange ideas on improving the region we call home.
One of our sessions will focus on improving education and job creation opportunities for our returning servicemen and women. We owe an enormous debt to the thousands of western states veterans. Over 2 million Americans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. One way we can help repay them is to ensure they have the skills to maintain or transition into good jobs or careers upon leaving military service.
My colleagues and I will also host a discussion with federal officials on improving the health of forests in the West. Millions of acres of forest land are in very poor ecological health and are susceptible to catastrophic wildfires, insect infestations, disease and invasive species. Federal, state, and private land owners must work together to prevent these and other disasters from destroying life, property, and valuable natural resources within our western forests. Sensible forest restoration policies also can create new jobs, wood product businesses and bioenergy.
Diverse, reliable, and affordable energy supplies that move us toward greater energy security are among the highest priorities for our nation and the West. Western Governors have been coordinating efforts to accelerate the development of new energy sources in the region and facilitate the construction of needed transmission lines. At this year’s meeting we will focus on strategies to help improve energy efficiency. Amid state budget cuts, finding efficiencies in energy production and usage will save money and help progress energy policy.
Miss Lori and I look forward to seeing you and your family in Coeur d’Alene. We will have lots of activities for children and adults, so come spend time with us in beautiful, friendly Idaho.
