Gov. Linda Lingle has been named by the National Governors Association (NGA) to serve on its Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee. The appointment to the newly formed, bipartisan committee reflects the high priority Lingle and the nation’s other governors
Gov. Linda Lingle has been named by the National Governors Association (NGA) to serve on its Education, Early Childhood and Workforce Committee.
The appointment to the newly formed, bipartisan committee reflects the high priority Lingle and the nation’s other governors place on education policy at both the local and national levels, she said.
“Education is the top priority for my administration, and my direct involvement in this committee will provide strategic opportunities to learn about the challenges and successes of other states in the area of education reform,” said Lingle.
“While as governor my focus will be on improving Hawai‘i’s education system, it’s also important for all the states to work together to ensure every student in our nation is prepared to succeed in the global workforce.”
Lingle joins 13 other governors on the committee: Mark Warner, Virginia, chair; Jeb Bush, Florida, vice chair; Janet Napolitano, Arizona; Mike Huckabee, Arkansas; John Rowland, Connecticut; Sonny Perdue, Georgia; Felix Camacho, Guam; Tom Vilsack, Iowa; Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas; Tim Pawlenty, Minnesota; Bob Holden, Missouri; Michael Easley, North Carolina; and Jim Douglas, Vermont.
The new committee’s jurisdiction includes the full spectrum of educational issues, ranging from early childhood development through elementary and secondary education, as well as higher education and workforce development.
Specifically, the committee will handle legislative and regulatory issues related to the federal Head Start program, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Higher Education Act, the No Child Left Behind Act, and the Workforce Investment Act.
Lingle has also been appointed to the NGA’s committee on long-term health care. She will travel to Washington, D.C. next month to meet with the committee and attend a conference on long-term health care.
