Seattle to host U.S. governors this weekend

[icymist]

Thursday, July 15, 2004 - Page updated at 12:00 A.M.

Seattle to host U.S. governors this weekend

By Ralph Thomas
Seattle Times Olympia bureau

The nation's governors come to Seattle this weekend for their annual policy meeting, but there will be plenty of politics and play mixed in.

The governors of at least 35 states are expected to attend the National Governors Association (NGA) event at the Westin Hotel.

<snip>

After taking a Saturday-evening boat ride to a private reception at Bill and Melinda Gates' home on Lake Washington, the governors finally will get to the policy part of their meeting Sunday morning.

LaPaille, the National Governors Association spokeswoman, said a main focus of the meeting will be to help the states "make America elder-ready." As part of that effort, Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne, chairman of the association for the past year, will release a list of 20 recommended actions for improving long-term care.

<snip>

Panelists include former Republican U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Democratic White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, and Starbucks CEO Orin Smith.

A whole lot more at this

[eridani]

1. Put People First! rally to contront governors

Tell the nation's governors to Put People First!

1:30pm July 17, Westlake Park Seattle featured speaker: Congressmember Dennis Kucinich (speaking at 3PM)
www.putpeoplefirst.org

The Governors are coming (including Jeb, Arnold, and our own Gary)... and they are going to get an earful. This month, all fifty Governors are meeting in Seattle with federal officials and corporate CEOs to discuss priorities of government. Join us to deliver the message that public-centered priorities must come first!

We're fighting for:

* Affordable health care for everyone
* Educational opportunities for all
* No outsourcing of public jobs and services
* Corporate accountability
* Budget priorities that benefit working families, immigrants, undocumented workers and the poor

Planning and Participating Organizations: Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME, Washington State Jobs With Justice, King County Labor Council, Washington Citizen Action, Washington State Labor Council, Washington Alliance of Technology Workers/CWA, Teamsters 117, UFCW 1105, AFGE 3197, ILWU 19, Community Alliance for Global Justice, Roofers Local 153, Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans, SPEEA/IFPTE, Peoples Coalition for Justice, Casa Latina, Welfare Rights Organizing Coalition, El Centro de la Raza, UAW 4121, Association of Flight Attendants Council 10, Reclaim the Media and others.

For more info, see www.putpeoplefirst.org or call 800-562-6002


Kucinich will also speak at a fundraiser at the New Holly Community Center in South Seattle. If you wish to attend, RSVP [e-mail]