• WI - Doyle Expands Crime Victim Network.  Gov. Jim Doyle announced the expansion of the Wisconsin Victim Information and Notification Everyday Service. The service is an automated system for victims to receive timely information about the location and status of criminal defendants and convicted offenders in county jails and other facilities. "This new statewide system will help us to keep our communities safer and more informed," Doyle said. "Now, through the assistance of our law enforcement partners and other stakeholders, we will be able to offer crime victims key information about convicted offenders and defendants in Wisconsin and alert them to any changes in their status." http://www.wkowtv.com/272944
• MA - Patrick Files Broadband Legislation, Prepares for Recovery Funds. Gov. Deval Patrick has filed legislation to help leverage federal economic recovery funds to boost broadband services throughout Massachusetts. "This bill builds on our commitment to provide broadband access to all areas of the Commonwealth, and positions the state for long-term economic growth," said Patrick. "This effort will also help streamline state zoning and permitting rules to expedite the availability of this enabling technology." http://www.allamericanpatrithe-commonwealth-fo
  WI - Doyle Announces Recovery Funds for Food Pantries. Gov. Doyle says the tough economy has created unprecedented demand at local soup kitchens and food pantries. More help is headed to food pantries, homeless shelters and meal sites in Wisconsin. Sixteen organizations that help distribute food and other goods to local pantries and shelters will get $2 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $2 million in goods will be distributed to more than 300 locations across the state through The Emergency Food Assistance Program. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/11.story
• KY - Beshear Works to Increase Renewable Energy Use. As a leader in advancing new sources of energy in a state highly dependent on fossil fuels, Gov. Steve Beshear announced that he is joining the U.S. Governors' Wind Energy Coalition. Gov. Beshear also announced that he is endorsing the national 25x'25 Action Plan. "The increased use of renewable energy sources in Kentucky will greatly increase our energy security and minimize our carbon footprint, while relying on Kentucky's vast natural resources and boosting Kentucky business sectors, such as agriculture and various emerging growth companies," Gov. Beshear said. http://www.allamericanparenewable-energy-use-in
• IA - Culver Signs Wind Energy Bill. Gov. Chet Culver said that Iowa is proving to the rest of the nation that an energy-independent future is within reach. "It's a great day in Iowa in the realm of renewable energy," Culver said before signing into law two bills designed to expand Iowa's wind energy industry. "With my signature, these bills will continue Iowa's efforts to chart its own course toward energy independence," he told attendees at a bill-signing ceremony. "By doing so, we'll continue to create jobs in every part of the state, and strengthen our role as a national leader in both the business and the practice of energy production." http://www.qctimes.com/news/statecc4c03286.html

Improve Broadband to Rural and Indian Areas!
Community Connect Grant Program
POSTED: 4/20/2009
FUNDING SOURCE: USDA
ELIGIBILITY: Nonprofits, Indian Tribes, and States
$ AVAILABLE: $13,406,000
GRANTS AVAILABLE: N.A.
MAX GRANT SIZE: $1,000,000
DEADLINE: 6/19/09
CONTACT INFORMATION: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-9006.htm
DESCRIPTION: Funds to provide broadband and Internet access to underserved rural areas, including Indian lands.
 
Stimulus Bill Grants for CDFIs!
Community Development Financial Institutions Program
POSTED: 4/26/2009
FUNDING SOURCE: Dept. of the Treasury
ELIGIBILITY: Certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
$ AVAILABLE: $55,000,000
GRANTS AVAILABLE: N.A.
MAX GRANT SIZE: $2,000,000
DEADLINE: 5/27/09
CONTACT INFORMATION: http://www.cdfifund.gov/news_events/CDFI-2009-21-Opening-NACA-CDFI-Supplemental-Round.asp
DESCRIPTION: Financial assistance grants to fund a wide array of community development, affordable housing and economic development projects sponsored by CDFIs, which are nonprofits or credit unions certified to participate in the program that lend or invest in their communities. These are supplemental funds authorized for new applicants by the Stimulus Bill.