GOVERNOR LINGLE TO SERVE AS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF BIPARTISAN POLICY CENTER’S GOVERNORS’ COUNCIL

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle has accepted an invitation by the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), a national policy and advocacy organization, to serve as a founding member of the group’s Governors’ Council. 

The BPC was founded in 2007 by former U.S. Senators – both Democrats and Republicans – to develop and promote pragmatic solutions to the pressing challenges facing our country.  While BPC has focused primarily on federal policy issues – including energy, health care, national and homeland security, transportation and economic policy – during its first three years, it is increasing its efforts to draw upon the policy and political experience that exist at the state level. 

The newly formed Governors’ Council, which will serve as an advisory group, will initially be composed of four to six immediate former governors of both parties who have achieved a record of bipartisan success during their tenure in office.  The Governors’ Council will meet approximately three times a year.  The first meeting is currently being scheduled. 

“It is an honor to be invited to join former colleagues to work together in a bipartisan manner to address some of the most significant issues facing our nation and our states,” said Governor Lingle.  “Serving on the Governors’ Council will provide an opportunity to highlight at the national level the successful initiatives being undertaken in Hawai‘i, such as the Hawai‘i Clean Energy Initiative and our focus on STEM and robotics education.  At the same time, we can also learn from the successes of other states.”

BPC’s founding members are former U.S. Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker (R-Tennessee), Tom Daschle (D-South Dakota), Bob Dole (R-Kansas) and George Mitchell (D-Maine). 

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LINK: http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/