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Democratic governors doing good things: 7 examples [1]

['Chloris Creator', 'Greg Dworkin', 'Crimson Quillfeather']

Date: 2026-08-01  

Too many times people think the democrats don’t do anything. Well, that’s not true. Ds in Congress are hampered by the fact that we don’t have majorities, as are the liberal justices on the Supreme Court. But Dems are out there doing good things nearly every day.

A big reason people do not know these good things is because, for the past 10 years, the media has focused mostly on the felon. He is a master of distraction. Also the billionaires have been buying up media outlets.

But we can change the narrative a wee bit. Dems don’t exist just in opposition, but in creation. Things to remember:

It’s harder to build than to bulldoze.

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good!!!

Almost always, team blue is better than team red

Let’s pull together (so worried

This is the second diary on this; I am working through the states alphabetically, and am in Kentucky now, but feel free to add great stuff about other Democratic governors. Here’s a link to the first.

Governor Andy Beshear (Kentucky).

First, there’s a lot about the mostly dead senator

KY Governor Andy Beshear just handed Rand Paul a reality check he won't forget, and he did it in a single sentence. As Paul dragged 85-year-old Dr. Anthony Fauci before Congress for yet another politically charged spectacle, Beshear pointed out the glaring double standard hiding in plain sight. — Karl Kuszaj (@karlkuszaj.bsky.social) 2026-07-30T12:51:50.335Z

Note the laws in KY are kind of messy and right now McConnell is certainly not voting. I’m sure Beshear has considered whether or not to appoint someone or not.

In the meantime, Beshear is out there delivering for the people of Kentucky:

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced further investment in the state’s site and building development efforts as more than $5.2 million was approved to support future job creation in 8 counties through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI).Read more: tinyurl.com/32wu2z3s — Governor Andy Beshear (@govandybeshear.bsky.social) 2026-07-30T20:14:16.948Z

And, oh, gosh, look competence, a project finishing ahead of schedule!

Great news for Kentuckians who live and work in Louisville: The I-65 closure is finishing ahead of schedule, with 4 of the 6 lanes reopening tonight! We know the importance of this roadway, and I'm proud we're getting the job done and delivering a safer route for everyone. — Governor Andy Beshear (@govandybeshear.bsky.social) 2026-07-28T16:42:01.055Z

And even using his platform to recognize good people in Kentucky (the 11 year old boy saved a man from drowning):

Neighbors helping neighbors – that's what Team Kentucky is all about. Thank you, Avory Woolery, for your bravery and for stepping up to help a fellow Kentuckian. Your courage is an inspiration to us all.Full story: tinyurl.com/3u4tknd5 — Governor Andy Beshear (@govandybeshear.bsky.social) 2026-07-28T19:44:44.838Z

Governor Janet Mills (Maine)

Grants to help expand food production:

Program created by Governor Mills will help schools and communities across Maine grow fresh, local food and extend growing season Augusta, MAINE – The Mills Administration has awarded $500,000 to 10 Maine communities to expand local food production and agricultural education through the construction of durable, shared-use greenhouses. Governor Mills conceived the Community Greenhouse Grant Program during the pandemic when market and supply chain disruptions exposed Maine’s dependence on food imported from other states and countries. From a student-run farmers market in Limestone to food pantries in Oxford County to inner-city afterschool gardening programs in Portland, the program, created in last year’s biennial budget, will provide grants to help communities, schools, and nonprofit organizations purchase greenhouses to increase local food production, extend their growing season, and teach the next generation how to grow food. “Growing up in rural Maine, I developed a great respect for the value of planting, growing, and harvesting fruits and vegetables, but not everyone has the space or the know-how to run their own garden,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I am hopeful that this program, like the Victory Gardens of World War II, will bring Maine people together, teach people of all ages to grow their own food, and help more communities become self-reliant.” “These projects represent an investment in Maine communities and the next generation of growers,” saidAgriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Amanda Beal. “Whether located at a school, nonprofit, community center, or public institution, these greenhouses will become places where people learn, grow food together, and strengthen local food systems for years to come.”

Not a lot of money – seed money! Often it goes further.

From more than a year ago, but really important. Standing up to the felon when so many were cowering – and standing up for kids (so good that the Democratic Governors Association co opted it):

A message from Maine. Janet Mills is a bad ass — Trinity Amor (@trinityamor.bsky.social) 2025-03-02T02:25:44.226Z

She is probably too old to run for the senate, but she got a lot done:

OK, can somebody, ANYBODY, tell me what was wrong with Janet Mills?- Free Community College – Expanded Medicaid – Millionaire Tax- Addressed the UN on Climate Change – Beat trump in court protecting Trans kids- Never raped anyone- Zero kids with her cousin — Elliott w/ 2 Ts (@elot247.bsky.social) 2026-07-31T02:43:28.093Z

Governor Wes Moore (Maryland)

5 million in awards to expand apprenticeships:

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced $5 million in awards through the Maryland Department of Labor’s Industry Apprenticeship Accelerator, an initiative that will expand registered apprenticeship in Maryland’s high-growth industries, like healthcare, information technology, and early childhood education. “To win the fights of tomorrow, we are building pathways to work, wages and wealth today by expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities,” said Gov. Moore. “We are investing in and implementing innovative strategies to meet high growth industries demand, all while expanding our economy, supporting our communities, and strengthening Maryland’s skilled workforce to leave no one behind.” “Registered apprenticeship is a cornerstone of Maryland’s workforce development strategy because it delivers results for businesses and workers,” said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “This initiative makes it easier for businesses of all sizes to build the skilled talent pipeline they need by reducing administrative barriers and providing hands-on expertise to launch and expand apprenticeship programs.”

Reaching out to disenrolled students:

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced expedited admissions support and an $800 credit for any student affected by Howard University’s recent disenrollment of incoming students who are seeking to attend a University System of Maryland institution this fall. The governor has directed the Maryland Higher Education Commission and the University System of Maryland to establish a coordinated process to help affected students identify available programs, navigate financial aid options, and seek expedited late admissions review at participating USM institutions with available capacity. Impacted students who enroll at a participating USM institution will also receive an $800 credit to offset the nonrefundable enrollment and housing deposits they paid to Howard University.

Why were they disenrolled? This is what I found:

The governor of Maryland is stepping in to assist hundreds of incoming freshmen who were unenrolled from Howard University due to unpaid tuition balances. — (@fox5dc.bsky.social) 2026-07-31T06:15:08.275Z

Not as recent, but still awesome:

Bless Maryland Governor Wes Moore for refusing to authorize National Guard deployment! — God (@thegodshow.com) 2025-08-25T15:56:28.433Z

Governor Maura Healey (Massachusetts)

Working on affordability: health care!

BREAKING: My Division of Insurance negotiated down rate increases with seven health insurers, saving 670,000 residents $72 million in premiums. From lowering out-of-pocket costs to getting rid of prior authorizations, we're making sure you can afford the care you need, when you need it. — Governor Maura Healey (@massgovernor.bsky.social) 2026-07-22T17:26:30.163Z

Working on affordability: transportation:

We've had a great summer. It's not over yet, and neither are the savings on the @mbta.com. On top of discounts happening through August, we're rolling out new ways to save this fall: a 2 hr unlimited transfer window, $1.70 express bus fares, and free service for seniors 75+ without a license. — Governor Maura Healey (@massgovernor.bsky.social) 2026-07-28T19:57:22.355Z

Working on affordability: energy: Note this seems to be a bill that has been proposed, not yet done

Leominster — Today, at the Leominster Veterans Memorial Center, Governor Maura Healey filed the Energy Affordability, Independence & Innovation Actto bring down costs for residents and businesses. The legislation saves customers money, brings more energy into Massachusetts, and increases accountability of the utilities and drives innovation. Key reforms include eliminating and reducing certain charges on the bill, taking steps to create accountability and ensure utilities aren’t passing unnecessary costs onto ratepayers, and reducing barriers to new cutting-edge nuclear technologies. The administration estimates that the bill will save Massachusetts customers approximately $10 billion over 10 years, on top of the $6 billion in savings estimated from her Energy Affordability Agenda announced in March. “Our administration cut taxes and is working to lower costs on every front – from housing to child care to energy,” said Governor Healey. “Massachusetts families and businesses can’t afford big energy price spikes now, or in the future. This bill – along with our energy affordability agenda – gets costs off bills, saves people money, and adopts an all of the above strategy to bring new energy into Massachusetts.”

Working on affordability: housing: at the link there’s a count with respect to housing built or in development:

On Aug. 6, 2024 Governor Maura Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act into law. The historic legislation authorizes $5.16 billion in spending over the next five years along with nearly 50 policy initiatives to counter rising housing costs caused by high demand and limited supply. The bill includes unprecedented authorizations in modernizing the state’s public housing system, boosts programs that support first-time homebuyers and homeownership, and resources to build more housing for low to moderate-income residents. It also includes many policy changes that will unlock housing production in our state, such as allowing accessory dwelling units, support for the conversion of vacant commercial space to housing and support for sustainable and green housing initiatives.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer (Michigan)

I see her popularity is down a bit. Still, she has gotten some good stuff done!

Balanced Budgets

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Whitmer celebrated the completion of eight balanced, bipartisan state budgets that have continuously improved upon the state’s fiscal record by increasing the rainy day fund, paying down long-term debt, and strengthening Michigan’s credit rating.

New Jobs:

Expansions from FANUC Corporation and SAPA Transmission will result in 553 new jobs combined

Mixed-use development to add housing, retail in Detroit’s Eastern Market corridor

Erie Township awarded Michigan Build Ready Sites grant for sewer infrastructure

Regional Small Business Support Hubs selected to receive $11.27 million in state funding

Guidelines amended and $3 million in additional funding approved for Michigan Innovate Capital Fund

Governor Tim Walz (Minnesota)

Thanks to ICE, Minnesota has had an expecially tough year. But Minnesota is doing fine in other ways, such as being 2nd best in the country wrt health care: (New Hampshire is best, Iowa is 3rd)

Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota is the second best state for healthcare in the country, according to a recent study from WalletHub. “When we invest in the health and well-being of Minnesotans, we see improved health outcomes and lower healthcare costs,” said Governor Walz. “Minnesota has again demonstrated itself to be nation-leading in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes; part of what makes this state the best place in the country to raise a family.” This comes on the heels of record work done by the Walz-Flanagan Administration to improve healthcare and lower costs, including overseeing record enrollment in state health insurance and reducing MNsure premium costs by 25%. The administration also reduced costs of prescription drugs like insulin and codified ironclad reproductive freedoms.

⚡️Took executive action to prevent state employees from using nonpublic information in betting markets.

I like how he speaks up:

As Measles cases hit a 35 year high, as a senseless war rages on with no exit plan, as gas climbs to record highs, and the Epstein files remain secret, the U.S. Senate is holding a hearing today to yell at Dr. Fauci and again push horse dewormer on the American public. — Governor Tim Walz (@governorwalz.mn.gov) 2026-07-29T13:53:00.130Z

Oh, and this!

Governor Mikie Sherrill (New Jersey). These are from the governor’s website:

TRENTON – Today (7/30), Governor Sherrill signed the following bills into law:

S-170/A-5167 (Diegnan, Ruiz/Karabinchak) – Requires Commissioner of Education to recommend dates for spring break in school districts.

– Requires Commissioner of Education to recommend dates for spring break in school districts. S-743/A-4554 (Burzichelli/Kennedy, Simmons) – Appropriates $111.6 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to DEP for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects.

– Appropriates $111.6 million in dedicated natural resource damages revenues to DEP for habitat restoration, land acquisition, and restoration oversight projects. S-3237/A-4887 (Turner, McKnight/Reynolds-Jackson, Carter, Quijano) – Provides televisions in State buildings shall display closed captioning for programming.

– Provides televisions in State buildings shall display closed captioning for programming. S-4407/A-5222 (Vitale, McKeon/Carter, Speight) – Extends certain provisions relating to involuntary commitment.

– Extends certain provisions relating to involuntary commitment. S-4423/A-5334 (McKeon, Tiver/Sweeney, Morales, Reynolds-Jackson) – Appropriates $77,406,208 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects, and for certain administrative expenses.

– Appropriates $77,406,208 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects, and for certain administrative expenses. S-4424/A-5333 (Smith, Greenstein/Angelozzi, Rowan, McCoy) – Appropriates $15,546,575 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses.

– Appropriates $15,546,575 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses. SJR-137/AJR-176 (Tiver, Singleton/Singh, Angelozzi, Murphy) – Designates June 10 of each year as “Christina Grimmie Day” in NJ.

– Designates June 10 of each year as “Christina Grimmie Day” in NJ. A-1738/S-3233 (Reynolds-Jackson, Carter/Turner, Burgess) – Authorizes creation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. license plates.

– Authorizes creation of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. license plates. A-4050/S-1423 (Spearman, Peterson/Lagana, Bucco) – Concerns facilities used by applicants for new motor vehicle dealer licenses.

– Concerns facilities used by applicants for new motor vehicle dealer licenses. A-5223/S-4408 (Carter/Vitale, McKeon) – Creates voluntary pilot program to allow certain facilities flexibility in their psychiatric bed status

Honoring Brian Sicknick (so glad someone is honoring the heroes and not the criminals of Jan 6 2021)

Grateful to Governor Sherrill for designating today as Brian Sicknick Day in New Jersey. Brian and his fellow Capitol Police officers held the line for our democracy on January 6, 2021 when violent insurrectionists attempted to overthrow our democracy. — Rep. Rob Menendez (@menendez.house.gov) 2026-07-30T19:46:37.205Z

Statewide Housing resources to make sure veterans are not homeless:

TRENTON – Governor Mikie Sherrill today joined the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA), and military veterans from across New Jersey at the Trenton War Memorial to announce that, through the Bringing Veterans Home initiative, the State created a coordinated support system that fully funds housing resources so no veteran has to go homeless. The initiative makes veteran homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring in New Jersey. Now, more veterans enter housing in New Jersey than enter homelessness each month, and the initiative is sustaining this performance consistently. “I am incredibly honored to announce that, because of the quick and effective response of our Bringing Veterans Home initiative, every veteran in New Jersey can now access stable housing,” said Governor Sherrill. “This milestone is a groundbreaking achievement. No veteran in our state should endure the hardship of homelessness. We are proud that New Jersey is a leader in ending veteran homelessness and we stand ready to serve as a model for other states on this critical issue.” “If a New Jersey veteran experiences a housing crisis, Bringing Veterans Home is the backstop preventing full scale homelessness,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “Our work is more than housing placement. It is about long-term stability. We are making sure veterans have access to the services and support they need to remain in stable, quality housing that they can call home.”

Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your comments.

🐦‍⬛🐦🐦‍⬛I do a lot of other writing. Some offerings: the Crow Nickels (chronicles), about crows who want to save birdkind from extinction (Hunters of the Feather). Popular mysteries based on Jane Austen’s novels, such as The Meryton Murders. Others based on history and Greek mythology, e.g.,Clytemnestra: The Mother’s Blade, for those who want another look at the characters in The Odyssey. Newest offerings: Messing with the Myths — three books so far in this series (new one is Ragnarok & Roll). All titles also available through Kindle Unlimited.

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