Stateline.org reports that
governors nationwide are trimming their spending on upcoming inaugurations.
One new governor canceled his ball -- a first for the state -- and another first-time governor has called for a potluck dinner. Among the other nine governors elected in November, a few will have minimal swearing-in ceremonies in their state capitol buildings. In other state capitals, however, some governors are celebrating their election the old fashion way.
Facing an estimated $545 million state budget deficit, Delaware's new governor-elect, Democrat Jack Markell, is foregoing the traditional ball and instead is encouraging state residents to volunteer at nonprofit organizations and charities the weekend after his swearing-in.
"The governor-elect wants to minimize the costs of the celebrations in these tough economic times we face," said Joe Rogalsky, the governor's communications director. He added that, to the governor-elect office's knowledge, a Delaware governor has never rejected the ball.
The story says:
Another new governor, Missouri governor-elect Jay Nixon (D), promised on the campaign-trail to stage the first-ever inauguration potluck, if elected, in light of the state's more than $340 million budget shortfall. Those attending are invited to bring cookies and desserts for everyone to share after Nixon's swearing-in Jan. 12 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. His campaign committee is supplying hamburgers.
