State governors play a crucial role in maintaining both public health systems and economic development initiatives that support residents’ well-being and financial opportunities. At the 2025 National Governors Association Summer Meeting, leaders engaged in discussions with experts on health and economic matters, including sessions with economists Dr. Jason Furman and Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, as well as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis emphasized the importance of economic priorities for state leaders, leading discussions about economic forecasts, trade policies, and challenges related to debt and income inequality. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee highlighted the significance of public health issues, moderating conversations about health programs and federal-state collaborations.
The meetings covered various topics including preventive care, rural healthcare access, nutrition programs, and the relationship between public health and economic growth. Participants explored how effective healthcare systems contribute to economic stability while addressing challenges facing American communities.
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Governors are responsible for the well-being of residents in their states and territories, working daily on a host of issues impacting individuals and communities. Within this broad portfolio is ensuring the effectiveness of public health systems. At the same time, Governors are focused on developing healthy economies that allow everyone to pursue their American Dream, and generate the revenue needed to fund government services.
At the 2025 NGA Summer Meeting, Governors held a series of private and public meetings with health and economic experts and officials. One of the public meetings was with economists Dr. Jason Furman and Dr. Arthur B. Laffer on the domestic and global economic outlook. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee moderated a second public meeting with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on public health programs.
Healthy Economies
“The economy is truly top of the line for us as Governors.”
Colorado Governor Jared Polis
Watch as Governor Jared Polis leads a discussion with Dr. Furman and Dr. Laffer on their outlook for the economy, the impact of tariffs, trade policies, and the need to address debt and income inequality.
Healthy People
“We all are interested in what happens in public health. We should be asking questions and elevating this conversation.”
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee
Following the economic discussion, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee hosted Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for a fireside chat about Make America Healthy Again. Governors engaged with the Secretary in a wide-ranging discussion on HHS priorities, federal-state partnership, nutrition, preventive care, rural health care and more.