Jerry Brown in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Education: Let people vote to avoid cutting schools & colleges

If you are a Democrat who doesn't want budget reductions in programs you fought for & deeply believe in, I understand that. If you are a Republican who has taken a stand against taxes, I understand where you are coming from. But things are different this time. In fact, the people are telling us--in their own way--that they sense that something is profoundly wrong.

At this moment of extreme difficulty, it behooves us to turn to the people and get a clear mandate on how we should proceed: either to exten the taxes as I fervently believe or cut deeply into the programs from which--under federal law--we can still extract the sums required. Unfortunately, these would most probably include: elementary, middle and high schools, the California State University system, prisons, and vital health programs.

My plan to rebuild California requires a vote of the people, and frankly I believe it would be irresponsible for us to exclude the people from this process. They have a right to vote on this plan.

Source: 2011 California State of the State Address Jan 31, 2011

On Jobs: Strip away regulations that prevent job creation

At a time when more than 2 million Californians are out of work, we must search out and strip away any accumulated burdens or unreasonable regulations that stand in the way of investment and job creation. But let's not forget that Job #1--make no mistake about it--is fixing our state budget and getting our spending in line with our revenue. Once we do that, the rest will be easy--at least easier because we will have learned to work together and earned back the respect and trust of the people we serve. Source: 2011 California State of the State Address Jan 31, 2011

On Tax Reform: Only choice is raise taxes to deal with extreme difficulty

At this moment of extreme difficulty, it behooves us to turn to the people and get a clear mandate on how we should proceed: either to extend the taxes as I fervently believe or cut deeply into the programs from which--under federal law--we can still extract the sums required.

From the time I first proposed what I believe to be a balanced approach to our budget deficit--both cuts and a temporary extension of current taxes--dozens of groups affected by one or another of the proposed cuts have said w should cut somewhere else instead. Still others say we should not extend the current taxes but let them go away. So far, however, these same people have failed to offer even one alternative solution.

Wherever I look, I see difficult choices. But I also see a bright future up ahead and a California economy that is on the mend.

Source: 2011 California State of the State Address Jan 31, 2011

On Technology: CA entrepreneurialism reaps benefit from Pacific Rim trade

When we get our budget in balance, California will be in a strong position to take advantage of its many assets and its strategic location on the Pacific Rim. As the countries of Asia and south of our border continue to thrive and expand their trade, our state will play a leading role, as it always has, and reap unimagined benefits. We have the inventors, the dreamers, the entrepreneurs, the venture capitalists and a vast array of physical, intellectual and political assets.

When I first came to Sacramento, Apple had not yet invented their personal computer. There was no wind generated electricity, and we didn't have the nation's most advanced appliance efficiency standards. Of course, Yahoo, Google, Facebook and Twitter did not exist--not even in someone's imagination. California's economy has grown from less than $200 billion dollars when first I came to this rostrum to now over $2 trillion expected this year. California has been on the move--a marvel, even a miracle and some kind of gift.

Source: 2011 California State of the State Address Jan 31, 2011

The above quotations are from 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Jerry Brown. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018