Steve Beshear in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Corporations:
Incentive programs for businesses; to bring in jobs
In the last year and a half, nearly 250 companies have used our new incentive programs to announce planned investments of almost $2.2 billion. That's billion. More than half of Kentucky's manufacturers plan to hire in 2011. Unemployment rates are down in
84 counties from a year ago. State receipts are up 5.4% through the first half of the year--the first time in three years that revenues aren't falling short of projections.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
On Education:
Alternative programs to reduce school dropout rate
It's incomprehensible that some Kentucky leaders passively watch while so many of our youth walk away from school with no plan for their future. The Graduation Bill will change that. House Bill 225 phases in the new requirement to give schools time
to implement it. And it answers concerns about unmotivated students by creating alternative programs. Some students simply don't learn as well in traditional settings.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
On Energy & Oil:
To Washington: Get off our backs! about coal
And in Lexington we're working with federal partners to construct a national research laboratory that will develop and market advanced battery technologies for cars of the future. The center complements the comprehensive energy plan we put forth two year
ago focusing on energy efficiencies... expanded alternative and renewable energies... and clean use of Kentucky coal. Coal provides 90 percent of our electricity and--because our rates are low--has helped us build a robust manufacturing industry. But all
that is in jeopardy because Washington bureaucrats continue to try to impose arbitrary and unreasonable regulations on the mining of coal. To them I say "Get off our backs!" I will fight you for the right to cleanly and safely mine coal. I will fight you
on behalf of 18,000 Kentucky coal miners who are working to feed their families. And I will fight you to keep this nation strong by supplying it with the energy it needs to remain the beacon of democracy in a troubled world.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
On Government Reform:
6-day furlough for state workers; cut top staff salaries 10%
Talking about shrinking government is easy. Actually doing it requires courage and commitment. Faced with crushing shortfalls, we have balanced Kentucky's budget eight times in three years, slashing over a billion dollars in spending.We have reduced
the executive branch to its smallest size in decades, including a reduction in the so-called non-merit work force by an additional $5 million, starting at the highest levels. In my own office, six of the most important jobs--including budget director and
chief of staff--are being performed by three people. Perks like take-home cars are a thing of the past. And when we made the tough decision to save $24 million by furloughing most state workers for 6 days, we included my entire staff. I'm taking the 6
days without pay myself, & I also voluntarily cut my own salary an additional 10%--as have my top staff and cabinet secretaries. My message to the people of the state is this: We are in this together. We will share your sacrifice because we work for you.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
On Local Issues:
Keep KY Horse Capital of the World; a $4 billion industry
We must find ways to preserve the $4 billion equine industry that employs 100,000
Kentuckians and maintains our reputation as "Horse Capital of the World."
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
On Tax Reform:
Taxes are not the answer; no broad-based increases
I have opposed broad-based tax increases in Kentucky, and I will continue to oppose them during this legislative session. I will not threaten the survival and growth of our businesses at this perilous moment. I will not burden our families as they
struggle to survive. And I will not jeopardize our fragile recovery. Last October, the national Tax Foundation ranked Kentucky's Business Tax Climate 19th best in the nation, up an incredible 15 spots in one year. We're ahead of neighbors Illinois,
Ohio, West Virginia and Tennessee, which was ranked 27th. Taxes are not the answer. And neither is decimating our priorities--education, creating jobs and public safety. Instead, we have acted in a calm, strategic and measured way to rein in government
with an eye not just on short-term survival but also on long-term progress. And that strategy is working. The light at the end of the tunnel is real, and we are moving closer to it.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018