Phil Bryant in 2017 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Implement a state lottery; Arkansas got $80M last year
I believe it's time to look at ways to grow revenue, without raising taxes. I am open to a general discussion regarding the implementation of a state lottery. As you know, voters cleared the legal pathway for a lottery in 1992 when they chose to
remove the constitutional prohibition and allow the Legislature to provide authorization and control.Arkansas--the state closest to us in population and demographics--received $80 million from its lottery last fiscal year.
That kind of data demands attention. When we see traffic crowded on the Mississippi River bridge taking revenue to our neighboring state, it may be time to face a new reality.
We can no longer contain the people's desire for a lottery, we can only force them to travel.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
On Crime:
More Highway Patrol troopers on the road
We are in desperate need of a new trooper school. Currently, the Mississippi Highway Patrol stands at 161 troopers less than is statutorily allowed. Fortunately, this is not a dictatorial formula.
However, the safety of the motoring public and the troopers serving rests with your decision. I ask you tonight to back the badge of our troopers and put more of them on the road.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
On Families & Children:
$34M for new Department of Child Protection Services
Last year I made a bold request of this Legislature and its leadership to create a new state agency for the singular purpose of managing our foster care system. For almost a decade Mississippi has been under a federal court mandate to improve the
way we care for our foster children. The reality is we did little to improve this system until you agreed to create the Department of Child Protection Services and invest $34 million into improving the effort.
Today we are serving more foster children than ever. The most innocent among us who have struggled with neglect and abuse are receiving proper care.
The improvements were sufficient in this first year as to compel the federal court to allow a less restrictive set of requirements and remove Mississippi from the oversight of a court monitor for the first time since 2008.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
On Welfare & Poverty:
Create the Mississippi Faith-Based Advisory Council
Creating the Mississippi Faith-Based and Community Advisory Council will enlist, empower and expand the work of volunteer faith-based and community organizations. I believe it will strengthen families all across Mississippi, with no cost to the
taxpayers.Similar councils exist in a number of other states. I believe it will be a valuable tool to help serve our families and individuals in need.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Mississippi Legislature
Jan 17, 2017
Page last updated: Dec 10, 2018