Robert Bentley in 2017 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Drugs: Fight opioid addiction and fight drug abuse

We are taking bold steps to protect the people of our state from one of the greatest and deadliest attacks in our nation's history. It doesn't come from a foreign enemy, the deaths are not the result of an unknown killer, the weapons are not advanced missiles, assault rifles or even bombs. Opioid painkillers have fueled one of the deadliest drug epidemics in our nation's history, killing 78 people every day.

Over-prescribing painkillers has led to a steady increase in drug-related deaths over the last 15 years. Alabama is the highest painkiller prescribing state in the nation and nonmedical use of pain relievers in Alabama exceeds the national average. This is unacceptable.

That is why in 2016 I joined 45 other Governors in signing the Compact to Fight Opioid Addiction. In 2012 and 2013 the Legislature passed, and I signed into law several bills needed to fight drug abuse and in particular, opioid abuse.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature Feb 7, 2016

On Environment: Gulf State Park: economically & environmentally sustainable

There is simply no place like Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast, and the incredible Gulf State Park Project is well on its way to becoming an international benchmark of economic and environmental sustainability. On track to open next year, the Gulf State Park Project will be the pride of our state for outdoor recreation, education and hospitality. Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature Feb 7, 2016

On Families & Children: Fund treatment for low-income children with Autism Spectrum

In 65 of Alabama's 67 counties we have a shortage of doctors; Alabama ranks 40th in the number of physicians per capita.. Last year we took action to stop rising rates of preventable and manageable disease, especially among, rural, low-income counties. By expanding and increasing funding for loan-repayment programs for healthcare providers we have taken action to increase the number of doctors serving in the state's poorest counties.

Having practiced medicine for 35 years, and having seen the needs of patients in some of the most impoverished areas of our state, I can tell you a good doctor in a small, rural community, changes a community and it saves lives.

We will increase funding for Alabama's low-income children and youth so they may have access to home-based services and treatment of psychiatric, emotional and behavioral disorders. In addition, we will increase funding for treatment for Alabama's low-income children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature Feb 7, 2016

On Local Issues: Fix the fatally-dangerous Redmill Bridge, despite obstacles

When bureaucracy grinds government to a halt, ATRIP has been an answered prayer for communities. Just ask Marshall County about the Redmill Bridge. The dangerous bridge was the site of fatal car crashes. It was an impediment to the local economy heavily dependent on local poultry farms. Chicken trucks couldn't even turn on the road, blocking access to farms and serving as an obstacle to greater overall economic development. Like many of you have seen in your local districts, it was one of those projects everyone wanted and the community desperately needed yet no one in Marshall County thought they would ever see in their lifetime.

Beginning in 2015, our administration joined with the locals and together last month we celebrated the completion of the largest Marshall County project ever. When there is an obstacle along the course of this race we run, we will "find a way or we will make one".

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature Feb 7, 2016

On Principles & Values: Great State 2019 Plan: purpose by the One who ordained us

Alabama's Great State 2019 Plan is our strategic course of action--to keep us on course--laser focused on the Purpose we've been called to carry out by the One who ordained our place of service.

Great State 2019 Plan sets its sights on educating and training our people, while connecting and constructing basic opportunities for all our citizens. This bold course of action has guided us, and will continue to be our map for the next two years.

The Great State 2019 Plan serves as a Guidepost to remind us that while we gain ground, we cannot continue to ignore the problems that have persisted in our state for decades.

Will we ask ourselves the words in the book of Galatians "You were running so well, who is it that cut in on you? Such distraction does not come from the One who calls you." The day we were elected and chosen, asked by the people of this state to serve them--to be their voices in state government--we were not Called for Politics. We were Called for a Purpose.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature Feb 7, 2016

The above quotations are from 2017 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2017 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Robert Bentley. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Dec 10, 2018