Jeb Bush in Governor's State of the State speeches, early 2000s
On Education:
A+ Plan: Make "F" schools disappear; make more "A" schools
There were 78 "F" schools in 1999. They illustrate the sad consequence of low expectations and little accountability. They were 78 sites that held the buried potential of thousands of our schoolchildren.But look what happens to the "F" schools in the
two years since we implemented the A+ Plan. They are gone. They have disappeared.
In 1999, only 21% of our schools were high-performing "A" and "B" schools. Now there are twice as many high-performing schools, 41% in all. With the A+ Plan, we have
nearly doubled the number of high-performing schools in Florida. We have provided a first-rate education for hundreds of thousands more students.
To help build on the successes of the A+ Plan, we must continue to increase funding for our schools.
This includes--in the K-12 system--an 18 percent, $2 billion increase in student funding for Florida's public schools over the last three years. We should continue this trend, and so this year I am proposing we greatly increase total K-20 funding.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Education:
Push for gains among minority and disadvantaged students
With the A+ Plan, we have nearly doubled the number of high-performing schools in Florida. And better still, we have made some of our greatest gains among minority and disadvantaged students. Last year's average gains on the FCAT for grades 8 and 10 in
math were higher for African-American and Hispanic students. Let me be clear, we still have a long way to go, and the achievement gap between ethnic groups is still too large, as it is across the nation. But these results demonstrate that we can make
progress, and we must keep our commitment to leave no child behind. We are beginning to win this fight.But now is not the time to grow complacent. School grades will now measure the annual learning gains of students, which was part of the original
vision of the A+ Plan. Now, in addition to tougher standards in reading and math, schools will be held accountable as well as rewarded for the progress of their lowest performing students. We must continue to push the envelope.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Education:
Social promotion doesn't do our kids any favors
We must conclusively address the issue of social promotion so that we once and for all eliminate the practice of advancing students because of their age rather than their knowledge. The A+ Plan sought to eliminate social promotion, but many of
Florida's school districts have failed to comply with the intent of the law. We aren't doing our kids any favors when we challenge them with advanced material before they've mastered the basics.
I propose we give the social promotion language some teeth so that school districts won't give up on teaching our kids how to read. The best solution, of course, is to remediate struggling readers during the school year, to get them
the extra help they need to stay on track. But for school districts that continue to circumvent the intent of the law, there should be consequences, perhaps including the withholding of administrative funds.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Families & Children:
Increase KidCare; increase developmentally disabled services
Health and human services spending has increased by a record $4 billion. For example, under our KidCare and Medicaid budget recommendations,
1.3 million children will be receiving health care coverage, up 69 percent from four years ago. The number of developmentally disabled being served has increased by 330 percent.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Gun Control:
Violent gun crime rate is down by more than 25%
Public safety has been protected, and convicted criminals will continue to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences.
Over the last two years, the violent gun crime rate is down by more than 25 percent, translating into 18 fewer gun assaults each day in this state in 2000 compared to 1998.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Homeland Security:
Threat from 9/11 is unprecedented for our generation
In most years, we mark change by the passing of foreseeable events. But since I spoke here last, a new rhythm has been violently layered over the old. We awoke one morning in September, and we confronted a threat that is unprecedented for our generation.
As I have come to expect from Floridians, we have been extraordinary in our response to that threat. As a state, we will meet, and soon overcome, the obstacles that evil has devised. We will understand, and soon eliminate, any barrier that would keep
this state from realizing its destiny. And when we do, we will be stronger and better for it. Floridians are united as never before, and when the current crisis has passed, we will remain bound to one another in a spirit of caring and community that
will endure. Stronger, wiser, with an unshakable determination: that is the state of our state.
We must continue to thwart those who would harm us. We must renew our commitment to ensure the security of our citizens and our guests.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Homeland Security:
$17M for new programs for terrorism response
Immediately following the terrorist attacks on September 11th, we acted quickly. By executive order, I put in place new programs that bolstered law enforcement's ability to deal with the terrorist threat and authorized specialized training for
domestic security personnel.I am proud of the rapid response of the Legislature in aggressively addressing this new threat. A few weeks ago, in special session, you dedicated more than $17 million in new programs to bolster
homeland security, put into place harsher criminal penalties for terrorist acts, and created a new, coordinated system for law enforcement's response to terrorism.
But we must do more.
I am proposing this session that we spend $45 million to further strengthen domestic security, including $6 million to continue the efforts begun in the current year.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Jobs:
Operation Paycheck: stimulus for 33,000 construction jobs
In recent weeks, we have already taken bold steps to help restore our economy, launching programs like Operation Paycheck and passing an economic stimulus package aimed at creating more than 33,000 new construction jobs in this state.
And I am pleased to say that these measures are working. Over the long haul, we must restore the health of the businesses we already have and we must grow new businesses that diversify and strengthen our economic base.
Chief among the new industries that will transform Florida are those that create high-tech jobs, from
Florida's globally-recognized strengths such as the simulation, optics, and space technology fields to emerging new sectors such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Technology:
$24M for X-ray truck inspection & bioterrorism labs
We will enhance our ability to aggressively confront bioterrorism by building new labs that will quickly analyze and respond to terrorist threats.
We also propose nearly $10 million to strengthen our network of truck inspection stations, including the purchase of machines that can provide an X-ray picture of the contents of an entire truck at one time.
We have set aside nearly $4 million to continue to fortify our regional domestic security task forces and fund the statewide domestic security database and training.
Over $14 million is devoted to expand critical laboratory capacity, response capability and staffing for the seven regional disaster areas including Medical Assistance Teams. Let me be clear: we will do all within our means to thwart any terrorist attack
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
On Technology:
$100M for Florida Technology Development Initiative
I propose that we dedicate $100 million to create the Florida Technology Development Initiative.
This initiative will build centers of excellence among our universities dedicated to the key research necessary for building our promising technology sectors.
New facilities, laboratories, and endowed academic chairs will be the catalysts for entrepreneurial investment. If we build it, they will come.
If we seize this opportunity, the best and the brightest academics, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs will call Florida home. And they in turn will help build businesses that will fuel our economy for the next century.
Source: State of the State address to 2002 Florida Legislature
Jan 22, 2002
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021