Dirk Kempthorne in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Crime:
No new prisons; warehousing people is not the solution
Based on the fact that our prison population is growing at its current rate, I have received a recommendation that we should begin a construction program of a new prison every two years for the foreseeable future.
But I concluded that if simply warehousing people is our solution, then we as a society have failed. Therefore, I do not recommend the construction of a new men’s prison in this budget. I do, however, recommend that additional beds be constructed.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Crime:
Drug treatment & education opportunities for inmates
For those inmates who need long-term substance abuse treatment, we can offer it to only 30% of the prison population. I propose that we increase that treatment to 80%. We’re going to deal with the problem of substance abuse in the prison population, and
stop the revolving door of returning inmates. In addition to treatment, I am adding a significant component toward education programs in our prison facilities. If people are going to spend time in our prison system, we’re going to provide the
educational tools to help them help themselves and become more productive members of society before they are released.
We have a captive audience. Let’s remember, treatment need not be voluntary to be successful. If they have a substance abuse
problem, we’re going to help them deal with that problem. If they understand the value of improving their life through education, we’re going to help them. If you successfully treat a substance abuser, you can reduce your recidivism rate by 30 percent.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Drugs:
Target meth with more manpower
We are continuing to fight the increase in the manufacture, trafficking, and use of one of the most devastating drugs we’ve ever faced - methamphetamine. This past year, we shut down 176 meth labs across the state.
Our continued success is due to community outreach, public education, and greater collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement. I propose that we increase the manpower in our state police this year to further our fight.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Education:
Reading Initiative: 90% of 3rd graders reading by 2004
Only 50 percent of Idaho children are reading at grade level by the third grade. This makes the Reading Initiative critical to Idaho. We know we are making progress because we have defined a benchmark, we’ve taken a measurement, we have outstanding
teachers involved, and there’s a synergy out there. We know the mission. We should lay out further goals. We should all agree that one year from now, 60% will be reading at grade level. And the following year, 70%. And by the end of 2004, 90%.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Education:
Exit standards for high school via SAT-like exam
In 2005, we must and will have standards in place for our students. I have had high school students ask me: “do you believe that there should be exiting standards?” And I tell the students: “absolutely”. And I’m going to suggest to you that we no
longer use the term “exiting standards” with regard to these students. These are achievement standards. A model that I’m suggesting to the State Board of Education is similar to the SAT format, where a student who does not succeed on the first test
will have the opportunity to study further and then take it again.
In fact, you may have three bites at the apple. And there’s no penalty if you take the test again. In fact, maybe you’ve already passed it,
but you’d still like to take it again and improve on your scores. But our students are going to know what’s necessary for graduation, and they will have to pass the test to receive their diploma.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Education:
Supports charter schools and innovative classrooms
Read the list of the innovative grants we’ve awarded-and look at what the teachers of Idaho can do. They said that with a few dollars, we can do innovative things. And they did it in a classroom where we gave them an additional $500. I support and I
believe in charter schools. In essence, what we have created with this program in schools throughout the state are charter classrooms for $500 each. It worked [because] we encouraged innovation without a guaranteed result and without penalizing failure.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Environment:
Supports salmon recovery without breaching Snake River dams
Despite the years of conflict over salmon recovery, we produced the Four Governors’ Agreement. With our neighbors from Washington, Oregon and Montana we have provided a roadmap for salmon recovery. It represented consensus. It respected states’ water
rights and property rights. It did not call for breaching the lower Snake River dams. It has empowered the states to set their own priorities for salmon recovery, instead of reacting to federal dictates.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Environment:
States’ rights: no grizzly bears; no roadless forests
Its time to move command and control away from Washington, D.C. and get the decision-making down to where it should be - on the ground and in the hands of the land managers - our national forest supervisors and our state foresters.
Can you believe the Clinton Administration proposal to re-introduce flesh-eating grizzly bears into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness? Folks, this could be the first land management action in history to result in sure death and injury of citizens.
We will challenge this blatant confrontation to our state sovereignty in federal court.
And just last week, in its waning days, the Clinton Administration announced its intent to implement its roadless plan,
ignoring the Idaho Land Board. We will go to court once again to prevent this misguided and flawed federal policy from taking effect.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Free Trade:
Double Idaho’s exports
The Advisory Committee on International Trade is working to develop a strategic plan to expand Idaho’s trading opportunities. We are making progress. When I took office, I challenged [our state government] to double the value of Idaho’s exports by the
end of 2002. Since January of 1999, we’ve seen a 61-percent increase in export value - more than a billion dollars. Canada; Mexico; Asia - we’ve already been there. And we literally have kicked open the doors in these markets.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Jobs:
Family Farm Security Task Force to improve ag conditions
Our agriculture and our farm communities must be full partners in our rural recovery. I’ve appointed a Family Farm Security Task Force to review our laws and regulations and determine how best we can improve conditions here at home.
In my budget, I will recommend some one-time tax relief to help our farmers and ranchers. [And] he time has come to move forward and enact a minimum wage for farm workers.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
On Tax Reform:
Return $140M of surplus to taxpayers
We have created a positive atmosphere that has generated a surplus. My budget package recognizes where this money came from in the first place. And that’s the hard-working Idahoans who pay taxes. Therefore, I will recommend tax relief in the amount
of $140 million. A portion of that is permanent. A portion of that is one-time. And just as we did this year, if the surplus continues, we can continue to provide significant tax relief next year. In that $140 million, the categories of tax relief
will be individual income tax, corporate tax, investment tax credit enhancements and broadband connectivity geared toward our rural areas. There will be an increase for senior citizens in the grocery tax credit, and I am recommending
that for young families that the childcare tax deduction become a tax credit, and an increase in the allowance on elderly dependent care. We will have for the first time research and development tax credits. It is a well-rounded, inclusive program.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 8, 2001
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021