Gary Locke in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Education: Reduced class size, despite legislative opposition

My vision of education is straightforward: great learning, great teaching and great leadership. Last year I proposed class-size reduction without a tax increase. When the Legislature didn’t respond I helped put it on the ballot as Initiative 728, which swept through our state, county by county, passing with the largest margin of any initiative in our history -- because people care passionately about improving our education system. Lawmakers, I call on you to join me. Source: 2001 State of the State / Inaugural Address Jan 10, 2001

On Education: Teacher merit pay; less rules for certification

I propose to waive regulations for schools that want to set even higher achievement standards and to reward schools for meeting those goals.
Exceptional teachers deserve exceptional compensation. My proposal calls for select school districts to lead the way and design a new teacher compensation system based on knowledge, skill and performance.
To further encourage great teaching, and to increase the number of great educators, we will adopt alternative certification programs for teachers. If a Microsoft retiree wants to teach math she should be able to do so without going back to college for an education degree. The Professional Standards Board we created just six months ago has devised a quicker method for qualified people to get into the classroom. So a person can retire from one profession in May and be teaching in September.

Source: 2001 State of the State / Inaugural Address Jan 10, 2001

On Energy & Oil: Diversify to renewable energy; reduce consumption by 10%

I’m proposing tax breaks so utilities can convert part-time polluting generators into full-time, clean generators, and tax breaks for companies who want to produce their own permanent power, thereby freeing up electricity for the rest of us.
I’m also proposing tax breaks for citizens and businesses buying clean and renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and fuel cells.
I’m calling on utilities to diversify their energy sources so our citizens aren’t hurt when price- or supply-problems hit a particular industry like natural gas or hydroelectric.
And I propose additional financial assistance so low-income citizens don’t go without power during these cold winter months.
We must conserve. I’m calling on everyone to reduce consumption by 10%. And to set the example, tonight, at my Inaugural Ball, for the first time in history the traditional “three miles of lights” will not be lit. The Capital Dome will remain dark. We must all do our part.

Source: 2001 State of the State / Inaugural Address Jan 10, 2001

The above quotations are from 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Gary Locke. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021