Judy Martz in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Diversify the economy; expand job market
We have gained more than 107,000 jobs in the past ten years. Compare that to the 1980’s when jobs grew by only 43,000. We’re growing -- but not as fast as we should. We can do better. We will not rest until Montana’s economy reflects the diversity and
capacity of the people within it. The Martz Administration’s primary goal is to diversify our economy, expand our job market with higher paying jobs, actively supporting and recruiting businesses that can thrive within our current environmental standards
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Budget & Economy:
Teach businesses about venture capital, to create jobs
We have laid the groundwork for future economic growth through our Jobs and Opportunities initiative. We’re working to eliminate the roadblocks to creating and growing technology businesses in the state. We are teaching our
companies the tricks of competition for venture capital and we are beginning to see results -- since 1999, Montana businesses have garnered $1.5 million in awards, which translate into more and better paying jobs.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Civil Rights:
Return human remains to Indian nations
Our pursuit of economic growth must include Native Americans. For the first Montanans, I am committed to improving the quality of life on our reservations. I have pledged to visit every reservation in Montana by the end of summer to better understand
their needs, but more importantly their culture. In the meantime, please send to my desk immediately HB 165, which will ensure the return of human remains to our Indian nations. There is nothing more sacred than burial, no matter what color you are.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Crime:
After 100 years, we have enough prison cells, for now
For the first time in a century Montana has enough cells for those who are sentenced to Montana State Prison. For the first time in a long time judges know that if they send a person to MSP their sentence will be served in the place they belong.
The Department of Corrections could be called the water heater of the State budget. It is something no one wants to spend money on. It’s not something you show off to your friends. And yet, it’s just plain necessary. Public SAFETY is our most
important responsibility. Without it, everything else we try to do in society is jeopardized. In just eight years we’re nearly caught up in prison space after a hundred years of underfunding. Not bad. We have enough cells. For now.
We have more probation and parole officers for more effective supervision. For now. Our Pine Hills juvenile facility will be receiving accreditation/certification for its new sex offender facility. We’re well equipped. For now.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Education:
More spending; more accountability via testing
We must make sure our schools remain world-class. The last legislature provided the single largest increase in education spending in our history. We propose an additional three percent increase in fiscal year 2003.I want accountability in our schools,
which is why we are moving forward on annual testing of grades, 4, 8 and 11, and compiling and disseminating results. For the first time, parents and communities will be able to compare their schools to other schools and really know where they stand.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Education:
3-Rs of education: recruit, retain, & reward teachers
My administration will focus on 4 key areas of early education:- Increasing resources and teacher development
- Producing excellence with partnerships to mentor our kids
- Providing safe learning environments
- Implementing character education.
To accomplish any of our education objectives, we must recognize the importance of what I call my 3-Rs of education recruiting, retaining and rewarding outstanding teachers. To keep these professionals, Montana must begin to seriously compete with
over 20 other states that are making major investments to lure teachers away. We want to leverage our share of the $2.4 billion in increased federal funds that President Bush has promised states for training new teachers. We’ll partner with the private
sector to craft mentoring programs that inspire teachers to stay in the profession. And I’ll build partnerships with teachers, parents and administrators to craft a performance-based pay proposal called Investing in Teaching Excellence.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Energy & Oil:
Protected transition to competitive energy prices in 2002
The 1997 Legislature demonstrated leadership by protecting Montana consumers from energy price changes until July 1, 2002. Other states in our region that did not do so are experiencing what our legislature protected us from. Still, Montana law should
be changed to extend the transition period for customer choice for the time necessary to obtain the best power price for customers and give investors the time to bring new facilities on line.In the near-term, the industrial customers and the
generators of electricity should enter into contracts for power supply, perhaps with incentives from the State. The price of electricity will increase after July 1, 2002, but it must be reasonable. Suppliers should recover their costs, plus a reasonable
profit. The California prices of today are not being set by a competitive marketplace and are unrealistic because they are not a result of long-term supply contracts. Competition will work, but we cannot be halfway in and halfway out.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Energy & Oil:
More energy plants; diversify sources; include renewables
We must increase the supply of power through more generating facilities. We should diversify, wherever possible, our sources of fuel. For example: natural gas, coal, and renewable resources such as wind and solar energy.
We should streamline the permitting process, allowing construction of new facilities to be built within a more reasonable time frame, but also within the parameters of our stringent environmental standards.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Environment:
Stewardship belongs with the states
Montanans stand tall when we take a measure of those who battled in one way or another against wildfire last summer. With time, valuable resources and possessions will be replaced. For some things, it will take as long as a generation.
But we will remember fire’s lesson: Our survival in a fragile ecosystem depends upon careful stewardship and ultimately the grace of God. We expect a seat at the table in planning how to effectively manage the forests we recreate in and rely upon.
We will urge the Bush Administration to listen to the West, and return stewardship responsibility to our capable hands where it belongs. And we will not rest until our voices are heard. Montana should lead in making decisions about managing OUR land.
We will never forget the industries that built this state -- and I support environmentally safe mining, timber-harvest and oil and gas production on our public lands.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Environment:
Government duty to protect species & water
Government, particularly in Montana, has a significant duty to protect our water rights, stream access, habitat and wildlife. Access to our rivers and streams in Montana has been an important issue since pioneers first arrived.
The Stream Access Law withstood two court challenges and we formed citizen advisory councils who have offered common sense solutions for some of our stream-crowding issues. Water in the West, as we all know, is like gold.
Montana institutionalized the leasing of water for in-stream and fisheries benefits. We will continue to support efforts to protect species of special concern. We will continue to support the catch and release angling
for bull and cutthroat trout in an effort to help these species survive. We will continue to implement species conservation plans for our native cutthroat trout, bull trout, grayling, and sturgeon.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Free Trade:
Trade as “sister-states” in Japan, China, & Taiwan
Our sister-state relationships with Kumamoto, Japan, and Taiwan, have given Montanans ever-growing economic trade opportunities for Montana businesses. Our new sister-state relationship with Guangxi, China will help us build close cultural understandings
and economic ties with over one billion Chinese consumers. We are becoming an important player in one of the most significant economic arenas in the world. And I will build better relations and economic opportunities with our Canadian neighbors.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Health Care:
Insured 10,000 kids under CHIPs; aim for 20,000
Thanks to the Children’s Health Insurance Program, 10,000 formerly uninsured youngsters have good health insurance coverage. That’s progress in my book. We eliminated the small enrollment fee and have simplified the application process.
We have come half way in our goal to insure a total of 20,000 children. I’m going to continue to bring more Montanans under the umbrella of affordable health insurance. We’ll qualify families for CHIP at incomes up to 160% of poverty.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Jobs:
Invest in Agricultural Product Promotion
For our number one industry, agriculture, I will be a true champion for better markets and more opportunities.If we want better markets for our producers and their quality commodities, we must aggressively seek new opportunities. In 2000, we invested in
Agricultural Product Promotion. This investment will increase domestic and international Department of Agriculture-assisted product sales by 100% each year.This investment will increase by 20 each year the number of food processing companies that
participate in “Montana Growth Through Agriculture”-sponsored domestic and foreign trade missions. It will form an electronic clearinghouse of niche marketing ideas and trends. It will assist 15 Montana agri-businesses each year in the development of
marketing plans that accurately reflect consumer trends in the marketplace. It will provide for educational functions and informal services to inform Montanans regarding agriculture’s role in the environment and in the state’s economy.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Tax Reform:
No tax increase without voter referendum
I want to be crystal clear. I promised the people of Montana that I would not support a tax increase. I will keep my word. If the people of Montana want tax increases, I’ll respect their decision made in voting booth -- but I will not sign a general tax
increase. Period. We must lower the top marginal tax rates that are bad for business. We must eliminate income taxes for the hardworking Montanans on the lowest rung of the economic ladder. The business equipment tax must be eliminated.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Technology:
Eliminate geography as a business issue, via E-Government
The new Research and Commercialization Board offers an excellent balance of scientific credentials and business sense, demonstrating that research is a state priority. 100% of the state now has local dial-up connection to the Internet. High-speed cable
modem and DSL services are being deployed not only in Montana’s large population centers but also in remote communities with populations of 1,000 people or less. The Advanced Telecommunications Infrastructure Act passed in the last legislative session
has helped accelerate the growth of high-speed telecommunications infrastructure throughout the state. The tax credits issued under the Telecommunications Act will keep us in the forefront.
Elimination of geography as a business issue means
more and better jobs for Montanans statewide. With our new E-Government initiative, citizens will be able to dial up to find out about the expenditures of their tax dollars, register to vote, and obtain licenses and permits online.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
On Welfare & Poverty:
Sell used state vehicles to welfare families
Welfare reform has made great strides in overcoming the myth that parents on welfare don’t want to work. We must expand our successful child-care programs for low-income families.
We have a bill in the legislature that will buy used state vehicles and sell them to participants in Families Achieving Independence in Montana at an affordable price and reasonable payment schedule.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Montana Legislature
Jan 25, 2001
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021