Kenny Guinn in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Change government to deal with explosive growth
For a decade, we have led the nation in growth. As a result of this tremendous growth, we will be given a third seat to amplify our voice and enhance our position in Congress. But growth also brings its share of challenges.
Nevada’s school enrollment is increasing at three times the national average, we lead the nation in growth with our senior citizen population, our transportation system must constantly improve to avoid gridlock, and our health care system is strained by
the ever-increasing demands placed upon it. Two years ago, I stood before you in this chamber and declared that we would have to cut funding for many programs even though the state’s revenues were growing. We had to change the way Nevada did business,
and change we did. I directed the most comprehensive review of Nevada state government in our history, and we identified numerous ways we could cut costs and become more efficient and responsive in delivering services to our citizens.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Education:
$23M for new teacher’s college at Henderson
We must address our growing teacher shortage. I endorse the proposed state college in Henderson. This new institution will enable us to train more teachers than ever before. My budget includes $16 million for capital construction, $1 million in start-up
costs, and another $5.8 million to fund the first year’s enrollment, because building a new college takes vision, patience, and financial resources. The state college in Henderson will go a long way toward producing Nevada teachers for Nevada children.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Education:
$10M for reading teachers; all kids read by 3rd grade
As many of you know, twenty-five years ago I was superintendent of Clark County schools. I am proud of many of the programs we implemented. However, I always considered my greatest accomplishment to be the placement of a
reading specialist in every elementary school. Before it was popular to talk about getting back to the basics, these reading teachers knew that there was nothing more basic or important than the ability to read.
We saw tremendous results with the program, and in fact, the reading improvement teachers are still in our schools today. Tonight, I am going back to the basics just as I did when I was Superintendent. I am establishing a new statewide goal --
that all Nevada children be able to read by the end of the third grade. To start us toward this goal, I am allocating $10 million for a teacher-training program that focuses on reading techniques that have proven successful in early grades.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Energy & Oil:
Delay power deregulation until protections are in place
We are challenged by the soaring cost of energy. Electric utility restructuring in California is, in the words of Governor Gray Davis, a “colossal and dangerous failure.” We must learn from the mistakes in California, so that we never repeat them here.
In 1997 and again in 1999, our Legislature approved deregulation for Nevada. Last session, however, the Legislature recognized that there were problems on the horizon, and they gave me the authority to delay it.
Twice I have looked at the situation, twice considered the consequences, and twice said “no” to implementing deregulation.
Over the next few weeks, I will be reviewing those [latest] recommendations and any new proposals from the Legislature.
But let me be very clear: I cannot and will not support deregulation until I am assured that power supplies are secure and those who would be hardest hit by rate increases are protected.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Energy & Oil:
$5M to fight becoming the nation’s nuclear waste dump
The single greatest threat to the health and safety of the people of this state [is] the prospect of Nevada becoming the nation’s nuclear waste dumping ground. We’ve fought this battle together, for many years and on many fronts.
Yet the nuclear power industry is as determined as ever to target our state. Tonight, I am announcing that we will match that determination with an unprecedented dedication of funds. For the first time in our long fight against nuclear waste,
we will dedicate $5 million to fight the Department of Energy and those in Congress who are determined to make Nevada the nation’s nuclear waste dump.
We will launch a media campaign to rally our neighboring states, because the transportation
of nuclear waste is a danger to everyone. We will continue to pursue all legal avenues. We will expose the unprincipled tactics used by the industry in their attempt to force us to accept this deadly waste.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Health Care:
Fund alternatives to long-term care for seniors
With the fastest growing senior population in the nation, Nevada must plan ahead. Therefore, I am requesting funding to study alternative living support, long-term care, and other programs to address our seniors’ needs effectively and
efficiently into the future. But for those seniors who need our help today, I propose to increase Medicaid waivers by 40 percent to allow seniors to live in their communities and homes rather than hospitals.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Health Care:
Double the funding for the disabled
We must invest in the health and welfare of all Nevadans. I believe we must measure success by how we are able to care for the most fragile of our citizens -- our children, our elderly, and those who are disabled. -
Therefore, I am proposing to double the funding that helps physically disabled Nevadans stay in their homes, with their families.
- In addition, my proposed increases in services to the developmentally disabled will eliminate all waiting lists for
community-based services for these citizens.
- Furthermore, I am urging the creation of the Office of Disability Resources, which will combine several existing services in one location. The office will create a long-range plan to better provide
services to individuals of all ages with disabilities.
- Finally, we will use federal grant money to develop policies and infrastructure that will allow the disabled to go to work without risking the loss of Medicaid or Medicare health coverage.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Health Care:
Expand Senior Rx
With the Legislature’s help, I will expand Senior Rx, a program that addresses one of the most compelling needs faced by Nevada’s senior citizens -- prescription drug coverage.
Two years ago, the Nevada Legislature voted unanimously to provide a subsidized prescription drug insurance plan for the state’s neediest seniors. Senior Rx was enacted while others argued about the issue. While Congress bickered, we acted.
As of this month, we have received 1,400 applications for Senior Rx. Some seniors will save hundreds of dollars a month. For others, this program isn’t about savings -- it’s about the difference between receiving your needed medicine or doing without.
Senior Rx is working, and we must expand it. It is time to offer these life-saving benefits to more Nevadans in need.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Jobs:
Privatized state worker’s comp & insurance
We were the first state in the country to privatize our state’s worker’s compensation program, removing more than a thousand positions from the state payroll and a $2.2 billion liability from the state’s ledger. And in the future, we will save over
$3 million more, every year, by self-insuring. We maintained a hiring freeze for the past two years, streamlining government and leaving more than 1,500 positions unfilled or eliminated. We also reformed our state’s group health insurance plan.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
On Tax Reform:
Nevada needs new revenue, but now is no time for new taxes
During this past year, I have made no secret of my belief that Nevada must explore new revenue streams and establish a broader economic base, so that we can provide a good education to our children, adequate health care to our families and seniors,
and safety for all our citizens. As a result, many speculated that I would be forced to raise taxes. Indeed, the state’s expenditure and long-range revenue projections show that, without changes, Nevada will face a tremendous shortfall within 8 years.
I believe, however, that, with the potential slowing of the national economy, now is not a time for new taxes, and my budget does not contain a single tax increase. Now is a time for moderation and restraint.
I have long believed that state government cannot and should not be all things to all people. There are some things, however, that only the state can do -- educate our children, care for our seniors, and protect the disadvantaged.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to the Nevada Legislature
Jan 22, 2001
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021