Lincoln Almond in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: $325M tax cuts & business incentives to attract investment

We’ve strengthened our economy. That’s enabled us to cut the income tax for the fourth year in a row and we’ll do it again this year. All told, we’ll ease the tax burden on families by $204 million dollars. And when you tally up all of the incentives we’ve put in place for business, it’s over $121 million. That’s encouraging existing companies to expand, and it’s attracting new investment to our state. Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Rhode Island Legislature Feb 7, 2001

On Education: Measure school performance and report to parents

Look how far we’ve come. We’ve placed an emphasis on early childhood initiatives to ensure that all kids enter school ready to learn. We’ve raised standards and accountability. Through Information Works, we’re collecting data on every single school in our state so parents will know exactly how their child’s school performs. And we have a system in place to intervene in situations where schools aren’t measuring up. Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Rhode Island Legislature Feb 7, 2001

On Education: We will not tolerate failing schools

We have a system in place to intervene in situations where schools aren’t measuring up. Let’s make one thing crystal clear. For children to succeed, they must have a good education. Therefore, we will not tolerate failing schools. We expect results; otherwise, there will be consequences. Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Rhode Island Legislature Feb 7, 2001

On Tax Reform: Eliminate the capital gains tax

I am proposing that we eliminate the capital gains tax. This tax affects a large number of Rhode Islanders. We want to encourage residents to stay in Rhode Island while investing and saving for their future. We want companies here and outside of Rhode Island to invest in our state. That’s why we must make the capital gains tax a thing of the past. Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Rhode Island Legislature Feb 7, 2001

On Technology: $8.4 million Rhode Island E-government Fund

First I am targeting $8.4 million to improve government efficiency and enhance customer service. Rhode Islanders should be able to logon to one convenient website and renew their drivers’ license, bid on state proposals and even apply for a new fishing license. Our investment will pave the way for this to happen in the years to come.
Second, I am proposing to establish a targeted revenue source within the state budget for information technology. The Rhode Island E-government Fund will be the state’s first major commitment to staying ahead of the technology curve.
Now that the new economy is here, we must bring everyone along.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Rhode Island Legislature Feb 7, 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 Lincoln Almond. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021