Mike Johanns in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Abortion:
Partial-birth abortion is a barbaric practice
I ask the Legislature to make a bold commitment to honor the life of the unborn. I, like many in our state, was saddened by the US Supreme Court decision striking down Nebraska’s law banning partial-birth abortion.
My review of this decision tells me that until there is a change on the Court, there is no meaningful hope of ending this barbaric practice.
However, we are not powerless in this area, I ask you to strengthen parental notification by sending legislation introduced by Senator Quandahl to my desk for signature. And in every way possible, I ask you to help me promote adoption as an alternative
to abortion. In addition, I repeat my commitment to sign into law a ban on the use of fetal cells in research that are derived from elective abortion. I also ask you to pass fetal homicide legislation for my signature as other states have done.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
On Crime:
Juvenile justice package: more funding; more coordination
I propose a comprehensive juvenile justice reform package that addresses priority needs. - Enact a “gatekeeper” structure to coordinate juveniles’ entry into the State system.
- Fund an initiative that will expand the array of services available
within the State juvenile system. This measure will alleviate overcrowding by doubling the number of substance abuse treatment beds for juveniles and allow the development of mental health programming and aftercare services.
- Create a new aid formula
to provide funds directly to counties for development of community-based programs for juvenile delinquents.
- Funding to replace expired federal grant dollars so that current substance abuse treatment programs at both Kearney and Geneva can be
sustained.
- Transfer the existing Department of Correctional Services facility to the Office of Juvenile Services for use as both a Level 5 secure youth treatment facility and as a site for development of a sex offender treatment program.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
On Education:
$27M for state colleges’ recruitment & diversity
The investment I propose for the University and the State Colleges is aggressive. My budget provides an increase of over $26.6 million additional dollars in the first year of the budget with another $29.4 million added in the second year of the
budget. At the same time, I challenge higher education in Nebraska, including the University, State Colleges, and Community Colleges, in three key areas: - to encourage and actively recruit every Nebraska high school graduate to stay in Nebraska for
his or her college education;
- to promote diversity among students and staff in higher education by actively recruiting students not only from across the United States but from around the world; and
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to promote collaboration, cooperation, and innovative partnerships which will ensure unparalleled educational opportunities for our students.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
On Education:
More teacher bonuses and incentives, locally decided
I [support] the Attracting Excellence to Teaching Program [which] will provide loans to teacher education students who agree to teach in Nebraska public or private schools. [And I support] The Master Teacher Program will provide an annual financial
incentive for public and private school teachers who achieve rigorous national certification. However, the one-size fits all across-the-board bonus plan suggested by the Teacher Salary Task Force is not a workable solution. I suggest these guiding
parameters for discussion: - One size fits all is not the solution
- Any solution must respect local decision-making
- Cooperation must exist between local and state government
- Equalization between districts is an important goal that should not be
abandoned
- The solution must fit within our current resources - I will not support a tax increase
- Where possible, within constitutional parameters, private school teachers should be able to participate in any state level programs.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
On Health Care:
Use tobacco settlement for biomedical research
We should formulate a rational approach for utilizing the proceeds from the tobacco settlement. I propose that a major endowment be dedicated to biomedical research at these facilities while leaving the majority of the tobacco funds
for significant public health needs. We are so close to solving once and for all the riddles of many diseases with this research. These funds can offer a new day and a new life for Nebraskans and people around the world.
In addition to this research, there are many needs to be funded with the remaining portion of the tobacco settlement. You know as I do that there are many health care needs in Nebraska that are not being met.
I would submit, however, that there is no, and I repeat, no greater priority for funding than in the area of mental health.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
On Health Care:
$6M increase in funding for mental health
I propose we significantly boost funding for mental health. First, let’s agree to make mental health funding the highest priority with the remaining tobacco settlement dollars. Specifically, I propose dedicating $6 million in tobacco settlement funds
for mental health over the biennium. Second, let’s join together to increase general fund support for mental health. Including the tobacco settlement funds, I propose increasing mental health aid from $28.5 million in the current fiscal year
to $33.6 million dollars in fiscal year 2002 and to $38.7 million dollars in fiscal year 2003. This represents a more than 35% increase over the biennium.
I recognize that even more needs to be done and so I pledge to do what I can to help Senator
Jensen and the Health and Human Services Committee and Senator Wehrbein and the Appropriations Committee to identify mental health needs, prioritize them, and fund them. Maybe we can do more than what I propose today.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
On Principles & Values:
Priorities: tax relief, education, family
I have sought to advance five priorities with the objectives of improving our way of life and leaving Nebraska a better place. We have made progress in providing property tax relief, limiting the scope of government in people’s lives, building a
prosperous economy, protecting our families and communities from crime, and ensuring the health, safety, and success of our children. As I’ve listened to Nebraskans, property tax relief and educating our children continue to top the list of priorities.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
On Tax Reform:
$60M in property tax relief over next two years
Keeping true to my pledge of providing direct property tax relief, I am asking the Legislature to approve $60 million dollars over the next two years for property tax relief through the State’s community colleges.
We have funded this method of providing direct property tax relief in each of the last two years. It has been successful and we should continue this effort.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Nebraska Legislature
Jan 11, 2001
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021