Mike Leavitt in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Highest priority is “economic transition”
Two words express what I believe to be our state’s most important priority: “economic transition.” So, what is Utah’s economic game plan?- We have a young, education- minded, tech-savvy workforce that will grow at twice the national average.
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We will keep Utah a safe, livable place where New Economy business can operate profitably.
- When it comes to the competition, we’ll just out work ‘em.
We live in a time of rapid economic and cultural change. It is driven by information technology,
which affects every part of our lives. Our home towns have become part of a single global market. The power of nations has shifted from bombs to bandwidth. More and more we do our errands online, not in line. From where we sit we can literally reach
across the globe and connect with loved ones in far-off lands...in an instant. What used to take weeks now takes seconds. Every change both eliminates jobs and creates others. Change is unsettling, often painful, but it is the fuel of renewal.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Drugs:
Drug Courts are working; expand them statewide
One of the most sinister destroyers of families and communities is drugs. Drug courts are a heartening sign that we can turn back the ravages of this sinister trend. It used to be that offenders were sentenced to hard time.
Now, those who go to drug courts are sentenced to change their lives. And the good news is, it is working. Of those who complete Drug Court, 92% are rehabilitated. We need to expand drug courts statewide.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Education:
Emphasize market relevance in state colleges
Our education emphasis can not stop in our primary grades. All Utahns need access to higher education. We are expanding our system of branch campuses, and increasing the velocity of our entire system.
I have challenged the Board of Regents to reduce the time students take to get a 4-year degree to 4-years. We also need to double in five years and triple in eight years the number of engineering, computer science and tech graduates in Utah universities,
colleges and applied technology centers. Let this be the beginning of a new emphasis on market relevance in the allocation of resources at our colleges and universities. I have proposed an aggressive building program
to add the physical capacity on our campuses, and funding to assure we have qualified faculty and up-to-date equipment. We need 15,000 engineering and computer science students by 2005.Our economic future depends on it.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Education:
14.8% increase in funding for public education
Education and economic expansion have never been closer allies. For that reason, I have proposed a four-year education improvement plan starting this year with a giant step forward in funding, 14.8%.
The plan calls for more textbooks, class size reduction and paying teachers equivalent with other professionals.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Education:
U-PASS: Accountability and skills testing in every grade
By the end of next year, we will have put into operation our accountability system, U-PASS. Students will be tested continually to assure they are learning the necessary skills, especially in reading.
Every child will read at grade level, or we will provide extra help until they do. Special consideration needs to be given to the progress of our ethnic minority students. We are losing too many of them.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Energy & Oil:
Ban nuclear waste & fuel rods from the state
Let our voices be heard: We do not want high-level nuclear waste here, and we will continue to use every legal, environmental, legislative and political tool available to ban nuclear fuel rods from this state.
I fully endorse the legislation which will outlaw these companies’ use of our resources, keep them from getting services and tax them to the fullest extent allowable under the constitution. There will be no compromise here.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Environment:
Spruce up, clean up and keep up our state parks
In a world where most jobs can be located anywhere, now, more than ever, preserving our quality of life is an economic imperative. The natural beauty of Utah and opportunities for recreation are a major draw.
For this reason I ask you to join me in a major drive to spruce up, clean up and keep up our state parks and monuments. These are our heritage.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Environment:
Heritage Waters: 1% of all rivers for recreational fishing
I propose a new initiative to devote one percent of our streams and rivers to truly great fly fishing. By dedicating these waters to quality catch-and- release fisheries, and by devoting the revenue they generate to improving streams and habitat,
we can create a system of Heritage Waters that will not only preserve a wonderful part of our culture and recreation, but it will be an economic boon for the areas in which these waters reside.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Government Reform:
Count missionaries abroad in census; gain Congressional seat
Last week we brought another lawsuit to give Utah the 4th Congressional seat it deserves.
The issue is clear: how can 15,000 easily identifiable Utahns on humanitarian or religious service not be counted when others in government service are? Our cause is just; the census count was not.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
On Technology:
Merit pay & scholarships for high-tech teachers
We need 15,000 engineering and computer science students by 2005.Our economic future depends on it. We need to nurture math and technology skills among our students in junior high and high school, especially among young women. We are losing from our
public schools too many teachers in high demand areas of math and technology. It is time to do something unconventional.
I propose a plan of financial incentives similar to those used in private industry to keep the qualified teachers we have in these
areas, and add at least 850 teachers who have master’s degrees in learning technology. I propose a one-time benefit of as much as $20,000 on top of their existing salaries in exchange for a commitment to stay in Utah schools for four years. Outstanding
teachers in other disciplines willing to retool themselves in these high demand areas are also eligible. The state will pay for their master’s degree in technology or their certificate in math and give them a retention contract when they graduate.
Source: 2001 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 16, 2001
Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021