William Owens in 2001 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Crime: DNA tests for all felons; “Two strikes” for child molesters

Since taking office, I have signed a number of public safety bills including a “two strikes and you’re out” rule for child molesters, DNA testing of all felons, and a new law that immediately revokes the parole of a parolee caught carrying a gun.

I believe we should do more. DNA testing today allows us to solve murder, rape and other violent crimes decades after the crime is committed. It is time to remove the statute of limitations on such crimes. We should do all we can to catch, prosecute and lock-up rapists and other violent criminals, whether they committed the crime ten days ago or ten years ago.

Colorado’s judicial system is approaching a crisis due to a serious shortage of trial court judges. That’s why I support legislation to create 24 new District Court judgeships. Since becoming Governor I have made 33 judicial appointments. These are tough judges who care as much about the victims’ rights as those of the criminals.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Colorado legislature Jan 11, 2001

On Education: Teacher merit pay; student standards; smaller class sizes

Because we have demanded excellence, Colorado’s teachers are today preparing our children to reach the highest academic standards in history. I have proposed teacher pay incentives that would reward exemplary teachers with merit pay bonuses, while offering recruitment bonuses to encourage our best teachers to teach in challenged schools.

On the critical issue of reducing class size, [I propose] that, over the next decade, schools use new funding first to reduce K-3 class size to 17 students.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Colorado legislature Jan 11, 2001

On Tax Reform: Has cut income taxes, sales tax, & marriage penalty

Coloradans today are paying nearly a billion dollars less in taxes annually than they were two years ago. We have permanently cut the income tax rate - twice - while also permanently lowering the sales tax rate. These cuts of the income and sales taxes accounted for 86% of the permanent tax relief taxpayers received from their legislature and their governor.

In addition, we have eliminated the marriage penalty, lowered vehicle registration fees, increased the elderly pension exclusion, and provided an income tax credit for long-term care insurance - all while we have twice increased the earned income tax credit for low-income Coloradans.

This tax relief was broad-based, fair, and good for all Coloradans. I worked hard for this tax relief because I firmly believe that this is the people’s money. They earned it. We did not. Coloradans should be given the opportunity to save, invest or spend those dollars, because it is their money - not ours.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Colorado legislature Jan 11, 2001

On Technology: More restrictions on Internet crime & porn

We must take steps to increase the penalties for those who engage in identity theft. Crucial to our prosperity are the economic opportunities created by on-line commerce and the Internet. Our citizens must feel safe that they can conduct business on-line without people stealing personal information.

I believe we must also do more to protect our children from hate, pornography and violence on the Internet. It seems clear to me that any computer used by a child in a Colorado public school or public library should include filtering software to limit our children’s access to hate, pornography and violence on these publicly-funded computers.Our libraries don’t use taxpayer funds to buy hate magazines or pornographic magazines - they shouldn’t use taxpayer funds to allow access to the same material on-line.

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Colorado legislature Jan 11, 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 William Owens. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Mar 14, 2021