Butch Otter in 2004 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Education: Recommend $1.36 billion to advance educational goals

I’m recommending a general fund appropriation of more than $1.36 billion to advance our educational goals and meet all the statutory requirements for public education and to cover the cost of a safe school study, while providing more than $5 million for classroom supplies and almost $10 million for textbooks. For our colleges and universities, I am recommending a general fund appropriation of more than $275.6 million. That includes $12.9 million to help make salaries more competitive.
Source: 2004 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2007

On Education: Provide needs-based scholarships for college-bound students

To provide scholarships for those students who can least afford to go to college, I am recommending that $38 million be used to create a needs-based scholarship endowment for Idaho students. The earnings from this endowment will provide at least $2 million per year for needs-based scholarships. We must maintain local control over our community colleges. We already have the legal framework in place to create additional community college districts with the support of local voters.
Source: 2004 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2007

On Environment: Establish a dairy and animal research and education facility

I’m recommending $10.9 million to help support a collaborative effort between the dairy industry and the University of Idaho, along with other state and federal agencies, to establish a dairy and animal research and education facility in the Magic Valley. That lab complex will substantially improve Idaho’s ability to research and manage the health of all Idaho livestock and wildlife that hasn’t already been killed by our exploding wolf population, while consolidating programs for greater efficienc
Source: 2004 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2007

On Tax Reform: Keep sales tax on groceries with a grocery tax credit

I will be submitting legislation to increase the grocery tax credit for lower-income Idahoans to as much as $90 per person. I have carefully considered eliminating the sales tax on groceries. There clearly is a need to reduce the tax burden on lower-income individuals and families who must spend a disproportionate amount of their income on food. Simply eliminating the tax is an attractive idea, but the eventual $180 million budget impact would be tough to absorb.
Source: 2004 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2007

On Technology: Issue bonds totaling $264 million to improve highway system

An issue critical to public safety is improving our state highway system. I recommend continuing the GARVEE program by issuing bonds totaling $264 million. These bonds will be paid off with the continuing appropriation of federal highway funds that are allocated to the state. However, I am making no recommendation on which routes should be included in the GARVEE program.
Source: 2004 State of the State Address Jan 8, 2007

The above quotations are from 2004 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts from 2004 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts by Butch Otter.
Click here for a profile of Butch Otter.
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: Nov 30, 2018