Kathleen Sebelius in 2004 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Education: Education First: Target additional $300M where most needed

My Education First plan will provide an additional $300 million to Kansas schools over the next three years. It’s a responsible plan that targets additional resources to where they are most needed: teachers; early-education programs, including all-day kindergarten; and at-risk students who need our help to succeed. It invests $10 million in Smart Start programs across the state. Early learning programs are among the best investments we can make in the future. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Education: Minimize the need for college tuition increases

It’s critical that we do more to sustain our institutions of higher learning. Because of our difficult financial times, we have failed to keep a promise made to the state’s colleges and universities to provide funding to retain key faculty and minimize the need for tuition increases. My proposal fulfills that promise. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Education: Review district finances and bring efficiency

I propose we create a school audit team in the Division of the Budget to review district finances and help schools become more efficient. I expect these reviews, which have been successfully launched in Texas, Virginia, and a handful of other states, will provide that confidence to taxpayers and parents. I believe they’ll help Kansas school districts streamline their management and business practices so that more dollars reach the classroom and fewer are spent on unnecessary layers of bureaucracy. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Education: Pay teachers adequately and provide them with health care

In exchange for additional resources, we must also demand that school districts be good employers. We must demand that they adequately pay teachers and provide them with the health coverage that other public employees enjoy. We know that health insurance is a powerful recruitment and retention tool. Providing it to teachers will keep talent in Kansas classrooms. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Government Reform: Implemented $85 million in savings and efficiencies

The Budget Efficiency Savings Teams I formed have achieved results that are nothing short of extraordinary. In just one year, the teams, working under the leadership of loaned executives from the private sector and former business executives in my Cabinet, have implemented $85 million in savings and efficiencies by doing simple things and less simple changes. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Government Reform: Spending cut to provide a raise for state workers

In recent years, we have reduced the size of the state’s workforce by more than 10 percent. In the budget that I’m submitting to you, I propose additional cuts in spending to provide state workers with a cost of living raise. The men and women who serve this state in our leaner workforce are being asked to do more than ever with smaller budgets. I believe the state has a responsibility to be a good employer, and that means rewarding loyalty and hard work. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Health Care: Obtain better prices for prescriptions & services

I said I would find better, more efficient ways of delivering services to the more than 450,000 Kansans who rely on the state for health care. To help accomplish that goal, I created the Governor’s Office of Health Planning and Finance. Its small but talented staff is already hard at work on plans to obtain better prices for prescription drugs and other health care services by leveraging our buying power in the marketplace. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Homeland Security: Strategic Military Planning to protect vital military assets

Our military installations contribute more than $2 billion a year to the Kansas economy and generate tens of thousands of jobs in Kansas. They are integral to our economy and our heritage. That’s why I am convening the Governor’s Strategic Military Planning Commission that includes members of the Kansas congressional delegation, leaders from our military base communities, military experts, and key legislators. They will work together to protect our vital military assets. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Tax Reform: Allow overdue taxes to be paid without penalty

The FAIR SHARE program we initiated last year also has paid big dividends. Too many Kansans owed back taxes and hadn’t paid them for years. Offering those citizens a one-time chance to pay what they owed without penalty generated almost $54 million in back taxes. That’s money we never would have seen if we had simply continued our “business-as-usual” approach to tax collections. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Tax Reform: Modernize tax incentive programs for start-up businesses

Our Economic Revitalization plan includes a proposal to modernize our tax incentive programs to make them work better for the businesses they are designed to serve. Kansas will compete more effectively for jobs and attract companies that offer the best- paying jobs. Under our plan, high potential start-up companies can sell their tax credits to already established businesses. It’s a win-win situation: start-up businesses receive needed infusions of cash & already profitable Kansas companies save money. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Tax Reform: Create tax credit for rural business development

Our plan pays special attention to rural Kansas. It creates a Rural Business Development Tax Credit that will ensure that investments are made in viable job-producing businesses, many of which will be tied to agriculture. Our Revitalization Program also extends funding for the Enterprise Facilitation program now nurturing businesses in 24 Kansas counties. So far, this program, which helps communities help themselves, has sparked the creation or expansion of nearly 70 businesses in rural areas. Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

On Technology: Restore funding for transportation and biosciences projects

Quality highways have long been essential to economic development, but in recent years the state’s revenue problems have jeopardized the ambitious highway-building program passed by this Legislature. My plan restores funding for the remainder of the program so that the Kansas Department of Transportation can complete every announced project. The Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation and the Department of Commerce are working on an aggressive initiative to make Kansas a world leader in biosciences Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature Jan 12, 2004

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 Kathleen Sebelius. Click here for a profile of Kathleen Sebelius.
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Page last updated: Nov 30, 2018