Mark Warner in 2004 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Budget & Economy: Close the largest budget shortfall in Virginia’s history

We have closed the largest budget shortfall in Virginia ‘s history - more than $6 billion. We have reduced state agency spending by 20% on average. We have eliminated more than 50 agencies, boards, and commissions - and thousands of positions in state government. And we are fundamentally changing the way we do business in government to achieve maximum efficiency and savings. After twenty years in business, I understand the importance of low taxes - but also of investing for the future.
Source: 2004 State of the State address to General Assembly Jan 14, 2004

On Budget & Economy: Must not lose AAA bond ratings

I will not accept a budget that uses inflated revenue estimates or accounting gimmicks, that endangers the Virginia Retirement System or other employee benefit programs, that fails to preserve Virginia ‘s long-term fiscal integrity and protect our AAA bond rating, and that fails to meet Virginia ‘s commitment to education. If we fail to do so, it may be a decade or more before we regain our AAA bond rating - because once you lose it, you can’t get it back for a long time.
Source: 2004 State of the State address to General Assembly Jan 14, 2004

On Tax Reform: Cut taxes for at least 65% of Virginians

Our budget and tax reform plan makes Virginia ‘s tax system fairer. It does this by lowering the income tax for most Virginians; by finally keeping the promise of the car tax cut and the food tax cut; by ending the estate tax for farms & small businesses and by closing the loopholes that allow many major corporations to avoid paying their fair share. It adds one penny to the sales tax, and it creates a new income tax bracket, affecting less than 8% of upper-income Virginians.
Source: 2004 State of the State address to General Assembly Jan 14, 2004

The above quotations are from 2004 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Nov 30, 2018