Sarah Palin in 2007 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: Aim to reduce general fund spending by $150 million

I have established an aggressive goal of reducing general fund spending by $150 million dollars. This takes tremendous effort by staff as well as the cooperation of the Legislature. On the savings side, by depositing our one-time surplus of $1.8 billion dollars, we’ll build our savings account to nearly $4.3 billion dollars. It’s a necessary step to ensure that we can fund essential services tomorrow; and avoid massive “single year” cuts down the road, if and when, faced with tougher times. Source: 2007 State of the State Address to 24th Alaska Legislature Jan 17, 2007

On Education: Fully fund K-12 and support early funding of education

My budget includes fully funding the “K through 12” foundation formula. In addition, I’ve included more than $200 million in new dollars to cover the increased retirement costs for local school districts, so that more local school district dollars get into the classroom, where the money belongs. We’re facing a potential $10 billion PERS/TRS retirement plan shortfall that affects local schools. Our $200 million dollar line item for school districts is part of the half BILLION dollar proposal to help th districts, local governments and the state alleviate the pension plan burden while we work with the Legislature on a long-term solution. I’ve also committed to help provide local school districts with more predictability, for better planning by supporting “early funding of education.” I’ll introduce a separate education appropriation bill and ask that it’s passed. Our local school districts deserve to know what they have to work with early enough for them to create efficiencies through planning Source: 2007 State of the State Address to 24th Alaska Legislature Jan 17, 2007

On Environment: Provide stability in regulations for developers

I’m keenly aware of sharply declining production from North Slope fields. The amount of oil currently flowing through the Pipeline is less than half of what it was at its peak. We must look to responsible development throughout the state--from the Slope all the way down to Southeast--every region participating! From further oil and gas development, to fishing, mining, timber, and tourism, these developments remain the core of our state. We provide stability in regulations for our developers. Source: 2007 State of the State Address to 24th Alaska Legislature Jan 17, 2007

On Environment: Convince the rest of the nation to open ANWR

The standard should be no different for industry. Ironically, we’re trying to convince the rest of the nation to open ANWR, but we can’t even get our own Pt. Thomson, which is right on the edge of ANWR, developed! We are ready for that gas to be tapped so we can fill a natural gas pipeline. I promise to vigorously defend Alaska’s rights, as resource owners, to develop and receive appropriate value for our resources. Source: 2007 State of the State Address to 24th Alaska Legislature Jan 17, 2007

On Tax Reform: Repeal “nuisance taxes” including the tire tax

To help Alaska’s families, and small businesses (the backbone of our local economies), I propose to repeal “nuisance taxes” including the tire tax--we shouldn’t make Alaskans pay a premium to keep families safe driving Alaska’s roads. And we’ll significantly reduce business license fees. Taxes which send the wrong message by financially discouraging our small businesses. Source: 2007 State of the State Address to 24th Alaska Legislature Jan 17, 2007

The above quotations are from 2007 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2007 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Sarah Palin. 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: Nov 30, 2018