Jon Huntsman in 2008 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Drugs: End Meth Now: stop the scourge

At the other end of the spectrum, we have worked like never before, at every level of government, to "End Meth Now" and stop the scourge of methamphetamine impacting our families and communities. We have more resources committed than at any other time to help fight this dangerous, destructive drug. I want my friends at the House of Hope, most of whom are young single mothers recovering from their addictions, to know the full meaning of that word: Hope. Source: Utah 2008 State of the State address Jan 22, 2008

On Health Care: No denial of coverage because of minor ailments

On one hand, we are one of the nation's most advanced states in medical sciences. On the other hand, we have far too many Utahns who cannot afford adequate health care.

It is unacceptable that a young father who works for a small business and wants to buy insurance for his family is denied coverage because of minor ailments. Should eczema or post-partum depression preclude a family from getting affordable health insurance?

What business or family in Utah hasn't experienced rising health care costs or, even worse, had to forgo treatment for lack of coverage? In Utah there are now more than 300,000 people without insurance. That's one out of every eight of us. And many more fear that losing or changing a job may leave them without health insurance.

In a state that prides itself on practical solutions, this issue is crying out for a fix. We cannot wait for Washington's one-size-fits-all plan that does not account for Utah's unique challenges and abilities.

Source: Utah 2008 State of the State address Jan 22, 2008

On Local Issues: Build the Legacy Parkway, and film industry

Our transportation progress is on the move. This year we will celebrate the opening of two major transportation corridors: commuter rail from Salt Lake to Pleasant View; and after years of Interstate-15 gridlock, Legacy Parkway will finally be a reality.

Utah is increasingly becoming a film destination spot, and (according to my daughters) we are really excited that soon Disney will begin filming High School Musical Three in our State. This is just one of dozens of movies being shot here.

Source: Utah 2008 State of the State address Jan 22, 2008

On Tax Reform: Historically high tax burden is now below national average

Thanks to the entrepreneurs, innovators and hard-workers of our State, personal income rose nearly ten percent last year, outperforming every state in the nation.

Our historically high tax burden is now below the national average. And we have the lowest tax rate since the implementation of the State income tax. Thank you members of the Legislature; you passed tax reform unanimously last session, and this month, it is a reality!

Source: Utah 2008 State of the State address Jan 22, 2008

The above quotations are from 2008 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2008 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Jon Huntsman. 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: Dec 02, 2018