Steve Beshear in 2008 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Budget & Economy: Cut government spending due to the revenue shortfall

Because of the economic slowdown, the cooling of the housing market, oil prices and a gap between what we spend and what we earn, we are facing an unprecedented budgetary shortfall. While this is a situation I inherited, it is my job to fix it. It is not a time for whining or “woe is us”--it is a time for leadership, bold action and temporary cost cutting. We have two options: raise taxes, or cut spending. If the Commonwealth of Kentucky were a family, and we realized we were spending more than we could afford, we’d have no choice but to tighten our belts. Even though state government is not a family, it’s about time we began acting more like one. After all, it is the people’s money, and we need to be as efficient as possible when it comes to taxpayer dollars. Raising taxes is and will continue to be a last resort as long as I’m Governor. So, that leaves cutting government spending. We can wring more efficiency out of state government and I intend to do just that.
Source: Kentucky 2008 State of the State Address Jan 14, 2008

On Budget & Economy: Some budget priorities won’t go away despite budget crisis

In the short-term, this budget crisis will unfortunately reduce our ability to make major new investments in some important priorities. However, the need to lower prescription drug costs for our senior citizens will not go away! The need to increase college aid and job training will not go away! The need to send colleges and universities better prepared students will not go away! The need to invest in new 21st century jobs will not go away. I remain fully committed to those priorities.
Source: Kentucky 2008 State of the State Address Jan 14, 2008

On Budget & Economy: Revenue situation becomes a golden opportunity for change

Ironically, the revenue situation I inherited becomes a golden opportunity to change the way we do business in Kentucky. It is an opportunity to make every state agency leaner, more efficient and more responsive. It is an opportunity to begin preparing Kentucky to compete in the new economy. It is a way to focus on economic development that will create a stronger economy with jobs of the future rather than those of the past.
Source: Kentucky 2008 State of the State Address Jan 14, 2008

On Government Reform: Comprehensive ethics package to restore trust

It is critical that trust and credibility be restored if we’re to accomplish anything else. That’s why I announced just last week a comprehensive ethics package that includes a Constitutional amendment to limit a Governor’s power to pardon. It reduces th Governor’s influence in making appointments to the Executive Branch Ethics Commission and requires more disclosure of donations to a public official’s legal defense fund while banning lobbyists and those doing business with the State from contributing.
Source: Kentucky 2008 State of the State Address Jan 14, 2008

On Technology: Ideas are the foundation of any new economy

Ideas are the foundation of any new economy. Research and technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, alternative energy--here are areas we must compete in, especially with energy, given our natural resources. Encouraging new ideas, entrepreneurs and creative thinkers is what others have been doing with great results. Kentucky has no more time to play catch-up. Unless we get our financial house in order and chart a new course, Kentucky stands little chance of succeeding in this new economy.
Source: Kentucky 2008 State of the State Address Jan 14, 2008

The above quotations are from 2008 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018