Brad Henry in 2009 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: Surgical budget cuts to close $600M budget hole

This year, we face a budget hole of nearly $600 million. As Oklahoma families take a hard look at their own expenses and cut where they can, we must do the same. State agencies must tighten their budgets. Some projects must be put on hold. This fiscal year will be marked by thrift and sacrifice.

In this demanding economic environment, we must make difficult decisions. But, just as the Chinese character for "crisis" also denotes "opportunity," so, too, do the challenges we face present an opportunity to improve government.

Today, I have placed before you a balanced budget that makes precise, surgical cuts while protecting vital state functions such as education, healthcare, transportation and public safety. Through efficiencies and savings that range from purchasing reforms to consolidated information technologies, we can help ensure a government of greater effectiveness and excellence.

Source: 2009 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature Mar 2, 2009

On Families & Children: Family anchors us and reminds us of what is truly important

We gather in this historic chamber as men and women of different backgrounds, different hometowns, and different points of view--yet, we are bonded by a common commitment to serve the great people of Oklahoma.

We shoulder tremendous responsibilities: to build a first-class education system; to cultivate economic opportunity; to ensure affordable, accessible health care; to nurture a society in which families and individuals can live in safety, peace and prosperity.

The journey toward these goals requires a compass to keep us on a steady course. I am grateful for my own compass: my faithful family. Family anchors us and reminds us of what is truly important and why we chose a path of public service.

Source: 2009 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature Mar 2, 2009

On Government Reform: Extend early voting to a full week prior to Election Day

No freedom is more precious than the right to vote. Government of the people and for the people requires participation by the people. Record voter turnouts across the nation last November were cause for celebration, but long lines and discouraging waits were cause for concern.

Early in-person voting has been hugely successful in Oklahoma and other states. I call on you to help boost voter participation by making it easier and more convenient for our citizens to vote. Let's extend early voting in our state by four days, allowing voters to cast their votes for a full week prior to Election Day.

Source: 2009 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature Mar 2, 2009

On Technology: EDGE Endowment: make OK into Research Capital of the Plains

The Competitive EDGE: Three years ago, we launched the EDGE Endowment with the simple but bold goal of transforming Oklahoma into the Research Capital of the Plains. Biotech, aerospace, renewable energies, knowledge-based industries--these are the gateways to a thriving economy in the global age.

Only self-imposed limitations on imagination and commitment can hold us back. Thanks to EDGE, our state has a unique tool to nurture research and enterprise that will create good-paying jobs and growth opportunities. But, the endowment remains far below the ultimate goal of $1 billion.

Each year that we fail to act puts us at a greater competitive disadvantage. By dedicating future interest earnings from the Rainy Day Fund as well as a portion of future annual state investment earnings, the cutting-EDGE investment of today will become the cutting-EDGE research and jobs of tomorrow. I urge you to join me in establishing a permanent funding source for this critical endowment.

Source: 2009 State of the State address to Oklahoma legislature Mar 2, 2009

The above quotations are from 2009 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2009 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Brad Henry. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 02, 2018