Bill Richardson in 2010 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: Hiring freeze & 7% budget cut in state agencies

Like our citizens, this administration has tightened its belt since this recession began:

I implemented a hiring and salary freeze, and we currently have 3000 vacancies.
I eliminated positions and cut salaries of exempt state employees--those appointed by me--by 2%. Now 110 exempt positions are vacant.
I ordered five furlough days for about 17,000 employees.
I froze $150 million in stalled capital outlay projects--and I urge this body to eliminate those projects.
And we have cut stat agency budgets by 7% on average.

None of these measures were popular, but all were necessary. My budget plan for the next fiscal year reduces spending by $510 million:

Make permanent the $210 million in cuts we made during the special session.
Reduce costs by another $158 million--by cutting spending across state government.
Eliminate stalled capital outlay projects and end the practice of double dipping.
Streamline and merge government functions, saving at least $25 million.

Source: New Mexico 2010 State of the State Address Jan 19, 2010

On Civil Rights: Extend Domestic Partnership rights as anti-discrimination

It's time to fully extend Domestic Partnership rights. A committed couple, who agrees to spend their lives together, deserves equal protection under the law. And as I've said before and I will say again--As a state whose diversity is its strength, we cannot accept discrimination in any form. Source: New Mexico 2010 State of the State Address Jan 19, 2010

On Energy & Oil: Green Jobs Cabinet: lead renewable energy export

In last year's State of the State, I announced the creation of the Green Jobs Cabinet to create a statewide strategic plan for clean energy, clean technology development and job creation. We have developed ambitious goals:

Be the leader in renewable energy export
Be the center of the North American Solar Industry
Lead the nation in green grid innovation
Be a center of excellence for green building and energy efficiency
Have a highly skilled clean-tech workforce.

Source: New Mexico 2010 State of the State Address Jan 19, 2010

On Government Reform: Whistleblower protections, & ban corporate donations

Whistleblower protections to shield employees from retaliation for reporting fraud, waste or abuse.
Disclosure by any contractor wishing to make a bid on a state project of any campaign contribution of $250 or more over the last two years.
A ban on candidates doing taxpayer-funded, public service announcements.
An end to the revolving door where legislators this year become lobbyists next year. Just like we did for state officials
A ban on campaign contributions by corporations, state contractors or lobbyists.

If we as elected officials want the public trust, then we must trust our people. I believe we need an independent, bi-partisan, citizen-led ethics commission. This commission must be able to investigate, discipline, fine, or censure, not just public officials or state employees, but also contractors and lobbyists. 41 other states have such a commission. New Mexico needs one too. Source: New Mexico 2010 State of the State Address Jan 19, 2010

On Tax Reform: Any tax increase must expire in 3 years or less

As we look to raise revenue to help us through this crisis, I will only support a temporary revenue increase that automatically expires in 3 years or less. I will oppose any tax increase that hurts our efforts to keep the state economically competitive and create new jobs--such as:

Increasing personal income taxes
Rolling back our capital gains tax cuts or
Decreasing business tax incentives or credits that are working to create jobs.
Nor will I support reinstating the food tax.

Source: New Mexico 2010 State of the State Address Jan 19, 2010

The above quotations are from 2010 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2010 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Bill Richardson. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 03, 2018