Brad Henry in 2010 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Budget & Economy: Increase the Rainy Day Fund from 10% to 15% of revenue

This budget crisis is precisely the kind of emergency that citizens envisioned 25 years ago when they voted to create the Rainy Day Fund. Now is the time to use our reserve dollars to preserve crucial services.

We must also ensure that our emergency fund is adequate to meet our future needs. This year, I ask for your support in raising the cap on Rainy Day Fund deposits from 10 percent to 15 percent of general revenue collections. We owe that to the people of this state.

Source: Oklahoma 2010 State of the State Address Feb 1, 2010

On Drugs: Invest in drug courts: put low-risk offenders on better path

As part of our efforts to be tough and smart on crime, we have invested in drug courts and mental health courts to put low-risk offenders on a more productive and cost-effective path. These programs are having dramatic results. They offer solutions to problems before they escalate to the costly criminal justice system.

I urge you to remain tough and smart on crime by investing in mental health and substance abuse services. We can save lives today and taxpayer dollars tomorrow.

Source: Oklahoma 2010 State of the State Address Feb 1, 2010

On Education: Don't siphon resources from our classrooms

We recognized the hard work of our teachers by increasing their pay and, for the first time in history, covering the full cost of teachers' health insurance. This helps Oklahoma attract and retain the quality teachers our students deserve, and it tells our teachers that we value their commitment.

Our progress in schools has been tremendous. I will not tolerate any effort to cut teacher pay or siphon resources from our classrooms, our students, or our future.

Source: Oklahoma 2010 State of the State Address Feb 1, 2010

On Health Care: Insure Oklahoma program: coverage for many more Oklahomans

Through the innovative Insure Oklahoma program, we created a partnership with small businesses and their employees to make health coverage affordable for tens of thousands of Oklahomans. This nationally recognized program is a model for states across the country.

We cannot turn back the clock. Insure Oklahoma can provide coverage for many more Oklahomans--if we make the right choices today. We must provide adequate funding for this vital initiative so more Oklahomans can live longer, healthier lives.

Source: Oklahoma 2010 State of the State Address Feb 1, 2010

On Technology: Biotech and nanotech startups transform our lives

Biotech startups and nanotechnology are revolutionizing how we view ourselves and the world around us. Medical breakthroughs at institutions like the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation are changing the face of medicine and saving lives. Information technology, aviation and aerospace are shrinking the planet and transforming our lives. Sensor technology and weather research are protecting our homes and families. Renewable energy promises a cleaner planet and new jobs in rural Oklahoma.
Source: Oklahoma 2010 State of the State Address Feb 1, 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 Brad Henry.
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 03, 2018