2010 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Health Care

Dave Freudenthal: Health reform is not creeping socialism; let's try a pilot

In this pilot project, we expect participants to work at least 20 hours per week, and follow their doctor's orders. The project calls for people to have greater access to their primary care physician. What we are looking for are those things that drive the system in terms of cost. We are looking for early detection of diabetes; for early detection of cancer; for early detection of heart disease. With any ailments that can become chronic diseases, we are looking for early detection.

Which part of that is socialism? The part where we ask people to be responsible? The part to pay for their own insurance? The part where we ask people to work? I encourage you to rethink this and take a shot at it.

Brad Henry: Insure Oklahoma program: coverage for many more Oklahomans

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.

Gary Herbert: Increase transparency, access, and choice

This Utah-crafted solution is an innovative approach to increase transparency in the health care system, to increase access and to increase choice. Already, hundreds of Utahns have coverage in plans they have chosen for themselves. This is a revolutionary approach to health benefits that will soon be available to even more Utahns.

Our Exchange is one example of how states can--and should--lead the nation on health care reform. We don't want or need a one-size-fits-all program that will balloon our national deficit and provide questionable care to our citizens. The continued encroachment of the federal government into our businesses, our lives and our pocketbooks must be challenged.

Sean Parnell: Federal health care legislation diminishes our freedom

For these reasons, I have asked our attorney general to review and make recommendations for action, and I have joined many other governors in urging Congress to take a breath, listen to the people and do what is right.

Pat Quinn: Independent review of denial of care by insurance companies

Pat Quinn: Allow women of color & low-income access to mammograms

Sonny Perdue: $70M for moral obligation to serve those with disabilities

I want to be clear, my interes is not driven purely by legal mandates, but from my own personal belief that we have a moral obligation to serve those with disabilities. We are our brothers' keepers.

That obligation should carry a tangible effort. It's a hard thing to do in these budget times... the budgets that I will release on Friday will include additional investment--$20 million in 2010 and over $50 million in 2011.

Together, we are making concerted efforts to do the right thing for this vulnerable population. I ask for your continued support as well as that of our consumers, providers, advocates, families and communities to help us develop a system of care of which we can be proud.

Jan Brewer: We don't want federal help; sue to remain independent

On top of that, Washington's alleged solution will cost Arizona another half billion dollars every year. Only in Washington can they look upon massive federal entitlement programs bleeding red ink--and propose an even bigger new entitlement program.

The President and the Congress tell us they are going to help by reducing costs. In reality, what they are doing is eliminating freedom for our citizens, dictating the policies they must buy for their families, and forcing our employers and the state to pick up the tab.

We don't need that kind of help. At last count, 14 Attorneys General, Republican and Democrat are investigating this legislation for violating the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

Mark Parkinson: Enact a real public smoking ban

Let me be ver clear. I'm not proposing that we pass a watered down smoking ban. I do not want legislation that the tobacco industry writes, full of loopholes and not a real ban. 75% of Kansans want a real public smoking ban and I am asking you to give that to them.