Bob McDonnell in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Crime: Tough statutes and sentences; but also re-entry programs

I believe in, and we have, tough statutes and sentences for those who break our laws and endanger our citizens and communities. As a result, our crime rates are down. However, our recidivism rate is still too high. Reduction in recidivism means fewer victims, and less prison costs. America is a nation of second chances and those leaving prison should have the opportunity to change.

We are implementing sweeping new prisoner re-entry programs throughout our correctional system through the leadership of our first statewide prisoner re-entry coordinator and our new Director of the Department of Corrections. And I am pleased to say that since taking office we have implemented the fastest and fairest system for the restoration of civil rights in modern Virginia history.

On Social Security: 5% additional retirement contribution from state employees

These are the challenges we face:
• Over 280,000 Virginians are unemployed. That is unacceptable.
• College tuition has doubled for Virginia students over the past decade. That is unconscionable.
• Almost a quarter of Virginia's major urban roads are congested; parents are too often stuck in traffic when they should be spending precious time with their children. That is unreasonable.
• Our state government stands in need of further significant reform and a renewed focus on its core functions. That is undeniable.
• Our state retirement system has an unfunded liability of approximately $17.6 billion and Medicaid spending has grown 1600% over the past 27 years. That is unsustainable.