2011 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Drugs
Bill Haslam:
Get tough on meth crimes
There will be no service reductions in Human Services and minimal shifts in Mental Health such as alcohol and drug rehabilitation services. In the area of law enforcement we are supporting steps to address a growing problem here and across the country.
The manufacturing and use of meth has increased 45% from 2009 to 2010. Millions of taxpayer dollars are spent every year to house those who make and sell meth, to care for children removed from homes where meth is being made and for environmental cleanup
The cleanup cost is covered by state and local law enforcement agencies. It is time to get tough on this crime by making it more difficult to make meth in our state and making it easier to track down and prosecute the offenders. In Corrections, we are
restoring funds to keep the Whiteville Prison in Hardeman County open. Additionally we will continue to provide $35 per day per prisoner to local governments for housing state prisoners so that we will not pass off any of our costs to local government.
Source: 2011 State of the State speech to Tennessee legislature
Mar 14, 2011
Paul LePage:
Mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients
Our welfare reform also includes mandatory drug testing of program participants convicted of drug offenses. If we are serious about helping people move to independence and work, we must address the barriers caused by addiction.
Otherwise, we are spinning our wheels and squandering state resources.
Source: Maine 2011 State of the State Address
Feb 10, 2011
Rick Perry:
Fight cross-border violence as part of drug war
We should continue our investment in border security because the threat of cross-border violence has only grown, as the drug wars escalate.
I don't raise the issue of border security as a criticism of our neighbors to the south, but to show our resolve and unity in the struggle, as they deal with a wave of violence unlike anything outside of the world's war zones.
Source: 2011 Texas State of the State Address
Feb 8, 2011
Mary Fallin:
Women in Recovery: abuse programs avoid incarceration
We're asking our citizens to take responsibility for their lifestyles and their wellbeing. It's no secret that many Oklahomans struggle with addiction issues that can lead to incarceration. As a result, Oklahoma is one of the highest rated states in the
nation for female incarceration. As we know, the costs to our state and our communities don't end with the original offender. Children with a parent in prison are five times more likely to end up in the correctional system. As Oklahomans, we must always
place a priority on protecting our citizens and keeping our streets safe. But we can be tough on crime and smart on crime.That's why I'm continuing to offer my full support to programs like "Women in Recovery" and other initiatives that address
substance abuse, prevent incarceration, and allow more families to stay together. By fighting the hold that substance abuse has on our communities, we can make Oklahoma healthier and safer while working towards reducing our incarceration rates.
Source: 2011 Oklahoma State of the State Address
Feb 7, 2011
Peter Shumlin:
War on recidivism: $300,000 for methadone treatment
Many non-violent offenders have drug & alcohol related addictions. When their time is up, lack of adequate housing, adult basic education, drug & alcohol counseling, mental health services & job options leave them with the same lack of skills & substance
abuse challenges that led them into prison in the first place.My Administration will re-allocate an additional $300,000 to unlock the waiting lists for methadone treatment. This represents the first steps in my administration's war on recidivism.
Source: 2011 Vermont State of the State Address
Jan 25, 2011
Matt Mead:
Narcotic prescriptions abused more than illegal drugs
The death rate for misuse of narcotic prescription drugs exceeds all other illegal drug and drunk-driving deaths combined. We need to better monitor narcotic prescription drugs at point of contact to prevent abuse and lower the death rate.
Other pressing matters include health issues, ag issues, law enforcement issues, our aging population. I would look closely at legislation you put before me that addresses them.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
Haley Barbour:
Fight the scourge of illegal narcotics with a vengeance
In law enforcement, we have fought the scourge of illegal narcotics with a vengeance. In 2005 you passed laws to reduce the production and use of crystal methamphetamine. When the criminals learned how to get around those laws, you made the necessary
changes, and they are working. In the first six months of this fiscal year--July 1 to December 31, 2010--68 percent fewer meth labs have been reported; meth arrests are down 62 percent; the number of drug-endangered children has fallen 76 percent.
Source: 2011 Mississippi State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2011
Mike Beebe:
Heavier penalties for drug trade; but not for possession
Our drug statutes must put a stronger emphasis and heavier penalties on those involved with the drug trade, instead of giving equally harsh sentences to those merely arrested for mere possession or use. Previous legislatures have built a grid of
sentencing guidelines, a grid that is often manipulated or ignored to put away offenders for even longer stretches of time. Those guidelines must be more closely followed, or perhaps those jurisdictions that frequently exceed the grid should share in th
cost of incarceration with our state. My proposed budget adds more than $4 million to help accommodate the Dept. of Community Correction's anticipated larger role.The North Little Rock Police Chief said: "We're not talking about being tough on crime,
or soft on crime; we're talking about being smart on crime." When it comes to criminal activity, we've got to make sure that the bad guys who will hurt you--the violent criminals or the career criminals--are the ones we lock away and save the beds for.
Source: 2011 Arkansas State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018