2011 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Government Reform
Bev Perdue:
Consolidate 14 state agencies into 8; cut $2.2B from budget
The budget that I deliver to you later this week is 2.2 billion dollars less than the budget that I inherited in 2009. It spends 11% less per capita and sheds thousands of state positions. Never before in history has North Carolina better lived the
phrase "doing more with less." And, we must continue to do more.North Carolina must be more agile, more responsive to citizens--less bureaucratic as we focus our limited resources on our core missions of jobs and education. I sent [a list of]
345 boards and commissions: Eliminate those that don't clearly benefit our businesses or our people. I submitted more than 900 state regulations that are outdated and confusing--the first wave of the results in our Regulatory Review. Eliminate those
900 now--and get ready to see hundreds more. Later this week, I will present a budget that consolidates 14 state agencies into 8, that privatizes some services, that continues the hiring freeze and halted pay raises in all but the most critical jobs.
Source: North Carolina 2011 State of the State Address
Feb 14, 2011
Scott Walker:
End tax on HSAs; reduce frivolous lawsuits
The first act I signed as governor eliminated the taxes on health savings accounts, making health care more affordable for small business owners and family farmers. This change was a long time coming for Wisconsin and brings us into line with the rest of
the nation. Our second act reduced frivolous lawsuits in Wisconsin. The litigation environment in a state is one of the key drivers for business. Now, we've turned the page on lawsuit reform and offer one more sign that Wisconsin is open for business.
Source: 2011 Wisconsin State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
Steve Beshear:
6-day furlough for state workers; cut top staff salaries 10%
Talking about shrinking government is easy. Actually doing it requires courage and commitment. Faced with crushing shortfalls, we have balanced Kentucky's budget eight times in three years, slashing over a billion dollars in spending.We have reduced
the executive branch to its smallest size in decades, including a reduction in the so-called non-merit work force by an additional $5 million, starting at the highest levels. In my own office, six of the most important jobs--including budget director and
chief of staff--are being performed by three people. Perks like take-home cars are a thing of the past. And when we made the tough decision to save $24 million by furloughing most state workers for 6 days, we included my entire staff. I'm taking the 6
days without pay myself, & I also voluntarily cut my own salary an additional 10%--as have my top staff and cabinet secretaries. My message to the people of the state is this: We are in this together. We will share your sacrifice because we work for you.
Source: 2011 Kentucky State of the State Address
Feb 1, 2011
Brian Sandoval:
Sunset all 180 licensing & advisory boards by 2013
Public Corruption--Created The Unit That Prosecutes ThemElected officials must actively work to protect the trust placed in us by citizens. As Attorney General, I set up the first public integrity unit to investigate and prosecute officials
who violated the public trust and I am committed to restoring honesty and integrity to state government.
Legislature this year. We articulate not only what level of priority each program or service carries, but the performance measures by which it will be judged. In the coming biennium, this initiative will expand to include public participation through
websites and other tools as we ask Nevadans to further rank spending priorities. Even more robust performance indicators will therefore be established.
Source: 2011 Nevada State of the State Address
Jan 24, 2011
Rick Snyder:
Michigan Dashboard: measure progress & present it publicly
We are creating a means by which to actually measure Michigan's progress. I find it curious that we've had State of the State addresses for decades. Yet I don't know of one where we actually had a report card to gauge our success. Government tends to
avoid measures and metrics, since it could lead to criticism. It is time for that attitude to disappear. True success is based on achieving real results for real people. We're going to have tough, hard measurements. Our achievements or lack of progress
will be evident, so tonight I'm presenting the Michigan Dashboard.I will present a summary of this dashboard in every State of the State address I give. It is composed of 21 different measures in five key areas. The measurable areas are economic
growth, health and education, value for government, quality of life and public safety. These areas align with how we've organized the executive branch into the group executive structure.
Source: 2011 Michigan State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
Susana Martinez:
Moratorium on state car purchases; sell the state luxury jet
To protect priorities, we must do away with the waste and excess that has defined the past and whose absence will improve our future. And I began by reducing the governor's budget. I cut overall salaries within my cabinet by 10%. I will reduce the number
of political appointees in state government by at least 20%. I have invited New Mexicans to share their ideas for cutting waste by emailing me. Many of those who emailed suggested cutting unnecessary state vehicles. I agree. And I ordered a one-year
moratorium on all new state car purchases, except for law enforcement.We must all do our part. At a time when New Mexicans are struggling to make ends meet their Governor should not be leading a life of privilege. That's why I cut costs at the
Governor's residence by 55%--permanently eliminating the positions of two personal chefs. The first gentleman will just have to help out with the cooking. And we will get rid of that ultimate symbol of waste & excess, we will sell the state's luxury jet.
Source: 2011 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 18, 2011
Susana Martinez:
Pay-to-play is a crime, not an ethical dilemma
Corruption is a crime, not an ethical dilemma. Those guilty of corruption are criminals and they should be treated as such.- We must institute criminal penalties for public officials who know about, but fail to report, pay-to-play activity. Public
officials don't have the luxury of turning a blind eye.
- When public officials are found guilty of corruption they should be immediately removed from office, receive mandatory prison time and be forced to surrender their pension.
- We must formally
adopt legislation that prohibits the State Investment Council, or any state agency, from paying finder's fees to those who help direct state investments. "Finder's fees" can easily become nothing more than kickbacks--pay-to-play with the pensions of our
teachers & police officers. It must be banned and we must get their money back.
- And it is time to establish a Public Corruption Unit in the Department of Public Safety. They will investigate & bring to justice those who violate the public's trust.
Source: 2011 New Mexico State of the State Address
Jan 18, 2011
Christine Gregoire:
Transform to 21st-century government that can't do it all
This year, amid the worst economic climate in eight decades, our challenge is to actually transform Washington State government. I think each of you will find in the weeks ahead our budget crisis leaves us no other option.
It will take tough, but wise decisions. I've offered a path forward. Here it is:- We must create a stable, financially secure path for our future;
- We must recognize government cannot do it all; and
- We must transform government into a leaner,
21st century organization that is more effective and efficient.
This session is not just about getting us through this crisis.
It's also about setting our state on a trajectory that ensures a strong financial foundation for our kids and grandkids. This is a budget and agenda that build the platform for better service and recovery in the years to come.
Source: 2011 Washington State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2011
Dan Malloy:
Require state government to use GAAP accounting principles
Minutes [ago], I signed an executive order which begins the process of requiring the state to keep its books according to GAAP principles. We require every city and town to do it, and now we'll require the state to do it.
You will hear a lot about reducing the size of government, from the size of my office, to the number of state agencies. And not just cutting for cutting sake, but re-conceiving government so that better decisions are made and implemented faster.
Source: 2011 Connecticut State of the State Address
Jan 5, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018