Jay Nixon in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Missouri has earned its triple-A credit rating
The national recession hit Missouri hard. But after losing jobs back in 2008 and 2009, we turned the corner in 2010, and are poised for job growth this year. We will continue to be aggressive and relentless, fighting every day for every job. And we'll
continue to be aggressive and relentless in making government smarter and more efficient.We've kept our fiscal house in order with prudent financial controls, rigorous cost reductions, and smarter, more efficient government. That's earned Missouri a
Triple-A credit rating--the best you can get--from all three rating agencies. We're one of the few states in the nation that can make that claim. It's a big vote of confidence in our state, and saves taxpayers millions of dollars a year in interest.
Compare that to what's going on in other states. Texas has a $15 billion deficit; Kansas; and Illinois just raised personal and corporate income taxes. Now look at our state. Fiscal responsibility is a value we share here in the Show-Me State.
Source: 2011 Missouri State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
On Crime:
More DWI arrests save more lives
Last year, we passed historic DWI legislation with strong bipartisan support. That new law is making our highways safer for everyone. With us tonight is Highway Patrol Sergeant Blaine Adams from Poplar Bluff--who has made an amazing 1,060
DWI arrests--more than any other current member of the patrol. 1,060 DWI arrests. Can you imagine how many lives this one Trooper has saved? Please stand and accept the gratitude of your state.
Source: 2011 Missouri State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
On Energy & Oil:
Nuclear power provides reliable, affordable energy
Every business in Missouri needs reliable, affordable energy to grow and prosper. And every Missouri family needs reliable, affordable energy to heat and cool their homes. In November, I announced a historic agreement that will transform the economy of
our state--creating thousands of jobs and benefitting millions of Missouri consumers of electric power. That agreement put the wheels in motion for the construction of a second, state-of-the-art nuclear power plant in Callaway County.As our energy
needs grow, we need to be looking now for new sources of clean, abundant and affordable power. Building a second nuclear plant will create thousands of good-paying jobs for all our construction trades.
Building the next generation of nuclear power
plants. Advancing the frontiers of biotechnology. The 21st Century economy is knowledge-based, and the best jobs will belong to those with the best education.
Source: 2011 Missouri State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
On Environment:
State Parks Youth Corps: employ kids in state parks
Like thousands of Missourians, I grew up hunting, fishing and canoeing with my Mom and Dad. At a time when it's been especially tough for young people to find jobs, the State Parks Youth Corps put money in the pockets of more than 1,000 young workers--at
no cost to the state. The National Association of State Park Directors gave our State Parks Youth Corps its top award for innovation in 2010. And I'm pleased to report that the Youth Corps will put hundreds more kids to work in our parks this summer.
Source: 2011 Missouri State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
On Homeland Security:
Show-Me Heroes: jobs waiting for returning vets
We're fighting every day for jobs for our veterans. Last summer, I visited our troops in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan. And everywhere I went, I heard the same question: "Will there be a job for me when I come home?" Tonight, I'm pleased to report that ou
efforts helped hundreds of veterans find jobs last year.One year ago, I announced the "Show-Me Heroes" job initiative to help our veterans quickly regain their footing in civilian life. More than 1,000 Missouri employers stepped up to take the Show-Me
Heroes pledge to give veterans first crack at a job interview. I'd like to thank each and every employer who took the Show-Me Heroes pledge and hired a veteran, and
I urge every employer in our state to do the same. [Companies can also take] advantage of our Work Ready Missouri program, which retrains unemployed workers to compete in today's economy.
Source: 2011 Missouri State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
On Tax Reform:
Remove tax credits which are bad returns on investment
A bi-partisan tax credit commission spent four months reviewing Missouri's 61 tax credit programs. They looked at which credits are giving taxpayers a good return on their investment--and which are not. I ask the members of the
Legislature to allow this commission to present its recommendations at open hearings in the House and Senate. We should give the commission's report serious and full consideration. Because Missourians work hard for their money.
We owe it to taxpayers to make sure they get the best bang for their buck. Creating jobs. Balancing the budget without raising taxes. Investing in the future.
Making government smarter and more efficient. All of these things are essential to the well-being of our state.
Source: 2011 Missouri State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
On Technology:
MoBroadbandNow: Bring broadband to every corner of our state
Last year, I said that we needed to bring broadband to every corner of our state. We all know that technology drives today's job market. We live in a high-speed, digital world, where the most tech-savvy, early adapters will succeed. Soon, 88
Missouri counties will be better connected, at faster speeds, to each other and to the world. High-speed broadband will have a dramatic impact on our economy, and on our quality of life.It will connect tens of thousands of homes in rural
Missouri to a network of vital community services like fire and police, schools and hospitals, libraries and government.
The competition for federal funds was steep. But our MoBroadbandNow partnership was a stunning success. More than
$260 million will be coming to Missouri, which in turn will generate tens of millions of dollars in new investment, and create thousands of new jobs.
Source: 2011 Missouri State of the State Address
Jan 19, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018