Mary Fallin in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Drugs: 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

On Health Care: Certified Healthy program; & website for health insurer info

Two years ago [the legislature] passed legislation authorizing the creation of a website where every health insurance plan in the state could be compared side by side. In the coming years, we'll take that idea and build on it, allowing Oklahoma consumers to actually purchase health insurance through an Oklahoma exchange, knowing that the plan they've chosen has the right benefits at the right price. Ultimately, the choice to live healthier and be healthier is just that: a choice.

But I'm happy to say that [we] introduced innovative public-private initiatives like the Certified Healthy Businesses program to encourage healthy living and eating. Currently, over 900 private businesses have become "certified." And I'm excited to see our healthy living initiatives grow to include the Certified Healthy Schools and Certified Healthy Communities programs. By asking our citizens to take responsibility for their own health, we're building a healthier, more prosperous state.

Source: 2011 Oklahoma State of the State Address Feb 7, 2011

On Local Issues: We survived Dust Bowl & Trail of Tears--and this recession

It hasn't always been easy for Oklahoma. We have felt the effects of the national recession, and it has been hard. However, we have worked through it, and we will come out stronger. As Oklahomans have done for years, we will continue to manufacture goods and build skyscrapers on the land that was once known as the Dust Bowl. That is the unshakeable spirit of the people of Oklahoma. We are a state that has survived the injustices of the Trail of Tears and the Tulsa Race Riots, the great depression, oil booms and busts and the horrors of the Murrah bombing, only to emerge as a stronger community and a prouder people. That's the Oklahoma Spirit. It's a pioneer spirit, a spirit of resilience and a love for one's neighbors. And it is because of the love, appreciation and respect I have for my fellow Oklahomans that it pains me, as I know it pains you, when we fall short in some areas.
Source: 2011 Oklahoma State of the State Address Feb 7, 2011

The above quotations are from 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018