Mitch Daniels in 2011 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Automatic taxpayer refund when reserves exceed 10%
I ask you to vote for lasting spending discipline by enacting an automatic taxpayer refund. When the day comes again when state reserves exceed 10% of annual needs, it will be time to stop collecting taxes and leave them with the people they belong to.
Remember what the Hoosier philosopher said: "It's tainted money. 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine." Beyond some point, it is far better to leave dollars in the pockets of those who earned them than to let them burn a hole in the pockets of government.
Source: 2011 Ind. State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2011
On Crime:
Incarcerate in a smarter way, based on danger to society
One opportunity lies in reform of our criminal justice system. A bipartisan task force of police, judges, prosecutors, and others fashioned a package of changes to see that lawbreakers are incarcerated in a smarter way, one that matches their place of
punishment to their true danger to society. We can be tougher on the worst offenders, and protect Hoosiers more securely, while saving a billion dollars the next few years. Let's seize this opportunity, without waiting.
Source: 2011 Ind. State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2011
On Education:
Pay teachers, and award tenure, based on effectiveness
We know what works. It starts with teacher quality. Teacher quality has been found to be 20 times more important than any other factor, including poverty, in determining which kids succeed. Class size, by comparison, is virtually meaningless.
Put a great teacher in front of a large class, and you can expect good results. Put a poor teacher in front of a small class, do not expect the kids to learn. Teachers should have tenure, but they should earn it by proving their ability to help kids
learn. Our best teachers should be paid more, much more, and ineffective teachers should be helped to improve or asked to move.
We are beginning to hold our school leaders accountable for the only thing that really matters: Did the children grow?
Did the children learn? Starting this year, schools will get their own grades, in a form we can all understand: 'A' to 'F.' There will be no more hiding behind jargon and gibberish.
Source: 2011 Ind. State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2011
Page last updated: Dec 04, 2018