Bob McDonnell in 2012 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Drugs:
Tough sentences for dealers; but new drug courts too
Repeat drug dealers are a major, perpetual cause of crime in our state. This year, I am proposing tough new laws to put away repeat drug dealers for longer periods of time. If these dealers are behind bars, they can't sell drugs to our kids, steal from
their neighbors or contribute to the tragic cycle of addiction that has stolen the lives of too many Virginians.We can break that cycle when we combine tough sentences with other effective policies. In this year's budget I have provided localities
with a mechanism for obtaining authorization for new drug courts, at their expense, as long as they meet certain requirements and provide data necessary to evaluate their success. For those released from prison, who have learned from their mistakes,
we will provide them with positive opportunities for change through effective prisoner re-entry policies. Over 90% of offenders get out of prison, and we don't want them going back. We want more good citizens and fewer victims.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
On Environment:
$5 million for open space land conservation
Our budget provides $5 million for additional land conservation to continue our bipartisan effort to conserve more open space and protect the environment.
We have already been able to add 100,000 acres of lands to protected status in the last two years. We are also making progress in restoring the jewel that is the Chesapeake Bay.
Striped bass production was at an all-time record high in 2011, the blue crab population is at its second highest level since 1997 and eagle populations are up. The recent budget surpluses have allowed us to contribute over
$85 million more to improving water quality. This means more assistance to Virginia's farmers and a significant contribution to the Water Quality Improvement Fund.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
On Free Trade:
Trade missions worked in London, Shanghai, and Mumbai
Overseas visitors spent a record-breaking $321 million here in 2011, and I was on hand to open trade and agricultural offices in London, Shanghai, New Delhi and Mumbai to sell Virginia products around the world and create more good jobs here at home.
Our trade missions are getting results. Last month alone one ship left Chesapeake and delivered $25 million worth of Virginia soybeans to China. Two weeks ago, another vessel began the same journey, with another 25 million worth of Virginia soybeans.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
On Homeland Security:
In-state tuition for all members of Virginia National Guard
The brave men and women who volunteer for the Virginia National Guard are great patriots. That's why I propose that we provide in-state tuition for all members of the Virginia National
Guard, regardless of how long they've lived here. We will continue to make this the most veteran-friendly state in America. You serve Virginia, we serve you.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
On Jobs:
$38 million to spur job creation in targeted programs
Our work starts with finding work for the 260,000 Virginians who are currently unemployed. It is the most pressing issue facing our Commonwealth: Virginians need good paying private-sector jobs. This session, I am asking you to put $38 million
more into targeted programs that spur job creation. I have proposed state incentives and initiatives for tourism, film, agricultural and forestry products, technology, modeling and simulation, cyber security, international marketing,
workforce development, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences. These are proven job and revenue generators.
I am also proposing a new investor tax credit to provide working capital to small businesses which create 70 percent of the new jobs in
America, and the extension of time during which the major business facility job tax credit may be taken. States are competing against each other, and the world, for job-creating businesses.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
On Technology:
$4 billion for 6-year highway and rail project plan
Working across party lines last year we put the most new funding into transportation in a generation. Over $4 billion in new funding was provided in our six-year plan to support highway and rail projects. This funding has supported hundreds of projects
across the state and the advertisement and award of nearly $2 billion in new contracts in 2011. It has also made possible public-private partnerships including the Midtown/Downtown Tunnel in Hampton Roads and the I-95 HOV/HOT Lanes Project.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
On War & Peace:
230 Virginians gave lives for War on Terror, including Iraq
Since September 11th, 2001, nearly 14,000 members of the Virginia National Guard have left their families and jobs to defend our freedom. Over 230 Virginians have given their lives in the Global War on Terror. On
December 18th, the last convoy of American soldiers left Iraq for Kuwait, ending our nearly 9 years in that nation. Gentlemen, thank you for your deep commitment to freedom.
Source: 2012 Virginia State of the State Address
Jan 11, 2012
Page last updated: Aug 10, 2019