Earl Ray Tomblin in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Budget & Economy:
Deficit borrowing just kicks the can down the road
Too many people have stopped looking for work, and too many people are unemployed. As leaders of our State, we have a responsibility to fight for jobs, to foster job creation, and to be good stewards of taxpayer resources. We must continue to keep our
taxes and cost of doing business low, and this is particularly true when times are tough.It all starts with our obligation to adopt a budget [which] is balanced, with no new taxes. This time last year, we predicted a deficit that totaled nearly $400
million. Staying true to the hallmark of our fiscal responsibility, my administration began the task of closing that shortfall. Unlike the federal government, we did not kick the can down the road by borrowing money or allowing deficits to mount. We told
our agencies, almost a year ago, to do more with less. We challenged them to be smart, be efficient, and be prepared to cut their budgets. In tightening our belts, we realized that some of our programs and services should not face budget reductions.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Corporations:
Relax rules on paying terminated employees within 3 days
Under our law, employers are required to pay employees within 72 hours after leaving or face significant damages and lawsuits. Small businesses do not need the
hassle of re-running payroll every time an employee moves on. Employers should be permitted more flexibility to pay these employees. It's a simple fix--but it's one that will make a big difference to our small businesses.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Crime:
Texting while driving now illegal; add phoning & drugs
Texting while driving is now illegal and on July 1st talking on a hand-held phone while driving will be against the law. We've kept our promise to make eliminating substance abuse a top priority--and now--laws are on the books to shutdown "pill mills"
and stop "doctor shopping." We listened to our communities and invested in drug treatment programs--and we told those who need free job training that they must pass a drug test--first. We must continue to support our law enforcement officers and give
them the tools they need to protect us, our families, and our communities. We know that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious problem, but so is driving under the influence of drugs. Tonight, I'm proposing legislation to make it
clear that officers have implied consent upon reasonable cause. When drivers who are under the influence of drugs are pulled over, they can be properly identified, tested, and removed from our roadways.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Drugs:
If you get high, you won't get hired--Drugs aren't working
For over 40 years this country has wrestled with drug abuse. This is more than a social problem, it's an economic problem. Too many people who can't pass a drug test go somewhere else--somewhere where they don't test--somewhere where it doesn't matter.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Drugs:
Substance abuse re-offenders cause prison overcrowding
It's no secret that West Virginia's correctional system is overextended. Statistics now show the number of people in our prisons is increasing at three times the national average. Last year, I brought together State and local leaders and research
professionals as part of an effort to find a solution to our outdated and overcrowded prison system.The Council of State Governments has succeeded in increasing public safety and reducing recidivism in states like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
I asked them to help me construct a plan--keeping public safety as our number one priority. What we learned was simple: substance abuse is a huge part of prison overcrowding, and the high re-offending rate intensifies the problem.
We must act now
to address these challenges. We must work to increase public safety and reduce habitual offenders. Their recommendations are projected to save the State of West Virginia over $116 million over the next six years while making West Virginia a safer place.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Education:
All children should read by the end of the 3rd grade
Education Week, in its annual survey, Quality Counts, gave us an F for student achievement, ranking us 49th nationally. Change must begin with our youngest children. If a child cannot read at grade level by the end of the 3rd grade, bad things happen.
They will remain poor readers in high school, and they will be more likely to become high school dropouts. [My proposal]:- Ensure every new elementary teacher is specially trained in reading
- Require every county, within
3 years, to offer full-day 4-year-old preschool
- Establish a process for defining the components and costs of a quality "birth through 5 program".
- And finally, I propose a supplemental appropriation of $17 million to preserve the current
childcare subsidies; to not only assure quality early childhood development, but to help parents keep their jobs.
We want our youngest children to read on grade level by the end of the 3rd grade. But this is just a start.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Environment:
Identify and remediate land available for development
West Virginia needs to identify and remediate land available for development. West Virginia has a strong history in manufacturing and mining, and a number of unused sites have great potential for future development. So tonight,
I propose the State form a public non-profit corporation to identify, promote, and oversee programs that will foster economic development and environmental remediation. Working together, we can put these sites back to use in West Virginia.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Local Issues:
Update pipeline safety statutes with $200,000 per violation
Just a few months ago, many of us watched in shock when flames ripped through a community near Sissonville leaving houses leveled and a part of our highway charred when a major pipeline exploded.
It was a true blessing no one was injured or killed. We have learned from that explosion and the investigation that followed, that West Virginia's pipeline safety statutes are outdated--with weak penalties and enforcement measures.
In fact, West Virginia is currently out of compliance with federal guidelines.Tonight, I am proposing legislation to bring our State into federal compliance.
I propose a maximum penalty of up to $200,000 per violation, per day. It is my hope by increasing penalties, we will meet federal standards and ensure overall public safety.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
On Technology:
Foster public private partnerships to develop our roads
We also need to find innovative and creative ways to enhance our infrastructure. And while we have a Blue Ribbon Commission examining our road system, one thing I know we must do now is explore and foster public private partnerships to develop our roads.
In 2008, the Public-Private Partnership Act was passed and signed into law. The Act allowed the West Virginia Division of Highways to partner with a private company on the design and construction of otherwise public transportation facilities.
This current structure, however, has limited usefulness.
Tonight, I'm proposing legislation to make the Act permanent and streamline the approval requirements to allow the
Commissioner of Highways the flexibility to enter into these public-private partnerships. This will allow us to take greater advantage of this innovative tool for the construction of infrastructure.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to W.V. Legislature
Feb 13, 2013
Page last updated: Dec 05, 2018