Gary Herbert in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches
On Education:
Increase funding for applied technology colleges
Last year, we united behind a commitment to education. We provided for 12,500 new students, we increased per pupil spending, we covered the increased cost of healthcare for our teachers, we invested millions in enhanced individualized instruction
and help for at-risk children, and we put millions more in higher education, including our applied technology colleges.Education is the largest and most important investment Utah makes. While we recognize that money isn't everything, we should still
take note--that while so many states face shrinking budgets and bleak forecasts, Utah has the means, the vision, and the commitment to rank education as its top priority. The proof of that investment is unmistakable. The national average
Advanced Placement test score is 2.84. Utah's is 3.1. More than 27,000 students prepare for college through concurrent enrollment, and compared to other states with a high percentage of students taking the ACT, Utah ranks second in our test scores.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Utah Legislature
Jan 30, 2013
On Education:
Fervently committed $40M to STEM education
We must remain fervently committed to STEM--science, technology, engineering and math education. As we discuss the future of STEM, the watchword is alignment--workforce alignment.
Nothing matters more than preparing our children to face the new, interdependent global economy. So this year I propose we invest $20 million for STEM education.
Eight state institutions of higher learning are reprioritizing their budgets to match that funding dollar for dollar.
That's a full $40 million for STEM programs to make Utah's future workforce the smartest, most skilled, and most innovative workforce this nation has ever seen.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Utah Legislature
Jan 30, 2013
On Jobs:
Remove oppressive nonsensical regulation & spur job creation
While I am optimistic about Utah's future, I realize that 71,000 Utahns still seek employment. And I will continue to work tirelessly with you in the legislature to empower the private sector to create job opportunities for every Utahn.
Sometimes promoting economic development means removing or simplifying overly oppressive or nonsensical regulation that also presents obstacles to job creation. Last year I told you about the results of our state regulatory reform effort.
This year I am pleased to announce that I am partnering with the mayors of Provo, Ogden, Cedar City, and South Jordan on a pilot project to engage in regulatory reform at the local level that I hope could be a model for every city and county.
These efforts exemplify the best kind of economic recovery, with government removing the obstacles to innovation and free market growth, creating real opportunity for all Utahns.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Utah Legislature
Jan 30, 2013
On Technology:
Invest in I-15 CORE & Ogden to Provo commuter rail
Lasting job creation and capital investment hinge on the free flow of commerce, another area where Utah excels. There is no better example than the I-15 CORE project, built faster than any other billion-dollar highway project in
America, and $260 million under budget. UTA's commuter rail now runs from Ogden to Provo, two years ahead of schedule and 15% under budget. We are building the infrastructure that will enable Utah's future economic success.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Utah Legislature
Jan 30, 2013
On Technology:
Since 2007, "e-government" has saved Utahns about $46M
As a state, we continue to strive for better management in all we do. it's called good governance. Because of the economic downturn, every family, every community, and every business was forced to do more with less. Utah government is no exception. Utah
now offers more than 1,000 services online and, since 2007, "e-government" has saved Utahns about $46 million! In the year 2000, there was one state employee for every 112 Utahns. Today, that ratio is one employee for every 139 Utahns, a 24% improvement.
Source: 2013 State of the State Address to Utah Legislature
Jan 30, 2013
Page last updated: Dec 05, 2018