Mary Fallin in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Drugs: Prevent prescription drug abuse from occurring

Currently, 81% of drug-related deaths in Oklahoma are caused by prescription drugs. One survey shows that nearly 8% of Oklahomans are abusing prescription painkillers. That's twice the national average, and it is unacceptable.

As a state, it is time to offer the resources that prevent drug abuse from occurring in the first place. We must work to make sure life-changing treatments are available to those who are struggling with addiction issues. To that end, I have allocated new funding to strengthen prescription drug abuse prevention and treatment initiatives.

On Energy & Oil: 20% reduction in energy use among state agencies by 2020

As part of that plan, we passed legislation requiring a 20 percent reduction in energy use among state agencies by 2020. I'm proud to report that we are on track to meet that goal, and to achieve a savings of over $300 million over the next eight years.

We're also working to convert the state's automobile fleets from traditional gasoline powered vehicles to compressed natural gas vehicles (CNG). Using CNG cars and trucks will save taxpayers millions of dollars in fuel costs, support energy jobs, grow our state's revenue, and solidify Oklahoma's position as the national leader in CNG fueling stations per capita.

On Jobs: 62,400 new jobs in our state; unemployment at 5.1%

We have also restored fiscal stability to state government. In January 2011, we had $2.03 in our Rainy Day Fund. Today, we are approaching a record high of over $600 million. We achieved these results by prioritizing our spending, promoting pro-business policies and lowering taxes. Oklahoma's state government has helped our economy to flourish--setting the stage for the job creation and family income growth that has now finally restored the state's economy to 2008, pre-recession job levels.

On Jobs: Excessive worker's compensation is a barrier to growth

Barriers to growth also include excessive workers compensation costs. For decades, out-of-control workers' compensation costs have been a burden on those doing business in Oklahoma. While recent reforms have effectively worked to reduce the total costs of claims, more needs to be done. I am committed to working with the House and Senate to pursue additional reforms that lower costs for businesses while treating injured workers fairly.

On Local Issues: $10M for renovation of the State Capitol

One of those state needs--an asset that we must maintain--is the State Capitol. The Capitol is a symbol of our state, a place of business and a living museum dedicated to preserving Oklahoma history, literature and art work. It is not right for visitors to be greeted at this building by construction cones, crumbling facades and a faulty sewer system.

That is why I am proposing $10 million be allocated this year to immediately begin addressing repair needs and to chart a course towards a total renovation.

On Tax Reform: Oklahoma Way: best place for tax dollars is family's pockets

Partisan gridlock and political posturing take us backwards. Trampling the Constitution and jeopardizing our freedoms, like our right to keep and bear arms, takes us backwards. Tax increases and reckless spending also take us backwards.

Those are the Washington ways that weigh this country down--that propel us towards fiscal cliffs, recessions and depressions, and give us more of the same.

But the Oklahoma Way is different--we know the best place for taxpayer dollars is in the pockets and bank accounts of Oklahoma families, not funding bigger government or more bureaucracy.

On Technology: Focus on aerospace, energy, agriculture, biosciences, & STEM

Department of Commerce has made this plan available at www.okcommerce.gov. It is designed to be a policy guide to answer questions like: which tax credits are most effective at creating jobs? Which industries should we focus our efforts on as we work to modernize, update or reduce regulation? Most importantly, how can we best attract the jobs of the future?

The answer, as our study shows, is by strengthening our workforce. One way to do that is by emphasizing STEM--or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics--in all levels of public education. STEM jobs are now growing at a rate that is three times faster than non-STEM jobs.