Paul LePage in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: Make the tough decisions to let American Dream survive

Maine families are struggling. Maine families struggle to heat their homes, fill their cars with gasoline, put food on the table, and pay for health insurance.

Government has not strengthened Maine families with more income, opportunity, or reducing the cost of living. Instead government has taken more and more of our family's hard working income away to serve some people's political and/or financial self-interests. The path forward offers two choices. We continue to accept the status quo or we can make the tough decisions to create a better Maine for everyone. We can only do this if we work together. Every Mainer deserves the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.

On Corporations: Capital investment goes where it is welcomed

AL, SC, IN, and TX are attracting huge investments by companies, providing higher paying jobs for their residents, without exorbitant taxpayer subsidies. Why shouldn't Maine people benefit from the same economic opportunity? Remember one simple truth: "Capital investment goes where it is welcomed--and stays where it is appreciated."

On Crime: Victim's Compensation Fund to address domestic violence

A number of other bills dealing with stalking and risk assessment were passed, and executive orders signed. We sponsored a Governor's Bill supporting our Batterers' Intervention Programs.

Ending domestic violence requires abusers to change--batterers' intervention is an important step in that direction. As a youth, domestic violence hit close to home for me. I was not a spouse, I was a child. It is important that we broaden the discussion about these heinous crimes. Domestic violence is a crime that affects families. Family violence is domestic violence, and we need to focus on protecting all women and children.

On Homeland Security: Wreaths Across America: thank our men and women in uniform

The American experience represents a unique moment in time. We must not abandon it! If each and every one of our elected officials visited Arlington, they might realize the political battles we wage are meaningless in comparison to the blood that's been shed to protect our American Dream.

On Jobs: Reduce red tape for permitting for principled job creators

However, let me be clear, I am not interested in helping those who increase the cost of living on Maine people for personal financial gain. Unemployment is down in Maine, lower than the national average. We are focusing our efforts on branding the State of Maine, recognizing that Maine made products embody quality and value. Government is becoming more transparent. We exposed the wasteful use of Mainers tax dollars at agencies such as the Maine Turnpike Authority and Maine State Housing Authority. We not only exposed it--we cleaned it up. We have more to do!

On Technology: New website to see how Maine tax dollars are spent

My administration also launched a "Business Friendly Communities" initiative. The program works with our towns and cities to make them "Open for Business." Eighteen Maine communities are now designated as business-friendly. These reforms are a small step in making Maine a better place to live and raise our families.