more efficient
government through merging agencies, consolidating technology services, and reducing the state workforce and state rules.Regarding the workforce, in 2013 we have almost 300 fewer employees than we did when I took office. We are doing more with less.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Families & Children:
Fund Boys' School; elderly-at-home; & Life Resource Center
We should not put off till tomorrow these things that can be done today. Therefore, I recommend funding for:- courthouse security,
- juvenile justice,
- school safety,
- reducing developmental disabilities wait lists,
- health programs, medical
homes, aging and disability resource centers, 2-1-1, and immunization, and
- the Life Resource Center, State Hospital, Veterans' Home and Boys' School.
The health recommendations are geared to improving access to care, prevention and more effective
care, as well as allowing the elderly to stay in their homes longer. With respect to the State Hospital, Wyoming Life Resource Center, Veterans' Home and the Boys' School, these facilities do not have big constituencies or lobbying power to pound on
the door to ask for resources. But our state has taken on the responsibility of having them.Where our state has stepped in, we have to step up and provide good care and good facilities. That's the Wyoming way. And my budget provides for them.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Free Trade:
Our state is not an island; compete in global market
International trade opportunities are a priority. Our state is not an island. It's not just us. We compete in a global market and Wyoming companies are developing and making products for here and around the world.
We need to help those companies get their products out there everywhere.Last year I visited Canada, South Korea and Taiwan to promote trade.
The Tourism Office was an important part of the trip to Asia, and Wyoming companies participated in the Canada trip.
Outreach efforts have begun, and they certainly should not end.
We must continue to work for increased export opportunities for Wyoming businesses and products. The Joint Appropriations Committee added $350,000 for developing international trade. I support this.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Homeland Security:
Pay tribute to all people in uniform
I want to pay tribute to people in uniform, all people in uniform, remembering first and foremost the 79 Wyoming service members from the various branches and from our Army and Air Guard who have died in serving the country since 9/11.
The bravery and sacrifice of these individuals is beyond anything else, above all else. We can never repay them, but we will never forget them.
In 2013, our Guard had 2797 members. These men and women of the Guard volunteer to defend what we hold dear.
They deploy overseas, with all the risks attendant in such deployment. They serve here at home for defense purposes and in disaster assistance. They have been tremendous--for example, with the serious floods of 2011 and the severe wildfires of the last
two summers.
The same recognition is due those currently serving in the US military and our veterans. All of us--in fact the whole country--stand on the shoulders of our veterans. We pay tribute to them today and every day.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Local Issues:
Wyoming is rated in top ten states in many economic rankings
From day one, I have continued to push on how Wyoming should be pro-business, support local government, build infrastructure, have more efficient government and advance technology. Our efforts in this regard have been paying off. Wyoming is rated:- #5 in Pollina Corporate's 2013 rankings of the Top 10 Pro-Business States;
- #4 by the American Legislative Exchange Council for best economic outlook, 2013;
- #1 or #2 best run state by
24/7 Wall Street in the last four annual rankings;
- #5 for fiscal condition, for fiscal year 2012, in a January 2014 report from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University; and
- #1 by the Tax Foundation in 2013 and again in 2014 as the most
business friendly tax climate.
My first year in office we gained and, since then, we have kept the highest credit rating, Triple A, from Standard & Poor's. We do not just look at our economic numbers--we look at how our work affects our citizens.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Principles & Values:
First Lady Carol works on literacy via Eat.Read.Grow program
The First Lady and the Marathon Team: I recognize my wife Carol for her work on literacy, the Eat.Read.Grow program, and the publication of Wyoming Firsts, a book for children, illustrated by Wyoming high school students.
I also recognize the team of 11 Wyoming runners, including Carol, who completed the New York City marathon last fall.
The team raised $31,000 for the Wyoming Remember the 8 Endowment. The endowment supports programs to prevent alcohol use by high school students and to encourage responsible alcohol use by college students of legal drinking age.
Thank you. For running for a worthy cause, I commend you.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018