Tom Corbett in 2014 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Corporations: End antiquated system of state-owned liquor stores

We have to reform our antiquated system of state-owned liquor stores. Our own people don't think much of the system, either, because it's inconvenient and they don't appreciate paying monopoly prices. About the only ones who do like it are the stores in NJ, DE, and MD that pick up the extra business.

Pennsylvania loses about $80 million a year that would otherwise be spent here. So here's a thought, let's make 2014 'last call' for state-controlled liquor in Pennsylvania.

Source: 2014 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania legislature Feb 4, 2014

On Families & Children: $41.5 million for home and community-based disabled care

We have the chance to continue to improve the lives of our friends and neighbors with disabilities, individuals whose strength and courage have become a constant source of inspiration to me. For far too long, these people had to wait for services they and their families so desperately needed. But last year, our increased investments helped reduce that waiting list.

Just last week, I visited the Kroc Center where those with disabilities are able to work and lead fulfilling lives in the community. I saw the commitment of a community to make people's lives better. I know how important that commitment is, and so do you.

We need to create a Pennsylvania where people with disabilities, and their families, will never be forced to wait for services again. This year, we will work to further reduce those waiting lists with an additional $41.5 million to provide home and community-based options for people with disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.

Source: 2014 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania legislature Feb 4, 2014

On Homeland Security: Fight to keep Apache helicopters based in PA

Today, I've brought along some special guests. They represent the men and women of this state who wear the uniform of our country, and the many who have served in theaters of war. This past year, the 104th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, a unit of the Pennsylvania National Guard, completed a deployment in Afghanistan. Our guests are among the brave and highly skilled Apache helicopter pilots who carried out that mission. We are proud to have the Apaches based in Pennsylvania.

Recently though, the Army announced a plan to take many of these helicopters with their pilots out of Pennsylvania. I am going to fight to keep them here.

As a former member of the 28th AVBN, Pennsylvania National Guard, the pride I have for our pilots runs deep.

Source: 2014 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania legislature Feb 4, 2014

On Local Issues: New high-tech centers in Pittsburg & Philadelphia

Ten or 15 years ago, few would have guessed that Pittsburgh would become a leader in biotech or high technology. Well, today it is a leader in both. When Google completes that new building in Pittsburgh this year, it'll be their second.

The entertainment technology industry that many think California has the market on, is on the move in Pennsylvania too. Just a few weeks ago, I was in Philadelphia when Comcast announced a 1.2 billion-dollar plan to build an innovation and technology center.

When major companies make investments on that scale, they look for cities on the rise, and in this case, they called it right. Why? Because we are building a stronger Pennsylvania.

Source: 2014 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania legislature Feb 4, 2014

On Technology: Sustained, large-scale investment in transportation

For years, this state needed a sustained, large-scale investment in transportation. And somehow it just never got done. We did things a little differently, and we got a different result. Republican and Democrat. Labor and Industry. We all worked together to put the funding crisis behind us and do what is right for the people of Pennsylvania.

The construction season coming up will give us just a glimpse of the benefits. And far into the future, Pennsylvania will have the good roads, safe bridges, and reliable public transit that our people expect and deserve.

We have accomplished this and more, because, in our debates, we haven't let "NO" be anyone's final answer. We stay at it, until the work is done. You could call this the practical way of governing. You could call it the bipartisan way. I like to think of it as the Pennsylvania way, defined at its best by honesty, fair dealing, and the shared values of the people we serve.

Source: 2014 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania legislature Feb 4, 2014

The above quotations are from 2014 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2014 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Tom Corbett. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Dec 07, 2018