Butch Otter in 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Education: Need to increase access to college education

Along with insisting on transparency and robust local accountability, the foundation we're building will advance our goal of ensuring that 60 percent of Idaho citizens between the ages of 25 and 34 have a college degree or professional-technical certification by 2020.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Idaho legislature Jan 11, 2016

On Education: Imperative that reading outcomes are improved

Let me impress upon you the urgent need to address the cornerstone of successful lifelong learning--reading proficiency. If we're serious about wanting long-term improvement in school outcomes, we must intensify our efforts to provide the kind of proven support that works for students who struggle to develop reading skills. My budget includes $10.7 million to pay for intervention support for students in kindergarten through third grade who are not yet proficient on the state reading indicator.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Idaho legislature Jan 11, 2016

On Education: Career ladders will attract and retain school staff

Overall, I'm calling for a 7.9-percent increase in public school funding, including more than $38 million to continue putting the teacher career ladder in place. And I'm asking for almost $1.8 million to move such non-instructional school staff as counselors, nurses and speech pathologists onto the career ladder. I believe implementing the career ladder--based on specific student success measures--is essential to attracting and retaining the best teachers for Idaho schools.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Idaho legislature Jan 11, 2016

On Education: $5M for professional development for teachers

Success in teacher retention also means continuing investment in their professional development. So I'm asking for an investment of $5 million for professional development aimed specifically at mentoring new teachers. I support Superintendent Ybarra's request to fully restore pre-recession levels of operating funds to school districts. Our Task Force recommended a five-year plan for that process. But the timeline can be cut to three years by approving my recommendation for nearly $30 million.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Idaho legislature Jan 11, 2016

On Education: Move to `mastery-based' learning from `seat time'

The Task Force recommends moving Idaho to a voluntary "mastery-based" education system. That's one in which teachers are encouraged to provide individualized learning focused on mastery of subject-matter content and concepts rather than classroom "seat time." My fiscal 2017 budget includes $1.1 million to support up to 20 school districts in developing model programs for others to follow throughout Idaho.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Idaho legislature Jan 11, 2016

On Energy & Oil: Clean energy leadership helps economic development

Preserving Idaho's water is crucial to our continued economic growth and prosperity. Our renewable and "green" hydroelectric resources make Idaho magnet for businesses that put a premium on environmental sustainability. Starting in November, the new Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear will provide a one-stop-shop for private developers to find federal experts and facilities to help them create safer, cleaner and more efficient reactors to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Idaho legislature Jan 11, 2016

On Health Care: Incentivize health care professionals to come to Idaho

We must address our shortage of primary care physicians. So I encourage you to keep funding our physician residency slots and we must keep attracting healthcare professionals by providing medical loan reimbursement incentives for primary care doctors who agree to serve our rural communities. In the meantime, I'm asking the Board of Education to work with our medical community and higher education institutions to develop a new plan for addressing future demand for healthcare providers.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Idaho legislature Jan 11, 2016

The above quotations are from 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018