Asa Hutchinson in 2018 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Education: Fund colleges based on productivity

When they get to college, we want them to succeed, which is why we worked to change the way we fund our universities & colleges. In 2017, we passed the Higher Education Productivity Funding Formula. Now we base the funding of our 10 public universities and our 22 community colleges on how well students perform and progress rather than how many students show up on the first day of class. We want students who enroll in our universities to graduate or earn a certificate and move on to good careers. Source: 2018 Arkansas State of the State address Feb 12, 2018

On Environment: Reduce burden of unreasonable regulations

Whether it's a veteran or a civilian who moves to Arkansas to start a business, it's important for our state's business climate to be helpful to all entrepreneurs--not a hindrance. That's why we promised to reduce the burden of unreasonable regulations on our businesses, and we've made great strides, but there's more to be done. In fact, later this week, I will announce the names of the Arkansans who have agreed to serve on a working group focused on reducing regulatory burdens. By fall, they will present a blueprint for legislation to present during the 92nd General Assembly that will eliminate unnecessary obstacles that prevent Arkansans from pursuing their dreams for a particular trade. Source: 2018 Arkansas State of the State address Feb 12, 2018

On Health Care: Work requirement for Medicaid

I expect approval from Washington before the legislative session ends on our request to implement a work requirement for the Arkansas Works program. If you are able-bodied and of working age--with no dependents--you should be working or in training. The only long-lasting solution to lowering the cost of Medicaid is to help more people earn their way off. Source: 2018 Arkansas State of the State address Feb 12, 2018

On Tax Reform: Tax cuts attract keep veterans in state

[In the last year's legislative session], we also worked to cut taxes, and we did--in historic fashion. We have reduced the state income tax by more than $150 million each year. We also passed Act 141, legislation that exempts the retirement pay of veterans from the state income tax. And we are already seeing results. One such example is retired Col. and Iowa native Mike Kirby, who, after 26 years in the Air Force, chose to move to Arkansas and start a business because of our commitment to the military community. Another example is Adam and Brittany Boccher, who've decided to remain in Arkansas after Adam retires from the Air Force because we passed this law. Source: 2018 Arkansas State of the State address Feb 12, 2018

On Tax Reform: Tax cuts keep Arkansas competitive : cut from 6.9% to 6%

I showcased Arkansas before the Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal. One of the editors asked me what our top marginal tax rate was in Arkansas. When I said it was 6.9%, the response was: "That's worse than Connecticut." Today, I'm announcing my specific goal for the state. My objective has always been to lower the overall income tax rate in Arkansas, and that priority has never changed. Today, I'm proposing that we cut Arkansas's top tax rate from 6.9% to 6% when we all meet again next year. Source: 2018 Arkansas State of the State address Feb 12, 2018

The above quotations are from 2018 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts from 2018 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for other excerpts by Asa Hutchinson. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Apr 07, 2019