Asa Hutchinson in 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Crime: Give criminals a second chance

We have invested more in reentry centers to give people a second chance in life. More than 1,200 inmates have graduated through our reentry facilities, and this results in a lower incarceration rate, more people working, and a reduced burden on taxpayers. We want to give people a second chance in life after they have paid the penalty for any wrongdoing, and I am proud of our employers who give them a chance!
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Crime: Increased funding for law enforcement

I have submitted my balanced budget to you, and it includes additional funding for public safety with 30 additional probation and parole officers. It also includes $2.3 million for an increase of 24 new troopers over the next two years. The Arkansas State Police is our top law-enforcement agency, and we must support our law enforcement. And Arkansas does.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Education: Invest in tech education & early education

We have invested in technology education, and as a result, we lead the nation in computer science education of our students. We have invested in pre-K education. Our budget for pre-K has increased from $111 million to $114 million in recent years. We rank 17th nationally in spending on pre-K and Number 18 in four-year-old pre-K access; and we rank Number 5 in the nation in terms of three-year-old access to early education.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Families & Children: Reformed child welfare system with faith-based partners

We have reformed our child welfare system. Three years ago, you approved $24 million additional funding for our child welfare programs, and the result is a 30 percent increase in foster beds; the result is 22 percent increase in caseworkers; and the result is nearly 1,000 fewer children in foster care. We initiated the Restore Hope Summit where our faith-based leaders and government partners figured out ways to work together.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Government Reform: Cut outdated regulations and cut government employees

We have cut the size and inefficiency of government. We have worked to cut the red tape. We repealed over 800 outdated and unnecessary regulations, which makes state government less burdensome to taxpayers and businesses. We have reduced the size of the executive branch of state government by more than 1,400 employees. That is a reduction of over 5 percent. This is through improved management practices and attrition, but we can do more.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Tax Reform: 2-4-5.9 plan: flatten & simplify rates, to spur growth

While I wanted to flatten the rate for all taxpayers to 5.9 percent over the next 4 years, the task force said we should simplify the rate structure and raise the standard deduction for all taxpayers. The result is a plan that we call the 2-4-5.9 plan. It will set Arkansas on a path to be competitive with our surrounding states; to attract new investments and talent in our state; and to continue our vigorous economic growth. We will work with you so that no taxpayer will see any tax increase.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature Jan 15, 2019

On Technology: Focus on technology education & Innovation Council

We have increased our numbers in computer science courses. Last year, we were at about 6,000, and this year we have more than 8,000 students taking computer coding. One of my goals is to be a hub of technology companies. I am calling for the creation of a private sector Technology and Innovation Council to bring industry leaders and entrepreneurs together to create new energy and support for tomorrow's leaders in software design, cyber security, data analytics, blockchain technology.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature Jan 15, 2019

The above quotations are from 2019 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Apr 02, 2019