2019 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Government Reform
Tom Wolf:
Streamline government; reduce number of state employees
We've saved billions of dollars and reduced the number of state employees--without furloughs, all while improving customer service. We've gotten rid of facilities and leases that we don't use or need while consolidating commonwealth operations
within the capitol complex. We've made the procurement process smarter and more efficient. We will continue to look for ways to streamline government so we can invest in the things that matter to Pennsylvanians while at the same time serving them better.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Pennsylvania legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Kevin Stitt:
Reclaim executive powers: more accountable than agencies
Our state Constitution vests supreme executive power in the Governor, but too often that executive power has been delegated by statute to boards that are not directly accountable to the citizens of Oklahoma. State government today is much larger than it
was 112 years ago. As a result, accountability for those in power is spread too thin and, at times, it seems as if no one is really in charge. Let's not wait for another crisis to start making this necessary reform across our largest agencies.
We will also reimagine state government so that our customers--Oklahoma taxpayers--are the primary focus. This is why I have placed a special emphasis in my administration on the digital transformation of state agencies. I am calling for the
Legislature to fund a $20 million grant program where agencies can apply to receive funds to bring their services into the 21st Century and to make government more customer-centered and efficient.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 4, 2019
Kevin Stitt:
Set aside more of the budget surplus
When we look at states where the economy depends on the price of oil, they place a strong emphasis on saving during the good years. One thing we know is true, oil prices are going to go up and oil prices are going to go down. I am setting a goal for
Oklahoma to have $1 billion in our savings by the end of FY20. We must set aside an additional $250 million from revenue growth. Being conservative with our budget surplus will protect Oklahoma from having to cut core services in the future.
The balance of Oklahoma's Quick Action Closing Fund is $4.3 million. By comparison, the latest legislative report for the Texas Enterprise Fund indicates the state has awarded $609 million from its Quick Action Closing Fund, resulting in 94,347 jobs.
In Arkansas, their fund has awarded over $120 million, resulting in 26,684 jobs. You can help me sign on the dotted line for new opportunities to grow Oklahoma and demonstrate to the nation that Oklahoma is not afraid to compete with our neighbors.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 4, 2019
Larry Hogan:
nonpartisan redistricting reform to end gerrymandering
In November, a panel of federal judges unanimously ruled that the boundary lines of Maryland's 6th congressional district are unconstitutional. For the past three years, our administration has pushed for comprehensive, nonpartisan redistricting reform
that would remove partisan politics from the redistricting process. Listen to the will of the people of Maryland and finally bring this bill to the floor of both chambers for an up or down vote.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maryland legislature
Jan 30, 2019
Mike Parson:
Restructure state government, and save $120M tax dollars
The Governor discussed other measures aimed at restructuring state government to demand greater efficiency and accountability and to improve our customer service to Missourians. He announced that his budget reduces the size of state government by
450 positions and saves nearly $120 million dollars, the first time in over a decade a Governor's budget does not spend every tax dollar.
Source: Press release on 2019 Missouri State of the State address
Jan 16, 2019
Andrew Cuomo:
Make it easy to vote, instead of voter disenfranchisement
Let's pass a democracy agenda. Talk about voter disenfranchisement--why do the polls open at noon in a primary in upstate New York but 6 a.m. in Downstate New York? Let's give every person the right to vote. Make it easy to vote.
If we want people to vote, why not make Election Day a holiday and give them the time to come out and actually vote?
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the New York legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Asa Hutchinson:
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
Jay Inslee:
Access to Democracy package: no barriers to suppress voting
We are the state that passed the Voting Rights Act. And while other states threw up barriers to suppress voting,
we're the state that passed a nation-leading Access to Democracy package to make sure more people cast their ballots, not fewer.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Washington legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Phil Murphy:
Easier voter registration; online voting & early voting
Let's work together to allow residents to register to vote online and at the polls on Election Day. Let's enact true early, in-person voting for our residents. Let's allow 17-year-olds to register and vote in our June primaries if they will turn
18 by the November general election. Let's restore voting rights for individuals on probation or parole, so we can further their reentry into society by allowing them to exercise the most sacred right offered by our society--the right to vote.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Jersey legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Doug Ducey:
For every new law, repeal three old ones
We're not short on laws here in our state. Over 107 years we've built up a hearty 11,000 plus pages. Certainly, many of our laws have merit. But many don't.So why does each legislative session seem to be a competition to pass the most new laws?
What if we found a way to get rid of old unneeded laws, rather than just creating new ones? If for every law we passed, we repealed three or if new laws had sunsets. I'm challenging this legislature let's chop the stacks and stacks of statutes down.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 14, 2019
Doug Ducey:
No legislative immunity: laws apply to lawmakers
Let's start with eliminating the most unnecessary law of them all: legislative immunity. We are a nation of laws, not men. No one is above the law. Congress likes to exempt themselves from the law--but isn't that why Americans hold them in such contempt?
Let's show the people of Arizona that their elected leaders will live under the same laws as every man and woman in this state. Send T.J. Shope's referral to the ballot and let the people speak on special privileges for elected officials.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 14, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Finally allow no-excuse absentee voting
As we approach the anniversary of the first representative General Assembly in the New World, we have a responsibility to the full and true exercise of democracy.
In this day and age, that means ensuring the elimination of unnecessary and prohibitive barriers to voting. I'm proposing we finally allow no-excuse absentee voting.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Brad Little:
Revoke two regulations for every new regulation implemented
Late last year, I finalized a report that outlined the scope of occupational licensing in Idaho and provided key recommendations.
My first executive order as Governor will put in place two of those recommendations: sunrise and sunset processes for future occupational licensing laws.
To reduce overall regulatory burdens on our citizens and businesses, I will issue another executive order requiring state agencies to revoke two regulations for every new regulation they want to implement.
This commitment to cutting red tape will ensure we are governing with the lightest possible hand.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Idaho legislature
Jan 7, 2019
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2019