2021 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Budget & Economy
Tim Walz:
Level playing field for working families, small businesses
My proposed budget aims to level the playing field by supporting working families, helping small businesses stay afloat, and ensuring students catch up on learning. My budget ensures that those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic have the
resources they need to get back on their feet. It gives a tax break to more than 300,000 Minnesota families, makes nearly all Paycheck Protection Program loans tax exempt for small businesses, and provides cash payments to over 32,000 Minnesota families.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Mar 28, 2021
Gavin Newsom:
$2.6 billion in grants to small businesses & nonprofits
California is where garages are the launch pads for world-changing industries and anyone with the telltale tenacity of a small business owner can create their own California Dream. But only if we nurture them.
That's why we're providing the largest small business grant fund in the nation. $2.6 billion in grants of up to $25,000 for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the pandemic.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to California legislature
Mar 9, 2021
Mark Gordon:
Make the state the digital asset epicenter of the U.S.
We continue to see success as a leader in digital asset banking. In September, we approved the first Special Purpose Depository Institution (SPDI) bank charter. It was Wyoming's first state bank charter in more than 14 years. We should continue our
efforts to make the state the digital asset epicenter of the U.S. Our delegation and I remain committed to aggressively pushing for the necessary federal actions to assure Wyoming benefits from this important innovation that Wyoming pioneered.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Wyoming legislature
Mar 2, 2021
Janet Mills:
History has shown that we cannot cut our way to prosperity
I have heard the calls of those who say we should enact sweeping budget cuts. I agree that State government cannot be all things to all people all the time. And that it cannot solve all our problems or address the needs of all people. But history
has shown that we cannot cut our way to prosperity. During emergencies such as this, people depend on us to protect children, to secure health care, to safeguard educational and career opportunities and to protect the most vulnerable of our citizens.
I have heard the calls of those who say we must spend a lot more, even if it means we must dip into our savings. This, too, we should not do. When you have a fever--or when your state has had a fever--you don't say, "Now, get up and run laps and
do a hundred pushups." Recovery, getting back in shape, is not immediate, its course not always predictable. This budget, though, provides basic continuity, consistency and stability, something our state needs at this time. It is focused on recovery.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maine legislature
Feb 23, 2021
J.B. Pritzker:
Entrepreneurs create most of the jobs in our state
Entrepreneurs are the folks who create most of the jobs in our state. Their businesses are key to our economic revitalization, and they're the most immediate way for us to help those that are shouldering the heaviest burden from COVID-19.
While the federal government writes billion-dollar checks to big businesses, here in Illinois we're standing up for small businesses--or as I like to say--the big businesses of the future.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 17, 2021
J.B. Pritzker:
Illinois pays billions more in federal taxes than it gets
For decades, Illinois has been forced to send billions more tax dollars every year to the federal government than we receive back from them in support of our citizens. Federal spending is rigged against Illinois. We've been subsidizing public services
for other states, like Iowa, Kentucky, Indiana, and Missouri. So far, not a single Republican Congressman from Illinois has supported you getting back what you paid for. If not in a national crisis, when will they stand up for us?
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 17, 2021
Jared Polis:
Road repair: make it easier to travel our great state
My budget request moves forward vital projects, starting with much-needed repairs on roads across Colorado--from the Eisenhower Tunnel to the rural roads that our farmers and ranchers rely on.
We're going to make it easier for Coloradans and visitors to travel our great state--accessing the ski resorts and public lands that we love--while reducing traffic and improving our vibrant, beloved main streets in the process.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
Chris Sununu:
Money to cities and towns, local communities know best
This is a fiscally responsibly budget that is balanced, and lives within our means. It has no new taxes, no new fees, no increased taxes, no increased fees, nothing. In fact this budget lowers taxes for just about everyone.
This budget makes smart, strategic target investments without having to balance it on the backs of our essential workers. And it focuses on core everyday services that prioritize people of our State.
For decades, you've seen your local property tax bills increase. While we can't pass legislation to directly cut your property taxes, we can provide financial assistance to cities and towns. In my first four years, we sent back over $100 million to
cities and towns. When we had extra money at the State level, we downshifted cash, not cost, to those municipalities. One principle has guarded our approach: flexibility. Local communities know best.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address: New Hampshire legislature
Feb 11, 2021
Jim Justice:
$30 to 50 million to entice business to West Virginia
I would ask you to establish buckets. I'm really big into buckets because I believe when you put something in that bucket, it stays there. I'd ask you to tab a flat, no growth budget in the State of West Virginia for the next three years. I would also
ask you to put $30 to 50 million in a bucket that basically we use to entice businesses to close and to come and bring their employment to West Virginia. And the other bucket that I would like you to establish is an additional rainy day fund.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to West Virginia legislature
Feb 10, 2021
Bill Lee:
Addressing maintenance the fiscally responsible thing to do
In this year's budget I'm proposing the largest capital maintenance budget in our state's history - more than 900 million dollars in capital improvements and maintenance on both state buildings and higher education campuses.
We are also eliminating the backlog of deferred maintenance at state parks with a 30 million dollar investment. Addressing maintenance is the fiscally responsible thing to do.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
Larry Hogan:
COVID: $1 billion in tax relief and economic stimulus
Our top legislative priority is the RELIEF Act of 2021. This emergency legislation will provide more than $1 billion in immediate tax relief and economic stimulus for struggling Maryland families, small businesses, and those who have
lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.But short-term emergency economic relief isn't enough. We also need to lay the foundation for strong, long lasting economic recovery.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Kay Ivey:
Business tax credits attract new companies to Alabama
Another bill that is a top priority is to renew our economic development incentives that we have used for years to build such a strong, diverse economy.
The pipeline of new companies looking to come to Alabama is full, and these tax credits help ensure we are competitive enough to get them.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alabama legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Kay Ivey:
Our roads are the arteries of Alabama's commerce
I'm proud to announce we are moving forward with a project that other governors have talked about but, until now, no one has been able to do. Later this year, we're going to turn the shovel on a long discussed four-lane Highway 43 from
Thomasville to Tuscaloosa. Folks, our roads are the arteries of Alabama's commerce. These projects are just a few of the many that we'll use to open doors of opportunity to all our people.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alabama legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Mike Parson:
Workforce development programs has attracted businesses
These announcements highlight Missouri's increasingly competitive business climate. Since 2018, Missouri has jumped from 21st to 11th in the nation among Site Selectors. This is thanks in large part to the success of our workforce development programs.
Through Missouri One Start nearly 100,000 Missourians have received training through partnerships with over 400 companies. Since launching the newly revamped program, businesses have invested approximately $2.5 billion dollars in Missouri.
In addition to workforce development, we also continued to move forward on critical infrastructure projects. In just over one year, over 100 of Missouri's poorest bridges have been
repaired or replaced through our "Focus on Bridges" program. When the program is complete, it will have accelerated the repair or replacement of 250 bridges across the state at a remarkable value for our citizens.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 27, 2021
Charlie Baker:
Massive transformation of work has wide impact
One issue we need to get right is the future of work. Everything from business travel, to training, recruiting and sales have undergone a massive transformation. This will impact commercial centers, downtowns, transportation and public spaces.
It's critical that we understand this--and lean into what this reset means--so that we create the community building, housing, economic development and transportation programs that align with these changes.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 26, 2021
John Carney:
Proposes fund to convert existing properties for employers
We need to make it easy for businesses to start here and stay here. That's why I'm again proposing a Site Readiness Fund, so we can quickly convert existing properties to meet the needs of prospective employers. Two years ago, we started a new grant
program: Encouraging Development and Growth Expansion, or EDGE for short. We've awarded nearly $1.5 million in EDGE Grants to 20 companies. This year we'll expand the EDGE grant program, to encourage even more small businesses to grow and innovate.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Delaware legislature
Jan 26, 2021
Eric Holcomb:
Infrastructure a priority, complete interstate project
I made infrastructure a priority four years ago because of the need to have strong connections with each other and the world. That means we'll complete I-69, the longest new interstate project in the country, from Evansville to Indy, three years ahead
of schedule and paid for, and we'll move toward the construction of a new I-69 bridge over the Ohio River, as well as pursue plans for future upgrades to US 30 and 31 up north, as an example.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature
Jan 19, 2021
Steve Sisolak:
COVID: Additional $50 million to help small businesses
So far, we've provided $50 million to small businesses across Nevada. But we need to do more.
That's why tonight, I am announcing an additional $50 million in my budget for this program which is vital for small businesses. I'm asking the legislature, as one of their first items of business, to get this done.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 19, 2021
Steve Sisolak:
Launch State Infrastructure Bank to leverage outside capital
The budget includes $75 million for future capital improvement projects that will be used to launch the State Infrastructure Bank, so we can leverage outside capital to fund projects like rural broadband, renewable energy, and road improvements.
I am calling on state agencies and local governments to fast-track billions of dollars of infrastructure projects that haven't started. The faster we move these projects the more Nevadans we put to work.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 19, 2021
Tony Evers:
$40 million for Rural Innovation Fund
Many of the challenges that are facing rural Georgia cannot be fixed with a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach. These issues are best addressed through targeted, public-private solutions that meet the needs of specific communities.
That's why I have included in my budget nearly $40 million to establish a Rural Innovation Fund to provide a readily available pool of resources that empowers rural Georgia businesses and entrepreneurs to get started, expand, and thrive.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Georgia legislature
Jan 14, 2021
Henry McMaster:
Propose nearly doubling rainy day reserve fund
I am proposing that the General Assembly allocate $500 million--38 cents of every new dollar--into our state's "rainy day" reserve fund. If approved, the balance of South Carolina's "rainy day" accounts will be almost twice what they were last year,
going from $616 million to $1.142 billion. By saving this money instead of spending it, something that has served our state well this year, South Carolina will be prepared for any eventuality and a whole lot of rain.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address: South Carolina legislature
Jan 13, 2021
Laura Kelly:
Funding & assistance to strengthen rural small businesses
We have been able to help nearly 3,000 small businesses across the state with grants for payroll and other expenses. But we know more must be done. That's why I'm pleased about the resurrection of the Kansas Main Street Program and the launch of the
Main Street Affiliate Community program. These programs provide funding and technical assistance to help transform and strengthen rural downtowns.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature
Jan 13, 2021
Phil Murphy:
COVID: Grants and loans to nearly 55,000 small businesses
The pandemic has slammed small businesses across America, so, our economic focus has been squarely where it should be -- on helping our hard-hit small businesses and encouraging new ones to grow. Through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority,
nearly 55,000 small businesses -- by the way, many of them owned by women, people of color, and veterans -- have received a truly lifesaving grant or a loan, and some of our nascent startups have received guarantees for vital new capital.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Phil Murphy:
Largest investment in infrastructure in New Jersey history
We are leaving for the next generation a rail system wholly different than the one we inherited. We are making historic investments in our roads and bridges. We are reimagining our airports and seaports. We are embarking on the largest infrastructure
investment program in the history of our state. These transformative investments will reap tremendous returns for our economy, create good-paying jobs, and attract innovative companies to the state that want a world-class infrastructure system.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Andrew Cuomo:
COVID: Washington passed the buck without passing the bucks
The federal government has failed to realize that this is a national crisis. This is not a state crisis. They delegated responsibility for COVID to the governors and then failed to provide the resources. Washington, as they say, passed the buck without
passing the bucks. Again in December, Congress failed this nation when they failed to pass state and local financing during their last legislative session. It is a war and like every war before, it must be financed by Washington.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the New York legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Brad Little:
$126 million for highways; $80 million for transportation
My plan invests $126 million in state and local highway infrastructure projects and makes targeted investments in safe routes to schools, rail infrastructure, and community airports. I am also proposing $80 million dollars in new ongoing transportation
funding. A dependable transportation system is fundamental to commerce. In Idaho, we grow and process most of our commodities, and getting those products down the road in a timely fashion is critical.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Andy Beshear:
Better Kentucky Budget: no tax increase, no budget cuts
Kentucky's "Rainy Day Fund" is at its highest level ever. And we are going to provide an extra $100 million to further solidify and protect it. I'm pleased to report that with a better budget forecast than was initially anticipated, we have over
$600 million in one-time money available to invest in our future. This budget--my Better Kentucky Budget--doesn't rely on any increase in taxes; there are no spending cuts; and it doesn't rely on the passage of any new revenue measures.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature
Jan 7, 2021
Doug Burgum:
Investing in infrastructure now will save us millions
Now is the time to invest in our future with a backbone of smart, efficient, modern infrastructure. We can save tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars by investing now versus waiting for years to pay cash for aging infrastructure.
With a flexible $700 million revolving loan fund, we can support strategic high-dollar infrastructure projects while creating room in our DOT budget and the Resources Trust Fund to support many other smaller yet essential water and road projects.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to North Dakota legislature
Jan 5, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022
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