Laura Kelly in 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Budget & Economy: 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

On Free Trade: First Democratic governor for US/Canada/Mexico trade deal

As my friends in Agriculture may remember, I was the first Democratic governor to publicly support the USMCA, the trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada. I will always support our agricultural employers and workers because we all know that agriculture built Kansas, and it will be a driving force in rebuilding our economy as we emerge from this pandemic.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature Jan 13, 2021

On Jobs: Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure means jobs

An obvious area for job growth is to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure. I'm proud that Democrats and Republicans came together last year to pass a 10-year infrastructure plan--it's a strategic, practical approach that allows us to prioritize the most urgently needed projects. As we speak, more than 160 state highway and local road projects are under construction or about to be. And another 230 projects have been awarded for future construction.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature Jan 13, 2021

On Principles & Values: Leaders must set an example that we share a common bond

This year, working together isn't simply something I want--it's something we owe to the people of Kansas. This year, as leaders, we must commit ourselves to set an example. In how we conduct ourselves. In the things we say to each other, what we post on social media, in what we tell people back home in our communities. This year, we must show Kansans that, even when we stand on opposite sides of the aisle, we still always share a common bond as Kansans and Americans.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature Jan 13, 2021

On Technology: Established Kansas's Office of Broadband Development

I signed an Executive Order establishing Kansas's first Office of Broadband Development--and through it, we've distributed nearly 50 million dollars in Connectivity Emergency Response Grants, to communities like Spring Hill, Valley Center, Dodge City, Topeka, Derby and others.

We have to keep pushing on this issue. It needs to be a bi-partisan push. Because access to high speed internet will be a game changer for these communities.

Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Kansas legislature Jan 13, 2021

The above quotations are from 2021 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022