2021 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Principles & Values
Tim Walz:
Coaching HS football taught grit, resilience, teamwork
The third reason I am giving my speech from this high school is a lesson I learned while coaching football. We were halfway through our season and had lost our first four games. To the astonishment of everyone who had watched us at the beginning of
the season, we qualified for the state playoffs. We went on to win to claim the state championship. I don't think we would've won if we hadn't lost at the beginning of the season. It taught us grit, resilience, and the true meaning of teamwork.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Mar 28, 2021
Tim Walz:
Nonviolence the only way to move hearts and create change
So how do we usher in equality and dignity today? One way, which Dr. King spoke about at length in his speech, is nonviolent protest. As the trial of Derek Chauvin is underway, tensions and emotions will understandably run high.
Please, Minnesotans, make your voices heard. Practice your First Amendment right--but please heed Dr. King's advice that nonviolence is the only way to truly move hearts and create change.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Mar 28, 2021
Ron DeSantis:
Florida sun a beacon of light for those yearning for freedom
There are not a whole lot of Floridians who are itching to move from Florida to lockdown states, but there are thousands and thousands of people who are seeking to leave the lockdowns behind for the greener pastures in Florida. We have long been known
as the Sunshine State--but, given the unprecedented lockdowns we have witnessed in other states, I think the Florida sun now serves as a beacon of light to those who yearn for freedom.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Florida legislature
Mar 2, 2021
J.B. Pritzker:
We need a reliably well-funded government
If there is anything the last year should have taught us, it is that we need a reliably well-funded government. In this unprecedented time, I believe we must fully support the agencies on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response--agencies that have been
hollowed out deeply over the past two decades: the Departments of Public Health, Human Services, Veterans' Affairs, and Employment Security. Saving lives and livelihoods as this pandemic rages on is front and center.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 17, 2021
J.B. Pritzker:
We had to give up things; we didn't forget how to be human
We all had to change to fit the world we've had to live in for the last 12 months. We had to give up some of the best things about living our lives in order to save our lives. But we didn't forget how to hug old friends, toast
at weddings, dance at concerts, cheer at baseball games, and share popcorn at a movie theater. We didn't forget how to be human. We didn't lose our fundamental character.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 17, 2021
Jared Polis:
Embracing the outdoors part of the Colorado Way of Life
Embracing the outdoors--being able to get away from the trials and tribulations of the daily grind--has always been a big part of the Colorado Way of Life.
And when the crisis struck these vast public lands became our escape--a much-needed retreat where we could go to feel normal again. To be free.
Our public lands are a treasure we must never take for granted, and always work to nurture and protect.To quote my favorite Star Trek Captain, Jean-Luc Picard: "Things are only impossible until they are not."
If the problems we face now were ever intractable, today they are not. If, at some point in the past, we lacked the means or the will to tackle them, today we do not.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Feb 17, 2021
Jim Justice:
God is responsible for miracle of West Virginia
And every day--the definition of coincidence--an everyday occurrence in which God chooses to remain anonymous. Think about it. How in the world could a little state that's the poorest, how in the world could we absolutely charge to the front
like we've charged? How right behind all of that could we have handled what we handled in Covid like we've handled it? I'm telling you it is truly the miracle of West Virginia.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to West Virginia legislature
Feb 10, 2021
Bill Lee:
Through times of trial we become more purposeful
But I've learned over my 61 years of life that God is a Redeemer. He takes what is tragic and makes it transformational. There are things that we never would have known, insights we never would have been awakened to.
Through times of trial we become more purposeful and more resolute. We see things more clearly, we act with more intention and we have a greater opportunity more than ever to seize the moment and shape the future.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Tennessee legislature
Feb 8, 2021
Gina Raimondo:
To young women: look within; summon courage to lead
So, to all the young women out there, I want to leave you with their words. Look within yourself, and summon the courage to lead. There will be plenty of times when you're unsure. In those moments, we need you to push aside your doubt and fear,
and to say yes. Know that you can be anything you want to be. You are strong and smart and capable. And I'm looking forward to the day when one of you is our governor.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Rhode Island legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Larry Hogan:
The truth doesn't know party affiliation
We all desperately want to return to our normal lives. But no matter how difficult it is to hear, you deserve the truth. The truth doesn't know party affiliation.
It doesn't care what any of us think or what we want. So many of the problems we face today as a nation are because politicians refuse to tell the hard truths when it doesn't fit their agenda.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Maryland legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Tom Wolf:
What do people need to be able to build a brighter future?
One of the first things I did was try to get to know the Capitol and the people who worked there. One of those faces belonged to a conservative Republican, sent here by rural voters from a remote area of the Commonwealth. We both came to the job of
public service trying to answer the same questions.What do people need to be able to build a brighter future here in Pennsylvania? What are the barriers that get in their way? And what can we do to help remove those barriers?
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Pennsylvania legislature
Feb 3, 2021
Greg Abbott:
Prevent government from shutting churches during pandemic
Freedom of Religion is enshrined in the First Amendment. And yet, some government officials across the country shut down churches during the pandemic. Even in Texas, some local officials tried closing churches. That is wrong.
We must ensure that freedom to worship is forever safeguarded. I want a law this session that prevents any government entity from shutting down religious activities in Texas.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Texas legislature
Feb 2, 2021
Mike Dunleavy:
Alaskans are a different breed: we don't run and hide
Alaskans are a different breed. Our history and culture has been honed by our close proximity to nature and our distance from our fellow states. This frontier experience, this ability to rely on ourselves and each other, is what gets us through
everything from earthquakes, to floods, to volcanic eruptions, and the same goes for this pandemic. We don't run and hide as Alaskans. We've inherited that same mentality that helped build this country and helped build this great state.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Alaska legislature
Jan 28, 2021
Charlie Baker:
More important to ask questions than be judgmental
I would suggest that it's more important during times like these to ask questions. To be curious. To show empathy--and to maintain an open mind--than it is to make brash statements and name call. Social media--over time, too much of our daily discourse
has come to resemble it. Not curious. Just judgmental. In the end, this makes it harder for us to understand one another. To learn from one another. And most importantly, to grow.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Massachusetts legislature
Jan 26, 2021
Tate Reeves:
We're all on the same team, made in the image of God
We'll always have spirited debate and disagreement. You can fight for what you believe in, while honoring the man or woman on the other side. Above all we have to understand that every Mississippian--every American--is on the same team.
We all want to be treated with grace. And we're all made in the image of a perfect God. So, my goal is to act like it.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 26, 2021
Spencer Cox:
We are friends; we must always be friends
That, of course, does not mean that we should never disagree. I'm going to veto some of your bills. Probably more than my predecessors. Please don't take it personally. You are going to override some of those vetoes. I promise not to take that
personally. It doesn't mean that I'm bad or you're weak. It is simply part of a process. A gloriously messy and inspired process. But there must be no room for contempt or hate. We are friends. We must always be friends.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Utah legislature
Jan 21, 2021
Henry McMaster:
COVID: We slowed down, but safely remained open
Political leaders in many states have gone too far. They have infringed on the Constitution and trampled personal freedoms. We took a road less traveled--a better road.
We slowed down, but safely remained open. We never closed. Our reasonable steps of limited, measured and temporary actions allowed us to combat the virus without crippling our economy.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address: South Carolina legislature
Jan 13, 2021
Laura Kelly:
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
Ralph Northam:
Voters deserve the truth, even when it's hard to hear
When elected leaders purposely reject facts and truth, and fan the flames of conspiracy, all in pursuit of power, they are taking dangerous steps. We have a duty to tell the truth. Voters deserve the truth, even when it's hard to hear--not lies that
will comfort them. Lies do not quell outrage. They encourage it. And that creates real damage. Americans are better than this, and I pray that we all can summon the better angels of our nature in this new year.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature
Jan 13, 2021
Asa Hutchinson:
When the election is over we need to come together
We witnessed a violent mob assault our nation's Capitol. They attacked the foundations of our democracy. A presidential election often divides the country along political and cultural lines. And I understand the passion. It is okay to be passionate.
But we must not let passion cloud our common sense and our commitment to our state and nation. And when the election is over, then we need to come together, united to strengthen our democracy and heal our land.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Arkansas legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Kristi Noem:
COVID: no shutdowns, we stayed open the entire time
For those who have spent the last nine months shut down or locked up in other states, South Dakota is open. We have stayed open the entire time.
And that's how we will operate for as long as I am Governor.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to South Dakota legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Phil Murphy:
New Jerseyans need to know government has their backs
This commitment to transparency and honesty must be a standard we set across the whole of government. Just as we can't go back to economic policies that put the wealthy and the well-connected first, we can't lean on the broken politics that puts
special interests first.I was proud to propose the first comprehensive set of ethics reforms in a decade, with bipartisan support, and I remain committed to them. New Jerseyans need to know -- not just believe -- that their government has their backs.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature
Jan 12, 2021
Brad Little:
Our statehouse demonstrates openness of political process
The dark events at the U.S. Capitol last week disturbed us. In Idaho, we'll celebrate the centennial of our statehouse this year, a building known as "the Capitol of Light." What an appropriate time to let the light of democracy shine--today and for
one hundred more years and beyond. The openness of our political process in Idaho is demonstrated in the openness of this building. Let's keep it that way.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Idaho legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Doug Ducey:
Condemns violence & destructive rioting at US Capitol
I had the pleasure of meeting with all four legislative leaders for a serious and cordial exchange. Our meeting was in stark contrast to the violent and destructive rioting at our nation's Capitol. It was a sickening day in Washington D.C., that no
American will ever forget. In the United States of America, violence and vandalism have no place in the people's House. Perpetrators should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Let us condemn it and resolve that it never happens again.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 11, 2021
Roy Cooper:
Cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties
Let's cast aside notions of red counties or blue counties and recognize that these are artificial divisions. Let's place integrity at the forefront. We are all North Carolinians. These times of triumph and trial have
shown us that we are more connected than we ever imagined. And one thing is clear, just as we did one hundred years ago--North Carolina is ready to roar again.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address (North Carolina inaugural)
Jan 9, 2021
Ned Lamont:
Important to reset relationships with regional states
Two years ago I stressed the importance of resetting the relationships with our neighboring and regional states. For too long, those relationships had been neglected. And as our neighboring governors understood, this virus doesn't respect state borders.
When the federal government failed to come up with a national strategy, I worked with Gina [Raimondo] and Charlie [Baker] in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Phil [Murphy] in New Jersey, and of course Andrew [Cuomo] in neighboring New York.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to Connecticut legislature
Jan 6, 2021
Page last updated: Feb 24, 2022
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