It's very important to have that innovation here in Wyoming. An industrial park project for value-added energy products, that is uses beyond extraction, is also a part of the carbon initiative.
The Wyoming firearms industry, an important component of manufacturing, continues to grow. Our world class companies manufacture handguns, precision rifles, silencers, optic, sights, and other firearm accessories. Take,
for example, Magpul, recently selected by the United States Marines as the exclusive supplier of magazines for combat use. Isn't that incredible news for a Wyoming company to supply our US Marines?
In my budget message, I discuss one benefit, the veteran's tuition waiver, which suffered from last year's session cuts. To address the issue in the interim, I moved money to fix the program
during that interim period but it's just a short-term fix. I favor a long-term commitment to those who joined the Guard on the promise of tuition assistance was in place. I also favor some form of support for new recruits.
more efficient
government through merging agencies, consolidating technology services, and reducing the state workforce and state rules.Regarding the workforce, in 2013 we have almost 300 fewer employees than we did when I took office. We are doing more with less.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Families & Children:
Fund Boys' School; elderly-at-home; & Life Resource Center
We should not put off till tomorrow these things that can be done today. Therefore, I recommend funding for:- courthouse security,
- juvenile justice,
- school safety,
- reducing developmental disabilities wait lists,
- health programs, medical
homes, aging and disability resource centers, 2-1-1, and immunization, and
- the Life Resource Center, State Hospital, Veterans' Home and Boys' School.
The health recommendations are geared to improving access to care, prevention and more effective
care, as well as allowing the elderly to stay in their homes longer. With respect to the State Hospital, Wyoming Life Resource Center, Veterans' Home and the Boys' School, these facilities do not have big constituencies or lobbying power to pound on
the door to ask for resources. But our state has taken on the responsibility of having them.Where our state has stepped in, we have to step up and provide good care and good facilities. That's the Wyoming way. And my budget provides for them.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Free Trade:
Our state is not an island; compete in global market
International trade opportunities are a priority. Our state is not an island. It's not just us. We compete in a global market and Wyoming companies are developing and making products for here and around the world.
We need to help those companies get their products out there everywhere.Last year I visited Canada, South Korea and Taiwan to promote trade.
The Tourism Office was an important part of the trip to Asia, and Wyoming companies participated in the Canada trip.
Outreach efforts have begun, and they certainly should not end.
We must continue to work for increased export opportunities for Wyoming businesses and products. The Joint Appropriations Committee added $350,000 for developing international trade. I support this.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Homeland Security:
Pay tribute to all people in uniform
I want to pay tribute to people in uniform, all people in uniform, remembering first and foremost the 79 Wyoming service members from the various branches and from our Army and Air Guard who have died in serving the country since 9/11.
The bravery and sacrifice of these individuals is beyond anything else, above all else. We can never repay them, but we will never forget them.
In 2013, our Guard had 2797 members. These men and women of the Guard volunteer to defend what we hold dear.
They deploy overseas, with all the risks attendant in such deployment. They serve here at home for defense purposes and in disaster assistance. They have been tremendous--for example, with the serious floods of 2011 and the severe wildfires of the last
two summers.
The same recognition is due those currently serving in the US military and our veterans. All of us--in fact the whole country--stand on the shoulders of our veterans. We pay tribute to them today and every day.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Local Issues:
Wyoming is rated in top ten states in many economic rankings
From day one, I have continued to push on how Wyoming should be pro-business, support local government, build infrastructure, have more efficient government and advance technology. Our efforts in this regard have been paying off. Wyoming is rated:- #5 in Pollina Corporate's 2013 rankings of the Top 10 Pro-Business States;
- #4 by the American Legislative Exchange Council for best economic outlook, 2013;
- #1 or #2 best run state by
24/7 Wall Street in the last four annual rankings;
- #5 for fiscal condition, for fiscal year 2012, in a January 2014 report from the Mercatus Center at George Mason University; and
- #1 by the Tax Foundation in 2013 and again in 2014 as the most
business friendly tax climate.
My first year in office we gained and, since then, we have kept the highest credit rating, Triple A, from Standard & Poor's. We do not just look at our economic numbers--we look at how our work affects our citizens.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Principles & Values:
First Lady Carol works on literacy via Eat.Read.Grow program
The First Lady and the Marathon Team: I recognize my wife Carol for her work on literacy, the Eat.Read.Grow program, and the publication of Wyoming Firsts, a book for children, illustrated by Wyoming high school students.
I also recognize the team of 11 Wyoming runners, including Carol, who completed the New York City marathon last fall.
The team raised $31,000 for the Wyoming Remember the 8 Endowment. The endowment supports programs to prevent alcohol use by high school students and to encourage responsible alcohol use by college students of legal drinking age.
Thank you. For running for a worthy cause, I commend you.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Wyoming Legislature
Feb 10, 2014
On Budget & Economy:
Reduce the budget & build up the rainy-day account
Governor Mead's recommendations to the Legislature include:- Build savings
- Reduce the ongoing budget
- Cut the size of government
- Streamline state regulations
- Decide on the funding mechanism for our highways
-
Change fiscal policies to build up the rainy-day account; and
- Provide funding for major items including wildfires, landfills, local government, the Gillette-Madison water project, UW School of Engineering and employee performance pay.
Source: Press Release on 2013 Wyoming State of the State Speech
Jan 9, 2013
On Government Reform:
6% reduction for most agencies; 10% for Governor's Office
I have recommended a reduction to the standard budget of over 6%. This reduces ongoing spending by over $60 million a year. I took it agency by agency--not an across the board cut. I wanted to lead by example, so my proposal has a 10% reduction for the
Governor's Office and Governor's Residence--hard to do but doable. Some state agencies have 8% reductions, some less. For community colleges and the University, the reduction is about 6%.
My recommendations also reduce the size of government, eliminating 86 vacant positions.Regarding budget reductions, we know that some feel they are too deep. We also know that some in the Legislature feel they need to be deeper.
For those who feel more cuts are needed, this session is the time to weigh in, not with conceptual ideas, but with specific cuts to specific agencies and programs. I have made my recommendations and I look forward to seeing your budget reductions.
Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to Wyoming Legislature
Jan 9, 2013
On Health Care:
ObamaCare is law of the land; let's decide on an Exchange
The implementation of the ACA [ObamaCare] and associated costs are looming. Despite my strong objection to the ACA and my asking the Attorney General to fight the case in the U.S. Supreme Court, it is the law of the land.
We now have to play the cards in our hand. We have to make decisions regarding Medicaid expansion and insurance exchanges. Last year the discussion on a state-based exchange was suspended.
That and a lack of answers from the federal government mean the federal government will likely run an exchange for Wyoming when exchanges start operating in 2014. But a federal exchange could be temporary because we can choose a state exchange
down the road. We should make an informed choice; therefore, one of my budget recommendations seeks $100,000 to assist in the process of deciding what exchange option is best for Wyoming.
Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to Wyoming Legislature
Jan 9, 2013
On Health Care:
ObamaCare is not good policy; but we must act on it
Addressing health care, Governor Mead said he continues to believe the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is not good policy. "Unfortunately there is no magic wand waving, there is no approach that will extricate us from the ACA. It is upon us and we must act."
Full implementation of the ACA begins in 2014 and Governor Mead said now is the time to prepare a set of conditions for Wyoming to submit to the federal government on a health insurance exchange and
Medicaid optional expansion. "This body (the Legislature) has the opportunity to develop what we would like to see in that request. Now, perhaps the federal government will not agree to our terms.
We can say no if they do not, but it is far better that we express our terms and make a request than to not make a request and get a package without our input. Let's view this as an opportunity for innovation."
Source: Press Release on 2013 Wyoming State of the State Speech
Jan 9, 2013
On Crime:
Wyoming has 4th lowest rate of violent crimes
[A recent] report noted that Wyoming has the fourth lowest rate of violent crimes and the sixth lowest unemployment rate. The report also cited the high percent of our adult population, age 25 years or older, that are high school graduates.
At 92.3 percent, our state ranks first in the nation. Congratulations Wyoming. I am pleased to report the state of the state is strong. We have a citizenry that while small in numbers is big in spirit and accomplishment.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Education:
No federal curriculum standards; keep Wyoming standards
We need accountability in our schools. We don't need to push all students into a four-year university. Career and technical education programs are perfectly viable alternatives. Likewise, not everyone has to go to a traditional public school. Religious
schools, home schools, virtual schools and charter schools can provide innovative ideas and alternatives to parents. But whether public school or not, all of our kids need a topnotch K-12 education that prepares them for the future. To ratchet up the
quality, we need more rigorous standards. Common core standards have been debated and discussed. We are not signing on with federal curriculum. These are Wyoming standards. We are signing on to a better future for our children by demanding more rigorous
standards.
If the federal government tries to steer us in a direction we don't want to go, we will simply refuse. There is no federal hook that will push us from Wyoming law or Wyoming standards. Wyoming law and Wyoming standards control.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Environment:
Mineral production resources equate to tremendous value
We remain number one in trona production; we have 70% of the world's supply of bentonite; we are number one in coal production; we are number one in uranium reserves; and year in and year out we rank first or second in natural gas production.
These resources equate to tremendous value. The total value for minerals produced in Wyoming hit $15.5 billion dollars in 2010, the second best year ever and up 23% since 2009. Wyoming remains strong in minerals.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Environment:
With courts wolf management, winners are lawyers & wolves
I am asking for your support on my proposed wolf plan. After years of court battles, where every year the number of wolves increases by about 10 percent, where we have lost the ability to manage that which belongs to us--our wildlife, where wolves
threaten our Agriculture, wildlife and outfitters, it is time to move forward. We must accept the fact--if Wyoming is to have wolves and it is clear that we are--we have a scientifically sound approach that gives us management and the ability to
have a balance in terms of numbers. If we don't move forward, we diminish our state's rights and miss an opportunity to achieve greater balance.
Some disagree with my plan, instead believing a solution lies in the hands of a few judges and we should
continue in the courts. To date we have not gained the ability to manage wolves, the numbers keep going up, and the only proven winners have been the attorneys and the wolves.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Jobs:
Wyoming unemployment at 5.8% while nation over 8%
What is the condition of Wyoming? While other places face extreme revenue shortfalls and severe budget constraints, Wyoming does not. The nation continues to be plagued with high unemployment--still north of 8%. In contrast, while
Wyoming's unemployment rate in winter 2010 was 7.5%, it has been under 6% since June 2011 and stands at 5.8% by latest reports. Wyoming is strong in employment.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Tax Reform:
Wyoming is #1 state for good tax climate
During a time when so many had credit ratings drop, our state's credit rating went up--to the highest (triple A) rating. Conservative budgeting and forecasting practices were cited for the upgrade. A report from The Tax Foundation recently put Wyoming at
#1 of states with good tax climates. We have over $14 billion dollars in assets and can build on savings again this year while continuing to invest for future success through wise appropriations. Wyoming remains strong financially.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Technology:
Diversify Wyoming economy with petaflop supercomputer
We must continue to look for ways to diversify our economic base. We have made some headway. The NCAR facility in Cheyenne will house a one petaflop supercomputer. A petaflop is equal to one quadrillion computer operations per second. From bytes to
petaflops, we've come a long way in computer technology and, with the supercomputer; Wyoming is in the thick of things. Wyoming's weather, energy availability and affordability, and location make our state a good fit for tech and other businesses.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Technology:
Expand state teleconferencing & state cloud computing
State government must set an example of leadership and use of Information Technology (IT). We must expand our use of teleconferencing. We must have a single agency in state government that consolidates IT services. Senate File 33 will take us there.
I was pleased to announce last year that, for the first time, we managed, through cloud computing, to get state employees on the same email system. This cloud computing system provides for greater collaboration. Cloud computing makes our email a stronger
tool by providing, for the first time, an easy method for every state employee to email any state employee and for the public to do likewise.
The backbone of IT technology is broadband. When I took office, the state's major broadband provider had only
two towns in Wyoming capable of high speed gigabit broadband. Thanks to a public-private partnership, this company expanded this capability to an additional 18 Wyoming communities.
Source: Wyoming 2012 State of the State Address
Feb 13, 2012
On Corporations:
Continue the manufacturing sales tax exemption
I support continuing the manufacturing sales tax exemption. The current law has the exemption expire at the end of this year. Forty other states have this exemption and Wyoming must remain competitive. Nearly 200 Wyoming businesses already use the
exemption. As we speak out-of-state manufacturers targeted by the Wyoming Business Council and my office anticipate the exemption. Without the extension, we risk the real possibility these businesses will locate in other states.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
On Drugs:
Narcotic prescriptions abused more than illegal drugs
The death rate for misuse of narcotic prescription drugs exceeds all other illegal drug and drunk-driving deaths combined. We need to better monitor narcotic prescription drugs at point of contact to prevent abuse and lower the death rate.
Other pressing matters include health issues, ag issues, law enforcement issues, our aging population. I would look closely at legislation you put before me that addresses them.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
On Education:
Charter schools provide new ideas for traditional schools
The issue of charter schools is one I'm interested in moving forward. It is my belief that charter schools could provide some new ideas to be used at traditional schools. For this model to work, the charter schools cannot cherry pick the best students.
We all talk about local control, but I expect school districts to use block grants--state money--in ways that put our students in the best position to succeed. We cannot provide endless funds to school districts without results.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
On Energy & Oil:
Export wind energy, build wind turbines here
To create jobs, and to grow and diversify our economy, we should build on Wyoming's natural advantages--our energy, ag, tourism, and great workforce. We should not just extract and export our energy, we should look for value-added projects that use
some of our energy here. For example, our superb wind resources partner well with natural gas-fired turbines which fill out the energy stream during lulls in the wind. We should develop both wind and gas-fired turbine projects, where possible.
I support current efforts for those working on such projects.
And, why not manufacture wind turbine components here, too? Let's build the items needed to develop our wind resources right here in Wyoming. This is doable. Such manufacturers are looking a
Wyoming now, and I am a supporter. This is an example of how we build on Wyoming's natural advantages to diversify our economy and create jobs.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
On Energy & Oil:
Skeptical about man-made global warming; support oil & gas
We must continue to support all our extractive industries. With respect to our coal and our oil and gas industries, I support research and development of carbon capture and sequestration technology. I am skeptical about man-made global warming without
more and better science; but I am not skeptical about growing demand by our energy customers for cleaner coal and gas, and I am not skeptical about our oil industry's need for carbon injection technology for enhanced oil recovery.
Improved technologies provide a benefit to companies and help them remain profitable.
Wyoming is on the cutting edge of many technologies. We have laws in place and projects underway. Technology will help keep our energy industry competitive.
I would look favorably on legislation sent my way to foster science and commercial applications--remembering that advances in energy technology will only occur if energy companies remain profitable.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
On Health Care:
Establish litigation fund to join lawsuit against ObamaCare
The federal health care bill may be the best Congress could do--it is not the best we can do. Therefore, I support legislation that would establish a litigation fund related to the federal health care law.As you no doubt know, I have taken steps to
join the Florida lawsuit against the Affordable Care Act. I understand the criticism in doing so--some because they like the Act, some because of the cost associated with the lawsuit.
I do not like the Act--in my view it is bad policy and too costly.
This law will significantly increase our Medicaid rolls. Mississippi, for example, forecasts the overall cost to implement the Affordable Care Act in that state will be $1.7 billion over ten years, including $443 million in year 10 alone.
I am willing to fully test the legality of the law because it has implications beyond health care. It is not enough to say "no". We should continue to seek state solutions even as we fight the federal law.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
On Technology:
Additional $52 M in highway funding
I support the additional $52 M in funding for highways and $52 M in funding for local governments (most of which should go to capital construction). That extra money this year will make reasonable progress toward addressing our infrastructure and
local needs. Our interstate highways and railroad network connect us in all directions with other states and others parts of the country and should help make us a business hub. The highways, especially, are important for business, personal, and
tourist travel. I support additional supplemental appropriations this year for highways.
Highway construction needs a reliable source of added funding (on top of those sources that now exist like gas taxes and federal funds). The recommended
$52M in supplemental funding this year makes reasonable progress on highway construction. Those dollars should be used to do what is needed most in 2011.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
On Technology:
Recruit mega data centers: we have the weather & the land
I support funding to recruit mega data centers. In Wyoming, we have what those centers need. We have the natural advantages: - we have a favorable weather climate with a low number of required cooling days;
- we can produce abundant, relatively
inexpensive electricity;
- we have relative safety from natural catastrophes such as hurricanes, and
- we have available land.
We also have an established track record with the NCAR supercomputer being built in Cheyenne. I support the allocation
of $14.5 M in general funds for the recruitment of multiple mega data centers. Such centers bring support businesses and other enterprises along with them. They are a business magnet. I supported the bill passed last year that exempted qualifying
computer equipment from sales and use taxes. I thought last year's bill provided an attractive and appropriate incentive for businesses--and I would call for reasonable additions this year, like for computer software, to improve upon it.
Source: 2011 Wyoming State of the State Address
Jan 12, 2011
Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021