As the Bush Administration and Washington Republicans continue to ignore the critical challenges facing our nation -- from skyrocketing health care costs to our dangerous dependence on imported oil -- they have pursued, instead, polarizing politics and extreme policies. There is fresh hope for Democrats, though, in the work of governors across the nation. For these chief executives, responsibility is the only option. When they confront growing costs and limited revenues, governors must make hard choices, develop creative policy solutions, and establish new touchstones while reforming old institutions.
As we begin the year, New Democrat governors are laying out their agendas in their annual state of the state addresses. We will continue to update this page with the governors' remarks as they become available.
(Read addresses by New Democrat Mayors and County Executives by clicking here.)
North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, February 21, 2005: "The fight for the protection of American values is not only the duty of the military; it is the patriotic duty of all of us. Our effort to protect America's dominance in the world depends not just on the finest military, but also the finest work force in the world." ( More...)
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, February 9, 2005: "Pennsylvania faces many challenges this year -- this budget is constructed to meet those challenges. Federal support to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are cared for is shrinking and as a result we are presented with painful choices and difficult decisions. These decisions require discipline and courage and, most importantly, a vision where the touchstone is compassion." ( More...)
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, February 8, 2005: "My fellow citizens, is it not true that we share this hope and vision - that every citizen should have the opportunity for a good life, starting with a good job? I have offered you a plan to achieve that hope, and to provide tens of thousands of jobs for people. I am on the side of hope, and I invite you to stand with me." ( More...)
Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, February 7, 2005: "We must give Oklahoma families the opportunity to thrive and prosper. We must give Oklahoma children the ability to reach their potential. We must give our respected senior citizens access to world-class health care. We must give all Oklahomans the tools necessary to pursue the American dream. And then, we must get out of the way." ( More...)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, February 3, 2005: "If we can help people earn a good living, help businesses reduce their costs, if we can respect and protect people's paychecks, if we can give kids a good education, if we can give everyone access to good health care, keep people safe, and give families more time for the things that really matter, then we truly can deliver on our promise to the people of Illinois." ( More...)
Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, January 31, 2005: "I stand here tonight for a third time as Governor to report to you on the State of our State, and to fulfill my obligation to recommend to the General Assembly a budget prepared according to the requirements of our Constitution. Once again, I will recommend a budget that is balanced, that is honestly balanced without fiscal gimmicks, and that requires no new taxes." ( More...)
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, January 19, 2005: "The families of Montana have told us what their priorities are, they have said to us, we need to strengthen that fabric of the Montana family, and the most important thing we need to do to strengthen that fabric is to create jobs, high paying jobs, jobs so that young people can stay in Montana and raise the next generation." ( More...)
New Mexico
Gov. Bill Richardson, January 18, 2005: "Government must make a difference in three significant ways. First, we must work tirelessly to increase opportunity for all New Mexicans. Second, we must promote responsibility and accountability from ourselves and from every citizen. And third, we need to ensure a safe, sustainable quality of life for our people and our state. This is our charge-and together, legislative and executive, we can build this kind of community." ( More...)
West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin III, January 17, 2005: "We all must take ownership of our state, and we must be willing to give something back. Ask yourself, what have you done lately for your family, or your neighbor, or your state? What are you willing to sacrifice so that others may benefit?" ( More...)
Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, January 12, 2005: "From cutting back on state contracts to reducing the number of state cars, we're making state government smaller, smarter, more efficient, and more accountable..." ( More...)
Virginia Gov. Mark Warner, Janurary 12, 2005: "Tonight, I have spoken of the enormous progress that Virginia has made since we first met here three years ago. By making the right choices on our budget -- and by putting politics aside -- we have built the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous future..." (More...)
Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, January 12, 2005: "Too often these days, politicians shout at each other about "big government" and "small government." In Arizona, we are showing that what matters is smart government, efficient government, effective government." (More...)
Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, January 11, 2005: "Let us tackle those great issues with bold ideas - ideas that transform; ideas that are rooted and reflective of our shared values of responsibility, opportunity, and security; ideas that fundamentally change Iowa; Ideas that allow us to accomplish our shared mission to grow Iowa; and realize that shared vision of Iowa as the best place to live, work, and raise a family." (More...)
Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, January 10, 2005: "Over the past two years, working together, we have met the essential challenges of balancing the state's budget and enhancing its fiscal health, all without raising taxes on Kansas families. The economy is growing, and more Kansans go to work each day -- overall, a growth of 25,000 jobs in the past year..." (More...)
