February 18, 2015
As of February 18th, governors in 41 states have given a State of the State address. Many of the governors began their speeches with similar messages highlighting advancements their state has made since the end of the economic downturn. This progress includes private sector job growth, lower unemployment, tax cuts, continued balanced budgets, higher rainy day fund levels, addressing long-term debt and liabilities such as pensions, and government reforms. However, some governors also discussed the fiscal challenges their state faces caused by such factors as the decline in the price of oil, lower than anticipated revenue growth, overreliance on the federal government, and continued pressures from long-term obligations.
A common theme in many of the governors’ State of the State addresses was the need to create jobs, grow the economy, and provide an opportunity for all to succeed. A number of governors suggested that the state needed to prioritize transportation, education, and workforce training in order to achieve these goals. Numerous speeches discussed the poor state of infrastructure including crumbling roads and deficient bridges with several governors noting that increased infrastructure investments were needed in order to attract businesses. Governors also discussed how current transportation funding structures have not kept up with demands, and suggested higher gas taxes, increased vehicle licenses and fees, or an examination of other transportation funding alternatives in order to increase revenue. In addition to linking transportation to economic development, governors also highlighted the link between education and economic growth, with several noting that there needs to be greater collaboration between workforce training programs and education at all levels. Specifically, governors called for the creation of new career and vocational training programs, as well as increased scholarships and funding for community colleges. Other education policies proposed by governors included a re-examination of K-12 funding systems, increased funding for pre-K and full day kindergarten, greater school choice, tuition freezes, and linking education funding to performance.
Governors also touched on many other areas in their State of the State addresses including corrections, mental health and addiction services, tax reform, and government operations. Regarding corrections, a number of governors discussed the need for criminal justice reforms with a specific focus on juvenile justice. Several governors also talked about the need to increase funding for mental health services and treatment options for people with addictions to drugs such as heroin, opiates, and over-the-counter medicines. Tax reform was once again a major focus in many governors’ speeches with many calling for changes such as reduced income tax rates, property tax relief, cutting corporate taxes, and sales tax reforms. Some governors also stated that additional revenue would be needed in order to prioritize transportation and education. Finally, several governors noted the need to reexamine various state operations with an emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness in order to maintain fiscal discipline moving forward.
Below are state-by-state summaries of State of the State addresses with links to the speeches.
Summaries of Governors' 2015 State of the State Addresses