2004 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Government Reform
Eliot Spitzer:
Submit a reform package for full public campaign financing
We will submit a reform package to replace the weakest campaign finance laws in the nation with the strongest. It will lower contribution limits dramatically, disallow special interests to circumvent these limits, and sharply reduce contributions
from lobbyists and companies that do business with the state. Full public financing must be the ultimate goal of our reform effort. By cutting off the demand for private money, we will cut off the special-interest influence that comes with it.
Source: 2004 State of the State Address
Jan 3, 2007
Kathleen Blanco:
More disclosure and more campaign rules
[We will ask for legislation to] prohibit the governor or any member of the Legislature from accepting a campaign contribution or a loan to a campaign fund during a regular legislative session. We will ask for legislation to require financial
disclosure for all statewide elected officials and members of the Legislature so that the public can have greater confidence about our independence from special interests.
We will propose legislation requiring lobbyist disclosure for expenditures
involving the governor, my staff and any member of the executive branch. This provision now applies to the Legislature.
Another bill is aimed at shedding more light on expenditures made by outside groups or individuals who attempt to influence our
elections, by reporting spending within 48 hours, just as candidates must do.
The final ethics bill I will offer is aimed at stopping individuals from making secret contributions to candidates by giving money in someone else’s name.
Source: 2004 State of the State Address
Mar 29, 2004
Bill Richardson:
Focus on eliminating waste and fraud from public spending
I promised to examine the fiscal responsibility of every corner of state government, and the result is millions of dollars in taxpayer money saved. We’ve collected more than $30 million in back taxes to date. We’re also saving by eliminating or modifying
bad state contracts, finding savings in telecommunications services and seeking out inefficiencies and bad fiscal management. We’ll never abandon our focus on eliminating waste and fraud from public spending, and governing with true fiscal accountability
Source: 2004 State of the State speech to the New Mexico Legislature
Jan 20, 2004
Kathleen Sebelius:
Implemented $85 million in savings and efficiencies
The Budget Efficiency Savings Teams I formed have achieved results that are nothing short of extraordinary.
In just one year, the teams, working under the leadership of loaned executives from the private sector and former business executives in my Cabinet, have implemented $85 million in savings and efficiencies by doing simple things and less simple changes.
Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
Kathleen Sebelius:
Spending cut to provide a raise for state workers
In recent years, we have reduced the size of the state’s workforce by more than 10 percent. In the budget that I’m submitting to you, I propose additional cuts in spending to provide state workers with a cost of living raise. The men and women who serve
this state in our leaner workforce are being asked to do more than ever with smaller budgets. I believe the state has a responsibility to be a good employer, and that means rewarding loyalty and hard work.
Source: 2004 State of the State address to the Kansas Legislature
Jan 12, 2004
Page last updated: Nov 30, 2018