Jan Brewer in 2010 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: $5B budget deficit is wrong; right is doing the hard things

What's wrong you ask?

Wrong, is the five high-rolling years before I took office when the system was designed and operated to grow government as large as possible. Wrong, is a state budget deficit of nearly $5 billion across 2 fiscal years. Wrong, is arguing "the system worked"--when evidence to the contrary is everywhere and obvious.

What's right, you ask?

Right, is telling hard truth even when it exacts a political cost. Right, is acting not in self-interest but on behalf of others. Right, is self-sacrifice ... commitment to the greater good.

On Education: We lead in school choice: district, private, or charter

That said--teachers are only one part of the education equation. Engaged parents must balance educators' contributions and play an active role in their children's learning. No teacher can ever substitute for an involved parent. But we must give parents the ability to make the best choices for their children.

Starting with where they go to school. We lead the nation in school choice. In Arizona --a parent's right to choose the best school must endure--whether that's a district, private, charter or home school. We must also arm parents with the information they need to help monitor their children's academic progress. We will make sure they have up-to-date data that is available on-line --at any time.

On Energy & Oil: Bring top solar manufacturers to Arizona with tax incentives

I have been meeting with other large-scale manufacturers who want to come to Arizona. We can leverage our natural assets like our plentiful sunshine and land, as well as our employee base and educational community, to attract new and better jobs every day. Just as we see here today, material suppliers want to locate near-by such large manufacturers. That is sure to draw additional companies--and jobs--to Arizona.

On Health Care: We don't want federal help; sue to remain independent

On top of that, Washington's alleged solution will cost Arizona another half billion dollars every year. Only in Washington can they look upon massive federal entitlement programs bleeding red ink--and propose an even bigger new entitlement program.

The President and the Congress tell us they are going to help by reducing costs. In reality, what they are doing is eliminating freedom for our citizens, dictating the policies they must buy for their families, and forcing our employers and the state to pick up the tab.

We don't need that kind of help. At last count, 14 Attorneys General, Republican and Democrat are investigating this legislation for violating the 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

On Homeland Security: Name Arizona as training site for F-35 Joint Strike Fighter

As a child raised on a military base --I have a special affection for those who serve in the armed forces. Every one of Arizona's military bases is critical to our national defense --and to our state and local economies.

On Immigration: Feds refuse to pay for costs of illegal immigration

The federal government is also failing to control our southern border and refusing to pay for its failure. As you know, I have ordered the Arizona Department of Corrections to return to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--as soon as possible--all non-violent criminal aliens for immediate deportation as allowed under existing law.

The cost of incarcerating these criminal aliens is not Arizona's responsibility. It is Washington's legal and moral obligation. This is both insult and injury to Arizona taxpayers. Enough is enough. Secure our border.

On Jobs: Governor's Jobs Cabinet: un-shackle job creators

First, I am announcing the formation of a Governor's Jobs Cabinet. This team of key state agency directors will cut through the red tape--and the green tape--to speed job creation.

Second, I will be allocating a significant portion of remaining federal stimulus funds directly to bring new jobs to Arizona. Specifically, I am devoting $10 million in one-time federal stimulus funds for job training. That way our employees will be ready to work.

Third, I have created the Governor's Commerce Advisory Council. Working with other Arizona business leaders, they will transform the Department of Commerce into an engine for job creation. Finally, I will convene a summit of leading CEOs to discuss job creation opportunities in Arizona.

On Tax Reform: Increase tax revenue now; pro-growth tax cuts later

So we must raise some additional revenue. The longer we put this off, the less effective it will be in stabilizing our financial position. Over the long run I support a responsible pro-growth tax reform package that includes tax cuts.

However--we must ensure a revenue base that supports vital functions through this downturn. And we can no longer consider debt as a source of state revenue.

Government must live within its means. I did not create this situation--but I intend to resolve it--and continue telling the people the truth about it.