Mark Parkinson in 2010 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Budget & Economy: Constitutionally require set-aside for emergency fund

Downturns are inevitable. Every business and family knows this, and those that are able develop reserve funds to prepare for those downturns. It is time for the state to do the same. I am asking you to pass the Constitutional Amendment that would require us to set a portion of state revenue aside to create an emergency fund. In years of declining revenue we would tap into the fund and avoid the situation we are currently in. It is time that we put our fiscal house in order and lay the foundation for a solid financial future for this state.

During a recession, people give up; once they give up, a recession can become a depression. My message to Kansans tonight is this: don't give up. There are too many reasons for genuine optimism.

On Civil Rights: Embrace diversity rather than rejecting new citizens

On Education: World-class public school system is investment in future

The same can be said of our investment in our public schools. While other states were shy to adopt public education, we embraced it. Our leaders made the conscious decision clear back in the 1860s to spend money on public education. This commitment to public schools was not one time or intermittent; it was long-lasting. It is at the very essence of what makes Kansas, Kansas.

Throughout our history this has worked. We developed a world class public school system. It happened because those that came before us had vision and the courage to make investments in our future.

On Energy & Oil: Bring wind farms and green jobs to Kansas

[I have appointed] a Cabinet team who will make sure that we take advantage of every opportunity to continue to bring transmission, wind farms and green jobs to Kansas. It is our destiny to provide clean energy to the rest of the country.

On Free Trade: Export planes, energy, & wheat to China, India, & Brazil

On Health Care: Enact a real public smoking ban

Let me be ver clear. I'm not proposing that we pass a watered down smoking ban. I do not want legislation that the tobacco industry writes, full of loopholes and not a real ban. 75% of Kansans want a real public smoking ban and I am asking you to give that to them.

On Tax Reform: Raise cigarette and sales tax to meet $400M budget gap

Here is my plan to come up with the $400 million--we need to raise two taxes. We must take the cigarette and tobacco tax from 79 cents a pack and raise it to the national average of $1.34. Not only will this allow us to raise revenue, it has the added benefit of reducing teen smoking. We must also raise our sales tax by one cent for a temporary period of 36 months. A temporary increase of just one cent allows us to fund our programs at the minimum acceptable levels while we work our way out of this recession. I am then proposing that after the third year the tax retreat, leaving just two tenths of a cent in place that would be available to craft a moderate but necessary highway program.