Phil Bryant in 2013 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Corporations: Tax relief from delayed-accelerated tax payment

Known as the delayed-accelerated tax payment--a name only the government could create--this move puts a large burden on our state's job creators. My budget proposes relief for small employers, and I urge the Legislature to support it. The National Federation of Independent Businesses joins me in my call.

On Education: Privately funded Opportunity Scholarship for failing schools

We should also have a workable charter school act that provides choices for parents. More than 40 other states have this option. Shouldn't we allow such opportunities for our own children? I applaud the Senate and the House for their efforts on this important issue. When a good charter school bill reaches my desk, I intend to sign it.

On Education: $15M for literacy; and merit pay for teachers

I have also discussed pay for performance, or merit pay, for our teachers. I believe we should reward our most effective teachers by compensation. Let me be clear, no teacher will lose any salary.

In addition to keeping and rewarding great classroom teachers, we must raise the bar for new teachers. The bill I submitted raises the entrance standard for education programs. Under this act, a student must have a 21 ACT score and a minimum GPA of 3.0 to become a teacher. Why would we want anything less for our students?

On Energy & Oil: Support energy development and investment

On Health Care: ObamaCare adds 300,000 entitlements; get people off Medicaid

Instead of assuming enormous costs that we cannot afford, I would suggest that we spend our time and efforts in finding good jobs for all Mississippians. We should be compassionate by lowering our Medicaid population through economic growth, personal responsibility, and providing more access to private sector health care.

To help us further develop our medical industry and identify ways to improve our personal health, I am pleased to announce the formation of the Mississippi Health Care Solutions Institute.

On Health Care: Expand MS School of Medicine; 1,000 new doctors by 2025

Just this month, I joined the University of Mississippi Medical Center to break ground on a new expansion of the School of Medicine. With the addition of new classrooms and laboratories, each incoming class of medical students will increase to more than 160. This means Mississippi will graduate more doctors.

The university estimates that by 2025, an expanded medical school would produce 1,000 new physicians and support more than 19,000 new jobs. I ask the Legislature to consider the impact of this medical school on our state and support its growth.

On Jobs: My first job: every Mississippian who wants a job has one

Last January, I told you that my first job was to make sure every Mississippian who wants a job has one. We have made great improvements, and with the help of the Mississippi Development Authority, we grew our existing businesses and brought new world-class companies to our state.

In 2012, Mississippi's economic development efforts resulted in the announcement of nearly 2,700 new jobs. This success represents a private sector investment of more than a half-billion dollars. [This was accomplished by state agencies] making contact with site-selectors, beginning the competitive recruitment process, putting a deal together, and landing a business win. Tonight, I call on you to make sure the world knows Mississippi will not take a back seat to anyone when it comes to attracting jobs.