News Release
Family, Faith, Freedom and Future - Theme of Governor's Message to the State
1/21/2003
Chuck Butler
406-444-5523
cbutler@state.mt.us
Governor Martz focused on the importance of strong families, faith in each other, freedom for all and a prosperous future, outlining an agenda that she is confident both sides of the aisle - Republicans and Democrats can support.
"Even when faced with our budget difficulties, Montana's economy as a whole reflects our character to persevere. We will move our economy forward. We're making progress... and why?" said Governor Martz. "Because we have a workforce that is prepared for the jobs of the future. Because we have the foresight and commitment of individuals in this room who know that we need to create an environment for business to grow - for individuals to prosper. Because we have a can-do attitude. Montanans can beat the odds... and turn that attitude into action."
In her address, Governor Martz highlighted a long list of accomplishments over the last year, and emphasized that the state has much more to do to strengthen the economy.
"With your support, we will move Montana's economy forward," said Governor Martz, noting that the state will work to:
1) Focus economic improvement resources on those industries that bring a competitive advantage to Montana.
2) Provide Montana's citizens with the training needed to be even more productive workers, earning higher wages.
3) Focus on strengthening relationships between private industry, the university system and government to meet the needs of Montana's business community, and,
4) Create a competitive tax and regulatory structure to ensure Montana businesses remain here and grow, because as businesses prosper... Montana prospers.
The administration's three top priorities continue to be economic development, tax reform and education, and in these areas Governor Martz outlined a number of specific bills, sponsored by both Republicans and Democrats that must be passed in order to move the state's economy forward:
* The first, sponsored by Representative Monica Lindeen, will enhance the ability of business to fund work-force training.
* Senate Bill 115, sponsored by Senator Dale Mahlum, will extend the statutory appropriation for key economic development programs.
* Senate Bill 131, sponsored by Senator Greg Barkus, provides better access to the dollars needed for businesses to expand by allowing the Board of Investments to purchase loans from local economic development programs.
* House Bill 76, sponsored by Representative Joe McKenney, helps state and local governments create a truly regional approach to job growth.
* The Governor's Tax Reform Package Bills, sponsored by Senator Bob Depratu, Senator Story and Representative Joe McKenney
* House Bill 107, sponsored by Representative Alan Olson, helps to repay student loans for teachers who choose to make Montana home.
* House Bill 302, sponsored by Representative Dave Lewis that creates a statewide teachers' insurance pool.
* Legislation sponsored by Representative Roy Brown to protect schools from funding lost by declining enrollments by averaging school enrollment over a three-year period.
* Legislation confirming the legislature's support for a joint commission to take a new look at how school districts operate.
Governor Martz also outlined key priorities relating to substance abuse, human services, natural resources and corrections, all of which will directly improve the health and well-being of Montana families.
"Montana families deserve an unsurpassed quality of life. We must prioritize health and human service needs, funding what impacts peoples' lives the most. We must maximize the use of federal funding and address increasing healthcare costs," Governor Martz said.
Legislation critical to addressing these areas includes:
* House Bill 195, sponsored by Representative Cindy Younkin - addressing repeat offender penalties
* Senate Bill 13, sponsored by Senator Dale Mahlum, lowering the legal blood alcohol limit from .10 to .08
* Senate Bill 39, sponsored by Senator Dale Mahlum, which places open container laws on the books
The support of many of the programs outlined in her Address is made possible by the one-time transfer of $93 million from the Coal Trust fund.
"Montanans support this proposal, and I ask that each of you look deep inside and ask - is this not the right time to make the philosophical leap to help our fellow Montanans in need through these difficult times?" said Governor Martz. "After hours of study and discussion throughout the state, we are confident that this proposal will serve Montanans well."
The journey of Lewis and Clark should serve as a reminder of the importance of the efforts made by the legislature in this session, Governor Martz said.
"Just as Lewis and Clark began their journey 200 years ago, together, let us take this legislative journey - confident that our future will be better for the efforts we undertake today," said Governor Martz. "And if the past is any indication, the ingenuity, strength and fortitude of Montanans will ensure that our future is bright."
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Full Text of 2003 State of the State Address Text
