Wednesday, Jan.11, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Charts Positive Course for Future Based on Past Success
Governor’s State of the State Reaffirms Commitment to Education; Enhanced Opportunities for Missourians
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to public education tonight in his second State of the State address proposing $167 million in new funding for public schools and $17.1 million for colleges and universities.
"It is clear that the positive changes we have implemented have put our state on a better course," Blunt said. "Our economy is growing, more Missourians are working, and our responsible budget actions are enabling us to strengthen our commitment to education, improve access to health care, and protect our most vulnerable citizens.
"I am pleased to once again present a balanced budget, without job-killing tax increases, that lives within the taxpayers’ means and to support essential legislation that builds on the successful foundation we established last year. I look forward to working with the General Assembly in the months ahead to enact my responsible vision for continued growth and opportunity."
In addition to proposing a strengthened commitment to education, which includes full funding of the new school foundation formula he enacted last year, Blunt also called on lawmakers to place his Our Students First initiative on the November ballot to give Missouri voters the opportunity to determine how much of their hard-earned money is spent in classrooms.
Through responsible budgeting and the enactment of true litigation reform, balance to our state’s workers’ compensation system and his Quality Jobs initiative, Blunt successfully led the state from a $1.1 billion budget deficit to a surplus in just one year.
These actions have empowered lawmakers to support the governor’s other calls this evening including $2.9 million for residential treatment programs, $1 million for youth smoking prevention and cessation efforts and $700,000 to build new community health centers.
Blunt renewed his call to implement a Missouri version of "Jessica’s Law" that would put first-time child sex offenders behind bars for 25 years and subject them to electronic monitoring for the rest of their lives.
To continue the stimulation of a surging state economy that has created more than 28,000 new jobs since Blunt took office, the governor challenged the Missouri Department of Transportation to complete its Smooth Roads Initiative one year ahead of schedule. Blunt’s proposed budget will direct $382 million from Amendment 3 bonds to road and bridge projects plus an additional $405 million to further improve our state’s long neglected transportation infrastructure.
Blunt is also seeking $38.5 million to expand Missouri’s involvement in life sciences research, a 10 percent ethanol fuel standard and improved laws governing eminent domain that protect the rights of responsible private property owners.
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