Oklahoma Governor Henry Outlines Forward-Thinking Agenda in State of the State; “We Cannot Move Forward by Pushing Back”

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February 04, 2008 -- Oklahoma City -- In his sixth annual State of the State address to the Oklahoma State Legislature, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry outlined a broad agenda to strengthen education, create jobs, improve healthcare, toughen public safety and diversify the state’s economy.

The Governor urged lawmakers to set their sights on Oklahoma’s long-term future, now that the state has moved past its 2007 centennial celebration.

“The centennial is over, but the story of Oklahoma continues -- a story that is bold and reinvigorated, a new beginning for a state constantly evolving,” he told the second session of the Oklahoma 51st Legislature.

“What we do now will set the course for our future. It’s time to build on the successes that you and I have accomplished together during the past five years. Our actions this session will buttress the unshakable foundation of our second century of statehood.”

Gov. Henry unveiled a number of proposals to move Oklahoma forward and bolster its economic competitiveness in the global marketplace of the 21st century. Those initiatives range from keeping the state’s commitment to raise teacher pay to the regional average to a permanent funding mechanism for the EDGE Research Endowment.

Stressing that challenges and opportunities typically go hand in hand in Oklahoma, the Governor said it is important for legislators to find consensus on such issues as education, economic development, healthcare, transportation and public safety.

“We cannot move forward by pushing back,” he said.

“We must set aside partisan bickering and reactionary politics. The people of Oklahoma have nothing to gain from petty quarrels, and our time is too precious to waste in gridlock. Press releases are short-lived, but cooperation and constructive action resonate for generations.

“The year of our Centennial is over. We have celebrated the history and heritage that gives us our identity. We have praised the men and women whose dreams and determination built the state we love. It is time to look to the future. That future begins today.”

Gov. Henry also praised the courage and commitment of Oklahoma troops serving overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, he recognized a special guest in the House gallery, third-grade teacher Valorie Lewis. USA Today recently recognized the Stigler teacher as one of the top 20 educators in the nation.

In recent weeks, Gov. Henry has released details of his comprehensive agenda for the legislative session, which will run until Friday, May 30. Today, the Governor also presented legislators with his proposed executive budget for Fiscal Year 2009, which includes further information on his agenda for education, health care, public safety, economic development and job creation.

Source: Oklahoma Governor