From Deseret News archives:
State of the State: Huntsman urges Utahns to aspire to reach higher
Huntsman, who is seeking a second term this November, delivered an upbeat assessment of the state's economy while cautioning there's work ahead on securing affordable health care and improving education.
"We aren't an ordinary state, nor do we lack a sense of destiny, and our journey over the next few years will determine just how extraordinary we are," the GOP governor said. "The higher ground we seek will require something from all of us."
Huntsman, elected in 2004, reminded Utahns that boosting the state's economy was among the promises he made in his first State of the State address, delivered in Utah's territorial capital, Fillmore.
"Our economic prowess has been nationally recognized by many respected organizations," the governor said. "We no longer have one of America's top-performing economies. We have the nation's premier economy."
And despite concerns that the nation is headed for recession, Huntsman said Utah's economy can be kept strong, promising that "during times of uncertainty we will work even harder to keep it that way."
Also bolstering Utah's economy, Huntsman said, was the lowering of the state's personal income tax rate to 5 percent by the 2007 Legislature. But the governor did not address future tax cuts, something that his fellow GOP lawmakers have made it clear they want this session.
Utah's education system, he said, has been criticized by many for not keeping pace with the rapidly changing world. "They have a valid point," Huntsman said, calling for the state to be "more creative, innovative and flexible" in adapting to labor market changes.
He said Utah was 400 teachers short this year twice as many as last year. "It is time we put educators back on a pedestal," the governor said. "To do this we must improve two things: compensation and capacity."
That means continuing record increases for education and increasing by 1,000 the number of educators being trained in Utah colleges over the next four years. Huntsman also called for year-round contracts for math and science teachers.
Recent comments
I know a guy who used to be an engineer at a big tech company. He...
Try em' on | Jan. 24, 2008 at 6:01 p.m.
While I think teachers should be paid more, I seriously doubt they...
Teachers, get a grip! | Jan. 24, 2008 at 3:28 p.m.
So, some say that because my husband and I work long hours to provide...
working class | Jan. 24, 2008 at 10:14 a.m.
- 3A: Hurricane 24, Park City 19 2:29 a.m.
- GameDay back in the MWC 2:19 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 1:49 a.m.
- SUU campus briefs 1:48 a.m.
- Dixie campus briefs 1:47 a.m.
- Real Salt Lake gameday 1:33 a.m.
- 5A: Bingham rolls to title game 12:59 a.m.
- Aggies hope for Spartan cure 12:57 a.m.
- 5A: Miners pull tricks to win 12:56 a.m.
- 5A: Davis runs over Hunter 12:54 a.m.
- Williams leaves, won't play tonight
- Unga family is making its mark
- Trial begins in toddler death
- Selfishness to blame for Jazz woes?
- ESPN suddenly loves MWC
- Study: Divorce likely when wife ill
- Man killed during 3rd I-15 crash
- Two killed in Iron County crash
- Historically, Utes have owned TCU
- Cougs give Rose new deal
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
348 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
199 - Senators want food tax restored
162 - Will state consider gay rights law?
145 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
113 - Celtics crush Jazz
103 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
102 - Hatch empathizes with Muslims
88
If you are looking for a bird on the cheap, the following specials from...
How do you handle kids and contests? Our oldest daughter, 7, is of the...
True. It's not terribly funny and if it has any effect on society, it won't...
What else would you expect to find in a book called "The Founders on Religion"?
Ok not to be rude here, but check the stats, Hinds isnt first in yards and...
t-hinds = best player in utah
Anonymous: Was that English? I though conservatives believed if you are in...
Wow! Glad the Lord kept you safe. Separate comment: That was a horrible...
I have never been to a Utah high school game before as I am not from the...
It would behoove the above commenters to recall that religion, including our...
Only 8000 attendance? BYU had 16,000+ tonight. What is wrong with Ute fans?...
ian you are the 3A MVP If you win next week so just do it that would be nice....

