Complete text of Gov. Huntsman's 2008 State of the State address

It is amazing to me that, in this age of innovation and education, we have students, buildings and teachers sitting idle for three months every year. Based on any business model, this would be unacceptable.

We don't have a good way to provide year-round contracts to our teachers: let's do it by beginning with math and science. We don't have good options for our kids to remediate or accelerate in their studies during the summer months: let's find them. We aren't ensuring that our students are prepared to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow: let's get it done.

The global economy doesn't take summers off, neither should we.

Tonight I have a card like the one I used during my first State of the State speech in Fillmore's territorial capitol. Our goals remain the same: the economy, education, quality of life and improving government. We've gotten a lot done in three years, but there is much left to accomplish. We must ensure the safety and security of our citizens and make our prisons safer.

We must improve the air we breathe and capitalize on technology to ensure the long-term viability of our abundant natural resources, like coal, oil and natural gas, while developing renewable alternatives.

We must relieve congestion on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley, by securing the land to build Mountain View Corridor.

We can all learn from those who believe their communities can reach higher. I'm reminded of one of our State's greatest champions, the late Senator Ed Mayne. To his wife Karen, thank you for sharing Eddie's life of selfless service with the State of Utah and now continuing the tradition by taking his Senate seat.

Tonight we have with us Wendy Black, the wife of Dale Black, a hero and friend to everyone, who died while trying to rescue the missing Crandall Canyon miners. Wendy, thank you for being here. We love you and promise your husband's sacrifice, and that of all the miners and their families, is not forgotten.

Hard work, geography, and history have dealt us a fortunate hand. Now it is up to "We, the People" to fulfill our destiny. To those listening tonight, I need your help. We need your help. The words I now speak are just words unless we, as a people, get engaged. The two areas in need of our immediate attention are health system reform and education improvements.

Government can help frame solutions, but it is up to each one of us to get results. We need everyone to stand up and take an active role in the issues that affect their lives.

Let us reach higher by doing some of the little things to conserve energy and help improve our air. Use energy efficient lights. Turn off your car when sitting idle. The small things we do now will make a large difference later.