Idaho State of the State Address 2002


Following is the full text of Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's State of the State Address, delivered on January 7.

Mr. Speaker. Mr. President. Distinguished members of the Legislature. Distinguished members of the Supreme Court. Fellow Constitutional Officers. Fellow citizens of Idaho.

The past year has brought many changes -- changes that have gripped our nation -- changes that extend to every part of the world and changes that reach into the heart of Idaho.

What is the "heart of Idaho?" Is it our heritage? Is it our beautiful environment? Is it our quality of life?

It is all of these. But, the real heart of Idaho is its people. Those of us gathered here this evening are united in our passion to serve our state and its great people. In good times or bad, nothing will ever diminish the honor of this privilege.

A year ago, the United States was at peace and our economy was strong. When we were last convened, the challenge facing us was what we would do with the largest budget surplus in Idaho history.

Who would have ever dreamed that one year later, the country would be at war and we would be plunged into a national recession?

On September 11th, we saw the worst of human nature. But, since then we have seen the best of humanity, and we have recently gazed into the heart of this great state.

Last fall, after the terrorist attacks, we invited our state to commemorate September 11th with a day of prayer. We took comfort in the 10,000 voices, young and old, of every race and creed, joining together on the steps of the Statehouse singing "God Bless America." This is the best of our state. This is the heart of Idaho.

And now, thousands of Americans are diligently serving their nation as a part of a war on terrorism. Aren't we fortunate to have President George W. Bush as our strong leader during this war?

Idaho, along with the rest of America, is involved in this war that seeks to preserve our freedoms: freedom from terror, freedom to live in peace, and freedom to pursue our dreams.

On September 11th, we lost two Idahoans: Brady Howell and Ron Vauk. In the subsequent military action in the Middle East, Idaho also lost Master Sergeant Evander Andrews who had been deployed from Mountain Home Air Force Base...he was the first casualty of Operation Enduring Freedom.

We must not forget what has happened...we cannot ignore the realities of the war; and we cannot deny that there are new threats. No matter how much we might like to go back to the way things were before September 11th, we cannot - our world has changed.

As Thomas Paine, a patriot of the American Revolution wrote, "These are the times that try men's souls."

We are once again facing trying times. In Idaho, we haven't seen an economy like this since the early eighties...and we're not alone. Forty-three states are experiencing revenue shortfalls, holdbacks, and budget cuts. Some states are even considering tax increases to balance their budgets.

Some have blamed the tax cuts approved last year for Idaho's current economic condition. That is not the case. Our tax cuts are not the problem.

When the legislature finished its work last session, all of the tax relief measures were factored into the bottom line - and the budget was balanced with a $64 million cushion. That was before our nation headed into a recession...and Idaho has not been immune.

But let me emphasize that we're in better shape than most states in the union.

And why are we in better shape? Because we have a business and political climate that produces an environment of economic freedom. Because we have a tax structure already in place that is conducive to growth. And because we have hard working and well-educated Idahoans that are prepared to succeed in the workplace. That's what positions Idaho to be one of the first to recover when the national recession subsides.

I stand firm in my resolve. I want all of the permanent tax relief and incentives that we enacted last year to remain in place. And when I submit my budget to you on Wednesday, it will not include any tax increases.

It takes guts and fortitude to say that government can do with less.

Any tax structure that is designed to keep government immune from experiencing the very things that the people it serves are experiencing is a flawed tax structure. Government should not be immune from the effects of a down economy. Idaho families are cutting back and so is their government. The reality is the money is not there.

I'm recommending that most agencies reduce their budgets by an average of 10% of the original '02 appropriation, with the exception of public schools, Medicaid, corrections, and veterans. I have worked hard to try and keep these areas at full funding.

Why public education? Because of my commitment to children.

Why Medicaid? Because of our obligation to help those who need it and because of federal requirements.

Why Corrections? Because of the sheer size of the prison population and my dedication to public safety and rehabilitation within the prison.

Why veterans? Because it's the right thing to do.

These are trying times, but even with declining revenues, layoffs, and a dismal national economic forecast...there are bright spots. 21,000 more Idahoans are working now than last year at this time. Since I took office, we have added nearly 6,000 jobs in rural Idaho. And in the last three years Idaho has seen the addition of nearly 3,700 new businesses.

There's snow in the mountains and our water outlook has improved.

Most agricultural commodity prices are up from a year ago.

Interest rates are low.

Fuel prices have declined.

Idaho exports are strong and our economy is becoming much more diversified. We have had tax cuts at the federal and state levels that have given Idahoans more discretionary income. And, just as important as any economic indicator: our country is experiencing a renewed sense of patriotism -- the benefits of which are immeasurable.

And there's more good news on the horizon. With just 32 days until the start of the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Idaho plays a key role: with the training, the torch and the tourists. One in seven Olympic athletes will have trained or participated in pre-Olympic events in Idaho. The Olympic torch will make its way through nine Idaho communities. And, during the games, tens of thousands of tourists will experience the Idaho Visitor's Center thanks to the efforts of our 2002 Olympic Committee, ably co-chaired for years by Chip Fisher.

Later this summer, we will have another chance to showcase Idaho as the National Governor's Association brings its annual meeting to Boise. The Governors from all 50 states will be here to address some of this nation's most pressing issues.

And next year, we will be a destination of choice for those who will be commemorating the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial because of our pristine and spectacular portions of this historic trail.

Thousands will be coming to our state and we will be ready.

Three years ago, when you and I became partners as the executive and legislative branches, I said that we needed to focus our efforts so we can have healthy, well-educated children and enjoy streets safe from drugs and crime. I also said we need to foster an economic environment where businesses thrive, good jobs are plentiful and our goods and services are sold worldwide.

I said that we needed to realize the blessings of Idaho's outdoors and be progressive stewards in protecting and enhancing that environment.

I also said that we needed to affirm this the Generation of the Child.

So, what is the record of what we have accomplished? Did we use those indicators to guide us forward and are we achieving the results that we have hoped for and that our citizens deserve? And, working with the third branch of government, the judiciary and with all of the departments and agencies and the hundreds of citizens that have served on the boards and commissions and task forces - what can we report to the people of Idaho?

What is the state of the State?

Let me begin by discussing healthy, well-educated children. When we began, we affirmed that while our schools - with our talented and dedicated teachers - were doing a good job, too many of our students were not reading at grade level in the third grade. Too many of our 8th graders were not passing the direct math assessment test. As Dr. Howard would affirm, these are critical points in a youngster's educational growth.

While we have placed great attention and had many discussions on accountability and assessment, they have been elusive. Standards for graduation are still being developed. We inherited a 20-year lawsuit regarding children's mental health called the Jeff-D lawsuit.

Two years ago, we came close to receiving a contempt of court citation from a judge for allegedly not placing sufficient priority on the issue. In another court of law, a judge is examining whether the state is placing appropriate priority on the issue of school facilities.

We were continually wrestling with how to pay our children's teachers sufficiently and, in particular, how to encourage talented young adults to follow the noble calling and career of being a teacher. We were struggling with a similar issue in our colleges and universities to attract and retain outstanding instructors. We were one of the lowest ranked states in immunization rates and insurance coverage for children

So, what has changed?

We now have a reading initiative in place and annually appropriate $4 million to this critical program. This initiative is energizing our teachers and benefiting our children, and we are moving in the right direction.

Now we must do the same with math. I have said we need a math initiative and I appreciate the support I have received from teachers as well as the private sector. This summer, I intend to establish a math academy in a partnership between my office, the State Department of Education and private industry. The effort will focus on both content development and professional development of teachers in the middle grades 5 thru 8.

The academy will help our students develop the math skills we need to keep Idaho competitive in the 21st century. We must also set high standards for our teachers and our students. My budget contains funds to stay on track to reach our assessment and accountability standards in 2005. This is the number one priority for our State Board of Education and it has the support of House Education Committee Chairman Tilman and Senate Education Chairman Schroeder.

My budget also includes funding to continue the tremendous success of the Promise Scholarships -- $500 per year for every Idaho high school graduate with a 'B' average or better to attend an Idaho college or university. We have seen enrollment rise in all of our colleges and universities and in the fall of 2001 alone, over 5,000 students went to college in Idaho with the help of this scholarship.

With regards to school facilities, we're taking action to meet long-standing needs. Last year, you approved HB 315 which dedicated state funds for interest payments of plant facility levies. I believe we need to extend the current school facilities program for one more year. School bond election results have proven the plan works. Local voters are willing to do their part to address unsafe and unhealthy schools with some help from the state. Just take a look at Troy, Wendell, Minidoka, Fremont and Wallace school districts with a $10 million state investment for interest payments, these local districts have been able to pass bonds and leverage nearly $40 million to address building safety needs.

And, for the future, I have had discussions with Senator Deide and Representative Denney about a package of proposals that gives us a path forward. We have an agreement in principle and are now working out details. It will allow the state to continue to help with interest payments. It will also provide that districts keep up with maintenance on the buildings over time. And, it will allow us to close unsafe schools until conditions are sufficiently improved for the safety of our children. It also renews the request to let voters decide whether to amend the Idaho constitution to support a 60% supermajority vote on school bond elections if they occur only during consolidated elections in May or November. It's time to solve this problem. Let's get the courts out of the business of determining what's best for our schools and our children

And, speaking of courts, I mentioned children's mental health and the Jeff D. Lawsuit. I would like to commend Lt. Governor Jack Riggs and the members of the Idaho Council on Children's Mental Health for a milestone year in addressing this very important issue. We are on track to complete all court mandated action points. We have now published a first ever Parents' Guide to Children's Mental Health; we've hosted the first ever Idaho Children's Mental Health Conference; and we're establishing a new system of seven regional councils with secondary local councils. We've created a network for mental health professionals, parents and advocates to come together to share ideas and to strengthen the safety net for our children. Now is the time to end the litigation that has surrounded this issue for more than 20 years.

We are doing what is right for our children. Our Governor's Coordinating Council for Families and Children that I appointed in April 2000 continues to build community collaborations that promote the well being of the families and children in Idaho. This group of statewide volunteers is addressing issues related to substance abuse, healthy lifestyle choices and early learning.

What about immunizations? When we first tackled this, our seven health districts could not communicate electronically. We started from scratch and today the Immunization Reminder Information System (IRIS) is in place. Now health districts, hospitals and doctors' offices throughout the state can access IRIS. It is strictly a voluntary program and the system provides for the utmost security and privacy for the individual. Today, more than one million vaccinations have been recorded.

As you know, I set a goal of reaching a 90% immunization rate for Idaho children under the age of 3. Today, for the first three series of shots, Idaho's rate is above 90%. By the time children enter school, the rate is approximately 95%. Our immunization rate is still too low for the 4th series, but it's rising. It is important to note that Idaho was one of only 10 states to improve this rate and the Centers for Disease Control has commended our efforts.

You are all very familiar with the Children's Health Insurance Program. In three years, we've seen a three-fold increase in the number insured. We're also aware of the associated consequences of the Medicaid rolls rising. Virtually every state is experiencing the same dilemma and hopefully a state/federal solution can be found to keep costs down while still providing care to children who are in need. For too long, Medicaid expenditures have been allowed to grow unchecked. In fact, according to a survey by the National Association of State Budget Officers, Idaho has one of the fastest growing Medicaid budgets in the United States.

For twenty years, there have been no significant modifications or reforms to rein in Medicaid spending. It's time to recognize that the success of our social services is not measured in the quantity of dollars that we spend, but in the quality of care we provide. Over the past several months I have reviewed with Director Karl Kurtz and considered different options to help slow growth in our Medicaid program. The course I have chosen is pro-active. My plan, as you will see on Wednesday, will give the Department of Health and Welfare the tools to become more efficient Medicaid managers. The key is to slow the explosive rate of growth.

We will continue to show that the education of our children is our top priority. Over the last three years, we've approved historic funding levels for both public schools and higher education. For the first time, we appropriated funds for salary equity of 2% for faculty at our colleges and universities. This was a critical step in recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest at our colleges and universities. We have shown our public school teachers that we also value and appreciate what they do by designating minimum teacher salaries and we've provided incentives for those that become nationally certified: $2,000 each year for five years after they achieve certification. Now, we're 13th in the nation and Idaho now has more board certified teachers than any other western state except California. What a great accomplishment for Idaho.

Our innovative grant program continues to encourage our teachers to find new and exciting ways to challenge their students. Since you approved the program in 1999, I have awarded grants to 537 classrooms, totaling well over a quarter of a million dollars. We received letters from grateful teachers like Darla Sargent, a third grade teacher from Burton Elementary School in Rexburg. She wrote, "I was able to implement hands-on science, math, and language arts projects in my learning centers. [The Innovative Grant] has truly enriched my students' educational experience." We are giving our teachers the tools they need to prepare these bright young minds for the future.

We have just talked about these tremendous resources. Now, let's focus on one of the most serious threats to our children, our families and our communities. Substance abuse ruins lives. It leads to neglected children, increased domestic violence and lost worker productivity. Last year, Idaho embarked upon a new mission. All three branches of government partnered and Idaho became nationally recognized for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to this most difficult challenge. We are now aggressively attacking both supply and demand. You all know that I have targeted methamphetamine as the most dangerous drug today in Idaho. It's cheap, it's easy to make and it's highly addictive. I signed into law tough prison sentences for those who manufacture and traffic methamphetamine. We've added 22 commissioned officers to the Idaho State Police during the last 3 years and significantly enhanced their equipment and training. We have also increased the necessary financial resources. This legislature is to be commended for your actions. Working together, we are winning this battle. The team approach involving Idaho State Police, local police chiefs, county sheriffs, the U.S. Attorney's office, DEA and the FBI has been seamless.

The majority of the methamphetamine in Idaho comes from outside our borders, including Mexico, and it poses a serious threat. Working with our excellent partners in the U.S. Attorney's office and DEA, the Idaho State Police has taken the lead in pursuing those who peddle this poison. With our Federal partners, during the last 12 months, over 100 individuals have been indicted. These indictments go directly into one of the largest and most violent international drug organizations anywhere. Some of the individuals indicted are charged with ordering and carrying out executions in Idaho. Make no mistake, this is deadly serious. I have had discussions about this issue with the new President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, both in his office in Mexico City and here in Idaho. He and his administration share our zero tolerance approach. I have also met with Asa Hutchinson, the Administrator of the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency. He applauds Idaho's effort and has pledged his full partnership in this fight. The Idaho State Police are on the front lines, fighting this war on drugs. My continued message to them is: Don't let up for a moment. And thank you for a job well done. But controlling the supply of drugs is not enough and will never yield the results we need. As I visit our correctional facilities, I continually encounter men and women whose lives have been severely damaged by drug abuse. Drug addiction creates a vicious cycle of crime and contributes to today's revolving door of the justice system. As we work to break this cycle we must also provide the resources to attack the demand for drugs. We have made major investments in adult and juvenile substance abuse treatment and education programs - both in prison and in our communities.

We are also well on our way to establishing drug courts in every judicial district in the state. I want to congratulate the judiciary for all of the hard work that has taken place over the last year to provide a framework for drug court implementation. We are finally on a path to expand treatment options for adults and juveniles who need access to these programs.

We must continue our investment in drug treatment and education programs. I am confident that under the leadership of the new Corrections Director, Tom Beauclair we will be successful. We recently opened a 100-bed Parole Release Center. At this center, each and every inmate will receive intensive substance abuse and education programming. I met with the inmates. Many told me this was their 5th or 6th time in prison. With the treatment offered at this center, these men - for the first time - will receive the help they need to stay out of prison. We're finally giving them a chance to succeed. We are also making gains in the area of corrections education. In a few weeks, 120 inmates will attend a graduation ceremony in the prison to receive their GED's. This is the largest group ever. Isn't this the direction we should be going? I appreciate Chairman Darrington and Chairman Gould and their committees' help and support. Now, let's stop the revolving door.

Frequently, inmates leaving prison have few resources or safety nets outside of the prison walls. It's too easy for them to return to a life of crime. That's why I will be proposing an investment in transition or halfway house type programs. This investment will help us fill a gap in our substance abuse continuum. But we cannot only focus our efforts on those adults who are in prison. To be successful in the long-term, we need to focus on our children and young people.

While we work to give our children opportunities for success, there are kids who have made poor decisions and now find themselves in trouble. We don't write them off. We search for ways to put these young people onto the right path. I was recently in St. Anthony and had a chance to visit the juvenile corrections facility. It was shocking to hear from these kids about their lives and what brought them to the state's custody. Each one that I talked with had been abused and few had functional homes they could return to. They have tremendous needs - physical, emotional and spiritual. Our challenge is to meet their needs without institutionalizing them, while still keeping our communities safe.

Under the able leadership of Director Brent Reinke, the Department of Juvenile Corrections is meeting the challenge through such things as:

  • Implementing a Faith and Justice Network to include community-based faith organizations.
  • Regionalizing its programs so that kids in the state's custody can be close to their families.
  • And, putting into action the recommendations of the Council on Children's Mental Health.



    But we need to do more. Many young people in the state's custody have been in the system 3 or 4 times. Or they have been in custody for years because there is no place for them to go upon release. We have a family of four brothers in custody today that have already cost the state more than half-a-million dollars. But it is not just a financial cost. It is a cost to society. Doing nothing is not an option. If we do nothing, we have determined the future of these kids - and most likely, their next stop is the adult correction system. And who will be the victims in their wake? We must stop the cycle.

    I have directed the Department of Juvenile Corrections to work with counties to establish a family-based program called Functional Family Therapy. We already provide counseling for the youth behind bars. Now, we will expand that to embrace and support the families, so as a family, they can work through their challenges together. After all, this is where these kids belong - with their families - not with the state.

    Now, before I leave the area of public safety, let's discuss the impacts of the terrorist attacks on America. In all 44 counties, an emergency evaluation was conducted as required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. A number of potential targets were identified based upon guidelines from the White House and federal agencies. The private sector has conducted similar. As a result, there is heightened security at a number of public and private installations across the state such as nuclear facilities, energy plants, fuel supply and storage depots, ports of entry, airports, hazardous material carriers, and government buildings such as the Capitol Complex.

    The actions I took in those early days were based upon the recommendations of the Adjutant General of the National Guard and the Director of the Idaho State Police. Some have questioned my decision to implement the recommendations. Some have suggested this was a bad political decision.

    Let's examine that for a moment. Does anyone here tonight believe that General Kane, with his 40 years of service in the military of the United States or that Director Strickfaden with his 34 years in law enforcement, took the information they received from the White House, the Pentagon, the FBI and other intelligence agencies and then determined what was good politically? Or, do you think these professionals what was necessary to take adequate precautions to protect lives? Please remember, President Bush believes there will be more innocent citizens murdered by terrorists somewhere in these United States in the future.

    While some may not consider this decision good for me politically, it was not a political decision at all. As we confronted the staggering consequences of this attack on America, I received the recommendations from the General and the Director stated emphatically that they felt certain measures were necessary to potentially save lives of citizens. I believe Idahoans want the kind of leader who weighs that kind of serious information and makes the tough decisions. When I was deciding on what course of action I should take, i didn't take a poll. I did say a prayer. I will not play political games with the lives of the citizens I serve. As Harry Truman said, "The buck stops here" and it does.

    We have classified information from the military and federal law enforcement agencies that at this time, no one can make public. I hope and believe that the day will arrive when this information can be released. I will continue to work with state law enforcement and the National Guard and their federal counterparts to evaluate and decide on appropriate actions that are necessary. And, believe me, no one will be happier to see barriers removed than me...but I won't do it prematurely. As I've said before, I can always remove barriers, but I cannot restore lives lost.

    There's a saying we've all seen countless times following the tragedy of September 11th and throughout the fight against terrorism. The phrase is, "United We Stand." For those who believe it and practice it, I thank you. And I say thank you to the many veterans who over the years have fought to defend our freedoms. They have served and defended this nation against the enemies of freedom in times past. Now, as they grow in age and wisdom, it falls to this generation to ensure their well-being and their quality of life.

    In November, I was pleased to appoint Richard Jones as the new Administrator of the Division of Veterans Services. Richard's extensive experience as an administrator, his understanding of the needs of our veterans and his own military background make him an excellent choice to head up Veterans Services. I also look forward to working with our Veterans as we move forward on our plans to establish a final resting place of honor for these patriots.

    We must also look out for and protect individual rights and freedoms. Regardless of race, religion or nationality, we must protect the rights of our fellow citizens and residents of Idaho. In the past, some groups that promote racism and hatred have located here in Idaho. WE STOOD UP TO THEM, AND WE WON. With the vision of individuals like Greg Carr and the courage of a jury in Coeur d'Alene and attorneys like Ken Howard and Norm Gissel, we were able to say goodbye to that group of hate mongers. As their former compound was burned to the ground, it was a signal to the world that Idaho will not tolerate hatred...not now... Not ever.

    Last year, we passed legislation adopting a farm workers' minimum wage. I appreciate the work of the House Agriculture and the Senate Commerce committees. When I signed the bill in Wilder, the farm workers who assembled to watch that signing were so grateful and appreciative. This year we want to ensure that they get the wages they have been promised. That is why it is essential that we adopt standards for farm labor contractor licensing. Such legislation will benefit farmers, contractors and farm workers. I'd like to thank Chairman Andreason and Chairman Jones for their efforts in this important area. Following through with this effort will again show the world that Idaho is a place that promotes freedom and equality.

    When I ran for Governor, I pledged to make sure that Idaho is a place where we can continue to benefit from clean air and water and enjoy our many recreational opportunities. Let me first report on the status of a long-standing environmental controversy. It has been over thirty years since the federal government promised that plutonium-contaminated waste buried at the INEEL would be removed. And it has been nearly ten years since the federal Department of Energy promised to begin waste retrieval. To date, DOE has failed to honor its promise. My fellow Idahoans, I want to be very clear on this point ... the federal government must recognize its obligations to remove this buried waste from Idaho and start implementing the agreements reached with Governor Andrus and Governor Batt. Until it does, I will vigorously oppose any shipment of DOE-spent nuclear fuel into Idaho. Idaho has never been a federally designated waste repository, and never will be as long as I'm Governor.

    On another front, the Department of Environmental Quality, under the leadership of Steve Allred, has played an important role on several key issues including the Coeur d'Alene Basin clean up. Let me emphasize that we do not have a public health emergency in the Coeur d'Alene Basin. In November, I testified at an EPA hearing in the Silver Valley. My comments were reported in the state and local media, and even in the New York Times. I told EPA that I am so frustrated with them that I am on the verge of inviting them to leave the state of Idaho. I am convinced that the good people of Idaho have the ability and the dedication to finish our proposed 30-year public works project in our state if EPA will just step aside. Idaho has crafted a solid solution for cleanup of the Basin, which has the support of the Tribe, the mining companies and the state. Back in December of 2000, a Federal Judge even urged us to settle this matter out of court. And where are we now? In court. I submit to you, just as I did to EPA, the state solution is the right solution. It's doable and it's aff
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