Last year was certainly a year of unique challenges and situations for leaders in every state and U.S. territory. However, as governors delivered their annual state of the state addresses, many focused on a renewed sense of hope and belief that better days are indeed ahead. CSG wanted to take an opportunity to highlight the aspirational, motivational and inspiring words from this year’s round of gubernatorial addresses.
If there’s an upside to the unique circumstances, it’s that for this year’s address we have more people than ever watching us live from across the state. What we’ve lost in ceremony, we’ve gained in citizen engagement.
— GOV. DOUG DUCEY Arizona | Jan. 11
…Thanks to all of you, and our amazing scientific community which has developed a safe and effective vaccine in less than one year, there is a hopeful light on the horizon, our state and our nation are on the mend, and Connecticut’s comeback is happening.
— GOV. TED LAMONT Connecticut | Jan 6
…The pandemic also reminds us that in troubled times, we have choices. We can choose compassion over conflict. Listening over lecturing. Humanity over hostility. These choices start with each one of us, individually, in our hearts. It is a concept that aligns perfectly with the fiercely independent and self-reliant spirit of the people of Idaho.
— GOV. BRAD LITTLE Idaho | Jan. 11
Some people look at the upcoming session and predict that it will be acrimonious and accomplish little. I wholeheartedly disagree with that assessment. I expect us to meet the challenge of the moment and to pass legislation that will give our health care workers and public the tools needed to defeat the Coronavirus.
— GOV. ASA HUTCHINSON Arkansas | Jan. 12
Ladies and gentlemen, coming off 2020, I’m convinced 2021 can be the best ever. So, the central question before us all is, how can we seize this day? Thankfully, in Indiana, our capabilities will be aided by our momentum for sure, but we must not slow down. In fact, we must accelerate, and “go-go-go!
— GOV. ERIC HOLCOM Indiana | Jan. 19
The way that Kansans have stepped up these past 10 months has been nothing short of heroic — from health care workers to first responders, teachers and parents, farmers and ranchers — the character of Kansas has been on full display.
— GOV. LAURA KELLY, Kansas | Jan. 12
And, as our statewide vaccination program continues to grow, we will begin to see the light on the horizon get a little brighter. Be assured, we will get back to being able to gather and celebrate with our families and friends. We will be able to see all our children back in the schools they love. We will see our economy recover and flourish.
— GOV. PHIL MURPHY New Jersey | Jan. 12
The memories that stand out the most aren’t the tough calls, praise or criticism. It’s the image of Vermonters coming together to support one another, to care for each other, to light the way out of darkness.
— GOV. PHIL SCOTT Vermont | Jan. 7
But I know this, Nevadans are battle born. We face our challenges head on. And we will get through this difficult time together, because the State of our State is determined, resilient and strong.
— GOV. STEVE SISOLAK Nevada | Jan. 19
Today the State of the State is one of optimism and new beginnings built on our confidence of overcoming adversity and the knowledge that we will emerge stronger than ever. Here today, we pause for reflection in the midst of a fight that is not yet over but one in which we are gaining positive ground and making significant progress daily, thanks to the incredible efforts of our federal, state, and local partners, communities, businesses, families, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and the citizens of North Dakota.
— GOV. DOUG BURGUM North Dakota | Jan. 22
Ladies and gentlemen, now is our time to be bold in tackling the tough issues. Now is our time to be fearless in examining our flaws. Now is our time to reject hate and make opportunity available to all Utahns. Now … is our time to push.
— GOV. SPENCER COX Utah | Jan. 21
In Washington state, we know how to succeed. We’ve proven it. Why not do it again? It’s time to take back the torch. Our careers, our dreams, our lives: We are getting back on track.
— GOV. JAY INSLEE Washington | Jan. 12
We are not competitors; we are all on the same team. A team with different jerseys representing different ideas, philosophies, perspectives and experiences — but a team none the less — committed to doing what we think is best for the future prosperity, success, health and happiness of over five million South Carolinians.”
— GOV. HENRY MCMASTER South Carolina | Jan. 13
