61st Legislature - Opening Remarks by Minority Leader John Hastert
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Jan 14, 2011Governor Mead, all elected officials, Mr. President, members of the senate, Good afternoon and best wishes from the Democrats on the success of your administration, and of our session. I am elated to be addressing you, my colleagues and the people of Wyoming here today
I wish to extend special greetings to all my family & friend’s in the gallery or listening in today on the internet, It’s very special to have you here in person or spirit Thanks Monica, I hope the New Year brings happiness to you all.
I would like to first, introduce our Democratic leadership, Our Minority whip, Marty Martin, and our Minority Caucus chair Floyd Esquibel. I am confident each member of the minority party will serve the legislature, the people of Wyoming, with honor.
I wanted to highlight a few items the Democrats would work toward:
Investing in people, we believe investment of the taxpayer dollars should be done wisely, and part of that is investing in the infrastructure of Wyoming. We need to provide the resources to cities and Counties to ensure strong vibrant communities for future generations. By investing in the infrastructure of Wyoming, we can create jobs and put Wyoming back to work.
Probably the best investment we can make in people is to invest in education. It enhances the quality of life for students, their families, and our communities. Providing quality educational opportunities for all students opens the doors for them to become successful in their personal lives and to benefit our entire society. In our modern world economy, education is what fuels economic development. The investments we make in education today will pay enormous dividends for Wyoming families and our whole state far into the future, let’s have a meaningful discussion on topics that can truly make Wyoming’s education system a model for our nation.
Health care is certain to be a major focal point of the session, affordable quality health care with access to doctors for rural Wyoming is vital for everyone. With some measures already in place we need to find what Works best for Wyoming
We also need to focus on Domestic violence and sexual assault, we need to raise awareness and strengthen our laws to eradicate these heinous crimes in Wyoming.
The members of this body are a group of individuals. We come from different backgrounds and different parts of this state. We bring with us strongly held beliefs, some of which have become the passion of our lives and the reason we run for office in the first place.
I would respectfully ask that all members of this body, as the Senate has always had a tradition of, bring to our work here the one thing that is desperately lacking in political discourse in other parts of the country- civility.
While the events in Arizona on Saturday cannot be blamed on one group or one political party, unfortunately they cannot be blamed on just one individual either. We need to be an example for the world on how elected bodies can conduct their business in an atmosphere of respect, gratitude, and civility. If we want to be leaders, then we need to lead.
I would hope we all be respectful of each other, thoughtful and honest in our deliberations, and conduct ourselves in a spirit of common goals for our great state. We will all be better for it.
We, the Senate Democrats, are ready to get started and look forward to working with you, knowing that together, we can make a positive difference for our friends and neighbors for all of Wyoming
Thank you