STATE OF THE STATE
STATE CAPITOL, SACRAMENTO, CA
REMARKS FROM LT. GOVERNOR ELENI KOUNALAKIS AS PREPARED
FEBRUARY 12, 2019
Thank you, Madame President Pro Tem for that warm introduction:
Looking around this historic chamber, there is so much to be proud of. Every year, California’s elected officials look more and more like the people we represent. This year there are more women, and more parents with small kids and big ideas.
Change is in the air, along with great anticipation of what we will do together to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
Over the past 20 months, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to all 58 counties asking questions, and listening to people from all walks of life.
We know that since the end of the Great Recession, California has rebounded to become the 5th largest economy in the world. Unemployment is at a record low, GDP growth is outpacing most of the country and we have a significant budget surplus.
But as I traveled the state, I met many families who are still out there striving to rebuild their economic security, and regain what they lost during the recession. I was inspired by a profound sense not of exasperation but of hope and expectation. A hope that as California’s democratically elected representatives, we hear them. And an expectation that we will advance policies to keep the California dream alive for everyone.
Californians are looking to all of us, and especially to our newly elected Governor and First Partner. Your bold leadership, in just these first few weeks, has already affected the national dialogue on issues like border security and human rights. And your first proposed budget underscores a commitment to fiscal responsibility, a commitment to our children, our environment, our world-renowned system of public higher education, and so much more.
Which is why we are all here today for your very first State of the State.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor and privilege to introduce the 40th Governor of the Great State of California. Please stand for Governor Gavin Newsom.