2019 ALMBS Governor Carson Winkie delivers State of State Address at the West Virginia State Capital, in the House Chambers.
Tag Archive for: State of the State
75th ALMBS Governor
State of the State Speech
Within 24 hours I went from a citizen of the 75th Mountaineer Boy’s State, to Governor and representative of not only the approximate 400 citizens of Boy’s State, but also of each and every high school student in the great state of West Virginia. As citizens of Boy’s State, we have come up with ideas that best represent the important issues that affect not only the young citizens of West Virginia, but the entire population of the state as a whole.
As the officials of Mountaineer boy’s state, it is our duty to work together to set goals and pass bills to improve the way of life for the hard working people of our state. Now, take the time to think about all of the speeches that our councilors…individuals running for office…and each one of our guest speakers have given us this week. Each one has stated that simply by coming together and forming bonds in such a short time, has already made an impact in the lives of over 350 people. There is a quote from a musical that I would like to share…. “Because I knew you, I have been changed For Good,†and I believe that we can all say that those words are true for us all.
In the first day of the newly elected duties, the Board of Public works has worked hard to prioritize the issues that both parties discussed this week. The Board determined the budget of the State and where the people’s money will be going.
The first thing is Welfare. The Board decided that the best way to ensure that cash money is not being spent on illegal activities is to put any government assistance money on governmental credit card with a maximum amount being that of what would be equivalent to a check in the mail.
Next is a healthcare provided bill that will promote the rise of adequate healthcare in rural areas by building health clinics in areas with no hospital or doctor’s office nearby. This would allow people to receive proper medical treatment close to their homes.
In relation to infrastructure, the board decided to promote maritime (water) transportation of not only goods, but people as well. W would also like to improving the railroad systems to effectively and more efficiently move people and goods throughout the state. As discussed in the campaign, roads in rural areas will be improved…
Finally, education vouchers will be created and used as a way to provide the incentive to individual school systems to increase educational standards and competition between school systems and in turn raise overall test scores of students in the state.
The decisions made on how to approach these important issues has been made based on beliefs of the majority of the population of mountaineer Boy’s State. And if by chance any of these ideals are turned down or discouraged, I ask that all of the governmental departments come together to restructure them and work to pass them. WITH ONE VOICE…. AS ONE VOICE….WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
Thank You!
Just yesterday, I was inaugurated as the American Legion Mountaineer Boys’ State Governor. Now that the fanfare and celebration is over, it’s now time to get down to business.
My first request, as Governor, is that you work diligently to best represent your constituents. As public officials we have the great responsibility of being the voice of the people. We must never let our own selfish interests and desires interfere with our duties to the citizens we represent.
My second request is this: stop and look around you. Breathe in this moment (Pause) and realize what a miracle we are living right now. Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Herschel “Woody†Williams told us how life has many miracles, but sometimes we don’t fully take advantage of the heavenly gifts we are truly presented with. With that in mind, I urge you to make the most of this moment in time… don’t let this become the car keys in the back of the bible.
Today we take a small step into the future, that step will lead to a better West Virginia. One that ensures an improved economy, an improved business sector, improved job security, and most importantly improved educational opportunity. Together we take that step.
Two key issues that must be addressed are texting while driving and mandatory drug tests for welfare recipients. These two key issues are very important to the citizens of Mountaineer Boys’ State. Many citizen’s expressed their concern for these issues in their proposed legislation. They have seen how texting while driving as impacted the lives of their loved ones. They have also seen the abuse of the welfare system in their communities and only wish to help those who truly need aid. It is the best interest of the citizens that these issues be resolved.
Education is the key to the future and should be the utmost importance to each and everyone of us. Your State Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Tanner Sigman, is working to the best of his abilities to make West Virginia’s School system a model for the rest of the nation. We seek a new promise with the students of the state. A promise that provides scholarships for students to attend vocational school, a state board to oversee Charter Schools, a new educational model that allows students to pursue their dreams more directly. A plan allows vocational students to complete their education earlier. A plan that allows college bound students to raise the bar and reach for higher and higher goals. We can only succeed if each and everyone of you commits to making education a priority. Special recognition must be given to the Sectary of State, Mr. Cam Viney, for his influence in passion in not only helping to initiate, but also develop this plan.
West Virginia has at a unique opportunity to capitalize on it’s natural resources. We must carefully consider all options. For the right choices, will create jobs, revenue for the state, and help West Virginia reach new heights. Google recently discovered an unprecedented amount of geothermal hot spots in our state. We must encourage the growth of the geothermal energy. To do so we must consider a 1% tax on all non-renewable natural resources and use the revenue to reinvest in subsidization of geothermal energy research. The Treasurer of State, Mr. Vijay Sampath, must be given credit for starting and supporting this plan.
In these uncertain times, our state can emerge as a beacon of light that will be an example to the country. The citizens have chose the best from amongst themselves to represent their interests. I believe in the abilities of each and everyone of you. I believe that together, God willing, we can succeed. This is our moment. This is our time. Don’t let it slip away.
Thank you, God bless you all.