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DGA Chair Governor Richardson -- May 14, 2005

GOV. RICHARDSON HIGHLIGHTS DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS’ SUCCESS IN THIS WEEK’S DEMOCRATIC RADIO ADDRESS

Click here to listen to the address.

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) – DGA Chair New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson will deliver the Democratic Radio Address tomorrow, Saturday, May 14. Governor Richardson highlights many of his colleagues’ innovative solutions and proactive agendas across the country.

In his radio address to the nation, Governor Richardson will offer optimism in troubling times. “Most people don’t see the Republican-led federal government doing anything to give you, your business, or your family a helping hand.” Richardson continues, “But there is hope yet for our country. And that hope rests with the leadership and bold reforms from Democratic Governors.”

Governor Richardson emphasizes that Democratic Governors reject the partisanship and gridlock characteristic of the current Republican leadership. He concludes by assuring citizens that Democratic leaders will continue to work for what people want – action and progress.

Text of Democratic Radio Address by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson

EMBARGOED UNTIL SATURDAY, MAY 14, 2005, 11:06 AM EST

Good morning. This is New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

This week the Republican-led Congress finally passed legislation that includes increased death benefits for the men and women of the U.S. military. I applaud this vital measure that helps those who sacrifice so much for our country.

However, the people in charge on Capitol Hill waited four months to do this. Four months ago, legislation to increase the military death benefit was proposed. Four months ago, there was well-publicized, unanimous, bipartisan support for the increase. Yet, nothing happened…until now.

One-third of the year passed by—while we watched the Republican leadership focus their attention on politicizing our justice system, while we witnessed scandal and extremism take over the people’s House, and while we saw the Republican Party continually put partisanship first, and everything else second.

Since that time—while nothing was being done in Washington—you started paying a lot more at the gas pump. You probably paid more to see your doctor. Getting medicine for your family got more expensive. And Americans’ real wages fell at the fastest rate in 14 years.

Most people don’t see the Republican-led federal government doing anything to give you, your business, or your family, a helping hand.

But there is hope yet for our country. And that hope rests with the leadership and bold reforms from Democratic Governors.

In the four months that Republicans in Washington have not acted—36 states have pursued actions to provide greater assistance for our military men and women serving in the National Guard. I’m proud to say that New Mexico was the first—providing $250,000 in life insurance for every soldier in the National Guard.

In the last four months, Democratic Governors have cut taxes, expanded access to health care, invested heavily in job creation, improved schools, made college more affordable, reduced crime, and—while Republicans in Washington turned trillion dollar surpluses into trillion dollar deficits—Democratic Governors have actually balanced our budgets.

In New Mexico, for the third year in a row, we’ve cut taxes—so every New Mexican is getting tax relief.

In New Hampshire, Governor Lynch created a low-interest loan program for companies that pledge to create jobs.

In Illinois, Governor Blagojevich has implemented a prescription drug plan, which provides savings of up to 50 percent on medicines.

In Michigan, Governor Granholm has created a new program that puts family resource and health centers in troubled schools.

Governor Henry started an initiative in Oklahoma to fund 140 higher education projects and create an estimated 4,000 jobs.

Governor Rendell expanded alternative fuel projects in Pennsylvania.

Governor Sebeilius has an initiative in Kansas—similar to ours in New Mexico—to expand health care coverage through employers and small businesses.

Governor Freudenthal has an aggressive anti-suicide initiative in Wyoming.

And both Governors Bredesen and Vilsack have implemented tough new laws and penalties on meth production and dealers.

And you know what? We’re just getting started. We still have two-thirds of the year left.

Democratic Governors understand that people don’t want partisan squabbles and gridlock. The Democratic Party understands that people want their leaders to work together and get something done. They want action. And they want progress.

And that’s exactly what people will get from Democratic leaders.

Thank you and God bless the United States.

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Copyright & Paid for by The Democratic Governors Association

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