By Amelia Killpack
Utah Governor Mike Leavitt unveiled a 1,000-day plan Monday Jan. 28 in his annual State of the State address before the Utah Legislature.
The plan is three-tiered and is geared toward creating jobs, educating children and reviving the economy.
“Tonight I propose a 1,000-day plan, a blueprint for turning our Olympic moment into an Olympic legacy,” Leavitt said.
He placed an emphasis on Utah”s history of technological inventions, labeling innovation as a Utah signature.
“Too often the ideas came from here but the jobs went elsewhere. We want to change that,” he said.
Leavitt said although these are hard times, Utah cannot back down on its commitment to education.
“Education is our economic fuel,” Leavitt said.
Jan Perkins, a physical education teacher at Spanish Fork Middle School said she hoped Leavitt would place financial priority on education.
“Keeping up with education in Utah has to be an enormous priority,” Perkins said.
As part of his plan to emphasize education, Leavitt said six high-tech charter schools will offer students the opportunity to obtain an Associate Science degree while in high school.
Leavitt also said he wants to use Olympic relationships to stimulate the economy.
Matt Packard, president and CEO of Central Bank, said he believes Leavitt has been a great supporter of Utah”s economy.
“Economies will have their ups and downs, but his philosophy and confidence in Utah is very strong,” Packard said.
Additionally, Leavitt announced a new light rail system that will run from Brigham City to Payson, a proposal to make San Rafael a National Monument, and the creation of an Olympic monument.
Leavitt said this year is a turning point in Utah”s history.
“Hard times are the only test of our commitment. We can coast or we can soar. I say to Utah: Let”s soar,” Leavitt said.
