INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF LT. GOVERNOR DR. STEVE HENRY

Governor and Mrs. Patton, members of the General Assembly, distinguished state officials and colleagues, my fellow Kentuckians. . . .

We gather here today under historic circumstances – inaugurating the first Governor to successive terms in over 200 years and inaugurating the first Lt. Governor to successive terms in our Commonwealth’s 207 year history.

Also, historic in the fact that education – once thought to be Kentucky’s liability – has now become a national asset.  Our primary, secondary, and higher education systems have become national models.  Bucks for Brains, Education Pays, Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships are all becoming nationally known programs. Yet we can do more!

Initiatives in early childhood education will provide a healthy start.

However, we can do more!  We must intensify our efforts to better develop a public school curriculum which instills character, values, discipline and an appreciation of community.   To do this, we must work together.  It will take a collaborative effort with government and organizations such as Community Kids-KY to make it happen. 

We must encourage primary and secondary students to volunteer in community projects, so they know they have a stake in what happens to their communities.  Volunteerism is said to promote pro-social behavior, self-acceptance, and the political participation Senator Ford advocates. 

Thirty-two years ago my parents first brought me to our State Capitol – the Scenic Overlook just to my left.  They challenged me to change Kentucky and to do so through government.As my parents did for me, we all must do for our future. 

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child.  We now understand that it takes a commonwealth to raise a generation. Kentucky has made great strides towards this goal.  In the end, our administration will be judged by how we treat our children. The First Lady of Kentucky has brought children’s issues to our forefront and Kentucky owes Judi Patton our appreciation.

We must extend our efforts past education.  We must concentrate on critical health related issues also.  We must support and work with health care providers and remove barriers to access.  We must continue to help those who need our help the most.  

Governor Patton and I have a great opportunity to build upon a sound foundation.  With God’s grace and guidance, we will do just that. 

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless our Commonwealth.