Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Part 2
Part 2
M att Blunt was taught to respect work. This means respecting the value of a dollar earned by creating
something of value. By its very nature, government spends “someone else’s money,” which it collects
through taxes and fees, not from voluntary decisions to buy or sell, as in the private economy. Government
always has a tendency toward waste, inefficiency and thoughtless use of money. A primary job of public servants
is to lead and direct government toward higher efficiency, delivering more value for the taxpayer’s hard-earned
dollars.
Ethics Reform
Governor Blunt believed that Missourians deserved a state government they could trust. In 2006, he enacted
ethics reforms and code of conduct policies that were the strictest of any Missouri governor.
Governor Blunt banned gifts from lobbyists to the governor’s office. Under the ban enacted by Governor Blunt,
he and his employees were required to reimburse lobbyists for meals, tickets, trips or any other item of value.
No previous Missouri governor had
implemented a lobbyist gift ban and
Governor Blunt urged the General
Assembly to apply his ban on lobbyists’
gifts to the entire executive branch as
part of an ethics reform package.
Governor Blunt’s strict code of conduct
policy also set out clear guidelines
prohibiting his employees from engaging
in business with state government or in
outside employment if that employment
conflicted with the performance of the
employee’s duties in the office.
The Blunt conduct code also addressed
that state equipment could only be used
for state business, the observance of
conflict of interest provisions in state law,
prohibiting employees from using their
public positions in a manner designed
to create personal gain and prohibiting
employees from directly or indirectly
attempting to influence agency decisions
in matters relating to prospective
employers with whom employment has
been accepted or is being negotiated.
Governor Blunt’s administration modernized state government and embraced new technology to save money for taxpayers and improve efficiency and services
G overnor Blunt believes that state government must be open and accountable to the people who pay the bills,
the taxpayers of Missouri. With his transparency initiatives, the people had the greatest access to information
in Missouri’s history. Under
his leadership Missouri
government was more open
to citizens to review than
ever before in state history.
In July 2007, Governor
Blunt signed an executive
order launching the
Missouri Accountability
Portal (MAP). This historic
act provides Missourians
with free, immediate, online
information about how the
state spends their money.
The governor’s office heard from MAP visitors who became fiscal watchdogs questioning some state government
expenses. In his administration, this triggered a review and response to the person seeking the information.
These inquiries were exactly the response to the MAP site that Governor Blunt had desired. Even though
some in state government expressed concern about the level of detailed information available on the MAP site,
Governor Blunt said that is exactly the point: openness, transparency, information and facts. Governor Blunt
believes transparency and openness prevent wasteful spending. He welcomed scrutiny that helped him better
safeguard the taxpayer’s money.
“Governor Blunt is one of the first governors to enable taxpayers to become fiscal watchdogs, and I
commend him for taking this step towards greater fiscal transparency. Governor Blunt understands
that since taxpayers are picking up the tab for government expenditures, they deserve to be able to
scrutinize these expenditures.”
-Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform.
R ecognizing that Missouri is a diverse state with a diverse people, Governor Matt Blunt worked to provide all
Missourians the tools they need to reach their full potential.
He realigned state programs to ensure Missouri promoted business opportunities where it had previously
fallen behind. Governor Blunt stepped across perceived boundaries, accomplishing important ‘firsts’ for the
state that had been too long in coming.
Biodiesel Produced
A February 2007 University of Missouri study estimated recurring annual economic benefits from the four
ethanol plants then in operation, which produced an estimated 160 million gallons of ethanol. The benefits from
this nascent level of production were substantial and they included 161 full time equivalent jobs, a $20 million
increase in employment income, increasing the value added to the economy by $36 million, and creating a net
increase in total output of $285 million for the state economy.
When operating expenditures are coupled with the multiplier effect that creates indirect and induced economic
effects, the total annual gain of these four plants is estimated to be 3,022 jobs with $121 million in new annual
income; a $215 million increase in value-added income; and a net increase in total state economic output
of $522 million. In addition to the value added by processing the corn, the need for 56 million bushels of
corn raises the at-the-farm value of the state corn crop by $45 million. Tax revenues also are increased at
the federal, state and local levels of government, by a total of $43 million each year. By 2008, Missouri was
producing 275 million gallons of ethanol every year.
R ising energy costs were a pressing issue during Governor Blunt’s administration. He acted to reduce or
contain prices for citizens and lower the energy costs of state government. Governor Blunt was committed
to developing alternative energy and
helping build American independence
of foreign energy supplies.
The Blunt administration pioneered
energy efficiency as a model for
the state, while pursuing legislative
changes for vital steps forward for
Missouri’s energy future.
Utilicare
G od has blessed Missouri with abundant natural resources and great scenic beauty. Governor Blunt believes
we have a moral duty to protect our environment, and to act as stewards for future generations.
As governor, Matt Blunt believed that a
high level of environmental quality and
economic growth go hand in hand. He did
not accept the claim that environmental
improvement is in conflict with a vibrant
economy. He believed both could be
achieved. He also rejected the notion
environmental preservation means that
natural resources cannot be used or
enjoyed. Governor Blunt believed that
responsible use is the key to good policy.
The Blunt administration made state
government cleaner and greener, and
helped protect and enhance Missouri’s
air, land and water. Governor Blunt Governor Blunt and his son William Branch
encouraged Missourians to make choices
that make our state a cleaner place to live and work, through new environmentally friendly incentives.
Renewable Fuels
Governor Blunt saw the benefit in renewable fuels for farmers and American energy independence, but also
believed that one of the greatest benefits of renewable fuels is what they mean for our environment.
Governor Blunt fulfilled a
promise he made to Missourians
when he signed legislation in
2006 requiring all gasoline
offered for sale in Missouri to
contain 10 percent ethanol (E-
10).
Ethanol is a cleaner burning
alternative to petroleum-based
gasoline and more efficient
to produce. It contains more
oxygen, providing better
combustion and fewer emissions
of carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and carcinogens.
Greener Power
In 2007, the Governor signed into law a new state policy for energy efficiency. Governor Blunt’s Green Power
Initiative decreases pollution from energy production by encouraging greater use of renewable energy such as
wind, hydroelectricity, solar power, hydrogen and biomass.
The legislation set baseline targets for utilities to meet: a four percent renewable energy target by 2012, eight
percent by 2015 and 11 percent by 2020. This legislation also allowed the use of Department of Natural
Resources-approved bio-reactors to produce and capture methane as a renewable energy resource.
For consumers to be more active in energy efficiency, the bill required utility companies to make net metering
available to consumers who have their own alternative energy generation units. Net metering allows customers
G overnor Blunt signed legislation directing the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to
establish annual guidelines for green cleaning programs and environmentally sensitive cleaning product
specifications for Missouri schools. Missouri is the third state after New York and Illinois to require schools to
use “green” cleaning products.
Missouri schools received more funding and became greener under Governor Blunt’s leadership
N o group of Missourians is more deserving of our gratitude, respect and praise than those who have worn
the nation’s service uniform. Many of Missouri’s 540,000 veterans have devoted their most productive
years in service to our nation to preserve our freedom and democracy. As governor, Matt Blunt recognized the
extraordinary sacrifices made by these exceptional men and women. He was a champion for Missouri’s active
duty military personnel, veterans and military retirees.
Veterans’ Homes
The Missouri Veterans Commission operates
seven homes that provide long-term care to
approximately 1,350 veterans. In Governor
Blunt’s administration, funding for Missouri
veterans homes was increased by more than
$14.7 million. Occupancy rose to exceed 97
percent of capacity, ensuring the highest quality
of care for more of Missouri’s veterans.
Commanding, Leading
and Supporting the
Missouri National Guard
Governor Blunt visited Guardsmen
and women with official visits to Iraq,
Afghanistan, Kosovo and the Mexican
border. These visits enabled him to thank
our citizen soldiers, receive updates on
their missions, and witness firsthand their
protection of our freedom, safety and
security.
Governor Blunt said: “It is inspiring to witness the roles these fine young men and women are filling, the
selflessness of their sacrifices and their dedication to service.”
Missouri’s National Guard was called to action many times under Governor Blunt, at home and abroad. As the
Commander-in-Chief of the Missouri National Guard, Governor Blunt was committed to ensuring the Guard has
the support, honor and resources needed to do its work, and to serve all Missourians with proper recognition.
“It was the hands of our Veterans and Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and
Marines that have built America into what it is today, the greatest nation in
the world, a nation that rests on a foundation of hard work, decency, and
love of country and liberty.”
-Governor Matt Blunt
M att Blunt graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science
in History. He went on to serve as an Engineering Officer aboard the USS JACK WILLIAMS (FFG-
24) and as the Navigator and
Administrative Officer on the USS
PETERSON (DD-969).
Lieutenant Commander Blunt
was mobilized to Commander
Naval Activities in the United
Kingdom in October of 2001 in
response to the September 11,
2001 attacks on the United States.
Governor Blunt served six months
in Operation Enduring Freedom
and is the only statewide official
in Missouri history called to active
military duty in wartime. While in
the Navy, he received four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals as well as numerous other
awards.
W hen state government stands with Missouri seniors, it upholds one of our most basic shared values, to
honor our fathers and mothers. Seniors have worked throughout their lives to care for their families,
meet their obligations
to others, and pass on
values that make America
the greatest country in
history. Many have served
in the military, offering all
they have in defense of
American freedom. They
have paid their taxes, and
given to churches, charities
and good causes in their
communities.
Governor Blunt believes
we owe them the honor of
actions to help provide a
high quality of life in their
retirement. With tax relief, more funding for key programs, and policy changes, Governor Blunt has made a
positive difference for seniors across Missouri.
F irst Lady Melanie Blunt’s commitment to Missouri was prominently visible by her travels across the state,
talking with Missourians, sharing their hopes, concerns, and aspirations, and seeking to advance many good
causes.
Over four years, Mrs. Blunt was
deeply involved in Breast Cancer
Awareness as well as in other
causes, and was a strong voice for
the arts, and made it a priority to
increase the people’s access to
the Governor’s Mansion. She was
dedicated to making sure that she
left the Governor’s Mansion – what
she calls the “People’s Mansion” –
in better condition than she found
it.
Melanie has shared personal
milestones and blessings with the
people of Missouri during her four
years as First Lady. Just three
months after the Governor took the oath of office, the Blunts welcomed their son and first child, William Branch
Blunt. Born March 9, 2005, Branch remains his parents’ first love, greatest challenge and greatest blessing.
In addition to her priority of nurturing and raising her son at the Mansion, Melanie was honored to serve the
people of Missouri at her husband’s side as the youngest First Lady in the nation.
M issouri’s First Family expanded early in the Blunt administration with the arrival of William Branch Blunt.
Just eight weeks after the Inauguration, Governor Matt Blunt and First Lady Melanie Blunt announced the
birth of William Branch on March 9, 2005. He was born at 7:08 p.m. at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and
delivered by Dr. Christina Litherland, Mrs. Blunt’s physician throughout her pregnancy. William Branch weighed
5 pounds and 13 ounces and was 19 ½-inches long.
Governor Blunt’s Great-Grandfather, Reverend Paul Ray, was an avid genealogist who traced one part of his
family to 16th Century England. One of the Governor’s earliest English ancestors was William Branch. Governor
Blunt, a student of Thomas Jefferson, had often seen the name, William Branch Giles, a Virginia statesman and
staunch ally of President Thomas Jefferson. He too was a descendant of William Branch. The Blunt’s liked the
name and quickly settled upon it for their son.
William Branch celebrated his first
three birthdays at the Governor’s
Mansion, where he enjoyed many
adventures as its youngest resident
and participated in celebrations at
Easter, Halloween and Christmas
with his parents. Whether it was
the soft cry of a baby or the pitter-
patter of small feet running across
the floor, there is nothing that brings
the Mansion to life more than a child
living there. It captures moments that
cannot be described. The Blunt’s
have many wonderful memories of
watching Branch grow up in this
historic home and introducing him
to Missourians at the Governor’s
Mansion, as well as in their travels
across the state. They are pleased
to share some of these memories
with you.
Saving Lives
Missouri led the nation in reducing highway
fatalities in 2006. This excellent achievement
was followed in 2007 by a second year of life-
saving gains in transportation safety.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause
of death in the nation for people between the
ages of 4 and 34. In 2005, 1,200 Missourians
were killed in traffic crashes, and more than
66,000 were injured, often with lasting and disabling results. The economic cost of highway accidents is terrible
– more than $3 billion every year in lost earnings, property damage, public safety costs and other areas, but
the intangible loss of beloved family and to communities is even greater. Governor Blunt committed himself to
preventing crashes, saving precious lives and reducing injuries.
Rebuilding Highway
64/40 in St. Louis
One of the largest highway repair
projects in Missouri history began
during the Blunt administration. The
reconstruction of Interstate 64 in St.
Louis City and County as a truly modern
key artery for the metro region included
temporary closure of five miles of
interstate road, in order to get the job
done far more quickly, and at lower
cost. This closure displaced 150,000 vehicles per day, requiring MoDOT to take all possible actions to minimize
inconvenience to commuters and other drivers.
Governor Blunt worked with MoDOT to ensure full state cooperation with local governments, businesses and
others affected by the 64/40 work. Through maximum shared effort, the driving public is able to see the reward
for its patience much more quickly.
Dramatic Turnaround
In 2008, the Reason Foundation issued their 17th Annual Report on the Performance of State Highway
Systems. In a dramatic turnaround, Missouri’s national rank moved up 15 spots to 13th in 2006 after ranking
28th in 2004.
G overnor Blunt believes that every Missourian deserves to feel safe in their home, school, community
and workplace. As governor, Matt Blunt was committed to reducing crime by providing more for our
law enforcement to keep our communities safe and by
enacting tough new laws to take criminals off the streets,
especially those who prey upon our children.
Preventing Violence
Too many women and children have endured shocking and heartbreaking violence in the home. Changes that
Governor Blunt signed into law in 2007 increased penalties and offered additional protection for women who are
victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The first change related to what law enforcement officials commonly call a “rape kit.” Under previous law,
victims of sexual assault or rape were often forced to pay for their own forensic examinations. This added
significant insult to brutal injury. Governor Blunt said
no victim of sexual assault should be forced to pay for
a medical exam to prove their injuries. Governor Blunt
changed this requirement, recommending and securing
$2.8 million in the state budget to pay for the rape kits.
Before the Blunt administration, prosecutors or police
investigators could require a polygraph from a victim
before proceeding with a prosecution or investigation.
This practice was demeaning. Governor Blunt believed
crime victims should not feel like they are on trial for the
crimes that others committed against them. He signed
legislation forbidding a government official from placing
this condition on a victim.
Domestic assault in the first degree is among the most
serious crimes. It is the attempted murder or serious
injury of the victim. As violence persists, it becomes
increasingly likely that the abuser will cause permanent