"The Governor doesn't need applause", said Governor Vega at the start of his taped speech which summarized this year's activities in fifteen minutes. In the video, he opted for six main topics accompanied with data and images.
VIDEO : First state of the state address by Governor Vega
Although many of the topics have been quite controversial, the Governor did not focus on the problems he has faced thus far, but rather on what this administration's responses to various problems in the state have been. He highlighted the outreach that has been conducted to vulnerable groups in the state, and indicated that this address was a way of presenting the condition of the state and where it is heading.
The first section of the speech was titled "Human Development and Social Equity". Francisco Vega emphasized the benefits of the social program called "Holding Your Hand" ("De la mano contigo" in Spanish) which conducted a tour of various parts of the state for the first time when compared to prior administrations, and stated that more than 118,000 families have been benefited by this project. Another of the highlighted actions was the implementation of a State program of child care, the "Clean Slate" program ("Borron y Cuenta Nueva" in Spanish) which invited residents with a large outstanding water bills to pay off their balance by eliminating late charges, electrical energy subsidies for residents of Mexicali, and workshops for families and parents imparted by the Integral Family Development program (DIF), among many other actions. This year alone, more than 1.3 billion pesos have been invested in social programs throughout the state.
The next topic was that of "Healthy Society". The Governor highlighted the medical attention that indigenous groups have received, the strengthening of prevention programs, and the implementation of a statewide strategy to combat obesity and diabetes.
The next section was that of "Sustainable Economic Development", where Governor Vega emphasized that one of his team's priorities is to attract investment to the region, so that these may be translated into employment growth. This year, there has been an addition of forty thousand sources of work, which is the result of the Statewide Crusade for Employment ("Cruzada Estatatal por el Empleo"). Baja California has received more than 1.2 billion dollars of investment from foreign companies this year alone, some of which is still in the process of being finalized. It is worth noting that new guidelines for private investment have been implemented and also guidelines to protect employees.
The State Government has distributed more than 209 million pesos to support, micro, small, and medium sized companies, and has offered many incentives to organizations that employ single mothers, the elderly, and entry-level young professionals. More than seventy-eight million pesos have been destined toward local producers who also participated in various workshops to improve their production and efficiency levels. Baja California has become the lead state in the use of renewable energy, and one of the states with the most employment growth. The tourism industry will also receive investment of more than three billion pesos to create more sources of employment. One of the most ambitious projects in place is the renovation of the Historical District of Tecate, which has been received a national denomination as a "Magical Town".
The fourth topic was that of "Education for Life", where he stated that Baja provides complete basic education and that it is the only state that offers free bachelors degrees. He stated that the amount of full time schools has doubled and that various scholarships have been given to children of all ages, from preschool to university students. Another merit is that Baja has received more than 650 National Olympics medals, which is proof of the level of competitors in the region.
Finally, the "Infrastructure for Competitiveness" section of the speech explained that 120 projects that have been indispensible to Baja's continued growth have been completed this year, making the state more attractive for investors. Some examples include the El Sauzal Port, the Tecate-Ensenada Railway, the Ensenada Airport, the Otay Messa II Crossing, and the Energy Program in Mexicali. More than 847 million pesos have been invested in sports infrastructure, educational infastructure, and cultural infrastructure; twelve new schools were built, the Las Auras Presa was completed, etc. In Rosarito, waste drainage was increased to 90% coverage, and Ensenada commenced construction of a water desalinization plant, which will help supply the demand of water to the city.
The sixth section talked about "Security, Justice, and the Rule of Law". Governor Vega discussed the relationship of the governments of the five municipalities of Baja California with his administration, and added that the crime prevention strategies had been strengthened to tackle the problem at the source. A Human Rights Program was implemented, which includes constant training of authorities in the topic of individual rights. Another important action was the creation of the State Migrant Advisory Board, which will support organizations that help this vulnerable group, and established actions to tackle this unique situation being faced by Baja California, not only of migrants arriving in the region to attempt to cross to the U.S., but also of those that are returning to Tijuana as a result of deportation from the U.S.
Finally, on the topic of "A Government of Results and Close to the People" discussed the constant training that public servants receive and the increased level of civic participation to increase planning and transparency in government activities. Thanks to responsible accounting and use of funds, Baja California has improved its credit rating, which will enable it to obtain more investment.
Governor Vega stated that the coordination among all three levels of government has been indispensable, as well as civil participation to ensure work results, and invites Baja Californians to read about the work that is being done by visiting his detailed state of the state address . Governor Vega thanks those who have supported him throughout this first year in office.
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