Gibbons moving up 2009 State of the State address

CARSON CITY — Gov. Jim Gibbons has decided to move up his 2009 State of the State address to Jan. 15, four days early.

Governors normally make the speech two weeks before the beginning of the legislative session. That would be on Jan. 19, which is the Martin Luther King Jr. state holiday.

“Requiring legislative employees to work on the holiday for the State of the State address would force us to pay overtime, which is something that seems unreasonable during this budget crunch,” Gibbons said. “It also gives everyone the opportunity to spend the holiday with friends and family.”

The State of the State address is the speech in which governors outline their goals and spending priorities. In the 6:30 p.m. speech, Gibbons probably will talk about spending reductions.

Jan. 19 is also the day before the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, which would make it difficult for Nevadans who would like to attend both events.

“Lawmakers and other officials have asked me to consider moving the State of the State as a courtesy to them, and I have absolutely no problem doing so,” Gibbons said. “I certainly understand their desire to be part of such an historic event.”