Gov. Edward J. King again pledged to cut taxes in his annual "state of the state" address last night.

Taking much of the credit for a strong state economy, King said, "I know that the results of our efforts will mean a lower tax bill for the people of Massachusetts by the end of this legislative session."

King described the decline in the state's prosperity during the 20 years preceding his administration and recounted his accomplishments as governor. He said his first priority has been "to protect Massachusetts from national inflation, recession and depression..."

"We are working to create an economic foundation for the future. This economic rebirth is not accidental. And it has been aided by our policy designed to foster private sector expansion, replacing years of anti-business, no-growth policies and the notion that government can do it better."

King gave few specific plans for the future, but emphasized past efforts and noted that Massachusetts has the lowest unemployment rate among industrial states.

For the first time, he endorsed "in principle" the concept of public financing of political campaigns, although he did not explicitly support the legislative proposal filed by the now-defunct state corruption commission.

He promised to work toward a state constitutional amendment to reinstate the death penalty and allow mandatory sentencing for repeated offenses against the elderly. He cited "a citizen's right to defend himself and his family in their home."

He said he has encouraged off-shore oil exploration and alternative energy incentives as ways to free the country from dependence on foreign oil. He said he will also file a bill this year to set controls for fuel adjustment costs.

The theme throughout King's speech was less government. "We can no longer rely upon government to solve every problem. Rather, we must rely upon ourselves and each other," he added.