Sonny Perdue in 2010 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Education: Tie teacher pay to student achievement

Yesterday morning, I outlined a proposal that would tie teacher pay to student achievement. Some will defend the status quo, but it's hard for me to believe that tying pay to performance is anything other than commonsense.

On Government Reform: Make government more responsive, efficient, & value-driven

It would be easy to sit back and point fingers at Washington. But we must reject the course forward that promises the next generation little more than an expensive bill--crushing entitlements and unfunded mandates.

On Health Care: $70M for moral obligation to serve those with disabilities

I want to be clear, my interes is not driven purely by legal mandates, but from my own personal belief that we have a moral obligation to serve those with disabilities. We are our brothers' keepers.

That obligation should carry a tangible effort. It's a hard thing to do in these budget times... the budgets that I will release on Friday will include additional investment--$20 million in 2010 and over $50 million in 2011.

Together, we are making concerted efforts to do the right thing for this vulnerable population. I ask for your continued support as well as that of our consumers, providers, advocates, families and communities to help us develop a system of care of which we can be proud.