2017 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Education

Roy Cooper: 4,700 additional Pre-K slots for at-risk 4-year olds

I've laid out aggressive goals to make North Carolina a Top Ten Educated State by 2025--emphasizing early childhood education, increasing enrollment in pre-kindergarten, improving our high school graduation rate and increasing the percentage of adults with a higher education degree.

My budget creates nearly 4,700 additional Pre-Kindergarten slots to eliminate the wait-list of at-risk four year olds. Getting more kids in pre-K means they'll arrive at school ready to learn. It's the foundation for a lifetime of success, showing economic and health benefits well beyond their pre-K years. And it allows both parents to stay in the workforce, a necessity for many North Carolina families.

Roy Cooper: NC GROW: Getting Ready for Opportunities in the Workforce

To give people in the middle class more opportunity to afford higher education, let's pass a workforce program we call NC GROW- Getting Ready for Opportunities in the Workforce. It means free community college--a scholarship to cover last-dollar tuition and fees for recent high school graduates to attend a North Carolina community college.

To earn it, young people have to make good grades and apply for already-existing scholarships, loans and grant programs. It's an idea that Republican and Democratic governors alike have supported in other states. We can make it a bipartisan reality here in North Carolina.

Chris Sununu: Increase operating budget $10M of Community College System

The University and Community College Systems of New Hampshire are key to these effort and we will continue to make investments in our partnership. In doing so, my budget proposes a significant increase to the operating budget of the Community College System, which is doing a great job in providing a gateway to New Hampshire's workforce development.

My budget proposes $10 million in capital investment into community college infrastructure. Also, today I am proud to establish the Governor's Scholarship program, with $5 million to directly assist high school students to attend colleges in New Hampshire.

Doug Burgum: Kids can't prepare for 21st century using 19th-century model

Jim Justice: Return education back from bureaucracies to local level

I will submit a bill to eliminate any of the unnecessary bureaucracies that we have. We have got to return education back as much as we possibly can to a local level. I have put in my budget a 2 percent raise for all classroom teachers, and I am ashamed that we can't do more.

Jim Justice: Replace Smarter Balance with ACT testing

Jim Justice: We're dead last: 2% teacher raise; and dump state testing

Now, as far as testing, we are testing our kids totally to death. For what? If we were knocking it out of the park, you could argue with me we're doing the right thing. But for crying out loud, we're dead last. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out. We got to be doing something wrong. That's all there is to it. As far as the testing goes, I am going to propose we throw Smarter Balance in the trash can and we go to ACT testing.

Think about [how we score] A through F for our schools. We do it on a bell curve. We say: "Come to West Virginia. Our schools are mostly all C's." I don't get it. That's got to go. A through F is gone.

Larry Hogan: $7M for student scholarships to attend a private school

We have already accomplished a great deal. But together, we can--and we must--do more. Every single child in Maryland deserves access to a great education, regardless of what neighborhood they happen to grow up in. Sadly, we still have students who are trapped in persistently failing schools. Last year, Democratic leaders in this assembly proposed legislation that provided $5 million, giving a limited number of deserving kids the chance to earn a scholarship to attend a private school. Our budget adds $2 million more to this initiative.

so that we can give even more children that opportunity.

Larry Hogan: Tuition relief for state colleges: 2% growth cap

Larry Hogan: More charter school choice; more P-TECH schools

Greg Abbott: Fully fund GURI: Governor's University Research Initiative

As one example, Dr. Richard Miles--a member of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering--is leaving Princeton to join the Aerospace Engineering Department at Texas A&M. His work places Texas A&M and the State of Texas at the forefront of laser and optical technology that can enhance national security. Research like this spurs economic development and helps create jobs.

We must continue our mission to do more than just prepare Texas for the next two years. We also need to put our state on the path for national and international prominence for the next 20 years. GURI does just that. And must be fully funded again.

Bill Haslam: Narrow score gaps for minority and female students

Bill Haslam: STRONG Act: tuition-free public college for veterans

Bruce Rauner: $100M for early education; close district funding gaps

We formed a bipartisan task force to recommend changes to the unbalanced way our K-12 public schools are funded. For years Illinois has provided the lowest percentage of education financial support from any state in the country. And we have the largest gap between funding for high income schools and low income schools in the country, both across the state and within the city of Chicago. The task force expects to finish their work in the coming weeks, and we look forward to working on a bipartisan basis to implement their recommendations.

Phil Scott: Realign funding toward early care and trades training

We must be honest about how we distribute funding. Our schools have 20,000 fewer kids than they did 20 years ago. We can no longer afford to allow so much of the nearly $19,000 we spend for each K- through-12 student to be diverted away from the child and toward empty spaces and overhead costs. This structural inefficiency also leaves too little of our $1.6 billion education commitment for investments in early care, higher education, and trades training.

I'm proposing a realignment of priorities to unify the system from early care to higher education and trades training. I'm proposing we increase investment in early care and pre-K by $9.6 million.

Phil Scott: $4M to state colleges; low tuition increases thru 2021

My budget proposes a base increase of $4 million to Vermont State Colleges. In return, I'm asking them to use this additional funding to support my strategic goals. They will work with employers to align degree programs with market demands, to keep tuition increases below inflation through 2021.

I am also proposing an annual increase of $1 million in base appropriations for both the University of Vermont and VSAC, to get more low and middle-income Vermonters the opportunities they need.

Steve Bullock: Increase funding for higher education

• Since 2009, 46 states have decreased their funding of higher education. In Montana we've increased funding.
• We hear that our kids are our greatest export--yet the facts show that 80% of our resident students are now employed right here in Montana within a year of graduating, up from 74% in 2009.
• Our University System, state government, and the private sector are working together to produce graduates that have a world-class education and the skills our local businesses need to grow.
• Yet, there is more to do. There are investments we can't afford NOT to make. I am asking you to increase our state's investment in K-12 by $30 million. We can also increase our support for special education by $1.5 million. We can continue investments in preserving our Native languages. We can invest $2 million dollars to further build out the internet connectivity in our schools.

Steve Bullock: Invest in publicly funded early childhood education

The average cost of childcare in Montana for a four-year old is $7,900 dollars--in other words, more than college tuition at Montana State University or the University of Montana. A mom earning minimum wage could easily spend half of her income on childcare for just one kiddo.

Let's help those families. I have proposed a $12 million preschool grant program to allow school districts, Head Start programs or high-quality private preschool providers to offer preschool for four-year-old kids at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Brian Sandoval: $115 million in new investments for higher education

My vision for our state is to put all Nevadans, regardless of age or circumstance, on a career pathway toward success. We can make that vision a reality by investing in higher education, closing the college attainment gap, expanding dual enrollment & growing career opportunities.

While many of these programs have been available for some, they are not yet accessible to all, due to financial barriers or other factors. My workforce agenda proposes removing those barriers, so that every student, in every classroom, has every opportunity to succeed. Our effort to prepare a modern workforce begins with our post-secondary institutions. My budget includes an increase of $115 million in new investments for higher education.

Gina Raimondo: PrepareRI Dual Enrollment: free tuition for high schoolers

I set a goal to ensure that by 2025, at least 70% of Rhode Island adults have some degree or credential beyond high school. To achieve that goal, we've taken strides to make college more accessible and more affordable. We now offer the PSAT and SAT, free of charge, in every public high school. We provide student loan relief for recent graduates who live and work in RI.

PrepareRI Dual Enrollment: Last year, nearly 4,000 students were able to take college courses for free. These students earn college credits while they're still in high school, and some are able to get a full semester of college under their belt before they graduate high school. The budget I will propose expands funding for this program.

Gina Raimondo: All-day kindergarten for all; computers in every school

By the end of this year, Rhode Island is going to be the first state to offer computer science classes in every public school around the state.

Rick Snyder: CCSTEP: capital equipment for training in community colleges

One of the most exciting programs I heard of was at Washtenaw Community College at the Auto Show. They are literally doing mobility technicians to understand how to do lidar vision systems, all these new systems that are going to be going on vehicles. It's cutting edge. That's the kind of attitude we need to bring to career connectedness and we are going to invest more in programs like this.

Asa Hutchinson: ArFuture Grants: pay tuition & stay in state for 3 years

It is a simple promise with a big return for our state and the next generation. It is called ArFuture Grants and it will require a mentoring program for the student. It will require working in the state for three years after college. But it will be created with existing program funds and used in combination with other education funds that are already available.

Because of ArFutures, it will be not only possible, but practical, for a student to get two-year degree or certificate without any student debt.

Kim Reynolds: Future Ready Iowa: 70% of Iowans beyond high school

Accomplishing this ambitious goal will create unprecedented opportunities for Iowans and better position our state to compete in an increasingly knowledge-based, digital economy. That is why we established the Future Ready Iowa Alliance, co-chaired by Lt. Governor Reynolds, which will make recommendations by Oct. 31, 2017, to assure more Iowans have the careers they deserve and employers can hire the skilled workers they need to grow and innovate.

Sam Brownback: TeachersKan: scholarship program for Kansas college students

Across the nation there is a growing demand for teachers. We must recruit talented educators to come to Kansas, but outdated regulations sometimes prevent this. Simple reforms in the teacher certification system can create a pathway bringing more teachers to Kansas.

We also have a responsibility to build up the next generation of educators. College costs can make this difficult. That is why I've announced the launch of TeachersKan, a new scholarship program for Kansas college students. If you are a successful Kansas student and commit to teaching in a hard to fill discipline or underserved community, we will help equip you to become a teacher of tomorrow.

Scott Walker: Private refinancing options for student loan debt

During the decade before our freeze, tuition went up 118%. Ironically, some of the people who were around when UW tuition went up more than 8% on average each year now want the state to create a new government bureaucracy to refinance student loans.

We found a better way to help people with high debt. Our administration has worked with Wisconsin's very own financial institutions to promote refinancing options available to those with student loan debt. Wisconsin credit unions and banks offer refinancing at rates that are the same or better than what is offered by many government-supported programs in other states.

Terry Branstad: Future Ready Iowa: 70% of Iowans beyond high school

Accomplishing this ambitious goal will create unprecedented opportunities for Iowans and better position our state to compete in an increasingly knowledge-based, digital economy. That is why we established the Future Ready Iowa Alliance, co-chaired by Lt. Governor Reynolds, which will make recommendations by Oct. 31, 2017, to assure more Iowans have the careers they deserve and employers can hire the skilled workers they need to grow and innovate.

Terry Branstad: Teacher Leadership System for every public school

So, we created a new Teacher Leadership System that better utilizes the expertise of top teachers to improve education, instruction and foster greater collaboration. I'm proud to say that every public school in Iowa today is participating in our Teacher Leadership System. Sustaining these measures over time is critical to get the right results for our students and our state.

Butch Otter: $58M to make public school teacher pay competitive

As we work to improve the competitiveness of Idaho's teacher pay, it's critical that we have a solid basis for rewarding excellence. Looking beyond the recent challenges that we've experienced with teacher evaluations, this training will help ensure that school administrators can professionally, thoroughly and meaningfully assess teacher effectiveness and help guide their professional growth.

Doug Ducey: Lead the nation on school choice and charters

And the robotics class at Carl Hayden High School is so renowned, Hollywood didn't just make one movie about it--they made two. It needs to be said. We can advocate for more resources, and also admit we have so many great schools, and great teachers.

But too many people have fallen into the trap set by the pundits, dumping on Arizona schools. I'll admit: There was a time I didn't know the full picture. But after spending the last three years inside dozens of classrooms I have a new appreciation for the excellence occurring in our school system. And what has been most striking are the teachers. They've shared with me--It's more than a job. It's a calling. Especially in our low-income communities, they've told me: "I'm not here because I have to be. I'm here because I want to be."

Doug Ducey: Invest in public school teachers with tuition & bonuses

• Step 4: Resources. I have a commitment our educators can take to the bank: I will call for an increased investment in our public schools--above and beyond inflation--every single year I am governor.
• Step 5: Teacher pay. Let's take these new dollars and put them where they will have the greatest impact on students. It's time for a raise for Arizona's teachers.
• And Step 6: Student debt. I'm asking Arizona's three public universities to design an Arizona Teachers' Academy. If you teach in Arizona public schools, your education will be paid for.
• Step 7: Low-income schools. For the teachers willing to make a commitment to these neighborhoods: A $1,000 signing bonus.
• Step 8: Teacher shortage. It's time to fix the teacher certification process. Let's remove the obstacles.
• Step 10: Tribal Nations and Rural Schools: Let's connect these rural schools to high-speed internet.

Kate Brown: Oregon Promise: community college access program

• We adopted meaningful ethics reforms needed to regain the trust of all Oregonians.
• We invested in a seamless system of public education from cradle to career, including early childhood education, all-day kindergarten, and our community college access program, the Oregon Promise.
• We expanded the Oregon Opportunity Grants to help more Oregon students pay for college.