2019 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Education
Bill Lee:
Fund school choice; competition via charters and ESAs
Parents need more choices and those options should be well-funded and highly accountable. I believe highly accountable public charter schools are a great model for expanding choice without sacrificing quality, and I've seen how they can impact the life
and trajectory of a student. We are doubling the amount of public charter school facility funding and I will support legislation this year that makes it easier to open good charter schools and easier to close bad ones.
Education Savings Accounts will enable low-income students from under-performing school districts to attend an independent school of their choice at no cost to their family. I know there's concern that this will take money from public schools, but my
plan will invest at least $25 million new dollars in public schools in the first year. Creating competition will provide a new incentive for schools to improve and provide new opportunities for thousands of students.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Tennessee legislature
Mar 6, 2019
Bill Lee:
Schools must focus on acquiring job skills
The job market can change quickly and education must stay in sync with industry. Elementary and middle schools need to begin skills training earlier and, from top to bottom, high school needs to look a lot different. I'm proposing the
Governor's Investment in Vocational Education--the GIVE Act--a $25 million investment to increase the number of young adults earning an industry certification and entering a career within one year of high school graduation.
I recently announced the Future Workforce Initiative, a $4 million effort to increase STEM training in K-12 schools. The Future Workforce Initiative will add 100 new CTE programs, grow the number of teachers qualified to teach work-based
learning and computer science classes, and expand access to AP courses and early postsecondary options for high schoolers. We are also investing in agricultural education by allocating new recurring funding for both FFA and 4-H youth programs.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Tennessee legislature
Mar 6, 2019
Bill Lee:
Teach civics, with unapologetic American exceptionalism
It was reported that young people in this country have a more favorable view of socialism than capitalism. How will our children know of our cherished American values if we do not teach them? We cannot expect future generations to build upon the
incredible progress our country has made if we fail to teach them the history and values that made it possible. In this state, our children will be taught civics education, character formation, and unapologetic American exceptionalism.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Tennessee legislature
Mar 6, 2019
Kay Ivey:
Invest in Pre-K: now more than 1000 classes
The tremendous efforts of the Department of Early Childhood Education have enabled Alabama's First Class Pre-K to be ranked as the nation's highest quality program for the 12th consecutive year! Last year, we increased funding by
$18.5 million dollars, which was the largest, single-year increase ever approved. Because of that, 107 new First Class Pre-K classrooms were added last fall, which led Alabama to officially break the 1,000-classroom mark.
Alabama's teachers are vital to our students and they deserve to be the highest paid public employees in our state. That is why,
I am proposing a four percent raise for all teachers: pre-k through community college! Without our teachers, our students cannot achieve success! The foundation for a strong future for all Alabamians begins in the classroom.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Alabama legislature
Mar 6, 2019
Ron DeSantis:
Invest in higher ed; focus on job skills
I'm proud that Florida's university system is ranked #1 in the nation. Skills-based education offers a focused, and often more cost-effective means, by which students can acquire the tools to be successful. I have proposed a plan to take Florida
from middle of the pack to number 1 in workforce education by 2030. Our initiatives include grants to place students in apprenticeships, money to train teachers in computer science and funds for workforce programs within our state college system.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Florida legislature
Mar 5, 2019
Ron DeSantis:
Prioritize attracting and retaining great teachers
We need to do more to recruit, retain and reward great teachers. To this end, I have proposed replacing Best and Brightest bonus program with a revised $423 million program that will reward more than 40,000 teachers with bonuses approaching $10k.
I'm also requesting $10 million for a tuition and loan forgiveness program for as many as 1,700 teachers who commit to teaching in Florida schools for 5 years. Attracting and keeping great teachers in our classrooms should be a high priority.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Florida legislature
Mar 5, 2019
Ron DeSantis:
Expand Tax Credit Scholarships for school choice
Florida has expanded opportunity through the Tax Credit Scholarship program for students from low-income families. More than 100,000 students--nearly 70% of whom are African-American or Hispanic, with an average family income of roughly
$26,000 per year--are utilizing the scholarship. More low-income families would like the opportunity to obtain a scholarship for their kids. Let's stand with working moms and empower them to choose the best learning environment for their kids.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Florida legislature
Mar 5, 2019
Roy Cooper:
$8 billion in building or renovating schools
Public education is our most important job as a state. We must do better. Let's give kids a better start by investing more in early childhood education. We've worked together to expand pre-K to thousands more students,
but we shouldn't stop until every child has it.
Let's give our students safe, healthy places to learn. Right now, 4 in 10 public schools in our state are at least 50 years old. That means they're still using the schools you and I went to.
That's great for nostalgia, but not so good for students in classrooms with unreliable heat, leaking roofs or crumbling walls.
K through 12 schools need at least 8 billion dollars in new construction and renovations let's have the people vote on a strong school construction bond.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
Roy Cooper:
Increased teacher pay before tax cuts for the 1%
Too often, public schools have taken a back seat to tax breaks for those at the very top. Simply put, public education is our most important job as a state. We must do better. If we want our educators to teach well, we need to treat them well.
North Carolina is still ranked 37th in teacher pay nationwide. That's not the respect they deserve. When I send you my budget, we'll put our schools and our teachers first.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Carolina congress
Feb 25, 2019
J.B. Pritzker:
Universal preschool is educational priority
Investing in early childhood is the single most important education policy decision government can make, and it has proven to provide a significant return on investment. That's why I'm proposing funding the Early Childhood Block Grant at
$594 million, an increase of $100 million from fiscal year 2019. It will allow us to begin the march toward universal preschool so that every child in Illinois will have a real opportunity to succeed.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 20, 2019
Janet Mills:
Expand pre-school; pay teachers a living wage
This budget begins making pre-kindergarten programs available to every 4-year old in Maine.We provide $18.5 million to Child Development Services to support our youngest and neediest children. For kindergarten through high school, we provide an
additional $126 million. This budget invests in recruitment and retention to ensure that teachers in Maine will not be forced to leave the state for a living wage. This budget ensures that no teacher in Maine will make less than $40,000 a year.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maine legislature
Feb 11, 2019
Janet Mills:
Invest $126M in public schools, and $18M for child services
This budget begins making pre-kindergarten programs available to every 4-year old in Maine.We also provide $18.5 million to Child Development Services to support the needs of our youngest and neediest children.
For kindergarten through high school, we provide an additional $126 million over the biennium. This brings the state's share of public education funding to nearly 51 percent of Essential Programs and Services.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maine legislature
Feb 11, 2019
Greg Abbott:
Increase teacher pay, with best earning six figures
We must target education funding to help our students achieve in school. That starts with teachers in the classroom. Texas must recruit and retain the best and brightest teachers to educate our students. This session, we must pay our teachers more.
We must provide incentives to put effective teachers in the schools and classrooms where they are needed the most. And we must create a pathway for the best teachers to earn a six-figure salary.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Texas legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Greg Abbott:
Focus on mental health for safer schools
Texas must act now to make our schools safer. After the horrific shooting at Santa Fe High School, I held roundtables with parents, students, educators, law enforcement, and mental health experts. One solution everyone agreed on was the need to address
mental health in our schools.Programs like the telemedicine wellness project at Texas Tech. It partners with school districts in West Texas to identify and remove students who pose a potential threat. And it provides students the help they need.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Texas legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Tom Wolf:
Increase pay for teachers; increase early childcare
We need policies that start at the very beginning, and end with every Pennsylvanian receiving an excellent education and the opportunity to land a good job. I know that no new parent looks at their baby and sees a spreadsheet, but the fact is that
preparing our kids for success starts long before they ever enter a classroom. That's why this new program includes funding for home visits to support vulnerable pregnant women, new mothers, and at-risk infants and toddlers.
My plan increases the pay floor for teachers to $45,000 a year. This is a real investment in our future. It's an investment the state--not local school districts--will make--and it's included in this budget. Most districts that cannot afford to pay
their teachers more are located in the heart of rural Pennsylvania, and it is time to make sure we are investing in educators in those areas today to prepare our kids for the competitive world of tomorrow.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Pennsylvania legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Tom Wolf:
Ease student debt if grads stay in Pennsylvania
My plan creates a new grant program for students who graduate from a Pennsylvania community college with an associate's degree or other industry-recognized credential--and then stay in Pennsylvania to start their careers.
If you're willing to put your newly-acquired skills to work here in our Commonwealth, the least we can do is help you avoid carrying around a crushing burden of student debt.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Pennsylvania legislature
Feb 5, 2019
Kevin Stitt:
Invest in recruiting & keeping teachers
My administration is committed to public education and understands that the large majority of our students attend public schools. We are confronted with a nationwide teacher shortage. With recent revenue growth,
I ask the Legislature to bring our teachers to number one in our region in pay and benefits. This amounts to a $1,200 increase per teacher. I am also calling for a bonus recruitment program, up to $5 million.
We must also look at ways to better stabilize the funding of public education. The fact that Texas is preparing to pass a teacher pay increase--at a cost of $3.7 billion--compels us to review and reform our state's funding formula and to take the
handcuffs off local communities wanting to compete, recruit, and retain the very best teachers. We must chart a bold course that allows for communities to do more for their students without being penalized with the loss of state support.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 4, 2019
Kevin Stitt:
Prepare students for jobs with career tech
We must not forget that education should be first and foremost about our students, not about systems. I will sign into law any legislation that seeks to break down the silos between common education, career techs, and higher education
so that we can better align the education experience for Oklahoma's children and prepare them for tomorrow's workforce of machinists, computer programmers, engineers, and more.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Oklahoma legislature
Feb 4, 2019
Steve Bullock:
Freeze college tuition; college credit for veterans
For our veterans, we've expanded opportunities to get college credit for prior learning gained through their military service. In 2013, states around the country were slashing university budgets and saddling students with
steep tuition increases. Instead, we have increased investments in higher education while freezing college tuition four of the last six years; leading to Montana having the fourth lowest tuition and fees in the nation.
Let's once again freeze in-state college tuition and prevent what is effectively a tax increase on 28,000 Montana students and their families. And let's finally join 49 other states providing state-funded, need-based
financial aid for students and adult learners. These investments will determine for decades to come the economic success of Montana students, workers and families.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Montana legislature
Jan 31, 2019
Steve Bullock:
1-2-Free: High school dual enrollment to college
Public education is one of our state's great equalizers. I launched the "1-2-Free" Dual Enrollment Program so that high school students can take their first two college classes without paying a single penny in tuition. In 2013, not a single one of our
two-year or tribal colleges was offering apprenticeships. We now have apprenticeship coursework in seven out of ten two-year colleges, and in five of seven tribal colleges.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Montana legislature
Jan 31, 2019
Gary Herbert:
Invest $1B in schools & $30M in counseling
There is no better investment we can make than in our students. That's why we set a five-year goal to invest an additional $1 billion into public education, and $275 million into post-secondary education by the year 2021. We can help students who are at
risk of academic failure and keep our schools safe by investing $30 million into counseling and mental health services. We can also put over $100 million into upgrading facilities, two-thirds of which should go in to school safety improvements.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 30, 2019
Gary Herbert:
Teach students the value of capitalism instead of socialism
I would like every student to have a better understanding of basic free market economics. I have been disturbed by some of the rising generation's fascination with socialism. I support [the] bill to strengthen the curriculum in our required financial
literacy course to include instruction on the core economic principles that have given us our freedom and our prosperity. It is imperative that [they] understand the basic economic principles of free-market capitalism that have made America great.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Utah legislature
Jan 30, 2019
Larry Hogan:
Record high funding for public schools: opportunity for all
For the fifth year in row, my budget provides historic, record-high funding for our schools.We have invested $32 billion in K-12 education. More than half of our entire capital budget goes toward education. This isn't about politics; this is
about our kids and their futures--making sure that every single child in Maryland has the same opportunity to get a world-class education regardless of what neighborhood they happen to grow up in.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Maryland legislature
Jan 30, 2019
Phil Scott:
$1M more for VSAC non-traditional pathways for jobs
To help people pursue education and training opportunities outside the traditional college track my budget increases funding for VSAC's Non-Degree Grant program by over $1 million. Last year, we committed $400,000 from the Capital Bill for programs
and equipment to increase training opportunities for adults looking for new skills. If we keep the focus on our kids, we can give every kid the best possible education and the tools to reach their full potential, from cradle to career.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Vermont legislature
Jan 24, 2019
Henry McMaster:
ReadySC: triple funding for technical training
Last year, our readySC program trained over 3,600 people for 82 companies. My budget also triples existing funding for readySC, making more than $19 million dollars available for training new employees for business in the next fiscal year.
My executive budget prioritizes funding for our technical colleges to identify and recruit local businesses to participate in collaborative partnerships with high schools; to create internship opportunities; to promote certificate completion.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to South Carolina congress
Jan 23, 2019
Henry McMaster:
Full-time police officer to combat threats to schools
Our classrooms and schools must also be safe, free from distraction and violence. It's a fact: the presence of a trained certified law enforcement officer is the best and most effective deterrent against violence at a school.
My executive budget ensures that every public school in our state has a full-time, trained law enforcement officer and access to a mental health counselor through the Department of Mental Health's school services program.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to South Carolina congress
Jan 23, 2019
David Ige:
Universal pre-K crucial to education reform
We must create a universal, statewide high-quality public preschool system that will give every child a head-start on learning. Ultimately, we will need more than 300 public pre-K classrooms. I am proposing to the Department of Education that we
look at our elementary schools in a whole different light; That we reinvent our elementary education by making early learning an integral part of our children's overall elementary curriculum. That's why
I am proposing to the DOE that we restructure those schools presently composed of Kindergarten through grade 6 to pre-K through grade 5. We also want to apply "best practices" learned from our own Public Pre-Kindergarten Program and from other states
who have added preschools to their public education system. Of all the initiatives upon which we've embarked, I believe this one will make the greatest difference in preparing our children for the future and in creating a 21st century workforce.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Hawaii legislature
Jan 22, 2019
Tony Evers:
$600M to restore special needs funding
We're going to make sure that we have resources to support our kids with special needs. For the past decade, we've not only cut funding for public schools, we've failed to fully fund services for special education. This has forced local
school districts and taxpayers to squeeze resources from other areas to provide these critical services. Our budget will provide an unprecedented $600 million-dollar increase in special education funding.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Wisconsin legislature
Jan 22, 2019
Brian Kemp:
Invest in those who educate: keep teacher pay competitive
To enhance educational outcomes and build a 21st century state, we must invest in those who educate, inspire, and lead our students. 44% of Georgia teachers leave the profession in less than five years. To recruit and retain the best and brightest in
our schools, we must remove heavy burdens in the classroom and keep teacher pay competitive.My 2020 budget proposal includes a $3,000 permanent salary increase for certified Georgia teachers.
This is the largest pay increase for teachers in Georgia history and serves as a sizable down payment on my promise to ultimately raise pay by $5,000.
We also include a 2% merit increase for all state employees. These hardworking Georgians play a vital role in serving our families and crafting Georgia's future. We must continue to reward their efforts.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
Brian Kemp:
$69 million in one-time funding for school security grants
We must prioritize school safety. In the amended budget for 2019, I have included $69 million in one-time funding for school security grants. All 2,294 public schools in our state will receive $30,000 to implement school security priorities determined
by local school boards, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. But to keep our classrooms safe, we must also address the mental health issues that often lead to school violence.With $8.4 million in additional funding through the successful
APEX program, we can focus on mental health in Georgia high schools. These professionals will engage with struggling students and provide critical resources to prevent disruptive and aggressive behavior.
They will inspire, mentor, and keep our students safe. Together, we will secure our classrooms and protect our state's most treasured asset--our children.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Georgia legislature
Jan 17, 2019
John Carney:
Prioritize public education & supporting teachers
Our goals are very clear. Every third grader should be reading at grade level. Every 8th grader should be proficient in math. And every student should be graduating high school ready for college, or a career. It's time to begin a new chapter in
Delaware's public education. And here's how we'll do it: With a focus on early childhood education, supporting teachers, and getting children to perform on grade level.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Delaware legislature
Jan 17, 2019
John Carney:
Support 700 teachers at high-needs schools
We will also continue to target additional resources to our highest needs schools. In my budget, I will more than double the funding for student loan repayment for teachers in high needs schools.
Last year, that program provided student loan assistance for 200 teachers in over 100 schools. Next year, we plan to reach 700 teachers.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Delaware legislature
Jan 17, 2019
Laura Kelly:
Funding schools top budget priority, this year & every year
The days of doing the bare minimum to fund our schools are over. It stops now. The consequences were tangible, and the scars are lasting. Never again. We're going to properly fund our schools this year. And next year. And the year after that.
Every year, every month, every day that I'm governor. When I began work on the state's budget last month, this was the very first decision I made. Budgets reflect our priorities, and my number one priority will always be our public schools.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Kansas legislature
Jan 16, 2019
Steve Sisolak:
Raise teacher's pay; cover cost of supplies
Our educators deserve a raise. It has been over a decade since the state has funded a raise. I am asking you to stand with me and stand with our educators by including them in the 3% pay raise for state employees for the first time in 12 years.
Too many teachers have been forced to dig into their own pockets to make sure their students have basic supplies. I am proposing additional funding to reimburse teachers for supplies they need raising the total from $100 to $180 per teacher.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Nevada legislature
Jan 16, 2019
Andrew Cuomo:
$27B state funding for poor schools via new Equity Formula
This budget raises the total education budget to $27 billion but it introduces a new formula called the Education Equity Formula which would distribute the money not just to the poorer districts, but to the poorer schools in the poorer districts.
Our Excelsior Scholarship Free Tuition Program, we're raising that threshold to $125,000 family threshold to the middle class families. Today, 55 percent of all SUNY and CUNY students are going to tuition free.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the New York legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Asa Hutchinson:
Invest in tech education & early education
We have invested in technology education, and as a result, we lead the nation in computer science education of our students. We have invested in pre-K education. Our budget for pre-K has increased from $111 million to $114 million in recent years.
We rank 17th nationally in spending on pre-K and Number 18 in four-year-old pre-K access; and we rank Number 5 in the nation in terms of three-year-old access to early education.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arkansas legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Eric Holcomb:
Early start on career paths in opportunity industries
Our efforts and investments are designed to meet the goal of ensuring 60 percent of Hoosier adults have a high-value credential beyond high school. We must get our kids to start thinking about their career paths earlier in their lives.
We will introduce every student to career and apprenticeship options in Indiana's key opportunity industries. We'll support students who seek a four-year degree and those who don't, so that everyone has a pathway to a fulfilling career.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Indiana legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Eric Holcomb:
$140M to increase teacher pay
We're in a financial position to use surplus dollars to pay off a pension liability that local schools currently pay. Just like paying off your mortgage frees up money in your personal budget, this state investment will save all local schools
$140 million over the biennium with continued savings thereafter. I believe local school districts should allocate 100 percent of the $140 million to increasing teacher paychecks.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Indiana legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Gina Raimondo:
Replace freeze with major investment repairing schools
One of the first things I did as Governor was to end the previous administrations' freeze on school construction. Let's make a once-in-a-generation investment in our schools. Let's commit to investing $1 billion over the next five years to fix &cour
public schools. We have a detailed plan that outlines how we can invest more and do it smarter so that we protect taxpayers at the same time. Every year we wait, we waste millions of dollars putting band aids on our crumbling schools.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Rhode Island legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Jay Inslee:
Apprenticeships & college aid leads to jobs
My budget will provide 100,000 students over the next 10 years an option to dive into their interests through apprenticeships and paid internships. We're also supporting future students who want more education but can't afford it. The Washington
College Promise is our new statewide free college program that guarantees state financial aid to eligible students. We did this because a student's financial challenges should not stand in the way of the pursuit of their dreams.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Washington legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Kim Reynolds:
Additional $93M to invest in our students
The budget I'm submitting proposes over $93 million in additional funding for preschool through high school education, which includes a 2.3% increase in per pupil funding. I'm asking for a $1 million increase in STEM funding. In total, that will bring
our preK-12 investment to almost $3.4 billion this year. Iowans know that a quality education can't be reduced to a dollar figure or a percentage increase. It's about one thing and one thing only: How well we prepare our children to succeed.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Iowa legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Raise school salaries; pay for supplies; universal pre-K
We are going to deliver a moonshot for public education in New Mexico: A half billion dollars for our classrooms, new money, put to its best possible use, right now. We are going to raise our educators' salaries by 6 percent across the board.
We are going to raise the minimum salaries for every level of educators by at least 10 percent. And we're putting $5 million into a fund for teachers to buy supplies for their classrooms - so that they are no longer paying out of pocket.
This is the moment we put New Mexico on the path to universal pre-k. We need the classroom slots, we need the educators, and we need the educators who will educate the educators. My budget calls for investing $60 million in new pre-k classroom slots
so we increase our statewide enrollment to 80 percent within the next five years. And that includes money for early childhood educator scholarships, so that we are proactively building and supporting the next generation of top-flight educators.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Michelle Lujan-Grisham:
Target aid for Native American & bilingual students
I have proposed an almost 200 percent increase in our Indian Education Fund. Our Native American students will not be left behind. And an additional $55 million for our bilingual and multicultural programs, training more dual-language qualified teachers
and ensuring bilingual families will not be left behind. Let our unique multicultural identity be a shining light for this country. Let us show the world how inclusion and empowerment make all of us stronger.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Mexico legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Phil Bryant:
Teachers deserve first pay raise since 2014
No one throughout our state's history has sacrificed more to better the lives of Mississippi children than our teachers. Our gratitude to these classroom heroes and the essential value of public education are why we passed a $100 million teacher pay
raise in 2014 and why I now call on the members of this body to join me in giving teachers their second pay raise in five years. Send me a bill to authorize a pay raise for these most critical guardians of Mississippi's future, and I will sign it.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Mississippi legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Phil Murphy:
Invest in pre-K & free community college
We invested hundreds of millions of dollars in our schools and pre-K. Now, 4,000 more three- and four-year-olds are attending a high-quality pre-K program. And, starting this semester, 13,000 worthy students are attending community college tuition-free.
We were able to make these investments by asking those with incomes over $5 million to pay a little more, and by ensuring a more equitable distribution of school aid.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Jersey legislature
Jan 15, 2019
Doug Ducey:
Choice and competition brings about innovation
Arizona has been the leader in school choice. It's good for parents, and most of all, it's good for kids. Healthy choice and competition brings about innovation, and that's been the case in Arizona public education. But we also know improvements can be
made. More transparency, more accountability, and granting more financial review and oversight over taxpayer dollars--all with the purpose of making sure every public school is improving and providing Arizona kids with the best-possible education.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Arizona legislature
Jan 14, 2019
Kate Brown:
Close opportunity gap and invest in rural education
After years of underinvestment, it's going to take more than just additional funding to bring our schools back to a level we can be proud of. We have failed our students of color and we have left rural Oregon behind. Now is the time to close that
opportunity gap. Our education system is in desperate need of repair, reform, and reinvestment. I will work with you, the business community, teachers, and parents to fund K-12 schools at a level that ensures our districts aren't forced to make cuts.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to the Oregon legislature
Jan 14, 2019
Jared Polis:
Started two public charter schools for at-risk youth
We all agree that every child deserves a great education. One of the great joys of my life was starting the New America School and the Academy of Urban Learning--public charter schools for at-risk youth--and seeing how kids who had fallen through
the cracks in our education system could take off and go on to achieve amazing things once they were given the opportunity.It's time for us to build a Colorado education system where every single child--regardless of their zip code--gets a great
education that prepares them for a bright future. And it begins with preschool and kindergarten. Our top priority this session is empowering every single Colorado community to offer free, full-day kindergarten, while expanding free preschool to
8,000 more Colorado children.
"Free Kindergarten Now" for all children will save taxpayer money in the long run by increasing incomes and decreasing the achievement gap. It will strengthen families, our communities, and our economy.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Colorado legislature
Jan 10, 2019
Jim Justice:
5% teacher's pay raise, as part of education reform
I would have said before, "Make education our centerpiece. " You see, I've really been a believer that education is the hot spot that really can change our image. Now, we have decided to invest. We got rid of A through F. We absolutely got rid of
so much of the ridiculous testing, and we put control back in the local hands as much as we can.
We absolutely gave a 5% teacher's pay raise, and we ended up giving a 5% across-the-board pay raise to all State employees.
We did change our image. We've still got a long ways to go, but we did change it.
In regard to PEIA, [the Public Employees Insurance Agency], I promised that we would put $50,000,000 in PEIA one year, and $100,000,000 total. Well, we've got enough
surplus dollars, we could put $100,000,000 into PEIA right now. But today, PEIA does not need any true-up moneys. Putting $100,000,000 into PEIA is a giant first step. And we can do that, and that is exactly what we're going to do.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to West Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Mark Gordon:
Wyoming Works: tech education to enable nimble workforce
Over the course of the last couple of years Wyoming, like a lot of states, is suffering from a lack of a skilled workforce. Education is changing. Our economy is changing. Today, more than ever we need to provide the educational opportunities to enable
a nimble workforce to find a job with companies right here in Wyoming.That is why I support a suite of proposals including Wyoming Works, which promise new ways for high school students and even adults to continue their technical education and this
would also stand up career and technical education programs in our community colleges. I believe Wyoming should create a new Trust Fund under the Amendment A provision, with private industry's support and a Wyoming match, would offer scholarships for
Career and Technical Education. I look forward to making Wyoming Works a reality. I applaud those bills that would help Wyoming students move more seamlessly from high school to college and from community colleges to the University of Wyoming.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Wyoming legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Pay raise for teachers, to retain the best and brightest
I am eager to work with you to give our teachers the largest single-year pay raise in 15 years. This isn't just about the educators who deserve to be paid more. It's about improving the education we offer our children by ensuring that we
can attract and retain the best and brightest educators to classrooms in every corner of our Commonwealth. Raising teacher pay is only part of the puzzle when it comes to making sure that every Virginia student is able to reach their full potential.
Schools, educational leaders, and parents across the Commonwealth have been clear that students need a variety of services to succeed in the classroom.
That's why I've proposed to fund more positions for
school counselors statewide, and additional flexible funding so that school divisions can make their own decisions about which services will most benefit their students.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Ralph Northam:
More tuition assistance; protect consumers on student loans
We need to work even harder to make postsecondary education more affordable and accessible to all students. We're working with the Virginia Community College System to reframe their programming, so that students can get the skills they need on the
front end for 21st century jobs. Our training certificate programs and our higher education system need to work hand in hand. And they need to be affordable.
Expensive tuition and high student debt can close the door to opportunity for too many people.
My budget would offer more tuition assistance, and requires our institutions to create tuition predictability plans.
It is high time we began regulating the companies that service our student loans. While people may not be able to avoid taking on debt to get an education, they should be able to count on basic consumer protections.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Brad Little:
Invest in public school teacher salary increases
Education policy requires long-term planning and commitment. These past four years, Idaho has a successful record of responsible investment in education. We have increased the budget for our schools by 32%. This past year, Idaho teachers received one
of the nation's largest year-to-year pay increases.As Governor, I will continue our momentum and be an unrelenting advocate for educational excellence in our state. To amplify the voices of those on the front lines of education, I will create a
Children's Cabinet to advise me throughout my term on a variety of education issues. My Children's Cabinet will consist of traditional education stakeholders, parents, and groups across our state dedicated to advocating for children.
Our Task Force on
Public Education and its five-year plan has been the envy of other states. It has been the force behind an unprecedented, sustained effort to improve Idaho education.
My budget recommends the next phase of increased teacher salaries.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Idaho legislature
Jan 7, 2019
Gavin Newsom:
College without crushing debt for every young person
We will offer an alternative to the corruption and incompetence in the White House. Our government will be progressive, principled, and always on the side of the people. We will be a "California for All." We will not be divided between rural and
urban or north and south or coastal and inland. We will strive for solidarity and face our most threatening problems--together.
Everyone in California should have a good job with fair pay. Every child should have a great school and
a teacher who is supported and respected. Every young person should be able to go to college without crushing debt or to get the training they need to compete and succeed. And every senior should be able to retire with security and live at home
with dignity. That is the California Dream. Not to get rich quick or star on the big screen, but to work hard and share in the rewards. To leave a better future for our kids.
Source: 2019 California governor inaugural (State of the State)
Jan 7, 2019
Charlie Baker:
Update Foundation Formula for urban vs. suburban districts
25 years ago, Massachusetts wasn't a national leader in public education. Since then, we've achieved remarkable success by working together on a series of education reforms. As a result, Massachusetts students have scored number one on the National
Assessment of Educational Progress exams in English and math for much of the past decade. And last year finished first on the Advanced Placement exams as well.
But when it comes to the difference in performance between urban and suburban school
districts, we can and must do better. The Foundation Formula needs to be updated and we'll propose updates when our budget is filed later this month.
But progress isn't just about money. Our budget will also include opportunities for underperforming
school districts to invest jointly with the Department of Education in proven best practices like acceleration academies, professional development, after school enrichment and leadership development programs.
Source: 2019 Massachusetts governor inaugural (State of the State)
Jan 3, 2019
Charlie Baker:
Added 4,000 seats to vocational and technical schools
Think about the Commonwealth's leadership on national issues. We have a K-12 education system that, despite its limitations, is the envy of the country. This story was written by a large cast of leaders and contributors across decades
of deliberation and action. We added 4,000 seats to our superb vocational and technical schools. And we invested $50 million in capital grants to upgrade equipment and expand programs in high demand fields.
Source: 2019 Massachusetts governor inaugural (State of the State)
Jan 3, 2019
Chris Sununu:
NH Career Academies: Opportunities for high school students
I am proud to announce today the creation of 'New Hampshire Career Academies'. Working with our community college system existing funds, our students can take advantage of an optional fifth year of high school that will be enable them to receive a high
school diploma, a certificate and a College Associates Degree free of cost to the student. It also comes with something else, a guaranteed interview with a New Hampshire company for a job right here in the Granite State.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Hampshire legislature
Jan 3, 2019
Doug Burgum:
Invest in K-12 for our No. 1 resource--our young people
Our private sector prosperity has allowed us to build and maintain a strong foundation in K-12 and higher education--investing in our No. 1 resource--the young people of North Dakota. Right now, we can make smart, bold investments with long-lasting
impacts--while delivering a fiscally conservative and structurally sound budget that improves transparency--replenishes reserves--and does this all without raising taxes! In 2017, we set out to transform education in North Dakota. Our goal: to ensure
our K12 and higher education systems are best equipped to adapt to new technologies and delivery methods--and prepare students for success in the fast-changing digital economy. We supported establishing the K-12 Innovation Academy. This partnership--
between public entities and private philanthropy--supplies concrete strategies for transforming education--while also creating a statewide network to advance best practices and community-led initiatives.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to North Dakota Legislature
Jan 3, 2019
Page last updated: Apr 02, 2019