Early State of the State Highlights
Gov. Mike Easley is giving his final State of the State address right about … now.
- Click here for the news release.
- Click here for the text of the speech. A note on these: Easley frequently goes off book, so what’s written down might not be exactly what he says.
After a quick read-through, here are my highlights from his speech:
- Easley urged the lawmakers to take more steps on ethics reform, but did not call on them to pass a specific proposal. And, at least in the written text, does not mention former House Speaker Jim Black by name.
“Lastly, you took needed steps toward ethics and campaign reform last session. But, this year and every year to come, there will always be more work to be done and more improvements to be made.”
- Easley called for the expansion of his Learn and Earn high school initiative, a program that allows students to earn college credit while still in High School.
“My budget will include support to take Learn and Earn early college high school statewide. It is only fair to give every student in every corner of every county in North Carolina the opportunity to take college-level courses and earn an associate's degree at their high school, and they can do it for free.”
- Easley said his budget would create a grant program to help poor students go to college.
“But students, I want you to hear me clearly. This plan is not a free lunch. You have to earn it. With every opportunity comes accountability. We will supply a grant, but you have to keep your grades up and be willing to work 10 hours a week. If you do, you can graduate from college in North Carolina debt free. “
- Easley called on the state to provide health care for children in the foster care system until they were 21-years-old. Currently, they leave the state health insurance rolls at 18.
- Easley proposed eliminating income tax for the state’s poorest families.
“Tonight, I propose that we eliminate the income tax entirely for almost 600,000 North Carolina taxpayers and cut it in half for over 600,000 more. This will send a message in a loud and mighty voice that we place a premium on work and we mean for it to pay off for hard-working people.”
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