WEBVTT 00:01.434 --> 00:06.439 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% [STATELY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] 00:23.957 --> 00:26.626 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% >> THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL COME TO ORDER. 00:36.269 --> 00:41.274 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE IS RECOGNIZED. 00:41.408 --> 00:45.045 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >> MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE THE HONOR TO ANNOUNCE THE PRESENCE 00:45.178 --> 00:49.616 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OF HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, 00:49.749 --> 00:53.420 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% THE HONORABLE ROY COOPER. 00:53.553 --> 00:56.823 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >> THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE WILL ADMIT 00:56.956 --> 01:00.460 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WHO IS INVITED TO THE WELL OF THE 01:00.593 --> 01:04.531 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% HOUSE. 01:04.664 --> 01:19.079 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 01:19.212 --> 01:33.626 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 01:33.760 --> 01:48.541 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 01:48.675 --> 01:53.446 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >> MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE THE DISTINCT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO 01:53.580 --> 02:00.019 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PRESENT HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF 02:00.153 --> 02:03.123 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% NORTH CAROLINA, THE HONORABLE ROY A. COOPER. 02:03.256 --> 02:18.938 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 02:19.072 --> 02:20.373 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% >> THANK YOU, GUYS. 02:20.507 --> 02:27.080 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >> MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, 02:27.213 --> 02:27.981 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% THE HONORABLE ROY COOPER. 02:28.114 --> 02:47.100 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 02:47.233 --> 02:51.304 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >> MR. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE 02:51.437 --> 02:55.842 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% GENERAL ASSEMBLY, COUNCIL OF STATE, MR. CHIEF JUSTICE AND 02:55.975 --> 03:02.515 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, 03:02.649 --> 03:06.953 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CABINET SECRETARIES, AND TO MY FAMILY: MY AMAZING WIFE KRISTIN 03:07.086 --> 03:12.225 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND OUR THREE WONDERFUL DAUGHTERS, WHO ARE WITH US IN 03:12.358 --> 03:16.396 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% SPIRIT AND WATCHING VIA PBS NORTH CAROLINA TV. 03:16.529 --> 03:20.200 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% GOOD EVENING. 03:20.333 --> 03:24.904 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I AM HONORED TO BE WITH YOU TONIGHT. 03:25.038 --> 03:28.041 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WE GATHER AFTER A YEAR WE COULD NOT HAVE IMAGINED. 03:28.174 --> 03:30.210 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND NOW WE LOOK TO A FUTURE THAT CAN BE EVEN BETTER THAN WE 03:30.343 --> 03:32.445 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% IMAGINE. 03:32.579 --> 03:38.151 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% OUR RESPONSE TO AN UNPRECEDENTED, 03:38.284 --> 03:42.922 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION CHALLENGE IS SHOWING US CLEARLY THAT NORTH 03:43.056 --> 03:47.026 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% CAROLINIANS ARE RESILIENT AND READY. 03:47.160 --> 03:50.830 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% THE STATE OF OUR STATE IS STRONG. 03:50.964 --> 03:58.238 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 03:58.371 --> 04:04.611 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND THAT'S BECAUSE THE CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITIES IS EVEN 04:04.744 --> 04:06.212 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% STRONGER. 04:06.346 --> 04:10.416 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WE HAVE SHOWN WE ARE COMPASSIONATE. 04:10.550 --> 04:14.254 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AMID A YEAR OF SUFFERING AND LOSS, NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE 04:14.387 --> 04:17.490 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% NEVER STOPPED SHOWING UP FOR EACH OTHER. 04:17.624 --> 04:21.995 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS HAVE SACRIFICED THEIR OWN SAFETY TO 04:22.128 --> 04:23.596 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% SAVE LIVES. 04:23.730 --> 04:26.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% NEIGHBORS HAVE DELIVERED MEALS. 04:26.399 --> 04:32.538 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% FAMILIES HAVE FOUND NEW WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED. 04:32.672 --> 04:35.708 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SONGS FROM GRANDCHILDREN HAVE POURED THROUGH NURSING HOME 04:35.842 --> 04:37.277 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% WINDOWS. 04:37.410 --> 04:40.446 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EDUCATORS HAVE ENGAGED AND NURTURED THEIR STUDENTS EVEN 04:40.580 --> 04:44.617 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% THROUGH THE COMPUTER SCREEN. 04:44.751 --> 04:47.854 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THERE ARE ENDLESS EXAMPLES OF KINDNESS AND STRENGTH THAT WE 04:47.987 --> 04:50.723 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% HAVE SHOWN EACH OTHER. 04:50.857 --> 04:56.296 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% WE HAVE LOST A LOT THIS YEAR. 04:56.429 --> 05:01.034 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PAINFULLY, THE 12,560 NORTH CAROLINIANS WHO DIED WITH 05:01.167 --> 05:04.771 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% COVID-19 FROM PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO FAVORITE TEACHERS, 05:04.904 --> 05:12.679 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AND MANY MORE. 05:12.812 --> 05:14.247 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THEIR LIVES HAVE FOREVER ENRICHED OURS AND WE WILL CARRY 05:14.380 --> 05:18.985 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THEM WITH US ALWAYS. AND NOT ONLY HAVE WE LOST LOVED ONES, WE 05:19.118 --> 05:23.790 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HAVE ALSO LOST TIME TO SICKNESS, LOST LEARNING, LOST JOBS, LOST 05:23.923 --> 05:30.596 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% PEACE OF MIND. 05:30.730 --> 05:37.637 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ONE THING THIS PANDEMIC LAID BARE IS THE INEQUITIES THAT WERE 05:37.770 --> 05:41.641 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% ALREADY HERE. 05:41.774 --> 05:43.743 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE CRITICAL NEED TO STRENGTHEN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND REQUIRE A 05:43.876 --> 05:53.753 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SOUND, BASIC EDUCATION FOR ALL OUR CHILDREN AS OUR CONSTITUTION 05:53.886 --> 05:55.154 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% MANDATES. 05:55.288 --> 06:02.061 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 06:02.195 --> 06:05.031 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THE GAPS IN HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS. 06:05.164 --> 06:09.769 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE UNLIVABLE WAGES THAT REQUIRE MANY HARDWORKING NORTH 06:09.902 --> 06:12.905 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CAROLINIANS -- JUST TO MAKE ENDS MEET - TO TAKE ON MULTIPLE JOBS 06:13.039 --> 06:19.345 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THAT DON'T PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE. 06:19.479 --> 06:22.382 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUT IF WE CAN HARNESS ALL WE HAVE LEARNED FROM OUR LOSS, WE 06:22.515 --> 06:29.322 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CAN BOOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS. 06:29.455 --> 06:35.795 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE TRAINING NEEDED FOR A 06:35.928 --> 06:37.029 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% BETTER-PAYING JOB. 06:37.163 --> 06:39.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET HEALTH INSURANCE. 06:39.899 --> 06:42.301 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET CONNECTED TO TELEMEDICINE, HOMEWORK, AND 06:42.435 --> 06:44.003 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% LOVED ONES WHO LIVE FAR AWAY. 06:44.137 --> 06:51.878 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROSPER. 06:52.011 --> 06:54.013 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THIS PAST YEAR HAS IMPACTED EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN OUR STATE 06:54.147 --> 06:58.217 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND HAS REQUIRED THE COLLECTIVE EFFORT OF NORTH CAROLINIANS TO 06:58.351 --> 07:02.488 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% STAY SAFE AND SAVE LIVES. 07:02.622 --> 07:07.260 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FROM THE BEGINNING, I PLEDGED THAT WE WOULD LISTEN TO HEALTH 07:07.393 --> 07:14.367 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EXPERTS AND FOLLOW THE SCIENCE TO PROTECT OUR STATE. 07:14.500 --> 07:15.802 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% AND WE HAVE DONE JUST THAT. 07:15.935 --> 07:18.304 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE DECISIVE ACTIONS WE HAVE TAKEN SAVED LIVES AND PREVENTED 07:18.438 --> 07:20.940 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% OUR HOSPITALS FROM BEING OVERWHELMED. 07:21.073 --> 07:28.314 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE AND THANK HEALTH CARE WORKERS ACROSS 07:28.448 --> 07:29.849 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% OUR STATE. 07:29.982 --> 07:35.888 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% YOUR COMMITMENT AND COURAGE HAVE MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. 07:36.022 --> 07:36.489 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% THANK YOU. 07:36.622 --> 07:52.138 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 07:52.271 --> 08:03.783 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 08:03.916 --> 08:09.388 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OUR STATE'S RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN STRONG. 08:09.522 --> 08:12.758 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND EVERY PHASE OF IT HAS REQUIRED NORTH CAROLINIANS FROM 08:12.892 --> 08:15.928 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CHEROKEE TO CHOWAN TO STEP UP AND DO THEIR PART, INCLUDING THE 08:16.062 --> 08:19.599 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM TONIGHT. 08:19.732 --> 08:25.905 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FARMERS, RESTAURANT COOKS, GROCERY STORE WORKERS KEPT US 08:26.038 --> 08:27.173 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% FED. 08:27.306 --> 08:28.641 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% EDUCATORS, BUS DRIVERS, CUSTODIANS, AND CAFETERIA 08:28.774 --> 08:35.414 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WORKERS HELPED OUR CHILDREN TO GET MEALS, STAY SAFE, AND LEARN. 08:35.548 --> 08:41.754 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS KEPT US PROTECTED. 08:41.888 --> 08:47.026 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PASSIONATE PEACEFUL PROTESTERS OF ALL STRIPES CHALLENGED US AND 08:47.159 --> 08:50.730 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% REMINDED US THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM OF 08:50.863 --> 08:52.365 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% SPEECH. 08:52.498 --> 08:57.570 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% FAITH LEADERS PRAYED FOR, HELPED, AND COMFORTED US. 08:57.703 --> 09:00.740 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SCIENTISTS AND RESEARCHERS AT OUR GREAT UNIVERSITIES HELPED 09:00.873 --> 09:04.477 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% DISCOVER AND MAKE VACCINES AND TREATMENTS. 09:04.610 --> 09:10.816 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% MOMS, DADS, GRANDPARENTS, CHILDREN, NEIGHBORS, 09:10.950 --> 09:13.986 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FRIENDS-EVERYDAY PEOPLE-ENDURED TOGETHER AND HELPED EACH OTHER. 09:14.120 --> 09:20.293 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% YOU SEE, NORTH CAROLINIANS STEP UP IN TIMES OF CRISIS. 09:20.426 --> 09:23.996 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND WHILE OUR SPECIAL GUESTS CANNOT BE IN THE BUILDING 09:24.130 --> 09:26.198 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TONIGHT, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE A FEW NORTH CAROLINIANS WHO HAVE 09:26.332 --> 09:30.303 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE. 09:30.436 --> 09:34.507 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% A LOT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMPANIES AT THEIR OWN ECONOMIC 09:34.640 --> 09:41.881 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% RISK CHANGED WHAT THEY WERE DOING AND STARTED MAKING THINGS 09:42.014 --> 09:43.282 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WE NEEDED RIGHT THEN TO SAVE LIVES. 09:43.416 --> 09:47.687 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% INSTEAD OF JUST MAKING FURNITURE, CUSTOM CONTRACTS 09:47.820 --> 09:52.458 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FURNISHINGS IN HIGH POINT TEAMED UP WITH A LOCAL FABRICS COMPANY 09:52.592 --> 09:54.527 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% TO MAKE MEDICAL GOWNS. 09:54.660 --> 09:56.629 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THEY HIRED 50 NEW EMPLOYEES AND MADE OVER A MILLION GOWNS FOR 09:56.762 --> 10:01.901 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% OUR STATE AND OTHER CUSTOMERS. 10:02.034 --> 10:07.707 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN MARCH OF 2020, RIGHT AS THE PANDEMIC BEGAN, PARKDALE MILLS 10:07.840 --> 10:10.343 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN GASTONIA WORKED WITH A GROUP OF COMPANIES TO PUT TOGETHER A 10:10.476 --> 10:13.613 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% REUSABLE MASK - SUPPLYING OVER 600 MILLION OF THEM ACROSS THE 10:13.746 --> 10:17.717 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% COUNTRY. 10:17.850 --> 10:22.455 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THIS KIND OF INGENUITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS HELPED US GET 10:22.588 --> 10:26.692 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% DESPERATELY-NEEDED PPE TO FRONTLINE WORKERS WHEN THEY 10:26.826 --> 10:28.227 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH. 10:28.361 --> 10:31.197 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THAT NORTH CAROLINA INGENUITY UNFOLDED ACROSS THE STATE IN 10:31.330 --> 10:35.868 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% MANY WAYS. 10:36.002 --> 10:39.872 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FELECIA YOUNG, A MATH TEACHER AT KNOX MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SALISBURY, 10:40.006 --> 10:45.144 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% KNEW REMOTE LEARNING WOULD BE A CHALLENGE. 10:45.277 --> 10:48.914 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% SO SHE WENT THE EXTRA MILE TO MAKE IT FUN. 10:49.048 --> 10:53.052 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE PRODUCED VIDEOS WITH MUSIC, DANCE, AND SONG THAT HELPED YOU 10:53.185 --> 10:57.790 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WITH MATH EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T WANT THEM TO. 10:57.923 --> 10:59.892 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE KEPT IN SUCH CLOSE CONTACT WITH HER STUDENTS AND THEIR 11:00.026 --> 11:04.797 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% FAMILIES, SHE EARNED THE NICKNAME "MAMA YOUNG." 11:04.930 --> 11:12.104 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID 11:12.238 --> 11:14.240 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WALLISER COORDINATED VACCINE SITES ALONG WITH EMERGENCY 11:14.373 --> 11:15.775 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MANAGEMENT AND STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIALS ACROSS THE 11:15.908 --> 11:21.047 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% STATE AND HELPED ORGANIZE THE FEDERALLY-SUPPORTED SITE IN 11:21.180 --> 11:22.381 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% GREENSBORO. 11:22.515 --> 11:26.852 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AS HE SAID, "NO GREAT ACHIEVEMENT IS ACHIEVED ALONE." 11:26.986 --> 11:29.488 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% COL. WALLISER KNEW THAT WITH ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER WE COULD 11:29.622 --> 11:34.794 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% GET MORE PEOPLE VACCINATED. 11:34.927 --> 11:38.497 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND, OF COURSE, THERE ARE ENDLESS STORIES OF OUR HEROIC 11:38.631 --> 11:43.202 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FRONTLINE HEALTH WORKERS WHO FOUGHT THIS PANDEMIC TIRELESSLY 11:43.335 --> 11:45.538 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% WITH COURAGE AND COMPASSION. 11:45.671 --> 11:50.042 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ONE OF THESE IS NATESHA FIELDS, A NURSE AND MANAGER AT CAROLINA 11:50.176 --> 11:53.212 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% EAST MEDICAL CENTER IN NEW BERN. 11:53.345 --> 11:57.950 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE HAD THE DOUBLE CHALLENGE OF CARING FOR HER PATIENTS AND HER 11:58.084 --> 11:59.719 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% STAFF. 11:59.852 --> 12:02.855 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FROM DEALING WITH PPE SHORTAGES TO CARING FOR DYING PATIENTS TO 12:02.988 --> 12:09.628 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SUPPORTING HER STAFF MEMBERS WHO WERE WORKING LONG HOURS AMID 12:09.762 --> 12:15.401 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THEIR OWN SACRIFICES, SHE KEPT THINGS RUNNING AND KEPT PEOPLE 12:15.534 --> 12:16.802 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% SAFE. 12:16.936 --> 12:21.741 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NATESHA, DAVID, FELECIA, CUSTOM CONTRACTS FURNISHING, AND 12:21.874 --> 12:25.945 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PARKDALE MILLS AND SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE AND COMPANIES IN OUR 12:26.078 --> 12:30.616 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% STATE STEPPED UP. 12:30.750 --> 12:34.386 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THEM. 12:34.520 --> 12:43.329 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND NOW IT'S TIME FOR US TO STEP UP. 12:43.462 --> 12:44.764 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% THE ELECTED LEADERS. 12:44.897 --> 12:52.838 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NORTH CAROLINIANS WANT US TO WORK TOGETHER LIKE THEY HAVE HAD 12:52.972 --> 12:54.406 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% TO DO. 12:54.540 --> 12:56.308 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, WE KNOW WE CAN FIND COMMON GROUND 12:56.442 --> 12:59.478 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% BECAUSE WE HAVE DONE IT BEFORE. 12:59.612 --> 13:01.280 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OUR DIFFERENCES OFTEN GET THE ATTENTION, BUT OUR COOPERATION 13:01.413 --> 13:06.085 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% GOT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN RELIEF FUNDS TO PEOPLE WHO 13:06.218 --> 13:07.553 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% NEEDED IT. 13:07.686 --> 13:09.789 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% YOU PASSED AND I SIGNED LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FUNDING 13:09.922 --> 13:16.095 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% TO REBUILD AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS. 13:16.228 --> 13:19.799 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WE PASSED THE BUILD NC BONDS FOR BETTER ROADS. 13:19.932 --> 13:23.502 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE LANDED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING JOBS WITH STRATEGIC 13:23.636 --> 13:28.240 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND ACCOUNTABLE ECONOMIC INCENTIVES. 13:28.374 --> 13:34.046 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE GOT RID OF THE DISCRIMINATORY HOUSE BILL 2. 13:34.180 --> 13:36.448 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE RAISED THE AGE FOR JUVENILES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. 13:36.582 --> 13:40.686 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND JUST LAST MONTH TOGETHER WE GOT MORE CHILDREN SAFELY INTO 13:40.820 --> 13:45.958 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% THEIR CLASSROOMS. 13:46.091 --> 13:50.930 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND WE'RE WORKING WITH EACH OTHER ON PANDEMIC RESPONSE. 13:51.063 --> 13:52.398 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE RECOGNIZED THAT THOUSANDS OF NORTH CAROLINIANS WERE 13:52.531 --> 13:56.502 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THREATENED WITH EVICTION AND POWER SHUTOFFS DURING THE 13:56.635 --> 13:58.070 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% PANDEMIC. 13:58.204 --> 13:59.471 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MY ADMINISTRATION CREATED AND YOU FUNDED THE HOPE PROGRAM TO 13:59.605 --> 14:03.976 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MAKE PAYMENTS DIRECTLY TO LANDLORDS AND UTILITIES TO KEEP 14:04.109 --> 14:06.612 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES WITH THE LIGHTS ON AND IT'S ALREADY 14:06.745 --> 14:12.952 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HELPED OVER 36,000 FAMILIES AND PAID OUT ALMOST $125 MILLION. 14:13.085 --> 14:19.792 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TOGETHER WE'RE HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS BOUNCE BACK WITH 14:19.925 --> 14:23.462 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THEIR RENT AND UTILITIES. 14:23.596 --> 14:25.064 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ONE OF THESE IS THE BAR-B-Q CENTER IN LEXINGTON THAT'S BEEN 14:25.197 --> 14:28.767 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% FAMILY-OWNED AND OPEN SINCE 1955. 14:28.901 --> 14:32.438 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THIS MONEY ALLOWED THEM TO KEEP THEIR DOORS OPEN, PAY AND KEEP 14:32.571 --> 14:36.141 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THEIR EMPLOYEES, WHILE STILL SERVING GREAT BARBECUE. 14:36.275 --> 14:41.947 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% YOU PASSED AND I SIGNED LEGISLATION WAIVING ABC PERMIT 14:42.081 --> 14:44.583 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FEES, SAVING STRUGGLING BAR AND RESTAURANT OWNERS MILLIONS, 14:44.717 --> 14:48.254 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% DIRECTING FEDERAL FUNDS TO SCHOOLS TO KEEP THEM SAFE, 14:48.387 --> 14:55.394 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH SUMMER SCHOOL AND WITH BETTER WAYS TO 14:55.527 --> 14:56.562 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% LEARN TO READ. 14:56.695 --> 15:01.467 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND WE KNOW WE MUST DO SO MUCH MORE. 15:01.600 --> 15:05.204 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE OFTEN HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES IN THESE CHAMBERS, BUT THE PEOPLE 15:05.337 --> 15:10.676 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OF NORTH CAROLINA SHOULD KNOW THAT AT TIMES, WHEN IT MATTERED, 15:10.809 --> 15:12.044 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% THEIR LEADERS STEPPED UP. 15:12.177 --> 15:17.349 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% AND NOW WE NEED TO DO IT AGAIN. 15:17.483 --> 15:24.723 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ONE WAY IS FIGHTING THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC TOGETHER, THE RIGHT 15:24.857 --> 15:26.292 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% WAY. 15:26.425 --> 15:29.962 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THOUGH EVERY LOSS HURT, NORTH CAROLINA RANKS LOW AMONG THE 15:30.095 --> 15:35.234 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% STATES IN COVID-19 DEATHS PER CAPITA DURING THE PANDEMIC. 15:35.367 --> 15:37.870 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% DURING THE SAME PERIOD NORTH CAROLINA RANKS LOW AMONG STATES 15:38.003 --> 15:41.040 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN JOB LOSSES PER CAPITA. WE'VE SAVED LIVES DURING THE PANDEMIC 15:41.173 --> 15:47.913 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND DEPLOYED VACCINES TO BRING OUR ECONOMY ON STRONG. 15:48.047 --> 15:50.015 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% WE ARE DOING THIS THE RIGHT WAY. 15:50.149 --> 15:55.621 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ALMOST HALF OF OUR STATE'S ADULTS HAVE HAD AT LEAST A FIRST 15:55.754 --> 15:58.457 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHOT OF VACCINE, AND ALMOST 40 PERCENT ARE FULLY VACCINATED. 15:58.590 --> 16:03.228 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE'RE DOING EVEN BETTER WITH OUR 65 AND OVER POPULATION WITH MORE 16:03.362 --> 16:08.534 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THAN 77 PERCENT WITH AT LEAST ONE SHOT AND MORE THAN 72 16:08.667 --> 16:11.170 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% PERCENT FULLY VACCINATED. 16:11.303 --> 16:12.604 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% THAT'S REMARKABLE. 16:12.738 --> 16:15.908 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EVERY DOSE IS ANOTHER PERSON SAVED, ANOTHER FAMILY CLOSER TO 16:16.041 --> 16:18.510 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% IMMUNITY. 16:18.644 --> 16:24.350 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NOW, THINK WHAT MORE WE CAN DO IF WE KEEP WORKING TOGETHER. 16:24.483 --> 16:28.020 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OUR FUTURE SUCCESS AS A STATE DEPENDS ON US GETTING HEALTH 16:28.153 --> 16:33.826 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% CARE TO WORKING PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE IT. 16:33.959 --> 16:37.496 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SEVERAL OF YOU TOP LEGISLATORS FROM BOTH PARTIES SAT WITH 16:37.629 --> 16:42.234 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DR. MANDY COHEN AND ME 16:42.368 --> 16:44.436 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ON THE NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL FOR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE, AND WE 16:44.570 --> 16:49.608 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% UNANIMOUSLY AGREED ON A SET OF PRINCIPLES. 16:49.742 --> 16:52.778 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SOME WERE STRAIGHT FORWARD: GET MORE PEOPLE COVERED WITH HEALTH 16:52.911 --> 16:55.414 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% INSURANCE. 16:55.547 --> 16:56.448 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% MAKE PEOPLE HEALTHIER. 16:56.582 --> 16:57.983 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% USE TAX DOLLARS WISELY. 16:58.117 --> 17:03.422 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OTHERS WERE MORE COMPLICATED: MAKE HEALTH CARE MORE FAIR. 17:03.555 --> 17:07.059 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% AND REACH RURAL AREAS. 17:07.192 --> 17:12.865 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO ALL THESE THINGS IS THERE IF WE EXPAND 17:12.998 --> 17:16.035 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% MEDICAID. 17:16.168 --> 17:20.239 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND CIRCUMSTANCES ABOUT MEDICAID EXPANSION HAVE CHANGED 17:20.372 --> 17:24.443 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% DRAMATICALLY SINCE WE DEBATED IT IN THE LAST BUDGET. 17:24.576 --> 17:28.680 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FIRST, EVEN MORE FEDERAL DOLLARS - OUR TAX MONEY - ARE AVAILABLE 17:28.814 --> 17:32.885 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNTS FOR THE LAST FEW STATES THAT HAVE NOT 17:33.018 --> 17:34.253 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% EXPANDED. 17:34.386 --> 17:36.588 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THAT CAN MAKE OUR RURAL HOSPITALS THRIVE, PROVIDE MENTAL 17:36.722 --> 17:43.429 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% HEALTH AND KEEP WORKING PEOPLE HEALTHY. 17:43.562 --> 17:46.065 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SECOND, YOUR PUSH TO TRANSITION MEDICAID TO MANAGED CARE IS 17:46.198 --> 17:50.269 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HAPPENING IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS, AND YOU HAVE SAID THIS WILL MAKE 17:50.402 --> 17:55.541 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% MEDICAID MORE EFFICIENT AND SAVE TAXPAYER MONEY. 17:55.674 --> 17:58.177 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THIRD, PEOPLE WHO'VE LOST THEIR JOBS AND THEIR 17:58.310 --> 18:00.813 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EMPLOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH INSURANCE DURING THIS PANDEMIC 18:00.946 --> 18:05.084 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% DESPERATELY NEED THIS HELP. 18:05.217 --> 18:09.288 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE HEAR TIME AND AGAIN FROM SMALL BUSINESSES ABOUT THE 18:09.421 --> 18:12.991 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% URGENT NEED FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION. 18:13.125 --> 18:16.161 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ONE BUSINESS OWNER WHO HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR IT IS CASSANDRA 18:16.295 --> 18:17.596 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% BROOKS. 18:17.729 --> 18:21.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE OPERATES CHILDCARE CENTERS IN CLAYTON AND GARNER. 18:21.233 --> 18:23.535 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% HER CENTERS CARED FOR THE CHILDREN OF GROCERY STORE 18:23.669 --> 18:26.171 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CLERKS, NURSES, AND OTHER FRONTLINE WORKERS WHO HAD TO 18:26.305 --> 18:31.009 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WORK IN-PERSON ALL THROUGH THE PANDEMIC. 18:31.143 --> 18:34.079 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CASSANDRA HAD A FRIEND AND CO-WORKER DIE FROM A STROKE WHEN 18:34.213 --> 18:37.783 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE COULD NOT AFFORD TREATMENT FOR HER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. 18:37.916 --> 18:43.055 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE HAS SEEN PEOPLE WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE GET SICK WITH 18:43.188 --> 18:47.292 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% COVID-19 AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE CARE THEY NEEDED. 18:47.426 --> 18:52.531 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ONE IN FIVE CHILDCARE PROVIDERS DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. 18:52.664 --> 18:54.066 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% THAT'S NOT RIGHT. 18:54.199 --> 18:57.269 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EXPANDING MEDICAID DOES ALL THE THINGS WE AGREED ON IN OUR 18:57.402 --> 19:00.973 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% BIPARTISAN COUNCIL MEETINGS. 19:01.106 --> 19:03.675 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% IT GETS MORE PEOPLE COVERED. 19:03.809 --> 19:05.244 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% IT MAKES PEOPLE HEALTHIER. 19:05.377 --> 19:07.880 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IT USES TAX DOLLARS WISELY AND REDUCES HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR 19:08.013 --> 19:08.981 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% BUSINESSES. 19:09.114 --> 19:12.117 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% IT MAKES HEALTH CARE MORE FAIR. 19:12.251 --> 19:14.753 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% IT REACHES RURAL AREAS. 19:14.887 --> 19:15.787 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% LET'S MAKE A DEAL. 19:15.921 --> 19:21.160 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% LET'S GET THIS DONE. 19:21.293 --> 19:40.646 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 19:40.779 --> 19:43.248 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% A HEALTHIER STATE MEANS A HEALTHIER WORKFORCE THAT IS 19:43.382 --> 19:48.620 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% READY FOR THE BETTER-PAYING JOBS WE'RE BRINGING HERE. 19:48.754 --> 19:52.758 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN 2019, I AND THE BIPARTISAN LEADERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, 19:52.891 --> 19:56.428 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION STOOD TOGETHER TO MAKE A PROMISE. 19:56.562 --> 20:02.234 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE PLEDGED THAT IN THE NEXT DECADE, 2 MILLION MORE ADULT 20:02.367 --> 20:05.971 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NORTH CAROLINIANS WILL HAVE A DEGREE OR TRADE CERTIFICATION. 20:06.104 --> 20:11.743 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NOW WE HAVE OUR BEST CHANCE TO KEEP THAT PROMISE. 20:11.877 --> 20:13.845 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TODAY, WE CAN JOIN TOGETHER TO OFFER ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS WHO 20:13.979 --> 20:16.215 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WANT TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH HIGHER 20:16.348 --> 20:20.686 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% EDUCATION THE CHANCE TO AFFORD IT. 20:20.819 --> 20:23.855 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WITH OUR GREAT COMMUNITY COLLEGES, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, AND 20:23.989 --> 20:29.161 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PRIVATE COLLEGES, WE HAVE THE BEST TRAINING GROUNDS IN 20:29.294 --> 20:30.596 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% AMERICA. 20:30.729 --> 20:34.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WITH THE FEDERAL AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN AND STATE RESOURCES, WE 20:35.067 --> 20:36.401 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% HAVE THE FUNDING. 20:36.535 --> 20:39.705 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WITH BUSINESSES ALREADY HERE AND COMING SOON, WE HAVE THE GOOD 20:39.838 --> 20:41.206 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% PAYING JOBS. 20:41.340 --> 20:42.874 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NOW WE NEED TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER TO MAKE EDUCATION AND 20:43.008 --> 20:49.715 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% TRAINING MORE AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYONE. 20:49.848 --> 20:53.418 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NOW YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD TODAY THAT A LITTLE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY 20:53.552 --> 20:57.456 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% FROM CALIFORNIA HAS DECIDED TO MOVE HERE. 20:57.589 --> 21:08.634 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 21:08.767 --> 21:14.940 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN YET ANOTHER TREMENDOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR OUR STATE, 21:15.073 --> 21:17.876 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TODAY WE STOOD TOGETHER AND ANNOUNCED THAT APPLE HAS CHOSEN 21:18.010 --> 21:21.813 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% NORTH CAROLINA FOR ITS FIRST NEW CAMPUS AND ENGINEERING HUB IN 21:21.947 --> 21:26.551 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THE UNITED STATES IN MORE THAN 20 YEARS. 21:26.685 --> 21:30.222 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND THAT MAKES 11 COMPANIES THAT HAVE ANNOUNCED THOUSANDS OF JOBS 21:30.355 --> 21:39.097 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN BOTH RURAL AND URBAN AREAS IN JUST THE PAST TWO MONTHS. 21:39.231 --> 21:40.632 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% DURING A PANDEMIC! 21:40.766 --> 21:43.802 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE GOOD JOBS ARE ALREADY HERE AND THEY'RE GOING TO KEEP ON 21:43.935 --> 21:45.270 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% COMING. 21:45.404 --> 21:46.071 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LET'S MAKE SURE OUR PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO GET THE EDUCATION AND 21:46.204 --> 21:50.309 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% TRAINING TO LAND THEM. 21:50.442 --> 21:54.379 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE KNOW THAT PEOPLE CAN SUCCEED IF WE BREAK DOWN THE FINANCIAL 21:54.513 --> 21:58.050 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% BARRIERS KEEPING THEM FROM THEIR GOALS. 21:58.183 --> 22:01.219 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LEXINE MERRILL WAS IN HER THIRD SEMESTER AS A NURSING STUDENT AT 22:01.353 --> 22:04.456 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE WHEN UNEXPECTED MEDICAL 22:04.589 --> 22:08.126 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% BILLS CAME ON TOP OF A NEEDED CAR REPAIR. 22:08.260 --> 22:11.830 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE THOUGHT SHE WOULD HAVE TO DROP OUT, BUT A FINISH LINE 22:11.963 --> 22:16.601 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% GRANT HELPED HER AFFORD TO STAY IN SCHOOL. 22:16.735 --> 22:20.806 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE GRADUATED IN DECEMBER AND IS WORKING AS A CRITICAL CARE NURSE 22:20.939 --> 22:25.010 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% IN MONROE RIGHT WHEN WE NEED HER MOST. 22:25.143 --> 22:29.748 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HER STORY IS A TESTAMENT THAT EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL 22:29.881 --> 22:32.984 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HELP CAN TURN STUDENTS INTO SKILLED WORKERS TO FILL THESE 22:33.118 --> 22:36.621 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% HIGH-DEMAND JOBS. 22:36.755 --> 22:41.293 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE CEOS WILL TELL YOU THEY NEED THESE HIGHLY TRAINED PEOPLE 22:41.426 --> 22:44.062 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% RIGHT NOW AND WE NEED TO INVEST IN MORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND 22:44.196 --> 22:48.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS IMMEDIATELY. 22:48.333 --> 22:52.404 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THESE SAME CEOS WILL TELL YOU THAT INVESTING IN EDUCATION AT 22:52.537 --> 22:56.641 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE BACK END IS IMPORTANT BUT INVESTING IN OUR CHILDREN 22:56.775 --> 23:01.913 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% EARLIER MAY BE EVEN MORE CRITICAL. 23:02.047 --> 23:05.117 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OUR PLEDGE FOR GETTING TWO MILLION MORE ADULTS TRAINED AND 23:05.250 --> 23:08.820 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EDUCATED BY 2030 MUST BEGIN WITH MORE CHILDREN GETTING HIGH 23:08.954 --> 23:14.059 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% QUALITY PRE-K AND A HEALTHY START AT BIRTH. 23:14.192 --> 23:18.296 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MORE CHILDREN WHO LEARN TO READ IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. 23:18.430 --> 23:24.102 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% MORE CHILDREN INSPIRED TO LEARN TRADES IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. 23:24.236 --> 23:28.306 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND MORE WELL-PAID EDUCATORS WHO CAN GUIDE CHILDREN AS WELL AS 23:28.440 --> 23:38.316 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% ADULTS GETTING TRAINED FOR A SECOND CAREER. 23:38.450 --> 23:43.054 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND THAT MEANS PAYING TEACHERS MORE. 23:43.188 --> 23:46.758 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IF WE WANT TO RECRUIT AND KEEP THE BEST EDUCATORS, WE NEED TO 23:46.892 --> 24:03.208 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% PAY THEM BETTER. 24:03.742 --> 24:08.380 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 24:08.513 --> 24:13.118 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TOO MANY OF OUR TEACHERS ARE WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS - AND IT'S 24:13.251 --> 24:14.586 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% STILL NOT ENOUGH. 24:14.719 --> 24:17.889 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BECAUSE OF OUR BUDGET DISPUTE LAST TIME OUR EDUCATORS DID NOT 24:18.023 --> 24:22.093 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% GET A RAISE IN THE LAST BUDGET CYCLE. 24:22.227 --> 24:26.331 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE NEED TO MAKE UP FOR THAT IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET. 24:26.465 --> 24:30.535 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE WILL GET US WELL ON OUR WAY. BUT TO 24:30.669 --> 24:33.705 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CEMENT NORTH CAROLINA'S SPOT AS BEST IN THE NATION FOR BUSINESS 24:33.839 --> 24:41.613 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND INDUSTRY, WE HAVE TO SOLIDIFY THE STATE'S BACKBONE. 24:41.746 --> 24:47.352 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ITS INFRASTRUCTURE, SCHOOLS, WATER AND SEWER, ROADS, BRIDGES, 24:47.486 --> 24:50.589 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% TRANSIT AND ALSO ITS PATHWAYS FOR INFORMATION. 24:50.722 --> 24:53.758 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HIGH SPEED INTERNET IS VITAL FOR EDUCATION AND TELEMEDICINE BUT 24:53.892 --> 24:57.996 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ALSO FOR EVERY PERSON, FROM SMALL BUSINESS OWNER AND FARMER 24:58.129 --> 25:01.132 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% TO BIG CORPORATION AND HOSPITAL. 25:01.266 --> 25:05.937 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN HOKE COUNTY, DR. KAREN SMITH BEGAN USING TELEMEDICINE TO CARE 25:06.071 --> 25:09.107 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FOR PATIENTS WITH OPIOID ADDICTION, AND WHEN THE PANDEMIC 25:09.241 --> 25:15.947 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% HIT SHE REALIZED IT COULD HELP EVEN MORE. 25:16.081 --> 25:21.753 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SHE CAREFULLY PLANNED TO CONTINUE HER IN-PERSON MEDICAL 25:21.887 --> 25:23.321 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CARE, BUT MANY OF HER PATIENTS WERE HESITANT TO COME IN AT THE 25:23.455 --> 25:27.025 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, AND A LOT OF THEM DIDN'T HAVE INTERNET 25:27.158 --> 25:28.426 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% ACCESS. 25:28.560 --> 25:30.729 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SO DR. SMITH EXTENDED HER OFFICE'S WIFI TO THE PARKING LOT 25:30.862 --> 25:35.433 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND OFFERED TABLETS FOR PATIENT USE. 25:35.567 --> 25:39.137 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THIS MEANT THOSE WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY COULD STILL 25:39.271 --> 25:42.807 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% GET THE CARE THEY NEEDED THROUGH TELEMEDICINE. 25:42.941 --> 25:48.647 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE PANDEMIC AND THE RESULTING NECESSARY EXPANSION OF 25:48.780 --> 25:53.919 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% TECHNOLOGY HAVE FLUNG US A DECADE AHEAD. 25:54.052 --> 25:56.021 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE FUTURE WORLD WHERE WE WORK FROM HOME, SEE A DOCTOR, AND 25:56.154 --> 26:01.326 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% CONNECT OVER SCREENS IS THRUST ON US RIGHT NOW. 26:01.459 --> 26:04.329 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUT IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ACCESS, THE SCREEN, OR THE MONEY 26:04.462 --> 26:09.834 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% TO SUBSCRIBE YOU'RE LEFT OUT AND LEFT BEHIND. 26:09.968 --> 26:16.675 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE HAVE A PLAN AND THE MONEY TO STRETCH HIGH-SPEED INTERNET TO 26:16.808 --> 26:19.844 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% OUR STATE'S FARTHEST CORNERS. 26:19.978 --> 26:23.381 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND WE SHOULD USE THEM BOTH TO GET THIS DONE. 26:23.515 --> 26:37.128 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 26:37.262 --> 26:44.135 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND LET'S BOOST BUSINESSES THAT WERE HARDEST HIT BY THE PANDEMIC 26:44.269 --> 26:45.537 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WITH SOME DIRECT HELP-RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, 26:45.670 --> 26:48.707 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% CONVENTIONS, HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM. 26:48.840 --> 26:52.911 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LET'S GET PEOPLE BACK IN THE WORK FORCE AND HELP THEM GET THE 26:53.044 --> 26:54.479 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% TRAINING THEY NEED TO LAND THE JOBS. 26:54.613 --> 27:02.087 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AND A LOT THEM WILL BE CLEAN ENERGY JOBS. 27:02.220 --> 27:04.055 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LOOK, SCIENTISTS CONCUR THAT THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS REAL AND THAT 27:04.189 --> 27:07.759 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% WE NEED TO LOWER CARBON EMISSIONS. 27:07.892 --> 27:12.998 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUT ASIDE FROM THAT, CLEAN ENERGY IS WHERE THE GREAT-PAYING 27:13.131 --> 27:14.499 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% JOBS ARE GOING TO BE. 27:14.633 --> 27:18.803 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LET'S GET AHEAD OF OTHER STATES AND LEAD THIS INDUSTRY IN NORTH 27:18.937 --> 27:20.271 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% CAROLINA. 27:20.405 --> 27:21.740 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I'M ASKING YOU TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, 27:21.873 --> 27:27.245 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTE OFFSHORE 27:27.379 --> 27:32.017 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WIND, AND BUILD THE CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE TO CATALYZE NORTH 27:32.150 --> 27:33.485 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% CAROLINA'S ECONOMY. 27:33.618 --> 27:37.288 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THIS INDUSTRY IS RACING TOWARD US WITH THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING 27:37.422 --> 27:42.293 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% JOBS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMY AND OUR PLANET. 27:42.427 --> 27:44.129 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE ARE ALREADY AHEAD IN SOLAR ENERGY AND WITH NEW OFFSHORE 27:44.262 --> 27:48.867 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WIND AND ITS LUCRATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN, WE CAN PUT MONEY IN NORTH 27:49.000 --> 27:51.703 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% CAROLINA POCKETS. 27:51.836 --> 27:57.809 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND AS WE WORK TO BUILD OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, WE NEED TO BUILD 27:57.942 --> 28:02.013 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS OUR KIDS DESERVE, AND STRENGTHEN THE 28:02.147 --> 28:04.215 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WHERE WE'RE 28:04.349 --> 28:09.487 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TRAINING THE NEXT GREAT SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, NURSES 28:09.621 --> 28:12.123 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% AND WELDERS. 28:12.257 --> 28:16.861 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE CAN ENRICH OUR LIVES WITH INVESTMENTS IN PARKS, MUSEUMS, 28:16.995 --> 28:18.063 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% AND HISTORIC SITES. 28:18.196 --> 28:22.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WE'RE SEEING THE LOWEST INTEREST RATES. 28:22.267 --> 28:26.838 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE CAN AFFORD IT, IT WILL CREATE JOBS, AND WE'RE NEVER GOING TO 28:26.971 --> 28:28.306 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% GET A BETTER DEAL. 28:28.440 --> 28:29.507 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SO LET'S COME TOGETHER AND PASS A STRONG BOND REFERENDUM SO WE 28:29.641 --> 28:33.511 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% CAN GET THIS DONE. 28:33.645 --> 28:48.827 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 28:48.960 --> 28:54.632 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% ALL OF THESE IMPORTANT STEPS ARE NEEDED TO BUILD A STRONGER AND 28:54.766 --> 28:56.201 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE. 28:56.334 --> 28:58.837 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUT WE CAN'T SUCCEED IN THE FUTURE WITHOUT RECKONING WITH 28:58.970 --> 29:04.209 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OUR PAST AND, UNFORTUNATELY, OUR PRESENT. 29:04.342 --> 29:12.117 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WE MUST FACE HEAD ON THE STARK REALITY OF SYSTEMIC RACISM, AND 29:12.250 --> 29:20.024 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% HOW IT HURTS PEOPLE AND LEAVES THEM BEHIND. 29:20.158 --> 29:22.961 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WHO GETS TO SEE A DOCTOR, WHO GETS HIRED FOR A JOB, WHO GETS 29:23.094 --> 29:27.932 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CHARGED WITH A CRIME, WHO GETS PRISON TIME, WHO GETS KILLED. 29:28.066 --> 29:35.840 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OVER THE PAST YEAR, AND JUST IN THE PAST WEEK, WE'VE SEEN THE 29:35.974 --> 29:40.578 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% HARM SUFFERED BY TOO MANY PEOPLE OF COLOR IN OUR STATE AND ACROSS 29:40.712 --> 29:42.046 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% THE COUNTRY. 29:42.180 --> 29:43.681 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND I WANT TO SAY CLEARLY: WE MUST ALL STAND TOGETHER TO STOP 29:43.815 --> 29:48.419 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% RACIAL INJUSTICE IN NORTH CAROLINA. 29:48.553 --> 30:12.143 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 30:12.277 --> 30:17.949 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE OPPORTUNITY AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO 30:18.082 --> 30:22.687 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FEEL SAFE IN THEIR OWN HOMES AND COMMUNITIES WITHOUT FEAR OF 30:22.821 --> 30:23.721 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% AUTHORITY WHO SHOULD BE THERE TO PROTECT THEM. 30:23.855 --> 30:34.098 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 30:34.232 --> 30:47.779 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% IN ALL THE AREAS THAT ARE IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE'S 30:47.912 --> 30:49.280 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SUCCESS, HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, ECONOMIC STRENGTH, THE JUSTICE 30:49.414 --> 30:50.515 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SYSTEM-WE MUST CONFRONT SYSTEMS THAT FAVOR SOME AND HARM OTHERS. 30:50.648 --> 30:51.816 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% AND WE MUST FIX THEM. 30:51.950 --> 30:59.724 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 30:59.858 --> 31:02.894 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% FELLOW NORTH CAROLINIANS, TODAY OUR STATE IS OPERATING UNDER A 31:03.027 --> 31:07.699 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUDGET THAT WAS ENACTED IN 2018 BECAUSE WE COULDN'T AGREE ON ONE 31:07.832 --> 31:09.300 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% LAST TIME. 31:09.434 --> 31:14.138 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH THE WORLD HAS CHANGED SINCE 2018. 31:14.272 --> 31:18.776 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I'M HERE NOW, AT YOUR INVITATION, TO GIVE MY 31:18.910 --> 31:23.548 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF OUR PEOPLE. 31:23.681 --> 31:27.752 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT MY BUDGET TACKLES THOSE NEEDS AND 31:27.886 --> 31:29.020 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% CHALLENGES. 31:29.153 --> 31:32.657 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THERE ARE SOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS IN THERE. 31:32.790 --> 31:34.259 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [LAUGHTER] 31:34.392 --> 31:38.463 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THERE'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE SOME GIVE AND TAKE IN ORDER FOR US TO 31:38.596 --> 31:39.964 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% GET THIS DONE. 31:40.098 --> 31:44.269 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO VETO THE BUDGET, AND I WILL DO MY PART TO 31:44.402 --> 31:51.175 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% SEE THAT WE HAVE A BUDGET AND I EXPECT YOU TO DO YOURS. 31:51.309 --> 32:03.888 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 32:04.022 --> 32:10.228 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND I WANT TO SEE A BUDGET THAT HAS THREE SIGNATURES -- SPEAKER 32:10.361 --> 32:18.736 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% MOORE'S, SENATOR BERGER'S, AND MINE. 32:18.870 --> 32:19.337 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% OUR PEOPLE DESERVE THAT. 32:19.470 --> 32:24.575 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 32:24.709 --> 32:31.950 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TO THE LEGISLATORS IN THE ROOM: WE'VE AGREED BEFORE, LET'S FIND 32:32.083 --> 32:36.688 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% WAYS TO DO IT AGAIN, AND KEEP MOVING OUR STATE FORWARD. 32:36.821 --> 32:41.426 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% LET'S AGREE TO LISTEN MORE TO EACH OTHER AND ACT IN GOOD FAITH 32:41.559 --> 32:43.528 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% TO GET THINGS DONE. 32:43.661 --> 32:48.299 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% WE'RE ALREADY MAKING PROGRESS ON THAT. 32:48.433 --> 32:54.105 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THE CHALLENGES WE FACE ARE TOO GREAT TO DO OTHERWISE. 32:54.238 --> 32:55.673 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% THEY ARE NOT EASY TO SOLVE. 32:55.807 --> 32:59.877 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUT WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE UNPRECEDENTED RESOURCES TO 33:00.011 --> 33:03.114 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% FACE THEM HEAD-ON. 33:03.247 --> 33:05.683 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% TO GET TO THE ROOT OF PROBLEMS. 33:05.817 --> 33:10.488 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TO IMAGINE AND INNOVATE RATHER THAN DOUBT AND TOLERATE. 33:10.621 --> 33:13.658 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% TO FIGHT DISCRIMINATION AND PROMOTE JUSTICE THAT OPENS DOORS 33:13.791 --> 33:19.998 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% EVEN WIDER TO DIVERSITY AND EQUITY. 33:20.131 --> 33:28.406 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% IN A YEAR OF HARDSHIP AND LOSS, WE OWE IT TO OURSELVES AND EACH 33:28.539 --> 33:35.346 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% OTHER AND, AS LEADERS, WE OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED US, TO 33:35.480 --> 33:39.417 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% BUILD A STATE THAT IS TRULY MORE EDUCATED, EQUITABLE, HEALTHIER, 33:39.550 --> 33:43.321 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% AND PROSPEROUS. 33:43.454 --> 33:45.256 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND TO ACT WITH THE COMPASSIONATE RESILIENCE THAT 33:45.390 --> 33:51.029 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% HAS GOTTEN US THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC. 33:51.162 --> 33:56.768 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% NORTH CAROLINIANS KEPT EACH OTHER SAFE. 33:56.901 --> 33:58.936 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% TAUGHT EACH OTHER. 33:59.070 --> 34:00.004 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% SAVED EACH OTHER. 34:00.138 --> 34:04.809 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% MOURNED FOR AND LOVED EACH OTHER. 34:04.942 --> 34:06.310 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% PRAYED FOR EACH OTHER. 34:06.444 --> 34:07.445 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THIS IS THE NORTH CAROLINA WAY, AND WE MUST HEED THE LESSONS WE 34:07.578 --> 34:12.717 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% HAVE LEARNED. 34:12.850 --> 34:17.989 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I BELIEVE THAT NORTH CAROLINA IS STRONG, RESILIENT AND READY TO 34:18.122 --> 34:21.692 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE. 34:21.826 --> 34:25.396 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL REBUILD FROM THIS PANDEMIC TO BE EVEN 34:25.530 --> 34:28.032 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% STRONGER THAN BEFORE. 34:28.166 --> 34:31.702 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN ROAR INTO THE FUTURE TOGETHER, 34:31.836 --> 34:40.678 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% CREATING A SHARED RECOVERY THAT ENSURES OUR BEST DAYS LIE AHEAD. 34:40.812 --> 34:44.882 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I HAVE NEVER BEEN PROUDER TO CALL MYSELF A NORTH CAROLINIAN. 34:45.016 --> 34:49.087 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% I HAVE NEVER HAD A STRONGER FAITH IN GOD. 34:49.220 --> 34:54.358 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE HONORED OR MORE COMMITTED TO SERVE ALL 34:54.492 --> 34:55.927 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% OF YOU AS YOUR GOVERNOR. 34:56.060 --> 35:00.665 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE CERTAIN THAT NORTH CAROLINA'S 35:00.798 --> 35:03.301 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% FUTURE IS BRIGHT. 35:03.434 --> 35:08.639 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% THANK YOU, GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, AND GOD BLESS NORTH CAROLINA AND 35:08.773 --> 35:16.714 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 35:16.848 --> 35:17.315 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. 35:17.448 --> 35:41.939 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 35:42.073 --> 35:45.443 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE] 35:45.576 --> 35:48.546 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% >> THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE WILL OPEN 35:48.679 --> 35:50.781 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% THE DOORS FOR THE EXIT OF THE GOVERNOR. 35:50.915 --> 36:05.363 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% [APPLAUSE]