1 00:00:01,434 --> 00:00:06,439 [STATELY ORCHESTRAL MUSIC] 2 00:00:23,957 --> 00:00:26,626 >> THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL COME TO ORDER. 3 00:00:36,269 --> 00:00:41,274 THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE IS RECOGNIZED. 4 00:00:41,408 --> 00:00:45,045 >> MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE THE HONOR TO ANNOUNCE THE PRESENCE 5 00:00:45,178 --> 00:00:49,616 OF HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, 6 00:00:49,749 --> 00:00:53,420 THE HONORABLE ROY COOPER. 7 00:00:53,553 --> 00:00:56,823 >> THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE WILL ADMIT 8 00:00:56,956 --> 00:01:00,460 THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WHO IS INVITED TO THE WELL OF THE 9 00:01:00,593 --> 00:01:04,531 HOUSE. 10 00:01:04,664 --> 00:01:19,079 [APPLAUSE] 11 00:01:19,212 --> 00:01:33,626 [APPLAUSE] 12 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:48,541 [APPLAUSE] 13 00:01:48,675 --> 00:01:53,446 >> MR. PRESIDENT, I HAVE THE DISTINCT HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO 14 00:01:53,580 --> 00:02:00,019 PRESENT HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF 15 00:02:00,153 --> 00:02:03,123 NORTH CAROLINA, THE HONORABLE ROY A. COOPER. 16 00:02:03,256 --> 00:02:18,938 [APPLAUSE] 17 00:02:19,072 --> 00:02:20,373 >> THANK YOU, GUYS. 18 00:02:20,507 --> 00:02:27,080 >> MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, DISTINGUISHED GUESTS, 19 00:02:27,213 --> 00:02:27,981 THE HONORABLE ROY COOPER. 20 00:02:28,114 --> 00:02:47,100 [APPLAUSE] 21 00:02:47,233 --> 00:02:51,304 >> MR. PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, MR. SPEAKER, MEMBERS OF THE 22 00:02:51,437 --> 00:02:55,842 GENERAL ASSEMBLY, COUNCIL OF STATE, MR. CHIEF JUSTICE AND 23 00:02:55,975 --> 00:03:02,515 MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, MEMBERS OF THE COURT OF APPEALS, 24 00:03:02,649 --> 00:03:06,953 CABINET SECRETARIES, AND TO MY FAMILY: MY AMAZING WIFE KRISTIN 25 00:03:07,086 --> 00:03:12,225 AND OUR THREE WONDERFUL DAUGHTERS, WHO ARE WITH US IN 26 00:03:12,358 --> 00:03:16,396 SPIRIT AND WATCHING VIA PBS NORTH CAROLINA TV. 27 00:03:16,529 --> 00:03:20,200 GOOD EVENING. 28 00:03:20,333 --> 00:03:24,904 I AM HONORED TO BE WITH YOU TONIGHT. 29 00:03:25,038 --> 00:03:28,041 WE GATHER AFTER A YEAR WE COULD NOT HAVE IMAGINED. 30 00:03:28,174 --> 00:03:30,210 AND NOW WE LOOK TO A FUTURE THAT CAN BE EVEN BETTER THAN WE 31 00:03:30,343 --> 00:03:32,445 IMAGINE. 32 00:03:32,579 --> 00:03:38,151 OUR RESPONSE TO AN UNPRECEDENTED, 33 00:03:38,284 --> 00:03:42,922 ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION CHALLENGE IS SHOWING US CLEARLY THAT NORTH 34 00:03:43,056 --> 00:03:47,026 CAROLINIANS ARE RESILIENT AND READY. 35 00:03:47,160 --> 00:03:50,830 THE STATE OF OUR STATE IS STRONG. 36 00:03:50,964 --> 00:03:58,238 [APPLAUSE] 37 00:03:58,371 --> 00:04:04,611 AND THAT'S BECAUSE THE CHARACTER OF OUR COMMUNITIES IS EVEN 38 00:04:04,744 --> 00:04:06,212 STRONGER. 39 00:04:06,346 --> 00:04:10,416 WE HAVE SHOWN WE ARE COMPASSIONATE. 40 00:04:10,550 --> 00:04:14,254 AMID A YEAR OF SUFFERING AND LOSS, NORTH CAROLINIANS HAVE 41 00:04:14,387 --> 00:04:17,490 NEVER STOPPED SHOWING UP FOR EACH OTHER. 42 00:04:17,624 --> 00:04:21,995 OUR HEALTH CARE WORKERS HAVE SACRIFICED THEIR OWN SAFETY TO 43 00:04:22,128 --> 00:04:23,596 SAVE LIVES. 44 00:04:23,730 --> 00:04:26,266 NEIGHBORS HAVE DELIVERED MEALS. 45 00:04:26,399 --> 00:04:32,538 FAMILIES HAVE FOUND NEW WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED. 46 00:04:32,672 --> 00:04:35,708 SONGS FROM GRANDCHILDREN HAVE POURED THROUGH NURSING HOME 47 00:04:35,842 --> 00:04:37,277 WINDOWS. 48 00:04:37,410 --> 00:04:40,446 EDUCATORS HAVE ENGAGED AND NURTURED THEIR STUDENTS EVEN 49 00:04:40,580 --> 00:04:44,617 THROUGH THE COMPUTER SCREEN. 50 00:04:44,751 --> 00:04:47,854 THERE ARE ENDLESS EXAMPLES OF KINDNESS AND STRENGTH THAT WE 51 00:04:47,987 --> 00:04:50,723 HAVE SHOWN EACH OTHER. 52 00:04:50,857 --> 00:04:56,296 WE HAVE LOST A LOT THIS YEAR. 53 00:04:56,429 --> 00:05:01,034 PAINFULLY, THE 12,560 NORTH CAROLINIANS WHO DIED WITH 54 00:05:01,167 --> 00:05:04,771 COVID-19 FROM PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO FAVORITE TEACHERS, 55 00:05:04,904 --> 00:05:12,679 COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS AND MANY MORE. 56 00:05:12,812 --> 00:05:14,247 THEIR LIVES HAVE FOREVER ENRICHED OURS AND WE WILL CARRY 57 00:05:14,380 --> 00:05:18,985 THEM WITH US ALWAYS. AND NOT ONLY HAVE WE LOST LOVED ONES, WE 58 00:05:19,118 --> 00:05:23,790 HAVE ALSO LOST TIME TO SICKNESS, LOST LEARNING, LOST JOBS, LOST 59 00:05:23,923 --> 00:05:30,596 PEACE OF MIND. 60 00:05:30,730 --> 00:05:37,637 ONE THING THIS PANDEMIC LAID BARE IS THE INEQUITIES THAT WERE 61 00:05:37,770 --> 00:05:41,641 ALREADY HERE. 62 00:05:41,774 --> 00:05:43,743 THE CRITICAL NEED TO STRENGTHEN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND REQUIRE A 63 00:05:43,876 --> 00:05:53,753 SOUND, BASIC EDUCATION FOR ALL OUR CHILDREN AS OUR CONSTITUTION 64 00:05:53,886 --> 00:05:55,154 MANDATES. 65 00:05:55,288 --> 00:06:02,061 [APPLAUSE] 66 00:06:02,195 --> 00:06:05,031 THE GAPS IN HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS. 67 00:06:05,164 --> 00:06:09,769 THE UNLIVABLE WAGES THAT REQUIRE MANY HARDWORKING NORTH 68 00:06:09,902 --> 00:06:12,905 CAROLINIANS -- JUST TO MAKE ENDS MEET - TO TAKE ON MULTIPLE JOBS 69 00:06:13,039 --> 00:06:19,345 THAT DON'T PROVIDE HEALTH INSURANCE. 70 00:06:19,479 --> 00:06:22,382 BUT IF WE CAN HARNESS ALL WE HAVE LEARNED FROM OUR LOSS, WE 71 00:06:22,515 --> 00:06:29,322 CAN BOOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS. 72 00:06:29,455 --> 00:06:35,795 THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THE TRAINING NEEDED FOR A 73 00:06:35,928 --> 00:06:37,029 BETTER-PAYING JOB. 74 00:06:37,163 --> 00:06:39,766 THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET HEALTH INSURANCE. 75 00:06:39,899 --> 00:06:42,301 THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET CONNECTED TO TELEMEDICINE, HOMEWORK, AND 76 00:06:42,435 --> 00:06:44,003 LOVED ONES WHO LIVE FAR AWAY. 77 00:06:44,137 --> 00:06:51,878 THE OPPORTUNITY TO PROSPER. 78 00:06:52,011 --> 00:06:54,013 THIS PAST YEAR HAS IMPACTED EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN OUR STATE 79 00:06:54,147 --> 00:06:58,217 AND HAS REQUIRED THE COLLECTIVE EFFORT OF NORTH CAROLINIANS TO 80 00:06:58,351 --> 00:07:02,488 STAY SAFE AND SAVE LIVES. 81 00:07:02,622 --> 00:07:07,260 FROM THE BEGINNING, I PLEDGED THAT WE WOULD LISTEN TO HEALTH 82 00:07:07,393 --> 00:07:14,367 EXPERTS AND FOLLOW THE SCIENCE TO PROTECT OUR STATE. 83 00:07:14,500 --> 00:07:15,802 AND WE HAVE DONE JUST THAT. 84 00:07:15,935 --> 00:07:18,304 THE DECISIVE ACTIONS WE HAVE TAKEN SAVED LIVES AND PREVENTED 85 00:07:18,438 --> 00:07:20,940 OUR HOSPITALS FROM BEING OVERWHELMED. 86 00:07:21,073 --> 00:07:28,314 I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE AND THANK HEALTH CARE WORKERS ACROSS 87 00:07:28,448 --> 00:07:29,849 OUR STATE. 88 00:07:29,982 --> 00:07:35,888 YOUR COMMITMENT AND COURAGE HAVE MADE ALL THE DIFFERENCE. 89 00:07:36,022 --> 00:07:36,489 THANK YOU. 90 00:07:36,622 --> 00:07:52,138 [APPLAUSE] 91 00:07:52,271 --> 00:08:03,783 [APPLAUSE] 92 00:08:03,916 --> 00:08:09,388 OUR STATE'S RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC HAS BEEN STRONG. 93 00:08:09,522 --> 00:08:12,758 AND EVERY PHASE OF IT HAS REQUIRED NORTH CAROLINIANS FROM 94 00:08:12,892 --> 00:08:15,928 CHEROKEE TO CHOWAN TO STEP UP AND DO THEIR PART, INCLUDING THE 95 00:08:16,062 --> 00:08:19,599 PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM TONIGHT. 96 00:08:19,732 --> 00:08:25,905 FARMERS, RESTAURANT COOKS, GROCERY STORE WORKERS KEPT US 97 00:08:26,038 --> 00:08:27,173 FED. 98 00:08:27,306 --> 00:08:28,641 EDUCATORS, BUS DRIVERS, CUSTODIANS, AND CAFETERIA 99 00:08:28,774 --> 00:08:35,414 WORKERS HELPED OUR CHILDREN TO GET MEALS, STAY SAFE, AND LEARN. 100 00:08:35,548 --> 00:08:41,754 LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS KEPT US PROTECTED. 101 00:08:41,888 --> 00:08:47,026 PASSIONATE PEACEFUL PROTESTERS OF ALL STRIPES CHALLENGED US AND 102 00:08:47,159 --> 00:08:50,730 REMINDED US THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR FREEDOM OF 103 00:08:50,863 --> 00:08:52,365 SPEECH. 104 00:08:52,498 --> 00:08:57,570 FAITH LEADERS PRAYED FOR, HELPED, AND COMFORTED US. 105 00:08:57,703 --> 00:09:00,740 SCIENTISTS AND RESEARCHERS AT OUR GREAT UNIVERSITIES HELPED 106 00:09:00,873 --> 00:09:04,477 DISCOVER AND MAKE VACCINES AND TREATMENTS. 107 00:09:04,610 --> 00:09:10,816 MOMS, DADS, GRANDPARENTS, CHILDREN, NEIGHBORS, 108 00:09:10,950 --> 00:09:13,986 FRIENDS-EVERYDAY PEOPLE-ENDURED TOGETHER AND HELPED EACH OTHER. 109 00:09:14,120 --> 00:09:20,293 YOU SEE, NORTH CAROLINIANS STEP UP IN TIMES OF CRISIS. 110 00:09:20,426 --> 00:09:23,996 AND WHILE OUR SPECIAL GUESTS CANNOT BE IN THE BUILDING 111 00:09:24,130 --> 00:09:26,198 TONIGHT, I WANT TO RECOGNIZE A FEW NORTH CAROLINIANS WHO HAVE 112 00:09:26,332 --> 00:09:30,303 MADE A REAL DIFFERENCE. 113 00:09:30,436 --> 00:09:34,507 A LOT OF NORTH CAROLINA COMPANIES AT THEIR OWN ECONOMIC 114 00:09:34,640 --> 00:09:41,881 RISK CHANGED WHAT THEY WERE DOING AND STARTED MAKING THINGS 115 00:09:42,014 --> 00:09:43,282 WE NEEDED RIGHT THEN TO SAVE LIVES. 116 00:09:43,416 --> 00:09:47,687 INSTEAD OF JUST MAKING FURNITURE, CUSTOM CONTRACTS 117 00:09:47,820 --> 00:09:52,458 FURNISHINGS IN HIGH POINT TEAMED UP WITH A LOCAL FABRICS COMPANY 118 00:09:52,592 --> 00:09:54,527 TO MAKE MEDICAL GOWNS. 119 00:09:54,660 --> 00:09:56,629 THEY HIRED 50 NEW EMPLOYEES AND MADE OVER A MILLION GOWNS FOR 120 00:09:56,762 --> 00:10:01,901 OUR STATE AND OTHER CUSTOMERS. 121 00:10:02,034 --> 00:10:07,707 IN MARCH OF 2020, RIGHT AS THE PANDEMIC BEGAN, PARKDALE MILLS 122 00:10:07,840 --> 00:10:10,343 IN GASTONIA WORKED WITH A GROUP OF COMPANIES TO PUT TOGETHER A 123 00:10:10,476 --> 00:10:13,613 REUSABLE MASK - SUPPLYING OVER 600 MILLION OF THEM ACROSS THE 124 00:10:13,746 --> 00:10:17,717 COUNTRY. 125 00:10:17,850 --> 00:10:22,455 THIS KIND OF INGENUITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS HELPED US GET 126 00:10:22,588 --> 00:10:26,692 DESPERATELY-NEEDED PPE TO FRONTLINE WORKERS WHEN THEY 127 00:10:26,826 --> 00:10:28,227 DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH. 128 00:10:28,361 --> 00:10:31,197 THAT NORTH CAROLINA INGENUITY UNFOLDED ACROSS THE STATE IN 129 00:10:31,330 --> 00:10:35,868 MANY WAYS. 130 00:10:36,002 --> 00:10:39,872 FELECIA YOUNG, A MATH TEACHER AT KNOX MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SALISBURY, 131 00:10:40,006 --> 00:10:45,144 KNEW REMOTE LEARNING WOULD BE A CHALLENGE. 132 00:10:45,277 --> 00:10:48,914 SO SHE WENT THE EXTRA MILE TO MAKE IT FUN. 133 00:10:49,048 --> 00:10:53,052 SHE PRODUCED VIDEOS WITH MUSIC, DANCE, AND SONG THAT HELPED YOU 134 00:10:53,185 --> 00:10:57,790 WITH MATH EVEN IF YOU DIDN'T WANT THEM TO. 135 00:10:57,923 --> 00:10:59,892 SHE KEPT IN SUCH CLOSE CONTACT WITH HER STUDENTS AND THEIR 136 00:11:00,026 --> 00:11:04,797 FAMILIES, SHE EARNED THE NICKNAME "MAMA YOUNG." 137 00:11:04,930 --> 00:11:12,104 NORTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVID 138 00:11:12,238 --> 00:11:14,240 WALLISER COORDINATED VACCINE SITES ALONG WITH EMERGENCY 139 00:11:14,373 --> 00:11:15,775 MANAGEMENT AND STATE AND LOCAL HEALTH OFFICIALS ACROSS THE 140 00:11:15,908 --> 00:11:21,047 STATE AND HELPED ORGANIZE THE FEDERALLY-SUPPORTED SITE IN 141 00:11:21,180 --> 00:11:22,381 GREENSBORO. 142 00:11:22,515 --> 00:11:26,852 AS HE SAID, "NO GREAT ACHIEVEMENT IS ACHIEVED ALONE." 143 00:11:26,986 --> 00:11:29,488 COL. WALLISER KNEW THAT WITH ALL OF US WORKING TOGETHER WE COULD 144 00:11:29,622 --> 00:11:34,794 GET MORE PEOPLE VACCINATED. 145 00:11:34,927 --> 00:11:38,497 AND, OF COURSE, THERE ARE ENDLESS STORIES OF OUR HEROIC 146 00:11:38,631 --> 00:11:43,202 FRONTLINE HEALTH WORKERS WHO FOUGHT THIS PANDEMIC TIRELESSLY 147 00:11:43,335 --> 00:11:45,538 WITH COURAGE AND COMPASSION. 148 00:11:45,671 --> 00:11:50,042 ONE OF THESE IS NATESHA FIELDS, A NURSE AND MANAGER AT CAROLINA 149 00:11:50,176 --> 00:11:53,212 EAST MEDICAL CENTER IN NEW BERN. 150 00:11:53,345 --> 00:11:57,950 SHE HAD THE DOUBLE CHALLENGE OF CARING FOR HER PATIENTS AND HER 151 00:11:58,084 --> 00:11:59,719 STAFF. 152 00:11:59,852 --> 00:12:02,855 FROM DEALING WITH PPE SHORTAGES TO CARING FOR DYING PATIENTS TO 153 00:12:02,988 --> 00:12:09,628 SUPPORTING HER STAFF MEMBERS WHO WERE WORKING LONG HOURS AMID 154 00:12:09,762 --> 00:12:15,401 THEIR OWN SACRIFICES, SHE KEPT THINGS RUNNING AND KEPT PEOPLE 155 00:12:15,534 --> 00:12:16,802 SAFE. 156 00:12:16,936 --> 00:12:21,741 NATESHA, DAVID, FELECIA, CUSTOM CONTRACTS FURNISHING, AND 157 00:12:21,874 --> 00:12:25,945 PARKDALE MILLS AND SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE AND COMPANIES IN OUR 158 00:12:26,078 --> 00:12:30,616 STATE STEPPED UP. 159 00:12:30,750 --> 00:12:34,386 AND I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF THEM. 160 00:12:34,520 --> 00:12:43,329 AND NOW IT'S TIME FOR US TO STEP UP. 161 00:12:43,462 --> 00:12:44,764 THE ELECTED LEADERS. 162 00:12:44,897 --> 00:12:52,838 NORTH CAROLINIANS WANT US TO WORK TOGETHER LIKE THEY HAVE HAD 163 00:12:52,972 --> 00:12:54,406 TO DO. 164 00:12:54,540 --> 00:12:56,308 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, WE KNOW WE CAN FIND COMMON GROUND 165 00:12:56,442 --> 00:12:59,478 BECAUSE WE HAVE DONE IT BEFORE. 166 00:12:59,612 --> 00:13:01,280 OUR DIFFERENCES OFTEN GET THE ATTENTION, BUT OUR COOPERATION 167 00:13:01,413 --> 00:13:06,085 GOT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN RELIEF FUNDS TO PEOPLE WHO 168 00:13:06,218 --> 00:13:07,553 NEEDED IT. 169 00:13:07,686 --> 00:13:09,789 YOU PASSED AND I SIGNED LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FUNDING 170 00:13:09,922 --> 00:13:16,095 TO REBUILD AFTER NATURAL DISASTERS. 171 00:13:16,228 --> 00:13:19,799 WE PASSED THE BUILD NC BONDS FOR BETTER ROADS. 172 00:13:19,932 --> 00:13:23,502 WE LANDED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING JOBS WITH STRATEGIC 173 00:13:23,636 --> 00:13:28,240 AND ACCOUNTABLE ECONOMIC INCENTIVES. 174 00:13:28,374 --> 00:13:34,046 WE GOT RID OF THE DISCRIMINATORY HOUSE BILL 2. 175 00:13:34,180 --> 00:13:36,448 WE RAISED THE AGE FOR JUVENILES IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. 176 00:13:36,582 --> 00:13:40,686 AND JUST LAST MONTH TOGETHER WE GOT MORE CHILDREN SAFELY INTO 177 00:13:40,820 --> 00:13:45,958 THEIR CLASSROOMS. 178 00:13:46,091 --> 00:13:50,930 AND WE'RE WORKING WITH EACH OTHER ON PANDEMIC RESPONSE. 179 00:13:51,063 --> 00:13:52,398 WE RECOGNIZED THAT THOUSANDS OF NORTH CAROLINIANS WERE 180 00:13:52,531 --> 00:13:56,502 THREATENED WITH EVICTION AND POWER SHUTOFFS DURING THE 181 00:13:56,635 --> 00:13:58,070 PANDEMIC. 182 00:13:58,204 --> 00:13:59,471 MY ADMINISTRATION CREATED AND YOU FUNDED THE HOPE PROGRAM TO 183 00:13:59,605 --> 00:14:03,976 MAKE PAYMENTS DIRECTLY TO LANDLORDS AND UTILITIES TO KEEP 184 00:14:04,109 --> 00:14:06,612 PEOPLE IN THEIR HOMES WITH THE LIGHTS ON AND IT'S ALREADY 185 00:14:06,745 --> 00:14:12,952 HELPED OVER 36,000 FAMILIES AND PAID OUT ALMOST $125 MILLION. 186 00:14:13,085 --> 00:14:19,792 TOGETHER WE'RE HELPING SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS BOUNCE BACK WITH 187 00:14:19,925 --> 00:14:23,462 FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THEIR RENT AND UTILITIES. 188 00:14:23,596 --> 00:14:25,064 ONE OF THESE IS THE BAR-B-Q CENTER IN LEXINGTON THAT'S BEEN 189 00:14:25,197 --> 00:14:28,767 FAMILY-OWNED AND OPEN SINCE 1955. 190 00:14:28,901 --> 00:14:32,438 THIS MONEY ALLOWED THEM TO KEEP THEIR DOORS OPEN, PAY AND KEEP 191 00:14:32,571 --> 00:14:36,141 THEIR EMPLOYEES, WHILE STILL SERVING GREAT BARBECUE. 192 00:14:36,275 --> 00:14:41,947 YOU PASSED AND I SIGNED LEGISLATION WAIVING ABC PERMIT 193 00:14:42,081 --> 00:14:44,583 FEES, SAVING STRUGGLING BAR AND RESTAURANT OWNERS MILLIONS, 194 00:14:44,717 --> 00:14:48,254 DIRECTING FEDERAL FUNDS TO SCHOOLS TO KEEP THEM SAFE, 195 00:14:48,387 --> 00:14:55,394 PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH SUMMER SCHOOL AND WITH BETTER WAYS TO 196 00:14:55,527 --> 00:14:56,562 LEARN TO READ. 197 00:14:56,695 --> 00:15:01,467 AND WE KNOW WE MUST DO SO MUCH MORE. 198 00:15:01,600 --> 00:15:05,204 WE OFTEN HAVE OUR DIFFERENCES IN THESE CHAMBERS, BUT THE PEOPLE 199 00:15:05,337 --> 00:15:10,676 OF NORTH CAROLINA SHOULD KNOW THAT AT TIMES, WHEN IT MATTERED, 200 00:15:10,809 --> 00:15:12,044 THEIR LEADERS STEPPED UP. 201 00:15:12,177 --> 00:15:17,349 AND NOW WE NEED TO DO IT AGAIN. 202 00:15:17,483 --> 00:15:24,723 ONE WAY IS FIGHTING THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC TOGETHER, THE RIGHT 203 00:15:24,857 --> 00:15:26,292 WAY. 204 00:15:26,425 --> 00:15:29,962 THOUGH EVERY LOSS HURT, NORTH CAROLINA RANKS LOW AMONG THE 205 00:15:30,095 --> 00:15:35,234 STATES IN COVID-19 DEATHS PER CAPITA DURING THE PANDEMIC. 206 00:15:35,367 --> 00:15:37,870 DURING THE SAME PERIOD NORTH CAROLINA RANKS LOW AMONG STATES 207 00:15:38,003 --> 00:15:41,040 IN JOB LOSSES PER CAPITA. WE'VE SAVED LIVES DURING THE PANDEMIC 208 00:15:41,173 --> 00:15:47,913 AND DEPLOYED VACCINES TO BRING OUR ECONOMY ON STRONG. 209 00:15:48,047 --> 00:15:50,015 WE ARE DOING THIS THE RIGHT WAY. 210 00:15:50,149 --> 00:15:55,621 ALMOST HALF OF OUR STATE'S ADULTS HAVE HAD AT LEAST A FIRST 211 00:15:55,754 --> 00:15:58,457 SHOT OF VACCINE, AND ALMOST 40 PERCENT ARE FULLY VACCINATED. 212 00:15:58,590 --> 00:16:03,228 WE'RE DOING EVEN BETTER WITH OUR 65 AND OVER POPULATION WITH MORE 213 00:16:03,362 --> 00:16:08,534 THAN 77 PERCENT WITH AT LEAST ONE SHOT AND MORE THAN 72 214 00:16:08,667 --> 00:16:11,170 PERCENT FULLY VACCINATED. 215 00:16:11,303 --> 00:16:12,604 THAT'S REMARKABLE. 216 00:16:12,738 --> 00:16:15,908 EVERY DOSE IS ANOTHER PERSON SAVED, ANOTHER FAMILY CLOSER TO 217 00:16:16,041 --> 00:16:18,510 IMMUNITY. 218 00:16:18,644 --> 00:16:24,350 NOW, THINK WHAT MORE WE CAN DO IF WE KEEP WORKING TOGETHER. 219 00:16:24,483 --> 00:16:28,020 OUR FUTURE SUCCESS AS A STATE DEPENDS ON US GETTING HEALTH 220 00:16:28,153 --> 00:16:33,826 CARE TO WORKING PEOPLE WHO DON'T HAVE IT. 221 00:16:33,959 --> 00:16:37,496 SEVERAL OF YOU TOP LEGISLATORS FROM BOTH PARTIES SAT WITH 222 00:16:37,629 --> 00:16:42,234 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DR. MANDY COHEN AND ME 223 00:16:42,368 --> 00:16:44,436 ON THE NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL FOR HEALTH CARE COVERAGE, AND WE 224 00:16:44,570 --> 00:16:49,608 UNANIMOUSLY AGREED ON A SET OF PRINCIPLES. 225 00:16:49,742 --> 00:16:52,778 SOME WERE STRAIGHT FORWARD: GET MORE PEOPLE COVERED WITH HEALTH 226 00:16:52,911 --> 00:16:55,414 INSURANCE. 227 00:16:55,547 --> 00:16:56,448 MAKE PEOPLE HEALTHIER. 228 00:16:56,582 --> 00:16:57,983 USE TAX DOLLARS WISELY. 229 00:16:58,117 --> 00:17:03,422 OTHERS WERE MORE COMPLICATED: MAKE HEALTH CARE MORE FAIR. 230 00:17:03,555 --> 00:17:07,059 AND REACH RURAL AREAS. 231 00:17:07,192 --> 00:17:12,865 THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO ALL THESE THINGS IS THERE IF WE EXPAND 232 00:17:12,998 --> 00:17:16,035 MEDICAID. 233 00:17:16,168 --> 00:17:20,239 AND CIRCUMSTANCES ABOUT MEDICAID EXPANSION HAVE CHANGED 234 00:17:20,372 --> 00:17:24,443 DRAMATICALLY SINCE WE DEBATED IT IN THE LAST BUDGET. 235 00:17:24,576 --> 00:17:28,680 FIRST, EVEN MORE FEDERAL DOLLARS - OUR TAX MONEY - ARE AVAILABLE 236 00:17:28,814 --> 00:17:32,885 IN UNPRECEDENTED AMOUNTS FOR THE LAST FEW STATES THAT HAVE NOT 237 00:17:33,018 --> 00:17:34,253 EXPANDED. 238 00:17:34,386 --> 00:17:36,588 THAT CAN MAKE OUR RURAL HOSPITALS THRIVE, PROVIDE MENTAL 239 00:17:36,722 --> 00:17:43,429 HEALTH AND KEEP WORKING PEOPLE HEALTHY. 240 00:17:43,562 --> 00:17:46,065 SECOND, YOUR PUSH TO TRANSITION MEDICAID TO MANAGED CARE IS 241 00:17:46,198 --> 00:17:50,269 HAPPENING IN ABOUT TWO MONTHS, AND YOU HAVE SAID THIS WILL MAKE 242 00:17:50,402 --> 00:17:55,541 MEDICAID MORE EFFICIENT AND SAVE TAXPAYER MONEY. 243 00:17:55,674 --> 00:17:58,177 THIRD, PEOPLE WHO'VE LOST THEIR JOBS AND THEIR 244 00:17:58,310 --> 00:18:00,813 EMPLOYER-SPONSORED HEALTH INSURANCE DURING THIS PANDEMIC 245 00:18:00,946 --> 00:18:05,084 DESPERATELY NEED THIS HELP. 246 00:18:05,217 --> 00:18:09,288 WE HEAR TIME AND AGAIN FROM SMALL BUSINESSES ABOUT THE 247 00:18:09,421 --> 00:18:12,991 URGENT NEED FOR MEDICAID EXPANSION. 248 00:18:13,125 --> 00:18:16,161 ONE BUSINESS OWNER WHO HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR IT IS CASSANDRA 249 00:18:16,295 --> 00:18:17,596 BROOKS. 250 00:18:17,729 --> 00:18:21,100 SHE OPERATES CHILDCARE CENTERS IN CLAYTON AND GARNER. 251 00:18:21,233 --> 00:18:23,535 HER CENTERS CARED FOR THE CHILDREN OF GROCERY STORE 252 00:18:23,669 --> 00:18:26,171 CLERKS, NURSES, AND OTHER FRONTLINE WORKERS WHO HAD TO 253 00:18:26,305 --> 00:18:31,009 WORK IN-PERSON ALL THROUGH THE PANDEMIC. 254 00:18:31,143 --> 00:18:34,079 CASSANDRA HAD A FRIEND AND CO-WORKER DIE FROM A STROKE WHEN 255 00:18:34,213 --> 00:18:37,783 SHE COULD NOT AFFORD TREATMENT FOR HER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE. 256 00:18:37,916 --> 00:18:43,055 SHE HAS SEEN PEOPLE WITHOUT HEALTH INSURANCE GET SICK WITH 257 00:18:43,188 --> 00:18:47,292 COVID-19 AND NOT BE ABLE TO GET THE CARE THEY NEEDED. 258 00:18:47,426 --> 00:18:52,531 ONE IN FIVE CHILDCARE PROVIDERS DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. 259 00:18:52,664 --> 00:18:54,066 THAT'S NOT RIGHT. 260 00:18:54,199 --> 00:18:57,269 EXPANDING MEDICAID DOES ALL THE THINGS WE AGREED ON IN OUR 261 00:18:57,402 --> 00:19:00,973 BIPARTISAN COUNCIL MEETINGS. 262 00:19:01,106 --> 00:19:03,675 IT GETS MORE PEOPLE COVERED. 263 00:19:03,809 --> 00:19:05,244 IT MAKES PEOPLE HEALTHIER. 264 00:19:05,377 --> 00:19:07,880 IT USES TAX DOLLARS WISELY AND REDUCES HEALTH CARE COSTS FOR 265 00:19:08,013 --> 00:19:08,981 BUSINESSES. 266 00:19:09,114 --> 00:19:12,117 IT MAKES HEALTH CARE MORE FAIR. 267 00:19:12,251 --> 00:19:14,753 IT REACHES RURAL AREAS. 268 00:19:14,887 --> 00:19:15,787 LET'S MAKE A DEAL. 269 00:19:15,921 --> 00:19:21,160 LET'S GET THIS DONE. 270 00:19:21,293 --> 00:19:40,646 [APPLAUSE] 271 00:19:40,779 --> 00:19:43,248 A HEALTHIER STATE MEANS A HEALTHIER WORKFORCE THAT IS 272 00:19:43,382 --> 00:19:48,620 READY FOR THE BETTER-PAYING JOBS WE'RE BRINGING HERE. 273 00:19:48,754 --> 00:19:52,758 IN 2019, I AND THE BIPARTISAN LEADERS OF THE LEGISLATURE, 274 00:19:52,891 --> 00:19:56,428 BUSINESS, AND EDUCATION STOOD TOGETHER TO MAKE A PROMISE. 275 00:19:56,562 --> 00:20:02,234 WE PLEDGED THAT IN THE NEXT DECADE, 2 MILLION MORE ADULT 276 00:20:02,367 --> 00:20:05,971 NORTH CAROLINIANS WILL HAVE A DEGREE OR TRADE CERTIFICATION. 277 00:20:06,104 --> 00:20:11,743 NOW WE HAVE OUR BEST CHANCE TO KEEP THAT PROMISE. 278 00:20:11,877 --> 00:20:13,845 TODAY, WE CAN JOIN TOGETHER TO OFFER ALL NORTH CAROLINIANS WHO 279 00:20:13,979 --> 00:20:16,215 WANT TO REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL THROUGH HIGHER 280 00:20:16,348 --> 00:20:20,686 EDUCATION THE CHANCE TO AFFORD IT. 281 00:20:20,819 --> 00:20:23,855 WITH OUR GREAT COMMUNITY COLLEGES, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM, AND 282 00:20:23,989 --> 00:20:29,161 PRIVATE COLLEGES, WE HAVE THE BEST TRAINING GROUNDS IN 283 00:20:29,294 --> 00:20:30,596 AMERICA. 284 00:20:30,729 --> 00:20:34,933 WITH THE FEDERAL AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN AND STATE RESOURCES, WE 285 00:20:35,067 --> 00:20:36,401 HAVE THE FUNDING. 286 00:20:36,535 --> 00:20:39,705 WITH BUSINESSES ALREADY HERE AND COMING SOON, WE HAVE THE GOOD 287 00:20:39,838 --> 00:20:41,206 PAYING JOBS. 288 00:20:41,340 --> 00:20:42,874 NOW WE NEED TO PUT IT ALL TOGETHER TO MAKE EDUCATION AND 289 00:20:43,008 --> 00:20:49,715 TRAINING MORE AFFORDABLE FOR EVERYONE. 290 00:20:49,848 --> 00:20:53,418 NOW YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD TODAY THAT A LITTLE TECHNOLOGY COMPANY 291 00:20:53,552 --> 00:20:57,456 FROM CALIFORNIA HAS DECIDED TO MOVE HERE. 292 00:20:57,589 --> 00:21:08,634 [APPLAUSE] 293 00:21:08,767 --> 00:21:14,940 IN YET ANOTHER TREMENDOUS ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR OUR STATE, 294 00:21:15,073 --> 00:21:17,876 TODAY WE STOOD TOGETHER AND ANNOUNCED THAT APPLE HAS CHOSEN 295 00:21:18,010 --> 00:21:21,813 NORTH CAROLINA FOR ITS FIRST NEW CAMPUS AND ENGINEERING HUB IN 296 00:21:21,947 --> 00:21:26,551 THE UNITED STATES IN MORE THAN 20 YEARS. 297 00:21:26,685 --> 00:21:30,222 AND THAT MAKES 11 COMPANIES THAT HAVE ANNOUNCED THOUSANDS OF JOBS 298 00:21:30,355 --> 00:21:39,097 IN BOTH RURAL AND URBAN AREAS IN JUST THE PAST TWO MONTHS. 299 00:21:39,231 --> 00:21:40,632 DURING A PANDEMIC! 300 00:21:40,766 --> 00:21:43,802 THE GOOD JOBS ARE ALREADY HERE AND THEY'RE GOING TO KEEP ON 301 00:21:43,935 --> 00:21:45,270 COMING. 302 00:21:45,404 --> 00:21:46,071 LET'S MAKE SURE OUR PEOPLE CAN AFFORD TO GET THE EDUCATION AND 303 00:21:46,204 --> 00:21:50,309 TRAINING TO LAND THEM. 304 00:21:50,442 --> 00:21:54,379 WE KNOW THAT PEOPLE CAN SUCCEED IF WE BREAK DOWN THE FINANCIAL 305 00:21:54,513 --> 00:21:58,050 BARRIERS KEEPING THEM FROM THEIR GOALS. 306 00:21:58,183 --> 00:22:01,219 LEXINE MERRILL WAS IN HER THIRD SEMESTER AS A NURSING STUDENT AT 307 00:22:01,353 --> 00:22:04,456 CENTRAL PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE WHEN UNEXPECTED MEDICAL 308 00:22:04,589 --> 00:22:08,126 BILLS CAME ON TOP OF A NEEDED CAR REPAIR. 309 00:22:08,260 --> 00:22:11,830 SHE THOUGHT SHE WOULD HAVE TO DROP OUT, BUT A FINISH LINE 310 00:22:11,963 --> 00:22:16,601 GRANT HELPED HER AFFORD TO STAY IN SCHOOL. 311 00:22:16,735 --> 00:22:20,806 SHE GRADUATED IN DECEMBER AND IS WORKING AS A CRITICAL CARE NURSE 312 00:22:20,939 --> 00:22:25,010 IN MONROE RIGHT WHEN WE NEED HER MOST. 313 00:22:25,143 --> 00:22:29,748 HER STORY IS A TESTAMENT THAT EVEN A SMALL AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL 314 00:22:29,881 --> 00:22:32,984 HELP CAN TURN STUDENTS INTO SKILLED WORKERS TO FILL THESE 315 00:22:33,118 --> 00:22:36,621 HIGH-DEMAND JOBS. 316 00:22:36,755 --> 00:22:41,293 THE CEOS WILL TELL YOU THEY NEED THESE HIGHLY TRAINED PEOPLE 317 00:22:41,426 --> 00:22:44,062 RIGHT NOW AND WE NEED TO INVEST IN MORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND 318 00:22:44,196 --> 00:22:48,200 UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS IMMEDIATELY. 319 00:22:48,333 --> 00:22:52,404 THESE SAME CEOS WILL TELL YOU THAT INVESTING IN EDUCATION AT 320 00:22:52,537 --> 00:22:56,641 THE BACK END IS IMPORTANT BUT INVESTING IN OUR CHILDREN 321 00:22:56,775 --> 00:23:01,913 EARLIER MAY BE EVEN MORE CRITICAL. 322 00:23:02,047 --> 00:23:05,117 OUR PLEDGE FOR GETTING TWO MILLION MORE ADULTS TRAINED AND 323 00:23:05,250 --> 00:23:08,820 EDUCATED BY 2030 MUST BEGIN WITH MORE CHILDREN GETTING HIGH 324 00:23:08,954 --> 00:23:14,059 QUALITY PRE-K AND A HEALTHY START AT BIRTH. 325 00:23:14,192 --> 00:23:18,296 MORE CHILDREN WHO LEARN TO READ IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. 326 00:23:18,430 --> 00:23:24,102 MORE CHILDREN INSPIRED TO LEARN TRADES IN MIDDLE SCHOOL. 327 00:23:24,236 --> 00:23:28,306 AND MORE WELL-PAID EDUCATORS WHO CAN GUIDE CHILDREN AS WELL AS 328 00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:38,316 ADULTS GETTING TRAINED FOR A SECOND CAREER. 329 00:23:38,450 --> 00:23:43,054 AND THAT MEANS PAYING TEACHERS MORE. 330 00:23:43,188 --> 00:23:46,758 IF WE WANT TO RECRUIT AND KEEP THE BEST EDUCATORS, WE NEED TO 331 00:23:46,892 --> 00:24:03,208 PAY THEM BETTER. 332 00:24:03,742 --> 00:24:08,380 [APPLAUSE] 333 00:24:08,513 --> 00:24:13,118 TOO MANY OF OUR TEACHERS ARE WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS - AND IT'S 334 00:24:13,251 --> 00:24:14,586 STILL NOT ENOUGH. 335 00:24:14,719 --> 00:24:17,889 BECAUSE OF OUR BUDGET DISPUTE LAST TIME OUR EDUCATORS DID NOT 336 00:24:18,023 --> 00:24:22,093 GET A RAISE IN THE LAST BUDGET CYCLE. 337 00:24:22,227 --> 00:24:26,331 WE NEED TO MAKE UP FOR THAT IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET. 338 00:24:26,465 --> 00:24:30,535 EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE WILL GET US WELL ON OUR WAY. BUT TO 339 00:24:30,669 --> 00:24:33,705 CEMENT NORTH CAROLINA'S SPOT AS BEST IN THE NATION FOR BUSINESS 340 00:24:33,839 --> 00:24:41,613 AND INDUSTRY, WE HAVE TO SOLIDIFY THE STATE'S BACKBONE. 341 00:24:41,746 --> 00:24:47,352 ITS INFRASTRUCTURE, SCHOOLS, WATER AND SEWER, ROADS, BRIDGES, 342 00:24:47,486 --> 00:24:50,589 TRANSIT AND ALSO ITS PATHWAYS FOR INFORMATION. 343 00:24:50,722 --> 00:24:53,758 HIGH SPEED INTERNET IS VITAL FOR EDUCATION AND TELEMEDICINE BUT 344 00:24:53,892 --> 00:24:57,996 ALSO FOR EVERY PERSON, FROM SMALL BUSINESS OWNER AND FARMER 345 00:24:58,129 --> 00:25:01,132 TO BIG CORPORATION AND HOSPITAL. 346 00:25:01,266 --> 00:25:05,937 IN HOKE COUNTY, DR. KAREN SMITH BEGAN USING TELEMEDICINE TO CARE 347 00:25:06,071 --> 00:25:09,107 FOR PATIENTS WITH OPIOID ADDICTION, AND WHEN THE PANDEMIC 348 00:25:09,241 --> 00:25:15,947 HIT SHE REALIZED IT COULD HELP EVEN MORE. 349 00:25:16,081 --> 00:25:21,753 SHE CAREFULLY PLANNED TO CONTINUE HER IN-PERSON MEDICAL 350 00:25:21,887 --> 00:25:23,321 CARE, BUT MANY OF HER PATIENTS WERE HESITANT TO COME IN AT THE 351 00:25:23,455 --> 00:25:27,025 HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, AND A LOT OF THEM DIDN'T HAVE INTERNET 352 00:25:27,158 --> 00:25:28,426 ACCESS. 353 00:25:28,560 --> 00:25:30,729 SO DR. SMITH EXTENDED HER OFFICE'S WIFI TO THE PARKING LOT 354 00:25:30,862 --> 00:25:35,433 AND OFFERED TABLETS FOR PATIENT USE. 355 00:25:35,567 --> 00:25:39,137 THIS MEANT THOSE WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY COULD STILL 356 00:25:39,271 --> 00:25:42,807 GET THE CARE THEY NEEDED THROUGH TELEMEDICINE. 357 00:25:42,941 --> 00:25:48,647 THE PANDEMIC AND THE RESULTING NECESSARY EXPANSION OF 358 00:25:48,780 --> 00:25:53,919 TECHNOLOGY HAVE FLUNG US A DECADE AHEAD. 359 00:25:54,052 --> 00:25:56,021 THE FUTURE WORLD WHERE WE WORK FROM HOME, SEE A DOCTOR, AND 360 00:25:56,154 --> 00:26:01,326 CONNECT OVER SCREENS IS THRUST ON US RIGHT NOW. 361 00:26:01,459 --> 00:26:04,329 BUT IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ACCESS, THE SCREEN, OR THE MONEY 362 00:26:04,462 --> 00:26:09,834 TO SUBSCRIBE YOU'RE LEFT OUT AND LEFT BEHIND. 363 00:26:09,968 --> 00:26:16,675 WE HAVE A PLAN AND THE MONEY TO STRETCH HIGH-SPEED INTERNET TO 364 00:26:16,808 --> 00:26:19,844 OUR STATE'S FARTHEST CORNERS. 365 00:26:19,978 --> 00:26:23,381 AND WE SHOULD USE THEM BOTH TO GET THIS DONE. 366 00:26:23,515 --> 00:26:37,128 [APPLAUSE] 367 00:26:37,262 --> 00:26:44,135 AND LET'S BOOST BUSINESSES THAT WERE HARDEST HIT BY THE PANDEMIC 368 00:26:44,269 --> 00:26:45,537 WITH SOME DIRECT HELP-RESTAURANTS, HOTELS, 369 00:26:45,670 --> 00:26:48,707 CONVENTIONS, HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM. 370 00:26:48,840 --> 00:26:52,911 LET'S GET PEOPLE BACK IN THE WORK FORCE AND HELP THEM GET THE 371 00:26:53,044 --> 00:26:54,479 TRAINING THEY NEED TO LAND THE JOBS. 372 00:26:54,613 --> 00:27:02,087 AND A LOT THEM WILL BE CLEAN ENERGY JOBS. 373 00:27:02,220 --> 00:27:04,055 LOOK, SCIENTISTS CONCUR THAT THE CLIMATE CRISIS IS REAL AND THAT 374 00:27:04,189 --> 00:27:07,759 WE NEED TO LOWER CARBON EMISSIONS. 375 00:27:07,892 --> 00:27:12,998 BUT ASIDE FROM THAT, CLEAN ENERGY IS WHERE THE GREAT-PAYING 376 00:27:13,131 --> 00:27:14,499 JOBS ARE GOING TO BE. 377 00:27:14,633 --> 00:27:18,803 LET'S GET AHEAD OF OTHER STATES AND LEAD THIS INDUSTRY IN NORTH 378 00:27:18,937 --> 00:27:20,271 CAROLINA. 379 00:27:20,405 --> 00:27:21,740 I'M ASKING YOU TO EXPAND ACCESS TO CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES, 380 00:27:21,873 --> 00:27:27,245 INVEST IN CLEAN ENERGY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PROMOTE OFFSHORE 381 00:27:27,379 --> 00:27:32,017 WIND, AND BUILD THE CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE TO CATALYZE NORTH 382 00:27:32,150 --> 00:27:33,485 CAROLINA'S ECONOMY. 383 00:27:33,618 --> 00:27:37,288 THIS INDUSTRY IS RACING TOWARD US WITH THOUSANDS OF GOOD-PAYING 384 00:27:37,422 --> 00:27:42,293 JOBS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN OUR ECONOMY AND OUR PLANET. 385 00:27:42,427 --> 00:27:44,129 WE ARE ALREADY AHEAD IN SOLAR ENERGY AND WITH NEW OFFSHORE 386 00:27:44,262 --> 00:27:48,867 WIND AND ITS LUCRATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN, WE CAN PUT MONEY IN NORTH 387 00:27:49,000 --> 00:27:51,703 CAROLINA POCKETS. 388 00:27:51,836 --> 00:27:57,809 AND AS WE WORK TO BUILD OUR INFRASTRUCTURE, WE NEED TO BUILD 389 00:27:57,942 --> 00:28:02,013 THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS OUR KIDS DESERVE, AND STRENGTHEN THE 390 00:28:02,147 --> 00:28:04,215 COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES WHERE WE'RE 391 00:28:04,349 --> 00:28:09,487 TRAINING THE NEXT GREAT SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS, NURSES 392 00:28:09,621 --> 00:28:12,123 AND WELDERS. 393 00:28:12,257 --> 00:28:16,861 WE CAN ENRICH OUR LIVES WITH INVESTMENTS IN PARKS, MUSEUMS, 394 00:28:16,995 --> 00:28:18,063 AND HISTORIC SITES. 395 00:28:18,196 --> 00:28:22,133 WE'RE SEEING THE LOWEST INTEREST RATES. 396 00:28:22,267 --> 00:28:26,838 WE CAN AFFORD IT, IT WILL CREATE JOBS, AND WE'RE NEVER GOING TO 397 00:28:26,971 --> 00:28:28,306 GET A BETTER DEAL. 398 00:28:28,440 --> 00:28:29,507 SO LET'S COME TOGETHER AND PASS A STRONG BOND REFERENDUM SO WE 399 00:28:29,641 --> 00:28:33,511 CAN GET THIS DONE. 400 00:28:33,645 --> 00:28:48,827 [APPLAUSE] 401 00:28:48,960 --> 00:28:54,632 ALL OF THESE IMPORTANT STEPS ARE NEEDED TO BUILD A STRONGER AND 402 00:28:54,766 --> 00:28:56,201 MORE PROSPEROUS FUTURE. 403 00:28:56,334 --> 00:28:58,837 BUT WE CAN'T SUCCEED IN THE FUTURE WITHOUT RECKONING WITH 404 00:28:58,970 --> 00:29:04,209 OUR PAST AND, UNFORTUNATELY, OUR PRESENT. 405 00:29:04,342 --> 00:29:12,117 WE MUST FACE HEAD ON THE STARK REALITY OF SYSTEMIC RACISM, AND 406 00:29:12,250 --> 00:29:20,024 HOW IT HURTS PEOPLE AND LEAVES THEM BEHIND. 407 00:29:20,158 --> 00:29:22,961 WHO GETS TO SEE A DOCTOR, WHO GETS HIRED FOR A JOB, WHO GETS 408 00:29:23,094 --> 00:29:27,932 CHARGED WITH A CRIME, WHO GETS PRISON TIME, WHO GETS KILLED. 409 00:29:28,066 --> 00:29:35,840 OVER THE PAST YEAR, AND JUST IN THE PAST WEEK, WE'VE SEEN THE 410 00:29:35,974 --> 00:29:40,578 HARM SUFFERED BY TOO MANY PEOPLE OF COLOR IN OUR STATE AND ACROSS 411 00:29:40,712 --> 00:29:42,046 THE COUNTRY. 412 00:29:42,180 --> 00:29:43,681 AND I WANT TO SAY CLEARLY: WE MUST ALL STAND TOGETHER TO STOP 413 00:29:43,815 --> 00:29:48,419 RACIAL INJUSTICE IN NORTH CAROLINA. 414 00:29:48,553 --> 00:30:12,143 [APPLAUSE] 415 00:30:12,277 --> 00:30:17,949 EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE OPPORTUNITY AND EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO 416 00:30:18,082 --> 00:30:22,687 FEEL SAFE IN THEIR OWN HOMES AND COMMUNITIES WITHOUT FEAR OF 417 00:30:22,821 --> 00:30:23,721 AUTHORITY WHO SHOULD BE THERE TO PROTECT THEM. 418 00:30:23,855 --> 00:30:34,098 [APPLAUSE] 419 00:30:34,232 --> 00:30:47,779 IN ALL THE AREAS THAT ARE IMPORTANT FOR PEOPLE'S 420 00:30:47,912 --> 00:30:49,280 SUCCESS, HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, ECONOMIC STRENGTH, THE JUSTICE 421 00:30:49,414 --> 00:30:50,515 SYSTEM-WE MUST CONFRONT SYSTEMS THAT FAVOR SOME AND HARM OTHERS. 422 00:30:50,648 --> 00:30:51,816 AND WE MUST FIX THEM. 423 00:30:51,950 --> 00:30:59,724 [APPLAUSE] 424 00:30:59,858 --> 00:31:02,894 FELLOW NORTH CAROLINIANS, TODAY OUR STATE IS OPERATING UNDER A 425 00:31:03,027 --> 00:31:07,699 BUDGET THAT WAS ENACTED IN 2018 BECAUSE WE COULDN'T AGREE ON ONE 426 00:31:07,832 --> 00:31:09,300 LAST TIME. 427 00:31:09,434 --> 00:31:14,138 THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH THE WORLD HAS CHANGED SINCE 2018. 428 00:31:14,272 --> 00:31:18,776 I'M HERE NOW, AT YOUR INVITATION, TO GIVE MY 429 00:31:18,910 --> 00:31:23,548 PERSPECTIVE ABOUT THE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF OUR PEOPLE. 430 00:31:23,681 --> 00:31:27,752 AND I'M HERE TO TELL YOU THAT MY BUDGET TACKLES THOSE NEEDS AND 431 00:31:27,886 --> 00:31:29,020 CHALLENGES. 432 00:31:29,153 --> 00:31:32,657 THERE ARE SOME REALLY GOOD IDEAS IN THERE. 433 00:31:32,790 --> 00:31:34,259 [LAUGHTER] 434 00:31:34,392 --> 00:31:38,463 THERE'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE SOME GIVE AND TAKE IN ORDER FOR US TO 435 00:31:38,596 --> 00:31:39,964 GET THIS DONE. 436 00:31:40,098 --> 00:31:44,269 I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO VETO THE BUDGET, AND I WILL DO MY PART TO 437 00:31:44,402 --> 00:31:51,175 SEE THAT WE HAVE A BUDGET AND I EXPECT YOU TO DO YOURS. 438 00:31:51,309 --> 00:32:03,888 [APPLAUSE] 439 00:32:04,022 --> 00:32:10,228 AND I WANT TO SEE A BUDGET THAT HAS THREE SIGNATURES -- SPEAKER 440 00:32:10,361 --> 00:32:18,736 MOORE'S, SENATOR BERGER'S, AND MINE. 441 00:32:18,870 --> 00:32:19,337 OUR PEOPLE DESERVE THAT. 442 00:32:19,470 --> 00:32:24,575 [APPLAUSE] 443 00:32:24,709 --> 00:32:31,950 TO THE LEGISLATORS IN THE ROOM: WE'VE AGREED BEFORE, LET'S FIND 444 00:32:32,083 --> 00:32:36,688 WAYS TO DO IT AGAIN, AND KEEP MOVING OUR STATE FORWARD. 445 00:32:36,821 --> 00:32:41,426 LET'S AGREE TO LISTEN MORE TO EACH OTHER AND ACT IN GOOD FAITH 446 00:32:41,559 --> 00:32:43,528 TO GET THINGS DONE. 447 00:32:43,661 --> 00:32:48,299 WE'RE ALREADY MAKING PROGRESS ON THAT. 448 00:32:48,433 --> 00:32:54,105 THE CHALLENGES WE FACE ARE TOO GREAT TO DO OTHERWISE. 449 00:32:54,238 --> 00:32:55,673 THEY ARE NOT EASY TO SOLVE. 450 00:32:55,807 --> 00:32:59,877 BUT WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE UNPRECEDENTED RESOURCES TO 451 00:33:00,011 --> 00:33:03,114 FACE THEM HEAD-ON. 452 00:33:03,247 --> 00:33:05,683 TO GET TO THE ROOT OF PROBLEMS. 453 00:33:05,817 --> 00:33:10,488 TO IMAGINE AND INNOVATE RATHER THAN DOUBT AND TOLERATE. 454 00:33:10,621 --> 00:33:13,658 TO FIGHT DISCRIMINATION AND PROMOTE JUSTICE THAT OPENS DOORS 455 00:33:13,791 --> 00:33:19,998 EVEN WIDER TO DIVERSITY AND EQUITY. 456 00:33:20,131 --> 00:33:28,406 IN A YEAR OF HARDSHIP AND LOSS, WE OWE IT TO OURSELVES AND EACH 457 00:33:28,539 --> 00:33:35,346 OTHER AND, AS LEADERS, WE OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE WHO ELECTED US, TO 458 00:33:35,480 --> 00:33:39,417 BUILD A STATE THAT IS TRULY MORE EDUCATED, EQUITABLE, HEALTHIER, 459 00:33:39,550 --> 00:33:43,321 AND PROSPEROUS. 460 00:33:43,454 --> 00:33:45,256 AND TO ACT WITH THE COMPASSIONATE RESILIENCE THAT 461 00:33:45,390 --> 00:33:51,029 HAS GOTTEN US THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC. 462 00:33:51,162 --> 00:33:56,768 NORTH CAROLINIANS KEPT EACH OTHER SAFE. 463 00:33:56,901 --> 00:33:58,936 TAUGHT EACH OTHER. 464 00:33:59,070 --> 00:34:00,004 SAVED EACH OTHER. 465 00:34:00,138 --> 00:34:04,809 MOURNED FOR AND LOVED EACH OTHER. 466 00:34:04,942 --> 00:34:06,310 PRAYED FOR EACH OTHER. 467 00:34:06,444 --> 00:34:07,445 THIS IS THE NORTH CAROLINA WAY, AND WE MUST HEED THE LESSONS WE 468 00:34:07,578 --> 00:34:12,717 HAVE LEARNED. 469 00:34:12,850 --> 00:34:17,989 I BELIEVE THAT NORTH CAROLINA IS STRONG, RESILIENT AND READY TO 470 00:34:18,122 --> 00:34:21,692 FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE. 471 00:34:21,826 --> 00:34:25,396 I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL REBUILD FROM THIS PANDEMIC TO BE EVEN 472 00:34:25,530 --> 00:34:28,032 STRONGER THAN BEFORE. 473 00:34:28,166 --> 00:34:31,702 AND I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN ROAR INTO THE FUTURE TOGETHER, 474 00:34:31,836 --> 00:34:40,678 CREATING A SHARED RECOVERY THAT ENSURES OUR BEST DAYS LIE AHEAD. 475 00:34:40,812 --> 00:34:44,882 I HAVE NEVER BEEN PROUDER TO CALL MYSELF A NORTH CAROLINIAN. 476 00:34:45,016 --> 00:34:49,087 I HAVE NEVER HAD A STRONGER FAITH IN GOD. 477 00:34:49,220 --> 00:34:54,358 I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE HONORED OR MORE COMMITTED TO SERVE ALL 478 00:34:54,492 --> 00:34:55,927 OF YOU AS YOUR GOVERNOR. 479 00:34:56,060 --> 00:35:00,665 AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE CERTAIN THAT NORTH CAROLINA'S 480 00:35:00,798 --> 00:35:03,301 FUTURE IS BRIGHT. 481 00:35:03,434 --> 00:35:08,639 THANK YOU, GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU, AND GOD BLESS NORTH CAROLINA AND 482 00:35:08,773 --> 00:35:16,714 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 483 00:35:16,848 --> 00:35:17,315 THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. 484 00:35:17,448 --> 00:35:41,939 [APPLAUSE] 485 00:35:42,073 --> 00:35:45,443 [APPLAUSE] 486 00:35:45,576 --> 00:35:48,546 >> THE SERGEANT AT ARMS OF THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE WILL OPEN 487 00:35:48,679 --> 00:35:50,781 THE DOORS FOR THE EXIT OF THE GOVERNOR. 488 00:35:50,915 --> 00:36:05,363 [APPLAUSE]