Thread by @GovBobFerguson

Today I am delivering my 2019 State of the State address to a joint session of the Washington State Senate and House of Representatives. I am calling on legislators to take Washington's progress to the next step. #waleg
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And today, as we reflect on our 2018 successes, we look ahead to 2019 and offer a rallying cry to build this new and enduring chapter that is the profound story of Washington state. #waleg

As Washington’s leaders, we carry an obligation to never be satisfied with how far we’ve come. In 2019, we are again poised to be more and do more. Yes, we’ve accomplished much already. But all of it — everything we’ve done — brings us to a tipping point. #waleg

I am more optimistic than ever about the clean energy future we’ll build together. We'll pass legislation to transition to 100% clean electricity, transform our buildings with cost-saving efficiencies, & modernize & electrify our transportation system. #waleg

We’ll phase down super-pollutants and phase in cleaner fuels. Combined, these policies will steeply cut emissions — the equivalent of taking about 3 million cars off our roads. #waleg

We need to transform behavioral health from a system that responds to crisis to one that helps people before they reach crisis. #waleg

I’m pleased that we’re at the beginning of a bipartisan effort to do just that. We will create a story this year about a holistic model for behavioral health that encompasses the family, the community, and the promise of timely care. #waleg

The third thing we need to focus on is saving the Southern Resident orcas. Many of us watched as Tahlequah, a mother orca, carried her dead calf for at least 17 days. We saw a mother’s grief. We felt it. Our hearts broke as we shared in her loss. This cannot be their fate. #waleg

We must make unprecedented investments to save our orcas. We have just one last chance to save these orcas. In this perilous moment, we must answer back with action. #waleg

The demise of any species is a warning in our natural systems. We have to restore the balance of our ecosystem to sustain orcas, salmon and the quality of life for all Washingtonians. For as the orca go, so go we. #waleg

The fourth issue, one still at the forefront, is education. I thank everyone in this chamber who has been part of the years-long effort to fully fund basic education. #waleg

This was an enormously heavy lift that I’m proud we accomplished together last year. This was a remarkable bipartisan effort; both parties shared in that success. #waleg

But we have always said we couldn’t stop at basic education. For anyone who cares about equity in education, early learning is the best way to secure a strong start for every child, regardless of their family’s economic circumstances. #waleg

My budget would also offer universal home visits. This gives every new parent the opportunity to get a visit from a nurse during the first few weeks back home with their newborn to share important information and build confidence. #waleg

And once those children reach the other end of their education and prepare to graduate from high school, we want to open up as many pathways as possible, including apprenticeships, certificates and degrees. #waleg

For high-school students or individuals who seek an experience outside a four-year program, our #CareerConnectWA initiative gives them that option. It links students to real-world experience in careers that interest them. #waleg

My budget will provide 100,000 students over the next 10 years an option to dive into their interests through apprenticeships and paid internships, and fall in love with a career before they graduate. #waleg

We’re also supporting future students who want more education but can’t afford it. The Washington College Promise is our new statewide free college program that guarantees state financial aid to eligible students. #waleg

We did this because a student’s financial challenges should not stand in the way of the pursuit of their dreams. #waleg

We’re the state that invests in our people. That’s why we’re the only state that ranks as the best place to work and the best place to do business. What an incredible achievement. #waleg

While too many in D.C. remain in the grips of the NRA, we're the state that stands up for common-sense gun-safety reforms. We've closed background check loopholes, banned bump stocks, and approved protective orders that keep guns away from people in crisis. #waleg

All this builds toward our promise for greatness. We’re constantly refreshed with new ideas, new cultures, new communities and new technologies. We seek out new talent from the world’s many pockets because that makes Washington stronger. #waleg

We affirm that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. #waleg

We’re the people who always make history. I really believe in the state of Washington. And I believe our next Washington chapter must show that we pushed the limit and moved beyond our plateau, that we always looked for the next beginning. #waleg

So let this be our profound story. Let it be bold. And most of all, let it make history. #waleg