At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security.

Our libraries are valuable centers of education, learning and enrichment for people of all ages. In recent years, libraries have taken on an increasingly important role. today’s libraries are about much more than books.

I’m angry when we have to use state dollars to fill holes in our low-income heating assistance program because there isn’t enough support from Washington.

I have been unexpectedly confronted with my own mortality as I was told that I had cancer.

We have the incredible privilege of serving in the highest offices in the state. We must prove ourselves worthy of our fellow citizens’ faith. We must be trusted to always place the public’s good above our own and to always choose fairness over favoritism.

I have kept a steady focus on restoring public faith in our state government since taking office July 1. Now it is time to make even bigger and bolder gains through legislative action.

The easy way out is to approve an early retirement plan one year but not pay out sick and vacation time to deserving employees until three years later. Unfortunately, later is now.

We continue to fight for good jobs that pay well and jobs that last. Helping to get folks back to work is about helping them to regain their dignity and pride. That’s what families care about.

The best math lesson we can teach college students this year is to subtract a tuition increase and benefit from the dividends of higher education.

Managers, regardless of salary, should not be allowed to earn or use comp time. They are expected to work as many hours as needed to get the job done – especially at these salary levels.

This continuing spike in gas prices is bad for consumers, bad for our economy, and bad for all other businesses. It is hurting us and costing us jobs.

At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security.

We cannot put off the difficult decisions for another day, another generation.