2026 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Education

Andy Beshear: I am unapologetically a 100% pro-public education governor

Our priority, always, must be the future. And our future is molded in our public schools. I am unapologetically a 100% pro-public education governor. Every budget I've proposed has invested in our school systems, starting with our educators. Once again, I'll be doing what's right: I'm proposing $159 million for mandatory raises for educators; and a proposal to increase take-home pay by nearly 7%. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Kentucky legislature Jan 7, 2026

Kay Ivey: Alabama is the most school choice friendly state

We are proud to support our families. That includes making Alabama the most school choice friendly state in the nation. Our education savings account program, the CHOOSE Act, is already supporting more than 23,000 students. That number will grow as more folks learn about the program, as student athletes feel more confident in the rules and when it becomes fully universal in year three. For the 27-28 Academic Year, I am proposing we increase funding for the CHOOSE Act to $250 million dollars. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Virginia legislature Jan 13, 2026

Kim Reynolds: Education Savings Accounts are now universally available

Today, Iowa families can choose the school that best fits their needs, whether that's the neighborhood public school, another district, a public charter school, or a private school through an Education Savings Account. And this year marks a milestone. For the first time in Iowa's history, Education Savings Accounts are universally available—meaning the same State Cost per Pupil follows every child, regardless of income or ZIP code. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Iowa legislature Jan 13, 2026

Gavin Newsom: Create debt-free pathways from school to high-paying jobs

Speaking of careers, I want to thank this legislature for helping fund our state's first master plan for career education. This three-year process, just recently completed, creates seamless, debt-free pathways from school to high-paying jobs, with or without college experience. We're integrating career training, strengthening regional partnerships, and building a new digital "career passport" so people can track their skills. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to California legislature Jan 8, 2026

Phil Scott: We need far fewer districts each serving far more students

First, we need far fewer districts each serving far more students. This change will eliminate duplicated effort and expenses for things like bussing, human resources, and purchasing, which are currently being done across 52 supervisory unions and 119 districts. Importantly, it will reduce the inequity I just talked about because there'll be more consistent leadership and accountability. It also gives leaders more levers to pull, and more students--which means more funding. Source: 2026 State of the State Address to the Vermont legislature Jan 7, 2026

The above quotations are from 2026 Governor's State of the State speeches. Click here for definitions & background information on Education. Click here for other issues (main summary page). Click here for more quotes by Gavin Newson on Education. Click here for more quotes by Kay Ivey on Education.
*Candidates and political leaders on Education:*
*Candidates for President & Vice-President:* V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	*2024 presidential primary contenders:* Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Jan 20, 2026