Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.

In charting our course to the future, we are mindful of our path from the past.

The status quo is simply unacceptable.

This is not the time for partisan bickering. This is not the time for politics as usual. Some of us are Democrats. Some of us are Republicans. Some of us are Independents. Above all, we must be Oklahomans first.

For only by nurturing the minds and strengthening the values of our children can we give them an opportunity to be full, productive citizens, to reach their God-given potential, and to have good jobs right here in Oklahoma.

What unites Oklahomans today is what has always united us: Our unshakable faith. Our love of family and compassion for others. The unlimited promise of a hopeful future.

The worst thing we can do is to do nothing.