As Governor of North Carolina for two terms, I made improving education a top priority.

Because education is the backbone of a competitive workforce and successful economy, making it a priority is not uncommon.

Early college high schools in North Carolina and across the country show us that challenge - not remediation - is an approach to education that works.

I had hoped to let the one-half cent sales tax sunset this year, but we do not believe revenues will grow as fast as we hoped for the rest of the year.

As Governor of North Carolina for two terms, I made improving education a top priority.

Real vision demands that we make tough choices. Real vision is responsible and it is paid for.

We must remember that North Carolina is more than a collection of regions and people. We are one state, one people, one family, bound by a common concern for each other.