Missouri’s Governor, Jay Nixon, recently gave the first speech of his second term in the 2013 year, explaining the agenda, plans, and projects that will be taking place in the near future. Nixon delivered an empowering and inspiring speech about the people of Missouri and the willpower to do the right thing even in the darkest times.

With the tornado that ripped through Joplin just two years ago, the citizens of Missouri stepped up and offered a helping hand to those in need.

“That’s who we are,” stated Nixon, “That’s what we do.”

He went on to speak about the brave men and women that serve our country and risk their lives every day to protect our precious freedom and liberty. Last December, Nixon traveled to both Kuwait and Afganistan to visit with the troops that were stationed overseas. The governor had brought one of the soldiers with him to this event, willing to tell his miraculous story and to explain the dangers that our American soldiers face.

A member of the Guard’s Agribusiness Development Team in Afghanistan, Sergeant Joseph Schicker, had just arrived with his team at their base when they were attacked by members of the Taliban. Several guardsmen from Missouri, including Sergeant Schicker, were wounded in battle but had successfully warded off their attackers.

Sergeant Schicker was given the Army Commendation Medal with Valor and the Combat Infantry Badge. Governor Nixon took the honor in present Sergeant Schicker with the Purple Heart during the welcome home ceremony that took place in September last year. Schicker was honored by the attendees of the governor’s speech and was asked to stand as he was applauded for his bravery and service he has provided for our nation.

Missouri has been through a whirlwind of events throughout the past couple of years and Governor Nixon explained the damage of tornadoes, droughts, floods, and ice storms and the effect that it has had on our state and citizens.

Aside from the natural disasters, our state along with our country is going through a tough recession.

“We did what every family in Missouri did,” Governor Nixon explained, “We tightened our belts and cut spending.”

By reducing the size of the state government, Missouri successfully balanced their budget without fiddling with the taxpayer’s and their hard earned money. Missouri employed more than 40,000 people with new jobs last year and are training more workers and preparing them for work. Our state has also increased the exporting of goods, allowing our industry to thrive and our economy to make a positive shift.

The governor also talked about the importance of the education of our children and of our grandchildren, who are the future of Missouri and of our country. To build a future for them, Nixon added funding for education and it was increased by $150 million. With an extended budget, the governor hopes to raise test scores, graduation rates, and the number of college degrees.

With big changes being made to both early childhood programs and K-12 schools, Missouri students wanting to attend college will also be helped. The A+ Scholarship Program will be issued to more high schools so that students are able to attend community college to extend their education.

“The dream of a college education should be within reach for all Missouri families.” Nixon states, “Because education is the best economic development tool there is.”

Governor Nixon touched on many important topics that will help Missouri move forward during America’s recession. With the thriving exports, growing businesses and jobs, better education, expanding Medicaid for American workers, and job training, the state of Missouri is heading in the right direction. Nixon’s new budget plan will help Missouri thrive and top its records from previous years in all areas, creating a better state for its citizens.