MONTPELIER, Vt. -
The Vermont statehouse chamber was full of lawmakers, dignitaries and military personnel Thursday to see Governor Peter Shumlin begin his second term.
When the applause died down, Shumlin was sworn-in and then the democrat went to work.
For nearly 30 minutes he outlined one topic.
"An education system that grows Vermont's prosperity," said Shumlin.
Shumlin asked lawmakers to consider the future and see if the state is ready.
"The plain truth is, we are not," said Shumlin.
In order to get there, Shumlin laid out four major changes he wants to make.
It starts with early childhood development.
Shumlin says he wants to spend $17-million dollars making it more affordable.
The next step is tackling hunger.
Shumlin wants to give all low-income students free lunch, and make sure the food is grown in Vermont.
As for college, Shumlin says it's not just for the rich.
"We have failed to move more low-income kids beyond high school," said Shumlin.
To improve that Shumlin says programs that give college tuition to high school seniors need to expand.
He also wants to create the, "Vermont Strong Scholar Program" that pays part of Vermonters tuition if they chose to go to school and work here, so they don't leave the state.
And lastly, schools must create a personal learning plan that follows each student from kindergarten through high school.
Four changes that Shumlin says will improve students and keep jobs in Vermont.
"If you make a commitment to our state, than our state should make a commitment to you!" said Vermont.
Shumlin did not say how this plan would be paid for.
We spoke with some lawmakers who were excited about it, but with upwards of $75 million dollar budget deficit they wonder where it will come from.
Shumlin is expected to talk about that when he makes his budget address in a couple weeks.
