"It's appropriate to celebrate public service, and the thoughtful people who choose to serve. They symbolize what is good and decent about this historic citizen legislature, and we thank them."

"Leaders do not sway with the polls. Instead, they sway the polls through their own words and actions."

"We have no more fundamental obligation in government than to ensure the safety of our citizens."

"My capital budget maintains my commitment to the education of children, health of the Chesapeake Bay, and safety of all Maryland citizens. We will continue to focus on the five pillars of my Administration as we build today and look forward to the projects of the future."

"Every Maryland family wants financial security, schools that work, quality healthcare, safer neighborhoods, and ever-expanding economic opportunity. These are the building blocks of a superior quality of life."

"Leadership is about doing what you know is right - even when a growing din of voices around you is trying to convince you to accept what you know to be wrong."

"Experts tell us that 90% of all brain development occurs by the age of five. If we don't begin thinking about education in the early years, our children are at risk of falling behind by the time they start Kindergarten."