Big claps from lawmakers and others for this line from the governor, which came early in his speech:

Nonetheless, we must continue our focus on our children and students’ performance. We cannot wait any longer. We wanted to cross the Race to the Top finish line side-by-side with the HSTA. Make no mistake we will cross that finish line. Our students deserve no less.

Also getting applause his this line:

We instituted fiscal prudence and discipline, through tools provided by the Legislature. The result was a general fund balance of $126 million. This was the first positive balance achieved in three years.