NORTH CAROLINA -- Gov. Roy Cooper laid out his vision for North Carolina and its the same vision he has been wanting to see since he ran for office several years ago.

• Higher teacher pay, more money for classrooms, and greater accessibility for rural communities are just a few of his hopes for the state.
• During this joint session of the legislature with all of the state's top elected officials on hand, Cooper also touched on the rallying cry we are hearing from many Democrats right now -- Medicaid expansion.
• We now expect that many of the ideas the governor laid out will be included in the budget he proposes soon to lawmakers.

Higher teacher pay, more money for classrooms, and greater accessibility for rural communities are just a few of his hopes for the state.

During this joint session of the legislature with all of the state's top elected officials on hand, Cooper also touched on the rallying cry we are hearing from many Democrats right now -- Medicaid expansion.

The governor made it clear that as the state works through it next budget, he wants to see this program for low-income elderly and disabled North Carolinians be available to more people.

Republicans, who have been hesitant about expansion, did not directly respond to this cry but say their method of conservative governing over the past several years has put the state on the right track.

"Dr. Adams believes that as soon as possible, right now, as soon as we can, expand Medicaid," said Gov. Cooper. "Let’s follow the doctor’s orders. Dr. Adams is determined to keep people healthy. Dr. Adams, please stand so we can acknowledge you and all the doctors, nurses and hospitals that want to do this. Guys, we can do this. I know some of you have concerns. Let’s listen to each other and get this done in a North Carolina way."

"The facts show what you and your neighbors already know to be true: the financial and economic state of our state is the strongest it has ever been. North Carolina is booming under responsible Republican leadership," said Senate leader Phil Berger.

Both the governor and the Republicans talked about the need for continued efforts to help those who have been affected by Hurricane Florence and Matthew.

We now expect that many of the ideas the governor laid out will be included in the budget he proposes soon to lawmakers.