Money spent on carbon cuts is money we can't use for effective investments in food aid, micronutrients, HIV/AIDS prevention, health and education infrastructure, and clean water and sanitation.

And really, the basis, I think, of achieving some success in what I want to do today comes from my mother's push to get me to read and to make something of myself from the standpoint of an education.

The amount of money we spend on education is important, but not nearly as important as how the money is spent.

Ladies and gentlemen: There can be no greater investment in Alabama's future than an investment in education.

I wouldn't be where I am today without the amazing public arts education that I had.