our economic development strategy established rural opportunity zones, and strengthened capers -- kapers. i submit these facts for your review. kansas has created more than 59,000 private sector jobs. [applause] our unemployment rate is tied for 10th lowest in the nation. [applause] and best yet, more kansans are working than ever in the history of our state. [applause] personal income is rising. we are addressing the causes of poverty. and welfare rolls are cut in half. [applause] thanks to the efforts of our teachers and parents, kansas student test scores are among the best in the country, with record numbers enrolled in technical education. and our institutions of higher education are global leaders in illness such as animal health, aeronautics, and the fight against cancer. [applause] so mr. speaker and madam president, it is for these reasons and more that i can report to you that kansas is on the rise, and the state of the state is strong. [applause] now, as we have always known as kansans, great achievements require work. it requires the courage to face challenges head-on and fin