Gov. Hogan Emphasizes Well-Being Of Working Families In State of the State Address

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)--Tax cuts and economic recovery make Maryland strong.

Governor Hogan emphasized the well-being of working families in his State of the State address on Wednesday.

Political Reporter Pat Warren has more.

Governor Hogan's first year in office presented more than a few challenges.

"None of us could have foreseen just how much we would be asked to overcome: the riots and lawlessness that threatened to tear Baltimore city apart; for me personally, a life-altering diagnosis requiring me to publicly wage what is normally a very private battle and last week a historic winter storm that left a season's worth of snowfall in just two days," said Governor Hogan during his address. "Together, we have been tested."

In addition to tests, there has been economic recovery and tax cuts, pledging more to come.

"This year, let's work together to help even more struggling Marylanders throughout our state," the governor said.

Among the local jurisdictions Baltimore received the most attention in the address.

READ MORE: THE FULL SPEECH HERE.

"Over the past few months, we launched school-to-career opportunities for Baltimore youth; improved educational options for college-bound students; invested an additional $135 million to improve the city's transit system," Hogan said.

There was a call for bipartisanship, and finally, gratitude.

"This past year has been one of many milestones. For me, none more extraordinary than when I had the honor of being blessed by Pope Francis on behalf of cancer patients around the world," Hogan said. "This past year, we ushered in a new era of bipartisanship in Maryland. One filled with hope and optimism."

But there are issues this year that break along party lines.

Democrats including Mayor Rawlings-Blake and Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz held news conference prior to the state of the state, calling for more funding for schools and transportation projects.

Governor Hogan's proposals include tax breaks for struggling small businesses and retirees on fixed incomes.

WATCH the full address here: