Watch CBS News

Phil Matier: Gov. Brown Speaks Glowingly About California

SACRAMENTO (KCBS) - Everything's coming up roses in California - at least, according to Gov. Jerry Brown, who painted a rosy picture of the state's standing in Thursday's State of the State address.

He portrayed California's future as a bright one, thanks in part to big projects on the horizon - like high-speed rail.

"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," he offered a light-hearted argument in support of the controversial project, invoking a classic children's story in the process. "And over the mountain, the little engine went! We're going to get over that mountain."

"I have no doubt," he said to applause.

In addition to high-speed rail, Brown addressed K-12 education funding reform, delta water tunnels, and voter-approved tax increases.

Phil Matier: Gov. Brown Speaks Glowingly About California

Overall, Brown's State of the State address has been widely discussed, some political pundits saying it was quite a script, delivered in rather animated fashion.

One thing the state's Democrats and Republicans appear to agree on: Brown had firm command of the room as he spoke.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.