Walker encourages young women to get 'all the education you can'

By Stephanie H. Olsen

March 17, 2004 | A large group of students gathered Tuesday in the Sun Burst Lounge afternoon to hear Gov. Olene Walker speak.

Walker gave the students a brief update on changes she has been working on since being sworn into office last year.

One of the first issues discussed was the upcoming change in tax laws that will become effective Aug.1. Walker explained, "We have not made any tax law changes since the '60s. We must take a look at the state and local tax system in order to take us into the next century."

Walker then announced that a statewide radio frequency is being set in place "to unite the state in times of natural disasters or other emergencies."

The formal speech ended and the attention was then shifted to the floor for questions. Several were directed to Gov. Walkers about education and advice she could offer to students and their mentors.

"Both my parents were in education," she said. "Getting an education was important for everyone in my family, whether you were a boy or a girl. Could I have been made governor without all of my degrees? Yes! But having them opened doors for me."

Walker continued by saying, "Girls, obtain all the education you can. Don't sit back and be afraid to run for an office."

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