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Madison - As he was sworn into office for a second term, Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle on Wednesday cited as his top priorities education and health care - including stem cell research and ensuring that every child has adequate health care.
He also hinted at the possibility of asking for a cigarette tax increase to fight smoking.
In the first of three speeches over the next month that will lay out his goals for his term, Doyle said "much more remains to be done for the hardworking families of Wisconsin," including making sure every child has health care.
Access to health care is a "human crisis - and it demands action now," he said, adding:
"One state can't solve the problem all on its own . . . . But one state - our state - can and will lead the way in health care reform. As a first step, let's agree on this: In Wisconsin, every child should have access to affordable, comprehensive health care."
As he did four years ago, Doyle also promised to make sure public schools are adequately funded in the budget he will give the Legislature in about a month.
"Education is an enduring Wisconsin value," said Doyle, 61, the...