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TALLAHASSEE, FL (AP) — Gov. Charlie Crist wants lower property taxes, cleaner energy, thinner kids, healthier Floridians and better schools and he said in his State of the State speech Tuesday that he isn’t daunted by bad economic times.

Crist acknowledged the state is going through tough times, but, forever an optimist, he said state government can still keep its obligation to improve the lives of Floridians.

“Florida’s families and business are faced with extraordinary economic times — skyrocketing gas prices, the threat of foreclosure and a softening housing market. And, like Florida’s families, these challenging times will require us to meet the demands of declining revenues,” Crist said in the prepared version of his remarks. “Pessimists see problems, while optimists see opportunities. You know I am an optimist, but no matter the perspective, we can dare to be great.”

A large part of Crist’s speech praised this past year’s efforts to lower property taxes and property insurance rates. He said more needs to be done so that more Floridians can realize the dream of owning a home.

“These property tax cuts are just the beginning. We can and should continue to fight for property tax relief,” he said, adding that he wants to give voters another chance to cut property taxes on the November ballot.

The speech reflected many of the goals and priorities Crist has laid out over the last few months as he released his budget and proposed new ideas. And many — lower taxes, clean energy, education and child welfare — are similar to the goals he laid out last year.

Different this year, however, was the time he delivered the remarks. Instead of a late morning address, he decided more people would have a chance to hear it if he began at 6 p.m.

During the speech, Crist defended his use of state savings to pay for many of the priorities in his budget proposal.

“We have reserves for times when we need them, for times when we need to sustain our commitment to those who rely upon us most, for times when we need to invest in ourselves and our future, for times when waiting can be too costly,” he said.

Crist then went on to outline his goals for the 60-day legislative session that began earlier Tuesday.

He highlighted his hope to help prevent obesity among students, enroll more children in the KidCare insurance program and to help provide primary health care for the uninsured. He also pushed for an expansion of his bonus program for the state’s best teachers, and said his proposal for $200 million in economic development incentives will attract companies that will develop clean energy technology.

Crist said more children are being adopted in Florida and said the state will keep a better eye on the children that remain in its care by using new technology to track them. Preserving Florida’s natural lands will also be a priority, he said.

While mainly looking forward, Crist also mentioned successes from his first year, including requiring paper ballots for the state’s voting machines, providing prescription discount cards and making the restoration of civil rights automatic for most felons who complete their sentences.

He used videos of real Floridians to illustrate many of his points, including one from an ex-felon who was able to vote in the Jan. 29 presidential primary, the first time she was able to cast a ballot since leaving prison.

Crist ended his speech by reminding lawmakers that they need to listen to Floridians for guidance as the work to make the state better.

“We can find answers in the hearts of the people of Florida. They are our most important resources. The people of Florida offer us our daily education and inspiration. They look to us to be their voice,” Crist said. “I love Florida, I love her with all of my heart. Her possibilities are endless, and our optimism should be boundless.”