Gov. Gregoire unveils Washington Jobs Now initiative

For Immediate Release: January 15, 2009

Plan will jump-start Washington�s economy with targeted investments to grow jobs

SEATTLE � Gov. Chris Gregoire today unveiled her Washington Jobs Now initiative � her state-sponsored economic recovery plan � while speaking at the 37th Annual Economic Forecast Conference hosted by enterpriseSeattle.

�We can quickly create thousands of new jobs this year and next by accelerating nearly $1 billion in public works projects,� Gregoire said. �The plan will create a legacy of roads, schools and green-collar jobs to thrust our state firmly into the 21st century.�

The governor�s plan includes capital and transportation construction projects, as well as reforms to unemployment insurance and homeowner assistance programs.

Gregoire�s proposed budget includes $427 million in construction projects that are ready for groundbreaking in the next few months with the Legislature�s approval. Of that, $21 million is devoted to green industries. These investments will put people to work, create facilities and fund public works projects, including those in higher education, natural resources and other areas.

In addition, Gregoire proposes spending $390 million for transportation projects that are ready for construction. These projects solve critical transportation needs and create high-quality jobs across the state.

With 1,400 transportation projects now under way, Washington is experiencing the largest transportation construction cycle in state history. Nearly 20,000 total jobs are expected to be created in the next two years, when Gregoire�s plan for acceleration is put into place in tandem with current projects.

Gregoire said she is still communicating with President-elect Obama while he finalizes a federal economic recovery strategy that will put even more Washingtonians to work.

�I am working with the president-elect to make sure his plan includes ready-to-go projects here in Washington,� Gregoire said. �The president-elect�s plan includes funding for schools, infrastructure and the expansion of a green economy. His plan will double our commitment to renewable energy � a huge opportunity for Washington, which is already leading the way in renewable energy production.�

Gregoire�s plan also proposes changes in unemployment insurance to provide a temporary increase in benefits for workers and a temporary tax cut for businesses. This action would provide individuals and businesses with about $400 million from reserves in the state�s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund that could be spent to improve the state�s economy.

�Unemployment benefits are a uniquely powerful tool that benefits our economy,� Gregoire said. �Benefits go directly to people who need help and are spent locally to boost business. Every dollar in benefits results in another $1.64 of buying power. And the tax break will help businesses weather the downturn.�

The governor supports the expansion of the state�s �shared work� program, which pays unemployment benefits to workers whose hours have been reduced, as well as the expansion of the state�s �training benefits,� a stipend for living expenses while laid-off workers attend school or training.

The governor�s plan also includes legislation to provide those homeowners facing foreclosure more time to arrange financial options before losing their homes.