Gov. Gregoire Priorities: Targeted Investments and Fiscal Responsibility

For Immediate Release: December 20, 2005

Governor says that the proposal represents her values, principles and priorities

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today sent to Legislators her proposal for spending that reflects her commitment to fiscal responsibility and also makes targeted investments in early learning, high school standards, energy assistance, emergency preparedness and Puget Sound clean-up.

�We had good news in the last couple months � the economy is looking better, the housing market is booming and we got news that there is more revenue,� said Governor Gregoire. �We must make targeted investments that make a real difference for Washington families and set aside some new revenue to address critical needs next year in health care and education. I believe that we can do both.�

Gov. Gregoire has traveled across the state this month to talk to Washingtonians about her priorities and values that are represented in her supplemental budget proposal. She said that her spending proposal includes strategic investments that will make a measurable difference. The budget released today includes the following:

- An investment in early learning so that children go to school ready to learn and resources to help high school students meet standards for learning;
- Strategic investments to decrease dependence on foreign oil by creating markets for homegrown bio-diesel fuel and assistance for low-income families to pay heating bills during the winter;
- Funding to improve state emergency preparedness;
- A jump-start to Puget Sound clean-up efforts.

�Next year, we can build on the successes of 2005 � we covered an additional 73,000 kids with health insurance, created more available seats in college and streamlined state government by embarking on a course to cut 1,000 middle managers,� said Gov. Gregoire. �Perhaps most important, with this approach, we can build on our success without raising taxes.�

Governor Gregoire signed a two-year budget earlier this year, but official forecasts now show projected revenue to be much higher than expected. In addition to her proposals, the supplemental budget makes adjustments in spending, factoring in unexpected increases in required costs for public schools, public safety, programs for vulnerable children and adults, and state pensions.

Gov. Gregoire faces pressure to spend additional revenue, but said that she has proposed targeted investments and a significant portion must be set aside as a cushion against a possible economic slowdown and to meet rising costs for existing state services.

�I think that my priorities and values are the same as any family in our state,� said Gov. Gregoire. �I believe that, with the right opportunities, every one of our citizens has the ability to be successful.�

�This budget represents me. It represents my values, my principals and my priorities.�

Gov. Gregoire in April signed a budget designed to improve the business climate over the long term, making the state economy more resilient to changes in global and national economies. She said the legislation helped fund improvements in public schools, expanded enrollment at state colleges and universities, increased health care coverage for children, and a long-term transportation funding plan that will make necessary safety improvements in roads and bridges.

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