Gov. Gregoire addresses progress of the new 520 bridge and �Next Washington� small business plan

For Immediate Release: June 3, 2008

MERCER ISLAND - Gov. Chris Gregoire today attended the Mercer Island Rotary Club to address business and community leaders on the progress of the new State route 520 bridge and the critical role of small businesses as it relates to Washington state�s economy.

�Ensuring we provide a seamless transportation system is imperative to commerce and livability across the state,� Gregoire said. �This 520 bridge enhancement project scheduled for a 2014 opening will supply the connectivity needed for our citizens to excel in business while keeping future transit options open.�

The governor also discussed her �Next Washington� strategy which acknowledges unique regional economic needs. �Next Washington� lays out specific initiatives to improve workers� skills, connect research universities more directly with private sector and economic development enterprises, boost telecommunications and energy infrastructure and make it easier to do business with government.

�Small business is the lifeblood of Washington�s economy and we have strategies to lower the cost of doing business in Washington, and at the same time make targeted investments to promote small business and commerce,� stated Gregoire.

New businesses in Washington state now have a solid start through a 15 percent reduction in unemployment insurance taxes. The Washington state Department of Labor and Industries insurance costs for all businesses were reduced by a total of $465 million last year through a rate holiday. Tax reductions combined with an innovative experiment called the Washington Health Insurance Partnership providing small business employees an opportunity for affordable health insurance will help small businesses manage through a restricted economy.

�Business and community leaders are the foundation of continued and thoughtful growth in our region and an important component of our global economic dialogue,� Gregoire stated. �Transportation and commercial innovations are tantamount to Washington�s continued progress and together we can provide ever more opportunities for small businesses.�

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