Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 31, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke pleased with education focus in House budget proposal

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke praised House Democrats, who released their budget plan in Olympia today, for producing a budget proposal that embraces his education priorities.

"I'm pleased that these legislators took up my challenge to make education the number-one priority this session," Locke said. "With these proposals, we will continue making Washington a better place to live, work, and raise a family."

In his State of the State address this January, the governor called on the Legislature to "make education the centerpiece of this 56th Legislature, and to make Washington a state of learning." The budget released today incorporates a number of Locke's education goals, including:

Washington's Promise Scholarships — $10 million to fund the governor's proposal to help middle-class high school students who meet tough state standards to afford a higher education.

Help for struggling students and schools —$34 million to help struggling students and schools (including hiring more teachers and funding summer school for those students). It helps accomplish Locke's goal of improving student performance and making sure no child in Washington schools gets left behind. The governor is concerned the proposal does not include funding for schools that make significant gains in student test scores.

Washington Reading Corps —$8 million for the Reading Corps, Locke's program to help struggling students learn to read. Although funded below the governor's requested level, the proposal by House Democrats demonstrates a commitment to common goals.

Professional Teachers Standards Board — $497,000 for Locke's proposal to create a state board to determine preparation requirements for new teachers and set teacher-licensing standards.

Pay raise for public employees and teachers — House Democrats address the needs initially identified by the governor in pay raises for teachers and other public employees, meeting rising costs for health benefits, and attracting and retaining the best teachers and college faculty. The governor is encouraged to see movement on the issue.

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