Gov. Gregoire delivers 2nd inaugural address

For Immediate Release: January 14, 2009

Governor: Let�s create a platform for a better tomorrow

Governor calls for passage of broad economic stimulus and government reform packages
to help economy

OLYMPIA � In her second inaugural address, Gov. Chris Gregoire told the state Legislature today that together they must take on a crisis the likes of which their generation has never seen through courage and generosity. The governor noted that the unprecedented times gave them the opportunity to reshape Washington�s future through investments that will create 20,000 jobs and through reforms to thrust state government into the 21st century.

�The people of Washington are looking to us to act with remarkable courage,� Gregoire said. �In turn, I believe Washingtonians will respond with very personal compassion and generosity for their neighbors.�

�This is our time. A time like no other. Our time to show courage. Our time to reach across the aisle � Democrats and Republicans � to help our people,� the governor continued. �We cannot ride out the hard times and then go back to business as usual. Instead, we must renew hope for Washingtonians who are suffering today, and lay � for them � a platform for a better tomorrow.�

In her speech to a joint session of the 2009 session of the 61st Legislature, the governor outlined four goals for the legislative session:

1. Create 20,000 new jobs for working families by rebuilding roads and schools, and creating a green economy for the 21st century;
2. Balance our budget by focusing on basic needs � protection of our children, our schools and colleges, our public safety, our environment and our economy;
3. Reform state government so we can respond to the evolving needs of our state; and
4. Encourage continued generosity among all Washingtonians.

�Washington Jobs Now�

On Jan. 15, Gregoire will unveil her �Washington Jobs Now� plan at enterpriseSeattle. It will create a legacy of roads, schools and green-collar jobs to thrust our state firmly into the 21st century.

The two-year plan will combine transportation and capital construction projects that will provide nearly 20,000 jobs. In addition, the plan will include mortgage reform measures and changes to the state�s unemployment insurance program.

The governor urged quick action by the Legislature on her proposal.

�This is our moment to act with courage � boldly and urgently � as our President-elect is doing � to speed up a recovery,� she said. �We can quickly create thousands of new jobs this year and next by accelerating nearly $1 billion in public works projects.

These projects will build new roads and schools, and create green-collar jobs to lay more groundwork for the prosperity to come. The time to act is now!�

Budget

In December 2008, Gregoire proposed her balanced budget, closing a projected $5.7 billion shortfall through a combination of program reductions, suspension of state employee, teacher and care worker salary increases, pension changes, increased federal contributions, and use of the state�s rainy day fund.

�I have proposed a two-year spending plan that addresses the largest budget gap in state history,� the governor said. �This budget contains as much care and compassion as we could muster. But it still hurts people, and with each cut I chose, I saw their faces. I don�t like this budget, but I proposed it for one simple reason � I must. Our work is to help our families and businesses survive at a time when they are forced to juggle bills and cut back spending � when too many stores, restaurants and car dealerships are struggling for customers.�

Government reform

Gregoire noted that she will propose broad government reform plans at the end of the month. Citing the national economic crisis as an opportunity for changing the way government does business, the governor said, �The time has come to put our sacred cows out to pasture forever. One thing we have to do together is reform state government to bring it into the 21st century, and soon. At very basic levels, businesses are struggling to reform, to change the way they do business because they simply must to survive. Government must do the same. This is our chance to reform state government to make it a more nimble and relevant partner in a new state economy.�

Generosity

The governor called on all Washingtonians who are able to donate each month four non-perishable food items, or the cash equivalent, to a food bank, and to volunteer for one hour at a charity or nonprofit organization of their choice. She said she and her family will make the donations as well as volunteer.

It is �a time for all to light the lamp of generosity,� the governor said.

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