Gov. Gregoire�s statement on House of Representatives passage of federal economic recovery act

For Immediate Release: January 28, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire released the following statement on the federal economic recovery act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today on a vote of 244-188:

�Passage of this recovery plan is a solid first step in getting our national and state economies moving in the right direction. There are some critical components to this plan that will put people to work immediately while helping those hardest hit by the recession.

�Since last February, I have urged congressional leaders to pursue investments in critical infrastructure such as transportation, water and sewer projects, and this package includes these investments. Furthermore, there is funding for Medicaid and supplemental nutrition assistance, as well as unemployment benefits and job training.

�I applaud our delegation�s support for the recovery package. The budget I proposed in December anticipated federal stimulus funds. Today�s passage affirms my belief that help is on the way. I urge the Senate to take quick action on the economic package, and I look forward to seeing the final bill passed. It will take all of us to get through these hard economic times. Together, we will build a stronger and more sustainable economy.�