Gov. Gregoire�s statement on passage of federal economic recovery package

For Immediate Release: February 13, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire issued the following statement today on the federal economic recovery package just passed by the U.S. Congress:

�Today�s vote by Congress is great news for the state of Washington and the nation. This federal economic recovery package will pump billions of dollars into our local economies, which will help support and create jobs, improve our roads and bridges, and help many states avoid making drastic cuts to education and health care.

�I want to thank Washington�s congressional members who worked tirelessly to negotiate a compromise. This legislation will give our state a solid foundation as we work to turn our economy around.

�This is just a start, and I will continue to work with our Legislature to pass a state-sponsored stimulus package that would support thousands of local jobs. I want all Washingtonians to know that I am committed to seeing us through this national recession.

�I will be meeting soon with other governors to develop strategies to reduce home foreclosures, reform our health care system and decrease our dependence on foreign oil. We will also focus on how we can best sustain and create new jobs.

�Working together, we will emerge from these tough economic times in a strong, competitive position. I am confident that when this national recession ends, Washington will be a leader in the 21st century economy.�