Gov. Gregoire�s statement on latest census numbers

For Immediate Release: December 21, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the latest U.S. census numbers, which give Washington state an additional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives:

�This is great news for Washington state! At a critical time in our nation�s history, not only do I welcome the additional representation in our nation�s Capitol, I am pleased Washington state�s share of federal funding to support critical programs like Medicaid and education will also increase.

�I�m proud of the work of our citizens � many worked tirelessly to ensure Washingtonians were counted, and because of their effort, our state�s mail back participation exceeded the national average. Their effort is an important part in ensuring democracy and representation.

�Congratulations to federal Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke for the successful completion of this important project. I look forward to the work of the state�s Redistricting Commission, which is now tasked with redrawing congressional and legislative district boundaries. I�m pleased in Washington we have a bipartisan commission to handle this challenging undertaking.�