Gov. Gregoire: Nothing can dampen our resolve

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2011

OLYMPIA � Promising a stronger economic future, Gov. Chris Gregoire today delivered her annual State of the State address before the 62nd meeting of the Washington State Legislature.

�We have been through tough times before, and we emerged stronger than ever,� Gregoire said. �Two years of discouraging news about employment and the economy may have dampened our outlook for the future. But nothing can dampen our resolve. Let me be clear � Washington will rebound. We will come back stronger than ever and we will provide a brighter future for our children.�

Using examples from the past, Gregoire reminded legislators of our state�s great economic potential, noting that some of the state�s most successful companies emerged during some of our state�s and nation�s most difficult economic times, including Nordstrom and Boeing in the 1930s and Starbucks and Microsoft in the early 1970s.

�In America back then, as it is now, job prospects were dim, our optimism was shattered and people wondered if we would ever recover,� Gregoire said. �I�m here today to confidently predict that just like then, those who think America is in decline have overstated our problem, underestimated our resiliency and misjudged our potential.�

Urging legislators to truly transform state government, Gregoire outlined her legislative agenda to reduce state costs and streamline services, while ensuring our most vulnerable are protected, our communities are safe and our children receive a quality education. Gregoire�s proposals include modernizing our state pension and health care systems, consolidating and eliminating agencies and commissions and finding a dedicated source of funding for our state ferry system.

�I know change is hard, but this crisis is our force for change,� Gregoire said. �Families, businesses and non-profits across this state have been forced to change to survive. We must do the same.�