Gov. Gregoire�s statement on House budget proposal

For Immediate Release: April 4, 2011

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the budget proposal presented by the state House:

�I appreciate the work that Chairman Hunter and his team have done to get this very difficult budget to this point in the legislative process. Many of the proposals the House has put forward are similar, if not identical, to what I proposed in December. The fact is, there just are not a lot of options.

�My staff will need more time to review the details, especially surrounding the $300 million assumption for privatizing the state�s liquor distribution center. Chairman Hunter has proposed a reasonable, thoughtful outline to begin the discussion in the Legislature. I am especially pleased to see an ending fund balance that is appropriate for the needs of these uncertain economic times.

�The capital budget is equally challenging. Chairman Dunshee has put forward a creative approach to our capital needs. I am looking forward to more discussion with legislators, especially concerning our public safety needs in the Department of Corrections.�