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Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Supreme Court ruling regarding education funding

For Immediate Release: January 5, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court ruling in the case of McCleary v. the State of Washington, regarding funding for public education:

�Along with the Legislature, I�ve worked hard to ensure that every student across our state is afforded a quality education. It�s what our children deserve, and what our economy requires. I�m pleased today�s ruling by the Supreme Court recognizes our significant work to improve our education system, and acknowledges the critical reforms now being implemented.

�With that said, the Court ruled we must do more � and I agree. The Court made it clear � the Legislature, and all of us as a state, must provide dependable funding to implement the reforms we have worked so hard to develop. This ruling reinforces my call for a half-penny sales tax increase to invest in education. If we don�t, we take a step backward and not only threaten a violation of the court�s ruling, but make it more difficult for students to gain the skills and knowledge needed to compete in today�s global economy.�