Governor Gregoire Delivers 2007 State of the State Address

For Immediate Release: January 9, 2007

Governor outlines her vision for education, delivers annual State of the State address to Washington legislators and distinguished guests

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today in the State Capitol delivered the annual State of the State address to Washingtonians.

�This is the Washington we all want. We have made real progress and we are changing the way we do business. Today we see hope, opportunity and steady progress toward a secure future. Together, we are fighting for responsible change that demands accountability and we are providing solutions Washington families deserve,� said Governor Gregoire.

Highlighting the accomplishments of the past year made possible by the cooperation of legislators from across the state, Governor Gregoire reminded legislators to continue to move Washington forward.

�We have turned the corner, but we have work to do. In too many cases we are using 20th century tools to solve 21st century problems, and nothing short of change will allow us to produce a better future for Washington families,� said Governor Gregoire.

Governor Gregoire thanked legislators for their bipartisan work ethic and congratulated them on the responsible changes made last session.

�We have fought for change � responsible change. We demanded accountability - and the results are clear,� said Governor Gregoire. �Thousands of children will have a better shot at life thanks to our new emphasis on early learning. We promised to provide health care to more children than ever before � and we delivered. We invested in renewable energy and green buildings and we curbed auto emissions. More people are working � 155,000 new jobs were created in the last two years. Together, we have taken steps to help forest land owners and farmers.�

Governor Gregoire�s vision for Washington reflects her commitment to world-class education, access to quality, affordable health care, job creation and other top priorities, including a new rainy day fund. Her proposed budget invests in:

• An education system families can rely on;
  
• An economy that offers opportunity for family wage jobs;
  
• Health insurance families can afford;
  
• An environment where families can thrive;
  
• Communities where families feel safe; and
  
• State government that is performance-driven and accountable to Washington families.

�We all want the same things for our families � quality education, reliable health care and good jobs. Our challenge is to stand in the shoes of our citizens, see the future through their eyes, and find common ground that provides changes Washington families can count on,� said Governor Gregoire.

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