Governor Gregoire Responds to Senate Operating and Capital Budget Proposals

For Immediate Release: March 28, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today thanked Senate Ways and Means Committee chair Sen. Margarita Prentice (D-Renton), and vice-chairs Sens. Craig Pridemore (D-Vancouver) and Karen Fraser (D-Olympia) for their work on an operating and capital budget proposal that aligns with many of her priorities for Washington.

�The Senate operating budget proposal invests in my top priorities of education, health care, public safety and the clean up of Puget Sound, while maintaining a responsible ending fund balance and saving for the future with a constitutionally protected rainy-day fund,� said Governor Gregoire. �I look forward to working with both the House and Senate to ensure that there are adequate resources for improvements in math and science education.�

On the capital budget proposal, Governor Gregoire said that it �makes significant investments in critical construction projects, bringing well-paying jobs and facilities for quality services to all parts of the state.�

Governor Gregoire will work with the House and Senate to develop a final two-year budget for Washington. The House released their budget proposals last week.

###