Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 14, 2003
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
“We can and will direct our own destiny,” Locke said. “We can and will continue to be trailblazers as we have in the past. We can and will lead the way by showing discipline, creativity and common sense in tackling today’s challenges.”
“We will make tough choices in the days ahead. But tough choices today mean a better tomorrow.”
The governor and the Legislature are facing a $2.4 billion budget deficit, the largest in state history. To bridge this gap, Locke submitted a budget using an innovative approach that clearly defined the priorities of state government.
“We are the first state in the nation to tackle our problems head-on by re-examining how we govern – and fundamentally changing how we govern,” Locke said. “Our priorities of government approach is becoming a model for other states to follow.”
Locke emphasized that education remains his top priority.
“Building an education system where every child achieves his or her potential requires new approaches and new commitments,” Locke said. “The structure and funding of our education system has not changed, even as we have learned more about what’s needed and even as we have demanded more of our students and teachers.”
In an effort to find a dedicated, permanent funding source for the education system, the governor pledged to work with education and legislative leaders to establish an education trust fund to address urgent needs and reforms not covered in the education budget. Locke said he would not seek a general tax increase to pay for the trust fund, but rather he would explore funding sources such as “sin taxes.”
Locke also stressed that jobs will be key to the state’s economic recovery. He outlined his five-point plan to generate and sustain jobs in Washington. The governor’s plan includes:
·Creating new jobs by building a better Washington. Locke’s construction budget would create more than 13,000 new private sector construction and other family-wage jobs during the next two years.
·Focusing on trade and the jobs that trade creates. The governor’s 2002 trade missions to Japan, Korea, China and Singapore were successful in advancing trade partnerships with some of the world’s most promising markets.
·Continued efforts to improve Washington’s business climate, including the continued reduction of the B&O tax burden on businesses and further streamlined regulatory processes.
·Building new infrastructure to attract new businesses to Washington. Locke wants to allow local governments to finance the critical infrastructure that would attract more businesses to Washington state. His proposal will help attract at least $400 million in private sector investment.
·Investments in education and supporting industries of the future, such as biotechnology and software. Locke is proposing $20 million in higher education funding to expand enrollments at state colleges and universities by more than 1,500 students, specifically in the high-demand fields of engineering, computer science and health care. His budget also provides funding to retrain more than 7,200 unemployed workers.
“Jobs are the key to economic recovery,” Locke said. “We must do all that we can in this session to create and support jobs in our state.”
To stay competitive, the governor highlighted the need for an efficient transportation system.
“For too many legislative sessions, we have deferred and delayed and postponed,” Locke said. “Our state’s transportation problems must be solved here in Olympia. We will do it by working together – Democrats and Republicans. The longer we wait, the more it will cost.”
The governor also emphasized the need to address the rising cost of prescription drugs, especially for seniors. He discussed plans to establish a new Senior Prescription Drug Information Clearinghouse.
Locke remained confident in the state’s ability to overcome the challenges it faces, including protecting and taking care of its most vulnerable children and adults, and the environment.
In closing, the governor stressed that hard work and a bi-partisan effort will lead to great accomplishments.
“I want a Washington with an unrivaled quality of life, and a sustainable future of exceptional education, economic vitality and a healthy environment – a state where our children and grandchildren will want to live, work and raise their families,” he said. “If we work hard and work together, we will accomplish great things.”
Related Links:
- 2003 State of the State Address
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 14, 2003
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Gov. Gary Locke Discusses Tough Choices, Better Tomorrow in State of the State Speech
LACEY – Jan. 14, 2003 – Gov. Gary Locke today outlined his vision for Washington state, stressing his top priorities of improving education and creating jobs in his 2003 State of the State address. Locke delivered the address to a joint session of the 58th Legislature at St. Martin’s College in Lacey.“We can and will direct our own destiny,” Locke said. “We can and will continue to be trailblazers as we have in the past. We can and will lead the way by showing discipline, creativity and common sense in tackling today’s challenges.”
“We will make tough choices in the days ahead. But tough choices today mean a better tomorrow.”
The governor and the Legislature are facing a $2.4 billion budget deficit, the largest in state history. To bridge this gap, Locke submitted a budget using an innovative approach that clearly defined the priorities of state government.
“We are the first state in the nation to tackle our problems head-on by re-examining how we govern – and fundamentally changing how we govern,” Locke said. “Our priorities of government approach is becoming a model for other states to follow.”
Locke emphasized that education remains his top priority.
“Building an education system where every child achieves his or her potential requires new approaches and new commitments,” Locke said. “The structure and funding of our education system has not changed, even as we have learned more about what’s needed and even as we have demanded more of our students and teachers.”
In an effort to find a dedicated, permanent funding source for the education system, the governor pledged to work with education and legislative leaders to establish an education trust fund to address urgent needs and reforms not covered in the education budget. Locke said he would not seek a general tax increase to pay for the trust fund, but rather he would explore funding sources such as “sin taxes.”
Locke also stressed that jobs will be key to the state’s economic recovery. He outlined his five-point plan to generate and sustain jobs in Washington. The governor’s plan includes:
·Creating new jobs by building a better Washington. Locke’s construction budget would create more than 13,000 new private sector construction and other family-wage jobs during the next two years.
·Focusing on trade and the jobs that trade creates. The governor’s 2002 trade missions to Japan, Korea, China and Singapore were successful in advancing trade partnerships with some of the world’s most promising markets.
·Continued efforts to improve Washington’s business climate, including the continued reduction of the B&O tax burden on businesses and further streamlined regulatory processes.
·Building new infrastructure to attract new businesses to Washington. Locke wants to allow local governments to finance the critical infrastructure that would attract more businesses to Washington state. His proposal will help attract at least $400 million in private sector investment.
·Investments in education and supporting industries of the future, such as biotechnology and software. Locke is proposing $20 million in higher education funding to expand enrollments at state colleges and universities by more than 1,500 students, specifically in the high-demand fields of engineering, computer science and health care. His budget also provides funding to retrain more than 7,200 unemployed workers.
“Jobs are the key to economic recovery,” Locke said. “We must do all that we can in this session to create and support jobs in our state.”
To stay competitive, the governor highlighted the need for an efficient transportation system.
“For too many legislative sessions, we have deferred and delayed and postponed,” Locke said. “Our state’s transportation problems must be solved here in Olympia. We will do it by working together – Democrats and Republicans. The longer we wait, the more it will cost.”
The governor also emphasized the need to address the rising cost of prescription drugs, especially for seniors. He discussed plans to establish a new Senior Prescription Drug Information Clearinghouse.
Locke remained confident in the state’s ability to overcome the challenges it faces, including protecting and taking care of its most vulnerable children and adults, and the environment.
In closing, the governor stressed that hard work and a bi-partisan effort will lead to great accomplishments.
“I want a Washington with an unrivaled quality of life, and a sustainable future of exceptional education, economic vitality and a healthy environment – a state where our children and grandchildren will want to live, work and raise their families,” he said. “If we work hard and work together, we will accomplish great things.”
Related Links:
- 2003 State of the State Address
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