Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 13, 2004
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
“The progress and momentum we have achieved in key areas is powerful and promising,” Locke said. “Because of it, our state is on a changed course. A better course. A course toward a future filled with the prosperity, opportunity and security our citizens deserve. We must continue this momentum.
“We will achieve that promising future if we remain disciplined, creative and committed.
“But an even better Washington is within our grasp. A Washington that is defined by certain fundamental rights. Fundamental rights that have been the basis of our efforts the last seven years and our proposals this year. I believe we must continue to work for a future that ensures these rights for successive generations.”
The five fundamental rights Locke outlined are:
· The right to a quality education and opportunities for lifelong learning;
· The right to opportunities for family wage jobs in a vibrant and expanding economy;
· The right to comprehensive health care that is affordable and available;
· The right to a clean, healthy environment; and
· The right to live in a respectful, fair and safe society.
On education, Locke said:
“A quality education is a universal right. Our children deserve no less, and we can provide them nothing more important. I’m sure you’re all familiar with my mantra. Education is the great equalizer. It offers opportunity and hope to all it touches. It makes real the American Dream: that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.
“Building a world-class education system requires funding. The investment required to take our education system to the world-class level is significant—but absolutely necessary. The funding source must be dedicated, permanent and stable.
“That’s why I’ve challenged the education community to develop the Washington Education Trust Fund. And that’s why I will champion this effort.”
On economic opportunity, Locke said:
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to make a decent living doing meaningful work. Family-wage work that puts food on the table, provides decent housing, and offers a sense of dignity.”
“We must play to our strengths in technology with initiatives like Bio 21. Bio 21 is a public-private, non-profit partnership that will further fund our state’s outstanding research capacity in biotechnology and information technology. This initiative merges and builds on these two great strengths to cure diseases and promote medical breakthroughs. It establishes Washington as a global leader in computer and biological sciences. Bio 21 has enormous potential to create new industries and thousands of good-paying jobs for our state.”
On health care, Locke said:
“We in the state of Washington have never waited for federal action. Nor should we wait now. In spite of tough economic times, our state is still a national leader in providing medical care to vulnerable children and adults. We must continue to do all we can for our citizens, and make sure those most in need will always be helped.”
On the environment, Locke said:
“Everyone should care about the condition of this planet that we leave to our children. Future generations deserve to enjoy the same natural beauty and precious natural resources that we enjoy.”
On a civil society, Locke said:
“We owe it to ourselves, and to future generations, to work toward a society that keeps us safe, dignifies the individual and works tirelessly for the common good.”
In closing, the governor pledged to spend his last year in office to ensure that residents of Washington are provided with these five fundamental rights.
“Working together, I believe we can build on the momentum of today to secure these rights for our citizens tomorrow,” Locke said.
# # #
Editor’s Note: Full text of Gov. Locke’s 2004 State of the State address is posted at www.governor.wa.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 13, 2004
Contact: Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136
Gov. Gary Locke Delivers State of the State Speech, Outlines Vision for Washington State
In his 2004 State of the State address, Gov. Gary Locke today outlined his vision for Washington state, stressing five fundamental rights that should be guaranteed to the state’s citizens. Locke delivered the 23-minute address to a joint session of the 58th Legislature at the Olympia High School Performing Arts Center.“The progress and momentum we have achieved in key areas is powerful and promising,” Locke said. “Because of it, our state is on a changed course. A better course. A course toward a future filled with the prosperity, opportunity and security our citizens deserve. We must continue this momentum.
“We will achieve that promising future if we remain disciplined, creative and committed.
“But an even better Washington is within our grasp. A Washington that is defined by certain fundamental rights. Fundamental rights that have been the basis of our efforts the last seven years and our proposals this year. I believe we must continue to work for a future that ensures these rights for successive generations.”
The five fundamental rights Locke outlined are:
· The right to a quality education and opportunities for lifelong learning;
· The right to opportunities for family wage jobs in a vibrant and expanding economy;
· The right to comprehensive health care that is affordable and available;
· The right to a clean, healthy environment; and
· The right to live in a respectful, fair and safe society.
On education, Locke said:
“A quality education is a universal right. Our children deserve no less, and we can provide them nothing more important. I’m sure you’re all familiar with my mantra. Education is the great equalizer. It offers opportunity and hope to all it touches. It makes real the American Dream: that anything is possible if we set our minds to it.
“Building a world-class education system requires funding. The investment required to take our education system to the world-class level is significant—but absolutely necessary. The funding source must be dedicated, permanent and stable.
“That’s why I’ve challenged the education community to develop the Washington Education Trust Fund. And that’s why I will champion this effort.”
On economic opportunity, Locke said:
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to make a decent living doing meaningful work. Family-wage work that puts food on the table, provides decent housing, and offers a sense of dignity.”
“We must play to our strengths in technology with initiatives like Bio 21. Bio 21 is a public-private, non-profit partnership that will further fund our state’s outstanding research capacity in biotechnology and information technology. This initiative merges and builds on these two great strengths to cure diseases and promote medical breakthroughs. It establishes Washington as a global leader in computer and biological sciences. Bio 21 has enormous potential to create new industries and thousands of good-paying jobs for our state.”
On health care, Locke said:
“We in the state of Washington have never waited for federal action. Nor should we wait now. In spite of tough economic times, our state is still a national leader in providing medical care to vulnerable children and adults. We must continue to do all we can for our citizens, and make sure those most in need will always be helped.”
On the environment, Locke said:
“Everyone should care about the condition of this planet that we leave to our children. Future generations deserve to enjoy the same natural beauty and precious natural resources that we enjoy.”
On a civil society, Locke said:
“We owe it to ourselves, and to future generations, to work toward a society that keeps us safe, dignifies the individual and works tirelessly for the common good.”
In closing, the governor pledged to spend his last year in office to ensure that residents of Washington are provided with these five fundamental rights.
“Working together, I believe we can build on the momentum of today to secure these rights for our citizens tomorrow,” Locke said.
# # #
Editor’s Note: Full text of Gov. Locke’s 2004 State of the State address is posted at www.governor.wa.gov.
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