Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 29, 2000
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

State - business partnership supports Washington's booming economy, Locke says

RENTON - Gov. Gary Locke today hailed the revitalization of downtown Renton as a symbol of Washington's strong economy fostered by the state's efforts to build partnerships with the business community.

Speaking before the Greater Renton Chamber of Commerce's Economic Forecast Luncheon, Locke conceded he lacked a crystal ball that could predict the state's economic future.

But he said economists say the signs point to continued prosperity in Renton and the rest of Washington.

Locke said several state policies promote that prosperity, including:

Some $3.5 billion in reductions in general taxes and Workers Compensation and Unemployment Insurance taxes that he has helped to push through the Legislature since 1997

Successfully promoting normalized trade relations with China

Reducing the state's unemployment rate to less than 5 percent annually while growing personal income by more than 5 percent per year

Education reform, which will remain his top priority

"Make no mistake - all the chrome and glass in the world won't replace a solid foundation of knowledge. The most essential element of our economic vitality is an educated workforce," Locke said.

"Along with improving education for the future, our long-term economic strength also depends on the ability to get from here to there," the governor said.

Locke said he would move quickly on proposals from the state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation when it produces its report in a few weeks.

He said transportation solutions must be long-term and multi-modal, emphasizing highways, transit, ferries, freight mobility and passenger rail.

"In transportation, there are no quick fixes, or one-mode-fits-all solutions," Locke said.

"I've worked hard to build partnerships with the business community, to make sure state government is helping businesses thrive," Locke said. "Businesses are the backbone of our society. When our businesses thrive, our communities thrive and when our communities thrive, our families thrive."

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive