Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 19, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke pushes transportation and competitiveness council recommendations to stimulate economic growth

EVERETT – Gov. Gary Locke today urged the state Legislature to pass a statewide transportation plan and Washington Competitiveness Council recommendations to improve road safety and to implement sustainable economic development.

The governor made his remarks at an afternoon speech to a joint meeting of the Everett Rotary, the Everett Chamber of Commerce and the Snohomish County Commission on Improved Transportation.

Locke also commented on the state’s budget revenue forecast that was released earlier today.

“This morning, the state Office of the Forecast Council announced that our official state revenue forecast went down by another $246.8 million,” Locke said. “Combined with the $1.25 billion deficit announced two months ago, we are now looking at a deficit of more than $1.5 billion in the 2001-03 biennial budget and that deficit may worsen with tomorrow’s forecast on school enrollment, rising social service caseloads and increasing prison populations.”

“It remains my hope we can balance the state budget without a general tax increase,” the governor added.

Locke emphasized the importance of transportation solutions to the state’s economic challenges.

“As we grapple with immediate state budget problems, I want to stress how important it is that we not lose sight of our long-term objectives,” the governor said. “That means we’ve got to pass a long-term transportation plan and enact the recommendations of our competitiveness council. Both are critical to the long-term success of our state economy. It’s as simple at that.”

Locke noted progress over the past year, including transportation reforms such as:

• Permit streamlining
  
• Design-build contracting (including ferry procurement reform)
  
• Advanced right-of-way acquisition

The governor also touted the omnibus transportation reform act, which he signed into law on Jan. 30.

“Now it is time for the Legislature to pass a statewide transportation plan and send it to me for my signature,” Locke said.

Addressing sustainable economic development, Locke thanked the Legislature for acting on many of the recommendations of the competitiveness council, which he convened last year to improve the state’s competitive edge in business and industry.

“We must do even more to make sure we can continue to compete with other states for economic growth,” the governor said.

When the council delivered its final report last month, Locke promised to put its recommendations to work.

The governor said he’s putting some recommendations to work through executive order and is seeking legislation for others.

Locke also has appointed Paul Isaki to work from inside the system to cut red tape without threatening environmental protection efforts.

“Businesses should not have to wait months and years for regulatory permits to which they are entitled,” the governor said.

In addition, Locke said he has proposed legislation to improve the fairness of the state’s tax system by clarifying laws controlling the business and occupation tax deduction of investment income and by reforming the Municipal Tax Code “so that businesses do not suffer what amounts to double taxation.”

The governor also emphasized the importance of education and technology to the state’s long-term economic success and said he has proposed additional steps to build a trained workforce ready to step into a revitalized economy.

“Let’s make our transportation and our competitiveness council plan work – for our children and our grandchildren,” Locke concluded.

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Related Links:
- Washington State Legislature
- Office of the Forecast Council
- Everett Chamber of Commerce
- Washington Competitiveness Council
- Everett Rotary Club

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