Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 21, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke Outlines Action Plan for Upcoming Months

OLYMPIA – April 21, 2004 – Gov. Gary Locke today outlined his action plan for the next several months.

“After a very productive 2004 legislative session, we are keeping the momentum strong as we continue to accomplish our key priorities,” Locke said.

“We will again engage in our successful Priorities of Government process to identify the most effective use of state dollars in our 2005-07 budget proposal. We will promote Washington businesses and agricultural products abroad. We will encourage all children in the state to participate in the 2004 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge. We will also host the nation’s governors in Seattle this July,” Locke said.

Priorities of Government

Locke and his budget team are already hard at work on the second Priorities of Government (POG) process for the 2005-07 biennial budget proposal, which will be submitted to the Legislature this winter.

The highly successful POG process, developed by Locke and his staff in 2002 for the 2003-05 biennial budget proposal, identifies the top priorities of state government and focuses spending on getting the highest return on investments in those areas. The POG process has been highly touted nationwide, and is now used by several other state governments.

“The goal of this disciplined and creative approach is to deliver the results that matter most to Washington families,” Locke said.

Promoting Washington’s Businesses and Products

Locke plans to travel to Europe in late May (26-29) and lead a trade mission to Mexico in late June (21-24) to promote Washington businesses and agricultural products.

In Europe, the governor and officials from the Port of Seattle will meet with Air France officials in Paris to continue discussions about direct passenger service from Paris to Sea-Tac International Airport. Locke will also travel to Frankfurt, Germany, to introduce the state’s new trade representative and meet with key stakeholders and dignitaries.

Locke plans to lead a trade delegation to Mexico June 21-24. This mission will target Washington industries that show strong potential in the Mexican marketplace, including agriculture, building materials, industrial machinery and technology. The governor also plans to meet with Mexican President Vicente Fox.

Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge

Locke will launch his 2004 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge in June. Locke is asking all Washington state residents under the age of 18 to read 15 hours or more from the time school is out in June through Labor Day (Sept. 6).

“Reading is the key to all academic success, and it’s very important that students continue reading during the summer so they don’t lose any ground heading into the new school year,” Locke said.

The challenge will work in conjunction with libraries, schools, and community organizations. The reading completed for other summer programs can be applied toward the meeting the challenge goal. Every child who meets the challenge will receive a certificate signed by the governor and become eligible for great prizes, including the grand prize of a trip for four to Disneyland, courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

NGA Annual Convention

Washington state hosts the National Governors Association (NGA) annual conference in Seattle July 17-19. The NGA meeting typically includes governors of nearly all 50 states plus U.S. commonwealths and territories. In addition, the President of the United States is invited and about 1,200 others representing business, industry, cabinet officials, federal and local governments as well as national and local journalists are expected to be in attendance.

“This is part of our ongoing efforts to bring economic development opportunities to our state. The conference is expected to bring approximately $2.5 million to the state’s economy,” Locke said.

Democratic National Convention

Locke will also travel to Boston for the Democratic National Convention July 27-29. The governor endorsed presidential candidate John Kerry earlier this year and introduced him at a rally in Seattle.

Other Key Actions

Locke continues to make key judicial appointments as well as appointments to the state’s boards and commissions. His administration will also work on several other key issues, including:
· Making further progress on regulatory reform;
· Continuing efforts on the Bio 21 initiative – a public-private, non-profit partnership to further fund the state’s research capacity in biotechnology and information technology;
· Implementing civil service reform and collective bargaining with all state unions;
· Continuing policy work on such issues as problem gambling and the state’s mental health system, which were mandated by the 2004 Legislature or will help prepare for the 2005 session; and
· Continuing salmon recovery efforts and proposing a water management plan for the Columbia River.

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