Gov. Gregoire Calls for Second Stimulus Package in Economic Address

Press Release

Governor highlights Washington state's long-term investments in economic development

Gov. Chris Gregoire today renewed her call to the federal government for a second economic stimulus package. At a speech to the Rotary Club of Seattle, the governor pushed for a package that addresses our nation's aging infrastructure and puts people to work.

"We need a stimulus package that generates pay checks, not a single check," Gregoire said. "We need a stimulus package that rebuilds our creaking infrastructure and makes our economy stronger."

The governor is asking the White House and Congress to invest in jobs that pay family wages and improve our communities at the same time by financing "ready-to-go-projects" throughout the state and country.

In Washington alone there are 156 water and sewer projects worth more than $350 million, and 29 statewide transportation projects that would cost $75 million. All of these projects have gone through the design and environmental review process and could begin construction within weeks.

"There are tools at the federal government's disposal that the state doesn't have. It is past time to use those tools," Gregoire said. "We have done our jobs in Washington state, and it is critical that the federal government does its part."

The governor also discussed why the Washington economy continues to be largely insulated from effects being felt on the national economy level: wise investments in education, transportation and trade.

"It is an investment strategy that is working," she said.

Washington boasts a diverse economy with a strong agricultural base, multi-year strength in commercial aircraft sales, a burgeoning software industry and population growth that will help us to protect local housing markets, the governor said.

Washington has also taken advantage of its geographic location and weakened dollar. As the gateway to the Pacific Rim and in proximity to Canada, Washington exports have increased by 100 percent since 2004. Last year's total was $67 billion.

The governor also addressed concerns over budget projections and their potential impacts.

"If the projections are correct, we will have to make hard choices. When I took office, I inherited a $2.2 billion budget deficit and the projection for ensuing years was $5 billion. We attacked the deficit with good management practices," Gregoire said. "But now is not the time to abandon our investment in the growth of Washington's economy."

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