Issue Position: One Washington

Issue Position

Issue Position: One Washington

Here in Washington, diversity is a community value that is reflected in our laws, government and culture. Governor Chris Gregoire believes diversity gives our state a wide base of strengths and knowledge on which to build Washington's future.

Protecting our civil rights

Governor Gregoire in 2006 signed historic civil rights legislation that protects Washington citizens from discrimination in housing, employment, insurance, and credit transactions based on sexual orientation. The new law affirms that discrimination is not a Washington value and represents a strong step toward a society that is free of discrimination for all its participants.

Governor Gregoire believes that state government must not discriminate against any of its citizens in bestowing rights and responsibilities.

Valuing our immigrants

Our state's economy relies on the contributions of every community and Governor Gregoire has taken steps to help legal immigrants participate as fully as possible. She expanded Adult Basic Education and English as a Second Language programs at community and technical colleges. She also became the first governor in the nation to simulcast her State of the State address in Spanish.

Honoring our heritage

Governor Gregoire believes that ethnic and racial diversity contributes to Washington's rich cultural heritage and identity. She signed legislation in 2005 to officially name King County after the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And she signed legislation to encourage school districts to teach Native American history.

Governor Gregoire supported funding for The Urban League Village at Colman School, which will house the new Northwest African American Museum. She also supported the Wing Luke Museum's capital campaign for its new home in the International District showcasing Asian American history.

Developing Diversity

Governor Gregoire doubled the Linked Deposit Program's ability to make low-interest loans to women- and minority-owned businesses. She also instructed state agencies to find new ways to encourage women- and minority-owned businesses to compete for state contracts.

Because diversity is as important in the workplace as it is in the community, the Governor has selected a diverse staff within her office. Her cabinet appointments and board and commission selections are some of the most diverse in state history.

Moving Washington Forward

Governor Gregoire will continue to work to protect diversity in Washington. In 2006, she created the Governor's Interagency Council on Health Disparities; and she successfully pressed the federal government to preserve the Urban Indian Health Clinics in our state. Governor Gregoire stands firm behind her pledge to encourage tolerance and prevent discrimination in all forms.

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