Gov. Chris Gregoire's description of work to attract clean technology to the state and Forbes Magazine's high ranking for Washington as a place to do business gets applause from Democrats. Republicans seem unimpressed.She's calling for 40,000 new jobs this year by attracting $2 billion in…
Jobs will come from the growth industries of the new economy, Gov. Chris Gregoire says.Citizens "definigtely don't want business as usual from government. They want real government reform, real service improvement and more value for their tax dollar..."They want us to make the tough choices...Jobs…
"In the best of times, people forget legislative sessions. In the worst of times, history shows decisiveness is what matters," Gov. Chris Gregoire says."Now is the time for compassion."
Gov. Chris Gregoire ticked off elements of what she called "the wors national economic collaps in 80 years," and their effects on Washington state.-- 475,000signing up for unemployment benefits-- 1 in 13 Washingtonians receiving basic food assistance.-- 26,000 homes in foreclosure-- 86,000 on Basic Health…
Gov. Chris Gregoire welcomed the Legislature back to work with a less than cheery outlook for the state, its economy and its citizens."It's an understatement to say this year will be incredibly challenging," she said in her opening remarks after greeting state officials and justices,…
Colors posted, color guard has withdrawn. Speech imminent.
Before the governor speaks, the colors have to be presented. They're being marched in by the color guard from the Washington State Patrol, to the accompanying strains of bagpipes."Star Spangled Banner" coming next.
With introductions of state officials, tribal leaders and consular officials over, Gov. Chris Gregoire is enterring the House chambers for the "state of the state" speech.All rise...Applause all around, somewhat more spirited from the Democratic side of the aisle, but hugs for members on both…
The Washington State Supreme Court is being introduced to the assembled legislators.Statewide elected officials are next.
State senators are filing into the House chambers for the "state of the state" speech to a standing ovation from the state reps.Any bets on whether this is the nicest the two chambers will be toward each other for the next 59 days.
Although officially scheduled for noon, the governor's office says Chris Gregoire's "state of the state" speech probably won't start until about 12:30 p.m., after all the formalities are done.The state Senate must gather in its chamber and troop to the larger House chamber. There will…
Gov. Chris Gregoire delivers her "State of the State" speech today at noon. As one state senator said yesterday after the session went into recess, it could probably be summed up in two words:Not good.Her speech will be carried live on TVW, which is available…
Washington state could gain an extra $277 million over four years if it gets out of the liquor business, or lose $47 million, a state auditor's review says.Right now, the state controls the wholesale and retail liquor sales, with state employees operating the stores and…
State House has also recessed for the day after comments by Speaker Frank Chopp and Minority Leader Richard DeBolt.They got a chance to lay out the two parties positions. Democrats say the state can't cut all these good programs like Basic Health, General Assistance to…
Having handled all the protocols and formalities, the state Senate is calling it quits for the day.Tuesday they'll troop over to the House chambers for a joint session to listen to Gov. Chris Gregoire's "State of the state" address.
As protocol dictates, the Legislature sends a delegation to the governor, telling the state's chief executive that it is in session and ready to do business.The delegation just returned with office down the steps in the Capitol, carrying Gov. Chris Gregoire's message:"Good luck, Godspeed, and…
State reps have filed into their chamber and a bagpiper led the flags into the Senate chamber after a roll call. The Pledge of Allegiance has been said, the Star Spangled Banner sung, benedictions offered, with a wish for "creativity for a seemingly impossible situation."The…
Every year, the newspaper gets requests from readers for updates on a particular bill or topic making its way through the Legislature. With thousands of bills introduced each session, there's no way we can publish updates on every bill.Most go nowhere, anyway. A few hundred…
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray heads up a congressional trip to China this week, and has decided to blog about it.This is not some travel-blog that talks about the best Peking Duck and sight seeing spots. The trip involves meetings between U.S. and Chinese officials on…
Washington's most active initiative sponsor dismissed a suggestion that he run for office rather than run initiative campaigns.Tim Eyman also rejected Gov. Chris Gregoire's suggestion that Washington could go the way of California and be "initiatived to death.""One or two initiatives a year, tops, ever…
Gov. Chris Gregoire plans to propose tax cuts as well as tax increases tomorrow when she makes her State of the State address.Speaking at an impromptu press conference about three hours before the Legislature formally opens, Gregoire repeated she will propose closing some as yet…
OLYMPIA – There are two relatively famous quotes that come to mind as the Legislature rumbles toward opening day on Monday.One is the standard axiom, that no man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session. That line has probably been…
Those reading Thursday's post (directly below) about Gov. Chris Gregoire's press conference on tougher bail laws and other changes to combat the rash of police officer shootings might be asking "What else did she have to say?"Here's you chance to find out. The complete press…
OLYMPIA – Judges should be able to deny bail to criminal suspects who are thought to be “inherently dangerous” to the public, Gov. Chris Gregoire and representatives of the state’s law enforcement system said Wednesday.Gregoire said she will ask the Legislature to give voters the…
State Attorney General Rob McKenna says he'll take Tuesday's ruling that felons in prison have a right to vote up to the U.S. Supreme Court.McKenna, Gov. Chris Gregoire and Secretary of State Sam Reed all said Wednesday they opposed the decision, handed down Tuesday in…
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