The Stranger Interviews Gov. Gregoire

The Stranger interviewed Gov. Gregoire and rated her answers. Check it out here

Here's an excerpt
""Your budget is facing a $600 million shortfall in the next cycle to keep services running at current levels. This is unsustainable. How do you fix this problem?

When I came into office we had a $2.2 billion shortfall and $5 billion projected over the next two years. We turned it around.

How do you turn it around this time?

Our economy is doing fine, thank you very much. It's the national economy that's tanking. Our basic focus is housing, affordable housing, this legislative session. Fifty million dollars [in the Housing Trust Fund] if Frank [Chopp, house speaker] can get more money—great. One and a half million dollars [in additional emergency-housing funding].

If I were a Republican, my head would be exploding. I'd say, "I just asked her about a runaway budget, and she's talking about spending!"

If I can keep people off the street, I'm saving money. Big time. Where would they cut? You never get an answer.

GRADE: There is a sustainability problem, but the GOP mantra on her expanding budget is bullshit. Her budget has expanded at pace with state revenues and is the same as the 2003 budget Rossi touts. Plus—nice job Tasering the Republicans. A-""

Governor Gregoire talks about her plan for replacing the 520

Gov. Gregoire on the KUOW radio show "The Conversation"
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Hillary Clinton Praises Gov. Gregoire

“I applaud Washington for its efforts to hold the Bush Administration accountable. Governors and state legislatures across the country are trying hard to cover their children, but are getting no help from this Administration. President Bush has been making it harder for states to provide coverage to families that need help. It’s time for the President to stop playing politics with children’s health care.”

Via The Stranger

Gregoire saves Flexcar from taxes for the time being

Gregoire asked the State Dept of Revenue to consider not taxing Flexcar - "I believe our tax code should act as an incentive, not a hindrance, to innovation."

The issue is not resolved yet but for the time being the tax has been deferred.
From the SeattleTimes

Gov. Gregoire supports Proposition 1

"Gov. Chris Gregoire, disagreeing with fellow Democrat Ron Sims, said Monday that public safety and the Puget Sound economy could take a big hit if the region's voters don't approve a tax package for transit and highways." from Komo4

I am happy to see Gregoire voicing her support for Proposition 1

Thumbs up for Gov. Gregoire

The Olympian gave Gov. Gregoire a "Thumbs Up" for insisting that all government records be made public, including emails.

"Gregoire’s memo sends a clear message that electronic, as well as paper, records rightfully belong in the hands of the public. The truth is that government records do not belong to the officials who keep them. They are mere guardians or stewards. The records belong to the public, and the public has a right to access them." Olympian

Gregoire pushing Washington "Rainy Day" Plan

Gregoire is working with both Democrat and Republican lawmakers to pass a "Rainy Day" fund. The fund would set aside "1 percent of state government revenue each year" which would be used for state emergencies and to help out the state during hard times that normally require raising taxes.

Read about it in the Seattle Times