In her look back at accomplishments, Gregoire said that even in tough times they made the best decisions for students and schools. Specifically, she pointed to:
- the creation of an early learning department;
- investments in STEM courses and schools;
- a model evaluation system;
- innovative schools across the state;
- a launch year for high school seniors; and
- college-bound scholarships for students to attend college.
She challenged legislators to fully fund a seamless education system, from early learning through post-secondary education.
In her address, Gregoire said the challenges of the last few years were unprecedented. But together they didn't let the opportunity pass them by - ticking off agency consolidations, closed institutions, a smaller state work force, no change to UI premiums, and other successes as examples of how state government managed the economic crisis.
She closed with two recommendations on the need for solid investments in good schools and transportation.
Now is the time, Gregoire challenged, for the state to invest in our children and our future. With a nod to the McCleary decision, Gregoire said the legislature has a moral and constitutional obligation to fund the state's public schools.
We cannot cut or save our way out of this obligation, said Gregoire, restating the need for a down payment of at least an additional $1 billion in this biennium and at least $3 billion in the future.
The full speech will be available on the governor's web site - www.governor.wa.gov.
