Inslee sworn in, puts jobs at top of list

In Gov. Jay Inslee's inaugural address before a joint session of the House and Senate today, job growth was at the top of the list.

The new governor shared his vision for a Washington of tomorrow, which he said would focus on a clean energy economy, research and development, innovation, Lean Management in state agencies, and much more.

Regarding education, Inslee said a balanced budget and funding for education runs directly through health care reform, emphasizing that prevention will lead us from a "sick care" approach to one that makes huge savings to the state.

Inslee also said that during the campaign he was inspired by the pockets of innovation at schools across the state. He recognized the hard work of school teachers, and referenced the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Turning to the system, Inslee said education must be aligned from early learning to K-12 to our universities.

He also said that while the state is required to make more investments in education, it can't afford to allocate funding that masks existing problems. More than just funding, "We need systemic, sustainable reform of our schools," said Inslee.

Inslee's speech will be available for viewing on TVW; text of the speech is expected to be available on the governor's web site once it is up and posted.

Inslee was sworn in at 10:40 a.m. by Chief Justice Barbara Madsen in the Rotunda of the capitol building. The bigger stage allowed more people to participate and watch in person than the crowded chamber galleries would, said Inslee.

As his oath concluded, the crowd erupted in applause and shouts similar to what you'd hear at a sports event when your team scores. As he left for the joint session, Inslee said, "Let's go build a working Washington!"

Prior to the inaugural address, statewide elected officers were sworn in by members of the Supreme Court.

In November, voters elected a new attorney general, new state auditor, and new secretary of state.

Gregoire addresses joint session

Governor Christine O. Gregoire gave her final State of the State address to a joint session of the 63rd Legislature today.

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.