Jobs, Labor & Economic Development
The backbone of Washington’s economy is its working individuals and families. Governor Gregoire is committed to promoting practices and programs that protect workers, boost job opportunities and encourage innovation.
Last year, the Governor and state leaders introduced an economic development strategy known as The Next Washington. This 10-year business plan for the state calls for growing the economy by investing in the skills employees need to succeed today; building a foundation for success by investing in infrastructure across the state; and developing an “Open for Business” approach to government to make Washington an affordable and efficient place to do business. This strategy calls for making a series of targeted investments in areas where the state can lead the world, including fields such as global health, alternative energy and tourism, as well as our ports.
In the 2007–09 budget, the state increased its investment in tourism by boosting funds and partnering with the private sector to promote tourism. The state took steps to help small businesses prosper by investing in the federal network of small business development centers and supporting local economic development councils for the first time in 16 years. The state also saved business owners and workers more than $315 million through a six-month holiday from workers compensation insurance. Lower unemployment insurance premiums will save small businesses another $10 million annually.
Governor Gregoire called a special session in November 2007 to enact property tax limits overwhelmingly approved by voters but overturned by the state Supreme Court. In that session, the Governor also proposed and the Legislature passed legislation to allow property tax deferrals that will help prevent working families from being priced out of their homes by rising property taxes.
The Governor’s actions have resulted in a steady increase in the number of employed Washingtonians. Unemployment is at historic lows and personal income growth is among the best in the nation. Her supplemental budget adds several protections our employees need to stay safe.