As Christine Gregoire introduced herself to the nation by giving the Democratic reply to Bush’s weekly radio address, she signaled her priorities: Give us more money.
The AP reported:
"Gregoire cited homeland security, transportation, health care and education as areas where federal mandates are heaped on the states without a corresponding flow of money and help.
"In the war on terror, she said, ‘Candidly, there is too much talk and too little action coming out of Washington, D.C.
"‘The federal government is imposing new security requirements on our cities and counties, without providing the necessary financial assistance to local law enforcement — cops and firefighters whose resources are already stretched too thin.’
"She complained that Congress has been unable to pass a highway appropriations bill at a time when the states are desperate for jobs and for better roads."
Instead of outlining new policies for the federal-state relationship or offering new and creative ways to make state programs self-sufficient and with less government funding, she basically says: We want more money.
Not a very constructive request considering Democrats and many Republicans are concerned about the federal deficit at this point.
Let’s hope this isn’t the trend for next four years under Washington’s new governor.
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