Q&A with Gov. Gregoire on Feb. 11, 2009

Governor Christine Gregroire answers economic and political questions from viewers on KCTS 9's Ask The Governor on Feb. 11, 2009.

How will the economic stimulus package help the State of Washington?

Washington State will receive much needed help from the economic stimulus package. The number one priority is creating an estimate of 80,000 to 90,000 jobs in education, construction, technology, healthcare, and green initiatives. Another benefit of the stimulus is to avoid budget cuts to social services and build K-12 schools.

Will the economic stimulus help wipe out Washington State's 6 billion and growing deficit?

If qualified, Washington State may receive as much as 2.5 billion dollars from the Federal Government to aid in the general budget, but at the end of the day there is no way we are going to be bailed out. We have a tough budget ahead of us and we will have to step up to it with a lot of courage and make sure we have a balanced budget coming out of this legislative session.

What are the complications of the economic stimulus plan?

The economic stimulus plan is very complicated and comes with a set of rules, regulations, time frames, criteria, and strings. The Federal Government is saying they are going to hold states and cities accountable. The stimulus package is so complex and will take a lot of time to sort our way through it.

What are some of the things you did not like about the stimulus plan?

I wish there were more money for job creation. I find it very upsetting that the Senate eliminated some of the money for K-12 school construction and education needs.

Will people without health insurance be affected by budget cuts in receiving health care services?

After all the state budget cuts we will still serve more than 10,000 more Washingtonians. The congress and President Barack Obama passed the Childrens Health Bill, which will allow us to insure all of the children in Washington up to 300 per cent of poverty. The stimulus package also offers health care options for people who have lost their jobs. In the legislature I propose an increase in unemployment insurance benefits that passed the house and hopefully the senate.

How can we restrict the number of illegal workers from competing with US citizens for jobs?

We have been working with the Department of Revenue, Employment Security, Department of Labor and Industry, and the Federal Government to stop what we call an "Underground Economy" so that good, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens are not harmed.

How will opening more liquor stores affect the state?

The legislature asked us to open up a limited number of new liquor stores in Washington State on Sundays. The result doesn't show an increase in alcohol-related problems or the need to hire more law enforcements to address such issues.

Are you willing to lift some of the limits on logging in rural areas so people can have livable wage jobs?

Due to the housing crisis there is not a market for logging at this moment. Based on what I have been told in the construction industry cutting trees down is probably not in the best interest because there is such a large supply and nobody buying.

Is cutting the General Assisted Unemployable benefits a wise choice?

Washington State is one of the only remaining states to provide the GAU program assisting about 21,000 Washingtonians who are unable to work due to medical and other reasons. We are now looking at how other states are dealing with this segment of their population. We put in money to make sure these people have access to health care, basic subsidies, and homeless shelters. They are unemployed temporarily so they don't qualify for social security but temporarily ends up being years. We are asking why Washington is the only state left that has a program this big and rich and are looking for innovative ways to work with this population.

Should unemployed people on public assistance be required to volunteer in the community?

We have not come to any conclusion as to how to handle this but if you have free time while looking for a job to help out your community it would mean a world of difference.

Can voters choose a state income tax?

Yes, you can. If you choose to have an income tax in Washington State, you're free to put it on the ballot by the initiatives.

How are services guaranteed to children and the disabled in the economic crisis?

One of the areas we did not cut very much at all was in the area of disabilities knowing full well that these were folks that couldn't otherwise find a way to support themselves and we owed it to them in these tough times to insure that we were for them.

Why is Washington State now in a deficit crisis?

I have taken steps to make sure that I have cut back on spending and the state deficit by freezing hiring, contracts, traveling, new spending, and cutting some programs. We are still in the black today, we are not like California issuing IOUs to taxpayers and state employees. Forty six states have projected a deficit and it's a difficult time for everybody.

Are CEOs in Washington waiting for stimulus package before they are willing to making changes?

CEOs are not waiting for the 789 billion dollar Federal stimulus, they are waiting for the additional stimulus for Wall Street that was already passed by the previous administration to see if that would free up some credit line. They are not able to get the credit to borrow today and they are struggling. The current administration is working hard to get Wall Street to loosen up the credit for businesses to be able to buy their merchandise and sell again.

Will homeowners get the help they need to weather this mortgage crisis?

I think homeowners credit is a separate issue to be taken up next in the carry-over from the 350 billion dollar stimulus. We don't see how a stimulus package for Wall Street or Main Street works unless and until we stop the hemorrhaging in the mortgage area.

What are you doing about gang violence?

Last year, we passed a bill on gang violence, however, during the session, the preventive measure was taken out of it. In my budget, I maintain that level of funding for prevention for communities and law enforcemnt.

Why don't we tax the wealth?

We do, there was an estate tax on the books when I started, it taxed the most wealthy, and it was dedicated to education. Those tax receipts are now down 75% due to the properties and stock investments declining.

Are you against a new tax package in the Spring?

I feel it's premature to talk about taxes right now considering we don't know yet what's in the Federal stimulus and we haven't seen the March budget yet. Either way, it would take a public vote.

How were the salmon hatcheries to be closed chosen?

We took a scientific approach to this, were those hatcheries what they were supposed to be? Did they need more capital to keep going? Were they paying for themselves?

Is it double-taxation to charge sales tax to our public schools?

If they are going to do construction, they pay sales tax on the materials. However, that money gets back to them eventually.

Do you have any dramatic plans in the works in regard to the budget?

I am closing 26 Department of Licensing offices across the state, and we should get rid of about 150 boards and commissions. We've been turning to online courses for higher education, in all it's kept us from having to open four new community colleges.

How do you decide what cuts to make?

First, I try to do no harm to the State. I know that people are hurting in this economy and I am trying to take everyone into consideration.

Do you expect any decision to be made on the tunnel during this session?

We have to. We need to take the viaduct down before an earthquake does.