![]() Where communities feel welcoming and safe to all. Where the existential crisis of climate change is met by unmatched innovation. Where our schools are safe from gun violence, and students receive the mental and educational support they need. If we continue building on the investments and policies we’ve started, we can continue building a Washington: That’s because of the work we do in these chambers.īecause of that work, I can proudly report that the state of our state is strong. It’s a reason we’ve been rated best state in America, best economy, second best state for business, third best state for workers - we can’t be number one in everything, but we sure come close. ![]() We invest in our people and our communities. The list goes on: paid family leave, broadband access, career connected learning and the best financial aid program in the country. This credit will put as much as $1,200 into the hands of more than 400,000 Washington families. Two years ago, we passed a Working Families Tax Credit that starts next month. Not only are these policies driving down polluting emissions, they are also creating thousands of clean energy jobs across the state. The climate policies we passed in recent sessions are now going into effect. It is speeding up our ability to create supportive housing in a matter of weeks and months, instead of years and decades. Two years ago, we funded a new type of rapid acquisition housing program. Today, that effort is resulting in dozens of new facilities opening throughout the state that offer more kinds of care in more places for more people. It was powerful for me to reflect on the things we passed in recent years that are now becoming real, at a time we know that people are eager to see bold and inclusive leadership and action.įive years ago, we launched a transformation of our century-old behavioral health system. The good news is that here in Washington state, ambition and audacity is in our DNA.Īs I thought about the challenges we face this session, I realized we aren’t facing anything we aren’t ready for. As leaders, we will be called upon these next few months to act with decisiveness, ambition and audacity. Chief Justice, distinguished justices of the court, members of the Legislature, tribal leaders, state and local government officials, members of the Consular Corps, and my fellow Washingtonians.Īfter two years of delivering the State of the State virtually, it is great to be back here together again. You remind us that the people have given us a tremendous responsibility, and that we hold a unwavering flame of optimism that lights our way forward.Ī very warm welcome and congratulations to our 29 newly elected senators and representatives.Īnd I want to give my deep appreciation to Trudi Inslee, who is such a great partner, and to my entire family who are a daily inspiration to my work as governor. Good afternoon, and thank you to our inspiring guests and performers - Father Andriy Matlak, Poet Laureate Rena Priest and the Tacoma Refugee Choir. ![]() Photos from the address will be posted on the Medium story: Inslee delivers State of the State: “Bold actions for building a stronger Washington” You can view the 2023 State of the State on TVW. The Tacoma Refugee Choir performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and Washington State Poet Laureate Rena Priest wrote and delivered a poem titled, “These Abundant and Generous Homelands.” The program included an opening prayer by Father Andriy Matlak of Seattle’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Additional student-centered investments such as special education, and policies related to public safety and protect reproductive freedom are also top priorities for the session. In his speech, Inslee reflected on several significant actions passed by the legislature in recent years that will allow leaders to respond boldly to current crises in housing, behavioral health, climate change and salmon recovery. Though several difficult issues are on deck for the 105-day session, the mood among legislators and visitors has been palpably upbeat and hopeful following renewed activity at the Capitol. This is the first in-person session since 2020. Jay Inslee delivered his 2023 State of the State speech today at a joint session of the House and Senate.
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