OLYMPIA — Local legislators had varied reactions to Gov. Gary Locke’s State of the State address Tuesday.
New Sen. Jean Berkey, D-Everett, was fully supportive of Locke’s speech.
"I certainly agree with (Locke’s) view that the state is on a better course," she said. "When I think of our friends and neighbors in Snohomish County, they certainly have much to look forward to with the recent Boeing decision, because we’ve been hard-hit by economic downturn."
Berkey also agreed with Locke on education.
"Gov. Locke said education is the great equalizer. How true. Education is the foundation of our nation, and we have to make sure we have a well-trained workforce," she said.
Sen. Dave Schmidt, R-Bothell, was not as impressed.
"The governor’s address was eloquent, but short on details. His speech was broad-based and offered few specifics, especially with respect to funding or how he wanted to get things done," Schmidt said.
He added that the expansion of health care funding is an important issue, but a problem not easily solved.
"It is extremely unlikely that the issue will be resolved in the short 60-day session," Schmidt said.
Rep. John McCoy, D-Tulalip, said the speech was short and sweet and covered all the things that concern him and many other legislators.
"It is true — we do need to work on affordable health care, investing in education, family-wage jobs, attracting manufacturing and taking care of the environment," McCoy said.
He said the state needs to be prepared when jobs do come here.
"We’ve all gotten the briefing on the state of the economy. Folks are starting to make money, but there is not enough job creation. We need to position ourselves so when job creation starts — and it will — we will have laid the proper groundwork."
New Rep. David Simpson, D-Everett, said the governor spoke of a number of important issues for his district. Simpson was named a state representative recently, after Berkey moved to the Senate following Aaron Reardon’s November election as Snohomish County executive.
"I am proud to have had the chance to attend my first State of the State address," Simpson said. "The address outlined very good perks that would support our fight for issues that would support the 38th District."
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