Washblog

OLYMPIA - Gov. Chris Gregoire released the following statement today on the construction of new prisons:

"I recognize the tremendous difficulties that legislators are facing as they craft a budget under these challenging economic conditions. However, as I have stated before, we can't afford to just ride out this economic crisis and wait for things to turn around. We must emerge from it ready to resume our powerful progress in a 21st Century economy.

"I see clearly the faces of Washingtonians hurt by budget cuts. I am looking for wise choices to protect our vulnerable, especially our children, and to make sure we fund K-12 and higher education at appropriate levels so that we come out of this recession stronger. Therefore, I am sending to the legislature a proposal to invest in Washington's economic future by constructing eight new debtor's prisons throughout the state.

"These tough economic times call for new, innovative solutions. Declining state revenues are forcing the legislature to make budget cuts that will result in the loss of thousands of state jobs. In the coming months, too many Washington citizens will declare bankruptcy as they lose their income and as medical costs mount. Worst of all will be the effects upon the innocent children of this state, whose suffering I feel as if they were my own.

"In my proposal, entire families would reside in the safe confines of a modern prison designed with the latest green technology and built by Washington workers. In centrally located community buildings, children would receive a 21st century education and even older siblings could pursue a college degree. Thousands of unemployed teachers would be put back to work. And jobless parents would earn their way out of debt by making useful products marketed and sold with an official "Made in a Washington Debtor's Prison" seal. A modest tax on the proceeds would go to the state treasury, thereby closing some of our unprecedented revenue shortfall.

"As hard as it may seem in these difficult times, we must make the kind of investments now that will allow us to seize the economic development opportunities that will occur when the state rebounds.

"I look forward to continuing to work with legislative leaders from both parties to craft a sustainable budget for the next two years."