Gregoire signs K-12 education bills into law
Gov. Chris Gregoire returned to her hometown high school Monday to sign into law a package of education bills, including a plan that could help the state compete for a slice of the Obama administration's $4.35 billion Race to the Top program.
The Associated Press
AUBURN — Gov. Chris Gregoire returned to her hometown high school Monday to sign into law a package of education bills, including a plan that could help the state compete for a slice of the Obama administration's $4.35 billion Race to the Top program.
Other measures significantly increase the state's spending on public education, allow local officials to ask voters for more property tax money, and set up a new early learning program for preschool children.
After the bill-signing ceremony at Auburn High School, Gregoire praised the state for not giving up on improving public education — even though a severe fiscal downturn has crimped spending on many government programs.
"Today is a really defining moment in our state when it comes to education," said Gregoire, a Democrat. "Despite the fact we're in the worst recession in history, the Legislature and I have stood up to the challenge to create a world-class education system. So I'm very proud."
The education bills were among the last measures approved by the Democrat-led House and Senate at the end of the Legislature's 60-day regular session. Lawmakers are now entering the third week of a special