Maria's Monday Memo

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Chair of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, and a Washingtonian, I am excited that former Governor Gary Locke has been nominated for Secretary of Commerce. As the country begins to tackle the tough challenges ahead of us, Governor Locke will bring years of experience and commitment to get our economy back on track and increase U.S. competitiveness. As Secretary of Commerce, Governor Locke will be responsible for promoting economic growth, technological competitiveness, and sustainable development.  Governor Locke’s familiarity with Washington and the nation’s dependence on international trade makes him a perfect pick for Secretary of Commerce. In addition, his experience with fish and ocean issues will provide him with a basis for the many difficult issues that will face him in this arena.  For these reasons I am confident Governor Locke will be a great help assisting President Obama to get the economy back on its feet.

President Obama’s Joint Address to Congress

Last week, in his first address to a joint session of Congress, President Barack Obama highlighted many of his priorities. While our country faces many economic challenges, we have the tools to invest in our workforce, increase accountability and responsibility, and make a dramatic change in how we produce and use energy.  If we truly want to be a leader in the 21st century, we must invest in technologies that move our country to a clean energy future, and create new, high-paying green jobs.  We didn’t get into the current economic crisis overnight, and we won’t solve it overnight.  But, if we take a direct approach that combines accountability, resolve, and the realization that the path to recovery is paved by clean energy technologies, we’ll weather this storm.

President Obama’s Budget

Last week, President Obama unveiled his blueprint budget that takes steps to invest in our workforce and help get our economy back on track.   While specifics are still to be announced, Washington state is on track to benefit from increased funding and job creation in the budget blueprint.  The President’s budget includes more funding to protect agriculture and maintain healthy forests and national parks; more funding to respond to wildfires; more funding to help students succeed and receive a college education; a stronger commitment to increase energy efficient technologies and create green jobs; increased funding to help the Environmental Protection Agency meet its mission to clean up Puget Sound, Hanford and other Superfund sites; and, increase access to credit for small businesses that are struggling during this difficult economic climate. 

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