By Larry Jones
February 3, 2003

Speaking on behalf of the Democratic Party on January 28, Washington state Governor Gary Locke responded to the President's State of the Union Address, claiming "...in too many ways our country is headed in the wrong direction. We are missing the opportunity to strengthen America for the future. Democrats have a positive, specific plan to turn our nation around."

On domestic issues, Governor Locke strongly criticized the President for mishandling the economy, for not releasing homeland security funds to state and local governments, for not providing a prescription drug program for seniors, for not giving local communities the help they need to improve education, and for not protecting the environment.

Economy

Commenting on the economy, Governor Locke pointed out that 22 million jobs were created during the eight-year period of the previous Administration compared to the two million jobs lost during the first two years of the Bush Administration (100,000 in the last month alone). He also said the federal budget produced a surplus two years ago but under the Bush Administration's policies the budget deficit is projected to grow over a trillion dollars over the next decade.

While some claim the economy is recovering from the 2001 recession, Governor Locke said "there's no recovery in states and cities. There is no recovery in rural communities. There's no recovery for working Americans and for those searching for jobs to feed and cloth their families." Due to the down turn in the economy, he explained that states and cities now face the worst budget crisis since World War II and that many are being forced to cut vital services such as police, fire and health care; and many are being forced to raise taxes.

Governor Locke was very critical of the President's economic growth proposal which was rolled out earlier this month to address that nation's economic problems. Under the President's proposal, $674 billion dollars would be pumped back into the economy over the next ten years mostly through tax cuts for individuals and businesses. No direct assistance would be provided to state and local governments.

Governor Locke said the President's proposal doesn't do enough to stimulate the economy now, and it does too much to weaken it in future years. He strongly criticized a provision in the proposal which calls for the elimination of taxes on stock dividends. Under this proposal, he explained that the top 1 percent of individuals who earn $300,000 or more would get more tax relief than the bottom 95 percent of taxpayers combined.

As an alternative to the President's plan, Governor Locke discussed the Democrats economic stimulus plan, which is based on three simple principles: giving the economy an immediate boost, benefitting the middle class instead of a few, and being fiscally responsible. He explained that the Democrats plan will provide over $100 billion in tax relief for middle-class and working families immediately, incentives for businesses to invest and create jobs this year, and unlike the President's plan, it will provide substantial help for cities and states.

Homeland Security

Calling homeland security an urgent priority in the fight against terrorism, Governor Locke pointed out that the front lines of homeland security are in local communities. Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he said the American people are still far too vulnerable. He reminded everyone that "...the war against terror is not over. Al Qaeda still targets Americans. Osama bin Laden is still at large. As we rise to the many challenges around the globe, let us never lose sight of who attacked our people at home." He also pointed out that an Al Qaeda operative tried to enter his state with a trunk full of explosives in 1999. But thankfully, he was caught in time to prevent him from harming citizens of his state.

While Congress authorized $2.5 billion to help state and local governments better equip firefighters, protect ports, guard against bio-terrorism, and secure nuclear power plants, Governor Locke said President Bush has refused to release the funds. He said "Republicans now say we can't afford it. Democrats say: If we're serious about protecting the homeland, we can and we must."

Education

Commenting on the importance of education, Governor Locke called it "the great equalizer, the hope of democracy and the key to the information industries of the future." He criticized the President for working with Congress to pass legislation setting higher standards in education and then failing to provide local communities the resources they need to achieve those standards.

He explained that in his state, they have been successful in raising test scores, cutting class sizes, training teachers and launching innovative reading programs and offering scholarships even as the federal government cuts back on aid to deserving students. "We say we want to leave no child behind, but our schools need more than kind words about education from Washington, D.C.; we need a real partnership to renew our schools," he said.

Prescription Drugs for Seniors

Governor Locke said that while the President talks about health care, too many senior citizens can not afford the drugs they need to save their lives. In this area, he said the contrast is clear between what the President and Democrats are offering. He explained that "Democrats will insist on a Medicare prescription drug benefit for all seniors. President Bush says he supports a prescription drug benefit. But let's read the fine print: his plan only helps seniors who leave traditional Medicare. Our parents shouldn't be forced to give up their doctor or join an HMO to get the medicine they need."

Environment

On the environment, Governor Locke accused the Administration of working to roll back much of the bipartisan success achieved (cleaner air and water, and improved conservation) over the last three decades. He said "our nation should lead global efforts to promote environmental responsibility, not shun them. And instead of drilling, we should be committed to a national policy to reduce our dependence on oil by promoting American technology and sustainability."

Summary

In closing Governor Locke said "Yes, the Republican Party now controls the executive branch and both houses of Congress. But we Democrats will hold the Administration and congressional leaders accountable. We will work to create jobs and strengthen homeland security. We will fight to protect a woman's right to choose, and we will fight for affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity in our schools and our workplaces. Above all, we will demand that this government advance our common purpose and not pander to narrow special interests."