Jay Inslee was sworn in as Washington's 23rd governor on Jan. 16, and reiterated his desire to create jobs in the state as his "top priority today, tomorrow, and every day for the next four years."

Addressing the state Legislature, Inslee said he hopes to move Washington past the effects of the economic downturn that have plagued the state and the country since 2008.

"A new world economy is emerging from the depths of this recession, and while its contours and relationships are not fully understood to us, we do know two things. One: with our uniquely powerful fusion of values and talents, Washington state has the potential to lead the next wave of world-changing innovations. Two: the world will not wait for us."

Inslee was introduced to the Legislature by Denis Hayes, CEO of the Bullitt Foundation and principal founder of Earth Day. Hayes said he feels Inslee is the right man to help Washington lead the way in a clean energy revolution.

"When I've spoken with Jay about what he intends to accomplish while governor, he speaks with excitement and conviction about his vision for a sustainable, prosperous Washington that will be a model for the world," Hayes said.

Washington's new governor touched on a number of issues in his inauguration speech, including gun violence and school safety. He emphasized the continued need for science, technology, engineer and math (STEM) courses to be expanded in public education, and that he plans to bring "disruptive change" to Olympia to "make government more efficient" and also in order to "implement cost-having health care reforms."

Inslee also made a few specific requests to the Legislature, among them his desire to see the Reproductive Parity Act passed, the creation of a massive transportation plan that would include trains, light rail, buses and bikes, and having the state be a leader in tackling climate change.

"There is no challenge greater for Washington, with more opportunity for job growth and more suited to our particular brand of genius and ingenuity, then leading the world's clean energy economy," Inslee said.

 

Contact Federal Way Mirror reporter Greg Allmain at gallmain@fedwaymirror.com or 253-925-5565 ext. 5054.

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