Gregoire named NGA head
OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire was elected to fill the opening as the chairwoman of the National Governors Association, her office announced today.
Gregoire will step into the job left vacant when West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin was elected to the U.S. Senate this month. She serves until next July. She said she would continue the organization's initiative "Complete to Compete" that pushes college students to graduate and get degrees or certification.
In a prepared statement released by her office, Gregoire said she was honored to be selected by her peers for the job.
For the full press release, go inside the blog.
Gov. Gregoire’s statement on being named chair of National Governors Association
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on being selected by her peers to take on the role of chair of the National Governors Association:
“I am honored that my peers have asked me to serve as chair of the National Governors Association. I look forward to continuing to work with such a diverse and talented group of governors from around the country. I also look forward to welcoming many of the newly elected governors.
“Governors have an important role as we work to strengthen our states’ economies by creating jobs and promoting opportunities for economic development. We will also be focusing on education, health care reform, public safety and homeland security issues over the coming year.
“The current economy makes this a very challenging time to govern. States are still faced with a historic fiscal crisis, and difficult choices must be made. Together, we will develop solutions that improve state government and strengthen the state-federal partnership.
“In addition to the duties of the chair, I will be leading the ‘Complete to Compete’ initiative we launched last year, which aims to increase the number of U.S. students who complete college degrees and postsecondary certificates. This new role offers a strong platform for developing a stronger, better education system for all students.
“I’m proud that Mike will work with the spouses of governors and continue his lifelong commitment to veterans affairs, particularly on mental health issues and in providing our veterans with the support they deserve.”