The Governor

The Governor


The governor is the head of the executive branch of state government. The executive department consists of a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, and a commissioner of public lands. In Washington State, the Governor holds his/her office for a four years term until his successor is elected, and there is no term limits. Other executive officers are chosen by the qualified electors of the State. Governor has the power to maintain State government by appointing the heads of department and agencies, veto legislation, create State budgets, grant pardons, and call legislatures into session.

Christine Gregoire is the 22nd governor in Washington State. Gregoire serves three successful terms as attorney general before she was elected into the office in 2004 as Washington State governor. Governor plays an important role in balancing the State’s budget and appointing the heads of State department, agencies, and institutions. “The governor proposes budgets that detail the amount of money that will go to every State agency, welfare program, highway department, and school district (233).” The governor is in charge for creating State budget and expenses. However, the Governor has to cooperate with legislature in order accomplish the budget propose. The budget must be approved by legislature in order to by execute. On the other hand, the governor carry out the accountability of oversee State’s budget expenditures and to ensure that the laws are truly implemented. The governor addressed the State annually on state affairs include the budget proposal. Bills can not become law without governor signature. The governor has the power to veto legislature, unless the two-thirds of legislature can veto governor.

Dr. Sell states, “Governors also are the leading pitchmen for their states. They lead trade missions; they push their states’ prospects in regional and national arenas; they are looked at to the charge of efforts to revitalize sagging economies and manage booming ones.” The governor serves as a representative between other States and federal government. Governor Gregoire can represent Washington State to other States, federal government, and other countries. The governor has the priority of improving State’s economic, education, health care, and much more.

Washington State governor Chris Gregoire is committed to invest in education, expand health care coverage, and improve State economic. Governor Gregoire believes that investing on a skilled workforce, research, development, and infrastructure will improve Washington State’s future economic. On March 12, 2007, Governor Chris Gregoire signed legislation awarding of $71 million in infrastructure loans to 19 communities in Washington State. This money was use to develop sanitary sewer systems, domestic water, and storm water services in which it will protect environmental health, and promote economic in the areas. Governor Gregoire has fighting to limit government regulation on business in order to encourage big cooperation and small business to do business in Washington State. Developing economic system that will enrich Washington State is the goal of governor Gregoire. Gregoire states, “Providing a good education for all of our citizens is the single greatest contribution we can make to the future of our economy.”

Building the best school system is the key factors to the success of citizens and the state’s growing industries. Most of the advance industries require higher education. It is the top priority of governor to ensure that Washington State meets the industries standards. Since Chris Gregoire was elected as governor, she is committed to reform school systems. Governor Gregoire has established Washington learning. Washington learning conducted a review of Washington State’s education system, its structure, and funding. In 2006, the Washington learning committees submit a final report that has guide governor to improve school system. “She helped increase financial aid by $26.9 million, expand grand eligibility for working families, create enrollment slots for 7,900 new students and create four-year programs in Tacoma, Vancouver, Bothell and the Tri-Cities.” governor Gregoire believes investing in the best education system is the key to move Washington forward.

Governor Gregoire believes, “Good health is a central to our quality of life, the vibrancy of our community, and our ability to remain competitive in a global market.” Expand health care is one of the top priority of Washington State governor. Governor Gregoire has proposed four key health care goals to increase access to affordable health care to citizens of Washington State.

1. “Create a sustainable, affordable, quality health system;

2. Increase access to health care coverage and prescription drugs;

3. Improve the health of Washingtonians; and

4. Ensure everyone has access to quality health care providers;”


The Governor serves as commander in chief of State’s National Guard. However, the president has the power to call up State’s National Guard to perform federal service. For example, the president can request a unit for State to participate in Iraq war, Afghanistan, and other federal service around the world. On the other hand, the governor has the power to command the National Guard during State disaster if needed. The State governor organizes to face disaster if it occurs. Smith states, “State laws require the governor to carry out emergency preparedness, response, and recovery actions (93).” The governor has the power to mobilize National Guard, evacuate residents of disaster area, prescribe routes, authorize emergency funds, etc.

Work cities

Sell, T.M. “The Governor”: State & Local Government. Highline Community College, 2007.
http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D

Smith, Kevin. “Powers, Roles, and Responsibilities of a Governor and State Agencies” State and Local Government. (Washington, D.C.: CQ Press 2007), 93

Sabato, Larry J., “Chief Legislator” 304, "in Smith, et al." Goodbye to Good-Time Charlie, 2nd ed. Washington, D.D.: CQ Press, 1983.

Governor Gregoire’s website, “Taking Charge of Our Health” 2006 http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D

Governor Gregoire’s website, “Improving Our Health” 2006
http://blackboard.highline.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_316_1%26url%3D