Marko Liias

After months of challenge, our state's economy is on the road to recovery.  Eight months ago, our state's economy was on the brink of collapse.  After decisive action by state and national leaders, we have stopped runaway unemployment and a synchronized global recovery is underway.

Here is a sample of quotes from state and national economic leaders:

"You know, it all adds up to this -- in my view, at least: The Recovery Act has played a significant role in changing the trajectory of our economy, and changing the conversation about the economy in this country. Instead of talking about the beginning of a depression, we're talking about the end of a recession -- eight months after taking office."

--Vice President Joe Biden, read more here

"In fact, something unprecedented is happening: We are seeing a synchronized global recovery under way."

--State Economist Arun Raha, read more here

"Unlike in the 1930s, when policy was largely passive and political divisions made international economic and financial cooperation difficult, during the past year monetary, fiscal, and financial policies around the world have been aggressive and complementary. Without these speedy and forceful actions, last October's panic would likely have continued to intensify, more major financial firms would have failed, and the entire global financial system would have been at serious risk."

--Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, read more here

The Washington State Economic Recovery Agenda:

This past session, the Legislature took decisive action to create jobs and extend unemployment benefits to struggling families.  These actions have helped restart the economy and stop runaway unemployment.

--Boosting unemployment benefits (HB 1906)

--50,000 jobs created by the Transportation Budget (SB 5352)

--30,000 jobs created by the Capital Budget (HB 1216)

--10,000 long-term jobs created by the Evergreen Jobs Act (HB 2227)

--3,500 jobs created by the Transportation Stimulus Bill (HB 1978)