Daniel Griffey

Economy

Protecting existing jobs and promoting a business friendly environment to create new ones is a top priority of mine. Learn more

Fostering a competitive economic climate that retains and attracts employers is critical. I will remain focused on stabilizing our state economy and putting our people back to work. This means ensuring businesses stay in Washington, through free market principles. We must work to preserve every job in the state by supporting policies that help employers and opposing policies that would kill jobs. Learn more

Legislation that I consider should be able to answer the question: Will it create private-sector jobs or will it hurt them? Everyone wants quality schools, safe communities and to take care of our most vulnerable citizens. A stronger economy is how we pay for these things. I am committed to removing the barriers and complex government red tape, thereby making Washington State attractive to companies all over the world. Learn more

Education

All children deserve the same opportunities. They deserve the best teachers and the best environment in which to thrive. Our future depends on their success, and we must give them nothing short of what we expect from them- greatness. We must equitably fund education across the state. I support legislation that provides property-poor school districts around the state with stable funding so that each student has the same opportunity, no matter where they live. Learn more

I believe Washington’s budget should fund education first. Ensuring education funding as the state’s top priority will move us closer to reaching our goal of quality schools that meet the needs of diverse student populations. Learn more

Our state Constitution is clear: Education is the “paramount duty” of the state. I believe school funding must reflect this mandate. I support efforts to define all that is “basic education” and to reflect the realities of today’s classrooms and the unique needs of communities. Learn more

Environment / Energy

Hydropower refers to the generation of electricity through the natural force of water, most often through a hydroelectric dam. I support recognizing hydropower as an eligible renewable resource, a designation many say would help reduce energy costs to consumers. Learn more

Housing

Protects consumers and keeps housing affordable and available. Learn more

Protects citizen’s rights to use their land. Learn more

Keeps local decisions local. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

In order for the existing hydroelectric system to support all the new sources of energy, the region will have to build additional infrastructure and transmission lines to integrate this alternative energy into the grid and ensure regional electrical stability. Planning and construction could take five to 10 years and pass on considerable cost to consumers. Learn more

Taxes / Budget

We must remember that every dollar the state spends comes from a hardworking taxpayer. I believe we should base our budgets on actual revenues- not hoped for revenues. I am listing several ideas below for getting our budget back on track and preventing future spending problems. Learn more

Establish a period of public and legislative review for the state's major appropriations bills. I support the "Budget Sunshine Act," which would require a five-day waiting period before either legislative body could vote on the final operating, capital, or transportation budgets. Learn more

Require the Legislature to adopt a balanced budget. It comes as a shock to many that only the governor is required to PROPOSE a balanced budget. We should remove the temptation to borrow money through long-term bonds to pay for daily expenses. This credit card spending does not make any financial sense and only leads to more problems down the road. Learn more

Reducing tax complexity by eliminating special interest exemptions and multiple, fluctuating tax rates. Washington small business owners cite tax complexity as a major barrier to their ability to succeed. Learn more

Lower overall tax rates to stimulate growth and development. By limiting tax exemptions, the state can reduce rates for all taxpayers, regardless of industry, occupation or special interest. Learn more