Murray says recovery bill may not be enough

OLYMPIA — U.S. Sen. Patty Murray says the $787 billion economic recovery plan awaiting President Barack Obama's signature may not be enough.

The Washington Democrat spoke about the plan this morning during a visit to the state Capitol, where she met with Democratic lawmakers and the media.

After meeting with House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, where Murray said much of the discussion centered on the economy, the Senator spent about a half-hour taking questions from the media.

Murray said the $787 billion federal economic-recovery package is the best that federal lawmakers can do right now, but she didn't discount the possibility of additional economic-recovery packages over the next several years.

"This did not fix the problem nationally," Murray said. "Our state Legislature is still going to have to make difficult choices."

Gov. Christine Gregoire and lawmakers in House and Senate have proposed drastic cuts in state programs, as well as relief for the unemployed in the form of an extra $45 per week in jobless benefits. The governor is expected to sign the $45 unemployment benefits boost into law today.

During her question-and-answer session, Murray spoke about the the hazy future of newspapers.

While Murray said that there hasn't been any talk of dedicating federal money to help the troubled newspaper industry, she said that lawmakers have to look at ways to ensure that the media remains alive. She pointed out that Seattle is not the only city that is facing the loss of a major newspaper.

"It is something all of us have to consider," Murray said.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com