As you know, I voted against the 2011-13 General Fund Budget passed last spring. As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I knew firsthand that it ignored too many of the needs and values of the taxpayers in my district.
The budget doubled college tuition costs over the next four years, and cut K-12 education in a way that disproportionately impacted our schools. Even though the budget included several much needed reforms, I couldn’t support it.
It is now clear that, while the budget appeared "balanced" at the time it passed, it was based upon revenue projections that have proven to be too rosy. Every quarterly revenue report since then has been significantly lower than expected. We are now projecting that the state will be an additional $1.4 billion short for 2011-13. That includes having exhausted the Rainy Day Fund and all reserves. As a result, the governor has called the Legislature into a special session starting Nov. 28 to find approximately $2 billion dollars in spending cuts, additional revenues, or both.
I support the governor's call for a special session and plan to present several ideas for reforms that will save the state hundreds of millions of dollars. I will also fight for more equity in the apportionment of taxes and spending. The suburban households in Puget Sound seem always to get the bill for the desires of the rest of the state, and I know that it is more than you all can bear at present. Bluntly, it's time for a few people to get out of the cart and help to push it.
That said, we all understand that there are many who are truly desperate for assistance, and the state has responsibilities and commitments that need to be kept. I pledge to examine all the options, and to do my best to balance head and heart in these difficult times.
I appreciate hearing from you. If you have suggestions or concerns, please contact me via e-mail or my Olympia office at (360) 786-7608. It is a privilege to serve on your behalf.
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