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Statement from Rep. Barbara
Bailey on SHB 1694
(2009 first supplemental operating budget)
“Today’s action is a first
step in reducing spending in the current budget cycle and beginning to
address the massive projected shortfall in the next cycle. However, the
majority party continues to put off the hard choices for the 2009-11
budget and this sends mixed signals to state government and, more
importantly, taxpayers. These choices are only going to get more
difficult the longer we wait.
“Unfortunately, the majority party
passed the last two budgets knowing that they were unsustainable. This
is what we need to prevent in the upcoming budget and others in the
future, and I am sponsoring legislation that would ensure responsible
state spending as we move forward.
“Despite our governor’s
promise, tax increases are still on the table and a preference for some
state lawmakers. I am for a no-new-taxes approach and feel our budget
crisis offers us an opportunity to commit to a more efficient and
prioritized state government. We must learn from the overspending
mistakes of the past and make good, sound fiscal decisions moving
forward.”
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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