| |
Businesses should not be
expected to bail state government out in tough budget times
Rep. Barbara Bailey
While there has been a lot
of talk about the federal government bailing businesses out, there are
some in Olympia who would like for employers to bail state government
out.
Our state faces a $6 billion budget shortfall for the
2009-11 cycle. If you knew of a business that faced a serious budget
problem, you might ask how it came to be and what can be done to address
it. These are fair questions for state lawmakers, too.
To say
our budget deficit, the largest in state history, is the result of a
sagging national economy is only partly true. It cannot be overlooked
that state spending increased by 33 percent – more than $8 billion – the
last four years. If the majority party had shown fiscal discipline, our
problem would be more manageable today.
However, we are where we
are. It’s time to find solutions that position not only our budget, but
our state economy, for the future.
There are two ways to handle
a budget shortfall – raise taxes or make cuts. I’m against any budget
that would raise taxes on families or businesses. Taxpayers and
employers did not create this budget crisis, nor should they be expected
to bail state government out.
The fact that the governor’s
proposed budget does not include tax increases is encouraging. We must
ensure she keeps her promise and resists pressures from outside groups
and those within her own party to raise taxes.
I’m in favor of
controlling the size and scope of state government. While reductions are
difficult to make, they allow state lawmakers to define the core
functions of state government and separate wants from needs.
It’s important all budget-related decisions take into account the state
economy. With unemployment creeping up and consumer confidence down,
state lawmakers must be mindful of how their actions affect businesses.
We must find new ways to assist the entrepreneurial spirit and utilize
finite state resources in ways that bolster the economy – especially
with employers facing an increased minimum wage and other economic and
regulatory challenges.
The budget process will not be easy, but
our state’s finances and economy will be stronger from it in the future.
State Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak
Harbor, represents to the 10th Legislative District and is assistant
ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee. She can be
contacted at (360) 786-7914 or bailey.barbara@leg.wa.gov. The 2009
legislative session began Jan. 12 and is scheduled to run 105 days.
# # #
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
|
|