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Rep. Barbara Bailey's
statement on today's state revenue forecast
10th District state lawmaker is assistant ranking
Republican
on House Ways and Means Committee
"Today's
forecast suggests our economy is slowly stabilizing. This is good news.
I hope it brings optimism and eventual relief to families and
employers.
"The downside of the forecast: it is
another red flag that our state is on pace to spend significantly more
than it projects to take in. The 2009-11 budget plans to spend 33.4
billion dollars, while the state only projects to take in 29.6 billion
dollars. And with the budget being so reliant on one-time federal
dollars, our state is on a very dangerous and high-risk path.
"The best way to
ensure sustainability and solve the problem is to reform our budget process. I continue to
support legislative
solutions
that would:
prohibit an unsustainable budget;
require a
balanced budget;
put more money in the
rainy day fund during good economic times;
and
ensure the
costs of
bills are known before
votes are taken. These solutions would prioritize
state spending, protect taxpayers and help our state live within its
means.
"If we continue on the same
irresponsible path, we can expect the same results -- large budget
shortfalls and calls for tax increases."
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Deputy Communications Director | (360) 786-5758
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