Feb. 4, 2009

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Our legislative session is now in its fourth week. I thought I’d take a few moments to update you on some bipartisan bills I’m sponsoring that are aimed at creating more transparency and accountability in state government.

As the state faces an unprecedented budget shortfall and mounting economic challenges, never before has it been more important for state government to work for the people – not encumber them. With this in mind, I have introduced a legislative package that targets state fiscal notes, performance audits, agency rules and emergency clauses. Here are the details:


House Bill 1458 would require a fiscal note, or how much the legislation would cost, to be established before final passage of any bill before the Washington State Legislature.

When I tell people that state lawmakers sometimes vote on bills without knowing their costs, they are often surprised. You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing how much it is going to cost, right? The concept is simple: state lawmakers should never pass legislation before they know how much it will cost taxpayers.

House Bill 1702 would require the state auditor’s office to review the performance of new state programs and share its findings with the public.

This would allow state lawmakers and citizens to assess whether new state programs are delivering on their intended outcomes. If the state is going to make a promise, it has an obligation to show that it has delivered for taxpayers.

House Bill 1853 would require the governor’s approval of significant legislative rules for state agencies under his or her direct control.

This would add an important layer of accountability to state agency rules and ensure our governor understands what his or her agencies are seeking to do. We cannot forget that taxpayers are the customers of state government.

House Joint Resolution 4205 proposes an amendment to the state Constitution to
require a sixty-percent vote from the Legislature for emergency clauses.

An emergency clause is added to a bill to allow the measure to become law immediately after the governor signs it. It also exempts a bill from the referendum process, preventing citizens from changing the law.

The framers of our state Constitution created the emergency clause because they believed it was “necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health or safety, support of state government and its existing public institutions.” Relatively few bills truly need an emergency clause and we have seen far too many abuses over the years.

If HJR 4205 were to pass the state House and Senate with a two-thirds vote, it would then go to a vote of the people in November. If a simple majority of voters in the general election voted for it, then our state Constitution would be changed.


The bottom line is these four reforms would give us better state government. At a time of an unprecedented budget shortfall and rising unemployment, taxpayers need to know that state government is efficient, transparent, accountable and living within its means.

Today I have outlined just four of many issues I’m working on in Olympia for our communities. My priorities remain creating and preserving local jobs, demanding accountability in our state ferry system, and ensuring a responsible and responsive state government.

In closing, please be on the lookout for more e-newsletters, and my video updates, news releases and editorial pieces. I will also be holding town hall meetings in March. All of these efforts are to keep you apprised of what is happening in Olympia.

If you ever have any comments, questions or concerns to pass along, please do so. My contact information is above and can also be found here.

Sincerely,


Barbara Bailey
 
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