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Rep. Jaime Herrera's
statement on today's state revenue forecast
"Today's revenue forecast
is disappointing, but not unexpected. State lawmakers have known since
the first day of the legislative session that the state faced a serious
budget shortfall, which makes the inaction of the majority party
frustrating.
"Budget proposals are going to be rolled out in the
next week and we are going to see different approaches. I support
a no-new-taxes approach that restructures state government and
prioritizes public safety, education and services for our vulnerable
citizens.
"It is also important to keep revenue and spending in
perspective. Our state will have more revenue in the upcoming budget
cycle than it does in the current one. A lot of people are surprised
when they hear that fact, and it illustrates our state's spending
problem.
"It is also time for our state to look in the mirror
and find ways to improve its budget process. While the economy has
played a roll, the size of our budget problem is a result of
overspending and a process that allows for it. Our state needs a
constitutional spending limit, a balanced budget requirement and a
system in which extraordinary revenue generated in good economic times
is set aside. These are just a few proposals I support that will ensure
budget sustainability in the future."
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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