March 10, 2009

Day 58 legislative round-up: Nothing ventured, nothing gained for state taxpayers, employers
Anderson says with 443 pinks slips being handed out daily in Washington, majority party is failing citizens

What do novelty lighters and state agencies using recycled paper have in common? They are bills the majority party in the Legislature is allowing to take precedence over addressing the state's $8 billion budget deficit, said Rep. Glenn Anderson.

"Middle- to low-income families and small employers are at the edge of a cliff. They need a hand up and the Legislature is fooling around with bills that have no business being considered before the state budget shortfall is addressed," said Anderson, R-Fall City. "I'm sure folks are feeling relieved that tackling novelty lighters is at the top of Democrats' priorities list."

Anderson noted  since the start of the legislative session, 25,728 jobs have been lost. That amounts to 443 job losses each of the 58 days the Legislature has been officially convened.

"Folks are fearful they will lose their jobs, face another month foraging for money to pay the bills and make ends meet. Meanwhile, back in Olympia, nothing is being done to make families, employers and workers feel secure," Anderson said. "As the minority party, we keep insisting the budget be addressed and the urgent business of the people take center stage to special interests. It should be of great concern to all of us that they refuse to act on the state's most critical matter - the budget deficit."

Of the bills passed today that did not address Washington's budget crisis, House Bill 2126 would combine the boards of the embalmers, funeral directors and cemeteries. Anderson said it is a slap in the face to voters and taxpayers.

"The pledge of the majority party to get down to business and solve the problems of this state amount to nothing more than another broken promise and misplaced priority list," Anderson said, "reminiscent of how current state leaders have managed the state's ailing transportation system and budget.

"I will continue to advocate for responsible government, and that means taking care of urgent matters first," Anderson said.

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