Feb. 2, 2009

Statement from Rep. Barbara Bailey on SHB 1694
(2009 first supplemental operating budget)

“Today’s action is a first step in reducing spending in the current budget cycle and beginning to address the massive projected shortfall in the next cycle. However, the majority party continues to put off the hard choices for the 2009-11 budget and this sends mixed signals to state government and, more importantly, taxpayers. These choices are only going to get more difficult the longer we wait.

“Unfortunately, the majority party passed the last two budgets knowing that they were unsustainable. This is what we need to prevent in the upcoming budget and others in the future, and I am sponsoring legislation that would ensure responsible state spending as we move forward.

“Despite our governor’s promise, tax increases are still on the table and a preference for some state lawmakers. I am for a no-new-taxes approach and feel our budget crisis offers us an opportunity to commit to a more efficient and prioritized state government. We must learn from the overspending mistakes of the past and make good, sound fiscal decisions moving forward.”

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For more information, contact: John Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758