March 19, 2009

Rep. Barbara Bailey's statement on today's
state revenue forecast 
10th District lawmaker is assistant ranking Republican
on House Ways and Means Committee

"Today's revenue forecast is disappointing, but it is important information for state lawmakers as they put forth budget proposals. The problem is clear and now is the time for solutions to move forward.

"The first step is committing to a no-new-taxes budget. When declining consumer spending is adversely affecting revenue, we cannot take money out of the pockets of hard-working families and employers.

"Our budget problem is serious, but manageable with existing revenue. Let's not forget that the state may have more revenue to use in the next budget cycle than it does in the current one. It is a matter of restructuring state government and focusing on priorities such as education, public safety and the protection of our most vulnerable populations. I believe we can do these things.

"State lawmakers must also use this time as an opportunity to improve the budget process. It is not about enduring the next two years with a patchwork budget; it is about ensuring that our state never finds itself in this position again. I and several of my colleagues have unveiled ideas to ensure this goal. These solutions include requiring fiscal notes before bills are passed, not allowing unsustainable budgets to be passed, creating a spending limit, and putting extraordinary revenue aside in good economic times.

"We cannot blame everything on the economy. It is time to look inward to find what, as a state, we can do to insulate ourselves from future problems and ensure budget sustainability." 

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