Feb. 19, 2009

Statement from Rep. Jaime Herrera on today's revenue forecast

"Today's revenue announcement casts a big shadow over our state's budget process. Our state now finds itself in an unprecedented budget crisis. Never before has it been more important to commit to a prioritized state government. While these decisions won't be easy, they are nothing compared to the challenges facing families right now.

"What concerns me most is that Democrat budget leaders are signaling that they want to raise taxes. I'm against this approach. When our revenue is being adversely affected by declining consumer spending, it makes no sense to take more money out of the pockets of hard-working families. Taxpayers did not create this budget crisis, nor should they be expected to bail out state government.

"I will continue to add my voice to the growing chorus of those who want state lawmakers to set clear priorities and fund only those priorities. After all, taxpayer resources are limited. It is time to act on the concerns of the business community, to protect jobs. We must do all we can to contribute to economic growth and get people back to work. If we do that, the revenue will follow."  

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