With budget cuts made in education, public safety, health care and everywhere else this year and next, it is difficult for me to justify the cost to mail a newsletter to each of your homes. Instead, I hope you'll forward this 2009 session overview on to your friends and neighbors that I might not have on my list.

Budget

This was the most difficult session I've seen in my 17 years in the Legislature as a legislative assistant and your representative. With a $9 billion shortfall, difficult decisions had to be made. However, the two-year budget adopted this year puts Band-Aids on a sinking ship. I fear that in another two years, we will be staring at another huge deficit as a result of this inaction. We need to reform how we budget your tax dollars and the services for which the government provides.

The cuts that were made did not speak well about the current priorities of the state. While the state spent $100 million for new land acquisition, budget writers put additional fees on taxpayers to keep current parks open. While thousands of new teachers will be laid off around the state, almost $200 million was spent on environmental protection.

I am, however, very pleased that the final budget passed without raising your taxes or creating an income tax. We heard loud and clear through the Tax Day Tea Parties around the state that citizens of all walks of life are tired of increasing taxes and irresponsible governing. Unfortunately, the majority ended up passing a variety of fee increases that will continue to burden taxpayers.

Reach Out

During these difficult times, I'm hopeful that neighbors in communities around the state can reach out to their neighbors in need. We are blessed in our area to have caring, involved people who watch out for each other. I encourage you to join with your neighbors, fellow parents and church members to support each other through job losses, family breakups, medical needs and more. Even if you can't give financially, I encourage to give your time to the many worthwhile organizations we have here. Government doesn't always have to be the answer!

Walla Walla Way

One of the great successes this year in Olympia was House Bill 1580, which will continue the work of the collaborative water management program in Walla Walla by granting more flexibility for water use. It is called the "Walla Walla Way," because it demonstrates the community partnerships in our area that work to accomplish one goal.

The bill was the result of the work of the late Rep. Bill Grant, and I was proud to see this legislation move quickly through the process. It was a great tribute to his hard work and dedication. The program brings together irrigators, tribes, state government and neighbors to manage our natural resources in a way that allows everyone to succeed and helps them be good environmental stewards. The governor signed this bill into law April 23; read the release I sent to the media here.

UPDATE: DOL office to remain open indefinitely

Earlier this session I reported to you that as a result of your input and feedback on the proposed closure of the Walla Walla Department of Licensing office, the office would remain open, at least for 18 months. Now the DOL has decided to keep the office open indefinitely. This is great news for thousands who would have had to travel to the Tri-Cities for licensing services. Great job to all who made the effort to contact us with their concerns!

No special session = no levy equalization cuts

One of our greatest triumphs came after session officially ended April 26. You may have heard about the possibility of a special session for the Legislature. The governor recently decided to not call a special session, and I'm glad for a couple of reasons. First, there was nothing dire we couldn’t wait to deal with in the fall when we are already scheduled to be in Olympia, or even next session. Second, the biggest reason some in the majority party wanted a special session was to reconsider House Bill 1776. After passing out of the House with bipartisan support, the Senate amended the bill to cut millions in levy equalization dollars, which are crucial for property-poor districts to receive the same educational opportunities as property-rich districts. The bill also would have increased the amount that districts could raise through property taxes, which would benefit only a few districts in the entire state. I'm happy to see this bill die, since it would have had a devastating affect on our rural schools.

I encourage you to e-mail or call me about these or any other issue. My district office is open again at 26 East Main, Suite 5, downtown Walla Walla, so feel free to stop by and say "hi!" I always appreciate hearing from you and try to respond to you as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

Maureen Walsh
16th District State Representative

(509) 527-4111