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Statement from Rep. Gary
Alexander on state's economic and revenue forecast
Ranking Republican on House Appropriations
Committee concerned about state's finances
“Today’s revenue forecast
is a wake-up call for the governor and majority party. They have
increased state spending by 33 percent – $8.2 billion dollars – in the
last four years. We will hear them say it’s now time to be ‘frugal,’ but
they can’t un-ring the bell.
“By over-spending and over-promising, they have exposed the lack of
responsibility for our state budgeting. When state lawmakers come back
in January 2009, they will be facing difficult decisions. And the
problem could be worse than what we know it to be today.
“Much like families, the state should not budget on best-case scenarios.
Olympia leadership must understand it’s not a matter of if, but when,
our economy will soften. We must be optimistic and realistic at the same
time. The bottom line is the state should always prepare for the worst
and put more money aside when times are good. I hope we can do this in
the future.”
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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