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Rep. Gary Alexander releases statement
following today's
updated revenue forecast
Rep.
Gary Alexander, R-Olympia and ranking Republican on the
House Ways and
Means Committee, released the following statement regarding today's
updated revenue forecast which saw revenues for the 2009-11 biennium
decrease by approximately $500 million:
"We've been hearing for some time about the need to wait until the
official March revenue forecast before an official state spending plan
can be discussed within the Legislature. There's been a lot of
time wasted since the beginning of session when House Republicans were
calling for immediate action. I'm hoping that we can now begin the
serious task of closing our state's $8.8 billion budget shortfall and
placing Washington back on the path of budget sustainability,
responsibility, and restraint.
"I want to make it clear that House Republicans are absolutely convinced
that we can -- and should -- balance our state budget and protect our most
vulnerable citizens without raising taxes. We need to start with
reassessing the programs and projects the Legislature created or added
to over the last four years of unrestrained spending. We should
then prioritize our spending based on the revenues that are available,
not on what we want. Finally, we should be looking for ways to
deliver state services more efficiently and effectively.
Streamlining our operations -- just like the private sector is being
forced to do -- should be a top priority.
"Difficult times require leadership and the ability to make difficult
decisions. We as elected officials should not be looking for the
easy way out by trying to balance our budget on the backs of hard-working
families through tax increases.
"Tax increases, in any shape or form, should not be part of the
solution."
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For more information, contact:
Brendon Wold, Senior
Information Officer: (360) 786-7698
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