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Hinkle releases statement on
state's September revenue forecast
'The state continues to spend
more money than it is taking in, and until that changes, we're going to
continue to see budget holes and
budget shortfalls,' says Hinkle
Rep.
Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, released the following statement regarding
today's revenue forecast:
"Our revenues are expected
to be down by about $231 million for the 2009-11 biennium.
We continue to see the results of the majority
party's addiction to unsustainable budget practices. The state
continues to spend more money than it is taking in, and until that
changes, we're going to continue to see budget holes and budget
shortfalls.
"The Legislature still
hasn't clearly defined what the core functions of state government
should be. Budget writers are funding programs, ideas and agendas
that were crafted during good economic times. But instead of
rolling back many of those programs and ideas, they put together a
temporary solution using one-time money. It's unsustainable.
"And, instead of helping
our economy at each and every turn, our state's executive branch - the
state agencies - is coming in with a heavy hand creating more regulatory
burden which is actually hurting the economy.
"We're seeing this in
Kittitas County with the Department of Ecology's moratorium on exempt
wells, even though there are numerous counties that have more wells,
with Spokane County having nearly twice as many!
"There is an anti-growth
mentality within our state's executive branch that is crippling our
state economy, draining savings accounts, and destroying dreams.
Regulatory bureaucrats in this state are having a heyday and our jobs,
our economy and our families are suffering because of it.
"I believe we need to
reprioritize government around three main areas: education,
transportation, and public safety. These three areas should be at
the forefront of our policy and budgeting decisions.
"I'll be working with my
colleagues this next session to implement solutions that help grow our
economy, provide businesses with the flexibility to create more jobs,
and allow our families to keep more of their hard-earned dollars."
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For more information, contact:
Brendon Wold, Senior
Information Officer:
(509) 921-2356
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