Article by Erik Smith. Published on Friday, September 23, 2011 EST.
They’re Gonna Lick That Budget Crisis!
SEE ALSO: Gov. Christine Gregoire’s full remarks.
AND: No Holiday for Legislature as Governor Sets Special Session for Nov. 28.
By Washington State Wire staff
OLYMPIA, Sept. 23.—Here are reactions to the governor’s special-session announcement received by Washington State Wire:
Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and Senate Ways and Means Chairman Ed Murray (joint statement):
“After the last state forecast lowered our revenue expectations by $1.4 billion, we discussed a special session with the governor. We expressed the need to develop a realistic plan to address the challenge, and we appreciate that the session will occur after the next revenue forecast in November.
“We are committed to making the most of the coming weeks to help find solutions. Before we reach a special session, we will work with the governor as she develops an initial proposal to bridge the budget gap. And we will continue to review alternatives and engage with our Republican colleagues as we seek responsible actions to balance our budget.
“Over three years, we have reduced public service levels across the board, from support for kindergarten education to supervision of offenders in our communities. As we approach special session, we must recognize that more cuts – however necessary mathematically – will impact Washingtonians, their families and their communities.
“As legislators, we have many tools for balancing our budget – including giving the voters the option of approving new revenue to pay for the services they want. We strongly encourage our colleagues in both parties, in the House and Senate, to avoid drawing lines in the sand and instead to arrive in Olympia in November prepared to offer solutions and to be ready to discuss all the possibilities.”
Rep. Gary Alexander, R-Olympia, ranking Republican on the Ways and Means committee:
“Budget leaders can begin the process now. The longer we wait to address the issue, the harder the budget problem will be to solve. Since the Legislature didn’t make the necessary reforms last session, we need to come together and find agreement on what represents the core functions of state government, fund those priority programs and eliminate ones that are not within the priorities of government. We must take early and decisive budget action during the special session so we can focus on the critical job of getting Washington working again.”
House Minority Leader Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis:
“I’m pleased to hear the governor say she believes that job creation is a priority. The most effective way to create new revenue is to empower the private-sector to create jobs. Consumer confidence is at an all-time low, and we won’t see that turn around until people begin to see a glimmer of hope that they have or can find a secure job. We can finally get off this budget crisis roller-coaster when the state’s revenues increase through a growth in consumer spending coupled with more responsible state budgeting.”
Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, R-Walla Walla:
“We appreciate that the governor agrees with the need for early action to address our budget challenges, rather than wait until the 2012 session begins in January. Ahead of last week’s disappointing revenue forecast we called for a bipartisan group of legislators to assemble immediately and begin exploring short- and long-term solutions to our budget crisis. We are committed to working with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle toward this type of blueprint in the weeks prior to the special session.”
“We agree with the governor that our focus should not be on the revenue side of the budget; it needs to remain on figuring out which state services are priorities and how to provide those as cost-effectively as possible, because that’s how we will move our budget toward long-term sustainability. We know from recent history that as soon as discussions begin about increasing revenue, all talk of reforms seems to evaporate. How to bring costs down and streamline state government should be the very first thing we explore with our colleagues to prepare for the special session in November. We are ready to get to work.”
Rob McKenna, attorney general and Republican candidate for governor:
“No one can be pleased with the situation that our state budget is in, but I do congratulate the Governor for recognizing the need for action this year, and scheduling a special legislative session to start November 28. I look forward, as should all Washingtonians, to a speedy and bi‑partisan resolution to the current challenge after legislative leaders spend the next two months negotiating with the Governor.”
Jay Inslee, congressman from Washington’s 1st District and Democratic candidate for governor:
“With a November special session to address our state’s budget crisis now appearing certain, we need all sides to work together to get Washington working again. And our first priority in fixing our budget crisis should be to avoid any additional cuts to education. Our state budget has been battered by this recession, $10 billion has already been cut – more than $1.5 billion out of education just last session. Our children can’t afford it. Our parents can’t afford it. Our state’s future can’t afford it. We know education is the key to job growth in this state.
Tim Eyman, promoter of numerous initiatives including Initiative 1053, which requires a two-thirds vote of the Legislature for tax increases, or a statewide public vote:
“Gov. Gregoire is announcing today that a 30 day special session will be held in Olympia shortly after the general election and November’s revenue forecast. Thanks to 64% of voters, I-1053 will protect us, ensuring that tax increases are an absolute last resort. That’s what the people want, illustrated by the fact that they’ve voted for these policies four times (this November’s vote on Initiative 1125 is our 5th opportunity).
“Voters sent a very clear message last November and will hopefully send it again this November: Taking more of the people’s money shouldn’t be easy, especially during these tough economic times. Taxpayers work hard for their money and it oughta be tough for the government to take it away from us.
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