Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Washington budget gap zooms to $2.6B through mid-2011
OLYMPIA — Washington’s Legislature will likely raise taxes and cut spending to fix a $2.6 billion state budget deficit.
That’s the word from Olympia, where the state economists are predicting weaker tax revenue for the next year and a half.
Gov. Chris Gregoire will release her new budget proposal next month. Gregoire says she’s open to higher taxes to help bridge the gap.
Top Democratic lawmakers say that’s got to be part of the plan. Sin taxes and closing tax loopholes are squarely in their sights. But they say general tax hikes on sales and business revenue are probably the last resort.
Republicans warn that going to the tax well now is a bad idea, with the economic recovery still fragile.
That’s the word from Olympia, where the state economists are predicting weaker tax revenue for the next year and a half.
Gov. Chris Gregoire will release her new budget proposal next month. Gregoire says she’s open to higher taxes to help bridge the gap.
Top Democratic lawmakers say that’s got to be part of the plan. Sin taxes and closing tax loopholes are squarely in their sights. But they say general tax hikes on sales and business revenue are probably the last resort.
Republicans warn that going to the tax well now is a bad idea, with the economic recovery still fragile.
Comments
(