It’s early, but one month into the legislative session, lawmakers seem serious about making real progress on tough issues despite the state budget crisis.
The first few days of a session in Olympia are usually filled with promises from both parties to work together for the good of the people — promises that soon dissipate like so much hot air. This year, because of cuts proposed by Gov. Gary Locke to close a $2.4 billion budget shortfall, the loudest voices in the session’s first days were those of interest groups trying to save their piece of the budget pie.
Legislators, meanwhile, have shown remarkable flashes of bipartisanship, remaining surprisingly collegial as they work together to forge solutions to big problems.
In some cases, they might even be trying too hard. Utterly mindful of voters’ desire for greater accountability in government, the House gave unanimous approval to a bill mandating performance audits for state agencies. Look closely at the bill, however, and you’ll see small errors that indicate the measure was rushed. Still, the resolve to restore public trust was demonstrated, and a stronger reform bill may soon emerge from the Senate.
Broad consensus appears to be emerging on other issues, as well. Transportation funding, which was the cause of so much rancor last session, seems to be on a constructive road. The House gave a unanimous thumbs-up to performance audits for transportation-related agencies, and House Republicans put forth a plan to raise the gas tax by 5 cents in exchange for five specific reforms. Democrats were receptive to some of them, so the ground appears to be fertile for an agreement that will get some urgent road projects started and create much-needed jobs.
Consensus hasn’t been reached on other taxes, but there appears to be a growing recognition, even among some Democrats, that general increases in sales, business or property taxes will only weaken an already foundering economy. If any new revenue is raised to stave off cuts to education or human services, it appears it will come only from added taxes on "sins" like tobacco and alcohol, or perhaps by eliminating some tax incentives that no longer serve their original purpose.
Party leaders in both the House and Senate are setting a good example by getting along, which could make compromise easier as tougher issues come down to the wire.
To be sure, tough issues and difficult debates lie ahead. Balancing a budget that’s this far out of whack will be painful, and tempers will get shorter as decisions draw closer. Sometimes, however, crisis brings out the best in people. We’re seeing signs of it in Olympia. Let’s hope it lasts.
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