As lawmakers begin a second special session for this year’s Legislature, it is disappointing to see that Republican intransigence means we’re no closer to a having a budget than we were in January. The House Democrats’ revenue package — HB 2186 — is an honest and good step in the right direction. Senate Republicans’ refusal to even enter into negotiations is a failure of their basic responsibilities to legislate. It will end up costing the taxpayers about $500,000 if this year’s special sessions last as long as they did in 2013 and 2015.
Beyond wasting the taxpayers’ money, the Senate Republicans’ actual plan — which again, they refuse to negotiate on — would be bad for Washington. For example, it does not provide nearly enough mental health resources for all or our communities to thrive. This will end up costing even more money down the road. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the saying goes. People should call their legislators, especially their Republican ones, and let them know that they need to do start talking. They need to do their jobs.
Andrew Leclair
Woodinville
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