Another legislative session is in full swing and we are being blessed with the constant crying of the governor and Legislature about the state’s deficit.
Many are patting themselves on the back regarding the closing of the budget gap until you see their tricks. They have used $208 million of federal, one-time education funds and $51 million from other dedicated accounts to add to the state’s general fund. I would say I am shocked that priorities of government have not been used and real budget reform has not been utilized. There is no actual effort from the majority party to create an airtight-spending limit or prioritize programs.
If the majority party wanted to really get off the budget roller coaster, they would back a constitutional amendment to limit spending not to exceed a formula (rate of inflation and population growth). What is their plan for the next biennium’s budget crisis, since the one-time federal stimulus money created programs that can no longer be funded?
Todd Welch
Lake Stevens
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