Just reading the pro/con letters on I-1033, I am once again asking a simple question — why? Why if I-1033 passes does that automatically mean gutting education, hurting the elderly, etc.?

Why when faced with not a reduction, but a slowing of the increase and some restraints, does the state government threaten (yes these are threats) to cut those items they say are most vital? With a two-year general-fund budget of over $32 billion, we can’t find some other areas to reduce or at least slow growth? Everyone notice the unemployment rate? Did you check state government jobs — are they being reduced? Generally they claim when times get tough that’s when we need more services and then when times are good they look for ways to expand.

In 2005, Gov. Gregoire and the Legislature established a Department of Early Education that is part of K-12 spending with well over $100 million going there — do we need that? The Arts Commission and Historical Society are part of the Post-Secondary Education budget — is that where they belong? When faced with tight budgets, the state needs to set its priorities and focus on what’s important. When they cut schools and the elderly first — we see what they truly view as the least important priorities!

George Dragich

Arlington