The budget has just been presented for consideration, and it has several shortfalls.  It asks for more from struggling families at a time they cannot afford it, while preserving the status quo in state government.  It also fails to address the vital issue of sustainability.  Raising taxes, relying on federal bailout money and robbing state funds to balance the budget will only prolong our state spending problem and slow our economic recovery.

   Our state must address its problem directly by avoiding tax increases, prioritizing government and reforming the budget process.  There are solutions on the table that would accomplish these goals, but Democrats have stopped them.  Taxpayers, and those who truly need help from state government, deserve better.

   It's also disappointing that state lawmakers and the public will have so little time to consider such an important matter.  There will not be enough time to thoroughly vet and get critical questions answered in committee before this budget moves forward.  There should be a 72-hour period in which people can see exactly how their tax dollars are going to be spent.  We need this in Olympia, and we need this in Washington, D.C.

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It is an honor to serve you.                        

Barbara Bailey's Legislative Page

Barbara Bailey, CHA CME
Washington State Representative
District 10