Believe it or not, the Legislature is approaching the scheduled end of the 2013 Legislative Session. Attention has now turned to focus on budget negotiations. Depending on how those negotiations go, we may or may not have to go into special sessions.
My focus during this process remains on passing a sustainable budget that will fund education first, protect our most vulnerable and get Washington working once again.
The Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council just recently released the quarterly revenue forecast for the 2011-2013 and 2013-15 bienniums. Although rumors of a negative report were swirling, the forecast isn’t too bad. The 2011-13 revenue forecast shows an increase of $58.8 million through the end of June, when the next biennium begins. This is better than expected. The forecast, however, for 2013-15 shows a decrease in revenue—to the tune of $19.1 million, and $48.7 million for the 2015-17 biennium.
This forecast is better than expected and for that I’m grateful. It does not, however, show Washington’s economy performing as it could—and should. Revenues are expected to grow at the snail’s pace of 6.6% between the 2011-13 and 2013-15 biennium, almost a two percent decrease from the 2009-11 and 2011-13 biennium.
The economy is still unpredictable and employers are holding back as a result of the Federal Sequestration cuts and chatter in Olympia about some significant tax increases (more on that in a minute). Stuck in the shadow of fiscal and regulatory uncertainty, business is keeping the status quo and the private sector is still stagnant.
The Solution is Not More Taxes
In times like these, we do not need a budget that increases spending by raising taxes. However, the House Democrat leadership has passed a budget that raises taxes by $1.3 billion. The Governor has also proposed a similar spending plan. I do not agree with either approach as I believe our goal should always be to seek to do the most that we can with the money the taxpayers have given us.
The Senate Majority Coalition Caucus also passed a budget earlier this month. Theirs was a bipartisan budget (including votes from 7 minority caucus Democrats) and it does not include any new taxes. This budget also proposes to spend the least of the three and leaves the most in reserves.
Despite not raising taxes, the Senate budget includes additional focused funding for education outcomes, funding for state parks, and it still protects the most vulnerable.
I think this is a better direction for our state, and I think that most of my constituents would agree. If you don’t, I’d love to hear from you. Leave me a comment on my Facebook page.
What happens next is several days of intense negotiations and, hopefully, a balanced and fair budget when it is over. The Legislature must curb spending, govern within its means and pave a smoother path for job-creating businesses to thrive in our state.
Working to Tackle Apple Maggots
In other legislative news, my bill that would help fruit tree growers monitor and eliminate the devastating effects of Apple Maggots passed the House and Senate unanimously and awaits the Governor’s signature.
Zillah Teacher Up for National Award
You might remember in an earlier newsletter I congratulated Zillah High School chemistry and physics teacher Jeff Charbonneau for being named the state’s Teacher of the Year by the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Since then he was selected as one of four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. A panel representing 15 educational organizations from around the country narrowed the field of state winners down to just four. The National Winner will be announced on Tuesday at a White House ceremony. Teaching is a high calling and I am consistently humbled by the dedication and sacrifice of so many of our educators. Congratulations to Mr. Charbonneau for this tremendous achievement!
As always, thank you for your support. My phone line and office door are open—please don’t hesitate to share any concerns or ask any questions. I take my duty as your representative seriously and I’ll continue to keep you updated.
Sincerely,
