Hello Readers,

The Washington state legislature adjourned late Sunday night, completing its 105 day regular session.  All of the budgets were completed; capital, operating and transportation.  The operating budget was the most difficult as the recession has resulted in slowing tax revenues forcing some major cuts in K-12, higher education, health care and human services, public safety and natural resources/environment.

Teacher and state employee pay raises were foregone, some state parks will close, fewer people will be on state paid health care.  Some of these cuts were long overdue as this state has a big problem with spending, not necessarily with revenue.

While no general tax increase was passed or sent to the people for a vote, many fees were raised and dedicated accounts, like the Public Works Trust Fund, were raided to cover shortfalls in the operating budget.

What is unknown is if the economy will worsen to the point where tax increases will become a reality.  These are difficult decisions lawmakers have to make but this is why we elect them.  The problem is growing government during times of economic expansion that is unsustainable during lean times, pointing out the need for a substantial "rainy day" account, which the voters established by referendum last year.

WTIA has been supportive of spending on math and science programs at the K-12 level and many of those are now gone (while a few are funded for the next 2 years).  We also advocate for higher education, particulary in the production of STEM degrees.  The state's colleges and universities got hit hard by this budget and will be raising tuition to make up some of this shortfall.  The capacity of higher education is strained with people going back to school for gaining new skills and degrees.

Here is a link to Governor Gregoire's website where she discusses the budgets and touts some of the accomplishments.  http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1221&newsType=1