January 4, 2010 – 8:59 pm
A Resolution Concerning a Revenue Solution to the Washington State Budget Deficit
Whereas, our platform states that Democratic values include health care for all, high-quality public education, the elimination of poverty, the end of homelessness and the achievement of justice for all.
Whereas, Washington State is facing a $2.6 billion shortfall in the 2010 supplemental budget.
Whereas, cutting another $2.6 billion from the 2009-2011 bi-annual budget would result in:
- Over 65,000 people losing access to affordable health insurance;
- 16,000 children losing health insurance coverage;
- Over 20,000 people unable to work due to disability losing financial and medical assistance;
- 12,300 students from lower income families losing an important source of financial aid;
- 10,000 working families per month losing child care assistance;
- 1,500 three-year-olds losing access to early learning opportunities.1
Whereas, the damage from cutting another $2.6 billion to our education system, health care infrastructure, public safety, and environmental protections would impact all Washingtonians.2
Whereas, when presenting her “all-cuts” budget Gov. Gregoire stated, “This document is not true to the values I believe in and which have guided me through a 30-year career in public service.”
Whereas, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate joined the Governor in calling for new taxes to help close the budget gap.
Therefore be it Resolved, that the members of the 37th Legislative District Democrats, direct Rep Sharon Tomiko Santos, Rep. Eric Pettigrew, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, Sen. Adam Kline, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and Gov. Christine Gregoire to find a revenue solution to the $2.6 billion shortfall in the 2010 supplemental budget.
Be it Further Resolved, that all revenue solutions should be explored including, but not limited to, amending the Washington State Constitution to allow an Income Tax, raising property taxes, raising the B&O taxes and repealing non-performing tax exemptions.
Be it Further Resolved, that any revenue solution involving an increase in the regressive state sales tax be accompanied with a mechanism to mitigate the adverse effects such an increase would have on low income families and individuals.
Be it Further Resolved, that upon passage this resolution be communicated to the KCDCC, the WSDCC, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, Rep. Eric Pettigrew, Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, Sen. Adam Kline, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and Gov. Christine Gregoire
- Washington State Budget and Policy Center (http://www.budgetandpolicy.org/schmudget/governors-budget-shows-need-for-balanced-approach)
- Ibid.
Printable version: MS Word: Resolution
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