Budget adjustments made in special session an important first step, says Smith
After another dismal state revenue forecast in November, the governor called lawmakers back to Olympia today for a special session to begin the process of addressing the current $1.1 billion budget shortfall. Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, supported the budget adjustment of $588 million and issued the following statement:
“The adjustment made to the budget today was a first step in the difficult work ahead of the next Legislature as we deal with the consequences of unsustainable government growth and economic realities. I commend my colleagues in the Legislature for working together and starting what will be a serious exercise in fiscal discipline. As we face a projected $5 billion spending gap in the 2011-13 budget, it is essential we prioritize our tax dollars to fund our basic services first and foremost. Education, public safety, programs that protect the most vulnerable in our communities, and creating jobs must be prioritized above all else – and should be the first places we look in difficult budget times.
“I will continue to work with my colleagues and look for ways to restructure state government to reflect our fiscal realities, and create a budget that is sustainable and fair. As always, I look forward to hearing from my constituents this session with their ideas and input as we look at ways to tackle this daunting task.”
