So here we are.
We have a huge deficit in the state budget. The governor and the Legislature seem to be praying the federal government will throw a bone our way to help.
We have an electorate growing more skeptical and distrustful of government by the day.
In spite of this, the legislative leadership and the governor have little interest in Senate Bill 6204, which proposes an investigation into privatizing the state liquor business.
Supporting SB-6204 could be the model for how government will conduct its business in the future and would send a message that they “get it.”
Or they can leave the impression they are more interested in protecting union jobs rather than citizen dollars.
What’s perplexing is that SB 6204 is truly a bipartisan bill.
It has three Democrat sponsors (Hobbs 44th, Rockefeller 23rd, and Sheldon 35th) and one Republican (King 14th).
Twenty-sixth District Rep. Jan Angel (R-Port Orchard) was a co-sponsor of the companion house bill that has been dropped from consideration, and it had bipartisan support in the house as well.
In spite of the support, it’s likely the Senate bill will go nowhere.
It is reported that it has been designated as a “study bill”, which in plain terms means it’s dead.
In December 2009, the State Auditor released a “State of Government Performance Review — Opportunities for Washington.” It is Report No. 1002726.
The report examines a number of programs that could offer up savings in the millions of dollars.
“Liquor Sales and Distribution” is one of the programs, as is “Medicaid Pharmacy Overpayments,” and “The Department of Printing.”
To my knowledge, none of these recommendations has been given serious consideration, and it appears the governor and legislative leadership are more interested in raising money than saving it.
It’s no secret the legislative leadership has for some time had a plan to gut I-960 by passing SB-6843, which is fast tracking through the legislative process.
You might remember that I-960, which was passed by the citizens of Washington, requires that raising taxes calls for a two-thirds vote of the Legislature or a vote of the people.
By RCW, two years after passing, the Legislature can return to I-960 and make changes.
That’s what’s taking place right now, and if this bill passes, the huge Democrat majority in the Legislature will be free to pass new taxes or tax increases with just a simple majority.
Make no mistake – this is what they will do.
Given that a state income tax is also under consideration, as citizens we seem to be in great financial jeopardy, and we will have no chance for a remedy until the November elections.
I, for one, will be watching very carefully for any sign that fiscal responsibility is at hand and my vote and support in the elections will go to whichever legislator has the courage to do the right thing.
In the meantime, you can make your voice heard by contacting your legislators and asking them to withhold their support for changing I 960.
DICK DAVIS
Port Orchard
