WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Statement by Mary Lou Dickerson on Budget-Reduction Alternatives

Gov. Chris Gregoire announced a set of budget-reduction alternatives on Thursday to respond to the continuing shortfall of state revenues. As a result of declining revenues, the state of Washington has already reduced per capita spending to its lowest level in 25 years.

Rep. Dickerson chairs the Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee in the House of Representatives.

“These budget-slashing alternatives must shock the conscience of everyone who shares our Washington values of supporting education and having compassion for the plight of vulnerable children, families and senior citizens.

“I hope this shock will awaken Washington to the need for temporary additional revenues to prevent devastating budget decisions that would ruin lives, undermine our future and shatter our moral compass.”

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