The Seattle Times says House Democrats should focus on its list of reforms [True Reform Best Method of Budgeting, Feb. 22]. Where have you been?
Pension reform? Last year’s reforms will save Washingtonians nearly $8 billion over 25 years. And we just passed HB 2441 to limit the impact of excess compensation on retirement costs.
Consolidate K-12 health benefits? We demanded an analysis—and learned it would add millions in startup costs we can’t afford in this budget.
Repeal the education initiatives? Suspending them is better than ending them. We’re getting emergency savings without repealing the people’s will. Should lawmakers only honor Tim Eyman initiatives?
No cuts to General Assistance-Unemployable? The program doesn’t even exist anymore! We saved $80 million last year by replacing the general cash assistance program with direct payments to health care providers, landlords, utilities and community agencies.
Propose even more reforms? We do, including the most comprehensive demand for evidence-based children’s services in the country.
No Washington Legislature in history has cut more or reformed more than we have since 2008. Yes, there is more to do. But let’s base discussions of reform on actual facts.