Special session update

The Senate and House are moving closer to a tax-package deal - one that doesn't include a sales-tax increase. Senate leadership confirmed that a sales-tax increase was not in the newest compromise tax plan being considered by lawmakers. Here’s a glimpse of the new proposal that combines spending cuts, federal funds, elimination or repeal of tax exemptions or preferences, and “fixes” to court cases with about $800M in tax increases on such items as beer, cigarettes, candy, gum, soda pop and bottle water:

This revenue package still needs to be approved by both chambers and we heare it is not yet a done deal. The Senate and House are now scheduled to meet next on Saturday, April 10.

To cover the rest of the $2.8B deficit, the Governor and the Legislature generally agree on using reserves, transfers from the lottery and other funds, and roughly $800 million in cuts.

The cuts would at least double if the Governor must close the rest of the hole without new revenue. The Governor does not have authority to raise taxes on her own and would have to cut spending. Governor Gregoire has previously stated that she will not bring the Legislature back if they can't agree on a budget in the allotted 30 days of this special session (Tuesday, April 13). Instead, she has stated she will proceed with deep cuts in spending throughout state government to close the $2.8 B deficit.

The good news is the Legislature passed the E911 funding bill (SSB 6846) on April 7 and it has been delivered to the Governor for signature. This bill would provide much needed funding for 911 upgrades.

Look for updates in our on-line CityVoice publication in your email inbox on Tuesday and Thursday of next week for the latest information on the state budget, revenue package and other issues.

Legislative Leaders asked to pass stormwater funding in special session

With legislators scheduled to come back to Olympia and hopefully complete their work by Tuesday, April 13, a number of local elected officials within the Puget Sound area have sent a letter to House Speaker, Frank Chopp (D-Seattle) and Senate Majority Leader, Lisa Brown (D-Spokane), asking them to pass legislation before adjourning to establish a fund to help pay for managing stormwater. The letter from both city and county officials, reminds these leader of federal requirements and the importance of establishing a funding partnership to tackle the state's number one water quality challenge.

Throughout the session, AWC has been among those asking the legislature to address this issue. We've appreciated the support of the Governor and many legislators who have come to recognize that managing stormwater can't be the sole responsibility of local residents and businesses. We will continue to press this need until the 2010 Legislature adjourns. If they fail to address it this year, we will continue to ask in 2011.

If you'd like to remind your own legislators of this need, the best way to do that is by calling their office over the weekend.

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