Evan Smith: Statement from State Rep. Maralyn Chase on suspending I-960
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
By Evan Smith
ShorelineAreaNews Politics Writer
We had comments from 32nd District Democratic State Sen. Darlene Fairley in a news story posted February 16 on the Legislature’s decision to suspend Initiative 960 with its requirement of a two-thirds vote of the Legislature to raise taxes. This is the first statement from the District’s two members of the House of Representatives.
State Rep. Maralyn Chase
“Our budget shortfall is directly connected to the national economic downturn. Just as more families need services and supports in these tough times our revenues have declined. This is exactly when we need our public systems to respond, to address current demands and help pave the way toward recovery. Last session we enacted an all-cuts budget that has already dramatically undermined many public programs and services. It is time for a different approach.
“The public systems and services that are at risk affect each and every one of us -- our schools, our community colleges, our network of social supports, the health of our environment, and the very wellbeing of our communities.
“Fiscal challenges like the ones we face today require thoughtful and responsible management. A balanced approach is needed. We dare not approach the budget shortfall as simply a subtraction problem: we have already done that. Suspending I-960 is a responsible approach that balances our present and future needs.
“The core mission and purpose of our government is to protect and promote the common good. It is exactly at times like these that we must act to protect the well-being of our state and our citizens. That is why I voted to suspend 960.”
State Rep. Maralyn Chase
“Our budget shortfall is directly connected to the national economic downturn. Just as more families need services and supports in these tough times our revenues have declined. This is exactly when we need our public systems to respond, to address current demands and help pave the way toward recovery. Last session we enacted an all-cuts budget that has already dramatically undermined many public programs and services. It is time for a different approach.
“The public systems and services that are at risk affect each and every one of us -- our schools, our community colleges, our network of social supports, the health of our environment, and the very wellbeing of our communities.
“Fiscal challenges like the ones we face today require thoughtful and responsible management. A balanced approach is needed. We dare not approach the budget shortfall as simply a subtraction problem: we have already done that. Suspending I-960 is a responsible approach that balances our present and future needs.
“The core mission and purpose of our government is to protect and promote the common good. It is exactly at times like these that we must act to protect the well-being of our state and our citizens. That is why I voted to suspend 960.”
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