KPLU Local News
(2010-05-05)
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Governor Chris Gregoire Poses For a Picture With Her Budget Staff After Bill Signing
Austin Jenkins photo
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Gregoire touts the new budget as consistent with "Washington values." She says it protects key programs like all day Kindergarten and the Basic Health Plan, while streamlining state government. The updated budget cuts another 750-million dollars in spending, raises about that much in new taxes and relies on 600-million in anticipated federal funds. Gregoire says if the feds don't come through, she'll have to resort to across-the-board cuts or call a special session of the legislature. The Democratic governor also warns that even though the budget is rebalanced for now, it won't be for long.
Chris Gregoire: "There's no question the state government budget is not out of the woods. Next biennial budget is going to be equally tough as this one even when we are looking at positive recovery signs."
Minority Republicans predict a$6B shortfall in the next two year budget cycle. They say Democrats didn't do nearly enough to resize state government and cut spending permanently. I'm Austin Jenkins in Olympia. © Copyright 2012, N3
