WA State Rep Kelli Linville reports at League Annual Meeting on Budget

WA State Representative Kelli Linville presented a succinct overview of the state budget at the League of Women Voters of Bellingham-Whatcom County's Annual Meeting, May 16th 2009. Linville, whose position as Chair of the Ways & Means committee and long time Appropriations committee member, expressed the pain this year's budget cuts caused everyone.

One of the most brutal cuts was the 40,000 people that will be cut from our state health care plan - The Basic Health Plan of Washington. During a time when people are losing jobs, and losing health benefits, our state is in a position where it has to reduce the help it gives its people. There is just something wrong with that.

The League of Women Voters of WA has a position on Health Care. We believe in taking action to control total system expenditures and to provide universal access to affordable health services with seamless coverage regardless of one's health status. Our total system expenditures are excessive in the United States. 22% of our health care dollars go toward administrative costs. We pay far more than any other industrialized country for our health care, but according to the World Health Organization we are ranked 37th for overall health as a nation. We believe that we can do better!

Another area of budget cuts is Education. The largest cuts came in the college education area with over 9000 spots for students cut, as well as potential rate increases of up to 14%. Rep. Kelli Linville shared that they worked hard to contain the cuts to the K-12 level as much as possible, and that they did not cut the early childhood education programs. Early Childhood Education was the subject of a state wide league study this year, and we are very grateful that the legislature was at least able to protect the level that we currently have.

Transportation issues weren't really discussed, but Linville did mention that funding for the Neah Bay oil spill tug boat has been secured by a bill passed the WA legislature. A full-time rescue tug has been funded by taxpayers since July of 2008 to stand by at Neah Bay. However, on June 30, 2009, this funding will end. The oil, cargo and cruise industries will now be required to contract with approved rescue capable tug boat operators to be escorted to and from the area. This is precautionary to ensure safe entry & exit, as well as a quick clean-up response if an accident should happen. The League applauds the protections this legislation puts in place to help protect our marine waterways.

Tax reform came up during the question and answer period after Linville's presentation. We are primarily reliant upon sales and business excise taxes for funding our services. This creates a boom and bust effect on our state budget. WA State B&O tax is punitive to small businesses and reduces incentive for businesses to base their home here. There are many ways to fund our government. The League of Women Voters of WA believes in action to obtain a balanced tax structure that is fair, adequate, flexible and has a sound economic effect. Tax reform should be considered to keep our society on a more stable course.

We are grateful to WA State Representative Kelli Linville for taking the time to share her insights with our league and the general public. Thank you for your hard work on behalf of our community!