Budget quest

Gov. Chris Gregoire posed an interesting question while the Columbia Basin Herald editorial board visited with her in Olympia last week.

The state is facing a $2.8 billion deficit.

Thousands of protesters stood outside the governor’s mansion one day chanting, “No new taxes.”

Later the same day, thousands of different protesters stood outside chanting, “No more cuts.”

To operate the state government this year will cost more than taxes are generating for revenue.

Without changes, the state is anticipated to run out of funding in the fall.

Her question was, if the public doesn’t want more taxes and the public doesn’t want programs cut, how can the state solve the financial problem?

We are not in favor of more taxes. Coming out of a recession, we really don’t have any extra money left to be taken from us. But there are some programs we would like to see continue despite the lack of funding in Olympia. Her idea resonated with us.

What to do?

We suggest a great start is for the governor to create a moratorium on any bills, house or senate, that would cost more taxpayer dollars. No new agencies. No new programs. No increases in state employee salaries or benefits. No “enhancing” current programs or expansion of services. She should veto all bills requiring more spending this year or in 2011.

Take a break. Wait until revenue begins increasing before allowing the state agencies to start increasing spending.

But she posed a great question that deserves an answer. She challenged newspapers across the state to help find a solution. We think this is an opportunity for our readers to be heard.

Gov. Gregoire reads the Columbia Basin Herald. She knows when we disagree with her in editorials and she knows when we print a picture of her golfing in Moses Lake.

How do you suggest the governor fix the state deficit? Do you think more taxes are needed? What should we tax? Do think we need to cut more spending? Which agency and programs would be reduced?

Tell us your ideas by sending them in an e-mail to editor@columbiabasinherald.com. Type “Budget bet” in the subject line please. Or send us a letter mailed to Columbia Basin Herald at P.O. Box 910, Moses Lake, WA 98837, Attention editor.

The word limit is 300 words and we will use the criteria used for letters to the editor.

Here is your chance to tell us and Gov. Gregoire how to solve our state financial crisis.

— Editorial board