Six state legislators from three districts came together at Shoreline Community College for a public discussion and forum on state budget issues.
To kick off the Dec. 6, 2012 meeting, the audience of about 50 people heard a presentation by Andy Nicholas, senior fiscal analyst at the Washington State Budget & Policy Center, on the impacts the recession and budget cuts have had on the state and more specifically, higher education.
The meeting was hosted by four state representatives, including Cindy Ryu from the 32nd District, who acted as emcee, Derek Stanford and Luis Moscoso from the 1st District, and Gerry Pollet from the 46th District, all Democrats. The audience included Ryu’s seatmate in the House, Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Shoreline, and third 32nd District legislator, Sen. Maralyn Chase, D-Edmonds.
Nicholas’ presentation focused on the budget imbalance accelerated by the economic recession and made a case that new revenue is needed for the state’s long term fiscal health. Included in the presentation was the idea of adding a limited capital gains tax in the state.
Much of the conversation between audience members and legislators revolved around the question of new revenue for the state budget. The Legislature’s 2013 regular session is scheduled to begin on Jan. 14, and end on April 28.