Washington state’s economic health and fiscal stability have deteriorated markedly in the last year.  The nation is in the throes of economic turmoil, state unemployment is on the rise, and the loss of major corporate headquarters to acquisitions and financial crises are having severe impacts on the state economy.  As a consequence of this downward slide, the state has repeatedly reduced revenue projections.  Even if the turbulent economy calms, excessive state spending increases in recent biennia, coupled with declining revenue growth, has produced a $5 billion deficit for 2009-11.  This pattern of overspending cannot continue.  It is time to take the long-view, to deliver a state budget that is sustainable and prioritizes those services that will drive future growth and prosperity for all of Washington’s citizens.

In 2009, the Roundtable will urge state policymakers to:

• Enact a sustainable biennial budget that lives within the confines of projected revenues. 
• Prioritize services – namely education and infrastructure – that will drive economic growth and encourage job creation.
• Reduce the cost burden for employers so they can maintain and create jobs in Washington state.

Read the full Policy Agenda.

The Washington Roundtable is a nonprofit, public policy organization comprised of chief executives representing major private sector employers throughout Washington state. Since 1983, the Roundtable’s CEO members have worked to create positive change on critical policy issues that foster economic growth, generate jobs and improve quality of life for Washingtonians. More about us.

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