Posted: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire appears to be softening her
stance on raising taxes. Gregoire said today that her “door is open”
to lawmakers and advocates who want to make the case for a tax
package this January. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins
reports.
A year ago when Gregoire was running for re-election this was how
she responded to questions about higher taxes to offset budget
cuts.
Gregoire: “Now is not the time and I mean now meaning period not
the time to consider raising anything.”
4.5 billion dollars in cuts later – and with the state facing yet
another billion dollar hole – this is what Gregoire is telling reporters
now.
Gregoire: “I didn’t want revenue last year because I couldn’t figure
out how you could you do a revenue package that wouldn’t hurt the
economy either individuals or businesses. I’m still stuck in that rut.
But I’ve told the leadership come make your case.”
The Governor has already heard one proposal from the state
hospital association. And she says there are those who still support
a temporary increase in the state sales tax to ward off further cuts.
Copyright 2009 KUOW