FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Here's the problems with Our current Governor's so called Fiscal Responsibility:

· Governor Gregoire has increased spending by 33%, blown through a $2.1 billion surplus and has set us up for a $937 million deficit by the next budget. (Source: 2006 Supplemental Omnibus Budget Overview; Washington Economic Revenue Forecast, March 2007; Washington State Senate Ways and Means Committee, Six Year Outlook, January 2008.)
· During the 2004 campaign, Gregoire promised no tax increases. Right after being certified as governor, the Seattle Times asked her if she would keep her no-tax promise. She answered: "Well.I never really said NO taxes." (Seattle Times, Full plate to greet Gregoire, 12/31/04) She then raised taxes by nearly half a billion dollars - equal to $4,000 in new spending per family. (Seattle Times, What Governor Gregoire said - and did, 5/1/05)
· Gregoire also supports a state income tax. She told the Spokesman-Review this in April 2007, and said the public has not been sufficiently educated on its merits. (Spokesman Review, Public education is first step to updating system, 4/25/07)

Here are the solutions from our next Governor, Mr. Rossi!

· Dino is committed to responsible state spending and efficient use of your tax dollars. As state senator in 2003, he chaired the committee that wrote the state budget. Despite facing a multibillion-dollar deficit, he wrote a budget that paid for state services and protected our most vulnerable citizens - without raising taxes.
· He does not support a state income tax or the death tax.
· As state senator, he joined Gov. Gary Locke in backing "Priorities of Government" for state budgeting. This process identified the most important functions of state government and prioritized spending accordingly. As governor, he will restore the "Priorities of Government."
· Dino will keep the size of state government in check and only hire new employees when there's a need.