Monday marked the start of the special legislation session called by Gov. Chris Gregoire to address the state’s $1.4 billion budget shortfall due to lagging revenues as a result of the Great Recession.
After three years and nearly $10 billion in cuts, closing the current shortfall means facing a series of tough choices, many of which will shape our state for decades to come.
The reality of our current situation is that we must have a public debate about what our state will look like and this debate must include all options. While we must discuss additional major cuts, we cannot do so without also discussing increased taxes and closure of some tax loopholes.
Expanded Responsibilities
Last year, I was given the privilege of becoming chair of the Natural Resources & Marine Waters Committee. It has been an honor to help draft and pass landmark legislation protecting our natural and recreational resources, employing veterans and preventing oil spills. Today, it is an even greater honor to announce the expansion of my committee’s jurisdiction to include all energy and climate related issues.
In the past four years, the legislature has empowered green enterprise by allowing citizens to sell their excess solar power to utilities. We granted millions in funding to retrofit middle-income homes and small businesses to increase efficiency while stimulating the economy. We created the Clean Energy Leadership Council to grow business alongside developing green technology. We have already laid the groundwork for a future renewable economy. And we’re beginning to see the results.
As chair of the new Energy, Natural Resource & Marine Waters Committee, I am thrilled to represent the 40th District in a greater capacity on these and other energy related issues.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Olympia Office: (360) 786-7678
Toll-free legislative hotline: 1-800-562-6000
TTY/TDD Hearing impaired hotline: 1-800-635-9993
E-mail: kevin.ranker@leg.wa.gov
As always, it is truly an honor to serve you.
Kevin Ranker
