Opinion: Kevin Ranker gives a midterm report from Olympia

State Senator Kevin Ranker sent the following report from Olympia on March 3, 2009:

I am honored to be serving my first session as your representative in the Washington State Senate.  As we approach the midway point of the session, the Legislature is tackling some very difficult issues. At the top of our agenda is finding a way to balance the state budget, while at the same time ensuring that vital public services to our communities and our most vulnerable citizens are prioritized.

With so much going on, I want to do everything I can to keep you up to date on what’s happening – which is why I will be sending periodic updates to highlight what I’m working on as well as other important news coming out of the Legislature.

The reality of our budget situation
Washington is facing the most dramatic budget shortfall in nearly 30 years.  One thing is certain — almost everything is on the table. There is no new money and almost everything will take a hit.  All of us will be affected.  I cannot fully express how difficult these decisions will be.

We are facing a budget shortfall in the billions:  $8.5 billion currently, which translates to nearly a quarter of the overall state operating budget.

Here you can see how our budget deficit has increased by a third since the governor proposed her budget in December, and how we’ve lost nearly
$5 billion in projected revenue since the Legislature adjourned in 2008.

Maintaining our state’s social safety net
Statistics alone can’t tell the full story of the impact of social service programs because they don’t include the personal stories of the people and circumstances behind the numbers. That’s the case when it comes to Washington’s social safety net.

More than two million people – one-third of the population – looked to state government for a lifeline the year before our recession started.

Many sought medical and economic assistance to feed their children, pay for prescription drugs or see a doctor. These needs have grown in today’s economy, and we are looking for ways to keep that safety net intact.

Increasingly, my thoughts are turning to individuals at home that will bear the strain of losing core services they rely upon.  The loss of these services may threaten their well-being.

There will be serious choices ahead.  As we work to build a responsible budget, I welcome your feedback and personal stories.  Please feel free to contact my office.

Washington‘s transportation share of the federal stimulus
Although we face a serious shortfall of revenue, the Senate continues its commitment to improving transportation and creating and protecting jobs. Constitutionally, revenue sources like gas taxes and dedicated federal funds must be used for transportation purposes.

Our state is set to begin $4.1 billion in highway construction and preservation projects during the next two years, and we’ll receive a total of $492 million in Federal Stimulus Highway Funds as part of the American Recovery & Investment Act.

About 30 percent of these funds ($155 million) go directly to local and regional transportation projects, with the remaining $344 million allocated for state projects.

This money is part of President Obama’s “stimulus program” that is dedicated to improving highways and creating jobs quickly. In fact, one of the strings attached to this federal funding is that half of the state allocation ($174 million) must be spent on projects that can start work within 120 days.  The remaining state and the entire local allocation ($148 million) must be obligated within 1 year.

This “shovel ready” requirement is intended to put people to work quickly, but there isn’t enough money available for every shovel-ready project in the state.

In order to make the most effective use of these funds, we used a strict set of criteria to decide which highway projects would receive money as part of this stimulus package, including:

*           Highway safety enhancements
*           Improvements that  have regional or statewide impact
*           Projects that can advance existing project commitments

Our federal delegation, specifically Sen. Patty Murray, was also successful in securing separate funds for ferries.  We hope to use a portion on the Anacortes ferry terminal project, creating local jobs.

Conclusion:
I am trying to pursue broad-based solutions that help both working families and our struggling businesses. We have increased weekly unemployment benefits by $45,  go to https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1906&year=2009 putting money directly in the pockets of the families who need it most.

We have also approved a measure

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5899&year=2009 that creates a B&O tax credit https://blog.senatedemocrats.wa.gov/kilmer/news-senate-approves-kilmer-plan-for-small-business-job-creation for small businesses that generate living wage jobs with benefits.

We are also advocating for legislation that creates worker retraining programs https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5809&year=2009 to put people back to work in the jobs of the future, and legislation brought forth by the business community that reduces employer tax rates https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5963&year=2009 for unemployment insurance calculations.

To me, it is critical that we maintain focus in this economy on those who can least afford to be cut.  My priorities are education, mental health, and citizens in dependency situations where removing their safety nets will create greater costs in the future.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our community, and I look forward to hearing your comments about the priorities important to you.

I welcome your thoughts on the issues we are considering in Olympia.

Web Site: https://sdc.leg.wa.gov/senators/ranker/

Contact me https://sdc.leg.wa.gov/senators/ranker/contact.htm

About the Legislature https://www.leg.wa.gov/legislature