Senator Joe Fain discusses his plan for property tax relief with KVI’s John Carlson.
Here’s what you’re paying lawmakers in Olympia to work overtime
State Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, said he turns down the money to dispel any notion that politicians welcome the special session so they can make a few extra bucks.
Fain, the GOP floor leader, is one of the few legislators in Olympia frequently during overtime sessions. Several others in leadership positions, including Senate budget writer John Braun, R-Centralia, and House Speaker Frank Chopp, D-Seattle, also took no per diem early in the first special session.
Constitutional amendment a must for balancing state budget
Budgeting requires difficult decisions and a commitment to governing. In 2012, a bipartisan coalition of senators instituted an important fiscal reform: the four-year balanced-budget law. Washington is the first state with this check on budget gimmicks, our greatest defense against self-inflicted financial chaos.
Budget battle: a difficult process | Legislature in review
Bill would require statement on initiatives’ funding on ballot
Editorial: Legislation aiming to show cost of initiatives makes sense
Voter initiatives need to include funding balance
Senate Republicans add big hurdle for new taxes
Sen. Fain looks to get budget done on time
Viewpoint: Lessons learned from a long, tough legislative session
Realtors praise Fain for leadership to expire temporary taxes
Irresponsible budgets hurt education
Two weeks ago we joined a bipartisan majority of state senators to present a long-term sustainable budget that doesn’t spend more money than the state expects to collect. This proposal not only addresses the remaining 16 months left in the current two-year budget cycle, but also the next two-year budget cycle through mid-2015. Families and small businesses face serious consequences if they do not live within their means and plan for the future; state government is no different.
