Boxed-in lawmakers balance Washington's budget
VOTERS told state lawmakers in no uncertain terms last fall to learn to live within their means. No new taxes. No funny stuff. Make it work.
Framing the budget for the two years beginning July 1, 2011, therefore, is the challenge from hell.
By passing Initiative 1053 — no tax increases without a two-thirds vote of both houses or a public vote — the voters put the Legislature in a box.
The problem with the budget this year is that there is no more emergency federal money. The state budget must balance within its own funds.