Gov. Gregoire's prudence on budget is justified
GOV. Chris Gregoire's order to state agencies to prepare possible 5 percent and 10 percent cuts is justified. In responding to a downturn, speed is essential.
The intention is not to cut 10 percent out of all general fund spending, which would be $1.7 billion. "No way can I get $163 million out of corrections," said her budget director, Marty Brown, speaking about the state prisons. Nor can the entire amount be cut from any one thing.