Whatcom County legislators weigh in on budget cuts, taxes and gay marriage
When legislators representing Whatcom County head to Olympia, one problem will occupy their minds: the state budget.
Legislators representing the 40th and 42nd districts will introduce bills reflecting their various interest and specialties, but they'll be forced to make tough budget cuts. The state is facing a $1.5 billion shortfall in its general fund in the current budget, which started July 1, 2011, and goes through June 30, 2013.
The 42nd district includes the north half of Bellingham and stretches north to the U.S.-Canada border. The 40th district includes south Bellingham, Sudden Valley, San Juan County and part of Skagit County.