Nick Federici, who has worked on legislation and government relations in Olympia for 25+ years, joins us to talk about the state budget forecast (it’s bad), and how this will hurt groups that have little ability to withstand another financial hit after the great recession, deep cuts in safety net benefits, and now the COVID 19 pandemic.
Last time the state budget was in crisis, the approach to balancing rested on making cuts. This time we have to come up with a different approach. First, after the cuts of 2009-2013 there really isn’t much excess that can be trimmed. Second, cuts hurt those who have the least and need essential supports. And it’s long past time for us to deal with our old-fashioned money in/money out consumer based revenue streams.
We know “trickle down” doesn’t. We know austerity hurts those with the least. Are we ready to put our energies toward creating something better for our state?
Listen and let us know what you think
Evelyn Lopez: @True_Tacoma truetacoma@gmail.com
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