Editorial: Keep state's transportation needs in sight
By The Herald Editorial Board
It might not count as a year-end bonus for most, but state residents may avoid an increase in the state’s gas tax following the legislative session that begins next month.
Gov. Jay Inslee, in releasing his $61.8 billion supplemental budget last week, announced no plans for new taxes; nor tax cuts, which upset Republican lawmakers who noted the latest revenue forecasts have boosted expected revenue to an estimated $60.2 billion for the current budget cycle and $64 billion for the 2023-25 budget.
Inslee instead proposed using the robust tax collection and remaining federal pandemic relief funds to address pressing needs regarding homelessness and affordable housing; covid’s continuing impacts on education and students’ academic, social and emotional needs; climate change and environment; the state’s nursing shortage; and a $600 million top-off of the state’s “rainy day fund.”
Not to argue against any of those proposals, but state lawmakers still will need to make a transportation package a priority during their 60-day session that begins Jan. 10.
https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/editorial-keep-states-transportation-needs-in-sight/
