Conference Presentation
2008 State of the State - Funding State Government
- Resolving current crises in the budget, deficit, water, prisons, infrastructure, and education requires leaders to prioritize long-term country and child welfare over short-term political survival, despite current dysfunction driven by partisanship, safe districts, term limits, money influence, and the overreliance on the initiative process.
- Future governance outcomes depend on the willingness of elected officials to build mutual trust, engage in risk-taking, and restore political trust to reach necessary deals, with history showing that similar deficit reduction and balanced budgets have been achieved in Washington in 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1997.
- Specific policy and structural reforms are expected to include the establishment of a rainy day fund, the adoption of a two-year budget cycle, implementation of PAYGO requirements and performance standards, and potential restructuring of government financing to clarify revenue flows across levels.
- Comprehensive political reforms anticipated or required include redistricting changes, the introduction of an open primary system, modifications to term limits, and adjustments to the initiative process to move beyond crisis-driven decision-making.
- Without a fundamental shift in leadership or direct voter intervention similar to a recall election, the state faces continued inability to address pressing issues, resulting in a government that cannot remain at the cutting edge of the future.