Washington Business Winter 2012 | Page 21

a fix for the state budget must start with reforms sen. joseph zarelli, r-ridgefield The tax increase would be tied to things I view as representing the core priorities of government. Is it good policy to put high-priority services, such as education, at risk of losing funding due to a “no” vote, while committing existing revenue to things that don’t qualify as priorities to most people? I don’t believe businesses fund their most important priorities last. Government shouldn’t take that approach, either. From 2005 to 2008, when times were good, the Legislature increased spending by a full 33 percent. Spending was growing Share your business with top decision makers in Washington state. Washington Business magazine