More Editorials Opposing Tax Hikes to Solve State Budget Woes

Two excellent editorial in recent days underscore the importance of balancing the state budget without raising taxes.

Yesterday, the Everett Herald editorialized that it is time for lawmakers to lead.

With the state budget gap now beyond $8 billion and widening, the buzz in Olympia is all about an inevitable public vote on tax increases to help close it.

Such talk, which the Legislature's Democratic leadership is doing nothing to quell, is premature and probably unrealistic. And, we'd argue, unwise...

Besides, voter approval of tax increases in this economic environment may be a longer shot than the Huskies winning the Rose Bowl next year. People and businesses are hurting, and while many are still doing what they can to help those in worse straits, good luck convincing voters to include state government on their list of favorite charities.

It's a good read, making solid substantive points, unlike the letter from tax-supported economists supporting tax hikes.

And the Seattle Times tells the legislature not to count on a taxpayer bailout.

There is the problem for Democrats who would send a tax package to voters. If their tax does the job, it will be an economy-killer. If it is a bearable tax, it won't do the job.

The remaining option is cuts. They are painful, but they will have to fill most of that $5 billion gap.

The state must cut, cut, cut.

Right. And sooner rather than later.

UPDATE Missed a good Union-Bulletin editorial (h/t Jason Mercier). Read the whole thing. Here's a taste.

As the revenue forecast for Washington state's government grows grimmer -- from a shortfall of $6 billion in November to $8 billion this month -- talk of raising taxes is swirling in the Capitol.

It's crazy talk.

A deep economic recession is not the time to raise taxes. Washingtonians are not in the mood to approve or accept a tax increase of any size.

Sensible.