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Dear Friends,
On April 23, Democrat Gov. Christine Gregoire signed into law nearly $800 million in new and increased taxes. Last week, May 4, she signed into law the supplemental budget that spends that money and more. Because majority Democrats in the Legislature refused to restructure state government and insisted that tax increases should be the primary method of bailing out the state from a $2.8 billion budget shortfall, the state is heading for yet another budget shortfall next January that could exceed $5 billion.
I voted NO against both the state budget legislation and the tax legislation that over the next three years will increase your taxes by more than $2.5 billion. I’m very concerned these tax increases may be the final straw for employers just barely able to keep afloat in Washington and could drive many across the border into Idaho. That means more job losses for our state and tougher times ahead for families.
I am fighting on your behalf against tax increases and continuing to push for reforms in the budget that ensures the state lives within its means by aligning spending with the priorities of state government: K-12 education, public safety, transportation, and the protection of our most vulnerable.
I recently joined up with my seatmates, Rep. Larry Crouse and Sen. Bob McCaslin to co-author a newsletter report of the legislative session. We mailed the Session Report last week to households throughout the 4th District. As an e-mail subscriber, I wanted to make sure you receive a copy, so I have attached it to this e-mail. It provides details on the tax increases, the budget and other important issues of this past session. The report is in a PDF format, which most computers can read. However, if your computer will not open the attachment (it is a safe attachment), you may download the free Adobe reader at: http://get.adobe.com/reader/?promoid=BUIGO, or call my office and I will be glad to mail a copy to you.
Click here to download the 4th District Session Report.
Due to election year restrictions, this will be my last e-mail update to you until November. I still work for you throughout the year, so I encourage you to call my office any time you have questions, comments or suggestions about state government or legislation.
Our 4th District office is now open in the Spokane Valley. Here’s my contact information:
Rep. Matt Shea
502 S. Sullivan Road, Suite 202
Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Phone: 509-921-2353
You’re also welcome to e-mail me at: shea.matt@leg.wa.gov
It is an honor to serve you!
Sincerely,
Matt Shea