The plan would require approval from the legislature, Gov. Gary Locke, and local governments for the fee increases. Another problem for lawmakers is that the commission's report is so sweeping and expensive that it's not clear anything can be done with it this upcoming session. Locke announced recently that relieving traffic congestion was his administration's number one priority. But many observers question how much time will be spent on this transportation package when budget problems loom so large. Co-speaker Chopp says there is enough money in the transportation budget to continue current spending, but he is looking for help from the business community to find money for the commission's suggestions.
Nobody likes to pay taxes.
But we've got a dilemma here. If we are going to solve it, we have to find a way. Taxes are a sticky issue for the business community. Don Brunnell, executive director of the Association of Washington Business, a lobbying group representing business interests, says his organization is in favor of many of the reforms and recommendations outlined by the Blue Ribbon Commission, but he is still working on where the group stands on the funding issues. As for the other fees and charges, it's too soon to tell.