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. What they've got to come up with is a program that demonstrates efficiencies and effectiveness and a level of funding that is fair for everyone. The answer will probably come down to a hodge-podge of making some cuts in the amount of additional money going to social services, using part of the reserve fund, increasing some taxes, and putting a few things off for future years. It will be a tough sausage-making exercise.