Though Gov. Gregoire refuses to acknowledge the state’s impending deficit, last week the incumbent continued her preparations for a tax increase by appointing herself a new economic adviser who is a strong proponent of increased spending and increased taxes.
The Everett Herald reported on Tuesday that Gov, Gregoire had appointed tax-advocate Jeff Chapman of the Washington State Budget and Policy Center to her Council of Economic Advisers. “The center is known well for arguing for increasing revenues for government rather than cutting spending by it…” reported the Herald. A sampling of the Budget and Policy Center’s recommendations from their website:
“Forecast further underlines need for revenue” (June 2008)At least Mr. Chapman is intellectually honest about the existence of the deficit, which the non-partisan Senate Ways and Means Committee projects will amount to $2.7 billion in the coming biennium -- forcing the next governor to reduce spending or raise taxes.
“Revenue increases are an appropriate response to the expected deficit.” (June 2008)
In regard to Gov. Gregoire’s $8 billion, 33% spending increase, both the governor and her new advisor hold the same outlook:
- Budget and Policy Center: “As a state, we have rightfully made significant long-term investments…” (June 2008)
- Gregoire: "I am proud of the investments we made… what’s wrong with that?” (July 2008)
In order to maintain the level of spending that Gregoire has said she is not willing to cut, she will need to secure additional revenue. Though the governor recently told the Association of Washington Business “at the end of the day… it’s not a time to raise taxes,” this statement is eerily similar to what she told voters in 2004 before she raised taxes by more than $500 million.
If Gov. Gregoire does not plan on raising taxes, appointing economic advisers who will be counseling her otherwise was illogical. Her decision to appoint Chapman was counterproductive at best, and disingenuous at worst. Either way, if Gregoire truly plans on reducing spending to cover the deficit, she’s doing a terrible job of preparing for it. For failing those who will have to foot her $2.7 billion bill, this week we give Christine Gregoire an “F”.
