2011 Session: A Renewed Focus

Washington lawmakers face unparalleled challenges as they try to balance a $4.6 billion budget shortfall in the wake of the Great Recession. There will be difficult choices, but also the rare opportunity to sharpen and renew the focus of state government.

Lawmakers must capitalize on the moment by deciding which services are truly priorities, and looking for new and better ways of delivering them. And the private sector plays a key role in that discussion.

The private sector must lead the recovery, generating the jobs that enable people to pay taxes and fees. It’s imperative that the Legislature work with private employers, not against them.

It won’t be easy, but if they do it right, lawmakers can finally align the state’s spending with its income, setting us on a path toward sustainability.

AWB Session Briefing Papers: