Cathy on the Issues
Issues – The Three E’s
Economy
Spending Reform – We need “real” reform in Olympia. We need to stop spending millions of dollars on wasteful programs and projects. Government should not spend more money than it has. Until we get spending under control we cannot focus on the core functions of government.
Employment – Our citizens need to have real work opportunities with growth. Healthy individuals should work and not rely on state benefits. This drains our resources. Spending cuts will help create jobs in Washington and relieve the burdens on small businesses.
Cut Taxes – by cutting spending we should lower the tax burden and bring about a healthier economy.
Education
Education is the “paramount duty” of the state according to our constitution. We must create an education system that provides and prepares our students for success in the jobs of today and tomorrow. The antiquated education funding formulas must be overhauled. We need a bold new plan of action and not another study.
Lighthouse programs have always failed, the governor wants three new lighthouse programs in her recent proposed budget. This is an example of increased spending in education that I oppose. It’s about organization and focus.
We need to stop passing unfunded mandates that put the burden on the local school districts to make up the difference. School districts have been short-changed in the funding of transportation, special education and curriculum and classified staff.
The running start program is swallowing up millions of dollars allocated for our community colleges. For some students the program has been a tremendous success. For school districts and community colleges the debt load the program has created has been outrageous. Balance needs to occur in order to sustain this program option for students and their families.
Ethics
Ethical Spending- Create and pass a budget that increases prosperity for the people of our state. A budget that does not increase our citizens taxes and continues to sustain our basic services and infrastructure.
Employment – We need to support employers and protect jobs by eliminating government red tape and frustrating regulations that hamper growth.
Environment - A fair and balanced approach toward energy and our environmental policies that consider the impact on our citizens and employers must be created.
Crime – Families need to have priority over felons by passing legislation that cracks down on criminal activity and keeps our homes and communities safe.
HealthCare – Health care needs to be put into the hands of the consumers by creating a patient-centered health care system.
Transportation – The value of the taxpayer’s dollar must be ensured while providing congestion relief and safe roads.
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