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INSIDE
2001
IN REVIEW
State
of Washington
By Senator
Georgia Gardner
The 2001
legislative session was a very difficult one, but very successful
for me personally as I was able to pass a large number of bills.
The issues over the presidential election in Florida prompted
me to initiate several changes in our election laws, making our
statues clearer and cleaner. I worked with my fellow certified
public accountants to completely re-write the accountancy laws,
providing increased consumer protection and bringing the statutes
in line with a global economy. I was able to obtain an increase
in the limits under the small claim courts, helping individuals
and businesses collect their accounts.
I also successfully worked several transportation bills, increasing
efficiencies and promoting safety.
2001 was a good year for capital projects in Whatcom County. I
was able to obtain funding for new buildings at all three of our
colleges. I was successful in including improvements in the Blaine
and Semiahmoo docks for the Plover and for the local portion of
the Centennial Trail. These are important projects, not only for
the improvements they bring to our community, but also for the
local jobs they provide.
But the overshadowing disappointment in 2001 and the primary responsibility
for the 2002 session is the new transportation budget. It is imperative
that we start to do something about our transportation problems
as quickly as possible.
First, there is nothing that will start us back on the road to
economic recovery like creating jobs. Secondly, we have to restore
the confidence of our Washington businesses that we intend to
address our transportation deficiencies. And finally, we need
these transportation improvements. A transportation budget is
my first priority.
We are going into 2002 with an operating budget deficiency of
$1.2 billion dollars, and major painful cuts are unavoidable.
I am receiving many expressions of concern and I know my constituents
want to maintain criminal justice, human services, and other state
services as best we can. I believe the best chance we have is
to stimulate the economy and increase revenues for all of us.
I hope people will continue to keep in touch with me as we go
through these difficult times..
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