|
Rep. Eric Pettigrew, serving the 37th District Serving Rainier Valley, Madrona, North Beacon Hill, Rainier Beach, Mt. Baker, Leschi, Columbia City, southern Capitol Hill, Skyway, Hillman City, and parts of Renton. |
House proposes plan to fund health care services
April 17, 2009
OLYMPIA – Continuing efforts on a road to recovery, Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) is sponsoring HB 2377, a bill to fund health care and the Working Families Tax Rebate with a voter-approved temporary sales tax increase.
“If we don’t act now, our delay may cost us some of the most vital state programs available,” said Rep. Pettigrew, chair of the Health & Human Services Appropriations Committee. “Not only will we witness devastation statewide, but we’ll inevitably feel the harsh impact on our pocketbooks. This temporary increase is not an answer to all of our problems, but a modest investment now could mean the world for thousands of at-risk individuals in the future.”
In the face of an all-cuts budget, this revenue package is a proposal
to generate additional money for programs such as public health, health care
for low-income families and long-term care services. The bill also provides
a tax cut for low-income and moderate-income families..
“To meet the challenges of the most difficult national recession in decades, we have worked hard to cut spending, make government more efficient and keep the priorities of our people foremost in mind,” said House Speaker Frank Chopp. “I strongly support this referendum to meet the needs of our people for critical care in hospitals, nursing homes and basic health.”
“At the same time, we must bring a greater sense of fairness to our revenue system. That is why the Working Families Tax Credit is so important – to give a break to those who need it the most. As we move forward to a stronger economy, we must not leave anyone behind and must appeal to the goodness of our citizens to care for all.”
Please click here for additional information on HB 2377.
###
Contact: Rep. Eric Pettigrew (360) 786-7838;
Pettigrew.eric@leg.wa.govDownloadable photo:
http://leg.wa.gov/documents/House/Members/Photos/pettigrew.jpg
Staff Contact: Jamie Badilla (360) 786-7255;
Badilla.jamie@leg.wa.govRadio and TV News Directors: To obtain broadcast-quality audio on these issues, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact House Democratic Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at
frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.