The Olympian's Preview

Somehow I missed this overview of the budget hassle by Brad Shannon in the Olympian. He does a good job of outlining the competing interests. AWB's views are included:

"By proposing a constitutional amendment to secure a state rainy day fund, Governor Gregoire shows her commitment to fiscal responsibility," Don Brunell, president of the 4,000-member Association of Washington Business, said in a news release.

The AWB expressed support for funding of education programs that make the state more competitive, but Brunell dubbed the budget "unsustainable."

"I'm just concerned that with this budget, the rains will come too soon," he said.

The first legislative budget hearings start this week. They may give some indication as to how solid the pledges of fiscal restraint will turn out to be.

One more thing: At last count, AWB's membership is at 6,100 plus. The shop's been growing so fast, it's hard to keep up.