Today's editorial round-up brought a double dose of common sense from Walla Walla. The Union-Bulletin calls for repeal of the state's so-far unfunded, unadministered, and unimplemented paid family leave benefit mandate, noting "[a] lot has changed since the Legislature gave the OK to paid family leave":
Gregoire has said she wants a statewide vote on any new tax. Beyond that, voters approved an initiative last year calling for a two-thirds vote requirement in the Legislature or a vote of the people for any tax increase.
The state's economy looks different than it did in early 2007. It is no longer booming. And as the price of gasoline and food continue to shoot up, the anxiety level among citizens is on the rise. . . .
In other words, finding funds for this new entitlement won't be a cakewalk in 2009, the year the leave and benefits are supposed to become available. So:
It's time for the Legislature to face up to reality and scuttle this unfunded, unnecessary paid family leave plan.
It's worth a read.
