The last two days I met with our members in Walla Walla and the TriCities. To say there is a heightened state of anxiety about what is happening in Olympia and Washington, D.C., is the understatement of the year. Here is a list of the things causing them consternation.
- Why are those we elected NOT concentrating full time on restoring economic vitality? They are particularly upset because President Obama and Democrat Congressional leaders are focusing on legislation which may ultimately bankrupt our nation. The message: FIX THE ECONOMY!
- They worry that the President and Congress are putting their legacy legislation, such as health care and cap and trade, ahead of what is in the best interests of the nation and what people are saying. The message: ARE THEY LISTENING?
- Do they know what they borrow they must pay back? The message: DO THEY REALIZE WHAT THEY ARE DOING TO OUR KIDS AND GRANDCHILDREN?
- Is anybody connecting the dots of all of the taxes and fees local, state and federal governments are imposing on employers whether they are a hospital, private university, business or non-profit? The message: CONNECT THE DOTS, DO THE MATH!
- With the workers comp rate increases and the strong potential of larger double-digit rate increases in 2011, why is Gov. Gregoire and Democrat legislative leaders ignoring this issue in the 2010 session? The message: WHAT'S THE ANSWER?
- We understand "reconciliation," Mr. President, and we understand why it was established. The message: WHY TICK US OFF AND USE IT INAPPROPRIATELY TO PASS YOUR TRILLION DOLLAR HEALTH REFORMS THAT PEOPLE DON'T WANT?
- With many people seeing their pay and benefits cut so their employer can survive. The question is WHY NOT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO SURVIVE?
- There are horror stories after horror stories about confusing, overlapping and contradictory regulations from the state, local and federal level.The question: WHEN CAN WE EXPECT RELIEF?
- Why don't the politicians understand that our frustration is with them and the culture in which they operate? It is little to do with political parties and cannot be dismissed as "just those in tea party movement!" The message is WHAT DON'T THEY UNDERSTAND ABOUT OUR FRUSTRATION?
- And the answers are..................
Don C. Brunell, President (DonB@awb.org)
