1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

As our state faces budget challenges, there will be proposals that aim to use cuts to our Universities and schools to trim expenditures. I encourage to seek a different path. Our state must focus on stability in revenues to avoid the cycle of austerity that WA uses too often in crises. We have some of the wealthiest individuals and corporations in the world in WA. If they paid their fair share into our state coffers, we could continue to fund great university and school programs. Say no to one sided approaches to our budget challenges. If WA state does not step up to support its citizens at a time when federal funding is uncertain, we risk losing essential programs long term.