Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver, issued the following statement after the governor announced she will be calling the Legislature to Olympia for a special session on Nov. 28, 2011:

“Given last week’s announcement by the Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council that we can expect another drop in tax collections over the next biennium, a special session needed to be called. Right now, the budget shortfall is anticipated to be $1.27 billion, but after the November revenue forecast we may be looking at an even more substantial number. The longer we wait, the worse our budget situation becomes.

“This time around we need to actually pass a budget that is sustainable and fiscally responsible. I voted against the budget we passed in May because it was missing long-term solutions, lacking real reforms and failed to establish priorities. Here we are four months later dealing with another budget shortfall.

“I was also pleased to hear the governor say during her press conference that the focus of the 2012 Legislative Session has to be putting Washingtonians back to work. That is exactly what we have been saying in the House Republican Caucus. We introduced a number of bills last session to strengthen the economy and spur private-sector job creation. Until we get a handle on our unemployment, and employers have stability and certainty to hire again, our budget numbers will not improve. Job growth and generating new business will increase our state revenues and help resolve our budget situation.”

Click here for more information about the House Republican plan to get Washington working again.

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CONTACT: Kurt Hammond, Public Information Officer, (509) 664-4055