Speaker Chopp seems to be out of touch with what working people and students need. He doesn't think the budget deficit that is already causing the government to cut health care, workers' hours, and education is really that much of a problem. From the Seattle Times:
"House Speaker Frank Chopp said Washington's projected deficit may not be as bad as it looks.
"Chopp, a Seattle Democrat, was in the Tri-Cities Friday for a forum with the Columbia Basin Badger Club, a local group that grills politicians and newsmakers on political issues without taking sides.
"Several club members from the audience of about 75 asked Chopp about the state budget, which officials estimated in November would face a $5.1 billion shortfall in the upcoming biennium.
"But Chopp said the doom-and-gloom prophecies include estimates for $1 billion in spending on new programs, which seems unlikely given the current revenue picture.
"'In fact, we won't do that now,' he said.
"Some programs — such as all-day kindergarten — will have to wait until the economy turns around, he said." ("Chopp: Washington's deficit not that bad," 12/14/08)
New programs on the chopping block include increases to health care for children among many other badly needed services.
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