Four reasons you should care about a bunch of numbers

Governor Gregoire is preparing to put together her 2011-12 budget. But before she does, she’s about to kick off a series of listening sessions starting tonight in Tacoma and she wants to know what Washingtonians value about their state.

Wait! Don’t stop reading. While it’s tempting to click to the next post at the very thought of the state budget, you really should pay attention to this bunch of numbers. Here’s why:

1. The health of kids and our environment depends on it. 

The state budget isn’t just a bunch of numbers for bureaucrats to tally up. It’s an important document that, among other things, affects whether the state can protect our health and environment. The budget will determine whether the state can follow through on plans to phase out lead, mercury and toxic flame retardants and ensure manufacturers will have to tell us what chemicals they’re putting in their products. It also determines how well toxic chemicals will get cleaned up and how clean our waters will be. 

2. The cuts need to stop.

Washington state environmental programs have already been cut to the bare bones. In 2009, environmental agency budgets were cut by 24%. That’s more than any other government function. We just can’t afford to cut anymore if we’re to have a chance at protecting our families’ health and environment.

3. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

That’s advice Governor Gregoire needs to follow as she starts to put together the budget. Smart government spends its money on programs that prevent pollution from occurring in the first place—programs like the Department of Ecology’s programs to phase out the worst of the worst chemicals and to identify consumer products that contain chemicals harmful to kids’ health. These are low-cost pollution prevention programs that will save tens of millions in health care and clean up costs in the long run.

4. It’s time everyone paid her fair share.

Making deeper cuts in environmental programs isn’t the solution. A smarter approach is more fees and fewer tax loopholes so companies that pollute and damage the environment pay their fair share for programs and services that clean up and prevent pollution.

2011 is shaping up to be a critical year for the budget and the environment. The Governor has a daunting task ahead of her, trying to fill an estimated $3 billion budget shortfall. Unfortunately, environmental programs are on the chopping block.

But this blog isn’t going to convince Governor Gregoire to protect environmental programs. It’s individual citizens that need to carry the message. So grab the mic at the next listening session and bring your friends. Let Governor Gregoire know the state budget needs to protect our health and environment.

Here are the details on the meetings:

Tacoma
When:  Monday, July 19th 7:00-9:00 PM
Where:  UWT-William W. Phillip Hall, Milgard Assembly Room, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma
To RSVP click here.

Everett
When:  Wednesday, July 21st 7:00-9:00 PM
Where:  Everett Community College, Parks Building, Multi Purpose Room, 2000 Tower Street, Everett
To RSVP click here.

Vancouver
When:  Tuesday, July 27th 7:00-9:00 PM
Where:  WSU-Vancouver, Administration Building Room 110, 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver
To RSVP click here.

Spokane
When:  Thursday, July 29th, Time TBA
Where:  Spokane City Hall, City Council Chambers, 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd.
To RSVP click here.

Image courtesy of Flickr user comedy_nose.