Gop’s ‘Contract With Washington’
Republican lawmakers in Washington state wrote their own contract detailing their goals for the legislative session. It was signed by every Republican member of the Spokane-area delegation, except for Sens. Eugene Price and Bob McCaslin, and Rep. Larry Crouse.
This is the text of the GOP Contract with Washington State:
“On the first day of the 1995 legislative session Republicans will introduce and in 105 days or less send to the governor’s desk the following measures to complete our contract with the people of Washington:
“Crime: Hard Time for Armed Crime Initiative, which would increase sentences for armed criminals; double the penalty for repeat offenders convicted of armed crime; increase penalties for drive-by shootings; deny good- time credit for the portion of criminal sentences added for using a firearm; make the reason for all plea bargains public and prosecute juveniles who commit crimes with guns as adults.
“Tax Cuts: A tax cut to create jobs, assist small businesses to prosper, increase wages of working men and women, and improve the economy of our state. This tax cut can be funded with new revenue coming to the state and cuts in spending, including cuts in state travel, furniture and equipment, and personal service contracts.
“Property Tax Limitations: Property tax reform that would prevent older Washingtonians from being taxed out of their homes and help young families keep pace by eliminating the tremendous surges in property taxes from year to year.
“Education: Redirect education funding to the local classroom and reduce the costs of the education bureaucracy and administration, particularly in the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s office.
“Health Care Reform: Reform the Health Services Act of 1993 to include choice of physicians and health providers; medical savings accounts; consumer choice; coverage which is portable from job to job, and low-cost health plans.
“Regulatory Reform: Pass regulatory reform that will slow the flow of new state regulations; establish a set of criteria for rule making; recognize and respect private property and water rights and review current regulations to eliminate unnecessary and onerous regulations.
“Welfare Reform: Pass welfare reform that offers opportunity and empowerment to people, eliminates the cycle of welfare dependency, and limits the time people may receive welfare.”