Shutdown will harm Washington families

I could not agree more with your editorial, “Shutting down state government is a really dumb idea.” My wife and I both work for the state Parks Commission in Tumwater, and we have been dedicated public servants for years. “If the state Senate Republicans’ refusal to negotiate leads to a government shutdown, then not only will Washingtonians miss out on our beautiful state parks this summer – beginning with July 4 weekend – but real families like mine will suffer.

The editorial correctly notes that “a middle way means increasing state revenue.” Unfortunately, Senate Republicans are borrowing a page from their DC cousins and are putting powerful special interests ahead of their constituents. I encourage voters to let them know that enough is enough. They need to start negotiating with their Democratic counterparts.

This story was originally published June 24, 2017 at 5:57 PM with the headline "Shutdown will harm Washington families."