Yes, it’s true: Relative to the state’s economy and to
residents’ income, the state general fund budget is considerably smaller today
than it was 15 to 20 years ago – and the spending plan for the current, 2011-13
biennium will be downsized even more in the Legislature this session.
The findings about budget trends come from the Economic Opportunity Institute, a
non-profit, nonpartisan think tank in Seattle. And as state spending has shown
a relative decline, so has state government employment, with the number of
state workers per capita in Washington lower than it has been for more than 10
years.
So, if you’re looking for budget cuts and slashed government
payrolls, look no further: It’s already happening, and has been for years.
