Thursday, March 28, 2024

State Rep. Keith Goehner sounds off on fiscal wellness

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NCW Media had a talk with 12th District incumbent State Representative Keith Goehner in early July. He faces Twisp’s Adrianne Moore in the race. Here are his answers to our questions: 
NCW Media: When/if you are reelected, what actions would you want the state legislature to do to help Washington companies to reopen?
Rep. Keith Goehner:   The first action the legislature should take is freezing any discretionary spending in order to quantify the amount of revenue necessary to fund statutory functions of the State.  At that point, we would then be able to determine how to modify the tax structure for businesses.  Since B&O taxes are calculated on the gross sales, it should be reduced to allow businesses to keep some of their revenue for stabilizing their business.  We should give permit and license fees a reduced rate and not impose the projected unemployment rate increase.  
NCW Media: Are grants, low interest loans going to be available?
KG: Although low interest loans and grants may be attractive, if the State has resources, it will also necessitate additional administrative costs.  The most effective measure the State could take to help businesses is to minimize the State’s involvement in daily operations.  Businesses are built to be successful and given the freedom to operate, they will develop a business plan for succeeding.
NCW Media: Tell our readers what you feel is the most important issue for the next session and what you want to do to handle it?
KG: The most important issue for the next session will be building trust in the government, the physical environment and the economy.  The State will have to prove that it has the best interests of all the residents in mind and budget commitments will need to reflect this.  The public’s concern around coronavirus will need to be satisfied in order for residents to feel safe and confident in resuming suspended activities.  Until people have a sense of security in their surroundings, our lives will be affected.  The economy, schools, childcare, assisted living, healthcare, and many other sectors will be experiencing challenges to ensure their ability to continue to provide services.  The legislature will need to commit to addressing these concerns in a collaborative manner and be willing to take responsibility for the course that is set.
NCW Media: Anything else you’d like to say? 
KG: The fiscal issue will be the most contentious issue in the upcoming session.  While we are experiencing significant revenue shortfalls, there are proposals for additional taxes for new programs.  Our primary obligation is to fund the core functions of government and these must be addressed before any new commitments are made.  We will be needing to look at our current revenue collection model and determining how we can protect ourselves from downturns in the economy. We can not continue on a “business as usual” path.  This could be a good time to re-evaluate our tax structure to provide incentives and ensure consistency in revenue collection for the good of the taxpayer and the State.
 

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