By now some of you have seen and heard me on the news and morning radio.  I love living in Western Washington and I love my company and the people I work with, our employees are amazing.  The 'world is flat' and our company employs many people outside of Washington, and it isn't a stretch to relocate our corporation to another state if the taxation becomes too onerous or discriminatory.  Tax codes should be uniform in the sense that if we vote for an income tax it would apply to everyone not just successful business persons.

Link to King5 Story and Video:
http://www.king5.com/news/local/WA-Senate-leader-suggests-income-tax-referendum-86416972.html

Many public state employees do an amazing job every day. State Agencies provide needed services and necessary programs for the citizens of Washington State. Many of them have worked to implement Technology Solutions that drive down costs and streamline access to these vital services. Raising taxes on only a few people who have worked hard to achieve the American Dream isn't the answer.

Drive common sense cost savings measures.  One idea is to implement Check21 throughout state agencies.  The State writes off $100K+ every year in bad checks received from the public.  Check21 eliminates this. At Target, when you write a check, they scan it and hand it back to you.  They know immediately whether or not it's a valid check and if the funds are available.

Many other success stories in government cities, counties and state agencies that cut costs and improve services are overlooked.  One example can be found by viewing this video case study from The City of Oakland: http://www.youtube.com/user/ImageSourceInc#p/a/u/5/05rUSQZUXEM

I urge state lawmakers to look toward innovation and not at business owners’ wallets.  Together we can make a difference.