Editorials / Opinion

Join the informed writers of The Times' editorial board in lively discussions at our blog, Opinion Northwest.

Now that Washington legislators know how much money they have to spend, the real work of setting the state budget begins.

As The Seattle Times’ Andrew Garber reports in this news story, lawmakers have different philosophical views on the issue of closing an estimated $1.3 billion shortfall and fulfilling a court-ordered mandate to better fund K-12 education. Generally speaking, Democrats want more revenue while Republicans say the state should find a way to live within its means without raising or extending taxes.

You know what? I say it’s time for a civic gut check. Here’s two things you can do to think about this debate:

1. Check out this nifty Seattle Times interactive and tell us how YOU would balance the state budget and pay for schools.

2. Share your opinion by participating in our poll.

Here‘s a link to the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council‘s official revenue report. Watch the 45-minute video below. The first half features comments from state economist Steve Lerch. The second half is a spirited Q&A session with the media.