Today we feature so-so answers to your super questions about supermajorities, Super Tuesday and SuperSonics.
Question: I’ve been trying to watch the Legislature work on the latest budget crisis, but it seems to be taking a long time and is getting confusing. Can you explain it?
Answer: Sure. The state collects money from people through what it calls “taxes.” It then spends that money on what it calls “programs.”
Q: Wait, did I tune in to a rerun of “Schoolhouse Rock”? I know the basics. What’s confusing is that Gov. Chris Gregoire has been saying we need a tax increase to avoid deeper cuts to schools, colleges and the safety net. Then the House releases a budget that doesn’t raise taxes and doesn’t seem to have deep cuts either. See why I’m confused?
A: What happened is that the House decided to balance the budget with gambling.
Q: Like slot machines?
A: Slot machines are illegal in Washington, unless you call them Tribal Lottery Systems. No, House Democrats decided to roll the dice and delay action on the budget shortfall in hopes that current taxes might finally begin producing more money and that those needing state services would go away. Against all odds and recent history, both came true.
Q: But they also use something called the 25th Month. Has inflation finally hit the calendar?
A: House budget writers figured that by delaying paying some of the bills due in the 24th month of this two-year budget period until the first month of the next two-year budget period, they could balance the budget easier.
Q: I should try that with my bills. They realize they’re not really saving money, just moving it around, right?
A: Maybe. But they also realize it will be the next Legislature, meeting next year, that will have to figure out how to cover 24 months of expenses with just 23 months of revenue.
Q: Why don’t they just ask for that temporary tax increase that Gregoire wanted?
A: Any tax hikes need either a supermajority vote in the Legislature or a vote of the people. If this plan works out, they can avoid a tax hike in an election year and maybe get re-elected.
Q: But then they’ll be the ones who will have to deal with this problem.
A: Sure, but that’s next year. And they’re betting an improved economy will make it all go away.
Q: More gambling. … Why have we become so popular with presidential candidates lately?
A: Some love us for our money. Well, not my money. I don’t really have any money. And I’m not giving up my Visa number, so don’t even ask. Both President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney scheduled fundraisers during their visits. Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum love us for our momentum, figuring a win in our March 3 precinct caucuses will give them a boost going into Super Tuesday.
Q: What’s so super about Super Tuesday?
A: On one day, March 6, 10 states with more than 400 GOP delegates will hold primaries or caucuses. Oh, and it’s triple coupon day at the Bag ’N Save.
Q: I’m glad someone’s benefiting. Speaking of long shots, I read that the Sonics might be moving back. Does that mean Oklahoma City would lose its NBA team, because I’d be OK with that.
A: No, the Thunder would stay, but whichever other team is stolen and shipped to Seattle could call itself the SuperSonics. It was part of the settlement of litigation against former Sonics/now Thunder owner Clay Bennett.
Q: So it would be the “Sonics” but not really the Sonics?
A: Seattle got to keep the name, the green-and-gold colors and an exact copy of the 1979 NBA championship trophy.
Q: That’s all?
A: No, they also got to keep the Wheedle and an exact copy of Slick Watts.
Q: Oh, that’s better. I’ve got to run. I need to persuade the credit card companies to let me delay my payments until July 2013.
A: See you at the Bag ’N Save.
Peter Callaghan: 253-597-8657 peter.callaghan@thenewstribune.com blog:thenewstribune.com/politics Twitter: @CallaghanPeter
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