The Democrats should rejoice more for adjourning earlier, rather than the fact that they gutted the Initiative 601 State Spending Limit (of 6 percent). They voted to increase the 2006 Budget by 17.4 percent -- the largest increase in budget spending in the history of the state of Washington.

Instead of reaching across the aisle and working together with the Republicans, the Democrats muzzled the Republicans and charged ahead with their spending agenda.

Senator Keiser states that small businesses now have the ability to offer health insurance to certain employees. However, this a perfect example of government's interference with business' ability to make a profit and stay competitive.

There was an amendment in the House that offered tax incentives for businesses who participated in this program, but it was defeated.

Small businesses account for the largest employee base in the state. Therefore, the government should encourage and support their ability to make a profit and hire more people. The role of the state is not to hinder through taxation and increased regulation the ability of small businesses to prosper.

To really understand the impact of this last legislative session and to determine who did what for whom, one should visit www.WashingtonVotes.com. This website discloses the voting records of Sen. Keiser, Reps. Shay Schual-Burke and David Upthegrove, and all state legislators.

Karen Steele

Normandy Park

33rd Dist. Republican Chairman