Name: Clint Bryson

Town: Montesano

Party: Democratic

Education: Southwest Washington Electrical JATC, Certificate of Science, Electrical Technology; Montesano High School.

Employment or business background: Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 76,

Endorsements: (Please limit the number of endorsements to 3): Rep. Brian Blake, Sen. Dean Takko and Longview-Kelso Building Trades Council.

Questions

1. We’ve had an updated revenue forecast for almost a month and we know more about the financial and social impacts of COVID-19. Is it time for the Legislature to have a special session to address budget and other issues?

When facing a foundational budgetary and economic crisis and basic questions regarding the authority of the executive branch, our legislature needs to be involved. To my knowledge, the Democratic and Republican caucuses have been included in at least some of these conversations. I think a special session should be called when it can be effective. It costs money to have our legislators in session, having months of debates because we are still waiting on more detailed budgetary information is a waste. While I’ve read some of our state legislators say that we don’t need a special session to make it through to next year, in my experience, it’s better to plan early than late. I believe that when our Legislature has the information to effectively plan, then a special session should be called.

2. Because of Covid-19, the state will lose billions of dollars in revenue over this biennium and next, much more than is in the current rainy day fund. Balancing the budget will mean cuts and/or raising taxes. What are your thoughts on whether to cut spending or raise revenue?

I don’t support the broad claims that either cutting spending or raising taxes is morally good or bad. With the projected budget shortfall, we need to be honest about what we can do. Some programs will need to have their funding reduced, and some might be best delayed years or ended. Certain areas, such as K-12 education and some Medicaid spending, are off limits because of constitutional protections or federal rules. Cutting $7 billion outright, about a 14% cut within the current biennium, would be devastating. The ripple effects into local economies are difficult to predict, but would likely exacerbate the downturn further. Raising revenue should be considered to address some of the shortfall. I think we need to find a balance between some cuts and some revenue.

3. If the Legislature has to raise taxes to balance the budget, which segments of the economy should see the increases.

The segments that can afford it. Washington’s regressive tax system already asks much of our poorest community members. I want to point to two examples of taxes that won’t work. First, a capital gains tax doesn’t work because it would significantly impact our retirees who sell assets. Our retirees cannot afford more taxes. Second, an increase to our gas tax will not be productive. Washington’s gas tax is already among the highest in the country. It affects our citizens broadly, especially hitting hard those in rural Washington, an area where wealth is not usually high.

I believe that segments of the economy that are struggling, small businesses and industries that have been significantly impacted by Covid-19, shouldn’t be asked to pay more. We should place a tax increase on the industries and companies, such as in tech, that are not facing difficult economic times and are able to operate effectively.

4. Is there a need for policing reform? If so, what are some of the issues that need addressing?

We’ve seen across the country and within Washington instances of misconduct and brutality from police that necessitate reforms. I do not support the vague “defund the police” sentiment. Many of our departments in Southwest Washington already face challenges funding their needs, outright cutting funding will not lead to the change we need. I believe we need to invest further in training for police at a local and state level. One issue that needs addressing is how fired officers, such as those fired for abuse of force, are able to be rehired in another department with minimal accountability. To rebuild trust in our police departments, people need to know that the officers who do violate the law will not continue to serve. I believe with more accountability, and better funding of social services we’ll build safer communities for citizens and police officers.

5. What is the most pressing need in your district and what can the Legislature do to address it?

Quality, family wage jobs. It is unacceptable that the unemployment rate in every county in the 19th continues to be higher than the state average. The potential of Southwest Washington is incredible and with the right leadership, we can create the family wage jobs we deserve. The Legislature needs comprehensive rural economic development plans. Ideas for the Puget Sound region won’t be effective for the 19th. The Legislature should help our region address needs, such as expanding broadband access, and help us build on strengths. We need to protect our sustainable forestry, fishing and shellfish industries, while pursuing forward thinking projects, such as the Northwest Innovation Works Methanol facility, a project that would use new technologies to provide the cleanest methanol and act as a bridge forward toward clean energy. I believe the Legislature can and should do more to protect and create quality, family wage jobs.