The Pacific Northwest had a lot of rain and gloomy skies this winter, but we’re now approaching the summer when our region is a glorious outdoor recreation paradise.
However, thousands of people who have been looking forward to camping trips they’ve been planning for months will possibly be getting a phone call telling them that their paid reservation is being canceled. And countless hikers, anglers, picnickers, and paddlers in Washington will find “closed” signs at their favorite state parks, as will Oregonians who bring their travel and tourism dollars across the river to Washington communities.
All because Washington state Senate Republicans are refusing to do their jobs and negotiate with House Democrats. They are leading us toward a government shutdown that will close Washington state parks, starting July 1. Their political games will also cost parks some $2 million in lost revenue in just that first week.
It’s time for the taxpaying citizens to enjoy the best public parks that Washington has to offer. It’s well past time for the Legislature to adopt a budget.
