Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, has introduced House Joint Resolution 4214, which proposes a constitutional amendment that would allow the state to dissolve and reorganize counties that receive twice as much in state transfer payments as they generate in state tax revenues. The proposal has bipartisan support.

“Washington is facing an extraordinary budget crisis just like California,” said Anderson, who represents the 5th District. “We must take direct action to restore fiscal sanity.”

Of the 39 counties in the state, Anderson said six contribute 75 percent of the state’s total tax revenues. King County alone contributes 40 percent to the state’s total tax revenues, but only receives only 25 percent in state program expenditures.

“That means King County residents, Republicans and Democrats alike, are paying double for state programs, subsidizing much of the rest of the state. This must change,” Anderson said.

The Legislature is currently considering a broad array of almost $5 billion in budget cuts necessary to balance state expenditures. An emergency special legislative session was called in December to address spending after the state treasurer warned the state’s bond rating was at risk of being down-graded. That would potentially cost state and local governments hundreds of millions in increased debt payments.

The Legislature only partially addressed the financial shortfall in December and continues to struggle to find the full level of cuts necessary to balance the previous state budget, in addition to the $5 billion shortfall projected for the 2011-13 state budget.

“The state needs the constitutional authority to dissolve and reorganize counties that are no longer capable of financially sustaining themselves,” Anderson said.

The counties directly impacted by Anderson’s proposal are Adams, Asotin, Ferry, Stevens, Lincoln, Garfield, Yakima and Wahkiakum. All but Wahkiakum are represented by Republican legislators.

Anderson explained that Republicans need to embrace this awkward reality if they are to be taken seriously as budget discussions progress during the legislative session.

“Republicans need to be seen as getting the state ahead of our problems, not just getting back to zero,” he added.

Anderson has introduced House Bill 1428, House Bill 1430 and House Bill 1551 to help jump start private sector job creation across the state.