Nice problem to have!State Dems promise to show restraint
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003405776_legislature12m.htmlThe party has emerged from Tuesday's elections with its strongest legislative majorities in decades. Ballots are still being counted, but Democrats expect at least a 31-18 seat majority in the state Senate and a 62-36 split in the House.
The wish list that interest groups want Democrats to deliver next year includes salary increases for teachers and state workers, better access to health care, a boost in funding for public schools, paid family leave and a ban on a toxic flame retardant present in televisions, computers and other consumer products.
Democratic leaders say their party will act on top issues, including education and health care, but in measured steps. Tax increases, they say, aren't very realistic in a time of budget surpluses.
Plus there's the danger of going too far, said House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam. She was around for the 1994 election when Democrats lost 28 seats in the House and had two members switch parties. A $1 billion tax increase passed by Democrats to fix a big budget shortfall was largely blamed for the upheaval.