That’s the theme of today’s column.

Employers have been cheered by some legislative outcomes. Nonetheless, it’s amazingly difficult to get the right things done in Olympia. The state’s abundant assets — trade, technology, natural resources, brilliant innovators and skilled workers — keep us competitive, but tax, regulatory and labor policies and inconsistencies weigh heavily on the liability side of the ledger.

As economic indicators stay stuck and jobs head South, Washington must step up its game. Lawmakers made a start this session — only a start.

As this article from Stateline.org points out, Washington was not alone in making difficult budget cuts while trying to improve its business climate.

Several governors also pledged to cut taxes despite the huge budget shortfalls. Business taxes were a particular target as governors argued that lower taxes would encourage businesses to hire more workers.

With tomorrow’s revenue forecast expected to show another decline, it looks like there’s plenty of work left to do.