Thrive Washington, a research and communications partnership between the Research Council and Washington Roundtable, has looked at budget reforms, contracting out, and health care policy. This series of white papers provides a good platform for responsible state budgeting in hard times. And, these proposals will accelerate the transition to better times.

Sunday, the Herald of Everett carried an op-ed by Jim Warjone, chair of the Washington Roundtable and a member of the WRC board of Trustees. He details some of the recommendations from the "Nine Steps to Budget Sustainability" Thrive WA paper, making a convincing case for structural reform. Read the whole thing.

Also, Wednesday's Seattle Times carries this op-ed reviewing the most recent Thrive WA paper, Containing Health Care Spending While Improving Outcomes.

Please read the two pieces, share with your friends and colleagues, and let lawmakers know that there are positive steps they can take now to prepare the state for a solid economic and fiscal recovery.