Greater Spokane Incorporated to Host Initiative 1033 Issue Forum

Oct. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- (Spokane, Wash.) - Greater Spokane Incorporated (GSI) will host an Initiative 1033 Issue Forum and Panel Discussion on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 7:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. at The Service Station at 9315 N. Nevada. GSI is partnering with Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and West Plains Chamber of Commerce to host the event.


Media and individuals are encouraged to attend the event on Thursday, and can register by visiting www.greaterspokane.org and clicking on "Events" or by clicking here.

Members of the panel include:


· Todd Mielke - Spokane County Commissioner
· Mark Richards - Spokane County Commissioner
· Bonnie Mager - Spokane County Commissioner
· Mary Verner - City of Spokane Mayor
· Richard Munson - City of Spokane Valley Mayor
· Matthew Pederson - City of Airway Heights Mayor


I-1033 has a direct impact on the state, counties, cities and local government budgets. Each panelist will give a three-minute statement on the impacts I-1033 will have on each municipality's budget if it passes. Questions from the audience will follow.

Greater Spokane Incorporated is opposed to the passage of I-1033 because it would inhibit governments' ability to fund critical areas such as transportation infrastructure, public safety, education and economic development. GSI is also concerned that governments would be forced to find new or additional taxes to fill funding gaps. Also, the mechanisms in this initiative allow voters in one part of the state to make decisions about local city government budgets in other parts of the state.

About Greater Spokane Incorporated
Greater Spokane Incorporated is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout the Spokane region.  Your Regional Chamber and EDC, GSI is funded by more than 1500 private-sector member investors; Washington State; Spokane County; and the cities of Spokane; Spokane Valley; Liberty Lake; Cheney; Airway Heights; Medical Lake; Newport and Millwood.  For more information, visit www.greaterspokane.org or contact us at 509-624-1393 or 1-800-SPOKANE

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Greater Spokane Inc is committed to accelerating regional economic prosperity throughout region.
We concentrate on the five key areas of economic & workforce development, public policy, business resources, & marketing and communications.