Suzan DelBene to be Director of Washington's Department of Revenue

[eridani]

http://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2010/11/suzan-delbene-accepts-job-as-director.html

Suzan DelBene accepts job as Director of Washington's Department of Revenue
At an event this morning inside the statehouse, Governor Chris Gregoire announced that she has tapped Suzan DelBene, the Democratic nominee in WA-08, to be the next director of the state's Department of Revenue.

"Suzan’s background with both large and small businesses will be an asset as the Department of Revenue works to simplify the tax code and reduce costs for businesses," the Governor said.

"Suzan knows firsthand how the tax system impacts businesses and possesses the skills and vision to lead the agency through this transformation."

DelBene echoed the governor's comments.

"I know how businesses work and what government can do to help lay a strong foundation for the private sector. Simplifying the tax code and reducing administrative burdens will save small businesses money and time and let owners and employees focus less on paperwork and more on how to operate in this tough economy. This will help small businesses in all of our communities and improve our entire state’s competitiveness."

While there are undoubtedly many steps DelBene can take to optimize the Department's operations and minimize the cost of doing business, simplifying the tax code is not something the executive branch has the power to do on its own. Much of the tax code is codified in statute. And under our system of government, only the Legislature has the power to make laws. That's why our representatives and senators are often referred to as lawmakers.