As the year winds down, the Washington State Legislature is starting to gear up. The 2010 session begins Jan. 11, and lawmakers are in Olympia this week for winter “Committee Assembly Days.”

Rep. Mark Ericks (D – Bothell) is vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for balancing the state budget. The committee will draft a supplemental budget proposal next month, and because of a projected $2.6 billion budget shortfall, drastic cuts to state programs and services loom. With everything on the table, Ericks wants to make sure his constituents realize the magnitude of the budgetary problem, a direct result of the national recession. A combined drop in consumer spending combined with an increase in those needing state services has created a hole that must somehow be filled.

“We are beyond having to make tough choices,” Ericks said. “We already did that last year. Any new cuts will be visible, and the public is going to feel them.”

Ericks is collecting constituent feedback over the next month, and his office is keeping track of all suggestions and ideas that are sent to him. He would especially like to hear from those who have never contacted him before, but are struggling in the current economic climate.

“No decisions have been made yet regarding the budget,” Ericks said. “If there ever was a time for citizens to speak up, it’s now.”

Ericks represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes areas of Bothell, Woodinville, Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Lynnwood and Edmonds.