Now that there's a flu pandemic...

...Governor Gregoire is talking about reversing some of the cuts she and the Legislature made to health and human services:

"I want to make sure we're ready," Gregoire said during an interview Friday afternoon with seattlepi.com. "The locals across the state, as far as I can see, have all cut public health. This pandemic is an indication that, to me, we may have to go back and replace that $4 million (during a probable special legislative session). Because the state at least has to have the infrastructure to deal with public health in the state."

It sure is amazing how disasters, catastrophes, and unforeseen crises can suddenly trigger a change in people's attitudes.

It would be nice if we always valued our common wealth as much as we do when there's a big emergency. But that mindset is largely lacking in our state's capital.

State leaders did not demonstrate courage in dealing with Washington's budget shortfall these last few months. Instead, they procrastinated, relied extensively on federal help to stave off the very worst once the stimulus money was appropriated, and then decided to pass a budget that left the people responsible for delivering services to Washington families high and dry.

Now the consequences are coming. School districts are asking parents for feedback on which priorities they should eliminate in their budgets, for example.

And there's a flu pandemic threatening our collective wellness.

Good thing the governor seems prepared to call the Legislature back into special session. Maybe when the House and Senate reconvene, the wiser minds in the two chambers will try to foster a discussion about putting together a revenue package to send to voters that would offset more cuts.

It's not too late to give the people of Washington that choice.