WA: "Money needed to rescue Basic Health is out there"

John Burbank (Seattle PostGlobe, op-ed):

We are not broke, or even close. We have more money, income and wealth than 10 years ago, even more than 20 years ago, and way more than 30 years ago. So when lawmakers are making Sophie's choices about whether to cut basic health to nothing, or to cut two weeks out of the school year, or to close down programs at the University of Washington, we've got to start asking the basic question: "Where is the money?"
(SNIP)
Mr. Allen, Mr. Ballmer and Mr. Bezos: We can't make you fund public services. But your hearts might lead you there. Why don't you simply give $100 million for Basic Health? That's about seventeen one-hundredths of your combined wealth -- small change for the health of the citizens of our state. You are not broke. And we don't need to be. MORE...

Howie P.S.: I notice the omission of Mr. Gates. On the national level this story has a certain relevance: "At NBC News, General Electric Tax Story Not Deemed Newsworthy."