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Rep. Barbara Bailey's
statement on the state operating budget
10th District state lawmaker is assistant ranking
Republican
on the House Ways and Means Committee
"Five years of
overspending at the state level and a downturn in the national economy
have left our state with an operating budget that is painful for
everyone. It isn't about the numbers; it's about the impact it will have
on people's lives. In so many ways, state government has let down the
people it is supposed to serve.
"While I acknowledge the majority
party had difficult decisions to make, I simply disagree with their
approach. In the end, a budget was put forth that relies too heavily on
one-time federal dollars for on-going state programs, transfers money
out of the capital budget that could have helped with job
creation, and borrows against our state's future. This is irresponsible
and unfortunate.
"This budget also represents a
missed opportunity to reinvent state government. At a time when our
state agencies need to look inward and restructure for efficiency, the
majority party opted for the status quo. This inaction will
continue to have long-term consequences for our state.
"My
biggest fear is we will be forced to make even deeper cuts in just two
years because of the poor decisions of today. In fact, some people
estimate that our state could have a $10 billion shortfall in the next
budget cycle. This could lead to more
talk of tax increases, and that is not fair to the families and
employers of this state."
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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