"The capital budget, while it would have been prioritized differently if I were in the majority, included some great infrastructure and educational components, like skill centers, that we can all support," said Smith, R-Clinton. "At a time when we have employers looking to fill high-paying jobs with qualified employees, these skill centers are critical. The infrastructure upgrades included in the budget are also crucial. As our small towns expand, we must have services, parks and infrastructure, like water treatment plants, grow to meet the demand."

In recent years, the Legislature has put an emphasis on preparing all students for a lifetime of success. The $5.1 million included in the House capital budget would pay for five proposed skill centers around Washington. In addition, more than $16 million was allocated over the two-year capital budget, including $1.2 million this year, to upgrade several vital infrastructure projects in Island County, such as the Oak Harbor dredging and important conservation projects.

“Our capital budget continues to make important investments in the 10^th District. In today’s House supplemental capital budget we were able to fund two new projects – bringing a total investment of $16.5 million for nineteen local projects,” said Bailey, R-Oak Harbor. “I’m proud to vote ‘yes’ for local causes – including state parks, conservation, recreation, community development, and a sewer district. And I’m especially proud to continue to support the Oak Harbor Veterans’ Memorial.”

The capital budget allocates funds to pay for construction and repair of public buildings and other long-term investments, such as land acquisitions and community infrastructure projects.